• Journal of Family Relations
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.223-238
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• 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this study was a) to examine the effect of positive family relationships on post-traumatic growth in cancer patients, and b) to verify the moderating effect of spiritual sensitivity. Methods: The subjects were cancer patients, both outpatients and inpatients selected from major hospitals specialized in cancer treatment using judgement sampling. A self-administered questionnaire survey was given to cancer patients, and a total of 208 cases were collected but only 201 cases were used in the final analysis due to seven unclear and inadequate questionnaires. We performed descriptive statistics to identify the prevalence for each variable, and the moderating effect was verified through multiple regression analysis. Results: The main results are as follows. First, the average post-traumatic growth of the subjects was 3.01 (0-5 points). Second, the positive family relations of the subjects were 2.58 (0-5 points) and the average of spiritual sensitivity was 2.93 (1-5 points). Third, positive family relationship of cancer patients was positively correlated to post-traumatic growth, and spiritual sensitivity was verified as a moderator to positive family relationship enhancing the post -traumatic growth. Conclusion: These findings imply the importance of post-traumatic growth in cancer patients as a key intervention point to overcome pain and frustration from cancer. We suggest to develop family therapy programs and services aimed at fostering positive family relationships and meeting the needs of spiritual sensitivity for cancer patients and their families. This study also provides ways to promote post-traumatic growth in social welfare facilities in medical institutions and religious foundations.

• English & American cultural studies
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.73-94
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• 2014

Accounts from therapeutic culture seem often to associate the selfish, or at least self-centered quest for self-fulfillment with individual choice or satisfaction, self-expression, expressive individualism, and emotionalism. These associations point to the downside of therapy as they present it as constituting a culture of narcissism, selfishness, or irresponsibility. While some of these characterizations contain useful insights, they overlook what are maybe some of the most important features of a therapeutic outlook. This paper aims to reveal that the therapeutic imperative is not so much geared towards the realization of self-fulfillment, as it is the promotion of self-limitation. Therapeutic culture tends to posit the self in a fragile and feeble form and insist that the management of life requires the continuous intervention of therapeutic expertise. Because of this, the elevated concern with the self is underpinned by anxiety, pain, suffering, and survival, rather than seen as a positive vision of realizing the human potential. Therapeutic culture has in this way helped to construct a diminished sense of self by which one is seen as suffering from an emotional deficit and vulnerability. This paper demonstrates this downside of therapeutic culture concerning self-limitation and the sense of a diminished self by examining popular "misery memoirs." Misery memoirs are widely consumed by the general public, therefore tend to be treated by contemporary therapeutic culture as a gospel on the therapeutic ideal for self-fulfillment and self-discovery. This is, despite the existence of hidden evidence to the contrary, because of their redemptive, happy endings that show individuals overcoming difficult trials such as child abuse, incestuous rape, and domestic violence. Individual self-fulfillment and self-discovery in such stories are not achieved through the active agency of the subject but through the passive endurance of pathological symptoms and with the aid of expertise and outside support. Therefore, such stories put victims in the limited position.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.53-66
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• 2021

Objectives The purpose of this scoping review is to investigate the trends and gaps in existing research on neural mobilization in Korea and to suggest further directions for study. Methods A scoping review was sequentially conducted according to the five steps outlined by Arksey and O'Malley, and the PRISMA-ScR checklist. We searched five domestic databases (RISS, DBpia, KISS, ScienceON, and KMBASE) and identified relevant literature reported until April 15, 2021. The key search terms used were "Neural mobilization" and "Neurodynamic". Results Of the 1383 studies identified in the search, 50 were finally selected. Of these, 45 studies were in the field of medicine and pharmacy and physical therapy as the most common sub-field. Thirty-eight of the 50 studies (76%) were randomized controlled trials. Neural mobilization was most frequently used in the treatment of stroke (n = 13) and of various neuromusculoskeletal diseases such as cervical radiculopathy (n = 8) and low back pain (n = 5). The main targets of neural mobilization were the median nerve (n = 20) and sciatic nerve (n = 14). The most commonly used technique for neural mobilization was that developed by Butler and Jones in 1991 (n = 10). Conclusions This is the first scoping review of neural mobilization in Korea. We believe that further research on neural mobilization with other types of research design is necessary to investigate the utility of neural mobilization and to establish standard protocols. Our findings indicate that neural mobilization can be considered as an intervention for neuromusculoskeletal diseases in Korean medicine.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.27-38
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• 2020

