• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.70-77
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• 2021

Objectives Our study aimed to present the distinctive correlates of formal thought disorder in patients with schizophrenia, using the Clinical Language Disorder Rating Scale (CLANG). Methods We compared clinical characteristics between schizophrenia patients with (n = 84) and without (n = 82) formal thought disorder. Psychometric scales including the CLANG, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), the Calgery Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) and the Word Fluency Test (WFT) were used. Results After adjusting the effects of age, sex and total scores on the BPRS, YMRS and WFT, the subjects with disorganized speech presented significantly higher score on the abnormal syntax (p = 0.009), lack of semantic association (p = 0.005), discourse failure (p < 0.0001), pragmatics disorder (p = 0.001), dysarthria (p < 0.0001), and paraphasic error (p = 0.005) items than those without formal thought disorder. With defining the mentioned item scores as covariates, binary logistic regression model predicted that discourse failure (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.88, p < 0.0001) and pragmatics disorder (aOR = 2.17, p = 0.04) were distinctive correlates of formal thought disorder in patients with schizophrenia. Conclusions This study conducted Clinician Rated Dimensions of Psychosis Symptom Severity (CRDPSS) and CLANG scales on 166 hospitalized schizophrenia patients to explore the sub-items of the CLANG scale independently related to formal thought disorders in schizophrenia patients. Discourse failure and pragmatics disorder might be used as the distinctive indexes for formal thought disorder in patients with schizophrenia.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.127-133
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• 2021

Objectives : This study aims to report a case of chin area folliculitis improved by oral administration of Gyejigadaehwang-tang. Methods : The patient of this study visited our hospital with purulent lesions accompanied by erythema, papules and pustules around the chin area that have recurred over 10 years. Based on the patient's tendency of chills and constipation, Gyejigadaehwang-tang was prescribed. Results : About a month later, most of the skin symptoms improved (Total Folliculitis Symptom score 11→2), and only brown marks and mild erythema due to pigmentation after inflammation, were observed. Symptoms related to constipation also improved from 13 to 4 points. In the follow-up process after the treatment, It was confirmed that the symptoms of folliculitis did not recur. Conclusions : After taking Gyejigadaehwang-tang for a month, purulent lesions generally improved. Symptoms related to constipation also diminished, allowing regular bowel movements once a day.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.47-56
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• 2020

This case study is to report the effectiveness of Hyungbangdojeock-san in the treatment of daytime sleepiness. The patient was diagnosed as a Soyangin, one of the 4 constitution types in Korean medicine, and treated with herbal medicine, Hyungbangdojeock-san and acupuncture treatment for 14 days. The severity of symptom was assessed using Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). After treatment, the severity of daytime sleepiness was reduced. ESS score was decreased from 11 to 2. As a result this case showed the effect of Hyungbangdojeock-san on daytime sleepiness.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.15-24
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• 2021

Objectives Purpose of our study is to investigate the preventive and therapeutic effect of Chuna manual therapy (CMT) for lymphedema. Methods A study search of 10 databases was performed. We included the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which performed CMT for lymphedema in this study. The keywords used were 'chuna' or 'tuina' and 'lymphedema'. Two independent authors rated study quality and risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results 9 appropriate RCTs were remained after screening. The therapeutic effects of the experimental group was statistically higher than that of the control group with functional exercise or taking western medicine. Subjective symptom score was also lower in the CMT group. Conclusions These results suggests that CMT has sufficient evidence that it is more effective in prevent or alleviating symptoms of lymphedema than conventional treating methods. However, due to the high risk of bias of included studies, further researches are needed with higher quality of evidence.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.125-131
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• 2021

This study reports the effectiveness of Korean medicine therapy by improving symptoms in patients with herniated lumbar disc (HLD) diagnosed with chronic overflow urinary incontinence (OUI). The patient was treated with two types of herbal medicine and electroacupuncture for 10 days. We used diary of voiding and incontinence, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire (BFLUTS) and numeral rating scale (NRS) to assess the symptoms. After treatment, the number of nocturia decreased from 5 to 2.5. OABSS decreased from 9 to 2 and BFLUTS decreased from 95 to 87. The NRS of back pain decreased from 7 to 3. This study may suggest that Korean medicine therapy can be effective therapy for OUI with HLD.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.1296-1305
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• 2018

A patient with an epigastralgia was treated with Korean medicine for the short-term period of five days under admission care. In this case report, we discuss the efficacy and safety of short-term treatment using Korean medicine methods on a patient with an epigastralgia by evaluating a numerical rating scale, agastrointestinal symptom questionnaire, clinical features, and blood tests. The complex methods comprise purgation therapy using Crotonis Fructus, Korean herbal medication, acupuncture and moxibustion. Throughout the purgation therapy with Crotonis Fructus, the patient reported improvement in both her pain score and dyspepsia index. This case showed that Korean medicine acted not only fast, but also effective for treating epigastralgia patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia.

• Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.528-535
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• 2018

Background/Aims To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Aloe vera (AV) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for studies dated between 1st January 1960 and 30th December 2017. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared AV to placebo in patients with IBS. The primary outcome was standardized mean difference of the change in severity of IBS symptoms as measured by patient-rated scales. Secondary outcomes included response rate of IBS symptoms and adverse events. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using Cochrane's Q and $I^2$ statistics. Results Three RCTs with a total of 151 patients with IBS were included. The meta-analysis showed a significant difference for patients with AV compared to those with placebo regarding improvement in IBS symptom score (standardized mean difference, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.07-0.75; P = 0.020). Using intention-to-treat analysis, the AV patients showed significantly better response rates of IBS symptoms compared to placebo (pooled risk ratio, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.05-2.73; P = 0.030). No adverse events related with AV were found in included studies. There was no significant heterogeneity of effects across studies (P = 0.900; $I^2=0%$). Conclusion AV is effective and safe for the treatment of patients with IBS compared to placebo.

• Investigative and Clinical Urology
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.392-398
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• 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the initial experience and outcome of photo-selective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Pakistan with the use of a 980 nm diode laser. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was performed from November 2016 to December 2017. A total of 100 patients diagnosed with bladder outlet obstruction secondary to BPH who planned for PVP were enrolled in the study. PVP was carried out with a diode laser at 980 nm (Biolitec Diode 180W laser) in a continuous wave with a 600 nm (twister) fiber. Baseline characteristics and perioperative data were compared. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated by International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), post void residual (PVR) and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) at 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results: The mean age was $65.82{\pm}10.42$, mean prostate size was $67.35{\pm}16.42$, operative time was $55.85{\pm}18.01$ and total energy was $198.68{\pm}49.12kJ$. At 3 months and 6 months, significant improvements were noted (p<0.001) in IPSS $7.04{\pm}1.69$ (-18.92), Qmax $19.22{\pm}4.75mL/s$ (+13.09) and and PVR $18.89{\pm}5.39mL$ (-112.80). Most frequent problems were burning micturition (35%) and terminal dysuria (29%). No significant difference in postoperative hemoglobin was seen in patients who were on anti-platelet drugs. Conclusions: PVP with a diode laser is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of BPH and is also safe in patients who are on anti-platelet agents.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.186-195
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• 2018

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the dietary behaviors and stress-related factors among male and female college students. Methods: A total of 405 college students (male-195, female-210) were recruited, of whom a questionnaire-based survey was conducted. The study investigated the general characteristics, health-related factors, dietary behaviors, and stress-related factors of the respondents. Results: The body mass index was significantly higher in males. The rates of underweight and overweight were significantly different between male and female respondents. The scores for workout frequency, health concerns and health condition were significantly higher in males, while the score for watching TV & playing computer games was significantly higher in females. The scores for meal regularity, frequency of breakfast consumption, and smoking were significantly higher in males. Eating problems showed a significant difference between males and females. The biggest source of stress was social factors, followed by college study and individual factors and the most experienced stress-induced symptom was anxiety, followed by headache and stomachache. The most popular way to overcome stress was taking a rest, followed by drinking & smoking and outdoor activity. The most preferred food under stressful conditions were alcohol or beverages, followed by hot & spicy food and sweet food, which showed a significant difference between males and females. Conclusion: These results indicate that stress affects dietary behaviors, drinking, smoking, and health status. Stress not only changes dietary behaviors, but is also related to health status. Therefore, it is necessary to develop appropriate programs for emotional stability and stress relief targeting college students which provide continuous nutrition education focused on desirable dietary behaviors and nutritional aspects.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.68-76
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• 2019

Objective : The goal of this study was to investigate the characteristics of early maladaptive schemas (EMSs), and associated neurocognitive functions as seen in visitors for military designation process. Methods : This retrospective study included 111 males aged 18 to 24 years among three groups: 41 visitors for military designation process (VMD), 21 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and 49 healthy subjects. We collected the results of the Young Schema Questionnaire, Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, three neurocognitive tests as well as their clinicodemographic data. We analyzed the differences in EMSs between these three groups, and the correlations among the identified EMSs and neurocognitive performances within the VMD group. Results : Compared with both the OCD and healthy groups, the evaluation of the VMD group showed significantly higher scores in mistrust/abuse (F=6.4, p=0.002), vulnerability to harm (F=6.6, p<0.0001) and negativity/pessimism schema (F=7.3, p<0.0001), even when controlling for depression scores and levels of education. These three schemas also exhibited significant negative correlations with the score of Stroop test with r ranging from -0.34 to -0.44. Conclusion : These findings suggest that people who are likely to have difficulties adjusting to living in a military life may have psychological vulnerabilities related to certain EMSs. Further studies are warranted to test the clinical potentials of these findings, such as a treatment target and a predictor factor.