• Anxiety and mood
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2020

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of depressive/anxiety symptoms with psychosocial factors including ego resilience, social conflict, and social support as well as hemoglobin A1c in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods : The subjects were 144 patients with DM. Depressive/anxiety symptoms were evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Sociodemographic factors, hemoglobin A1c, ego resilience, social conflict, and social support were measured. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the impact of hemoglobin A1c, ego resilience, social conflict, and social support on depressive/anxiety symptoms. Results : A total of 32.6% and 24.3% of participants were identified with depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Depressive/anxiety symptoms positively correlated with the social conflict score. Conversely, ego resilience and social support negatively correlated with depressive/anxiety symptoms. In the final model of the multiple regression analyses, ego resilience was associated with a lower level of depressive (β=-0.083, p=0.019)/anxiety (β=-0.125, p=0.001) symptoms whereas social conflict was related to a higher level of depressive (β=0.353, p=0.011)/anxiety (β=0.460, p=0.003) symptoms. Also, hemoglobin A1c positively associated with anxiety symptoms (β=0.495, p=0.012) whereas social support negatively related to depressive symptoms (β=-0.464, p=0.004). Conclusion : We found possible risk and protective psychosocial factors of underlying depressive/anxiety symptoms among patients with DM. Our findings suggest that enhancing ego resilience and social support as well as decreasing social conflict would be crucial in the prevention and management of depressive/anxiety symptoms in patients with DM.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.81-87
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• 2013

Purpose: To describe chronic rectal mucosal damage after pelvic radiotherapy (RT) for cervical cancer and correlate these findings with clinical symptoms and radiation dose. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients who underwent pelvic RT were diagnosed with radiation-induced proctitis based on endoscopy findings. The median follow-up period was 35 months after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and intracavitary radiotherapy (ICR). The Vienna Rectoscopy Score (VRS) was used to describe the endoscopic findings and compared to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) morbidity score and the dosimetric parameters of RT (the ratio of rectal dose calculated at the rectal point [RP] to the prescribed dose, biologically effective dose [BED] at the RP in the ICR and EBRT plans, ${\alpha}/{\beta}$ = 3). Results: Rectal symptoms were noted in 28 patients (rectal bleeding in 21 patients, bowel habit changes in 6, mucosal stools in 1), and 4 patients had no symptoms. Endoscopic findings included telangiectasia in 18 patients, congested mucosa in 20, ulceration in 5, and stricture in 1. The RP ratio, $BED_{ICR}$, $BED_{ICR+EBRT}$ was significantly associated with the VRS (RP ratio, median 76.5%; $BED_{ICR}$, median 37.1 $Gy_3$; $BED_{ICR+EBRT}$, median 102.5 $Gy_3$; p < 0.001). The VRS was significantly associated with the EORTC/RTOG score (p = 0.038). Conclusion: The most prevalent endoscopic findings of RT-induced proctitis were telangiectasia and congested mucosa. The VRS was significantly associated with the EORTC/RTOG score and RP radiation dose.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.772-783
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• 2018

The aims of this study were to use the Rydoraku test, electrogastrography, and enterotachography to examine the presence of familial gastric dysmotility among monozygotic twins and their mothers; to determine the relationship between the symptoms and the indexes of the Rydoraku test, electrogastrography, and enterotachography; and to observe the therapeutic reaction for each differential treatment between twins with familial gastric dysmotility. The same herbal medication (Banhasasim-tang extract three times/day and Sojuckkunbi-tang extract three times/day) was given to each twin, but the younger twin also underwent manual acupuncture on the CV 10, 12, and 13 points of the abdominal wall and electrical stimulation of both ST 36 points of the lower leg 2-3 times per week. Evaluation of the therapeutic effect was followed after six weeks. The presence of familial gastric dysmotility was shown in the autonomic nerve system and gastric muscle and was thought to be a common pathophysiology induced by genetic co-ownership. Only the younger twin showed any marked relief of the dyspeptic symptoms associated with improvement of pyloric sphincter function, which was induced by acupuncture treatment. The Rydoraku test, electrogastrography, and enterotachography results showed the presence of familial gastric dysmotility. Although Korean traditional medicine had no effect on the familiar gastric dysmotility associated with genetic influences, the acupuncture treatment had a beneficial effect on the secondary disorder of pyloric sphincter function, which is associated with the relief of dyspeptic symptoms.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.96-101
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• 2007

