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Various drug delivery techniques have contributed significantly to medical practice. In particular, molecular imprinting is a suitable method to increase the drug-loading efficiency in limited 3D spaces, such as hydrogels. This method has recently been studied for the transdermal delivery of various therapeutic agents, but its full potential is yet to be achieved in molecular systems. In this study, thermoresponsive and molecularly imprinted hydrogels were prepared by radical polymerization with molecular imprinting using three types of drug molecules as templates. The drug templates—acyclovir (ACV), diclofenac (DFN), and doxorubicin (DXR)—were used to establish molecular correlations between molecularly imprinted hydrogels and drug molecules by using non-covalent Lewis acid–base interactions, hydrophilicity and molecular size. The DXR-imprinted hydrogel exhibited a much greater imprinting efficiency than ACV- and DFN-imprinted hydrogels because of the hydrophilic characteristics and large molecular size of DXR compared with the other drugs. The morphology, surface area, and swelling behavior, dependent on the temperature, were also investigated. The in vitro drug release studies performed at various temperatures revealed unique drug release profiles unlike previous thermoresponsive studies. This study demonstrated a facile strategy to construct molecularly imprinted hydrogels that exhibit thermoresponsive delivery and offer new guidelines to identify optimal combination between drugs and hydrogels.

Background: Breathing is the essential step of Pilates exercise and can be used to activate core muscles. Although the effects of breathing exercise on pain, breathing muscles, and cervical posture have been extensively studied, little is known about the impact of Pilates breathing on spinal posture and alignment. Purpose: To determine the effect of 3D-Pilates breathing exercise on spinal curvature and alignment of healthy adults during corrected to normal alignment. Design: One group pre-post test design Methods: Eighteen participants were given a 3D-pilates breathing exercise twice a week (20 minutes per session) for three weeks and warmed up for 10 minutes before each exercise session. To examine spinal curvature and alignment of each subject, this study used radiation free rasterstereography (Formetric Ⅲ, Germany). Paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were performed to determine the difference between pre and post exercise. Results: There were statistically significant differences in height (p

Until now, SnO2 nanowires have been directly grown on alumina substrates with Au or Au-coated Pt electrodes by a thermal evaporation method using Sn or SnO2 powders under vacuum. However, in this study, SnO2 nanowires were successfully synthesized on the Pt phase of an alumina substrate by a thermal evaporation method using dibutyltin oxide [DBTO, (C4H9)2SnO] even at atmospheric pressure, resulting in nanowire networks between the Pt phases. Ar with 1% O2 was used as carrier gas with a flow rate of 100 mL/min at 900 °C (heating rate of 25 °C/min). The SnO2 nanowires consisted of straight and branched nanowires, and exhibited a SnO2 phase with a tetragonal structure. Both the DBTO and evaporation temperature play an important role on the synthesis of SnO2 nanowires at atmospheric pressure. The SnO2 nanowire sensor fabricated by an evaporation method showed a sensor response of ~ 500 for 0.05 ppm of NO2, being ~ 10 times greater than that of a SnO2 nanoparticle sensor. Furthermore, the SnO2 nanowire sensor showed excellent repeatability and selectivity for NO2 in the presence of SO2, Cl2, and H2S.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials with unique physicochemical properties have extraordinary advantages for various applications. Among different modifications for such 2D materials, intercalation provides the highest doping level and induces phase changes in the materials. However, the intercalation process currently in use is complicated, involving exfoliation and lamination of sheets, as well as transportation of model molecules. In this paper, we describe a novel one-pot method for the synthesis of 2D phyllosilicate material sheets and simultaneous intercalation of a model molecules in 2D sheets. The intercalation was performed simultaneously to the synthesis of magnesium-based 2D phyllosilicate material sheets, without interrupting the phyllosilicate structure formation. The intercalant showed sustained release over 10 d, while preserving their sensitive activity. Based on the obtained results, we concluded that this approach facilitated simpler intercalation compared to other existing methods and could be applicable to the field of cosmetic engineering and biomedicine.

