• Korean Journal of Cognitive Science
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.501-539
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• 2016

The human mind is a self-evolving system that develops along a multidimensional hierarchical pathway in response to traumatic stimulus. In absence of trauma, a mind integrated in conflict-free state is called monistic. When the monistic mind responses to a traumatic stimulus, a response polarity forms toward stimulus polarity within the mind, turning it into a bipartite structure. Dialectical interaction between the two opposites, originating from their incompatibility, creates a new third polarity in the upper dimension. Thereby, the mind turns into a trinity structure. When the interaction among the three polarities becomes optimized, the plasticity of the mind gets maximized into the "far-from-equilibrium state," and the function of three polarities is synchronized. Through this recalibration, the mind returns back to its monistic structure. If the mind with the recurred monistic structure responds to another traumatic stimulus, this cycle of hierarchical transformation repeats itself in this cyclical and fractal growth process through synchronization of basic trinity system. Applying this concept to the process of post-traumatic growth (PTG), this paper explores how the mind transforms traumatic experiences into PTG and proposes a 'PTG Clock' that shows a fundamental sequence in the development of the human mind. The PTG Clock consists of seven hierarchical phases, and each of the first six phases has two opposite sub-phases: shocked/numbed, feared/intrusive, paranoid/avoidant, obsessional/explosive, dependent/depressive, and meaningless/searching for meaning. The seventh, the synchronization phase, completes one cycle of the mind's transformation, realizing a grand trinity system, where the mind synchronizes its biological, social, and existential dimensions. At that point, the mind becomes more susceptible to not only the stimulus of its own traumatic experience but also the pain of others. Thereby, the PTG Clock sets out on a journey to another cycle of transformation in higher dimensions. The validity of this transformational process for the PTG Clock will be examined by comparing it to Horowitz's theory of stress response syndrome.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.16 no.12
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• pp.625-634
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine the influences of disability identity on posttraumatic growth and the moderating effects of resilience on the relationship between the two variables in individuals with acquired disabilities who have experienced the trauma of disability in their adulthood. For the purpose, the study surveyed 203 persons who have acquired a disability after the age of 18 years, and then performed a standard multiple regression analysis and a hierarchical multiple regression analysis respectively using data gathered. The results of the study are as follows. First, a higher disability identity resulted in a higher level of posttraumatic growth. Second, when disability identity and posttraumatic growth were positively related, increasing the level of resilience increased the effect of disability identity on posttraumatic growth. Thus on the basis of the results, the study discussed the tasks ahead to form a positive disability identity and increase the level of resilience.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.72-83
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• 2023

Background: Globally, spinal cord injury (SCI) results in a big burden, including 90% suffering permanent disability, and 60%-69% experiencing neuropathic pain. The main causes are oxidative stress, inflammation, and degeneration. The efficacy of the stem cell secretome is promising, but the role of human neural stem cell (HNSC)-secretome in neuropathic pain is unclear. This study evaluated how the mechanism of HNSC-secretome improves neuropathic pain and locomotor function in SCI rat models through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-matrix degradation, and neurotrophic activities. Methods: A proper experimental study investigated 15 Rattus norvegicus divided into normal, control, and treatment groups (30 µL HNSC-secretome, intrathecal in the level of T10, three days post-traumatic SCI). Twenty-eight days post-injury, specimens were collected, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, F2-Isoprostanes, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were analyzed. Locomotor recovery was evaluated via Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores. Neuropathic pain was evaluated using the Rat Grimace Scale. Results: The HNSC-secretome could improve locomotor recovery and neuropathic pain, decrease F2-Isoprostane (antioxidant), decrease MMP-9 and TNF-α (anti-inflammatory), as well as modulate TGF-β and BDNF (neurotrophic factor). Moreover, HNSC-secretomes maintain the extracellular matrix of SCI by reducing the matrix degradation effect of MMP-9 and increasing the collagen formation effect of TGF-β as a resistor of glial scar formation. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated the mechanism of HNSC-secretome in improving neuropathic pain and locomotor function in SCI through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-matrix degradation, and neurotrophic activities.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 1995

We analyzed 11 children who underwent epiphyseal transplantation to the forearm for manage growing deformity ranged from 2 years 6 months to years(average 5 years 10 months) follow-up period. Etiologies of the functional impairment of the eleven were five traumatic, three congenital and three tumorous conditions. Lesions of epiphysis were distal radius in eight patients and distal ulna in three patients. Operation was performed with removal of non-functioning or deformed epiphysis followed by transplantation of free vascularized proximal fibular epiphysis with microvascular anastomesis. Evaluation was performed radiologically and functionally. The 9(81.8%) patients showed growth of transplanted epiphysis by radiological examination during follow up. At the last follow up, average growth rate was 0.86cm per year excepts 2 cases of no growth. Active wrist motion near normal to contralateral joint was achieved in 7 patients. In other 2 patients, active joint motion was improved but weaker than contralateral joint. Complications on donor site were two transient peroneal nerve palsy which have been resolved after 2 and 5 months post operation and one valgus ankle deformity. The ankle deformity was corrected with $Langenski\"{o}ld$ operation of the dital tibiofibular fusion. At recipient site, there was one superficial infection and it was easily controlled by systemic antibiotics. Many subsequent reports have described successful nonvascularized epiphyseal transplante, but overall results have been inconsistent and unsatisfactory. Other experimental and clinical studies in the transfer of vascularized epiphyses has encourage its clinical application. We also could gel successful growth in several cases with free vascularized epiphyseal transplantation.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.8 no.10
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• pp.115-124
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• 2017

