• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.165-181
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• 2024

Objectives: This study was aimed to review the global status of adverse event (AE) reports and the characteristics of the reported AEs of plants managed as herbal medicines (HMs) with toxic precautions in Korea. Methods: This is a cross-sectional quantitative study that analyzed information available through VigiAccess, a website that provides summarized statistical information from the WHO's global AE database to the public. VigiAccess was searched in 8 Jan, 2024. Information on the total number of reports, number of reports by year and continent, and the age and gender of patients were obtained, and the types of frequently reported AEs were also reviewed. Results: Data on the status of report submissions were obtained for a total of 9 HMs including Aconitum ciliare, Aconitum carmichaeli, Arisaema japonicum, Pinellia ternata, Euphorbiae Lathyridis, Croton tiglium, Strychni Ignatii, Strychnons nux-vomica, and Linum usitatissimum. The number of reports per HM was from 1 to 137. The most commonly reported type of AEs were gastrointestinal disorders in most of the HMs, followed by neurological disorders. Serious adverse events were reported only in Strychni Ignatii, Strychnons nux-vomica, and Linum usitatissimum, including one case of death. Conclusions: This study shows the status of reported AEs of botanicals considered as HMs with toxic precautions in Korea based on real world data. However, when interpreting the findings of this study, readers should consider the significant limitations of this study mainly because of the characteristics of the data source.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.176-185
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• 2024

Purpose: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is common among children in Bangladesh. Its management depends mainly on risk stratification. This study aimed to assess the severity of pediatric AP using computed tomography (CT). Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in pediatric patients with AP at the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Results: Altogether, 25 patients with AP were included, of whom 18 (mean age, 10.27±4.0 years) were diagnosed with mild AP, and 7 (mean age, 10.54±4.0 years) with severe AP. Abdominal pain was present in all the patients, and vomiting was present in 88% of the patients. Etiology was not determined. No significant differences in serum lipase, serum amylase, BUN, and CRP levels were observed between the mild and severe AP groups. Total and platelet counts as well as hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum creatinine, random blood sugar, and serum alanine aminotransferase levels (p>0.05) were significantly higher in the mild AP group than in the severe AP group (p=0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CT severity index (CTSI) were 71.4%, 72.2%, 50%, and 86.7%, respectively. In addition, significant differences in pancreatic appearance and necrosis were observed between the two groups on CT. Conclusion: CT can be used to assess the severity of AP. In the present study, the CTSI effectively assessed the severity of AP in pediatric patients.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.78-85
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• 2024

Objective: This Study aimed to examine the changes in muscle activity of trunk muscles by performing three squat exercises on normal adults. Design: cross-sectional study Methods: Thirty-two adult subjects participated in this study. General squat, overhead squat, and overhead squat combined with abdominal stabilization were randomly performed for 5 seconds, 3 times, to calculate the average muscle activation. Muscle activation was normalized using electrodes on the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and erector spinae muscles to measure maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) for 5 seconds, repeated 3 times each. Results: There was a significant difference in the mean and maximal muscle activity of the bilateral erector spinae (ES) when comparing the squat to the overhead squat (p<0.05). There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the mean and maximal muscle activity of the bilateral external oblique (EO) when comparing the overhead squat to the overhead squat combined with the abdominal stabilization technique. When comparing the squat to the overhead squat with abdominal stabilization, there was a significant difference in the mean and maximum muscle activity of the bilateral RA, EO, and left Internal oblique (IO) (p<0.05), and there was a significant difference in the maximum muscle activity of the bilateral erector spinae (ES) (p<0.05). Post hoc tests showed significant differences between squatting methods for the RA, EO, IO, and ES (p<0.017). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that squats combined with abdominal stabilization were more effective at activating core muscles than squats or overhead squats alone.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.113-123
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• 2024

