• 대한응급의학회지
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• 제29권6호
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• pp.679-686
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• 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with the admission of patients in the emergency department (ED) within 30 days after discharge. Methods: A retrospective, observational study was conducted on adult patients presenting with abdominal pain to the ED of a single, urban, university hospital, between January 2014 and December 2015, who revisited the ED within 30 days after discharge. Data was collected on the emergency severity index level, time to contact doctors, physical examination, laboratory tests, use of computed tomography (CT), and patient disposition on revisitation. The primary outcome was hospital admission following an ED revisit in the 30-day period after the first visit. Results: During the study period, 19,480 patients visited the ED with the chief complaint of abdominal pain, and 13,577 were discharged. A total of 251 patients (1.29%) revisited the ED within 30 days, of which 89 were eligible for the study. The primary outcome was associated with not performing a CT scan on the initial visit and an increased C-reactive protein (CRP) value. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a cut-off baseline CRP value of >0.35 mg/dL can predict the primary outcome with a sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 62.1%, respectively (area under the curve, 0.701; 95% confidence interval, 0.569-0.833; P=0.007). Conclusion: An increased CRP value and not performing abdominal CT were associated with a higher rate of admission following ED revisits of patients with abdominal pain. Future prospective studies on the role of abdominal CT imaging in patients presenting to the ED with abdominal pain will be needed.

• 대한간학회지
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.384-391
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• 2018

Backgrounds/Aims: The objective of our study was to determine the epidemiological, laboratory, and serological characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and normal transaminases. The study also aimed to evaluate liver damage by measuring the liver fibrosis (LF) grade and to identify possible factors associated with the presence of fibrosis. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in patients with chronic HBV infection and classified as inactive carriers or immune-tolerant. Epidemiological variables of age, sex, immigrant, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI), as well as virological variables (HBV DNA) and transaminase level were collected throughout the follow-up. The LF grade was evaluated by transient elastography. The cutoff value for significant fibrosis (SF) was liver stiffness ${\geq}7.9kPa$. Results: A total of 214 patients were included in the analysis, and 62% of them had a BMI ${\geq}25kg/m^2$. During follow-up, 4% of patients showed transaminase elevation (<1.5 times normal). Most patients had a viral DNA level <2,000 IU/mL (83%). Data on LF were available in 160 patients; of these, 14% had SF, 9% F3, and 6% F4. The variables associated with the presence of SF were transaminase alteration during follow-up, as 23% of patients with SF had elevated transaminases versus 3% of patients without SF (P<0.005), and BMI, as the vast majority of patients with SF (88%) had a BMI ${\geq}25kg/m^2$ versus 56% of patients without SF (P<0.05). Conclusions: In patients with chronic HBV infection and normal transaminases, liver damage does not seem to be related to DNA levels, alcohol consumption, or immigrant status. SF seems to be associated with transaminase alteration during follow-up and elevated BMI. It is therefore recommended to measure LF grade with validated non-invasive methods in such patients.

• 대기
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.241-249
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• 2021

최근 들어 늘어나고 있는 도시기상에 대한 미래수요 활용 방안을 위해 적합한 관측과 모델 분야의 고려요소와 기획연구 방향에 대해서 관측과 모델, 공간정보 활용 방안에 대해서 확인하였다. 도시기상 관측의 높은 공간해상도 요구사항을 기존 종관기상 관측망을 통해서 만족하기가 어려우며, 사용하고 있는 기존 측기의 유지 관리에 대해서 어려움이 높을 것으로 예상되기 때문에 기존측기보다 소형화된 간이 측정기를 통해 공간해상도를 보완함과 동시에 간이측기의 장기 검보정을 위한 도시규모별 유, 무인의 검보정 시스템이 필요할 것으로 보인다. 또한 UAM과 같은 차세대 교통체계의 실용화 등의 운용방안에 맞춘 기상정보 지원을 위해서 영공을 포함한 도시 지역 예보가 필요할 것으로 보인다. 이를 위해 복잡한 도시의 지면 효과를 반영하는 빌딩 규모 모델의 개발이 필요하며, 이에 대해서 중규모모델과 LES의 결합이 된 다중스케일 모델 개발 과 개선이 필요할 것으로 보인다. 추가적으로 이러한 다중스케일 모델의 연산속도 향상과 성능 개선을 위해서 GPU 등을 이용하여 모델 계산속도를 높이는 노력이 필요할 것으로 예상된다. 이러한 관측과 모델의 정보를 공간정보로 활용하기 위한 방안은 최종적으로 소규모 지역의 고해상도 실시간 기상정보를 제공하여 기상자원정보의 시너지 향상과 도시생활의 시너지 효과를 이루어낼 수 있는 정보 활용이 될 수 있을 것으로 예상된다. 스마트시티에 대한 기상자원의 활용과 융합에 대해서 국내 스마트시티 계획 지역인 부산과 세종의 현재 구축된 자료를 이용하여 그 융합을 사례 적용하였다. 특히 교통에 영향을 많이 줄 것으로 보이는 안개에 대해서 실제 과거 발생일수의 분석을 통해 스마트시티 지역 내에서 발생할 수 있는 재난 상황을 판단하고, 지역별 지형 및 기상 특성을 고려하여 관측과 예보에 필수적인 기상 인자를 최적화하고, 도시계획 과정에서 관측소의 최적입지를 선정하여 기존 도시인프라와의 융합 활용을 통해 도시기상자료를 고해상도로 구축하는 방안이 필요할 것으로 보인다.

