Relationship Among the Dissociation, Ways of Coping Style, and Hypnotizability in Undergraduate Students / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES : Presently there exist conflicting results in terms of the relationship between hypnotic susceptibility and the dissociation experience in college-aged populations. The present investigation sought to explore the relationship among dissociation, coping style and hypnotizability using structural equation modeling (SEM). METHODS : 288 Korean undergraduates completed the Dissociation Experience Scale-Korean version (DES-K), Coping style assessment, and assessment of the eye roll sign which is a suggested biological marker of hypnotizability according to Spiegel. We divided the students into two groups (DES> or = 20, N=81; DES <20, N=207) to evaluate differences in these variables. The Pearson correlation test was used to investigate the relationship among the variables. We used SEM to investigate the mediating process in the relationship among hypnotizability coping style and dissociation. RESULTS : In the high DES-K group, scores of passive coping strategies (emotionally focused and wishful thinking) were higher than low DES-K group. There were statistically significant but weak correlations between hypnotizability and wishful thinking and between passive coping strategies and dissociation. The mediating role of passive coping style between hypnotizability and dissociation was confirmed in university students. CONCLUSION : These results suggested there was no direct relationship between hypnotizability and dissociation and passive coping strategies mediating the relationship between hypnotizability and dissociation. This study cautions against equating dissociative capacity with hypnotizability.

Relationship Among the Dissociation, Ways of Coping Style, and Hypnotizability in Undergraduate Students / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES : Presently there exist conflicting results in terms of the relationship between hypnotic susceptibility and the dissociation experience in college-aged populations. The present investigation sought to explore the relationship among dissociation, coping style and hypnotizability using structural equation modeling (SEM). METHODS : 288 Korean undergraduates completed the Dissociation Experience Scale-Korean version (DES-K), Coping style assessment, and assessment of the eye roll sign which is a suggested biological marker of hypnotizability according to Spiegel. We divided the students into two groups (DES> or = 20, N=81; DES <20, N=207) to evaluate differences in these variables. The Pearson correlation test was used to investigate the relationship among the variables. We used SEM to investigate the mediating process in the relationship among hypnotizability coping style and dissociation. RESULTS : In the high DES-K group, scores of passive coping strategies (emotionally focused and wishful thinking) were higher than low DES-K group. There were statistically significant but weak correlations between hypnotizability and wishful thinking and between passive coping strategies and dissociation. The mediating role of passive coping style between hypnotizability and dissociation was confirmed in university students. CONCLUSION : These results suggested there was no direct relationship between hypnotizability and dissociation and passive coping strategies mediating the relationship between hypnotizability and dissociation. This study cautions against equating dissociative capacity with hypnotizability.

Change of Cognitive Functions in the Geriatric Depression Living in the Institution: 1 Year Follow-Up Study

OBJECTIVES: Cognitive impairment often occurs with geriatric depression, and may persist despite remission of depression. The authors investigated change of cognitive functions in geriatric depression according to time interval to identify whether cognitive impairment may persist or not. METHODS: At baseline and 1 year follow-up, total 88 non-demented participants living in the asylum for the aged had a clinical examination that included depression assessment (SGDS-K : Short Geriatric Depression Scale of Korean version) and neuropsychological test (frontal lobe function test and CERAD-K : the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease). We divided the elderly into two groups (depressed : 27, non-depressed : 61) and evaluated the differences in change of cognitive functions. RESULTS: Depressed group had lower scores on the word delayed recall test and construction recall test than non-depressed group at one-year follow-up. Except executive function, there was no significant difference in cognitive change between two groups according to time interval. CONCLSION: These results support previous observations that cognitive impairment in geriatric depression may persist, especially in the executive function. Timely identification of executive function of depressed older adults may lead to coping strategies that will improve the prognosis of geriatric depression.

