• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Information and Commucation Sciences Conference
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• 2009.05a
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• pp.899-902
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• 2009

As computer network and wireless technology continue to grow rapidly, a wide range of remote application has been applied to medical field such as remote medical consulting and remote patient monitoring. This research aims to design RF telecommunication-based healthcare application to collect and manage patient's physiological data, and describe the overall procedure of experiment. MySQL database is designed to record patient's physiological data including temperature, blood pressure and heart rate and save information about medical behaviors such as doctor's prescription for patients. Therefore, users approved by healthcare application can query patient's data and collected data can be used to reorganize data for clinical test. As a result, temperature and humidity of patient's room which must be checked frequently can be processed automatically through ubiquitous sensor network. The information entered from mobile phones or web is saved in database, ensuring systematical management through computer. Moreover, patient's family members can easily access hospital data, improving their experience with medical service.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.42-57
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• 2020

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is indicated for various mental disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder) and the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in elderly patients. Furthermore, ECT is a useful first-line treatment in emergency and crisis situations such as suicide risk, violent behavior, catatonia, and food refusal, which are more frequent in elderly patients. ECT is also effective in the treatment of the motor symptoms of neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Due to the high risk of various physical diseases, the comorbid physical conditions of elderly patients should be individually controlled to optimize ECT treatment. Compared to young adults, in elderly patients the seizure threshold is higher, the seizure duration is shorter, and the anesthetic dose is lower. On the contrary, the response rate in the elderly is both faster and higher. Considering potential cognitive decline and the prevention of further deterioration of cognitive function in elderly patients, in the absence of significant comorbidities, twice weekly sessions and right unilateral electrode placement with a lower seizure threshold and less cognitive effect are preferred to bilateral electrode placement, which has a high risk of adverse cognitive effects. After an acute course of ECT, continuation and maintenance of ECT, combined with prescription of therapeutic drugs, may prevent possible relapse or recurrence of mental disorders. In conclusion, ECT can be used to treat mental disorders in elderly adults, with safety and effectiveness comparable to that in young adults.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.59-69
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• 2019

Objectives: Case report is a description of medical experience that contains a patient's information and treatments. It has been used to determine the effectiveness and side effect of the treatments. Case report can be used for medical, scientific, or educational purposes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of case reports published in Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry from 2013 to 2017 using CARE and CARES guideline. Methods: Case reports were selected from Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry and their quality assessed using CARE guideline and CARES guideline. The items of CARE and CARES guideline were assessed as 'Sufficient', 'Not sufficient', 'Not reported', 'Not applicable'. The outcome was analyzed using case reports and items. Results: 26 case reports were selected. For CARE guideline, 'Sufficient' percentage was min at 22.2%, max at 46.4% with a median of 39.3%. Sum of 'Sufficient', 'Not sufficient' percentage was min at 59.3%, max at 85.7% with a median of 75.0%. Items 'Timeline', 'Diagnostic assessment', 'Follow up and outcomes', 'Informed consent' were not reported in more than 50% of all case reports. Items 'Keywords', 'Abstract', 'Introduction', 'patient information', 'Diagnostic assessment', 'Therapeutic interventions', 'Follow up and outcomes' were not sufficiently reported in more than 50% of all case reports. For CARES guideline, 'Sufficient' percentage was min at 0%, max at 50% with a median of 0%. Sum of 'Sufficient', 'Not sufficient' percentage was min at 33.3%, max at 100% with a median of 92.9%. Items of herbal prescription 'herb', 'decoction', 'use', items of acupuncture treatment 'materials', 'techniques', items of moxibustion treatment 'materials', 'techniques' were not sufficiently reported in more than 50% of all case reports. Conclusions: The reporting rate of items was good. But the quality of reporting was low. Also, particular items were not reported frequently. Therefore, there is a need to improve the quality of case reports in Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.1089-1099
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cinnamon on the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and to introduce its use in Korea. Method: We searched the experimental studies in electronic databases (PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, CiNii, J-STAGE, Science ON, and OASIS) using the key search terms "cinnamic acid", "cinnamon", "cinnamomum", "Parkinson's disease", "Parkinson disease", "Parkinsonism", and "dopamine". This study only involved experimental studies (in vivo and in vitro) that adopted cinnamon as a single administration and measured indicators relating to Parkinson's disease, including parkin, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and dopamine. Results: A Total of 11 literature studies were selected, and they all showed that treatment with cinnamon has a neuroprotective effect. Cinnamon activated neuroprotective factors and restored neurotransmitters and it reduced the rate of oxidative stress and inflammation in neurons. As a result, cell viability was upregulated, while cell apoptosis and neurodegeneration were downregulated. Five in vivo studies, through behavioral tests, also confirmed that cinnamon recovers locomotor function in PD models. Conclusion: We identified that cinnamon is an effective neural protector and improves motor performance in behavioral testing in the experimental PD studies.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.319-323
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• 2021