The advanced wakefield experiment (AWAKE) at CERN is the first proton beam-driven plasma wakefield acceleration experiment. The main goal of AWAKE RUN 1 was to demonstrate seeded self-modulation (SSM) of the proton beam and electron witness beam acceleration in the plasma wakefield. For the AWAKE experiment, a 10-meter-long Rubidium-vapor cell together with a high-power laser for ionization was used to generate the plasma. The plasma wakefield is driven by a 400 GeV/c proton beam extracted from the super proton synchrotron (SPS), which undergoes a seeded self-modulation process in the plasma. The electron witness beam used to probe the wakefields is generated from an S-band RF photo-cathode gun and then accelerated by a booster structure up to energies between 16 and 20 MeV. The first run of the AWAKE experiment revealed that the maximum energy gain after the plasma cell is 2 GeV, and the SSM mechanism of the proton beam was verified. In this paper, we will present the details of the AWAKE electron injector. A comparison of the measured electron beam parameters, such as beam size, energy, and normalized emittance, with the simulation results was performed.

Background/Aims: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the efficacy of percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) for patients with acute cholecystitis (AC) ac cording to severity. Methods: A total of 325 patients who underwent cholecystectomy between January 2008 and October 2010 were enrolled. Patients were classified into three groups based on severity grade according to the Tokyo guidelines for AC: grade I (mild), grade II (moderate), and grade III (severe). These groups were further classified into two subgroups based on whether or not they underwent preoperative PC. Results: A total of 184 patients were classified into the grade I group (57%), 135 patients were classified into the grade II group (42%), and five patients were clas sified into the grade III group (1%). In the grade I and II groups, the mean length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the patients who did not undergo PC than in those who received PC (10.7 ± 4.4 vs. 13.7 ± 5.8, p < 0.001; 11.8 ± 6.5 vs. 16.9 ± 12.5, p = 0.003, respectively). The mean length of preoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the patients without PC than in those with PC in the grade I and II groups (5.8 ± 3.3 vs. 8.2 ± 4.6, p = 0.001; 6.0 ± 4.4 vs. 8.8 ± 5.2, p = 0.002). In addition, the operative time was shorter in patients without PC, especially in the grade I group (94.6 ± 36.4 vs. 107.3 ± 33.5, p = 0.034). Conclusions: Preoperative PC should be reserved for only selected patients with mild or moderate AC. No significant benefit of preoperative PC was identified with respect to clinical outcome or complications.

Autologous T cells engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T cells) have shown impressive outcomes in hematologic malignancies. However, safety concerns derived from the inability to control CAR-T cells in vivo remain a significant challenge to expand the application of CAR-T cell therapy. Switchable CAR-T cells can allow for turning on and off the activation and cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells in vivo, potentially increasing the safety of next-generation CART products. To this goal, CAR constructs targeting non-tumor antigens, e.g., haptens and peptide tags, can be designed and combined with tumor-targeting units that are fused to the hapten or peptide tag. In this study, we developed a novel switchable CAR-T system using cotinine as the hapten and an anti-cotinine CAR-T cell product. Of note, cotinine is physiologically absent in human and pharmacologically inert. A mouse antibody to cotinine was developed and successfully humanized. The anti-cotinine CAR confirmed to be displayed on T-cell surface. We first tested this approach to target epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in ovarian cancer. To target HER2, we developed an affibody-based antigen binding domain characterized by high stability, broad spectrum of specificity, and feasibility of large scale chemical synthesis. In in vitro cytotoxicity and cytokine release assays, the activity of CAR-T cells was controlled by cotinine-tagged anti-HER2 affibody in a HER2-specific and dose-dependent manner. We synthesized the cotinine-tagged HER2 affibodies using single isoform cotinine and selected the optimal cotinine-tagged anti-HER2 affibody at the cotinine-based switchable CAR-T system. In an orthotopic ovarian cancer model using NSG mice engrafted with SKOV3, tumor regression was observed only when CAR-T cells were administered in combination with the cotinine-tagged HER2 affibody. In subsequent studies, we demonstrated that the cotinine-based switchable CAR-T system can be applied to other tumor targets such as mesothelin and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Additional studies are ongoing to determine the kinetics of the on and off CAR-T activation of this system and define the optimal dosing strategy to ensure anti-tumor effect or to interrupt toxicity. In conclusion, we have developed a novel switchable cotinine-based CAR-T system to control CAR-T function in vivo and that could be broadly applicable to wide variety of tumors. Disclosures Kim: AbClon Inc.: Current Employment. Lee: AbClon Inc.: Current Employment. Ruella: viTToria biotherapeutics: Research Funding; Tmunity: Patents & Royalties; AbClon: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS, BAYER, GSK: Consultancy; Novartis: Patents & Royalties. Chung: AbClon Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

