1.Healing Through Loss: Exploring Nurses’ Post-Traumatic Growth After Patient Death
YongHan KIM ; Joon-Ho AHN ; Jangho PARK ; Young Rong BANG ; Jin Yong JUN ; Youjin HONG ; Seockhoon CHUNG ; Junseok AHN ; C. Hyung Keun PARK
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):40-46
Objective:
This study aimed to identify the factors contributing to post-traumatic growth (PTG) among nurses who experienced patient death during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to evaluate the necessity of grief support is required.
Methods:
An online survey was conducted to assess the experiences of nurses at Ulsan University Hospital who lost patients during the past year of the pandemic. In total, 211 nurses were recruited. We obtained information on the participants’ demographic and clinical characteristics. For symptoms rating, we used the following scales: the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemic-9 (SAVE-9), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Pandemic Grief Scale (PGS), and Utrecht Grief Rumination Scale (UGRS), and Grief Support in Healthcare Scale (GSHCS). Pearson’s correlation coefficients, linear regression, and mediation analysis were employed.
Results:
PTGI scores were significantly correlated with the SAVE-9 (r=0.31, p<0.01), PHQ-9 (r=0.31, p<0.01), PGS (r=0.28, p<0.01), UGRS (r=0.45, p<0.01), and GSHCS scores (r=0.46, p<0.01). The linear regression analysis revealed the factors significantly associated with PTGI scores: SAVE-9 (β=0.16, p=0.014), UGRS (β=0.29, p<0.001), and GSHCS (β=0.34, p<0.001). The mediation analysis revealed that nurses’ stress and anxiety about COVID-19 and grief rumination had a direct impact on PTG, with grief support serving as a significant mediator.
Conclusion
PTG was promoted by increases in the medical staff’s anxiety and stress related to COVID-19, grief rumination, and grief support. For the medical staff’s experience of bereavement to result in meaningful personal and professional growth, family members, colleagues, and other associates should provide thoughtful support.
2.Memory Decline and Aberration of Synaptic Proteins in X-Linked Moesin Knockout Male Mice
Hua CAI ; Seong Mi LEE ; Yura CHOI ; Bomlee LEE ; Soo Jung IM ; Dong Hyeon KIM ; Hyung Jun CHOI ; Jin Hee KIM ; Yeni KIM ; Boo Ahn SHIN ; Songhee JEON
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):10-25
Objective:
This study aims to investigate may moesin deficiency resulted in neurodevelopmental abnormalities caused by negative impact on synaptic signaling ultimately leading to synaptic structure and plasticity.
Methods:
Behavioral assessments measured neurodevelopment (surface righting, negative geotaxis, cliff avoidance), anxiety (open field test, elevated plus maze test), and memory (passive avoidance test, Y-maze test) in moesin-knockout mice (KO) compared to wild-type mice (WT). Whole exome sequencing (WES) of brain (KO vs. WT) and analysis of synaptic proteins were performed to determine the disruption of signal pathways downstream of moesin. Risperidone, a therapeutic agent, was utilized to reverse the neurodevelopmental aberrance in moesin KO.
Results:
Moesin-KO pups exhibited decrease in the surface righting ability on postnatal day 7 (p<0.05) and increase in time spent in the closed arms (p<0.01), showing increased anxiety-like behavior. WES revealed mutations in pathway aberration in neuron projection, actin filament-based processes, and neuronal migration in KO. Decreased cell viability (p<0.001) and expression of soluble NSF adapter protein 25 (SNAP25) (p<0.001) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) (p<0.01) was observed in days in vitro 7 neurons. Downregulation of synaptic proteins, and altered phosphorylation levels of Synapsin I, mammalian uncoordinated 18 (MUNC18), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was observed in KO cortex and hippocampus. Risperidone reversed the memory impairment in the passive avoidance test and the spontaneous alternation percentage in the Y maze test. Risperidone also restored the reduced expression of PSD95 (p<0.01) and the phosphorylation of Synapsin at Ser605 (p<0.05) and Ser549 (p<0.001) in the cortex of moesin-KO.
Conclusion
Moesin deficiency leads to neurodevelopmental delay and memory decline, which may be caused through altered regulation in synaptic proteins and function.
3.Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Gaming Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Chan-Myung OCK ; Hyung-Suk LEE ; Jisoo CHAE ; Hyekyeong KIM
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(5):490-503
Objective:
Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) are effective in treating gaming disorder (GD). However, studies have not comprehensively evaluated the most effective NPIs. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of NPIs on the prevention and reduction of GD in the general population with GD.
