OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate differences in the quality of life(QOL) according to insight in patients with schizophrenia. The author speculated that insight might have an effect on individual's QOL, especially subjective QOL. METHOD: The study group consisted of patients with schizophrenia(N=55). Subjects were divided into two groups, patients with insight(N=22)and without insight(N=15), based on Scale of Unawareness of Mental Disorders(SUMD). All of the patients were administered the Quality of Life Interview (QOLI)by Lehman and compared in objective and subjective QOL between two groups. Additionally, they completed BDI and F scale on MMPI. RESULTS: The patients with insight showed a tendency of lower scores in total subjective QOLI scores and the safety issues compared to the patients without insight although not significant statistically. And they showed significantly less satisfaction with social relations. In objective QOL, there are no statistically significant differences between two groups. CONCLUSION: Such differences support the notion that schizophrenic patients with insight are less satisfied with their lives, especially in the aspect of interpersonal relations. It reflects the awareness of functional decline due to lifetime disability, disconnection from social relations, poor resources and supports, social stigma, and also depressive or anxiety symptoms. The authors propose that the treatment strategies for schizophrenia must include concern and support for domains of life with which patients feel themselves least satisfied, to increase effectiveness and efficacy of treatment and improve QOL.
Anxiety ; Humans ; Interpersonal Relations ; MMPI ; Quality of Life* ; Schizophrenia* ; Social Stigma

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is often associated with bronchial asthma, and intranasal treatment with topical corticosteroids reduces bronchial responsiveness. OBJECTIVE: In this study, it was evaluated that the bronchial responsiveness to methacholine increased in non-asthmatic adults with house dust mites (HDM)-sensitive allergic rhinitis compared to those without, chronic nasal symptoms. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire, skin prick t,est to common inhalant allergens, and methacholine bronchial provocation test (MBPT) were performed in a total of 216 subjects, who were composed of 40 non-asthmatic subjects with HDM-sensitive allergic rhinitis (HAR), 63 HDM-sensitive subjects without nasal symptoms (HS), and 113 non-atopic subjects without nasal symptoms (NHS). The bronchial responsiveness was evaluated by positive rate of MBPT (PC,-methacholine200mg/ml), provocative concentration of methacholine at which FEV, decline to 15% compared to baseline value (PC,-methacholine), and slope of dose-response curve (%fall of FEV, / log[last concentrat,ion of methacholine, mg/ml]). RESULTS: Positive rate of MBPT was significantly increased in HAR than in HS and NHS, and there was no difference between HS and NHS (77.9% vs. 50.7% vs. 38.0%). Log PC[5- methacholine was lower in HAR than in HS and NHS, and lower in HS than in NHS (mean+ SE, 1.568+0.126 vs. 2.05+0.085 vs. 2.277+0.047). Slope of dose-response curve was higher in HAR than in HS and NHS, and there was no difference bet,ween HS and NHS (mean+SE, 22.7 + 11.3 vs. 7.3+ 1.2 vs. 4.9+ 0.5%/mg/ml); CONCLUSION: In non-asthmatic adults with HDM-sensitive allergic rhinitis, the bronchial responsiveness to methacholine increased compared to those without chronic rhinitis.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Adult ; Allergens ; Asthma ; Bronchial Provocation Tests ; Dust* ; Humans ; Methacholine Chloride* ; Pyroglyphidae* ; Rhinitis ; Skin ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Many child actors have appeared in various movies as the Korean film industry continues to evolve. As more children appear in violent and raunchy scenes, there are more concerns about the movie's effect on child actors. In some Western countries, many strategies have been developed for child actors, but for the Korean movie industry, the conditions are still poor for them. Although children who enter the concrete operational period are able to think logically and systematically, they are yet limited by their experiences. Adolescents in the formal operational period try to deal with all of the possibilities and assumptions logically and systematically with freedom from realistic contents and experiences. This period is very important because adolescents become more sensitive to others' feelings and they should develop their ego identity. Several studies have reported the indirect experiences through media including how the movie affected children and adolescents negatively. Depending on the individual's morality, judgment and emotional status, these effects were variable and inconsistent and could be relieved by several interventions. We could anticipate much bigger emotional effect on child actors who are acting directly and then are confronting themselves in the scene. Therefore, we suggest that the emotional effects of the movies on child actors can be managed properly by considering children's cognitive ability and emotional status, and establishing protective strategies before they are exposed to problematic scenes. Of course, it should be followed by evaluating them after the exposure and with follow-up management, if necessary.
Adolescent ; Child ; Ego ; Freedom ; Humans ; Judgment ; Logic ; Morals