Cognitive Dysfunction in the Geriatric Depression Living in the Institution

OBJECTIVES: There is a wide spectrum of cognitive dysfunction in geriatric depression due to heterogeneity. The Authors tried to investigate cognitive dysfunction in the elderly with depression and the association between geriatric depression and demographic variables such as sex, age, and education. METHODS: Total 101 non-demented participants living in the asylum for the aged had completed frontal lobe function test (executive function and conceptualization) and CERAD-K (the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease) to evaluate neuropsychological function. Symptoms of depression were evaluated by SGDS-K (Short Geriatric Depression Scale of Korean version). We divided the elderly into two groups (depressed, non-depressed group) to evaluate the differences in cognitive function. RESULTS: 30 (29.7%) of the subjects suffered depression and 50 (49.5%) had cognitive decline. Geriatric depression is not associated with age, sex, and education. Depressed older adults had lower executive function score in total group and cognitive decline group than non-depressed. Within cognitive decline group, subject with geriatric depression had lower scores in word fluency and word delayed recall than non-depressed. There was significant correlation between SGDS-K score and executive function. CONCLUSION: Subjects with geriatric depression had significant executive dysfunction. Executive dysfunction in depressed older adults may provide the basis for further investigation of mechanisms of geriatric depression. Timely identification of executive dysfunction fundamental to daily activities of depressed older adults may lead to coping strategies that will improve the prognosis of geriatric depression.

Acute Alcohol Responses and Personality Traits by Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 Genotype Variances in Patients with Alcohol Dependence

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the pathophysiology of alcoholics by investigating the differences in frequency of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2(ALDH2) genotypes and ALDH2 alleles between patients with alcohol dependence and controls, and the differences of drinking and personality traits in Korean male alcoholics with ALDH2 genotype variances. METHODS: The authors selected 98 patients with alcohol dependence and 53 controls. Self-report questionnaires for acute reponses after alcohol ingestion, the AUI(Alcohol Use Inventory), and the NEO-PI-R(NEO Personality Inventory Revised) were given to all patients with alcohol dependence. ALDH2 genotypes were typed with Mbo II RFLP(Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) method in 53 controls and 98 patients with alcohol dependence. The authors divided alcoholic patients into two groups according to the presence of variant ALDH22 allele; normal ALDH2 alcoholics(N=87) and variant ALDH2 alcoholics(N=11). RESULTS: 1) The genotypic frequencies of subjects with ALDH21/1 were higher and those with ALDH21/2 and ALDH22/2 were lower in patients than in controls. 2) Alcohol dependence could be found in ALDH22/2 homozygote individuals. 3) Variant ALDH2 alcoholics had more family problems in the AUI than normal ALDH2 alcoholics. 4) Variant ALDH2 alcoholics experienced more flushing and cardiovascular responses after alcohol ingestion than normal ALDH2 alcoholics. 5) Variant ALDH2 alcoholics had less altruistic personality traits in the NEO-PI-R than normal ALDH2 alcoholics. 6) Variant ALDH2 alcoholics tended to have more tolerance to alcohol than normal ALDH2 alcoholics. CONCLUSION: Variant ALDH22 allele might play a protective role in the pathogenesis of alcohol dependence and there were several significant differences of drinking and personality traits in Korean male alcoholics with ALDH2 genotype variances.

An Association Study of the 5-HTTLPR and COMT Genes Polymorphisms and Personality Traits

BACKGROUND: Serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphism region(5-HTTLPR) and catechol-O-methyltransferase(COMT) genes are thought to be important factors in some personality traits and the etiology of anxiety disorder. The goal of this study was to determine the role of these genes in personality traits. METHOD: The participants included 116 healthy adults with no history of psychiatric disorders and other physical illness for the last 6 months. All participants were tested by Temperament and Character Inventory(TCI). The 5-HTTLPR, COMT val158met gene polymorphisms were analyzed with PCR(Polymerase Chain Reaction). Differences on TCI dimensions and sub-scales among groups were examined with t-test and ANOVA. RESULT: There were possible relationships of the 5-HTTLPR with self-transcendence(P=0.050) and COMT val158met polymorphism with cooperativeness(P=0.053). CONCLUSION: We found associations between 5-HTTLPR, COMT polymorphisms and the some TCI character dimensions. Further studies of polymorphisms of other genes and their interactions may clarify the complex relationship between personality and genes.

