• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.2060-2077
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• 2019

Recently, mobile healthcare services have attracted significant attention because of the emerging development and supply of diverse wearable devices. Smartwatches and health bands are the most common type of mobile-based wearable devices and their market size is increasing considerably. However, simple value comparisons based on accumulated data have revealed certain problems, such as the standardized nature of health management and the lack of personalized health management service models. The convergence of information technology (IT) and biotechnology (BT) has shifted the medical paradigm from continuous health management and disease prevention to the development of a system that can be used to provide ground-based medical services regardless of the user's location. Moreover, the IT-BT convergence has necessitated the development of lifestyle improvement models and services that utilize big data analysis and machine learning to provide mobile healthcare-based personal health management and disease prevention information. Users' health data, which are specific as they change over time, are collected by different means according to the users' lifestyle and surrounding circumstances. In this paper, we propose a prediction model of user physical activity that uses data characteristics-based long short-term memory (DC-LSTM) recurrent neural networks (RNNs). To provide personalized services, the characteristics and surrounding circumstances of data collectable from mobile host devices were considered in the selection of variables for the model. The data characteristics considered were ease of collection, which represents whether or not variables are collectable, and frequency of occurrence, which represents whether or not changes made to input values constitute significant variables in terms of activity. The variables selected for providing personalized services were activity, weather, temperature, mean daily temperature, humidity, UV, fine dust, asthma and lung disease probability index, skin disease probability index, cadence, travel distance, mean heart rate, and sleep hours. The selected variables were classified according to the data characteristics. To predict activity, an LSTM RNN was built that uses the classified variables as input data and learns the dynamic characteristics of time series data. LSTM RNNs resolve the vanishing gradient problem that occurs in existing RNNs. They are classified into three different types according to data characteristics and constructed through connections among the LSTMs. The constructed neural network learns training data and predicts user activity. To evaluate the proposed model, the root mean square error (RMSE) was used in the performance evaluation of the user physical activity prediction method for which an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, a convolutional neural network (CNN), and an RNN were used. The results show that the proposed DC-LSTM RNN method yields an excellent mean RMSE value of 0.616. The proposed method is used for predicting significant activity considering the surrounding circumstances and user status utilizing the existing standardized activity prediction services. It can also be used to predict user physical activity and provide personalized healthcare based on the data collectable from mobile host devices.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.263-267
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• 2007

The mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reaction is involved in many allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. The discovery of drugs for the treatment of mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic diseases is a very important subject in human health. In this study, we investigated the effect of small black soybean (Glycine max Merr.) (Leguminosae) on mast cell-mediated allergic reaction and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Small black soybean (SBS) inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic reaction. SBS attenuated immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated local allergic reaction. In addition, SBS decreased the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ and interleukin (IL)-8 secretion in human mast cells. These results indicate that SBS may be beneficial in the treatment of mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.82-94
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• 2010

This study was undertaken in an attempt to provide scientific grounds in explaining the causes of environmental and respiratory diseases resulting from air pollutants in Gyeongju and its neighboring areas. In relation to heavy metals, lead (Pb) was $0.0135{\sim}0.1744\;{\mu}g/m^3$ and high in order of Pohang, Ulsan, and Gyeongju while nickel (Ni) was $0.0023{\sim}0.0115\;{\mu}g/m^3$. The concentrations of heavy metals in the investigated areas did not exceed the environmental standards or Guideline Value of Korea or other countries. However, it is considered necessary to apply intensive control to some heavy metals including cadmium (Cd) that show a relatively high level of hazard. Based on the responses to the survey, measured personal interest in environmental pollution and the basic knowledge of the causes of the respiratory diseases was higher in those with a family history of allergic reactions to metals and bronchial asthma. The incidence of allergic disease was higher in those who are currently in poor health state. In addition, the general knowledge of environmental pollutants was higher in those with higher educational level and those with a higher interest in environmental pollution. Personal interest in environmental pollution was higher in those with higher basic knowledge of environmental pollutants. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the awareness through better education and campaigns on environmental pollution.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.205-212
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• 2006

Objectives: In spite of the recent increased concern for Asian dust storms, there are few studies concerning how dangerous the general public recognizes these dust storms to be. This study examined the public's perceptions of the risk of the Asian dust storms and also the source of the information concerning the risk. Methods: A telephone interview survey using a standardized questionnaire was done for the adults living in Seoul and its metropolitan area from May 15th, 2003 to May 16th, 2003. The contents of the questionnaire were the sociodemographic characteristics, the perceptions of risk to the Asian dust storms, and the coping strategy of the study participants. Results: The study participants get their information on Asian dust storms mainly from TV newscasts and they have a good knowledge of them. They regard it as one of the most dangerous health risks, along with dioxin. They think that it is associated with allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma, etc. Of the 500 study participants, 201 (40.2%) persons suffered bodily discomforts during the Asian dust storm period. Conclusions: Although there are uncertainties about the health risks of Asian dust storms, the public thinks these dust storms are very dangerous to health in many ways This negative perception will not disappear easily. To fill the gap of the public's perceptions of the risk and the objective evidence of its health effects, more studies about its health effects and the methods to reduce exposure are required.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.144-149
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• 2006

