• Journal of Family Relations
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.223-238
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• 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this study was a) to examine the effect of positive family relationships on post-traumatic growth in cancer patients, and b) to verify the moderating effect of spiritual sensitivity. Methods: The subjects were cancer patients, both outpatients and inpatients selected from major hospitals specialized in cancer treatment using judgement sampling. A self-administered questionnaire survey was given to cancer patients, and a total of 208 cases were collected but only 201 cases were used in the final analysis due to seven unclear and inadequate questionnaires. We performed descriptive statistics to identify the prevalence for each variable, and the moderating effect was verified through multiple regression analysis. Results: The main results are as follows. First, the average post-traumatic growth of the subjects was 3.01 (0-5 points). Second, the positive family relations of the subjects were 2.58 (0-5 points) and the average of spiritual sensitivity was 2.93 (1-5 points). Third, positive family relationship of cancer patients was positively correlated to post-traumatic growth, and spiritual sensitivity was verified as a moderator to positive family relationship enhancing the post -traumatic growth. Conclusion: These findings imply the importance of post-traumatic growth in cancer patients as a key intervention point to overcome pain and frustration from cancer. We suggest to develop family therapy programs and services aimed at fostering positive family relationships and meeting the needs of spiritual sensitivity for cancer patients and their families. This study also provides ways to promote post-traumatic growth in social welfare facilities in medical institutions and religious foundations.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.99-111
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• 2021

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. It has a worldwide pooled prevalence of 5.29%. The characteristics of ADHD can increase the probability of dental treatment, while special behavior management can be required to allow proper treatment. In South Korea, the use of sedation in dental treatment has rapidly increased in recent decades. The present study aimed to investigate the trend and effects of sedation in patients with ADHD undergoing dental treatment in South Korea. Methods: The study used customized health information data provided by the Korean National Health Insurance Service. Among patients with the record of sedative use during the period from January 2007 to September 2019, those with International Classification of Diseases-10 codes for ADHD (F90, F91) were selected; the data of their overall insurance claims for dental treatment were then analyzed. The patients' age, gender, sedative use, and dental treatment were analyzed per year. The annual number of general anesthesia or sedation cases was also analyzed, and changes in the method of behavior management with increasing age were examined. Results: The study involved 7,654 patients with ADHD (6,270 males; 1,384 females). The total number of dental treatments was 137,778, while the number of sedation cases was 16,109, among which 13,052 involved male patients and 3,057 female patients. The number of general anesthesia cases was 631, among which 538 involved male patients and 93 female patients. The most frequently used sedation method in the dental treatment of patients with ADHD was N2O inhalation. The percentage of sedation cases was highest in patients aged 4 years, and it decreased with increasing age. Conclusion: In South Korea, both sedation and dental treatments were slightly more common in patients with ADHD than in the general population. With increasing age, the frequency of dental treatments and the percentage of sedation cases decreased.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.375-382
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• 2021

Purpose: The objectives of the present study were to investigate the disadvantages of tire pressure asymmetry of a wheelchair tire and recommend the criterion for appropriate tire pressure without generating negative changes in the musculoskeletal system in asymptomatic participants. Methods: Fourteen asymptomatic participants were asked to sit in pressure-controlled wheelchairs and perform desk work for 20 minutes in each tire condition. The asymmetry of the tire conditions was set as 0% difference, 25% difference, and 50% difference from the recommended pressure. The pelvic alignment and muscular recruitment represented as a flexion-relaxation ratio (FRR) were measured at pre-test, and after each condition of desk work. The displacement of the center of pressure (COP) was measured during the desk work. Results: The tire air pressure condition significantly affected the FRR and COP (P < 0.05). Both sides of the FRR values were significantly higher under the symmetrical tire conditions (0% difference) and pre-test, compared with the asymmetrical tire condition of 50% difference (P < 0.05). The mediolateral COP displacement of the asymmetrical tire conditions (25% and 50% difference) was significantly higher than that of the symmetrical tire conditions (0%) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Asymmetrical tire conditions could cause changes in the muscle recruitment pattern of the erector spine and mediolateral COP displacement. Tire pressure asymmetry higher than 50% could be a risk factor for prevalence of back pain, so this level of asymmetry in tire pressures should be cautioned against for wheelchair users.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.86-90
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• 2023

