• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.91-95
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• 2023

Psychogenic dysphagia is a deglutition disorder characterized by a fear of swallowing, with no structural or functional causes. This report presents the case of a young male patient who had severe malnutrition due to psychogenic dysphagia and was provided visual biofeedback using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). A healthy 25-year-old man presented to our clinic with a complaint of throat discomfort when swallowing that had started 6 months prior. As the symptoms worsened, he became fearful of food spreading to his lungs after swallowing and the development of respiratory difficulties. His food intake gradually decreased, resulting in a weight loss of 20 kg within 2 months. Evaluation of organic and other functional causes of dysphagia was performed, but no abnormalities were detected. The sensation of a lump in his throat, fear of swallowing, and anxiety were transformed into somatic symptoms. The patient was diagnosed with psychogenic dysphagia. After visual biofeedback by a physician who performed FEES, the patient resumed eating normally and increased his food intake. If routine tests do not reveal structural or functional causes of dysphagia, assessment of a psychogenic swallowing disorder should be considered. FEES can help in the diagnosis and management of psychogenic dysphagia.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.297-306
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• 2022

Objectives: The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality is increasing in developing countries. This study aimed to decompose the socioeconomic inequality of CVD in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional population-based study was conducted on 20 519 adults who enrolled in the Ardabil Non-Communicable Disease cohort study. Principal component analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used, respectively, to estimate socioeconomic status and to describe the relationships between CVD prevalence and the explanatory variables. The relative concentration index, concentration curve, and Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition model were used to measure and decompose the socioeconomic inequality. Results: The overall age-adjusted prevalence of CVD was 8.4% in northwest Iran. Multivariable logistic regression showed that older adults, overweight or obese adults, and people with hypertension and diabetes were more likely to have CVD. Moreover, people with low economic status were 38% more likely to have CVD than people with high economic status. The prevalence of CVD was mainly concentrated among the poor (concentration index, -0.077: 95% confidence interval, -0.103 to -0.060), and 78.66% of the gap between the poorest and richest groups was attributed to differences in the distribution of the explanatory variables included in the model. Conclusions: The most important factors affecting inequality in CVD were old age, chronic illness (hypertension and diabetes), marital status, and socioeconomic status. This study documented stark inequality in the prevalence of CVD, wherein the poor were more affected than the rich. Therefore, it is necessary to implement policies to monitor, screen, and control CVD in poor people living in northwest Iran.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.82-91
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• 2023

The children who are part of this study are compelled to wear masks at educational facilities for an extended period of time as they continue to be exposed to Asian dust, fine dust, and COVID-19. However, use of masks is currently causing them a lot of inconvenience. This study aimed to gather basic data for the development of a mask that is suitable and comfortable for children to wear. A total of 331 children aged 1 to 9 were investigated through their parents in terms of their lifestyle, mask wearing and purchasing status, mask preferences, mask inconvenience, and mask improvement. According to the survey on mask use, the proportion of children aged 1-3 years old and wearing ultra-small/XS masks, 4-6 year olds wearing small/S, and 7-9 year olds wearing small/S was the highest. More than 80% of children were wearing masks with a standard filter of KF80 or higher. The purchase criteria for children's masks were found to be excellent in terms of wearing comfort and meeting the filter standards. According to the survey on inconvenience of wearing masks, the majority of those surveyed expressed the need to develop children's masks of different sizes. Furthermore, they experienced various kinds of inconveniences from adult masks, such as the material quality and length of earring bands; it was deduced that these aspects need to be taken care of. The vertical folding type was the most popular in the mask design for children. Children have to wear masks for a prolonged period of time, but they are experiencing lot of inconvenience, which need to be addressed.

• 한국노년학
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.727-741
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• 2010

To examine the relationship between computer game use and psychosocial development in mid-to later adulthood, this study included 486 adults over 50 years old with computer game use, self-esteem, generativity, psychological well-being, relationship with children and grandchildren. Results showed that the adults in mid to later adulthood using computer game reported diverse attractive characteristics of computer game and game helped their daily life in diverse dimensions. Second, the adults using computer game reported higher self-esteem than the one not using it. Finally, the adults who perceived the computer game more positive reported better relationships with children and grandchildren, higher generativity, and higher psychological well-being. Based on the research results, developing of adult education program using computer game as a way of recreation was discussed.

• SUVANNABHUMI
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.131-159
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• 2016

This qualitative study was designed to explore the definition of ethnic identity of the Dusuns in Brunei Darussalam from the perspective of Shamsul A.B.'s (1996) "everyday-defined" social reality. The purpose of this study was twofold. Firstly, by employing Phinney's (1996) formulation of ethnic identity, this study examined the existence of core components of ethnic identity, namely, ethnic self-identification, ethnic involvement, positive attitude towards ethnic group, and sense of belonging in the life of the Dusuns. Secondly, by utilizing Phinney's (1996) three-stage model of ethnic identity formation, this study investigated the relationship between core components and the formation process of ethnic identity. Twenty-six Dusun informants ranging in age from 8 to 80 years old were interviewed for the purpose of this study. The analysis of the interview data revealed that all core components exist and evolve in the life of the Dusuns. Different perspectives towards core components can also be identified across different age groups. Adult informants contested the relevance of ethnic involvement in view of socio-cultural transformations that occurred within the ethnic group, whereas younger Dusuns were not able to extend sense of belonging outside their family. These findings lead to the identification of family and historical contexts as influential factors that shape the ways the informants experienced the ethnic identity components. Further, the findings of this study indicate the relationship between core components and the formation process of ethnic identity. Sense of belonging and community is only evident in the experience of older informants, sufficient to help them reach the stage of achieving ethnic identity. This also shows a positive sequential relation between the stages in Phinney's ethnic identity model and the age of the informants. Interestingly, evidence on internalized sense of belonging reveals the fact that an individual could still attain ethnic identity achievement even without experiencing all components of ethnic identity. Once again, this study suggests contextual factors play a role in the stage progression of the Dusuns' ethnic identity.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.6
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• pp.735-742
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• 2023

