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Combining Li‐metal anodes (LMAs) with high‐voltage Ni‐rich layered‐oxide cathodes is a promising approach to realizing high‐energy‐density Li secondary batteries. However, these systems experience severe capacity decay due to structural degradation of high‐voltage cathodes and side reactions of electrolyte solutions with both electrodes. Herein, the use of multi‐functional additives in fluoroethylene carbonate‐based electrolyte solutions that enable the operation of successfully rechargeable high‐voltage (4.5 V) Li‐metal batteries (LMBs) with high areal capacity (>4 mAh cm−2) are reported. Customized electrolyte solutions are pivotal in passivating the electrodes, minimizing microcrack formation, and ensuring that current is uniformly distributed within cathode particles. The developed electrolyte solution protects the LMA by forming a very stable and effective solid–electrolyte interphase. Together with the Li[Ni0.78Co0.1Mn0.12]O2 cathode material, which is composed of radially aligned rod‐shaped primary particles, the developed high‐voltage LMB containing 20 mg cm−2 of cathode material delivers a high specific capacity of 230 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and retains >86% of its initial capacity after 200 cycles at 0.5 C. This study highlights the significance of controlling the interfacial structure via electrolyte solution modification and the use of cathode materials with engineered morphologies that enhance mechanical stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to explore the relationships between serum cortisol levels, personality traits, and the development of Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) over 2 years among individuals with physical injuries. Methods: Participants were consecutively recruited from a trauma center and followed prospectively for 2 years. At baseline, serum cortisol levels were measured, and personality traits were categorized into five dimensions (Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness), using the Big Five Inventory‐10. The diagnosis of PTSD during follow‐up (at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post‐injury) was determined using the Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale for DSM‐5. Binary and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the interactions between cortisol levels, personality traits, and PTSD development. Results: Among 923 patients analyzed, 112 (12.1%) were diagnosed with PTSD at some point during the study period, with prevalence rates decreasing from 8.8% at 3 months to 3.7% at 24 months post‐injury. Direct associations between cortisol levels or personality traits and PTSD were not observed. However, a significant interaction between lower cortisol levels and higher Neuroticism in relation to PTSD risk was identified, especially during the early follow‐up periods (3 to 6 months), but this association waned from the 12‐month follow‐up onward. Conclusion: Our findings reveal Neuroticism‐dependent associations between serum cortisol levels and PTSD development, exhibiting temporal variations. These results suggest that PTSD development may be influenced by a complex, time‐sensitive interplay of biological and psychosocial factors, underscoring the importance of considering individual differences in stress reactivity and personality in PTSD research and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although exciplex hosts have been used to enhance the operational lifetime of blue phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes, their detailed design rule has not been established because of their unresolved degradation. In this work, the underlying mechanisms involved in device degradation are investigated, focusing on the tailor‐tuning effect of the exciplex host to maximize the device's lifetime with a given phosphorescent dopant. Analysis of trap dynamics shows that the stability improvement caused by adding an electron‐donating unit to the N‐type host does not originate from the stable positive polaron state. It is found that the exciplex host modified with minor substituents opens extra pathways for polaron transport and exciton generation rather than chemical stability, resulting in the spatial dispersion of polarons and excitons. The dispersion of excitons and polarons, in turn, enhances the recombination coefficient and suppresses exciton–exciton and exciton–polaron bimolecular interactions, enabling further improved device stability. With comprehensive analysis, a perspective on the role of the host in the degradation mechanism is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we implemented new time dependent exciton decay model based on exciton dynamics using transient electroluminescence profile of fluorescent triplet‐triplet annihilation (TTA) orgarnic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). The prompt and delayed components of fluorescent TTA OLED could be distinguished quantitatively and accurate TTA ratio analysis was achieved using the new TTA model. In addition, predictive model of kinetic coefficients and TTA ratio was established using neural network of multilayer perception, and it demonstrated nearly perfect prediction ability of TTA ratio (determination coefficient, R2 = 0.999). The results of this study would contribute to understand TTA mechanisms deeply with exact estimation of major parameters of TTA OLEDs and help future OLED research using deep learning predictive model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the degradation mechanisms of triplet exciton harvesting organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), namely, phosphorescent OLEDs and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) OLEDs, are investigated. Two common green emitters, fac‐tris(2‐phenylpyridine) iridium (III) (Ir(ppy)3) and 1,2,3,5‐tetrakis(carbazol‐9‐yl)‐4,6‐dicyanobenzene (4CzIPN), are doped in an exciplex‐forming cohost, and their degradation processes are comprehensively evaluated using various analytical approaches. Triplet–triplet‐annihilation induces the formation of defects, such as charge traps and exciton quenchers, triggering luminance loss during the device aging process of Ir(ppy)3‐based phosphorescent OLEDs. Electron trapping‐induced triplet‐polaron annihilation and narrow emission zone severely impair the device stability of 4CzIPN‐based TADF OLEDs, despite limited material degradation and charge trap formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most challenging aspects in the fine design of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) adopting a host‐dopant structure in the emitting layer is the quantitative understanding of the Langevin recombination (LR) and trap‐assisted recombination (TAR). Here as fundamental research, the quantitative contributions of LR and TAR of the exciplex‐forming cohost‐based phosphorescent OLEDs to electroluminescence are explored by time‐dependent behaviors of current and luminance with numerical modeling. The LR and TAR coefficients are extracted from experimental measurements rather than calculations using theoretical formulas. The analysis of the TAR coefficient allows for determination of the trap generation efficiency according to the doping concentration, indicating the possibility of dopant aggregation and percolation of trap states. The portions of LR and TAR are successfully analyzed by drift‐diffusion modeling using these two coefficients, revealing that the TAR ratio increased from 15% to 44% with increasing doping concentration from 0.5 to 3 wt%. A novel strategy for enhancing the LR portion is presented based on the prediction map of the recombination mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing high‐rate Li metal batteries (LMBs) is challenging because of dendrite growth and irreversible parasitic reactions of the Li metal. Herein, a robust