Mental Health Status of Correctional Officers in Correctional Institutions / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to measure the current mental health status of correctional officers by using various assessment instruments. The results of the study could help establish appropriate mental health-related solutions and policies for the officers. METHODS: The study enrolled 2571 correctional officers from 50 correctional facilities in South Korea in 2011. They were asked to answer or rate their occupational experiences within various investigative inventories and scales including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Korean Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS), the Job Satisfaction Scale by Davison and Cooper, the Korean version of the Beck Depression Inventory (K-BDI), and Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale (RSE). RESULTS: Based on MBI results, the burnout score of the correctional officers was higher than that of the other occupations. Using the KOSS data, the average occupational stress of the correctional officer was higher than that of the other occupations. The officers' average job satisfaction score was lower than that of the other occupations. The average depression level of the correctional officers derived from K-BDI data was 9.36. The average RSE score of correctional officers was lower than that for the other occupations. CONCLUSION: This research revealed that the mental health status of correctional officers is poorer than that for other occupations. This finding emphasizes the need for a system to regularly assess the mental health status of correctional officers and to find solutions that can improve their mental health status.

Relationship of Limb Movements during Sleep with Nocturnal Sleep Parameters in the Community-Dwelling Elderly with Sleep Complaints / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the differences in subjective sleep quality and objective sleep parameters between groups with different severities of limb movements during sleep in elderly persons with sleep complaints. METHODS: We recruited adult subjects with sleep complaints from four areas in Gangwon-do. Nocturnal polysomnography studies were conducted for 159 subjects at Kangwon National University Hospital. A total of 72 subjects older than 60 years were finally selected, and we classified them into three groups according to the limb movement index (LMI) : 29 subjects with LMI below 15, 21 subjects with LMI between 15 and 44, and 22 subjects with LMI above 44. RESULTS: The proportion of existing restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms differed between the three groups, but was not statistically significant (p=0.051). No difference in nocturnal sleep parameters was observed between the three groups. In the total group, the limb movement arousal index showed positive correlation with respiratory arousal index (r=0.252, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In elderly persons with sleep complaints, a greater LMI severity was associated with a tendency of higher comorbidity of RLS. Frequent arousals due to limb movements were not associated with a greater severity of limb movements during sleep severity, but with increased arousals due to respiratory events.

Delayed and Prolonged Local Brain Hypothermia Combined with Decompressive Craniectomy: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy That Modulates Glial Dynamics

Hypothermia is considered a useful intervention for limiting pathophysiological changes after brain injury. Local hypothermia is a relatively safe and convenient intervention that circumvents many of the complications associated with systemic hypothermia. However, successful hypothermia treatment requires careful consideration of several factors including its practicality, feasibility, and associated risks. Here, we review the protective effects-and the cellular mechanisms that underlie them-of delayed and prolonged local hypothermia in rodent and canine brain injury models. The data show that the protective effects of therapeutic hypothermia, which mainly result from the modulation of inflammatory glial dynamics, are limited. We argue that decompressive craniectomy can be used to overcome the limitations of local brain hypothermia without causing histological abnormalities or other detrimental effects to the cooled area. Therefore, delayed and prolonged local brain hypothermia at the site of craniectomy is a promising intervention that may prove effective in the clinical setting.

Sleep Wake Patterns and Nocturnal Sleep Parameters in the Morning and Evening Types / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to compare sleep wake patterns and nocturnal sleep parameters between the morning type (MT) and evening type (ET). METHODS: The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Korean version of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (KESS) were administered to subjects recruited among visitors to the Chuncheon National Museum from 2010 to 2011. Actigraphy data (Actiwatch-2, Philips-Respironics Co.) were collected from eight MT (Age 38.0+/-3.8, M : F=2 : 6), 12 neither type (NT) (Age 34.2+/-5.1, M : F=2 : 10), and nine ET (Age 30.3+/-6.8, M : F=2 : 7) subjects. RESULTS: Scores for PSQI and KESS did not differ significantly among the MT, NT, and ET groups. No differences in time in bed, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, sleep latency, and fragmentation index were observed among the three groups. In the ET group, the mean wake time on free days was significantly later, and the mean sleep duration on free days was significantly longer, compared with those of the MT group (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: No differences in sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and nocturnal sleep parameters were observed among the MT, NT, and ET groups. Compared to MT subjects, ET subjects showed later wake time and longer sleep duration on free days.