Autologous T cells engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T cells) have shown impressive outcomes in hematologic malignancies. However, safety concerns derived from the inability to control CAR-T cells in vivo remain a significant challenge to expand the application of CAR-T cell therapy. Switchable CAR-T cells can allow for turning on and off the activation and cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells in vivo, potentially increasing the safety of next-generation CART products. To this goal, CAR constructs targeting non-tumor antigens, e.g., haptens and peptide tags, can be designed and combined with tumor-targeting units that are fused to the hapten or peptide tag. In this study, we developed a novel switchable CAR-T system using cotinine as the hapten and an anti-cotinine CART cell product. Of note, cotinine is physiologically absent in human and pharmacologically inert. A mouse antibody to cotinine was developed and successfully humanized. The anti-cotinine CAR confirmed to be displayed on T-cell surface. We first tested this approach to target epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in ovarian cancer. To target HER2, we developed an affibody-based antigen binding domain characterized by high stability, broad spectrum of specificity, and feasibility of large scale chemical synthesis. In in vitro cytotoxicity and cytokine release assays, the activity of CAR-T cells was controlled by cotinine-tagged anti-HER2 affibody in a HER2-specific and dose-dependent manner. In an orthotopic ovarian cancer model using NSG mice engrafted with SKOV3, tumor regression was observed only when CAR-T cells were administered in combination with the cotinine-tagged HER2 affibody. In subsequent studies, we demonstrated that the cotinine-based switchable CAR-T system can be applied to other tumor targets such as mesothelin and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Additional studies are ongoing to determine the kinetics of the on and off CART activation of this system and define the optimal dosing strategy to ensure anti-tumor effect or to interrupt toxicity. In conclusion, we have developed a novel switchable cotinine-based CART system to control CART function in vivo and that could be broadly applicable to wide variety of tumors. Citation Format: Ki-Hyun Kim, Soohwan Kim, Ji-Hyeon Choi, Sung-Min Kim, Gae-Baik Kim, Jong-Ho Lee, Hyun-Jong Lee, Sang-Ho Ahn, Guewha Lee, LeiGuang Cui, Seong Yeol Kim, Min Yoon, Ki Hyun Kim, Soohyun Kim, Juwon Lee, Youngjin Han, Youngha Lee, In-Sik Hwang, Bong-Kook Ko, Jong-Seo Lee, Yong Sang Song, Marco Ruella, Junho Chung. A novel cotinine-based system for switchable chimeric antigen receptor T cell immunotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr LB149.

Although extract of Dermatophagoides farinae (DF) alone had no effect on neutrophil apoptosis, it inhibited neutrophil apoptosis in neutrophils cocultured with lymphocytes in both normal and allergic subjects. DF showed a stronger inhibition on the apoptosis of allergic neutrophils cocultured with allergic lymphocytes than that of normal neutrophils cocultured with normal lymphocytes. DF induced the secretion of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and GM-CSF of the normal and allergic lymphocytes. The cytokine secretion due to DF in allergic lymphocytes is higher than in normal lymphocytes. The cytokine secretion of normal and allergic lymphocytes induced by DF was suppressed by PAR2i, a PAR2 inhibitor, LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, AKTi, an Akt inhibitor, PD98059, an ER K inhibitor, and BAY-11-7085, an NF-κB inhibitor. Phosphorylation of ERK induced by DF was suppressed by PAR2i, LY294002 and AKTi, and NF-κB activity due to DF was inhibited by PAR2i, LY294002, AKTi, and PD98059.

