• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.65 no.5
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• pp.254-261
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• 2022

Background: The use of systemic steroids for 6+ weeks in children is associated with decreased bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD). However, the effects of a shorter duration of use on BMD are unknown. Purpose: To determine the effect of the use of systemic steroids for 2-6 weeks on BMD and BMC in pediatric patients. Methods: Twenty-five pediatric patients (21 with tuberculosis, 2 with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, 1 with inflammatory bowel disease, 1 with autoimmune hemolytic anemia) who received systemic steroids for 2-6 weeks and 25 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled. BMC, BMD, and z scores of the whole body (WB), lumbar spine (LS), nondominant distal radius (DR), and total body less the head (TBLH) were determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline, the end of steroid therapy or 6 weeks (whichever was earlier; first follow-up), and at the end of 3 months from baseline (second follow-up) in patients and at baseline in controls. The values were adjusted for confounding variables. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using Student t test and the chi-square test or Fisher exact test, respectively. Pairwise comparisons employed Bonferroni correction. Results: Statistically significant decreases in BMC, BMD, and all z scores were observed. BMC declined by 5.37%, 2.08%, 1.82%, and 2.27%, and 11.42%, 3.75%, 3.34%, and 4.17% for WB, LS, DR, and TBLH, respectively, at the first and second follow-ups, respectively. Similarly, BMD declined by 2.01%, 2.31%, 2.18%, and 1.70% and 4.59%, 3.76%, 3.14%, and 3.50% for the WB, LS, DR, and TBLH, respectively, at the first and second follow-ups, respectively. A significant negative correlation was found among bone densitometric parameters, duration, and cumulative dose. Conclusion: The use of systemic steroids for 2-6 weeks in pediatric patients decreased the BMD and BMC of trabecular and cortical bones, an effect that persisted after discontinuation.

• The Journal of Information Systems
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.197-220
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• 2022

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identifies the demand pattern categorization of repair parts of Automotive After-sales Service(A/S) and proposes a demand prediction model for Auto repair parts using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) of artificial neural networks (ANN). The optimal parts inventory quantity prediction model is implemented by applying daily, weekly, and monthly the parts demand data to the LSTM model for the Lumpy demand which is irregularly in a specific period among repair parts of the Automotive A/S service. Design/methodology/approach This study classified the four demand pattern categorization with 2 years demand time-series data of repair parts according to the Average demand interval(ADI) and coefficient of variation (CV²) of demand size. Of the 16,295 parts in the A/S service shop studied, 96.5% had a Lumpy demand pattern that large quantities occurred at a specific period. lumpy demand pattern's repair parts in the last three years is predicted by applying them to the LSTM for daily, weekly, and monthly time-series data. as the model prediction performance evaluation index, MAPE, RMSE, and RMSLE that can measure the error between the predicted value and the actual value were used. Findings As a result of this study, Daily time-series data were excellently predicted as indicators with the lowest MAPE, RMSE, and RMSLE values, followed by Weekly and Monthly time-series data. This is due to the decrease in training data for Weekly and Monthly. even if the demand period is extended to get the training data, the prediction performance is still low due to the discontinuation of current vehicle models and the use of alternative parts that they are contributed to no more demand. Therefore, sufficient training data is important, but the selection of the prediction demand period is also a critical factor.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.40-45
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• 2022

Purpose: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has various underlying causes in children. Identification of the underlying causes of CKD is important. Genetic causes comprise a significant proportion of pediatric CKD cases. Methods: In this study, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify genetic causes of pediatric CKD. From January to June 2021, WES was performed using samples from pediatric patients with CKD of unclear etiology. Results: Genetic causes were investigated using WES in 37 patients (17 males) with pediatric CKD stages 1 (n=5), 2 (n=7), 3 (n=2), 4 (n=2), and 5 (n=21). The underlying diseases were focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (n=9), congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract including reflux nephropathy (n=8), other glomerulopathies (n=7), unknown etiology (n=6), and others (n=7). WES identified genetic causes of CKD in 12 of the 37 patients (32.4%). Genetic defects were discovered in the COL4A4 (n=2), WT1 (n=2), ACTN4, CEP290, COL4A3, CUBN, GATA3, LAMA5, NUP107, and PAX2 genes. WT1 defects were found in patients whose pathologic diagnosis was membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and identification of CUBN defects led to discontinuation of immunosuppressive agents. Genetic diagnosis confirmed the clinical diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness, and renal disease; Alport syndrome; and Joubert syndrome in three of the patients with CKD of unknown etiology (COL4A4 [n=2], CUBN [n=1]). Extrarenal symptoms were considered phenotypic presentations of WT1, PAX2, and CEP290 defects. Conclusions: WES provided a genetic diagnosis that confirmed the clinical diagnosis in a significant proportion (32.4%) of patients with pediatric CKD.

• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.205-212
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• 2023

In the modern society, the extreme weather caused by climate change has brought about exceptional damage in succession over the world due to the use of fossil fuels, and infectious diseases such as COVID-19 worsen the quality of human life. It is urgently necessary to reduce green-house gas and use new renewable energy. The global environmental pollution should be decreased by reducing the use of fossil fuels and using new renewable energy. This paper suggests a system which can function for the environment of four seasons, safety and communication, through the photovoltaic power-based intelligent CCTV, internet and WiFi, and cooling and heating systems, and can optimally manage power, through the real-time monitoring of the production and the consumption of the photovoltaic power. It suggests a hybrid generation system supporting diesel generation without discontinuation in the case of emergency such as system power outage caused by cold waves, typhoons and natural disasters in which the photovoltaic power generating system cannot be used.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2023.05a
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• pp.173-173
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• 2023

The Mekong River Basin (MRB) is a crucial watershed in Asia, impacting over 60 million people across six developing nations. Accurate satellite-based precipitation products (SPPs) are essential for effective hydrological and watershed management in this region. However, the performance of SPPs has been varied and limited. The APHRODITE product, a unique gauge-based dataset for MRB, is widely used but is only available until 2015. In this study, we present a novel framework for correcting SPPs in the MRB by employing a deep learning approach that combines convolutional neural networks and encoder-decoder architecture to address pixel-by-pixel bias and enhance accuracy. The DLF was applied to four widely used SPPs (TRMM, CMORPH, CHIRPS, and PERSIANN-CDR) in MRB. For the original SPPs, the TRMM product outperformed the other SPPs. Results revealed that the DLF effectively bridged the spatial-temporal gap between the SPPs and the gauge-based dataset (APHRODITE). Among the four corrected products, ADJ-TRMM demonstrated the best performance, followed by ADJ-CDR, ADJ-CHIRPS, and ADJ-CMORPH. The DLF offered a robust and adaptable solution for bias correction in the MRB and beyond, capable of detecting intricate patterns and learning from data to make appropriate adjustments. With the discontinuation of the APHRODITE product, DLF represents a promising solution for generating a more current and reliable dataset for MRB research. This research showcased the potential of deep learning-based methods for improving the accuracy of SPPs, particularly in regions like the MRB, where gauge-based datasets are limited or discontinued.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.441-452
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• 2023

Buildings that have been long neglected can suffer severe durability reduction due to factors such as rebar rust and concrete quality deterioration resulting from exposure to outside air. Furthermore, the issues associated with these suspended buildings, including safety accidents, social crimes, and environmental pollution, are becoming increasingly serious. This study investigates the current status of these buildings in the Jeju area, identifies the problems, and examines the durability of the structure in a specific location to assess the possibility of future use. Aesthetic surveys(visual and slope inspections) as well as non-destructive tests(compressive strength tests, neutralization tests, and rebar detection tests) were conducted to assess durability. The analysis revealed that the structure maintained satisfactory durability and the building's condition was good in comparison to the years of neglect.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.253-262
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• 2022

We aimed to review the current data composition of the Korean Tuberculosis and Post-Tuberculosis Cohort, which was constructed by linking the Korean Tuberculosis Surveillance System (KNTSS; established and operated by the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency since 2000) and the National Health Information Database (NHID; established by the National Health Insurance Service in 2012). The following data were linked: KNTSS data pertaining to patients diagnosed with tuberculosis between 2011 and 2018, NHID data of patients with a history of tuberculosis and related diseases between 2006 and 2018, and data (obtained from the Statistics Korea database) on causes of death. Data from 300 117 tuberculosis patients (177 206 men and 122 911 women) were linked. The rate of treatment success for new cases was highest in 2015 (86.7%), with a gradual decrease thereafter. The treatment success rate for previously treated cases showed an increasing trend until 2014 (79.0%) and decreased thereafter. In total, 53 906 deaths were confirmed among tuberculosis patients included in the cohort. The Korean Tuberculosis and Post-Tuberculosis Cohort can be used to analyze different measurement variables in an integrated manner depending on the data source. Therefore, these cohort data can be used in future epidemiological studies and research on policy-effect analysis, treatment outcome analysis, and health-related behaviors such as treatment discontinuation.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.823-829
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• 2023