The immediate-type allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is involved in many allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. The discovery of drugs for the treatment of immediate-type allergic diseases is a very important subject in human health. In this study, we investigated the effect of Rubus coreanus Miq.(Rosaceae) unripe fruits (RCF) on mast cell-mediated allergic reaction and inflammatory cytokine secretion. RCF inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic reactions in mice. RCF attenuated immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated local allergic reactions. In addition, RCF dependently reduced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells local allergic reactions. In addition, RCF dependently reduced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells activated by compound 48/80 or IgE. Furthermore, RCF decreased the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ and interleukin (IL)-6 secretion in human mast cells. Our findings provide evidence that RCF inhibits mast cell-derived immediate-type allergic reactions.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.665-672
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• 2015

Purpose: The aims of current study were to assess the inhaler competency and medication adherence, and to identify association of inhaler competency with medication adherence in patients with obstructive lung disease. Methods: We did a secondary analysis of the Hanyang Obstructive Pulmonary Evaluation data in a single institution from June 2014 to April 2015 after an approval of Institutional Review Board. A total of 150 patients with asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease participated in the study. Inhaler competency was evaluated accuracy in each step for using metered dose inhaler. Medication adherence was calculated using actually dispensed doses based on the prescribed inhaler doses. Results: Older adults (${\geq}65$) had lower competency in using inhaler (66.7 vs 83.3, z=-4.52, p<.001) and poorer medication adherence (67.7 vs 91.8, $x^2=14.06$, p<.001) than adults (<65). Inhaler competency was associated with medication adherence (p=.26, p=.001). Surprisingly, more than 50% of patients were current smokers. Conclusion: Inhaler competency and medication adherence were lower in older adults with obstructive lung disease than those in adult-age patients. Therefore, an individual education program for older patients should be developed to improve the rates of proper use of inhalers. Nursing management for obstructive lung disease should focus on developing behavioral intervention strategies for smoking cessation.

• Proceedings of the KAIS Fall Conference
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• 2009.05a
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• pp.587-590
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• 2009

천식환자의 폐활량 측정 및 관리는 정기적으로 검사되어 관리될 필요가 있는 매우 중요한 관리 항목이다. 본 연구는 천식환자의 폐활량을 정기적으로 관리할 수 있도록 PC-기반 폐활량기를 이용한 천식환자의 폐활량 측정 및 관리 시스템의 설계 및 구현에 관한 연구이다. 폐활량 검사는 크게 3종류 구성되며, 본 연구는 노력성 폐활량 검사(Forced Vital Capacity Test)를 1차적으로 설계 및 구현 방법을 제안하였다. FVC 검사의 목적은 폐질환의 진단, 중증도 그리고 치료효과 판정, 기관지 천식의 진단 및 관리, 수술시 마취방식의 결정 등으로 무엇보다 정확한 검사와 정기적인 검사를 필요로 하는 중요한 검사이다. FVC 검사는 검사과정에서 천식환자에게 많은 노력을 필요로 하는 힘든 검사로서 검사자의 도움이 필수적이므로 폐활량 검사 프로그램 개발에 있어 고려되어 알고리즘이 효율적으로 개발되어야 한다. 본 시스템은 휴대형 폐활량기(Spirometer)를 PC에 연결하고, 폐활량을 측정할 수 있도록 구성되었고, 검사 내용은 PC의 DB에 저장하고, 추후에 정기적으로 서버의 DB로 전송함으로서 보다 더 폭넓은 관리를 가능하도록 하며 천식환자는 서버가 제공하는 웹 사이트를 이용함으로서 자신의 건강관리를 가능하도록 구성된다. FVC 검사 프로그램은 정확한 검사와 편리한 사용자 인터페이스를 제공하도록 설계 및 구현하였고 따라서 자체 개발된 폐활량기를 PC-기반 프로그램으로 제어 가능함으로서 추후 다양한 임상실험의 데이터 확보, 기능의 확장과 성능의 개선을 할 수 있고, 좀 더 편리하고, 정확한 폐활량측정이 가능 할 것이다.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.84-93
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• 1997

