• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.57-61
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• 2013

Background: Olfactory dysfunction, including anosmia and hyposmia is difficult to treat. Although the mechanism is not well known, stellate ganglion block (SGB) is used to treat olfactory dysfunction. There are no prior studies on the long-term effects of SGB on olfactory dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the continuity of therapeutic effects and patient satisfaction with SGB treatment. Methods: This was a follow-up study carried out via a telephonic survey. The olfactory function of the patient was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). We checked VAS three times: VAS-I (pre-treatment VAS), VAS-A (post-treatment VAS), and VAS-C (VAS at follow up telephone survey). We divided the subjects into 2 groups according to their responsiveness to SGB: the responsive (R group) and the unresponsive groups (UR group). Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a Likert scale. Results: Out of the 40 subjects, 37 responded to the telephone survey. In the UR group, there was difference in the olfactory function. However, in the R group, there were significant VAS differences; VAS-I was $9.6{\pm}0.7$, VAS-A was $5.1{\pm}4.2$, and VAS-C was $2.7{\pm}$2.7 (P < 0.05). On the Likert scale, patient satisfaction was as follows: grade 1, 17 patients (45.9%); grade 2, 6 patients (16.2%); grade 3, 6 patients (16.2%); and grade 4, 8 patients (21.6%). Conclusions: SGB is a safe, long-lasting, and effective therapeutic modality for olfactory dysfunction treatment.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.192-197
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• 2006

Objective : Eleven patients treated with posterior cerebral artery[PCA] aneurysm during 6.3-years period are retrospectively reviewed to determine treatment outcome. Methods : Eleven patients with PCA aneurysm were treated from January 1998 to May 2004. Their medical records and radiologic studies were reviewed retrospectively. The records of these patients were analysed with particular reference to their demographic details, mode of presentation, and treatment outcome. Results : Of the 11 patients, 8 patients presented with symptoms related aneurysmal bleeding. Three patients had unruptured PCA aneurysms. Open or endovascular surgery was performed in 9 patients; None of these patients exhibited a third nerve palsy, visual field deficit, or hemiparesis at the time of presentation. Postoperatively, 2 made a good recovery, 2 had a moderate disability because of cerebral infarction after surgery, and 5 had a severe disability because of cerebral infarction after surgery. Of 2 conservatively treated patients, 1 was doing well but the other died as a result of brain swelling. Conclusion : The treatment of the PCA aneurysms is difficult regardless of the aneurysmal size, site, and treatment modality. All reasonable treatment to reduce the risk of associated morbidity should be considered.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.52-57
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• 2019

Purpose: An ingrown nail is common in military trainees who are exposed to highly demanding activities. Although the matrixectomy procedure has been the main treatment modality, several drawbacks may follow after the procedure, such as infection, periostitis, and continued pain that causes a delayed return to duty. This study examined the outcomes of a simple partial nail extraction with the hypothesis that this procedure may bring an earlier return to duty, lower the perioperative complications, and produce a comparable recurrence rate. Materials and Methods: The medical records of patients who had surgical treatment for an ingrown nail in the authors' institution between April 2016 and December 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Under the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 patients with a simple partial nail extraction (group A) and 29 patients with a partial nail extraction with matrixectomy (group B) were investigated. As the clinical outcome, the visual analogue scale (VAS) and satisfaction score, time to return to duty, complications, and recurrence rate were checked and compared between the groups. Results: The VAS scores of group B were significantly higher during the first (p<0.001) and second (p=0.026) follow-up week than group A. The time to return to duty was shorter in group A (7.8 days) than group B (10.1 days), and this difference was significant (p<0.001). Group B had five patients with complications, whereas group A had none (p=0.028). No differences in the recurrence rate (p=0.197) and patient satisfaction (p=0.764) were found between the groups. Conclusion: In this study, simple partial nail extraction in military trainees resulted in lower postoperative pain, lower complication rates, and earlier return to duty than the procedure with matrixectomy. Military trainees are temporarily exposed to highly demanding activities. Thus, a satisfactory outcome would be expected with simple partial nail extraction without performing a radical procedure, such as a matrixectomy.

