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This study's aim was to discern the nursing organizational culture and job stress, induced by infection control nurses (ICNs)' working together, affects ICNs' turnover intentions. Job stress was the most significant factor affecting ICNs' turnover intention. To reduce ICNs' turnover intention, their task stress needs to be lowered and managed. In particular, efforts should be made to establish a relation-oriented organizational culture that values positive relationships while enhancing their community spirit at the organization level.

In this article, we report that electrochemically generated quaternary ammonium polybromide (QBr2n+1) droplets can act not only as electrochemical reactors for the electro-oxidation of Br−, but also as tiny reductants for Br2 dissolved in an aqueous phase. We suggest two different theoretic models: Cloud and Droplet. In the Cloud model, we consider a cloud composed of small droplets located in the vicinity of a Pt ultramicroelectrode (UME). The positive feedback loop of the redox reaction is derived in the gap between the Cloud and the Pt UME, which leads to catalytic current enhancement, like the positive feedback mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). In the Droplet model, a droplet adsorbed on the center of a Pt UME drives the catalytic feedback loop of the redox reaction. Next, we adopted the two theoretical models to explain the current amplification by QBr2n+1 observed in our experimental systems. In the early potential region for electro-oxidation of Br−, we found the QBr2n+1 droplets-Cloud model was a more reliable scenario for the catalytic current amplification. As the potential became more positively biased, stochastic collisions of QBr2n+1 droplets occurred on the Pt UME, and in this stage, we determined that the QBr2n+1-Droplet model was the main catalytic mechanism for Br− electro-oxidation in the presence of QBr in the solution.

In this article, we present stochastic electrochemical analyses for the semi-quantitative determination of ion transfers (ITs) at an interface between water and electrochemically generated quaternary ammonium polybromide (QBr 2n+1 ) droplets (water|QBr 2n+1 ) in QBr aqueous solutions containing different acids (HAs). The concentration of Br − in QBr 2n+1 , C B r − ( Q B r 2 n + 1 ) is linearly proportional to C A − ( a q ) with the proportionality constant, which was estimated from the difference between the two partition coefficients of H + and A − from water toward QBr 2n+1 , K H + − K A − , and the ratio of the mean activity coefficient of the aqueous over that of the QBr 2n+1 phase, γ ± , a q / γ ± , Q B r 2 n + 1 . C B r − ( Q B r 2 n + 1 ) also shows the linear function of C Q + ( a q ) with ( γ ± , a q / γ ± , Q B r 2 n + 1 ) K Q + as its proportionality constant. The stochastic chronoamperometric analyses of QBr 2n+1 droplets during their particle-impacts on Pt UME in acidic solutions containing either N -methyl- N -ethyl pyrrolidinium bromide (MEPBr) or ethylpyridinium bromide (EPyBr) as model QBrs can provide indirect information about C B r − ( Q B r 2 n + 1 ) , and we estimated the relative order to be K C + ( L i + o r N a + ) , K H + , and K A − : K C + ( L i + o r N a + ) K H + K A − , where K H S O 4 − K C l O 4 − K C l − in K A − and K N a + K L i + in K C + . Also, we found that Br − -IT at water|QBr 2n+1 is effectively limited by A − -IT in the acidic solutions, and Cl − is most significantly transferred to QBr 2n+1 , leading to the complete inhibition of Br − -IT into QBr 2n+1 .

The purpose of this study was to examine how nursing students' intention to comply with infection control practices (ICPs) is affected by their awareness of ICPs and by their observations of staff nurses' noncompliance with ICPs. The subjects were 350 nursing students from 8 universities in Korea. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the predictive factors of compliance intention with ICPs. We found that nursing students' awareness of ICPs was the most significant influencing factor affecting their compliance with ICPs. Students' observation of staff nurses' noncompliance with ICPs was the second most significant influencing factor.

