• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.106-113
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• 2021

Background: We aimed to investigate the analgesic efficacy of an erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) with a tissue expander. Methods: Adult women undergoing IBR with a tissue expander after mastectomy were randomly assigned to either intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) alone (group P) or IV-PCA plus ESPB (group E). The primary outcome was the total amount of opioid consumption during 24 hours postoperatively between the two groups. Secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction, pain score at rest and on shoulder movement using numerical rating scale, incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and a short form of the brief pain inventory (BPI-SF) at 3 and 6 months after surgery between the groups. Results: Fifty eight patients completed the study. At 24 hours postoperatively, total opioid consumption was significantly less in group E than in group P (285.0 ± 92.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 250.1 to 320.0 vs. 223.2 ± 83.4, 95% CI: 191.5 to 254.9, P = 0.005). Intraoperative and cumulative PCA fentanyl consumption at 3, 6, 9, and 24 hours were also less in group E than in group P (P = 0.004, P = 0.048, P = 0.020, P = 0.036, and P < 0.001, respectively). Patient satisfaction was higher in group E (6.9 ± 1.8 vs. 7.8 ± 1.4, P = 0.042). The incidences of PONV was similar. Conclusions: The ESPB decreased postoperative opioid consumption and increased patient satisfaction without significant complications after IBR with a tissue expander after mastectomy.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.210-216
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• 2021

Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of acute herpes zoster. The treatment of PHN remains a challenge for clinical pain management. Despite the effectiveness of anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and lidocaine patches in reducing PHN, many patients still face intractable pain disorders. In this randomized controlled study, we evaluated whether hydromorphone through intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) was effective in relieving PHN. Methods: Patients with PHN were randomly divided into two groups, one group received oral pregabalin with IV normal saline, another group received oral pregabalin with additional IV PCA hydromorphone for two weeks. Efficacy was evaluated at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after the end of the treatments. Results: Two hundred and one patients were followed up for 12 weeks. After treatment, numerical rating scale (NRS) score of patients in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the difference of NRS scores between the two groups was statistically significant at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. The frequency of breakthrough pain in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that in the control group 1 and 4 weeks after treatment. After treatment, the quality of sleep in the hydromorphone group was significantly improved compared with the control group. The most common adverse reactions in the hydromorphone group were dizziness and nausea, with no significant respiratory depression. Conclusions: IV PCA hydromorphone combined with oral pregabalin provides superior pain relief in patients with PHN, which is worthy of clinical application and promotion.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.2
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• pp.287-296
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• 2022

Objective : Although radiotherapy (RT) is recommended for multiple myeloma (MM) involving spine, the treatment of choice between reconstructive surgery with RT and RT alone for pathologic vertebral fractures (PVFs) associated with structural instability or neurologic compromises remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacies of reconstructive surgery with adjuvant RT for treatment of MM with PVFs by comparing with matched cohorts treated with RT alone. Methods : Twenty-eight patients underwent reconstructive surgery followed by RT between 2008 and 2015 in a single institution, for management of PVFs associated with structural instability of the spine and/or neurologic compromises (group I). Twenty-eight patients were treated with RT alone (group II) after propensity score matching in a 1-to-1 format based on instability of the spine, as well as age and performance. Clinical outcomes including the overall survival rates, duration of independent ambulation, neurological status, and numeric rating scale (NRS) for back pain were compared. Results : Clinical and radiological features before treatment were similar in both groups. The median survival period was similar between the two groups. However, the mean duration of independent ambulation was significantly longer in group I (88.8 months; 95% confidence interval [CI], 66.0-111.5) than in group II (39.4 months; 95% CI, 25.2-53.6) (log rank test; p=0.022). Deterioration of Frankel grade (21.4% vs. 60.7%, p=0.024) and NRS for back pain (2.7±2.2 vs. 5.0±2.7, p=0.000) at the last follow-up were higher in the group II. Treatment-related complications were similar in both groups. Conclusion : In patients with unstable PVFs due to MM, reconstructive surgery may yield superior clinical outcomes compared with RT alone in maintaining independent ambulation and neurological status, as well as pain control despite similar median survival and complications.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.69-77
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• 2021