Comparison between FLAIR Images and T2-weighted Fast Spin-echo Images of Cerebral Territory and Lacunar Infarction

PURPOSE: To assess the significance of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the diagnosis of intracranial infarctions and to find out differential points between central lacunar infarctions and perivascular spaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We consecutively selected 25 cases of territorial infarction in 20 patients, 37 cases of central infarction in 40 patients, and 30 patients with perivascular space. Signal intensity and lesion conspicuity were analyzed and compared between FLAIR and FSE T2-weighted images, and differences in signal intensity between central infarction and perivascular spaces were determined. RESULTS: Lesion conspicuity for FLAIR was better than for T2-weighted images in 12 and 15, worse in 4 and 24, and similar in 9 and 16 of territorial and central infarctions, respectively. In nine cases of territorial and one case of central infarction, there was associated hemorrhage. At FLAIR imaging, perivascular spaces showed a fine round low signal without a peripheral high signal rim in 17 patients but no demonstrable signals in 15. Differential diagnosis of perivascular spaces and central infarction was thus not difficult. CONCLUSION: FLAIR MRI was useful in the diagnosis of infarctions and in differentiating between central small lacular infarctions and perivascular spaces.

An Association Study of COMT Gene Polymorphism with Korean Alcoholism

An association study with Korean alcoholic patients(n=50) and normal controls(n=53) was performed to find the relationship between catechol-O-methyltransferase(COMT) gene polymorphism and alcoholism using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. When we compared the allele and genotype frequencies of Nla III COMT gene polymorphism in alcoholism and normal controls, there was no significant difference between two groups. Our results do not support an association between the Nla III polymorphism of COMT gene and alcoholism.

A Case of Congenital Urethrocutaneous Fistula / 대한비뇨기과학회지

We report a congenital urethrocutaneous fistula in 13 months old male. The congenital urethrocutaneous fistula is a rare anomaly. The cause of congenital urethrocutaneous fistula is unknown but probably involves a focal defect in the urethral plate that prevents fusion of the urethral fold. He is now being followed up without any evidence of voiding problems after the defects was covered with penile skin flap.

An Association Study of Neurotensin Receptor Gene's Polymorphism with Schizophrenia / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: Neurotensin (NT), of which functions are evoked by its interaction with neurotensin receptors (NTR), coexists with mesolimbic dopamine and regulates endogenous dopamine release. Recent studies have shown that NT with NTR exerts neuroleptic-like activity within the central nervous system and may play an important role in the pathogenesis and in the treatment of schizophrenia. We have examined the genetic association between schizophrenia and tetranucleotide repeat polymorphism in the 3'-flanking region of the NTR gene to investigate the possible contribution of the NTR gene to the schizophrenia susceptibility. METHODS: Among 23 alleles identified, the subjects were 120 patients (male 91, female 29) with schizophrenia and 106 normal healthy controls (male 84, female 22). They were unrelated native Korean. PANSS was used to determine positive or negative subgroup in the schizophrenic patients.Using polymerase chain reaction and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, tetranucleotide repeat polymorphism (CCTT and CTTT) in the 3'-flanking region of NTR gene was observed. For a comparison of NTR gene's allelic frequencies between patients with schizophrenia and normal healthy controls, chi-square test and Bonferroni's correction was performed. RESULTS: The frequency of A10 allele (base pair size=399) was significantly higher in normal healthy controls than schizophrenia (x2=16.4902, df=1, p<.000). In the comparison between schizophrenic patients with negative symptoms and normal controls, the frequency of A10 allele was significantly higher in normal healthy control subjects than patients with schizophrenia (x2=21.33, df=1, p<0.001). In the case of male, the frequency of A10 allele of schizophrenia was significantly higher than normal controls (x2=13.71, df=1, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: NTR gene was negatively associated with schizophrenia. NTR gene's tetranucleotide repeat polymorphism may provide some protective function against schizophrenia.

