• Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.46-50
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• 2024

Objective: Diagnostic cerebral angiograms (DCAs) are widely used in neurosurgery due to their high sensitivity and specificity to diagnose and characterize pathology using ionizing radiation. Eliminating unnecessary radiation is critical to reduce risk to patients, providers, and health care staff. We investigated if reducing pulse and frame rates during routine DCAs would decrease radiation burden without compromising image quality. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of prospectively acquired data after implementing a quality improvement protocol in which pulse rate and frame rate were reduced from 15 p/s to 7.5 p/s and 7.5 f/s to 4.0 f/s respectively. Radiation doses and exposures were calculated. Two endovascular neurosurgeons reviewed randomly selected angiograms of both doses and blindly assessed their quality. Results: A total of 40 consecutive angiograms were retrospectively analyzed, 20 prior to the protocol change and 20 after. After the intervention, radiation dose, radiation per run, total exposure, and exposure per run were all significantly decreased even after adjustment for BMI (all p<0.05). On multivariable analysis, we identified a 46% decrease in total radiation dose and 39% decrease in exposure without compromising image quality or procedure time. Conclusions: We demonstrated that for routine DCAs, pulse rate of 7.5 with a frame rate of 4.0 is sufficient to obtain diagnostic information without compromising image quality or elongating procedure time. In the interest of patient, provider, and health care staff safety, we strongly encourage all interventionalists to be cognizant of radiation usage to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure and consequential health risks.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.365-372
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• 2024

As the energy density of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) continues to increase, various separators are being developed to with the aim of improving the safety performance. Although poly(imide) (PI)-based separators are widely used, it is difficult to control their pore size and distribution, and this may further increase the risk associated. Herein, a melamine phosphonic acid (MP)-coated PI separator that can effectively control the pore structure of the substrate is suggested as a remedy. After the MP material is embedded into the PI separator with a simple one-step casting process, it effectively clogs the large pores of the PI separator, preventing the occurrence of internal short circuits during charging. It is anticipated that the MP material can also suppress rapid thermal runaway upon cycling due to its ability to reduce the internal temperature of the LIB cell caused by the desirable endothermic behavior around 300℃. According to experiments, the MP-coated PI separator not only decreases the thermal shrinkage rate better than commercial poly(ethylene) (PE) separators but also exhibits a desirable Gurley number (109.6 s/100 cc) and electrolyte uptake rate (240%), which is unique. The proposed separator is electrochemically stable in the range 0.0-5.0 V (vs. Li/Li⁺), which is the typical working potential of conventional electrode materials. In practice, the MP-coated PI separator exhibits stable cycling performance in a graphite-LiNi_0.83Co_0.10Mn_0.07O₂ full cell without an internal short circuit (retention: 90.3%).

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.5
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• pp.493-509
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• 2024

In neurointensive care units (NICUs), particularly in cases involving traumatic brain injury (TBI), swift and accurate decision-making is critical because of rapidly changing patient conditions and the risk of secondary brain injury. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in NICU can enhance clinical decision support and provide valuable assistance in these complex scenarios. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current status and future prospects of AI utilization in the NICU, along with the challenges that must be overcome to realize this. Presently, the primary application of AI in NICU is outcome prediction through the analysis of preadmission and high-resolution data during admission. Recent applications include augmented neuromonitoring via signal quality control and real-time event prediction. In addition, AI can integrate data gathered from various measures and support minimally invasive neuromonitoring to increase patient safety. However, despite the recent surge in AI adoption within the NICU, the majority of AI applications have been limited to simple classification tasks, thus leaving the true potential of AI largely untapped. Emerging AI technologies, such as generalist medical AI and digital twins, harbor immense potential for enhancing advanced neurocritical care through broader AI applications. If challenges such as acquiring high-quality data and ethical issues are overcome, these new AI technologies can be clinically utilized in the actual NICU environment. Emphasizing the need for continuous research and development to maximize the potential of AI in the NICU, we anticipate that this will further enhance the efficiency and accuracy of TBI treatment within the NICU.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.277-296
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• 2024