and highly ion‐conductive solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer is designed on a Li metal anode and a Ni‐rich layered cathode by incorporating chloroethylene carbonate (ClEC) as an additive in fluoroethylene carbonate‐based electrolytes. ClEC induces the formation of LiCl, which facilitates Li‐ion diffusion in the robust LiF‐rich SEI layer, thereby improving the cycle stability of the Li metal anode and suppressing microcracking of the Ni‐rich layered cathode, especially during charging and discharging at high current densities. By using the newly developed combination of electrolyte solution, an LMB featuring the Li[Ni0.78Co0.1Mn0.12]O2 cathode (2.3 mAh cm−2, 0.1 C) affords a superior capacity retention of 80.2% over 400 cycles at high charge and discharge current densities of 2.0 C (3.6 mA cm−2) and 5.0 C (9.0 mA cm−2). This study provides insights into the use of ClEC as an electrolyte additive and highlights the importance of constructing robust and highly ion‐conductive interfaces on both Li metal anodes and Ni‐rich cathodes for high‐performance LMBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exciplexes have attracted interest as hosts and emitters that provide high efficiency and long lifetimes in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, the emitting dipole orientation (EDO) of exciplexes has been overlooked despite its importance for high efficiency. In this work, the EDO of exciplexes is investigated by changing the p‐type host. Various p‐type hosts are mixed with 2,4,6‐tris[3‐(diphenylphosphinyl)phenyl]‐1,3,5‐triazine for exciplex formation. The EDO of the exciplexes is aligned vertically with p‐type hosts having hydrophobic or electron‐poor central units while dispersing the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) at the end of the molecules, whereas it is isotropic with p‐type hosts having widely distributed HOMO on the whole molecular structure without any orientation‐managing central unit. The results show that EDO can be correlated with the outcoupling efficiency of exciplex OLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The horizontal orientation of the transition dipole moment of the phosphorescent emitters is understood to be an important factor to enhance the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of organic light-emitting diodes by improving light out-coupling in optical microcavity structures. Here, red-emitting heteroleptic iridium (III) complexes exhibiting an extremely high horizontal ratio of emitting dipole orientation (EDO) and photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), as well as longer device operational lifetime, without scarifying any other photophysical properties are reported. The systematic molecular design of main and ancillary ligands in heteroleptic iridium complexes leads to the achievement of both a horizontal EDO of 92% and a PLQY of 98% in the red-emitting phosphorescent devices along with a shorter exciton decay time of 0.71 μs. Accordingly, the red-emitting devices show excellent performances of maximum EQE of 32% and low-efficiency roll-off with the 1931 Commission Internationale de L'Eclariage coordinates of (0.66, 0.34). Therefore, this approach opens the way for further development of new red-emitting iridium complexes pushing the device efficiency toward the theoretical limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) in sensitized fluorescent (SF) organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) is an important process for suppressing triplet exciton loss during energy transfer toward the fluorescent dopant. Herein, the contribution of the relative orientation between the sensitizer and emitting dopant to the FRET in state‐of‐the‐art SF OLEDs is explained using experimental and theoretical approaches. The enhanced relative orientation factor (κ2) from 0.375 to 1.250 is theoretically demonstrated in the FRET theory depending on the orientation of the sensitizer and emitting dopant. On comparing two SF OLED systems with different sensitizers, the sensitizer with a higher horizontal dipole orientation exhibits a higher FRET rate, resulting in the enhanced κ2. The exciton dynamics under device operation are explored to quantitatively verify the contribution of the enhanced FRET rate to the exciton transfer processes; the triplet consumption rate of the sensitizer improves by 2.2 times, demonstrating an efficient exciton transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distinguishing exciton and polaron dynamics in the electroluminescence (EL) of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) is difficult since the delayed EL originated from a combination of the excitonic process and slow recombination process. In this work, the recombination dynamics was extracted from the transient EL only via prediction of the recombination coefficient using artificial intelligence (AI). AI model with a high prediction accuracy (R 2) of 0.947 successfully analyzed the polaron dynamics of exciplex‐forming co‐host‐based OLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control of the molecular orientation is an effective approach to enhance the performance of organic light‐emitting diodes. This study examines the molecular dipole orientation of hole transport materials depending on the deposition step and the consecutive effect on the transition dipole orientation of the emitting dopant. In contrast to other reference materials, 4,4′,4′′‐tris(carbazole‐9‐yl)triphenylamine (TCTA) shows a preferred orientation only in the continuously deposited films that is dependent on the film thickness. The horizontal dipole orientation ratio of the emitting dopant deposited on the TCTA is improved by the alignment of TCTA molecules. The power efficiency of the device produced from the above materials is increased from 28.9 to 34.4 lm W−1 owing to the dual enhancement of the hole mobility of TCTA and the horizontal dipole orientation ratio of the emitting dopant. The molecular orientation of the charge transport layer contributes to charge transport in the layer and the molecular orientation of the adjacent emitting layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate group metacognitive training and cognitive–behavioural therapy (MCT/CBT) prospectively in a young population with various psychiatric disorders, including psychotic and mood disorders. Methods: This was a prospective study to investigate the effectiveness of group MCT/CBT on quality of life, psychotic symptoms, depression, self‐esteem, perceived stress, social function and social cognition. The objective measures included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), clinical global impression (CGI), personal and social performance scale for social functioning, a computerized continuous performance test for sustained attention and a computerized emotional recognition test for social cognition. Self‐report measures administered included the Subjective Well‐being under Neuroleptics for quality of life, Ambiguous Intentions Hostility Questionnaire for suspiciousness, Drug Attitude Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, Brief Resilience Scale, Rosenberg Self‐esteem Scale and visual analogue scale for the EQ‐5D. Results: Among 110 young patients with early psychosis and mood disorders who participated, 82 (74.5%) completed the study. Social functioning, quality of life, self‐esteem, resilience, depression, suspiciousness, social cognition, sustained attention and scores on the PANSS and CGI improved significantly after completing group MCT/CBT. Perceived stress, resilience and suspiciousness improved significantly only in participants with a non‐psychotic disorder. Improvements in subjective well‐being of the participants were associated with increases in self‐esteem and resilience and decreases in depression and perceived stress. Conclusions: Our study showed that group