• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.582-596
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• 2019

Objective: The aims of this study were to analyze the deficiency-excess pattern identification (虛實辨證) and compare it to the sputum cytokines of asthma patients. Method: 50 asthma patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this study. They were divided into two groups: deficiency and excess syndrome groups. Sputum examinations were performed including $TNF-{\alpha}$, Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13. The Quality of Life Questionnaire for Adult Korean Asthmatics (QLQAKA), the Visual Analog Scale(VAS), and heart rate variability (HRV) were also measured. We also conducted laboratory tests, including the hematological indexes. Results: Based on the pattern identification, 50 asthma patients can be divided into two categories of groups: the deficiency syndrome group (N=24) and the excess syndrome group (N=26). In the analysis of sputum cytokines, although the $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-4 and IL-13 were at a higher level in the deficient pattern group than in the excess pattern group, it was insignificantly different. There was a negative correlation in the analysis of QLQAKA and VAS. In the analysis of HRV, although the mean value of VLF, LF, and HF in the deficiency syndrome group was higher than in the excess syndrome group, it was insignificantly different. There was no significant difference in the hematological tests between the deficiency and the excess syndrome group. The mean value of the IgE in the blood tests was five times greater than the reference value. Conclusion: The cytokines of sputum including $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 were indifferent statistically. Reinforcing the healthy and eliminating the pathogenic factors should be considered.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.21-26
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• 2021

Background: To evaluate the demographics, clinical and radiographic features of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder in the Korean population, specifically focusing on the incidence of coexisting rotator cuff tear. Methods: Between October 2014 and January 2015, we performed a prospective multicenter study with 506 patients from 11 training hospitals in Korea. We collected data of demographics and radiographic analysis based on simple radiographs, clinical assessments based on visual analog scale (VAS) and the American Shoulder Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and treatment modalities that are used currently. We also evaluated coexisting rotator cuff tear by ultrasonography (US) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. Results: There were 402 female patients (79%) with mean age of 55 years (range, 31-87 years). Mean duration of symptoms was 16 months. Mean size of calcific materials was 11.4 mm (range, 0-35 mm). Mean value of VAS and ASES scores were 6.5 (range, 1-10) and 47 (range, 8-95), respectively. Of 383 patients (76%), 59 (15%) had rotator cuff tear including 15 full-thickness tears on US or MRI. Patients with rotator cuff tears were significantly associated with older age, recurrent symptoms, menstrual disorders in females, and having undergone calcification removal surgery and rotator cuff repair (all p<0.05). Conclusions: This study reported demographic, radiographic, and clinical features of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder in Korean population, which were not different from those of Western population. Coexisting rotator cuff tear was found with 15% incidence in this large series, suggesting that further radiographic study to evaluate rotator cuff tear might be needed in some calcific tendinitis patients of older age and presenting with recurrent symptoms.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.64-77
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• 2023

Objectives : Recently, the number of patients with dry eye syndrome has been steadily increasing. However, established treatment for it does not yet exist. This study compared electronic moxibustion with acupuncture for patients with dry eye in terms of efficacy and safety. Methods : This trial was designed as an investigator-initiated, single-blinded, comparative, randomized controlled trial. Thirty patients with dry eye were randomized to the electronic moxibustion treatment group(EMG) or the acupuncture treatment group(AG) in equal proportion. The participants who assigned to the EMG were treated with electronic moxibustion to ten acupoints including both sides of BL2, GB14, TE23, and LI4 for 12 minutes. The participants who were assigned to the AG were treated with acupuncture to the same acupoints for 15 minutes. Over 4 weeks, each intervention was carried out twelve times in total. The primary outcome was the ocular surface disease index(OSDI). The secondary outcomes were the subjective symptoms visual analog scale(VAS), quality of life(QoL), Schirmer I test(SIT), and general assessment. Adverse events and vital signs were also investigated for safety assessment. Results : In intragroup comparisons, both the EMG and the AG significantly improved the OSDI scores, the subjective symptoms VAS scores, the QoL scores, and the SIT results after 4 weeks of the trial. However, there were no statistical differences in intergroup comparisons between the two groups after 4 weeks. The safety of electronic moxibustion and acupuncture was confirmed by no occurrence of serious adverse events. Conclusions : Both electronic moxibustion and acupuncture were effective for dry eye syndrome, and they were safe. Electronic moxibustion and acupuncture can be used for dry eye syndrome as equivalent treatments.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.1-7
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• 2023

