PURPOSE: This study aims at to make intermediate-term evaluations of a curriculum by investigating its development, operation and outcomes 2 years after its revision. METHODS: A survey using 5-point-Lickert scale questionnaires was given to the group of directors who developed the curriculum, instructors who only used it in their classes, and a student group from the first and second grades. Focus group interviews were performed in the professor groups. RESULTS: Curricular reform was evaluated as being systematic, democratic, and positive in general. Both groups answered questions positively about the relevance of the integrated curriculum and introduction of clinical medicine (ICM), graded as 3.4 (professor) and 3.5 (student). As for problem-based learning (PBL) and the patient-doctor-society (PDS), the professor group responded more positively than students. The 'web-based learning center' was recognized positively by many more students (4.01) than professors (2.75). With regard to the education outcome, professors gave 3.3 points and students 3.5 to an item that asked 'whether students attained the learning goal or not?' Professors, through interviews, showed their satisfaction with the attempt to reform the curriculum, but they pointed out that long-term evaluations should be performed. CONCLUSION: The interim evaluation of the revised curriculum, from its planning to its effects, affirmed by several suggestions to be successful in the long run through 1) enhancement of systematic participation and communication, 2) further integration, 3) steady evaluation, 4) greater effort on professional development, and 5) active interaction between professors and students.
Clinical Medicine ; Curriculum ; Evaluation Studies as Topic ; Focus Groups ; Humans ; Learning ; Problem-Based Learning ; Schools, Medical ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND: In this study, we present a case of unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) treated by marsupialization followed by surgical enucleation as a conservative approach. UA is a rare, benign, less aggressive, and less invasive variant of ameloblastoma that is observed quite often in younger patients. Radical approaches have effects on the physical and psychological development of a growing young patient; therefore, conservative approaches are widely used for UA management in children. CASE PRESENTATION: This report described a case of an 11-year-old girl with UA of the mandibular molar–ramus area, which also involved impaction of the second and third molars. The lesion was marsupialized, and 31 months after marsupialization, surgical enucleation was performed with extraction of the impacted third molar. The second molar, which was preserved, spontaneously and completely erupted. No recurrence was observed during a 49-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatments for UA in young patients have more advantages. Our results provide evidence that marsupialization is effective in regressing the lesion size to ease complete removal, preserving mandibular growth, maintaining involved second molar, and promoting the eruption of the tooth.
Ameloblastoma* ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Molar ; Molar, Third ; Recurrence ; Tooth ; Tooth Eruption

Background and Objectives: Human mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) is produced using mesenchymal stem cell culture technology and has various benefits for the skin, including wrinkle removal, skin regeneration, and increased antioxidant activity. Its popularity is thus increasing in the field of functional cosmetics. Methods: and Results: In this study, we analyzed the effects of fetal bovine serum-supplemented MSC-CM (FBSMSC-CM) and human platelet lysate-supplemented MSC-CM (hPL-MSC-CM) on skin rejuvenation characteristics.We found that the concentrations of important growth factors (VEGF, TGF-β1, and HGF) and secretory proteins for skin regeneration were significantly higher in hPL-MSC-CM than in FBS-MSC-CM. Furthermore, the capacity for inducing proliferation of human dermal fibroblast (HDF) and keratinocytes, the migration ability of HDF, extracellular matrix (ECM) production such as collagen and elastin was higher in hPL-MSC-CM than that in FBSMSC-CM. Conclusions These results support the usefulness and high economic value of hPL-MSC-CM as an alternative source of FBS-MSC-CM in the cosmetic industry for skin rejuvenation.

OBJECTIVE: A defense mechanism is an automatic psychological process necessary for successful adaptation. It reflects adaptive capacity. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between the adaptation ability of individuals who face mandatory military service and the pattern of defense mechanisms. METHODS: The subjects were 69 men (21.4±2.2 years) who expressed psychological difficulties in three military service situations. Control group was 36 men (24.0±1.4 years) who had successfully completed military service. We examined psychiatric history, the pattern of defense mechanisms, and depression and anxiety levels. Defense mechanisms were compared between two groups. RESULTS: The maladjusted group used immature defenses more frequently than the control group did. There were no differences in the defense patterns according to diagnosis. The control group used more identification and rationalization, classified as immature defenses. The temporarily maladjusted group used more somatization, regression, and avoidance. CONCLUSION: Using mature defense mechanisms helped young adults to adapt to a particular situation. The maturity of the defense is more valuable than the psychiatric diagnosis. Some immature defenses are also helpful to adapt. We cautiously assume that some defenses can be protective or risk factors in adapting to stressful situations by young adults.
Anxiety ; Defense Mechanisms ; Depression ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Mental Disorders ; Military Personnel ; Rationalization ; Risk Factors ; Social Adjustment ; Young Adult

This paper reviews the global effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the mental health of children and adolescents in South Korea, the U.S., Japan, and China. We reviewed research on deteriorated mental health, including increased suicide, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm. Various studies have shown that students’ mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the number of students who committed suicide has significantly increased in the U.S. and Japan. Factors such as prior mental health status, change in daily routine, reduced physical activity, excessive screen time, overuse of electronic devices, and reduced social support have been reported to have a significant effect. The chain of deteriorating mental health among the youth began at the onset of COVID-19, social distancing, and school closure. As youths began to stay at home instead of going to school, they lost opportunities to connect with their friends or teachers, who could provide support outside of their homes. Young people spent less time on physical activity and more time online, which damaged their sleeping schedule and daily routine. In preparing for the post-pandemic phase, we should thoroughly analyze the long-term effects of the pandemic on youth mental health, while simultaneously tackling current imminent issues.