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is associated with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), which is a rare cerebrovascular disorder in children. Systemic anticoagulation with heparin is the standard therapy for CVST, and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been described as a salvage treatment for adult anticoagulant refractory CVST, However, it has never been reported in children. We describe a case of MT for refractory CVST in a child with NS. A 13-year-old boy with newly diagnosed NS presented to an emergency department with acute headache. A head computed tomography showed acute thrombus in the superior sagittal sinus, straight sinus and transverse sinus. The child was started on heparin therapy, but clinically deteriorated and became unresponsive. In view of the rapid deterioration of the condition after anticoagulation treatment, the patient received intravascular treatment. Several endovascular technologies, such as stent retriever and large bore suction catheter have been adopted. After endovascular treatment, the patient's neurological condition was improved within 24 hours, and magnetic resonance venography of the head demonstrated that the CVST was reduced. The child recovered with normal neurological function at discharge. This case highlights the importance of considering MT for refractory CVST, and we suggest that MT may be considered for refractory CVST with NS in children.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.291-302
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• 2023

Purpose: Early detection of carotid stenosis can reduce cardiovascular risk. In this study, the maximum-carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), the mean-CIMT, and the presence of plaque were examined in healthy young Thai adults. Additionally, correlations between CIMT and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. Materials and Methods: Left and right carotid arteries of 302 participants(15-45 years old) were scanned, with CIMT measured at the far walls of the common carotid artery, carotid bulb, and internal carotid artery. Demographics and risk factors were assessed using a questionnaire. Ten random participants were re-scanned after 4 weeks. Results: The study included 123 (40.70%) male and 179 (59.30%) female participants. The max-CIMT, mean-CIMT, and plaque thickness were 0.400±0.100, 0.403±0.095 and 1.520±0.814 mm, respectively. Male participants had significantly higher CIMT values for nearly all locations and age groups. The right-sided CIMT values were higher for all locations. The carotid bulb had the greatest CIMT values(0.437±0.178 mm), followed by the common (0.403±0.095 mm) and internal(0.361±0.099 mm) carotid arteries. Plaque was present in 18 locations (1.00%), affecting 15 participants (4.97%). These plaques were found in the right carotid bulb (n=9; 0.50%), left carotid bulb (n=7; 0.39%), and right internal carotid artery (n=2; 0.11%). Adjusted multivariable regression revealed significant positive associations between CIMT and male, increased age and "other" occupation (P<0.05). Conclusion: Both max-CIMT and mean-CIMT were approximately 0.4 mm. Plaque was observed in 4.97% of patients, with an average thickness of 1.5 mm. The most influential risk factors for increased CIMT were sex, age, and occupation.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.17-30
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: To evaluate the impact of smoking in young adults on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the clustering effect of behavioral risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and depression. Methods: A Korean nationwide population-based cohort of a total of 3,280,826 participants aged 20-39 years old who underwent 2 consecutive health examinations were included. They were followed up until the date of CVD (myocardial infarction [MI] or stroke), or December 2018 (median, 6 years). Results: Current smoking, early age of smoking initiation, and smoking intensity were associated with an increased risk of CVD incidence. Even after quitting smoking, the risk of MI was still high in quitters compared with non-smokers. Cigarette smoking, obesity, and depression were independently associated with a 1.3-1.7 times increased risk of CVD, and clustering of 2 or more of these behavioral risk factors was associated with a 2-3 times increased risk of CVD in young adults. Conclusions: In young adults, cigarette smoking was associated with the risk of CVD, and the clustering of 2 or more behavioral risk factors showed an additive risk of CVD.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.83 no.3
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• pp.680-686
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• 2022

Intraluminal duodenal diverticulum (IDD) is a rare congenital abnormality, consisting of a saclike mucosal lesion in the duodenum. Cases of IDD can present with gastrointestinal bleeding, duodenal obstruction, or pancreatitis. Here, we report a rare case of a 25-year-old female presenting with IDD complicated by duodeno-duodenal intussusception and recurrent pancreatitis. The diagnosis was based on findings from radiologic examinations (CT and MRI), upper gastrointestinal series (barium swallow), and gastroduodenofiberscopy. Laparoscopic excision of the presumed duodenal duplication was performed. The subsequent histopathologic evaluation of the excised sac revealed normal mucosa on both sides, but the absence of a proper muscle layer confirmed the diagnosis of IDD. Radiologic detection of a saccular structure in the second portion of the duodenum can indicate IDD with duodeno-duodenal intussusception as the lead point.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.83 no.2
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• pp.372-377
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• 2022

Unilateral pulmonary vein atresia (PVA) is a rare congenital cardiovascular anomaly occurring after the common pulmonary vein fails to incorporate into the left atrium. It is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, and diagnosis after reaching adulthood is extremely rare. Dyspnea on exertion and hemoptysis are common clinical features in adult PVA patients, whereas lung parenchymal abnormalities are indirect signs of PVA, which can manifest as interstitial lung disease. Herein, we present the case of a 62-year-old female diagnosed with unilateral PVA presenting as unilateral interstitial lung disease and report the changes in her chest radiographs over 12 years.