• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.29-37
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• 2022

Background: Pain, edema, and trismus are predictable sequelae for surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars (M3M). The present study aimed to compare the anti-phlogistic potential of bromelain and aceclofenac in the reduction of post-surgical sequalae in the extraction of impacted M3M. Method: A randomized controlled, triple-blinded clinical study included 72 patients scheduled for surgical removal of impacted M3M under local anesthesia. Randomization was performed and subjects were equally allocated to groups A (control) and B (study), who intended to receive aceclofenac and bromelain, respectively. The primary outcome variables were pain, edema, and trismus evaluated on postoperative days 2 and 7 and compared with baseline values. The secondary variables evaluated were the quantity of rescue analgesics required and the frequency of adverse effects in both groups for 7 postoperative (PO) days. Data were analyzed with a level of significance of P < 0.05. Results: Group B demonstrated a significant decrease in the severity of edema and trismus compared to group A on both PO days 2 and 7 (P < 0.001). Bromelain demonstrated similar analgesic efficacy with an insignificant difference compared to aceclofenac (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed that the efficacy of bromelain was comparable to that of aceclofenac in reducing inflammatory complications following surgical removal of impacted M3M. Bromelain can be considered a safe and potent alternative to routinely used aceclofenac when addressing inflammatory outcomes after surgery.

• Medical Lasers
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.166-171
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• 2020

Background and Objectives Melasma is an acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by brown or dark brown colored macules and patches which mostly involve the face. Compared to nanosecond lasers, picosecond lasers have fewer adverse effects on surrounding tissues and give better results for melanin fragmentation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the pico-toning technique using a low fluence 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser on melasma patients. Materials and Methods This study is a retrospective analysis of melasma cases treated using the pico-toning technique from June 2017 to November 2020. Based on photographic images, the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score was blind evaluated by two independent plastic surgeons. Patient satisfaction was assessed through a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire after treatment sessions. All adverse effects and complications were reviewed based on medical records. Results A total of 23 patients were included in the study. The mMASI scores for baseline and 2 months after the last procedure were 5.1 ± 1.4 and 2.6 ± 0.4, respectively. The mean mMASI score reduced significantly after the treatment session (p < 0.05). The patient satisfaction score with the procedure was 3.8 ± 1.0. The subject satisfaction score and difference in the mMASI score before the procedure and 2 months after the last procedure showed a significant correlation. Adverse effects observed in this study were erythema (n = 1) and edema (n = 1). Conclusion The results of the study show that the pico-toning technique is effective in Asian patients with melasma. We believe that safety was enhanced by using low fluence, and thus better results were achieved with fewer adverse effects.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.85-93
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• 2021

Objectives This study aims to compare the effect of an ultrasound on a guided group and an unguided group on Soyeom pharmacopuncture therapy on the facet joint in patients with acute low back pain caused by traffic accidents. Methods 21 patients with acute low back pain caused by traffic accidents from March 1, 2021 to May 31, 2021 were included in this study. The study was conducted as a retrospective study which analyzes the patient's medical records. 11 patients (Group A) received ultrasound guided Soyeom pharmacopuncture therapy and 10 patients (Group B) received unguided Soyeom pharmacopuncture therapy on the facet joint. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to evaluate improvements in functions and pain, and five point Likert scale to evaluate patient's satisfaction. Results Both groups showed a statistically significant decrease in the VAS and ODI on the 5th day of hospitalization. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Difference in the Likert scale between the groups was not statistically significant either. Conclusions We found that ultrasound guided Soyeom pharmacopuncture therapy on the facet joint showed similar efficacy compared with unguided Soyeom pharmacopuncture therapy at facet joint on acute low back pain patients caused by traffic accidents.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.21 no.12
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• pp.573-584
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that affect the discrimination of low-income children among children in the community children's centers. The subjects of the survey were 6th grade elementary school students who were the third respondents of the second Child Panel Survey of the community children's center, among them, 355 children whose family economy level corresponds to basic living allowance, next level, and blind spot. SPSS Statistics 25.0 was used to analyze exploratory factors, reliability analysis, frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. The results of this study showed that single parent family, parent social capital, parental abuse, and happiness had a significant effect on the discrimination damage of low-income children in community children's centers. The more one parent's family, the less the parent's role as a counterpart to the discussion, and the more the parental abuse, the higher the child's discrimination damage. In general, parents-related factors were affecting the discrimination damage of low-income children. Community children's centers and related institutions should focus on developing and implementing programs that can improve the quality of family relations of children.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.1349-1355
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• 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of additional administration of Banha-sasim-tang formulation to patients with gastrointestinal symptoms that did not improve with Western medicines. Methods: The patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed retrospectively. A paired t-test was performed on the Nepean Dyspepsia Index-Korean version (NDI-K) scores before and after administering the Banha-sasim-tang formulation. Results: A total of 27 subjects were included. The mean duration of taking the Banha-sasim-tang formulation was 15.6±3.1 days. The most commonly used Western medicine before taking the Banha-sasim-tang formulation was rebamipide. The means of the NDI-K score were 57.4±21.8 before administering Banha-sasim-tang formulation and 34.9±16.5 after administration, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.0001). No serious side effects were encountered while taking the Banha-sasim-tang formulation. Conclusions: For patients whose gastrointestinal symptoms do not improve with Western medicines, additional administration of Banha-sasim-tang formulation may be an option. However, as this study is a retrospective chart review, prospective, large-scale, double-blind studies are needed in the future.