Background : The study aimed at examining the awareness and satisfaction level of Korean medicine treatment of musculoskeletal patients and non-musculoskeletal patients. Method : The frequency and percentage were calculated to identify the overall characteristics, and to identify the characteristics of the respondents who visited the hospital to treat musculoskeletal diseases and those who visited for the treatment of non-musculoskeletal diseases, the correlation between the variables was analyzed using the chi-square analysis (χ2-test). Furthermore, analysis items were compared depending on detailed diseases within the musculoskeletal disorder (lumbar pain, sprains, arthritis, frozen shoulders, spondylitis, disc) Result : Respondents who used Korean medicine for the purpose of treating musculoskeletal diseases had answered that costs involved in Korean medicine was expensive, and answered that herbal decoction was the preferred Korean medicine treating method for expanding health insurance benefits. Regarding the safety awareness of Korean medicinal herbs, responses that said it was safe was high, and their willingness to use and recommend Korean medicine in future was also high. Respondents who used Korean medicine for the purpose of treating musculoskeletal diseases said they were overall satisfied along with the attitude of Korean medical doctors, treatment results, and costs of treatments. Conclusion : The study was aimed at securing basic data to indirectly identify the national demand for Korean medicine, through investigating the level and degree of differences that exist in the perception and satisfication level and further find a point where policy intervention is possible in future.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.527-545
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• 2021

The aim of this systematic review was to determine the success rate of nitrous oxide-oxygen procedural sedation (NOIS) in dentistry. A systematic digital search was conducted for publications or reports of randomized controlled trials evaluating the clinical performance of NOIS. Abstracts of research papers were screened for suitability, and full-text articles were obtained for those who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria accordingly. The quality of the studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2). A total of 19 articles (eight randomized clinical trials with parallel intervention groups and 11 crossover trials), published between May 1988 and August 2019, were finally selected for this review. The studies followed 1293 patients reporting NOIS success rates, with a cumulative mean value of 94.9% (95% CI: 88.8-98.9%). Thirteen trials were conducted on pediatric populations (1098 patients), and the remaining six were conducted on adults (195 patients), with cumulative efficacy rates of 91.9% (95% CI: 82.5-98.1%) and 99.9% (95% CI: 97.7-100.0%), respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.002). Completion of treatment and Section IV of the Houpt scale were the most used efficacy criteria. Within the limitations of this systematic review, the present study provides important information on the efficacy rate of NOIS. However, further well-designed and well-documented clinical trials are required and there is a need to develop guidelines for standardization of criteria and definition of success in procedural sedation. Currently, completion of treatment is the most used parameter in clinical practice, though many others also do exist at the same time. To maximize NOIS efficacy, clinicians should strictly consider appropriate indications for the procedure.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.97-105
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• 2021

Objectives This study is aimed to evaluate cost-effectiveness of treatment of Korean Medicine for whiplash associated disorders (WAD) and to suggest the direction of future research. Methods We searched papers in Pubmed database to use some keywords indicating whiplash injury syndrome, treatment of Korean Medicine and cost-effectiveness. After searching, appropriate papers were selected depending on the exclusion criteria. The selected papers were analyzed in the sections of author, publication year, intervention and control groups, outcome measurement, the list including in the cost, cost-effectiveness, cost-utility and study design. Results Four studies about effect of Korean medicine and 3 studies about economic evaluation were finally included. Acupuncture was effective for balance disorder and neck pain. Economic evaluation studies used analytical decision model or cost-consequence analysis. Cost-effectiveness analysis using visual analog scale and cost-utility analysis using quality adjusted life years were performed. Initiating timing of proper management affected the consequence of treatments. Direct and indirect medical costs including supportive devices, and non-medical costs such as litigation were considered. Conclusions We conclude that studies haven't been conducted so far to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Korean Medicine in whiplash injury syndrome. Thus, future studies are needed in this section.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.450-454
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• 2021

