Childhood Sexual Abuse and Cortical Thinning in Adults With Major Depressive Disorder

Jinyi Kim(Jinyi Kim),Chanju Lee(Chanju Lee),Youbin Kang(Youbin Kang),Wooyoung Kang(Wooyoung Kang),Aram Kim(Aram Kim),Woo-Suk Tae(Woo-Suk Tae),Byung-Joo Ham(Byung-Joo Ham),Jisoon Chang(Jisoon Chang),Ky 대한신경정신의학회 2023 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.20 No.3

Objective A growing body of evidence reports on the effect of different types of childhood abuse on the structural and functional architecture of the brain. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the differences in cortical thickness according to specific types of childhood abuse between patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls (HCs). Methods A total of 61 patients with MDD and 98 HCs were included in this study. All participants underwent T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, and the occurrence of childhood abuse was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. We investigated the association between whole-brain cortical thickness and exposure to any type of childhood abuse and specific type of childhood abuse in the total sample using the FreeSurfer software. Results No significant difference was reported in the cortical thickness between the MDD and HC groups nor between the “any abuse” and “no abuse” groups. Compared to no exposure to childhood sexual abuse (CSA), exposure to CSA was significantly associated with cortical thinning in the left rostral middle frontal gyrus (p=0.00020), left (p=0.00240), right fusiform gyri (p=0.00599), and right supramarginal gyrus (p=0.00679). Conclusion Exposure to CSA may lead to cortical thinning of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is deeply involved in emotion regulation, to a greater extent than other types of childhood abuse.

The Association of White Matter Tracts with Alexithymia among Individuals with Major Depressive Disorder

Kang Youbin,김아람,Kang Wooyoung,Han Kyu-Man,함병주 한국뇌신경과학회 2022 Experimental Neurobiology Vol.31 No.5

Alexithymia is characterized by impairments in the processing of emotions. Although the disruptions in the white matter (WM) integrity in Major depressive disorder (MDD) has frequently been reported, the underlying relationship with alexithymia remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated WM tracts with Tracts Constrained by UnderLying Anatomy approach to discover potential associations between alexithymia and WM integrity to identify the neural basis of impaired emotional self-awareness in MDD. 101 patients with MDD and 99 healthy sex- and age-matched individuals underwent diffusion-weighted imaging. All participants were assessed with the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). TAS scores were significantly higher in MDD patients than in controls. Patients with MDD exhibited significantly lower FA values in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus and it also showed negative associations with TAS. These results contribute to the neurobiological evidence on the association between MDD and alexithymia. Additionally, they suggest that reduced white matter integrity in the regions constitutes a principal pathophysiology underlying impaired emotional recognition and description in MDD.

Morphologic Alterations in Amygdala Subregions of Adult Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Lee, Hyun-Jae,Han, Kyu-Man,Kim, Aram,Kang, Wooyoung,Kang, Youbin,Kang, June,Won, Eunsoo,Tae, Woo-Suk,Ham, Byung-Joo The Korean Society of Biological Psychiatry 2019 생물정신의학 Vol.26 No.1

Objectives Previous studies have revealed inconsistent results on amygdala volume in adult bipolar disorder (BD) patients compared to healthy controls (HC). Since the amygdala encompasses multiple subregions, the subtle volume changes in each amygdala nucleus might have not been fully reflected in the measure of the total amygdala volume, causing discrepant results. Thus, we aimed to investigate volume changes in each amygdala subregion and their association with subtypes of BD, lithium use and clinical status of BD. Methods Fifty-five BD patients and 55 HC underwent T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging. We analyzed volumes of the whole amygdala and each amygdala subregion, including the anterior amygdaloid area, cortico-amygdaloid transition area, basal, lateral, accessory basal, central, cortical, medial and paralaminar nuclei using the atlas in the FreeSurfer. The volume difference was analyzed using a one-way analysis of covariance with individual volumes as dependent variables, and age, sex, and total intracranial volume as covariates. Results The volumes of whole right amygdala and subregions including basal nucleus, accessory basal nucleus, anterior amygdaloid area, and cortico-amygdaloid transition area in the right amygdala of BD patients were significantly smaller for the HC group. No significant volume difference between bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder was found after the Bonferroni correction. The trend of larger volume in medial nucleus with lithium treatment was not significant after the Bonferroni correction. No significant correlation between illness duration and amygdala volume, and insignificant negative correlation were found between right central nucleus volume and depression severity. Conclusions Significant volume decrements of the whole amygdala, basal nucleus, accessory basal nucleus, anterior amygdaloid area, and cortico-amygdaloid transition area were found in the right hemisphere in adult BD patients, compared to HC group. We postulate that such volume changes are associated with altered functional activity and connectivity of amygdala nuclei in BD.