OBJECTIVES: Recently, Korean psychiatrists have noticed the complaints from probands and family members that private health insurance companies do not pay for most psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, probands cannot even apply for insurance because of their medical record of psychiatric disorders. Authors investigated and reviewed contracts of Korean private insurance companies to find reasons for banning psychiatric disorders from insurance policies. METHODS: Authors reviewed more than 800 contracts from 48 insurance companies. RESULTS: Among all the psychiatric diagnoses, few of them-dementia and some other organic mental disorders-are guaranteed to be paid from insurance companies. Less then 10 contracts say they pay for psychiatric illnesses. Most insurance companies have contracts prohibiting F codes ; however, there are not enough reasons in these contracts. CONCLUSIONS: In the private health insurance system, psychiatric illnesses have almost no rooms. It is very urgent to add space for patients with psychiatric illnesses and psychiatrists in the insurance policies.
Diagnosis ; Humans ; Insurance* ; Insurance, Health ; Korea* ; Medical Records ; Psychiatry

BACKGROUND: Bronchoconstriction associated with aerosolized agents delivered by a metered dose inhaler (MDI) is relatively uncommon, but has been of particular interest. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In this study, we investigated to what extent the inert ingredients and propellants (freons) influence pulmonary function in 25 asthmatic patients. Forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV,) was measured by spirometry, Autospira HI 498(Chest, Japan) before and 1, 3, 5 and 10 minutes after the inhalation of saline control and MDI-placebo containing freons and inert ingredients. RESULT: Twenty four % (6/25) of asthmatics experienced a decrease in FEV20 by 10% or greater when compared to saline control. Number of positive cases in steroid dependent asthmatics is significantly higher compared to non-steroid dependent asthmatics. (p<0.05) Bronchoconstriction associated with the use of MDI-placebo appeared within 3 to 5 minutes and resolved spontaneouly at 10 minutes after the inhalation. CONCLUSION: The bronchoconstrictive response induced by MDI might be caused by the pro-pellants and/or the other inert ingredients contained in MDIs.
Bronchoconstriction ; Chlorofluorocarbons ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Inhalation ; Metered Dose Inhalers ; Spirometry

BACKGROUND: Exercise can aggravate asthmatic symptoms in many patients with bronchial asthma. It is caused by that inhaled air bypasses nasal cavity and goes directly to the lower airways through open mouth dring exercise. Although the pathogenetic mechanisms of exercise-induced asthma(EIA) have not been clarified yet, there is evidence that chemical mediators, released from the inflammatory cells triggered by airway cooling or drying, might be responsible for induction of bronchoconstriction. However, it has been controversial which chemical mediators or cells are involved in such process. Objectiye . The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of activated mast cells in the pathogenesis of EIA and find out whether or not sulfidopeptide leukotrienes (LTC4/d4/E4) are involved in the exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Eleven asthmatics with documented exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and 10 control subjects were studied. Before and 6 hours after free running for 6 minutes, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV,) and the concentrations of N- methylhistamine, LTE4, and creatinine in unine collected for 6 hours after exercise were determined. RESULT: Urinary concentrations of N-methylhistamine(mean+SE, ng/mg creatinine) of EIA patients before and after exercise were 159+40 and 450+75, respectively. Those of control subjects were 208+ 54 and 275+ 62, respectively. Uninary N-methylhistamine levels of EIA group increased significantly after exercise, while those of control group did not change. Urinary concentrations of LTE,(mean+SE, pg/mg creatinine) of EIA patients before and after exercise were 15.6 k2.6 and 22.2+5.8, respectively. Those of control subjects were 10.4+ 4.0, 18.2 +7.0, respectively. The concentrations of LTE4 in the urine samples collected before exerise revealed no difference between EIA and control subjects (p=0.07). There was no change after exercise in both groups. Percent fall of FEV, was 29.1+8.0% (mean+SD) in EIA group and 3.4 + 4.0% in control group, respectively. There was no correlation between reduction of FEV, and change in urinary concentrations of N-methyl-histmine after exercise. CONCLUSTION: Chemical mediators of activated mast cells may be involved in exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, but there is little evidence for enhanced sulfidopeptide leukotriene generation as assessed by urinary LTE4.
Asthma ; Asthma, Exercise-Induced* ; Bronchoconstriction ; Creatinine ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Leukotriene E4 ; Leukotrienes ; Mast Cells ; Mouth ; Nasal Cavity ; Running

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of epidural clonidine on the BIS, and its potential dose-sparing effect on the sevoflurane requirement for maintaining the BIS 50. METHODS: Forty ASA I or II patients aged 20 to 65, undergoing lower abdominal, gynecologic surgery under general anesthesia, were randomly allocated to either a 10 ml epidural normal saline injection group (n = 20) or a 10 ml epidural clonidine 3microgram/kg mixed with normal saline injection group (n = 20). They received 5 mg/kg thiopental sodium and 0.1 mg/kg vecuronium bromide for induction, with no premedication. After surgical incision, the sevoflurane concentration was controlled to maintain the BIS 50. Epidural saline or clonidine was then injected and end-tidal sevoflurane concentration to maintain the BIS 50, the heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MBP) were measured every 5 min over a 20 minute period. RESULTS: The end-tidal sevoflurane concentration in the clonidine group decreased by 27.5% after the epidural clonidine injection (1.49 +/- 0.23 vol% vs. 1.08 +/- 0.27 vol%; P<0.05) compared with the saline group (1.36 +/- 0.18 vol% vs. 1.33 +/- 0.21 vol%; P>0.05). There were no changes in the heart rate and mean blood pressure in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural clonidine causes a significant decrease in the BIS, and lowers the end-tidal sevoflurane concentration required for maintaining the BIS 50.
Anesthesia, General ; Arterial Pressure ; Blood Pressure ; Clonidine* ; Female ; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Premedication ; Thiopental ; Vecuronium Bromide