Dysregulation of neutrophil apoptosis causes pathogenesis and aggravation of allergy. S100A9 exists as one of the proteins in the neutrophils, triggering inflammatory responses by activating the immune cells. In this study, we investigated whether S100A9 affects constitutive neutrophil apoptosis by activating the monocytes in normal and allergic subjects. Supernatant from human monocytic THP-1 cells after treatment with S100A9 suppressed normal neutrophil apoptosis by inhibiting the activations of caspase 9 and caspase 3. S100A9 upregulated the release of MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 in THP-1 cells. An increase in cytokine was suppressed by CLI-095, a Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 inhibitor, PP2, a Src inhibitor, rottlerin, a PKCδ inhibitor, MAP kinase inhibitors, including PD98059, SB202190, and SP600125, and BAY-11-7085, an NF-κB inhibitor. Src, PKCδ, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and JNK were phosphorylated by S100A9. The phosphorylation of Src and PKCδ was suppressed by CLI-095, and the activation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and JNK was inhibited by CLI-095, PP2, and rottlerin. S100A9 induced NF-κB activity, and the activation was suppressed by CLI-095, PP2, rottlerin, and MAPK kinase inhibitors. In normal and allergic subjects, supernatant from normal and allergic monocytes after stimulation with S100A9 suppressed normal and allergic neutrophil apoptosis, respectively; MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 in the supernatant was increased by S100A9. The cytokine secretion induced by S100A9 is related to TLR4, Src, PKCδ, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, JNK, and NF-κB. Taken together, S100A9 induces anti-apoptotic effect on normal and allergic neutrophils by increasing cytokine secretion of monocytes. These findings may help us to better understand neutrophil apoptosis regulated by S100A9 and pathogenesis of allergic diseases.

[Purpose] The effect of duration of smartphone use on neck and shoulder muscle fatigue and pain was investigated in adults with forward head posture. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-four adults with forward head posture were classified into groups by duration of smartphone use: 11 used a smartphone for 10 minutes each (group 1), 12 for 20 minutes each (group 2), and 11 for 30 minutes each (group 3). Fatigue cervical erector spinae and upper trapezius muscles was measured by electromyography, and pain before and after the experiment was evaluated using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. [Results] There was a significant difference in the degree of fatigue in the left upper trapezius muscles in group 2 and left cervical erector spinae and bilateral upper trapeziuses group 3. There was a significant difference in fatigue in the left upper trapezius in groups 1 and 3. The VAS showed significant differences in all groups before and after the experiment and between groups 1 and 3. [Conclusion] Pain and fatigue worsened with longer smartphone use. This study provided data on the proper duration of smartphone use. Correct posture and breaks of at least 20 minutes are recommend when using smartphones.

The crucial obstacle to design an electrically conducting device is the poor and heterogeneous dispersion of the pristine CNTs in polymer matrices. The best method to overcome these problems is to create a CNT core-polymer shell structure, allowing a dense close-packing of the CNT core-polymer shell units, expecting in the formation of completely homogeneous CNT-polymer films and a big improvement in their physicochemical properties including the electrical conductivity. Poly[3-(5-carboxylpentyl)thiophene-2,5-diyl] wrapped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (P3PT-COOH/CNTs) in core-shell structure were successfully prepared as a bucky paper by simple pH-control of the aqueous solution containing different weight percentages of the both components (P3PT-COOH/CNTs = 50/50, 60/40, 70/30). The core-shell structure of P3PT-COOH/CNT-50 nanohybrid films showed a significantly high electrical conductivity increase of up to 17 fold compared with those of non-core-shell structure prepared by a simple mixing (e.g. from 1.33 to 1.81 S/cm up to 22 S/cm). The result could be considered to be a consequence of a homogeneous P3PT–COOH–wrapping on the surface of CNTs, the regular shell thickness of individual CNT-core/P3PT–COOH–shell nanohybrid fibers, and their three-dimensional close packing in a film.