Objective : Dyspepsia is one of the most common ailments among Koreans, leading to a continuously expanding market for liquid digestive solutions. These products are popular due to their convenience and low risk of side effects. However, there is a lack of research on the basic prescription composition of these ingredients and their precise indications according to Korean Medicine. Methods : Drugs were selected from the Korea Pharmaceutical Information Service website (http://www.health.kr), focusing on oral and liquid products classified under the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's category of stomach and digestive aids (category 233). Frequency analysis was conducted to determine the occurrence and combinations of herbal ingredients within each product. Additionally, the four properties and five flavors of each product were calculated using their herbal ingredient composition ratios, and Pearson correlation coefficients were employed to verify the linear relationships between the composition ratios of the ingredients. Results : A comparative analysis of 33 liquid digestive medicines revealed that Zingiberis Rhizoma was the most frequently used herb. The most common dual-herb combination was Zingiberis Rhizoma and Citri Unshius Pericarpium, and the most prevalent tri-herb combination was Zingiberis Rhizoma, Citri Unshius Pericarpium, and Cinnamomi Cortex. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed a strong positive correlation between the composition ratios of Zingiberis Rhizoma and Cinnamomi Cortex. The analysis of four properties and five flavors indicated that products with warm and bitter flavors were the most common. Conclusions : The most frequently used herbal combination in liquid digestive solutions was Zingiberis Rhizoma, Citri Unshius Pericarpium, and Cinnamomi Cortex. This composition is suitable for treating dyspepsia caused by cold-dampness in the digestive system.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.348-357
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• 2024

Objectives: The total population of Korea began to decline in 2019; in particular, the population in rural areas has been rapidly decreasing and is aging. Therefore, the government has designated depopulation areas and is seeking ways to support them. To assess whether health disparities exist between areas with population decline and those without, this study used community health survey data to observe temporal changes in health behaviors between the two types of areas. Methods: The analysis used Community Health Survey data from 2010 to 2019, and regional classification was divided by depopulation areas designated by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Trends in health behavior and chronic disease prevalence between depopulation and non-depopulation areas were analyzed. All analyses were conducted using complex sample analysis procedures in SAS 9.4 software. Results: The smoking rate steadily decreased in both depopulation and non-depopulation areas, whereas the high-risk drinking rate increased slightly. The walking practice rate did not improve in depopulation areas compared to non-depopulation areas. Furthermore, nutritional labeling usage rate was consistently lower in depopulation areas than in non-depopulation areas, with the gap being the largest. The prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension showed that the gap between depopulation and non-depopulation areas is continuously increasing. Conclusions: Health behaviors in depopulation areas have not improved, and the prevalence of chronic diseases is increasing rapidly. Therefore, the demand for health care services that support healthy lifestyle practices and chronic disease management in these areas is expected to increase.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.707-717
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• 2024

Recently, the implementation of unmanned and automated technologies has been actively considered as a solution to reduce safety accidents in industrial sites. However, bridge construction sites are recognized as a more challenging area for research and development compared to other industries due to the complexity of the site, such as weather and terrain, and the fact that the work is not repetitive or standardized. In this paper, a formwork system for unmanned and automated construction of bridge piers, which are considered high-risk work environments due to tasks such as rebar assembly, concrete pouring, and formwork dismantling and assembly at high altitudes, was developed. To achieve this, the formwork was equipped with motorized spindles and an automated lifting system to replace the manual dismantling and assembly process. Additionally, manipulators were installed on the upper work platform to replace workers in tasks such as rebar assembly and concrete pouring. To verify the proposed technology, we aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of the automated formwork system for unmanned pier construction through an assembly test.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.259-264
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• 2024

The early detection of hydrogen gas leaks is crucial because of their high explosion risk. Current oxide-semiconductor-based hydrogen sensors are reliant on electrical circuits that may fail during accidents and require high temperatures, thereby raising safety concerns. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of simpler and more intuitive sensors that can operate at room temperature. This study proposed a hydrogen sensor based on Pd-MoO₃ nanowires. The sensor exhibited a visible color change upon exposure to hydrogen at room temperature. The Pd-MoO₃ nanowires were synthesized by decorating the surface of hydrothermally produced MoO₃ nanowires with 1-5 wt.% Pd. Upon exposure to 5% hydrogen gas at room temperature, all Pd-MoO₃ nanowires exhibited distinct color changes (∆E). In particular, the MoO₃ nanowires with 3 wt.% Pd (3Pd-MoO₃) yielded an exceptionally high ∆E value of over 15 within 10 min. Further, the 3Pd-MoO₃ nanowires exhibited a noticeable color change (∆E > 1.6) within 2 min, demonstrating their potential for highly sensitive and rapid hydrogen detection. The outstanding color change of the 3Pd-MoO₃ nanowires was attributed to valence changes in both Mo (Mo⁶⁺ and Mo⁵⁺) and Pd (Pd²⁺ and Pd⁰) upon exposure to hydrogen.