Studies have shown that enzymatic hydrolysis of casein, the primary protein component of cow’s milk, produces peptides with various biological activities, and some of these peptides may have sleep-promoting effects. In the present study, we evaluated the sedative and sleep-promoting effects of bovine α S1 -casein tryptic hydrolysate (CH), containing a decapeptide α S1 -casein known as alpha-casozepine. CH was orally administered to ICR mice at various concentrations (75, 150, 300, or 500 mg/kg). An hour after administration, assessment of its sedative (open-field and rota-rod tests) and sleep-potentiating effects (pentobarbital-induced sleeping test and EEG monitoring) were conducted. Although a trend can be observed, CH treatment did not significantly alter the spontaneous locomotor activity and motor function of mice in the open-field and rota-rod tests. On the other hand, CH (150 mg/kg, respectively) enhanced the sleep induced by pentobarbital sodium in mice. It also promoted slow-wave (delta) EEG activity in rats; a pattern indicative of sleep or relaxation. These behavioral results indicate that CH has sleep-promoting effects, but no or has minimal sedative effects. To elucidate the probable mechanism behind the effects of CH, we examined its action on intracellular chloride ion influx in cultured human neuroblastoma cells. CH dose-dependently increased chloride ion influx, which was blocked by co-administration of bicuculline, a competitive GABA A receptor antagonist. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that CH has sleep-promoting properties which are probably mediated through the GABA A receptor–chloride ion channel complex.

Offshore substructures have been developed to support structures against complex offshore environments. The load at offshore substructures is dominated by waves, and deformation of waves caused by interactions with the current is an important phenomena. Wave load simulation of fixed offshore substructures in waves with the presence of uniform current was carried out by numerical wave tank technique using the commercial software, FLUENT. The continuity and Navier-Stokes equations were applied as the governing equations for incompressible fluid motion, and numerical wavemaker was employed to reproduce offshore wave environment. Convergence test against grids number was carried out to investigate grid dependency and optimized conditions for numerical wave generation were derived including investigation of the damping effect against length of the damping domain. Numerical simulation of wave and current interactions with fixed offshore substructure was carried out by computational fluid dynamics, and comparison with other experiments and simulations results was conducted. Copyright (C) 2016 Society of Naval Architects of Korea. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the competency level of Korean infection control nurses (ICNs) by comparing the self-perceived competency level based on Benner's framework and the core competency proposed by the Certification Board of Infection Control. Study subjects included 90 ICNs working in Korean hospitals with more than 300 beds. A questionnaire was used to measure self-perceived competency level and core competency level. Using descriptive analysis, the core competency level of ICNs was found to differ significantly according to self-perceived competency level, and core competency level showed a significant increase with the increase of self-perceived competency level. Self-perceived competency level could be useful in classifying the competency level of nursing specialties. These results illustrate the competency levels of Korean ICNs and could serve as a reference to evaluate and expand the application of competency measurement not only for ICNs but also other groups of nurse specialists.

This study was conducted to investigate the level of knowledge about and practice of respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette among the general population of Korea and to identify the factors that may influence the practice of respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette. The mean correct answer rate for knowledge of respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette was 56.1%. Predictors of respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette practice were carrying a handkerchief or tissues, prior education on respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, awareness level of respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, daily frequency of handwashing, and knowledge level of respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette.

Sasa quelpaertensis leaves exert anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic effects, although it remains unclear whether these leaves can suppress inflammation-related intestinal diseases. This study hypothesized that Sasa quelpaertensis leaf extract (SQE) exerts a protective effect against inflammation in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. Therefore, colon tissues of DSS-induced colitis mice that were treated with SQE were assayed for levels of proinflammatory markers, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, and activation of nuclear factor κB. For this purpose, mice were pretreated with SQE (100 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg body weight) by gavage for a 2-week period. Mice then received either SQE or sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg body weight) with 2.5% DSS in drinking water for 7 days twice daily and 7 days of tap water ad libitum between DSS treatment. Treatment with SQE was found to attenuate the severity of DSS-induced colitis, as assessed by disease activity index scores, shrinkage of colon length, and histopathologic changes. SQE reduced DSS-induced proliferation in distal colon tissues. It also significantly suppressed levels of tumor necrosis factor-α in serum and colon tissues, nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase, and levels of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinases, p38, extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1/2, and IκBα in colon tissues. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that SQE supplementation can exert an anti-inflammatory effect on experimental chronic colitis.

Background This study investigated the self-perceived infection control (IC) knowledge and practice levels of professional standards competency (PSC) among Korean infection control nurses (ICNs) to identify factors that may influence PSC. Methods Using a self-reporting questionnaire method, we collected data from a total of 104 ICNs. Results The average self-perceived IC knowledge level was 3.1 ± 0.8, with hand hygiene scoring the highest at 3.7 ± 0.8. The total proportion of responders who did not meet the expected standard in 4 future-oriented domains was 51.7%. Of the 4 domains, technology had the highest number of respondents meeting the desired standard (57%). There were significant differences in self-perceived levels of PSC in relation to ICN specialist certification and continuing education (eg, extra coursework, conference attendance) in the field. Self-perceived practice levels of PSC also were significantly correlated with age, years of total clinical experience, years of ICN experience, hospital bed count, and IC knowledge. Predictors of self-perceived practice levels of PSC were knowledge and years of ICN experience. Conclusion Educational programs are needed to promote knowledge and competency, the lack of which was recognized by the ICNs. Also, various efforts are needed to prevent turnover of ICNs with a high level of competency.

