• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.40 no.1
• /
• pp.16-34
• /
• 2023

Herpes zoster (HZ) results from the reactivation of a varicella-zoster virus infection and is accompanied by moderate-to-severe pain in most patients. The most common treatment is medication; however, there are still limitations. Acupuncture reportedly has meaningful therapeutic effects and is a possible alternative option in HZ. However, no systematic reviews examining the use of acupuncture and electro-acupuncture (EA) alone have been published; in this study, we therefore aimed to systematically review those techniques. We searched for clinical trials of acupuncture and EA treatment for HZ up to October 2022. Trials that used acupuncture were included. Outcomes were visual analog scale (VAS) and effective rate. Secondary outcomes were time to pain relief, time to pain elimination, incrustation, decrustation, lastly incidence of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). In total, 22 randomized controlled trials were included in this research. Compared with conventional medication therapy, acupuncture was associated with a significant improvement in VAS, effective rate, and times to pain relief and elimination. Times to new blister cessation, incrustation, and decrustation (days) were significantly improved. Furthermore, the incidence rate of PHN was lower in acupuncture groups. The results suggest that acupuncture could be a reasonable treatment option for patients with HZ who suffer from pain and accompanying symptoms.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.56 no.3
• /
• pp.179-185
• /
• 2023

Background: Assessments of air leaks are usually performed subjectively, precluding the use of air leaks as an evaluation factor. We aimed to identify objective parameters as predictive factors for prolonged air leak (PAL) and air leak cessation (ALC) from air flow data produced by a digital drainage system. Methods: Flow data records of 352 patients who underwent lung lobectomy were reviewed, and flow data at designated intervals (1, 2, and 3 hours postoperatively [POH] and 3 times a day thereafter [06:00, 13:00, 19:00]) were extracted. ALC was defined by flow less than 20 mL/min over 12 hours, and PAL was defined as ALC after 5 days. Cumulative incidence curves were obtained using Kaplan-Meier estimates of time to ALC. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of variables on the rate of ALC. Results: The incidence of PAL was 18.2% (64/352). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed cut-off values of 180 mL/min for the flow at 3 POH and 73.3 mL/min for the flow on postoperative day 1; the sensitivity and specificity of these values were 88.9% and 82.5%, respectively. The rates of ALC by Kaplan-Meier analysis were 56.8% at 48 POH and 65.6% at 72 POH. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the flow at 3 POH (≤80 mL/min), operation time (≤220 minutes), and right middle lobectomy independently predicted ALC. Conclusion: Air flow measured by a digital drainage system is a useful predictor of PAL and ALC and may help optimize the hospital course.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.56 no.5
• /
• pp.328-335
• /
• 2023

Background: Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) poses a higher risk of amputation than atherosclerosis obliterans. It is characterized by onset at a relatively young age. There are currently no clear treatment guidelines for TAO other than smoking cessation. In this study, we aimed to identify factors that could influence a favorable prognosis of TAO. Methods: From January 2009 to December 2019, we retrospectively reviewed the initial symptoms, characteristics, treatments, and disease course of 37 patients (45 limbs) with TAO. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate factors affecting the course of symptoms that persisted or worsened despite treatment. Results: Patients' mean age was 37.2±11.4 years, and all patients were men. The mortality rate was 0% during the follow-up period (76.9±51.1 months). All patients were smokers at the time of diagnosis, and 19 patients (51.4%) successfully quit smoking during treatment. When comparing the Rutherford categories before and after treatment, 23 limbs (51.1%) showed improvement, the category was maintained in 11 limbs (24.4%), and 11 limbs (24.4%) worsened. Symptom persistence or exacerbation despite treatment was associated with a higher initial Rutherford category (odds ratio [OR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.42; p=0.03) and a higher score of the involved below-knee artery at the time of diagnosis (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.10-4.67; p=0.03). Conclusion: The degree of disease progression at the time of diagnosis significantly affected patients' prognosis. Therefore, early diagnosis and intervention are important to improve the course of TAO.