• Journal of Medicine and Life Science
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.62-71
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• 2024

The incidence of diabetes is continuously increasing worldwide, resulting in a considerable socioeconomic burden. Glycemic control using traditional diabetes medications prevents microvascular complications; however, there is no objective evidence that it prevents macrovascular complications. In the 21st century, concerns have arisen that strict glycemic control and the diabetes drug rosiglitazone might increase mortality. This led the United States Food and Drug Administration to establish guidelines that require that cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) with 3-point major adverse cardiovascular events (3-P MACE) as the primary endpoints be performed for new diabetes drugs. Since then, 20 CVOTs have been reported. Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors do not increase the incidence of cardiovascular disease; however, saxagliptin increases the risk of heart failure. Sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLT2is) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) not only have proven cardiovascular safety but also have shown results beyond expectations by reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, SGLT2is have been reported to markedly prevent heart failure and kidney disease. The reduction in 3-P MACE by GLP-1RAs was observed only with long-acting agents; long-acting GLP-1RAs also markedly reduced renal endpoints. However, no preventive effect against heart failure was observed with GLP-1RAs. The preventive effects of both drug types against cardiovascular and kidney diseases appear to be independent of glycemic control. In conclusion, based on CVOT results, it is necessary to actively prescribe SGLT2is and GLP-1RAs to prevent cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes, regardless of glycemic control.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.13-23
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• 2017

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate a relationship between the blood concentrations of toxic metals and the blood pressure in people living near the copper smelter. Methods: The study included 570 adults living within 4km of the smelter. We compared systolic and diastolic blood pressure between tertiary groups for blood cadmium, mercury and lead levels, respectively. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors affecting systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Results: In male subjects, there is a significant difference in the mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure between tertiary groups of blood cadmium and mercury levels, but in women, there was no significant difference in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures in all tertiary groups of heavy metals. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that age, BMI, and cadmium concentration in men were risk factors for blood pressure. In women, age and BMI, drinking and smoking, and blood mercury were significantly influenced to blood pressure. Conclusions: Residents living near the Janghang smelter showed high concentrations of blood lead and cadmium, suggesting that they were exposed to high concentrations of heavy metals released from the smelter in the past. Such exposure may have caused some blood pressure increase. Especially, the concentration of cadmium in the case of men and the concentration of mercury in blood in the case of women were found to be significantly related to the increase of blood pressure. The local population should be advised to make efforts to reduce exposure to environmental contaminants, in order to minimize cardiovascular disease, and to pay close attention to any health problems possibly related to toxic metal exposure.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.666-677
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• 2019

In order to understand the distribution of organic matter and heavy metal concentrations in the surface sediments of fishery resources protection areas (FRPAs), we measured the grain size, ignition loss (IL), chemical oxygen demand (COD), acid volatile sulfide (AVS), and concentrations of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, and Zn) in the surface sediments collected at 54 stations of 5 FRPAs (Gamak Bay, Yeoja Bay, Deukryang Bay, Wando coast, and Youngkwang coast) in the southwestern coast of Korea in February 2017. The surface sediments consisted of fine sediment such as mud, with 2.9~8.8Ø (7.4±0.1Ø) of mean grain size. The average concentrations of IL, COD, and AVS in the sediments were 4.63±0.96 %, 13.0±3.1 mgO₂/g·dry, and 0.092±0.124 mgS/g·dry, respectively, and were lower for sediments from the Youngkwang coast than those from other FRPAs. The average concentrations of heavy metals in the sediment were 7.5±0.9 mg/kg for As, 0.04±0.02 mg/kg for Cd, 70.2±9.7 mg/kg for Cr, 15.3±2.8 mg/kg for Cu, 3.3±0.5 % for Fe, 0.014±0.003 mg/kg for Hg, 25.0±6.0 mg/kg for Pb, and 99±14 mg/kg for Zn, respectively, and were relatively higher for sediments in the inner bays than those from the outer bays and coasts. Based on the assessment of sediment samples using the sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), the pollutant load index (PLI), and the ecological risk index (ERI), the surface sediments of FRPAs in the southwestern coast of Korea do not appear to be polluted by heavy metals, suggesting that the heavy metal concentrations in the sediments would not adversely impact aquatic and benthic organisms.