• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.100-104
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to observe the effectiveness of the Korean medical complex treatments for functional dyspepsia (FD). And we observed NDI-K (Nepean dyspepsia index-Korean version) and algometer on acupoints to confirm the treatment effectiveness. In this retrospective study, we investigated 77 patients with FD symptoms who admitted to 00 Korean Hospital for 2 weeks from April 14, 2020 to March 31, 2021. All patietns were treated with herbal medicines, acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, moxa treatment, aroma therapy, So-jeok and So-jeok II therapy. On the day of admission and discharge, NDI-K, algometer on acupoints (CV12, CV10, ST25, ST27, SP14) were examined twice. Among the NDI-K values, all 14 items except for poor breathing were decreased statistically significantly. The algometer values were increased statistically significantly in all acupoints (CV12, CV10, ST25, ST27, SP14). These results suggest that Korean medical treatment can be useful in the treatment of FD.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.59-67
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• 2023

Background: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of shoulder and neck stabilization exercise using a gym ball for healthy women in their 20s with round shoulder and forward head posture, it is intended to try and find improvement for posture. Methods: The subjects of the study were 25 women who understood the purpose of the research and voluntarily agreed to participate in the experiment. They carried out the shoulder and neck stabilization exercise program using a gym ball, which was conducted for 35 minutes, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The position of the round shoulder and shoulder bones was measured using an tape measurement and were recorded in both at pre, 2 weeks, and post intervention. The craniovertebral angle (CVA) and craniorotational angle (CRA) was measured using an image J. Results: The round shoulder posture left was statistically significantly different within group (p<.05); however, the round shoulder posture right wasn't statistically significantly different (p>.05). As a result of this contrast, test were significant different in both at pre, 2 weeks and post. The scapular position on the left and right were statistically significantly different within the group (p<.05). As a result of the contrast, test were significant different in both at pre, 2 weeks and post (p<.05). The CVA and CRA on the left and right were statistically significantly different within the group (p<.05). As a result of the contrast, test were significant different in both at pre, 2 weeks and post (p<.05). Conclusion: The gym ball exercises improved the posture of women in their 20s. Therefore, gym ball exercises can help improve the quality of life of those with shoulder and neck pain.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.274-281
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• 2022

Background: In the present study, the age- and sex-adjusted Constant score (CS) in a normal Indian population was calculated and any differences with other population cohorts assessed. Methods: The study participants were patients who visited the outpatient department for problems other than shoulder and healthy volunteers from the local population. Patients without shoulder pain/discomfort during activity were included in the study. Subjects with any problem that might affect shoulder function (e.g., cervical, thoracic spine, rib cage deformity, inflammatory arthritis) were excluded. Constant scoring of all participants was performed by trained senior residents under the supervision of the senior faculty. Shoulder range of movement and strength were measured following recommendations given by the research and Development Committee of the European Society for Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (2008). A fixed spring balance was used for strength measurement; one end was fixed on the floor and the other end tied with a strap to the wrist of the participant, arm in 90° abduction in scapular plane with palm facing down. Results: Among the 248 subjects (496 shoulders), the average age was 37 years (range, 18-78 years), 65.7% were males (326 shoulders) and 34.3% females (170 shoulders). The mean CS was 84.6±2.9 (males, 86.1±3.0; females, 81.8±2.9). CS decreased significantly after 50 years of age in males and 40 years of age in females (p<0.05). The mean CS was lower than in previous studies for both males and females. Heavy occupation workers had higher mean CS (p<0.05). A linear standardized equation was estimated for calculating the adjusted CS for any age. Conclusions: Mean CS and its change with age differed from previous studies among various population cohorts.

• The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.60-71
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify changes in the experience rate and level of symptoms of visual display terminal syndrome in college students attending online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Data were collected from February 22 to June 8, 2021 at three measurement points. A total of 117 college students were administered a visual display terminal syndrome survey just before online classes (T1), one month after the start of online classes (T2), and three months after the start of online classes (T3). The collected data were analyzed by frequency and percentage, paired t-test, McNemar test, and repeated measures analysis of variance using the IBM SPSS 25.0 program. Results: The intensity of college students' visual display terminal syndrome during online classes increased at T2 and T3 compared to T1. The rate of experiencing back discomfort or pain increased abruptly at T2 compared to T1. The intensity of college students' eye related symptoms and skin related symptoms increased at T2 and T3 compared to T1, while the intensity of college students' psychological symptoms, general body discomfort, and musculoskeletal symptoms increased at T3 compared to T1. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that self-care programs are needed to prevent visual display terminal syndrome in college students who are in long-term online classes.

