Multiscale drug screening for cardiac fibrosis identifies MD2 as a therapeutic target.

Cardiac fibrosis impairs cardiac function, but no effective clinical therapies exist. To address this unmet need, we employed a high-throughput screening for antifibrotic compounds using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). Counter-screening of the initial candidates using iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and iPSC-derived endothelial cells excluded hits with cardiotoxicity.

[The influence of eHealth literacy, reproductive health knowledge, and self-esteem on health-promoting behaviors in early adult women: a cross-sectional survey].

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of eHealth literacy, reproductivehealth knowledge, and self-esteem on early adult women's health-promoting behaviors (HPB). Thisstudy was based on Pender's health promotion model as a theoretical underpinning.

Methods: Early adult women aged 18 to 35 years (n=165) were recruited by posting advertisements on social network sites for a student club and a faith-based community in Ansan, Korea.

Combined Heart-Lung Transplantation Outcomes in Asian Populations: National Database Analysis.

Background: Heart-lung transplantation (HLTx) is a definitive surgical procedure for end-stage cardiopulmonary failure. Studies to understand the relationship between ethnicity and race and outcomes after HLTx are needed to uphold equitable HLTx access to the increasingly diverse U.S.

Angiogenic stem cell delivery platform to augment post-infarction neovasculature and reverse ventricular remodeling.

Many cell-based therapies are challenged by the poor localization of introduced cells and the use of biomaterial scaffolds with questionable biocompatibility or bio-functionality. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), a popular cell type used in cell-based therapies due to their robust angiogenic potential, are limited in their therapeutic capacity to develop into mature vasculature. Here, we demonstrate a joint delivery of human-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC) as a scaffold-free, bi-level cell sheet platform to improve ventricular remodeling and function in an athymic rat model of myocardial infarction.

[Validity and Reliability of the Korean Version of Assessment of Health Literacy in Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening].

Purpose: Health literacy is a significant determinant of health and health behaviors such as cancer screening. Despite its significance, there are limited instruments available to assess health literacy targeting Koreans. The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of Korean translation of a validated health literacy instrument in cancer screening-Korean version of assessment of health literacy in breast and cervical cancer screening (K-AHL-C).

A neonatal leporine model of age-dependent natural heart regeneration after myocardial infarction.

Objectives: Neonatal rodents and piglets naturally regenerate the injured heart after myocardial infarction. We hypothesized that neonatal rabbits also exhibit natural heart regeneration after myocardial infarction.

Methods: New Zealand white rabbit kits underwent sham surgery or left coronary ligation on postnatal day 1 (n = 94), postnatal day 4 (n = 11), or postnatal day 7 (n = 52).

Current Status and Limitations of Myocardial Infarction Large Animal Models in Cardiovascular Translational Research.

Establishing an appropriate disease model that mimics the complexities of human cardiovascular disease is critical for evaluating the clinical efficacy and translation success. The multifaceted and complex nature of human ischemic heart disease is difficult to recapitulate in animal models. This difficulty is often compounded by the methodological biases introduced in animal studies.

Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Breast Milk on Postpartum Depression in Korean Mothers.

Previous human and animal studies have reported an association between endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and anxiety/depression. This study aimed to determine how the concentrations of phthalate metabolites, bisphenol A, triclosan, and parabens in breast milk are associated with the risk of developing postpartum depression (PPD) in Korean mothers. We recruited 221 mothers who were receiving lactation coaching at breastfeeding clinics between July and September 2018.

Exploring barriers and facilitators for successful transition in new graduate nurses: A mixed methods study.

Background: The transition phase from student to nurse is an important time when new graduates grow and develop as professional nurses. Globally, the attrition rate of new graduate nurses is reported to range from 24.5 to 70%.

Effects of self-reflection-focused career course on career search efficacy, career maturity, and career adaptability in nursing students: A mixed methods study.

Background: Career education in nursing can affect career search efficacy, career preparation behavior, career maturity, perception of the nursing profession, and decision-making style. Reflection is essential for an in-depth approach to learning, and plays an important role in professional practice as well as in improving learning.

Purpose: The aim is to investigate the effects of a self-reflection-focused career course, and what could improve a self-reflection-focused career course.

Safety of photosynthetic Synechococcus elongatus for in vivo cyanobacteria-mammalian symbiotic therapeutics.

The cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus (SE) has been shown to rescue ischaemic heart muscle after myocardial infarction by photosynthetic oxygen production. Here, we investigated SE toxicity and hypothesized that systemic SE exposure does not elicit a significant immune response in rats. Wistar rats intravenously received SE (n = 12), sterile saline (n = 12) or E.