The bronchoscopy is usually performed in the patients who present symptoms of wheezing, hemoptysis, signs of airway obstruction, unexplained long-term chronic cough with or without radiologic features of pneumonia, emphysema or atelectasis. The symptoms and signs of cases of suspected airway foreign body are of often cofused with those of asthma pneumonia and other respiratory tract disease. The ventilating bronchoscopy will be helpful for removal of certain foreign bodies as well as alleviating medically-unresponsive bronchopulmonary conditions via removing abnormal secretions or merely improving ventilation. The authors have performed clinical analysis of 59 patients who were suspected of airway foreign bodies and treated by ventilating bronchoscopy from September 1985 to February 1995. The results were as follows: 1) Among the 59 cases of bronchoscopy, 51 cases(97%) were under the age of 3. The ratio of male and female was 2.69:1 2) Most common presenting symptom was coughing(84.7%) followed by dyspnea, fever, wheezing and anterior chest pain. 3) Among 39 cases of identified foreign bodies, abnormal findings in the chest X-ray films were found in 33 cases(84.6%) and most common abnormal radiologic feature was pneumonia in 10 cases(25.6%) followed by combination of pneumonia and emphysema, or emphysema alone. All the 20 cases of absent foreign body presented abnormal radiologic features and common findings were pneumonia and atelectasis. 4) Vegetable foreign bodies were the most common form of removed airway foreign bodies(69.2%) followed by metallic foreign bodies(12.8%) and plastic foreign bodies(7.7%). 5) By distribution of the location of foreign bodies, 29 cases(74.4%) were located in the main bronchus( 16 cases of right side and 13 cases of left side), 8 cases were in the trachea and 2 cases were found at the cordal level. 6) By duration of foreign body lodgement in the airway, 9 cases(23.1%) were removed within 7 to 30 days, 10 cases(5.6%) within 3 days and 5 cases(12.8%) were enlodged over 30 days. 7) In the cases of absent foreign bodies, common bronchoscopic findings were mucopurulent or thick mucoid discharge in the main bronchi, erythema or edema of bronchial mucosa and all the cases were improved after ventilating bronchoscopy with concomitant medical management.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.2
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• pp.221-227
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• 2006

Background : Cough may be a consequence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness or inflammation. Empirical treatment is important in this context because it difficult to verify the obvious cause of cough using laboratory tests, Corticosteroid has a nonspecific anti-inflammatory effect, and can be used for cough management. However, its response rate has not yet been fully elucidated. This study investigated the short- term effects of inhaled corticosteroid on chronic cough Methods : Patients with chronic cough with a normal chest radiograph and a pulmonary function test were enrolled. Cases with a prior respiratory infection within 8 weeks, a history of bronchial asthma, objective wheezing on examination, subjective symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux or taking an ACE inhibitor were excluded. On the first visit, a methacholine bronchial provocation test, spontaneous sputum eosinophil count performed twice and a paranasal sinus radiograph were checked, and the patients were treated with budesonide turbuhaler $800{\mu}g/day$ for ten days. The primary outcome measure was a decrease in the cough score after treatment. Results : Sixty nine chronic coughers were finally analyzed. The final diagnoses by the routine tests were as follows: bronchial asthma 13.0%, eosinophilic bronchitis 18.8%, paranasal sinusitis 23.2% and non-diagnostic cases 53.6%. The following responses to the inhaled corticosteroid were observed: definite responders, 76.8%, possible responders, 2.9% and non-responders, 20.3%. The response rate was not affected by the final diagnosis even in the non-diagnostic cases. There were minimal adverse drug related effects during the empirical treatment. Conclusion : Routine objective tests such as methacholine provocation, sputum eosinophil count and simple radiographs were notare not suitable for diagnosing chronic cough Therefore, empirical treatment is important. Short term inhaled corticosteroid is effective and can guide a further treatment plan for chronic cough.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.270-276
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• 1994

Background: The measurement of nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity is valuable for diagnosis and management of bronchial asthma. Methacholine or histamine is used for the pharmacologic provocation test. Usually a methacholine bronchial provocation test is performed by a dosing technique with counted number of breaths. A dosimeter is indispensable in the dosing technique. Recently a timed tidal breathing technique which dose not need an expensive dosimeter was introduced. We measured the degree of nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity to histamine using a simple timed tidal breathing technique. Method: Forty two healthy volunteers, 12 patients with bronchial asthma(BA), 10 patients with rhinitis(RH) and 10 patients with upper respiratory infection(URI) participated in the study. The subject's nose was clipped and inhalation continued during tidal breathing for 2 minutes via a face mask. $FEV_1$ was measured at 30 seconds, 90 seconds after inhalation and inhalation of next solution was continued until there was a fall in $FEV_1$ of 20%. Histamine PC20 was defined as the concentration at 20% fall of $FEV_1$ and it was obtained from the log dose-response curve by linear interpolation. Results: Inhalation of serial dilution of histamine could be performed in all patients without significant side effects. The geometric mean${\pm}$standard deviation of histamine PC20 in healthy volunteers is $8.27{\pm}2.22mg/ml$, BA group $0.33{\pm}3.02mg/ml$, RH group $0.85{\pm}3.24mg/ml$, and URI group $1.47{\pm}1.98mg/ml$. Conclusion: Histamine bronchial provocation test using timed tidal breath method is a simple and suitable tool for management of patients with bronchial hyperreactivity.