High plasma level of cholesterol is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerotic diseases. Oxidized LDL induces cellular and nuclear damage that leads to apoptotic cell death. We tested the hypothesis that flavonoids may function as antioxidants with regard to LDL incubated with 5 mM-Cu 2þ alone or in combination with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Cytotoxicity and formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances induced by Cu 2þ -oxidized LDL were examined in the presence of various subtypes of flavonoid. Flavanols, flavonols and flavanones at a non-toxic dose of 50 mM markedly inhibited LDL oxidation by inhibiting the formation of peroxidative products. In contrast, the flavones luteolin and apigenin had no such effect, with .30 % of cells killed after exposure to 0·1 mg LDL/ml. Protective flavonoids, especially (2)-epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, rutin and hesperetin, inhibited HUVEC nuclear condensation and fragmentation induced by Cu 2þ -oxidized LDL. In addition, immunochemical staining and Western blot analysis revealed that anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression was enhanced following treatment with these protective flavonoids. However, Bax expression and caspase-3 cleavage stimulated by 18 h incubation with oxidized LDL were reduced following treatment with these protective flavonoids. The down-regulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of caspase-3 activation were reversed by the cytoprotective flavonoids, (2)-epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin and hesperetin, at $10 mM. These results suggest that flavonoids may differentially prevent Cu 2þ -oxidized LDL-induced apoptosis and promote cell survival as potent antioxidants. Survival potentials of certain flavonoids against cytotoxic oxidized LDL appeared to stem from their disparate chemical structure. Furthermore, dietary flavonoids may have therapeutic potential for protecting the endothelium from oxidative stress and oxidized LDL-triggered atherogenesis.

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Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the immediate and long-term effects of a 12 week problem-solving (PS) counseling program to facilitate intensified walking with machinery monitoring on persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Korea. Methods:The study used a quasi-experimental design. The participants were 57 patients with diabetes from three endocrinology or internal medicine clinics in an urban city of South Korea. Moderate-intensity walking and PS counseling were recommended to both groups. The difference between the two groups was whether the intensity of the exercise was monitored by an ambulatory heart rate monitor (experimental group) or was self-regulated (comparison group). Those programs were evaluated in relation to BMI, glycemic control (blood glucose level, glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c]), a vascular complication index (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, tissue plasminogen activator [t-PA], plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 [PAI-1], Parma Cardiovascular Risk Index), and coping strategies at 3 and 6 months. Results: The experimental group members showed dramatic decreases in their glucose and HbA1c levels at 3 months. The values of t-PA decreased significantly at baseline, compared to at 3 months. The levels of PAI-1 continuously declined and the Parma Cardiovascular Risk Index score did not change significantly from baseline to at 3 months, but showed significant effects at 6 months. Conclusion: A combined program of intensified walking, using a heart rate monitor, with PS counseling is more helpful to prevent complications than self-regulated exercise for persons with type 2 diabetes in Korea.

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between emotional intelligence and stress coping of nurses in hospitals. Method: The study was a descriptive-correlational study with a convenience sample of 298 nurses. Descriptive statistics t-test, Mann-Whitney U, One-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficients were used for data analysis. Results: The results of this study were as follows; Emotional intelligence was higher in married nurses than unmarried nurses (t=-2.90, p=.004). Nurses with a clinical career of 4～7 years had better stress coping than nurses with shorter careers (F=5.60, p=.004). Ward nurses better stress coping than nurses in emergency rooms and Intensive care units (F=4.43, p=.013). Fixed shift nurses had better stress coping than nurses on rotation shifts (t=-2.37, p=.019). There was a significant positive correlation between emotional intelligence and stress coping(r=.29, p<.001). Conclusion: The results indicate that stress coping is better in nurses with higher emotional intelligence, 4～7 year clinical experience, working on ward a as well as having a fixed shift. However further development and application of programs which can improve nurses' emotional intelligence are needed.

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