• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.1803-1809
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• 2019

Background: Cervical mobilization has been applied mainly for the improvement of arm and neck movements and pain reduction, and little research has been done to improve the executive function. Since this kind of so-called mechanical neck pain is one of most common symptoms, there are controversial issues about this with spine alignment. Posteroanterior (PA) mobilization from the Maitland concept is a process of examination, assessment, and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorder by manipulative physical therapy. Objective: To examine the short-term benefits of mobilization for patients with non-specific neck pain. Design: Dual-group Pretest-Posttest Design from the Quasi-Experimental research Methods: Fourteen participants (male 8, female 6; 20's of their age) with non-specific neck pains which are distributed all the unilateral or bilateral body side were recruited. Participants were categorized to Neck Pain with Movement Coordination Impairments (NPMCI) and Neck Pain with Mobility Deficits (NPMD) groups according to the results of physical examination. Professional physical therapist who has over 15-years-of clinical experience applicated manipulative therapy for the neck pain, an occupational therapist only conducted evaluations; K-NDI (Korean version of the Neck Disability Index), VAS (Visual Analog Scale), BDS-K (Korean version of Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale) for decreasing possible adverse effects; there were no person who reported other symptoms followed 4 weeks from the trial. Results: In the NPMCI group, data analysis indicated statistical differences between the PA mobilization interventions in NDI and BDS-K; even though, pain was reduced in VAS, this is not a significantly differ. In the NPMD group, data analysis represented statistical differences between the PA mobilization interventions in NDI, VAS and BDS-K; the scores were represented to be increased or the pain got relief. Conclusions: PA mobilization techniques according to Maitland concept have beneficial effects in patients with neck pain and other clinical positive effects which included neck disability, pain itself and motor function of upper extremity.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.111-127
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• 2021

Objectives: To review and analyze clinical and preclinical evidence of effectiveness, safety, and underlying mechanisms of yokukansan (YKS), a herbal medicine, in alleviating aggression. Methods: Classical records on YKS were searched in the Korean Traditional Medicine Knowledge Database (KTMKD). By searching five electronic databases, prospective clinical studies and preclinical studies of YKS for alleviating aggression/agitation published up to March 30, 2021 were included. Results: Only two classical records on YKS were found from the KTMKD. A total of 11 clinical studies and 15 preclinical studies were found from the five electronic databases. Among 11 clinical studies, seven enrolled patients with dementia and four enrolled patients with other neuropsychiatric disorders. Most clinical studies reported significant improvement in one or more outcomes related to aggression in the YKS group after treatment. Among 15 preclinical studies, all studies except two reported a significant decrease in aggression/agitation-related behavior of YKS or yokukansankachimpihange. Suggested underlying mechanisms of YKS or yokukansankachimpihange for aggression/agitation in these studies included regulation of serotonin receptor, amelioration of abnormal glucocorticoid level related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, regulation of orexin secretion, amelioration of degeneration in brain cells including glia cells, and suppression of excessive glutamatergic or dopaminergic activity. Conclusions: There were some clinical and preclinical evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of YKS for alleviating aggression. Given that aggression is the most frequent and destructive symptoms of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, applicability of YKS as a herbal medicine should be further investigated in future high-quality research.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.55-64
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• 2022

Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus(NCSE) refers to continuous epileptic condition with altered mental status and behavioral symptoms, but without convulsive movement at least 10 minutes. In Salzburg criteria, well known as the diagnostic criteria of NCSE, it is diagnosed with clinical symptoms, electroencephalogram (EEG), and effects before and after the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Commonly being used to treat NCSE, AEDs are likely to have adverse effects. In the present case, a 85-year-old female NCSE patient complaining delirium underwent combined Korean medical treatment by acupuncture and herbal medicine for 13 days. The effect of treatment was assessed with delirium scales including Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98(DRS-R-98) and Assessment Test for Delirium & Cognitive Impairment(4AT) per 2 days. After the treatment, both DRS-R-98 and 4AT scores decreased, and orientation and mental status of patient improved. This case report suggests that Korean medical treatment might be an effective option without side for those NCSE patients complaining delirium.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.50-56
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• 2014