• Journal of Internet Computing and Services
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.71-77
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• 2022

In this paper, a database is collected for extending the speech synthesis model to a model that synthesizes speech according to emotions and generating facial expressions. The database is divided into male and female data, and consists of emotional speech and facial expressions. Two professional actors of different genders speak sentences in Korean. Sentences are divided into four emotions: happiness, sadness, anger, and neutrality. Each actor plays about 3300 sentences per emotion. A total of 26468 sentences collected by filming this are not overlap and contain expression similar to the corresponding emotion. Since building a high-quality database is important for the performance of future research, the database is assessed on emotional category, intensity, and genuineness. In order to find out the accuracy according to the modality of data, the database is divided into audio-video data, audio data, and video data.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.216-229
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• 2023

Background: The role of the sympathetic nervous system appears to be central in causing pain in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The stellate ganglion block (SGB) using additives with local anesthetics is an established treatment modality. However, literature is sparse in support of selective benefits of different additives for SGB. Hence, the authors aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of clonidine with methylprednisolone as additives to ropivacaine in the SGB for treatment of CRPS. Methods: A prospective randomized single blinded study (the investigator blinded to the study groups) was conducted among patients with CRPS-I of the upper limb, aged 18-70 years with American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status I-III. Clonidine (15 ㎍) and methylprednisolone (40 mg) were compared as additives to 0.25% ropivacaine (5 mL) for SGB. After medical treatment for two weeks, patients in each of the two groups were given seven ultrasound guided SGBs on alternate days. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to visual analogue scale score, edema, or overall patient satisfaction. After 1.5 months follow-up, however, the group that received methylprednisolone had better improvement in range of motion. No significant side effects were seen with either drug. Conclusions: The use of additives, both methylprednisolone and clonidine, is safe and effective for the SGB in CRPS. The significantly better improvement in joint mobility with methylprednisolone suggests that it should be considered promising as an additive to local anaesthetics when joint mobility is the concern.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.43-50
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• 2012

This study was designed to investigate the effect of vibratory stimulation on recovery of muscle function from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Volunteers performed 3 set of 70 % maximal voluntary eccentric muscle contraction and induced DOMS. volunteers were allocated to one of three treatment group after DOMS : group I (control), group II (ultrasound), group III (vibration). Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Range Of Motion (ROM), Root Mean Square (RMS), Median frequency (MDF), Blood Serum Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) were recorded at baseline, and 24, 48, 72 hours post-exercise. In MVIC measurement, there was a statistically significant difference in group III compared to group I (p < .05). In VAS measurements, there were a statistically significant difference in group II and III compared to group I (p < .05). In ROM measurement, there was a statistically difference in group II and III compared to group I (p < .05). In Muscle Volume with Ultrasonography measurement, there was no statistically significant difference in any groups (p > .05). In RMS and MDF measurement, there were a statistically significant difference in group II and III compared to group I (p < .05). In Blood samples of CK and LDH measurements, There were no statistically significant difference in any groups (p > .05). From the above result, Vibratory stimulation had a positive effect on recovery of muscle function from delayed onset muscle soreness. Further studies should be undertaken to ascertain the more effectiveness of vibratory stimulation and may be a promising treatment modality.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.42-49
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• 2003

Purpose : In order to study the effectiveness of East-West pain treatment on central poststroke pain(CPSP), we evaluated its effect on alleviation of pain and rehabilitation of CPSP patients who were treated with eletroacupuncture and west pain treatment for four weeks. Methods : Twenty four patients diagnosed by their pain characteristics of central pain form stroke were treated with sympathetic nerve block, gabapentin, amitriptyline, and electroacupuncture for four weeks. Pain intensity through the visual analogue scale(VAS), and improvements of mobility and rehabilitation through the modified Barthel index(MBI) and Rankin scale(RS), respectively, before and after pain treatment were also assessed. Results : VAS pain scores were significantly improved from $7.7{\pm}1.7$ to $4.4{\pm}2.0$ with pain treatment(p<0.05). In accordance with improvement of ain scores, RS and MBI scores ere also improved from $2.88{\pm}0.95$ to $2.13{\pm}1.01$ and from $83.0{\pm}16.9$ to $94.7{\pm}9.5$(p<0.05), respectively, with pain treatment(p<0.05). Conclusions : It was suggested that the active pain treatment was contributed to the rehabilitation of CPSP patients, resulting in improvement of quality of life of CPSP patients. Futhermore, East pain treatment in combination with West pain treatment may be useful modality to alleviate CPSP.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.144-152
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• 2019