• Economic Analysis
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.98-136
• /
• 2020

We empirically investigate the determinants of a firm's exit from exporting, using Korean manufacturing firm-level data for the period from 2006 to 2014. Specifically, we estimate the effects of not only firm-level and industry-level characteristics, but also macroeconomic variables on the probability that a firm stops exporting by applying a Complementary Log-Log Model analysis. The results of our estimation suggest that firm-level heterogeneity, such as workforce size, capital intensity, intangible assets and foreign ownership, industry-level variation, such as the labor displacement rate, and macroeconomic variables, such as domestic demand and world demand, significantly affect the possibility of a firm ceasing exports. Also, we show that market interest rates increase the possibility of an export cessation and that the effects of market interest rates are more pronounced on firms with a higher debt ratio. In the primary exporting industries, the probability of a firm ceasing exports decreases as productivity at the firm rises.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.49 no.2
• /
• pp.68-74
• /
• 2023

Objectives: Drug holidays are suggested to reduce the formation of osteonecrosis in patients under intravenous (IV) bisphosphonates (BPs) therapy. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the incidence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) following tooth extraction in cancer patients using IV BP, and to assess the effect of drug holiday on the development of MRONJ. Patients and Methods: A manuel search of the patient folders of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Hacettepe University was undertaken to identify cancer patients who used IV BPs and had at least one tooth extraction between 2012 and 2022. Patents' age, sex, systemic condition, the type of BP used, duration of BP used, number of tooth extraction, duration of drug holiday, localization of tooth extraction and incidence of MRONJ were recorded. Results: One hundred nine teeth were removed from 57 jaws in 51 patients. All tooth extractions were performed under perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis and with primary wound closure. The incidence of MRONJ was 5.3%. Stage 1 MRONJ developed in 3 patients (only one had a drug holiday). The median duration of drug holiday was 2 months. No significant difference between the patients with and without a drug holiday and MRONJ development was found (P=0.315). The mean age of patients developed MRONJ was 40.33±8.08 years. A statistically significant difference was found between age and MRONJ development (P=0.002). Conclusion: The effect of a short-term drug holiday on the development of MRONJ may be limited because BPs remain in bone tissue for a long time. Drug holidays should be applied with the approval of an oncologist with other preventive measurements.

• Industry Promotion Research
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.141-148
• /
• 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyze NSSI (Non-suicidal Self-Injury) and upcoming papers to review research achievements and endpoints and current problems. Analysis data necessary for the study were collected through the classification procedure as domestic suspension during the mandatory period related to self-harm from 2010 to the present. As a result of analysis according to classification categories (general characteristics, study subjects, research variables, program utilization), first, domestic studies related to non-suicidal self-harm increased steadily through 2019 and 2022 after increasing in 2017 (three articles) showing shape. Second, changes in the characteristics of the research subjects began to appear. If previous studies had mainly focused on adolescents who experienced self-harm, it was expanded to early adulthood (college students), and the subjects of the study diversified to include those who had experienced self-harm cessation, counselors, and parents. Third, various research methods began to appear. Compared to 2017, when quantitative research was active, research was conducted that applied various qualitative research methods (narrative, phenomenology, grounded theory, meta-analysis, case study). Finally, discussion of the research results and suggestions for future research were added.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.1-7
• /
• 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to detect signals of Adverse Events (AEs) after varenicline treatment using spontaneous AEs reporting system in Korea. Methods: This study was conducted by Korea Institute of Drug Safety and Risk Management-Korea Adverse Event Reporting System Database (KIDS-KD) reported from January 2013 to December 2017 through Korea Adverse Event Reporting System. Signals of varenicline that satisfied the data-mining indices, proportional reporting ratio, reporting odds ratio and information component were defined. The detected signals were checked whether they included in drug labels in South Korea and United States of America (USA). Results: A total number of drug AE reports associated with all drugs in the KIDS-KD reported between January 2013 and December 2017 was 2,665,429. Among them, the number of AE reports associated with varenicline was 1,398. Eighteen meaningful signals of varenicline were detected that satisfied with the criteria of data-mining indices. Finally, two signals such as hypotonia, incorrected dose administered were not included in the drug labels. Conclusion: New AE signals of varenicline that were not listed on the drug labels in South Korea and USA were detected. However, further pharmacoepidemiological studies such as randomized controlled trial are needed to evaluate the causality of the signals of varenicline.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.55 no.4
• /
• pp.1476-1484
• /
• 2023