ERRATUM : Morphologic Alterations in Amygdala Subregions of Adult Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Lee, Hyun-Jae,Han, Kyu-Man,Kim, Aram,Kang, Wooyoung,Kang, Youbin,Kang, June,Won, Eunsoo,Tae, Woo-Suk,Ham, Byung-Joo The Korean Society of Biological Psychiatry 2019 생물정신의학 Vol.26 No.2

The current state of phage therapy in livestock and companion animals

Youbin Choi,Woongji Lee,Joon-Gi Kwon,Anna Kang,Min-Jin Kwak,어주영,Young Hoon Kim 한국축산학회 2024 한국축산학회지 Vol.66 No.1

In a global context, bacterial diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria have inflicted sustained damage on both humans and animals. Although antibiotics initially appeared to offer an easy treatment for most bacterial infections, the recent rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria, stemming from antibiotic misuse, has prompted regulatory measures to control antibiotic usage. Consequently, various alternatives to antibiotics are being explored, with a particular focus on bacteriophage (phage) therapy for treating bacterial diseases in animals. Animals are broadly categorized into livestock, closely associated with human dietary habits, and companion animals, which have attracted increasing attention. This study highlights phage therapy cases targeting prominent bacterial strains in various animals. In recent years, research on bacteriophages has gained considerable attention, suggesting a promising avenue for developing alternative substances to antibiotics, particularly crucial for addressing challenging bacterial diseases in the future.

고령층을 위한 패스트푸드점 AI 음성인식 키오스크 인터페이스의 사용성 비교 평가

김유빈 ( Youbin Kim ),남양희 ( Yanghee Nam ),강민정 ( Minjung Kang ) 한국산업디자이너협회 2022 산업디자인학연구 Vol.16 No.1

연구배경 뉴노멀 시대, 중위고령층의 경우 인지적, 심리적 특성으로 인해, 무인결제 키오스크를 사용하는 비대면 주문방식에 어려움을 호소하고 있다. 본 연구는 고령층을 위한 패스트푸드점 키오스크의 사용성 개선을 목적으로 사용자의 음성을 인식하고 양방향으로 상호작용하여 작동을 이끄는 음성인식 기술을 키오스크에 접목하여 고령친화적 해결책으로 활용될 수 있는 가능성을 탐색하였다. 연구방법 기존 선행연구 분석을 통해 AI 무인결제시스템을 통한 고령친화 접근의 유용성에 대해 고찰하고, 기존 패스트푸드점의 키오스크 인터페이스와 AI 음성인식 기반의 인터페이스를 프로토타입으로 제작하여, 동일한 조건에서 사용성 테스트를 진행하였다. 사용자 관찰평가를 통해 사용의 효율성과 사용의 효과성의 차이를 알아보고 심층 인터뷰를 통해 사용의 만족도를 파악하여 AI 음성인식 키오스크 인터페이스의 개선사항에 대한 논의를 진행하였다. 연구결과 사용의 효율성 측면에서 AI 음성인식 모드가 일반 모드에 비해 사용 소요시간이 짧았고, 오류 횟수도 적게 나타났으며 실수 극복 소요시간도 빨랐다. 사용의 효과성 측면에서 AI음성인식 모드가 인지성, 이해성이 높게 나타났지만 최초성공률은 일반 모드에 비해 2배 이상의 낮았다. 사용의 만족도 측면에서는 발음 인식의 오류, 목소리 크기로 인한 오류, 메뉴명을 외워야하는 부담감 등으로 인해 AI 음성인식 키오스크가 상대적으로 높은 좌절감을 주었고, 휴대폰 사용방식과 기존 키오스크 사용방식에 익숙하지 않은 방식으로 인해 친숙성도 낮게 나타났다. 반면 AI 음성인식 모드가 AI 캐릭터의 단계별 가이드, 부연 설명, 친근한 화법 등으로 인해 높은 호감도를 보였다. 결론 고령층 사용자의 효율을 극대화 할 수 있는 AI 음성인식 서비스에 대해 접근함으로써 향후 AI 키오스크의 발전 가능성을 모색하였으며 AI 음성인식 서비스를 접목한 키오스크 상용화를 위한 개선사항을 도출하였다. 이는 고령층의 키오스크 사용성 및 접근성 향상할 수 있는 범용적인 AI 키오스크 개발 및 연구에 적용할 수 있을 것이다. Background Nowadays, elderly faced difficulties in non-face-to-face payment system using kiosks due to their cognitive and psychological characteristics. We adopted a speech recognition technology that recognizes the user's voice and leads interactive communication into the kiosk and we explored the possibility of AI based speech recognition as an elderly-friendly solution. Methods We produced two prototypes which are typical interface of existing kiosks and new typed interface of AI based speech recognition kiosk. Through user observation for comparative evaluation of two kiosks, we found out the difference between the efficiency of use and the effectiveness of use. Also, we investigated the satisfaction of use through an in-depth interview and discussed future improvements of the AI based speech recognition kiosk. Results In terms of efficiency of use, the AI mode took less time to use than the typical mode, had fewer errors, and took longer to overcome mistakes. In terms of the effectiveness of use, the AI mode showed high recognition and understanding, but the initial success rate was lower than the general mode. In terms of user satisfaction, AI mode gave high frustration due to errors of pronunciation recognition and the volume of voice. Familiarity was low because of the burden of memorizing menus. On the other hand, the AI mode showed high favorability due to the AI character's step-by-step guide, and friendly explanation. ˛ Conclusion We identified the possibility of future AI based speech recognition and suggested improvements the usability and accessibility of the kiosk for the elderly. The comparative results will be applicable to the further development of research.