Objectives : From this study, we sight to identify Anti-stress effect of Chenwangbosim-Dan (Tianwangbuxin-Dan) Extract∘Fermented Rice Extract (GABA : gamma-aminobutyric acid 30%) Complex Methods : In order to measure the degree of functional evaluation of tension relief due to stress, it was evaluated whether the psychological indicators VAS(Visual Analog Scale) and POMS(Profile Of Mood State) were improved. Which is generally used for stress measurement and has a high frequency of clinical use. All clinical trial subjects were required to take the drug once a day at 9 ± 30 min in the morning for 2 weeks. Results : After intake, the group that Chenwangbosim-Dan(Tianwangbuxin-Dan) Extract∘Fermented Rice Extract (GABA : gamma-aminobutyric acid 30%) Complex had a statistically significant improvement effect compared to before intake due to an improved 30.81% of the VAS scores. The POMS-T score improved 54.13%, the POMS-V score improved 117.5% and the POMS-F score improved 59%, which had a statistically significant effect compared to Placebo group (p<0.001). There is a significant difference between two group, so even considering the placebo effect, the anti stress effect was confirmed in the Chenwangbosim-Dan (Tianwangbuxin-Dan) Extract∘Fermented Rice Extract (GABA : gamma-aminobutyric acid 30%) Complex intake group. Conclusions : The above results showed that the Chenwangbosim-Dan(Tianwangbuxin-Dan) Extract∘Fermented Rice Extract (GABA : gamma-aminobutyric acid 30%) Complex had an anti-stress effect. Therefore, it is expected to be developed as a safe and comfortable mental care health functional food that can reduce the risk of drug abuse.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.1
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• pp.84-95
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• 2022