The prevalence rate of plant poisoning is growing up gradually. However, it could be difficult to get proper treatment without detail medical history taking due to the diversity of poisonous plants and their various symptoms. Scopolia Japonica, which grows naturally in Korea, is reported to cause severe toxicity which could be lethal. A few therapeutic measures have been reported in Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), but it has not been reported yet that those measures have been successfully proven in the clinical practice in modern times. This is a case report of toxicity caused by scopolia japonica ingestion. A 65years-old male patient with cognitive impairment, behavioral disorder, gait difficulty, dysarthria, dysphagia and abnormal pupil reflex recovered from those symptoms during taking Gamigamdu-tang and getting acupuncture. This study shows the clinical aspects of Scopolia Japonica toxicity and the possibility of TKM treatments as one of plant poisoning treatments.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.46-55
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• 2017

Many people in Korea suffer from a fear of dental treatments; however, only a few studies have focused on this population. This study assessed the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and its interventions in reducing dental anxiety, especially when administered by trained dental staff. Using case studies, the authors analyzed the content of each session and examined the process of reducing dental anxiety. First, the authors observed that the results of both dental fear scale and subjective unit of disturbance decreased significantly with changes in cognitive distortions related to dental anxiety and that rapid improvements were noted after two therapy sessions. Second, the study reported that practicing relaxation (deep-breathing) and muscle relaxation techniques; using hand signals to indicate anxiety or discomfort; establishing an empathic relationship with the therapist; making an anxiety list; and graded insensitive and exposure along with rehearsal, were effective in coping with dental anxiety and in changing negative thoughts towards the dentist. Third, a simple cognitive behavioral intervention can be effective in reducing dental anxiety. In summary, a short-term, five-session psychological intervention with CBT produced a sustained decrease in the symptoms of dental anxiety, allowing the patients to receive the required procedures. The authors discussed the study limitations and the implication of their results on future research.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.63-72
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• 2017

Objectives : Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) is characterized by significant impairments in executive functions, with a prevalence of approximately 3-5% of all children worldwide. The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between executive functions and electrophysiological activities in children and adolescents with ADHD. Methods : In 31 patients with ADHD, resting-state EEG was recorded, and Comprehensive Attention Test(CAT), Stroop Color-Word Inference Test(Stroop CWIT), Trail Making Test(TMT), and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test(CST) were administered. Korean version of the ADHD Rating Scale(K-ARS) was assessed. Results : Alpha and beta power positively correlated with the Attention Quotient(AQ), while delta power negatively correlated with AQ from CAT. In the Stroop CWIT, decreased delta power and increased beta power were related to higher performance. Power of the alpha band increased with higher TMT performance. Moreover, delta power negatively correlated with good performance on the CST, while alpha and high gamma band showed a positive correlation. Correlation with the parent-rating of ADHD symptoms showed a negative correlation between alpha power and higher scores on the K-ARS. Conclusions : These findings indicate that relative power in higher frequency bands of EEG is related to the higher executive function in children and adolescents with ADHD, while the association with the relative power in lower frequency bands of EEG seem to be vice versa. Furthermore, the findings suggest that QEEG may be a useful adjunctive tool in assessing patients with ADHD.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.209-218
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• 2017

This study examined the influence of social support (social support from family, social support from friends), psychological behavioral characteristics (self-esteem, interpersonal dependency, locus of control), and stress on the depression levels of college students. The study subjects were 546 college students in D city. The survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire in October 2015. As a result, the depression levels were significantly higher in the group showing lower family and friends' social support, self-esteem, and locus of control, while it was significantly higher in the group showing higher interpersonal dependency and stress. The depression levels of the subjects showed a negative correlation with family and friends' social support, self-esteem, and locus of control, but a positive correlation with interpersonal dependency and stress. Covariance structure analysis revealed an increase in the depression levels of college students when the awareness of the stress source was higher, and when the awareness of social support or psychological behavioral characteristics was lower. These results suggest that the depression levels of college students would be increased when the social support and psychological behavioral characteristics are low, and when stress is high. In particular, it was influenced much more by stress than other factors. Therefore, to decrease the depression levels of college students, it would be necessary to put efforts to understand their main stress sources and then reduce them.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.4885-4892
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• 2016

