• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.103-111
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• 2019

Purpose: Patients with taste complaints presenting with various abnormal perceptions and alterations in gustatory function are often encountered in dental clinics. Since taste perception is thought to be influenced by numerous factors including neurological and psychological factors, the gustatory profiles of patients complaining of taste abnormalities should be very different. However, the gustatory profiles based on the clinical subtypes of taste complaints have not been fully studied. This study aimed to better understand the gustatory profiles depending on the clinical subtypes of taste complaints. Methods: Clinical data from 169 patients with complaints of altered taste were retrospectively collected to analyse their clinical and gustatory profiles. These complaints were subdivided into hypergeusia, hypogeusia, and dysgeusia for each taste quality according to the clinical types of these complaints. The gustatory profiles were then established by analysing the detection and recognition thresholds for each taste quality depending on the clinical subtypes of taste complaints. Results: Clinical analysis revealed that patients with taste complaints had widely diverse clinical profiles. There were significant differences between males and females with taste complaints in the prevalence rates of symptoms like dry mouth, tongue coating, and burning sensation. While hypogeusia (76.3%) was the most frequent type of taste complaint, it was revealed that the taste thresholds were not always consistent with the patient's description of gustatory symptoms. Conclusions: Patients with taste complaints exhibited diverse clinical profiles with sex differences. Considering the diversity of the taste complaints, the quantitative gustatory testing methods can be valuable to differentially evaluate the presence and intensity of altered taste in patients with these complaints.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2019

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the optimal doses of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP). Methods: A randomized clinical trial was performed. Sixty-two lesions of OLP were received 12 mg (group A) or 20 mg (group B) of TA intralesionally weekly for 2 weeks. Subjective symptoms, lesion size, favorable conversion of clinical subtypes, and clinical response were evaluated at weeks 0, 1, 2, and 4. Results: After two consecutive injections of TA, group B showed significant reduction in burning sensation and reticular area (p<0.01). Favorable conversion and complete response were greater in group B. Mild oral candidiasis was developed in group B (10.7%). Conclusions: A 20-mg injection of TA was much more effective compared with 12-mg injection of TA in the treatment of OLP.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.202-209
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• 2022

Background: The purpose of our study was to investigate short-term outcomes of two-stage reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) with an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer for shoulder infection. Methods: Eleven patients with shoulder infection were treated by two-stage RTSA following temporary antibiotic-loaded cement spacer. Of the 11 shoulders, nine had pyogenic arthritis combined with complex conditions such as recurrent infection, extensive osteomyelitis, osteoarthritis, or massive rotator cuff tear and two had periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The mean follow-up period was 29.9 months (range, 12-48 months) after RTSA. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, subjective shoulder value (SSV), and serial plain radiographs. Results: The mean time from antibiotic-loaded cement spacer to RTSA was 9.2 months (range, 1-35 months). All patients had no clinical and radiographic signs of recurrent infection at final follow-up. The mean final VAS score, ASES score, and SSV were significantly improved from 4.5, 38.6, and 29.1% before RTSA to 1.7, 75.1, and 75.9% at final follow-up, respectively. The mean forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation were improved from 50.0°, 50.9°, 17.7°, and sacrum level before RTSA to 127.3°, 110.0°, 51.8°, and L2 level at final follow-up, respectively. Conclusions: Two-stage RTSA with antibiotic-loaded cement spacer yields satisfactory short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes. In patients with pyogenic arthritis combined with complex conditions or PJI, two-stage RTSA with an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer would be a successful approach to eradicate infection and to improve function with pain relief.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.57-64
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• 2022

Background: There are various conservative treatment options for lateral epicondylitis (LE). The aim is to evaluate pain, daily functioning, and complications after ultrasound-standardized autologous blood injections in patients with LE. Methods: For this prospective cohort study, consecutive patients (>18 years) diagnosed with LE were included. Autologous blood was injected using a medical device containing an injection disposable with 12 small needles (Instant Tennis Elbow Cure [ITEC]) device. Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), subjective elbow score (SES), palpation and provocation pain, satisfaction, and complications of treatment were measured at baseline and two months after treatment. Paired t-tests and Fisher's exact tests were used for calculating the difference between pre- and post-treatment outcomes. Results: Fifty-five elbows were analyzed. Mean time between pre- and post-treatment was 11.1 weeks (standard deviation [SD], 8.9 weeks). The mean PRTEE score decreased from 68.2 (SD, 15.7) before surgery to 53.2 (SD, 25.9; p<0.001) after. The mean SES improved from 36.9 (SD, 20.8) to 51.7 (SD, 27.4; p<0.001). Despite this improvement, only 44.7% of patients showed relevant clinical improvement in PRTEE, and 37.3% showed significant clinical improvement based on SES. Four patients reported a complication and the injection disposable failed three times. Conclusions: Ultrasound-standardized autologous blood injection using the ITEC device is not an effective tool in reducing symptoms related to LE. This study showed that only half of all patients experienced a positive effect. In this heterogeneous cohort of patients, we showed no added value of ultrasound standardization.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.554-560
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• 2022