Objective: The study analyzed the awareness of physical therapists regarding correct breathing methods and the effect of breathing training on patients. Design: A cross-sectional survey study. Methods: Physical therapists who agreed to participate in the study, held a license as a physical therapist, and had training or experience in breathing were included as subjects. A total of 136 questionnaires were collected, out of which 129 were analyzed. The questionnaire consisted of 26 items, divided into several sections covering awareness of breathing methods, breathing and muscles, breathing and mind, breathing and movement, perception of mouth breathing and nose breathing, experience applying respiration as a treatment, perception of breathing and treatment, awareness of breathing and pain, awareness of breathing and chronic diseases and prevention, perceptions related to breathing and sleep, and educational background. Results: The study found that most therapists were aware of diaphragmatic breathing, but not Lamaze breathing. 76.7% claimed to that there is a correct breathing method, and the majority were aware of the reasons for correct breathing. The majority believed in the therapeutic effect of breathing, with core exercise breathing training being the most commonly used in therapy. 81.7% of therapists had taught a specific breathing method to a patient, and diaphragmatic breathing was the most provided treatment. There was no significant difference in perception according to clinical experience, but there was a significant difference in perception according to educational background. Conclusions: The study provided clinical background on Physical Therapists' belief on correct breathing method, and uses of breathing training during treatment. The results suggest there is a need for a coherent education on breathing method and techniques among Physical Therapists.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.45-51
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• 2024

Background: It is essential to distinguish between symptomatic- and asymptomatic radiographic acromioclavicular (AC) osteoarthritis (OA) because AC-targeted physical examinations are dubious. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of a preoperative AC injection in discriminating between symptomatic- and asymptomatic radiographic AC OA based on patient arthroscopic distal clavicle resection (aDCR) outcomes. Methods: Forty-eight patients who underwent aDCR for AC OA were included. Their satisfaction was objectified using a 5-point Likert scale and patient willingness to repeat the surgery. The Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) were used to assess postoperative shoulder function and pain. Patients were subdivided into groups based on their good or minimal reaction to an AC injection (good reaction: ≥7 consecutive days of pain reduction, Minimal reaction: <7 consecutive days of pain reduction). Results: Twenty-seven patients had a good reaction and 21 patients had a minimal reaction to the AC injection (median follow-up, 45.0 months; range, 31.0-52.8 months). No significant differences were found in level of satisfaction (P=0.234) or willingness to repeat the surgery (P=0.861). No significant differences were found in OSS (P=0.612), SSV (P=0.641), NRS at rest (P=0.684) or during activity (P=0.422). Conclusions: This study found no significant differences between patients with a good reaction or a minimal reaction to an AC injection after aDCR surgery. The outcomes of this study seem to suggest that a distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic radiographic AC OA is unnecessary, as all patients were equally satisfied with the outcome.

• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.42-50
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the influence of public hospital nurses' psychological capital and nursing work environment on job embeddedness. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 21 to 31, 2022. A total of 200 participants working at a public hospital in Gyeonggi-do were recruited. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires. Data were analyzed using t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and hierarchical regression analysis. Results: The mean scores of psychological capital and nursing work environment were 3.32±0.60 out of 5 and 2.43±0.48 out of 4, respectively. The mean score for Job embeddedness was 3.14±0.72 out of 5. Psychological capital showed a significant positive correlation with nursing work environment and job embeddeness, and nursing work environment also showed a significant positive correlation with job embeddedness. The factors affecting job embeddeness of public hospital nurses were positive psychological capital, nursing work environment, and age. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that in order to increase job embeddedness, it is necessary to develop education and programs that can strengthen positive psychological capital of public hospital nurses. In addition, the nursing work environment must be improved by providing appropriate manpower and resources.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.35
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• pp.33.1-33.9
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• 2023

Background: Studies on the association between occupational stress and depression have been frequently reported. However, the cross-sectional designs of studies limited insight into causal associations. In this study, we investigated the longitudinal association between occupational stress and new-onset depression among employees in a single manufacturing plant. Methods: The annual health checkup data of employees at a manufacturing plant in Korea were collected. A total of 1,837 male employees without depression who completed a health checkup during two consecutive years were included. Occupational stress was measured using a short form of the Korea Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS-SF), and depression was assessed using a Patient Health Questionnaire-2. The association between occupational stress change over the two years and newly developed depression was investigated using two logistic regression models. Results: Across all sub-factors of KOSS-SF, employees who reported increased occupational stress had a higher risk of new-onset depression. Newly developed depression was significantly associated with job demand (odds ratio [OR]: 4.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.37-7.96), job insecurity (OR: 3.21; 95% CI: 1.89-5.48), occupational climate (OR: 3.18; 95% CI: 1.91-5.31), lack of reward (OR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.26-4.12), interpersonal conflict (OR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.18-3.86), insufficient job control (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.05-3.56), and the organizational system (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.01-3.36). Conclusions: For every sub-factor of the KOSS-SF, occupational stress increase and persistent high stress were associated with the risk of developing new-onset depression. Among the seven sub-factors, job demand had the most significant effect. Our results show that occupational stress should be managed to promote employee mental healthcare.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.35
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• pp.1.1-1.11
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• 2023

