Nurses’ attitudes and stress related to perinatal bereavement care in Korea: a cross-sectional survey

Purpose A descriptive correlational survey was conducted to examine nurses’ attitudes and stress related to perinatal bereavement care (PBC) and their relationships, with the ultimate goal of improving nurses’ capabilities related to PBC. Methods Korean nurses (N=136) who had experienced perinatal death at least once were recruited from seven hospitals. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The Korean version of Nurses’ Attitudes towards Perinatal Bereavement Support was assessed in terms of three subdomains (attitudes to PBC, importance of policies related to PBC, and importance of training related to PBC), and nurses’ stress was measured. Results The participants gave high scores for the attitude-related items of “giving sufficient time to bereaved parents to mourn for their dead baby” (4.54 points) and “nurses should treat bereaved parents with respect and dignity” (4.51 points), and they perceived a high level of importance for the policy-related items of “every staff member in the hospital should understand the policies relevant for PBC” and “when nurses feel emotional exhaustion, they should seek support” (4.58 points). Nurses’ attitude toward PBC was associated with the perceived importance of policies (r=.40, p<.001), the perceived importance of PBC-related training (r=.61, p<.001), and stress related to PBC (r=.29, p<.001). Nurses’ perceived importance of PBC-related training was associated with stress related to PBC (r=.38, p<.001). Conclusion Establishing hospital policies related to PBC and providing PBC training for nurses could positively affect nurses’ attitudes toward PBC. A stress management program for nurses could reduce the stress caused by PBC

Serum markers and development of delayed neuropsychological sequelae after acute carbon monoxide poisoning: anion gap, lactate, osmolarity, S100B protein, and interleukin-6

Objective Reliable biomarkers of delayed neuropsychological sequelae (DNS) after acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are lacking. This study investigated the associations between potential serum markers and the development of DNS after acute CO poisoning. Methods Retrospective chart reviews were conducted for patients diagnosed with acute CO poisoning during a 28-month period. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of having developed DNS. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of DNS after CO poisoning. Results Of a total of 102 patients, 10 (9.8%) developed DNS. The levels of serum osmolarity, S100B protein, and serum lactate, as well as serum anion gap, were statistically significant in univariate analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that anion gap (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11 to 1.88), serum lactate level (AOR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.26 to 2.75), and serum S100B protein level ([AOR, 7.02×105; 95% CI, 4.56×102 to 9.00×1010] in model 1, [AOR, 3.69×105; 95% CI, 2.49×102 to 2.71×1011] in model 2) were independently associated with DNS development. Conclusion Based on our preliminary results, serum lactate level, serum anion gap, and serum S100B protein level in the emergency department could be informative predictors of DNS development in patients with acute CO poisoning. These markers might have the potential to improve early recognition of DNS in patients with acute CO poisoning

Protective Role of Psoralea corylifolia

The accumulation of oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction is an important factor that contributes to aging. The Psoralea corylifolia seeds (PCS), commonly known as “Boh-Gol-Zhee” in Korea, have been used traditionally as a medicinal remedy. We investigated whether an extract of PCS has protective effects on oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in hepatocytes. The PCS extract showed an antisenescence effect on human diploid fibroblasts as evidenced by a decreased expression of p16INK4a mRNA and senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining. PCS extract treatment reduced H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in HepG2 cells, inhibited ROS production in hepatocytes of aged mice, and increased superoxide dismutase activity. In H2O2-treated HepG2 cells, PCS extract treatment recovered ATP production. PCS extract treatment recovered the oxygen consumption rate and inhibited reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential induced by oxidative stress, suggesting improvement of mitochondrial function. In addition, PCS extract treatment recovered peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 mRNA and protein expression, and inhibited mitochondrial genome damage. Treatment with the major component of PCS extract, bakuchiol, also recovered mitochondrial dysfunction. On the basis of these results, we conclude that PCS extract inhibits ROS production and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by oxidative stress in hepatocytes