Learning styles are the methods of gathering, processing, interpreting, organizing the information. VARK learnig inventory is instructional preference classified according to their visual(V), aural(A), read-write(R), and/or kinesthetic(K) sensory modality preferences(SMP). Learner-centered learning is emphasized, but there are few studies on VARK learning styles in Korean medical school. The purposes of this study were to assess the student' SMPs and compare those with gender, status, and academic achievement. The subjects of study were 394 students at C Medical School and Graduate School of Medicine. For the study style test, 16 questions were used in Korean version of VARK test paper© 7.0 developed by Fleming provided on the VARK website. Academic achievement was converted into a standardized score(t score). Frequency analysis, cross analysis, and variance analysis(t-test, ANOVA) were conducted to identify learning style disposition and differences between groups. The uni-modal type was 87(22.1%) and the multimodal was 307(77.9%). Regardless of gender, quasi-modal VARK was the most preferred. There was no significant difference in learning styles by gender. The first grade in medicine was the lowest in uni-modal type(8.8%) and the highest in quasi-modal VARK type(47.8%), while the fourth grade was the highest in uni-modal type(30.7%) and the lowest in quasi-modal VARK type(19.8%) and tri-modal type(19.8%). There was no difference in academic achievement by all learning types(F=1.09, p=0.37). The knowledge about students' learning styles is helpful for instructors to apply more learner-centered teaching strategies in medical education.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.169-175
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefullness of polarus nailing in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures including 2 part, 3 part and proximal comminuted fractures. Materials and methods: Fifteen cases of proximal humerus fracture treated with Polarus nailing from March, 2002 to March, 2004 were selected. Man was 3 cases, and woman was 11 cases. There were one case of follow up loss due to decease. Average age was 60 years old (range, 23 to 84), and there were 6 cases of 2 part fracture, 3 cases of proximal segmental fracture, 5 cases of 3 part fracture. We analyzed the outcom results between 2 part fracture and 3 part fracture. The average follow up period after the operation was 1.5(range, 1 to 2) years. Range of motion (ROM), pain and functional outcome were evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS) and american shoulder and elbow surgery (ASES) activity of daily living (ADL) functional scoring system. Results: All cases showed union on radiologic evaluation, with 2.3 months follow up. In 5 cases of 3 part fracture, average union time was 1.9 months regardless of proximal screw loosening in 4 cases. In 2 part fracture union time was 2.2 months (P>0.05). VAS pain score was 1.3, ROM was $160^{\circ}$ in forward flexion, $40^{\circ}$ in external rotation, L3 level in internal rotation, and ASES, ADL functional score was 21 in 2 part fracture. VAS pain score was 1.25, ROM was $160^{\circ}$, $43^{\circ}$ and L1 level, and ASES, ADL functional score was 21 in 3 part fracture. There were no statistically significant difference between two groups (P>0.05) VAS pain score was 1.6, ROM was $170^{\circ}$, $47^{\circ}$ and L3 level, and ASES, ADL functional score was 23 in proximal comminuted fracture. Conclusion: Polarus nailing could be used as an effective modality in certain cases of proximal humeral fracture including 2 part, proximal segmental and in cases of 3 part fractures with large greater tuberosity fragment.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.10
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• pp.1316-1321
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• 2000

Objectives : The authors analyzed the surgical series of Cushing's disease to evaluate the proper treatment policy and to verify the possible prognostic factors. Material and Methods : Of 50 patients diagnosed as Cushing's disease and operated at Department of Neurosurgery of our institute between 1988 and 1999, 48 patients with available medical records were analyzed retrospectively. Mean follow-up period was 48 months(3 to 109 months). Preoperative diagnosis was made after evaluating the patients with multiple-stage endocrinological studies and 31 selective patients were evaluated with inferior petrosal sinus sampling(IPSS). Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and/or high resolution computerized tomography(CT) was done in all patients. A total of 51 transsphenoidal adenomectomy(TSA) were performed including 3 revision for initial surgical failure cases. Remission was decided on the basis of both endocrinological criteria and clinical status. Radiation and/or ketoconazole therapy were applied to failed cases. For the verification of prognostic factors, the authors evaluated the statistical significance of multiple variables over remission rate by chi-square test. Result : Sensitivity of IPSS for central localization was 93.5% which was better than that of MRI(87.5%). But for lateralization, it was 72.4% for IPSS versus MRI 90.5%. Success rate of TSA was 82%(42/51) and recurrence rate was 9%(4/48). When including adjuvant treatments for surgically failed cases, overall success rate was 89.6% and all of 3 reoperated cases(TSA) due to recurrence were successful. Significant complication occurred in 7.8%(4/51) after TSA including hypopituitarism, diabetes insipidus, and visual loss. Non-existence of tumor in MRI and prolonged symptom duration(>3 years) were significant prognostic factors. Conclusion : TSA can be considered as initial treatment for Cushing's disease. In surgically failed cases, multiple treatment modality may improve the overall outcome and repeated TSA for recurrent cases seem to provide similar success.