Background: Prophylactic antibiotics are used to prevent surgical wound infection; however, proper indications must be followed with careful consideration of the risks and benefits, especially in clean or clean-contaminated wounds. Nasal bone fractures are the most common type of facial bone fracture. The most common method for treating nasal bone fracture is closed reduction, which is performed inside the nasal cavity without an incision. The purpose of this study was to determine the need for antibiotic use in the closed reduction of nasal bone fractures. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using data from the National Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital of the Republic of Korea between 2016 and 2018. The records of patients who underwent closed reduction of nasal bone fracture were reviewed and classified according to sex, age, comorbidities, perioperative antibiotic usage, postoperative complications, nasal packing, anesthesia type, surgeon's specialty, and operation time. Results: Among the 373 patients studied, the antibiotic prescription rate was 67.3%. Just 0.8% of patients were prescribed preoperative antibiotics only, 44.0% were prescribed postoperative antibiotics only, and 22.5% were prescribed both preoperative and postoperative antibiotics. There were no cases that satisfied the definition of "surgical site infection." Furthermore, 2.1% of infection-related complications (e.g., mucosal swelling, synechia, and anosmia) occurred only in the antibiotic usage group. The use of nasal packing, anesthesia type, and surgeon's specialty did not show any difference in infection-related complication rates. Conclusion: According to the study findings, the routine use of perioperative antibiotics is not recommended in uncomplicated nasal bone fracture surgery.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.155-165
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• 2022

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not completely reversible and requires long-term management with appropriate treatment. This study aimed to analyze trends in treatment regimens and medication costs for COPD patients using a national claims database. Methods: We conducted this analysis using National Patient Sample data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service covering the period from 2015 to 2018. We have constructed a dataset comprising COPD disease classification codes J43.x and J44.x (based on KCD-7 code, J43.0 was excluded) and compiled a list of drugs fitting current guidelines. To identify trends, we calculated frequency, ratio, and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) using the numbers of prescriptions and patients. Results: The number of COPD patients was 7,260 in 2018, slightly decreased from 2015. Most of these COPD patients were aged 60 or older and included a high proportion of males (72.2%; 2018). The number of patients prescribed inhaled medications increased gradually from 2015 to 2018 (9,227 (47.1%); 2015, 9,285 (51.5%); 2018), while the number of patients prescribed systemic beta-agonists and Xanthines has decreased since 2015 (CAGR -14.7; systemic beta-agonist, -5.8; Xanthines). The per capita cost of medication has increased by 0.4% (KRW 206,667; 2018, KRW 204,278; 2015) annually during the study period. Conclusion: This study showed that treatment with inhaled medications had continuously increased in accord with changing guidelines, but oral medications were still widely used. It is necessary to emphasize the importance of inhaled medications in treating COPD to reduce additional economic burden through appropriate medication use.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.187-194
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• 2022

This study is to encourage physical activity and exercise in people with spinal cord disabilities so that they can have a positive effect on health outcomes. Current evidence shows that IT-based muscle strength and muscle endurance, cardiopulmonary exercise, electrical stimulation exercise, and robot exercise can all improve physical components, reduce the risk of secondary health complications, and have a positive impact on the overall health of people with chronic physical disabilities. To improve muscle strength and muscle endurance, exercise frequency should be conducted twice and three sets a week, <5 Reps to improve muscle strength, general strength should be repeated 6 to 15 times, and 15 to 30 times to improve muscle endurance. In order to improve cardiopulmonary ability, it should be conducted 3-5 times a week, 20-60 minutes, and 50-80% of the maximum heart rate. Therefore, higher resource investment is needed to realize various IT-based exercise benefits and access professional equipment, facilities and trainers.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.84-92
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• 2022