Corazon Genome Annotation Project

Corazon Genome Annotation Project Mycobacterium phage, Corazon, was found at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania in 2017. Its plaque was small, round and clear with siphoviridae morphology type. The approximate length of Corazon is 64931 bp with 3’ sticky overhang. The overhang had 11 base length with ‘GCGCGCAGCGC’ sequence. To perform a manual inspection of Corazon, we performed gene annotation by reviewing and revising the prediction and identifying any missing genes using DNA Annotation programs such as DNA Master, GeneMark, BLAST, Phamerator, and HHPred. We annotated the Corazon genome in three distinct steps. First, we established a relationship with our phage, Corazon, and other phages to understand the overall genomic architectures. Second, we ran automated gene prediction proteins and functional data on the predicted gene. Third, we reviewed the prediction and made necessary changes to delete or identify any missing genes. The group annotated the mycobacterium Corazon genes 33-48. Based on the evidence supported by the programs, most of the Corazon genes from 33 to 48 were forward genes with functions such as terminase, portal protein, capsid maturation protease, scaffolding protein, head decorate protein, major capsid protein, portal protein, major tail protein, and tail assembly chaperone. Tail assembly chaperones are only shown in frameshift genes, in this case, Gene 47. Gene 47 is a frameshift gene which a nucleotide reads more than once or omitted to have two genes in the same space. Since Gene 47 is a frameshift gene, Gene 46 and 47 are overlapping. Based on the predicted functions, the segment of genes 33 to 48 of Corazon mainly consists of structural genes that are largely responsible for the formation of the phage structure. By annotating the gene in this project, it will determine the known functions of the newly discovered phage, and it will contribute to the exploration of phage genomes. Keywords: Corazon, DNA Annotation, DNA Master, Genemark, gene, portal protein, major tail protein, tail assembly chaperone, capsid maturation protease

Variations in the Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Different <i>Rosa rugosa</i> Organ Extracts

Rosa rugosa is widely used as a health food and medicine due to its broad pharmacological properties. Although the bioactivities obtained from plant materials is related to the type and amount of phytochemicals in each extract, no systematic information is available on the organ-dependent bioactivities of R. rugosa. Here, the antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities of R. rugosa stem, leaf, flower, and fruit ethanol extracts were evaluated. Overall, the stem extract exhibited the highest levels of DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing power, and oxygen radical antioxidant capacity compared with other organ extracts, whereas leaves contained potent anticancer compounds that were particularly effective against A549 cells. Additionally, the leaf extract inhibited the MEK/ERK signaling pathway, resulting in the transcriptional repression of pro-inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, significant correlation between phytochemical content and bioactivities indicated that phenolic compounds play as a major antioxidant compound of R. rugosa. Taken together, these findings suggested that the spatial distribution of the phytochemicals contributed to the biological activities of R. rugosa. Given that R. rugosa fruits and flowers are already being used in health foods and medicine, these results indicate that the leaves and stems of R. rugosa should also be included and used as natural sources of antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory agents

Variations in the Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Different Rosa rugosa Organ Extracts

Rosa rugosa is widely used as a health food and medicine due to its broad pharmacological properties. Although the bioactivities obtained from plant materials is related to the type and amount of phytochemicals in each extract, no systematic information is available on the organ-dependent bioactivities of R. rugosa. Here, the antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities of R. rugosa stem, leaf, flower, and fruit ethanol extracts were evaluated. Overall, the stem extract exhibited the highest levels of DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing power, and oxygen radical antioxidant capacity compared with other organ extracts, whereas leaves contained potent anticancer compounds that were particularly effective against A549 cells. Additionally, the leaf extract inhibited the MEK/ERK signaling pathway, resulting in the transcriptional repression of pro-inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, significant correlation between phytochemical content and bioactivities indicated that phenolic compounds play as a major antioxidant compound of R. rugosa. Taken together, these findings suggested that the spatial distribution of the phytochemicals contributed to the biological activities of R. rugosa. Given that R. rugosa fruits and flowers are already being used in health foods and medicine, these results indicate that the leaves and stems of R. rugosa should also be included and used as natural sources of antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory agents

Generation and characterization of genome-modified chondrocyte-like cells from the zebra finch cell line immortalized by c-MYC expression