Background: Chinese and Korean Americans have lower colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates than other racial/ ethnic groups, which may be explained by a low level of CRC knowledge and a high level of misconceptions. This study explores the role of knowledge in CRC screening among these groups. Methods: Chinese (N=59) and Korean (N=61) Americans older than 50 were recruited from the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. They completed a detailed survey and participated in focus groups to discuss their knowledge on CRC and CRC screening. Seventeen physicians, community leaders, and patient navigators participated in key informant interviews. Using a mixed methods approach, data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: Participants lacked knowledge about CRC and CRC screening. More than half did not know that screening begins at age 50 and there are several types of tests available. More than 30% thought CRC screening was not necessary if there were no symptoms or there was nothing they could do to prevent CRC. Focus group findings suggested understanding about CRC was limited by an inadequate source of linguistically and culturally relevant health information. For example, many participants considered CRC a western condition mainly caused by unhealthy diet. This led to under-estimations about their susceptibility to CRC. Knowledge was positively associated with self-reported screening. Participants who had higher knowledge scores were more likely to report ever having had a colonoscopy and confidence in ability to have CRC screening. Conclusions: Mixed-methods analysis provides multi-faceted perspectives on CRC knowledge and its influence on screening. Study findings can help inform interventions to increase CRC screening among Chinese and Korean Americans.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.135-141
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• 2008

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the pattern of computer game play and emotional and behavioral characteristics of 5th and 6th grade elementary school children in Jeonju city. Methods : Fifth and sixth graders from two elementary schools (N=413, M=214, F=199) were chosen to participate in this study. The participants completed self-report questionnaires designed by the authors, and were also evaluated based on a computer game addiction scale, state-trait anxiety inventory for children, children's depression inventory and Piers-Harris children's self-esteem scale. The parents of the participants determined the disruptive behavior rating scale of the participants. Results : Positive links were reported between the pattern of computer game play (years of computer game experience, average length of each computer game play session, average time spent on computer game play per day, and average frequency of computer game play per week) and scores of computer game addiction scale. In addition, significant correlation was found between the internalized problems of children (trait anxiety, state anxiety, depression, and self-esteem), and computer game addiction scale score, among both sexes (p<0.01). There were significant correlations between game addiction scale score and inattention (p<0.01) as well as total attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) score (p<0.05) in girls. Conclusion : Our findings suggest that computer game addiction is related to symptoms of internalizing, particularly to the trait anxiety. Significant positive correlations between game addiction scale score and externalized behavioral problems were found only in girls.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.49-56
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• 2020

Objective : The present study aims to investigate differences in anger-related features in patients with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) compared to healthy controls, and to examine whether anger trait and anger regulation strategy are associated with clinical characteristics in patients with SSD. In addition, we examined the relationship between childhood adversity and SSD. Methods : 26 patients with SSD and 28 healthy controls were included. Anger-related features were assessed with State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI). Clinical somatic symptoms were assessed using the somatization subscale of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised and the Somatosensory Amplification Scale. Childhood adversity was assessed by the Childhood Traumatic Events Scale. Multivariate analysis of covariance was performed. Results : Disease status of SSD had a significant overall effect on anger-related features (Wilks λ=0.725, F(5, 44)=3.332, p=0.012). Patients with SSD showed a significantly high Trait-Anger (p=0.017) and they had a high score in both Anger-Out (p=0.013) and Anger-In (p=0.001) of anger expression styles. In particular, a directed inward style of anger expression was significantly associated with somatization symptom severity (p=0.003). Regarding childhood adversity, more childhood extreme illness was experienced by the SSD group than the control group (p=0.012). Within the SSD group, childhood extreme illness was associated with higher Trait-Anger (p=0.027) and Anger-Out (p=0.001). Conclusion : The present findings suggest that trait anger, anger expression styles, and childhood adversity of extreme illness may be involved in SSD. Further studies are needed to explore the role of anger-related features and its relationship with childhood adversity in the pathophysiology of SSD.