Effects of Isoflurane Anesthesia on Post-Anesthetic Sleep-Wake Architectures in Rats

The sleep homeostatic response significantly affects the state of anesthesia. In addition, sleep recovery may occur during anesthesia, either via a natural sleep-like process to occur or via a direct restorative effect. Little is known about the effects of isoflurane anesthesia on sleep homeostasis. We investigated whether 1) isoflurane anesthesia could provide a sleep-like process, and 2) the depth of anesthesia could differently affect the post-anesthesia sleep response. Nine rats were treated for 2 hours with ad libitum sleep (Control), sleep deprivation (SD), and isoflurane anesthesia with delta-wave-predominant state (ISO-1) or burst suppression pattern-predominant state (ISO-2) with at least a 1-week interval. Electroencephalogram and electromyogram were recorded and sleep-wake architecture was evaluated for 4 hours after each treatment. In the post-treatment period, the duration of transition to slow-wave-sleep decreased but slow wave sleep (SWS) increased in the SD group, but no sleep stages were significantly changed in ISO-1 and ISO-2 groups compared to Control. Different levels of anesthesia did not significantly affect the post-anesthesia sleep responses, but the deep level of anesthesia significantly delayed the latency to sleep compared to Control. The present results indicate that a natural sleep-like process likely occurs during isoflurane anesthesia and that the post-anesthesia sleep response occurs irrespective to the level of anesthesia.

Polysaccharides isolated from Phellinus gilvus enhances dermal wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Dermal wound healing is a complex process that involved inflammation leading to re-epithelialization, granulation tissue, and tissue remodeling. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that polysaccharides isolated from fungus, Phellinus gilvus (PG) have various anti-inflammatory activities. In present study, we have assessed the effect of polysaccharides from PG on the dermal wound healing of polysaccharides from PG in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Six of 6-mm circular wounds were created with biopsy punch on the 4th day after induction of diabetes. After 24 hours, each test substance was applied to the wound twice a day for next 5 days. Circular wounds treated with PG showed significantly reduced wound contraction and complete reepithelialization, as compared to wounds of non-treated (p < 0.05). These results show that polysaccharides isolated from PG enhanced wound repair in diabetic impaired healing, and could be developed as a wound healing agent in such clinical settings.

Effect of Injectable Chitosan Bead Encapsulating Calcium Sulfate on Bony Consolidation in Distraction Osteogenesis

The purpose of this project was to study the effect of injectable chitosan bead encapsulating calcium sulfate, which makes sustained release of chitosan and calcium sulfate after implantation, on early bony consolidation in distraction osteogenesis of a dog model. Forty five dogs were used for this study. An external distraction device was applied to the mandibular body after vertical osteotomy and the mandibular distraction was started five days after the operation at a rate of 1mm per day up to a 10mm distraction. The experimental group was divided into a control group(I), hyaluronic acid group(II), chitosan group(III), calcium sulfate group(IV), and injectable chitosan bead encapsulating calcium sulfate group(V). Normal saline was injected in the group I. In the group II, a 1-ml volume of hyaluronic acid solution was injected into the distracted area. In the group III, a 1-ml of injectable solution of chitosan mixed with hyaluronic acid was implanted. In the group IV, a 1-ml of injectable solution of calcium sulfate mixed with hyaluronic acid was implanted. In the group V, injectable form of powders of chitosan bead encapsulating calcium sulfate mixed with a 1-ml volume of hyaluronic acid was implanted. Bone mineral density was measured in each group at third and sixth week. The mean three point failure load was measured in each group. In histological findings, new bone was generated in all groups. In the group IV and V, the formation of active woven bone was observed throughout the distracted area at sixth week. The amount of new bone formation in the distracted zone was in the order of the group IV and V, group III and group II, and control group. In conclusion, these findings suggest that injectable chitosan bead encapsulating calcium sulfate appears to be effective in early bony consolidation in distraction osteogenesis.

Effect of Growth Hormone on Early Bony Regeneration in Distraction Osteogenesis

The purpose of this project was to study the effect of growth hormone on early bony consolidation in distraction osteogenesis of a dog mandible. Sixteen dogs were used for this study. An external distraction device was applied to the mandibular body and the mandibular distraction was started five days after the operation at a rate of 1 mm per day up to a 10-mm distraction. Dogs in the growth hormone group received a daily subcutaneous injection of 1 IU of recombinant human growth hormone per kilogram of body weight per week. Normal saline was injected in the control group. Bone mineral density was higher in the growth hormone group than the control group in the whole period. Bone mechanical strength was 300% higher in the growth hormone group than that in the control group. However, results were more suggestive than conclusive. Upon histological examination, the formation of a substantial amount of active woven bone was observed throughout the distracted zone in 6 weeks in the growth hormone group. In the control group, new bone was generated from the edge to the center of the distracted zone. But, the most central area of the distracted zone was filled with fibrous tissue in 6 weeks. In conclusion, growth hormone appears to be effective in early bony consolidation in distraction osteogenesis.