IoT 전력미터 기반의 소형건물 에너지 측정, 관리 시스템

강정훈(Jeonghoon Kang),임호정(Hojung Lim),정혜동(Hyedong Jung),서유빈(Youbin Seo),노희전(Heejun Noh),장새롬(Saerom Jang) 대한설비공학회 2016 대한설비공학회 학술발표대회논문집 Vol.2016 No.11

Association Between the C4 Binding Protein Level and White Matter Integrity in Major Depressive Disorder

Park Jihoon,Kang Youbin,Han Kyu-Man,Tae Woo Suk,Kang Un-Beom,Chu Hyosub,Ham Byung-Joo 대한신경정신의학회 2022 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.19 No.9

Objective Considerable evidence suggests that neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the relationship between serum C4 binding protein (C4BP) and white matter (WM) tract integrity in MDD has not been investigated.Methods We obtained diffusion tensor images of 44 patients with MDD and 44 healthy controls and performed TRActs Constrained by UnderLying Anatomy (TRACULA) analysis to assess WM tract integrity. Serum C4-binding protein alpha chain (C4BPA) and C4- binding protein beta chain (C4BPB) levels were measured and in-between group comparisons were obtained. The correlation between serum C4BP levels and WM tract integrity was examined.Results In comparison to healthy controls, both serum C4BPA and C4BPB were higher in MDD. Also, fractional anisotropy (FA) was increased in the left cingulum-angular bundle (CAB) in MDD, but not healthy controls (HCs). A significant correlation was found between serum C4BP and FA levels in the right cingulum-cingulate gyrus bundle (CCG) in MDD.Conclusion This study is the first to investigate the correlation between serum C4BP levels and WM tract integrity in MDD. We identified an increase in WM integrity in the left CAB region in MDD. Furthermore, serum C4BP levels were higher in MDD, and this finding correlated with increased WM integrity in the right CCG region.

The Indirect Effect of Prefrontal Gray Matter Volume on Suicide Attempts among Individuals with Major Depressive Disorder

강준,김아람,Kang Youbin,Han Kyu-Man,함병주 한국뇌신경과학회 2022 Experimental Neurobiology Vol.31 No.2

Trait impulsivity is a known risk factor for suicidality, and the prefrontal cortex plays a key role in impulsivity and its regulation. However, the relationship between trait impulsivity, neural basis, and suicidality has been inconsistent. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between impulsivity and its structural correlates (prefrontal gray matter volume), suicidal ideation, and actual suicide attempts. A total of 87 individuals with major depressive disorder participated in study, and the gray matter volume of the prefrontal regions was extracted from T1 images based on region of interest masks. The variables for the mediation models were selected based on correlation analysis and tested for their ability to predict suicide attempts, with impulsivity and suicidal ideation as the mediation variables and gray matter volume as the independent variable. A significant correlation was observed between suicidal ideation and the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. The dual-mediation model revealed a significant indirect relationship between gray matter volume in both regions and suicide attempts mediated by motor impulsivity and suicidal ideation. The counterintuitive positive relationship between gray matter volume and suicidality was also discussed.

Association Between White Matter Tract Integrity and Frontal-Executive Function in Non-Geriatric Adult Patients With Major Depressive Disorder

Joo-Yeon Ahn,Youbin Kang,Aram Kim,Woo-Suk Tae,Kyu-Man Han,Byung-Joo Ham 대한신경정신의학회 2024 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.21 No.2

Objective This study investigated the association between white matter tract integrity and frontal executive function in adult non-geriatric patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls (HCs) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).Methods In total, 57 patients with MDD and 115 HCs participated in this study. We calculated the integrity of the white matter tracts using the Tracts Constrained by Underlying Anatomy tool (TRACULA) from FreeSurfer. We performed cognitive function tests. Oneway analysis of covariance was used to investigate the DTI parameters as dependent variables; diagnosis of MDD as an independent variable; and age, sex, and education level as covariates. For correlation analysis between the DTI parameters and cognitive function tests, Pearson’s partial correlation analyses were performed in the MDD and HC groups.Results The patients with MDD showed significantly decreased axial diffusivity (AD) in forceps major (FMajor), left corticospinal tract (CST), left superior longitudinal fasciculus-parietal bundle (SLFP), right anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), right CST, right inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF) and right superior longitudinal fasciculus-temporal bundle (SLFT) and mean diffusivity (MD) in the left CST, right CST, and right SLFT compared to HCs. We found that non-geriatric patients with MDD showed a significant negative correlation between the response time in the Stroop task and the AD value of the FMajor.Conclusion Our findings suggest that impaired structural connectivity in the FMajor may be associated with cognitive dysfunction in non-geriatric patients with MDD.