Laboratory experiments and point monitoring of reservoir sediments have proven that stable sulfate reduction (SSR) can lower the concentrations of toxic metals and sulfate in acidic groundwater for a long time. Here, we hypothesize that SSR occurred during in situ leaching after uranium mining, which can impact the fate of acid groundwater in an entire region. To test this, we applied a sulfur isotope fractionation method to analyze the mechanism for natural attenuation of contaminated groundwater produced by acid in situ leaching of uranium (Xinjiang, China). The results showed that δ³⁴S increased over time after the cessation of uranium mining, and natural attenuation caused considerable, area-scale immobilization of sulfur corresponding to retention levels of 5.3%-48.3% while simultaneously decreasing the concentration of uranium. Isotopic evidence for SSR in the area, together with evidence for changes of pollutant concentrations, suggest that area-scale SSR is most likely also important at other acid mining sites for uranium, where retention of acid groundwater may be strengthened through natural attenuation. To recapitulate, the sulfur isotope fractionation method constitutes a relatively accurate tool for quantification of spatiotemporal trends for groundwater during migration and transformation resulting from acid in situ leaching of uranium in northern China.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.55 no.2
• /
• pp.182-192
• /
• 2022

Objectives: Understanding the factors influencing mothers' decision to breastfeed their infants is essential to formulate effective breastfeeding interventions. This study explored the determinants of optimal breastfeeding indicators in Indonesia. Methods: We used the 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey to analyze factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), and continued breastfeeding at 1 year (CBF-1) and 2 years (CBF-2). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine bio-demographic, socio-cultural, and behavioral characteristics associated with breastfeeding after considering the survey design effect. Results: The risk of delayed breastfeeding initiation was higher among infants who were born smaller, first-born children, were delivered via cesarean delivery, and did not have immediate skin-to-skin contact (p<0.01). Infant's age, birth pattern, household wealth index, and the mother's occupation and smoking status were predictors of EBF (p<0.05). CBF-1 was less common among first-time mothers and those working in the non-agricultural sector, mothers from wealthier families, and mothers who had cesarean deliveries (p<0.01). Infant's age was negatively associated with CBF-2 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74 to 0.99). Mothers attending college were less likely to practice CBF-2 than those with no education or primary education (aOR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.77). The absence of postnatal visits was a risk factor for CBF-1 and CBF-2 (p<0.05). Conclusions: Breastfeeding interventions in Indonesia should pay particular attention to at-risk groups such as women from wealthier families, working outside the agricultural sector, and with a higher education level. Nutrition-sensitive programs (e.g., postnatal care and smoking cessation) should also be encouraged.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.99-115
• /
• 2023

Purpose: Exclusive breastfeeding promotes gut microbial compositions associated with lower rates of metabolic and autoimmune diseases. Its cessation is implicated in increased microbiome-metabolome discordance, suggesting a vulnerability to dietary changes. Formula supplementation is common within our low-income, ethnic-minority community. We studied exclusively breastfed (EBF) neonates' early microbiome-metabolome coupling in efforts to build foundational knowledge needed to target this inequality. Methods: Maternal surveys and stool samples from seven EBF neonates at first transitional stool (0-24 hours), discharge (30-48 hours), and at first appointment (days 3-5) were collected. Survey included demographics, feeding method, medications, medical history and tobacco and alcohol use. Stool samples were processed for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and lipid analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Alpha and beta diversity analyses and Procrustes randomization for associations were carried out. Results: Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria were the most abundant taxa. Variation in microbiome composition was greater between individuals than within (p=0.001). Palmitic, oleic, stearic, and linoleic acids were the most abundant lipids. Variation in lipid composition was greater between individuals than within (p=0.040). Multivariate composition of the metabolome, but not microbiome, correlated with time (p=0.030). Total lipids, saturated lipids, and unsaturated lipids concentrations increased over time (p=0.012, p=0.008, p=0.023). Alpha diversity did not correlate with time (p=0.403). Microbiome composition was not associated with each samples' metabolome (p=0.450). Conclusion: Neonate gut microbiomes were unique to each neonate; respective metabolome profiles demonstrated generalizable temporal developments. The overall variability suggests potential interplay between influences including maternal breastmilk composition, amount consumed and living environment.