Multiaxial Lenticular Stress-Strain Relationship of Native Myocardium is Preserved by Infarct-Induced Natural Heart Regeneration in Neonatal Mice.

Neonatal mice exhibit natural heart regeneration after myocardial infarction (MI) on postnatal day 1 (P1), but this ability is lost by postnatal day 7 (P7). Cardiac biomechanics intricately affect long-term heart function, but whether regenerated cardiac muscle is biomechanically similar to native myocardium remains unknown. We hypothesized that neonatal heart regeneration preserves native left ventricular (LV) biomechanical properties after MI.

Three-Dimensional Multilayered Microstructure Using Needle Array Bioprinting System.

Tissue engineering is an essential component of developing effective regenerative therapies. In this study, we introduce a promising method to create scaffold-free three-dimensional (3D) tissue engineered multilayered microstructures from cultured cells using the "3D tissue fabrication system" (Regenova; Cyfuse, Tokyo, Japan). This technique utilizes the adhesive nature of cells.

Liner programming method to construct equated item sets for implementation of periodical computer-based testing of Korean medical licensing examination.

Purpose: This study aimed to find the best way of developing equivalent item sets and to propose a stable and effective management plan for the periodical licensing examinations.

Methods: Five pre-equated item sets were developed based on the predicted correct answer rate of each item by using linear programming. These pre-equated item sets were compared to the ones that were developed with random item selection method based on the actual answer rate and difficulty from item response theory (IRT).

Clinical Nurses' Resilience Skills for Surviving in a Hospital Setting: A Q-methodology Study.

Purpose: Resilience relates to coping with stressful hospital environment. The purpose of this study was to identify the types of resilience skills of clinical nurses for surviving in a hospital setting.

Methods: The Q methodology was used as it helps analyze the participants' subjective perspective on each item.

A Dyadic Approach to Infertility Stress, Marital Adjustment, and Depression on Quality of Life in Infertile Couples.

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the level of infertility stress, marital adjustment, depression, and quality of life in infertile couples and assess the actor and partner effects in these areas using the actor-partner interdependence model.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Method: Participants were 121 infertile couples.

A preliminary evaluation of the training effects of a didactic and simulation-based psychological first aid program in students and school counselors in South Korea.

The present study aimed to examine the training effects of a didactic and simulation-based psychological first aid (PFA) program. Based on the competency-based model, the study sought to examine whether the PFA training would enhance knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Study 1 examined the training effects of the PFA program in a sample of undergraduate and graduate students in psychology.

Effectiveness of Ginger Essential Oil on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Abdominal Surgery Patients.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of aromatherapy with ginger essential oil on nausea and vomiting in abdominal surgery patients.

Method: This was a quasi-experimental study with a nonequivalent control group and repeated measures. The experimental group (n = 30) received ginger essential oil inhalation.

Patterns and Factors associated with Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among Korean Postpartum Women.

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify the pattern and factors associated with women's use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) during postpartum in Korea.

Methods: With a descriptive survey design, data of 423 postpartum women were collected via online and offline surveys.

Results: A total of 251 women (59.

Effects of Laughter Therapy on Immune Responses in Postpartum Women.

Objective: To examine the effects of laughter therapy on secretory IgA (sIgA) in postpartum women.

Methods: The study used a nonequivalent control group with nonsynchronized design. The participants were 76 postpartum women who agreed to participate in this study and were selected by convenience sampling (experimental group, n = 38; control group, n = 38).

[A structural model for quality of life of infertile women].

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test a model for quality of life among infertile women. This model was based primarily on the concept of the Fertility Quality of Life by Boivin et al. (2011) and the Infertility Resilience Model by Rindenour (2009).

[Impact of prepregnancy body mass index on pregnancy outcome in women with a singleton conceived by assisted reproductive technology and spontaneously conceived pregnancy: a case-control study].

Purpose: To compare and confirm the impact of prepregnancy body mass index on pregnancy outcome in women with a singleton conceived by assisted reproductive technology and spontaneously conceived pregnancy.

Methods: A sample of 165 and 247 pregnant women with and without assisted reproductive technology were retrospectively recruited from electronic medical charts of C hospital.

Results: There were significant differences between the two groups for maternal age, paternal age, length of marriage, prepregnancy body mass index, parity, spontaneous abortion experience, and preterm delivery.