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Smoking is a risk factor for gastric cancer (GC) and causes oxidative stress. Antioxidant vitamins may protect against oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine the association between dietary antioxidant vitamin intake and GC risk according to smoking status and the histological subtype. This case-control study included 286 pairs of patients with GC and controls aged 20–79 years enrolled at two hospitals from 2002 to 2006, matched by age (± 2 years), sex, hospital, and participation period (± 1 years). Dietary information was collected using a quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). When stratified by smoking status, increased intake of vitamin C (OR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.17–0.84 for highest vs. lowest; P for trend = 0.033) and folate (OR = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.12–0.64 for highest vs. lowest; P for trend = 0.003) decreased GC risk in nonsmokers. Vitamin C (P for interaction = 0.043) and folate (P for interaction =0.015) levels were significantly associated with smoking status. Similar results were observed in nonsmokers with diffuse and mixed types of GC, but not in those with intestinal type of GC. Therefore, we found an inverse association between higher intake of dietary vitamin C and folate with the risk of GC among nonsmokers. These protective associations were strong in nonsmokers with diffuse and mixed types of GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to develop a smartphone-based injury-prevention application (S-IPA) for teachers working in child-care centers, and to test the satisfaction level of the users of the application (app). Through a literature review and needs assessment, an app compatible with the Apple iPhone operating system was developed. The app was verified and the mean total satisfaction with 7 features of the app was 7.76 (± 1.13) on a score of 1–10. The result of the S-IPA survey showed a positive response, indicating a high potential for use as a teacher’s educational guide, which would provide an effective information delivery system for the prevention of possible injuries at child-care centers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Conclusion:Seven-day administration of systemic steroids was more effective in preserving hearing for 12 weeks after cochlear implantation (CI) than a 3-day delivery. Objectives:To determine the effectiveness of extended delivery of systemic steroids to preserve hearing in guinea pigs after CI. Methods:Dexamethasone (4 mg/ml) was delivered parenterally via a mini-osmotic pump for either 3 or 7 days. A dummy CI electrode was inserted via cochleostomy approach in 8-week-old guinea pigs. Auditory thresholds were assessed from tone burst auditory brainstem responses (2, 8, 16, 24, and 32 kHz) at 1 day prior to CI, and 1, 4, and 12 weeks after implantation. Histologic evaluation of the cochleae was carried out. Results:No differences were observed in hearing thresholds among groups before CI. Significant hearing preservation was achieved at 8, 16, 24, and 32 kHz only in the 7-day infusion group compared with the control group at 1 week after CI. The same trend was maintained at 4 weeks (16, 24 kHz) and 12 weeks (16, 24, and 32 kHz). Histologic review of the 7-day infusion group revealed less fibrosis and ossification in the scala tympani and the preservation of more spiral ganglion cells, compared with the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study identified the effects of a community-based cardiovascular disease prevention program (CVD-PP) on health behavior and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in low-income Korean elderly with hypertension. Eighty-eight individuals completed the 3-month self-efficacy-enhancing interventions in which the control group received standard care. In the intervention group, there were statistically significant improvements in self-efficacy (t = 2.519,p = 0.016) and health behavior (t = 3.453,p = 0.001), and significant differences in diastolic blood pressure (t = –2.518,p = 0.018) between the two groups. This CVD-PP administered by visiting nurses may be effective in improving self-efficacy and health behavior and in reducing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may develop mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, which negatively impact of disease progression. We investigated factors associated with the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among HIV-infected patients in Korea. A total of 840 HIV-infected patients who participated in the Korea HIV/AIDS Cohort Study from 2006 to 2012 were evaluated. Socio-demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical variables were obtained through standardized questionnaires. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory were used to assess the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among HIV-infected patients was 32% and 36%, respectively. Ex-smoker and persistent symptoms for more than one week within the past six months and diagnosis of HIV infection within one year were associated with increased anxiety symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–2.69; OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.09–2.11; OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.02–2.20) and current smoking and persistent symptoms were also associated with increased depressive symptoms (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.31–3.30; OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.25–2.79). Marital status, current smoking, current drinking, and persistent symptoms were associated with both increased anxiety and depressive symptoms (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.07–2.88; OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.06–2.61; OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.18–2.99). The prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among HIV-infected patients is higher than those estimated for the general population. This study shows the necessity to evaluate symptoms of anxiety and depression and suggest psychological support for HIV-infected patients who smoke or have persistent symptoms or have sexual partner or drink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]