Objectives: This study reports the case of a patient with right hemiparesis after a left thalamic infarction, in which the patient experienced improved clinical symptoms (hemiparesis, constipation) after treatment with a complex Korean medicine treatment. Methods: A 81-year-old male patient diagnosed with acute left thalamic infarction was treated with daily acupuncture and herbal medicine (Boyanghwanoh-tang-gagam) three times a day. Jowiseunggi-tang extract granules were administered to treat constipation by adjusting the dosage according to the reported symptoms. The patient's clinical course was assessed using changes in Modified Barthel Index (MBI) score, Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) grade, and defecation frequency . Results: The patient's MBI score improved from 35 to 69 and was discharged with the ability to walk under supervision. The MMT grade also improved from 3/4 to 5/5 in the upper/lower extremities. Other clinical symptoms, including constipation, also improved, leading to the discontinuation of magnesium medication. Conclusion: These findings suggest that complex Korean medicine treatments, including herbal medicine and acupuncture, may be an effective treatment for post-stroke hemiplegic patients.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.186-195
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• 2024

Purpose: Infantile colic diagnostic criteria were established by Rome IV. A universally accepted management remains to be established. We aimed to evaluate diagnostic criteria, management strategies, and perceived regional prevalence of infantile colic in Pakistan, as well as its effect on physicians and parents. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed amongst 1,256 physicians. Results: We received 800 replies. Wessel and Rome IV criteria were used by most physicians for diagnosis; however, the response "any infant who cries a lot" was selected by older physicians (48% of those over 60 years), physicians in rural areas (32%), physicians practicing in private clinics (27%), and general physicians (30%). Estimated prevalence of infantile colic ranges from 21-40%. Reassurance was the most widely recommended management strategy followed by herbal teas (51%), switching to a different formula (49%), probiotics (28%) and antibiotics (26%), discontinuation of breastfeeding (14%), elimination of dairy products from the breastfeeding mothers' diet (6%), and the administration of colic drops (1%). Most physicians considered the negative impact of colic on their personal lives and the parents as mild-to-moderate. Notably, 38% of percent of physicians routinely screened for maternal depression, and 45% of physicians were aware of the association between infantile colic and shaken baby syndrome. Conclusion: Most physicians in Pakistan diagnose and manage infantile colic according to the established guidelines. However, the guidelines pertaining to treatment planning are not followed. Educational efforts directed toward general physicians and doctors practicing in rural areas and clinics must be implemented to avoid unnecessary testing and treatment burden.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.126-133
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• 2016

Unlike conventional T cells, innate CD8 T cells develop a memory-like phenotype in the thymus and immediately respond upon antigen stimulation, similar to memory T cells. The development of innate CD8 T cells in the thymus is known to require IL-4, which upregulates Eomesodermin (Eomes). These features are similar to that of virtual memory CD8 T cells and IL-4-induced memory-like CD8 T cells generated in the peripheral tissues. However, the relationship between these cell types has not been clearly documented. In the present study, IL-4-induced memory-like CD8 T cells generated in the peripheral tissues were compared with innate CD8 T cells in terms of phenotype and function. When an IL-4/anti-IL-4 antibody complex (IL-4C) was injected into C57BL/6 mice daily for 7 days, the Eomes^hiCXCR3⁺ CD8 T cell population was markedly increased in the peripheral lymphoid organs and blood. These cells were generated from naïve CD8 T cells or accumulated via the expansion of pre-existing CD44^hiCXCR3⁺ CD8 T cells. Initially, the majority of these CXCR3⁺ CD8 T cells expressed low levels of CD44, which was followed by the conversion to the CD44^hi phenotype. This conversion was associated with the acquisition of enhanced effector function. After discontinuation of IL-4C treatment, Eomes expression levels gradually decreased in CXCR3⁺ CD8 T cells. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate that IL-4-induced memory-like CD8 T cells generated in the peripheral lymphoid tissues are phenotypically and functionally similar to the innate CD8 T cells generated in the thymus.