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are believed to have potential use for treating many illnesses. Most cells, including ASCs, are generally cultured in medium containing fetal bovine serum (FBS). However, FBS, which could induce an immune response or infection, is not recommended for clinical applications. In the present study, we evaluated the morphology, proliferation rate, and characterization of rabbit ASCs grown in medium containing autologous serum (AS) and compared these cells to ones cultured with FBS. Morphological changes were monitored by microscopy and flow cytometry. Proliferation rates were assessed with cell counting and ASC phenotypes were characterized by flow cytometry using representative surface markers (CD44 and CD45). Expression of epidermal growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results of our study showed that ASCs had a greater expansion rate in AS without developing morphological heterogeneity than cells grown in FBS. AS-cultured ASCs expressed representative growth factors, CD44 but not CD45, similar to cells cultured in FBS. Expression levels of some growth factors were different between AS and FBS. In conclusion, our findings indicated that AS could potentially be used as a culture medium supplement for the expansion of autologous ASCs.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; Bystander Effect ; Cell Count ; Epidermal Growth Factor ; Flow Cytometry ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; Microscopy ; Phenotype ; Population Characteristics ; Stem Cells ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of victims of bullying and the demographic characteristics of victims, and their related psychopathology, in a Korean nationwide sample of youths in middle and high school over a one month period. METHODS: During the autumn of 2009, students in the 7th to 12th grades at 23 secondary schools participated in a nationwide, cross-sectional study. The study subjects completed the Adolescent Mental Health and Problem Behavior Screening Questionnaire- II (AMPQ-II) and Symptom Checklist-90-Revision (SCL-90-R). Based on the data acquired, descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Among the 3364 participants, 2272 (67.54%) completed the questionnaire. The prevalence of victimization was 28.9%. Male gender was positively associated with victimization, and grade level was negatively related to victimization. The AMPQ-II bullying score (Factor 4) was significantly (p<.001) and positively correlated to the AMPQ-II student total score (r= 0.50), Worry and thought (Factor 1 ; r=0.38), Mood and suicide (Factor 2 ; r=0.31), Academic and Internet-related problems (Factor 3 ; r=0.24), Rule violations (Factor 5 ; r=0.23), and AMPQ-II teacher total score (r=0.11). Somatization (r=0.23), Obsessive-compulsive behavior (r=0.24), Interpersonal sensitivity (r=0.30), Depression (r=0.33), Anxiety (r=0.26), Hostility (r=0.30), Phobic anxiety (r=0.22), Paranoid ideation (r=0.36), and Psychoticism (r=0.31) results from the SCL-90-R were also found to be positively related to the AMPQ-II bullying score, and remained significant after adjusting for age and gender. A total of 26% of the victims reported suicidal ideations as compared to 9% of non-victims over the month prior to the evaluation (chi2=119.595, df=1, p<.001). The multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the AMPQ-II bullying score significantly increased the risk of suicidal ideation [Exp(b)=1.55, df=1, p<.001] after adjusting for age and gender. CONCLUSION: School bullying was highly prevalent among Korean middle and high school students. This study provided strong evidence that suicidal ideation and psychopathology were serious problems among the victims of bullying.
Adolescent ; Anxiety ; Bullying ; Crime Victims ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Depression ; Hostility ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Mental Health ; Prevalence ; Psychopathology ; Suicidal Ideation ; Suicide ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to develop a mental health screening questionnaire and the practical intervention programs or guidelines which can be used in middle and high schools by students and teachers. METHODS: The Adolescent Mental health & Problem behavior Screening Questionnaire II (AMPQ-II) was developed and was tested for reliability and validity using nationwide data from 2,180 middle and high school students and 2,145 teachers. RESULTS: The AMPQ-II was measured by both students and teachers. The correlation coefficient of the test-retest test was 0.567 and internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha=0.878). Five factors such as worry and thought, mood and suicide, academic and Internet-related problems, peer problems, and rule violations were proposed. We also developed a practical guideline and manuals which can be easily used by secondary school teachers to screen for and manage mental health problems at school. CONCLUSION: The AMPQ-II can be a useful and reliable tool to screen for mental health problems in middle and high schools in South Korea.
Adolescent ; Humans ; Mass Screening ; Mental Health ; Reproducibility of Results ; Republic of Korea ; Suicide ; Surveys and Questionnaires