Objective : To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of the controlled distraction-compression technique using an expandable titanium cage (ETC) in posttraumatic kyphosis (PTK). Methods : We retrospectively studied and collected data on 20 patients with PTK. From January 2014 to December 2017, the controlled distraction-compression technique using ETC was consecutively performed in 20 patients with PTK of the thoracolumbar zone (range, 36-82 years). Among them, nine were males and 11 were females and the mean age was 61.5 years. The patients were followed regularly at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and the last follow-up was more than 2 years after surgery. Results : The mean follow-up period was 27.3±7.3 months (range, 14-48). The average operation time was 286.8±33.1 minutes (range, 225-365). The preoperative regional kyphotic angle (RKA) ranged from 35.6° to 70.6° with an average of 47.5°±8.1°. The immediate postoperative mean RKA was 5.9°±3.8° (86.2% correction rate, p=0.000), and at the last follow-up more than 2 years later, the mean RKA was 9.2°±4.9° (80.2% correction rate, p=0.000). The preoperative mean thoracolumbar kyphosis was 49.1°±9.2° and was corrected to an average of 8.8°±5.3° immediately after surgery (p=0.000). At the last follow-up, a correction of 11.9°±6.3° was obtained (p=0.000). The preoperative mean back visual analog scale (VAS) score was 7.9±0.8 and at the last follow-up, the VAS score was improved to a mean of 2.3±1.0 with a 70.9% correction rate (p=0.000). The preoperative mean Oswestry disability index (ODI) score was 32.3±6.9 (64.6%) and the last follow-up ODI score was improved to a mean of 6.85±2.9 (3.7%) with a 78.8% correction rate (p=0.000). The overall complication was 15%, with two of distal junctional fractures and one of proximal junctional kyphosis and screw loosening. However, there were no complications directly related to the operation. Conclusion : Posterior vertebral column resection through the controlled distraction-compression technique using ETC showed safe and good results in terms of complications, and clinical and radiologic outcomes in PTK. However, to further evaluate the efficacy of this surgical procedure, more patients need long-term follow-up and there is a need to apply it to other diseases.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.9
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• pp.901-910
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to assess the technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of the safe triangular working zone (STWZ) approach applied in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) for spinal metastases involving the posterior part of the vertebral body. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled 87 patients who underwent PV for spinal metastasis involving the posterior part of the vertebral body, with or without the STWZ approach, from January 2019 to April 2022. Forty-nine patients (27 females and 22 males; mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 57.2 ± 11.6 years; age range, 31-76 years) were included in group A (with STWZ approach), accounting for 54 vertebrae. Thirty-eight patients (18 females and 20 males; 59.1 ± 10.9 years; 29-81 years) were included in group B (without STWZ approach), accounting for 57 vertebrae. Patient demographics, procedure-related variables, and pain relief as assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) were collected at different time points. Tumor recurrence in the vertebrae after PV was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: The STWZ approach was successful from T1 to L5 without severe complications. Cement filling was satisfactory in 47/54 (87.0%) and 25/57 (43.9%) vertebrae in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). Cement leakage was not significantly different between groups A and B (p = 1.000). Mean VAS score ± SD before and 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after PV were 7.6 ± 1.8, 4.2 ± 2.0, 2.7 ± 1.9, 1.9 ± 1.5, 1.7 ± 1.4, 1.7 ± 1.1, and 1.6 ± 1.3, respectively, in group A and 7.2 ± 1.7, 4.0 ± 1.3, 3.4 ± 1.6, 2.4 ± 1.2, 1.8 ± 1.0, 1.4 ± 0.5, and 1.7 ± 0.9, respectively, in group B. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a lower tumor recurrence rate in group A than in group B (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The STWZ approach may represent a new, safe, alternative/auxiliary approach to target the posterior part of the vertebral body in the PV for spinal metastases.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.357-365
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• 2023

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of concomitant open distal clavicle excision (DCE) on postoperative clinical outcomes and incidence of acromial and scapular stress fractures (ASFs) in patients with symptomatic acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis (ACJ OA) undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). Methods: A single-surgeon retrospective cohort study was conducted including patients who underwent primary elective RTSA with or without DCE from 2015 to 2019 with a minimum 6-month follow-up period. Shoulder active range of motion (AROM) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. ASFs and other adverse events were identified using postoperative notes and/or radiographs. Characteristics and outcomes were compared between the RTSA and RTSA-DCE groups. Results: Forty-six RTSA patients (mean age, 67.9±8.7 years; 60.9% male; mean follow-up, 24.9±16.6 months) and 70 RTSA-DCE patients (mean age, 70.2±8.9 years; 20.0% male; mean follow-up, 22.7±12.9 months) were included. There were no significant intergroup differences in rates of ASF (RTSA, 0.0% vs. RTSA-DCE, 1.4%; P=1.00), stress reactions (RTSA, 8.7% vs. RTSA-DCE, 11.4%; P=0.76), reoperation, revision, or infection (all P>0.05), or in pre-to-postoperative reduction in VAS pain (P=0.17) at latest follow-up. However, the RTSA-DCE group had greater pre-to-postoperative improvement in flexion AROM (RTSA, 43.7°±38.5° vs. RTSA-DCE, 59.5°±33.4°; P=0.03) and internal rotation (IR) AROM (P=0.02) at latest follow-up. Conclusions: Concomitant DCE in RTSA improves shoulder flexion and IR AROM, alleviates shoulder pain, and does not increase the risk of ASFs. Level of evidence: III.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.45-55
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• 2016