• 한국수자원학회논문집
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• 제54권6호
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• pp.365-379
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• 2021

수문 모형 매개변수는 모형 모의에 필수적이며, 지형, 기후조건, 기후변화와 인간 활동으로 인해 시간에 따라 달라질 수 있다. 결과적으로 고정된 매개변수의 사용은 부정확한 하천유량 모의로 이어질 수 있다. 본 연구의 목표는 하천유량 관측자료를 이용하여 시간에 따라 변하는 매개변수를 추정하는 방법을 살펴보고, 하천유량 자료가 모형에 동화될 때 모의 효율성이 어떻게 변하는지 분석하는 것이다. 자료 동화 방법은 변화하는 다양한 환경에 적응하여 수문 모형의 매개변수를 자동으로 추정하기 위하여 사용될 수 있다. 입자 필터를 이용하여 하천유량 관측치를 2개 매개변수 월 물 수지 모형에 동화했다. 자료 동화 방법으로 시간변화 매개변수를 사용한 모의 결과는 SCEM 방법으로 고정 매개변수를 사용한 모의 결과와 비교되었다. 먼저 다양한 시나리오에 기반한 합성 실험을 수행하여 입자 필터 방법이 시간에 따라 변화하는 매개변수를 적절하게 추적할 수 있는지를 살펴보았다. 이후 실제 유역에 적용하여 시간에 따라 변화하는 매개변수와 고정된 매개변수를 사용하였을 때의 하천유량 예측성능과 비교하였다. 본 연구를 통해 얻은 결론은 다음과 같다. (1) 전체적인 월 하천유량 시계열의 예측성능은 입자 필터 방법과 SCEM 방법이 서로 비슷하였다. (2) 우기를 제외한 시기의 월 유출고 예측성능은 자료 동화 방법을 이용한 주기적으로 변화하는 매개변수에 의한 모의가 더 우수하였다. (3) 동화에 사용되는 하천유량 관측자료의 불확실성은 입자 필터의 하천유량 예측성능에 중요한 역할을 하였다.

• Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology
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• 제11권4호
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• pp.281-287
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• 2018

Objectives. Regenerative treatment using stem cells may serve as treatment option for empty nose syndrome (ENS), which is caused by the lack of turbinate tissue and deranged nervous system in the nasal cavity. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) in the treatment of ENS. Methods. In this prospective observational clinical study, we enrolled 10 ENS patients who volunteered to undergo treatment of ENS through the injection of autologous SVF. Data, including demographic data, pre- and postoperative Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-25 (SNOT-25) scores, overall patient satisfaction, and postoperative complications, were prospectively collected. Nasal secretion was assessed using the polyurethane foam absorption method, and the levels of biological markers were analyzed in both ENS group and control group using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The SVF extracted from abdominal fat was diluted and injected into both inferior turbinates. Results. Among the 10 initial patients, one was excluded from the study. Subjective satisfaction was rated as "much improved" in two and "no change" in seven. Among the improved patients, the mean preinjection SNOT-25 score was 55.0 and the score at 6 months after injection was 19.5. However, the average SNOT-25 score of nine participants at 6 months after injection (mean${\pm}$standard deviation, $62.4{\pm}35.8$) did not differ significantly from the baseline SNOT-25 score ($70.1{\pm}24.7$, P>0.05, respectively). Among the various inflammatory markers assessed, the levels of interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, IL-8, and calcitonin gene-related peptide were significantly higher in ENS patients. Compared with preinjection secretion level, the nasal secretions from SVF-treated patients showed decreased expressions of $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-8 after injection. Conclusion. Although SVF treatment appears to decrease the inflammatory cytokine levels in the nasal mucosa, a single SVF injection was not effective in terms of symptom improvement and patient satisfaction. Further trials are needed to identify a more practical and useful regenerative treatment modality for patients with ENS.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제37권4호
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• pp.209-230
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• 2020

Objectives : Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs), collaborations of practitioners and academic researchers, have provided platforms for conducting research to address clinical questions generated from daily routine care. This review aimed to critically analyse articles from PBRNs that are related to complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) and to suggest future directions for a PBRN which is appropriate for Korean Medicine (KM). Methods : PubMed, PBRN registries in Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and relevant PBRN websites were searched up to November 2019 for research articles from PBRNs that focused on CIM regardless of study design. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed. The included studies were read in full, classified and summarised according to their topics. Results : A total of 51 articles published from 1998 through 2020 were included in this review. They were categorised into three principal themes based on research questions and findings: health services research (embracing researches examining characteristics of patients and CIM practitioners/practices, and communication between patients and practitioners); effectiveness and safety of CIM practices/interventions; and feasibility studies of instruments and interventions in PBRN settings. The study designs varied including surveys (n=30), prospective observational studies (n=6), 2ndary analyses of existing studies (n=7), protocols (n=7), retrospective chart review (n=1) and qualitative study (n=1). Quality of the included studies greatly varied. Conclusions : PBRNs can serve as a feasible platform for conducting practice-relevant research on KM and CIM. Considering growing demands on evidence-base for routine practice of KM amid various stakeholders, a PBRN in KM community and further researches nested within PBRN designs are warranted.