연구 배경 최근 한국 및 중국에서 근골격계 질환에 대한 도침술의 활용이 늘고 있다. 하지만 현재까지의 임상연구는 대부분 증례보고 형태에 그치거나, 충분한 근거가 확보되지는 않은 실정이다. 우리는 요천추신경병증환자의 치료에 있어 도침치료와 통상한의치료와의 비교를 통해 도침치료의 유효성, 안전성, 경제성 평가를 시행하기 위해 본 연구를 기획하게 되었다. 연구 방법 본 연구는 예비임상 연구로, 다기관에서 진행되며, 무작위대조군, 활성 대조군을 통한 2개군 병행집단 연구로 평가자 맹검을 시행하게 된다. 이 연구에서는 총 50명의 요천추신경병증 환자를 대상으로 2개군으로 균등하게 분배하여 도침술 또는 통상한의치료를 시행하게 된다(각군당 25명). 도침술 그룹의 경우 협척혈에 도침치료를 시행 받게 되며, 통상 한의치료군은 연구자 판단하에 도침술을 제외한 적절한 한의치료를 시행 받게 된다. 두 개의 그룹은 주당 2회씩 총 3주간 치료를 받게 된다. 일차 유효성 평가는 요통으로 인한 기능장애를 평가하기 위한 Oswestry disability index를 통해 시행한다. 이차 유효성 평가지표로는 numeric rating scale, European Quality of Life 5-Dimension 5-Level, short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire scores를 시행하게 된다. 고찰 본 예비임상연구의 결과는 추후 있을 요천추신경병증에 대한 도침치료 및 한의통상치료 비교효과 연구의 유효성, 경제성평가 본 임상연구를 위한 기초 정보 및 가능성을 확인하고 적절한 대상자수 산정에 도움이 될 것이다.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.189-200
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• 2022

In today's digital world, smartphones and web-based applications have gained remarkable importance throughout the globe. These smart applications are playing a very significant role in maintaining a powerful business. As well as, they are helping a lot to expand these businesses via social networks. Social media networks such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are playing a prominent role to promote the companies. In the hospitality sector, most of the companies are running their hotel booking systems by utilizing mobile applications and a web-based infrastructure, but usability issues still exist. This study has been conducted specifically to tackle the usability issues of hotel booking systems and the best utilization of social networks to promote the business. TripAdvisor was selected as an authentic source for selecting those systems and two international hotels are selected for this study. The first step is to identify different hotel booking systems. In the second step, the user's satisfaction level was measured for the selected systems by performing the System Usability Scale (SUS, Quick & Dirty) approach. Additionally, by which source (social media or personal relations) they found these hotels. It is found that the SUS rating for both systems is below the acceptable level of usability. The Mean SUS for hotel 1 is found at 55.25 and 51.2 for hotel 2. The third step was to identify the user interface (UI) issues, and heuristic evaluation is performed for this. The experts identified the UI issues on the basis of their experience. The major issues were related to the visibility of system status, error prevention, flexibility and efficiency of use. Depending upon the identified issues, an interactive UI (prototype) for the selected web-based applications was proposed. This prototype is mainly based on the user's perspective. This prototype can be used for improving the UI of the selected systems which is based on the user's perspective. During the process of verifying the satisfaction level, it is revealed that the targeted audience is not able to use these systems efficiently and effectively. The reason behind this is the negligence of usability guidelines throughout the process of design and development of these hotel booking systems. Therefore, it is highly recommended that the usability of these systems should be evaluated and redesigned, based on expert opinions. It has also been observed that the reviews/ feedback of customers has spread a negative impact through social networks.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.79-86
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• 2021

Objectives This study aimed to assess the role of complex Korean medicinal treatment with Chuna manual therapy in two patients with chronic pain after posterior lumbar fusion surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 2 patients postoperatively based on their medical records. The surgery regions were verified using T2-weighted axial magnetic resonance imaging. Patients with chronic pain after spondylolisthesis posterior lumbar fusion surgery received complex Korean medicinal treatment with Chuna manual therapy during hospitalization. Numeric rating scale (NRS) in the degree of 0-10 and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were measured before and after treatment. Results Case 1 had an improved NRS score from 7 to 4, and Case 2 had an improved NRS score from 7 to 5. In addition, ODI score improved in both cases. Conclusions Complex Korean medicinal treatment with Chuna manual therapy is effective for relief from chronic pain after posterior lumbar fusion surgery.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.95-104
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• 2022