• Journal of Korea Society of Industrial Information Systems
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.95-103
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• 2022

Quick and accurate understanding of the situation in a severe accident is essential for conducting the appropriate accident management and response using the accident diagnosis information. This study employed deep learning technology to diagnose severe accidents through the major safety parameters transferred from a nuclear power plant (NPP) to AtomCARE. After selecting the major accident scenarios to consider, a learning database was established for particular scenarios affiliated with major scenarios by performing a large number of severe accident analyses using MAAP5 code. The severe accident diagnosis technology, which classifies detailed accident scenarios using the major safety parameters from NPPs, was developed by training it with the established database . Verification and validation were conducted by blind test and principal component analysis. The technology developed in this study is expected to be extended and applied to all severe accident scenarios and be utilized as a base technology for quick and accurate severe accident diagnosis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.79-85
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• 2014

Objectives : In this study, we attempted to evaluate the effects of Careswell on human mast cell-mediated allergy inflammation in vitro and pruritogen-induced scratching behavior in vivo. Method : The Careswell was extract by distilled water. The anti-itching effects of Careswell were investigated on the compound 48/80 ($50{\mu}g/kg$) or histamine ($100{\mu}g/kg$) induced scratching behavior male ICR mice for 30 min by an observer blind. Terfenadine (10 mg/kg) was used as a positive control drug. The cell toxicity of Careswell was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The regulatory effect of Careswell on interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ levels was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI) stimulated human mast cells (HMC-1). Also, we evaluated the effect of Careswell on PMACI induced the activation of Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) into nucleus by Western blot analysis. Result : The results revealed that the oral administration of Careswell (200 mg/kg, p.o.) attenuated the compound 48/80 or histamine-induced scratching behavior in mice. We showed that Careswell significantly reduced the PMACI-induced the production of IL-6 (0.5-1 mg/ml) and TNF-${\alpha}$ (0.1-1 mg/ml). Additionally, Careswell significantly inhibited the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$ in PMACI-stimulated HMC-1. Conclusion : Collectively, the findings of this study provide us with a novel insight into the pharmacological actions of Careswell as a potential molecule for use in the treatment of allergic inflammation diseases.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.455-462
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• 2022

This study was conducted to find ways to utilize human-centered IT in caring for elderly people who live alone. Through focus group interviews with experts, this study investigated the problems with delivery system, and ethical issues. Problems such as lack of trust, supplier-centered care, and uniform service provision were derived as major problems in the delivery system. These findings indicate that IT should be used as an auxiliary means of face-to-face services and to be controllable and convenient. Issues such as "guaranteeing the right to self-determination," "protecting privacy," "sufficiently guaranteeing the right to know," and "encompassing blind spots" were raised as important ethical issues related to human-centered IT utilization. Based on the research results, this study presented the necessity of designing user-centered information technology and the necessity of developing ethical indicators for the use of human-centered technology.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.565-574
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• 2021

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a severe form of pain that affects the daily activities of a patient. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy is an emerging option for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of TENS therapy as an adjunct to drug therapy for the treatment of TN. Methods: A total of 52 patients diagnosed with TN according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (version 3) were included. Each patient was randomized to either the TENS or placebo TENS groups. Intervention was given in continuous mode and 100-Hz frequency for 20 mins biweekly for 6 weeks. Parameters were measured at baseline, TENS completion and 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year of follow up. The parameters observed were mean carbamazepine dose, mean visual analog scale (VAS) score, mean present pain intensity (PPI) score, and functional outcome. Non-parametric analyses, one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test were applied for intragroup comparisons, while the Mann-Whitney U test and independent t-test were used for intergroup comparisons of variables. The chi-square test was applied to analyze categorical data. Results: Compared to the placebo TENS group, the mean dose of carbamazepine in the TENS group was significantly reduced at TENS completion, as well as at 6 months and 1 year follow up. Changes in mean VAS score, mean PPI score, and functional outcome did not show significant differences between the groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: TENS therapy does not lead to any changes in pain levels but it may reduce the mean dose of carbamazepine when used as an adjunct treatment in patients with TN.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.77-91
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• 2022

Various monitoring systems have been implemented in civil infrastructure to ensure structural safety and integrity. In long-term monitoring, these systems generate a large amount of data, where anomalies are not unusual and can pose unique challenges for structural health monitoring applications, such as system identification and damage detection. Therefore, developing efficient techniques is quite essential to recognize the anomalies in monitoring data. In this study, several machine learning techniques are explored and implemented to detect and classify various types of data anomalies. A field dataset, which consists of one month long acceleration data obtained from a long-span cable-stayed bridge in China, is employed to examine the machine learning techniques for automated data anomaly detection. These techniques include the statistic-based pattern recognition network, spectrogram-based convolutional neural network, image-based time history convolutional neural network, image-based time-frequency hybrid convolution neural network (GoogLeNet), and proposed ensemble neural network model. The ensemble model deliberately combines different machine learning models to enhance anomaly classification performance. The results show that all these techniques can successfully detect and classify six types of data anomalies (i.e., missing, minor, outlier, square, trend, drift). Moreover, both image-based time history convolutional neural network and GoogLeNet are further investigated for the capability of autonomous online anomaly classification and found to effectively classify anomalies with decent performance. As seen in comparison with accuracy, the proposed ensemble neural network model outperforms the other three machine learning techniques. This study also evaluates the proposed ensemble neural network model to a blind test dataset. As found in the results, this ensemble model is effective for data anomaly detection and applicable for the signal characteristics changing over time.