Methods:
We searched five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) for English-language randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published till May 12, 2024, using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and assessed quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB2). Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effect model, with effect sizes calculated using Hedges’s g and heterogeneity assessed using I2 statistics.
Results:
A total of 18 RCTs involving 1,950 participants were included. The NPIs included psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and other strategies. The pooled analysis showed a significant reduction in GD severity (Hedges’s g=-0.82; 95% confidence interval, -1.23 to -0.52; I2=90.36%). Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, showed the most substantial effect (10 studies, 1,036 participants; Hedges’s g=-1.34). Behavioral interventions (4 studies, 456 participants) and prevention-focused interventions (6 studies, 1,164 participants) had smaller but positive effects. Subgroup analyses revealed greater effectiveness of treatment interventions in adults than in adolescents. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these results despite high heterogeneity (I2=90.36%).
Conclusion
NPIs, particularly psychotherapy, are effective in reducing GD severity. However, more high-quality RCTs are needed robust, evidence-based treatment guidelines.
4.Factors associated with Hypertensive Retinopathy among People with Hypertension: A Systematic Review
Ihn Sook JEONG ; Chan Mi KANG ; Eun Joo LEE ; Seol Bin KIM ; Young Kyung SEO ; Young Shin SON ; Kun Hyung KIM
Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing 2025;36(1):130-149
Purpose:
The associated factors for hypertensive retinopathy (HTR) are rarely investigated. This study aimed to identify the associated factors for HTR using a systematic review.
Methods:
The review included cross-sectional, case-controlled, and cohort studies on HTR risk factors published in Korean and English with full texts available from PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Korean databases. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist.
Results:
Eleven studies were finally selected, and three studies including patients with hypertension without diabetes mellitus, older age, male sex, alcohol consumption, the duration of hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, microalbuminuria, high creatinine levels, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular changes were identified as factors associated with HTR. Conversely, in the remaining eight studies, younger age, non-smoking status, and renal function indicators (albuminuria, high creatinine levels, chronic kidney disease, and uric acid) were identified as associated factors.
Conclusions
Regardless of the inclusion of patients with diabetes mellitus, impaired kidney functions were determined as significant factors associated with retinopathy in patients with HTR. However, considering a limited number of evidence and lack of evidence to confirm causality, we recommend further research on renal function and HTR.
5.Potential Unnecessity of Bismuth in Standard Triple Therapy for Clarithromycin-Susceptible Helicobacter pylori Infection
Seon Woo OH ; Keun Sol MIN ; Hyung Geun KIM ; Sunmi LEE ; Chul-Hyun LIM ; Jung-Hwan OH
The Korean Journal of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research 2025;25(1):48-53
Objectives:
The standard first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection typically involves proton pump inhibitors, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin (PAC), yet the eradication success rates are not entirely satisfactory. Recognizing bismuth’s antibacterial properties and its potential to enhance antibiotic efficacy, this study compared the eradication success rates of a 7-day course of PAC with bismuth (PACB) versus PAC alone in patients with clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infections.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective review at Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital involving 499 patients with confirmed clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infection. These patients were treated either with PACB or PAC for 7 days. Clarithromycin resistance-associated point mutations were evaluated using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Successful eradication was confirmed by a negative 13C-urea breath test.
Results:
Of the patients, 261 received PACB therapy, and 238 received PAC therapy. The intention-to-treat analysis showed eradication success rates of 82.8% (216/261) for PACB and 89.1% (212/238) for PAC (p=0.093). The per-protocol analysis revealed eradication rates of 85.3% (215/252) for PACB and 90.5% (210/232) for PAC (p=0.081). The incidence of adverse effects was similar between the two groups, with 41.3% (104/252) in the PACB group and 34.1% (79/232) in the PAC group (p=0.102).
Conclusions
Adding bismuth to the standard 7-day PAC regimen did not significantly increase eradication rates in patients with clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori infections compared to PAC alone.
6.Preliminary study on change in the upper airway dimension in growing patients with Pierre-Robin sequence
Su-Ji YOON ; Il-Hyung YANG ; Su-Jung KIM ; Seung-Hak BAEK
The Korean Journal of Orthodontics 2025;55(2):105-119
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the changes in upper airway (UA) dimensions in growing patients with Pierre-Robin sequence (PRS).