Objectives: An ectopic tooth is a rare eruption of a tooth out of the normal dental apparatus and occurs commonly with the third molar. Thus, in this study, we reported a case series of ectopic teeth in rare jaw locations and highlight the associated pathology and our experience in the surgical management. Patients and Methods: All cases of ectopic tooth managed at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital from January 2011 to December 2020 were reviewed. The information retrieved includes biodata, location of the ectopic tooth, signs, symptoms, type of tooth and associated pathology, surgical approach and complications. Results: Ten cases of ectopic teeth were identified over the study period. This comprised 80.0% males with a mean age was 23.3 years. The antrum and lower border of the mandible accounted for 50.0% and 40.0% of the ectopic locations, respectively. Dentigerous cyst was the most associated pathology (70%) and usually presented with pain and swelling. Surgical intervention predominantly via the intraoral route was performed if indicated. Conclusion: Ectopic teeth are rare and not always associated with pathology. A high index of suspicion and radiological investigation are necessary for diagnosis. A more extensive multi-center study is however recommended to determine the prevalence of ectopic teeth other than the third molar.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.110-119
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• 2023

Background: Osteoarthritis is a common condition with an increasing prevalence and is a common cause of disability. Osteoarthritic pain decreases the quality of life, and simple gait training is used to alleviate it. Knee osteoarthritis limits joint motion in the sagittal and lateral directions. Although many recent studies have activated orthotic research to increase knee joint stabilization, no study has used patellar tendon straps to treat knee osteoarthritis. Objects: This study aimed to determine the effects of patellar tendon straps on kinematic, mechanical, and electromyographic activation in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Patients with knee osteoarthritis were selected. After creating the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), leg length difference, Q-angle, and thumb side flexion angle of the foot were measured. Kinematic, kinetic, and muscle activation data during walking before and after wearing the orthosis were viewed. Results: After wearing the patellar tendon straps, hip adduction from the terminal stance phase, knee flexion from the terminal swing phase, and ankle plantar flexion angle increased during the pre-swing and initial swing phases. The cadence of spatiotemporal parameters and velocity increased, and step time, stride time, and foot force duration decreased. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the increase in plantar flexion after strap wearing is inferred by an increase due to neurological mechanisms, and adduction at the hip joint is inferred by an increase in adduction due to increased velocity. The increase in cadence and velocity and the decrease in gait speed and foot pressure duration may be due to joint stabilization. It can be inferred that joint stabilization is increased by wearing knee straps. Thus, wearing a patellar tendon strap during gait in patients with knee osteoarthritis influences kinematic changes in the sagittal plane of the joint.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.34-39
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• 2023

Purpose: This article was to collect data on the safety of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in children with underlying medical conditions. Methods: We constructed a prospective cohort of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years who had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Patients diagnosed with and treated for chronic kidney disease, autoimmune disease, or other chronic conditions at the Seoul National University Children's Hospital were recruited from June to December 2022. A mobile survey questionnaire was sent to their guardians. The presence of adverse events on the day (day 0), 3 weeks (day 21), and 6 months (day 180) after the 1st dose of COVID-19 vaccine was recorded by the guardians. Results: A total of 73 children participated. The median age was 14 years, and 64.4% of the patients were male. On the day of immunization, 65.8% of the patients reported at least one adverse event. Pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, arthralgia, and myalgia were the most common symptoms. The prevalence of adverse events decreased over time (65.8% on day 0, 27.4% between days 0 and 21, and 24.6% between days 21 and 180). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection after the 1st dose occurred in 17 patients (23.3%) and one of the patients (5.88%) was hospitalized due to infection. Conclusions: Adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination were generally mild in children and adolescents with underlying medical conditions. Our findings provide evidence for the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in the vulnerable pediatric population.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.229-239
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• 2023

Objective: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may experience reduced physical activity and quality of life (QoL) due to decreased pulmonary function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of pulmonary function, physical activity, and QoL of COPD patients. Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Methods: This study examined the published data of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2015-2019. Among 39,759 subjects who participated for 5 years, data from 151 patients diagnosed with COPD were analyzed separately. For the pulmonary function, the results of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV6, forced expiratory flow 25-75%, and peak expiratory flow were observed. Physical activity was identified as frequency and duration. For the QoL, EQ-5D-3L evaluation results were examined, and the frequency and index of the Korean version were investigated. Results: In pulmonary function, all variables were found to be lower than age and weighted matched normal values. COPD patients showed to perform very low levels of high/medium physical activity and sitting time was confirmed to be more than 8 hours a day. In QoL, it was found that the highest reporting rate of some problems was the "pain and discomfort" and "mobility". Conclusions: It was found that COPD patients showed that the prevalence of circulatory disease was relatively high, lowered pulmonary function, and QoL. These can be improved through regular physical activity, and it is thought that this can be achieved through optimization of pulmonary rehabilitation.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Dental Administration
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.89-95
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• 2023