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid cancer in young children and malignant NB cells have been shown to possess cancer stem cell (CSC) characteristics. Thus, the successful elimination of CSCs represents a strategy for developing an effective preventive and chemotherapeutic agent. CSCs are characterized by differentiation and tumorigenicity. β-Carotene (BC) has been associated with many anticancer mechanisms, although the efficacy of BC on CSCs remains unclear. In the present study, the effects of BC on tumor cell differentiation and tumorigenicity was investigated using a xenograft model. Mice were pretreated with BC for 21 days, then received a subcutaneous injection of SK-N-BE(2)C cells. Both tumor incidence and tumor growth were significantly inhibited for mice that received BC supplementation compared to the control group. Treatment with BC has also been shown to induce tumor cell differentiation by up-regulating differentiation markers, such as vimentin, peripherin, and neurofilament. Conversely, BC treatment has been shown to significantly suppress tumor stemness by down-regulating CSC markers such as Oct 3/4 and DLK1. BC treatment also significantly down-regulated HIF1-α expression and its downstream target, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Taken together, these results suggest that BC is a potential chemotherapeutic reagent for the treatment of NB, and mediates this effect by regulating the differentiation and stemness of CSCs, respectively.

Estrogen is one of the steroid hormones essential for skeletal development. The estrogen receptor (ER) is a transcription factor and a member of the steroid receptor superfamily. There are two different forms of the ER, usually referred to as α and β, each encoded by a separate gene. Hormone-activated ERs form dimers, since the two forms are coexpressed in many cell types. Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a tissue-specific acidic glycoprotein that is expressed by differentiated osteoblasts, odontoblasts and cementoblasts during the initial formation of mineralized tissue. To determine the molecular basis of the tissue-specific expression of BSP and its regulation by estrogen and the ER, we have analyzed the effects of β-estradiol and ERα on BSP gene transcription. ERα protein levels were increased after ERα overexpression in ROS17/2.8 cells. While BSP mRNA levels were increased by ERα overexpression, the endogenous and overexpressed BSP mRNA levels were not changed by β-estradiol (10− 8 M, 24 h). Luciferase activities of different sized BSP promoter constructs (pLUC3 ~ 6) were increased by ERα overexpression, whereas basal and induced luciferase activities by ERα overexpression were not influenced by β-estradiol. Effects of ERα overexpression were abrogated by 2 bp mutations in either the cAMP response element (CRE) or activator protein 1 (AP1)/glucocorticoid response element (GRE). Gel shift analyses showed that ERα overexpression increased binding to the CRE and AP1/GRE elements. Notably, the CRE–protein complexes were disrupted by ERα, CREB and phospho-CREB antibodies. The AP1/GRE–protein complexes were supershifted by the c-Fos antibody. These studies demonstrate that ERα stimulates BSP gene transcription in a ligand-independent manner by targeting the CRE and AP1/GRE elements in the rat BSP gene promoter.

An unknown larva of enormous size was found from Carpinus laxiflora in the Gwangneung forest and identified by using a barcode gene. It was a larva of Callipogon relictus Semenov, a natural monument of Korea, at an undetermined instar. Based on the result, we provide the larval morphological description of this particular instar, with the illustrations and biometric measurement data of diagnostic characters.

The expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs)-9 is critical for cell migration and can lead to invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. In the present study, we examined the inhibitory effects of JNP3, a new compound which was isolated from traditional Chinese medicine, on cell invasion and MMP-9 activation in phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced MCF-7 cells. Treatment with JNP3 significantly and selectively inhibited PMA-induced MMP-9 secretion, mRNA expression and protein levels, and these results led to reduction of cell invasion and migration in PMA-induced MCF-7 cells. The results of MMP-9 promoter assay and EMSA showed that JNP3 specifically inhibited PMA-induced MMP-9 gene expression by blocking NF-κB-dependent transcriptional activity. In addition, PMA-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK were suppressed by JNP3 treatment, whereas the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK was not affected by JNP3. These results suggest that JNP3 can be potential anti-cancer agents through specific inhibition of NF-κB-dependent MMP-9 gene expression.