• Journal of Korea Trade
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.79-101
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• 2022

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to analyze and compare the international competitiveness of digital service trade between Korea and China and to help enhance the competitive advantage of digital service trade between the two countries. Design/methodology - This paper designs and establishes a comprehensive evaluation system for the international competitiveness of the Korea-China digital service trade. By using the analytical methods of combining theory and demonstration through qualitative and quantitative analysis, this paper makes a concrete and complete theoretical deconstruction and empirical measurement of its international competitiveness from the two levels of overall competitiveness and departmental competitiveness. At the same time, the study also analyzes the competitive advantages and comparative disadvantages of the two countries. Findings - It is found that South Korea has a strong competitive advantage in the sector competitiveness of digital service trade, and the export structure is reasonable and balanced, but the deficit pattern affects the overall competitiveness. China has a strong competitive advantage in the overall competitiveness of the digital service trade. However, the structural imbalance in the export sector weakens the competitiveness of the sector. Both Korea and China have the space advantage and competitive potential to enhance international competitiveness in terms of development trends. Originality/value - This paper takes the lead in solving the pain point of the relative lack of similar research topics. It demonstrates the evolution process, development trends, and structural characteristics of the digital service trade. A new combination of competitive power research methods is innovated, and a comprehensive evaluation system is established. The above innovation points show the academic theoretical value and practical application value of this study.

• Journal of TMJ Balancing Medicine
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2022

Objectives: For the deviation phenomenon occurring during the treatment process in temporo-mandibular balancing medicine (TBM), hypotheses were established regarding the cause and mechanism of formation from the perspective of neuro-science and material mechanics, and a verification method was proposed. Methods: The deviation phenomenon was theoretically analyzed based on the structure theories of material mechanics of the joint and the neurological pain mechanism. Results: Deviation occurs due to temporary yield by the accumulation of heterogeneous stress in the temporo-mandibular joint and the affected joint. Because the joint structures are corresponding with material mechanics showing compressive and tensile properties. The size of the deviation is expressed in terms of strain. The occlusal surface of the teeth is level with the axial joint. Since the magnitude of the deviation has a proportional relationship with the degree of abnormality of the temporo-mandibular joint, the magnitude of the deviation calculated by the balance measurement can be replaced by the strain. The major variables involved in the occurrence of deviations are the strength of joint structures and neurological conditions. Therefore plastic deformation and adaptation occur as a long-term depression of neural circuits is strengthened in different ways at different locations each time in various clinical situations. This is the reason why the sequence of the restoration process while correcting deviations is following reverse order of the accumulation in many layers in the muscular nervous system. Conclusions: From the above results, it can be inferred that the occurrence and correction of the deviations are corresponding with the plastic deformation and neuro-plasticity.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.34.1-34.12
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• 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the success rate of endodontic treatments performed by undergraduate students and the factors associated with the outcome. Materials and Methods: A follow-up of 3 to 8 years after root canal filling was carried out in 91 patients. At the follow-up visits, medical and dental history questionnaires were applied along with clinical and radiographic examinations. Data collected in the clinical exam included: the presence of pain, swelling, sinus tract, mobility, tenderness to palpation and percussion, periodontal probing profile, and type/quality of coronal restoration. Postoperative and follow-up radiographs were digitalized and analyzed by 2 trained and calibrated examiners to assess periapical healing. The treatment outcome was based on strict clinical and radiographic criteria and classified as success (absence of any clinical and radiographic sign of apical periodontitis) or failure (other combination). Logistic regression was used to investigate the impact of clinical and radiographic variables on endodontic treatment outcomes at a 5% significance level. Results: The success rate of endodontic treatments was 60.7%. The only risk factor significantly associated with failure was the presence of a periapical lesion on the postoperative radiograph (odds ratio, 3.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-9.54). Conclusions: The success rate of endodontic treatments performed by undergraduate students was low and was jeopardized by the presence of a periapical lesion on the postoperative radiograph.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.464-472
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• 2023