Social phobia is a mental disorder that triggers physical reactions, such as cold sweats, headaches, and panic attacks, as a result of anxiety about a particular situation. Individuals with social phobia are thought to be more sensitive to dental anxiety and may have difficulty visiting the dentist as a result. This study aimed to determine the relationship between social phobia and dental fear among college students, who are reported to have a high prevalence of social phobia. A total of 120 survey responses were analyzed. To investigate the variation in dental fear levels based on the level of social phobia, the total social phobia score was divided into two groups: 41 points or more, and 40 points or less. The disparity in dental fear scores was then analyzed using a t-test. The study found that the average score for dental fear was statistically significantly higher in the group with a total social phobia score of 41 points or more compared to the group with a total score of 40 points or less (p<0.05). Furthermore, the group that scored 41 points or higher on the social phobia scale reported experiencing symptoms such as feeling nauseous at the dentist (3.29 points), sweating upon entering the dentist (3.13 points), and feeling afraid when looking at the dentist (3.13 points). The score was high (p<0.05). Therefore, dental patients exhibiting anxiety symptoms require a comfortable treatment environment to alleviate dental fear, and safe, pain-free dental treatment techniques must be employed.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.128-137
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• 2024

Objectives: This study was conducted to characterize the symptoms, mental health, quality of life (QoL), and associated factors following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 394 participants previously infected with COVID-19 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Mental health was assessed using the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Participants self-reported health-related QoL was measured with the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) scale. Results: Among the participants, 76.4% reported experiencing at least one symptom following COVID-19 infection. The most common symptoms were fatigue (42.1%), cognitive dysfunction (42.9%), and hair loss (27.9%). According to the DASS-21 results, the proportions of depression, anxiety, and stress were 28.7%, 26.4%, and 20.6%, respectively. The mean scores on the EQ-5D-5L and the EuroQol Visual Analog Scale were 0.94±0.11 and 84.20±13.11, respectively. Regarding QoL issues, the highest proportion of participants (32.7%) reported experiencing anxiety or depression, followed by pain or discomfort (25.4%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that factors associated with the presence of symptoms following COVID-19 infection included female (odds ratio [OR], 2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65 to 4.91) and having QoL issues (OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.71 to 6.19). Conclusions: The study investigated the prevalence rates of various symptoms following COVID-19 infection. These findings underscore the need to prioritize comprehensive care for individuals recovering from COVID-19 and to implement strategies to mitigate the long-term impact of the disease on mental health and QoL.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.79-87
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• 2024

Purpose: Recently, the prevalence of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID) has shown an increasing trend worldwide. As the diagnosis of EGID requires invasive endoscopy with biopsy, noninvasive markers for detecting EGID in suspected patients, particularly children, are urgently needed. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) beyond peripheral eosinophil counts in pediatric patients with EGID. Methods: Overall, 156 children diagnosed with EGID were enrolled and 150 children with functional abdominal pain disorder (FAPD) were recruited as controls. All participants underwent endoscopic biopsy in each segment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and serum ECP measurement, as well as peripheral eosinophil percent and absolute eosinophil count. Results: Comparing EGID (n=156) with FAPD (n=150) patients, serum ECP levels were significantly higher in pediatric patients with EGID than in those with FAPD (25.8±28.6 ㎍/L vs. 19.5±21.0 ㎍/L, p=0.007), while there was no significant difference in peripheral eosinophil percent and absolute eosinophil counts between the two groups. Serum ECP levels were correlated with peripheral eosinophil percent (r=0.593, p<0.001) and the absolute eosinophil count (r=0.660, p<0.001). The optimal cutoff value of serum ECP for pediatric EGID was 10.5 ㎍/mL, with a sensitivity of 69.9% and a specificity of 43.4% with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.562. Conclusion: The combination of serum ECP levels and peripheral eosinophil counts, when employed with appropriated thresholds, could serve as a valuable noninvasive biomarker to distinguish between EGID and FAPD in pediatric patients manifesting GI symptoms.