The nano/macroporous polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres with cell active surfaces were developed as an injectable cell delivery system. Room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) and camphene were used as a liquid mold and a porogen, respectively. Various-sized spheres of 244-601μm with pores of various size and shape of 0.02-100μm, were formed depending on the camphene/RTIL ratio (0.8-2.6). To give cell activity, the surface of porous microspheres were further modified with nerve growth factors (NGF) containing gelatin to give a thin NGF/gelatin layer, to which the neural progenitor cells (PC-12) attached and extended their neurites on to the surface layers of the microspheres. The developed microspheres may be potentially applicable as a neuronal cell delivery scaffold for neuron tissue engineering.

[Purpose] Many assumptions have been made about taping and several studies have considered tape application methods; however, the true effect of taping on muscle strength remains unclear. Most previous studies compared application techniques using Kinesio tape (KT), but studies that compared muscle strength using non-elastic tape (NT) are limited. Moreover, no studies have applied KT and NT in the same way to assess grip strength in normal subjects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of application of two tapes with different elastic properties on maximal grip strength in healthy adults. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy adults were divided into two groups (KT and NT). Maximal grip strength was measured with a dynamometer. Forearm extensor muscles of the dominant hand were then taped and subjects were immediately asked to perform hand grip movement with maximum strength in the same standardized manner. [Results] In the KT group, maximal grip strength was significantly increased compared to the initial value; however, in the NT group, there was no significant difference in maximal grip strength. [Conclusion] This study suggests that only Kinesio tape can increase maximal grip strength immediately after application on the extensor region of the forearm.

The purpose of this study was to identify the changes in the cervical range of motion (CROM), the cervical flexion-relaxation ratio (CFRR), and neck pain after dynamic neck training (DNT) combined with hold-relax technique (HRT) for young college students with video display terminal (VDT) syndrome. For this study, 15 young college students with VDT syndrome were recruited. DNT combined with HRT was applied to all participants in a sitting position for 15 min. Postintervention, the CROM and the CFRR were significantly higher than preintervention, and neck pain had significantly decreased. DNT combined with HRT showed immediate effects on the CROM, the CFRR, and neck pain in young college students with VDT syndrome.

Der p 2, which is a major allergen of house dust mite, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic disease. There is controversy regarding whether Der p 2 binds to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and its inflammatory effect has not yet been elucidated. In the current study, we examined the interaction of Der p 2 with TLR4 and the effect of Der p 2 on cytokine release in THP-1 cells and lymphocytes. Among house dust mite extracts, recombinant TLR4 protein interacted with Der p 2. The overall structure of Der p 2 is characteristic of the immunoglobulin superfamily and contains ten β-strands, forming a β-cup fold with two anti-parallel β-sheets, and a short 310 helix. The two sheets can be separated, further allowing the formation of a large internal pocket, which is narrow and suitable for binding large flat molecules such as lipid-like molecules. Der p 2 caused increased secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1, which are neutrophil survival factors, in human monocytic THP-1 cells in a time-dependent manner. Der p 2 also induces the release of cytokines in normal and allergic lymphocytes. Supernatant after treatment with Der p 2 inhibited neutrophil apoptosis. In coculture of lymphocytes with neutrophils, Der p 2 inhibited spontaneous apoptosis of allergic neutrophils. In summary, Der p 2 binds to TLR4 and induces an inflammatory response such as cytokine secretion in immune cells. These findings may enable elucidation of allergy pathogenesis by specific allergen of house dust mite.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. In this study, we investigated the effects of a novel herb formula, Hepad, on PD. Dose-dependent treatment with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) decreased the viability of SH-SY5Y cells, and Hepad inhibited the toxic effect of MPP+. Hepad blocked the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by MPP+ in SH-SY5Y cells, and suppressed the activation of caspase 9 and caspase 3 due to MPP+. A rat model of PD was generated by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injection into the left medial forebrain bundle (MFB) of SD rats. In D-amphetamine sulfate-induced rotational behavioral tests, Hepad administration attenuated circling behavior relative to the 6-OHDA-treated disease group. In addition, Hepad treatment significantly increased the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) that had decreased in response to 6-OHDA treatment (P