transdiagnostic MCT/CBT for young patients with mental illness improved subjective wellbeing, self‐esteem, resilience, social cognition and social functioning and significantly diminished suspiciousness, perceived stress and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The device performance of phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PHOLEDs) is improved by using the exciplex‐forming cohost with the thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) property. This work comprehensively investigates the excitons and polarons management of exciplex host and dopant to understand the device degradation of PHOLEDs with various host materials. The recombination and accumulation of polarons is newly integrated in the numerical model for understanding transient electroluminescence in order to theoretically characterize a diversity of the polaron dynamics. Based on the unique excitons kinetics, polarons kinetics, and recombination coefficients coming from the exciplex host materials, the device degradation is examined. As a result, it is revealed that the longer device lifetime is attributed to the suppression of the exciton–polaron interaction by minimizing the steady‐state polarons via fast polaron recombination. The combination of the exciton–polaron coupled kinetics model and the device degradation model show that the recombination coefficient should be considered a key parameter of the host materials to design long‐lived PHOLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The operational stability of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) is an essential property to utilize their efficient triplet harvesting ability and reduce the usage of expensive metal complexes in commercial applications. In this study, a device strategy for extending the device lifetime using the synergistic effects of the hot exciton relaxation and polaron dispersion is demonstrated. By doping a polaron retarder to a conventional TADF‐emitting layer, the lifetime of the blue TADF device is enhanced by 98% at an initial luminance of 1000 cd m−2. Kinetic modeling describing the device degradation indicates that the concurrent contribution via the suppression of exciton and polaron interactions and hot exciton‐related degradation are the origin of the lifetime enhancement. It is demonstrated that the introduction of the polaron retarder finely fits to the ground and that the excited energetic relationship of the host–dopant structure simultaneously improves the operation lifetime and device efficiency without sacrificing other device characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The light‐emitting dipole orientation (EDO) of a phosphorescent emitter is a key to improving the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) without structural modification of the device. Here, four homoleptic Ir complexes as a phosphorescent emitter are systematically designed based on the molecular structure of tris(2‐phenylpyridine)iridium(III) (Ir(ppy)3) to control the EDO. Trimethylsilane, methyl, 2‐methylpropyl, and cyclopentylmethyl group substituted to pyridine ring of the ligand contribute to the improvement of the EDO from 76.5% for Ir(ppy)3 to 87.5%. A linear relationship between the EDO and the aspect ratio (geometric anisotropy factor) is founded, implying the importance of the effective area for the nonbonding force between host and dopant molecules. Also, it is investigated that the EDO enhancement mainly originates from the vertical alignment of the C3 axis of molecule in the substrate axis rather than the change in the direction of the transition dipole alignment in the molecular axis. The optical simulation reveals that the outcoupling efficiency of phosphorescent OLEDs adopting new dopants reaches 38.4%. The green OLEDs exhibiting 28.3% of EQE, 103.2 cd A–1 of current efficiency, and 98.2 lm W–1 of power efficiency are demonstrated, which is understood to have little electrical loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exciplex‐forming cohost with thermally activated delayed fluorescence characteristic has been used for achieving a long operational lifetime and high efficiency in phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PHOLEDs). In this work, the intrinsic polaron dynamics in the device are comprehensively investigated in terms of the polaron and exciton behaviors through the numerical simulation with transient electroluminescence (EL). Furthermore, the degradation mechanism generated by bimolecular interaction is investigated by considering the reduction of the luminance and voltage rising. As a result, the polaron, exciton, and recombination coefficient could be quantified via numerical simulation. Based on this, it is revealed that suppressing the exciton‐polaron interaction is crucial to improving the long operational lifetime in exciplex‐forming cohost based PHOLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improvement of the device stability of blue phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PhOLEDs) has proven to be a challenging issue in terms of enhancing the efficiency of blue organic light‐emitting diodes in practical applications. This work comprehensively investigates the exciton dynamics of electroplex hosts and quantitatively correlates the steady‐state triplet excitons in the host with the device lifetime of state‐of‐the‐art blue PhOLEDs. The kinetic processes of electrically generated singlet excitons, triplet excitons, and polarons explored via transient electroluminescence and numerical modeling reveal that the triplet exciton density in the host is governed by reverse intersystem crossing and the triplet–triplet annihilation rates. A degradation modeling that takes into account the simultaneous material degradation due to the triplet excitons in the host and the dopant is newly established. The results indicate that the suppressed host degradation due to the reduction (1.5×) in host triplet excitons leads to enhanced operational stability. The characterization method and the numerical modeling in this work facilitate the determination of the exciton and polaron behavior of the host and allow for predicting the host‐dependent device lifetime of PhOLEDs for specific host materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the precise etiology of poststroke anxiety (PSA) has yet to be fully elucidated, it is known that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is important for neural plasticity and long-term potentiation, associated with the pathophysiology of anxiety. The expression of BDNF is regulated by epigenetic and genetic profiles. Thus, we investigated the association between BDNF methylation status and PSA at 2 weeks and 1 year after stroke while accounting for interactions with the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism.Methods: The baseline sample comprised 286 patients who were assessed at 2 weeks after stroke; of these patients, 222 (78%) were followed up with at 1 year after stroke. The presence of PSA was determined using the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the effects of BDNF methylation status and polymorphisms on PSA status were assessed with multivariate logistic regression models.Results: The prevalence of PSA was slightly lower (27 [9.4%]) at baseline, and 35 (15.8%) patients were identified as having PSA at the 1-year follow-up. Stroke patients with a higher average methylation status were more likely to have PSA at 1 year. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was not independently associated with PSA during either the acute or chronic phase after stroke, but there was a significant interactive effect between BDNF methylation and genotype on PSA at 2 weeks.Conclusions: In this study, BDNF methylation in combination with the met/met BDNF polymorphism (Val66Met polymorphism) was associated with PSA. These findings may help identify patients at higher risk for PSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is common among adolescents, and several different factors can affect its prevalence. The present study examined the associated characteristics predicting NSSI among adolescents in South Korea. Methods: In total, 1674 high school students were recruited for a cross‐sectional survey. They completed self‐reported assessments, including the Deliberate Self‐Harm Inventory (DSHI), the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD), the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), and the Prodromal Questionnaire‐16 (PQ‐16), as well as their bullying experience. The NSSI group was defined as the sample group with at least one NSSI behaviour on the DSHI scale. A logistic regression analysis was performed using the NSSI group as the dependent variable. Results: The prevalence of NSSI was 28.3% (boys, 30.4%; girls, 24.4%) among adolescents. The most common type of NSSI behaviour among adolescents was interference with wound healing and sex differences in the method were examined. The CES‐D, STAIC‐trait, and PQ‐16 scores were significantly higher and the RSES score was significantly lower in the NSSI group than those in the non‐NSSI group. Participants' experience with bullying, such as being victims, bullies, bully‐victims, and witness to bullying, were more likely to be in the NSSI group. In a logistic regression analysis, NSSI was significantly associated with male sex, low academic achievement, higher depression, psychotic‐like experiences, being bullied, and witnessing bullying. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest the need to identify and manage related psychologic factors in adolescents with NSSI, including psychotic‐like symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether acute and chronic poststroke depression (PSD) were associated with cardio–cerebrovascular events (CVEs). Methods: A total of 423 patients with recent stroke were recruited from 2006 to 2009. They were diagnosed with major or minor depressive disorder during the acute phase (within 2 weeks) after stroke. Of these, 284 completed the same diagnostic evaluation during the chronic phase (1 year) after stroke. An average 12‐year (range 8.7–14.1 years) follow‐up was conducted to assess composite CVEs including recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death after the index stroke. During the follow‐up, Kaplan–Meier event rates for outcomes were calculated, and hazard ratios were estimated using Cox regression models after adjusting for a range of covariates. Results: The composite CVE incidence was higher in patients with acute or chronic PSD than in those without. Composite event incidence was highest in patients with PSD during both the acute and chronic phases. Conclusions: The presence of depression at acute and chronic phase of stroke predicted worse long‐term cardio–cerebrovascular outcomes. Evaluation of PSD during both the acute and chronic phases is recommended. Key points: Acute or chronic phase poststroke depression (PSD) is associated with higher risk of composite cardio–cerebrovascular events.Persistent PSD leads to worse long‐term outcomes.PSD should continuously be evaluated in the late as well as acute phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In many Asian countries, youth mental health services are not well‐developed and access to treatment is generally delayed. Here, we present a community‐based service model based on our experience with Mindlink, the first early‐intervention centre of its kind in Korea. Methods: We describe the history of this mental health early‐intervention service and the characteristics of users, as well as its intervention programmes and research directions. We also propose ways to further develop youth mental health services. Results: A community‐based early‐intervention service for youth was first introduced in 2012, when a special team was formed in a community mental health centre of Korea. As the numbers of young clients increased, a youth‐friendly, early‐intervention centre called Mindlink was opened in 2016. Mindlink targets those aged 15–30 years with mental illness less than 5 years in duration. Its goal is to detect mental illness in young people early and provide comprehensive multidisciplinary interventions. It provides intensive case management and group programmes including cognitive‐behavioural therapy, family intervention, psychoeducation, behavioural activation and physical health promotion. The Korean government has officially announced that the Mindlink model is effective and is currently in the process of scaling it up on a national level. Conclusion: An accessible, youth‐friendly, stigma‐free, community mental health centre such as Mindlink allows early detection and appropriate management of mental illness in young patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Breakfast plays an important role in the academic performance and mental health of adolescents. This study explored factors associated with breakfast skipping in high school students in South Korea. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was completed by 1684 high school students. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors associated with skipping breakfast, including sociodemographic factors, mental health problems (such as depression and anxiety), sleep and smartphone use patterns. Results: A total of 29.2% of the adolescents reported skipping breakfast and girls were significantly more likely to skip breakfast than boys (P <.001). The breakfast skipping group spent more time using a smartphone on weekdays [mean (SD) = 186.2 (180.0) min/d] than the breakfast eating group [mean (SD) = 110.2 (111.5) min/d] (P <.001). The Korean scale for smartphone addiction (S‐scale) score was higher in the breakfast skipping group (P =.006). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female gender, poor academic performance (odds ratio (OR), 1.575; 95% CI, 1.166‐2.126, P =.003), depression (OR, 1.023; 95% CI, 1.002‐1.043, P =.031), time spent using a smartphone on weekdays (OR, 1.003; 95% CI, 1.002‐1.004, P <.001), and low parental monitoring of smartphone use were significantly associated with skipping breakfast. Conclusions: Findings indicate that unhealthy lifestyle including smartphone overuse negatively affects breakfast eating in adolescents. School‐based nutritional programs should be designed to assess and overcome various individual factors associated with breakfast skipping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is an important prognostic indicator of schizophrenia. We explored the effects of patient personality and family relationships on delayed schizophrenia treatment. Methods: We prospectively included data from 169 patients diagnosed with first‐episode schizophrenia. Personality traits were investigated using the Big Five Inventory (BFI‐10) and family relationship was assessed employing the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale‐III (FACES‐III). We explored patient clinical characteristics using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Social and Occupational Functioning Scale (SOFAS). The DUP was defined as the time between the first appearance of psychotic symptoms and commencement of adequate antipsychotic treatment. Subjects were divided into two groups by the 3‐month median DUP cutoff. Results: The average and median DUPs were 12 and 3 months, respectively. A longer DUP was associated with older age, a higher PANSS score, and a lower SOFAS score. The frequency of suicide attempts tended to be higher in the delayed treatment group (P =.055). The delayed treatment group scored significantly higher in conscientiousness factor of the BFI‐10 and scored significantly lower family cohesion and adaptability factors of the FACES‐III. Logistic regression showed that a longer DUP was significantly