The Effects of Korean Red Ginseng (Ginseng Radix Rubra) on Liver Regeneration after Partial Hepatectomy in Dogs

We investigated the effects of the oral administration of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on morphologic change and function of liver in dogs. Fifteen adult mongrel dogs (n=15) were divided into three groups: a control group (40% hepatectomy, untreated), a 250 group (40% hepatectomy, 250 mg/kg of KRG, PO), and a 500 group (40% hepatectomy, 500 mg/kg of KRG, PO). The liver regeneration, histologic findings, CBC (WBC, RBC, PCV, and PLT), and liver function tests (AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, LDH, and T-bil) were examined during experiment. The liver regeneration rates were higher in treated groups than in the control group. But, there were no significant differences. All hematological values were within normal ranges except leukocyte counts for 3 days postoperatively. The levels of AST and ALT in the treated groups were significantly decreased compared to that in the control group (p<0.05). The numbers of degenerative cells and area of connective tissue were significantly decreased in the liver of the dog with KRG administration (p<0.01). On the basis of these results, we could conclude that KRG accelerate the liver regeneration and ameliorate the liver injury after hepatectomy in dogs.

Electroacupuncture and Moxibustion for Correction of Abomasal Displacement in Dairy Cattle

This study was performed to investigate the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture and moxibustion on abomasal displacement in dairy cattle.After acupuncture needles were inserted bilaterally into the acupoints, 'Pi yu', 'Wei yu' and 'Guan yuan yu', electronic stimulation (5 Hz and 10 V, 20 minutes) was conducted once a day for 3 days consecutively. Modified moxa patch was also applied at the same acupoints as in acupuncture for 3 days consecutively.Ten among twelve cows with abomasal displacement were recovered by electroacupuncture and moxibustion, but two were treated with paramedian abomasopexy. It is considered that electroacupuncture and moxibustion may be convenient, safe and economical therapeutic alternatives available instead of surgical procedures on abomasal displacement in dairy cattle.

Effect of Chitosan, betaig-h3 and Human Bone Morphogenic Protein-4 on Early Bony Consolidation in Distraction Osteogenesis of the Canine Mandible

Sixteen dogs were used to study the effect of bone morphogenic protein(BMP-4), betaig-h3 and chitosan during the early bony consolidation stage in the distracted zones of mandibles. The lateral surface of the mandibular body was exposed in the subperiosteal plane and vertical osteotomy was carried out on the mandibular body. An external distraction device was applied to the mandibular body about 1 cm apart from the osteotomy line. Mandibular distraction was started 5 days after the mandibular osteotomy at a rate of 2 mm per day for a total of 10 mm distraction for 5 days. The experimental group was divided into 4 groups: control group, BMP-4 group, betaig-h3 group and chitosan group depending on the injected material into the distracted area. Four dogs were allocated to each group. On the day of completion of distraction, 0.5 ml of BMP-4, 0.5 ml of betaig-h3, 0.5 ml of 5% chitosan solution was injected respectively into the distracted area of each group with the same amount of tripolyphosphate in dual syringe for solidification of the injected solution. In the control group, 1 ml of tripolyphosphate was injected into the distracted area. After injection of the study materials, the distraction device was left in place for 4 or 7 weeks to allow bony consolidation. Radiographs were taken weekly. Two dogs in each group, a total of eight dogs, were sacrified in 4 weeks, and another eight dogs in 7 weeks after completion of distraction. Bone specimens of the distracted mandibles were taken for histologic examination. The mineral density of the distracted bone was measured during the radiological procedures and analysed by the computer. In the radiographs of the distracted areas of the mandibles, the control group has shown a mostly radiolucent zone but the other groups have shown the radiodense zones with various width of central radiolucent zones. The central radiolucent zone became narrower in time and vertical thickness of the radiodense zone was about twice thicker in 7 weeks than that of 4 weeks after finishing bone distraction. BMP-4 group showed the thickest radiodense zone and the chitosan group shows the thinnest radiodense zone. The mineral density of bone was highest in the BMP-4 group and lowest in the control group. In the histological findings of the distracted areas of mandibles, the control group showed whole fibrous tissue but the other groups showed new woven bones with central narrow fibrous interzone. The degree of new bone formation was most remarkable in the BMP-4 group and was least remarkable in the chitosan group. In conclusion, there was an active formation of a new bone in the distracted area of the mandible by injection of BMP-4, betaig-h3 and chitosan. The new bone formation was most remarkable in the BMP-4 group followed by betaig-h3, chitosan and control group. These findings suggest that BMP-4 is clinically worth using for early bony consolidation in the distraction osteogenesis.