Background: Although it is well known that the usage of visual display terminal (VDT) at the workplace causes computer vision syndrome (CVS), previous studies mainly focused on computer use and the health of white-collar workers. In this study, we explored the relationship between the usage of VDT including various devices, and symptoms related to CVS in a large population including pink-collar workers and blue-collar workers. Methods: 21,304 wage workers over the age of 20 years were analyzed from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey. To investigate the association between VDT use at work and symptoms related to CVS among wage workers, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by multivariate logistic regression models. Results: In the group with the highest VDT usage at work, the OR of headache/eyestrain was 2.16 (95% CI: 1.86-2.52). The OR of suspected CVS patients was significantly increased in the highest group of usage of VDT at work (OR: 1.69; 95% CI, 1.39-2.06). Compare with the reference group, the OR for headache/eyestrain in the highest group of VDT usage was 2.81 (95% CI: 2.13-3.70) in white-collar workers, 1.78 (95% CI: 1.32-2.40) in pink-collar workers, and 1.59 (95% CI: 1.18-2.15) in blue-collar workers. Conclusions: We observed a relationship in which the use of VDT in the workplace increases the risk of headache/eyestrain regardless of occupational classification. Our findings emphasize the importance of paying attention to the health of VDT workers and making plans to improve their working conditions.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.35
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• pp.47.1-47.14
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• 2023

Background: This study aimed to examine the impact of chronotype on depressive symptoms and explore the mediating effects of sleep quality, pre-sleep cognitive arousal, and social jetlag in a sample of wage earners. Methods: A total of 3,917 waged workers were surveyed online in July 2022. Logistic regression and mediation analysis were used to assess the relationship between chronotype (morningness, intermediate, and eveningness) and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire ≥ 5), and the mediating effects of Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale (PSAS). All analyses were adjusted for age, education level, income level, marital status, coffee consumption, alcohol consumption, physical activity, occupation, employment status, and working hours to calculate odds ratios (ORs). Results: The chronotypes of all the participants were divided into morningness (4.7%), intermediate (93.5%), and eveningness (1.8%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed an increased risk of depression in the eveningness chronotype (OR: 2.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51, 5.86). Regarding the mediation analysis, ISI mediated 28.44% (95% CI: 16.39-40.5), PSQI for 31.25% (95% CI: 19.36, 43.15), and PSAS-Cognitive Score (PSAS-C) for 23.58% (95% CI: 10.66, 36.50) of the association between chronotype and depressive symptoms. However, social jetlag did not significantly mediate this relationship. (percentage mediated = 0.75%, 95% CI: -3.88, 5.39) Conclusions: Evening chronotypes exhibit an increased risk of depressive symptoms, which ISI, PSQI, and PSAS-C partially mediated. This suggests that interventions to improve sleep quality and maintain adequate sleep habits may effectively prevent and treat depression in employees with an eveningness chronotype.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.931-938
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• 2019

Objective: To compare inferior capsular redundancy by using magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) images in patients with multidirectional instability (MDI) of the shoulder and control subjects without instability and thereby develop a screening method to identify the presence of shoulder MDI. Materials and Methods: The MRA images of patients with MDI of the shoulder (n = 65, 57 men, 8 women; mean age, 24.5 years; age range, 18-42 years) treated over an eight-year period were retrospectively reviewed; a control group (n = 65, 57 men, 8 women; mean age, 27.4 years; age range, 18-45 years) without instability was also selected. The inferior capsular redundancy was measured using a new method we named the glenocapsular (GC) ratio method. MRA images of both groups were randomly mixed together, and two orthopedic surgeon reviewers measured the cross-sectional areas (CSAs) and sagittal capsule-head ratios on oblique sagittal images, as well as the axial capsule-head ratios on axial images and GC ratios on oblique coronal images. Results: The CSAs and GC ratios were significantly higher in patients than in controls (both, p < 0.001); however, the sagittal capsule-head ratios and axial capsule-head ratios were not significantly different (p = 0.317, p = 0.053, respectively). In addition, GC ratios determined the presence of MDI more sensitively and specifically than did CSAs. A GC ratio of > 1.42 was found to be most suggestive of MDI of the shoulder, owing to its high sensitivity (92.3%) and specificity (89.2%). Conclusion: GC ratio can be easily measured and used to accurately screen for MDI of the shoulder.