Insights into Actin Isoform-Specific Interactions with Myosin via Computational Analysis.

Actin, which plays a crucial role in cellular structure and function, interacts with various binding proteins, notably myosin. In mammals, actin is composed of six isoforms that exhibit high levels of sequence conservation and structural similarity overall. As a result, the selection of actin isoforms was considered unimportant in structural studies of their binding with myosin.

Adequacy of the examination-based licensing system and a training-based licensing system for midwifery license according to changes in childbirth medical infrastructure in Korea: a surveybased descriptive study.

Purpose: The number of Korean midwifery licensing examination applicants has steadily decreased due to the low birth rate and lack of training institutions for midwives. This study aimed to evaluate the adequacy of the examination-based licensing system and the possibility of a training-based licensing system.

Methods: A survey questionnaire was developed and dispatched to 230 professionals from December 28, 2022 to January 13, 2023, through an online form using Google Surveys.

Experiences of Forest Healing Instructors Who Met Cancer Patients in Forest Healing Programs: FGI Research.

Background: Demand for urban forest programs for the healing of cancer survivors is increasing. To develop a forest healing program for the integrated care of cancer patients, it is necessary to analyze the experiences of forest healing instructors who have conducted programs for cancer patients.

Methods: This qualitative study applied focus group interviews (FGIs; four interviews with sixteen participants) to describe and understand the experiences of forest healing instructors who run forest healing programs for cancer patients.

A present from the forest: Focus group interviews on cancer survivors' forest experiences.

Objective: To explore cancer survivors' forest experiences and to understand the relevance of these experiences from their perspectives in the context of the growing interest in nature's impact on health and quality of life.

Methods: From July 29 to August 12, 2021, four focus group interviews were conducted with cancer survivors who visited forests in South Korea. The data were analyzed using qualitative content and thematic analysis.

Effects of a Neonatal Supportive Positioning Training Video Program for Preterm Infants on the Knowledge and Performance of Nurses in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop and apply a neonatal supportive positioning (NSP) training video program for premature infants, using a position support mat for nurses in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and to verify its effect on nurses' performance.

Methods: Thirty-five NICU nurses were included in the study. For the pre-test, preliminary check-ups were conducted, questionnaires about NSP knowledge on preterm infants were distributed, and NSP performance using neonatal dolls were video recorded for each participant.

Evaluation of Student Satisfaction with Ubiquitous-Based Tests in Women's Health Nursing Course.

Learning evaluation using ubiquitous-based tests may be essential during a public health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, during which theoretical classes and clinical practice are conducted online. However, students may not be as familiar with ubiquitous-based tests as they are with paper-based tests. This survey study aimed to evaluate students' satisfaction with ubiquitous-based tests and compare the evaluation results of a paper-based test with that of a ubiquitous-based test in nursing education.

Dual Binding to Orthosteric and Allosteric Sites Enhances the Anticancer Activity of a TRAP1-Targeting Drug.

The molecular chaperone TRAP1 is the mitochondrial paralog of Hsp90 and is overexpressed in many cancer cells. The orthosteric ATP-binding site of TRAP1 has been considered the primary inhibitor binding location, but TRAP1 allosteric modulators have not yet been investigated. Here, we generated and characterized the Hsp90 inhibitor PU-H71, conjugated to the mitochondrial delivery vehicle triphenylphosphonium (TPP) with a C carbon spacer, named SMTIN-C10, to enable dual binding to orthosteric and allosteric sites.

Micropatterning of polymer-embedded metal nanoparticles by an ion beam contact lithography.

A convenient and effective method to pattern polymer-embedded metal nanoparticles by ion irradiation has been developed. The thin Pluronic films containing silver nitrate as a precursor of silver nanoparticles were irradiated through a pattern mask with accelerated proton (H+) ions. It was found from the UV-Vis measurement that the formation of silver nanoparticles in the Pluronic matrix was dependant on the amount of silver nitrate.

Micropatterning of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)/silver nanoparticle thin films by ion irradiation.