We describe a one-pot method for the mass production of polymeric microspheres containing water-soluble carbon-nanotube (w-CNT)-taxol complexes using an ammonium-based room temperature ionic liquid. Polycaprolactone (PCL), trioctylmethylammonium chloride (TOMAC; liquid state from -20 to 240°C), and taxol were used, respectively, as a model polymer, room temperature ionic liquid, and drug. Large quantities of white colored PCL powder without w-CNT-taxol complexes and gray colored PCL powders containing w-CNT-taxol (1:1 or 1:2 wt/wt) complexes were produced by phase separation between the hydrophilic TOMAC and the hydrophobic PCL. Both microsphere types had a uniform, spherical structure of average diameter 3-5μm. The amount of taxol embedded in PCL microspheres was determined by HPLC and (1)H NMR to be 8-12μg per 1.0mg of PCL (loading capacity (LC): 0.8-1.2%; entrapment efficiency (EE): 16-24%). An in vitro HPLC release assay showed sustain release of taxol without an initial burst over 60days at an average rate of 0.003-0.0073mg per day. The viability patterns of human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) for PCTx-1 and -2 showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects. In the presence of PCTx-1 and -2, the MCF-7 cells showed high viability in the concentration level of, respectably

Geopolymers are prospective cement substitutes because their production generates smaller amounts of carbon dioxide and they have sufficient mechanical strength. Geopolymers have attracted increasing interest from construction industries because of their recyclability and eco-friendliness. The compressive strength of geopolymers is known to be associated with their Si/Al ratio. Fused slag from gasification processes using low-grade coal (FSLC) and spent catalyst slag (SCS) were used as raw materials for making geopolymers; the Si/Al ratio was controlled by mixing different ratios of FSLC and SCS. The compressive strength of a geopolymer with a Si/Al ratio of 1.04 had the highest strength (125.6 MPa). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was also in good agreement with the compressive strength measurements of compressive strength. There were many small crystallites in the geopolymer matrix. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), these crystallites were found to be single crystals, which have a perfect crystal structure. It is speculated that the formation of small crystallites 10-30 nm in size, as well as large single crystals with diameters greater than 80 nm, in the matrix of a geopolymer during the geopolymerization process might increase its compressive strength.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of deep-breathing and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching exercises on upper limb lymphedema in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] The study consisted of 10 patients with lymphedema that had occurred after stroke. Neurodevelopmental treatment was applied in the same manner as that used for the existing treatment. The subjects performed deep-breathing and stretching exercises three times per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). Body water volume in the upper limbs was measured before and after exercise by using an InBody S10 analyzer. [Results] Performance of deep-breathing and stretching exercises significantly reduced body water volume in both the affected and unaffected arms. The extracellular-to-total cellular fluid volume ratio in the affected arm improved to 0.379 after exercise, although this change was not significant. [Conclusion] The results of the present study show that deep-breathing and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching exercises reduce upper extremity lymphedema in stroke patients.