Expression of Phospholipase C Isozymes in Radiation-Induced Tissue Damage and Subsequent Regeneration of Murine Small Intestine

Phospholipase C (PLC) isozymes play significant roles in transmembrane signal transduction. PLC- 1 is one of the key regulatory enzymes in signal transduction for cellular proliferation and differentiation. The exact mechanisms of this signal transduction of tissue damage and subsequent regeneration, however, were not clearly documented. This study was planned to determine the biological significance of PLC isozymes following irradiation in rat small intestine. Sprague-Dawley rats were irradiated to the entire body by a single dose of 8 Gy. The rats were divided into 5 groups according to the sacrifice days after irradiation. The expression of PLCs in each group was examined by the immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. The histologic findings were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The regenerative activity, which was estimated by mitotic count and proliferatin cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunostaining, was highest in Group III (5th day after irradiation). By the immunohistochemistry, the expression of PLC- 1 was higher in Group III and Group II (3rd day after irradiation), and was found in the regenerative zone of the mucosa. The expression of PLC- 1 was highest in Group I (1st day after irradiation) and was dominantly in the damaged surface epithelium. The immunostaining of PLC- 1 was negative in all groups. The results of the immunoblotting study was compatible to that of the immunohistochemical study. Group II and III showed positive bands for PLC- 1, and group I and II for PLC- 1. These results suggest that PLC- 1 plays a significant role in mucosal regeneration following irradiation. PLC- 1 may play a role in radiation - induced mucosal damage.

Contructive Interference in Steady State(CISS) 3DFT MR Imaging of the Inner Ear and Adjacent Structures

PURPOSE: To assess the value of 3 dimensional fourier transformation interference in steady state magnetin resonance imaging(3 DFT CISS1 MRI) in depicting the inner ear and vascular structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using 3DFT CISS axial and coronal MRI scans of both ears with 17.1 msec/8.0 msec/50 degree(TR/TE/FA) and 0.9mm in nominal thickness, we studied 68 normal ears of 34 volunteers aged between 15 and 54 years. We assessed the visualization of the membranous labyrinth, and of cranial nerves VII and VIII in the inner ear canal. We analyzed the location of the vascular loop of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery in relation to cranial nerves VII and internal auditory canal. To define the three-dimensional images of the membranous labyrinth, MIP reconstruction of axial images was carried out. RESULTS: The very high signal of the intralabyrinth fluid enabled one hundred percent of the membranous labrynth to be seen. There was a lack of contrast between soft tissue and bone such as the facial nerve canal, vestibular aqueduct and canal of the subarcuate artery. In 25% of cases, the vascular loop was recognized in the porus acusticus, and in 6% of cases, inside the internal auditory canal. CONCLUSION: 3DFT CISS MRI is useful for determining the detailed anatomy of the inner ear and the nearby vascular loop. This special MR technique can be added as a routine protocol in the study of diseases of the inner ear.

MR Findings of Congenital Anorectal Malformation

PURPOSE: To assess the usefulness of MRI in preoperative diagnosis of congenital anorectal malformation MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR findings of 11 cases with surgically proved anorectal malformations were retrospectively reviewed and compared with operative findings, according to the level of atresia, the development of sphincter muscle, fistula and associated anomalies of other organs. RESULTS: Four of 11 cases were low type of anorectal atresia, 3 cases were intermediate type, and 3 cases were high type. There was one case of Currarino triad with low type of anorectal stenosis. MRI demonstrated the levels of atresia correctly in all cases and revealed fistulas in all high type of anomalies. Degrees of the development of the sphincter muscles were good in all cases of low types and fair in a case of intermediate type and an anorectal stenosis, whereas the development was poor in 2 cases of intermediate type and all 4 cases of high type. The associated anomalies in anorectal malformation were renal agenesis, congenital hip dysplasia and sacral defect with presacral teratoma in Currarino triad. CONCLUSION: MRI was a simple and useful study to confirm the level of atresia, fistula and associated anomalies in the diagnosis of the congenital anorectal malformation.

Family's burden of psychotic in-patient / 신경정신의학

No abstract available.