Background Due to their cost effectiveness, ease of use, and unlimited supply, immortalized cell lines are used in place of primary cells for a wide range of research purposes, including gene function studies, CRISPR-based gene editing, drug metabolism tests, and vaccine or therapeutic protein production. Although immortalized cell lines have been established for a range of animal species, there is still a need to develop such cell lines for wild species. The zebra finch, which is used widely as a model species to study the neurobiological basis of human speech disorders, has been employed in several functional studies involving gene knockdown or the introduction of exogenous transgenes in vivo; however, the lack of an immortalized zebra finch cell line has hampered precise genome editing studies. Results Here, we established an immortalized cell line by a single genetic event, expression of the c-MYC oncogene, in zebra finch embryonic fibroblasts and examined its potential suitability for gene targeting investigations. Retroviral vector-mediated transduction of c-MYC was used to immortalize zebra finch primary fibroblasts; the transformed cells proliferated stably over several passages, resulting in the expression of chondrocyte-specific genes. The transfection efficiency of the immortalized cells was much higher than that of the primary cells. Targeted knockout of the SOX9 gene, which plays a role in the differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells into chondrocytes, was conducted in vitro and both apoptosis and decreased expression levels of chondrogenic marker genes were observed in edited cells. Conclusions The c-MYC induced immortalized chondrocyte-like cell line described here broadens the available options for establishing zebra finch cell lines, paves the way for in-depth biological researches, and provides convenient approaches for biotechnology studies, particularly genomic modification research.N

Functionality of 1-Butyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Bromide (BMI-Br) as a Solid Plasticizer in PEO-Based Polymer Electrolyte for Highly Reliable Lithium Metal Batteries

To address the challenges associated with solid polymer electrolytes, flame-retardant organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs) have been utilized as a solid plasticizer in composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs). In this study, 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bromide (BMI-Br) is used as an OIPC material. BMI-Br and LiTFSI are initially mixed in an acetonitrile (ACN) organic solvent for a certain time. Anion exchange takes place in this mixing, replacing the Br− in BMI-Br with TFSI−. As a result, BMI-TFSI and Li-Br are formed. Here, BMI-TFSI acts as an ionic liquid, while Li-Br serves as a salt. The 10% BMI-Br content (BMI-Br-10 CPE) exhibits significant ionic conductivity (σ = 2.34 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 30 °C), wide window (up to 4.57 V), and flame retardancy. Furthermore, the BMI-Br-10 CPE demonstrates galvanostatic lithium plating stripping cycling stability at 100 and 300 µA cm−2 for 800 and 500 h against Li-metal, respectively, without a significant overpotential shooting. Furthermore, at 60 °C, the BMI-Br-10 CPE in [LiFePO4/BMI-Br-10/Li] batteries demonstrates an initial capacity of 146.9 mAh g−1, capacity retention of 99.7% and high coulombic efficiency (99.5%) after 300 cycles at 1C. © 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbHFALS

Ginseng Berry Extract Supplementation Improves Age-Related Decline of Insulin Signaling in Mice

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ginseng berry extract on insulin sensitivity and associated molecular mechanisms in aged mice. C57BL/6 mice (15 months old) were maintained on a regular diet (CON) or a regular diet supplemented with 0.05% ginseng berry extract (GBD) for 24 or 32 weeks. GBD-fed mice showed significantly lower serum insulin levels (p = 0.016) and insulin resistance scores (HOMA-IR) (p = 0.012), suggesting that GBD improved insulin sensitivity. Pancreatic islet hypertrophy was also ameliorated in GBD-fed mice (p = 0.007). Protein levels of tyrosine phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 (p = 0.047), and protein kinase B (AKT) (p = 0.037), were up-regulated in the muscle of insulin-injected GBD-fed mice compared with CON-fed mice. The expressions of forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) (p = 0.036) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) (p = 0.032), which are known as aging- and insulin resistance-related genes, were also increased in the muscle of GBD-fed mice. We conclude that ginseng berry extract consumption might increase activation of IRS-1 and AKT, contributing to the improvement of insulin sensitivity in aged mice