s To reduce the pungency of Capsicum without losing its biological activity, Capsicum was fermented with bacteria isolated from traditional Korean foods. By comparing the capsaicin-degrading capacities of the isolated strains, the capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin contents of the P3-3 strain were found to be much less than the other strains, and the P3-3 strain was identified as Bacillus subtilis. After 48 h-fermentation with B. subtilis P3-3, the ferments showed sharp decreases in capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin from initial contents of 103.0 and 16.7 mg/100 g to 12.2 mg/100 g and 7.6 mg/100 g, respectively. The biological activities of commercial capsaicin (CAP), non-fermented Capsicum (NFC) and fermented Capsicum (FC) were also investigated by examining their effects on the swimming capacity of mice. The relative plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels were as follows in decreasing order until 120 min of test duration: CAP > FC > NFC > control. The plasma adrenaline level of the CAP group showed a more rapid increase compared to the NFC and FC groups until 30 min after oral administration. In conclusion, this study found no differences in the enhancement of swimming endurance between FC and NFC in mice.

A colorimetric sensing system of gold nanoparticles functionalized with carboxylate-binding units of o-(trifluoroacetyl)carboxanilide is described, which selectively recognizes a trans-dicarboxylate (fumarate) from its cis-isomer (maleate) and several dicarboxylates through inter-particle cross-linking, resulting in an apparent color change from red to purple.

HCO(3)(-) secretion is a vital activity in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-expressing epithelia. However, the role of CFTR in this activity is not well understood. Simultaneous measurements of membrane potential and pH(i) and/or current in CFTRexpressing Xenopus oocytes revealed dynamic control of CFTR Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) permeability ratio, which is regulated by external Cl(-) (Cl(-)(o)). Thus, reducing external Cl(-) from 110 to 0-10 mm resulted in the expected increase in membrane potential, but with no corresponding OH(-) or HCO(3)(-) influx. Approximately 3-4 min after reducing Cl(o)(-) to 0 mm, an abrupt switch in membrane potential occurs that coincided with an increased rates of OH(-) and HCO(3)(-) influx. The switch in membrane permeability to OH(-)/HCO(3)(-) can also be recorded as a leftward shift in the reversal potential. Furthermore, an increased rate of OH(-) influx in response to elevating pH(o) to 9.0 was observed only after the switch in membrane potential. The time to switch increased to 11 min at Cl(o)(-) of 5 mm. Conversely, re-addition of external Cl(-) after the switch in membrane potential did not stop HCO(3)(-) influx, which continued for about 3.9 min after Cl(-) addition. Importantly, addition of external Cl(-) to cells incubated in Cl(-)-free medium never resulted in HCO(3)(-) efflux. Voltage and current clamp experiments showed that the delayed HCO(3)(-) transport is electrogenic. These results indicate that CFTR exists in two conformations, a Cl(-) only and a Cl(-) and OH(-)/HCO(3)(-) permeable state. The switch between the states is controlled by external Cl(-). Accordingly, a different tryptic pattern of CFTR was found upon digestion in Cl(-)-containing and Cl(-)-free media. The physiological significance of these finding is discussed in the context of HCO(3)(-) secretion by tissues such as the pancreas and salivary glands.

A Middle East respiratory coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak occurred in Korea between June 20 and July 28, 2015. A total of 186 patients were confirmed as being infected with MERS-CoV, 36 of whom died. Infection control nurses referred to hospital guidelines to address the screening and isolation needs of patients and instigated a variety of infection control activities to prevent MERS-CoV transmission at the frontlines of patient care. Their concerted effort is believed to have been instrumental in ending the outbreak.

The nucleotide sequence of a 3955-bp Helicobacter pylori plasmid, pHP51 was determined, and two open reading frames, ORF1 and ORF2, were identified. The deduced amino acid sequence of ORF1 was highly conserved (87-89%) among plasmid replication initiation proteins, RepBs. The function of ORF2 was not assigned because it lacked known functional domains or sequence similarity with other known proteins, although it had a HPFXXGNG motif that was also found in the cAMP-induced filamentation (fic) gene. Three kinds of repeats were present on the plasmid outside of the ORFs, including the R1 and R2 repeats that are common in H. pylori plasmids. One 100-bp sequence detected in the noncoding region of pHP51 was highly similar to the genomic sequence of H. pylori 26695.