Objectives : This study is to report a case of otitis media with effusion accompanied by atopic dermatitis improved by Korean medicine monotherapy. Methods : A 31-year-old woman patient visited our clinic for aural fullness, hearing loss, and tinnitus of the left ear on August 14th, 2021. She also had abdominal pain, diarrhea, and general weakness because of side effects of antibiotics. Besides, she had nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and dry skin. Through otoscopy, her tympanum was fully filled with yellow effusion. She only took Korean medicine therapy including acupuncture and herbal medicine weekly. The treatment continued for about 4 months(total 14 visits) until December 4th, 2021. Otoscopy, numerical rating scale(NRS), scoring atopic dermatitis(SCORAD) index were used to assess the symptoms. Results : On August 30, 2021, her intestinal symptoms improved. The left tympanum was recovered to normal condition as the treatment continued. The effusion disappeared on October 16th, 2021. On November 6th, 2021, peritympanic blood congestion also almost alleviated. Subjective symptoms including aural fullness, hearing loss, and tinnitus disappeared on October 16, 2021. Nasal symptoms and dry skin also improved. The SCORAD index dropped from 15 to 4. Conclusions : These results suggests that otitis media with effusion can be sufficiently managed by Korean medicine therapy. Further, active application of Korean medicine therapy to common otolaryngological diseases is necessary.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.123-138
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• 2022

Objectives This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the chuna combination treatment for patients who complain of functional impairment and pain even 3 months after total knee arthroplasty. Methods 24 patients who had 3 months of surgery and who had knee joint pain with a score of 4 or higher on the numerical rating scale (NRS) for more than a week were selected as subjects. The test group received usual care and Chuna treatment and the control group received the administration of drugs as usual care. And then the clinical efficacy and safety were compared and evaluated. Follow-up was performed 1 month after the end of treatment. Results As a result of the analysis, it was confirmed that the primary parameter Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (K-WOMAC) showed statistical significance in the amount of change in visit 2-visit 10 (V2-V10) in the pain domain and in the amount of change in visit 2-follow 1 (V2-FU1) in the functional domain and total score domain. The secondary parameter (NRS, risk of fall, and range of motion) showed a tendency to decrease in the degree of discomfort, but statistical significance could not be confirmed. Conclusions Because this study did not have enough study subjects, it is difficult to use the results as confirmatory evidence. However, it was confirmed that the 4-week Chuna treatment had a significant effect and safety in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Therefore, this study is meaningful as a prior research data to prepare confirmatory evidence in the future.

• Phonetics and Speech Sciences
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.77-86
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• 2022

In this study, we reported the validation results of the Korean Affective Voice Database (KAV DB), an affective voice database available for scientific and clinical use, comprising a total of 113 validated affective voice stimuli. The KAV DB includes audio-recordings of two actors (one male and one female), each uttering 10 semantically neutral sentences with the intention to convey six different affective states (happiness, anger, fear, sadness, surprise, and neutral). The database was organized into three separate voice stimulus sets in order to validate the KAV DB. Participants rated the stimuli on six rating scales corresponding to the six targeted affective states by using a 100 horizontal visual analog scale. The KAV DB showed high internal consistency for voice stimuli (Cronbach's α=.847). The database had high sensitivity (mean=82.8%) and specificity (mean=83.8%). The KAV DB is expected to be useful for both academic research and clinical purposes in the field of communication disorders. The KAV DB is available for download at https://kav-db.notion.site/KAV-DB-75 39a36abe2e414ebf4a50d80436b41a.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.175-191
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• 2021

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the medical record of eight cases of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in a local Korean medicine clinic, in order to provide evidence on Korean medicine treatment of PCOS and to suggest the direction of future studies. Methods: The medical records of eight cases diagnosed with PCOS based on 2003 Rotterdam Criteria and whose total testosterone level was 0.53 ng/ml and over were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome was total testosterone level, and the secondary outcomes included luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, LH/FSH ratio, weight, last mentrual period (LMP), numerical rating scale (NRS) score of dysmenorrhea, and other associated symptoms pre- and post-treatment. Korean medicine treatment consists of the complex herbal prescription consisting of Yukmijihwang-tang, Baekho-tang, Daesiho-tang, and Gyejibokryeong-hwan, modified according to symptoms; acupuncture and electroacupuncture on 中脘 (CV12), 下脘 (CV10), 關元 (CV4), 石門 (CV5), 合谷 (LI4), 太衝 (LR3), 三陰交 (SP6), and 懸鍾 (GB39); and indirect moxibustion on 神闕 (CV8). Results: The average total testosterone level lowered statistically significantly after the treatment. The average FSH and LH levels lowered with insignificance, while the average LH/FSH ratio and weight lowered statistically significantly. During the treatment period of three to six months, every patient had the menstrual cycle shortened except for one case; and two cases with infertility problem succeeded in being pregnant. There was no adverse event. Conclusions: The Korean medicine treatment was found effective in treating PCOS, especially regarding hyperandrogenism, amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, and infertility.