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is the retrograde movement of gastric contents into the larynx, pharynx, and upper aero-digestive tract. LPR differs from gastroesophageal reflux in that it is often not associated with heartburn and regurgitation symptoms. Otolaryngological manifestations of acid reflux include a wide range of pharyngeal and laryngeal symptoms. Belafsky et al. developed a useful self-administered tool, the reflux symptom index (RSI), for assessing the degree of LPR symptoms. Patients are asked to use a 0 to 5 point scale to grade the following symptoms: 1) hoarseness or voice problems; 2) throat clearing; 3) excess throat mucus or postnasal drip ; 4) difficulty swallowing; 5) coughing after eating or lying down; 6) breathing difficulties ; 7) troublesome or annoying cough; 8) sensation of something sticking or a lump in the throat; 9) heartburn, chest pain, indigestion or stomach acid coming up. A RSI score greater than 13 is considered abnormal. As there is no validated instrument to document the physical findings and severity of LPR, Belafsky et al. developed an eight-item clinical severity scale for judging laryngoscopic finding, the reflux finding score (RFS). They rated eight LPR-associated findings on a scale from 0 to 4 : subglottic edema, ventricular obliteration, erythema/hyperemia, vocal-fold edema, diffuse laryngeal edema, posterior commissure hypertrophy, granuloma/granulation tissue, and thick endolaryngeal mucus. A RFS score of greater than 7 was found to suggest LPR-associated laryngitis. Although both indices (RSI and RFS) are widely used, there is some controversy about their validity (sensitivity and specificity) and reliability (intra-rater and inter-rater) in LPR diagnosis and treatment. We discuss the validity and reliability of RSI and RFS with literature review.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.83-89
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• 2007

Purpose: This research was performed to determine which clinical signs and symptoms of brain injury are sensitive indicators of skull fracture (SF) and intracranial injury (ICI) in head injured children. Methods: We conducted a prospective study of minor head trauma in children younger than 2 years of age for a 1-year period. Skull radiographs, brain computed tomography (CT), and data forms, including mechanism of injury, symptoms, physical findings, and hospital course, were completed for each child. Results: Of 137 study subjects, 17 (12.4%) had SF/ICI. Falls were the most common mechanism of injury, and heights of fall above 1 meter were associated with incidence of SF/ICI (p<0.05). Scalp abnormalities were not associated with incidence of SF/ICI. As for clinical symptoms, lethargy and a grouping of features (irritability & vomiting) were associated with incidence of SF/ICI (p<0.05). The incidence of seizure, loss of consciousness, vomiting, irritability, and scalp abnormality did not differ significantly between those with normal radiologic findings and those with SF/ICI. Among asymptomatic patients, 11 (14.5%) patients had SF/ICI, and among patients with normal scalp findings, 9 (12.7%) patients had SF/ICI. Conclusion: Clinical signs and symptoms, except for lethargy and a grouping of features (irritability & vomiting), were not sensitive predictors of SF/ICI. Nevertheless, SF/ICI occurred among normal children. In such a case, a liberal policy of CT scanning is warranted.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.1091-1095
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• 2015

Cancers can be detected in early stages through awareness of suspicious symptoms or by specific actions undertaken by individuals or participation in medical checks or screening programmes. The present research had three objectives: to assess the knowledge of Romanian women who have relatives with cancer with regard to cancer symptoms and detection methods; to identify socio-demographics factors influencing their level of knowledge; provide information regarding the attitudes of women from the study regarding medical help-seeking in case of any symptom which might be associated with cancer. This cross-sectional study was performed in an oncological hospital from Cluj-Napoca, Romania. It involved 160 women aged 18-70 years, who had relatives with cancer. An anonymous questionnaire was filled in by the participants. The results showed that around 10% of the study sample recognized all the 8 listed symptoms associated with cancer and all the 7 listed methods for cancer detection. The results of the linear regression analyses show that the level of knowledge regarding both symptoms and methods for detection was higher among younger women (B=-0.390, p<0.01, respectively B=-0.260; p<0.01), among those living in urban areas (B=0.872, p<0.01, respectively B=0.676; p<0.01) and those having higher educational level (B=0.883, p<0.001, respectively B=0.536; p<0.001). The majority of the participants agreed with the importance of looking for medical help within weeks up to one month in case that a symptom which might be associated with cancer was observed. The study underlines the necessity that much more information should be given to women who have relatives with cancer about what they can do to detect cancer in an early stage. This is especially needed for older women, women living in rural areas and women having a lower educational level.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.25-31
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• 2017