The purpose of the study was to investigate the convergence factors to posttraumatic growth(PTG) in survivors with female urogenital neoplasm survivors. A self-reported questionnaire was completed by 141 female urogenital neoplasm survivors via e-mail from September to October, 2016. The questionnaire consisted of PTG inventory, illness intrusiveness rating scale, cancer coping, family cohesion evaluation scale, and medical outcomes study social support survey. The data were analyzed by ANOVA, Pearson-correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Total score of PTG was 84.13points and statistically significant according to age, religion, marital status and positively associated with coping, family cohesion and social support. Results of the regression analysis showed religion(${\beta}=.127$), marital status(${\beta}=.081$), coping(${\beta}=.232$) and family cohesion(${\beta}=.415$), it were explained 44.7%. This study indicates that it is important to understand general characteristics of personal. And a convergent approach is needed to promote PTG by hospital and community.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.454-462
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• 2016

Purpose: Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is defined as 'positive psychological change experienced as a result of a struggle with highly challenging life circumstances'. The purpose of this study was to identify the level of PTG and its correlates in Korean patients with breast cancer. Methods: A sample of 120 participants was recruited from outpatients, who had successfully completed primary treatment of breast cancer at a university hospital., Data were collected from June to December, 2014 using Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Illness Intrusiveness Rating Scale, Cancer Coping Questionnaire, Revised Life Orientation Test and The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Results: Total score for the PTG was $79.18{\pm}17.54$ in patients surviving breast cancer. Bivariate analyses indicated that PTG was positively associated with having a religion, perceived social support, greater optimism, cancer coping, and illness intrusiveness. Results of the regression analysis showed that cancer coping (${\beta}=.29$, p=.001), optimism (${\beta}=0.28$, p=.001) and illness intrusiveness (${\beta}=0.17$, p=.037) were statistically significant in patients' PTG. Conclusion: The research findings show that the variables of cancer coping, optimism and illness intrusiveness significantly explain PTG and these psychological variables can be used to provide improvement in PTG for patients with breast cancer.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.17-27
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the individual change, disaster awareness, and psychological stress of rural residents who experienced natural disasters, and to find measures to cope with the disaster of rural residents. The subjects of this study were rural residents living in Cheongju city, Chungcheongnamdo province, which suffered direct or indirect damage due to heavy rain in July, 2017. Survey and interview methods were used. There were significant differences in perception of disaster according to gender, and many residents were suffering from post traumatic stress. Finally, the present study suggests directions for growth after the disaster of rural people.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.273-276
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• 2017

Osteomas are benign, slow-growing tumors that most frequently occur in the craniomaxillofacial region. These tumors are mostly asymptomatic and are generally found incidentally. A giant osteoma is generally considered to be greater than 30 mm in diameter or 110 g in weight. A 35-year-old female presented to us with complaints of a firm mass that showed continuous growth on the forehead following trauma. A hairline incision was made to expose the osteoma. Biopsy of the tumor confirmed a osteoma. There were no complications after surgery. Postoperative computed tomography revealed that the tumor was completely removed. Because a peripheral giant osteoma of the frontal bone with a history of trauma is a rare finding, thorough history-taking, physical examination, and preoperative imaging tests are needed for patients with a history of trauma to rule out a giant osteoma.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.170-179
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• 2016

Purpose: This study examined self-efficacy, self-care behavior, posttraumatic growth, and quality of life in cancer patients and their levels by disease characteristics groups to identify patient groups that require psychosocial intervention. Methods: We surveyed 107 patients using a structured questionnaire about the four factors and analyzed the factors by stratifying the patients by the period after the cancer diagnosis, by stage and by current treatment status. Results: The mean score for self-efficacy was 37.78, and that for self-care behavior 49.96. Patients who were diagnosed less than one year ago scored higher on medication, a sub-category of self-care behavior, than the post-diagnosis period of 1~2 year group. The score was higher in the currently-treated group than the follow-up and distant metastasis groups. For posttraumatic growth, the mean was 56.17, and the factor was higher in the 1~2 year post-diagnosis group after than the less than one year group. The score was higher in the follow-up group than the currently-treated group. With regard to quality of life, the mean score was 25.79, and no significant correlation was found with disease characteristics. Conclusion: A shorter post-diagnosis period increased self-care behavior, and the greatest posttraumatic growth was reported by the 1~2 year post-diagnosis group. It may be necessary to provide cancer patients with an education program and other strategies less than one year after the diagnosis to improve self-efficacy and self-care behavior. To promote post-traumatic growth, it may be helpful to provide patients with psychosocial intervention within two years after the diagnosis.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.7
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• pp.257-268
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the anxiety, levels of diabetes-related distress, and post-traumatic growth of parents who have children with type 1 diabetes and determine the correlation between the differences and variables based on the general characteristics and disease-related characteristics. This is a descriptive survey research and data collection was conducted from January 4th-29th of 2016 with an online survey in an internet community for type 1 diabetes. Seventy seven individuals were included in the final analysis. Statistical analysis was carried out with a t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Pearson correlation coefficient. The study results showed that posttraumatic growth was significantly high (p<.05) under parents with a religion, and that parental anxiety and stress were high with children under 6 years of age (p<.05), with cases of hypoglycemia (p<.05), and with high levels of glycated hemoglobin (p<.05). Anxiety and stress had a positive correlation (r=.684, p<.001), and anxiety and stress exhibited a negative correlation with posttraumatic growth (r=-.401, p<.001; r=-.327, p<.05). This suggests that posttraumatic growth can reduce the negative emotions sufficiently, and that a mediating mechanism is needed that promotes posttraumatic growth while decreasing the level of anxiety and stress.