This study investigated the patterns and correlations of spinopelvic alignments in in middle school and high schools students of Gyeongnam areas in Korea using rasterstereography. Sixty-one subjects were recruited from May to October 2013, the average age of subjects was 16.40±2.20 years. In the present results, PSIS ratio was statistically different between the sexes(male 21.15±2.40%, female 23.41±3.28%)(p

[Purpose] The purpose of this research was to determine the awareness of the actual conditions of the diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis by focusing on middle-school students in order to provide a basis for active education and treatment of scoliosis. [Subjects and Methods] The survey was conducted among 4,782 students. The students performed Adam's forward bend test, and some of the students who showed predictive features of scoliosis were further examined for the spine structure with rasterstereography. [Results] The proportion of students with awareness about scoliosis appeared to be 71.47%. Among the students, 50.84% knew the definition of scoliosis and 4.37% were diagnosed as having scoliosis, of whom 46.37% underwent treatment. It was a significant difference between to get a diagnosis and the predictive scoliosis or the scoliosis. [Conclusion] The results showed that the students in the second grade of middle school had high awareness levels, but about 50% of them did not know the definition of scoliosis. More than 50% of them did not receive treatment after diagnosed as having scoliosis. Therefore, active education and school screening for scoliosis should be provided to adolescent students.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Kinesio taping(KT) on the maximal power and muscle activity of erector spinae. 30 male subjects were allocated in this study and randomly divided into experimental and control groups. All subjects were measured for maximal power of trunk extensors and muscle activities of iliocostalis lumborum, longissimus, and multifidus between pre and post experiment. Maximal power was calculated using a dynamometer(Power Track Ⅱ, JTECH medical, USA), and muscle activities were calculated using a surface EMG(MP150 BIOPAC System Inc. CA. USA). Maximal power of trunk extensor showed no significant difference between pre and post intervention in both groups(p〉0.05). Muscle activity of iliocostalis lumborum, longissimus, and multifidus showed no significant difference between pre and post intervention(p〉0.05). Finally, there was no significant difference between Experimental and control group in maximal power and muscle activity of trunk extensor. These study results suggested that KT did not affect increase or decrease in maximal power and muscle activities of trunk extensor.

The purpose of this study is to investigate how hotel employees` musculoskeletal pain, which is likely caused by their poor working environment, affects their intent on changing jobs. The participants of this study were 200 hotel employees who were experiencing musculoskeletal pain. They were asked four questions through face-to-face interviews and questionnaires. They were asked four questions through face-to-face interviews and questionnaires. These four questions were about musculoskeletal pain, the employees` working environment, their turnover intention, and their general personalities. This study finds that the musculoskeletal pain is related to the employee`s turnover intention. Based on its findings, this study claims that an adequate working environment and various preventative programs are necessary to decrease the number of employees resigning and to prevent musculoskeletal pain.

House dust mite (HDM) is an essential allergen in allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. The pathogenic mechanism of allergy is associated with cytokine release of lymphocytes and constitutive apoptosis of neutrophils. In this study, we examined whether HDM induces cytokine release of lymphocytes and whether the secretion of cytokines is involved in modulation of neutrophil apoptosis. In normal and allergic subjects, extract of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) increased IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and GM-CSF secretion in a time-dependent manner. This secretion was suppressed by PAR2i, an inhibitor of PAR2, in a dose-dependent manner, as well as by LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K, AKTi, an inhibitor of Akt, PD98059, an inhibitor of ERK, and BAY-11-7085, and an inhibitor of NF-κB. DP induced ERK and NF-κB activation in a time-dependent manner. ERK activation was suppressed by PAR2i, LY294002, and AKTi, and NF-κB activation was blocked by PAR2i, LY294002, AKTi, and PD98059. Supernatants collected from normal and allergic neutrophils after DP treatment inhibited the apoptosis of normal and allergic neutrophils through suppression of caspase 9 and caspase 3 cleavage. DP inhibited neutrophil apoptosis in coculture of normal neutrophils with normal lymphocytes, similar to the anti-apoptotic effects of DP on neutrophils alone. DP more strongly inhibited apoptosis of allergic neutrophils cocultured with allergic lymphocytes than allergic neutrophils without lymphocytes. In summary, DP induces the release of cytokines through the PAR2/PI3K/Akt/ERK/NF-κB pathway, which has anti-apoptotic effects on neutrophils of normal and allergic subjects. These results will facilitate elucidation of the pathogenic mechanism of allergic diseases.