associated with higher‐level conscientiousness on the BFI‐10 and poorer family cohesion on the FACES‐III. Conclusion: Treatment delay was associated with reduced family cohesion and higher patient conscientiousness, suggesting that the family plays a crucial role in terms of patient access to mental health services when early psychotic symptoms appear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is common in stroke survivors and may lead to a poor prognosis and more severe functional impairment. Although subcortical white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are associated with late-life depression, few studies have examined the association between depression and WMHs after a stroke. We investigated the associations of periventricular (PVWMH) and deep (DWMH) WMHs with poststroke depression (PSD) at two time points after stroke.Methods: A total of 408 patients were evaluated 2 weeks after stroke (baseline), and of those, 284 (70%) were followed up 1 year later. Magnetic resonance images were obtained in all subjects at baseline. PVWMHs and DWMHs were rated using the four-point modified Fazekas scale and categorized as mild (grades 0 and 1) or severe (grades 2 and 3). Depression was diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria, and subjects were divided into without PSD, any PSD, and major PSD groups at baseline, and follow-up examinations were conducted according to the severity of depression. Associations of PSD with PVWMHs and DWMHs were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analyses after adjusting for various demographic and clinical characteristics.Results: The adjusted analyses revealed that severe PVWMHs were significantly associated with any PSD at baseline and severe DWMHs were significantly associated with major PSD at follow-up.Conclusion: The association between WMH and PSD varies according to type of WMH, and time after stroke, such that early depressive symptoms are associated with PVWMHs, and delayed severe depression is associated with DWMHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between soluble TGF‐β (sTGF‐β) and soluble PD‐L1 (sPDL1), the dynamics of sTGF‐β during treatment and its prognostic role in biliary tract cancer (BTC). Methods: The study population consisted of 90 BTC patients with first‐line chemotherapy (cohort 1) and 35 BTC patients with second‐ or third‐line chemotherapy (cohort 2). Plasma sTGF‐β and sPDL1 levels were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results: In both groups, sTGF‐β was positive correlated with sPDL1 for baseline and change values after treatment. sTGF‐β was elevated at disease progression compared to baseline in cohort 1 (P <.001). Increased sTGF‐β after treatment revealed worse DFS and OS (P =.024, P =.028, respectively) in cohort 1 and significantly shorter OS (P =.020) in cohort 2. In multivariable analysis, this prognostic value of increased sTGF‐β for OS retained its significance in both cohorts (Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.8, 95% CI, 1.1‐3.0, P =.028, in cohort 1; HR = 4.7, 95% CI, 1.5‐14.6, P =.007, in cohort 2). Conclusions: In BTC, sTGF‐β was positively correlated with sPDL1 for baseline and changes after chemotherapy, and increased as tumour burden. sTGF‐β could be associated with survival; particularly, an elevated value after treatment suggests worse prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study investigated the clinical characteristics and psychosocial factors associated with depression in patients with early psychosis according to stage of illness. Methods: The present study includes patients who fulfil the DSM‐5 criteria for schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Patients were divided into two groups according to illness stage (the acute stage of first‐episode psychosis and stabilization phase of recent‐onset psychosis). Clinically meaningful depression was defined as moderate or severe on the depression dimension of the Clinician‐Rated Dimensions of Psychosis Symptom Severity scale in the DSM‐5. Results: In total, 340 (207 first‐episode and 133 recent‐onset) patients were recruited in this study. Patients with comorbid depression were characterized by frequent suicidal ideation, a past suicide attempt, and lower scores on the Subjective Well‐being Under Neuroleptics and Brief Resilience Scale in both groups. Long duration of untreated psychosis and higher scores on the Early Trauma Inventory Self Report were associated with depression in the acute stage of first‐episode psychosis. In the stabilization phase of recent‐onset psychosis group, a monthly income and scores for sexual desire and on the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale‐III were significantly lower in patients with depression than in those without depression. Conclusion: Comorbid depression was associated with high suicidality, lower quality of life and poor resilience in patients with first‐episode and recent‐onset psychosis. Depression was associated with factors that had been present before the initiation of treatment in patients with first‐episode psychosis and with environmental factors in those in the stabilization phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave dielectric properties of MgTi1−x(A1/3Sb2/3)xO3 (A = Mg2+, Zn2+, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.125) ceramics were investigated as a function of the electronegativity difference (X) between (A1/3Sb2/3)4+ ions (A = Mg2+, Zn2+) and O2− ion. A single phase with an ilmenite structure was detected for the specimens sintered at 1450°C for 4 hours in the entire range of compositions. With the substitution of (A1/3Sb2/3)4+ ions (A = Mg2+, Zn2+) at Ti4+‐sites of MgTiO3, the quality‐factor (Qf) values of the specimens increased up to x = 0.05 mol, and then decreased with the further substitution owing to the electronegativity difference (X) between the (A1/3Sb2/3)4+ ions (A = Mg2+, Zn2+) and Ti4+ ion. The specimens with (Mg1/3Sb2/3)4+ ions exhibited higher Qf values than those with (Zn1/3Sb2/3)4+ ions. These results could be attributed to the smaller electronegativity of (Mg1/3Sb2/3)4+ (1.80) than that of (Zn1/3Sb2/3)4+ (1.92). The dependences of the microwave dielectric properties on the structural characteristics of the MgTi1−x (A1/3Sb2/3)xO3 ceramics were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Numerous fillers are increasingly used for augmentation of volume loss and relaxation of facial wrinkles. Collagen stimulators are the latest next‐generation dermal fillers that can induce neocollagenesis. To investigate biophysical characteristics, safety, and efficacy of newly developed polydioxanone (PDO) filler in comparison with poly‐l lactic acid (PLLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) fillers. Methods: In vitro assay, morphology of particles, and rheological property of fillers were measured. A total of 24 female hairless mice (SKH1‐Hrhr) were randomly divided into three groups and injected with PDO, PLLA, or PCL fillers. Durability of fillers was assessed at 0, 3 days, and 1, 4, 8, 12 weeks after injection using folliscope and PRIMOS. To determine biocompatibility and neocollagenesis, histologic evaluation was performed at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after injection. Efficacy was also evaluated based on skin surface roughness changes using PRIMOS in a hairless mouse photoaging model. Results: In the particle morphology test, PDO microspheres had an irregular surface and were spherical and uniformly sized. PDO filler demonstrated similar neocollagenesis and inflammatory response to other collagen stimulators. PDO filler showed better biodegradability than PLLA and PCL fillers. In the hairless mouse photoaging model, there was a statistically significant decrease in skin surface roughness after PDO filler injection. Conclusions: Our data suggest that newly developed collagen stimulating