Middle-aged women experience a lot of physical and mental stress during their developmental cycle. This stress reduces the quality of life because it leads to chronic pain and disease. Forest therapy is attracting attention as an alternative to this. Forest therapy refers to improving human health through the therapeutic elements of forests. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine whether a sensory insight-based forest therapy program was effective in reducing stress in middle-aged women. For this purpose, middle-aged women who wanted to participate in the forest therapy program were recruited, 20 each were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group, and pre- and post-tests were conducted. The forest therapy program consisted of 8 sessions of 6 hours based on sense and insight. The forest therapy program was held at Saryeoni Forest in Jeju, and the measurement tools were compared by measuring perceived stress, leisure satisfaction, and stress index through pulse wave testing. The results of the study showed that the forest therapy program lowered stress and improved leisure satisfaction.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.79-87
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• 2024

Purpose: Recently, the prevalence of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID) has shown an increasing trend worldwide. As the diagnosis of EGID requires invasive endoscopy with biopsy, noninvasive markers for detecting EGID in suspected patients, particularly children, are urgently needed. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) beyond peripheral eosinophil counts in pediatric patients with EGID. Methods: Overall, 156 children diagnosed with EGID were enrolled and 150 children with functional abdominal pain disorder (FAPD) were recruited as controls. All participants underwent endoscopic biopsy in each segment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and serum ECP measurement, as well as peripheral eosinophil percent and absolute eosinophil count. Results: Comparing EGID (n=156) with FAPD (n=150) patients, serum ECP levels were significantly higher in pediatric patients with EGID than in those with FAPD (25.8±28.6 ㎍/L vs. 19.5±21.0 ㎍/L, p=0.007), while there was no significant difference in peripheral eosinophil percent and absolute eosinophil counts between the two groups. Serum ECP levels were correlated with peripheral eosinophil percent (r=0.593, p<0.001) and the absolute eosinophil count (r=0.660, p<0.001). The optimal cutoff value of serum ECP for pediatric EGID was 10.5 ㎍/mL, with a sensitivity of 69.9% and a specificity of 43.4% with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.562. Conclusion: The combination of serum ECP levels and peripheral eosinophil counts, when employed with appropriated thresholds, could serve as a valuable noninvasive biomarker to distinguish between EGID and FAPD in pediatric patients manifesting GI symptoms.

• The Korean journal of internal medicine
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.86-94
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• 2024

Background/Aims: A catheter is inserted through the nasal cavity during high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM), which may cause adverse events such as pain or epistaxis. Despite these possible safety considerations, studies on this subject are very limited. We aimed to investigate the usefulness of nasal cavity evaluation before HRM to reduce the risk of adverse events and test failure. Methods: Patients who underwent HRM after consultation with the ear-nose-throat department for nasal evaluation were retrospectively enrolled between December 2021 and May 2022. The included patients had a previous history of sinonasal disease or surgery or had subjective nasal discomfort. All patients answered the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) questionnaire, and subjective nasal discomfort was scored using a visual analog scale. Nasal endoscopy and acoustic rhinometry were performed for disease evaluation and volumetric assessment. Results: The analysis included 22 patients with a mean age of 58.9 years. The mean SNOT-22 score was 24.2, and 16 patients (72.7%) complained of subjective nasal obstruction. The HRM catheter was successfully inserted in 20 patients (90.9%), without any significant adverse events. The objective measurement outcomes of acoustic rhinometry and sinus endoscopy did not always correspond to subjective symptoms. Narrowed nasal airways unresponsive to decongestants were observed in two patients with failed catheter insertion. Conclusions: To reduce the risk of adverse events and test failure during HRM, a site-specific questionnaire to evaluate nasal obstruction might be helpful. When nasal obstruction is suspected, objective nasal cavity evaluation could be recommended for the safe and successful performance of HRM.