Objective : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with the experience of bullying victimization in school among elementary school students in the Jeju area. Methods : A total of 662 students were recruited from elementary schools for a school-based cross-sectional survey (age range : 11-12 years) in the Jeju area. This study used a self-reported questionnaire concerning the experience of being victimized by bullying, the Korean form of the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) to assess depressive symptoms, and questions on sociodemographic characteristics, including school- and family-related factors. Results : The prevalence of bullying victimization in school among elementary school students was 10.0% (n=66). The factors associated with bullying victimization were lower socioeconomic status, lower than average academic achievement, more depressive symptoms, and family problems. Conclusion : This study not only indicates that bullying at school is a significant public health issue among elementary school students, but also confirms that children with family problems commonly exhibit bullying behaviors, which highlights the importance of considering family-related environmental factors when managing bullying victimization.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.109-112
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• 2014

A pulmonary artery sling is a very rare congenital abnormality in which the left pulmonary artery rises from the posterior surface of the right pulmonary artery and then passes between the trachea and the esophagus, causing tracheal compression. It is associated with tracheo-bronchial abnormalities (50%) and cardiovascular abnormalities (30%). It may produce respiratory symptoms through the airway compression of the abnormal left pulmonary artery and congenital abnormalities associated with it. Because most (90%) pulmonary artery sling patients present symptoms during infancy, their condition is often diagnosed in the first year of life. However, a pulmonary artery sling is occasionally found in adults. It is usually asymptomatic and found incidentally. This is a very rare case of an asymptomatic pulmonary artery sling in an adult. A 38-year-old man presented symptoms of mild exertional dyspnea. His spiral computed tomography showed a pulmonary artery sling. He was discharged without specific treatment because his symptoms improved without specific treatment and might not have been associated with a pulmonary artery sling. We report an adult case of an asymptomatic pulmonary artery sling diagnosed via spiral computed tomography, accompanied by a literature review.

• Psychiatry investigation
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.1079-1086
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• 2018

Objective The pathophysiology of social anxiety disorder (SAD) is not yet well understood, but previous research has suggested that oxytocin is associated with social behavior and may play a role in human anxiety states and anxiety-related traits. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between social anxiety symptoms and plasma oxytocin levels. Methods Twenty-three male patients with SAD and 28 healthy male controls participated in this study. All participants were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify associations between plasma oxytocin levels and SAD. Results In multiple regression models, after controlling for age and years of education, we found that higher oxytocin levels were significantly associated with higher total LSAS scores ($R^2=0.157$, coefficient=0.145, 95% CI=-0.0005-0.291, p=0.051) and fear subscale scores ($R^2=0.134$, coefficient=0.083, 95% CI=0.007-0.159, p=0.034) in the SAD group. Conclusion In this study, increased plasma oxytocin levels were associated with higher social anxiety symptoms among SAD patients, but not among controls. This might be because among SAD patients, higher oxytocin (OT) secretion is an insufficient compensatory attempt to reduce social anxiety symptoms.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.59-74
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• 2022

Objectives : Evidence supporting the cold-heat symptom and sasang constitution type, which are diagnostic items of traditional Korean medicine, is needed to manage sleep disturbances, which is a typical symptom of mibyeong (subhealth). This study examined the association between each cold-heat symptom and sleep disturbances according to each sasang constitution type. Methods : This research was a cross-sectional study of 5,793 subjects from the Korean Medicine Data Center (KDC) community cohort survey. The association between each cold-heat symptom and sleep disturbances was analyzed by logistic regression analysis adjusted for several demographic variables. Subgroup analysis was then performed for each type of sasang constitution. Results : The soeum and soyang types were 1.53 and 1.26 times more likely to have sleep disturbances than the taeum type. Sleep disturbances were associated with 'coldness of the abdomen', 'watery mouth' in the cold domain items, and 'body feverishness', 'flushed face and eye', 'thirst', and 'scanty dark urine' in the heat domain items. The soeum and soyang types were 1.55 and 1.39 times more likely to sleep less than five hours per night than the taeeum type. In addition, the associations of those showed a different pattern for each sasang constitution type. Conclusions : Sleep disturbances are associated with specific cold-heat symptoms, and the associated cold-heat symptoms differ according to the sasang constitution type. These results may help traditional medicine specialists select customized interventions for patients with sleep disturbances.