For the overproduction of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) from recombinant Escherichia coli, the inhibition of ALA dehydratase on both small scale by using an eppendorf tube, and on a large scale by using a fermenter, the in vitro glycation and the inactivation of enzymes on the ALA dehydratase under several experimental conditions were investigated. The presence of 0.5–10 mM of d -glucose caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of recombinant E. coli ALA dehydratase activity. The ALA dehydratase levels were dependent on the pH of the medium, with the maximal activities occurring at 8.0. The inhibition constant, Ki, of intracellular ALA dehydratase by d -glucose and levulinic acid (LA) were 1.02 and 0.32 mM, respectively. The addition of 10 mM of d -glucose drastically inhibited the ALA dehydratase activity (85% inhibition), in turn, the highest level of extracellular ALA production (3.8 g/l) was achieved. Based upon those results, we concluded that d -glucose decreased the ALA dehydratase activity both by the competitive inhibition with substrate and by the inactivation of enzyme protein, and that the inactivation of ALA dehydratase by d -glucose may require glycation metabolism of d -glucose at least in part.

Liquid suppository systems composed of poloxamers and bioadhesive polymers were easy to administer to the anus and mucoadhesive to the rectal tissues without leakage after the dose. However, a liquid suppository system containing diclofenac sodium could not be developed using bioadhesive polymers, since the drug was precipitated in this preparation. To develop a liquid suppository system using sodium chloride instead of bioadhesive polymers, the physicochemical properties such as gelation temperature, gel strength and bioadhesive force of various formulations composed of diclofenac sodium, poloxamers and sodium chloride were investigated. The mixtures of P 407 (15%) and P 188 (15-20%) existed as a liquid at room temperature, but gelled at physiological temperature. Diclofenac sodium significantly increased the gelation temperature and weakened the gel strength and bioadhesive force, while sodium chloride did the opposite. Furthermore, the poloxamer gels with less than 1.0% of sodium chloride, in which the drug was not precipitated, were inserted into the rectum of rabbits without difficulty and leakage, and retained in the rectum of rats for at least 6 h. Our results suggested that a thermosensitive liquid suppository system with sodium chloride and poloxamers was a more physically stable and convenient rectal dosage form for diclofenac sodium.

Aserine protease has been purified and characterized from Periserrula leucophryna using a combination of ammonium sulphate fractionation, gel filtration, ion exchange and Benzamidine-Sepharose chromatography. Analysis of the purified enzyme with SDS–PAGE and gel filtration revealed a single polypeptide chain with an apparent molecular weight of 28 kDa. The proteolytic activity was stable up to 45°C but became unstable over 50°C. The enzyme had an optimum pH of 10 and maintained its stability over a broad range of pH between 4 and 12. Ca 2+ was not required for enzyme activity, and several heavy metals such as Cd 2+ and Hg 2+ had no effect on protease activity. Treatment with sodium dodecyl sulphate did not inactivate the enzyme, which retained approximately 50% of its original activity, even in the presence of 5% SDS. Furthermore, enzyme activity was not influenced by the presence of either reducing or oxidizing agents. According to inhibition profiles obtained with several serine protease inhibitors such as leupeptin and PMSF, it was confirmed that the purified protease belongs to the family of serine proteases.

Background: The goals of a surveillance for nosocomial infections (NIs) are to observe the magnitude and characteristics of NIs and to plan and evaluate policies and guidelines of infection control. This study was designed to determine the rate and distribution of NIs and their causative pathogens in Korean hospitals. Methods: Prospective surveillance was performed at 15 acute care hospitals with more than 500 beds during a 3-month period from June to August 1996. The case-finding methods were laboratory-based surveillance for patients in the general wards and a direct review of medical charts done regularly for all the patients in the intensive care units. Results: A total of 3162 NIs were found among 85,547 discharged patients, with an overall nosocomial infection rate of 3.70 per 100 patients discharged. Urinary tract infections constituted 30.3% of all NIs. Other infections were pneumonias, 17.2%, surgical site infections, 15.5%, and primary bloodstream infections, 14.5%. The infection rate was the highest in neurosurgery (14.21), followed by neurology (8.62) and ontology services (6.70). The infection rate in intensive care units was higher than it was in the general wards (10.74 vs 2.57, P =.001). The commonly isolated organisms were Staphylococcus aureus (17.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.8%), and Escherichia coli (12.3%). Conclusions: This first multicenter surveillance study provided extensive information on the current status and trends of NIs in major hospitals in Korea. The results may contribute to the evaluation of infection control programs and the development of effective strategies in these hospitals. (AJIC Am J Infect Control 2000;28:454-8)