• 천문학논총
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• 제35권3호
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• pp.29-41
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• 2020

Korea has numerous astronomical resources, such as observational records, star maps, and a wealth of literature, covering the period from the Three Kingdoms (54 BC - 932 AD) to the Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1910 AD). The research activities related to these resources have been limited to those by individual researchers. It is now necessary to conduct research by efficiently and systematically collecting and managing Korean astronomical records using an accessible Web environment. The purpose of this study is to complete a system that enables researchers systematically to collect and verify a large number of historical records related to astronomical phenomena in a Web environment. In 2017, a preliminary survey was conducted, and the requirements pertaining to an implementation target system were devised. In addition, a joint development plan was carried out by the developer, lasting three months in 2018. Although the system is relatively simple, it is the first system to be attempted in the historical astronomy field. In order to proceed with the systematic development, the software development methodology is applied to the entire process from deriving the requirements of researchers to completing the system. The completed system is verified through integrated function and performance tests. The functional test is repeated while modifying and testing the system based on various test scenarios. The performance test uses a performance measurement test tool that takes measurements by setting up a virtual operation environment. The developed system is now in normal operation after a one-year trial period. Researchers who become authorized to use the system can use it to verify the accuracy of data and to suggest improvements. The collected feedback will be reflected in future systems, and Korean astronomical records will be available for use internationally through a multilingual service.

• 한방재활의학과학회지
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.81-93
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• 2021

Objectives The objective of the study was to investigate effects of ChondroT by improvement of blood metabolites in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemia rat model. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to intact, control, simvastatin, and CT100, CT200 and CT400 (each n=6). For observing cholesterol change, animals were first fed high fat diet for 5 weeks and then high fat diet and drugs for 3 weeks. At the end of the experiment, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were analyzed by obtained blood collection. Further, amplified leptin, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) and adiponectin DNA were observed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Results Observing the effect of ChondroT on the change of lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemia-induced rats, triglyceride and total cholesterol were significantly decreased in SV100 group, HDL-C was significantly increased in SV100, CT100 and CT200 groups, and LDL-C was significantly decreased in SV100, CT100, CT200 and CT400 groups, compared to the control group. Leptin level in hyperlipidemia-induced rats was significantly decreased in CT100 and CT200 groups, compared to the control group. The effect of ChondroT on adiponectin level in hyperlipidemia-induced rats was significantly increased in SV100, CT100 and CT200 groups. PPAR level in hyperlipidemia-induced rats was significantly decreased in SV100, CT200 and CT400 groups. Platelete activating factor level in hyperlipidemia-induced rats was significantly decreased in CT100 and CT200 groups. Conclusions Based on these results, it could be suggested that ChondroT has certain effects of improving blood metabolites in HFD-induced hyperlipidemia.

• 의료ㆍ복지 건축 : 한국의료복지건축학회 논문집
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.45-51
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• 2021

Purpose: Problems related to the elderly's daily life, such as social isolation and absence of a place to go, are already widely recognized, but there are few domestic studies or support policies for this, and the elderly leisure welfare facilities provided by the state do not fully support the elderly's daily life. There are studies related to the elderly's neighborhood environment and facilities, which can be seen as the third place for the elderly in Korea, but these are mostly quantitative studies. In order to talk about the third place for daily support for the elderly in Korea, a detailed study of the use cases of the third place in Korea is needed. This study analyzes the third place of the elderly in Korea and discovers the characteristics and components. Based on the detailed analysis of the third place of the elderly, the characteristics of the third place of the elderly in Korea and the elements constituting it are found to be able to represent the specific necessary environment of the third place of the elderly. Methods: The research targets include 'A Mill' (located in Jungnang-gu, Seoul), and 'Roadside in front of Villa B'(located in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul), 'C-dong roadside park'(located in Dobong-gu, Seoul) within the range of repeated observations and meetings among the places used as a third place for the elderly was selected. The site survey consisted of in-depth interviews, observational surveys, and participatory observations. In-depth interviews were held for a total of 5 months, from October to December 2019 and from April to May 2020. Results: As a result, a total of 11 characteristics (adjacent to the residence, an open place, an independent space, a comfortable place to stay, a pleasant space, safety is guaranteed, a place that has been operated for a long time, a place that can be used autonomously, a place where social exchange occurs, No financial burden, fun activities) was discovered. Implications: This study is significant in that unlike the existing studies focusing on the use behavior of established institutions or facilities, the elderly identified the necessary environment through their own created places.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• 제21권2호
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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.