Methods:
The subjects were 23 PRS patients who had not undergone growth modification therapy or surgical intervention. Their lateral cephalograms were obtained longitudinally at mean ages of 8.81 (T0) and 14.05 (T1). Patients were categorized based on their SNB value at T0 (Criteria: –2 SD): Group-1 (very retrusive mandible, n = 13) and Group-2 (moderately retrusive mandible, n = 10). Skeletal and UA variables at T0 and T1, as well as ∆T0-T1, were statistically analyzed.
Results:
At T0, Group-1 exhibited more retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA, P < 0.01; SNB, P < 0.001), a more hyperdivergent pattern (facial height ratio, P < 0.05), and a more posteriorly positioned hyoid bone (H-PTV, P < 0.05), while Group-1 showed larger UA spaces (superior pharyngeal airway space [SPAS] and inferior pharyngeal airway space, all P < 0.05) than Group 2, which might indicate the existence of a compensatory response to maintain the UA patency.At T1, Group-1 maintained significantly retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA and SNB, all P < 0.01), exhibited a less anteriorly positioned tongue (TT-PTV, P < 0.05), and displayed a more obtuse soft palate angle (SPA, P < 0.05) than Group-2.Between T0 and T1, Group-1 demonstrated significant increases in the hyoid symphysis distance (∆H-RGN, P < 0.001), tongue length (∆TGL, P < 0.01), and pharyngeal UA spaces (∆SPAS and ∆PNS-ad2, all P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Even in growing PRS patients with severe mandibular retrusion, the UA dimensions increased due to forward growth of the mandible, repositioning of tongue and hyoid bone, and existence of compensatory mechanism.
7.Effect of a miniscrew surgical guide on the success rate and root proximity of orthodontic miniscrews:A retrospective cohort study
Eun-Hack ANDREW CHOI ; Dasomi KIM ; Liu JING ; Hyung-Seog YU ; Sung-Hwan CHOI ; Jung-Yul CHA
The Korean Journal of Orthodontics 2025;55(3):167-175
Objective:
To assess the success rate and proximity of miniscrews to the root using surgical guides produced by integrating data obtained from conebeam computed tomography and intraoral scanned models.
Methods:
This retrospective study involved 113 patients (224 miniscrews) who underwent miniscrew placement as part of their orthodontic treatment. Two operators placed miniscrews between the buccal alveolar bone of each patient and assessed initial stability by measuring the Periotest value (PTV) and insertion torque (IT). Patients were divided into two groups based on the miniscrew insertion method: manual group (MG) and surgical guide group (SG). Root proximity was assessed using periapical radiography, and miniscrews that remained in place for over 6 months were considered successful.
Results:
There was a statistically significant difference in the Kaplan–Meier survival curves between the groups (P < 0.05). The success rates of the miniscrews were 79.1% and 90.5% for the MG and SG, respectively (P < 0.05). The root contact rate also differed significantly between the groups (MG, 17.5%; SG, 0.1%; P < 0.001). However, the PTV and IT did not show significant differences between the groups.
Conclusions
Proximity to the root and utilization of surgical guides have the most direct impact on the success rate of miniscrews. Root proximity can be effectively reduced using surgical guides. Therefore, the use of a miniscrew surgical guide is recommended to increase the success rate of miniscrews as stable anchorage devices, particularly in cases with narrow interradicular space.
10.Can It be Said that this Case Confirmed the Phenomenon of Subacromial Suture Knot Impingement after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair?: A Case Report
Sung Hwan KIM ; Seung Won CHOI ; Sin Hyung PARK ; Yong Bok PARK
The Korean Journal of Sports Medicine 2025;43(1):41-45
Rotator cuff tears are common shoulder injuries, particularly in older adults. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is the preferred treatment due to its successful outcomes, but complications like suture knot impingement may arise.Knot impingement, although rare, can lead to subacromial bone erosion and persistent pain. The condition remains under-reported, and direct evidence linking knot impingement to subacromial erosion is scarce. A 63-year-old woman presented with progressively worsening shoulder pain and restricted range of motion, 10 years after undergoing ARCR. Clinical assessment indicated subacromial impingement with positive Neer, Hawkins test results and reduced shoulder mobility. Arthroscopic evaluation revealed suture knots embedded in the subacromial bone, directly causing erosion. This is the first case to confirm through arthroscopy that subacromial bone erosion resulted from knot impingement. This case emphasizes the importance of follow-up and highlights the need to consider alternative suture techniques to avoid complications like knot impingement. Surgeons should be vigilant in minimizing risks associated with suture materials and techniques to improve long-term outcomes for patients undergoing ARCR.

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