Background Hypertrophic scars cause aesthetic concerns and negatively affect the quality of life. A gold standard treatment for hypertrophic scars has not been established due to various responses of modalities. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive and affects scar remodeling by fibroblast regulation. This study investigated the effectiveness of ESWT for hypertrophic scars. Methods Twenty-nine patients were enrolled. All patients underwent ESWT once a week for 6 consecutive weeks. Their scars were assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), erythema index, melanin index, and scar pliability before treatment and again 4 weeks after treatment completion. Results Thirty-four hypertrophic scars in this study had persisted for between 6 months and 30 years. Most scars developed after surgical incision (55.88%). The chest and upper extremities were the predominant areas of occurrence (35.29% each). Most of the POSAS subscales and total scores were significantly improved 4 weeks after treatment (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the pain, itching, and pigmentation subscale were improved. The pliability, melanin index, and erythema index were also improved, but without significance. The patients were satisfied with the results and symptoms alleviation, although subjective score changes were insignificant. No serious adverse events were found. The patients reported pruritus in 62.5% and good pain tolerance in 37.5%. Subgroup analyses found no differences in scar etiologies or properties at different parts of the body. Conclusion The ESWT is a modality for hypertrophic scar treatment with promising results. Most of POSAS subscales were significantly improved.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.29-43
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• 2015

Objective : The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics of patients' self-perceived health in traditional Korean medical facilities. Method : This research was conducted based on the survey on patients whom have visited traditional Korean medical facilities in 2011 by the Ministry of Health and Welfares and Korean Institute for Health and Social Affairs. Using a sample of 3,931 (1,180 male and 2,751 female) outpatients' self-perceived health based on the data from usage and consumption of Korean Medicine. 'Healthy', 'Fair', and 'Poor Health' were used to measure patients' self-perceived health status. The data was analyzed by frequency, t-test, cross correlation analysis and multiple logistics regression analysis using the SPSS program package. Results : Sex(P<0.001), age(P<0.001), marital status(P<0.001), education(P<0.001), employment status(P<0.001), occupation(P<0.001), health insurance(P<0.001) and income level(P<0.0001) showed statistical significance. Main Treatment Facilities(P<0.001), experience of taking Korean medicine(P=0.032), experience of receiving acupuncture treatment(P<0.001), number of visits(P<0.001), medical expense (P=0.005), and subjective health status after the treatments showed statistical significance for Korean herbal medicine(P=0.038), acupuncture (P=0.001), cupping therapy(P=0.006), oriental physiotherapy(P=0.003), and treatment satisfaction(P<0.001). For subjective health status based on suffering disorders in the past three months, the response of poor health was higher in the group suffering recent illnesses. Statistical significance was seen in hypertension (P=0.002), arthritis(P<0.001), lumbar pain(P<0.001), diabetes mellitus(P=0.001), stroke(P<0.001), hwa-byung (P=0.001), gastric disorders(P=0.021), common cold(P<0.001), ankle sprain(P<0.001), muscular injury(P<0.001), lumbar sprain(p=0.009) and fracture(P=0.03). Also the number of diseases during the past three months showed statistical significance(P<0.001). Statistical significance was also seen in Level of knowledge(P<0.001), route of information(P<0.001), reliability of Korean medicine(P=0.003), insurance coverage(P=0.005), medical costs(P<0.001), and future willingness to use Korean medicine(P<0.001). As a result of the multiple logistics regression analysis, risks of subjective poor health statistically increased in female population, elderlies, medicaid beneficiaries, less educated, higher medical expense, and more disorders during the past three months. Conclusion : Patients' self-perceived health status has significant differences with each variables such as sex, age, marital status, education, health insurance, medical expense, number of diseases.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.11 no.10
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• pp.355-369
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine the subjective symptoms of respiratory disease and factors related to prevalent status among dental technicians by analyzing the questionnaire data from 300 dental technicians in Seoul and GyeongGi-Do, using SPSS WIN 18.0 program. The results are followings; 1. There were significant differences among subjects in the normal complaints rate for cough by presence smoking, total career, and work days per week. 2. There was significant difference among subjects in the normal complaints rate for sputum only by work days per week.(P<0.05) 3. There were significant differences among subjects in the normal complaints rate for continuance of sputum or congestion by work days per week and required measures for improvement in pain. 4. There were significant differences among subjects in the normal complaints rates for blocked nose and coryza by sex, age, work days per week and average length of breaking time during working (P<0.05). 5. There were significant differences among subjects in the normal complaints rates for shortness of breath by sex, exercise frequency, average length of exercise, main job. 6. There was significant difference among subjects in the experience rate due to symptom of pulmonary disease only by main job.(P<0.05).