PDO filler might be a safe and effective option for correction of volume loss and rejuvenation of photoaging skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: The physicochemical properties, starch digestibility, and aroma profile of nonfried instant noodles with various glucomannan contents (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%) were investigated to evaluate the effects of glucomannan on overall quality. Findings: The substitution of glucomannan did not induce significant changes in the cooking properties (such as cooking loss and rehydration) and microstructure of the nonfried instant noodles relative to those of the control. The springiness, gumminess, tensile strength, and adhesiveness of the cooked noodles were not significantly changed by the substitution of glucomannan, while the hardness of cooked noodles decreased from 2,726 to 1,850 g as the level of glucomannan increased. For in vitro starch digestive properties, the resistant starch content of noodles increased from 1.61% to 4.57% as the level of glucomannan increased. Electronic nose analysis revealed that the substitution of glucomannan altered the aroma profile of nonfried instant noodle compared with that of the control and commercial konjac noodles. Conclusions: The substitution of glucomannan influenced texture (especially, hardness), aroma, and starch digestibility of nonfried instant noodles. Significance and novelty: The substitution of glucomannan in nonfried instant noodles can be effective approach to improve the textural properties and health‐promoting benefit of nonfried instant noodles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: The safety and wrinkle‐reducing effects of multipolydioxanone (PDO) scaffold have been confirmed in animal, and clinical tests for 3 months, but the 12‐month outcomes, are unknown. Objective: The safety and efficacy of multi‐PDO scaffold were tested in animal models and in humans for 12 months. Methods: In the animal study, a multi‐PDO scaffold was implanted into the panniculus carnosus of rat dorsal skin (n = 18) and into the subcutaneous layer of minipig dorsal skin (n = 2) followed by histological staining and analysis. In a human study, a multi‐PDO scaffold was implanted deep into the periosteal subcutaneous layer under the wrinkles on the upper lips and forehead, followed by evaluation of clinical changes using digital photography and PRIMOS. Results: A multi‐PDO scaffold was not observed after 6 months in rats and minipigs. However, the newly formed tissues within the hollow body of the scaffolds were maintained for up to 12 months. The enhanced effect on the upper lips and forehead wrinkles lasted up to 12 months without any side effects. Conclusion: A multi‐PDO scaffold represents a new tool to improve upper lips and forehead wrinkles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This article describes the development of the smartphone application for cognitive‐behavioural case management of young individuals with early psychosis and examines the acceptance and potential clinical benefits of this application through a pilot survey. Methods: Gwangju Bukgu‐Community Mental Health Center developed and launched a smartphone application (Heal Your Mind [HYM]) for cognitive‐behavioural case management and symptom monitoring. The HYM application for clients includes 6 main modules including thought record, symptom record, daily life record, official notices, communication and scales. The key module is the "thought record" for self‐directed cognitive‐behavioural treatment. When the client writes and sends the self‐cognitive‐behavioural therapy sheet to the case manager, the latter receives a notification and can provide feedback in real time. We conducted a survey to investigate the acceptance and feasibility of this approach among young clients with early psychosis. Results: A total of 24 clients with early psychosis participated in this survey. More than 80% of participants reported that it was easy to learn to use this application, and no one described this application as very complicated or reported that they needed a long time to learn how to use it. About 80% of participants were satisfied with this application, and 70% reported that they received help as a result of using this application. Conclusions: This study suggests that this smartphone application is useful for young individuals with early psychosis and that it may contribute to the development of both young customer‐ and case manager‐friendly systems for this clinical population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: The number of Internet users is increasing dramatically due to high‐speed Internet connections and the use of cellular Internet service among rural adolescents in Korea. This study examined the prevalence of problematic Internet use (PIU) and factors associated with PIU among rural adolescents in Korea. Methods: In total, 1168 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years from a rural area in Korea participated in this cross‐sectional school survey. Problematic Internet use was categorized with Young's Internet Addiction Test using a validated cutoff. In addition, adolescents completed a self‐report questionnaire, including questions on sociodemographic factors, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the State Anxiety Inventory for Children. Parents completed the Korean version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ‐P). Results: Problematic Internet use was identified in 252 of 1168 (21.6%) students. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that male gender, academic stress, early exposure to the Internet, depression, and total difficulties on the SDQ‐P were significantly associated with PIU. Conclusions: The findings indicate a need to develop preventive interventions for PIU among rural adolescents in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: This study examined clinical and gender‐specific risk factors for low bone mineral density (BMD) in adult patients with psychotic disorders. Methods: The study included 285 community‐dwelling patients with psychotic disorders. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was used to measure BMD. Clinical characteristics associated with low BMD were identified with logistic regression analysis in total population and each gender. Results: Fifty‐eight (20.4%) subjects had low BMD. Low BMD was more common in men and in patients with low body mass indices (BMIs), as well as in those with shorter treatment durations, those on Medicaid, and patients using serotonergic antidepressants. Logistic regression analysis revealed that low BMD was negatively associated with BMI and treatment duration and positively with gender (male) and serotonergic antidepressants use in the overall population. In men, low BMD was associated with treatment duration and BMI; in women, low BMD was associated with BMI, prolactin level, vitamin D, and serotonergic antidepressant use. Conclusion: Managing the risk factors associated with low BMD among patients with psychotic disorder should be done gender‐specifically. Psychotropic agents should be prescribed mindful of their effects on bone, as use of these medications is a modifiable risk factor for osteoporosis in women with psychotic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aims to investigate the factors associated with sexual function in Korean patients with schizophrenia. Methods This study evaluated 169 patients with schizophrenia who were receiving risperidone monotherapy. The Visual Analog Scale was used to assess sexual function in terms of sexual desire, sexual arousal, and sexual satisfaction. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Korean version of the Subjective Well-being under Neuroleptic Treatment-Brief Form (SWN-K) scale, and the Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI) were also administered. Results Sexual function was negatively associated with age, duration of illness, gender (female), marital status (single), the presence of tardive dyskinesia, and Beck Depression Inventory score, but positively associated with the SWN-K and DAI scores. A linear regression analysis revealed that being male and married had significant positive associations with sexual arousal, sexual satisfaction, and/or sexual desire, while the presence of tardive dyskinesia and a longer duration of illness were associated with poor sexual arousal and/or sexual desire. Additionally, sexual function was significantly associated with the SWN-K and DAI scores in multivariate analysis. Conclusions The acknowledgement and management of sexual dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia by clinicians may be important for improvement of their quality of life and adherence to medication. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study, discussing age‐related clinical characteristics of major depressive disorder in Koreans. Topics include using binary logistic regression analysis for discrete variables; higher suicidal ideation rates among lower age groups; and examining depression, anxiety, and overall psychiatric symptoms among all age groups.

Background It has been known that ADH1B*2 allele has a protective effect against the development of alcohol dependence. However, the protection mechanism is still unknown. We investigated whether ADH1B gene polymorphism affects ethanol (EtOH) metabolism. Methods In a parent study, we conducted a randomized crossover trials on 24 healthy male subjects who were selected by genotyping: 12 with ALDH2*1/*1 (active form) and 12 with ALDH2*1/*2 (inactive form). In the present study, the 24 subjects were reclassified into 2 groups of 11 with ADH1B*1/*2 and 13 with ADH1B*2/*2 according to the ADH1B genotypes. Each subject was administered 1 of 3 doses of EtOH (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 g/kg) or a placebo in 4 trials. After the administration of alcohol, blood EtOH and acetaldehyde concentrations were measured 9 times over 4 hours. Results In the case of EtOH, the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 4 hours ( AUC0-4) and the peak blood concentration of EtOH ( Cmax) in subjects with ADH1B*2/*2 were significantly higher than those in subjects with ADH1B*1/*2 at all 3 dosages before stratifying by ALDH2 genotype. However, after stratifying by ALDH2 genotype, a statistically significant difference between ADH1B*2/*2 and ADH1B*1/*2 was found only at the 0.5 g/kg dosage regardless of ALDH2 genotype. In the case of acetaldehyde, the AUC0-4 and Cmax of acetaldehyde of ADH1B*2/*2 after administration of 0.25 g/kg alcohol and the AUC0-4 of acetaldehyde of ADH1B*2/*2 at 0.5 g/kg were significantly higher than corresponding values of ADH1B*1/*2 only in the group of ALDH2*1/*2. Conclusions Our findings indicate that the blood EtOH concentrations of ADH1B*2/*2 group are higher than those of ADH1B*1/*2 group regardless of ALDH2 genotype, and the blood acetaldehyde concentrations of ADH1B*2/*2 are also higher than those of ADH1B*1/*2 only in the ALDH2*1/*2 group. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate the association of ADH1B*2 allele with blood EtOH and acetaldehyde levels in humans, and these results suggest that higher blood EtOH and acetaldehyde concentrations in ADH1B*2/*2 may constitute the mechanism of protection against alcoholism by ADH1B*2/*2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This study investigated the efficacy of the hypothalamic nonapeptide oxytocin ( OT) by direct delivery to local defects using a microporous β-tricalcium phosphate ( TCP) as the carrier for the future applications as a method to achieve predictable bone regeneration of large osseous defects requiring sinus bone graft and guided bone regeneration procedures for implant placement. Material and Methods Both the ectopic and new bone formation induced by the OT-loaded microporous β- TCP powder was histomorphometrically compared with unloaded β- TCP in a subcutaneous ectopic bone formation model and calvarial critical-sized defects ( CSDs) in 45 rats. Results The OT-loaded β- TCP clearly enhanced ectopic bone formation compared with the unloaded control group. A High initial OT dose (250 μg) significantly increased ectopic bone formation at an early healing time-point compared with a lower OT dose (50 μg). The OT-loaded samples displayed greater new bone formation in the rat calvarial CSDs. Extensive new bone formation was achieved in the calvarial CSDs with the higher OT dose. Conclusion These results suggest that local OT delivery to bone substitute promotes new bone formation via an osteoinductive mode of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Defective visual information processing from both central and peripheral pathways is one of the suggested mechanisms of visual hallucination in Parkinson's disease (PD). To investigate the role of retinal thinning for visual hallucination in PD, we conducted a case-control study using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. We examined a representative sample of 61 patients with PD and 30 healthy controls who had no history of ophthalmic diseases. General ophthalmologic examinations and optical coherence tomography scans were performed in each participant. Total macular thickness and the thickness of each retinal layer on horizontal scans through the fovea were compared between the groups. In a comparison between patients with PD and healthy controls, there was significant parafoveal inner nuclear layer thinning, whereas other retinal layers, including the retinal nerve fiber layer, as well as total macular thicknesses were not different. In terms of visual hallucinations among the PD subgroups, only retinal nerve fiber layer thickness differed significantly, whereas total macular thickness and the thickness of other retinal layers did not differ. The retinal nerve fiber layer was thinnest in the group that had hallucinations without dementia, followed by the group that had hallucinations with dementia, and the group that had no hallucinations and no dementia. General ophthalmologic examinations did not reveal any significant correlation with hallucinations. There were no significant correlations between retinal thicknesses and duration or severity of PD and medication dosages. The results indicate that retinal nerve fiber layer thinning may be related to visual hallucination in nondemented patients with PD. Replication studies as well as further studies to elucidate the mechanism of thinning are warranted. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Breast cancer survivors are at higher risk of psychological problems including suicidal ideation. However, studies on suicidal ideation in breast cancer survivors have been rare and have not been investigated prospectively. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and independent risk factors for suicidal ideation within 1 week and at 1 year after breast surgery for breast cancer. Methods A total of 284 patients with breast cancer were evaluated within 1 week after breast surgery, and 244 (84%) were followed up 1 year later. Suicidal ideation was ascertained using the item 'suicidal thoughts' from the Beck Depression Inventory. Various factors potentially related to suicidal ideation were evaluated including sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and genetic polymorphisms on serotonin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) systems. Results Suicidal ideation was present in 10.9% of participants at 1 week and 11.4% at 1 year after breast surgery. Suicidal ideation was independently associated with depression and physical disability at 1 week and with living alone, anxiety, advanced cancer stage, and the BDNF met allele (but not with genetic polymorphisms on serotonergic system) at 1 year after breast surgery. Conclusions Suicidal ideation was common and had similar prevalences in both short-term and longer-term follow-ups after breast cancer. However, associated factors were substantially different between the two evaluation points, which suggest that time-specific programs may be needed for identifying and managing suicidal risk in patients with breast cancer. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of this study was to make correlations between ultrasonographic measurements of thenar muscle and flexor retinaculum and nerve conduction studies (NCS) in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: Ultrasound and NCS were performed on 92 wrists with CTS and on 40 wrists from healthy individuals. Ultrasound of thenar and hypothenar muscles, flexor retinaculum, and median nerve were assessed. The ultrasonographic findings were compared between the 2 groups, and correlation analyses between median latency and ultrasonographic findings were performed. Results: Motor latency correlated positively with flexor retinaculum thickness (FRT) and negatively with the ratio of thenar to hypothenar muscle. FRT and motor latency were found to be increased significantly in CTS. The ratio of thenar to hypothenar muscle was found to be decreased significantly in CTS compared with controls. Conclusions: The ultrasonographic findings of FRT and thenar muscle reflect the severity of disease in patients with CTS and are valuable for the diagnosis of CTS. Muscle Nerve 48: 905-910, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Clinical studies, with a proper scientific design, on the impact of disclosing a prognosis on a patient's psychological or physical conditions are rare. We investigated the effect of patient awareness of terminal status on survival and quality of life (QoL) in a palliative care setting. Methods This is a prospective cohort study of patients with terminal cancer. Patients with cancer at a palliative care unit were enrolled consecutively. The patients' awareness of their terminal status was determined using a semistructured interview. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, including Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, depressed mood, and QoL, were investigated. To determine the independent effects of awareness of illness on survival and QoL, multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression and multivariate linear regression were used, respectively. Results For the 262 cases analyzed, the median survival time (interquartile range) was 28.5 (15.8-55.3) days, and 76 (29.0%) patients were unaware of their prognosis. Patients who were aware survived for a shorter period than did those who were unaware (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.07-1.93, p = 0.015) after adjusting for clinical variables including physical status and depression. Also, patients who were aware reported lower subjective QoL compared with patients who were unaware in a multivariate linear regression analysis (B, −0.10; 95% CI, −0.17 to −0.03, p = 0.008). Conclusions Awareness of prognosis may negatively impact survival and QoL in terminally ill cancer patients. Therefore, the patient's preference for and individual susceptibility to receiving such information should be assessed carefully before disclosure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the association among religiosity and depression, anxiety, and quality of life in women with breast cancer. Method The sample consisted of 284 patients with breast cancer who were undergoing surgery. They were assessed with the following instruments at baseline and at 1 year after surgery: the Duke Religious Index (DRI), the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, and the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30. Depression was diagnosed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Results The prevalence of depression at baseline and at 1 year was 22.5% and 16.5%, respectively. The religious groups did not differ significantly with respect to the prevalence of depression or scores on psychiatric measures at either baseline or at 1 year. The prevalence of depression significantly decreased only in the Protestant group, from 30.1% to 15.7%. Scores on the DRI were significantly negatively correlated with scores on all of the anxiety and depression scales at 1 year after surgery in this group. In contrast, scores on the religious activity subscale of the DRI were significantly positively correlated with scores on the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale at baseline or at 1 year among Catholic participants. The DRI scores of Protestant respondents were significantly positively correlated with scores on the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 at 1 year after surgery. Conclusion Religiosity plays an important role in the emotional state and quality of life of Korean women with breast cancer. However, its clinical meaning may differ according to the type of religious affiliation and the stage of illness. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction To investigate the prevalence, and 12-month persistence and incidence of depression following surgery for breast cancer and to determine factors associated with this in an East Asian setting. Methods All cases at a given hospital following surgery for breast cancer were approached and participants were interviewed 2-5 days after surgery. Depression (major and minor depressive disorders) was diagnosed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview at baseline and 12 months after surgery. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were investigated as covariates in logistic regression model. Results Of 335 breast cancer patients analyzed at baseline, 80 (23.9%) had prevalent depression. Persistence in those with depression at baseline (60 analyzed) was 33.3%; incidence of depression in those without depression at baseline (202 analyzed) was 13.4%. In adjusted logistic regression analyses, past and family histories of depression were significantly associated with depression on baseline, and number of metastatic axillary lymph nodes was associated with persistence of depression at follow-up. No factors were associated with incident depression. Discussion Depression is common among Korean women with breast cancer, and predictive factors for depression may differ according to the time after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Poststroke emotional incontinence (PSEI) has been associated with serotonergic dysfunction. Polymorphisms of serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and serotonin 2a receptor (5-HTR2a) genes may regulate serotonergic signaling at brain synapses, and this study was to investigate associations with PSEI in an East Asian population. Methods In 276 stroke cases, PSEI was diagnosed by Kim's criteria. Covariates included age, gender, education, history of depression or stroke, current depression, and stroke severity and location. Genotypes were ascertained for 5-HTT gene-linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR), serotonin transporter intron 2 variable number tandem repeat, 5-HTR2a 1438A/G, and 5-HTR2a 102 T/C. Associations with PSEI were estimated by using logistic regression models, and gene-gene interactions were investigated by using the generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction method. Results PSEI was present in 37 (13.4%) patients. The 5-HTT gene-linked promoter region s/ s genotype was independently associated with PSEI. No associations with STin2 VNTR and 5-HTR2a genes were found, and no significant gene-gene interactions were identified. Conclusions Stroke patients with 5-HTTLPR s allele had higher susceptibility to PSEI, which underlines the potential role of serotonergic pathways in its etiology. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]