Background: Topical corticosteroids (TCs) are available both as over-the-counter drugs and prescription medicines at pharmacies. Although they are generally safe drugs, inappropriate and excessive use could result in potential side effects. Thus, it is important to have appropriate knowledge regarding the use of TCs. We performed a cross-sectional survey to assess public knowledge and the potential misuse or overuse of TCs. Methods: A cross-sectional and nationwide online survey was conducted among participants who were aware of TCs. The survey items included sources of information, indications, potential side effects, and methods of application of TCs. A comparative analysis was conducted between those with (TC users) and without (TC non-users) an experience of using TCs. Results: Among 3,000 participants, 74.4% were TC users. The mass media was the most common information source of TCs, and only one-third of the surveyed people relied on pharmacists or doctors for information. Regarding indications and application methods, incorrect answer rate was high in some items, but respondents showed adequate knowledge. However, awareness of the safety of TCs was low. Overall, the TC users showed a higher knowledge of TCs than TC non-users. Conclusions: Public knowledge of the use of TCs appears to be appropriate. However, we found potential misuse or overuse of some items and a lack of awareness of the side effects concerning TCs. Thus, healthcare professionals' significant role is required.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.1162-1185
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• 2022

Purpose: We examined the effects of Dansam (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, SM) and Dansam-eum (DSE) on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and reflux esophagitis by comparing the inhibitory effects of SM and DSE with the representative treatment of PPI Omeprazole to determine if the effects of the prescription DSE based on Korean medicine are better than those of a single-use of SM. Methods: We performed experiments using both animal models and cancer cells. Results: Comparison of SM and DSE with PPI in the animal model tests revealed that the effects were superior for SM and DSE than for PPI in all categories (8-OHdG, p-IκB, PAR2, COX-1, cathelicidin, p-JNK, Caspase 3, ATP6V1B1, GRPR, serotonin, and NPY). In three categories (COX-1, serotonin, and NPY), SM and DSE showed superior results over the Controls. In the animal model tests, DSE was superior to SM in all categories except for serotonin. The anti-cancer effects observed in cancer cell tests revealed that SM and DSE had meaningful results in terms of cytotoxicity and cell movement rate, as well as in cancer cell apoptosis. Conclusions: We confirmed that SM and DSE can have effects on reflux esophagitis through the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, mucosal protection, apoptosis, proton pumping, and the enteroendocrine system in the stomach and esophagus. We also confirmed that SM and DSE have superior effects to those of PPI on all aspects, especially gastric mucosa protection and enteroendocrine system control. We also confirmed that SM and DSE have anti-cancer effects. Above all, we confirmed that DSE has superior effects on almost all aspects compared to using SM alone.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.113-121
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• 2023

Background: Globally, the number of patients with aspergillosis is increasing, and the mortality rate remains high. This study aimed to investigate prescribing patterns of antifungal drugs for patients with aspergillosis in South Korea using real-world data. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was performed using National Patient Sample (NPS) data collected by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) during 2011-2020. The use of antifungal drugs in patients with aspergillosis was investigated. Results:A total of 1374 patients were identified: 333 patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) (24.2%), 436 patients with other PA (31.7%), 73 patients with other forms of aspergillosis (5.3%), and 532 patients with unspecified aspergillosis (38.7%). The odds of receiving an antifungal prescription were higher for IPA than for other PA (aOR, 0.233; p<0.001), and higher for hematologic malignancies than for respiratory disorders other than cancer or infections (aOR, 10.018; p<0.001). During each hospitalization period, 56.1% (97/173) and 6.4% (11/173) of IPA hospitalizations received voriconazole and itraconazole monotherapy, respectively, whereas 44.3% (27/61) and 27.9% (17/61) of other PA hospitalizations received itraconazole and voriconazole monotherapy, respectively. Among outpatients with IPA, 67.5% (85/126) and 26.2% (33/126) received voriconazole and itraconazole alone, respectively, whereas among outpatients with other PA, 86.1% (68/79) and 12.7% (10/79) received itraconazole and voriconazole alone, respectively, during the year. Conclusion: In Korea, voriconazole monotherapy was preferred in IPA inpatients, and itraconazole monotherapy was preferred in other PA inpatients. In the ambulatory care settings for IPA and other PA, itraconazole monotherapy was preferred.