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.206-214
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• 2020

This study examined the correlation between the respiratory pattern change (RPC) and abdominal mobility (AM) according to the positive result of the subjective lumbar instability factor (SLIF) in people with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Thirty-six adults with CLBP participated in this study. Twenty-eight items of the SLIFs were examined, and the subjects were divided into three groups according to the positive response numbers (PRN). After the change lists were scored, three RPC scores [costo-diaphragmatic RPC (CDRPC), breath hold change (BHC), and total RPC (TRPC)] were obtained. The abdominal mobility (AM) was measured between the maximal inspiration and exhalation at the xiphoid (AM1) and the 10^th rib (AM2) level of the trunk. The results showed that the RPC score and AM were compared according to the positive response number of SLIF, and the relationship between them was analyzed. A positive correlation was observed between the SLIF positive response number and CDRPC score, BHC score, and total RPC score, and a negative correlation was observed between the SLIFs positive response number and AM1 and AM2. Based on the results of this study, the combination of SLIF positive responses can be a predictor of non-physiological respiratory pattern changes in people with CLBP. Clinically, this prediction is expected to help save time for screening and improve the efficiency of therapy.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.285-291
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• 2012

Purpose: This study was conducted to research any effect on visual function related to accommodation by VDT work. Methods: The refraction power, accommodative lag, accommodative facility, relative accommodation, amplitude of accommodation and blink rate were measured before and after VDT work for 2 hours on 48 university students (16 males and 32 females), without abnormal accommodative function and systemic and ocular disease, who had never undergone corrective eye surgery. All examinations were performed with distant refraction, and a survey was conducted on the items related to subjective symptoms of VDT syndrome. Results: After 2 hours of VDT work, refractive power increased by 0.23 D, the amount of change in accommodative lag were $0.17{\pm}0.42D$ in the right eye and $0.23{\pm}0.47D$ in the left eye (t=2.26, p=0.03). There were statistically significant differences. Both the accommodative facility and relative accommodation and amplitude of accommodation were decreased after work. However, blink rate were increased. After VDT work, 33.4% of the subjects showed subjective symptoms of asthenopia and 33.3% of them showed shoulder pain. Conclusions: As a result, the accommodative lag increased in response to the two hours of VDT work, and overall accommodative functions were decreased. In addition, as symptoms of providing visual strain, asthenopia showed the most prominent subjective symptoms.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.119-128
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• 2021

Background: This study assessed anticipatory dental anxiety levels among 8- to 12-year-old children based on subjective and physiological measures and their correlation. The variations in anxiety based on sex, age, temperament, and academic performance were evaluated. Methods: An observational study was conducted in 60 children recruited from the waiting room over a 6-month period. The operator recorded subjective anxiety in the children using a novel visual facial anxiety scale. The operator also noted the demographic details and child's temperament using the nine dimensions of the Thomas and Chess criteria, and graded children as "easy," "slow to warm-up," and "difficult." The academic performance of the children was graded (parental ratings) on a five-point Likert scale. Physiological variables (heartrate [HR], oxygen saturation[SpO2], and blood pressure [BP]) were recorded by another evaluator. The correlation between anxiety levels and physiological variables was also assessed. The effects of age, sex, temperament, and academic performance on anxiety were evaluated. Results: The study included 60 children aged 8-12 years, including 36 boys and 24 girls. Seventy percent of children had mild to moderate levels of pre-extraction anxiety, while 30% of children demonstrated high anxiety. A significant positive correlation was noted between anxiety levels and HR (rs = 0.477, P < 0.001⁎) and systolic BP (rs = 0.294, P < 0.05), while a significant but inverse correlation was observed with SpO2 (rs = -0.40, P < 0.05). Anxiety did not influence diastolic BP. Children with difficult temperament and poor academic performance had significantly higher anxiety. Conclusion: A high percentage (70%) of children aged 8-12 years had mild to moderate anxiety prior to the extraction procedure. Increased HR, systolic BP, and reduced SpO2 were significantly associated with high levels of anticipatory dental anxiety. Pre-extraction anxiety was significantly related to the temperament and scholastic performance.