This study describes a new patterning method of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) containing silver nanoparticles by using ion irradiation. The thin films prepared from PVP/silver nanoparticle solutions were irradiated through a mask with accelerated H+ ions. Well-defined 50 microm line (pitch 150 microm) patterns were generated from the film irradiated at 1 x 10(16) ions/cm2.

Somatostatin down-regulates LFA-1 activation by modulating Rap1 expression in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

Leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) is one of the integrins that are expressed on the leukocytes, and has been shown to play an important role in leukocyte trafficking. The adhesive activity of LFA-1 is governed partially by the Rap1. This study examined that the relationship between LFA-1 and Rap1 mRNA expressions by anti-CD3 and anti-CD3+SOM treatment in the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

Hepatic cirrhosis occurring in a young woodchuck (Marmota monax) due to vertical transmission of woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV).

Histologic and clinicopathologic findings of a woodchuck (Marmota monax) vertically infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) are presented. The liver exhibits marked cirrhotic changes, which is characteristic of the pre-transformation phase of WHV. At necropsy, the woodchuck exhibited ascites and the liver had a grossly nodular appearance.

Effects of benzo[alpha]pyrene, 2-bromopropane, phenol and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on IL-6 production in mice after single or repeated exposure.

Altered IL-6 production regulation is associated with the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases, lymphoid malignancies, chronic infectious processes and certain types of autoimmune conditions. Here, we examine the effects of pollutants on IL-6 levels in mice serum and in culture supernatants of spleen cells. Mice were treated with vehicles (PBS or olive oil), benzo[alpha]pyrene (B[alpha]P, 100 mg/kg body weight), 2-bromopropane (2-BP, 3.

Effects of benzo[a]pyrene, 2-bromopropane, phenol and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on proinflammatory cytokines gene expression by mice spleen cells.

The detrimental effects of environmental pollutants on the health of the individual are generally accepted, although the mechanisms of these effects remain to be incompletely understood. In the present study, we examined the effects of B[a]P, 2-BP, phenol and TCDD on proinflammatory cytokine gene expression in mice spleen cells which were stimulated with anti-CD3. 10(-9)M TCDD increased IFNgamma and TNFalpha gene expression, but suppressed IL-1 gene expression.

Fetal bladder outlet obstruction in a stillborn bovine fetus.

A stillborn bovine male fetus with abdominal distention, arthrogryposis and atresia ani was presented for diagnostic evaluation. At necropsy, this fetus had a large amount of ascites, urachal obstruction and marked bladder distention. The ventral surface of the bladder had ruptured and attached to the abdominal wall by fibrinous adhesions.

A novel aortic coarctation model for studying hypertension in the pig.

We have developed a reproducible renovascular model of hypertension via a controllable, suprarenal aortic coarctation in the pig. This model has many potential applications, including investigation of the effects of acute hypertension in the conscious animal; identification of cardiac and vascular adaptations to chronic hypertension and their reversal; determining the effect of pharmacologic agents or other interventions on hypertension; and furthering our understanding of the implications of chronic hypertension on neurologic function. A totally implantable system was devised by attaching a reinforced silicone vascular occluder to a vascular access port.

Development and evaluation of a new apparatus for continuous perfusion of isolated perfused pig heart.

To develop a better model of isolated perfused heart, a new apparatus of coronary artery cannula- fixed-in-aortic tube was developed for continuous normothermic perfusion and compared to the Casalis apparatus with cold ischemia. Eight mongrel pigs with the body weight of 18 to 24 kg were divided half into two groups. All the continuous perfusion experimental hearts resumed a spontaneous heart beat and stabilized earlier than the control hearts without the need of defibrillator or pacemaker, indicating no reperfusion injury on the heart.

Frequencies of micronuclei in peripheral lymphocytes in Korean populations after chronic low-dose radiation exposure.

The purpose of this study was to estimate predictive markers of intrinsic radiosensitivity in individuals who were exposed to occupational or environmental radiation. Throughout this process, the actual biohazard risks and base-line chromosome damage were evaluated in human population. Further studies were carried out to provide evidence for the existence of individual variations in age-dependent responses through micronuclei (MN) assay.