A 75-year-old male patient without any significant medical and habitual risk factors for acute atherosclerosis obliterans except for hypertension was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 with dyspnea, coughing, and mild fever. After a week of hospitalization, he complained of right foot pain and numbness. The symptoms were aggravated during the next week, resulting in a complete toe color change and loss of dorsalis artery pulse. Enhanced 3-dimensional computed tomography angiography revealed thrombus formation in the right common iliac artery and a loss of blood flow below the popliteal artery on both sides. The patient underwent percutaneous balloon angioplasty with stent insertion followed by medical therapy for anticoagulation. The clinical symptoms immediately were improved after the intervention, but the great toe necrosis was not recovered. Finally, amputation of the great toe was performed.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.210-221
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• 2020

Spinal block procedures are useful methods that reduce the need for surgical treatment. In addition to their therapeutic aspects of pain relief, in many patients, they are also used for diagnostic purposes to distinguish from symptoms originating from extra-spinal areas. Therefore, these procedures are the most basic technique for orthopedic surgeons dealing with diseases from limbs and spine. On the other hand, despite the simplicity of the instruments and drugs used, the overall understanding of them and the lack of knowledge of the possible side effects and complications can cause serious harm to the patient at the beginning of the trial. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the types of drugs used in the spinal block procedures, pharmacokinetic properties, and the side effects of each drug. In addition, efforts should be made to identify their indications, as well as advantages and disadvantages of each procedure to avoid possible complications. The purpose of this review was to provide basic knowledge and skills necessary for lumbar spinal block procedures as well as provide the reader with the ability to perform themselves.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.182-189
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• 2022

To evaluate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture treatment for primary dysmenorrhea (PD), a literature review of a randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed where electroacupuncture was used as a treatment intervention in patients diagnosed with PD. Relevant clinical studies (N = 226) were retrieved from multiple databases according to the study inclusion/exclusion criteria, and interventions and outcomes were analyzed. As a result of the review, there were 6 RCTs which met the criteria. In all 4 studies that measured pain indicators (visual analog scales), electroacupuncture showed significantly positive changes. In addition, positive changes were observed in most indicators (MMDQ, PGF2a, PGE2, 6-keto PGF1, TXB2, clinical efficacy score, uterine arterial blood flow parameters, and blood viscosity). 2 studies showed that electroacupuncture had a stronger therapeutic effect than NSAIDs. No major side effects were reported. Electroacupuncture may be an effective and safe treatment for PD however, further RCTs are required.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.183-192
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• 2023

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an alternative treatment for liver cancer to the surgical intervention preferred by surgeons. However, the main challenge remains the use of RF for the ablation of large tumours (i.e., tumours with a diameter of >3 cm). For large tumours, RFA takes a large duration in the ablation process compared with surgery, which increases patient pain. Therefore, RFA for large tumours is not preferred by surgeons. The currently materials used in RF electrodes, such as the nickeltitanium alloy (nitinol), are characterized by low thermal and electrical conductivities. On the other hand, the use of materials that have high thermal and electrical conductivities, such as titanium aluminide alloy (gamma titanium), produces more thermal energy for tumours. In this paper, we developed a cool-tip RF electrode model that uses nickel-titanium alloy and replaced it with titanium aluminide alloy by using the finite element model (FEM). The aim of this paper is to study the effect of the thermal and electrical conductivities of gamma titanium on the ablation volume. Results showed that the proposed design of the electrode increased the ablation rate by 1 cm³ /minute and 6.3 cm³/10 minutes, with a decrease in the required time ablation. Finally, the proposed model reduces the ablation time and damages healthy tissue while increasing the ablation volume from 22.5% cm³ to 62.5% cm³ in ten minutes compared to recent studies.