Objective: This study compared the incidence of suicide cases among Korean students before and after the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: Aggregated case reports of all known suicide victims attending elementary, middle, and high school in South Korea from 2017 to 2022 were analyzed. These reports, compiled by teachers under the directive of the South Korean Department of Education, surveyed the circumstances surrounding each suicide and identified associated risk factors posthumously. Results: The completed suicide rate was 2.37 per 100,000 students pre-COVID-19 (2017–2019), significantly increasing to 3.37 per 100,000 students post-COVID-19 (2020–2022; odds ratio [OR] 1.42, p<0.001). The rate began to rise approximately 6 months into the pandemic and continued to worsen throughout 2021 and 2022. Fair attendance significantly increased in 2020 (74.83%, p=0.003) during the initial stage of school closure measures compared to 2019 (58.27%) among students prior to suicide completion. However, as social distancing measures continued, “absence due to medical reasons” showed a significant increase in 2022 (23.56%) compared to 2019 (13.67%, p=0.025) and 2020 (9.52%, p<0.001) among these students. Among those who completed suicide, teachers reported increased signs of depression and anxiety posthumously compared to pre-COVID-19 periods. Conclusion The incidence of completed suicide among students was significantly higher in the post-COVID-19 years compared to pre-COVID-19. Attendance records and teachers’ reports indicated a deterioration in mental health among these students before suicide completion, highlighting the need to consider mental health impacts when implementing future quarantine policies.

Objective: This study compared the incidence of suicide cases among Korean students before and after the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: Aggregated case reports of all known suicide victims attending elementary, middle, and high school in South Korea from 2017 to 2022 were analyzed. These reports, compiled by teachers under the directive of the South Korean Department of Education, surveyed the circumstances surrounding each suicide and identified associated risk factors posthumously. Results: The completed suicide rate was 2.37 per 100,000 students pre-COVID-19 (2017–2019), significantly increasing to 3.37 per 100,000 students post-COVID-19 (2020–2022; odds ratio [OR] 1.42, p<0.001). The rate began to rise approximately 6 months into the pandemic and continued to worsen throughout 2021 and 2022. Fair attendance significantly increased in 2020 (74.83%, p=0.003) during the initial stage of school closure measures compared to 2019 (58.27%) among students prior to suicide completion. However, as social distancing measures continued, “absence due to medical reasons” showed a significant increase in 2022 (23.56%) compared to 2019 (13.67%, p=0.025) and 2020 (9.52%, p<0.001) among these students. Among those who completed suicide, teachers reported increased signs of depression and anxiety posthumously compared to pre-COVID-19 periods. Conclusion The incidence of completed suicide among students was significantly higher in the post-COVID-19 years compared to pre-COVID-19. Attendance records and teachers’ reports indicated a deterioration in mental health among these students before suicide completion, highlighting the need to consider mental health impacts when implementing future quarantine policies.

Objective: This study compared the incidence of suicide cases among Korean students before and after the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: Aggregated case reports of all known suicide victims attending elementary, middle, and high school in South Korea from 2017 to 2022 were analyzed. These reports, compiled by teachers under the directive of the South Korean Department of Education, surveyed the circumstances surrounding each suicide and identified associated risk factors posthumously. Results: The completed suicide rate was 2.37 per 100,000 students pre-COVID-19 (2017–2019), significantly increasing to 3.37 per 100,000 students post-COVID-19 (2020–2022; odds ratio [OR] 1.42, p<0.001). The rate began to rise approximately 6 months into the pandemic and continued to worsen throughout 2021 and 2022. Fair attendance significantly increased in 2020 (74.83%, p=0.003) during the initial stage of school closure measures compared to 2019 (58.27%) among students prior to suicide completion. However, as social distancing measures continued, “absence due to medical reasons” showed a significant increase in 2022 (23.56%) compared to 2019 (13.67%, p=0.025) and 2020 (9.52%, p<0.001) among these students. Among those who completed suicide, teachers reported increased signs of depression and anxiety posthumously compared to pre-COVID-19 periods. Conclusion The incidence of completed suicide among students was significantly higher in the post-COVID-19 years compared to pre-COVID-19. Attendance records and teachers’ reports indicated a deterioration in mental health among these students before suicide completion, highlighting the need to consider mental health impacts when implementing future quarantine policies.

Objective: This study compared the incidence of suicide cases among Korean students before and after the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: Aggregated case reports of all known suicide victims attending elementary, middle, and high school in South Korea from 2017 to 2022 were analyzed. These reports, compiled by teachers under the directive of the South Korean Department of Education, surveyed the circumstances surrounding each suicide and identified associated risk factors posthumously. Results: The completed suicide rate was 2.37 per 100,000 students pre-COVID-19 (2017–2019), significantly increasing to 3.37 per 100,000 students post-COVID-19 (2020–2022; odds ratio [OR] 1.42, p<0.001). The rate began to rise approximately 6 months into the pandemic and continued to worsen throughout 2021 and 2022. Fair attendance significantly increased in 2020 (74.83%, p=0.003) during the initial stage of school closure measures compared to 2019 (58.27%) among students prior to suicide completion. However, as social distancing measures continued, “absence due to medical reasons” showed a significant increase in 2022 (23.56%) compared to 2019 (13.67%, p=0.025) and 2020 (9.52%, p<0.001) among these students. Among those who completed suicide, teachers reported increased signs of depression and anxiety posthumously compared to pre-COVID-19 periods. Conclusion The incidence of completed suicide among students was significantly higher in the post-COVID-19 years compared to pre-COVID-19. Attendance records and teachers’ reports indicated a deterioration in mental health among these students before suicide completion, highlighting the need to consider mental health impacts when implementing future quarantine policies.