Objectives The aim of this review is to provide fundamental data for temporomandibular disorders diagnosis and evaluation criteria which can be used in clinical trial. Methods We investigated the clinical studies on temporomandibular disorders via PubMed. Also, we searched domestic articles through "OASIS", "NDSL", "KISS", "Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal (KTKP)". The articles we focused on were the recent decade from 2007 to 2016. A total of 139 studies were analyzed: 42 domestic articles and 97 overseas articles. This study focuses on the diagnosis and evaluation criteria on temporomandibular disorders. Results 1) In diagnosis criteria, Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) was used 14 times in domestic articles and 63 times in overseas articles. Clinical symptoms were used 13 times in domestic articles, 17 times in overseas articles. 2) In evaluation criteria, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used as a pain scale 12 times in domestic articles, 63 times in overseas articles. Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) was used 16 times in overseas articles. Whereas, no clinical trials used PPT in domestic articles. In psychological scale, Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) was used 6 times. However, SCL-90-R was used 2 times in domestic articles. ROM(Maximum Mouth Opening (MMO), Maximum Comfortable Opening (MCO) were used 24 times in overseas. In domestic articles, MMO was counted 12 times, while MCO was counted 5 times. Conclusions This research reviewed the tendency of using diagnosis methods and evaluating outcomes of the clinical on TMD. It is expected that this investigation would develop further treatment for TMD in the Korean Medicine.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.288-299
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• 2002

The patients with abdominal surgery usually have acute pain. It is important for a patient's qualify of life and for good recovery after surgery to control the postoperative pain. The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between emotional state of preoperative patients and postoperative pain. The participants in this study were the 100 patients receiving abdominal surgery who received Intravenous Patient Controlled Analgesia (IV-PCA) at the end of the operation. The data were collected using questionnaires and the period of the data collection was from March to August, 2001. The instruments used for this study were The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Developed by Spielberger (1972), The Center for Epidemeologic Studies-Depression (CESD) scale and Visual Analog scale (VAS). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. t-test, ANOVA and Pearson Correlation coefficient with the SPSS program. The results are as follows. 1. For general characteristics there were significant differences in the degree of trait anxiety according to gender (p= 0.0010), marital status (p=0.0122), religion (p=0.0040), education (p=0.0001), occupation (p=0.0002). monthly income (p=0.0001), diagnosis (p=0.0001), and operation title (p = 0.0001). 2. For general characteristics there were significant differences in the degree of state anxiety according to gender (p= 0.0023), education (P=0.0073), monthly income (p=0.0001), diagnosis (p=0.0005), and operation title (P =0.0063). 3. For general characteristics there were significant differences in the degree of depression according to gender (p= 0.0073), occupation (p=0.0469), monthly income (p=0.0001), diagnosis (p=0.012). and operation title (p =0.0033). 4. For general characteristics there were significant differences in the degree of postoperative pain according to gender (p=0.0213), marital status (p=0.0082), education (p=0.0016), occupation (p =0.0128). monthly income (p=0.0008), diagnosis (p =0.0007), and operation title (p =0.0008). 5. The relationship between trait anxiety and postoperative pain revealed a significant positive correlation (r =0.51, p =0.0001), and the relationship between state anxiety and postoperative pain revealed a significant positive correlation (r=0.50. p=0.0001) and the relationship between Depression and pain revealed a significant positive correlation (r =0.49. p =0.0001).

• The Korean Journal of Applied Statistics
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.823-832
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• 2020

The analgesic effects of music in people with glasses on perceived pain through cold-pressor task (CPT) is assessed based on three-sequence, three-period, crossover trial with three treatment conditions(music-listening, news-listening, and no-sound) to each subject. Fifty subjects are divided into three sequence groups by randomization, and CPTs under the pre-assigned treatment conditions at each period are performed. Pain responses after each CPT, subjects' pain tolerance (PT) in time scale and pain intensity (PI) and pain unpleasantness (PU) in visual analog scale (VAS) are measured. After classifying the group by whether or not to wear glasses, which is the phenotype of the myopia gene, pain responses are compared by F-tests and Tukey's multiple comparisons. CPT pain responses in group with glasses during the music intervention are significantly different from responses during the news intervention and the control conditions, respectively. This study investigates the pain responses of music intervention in the group wearing glasses, which can be seen as a phenotype of the nearsighted gene, and this result would play a role in explaining the biopsychosocial model of the pain mechanism.