• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.227-244
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• 2019

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of application of Traditional East Asian Herbal Medicine (TEAM) in the treatment of Atrophic Vaginitis (AV). Methods: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were obtained from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, RISS, NDSL, and KISS. The risk of bias was assessed by using Cochrane's risk of bias tool, and RevMan 5.3 software was used. Results: 26 RCTs with 3,162 patients were identified and reviewed. Among them, 21 RCTs observe the effect of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. 23 RCTs reported treatment groups was statistically effective than control groups in the study. Also, the recurrence rate was estimated in 10 RCTs and was lower than control groups. 12 studies observed adverse events (AEs) and severe AEs were not reported. Conclusions: This review suggested that TEAM was safe and effective in the treatment of AV. TEAM may also decrease the recurrence rate. However, this could not be proven conclusively. To ensure evidence-based clinical practice, well-designed trials with larger sample sizes are needed.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.51 no.7
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• pp.1853-1859
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• 2019

The two-thermocouple method was investigated experimentally to evaluate its accuracy for the measurement of local wall temperature and heat flux on a heat transfer tube with an electric heater rod installed in an annulus channel. This work revealed that a thermocouple flush-mounted in a surface groove serves as a good reference method for the accurate measurement of the wall temperature, whereas two thermocouples installed at different depths in the tube wall yield large bias errors in the calculation of local heat flux and wall temperature. These errors result from conductive and convective changes due to the fin effect of the thermocouple sheath. To eliminate the bias errors, we proposed a calibration method based on both the local heat flux and Reynolds number of the cooling water. The calibration method was validated with the measurement of local heat flux and wall temperature against experimental data obtained for single-phase convection and two-phase condensation flows inside the tube. In the manuscript, Section 1 introduces the importance of local heat flux and wall temperature measurement, Section 2 explains the experimental setup, and Section 3 provides the measured data, causes of measurement errors, and the developed calibration method.

• Current Optics and Photonics
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.164-171
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• 2019

Photoluminescence (PL) properties of GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were analyzed to study the effects of carrier leakage on the luminescence properties at room temperature. The electrical leakage and PL properties were compared for LEDs showing leakages at forward bias and an LED with an intentional leakage path formed by connecting a parallel resistance of various values. The leakages at the forward bias, which could be observed from the current-voltage characteristics, resulted in an increase in the excitation laser power density for the maximum PL efficiency (ratio of PL intensity to excitation power) as well as a reduction in the PL intensity. The effect of carrier leakages on PL properties was similar to the change in PL properties owing to a reduction of the photovoltage by a reverse current since the direction of the carrier movement under photoexcitation is identical to that of the reverse current. Valid relations between PL properties and electrical properties were observed as the PL properties deteriorated with an increase in the carrier leakage. The results imply that the PL properties of LED chips can be an indicator of the electrical properties of LEDs.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.21-28
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• 2021

Objectives To investigate the effectiveness of manual therapy for neck pain caused by traffic accidents. Methods We searched six electronic databases (OASIS, KISS, RISS, NDSL, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library) to gather randomized controlled trials using the keywords 'manual theray OR chuna OR tuina' and 'whiplash injury OR neck sprain'. Results Eight RCTs were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Four studies were meta-analyses. The systematic review found a positive effect of manual therapy for whiplash injury. All studies showed a high risk of performance bias. Conclusions The systematic review reported favorable results using manual therapy for neck pain caused by traffic accidents. However, this study has several limitations owing to the high risk of bias. Further clinical studies and the development of a study design are required for stronger evidence.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.36-47
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• 2022

Objectives The purpose of this study was to systematically review previous studies on constitutional herbal medicine treatment for the obesity. Methods A total of 11 databases were searched in English, Chinese, and Korean. Standard methodologies for the systematic review were used to search, analyze and synthesize data for undertaking review and meta-analysis for intervention. The risk of bias was assessed by two independent researchers using the Cochrane risk of bias. Results A total of 2 RCTs were selected and analyzed. The results of the meta-analysis showed a significantly positive effect in the body weight and body mass index for the patient group treated with Taeeumjowi-tang compared to the placebo control group. Conclusions Our results suggested that Taeeumjowi-tang could be considered for improvement of symptoms in obese patients, without serious adverse events. Due to the low quality of the clinical evidence in this study, further studies are needed to evaluate efficacy and safety of constitutional herbal medicines for obesity.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.5.1-5.22
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• 2023

This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to answer the following focused research question: "Does the type of endodontic sealer affect the postoperative pain in patients who received endodontic treatment?" Different databases and grey literature were surveyed. Only one randomized controlled trial were included. The risk of bias in the studies was evaluated by using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to compare the risk and intensity of postoperative pain. The quality of the body of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Out of 11,601 studies, 15 remained for qualitative analyses and 12 for meta-analysis. Seven studies were classified at high risk of bias, and 8 studies raised some concerns. No significant differences between the endodontic materials were observed in the direct comparisons, both in risk and in intensity of postoperative pain (pairwise comparisons with 2 studies: I² = 0%; p > 0.05 and 8 studies: I² = 23%; p > 0.05, respectively). The certainty of the evidence was graded as low or moderate. There was no difference in the risk and intensity of postoperative pain after filling with different endodontic sealers. Further systematic reviews should be conducted.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.19.1-19.12
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• 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies regarding the effectiveness of reciprocating and rotary instrumentation on microbial reduction in root canals. Materials and Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and the gray literature were searched through December 2019. Studies comparing the influence of reciprocating and rotary instrumentation on the removal of microorganisms from root canals that quantified the antimicrobial effect were included. Data extraction was completed using a systematic form for data collection. The risk of bias of the studies was evaluated. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects meta-analysis. Results: Seventeen in vitro studies were included in this systematic review, of which 7 provided adequate data for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Both reciprocating and rotary systems were similarly effective in reducing the microbial load in infected root canals (SMD [95% CI], 0.0481 [-0.271, 0.367]). Three studies showed a low risk of bias, whereas most of the studies (82%) presented a medium risk. Conclusions: Although both techniques decrease the microbial content (with reductions of 23.32%-88.47% and 23.33%-89.86% for reciprocating and rotary instrumentation, respectively), they are not able to provide complete disinfection of root canals.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.177-184
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• 2023

Objective: Manual therapy is a commonly utilized approach in managing chronic pain, but its specific impact on pain catastrophizing remains uncertain. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effects of manual therapy on pain catastrophizing in individuals with chronic pain. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in electronic databases to identify relevant studies published from 2014 onwards. Studies that evaluated the impact of manual therapy on pain catastrophizing in individuals with chronic pain were incorporated. The risk of bias in the selected studies was evaluated using the Cochrane tool for risk of bias in qualitative analysis. For the quantitative analysis, RevMan 5.4 software was utilized, employing a random-effects model as the analysis model. The effect measure used in the analysis was the standardized mean difference (SMD). Results: In total, 26 studies were collected, and following the screening process, three of them were incorporated into the final analysis. The included studies involved a total of 153 patients with chronic pain. The interventions comprised various manual therapy techniques targeting different areas of the body. Pain catastrophizing and pain intensity were the primary outcomes of interest. The meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in pain catastrophizing scores following manual therapy intervention compared to control conditions (SMD = -0.91, 95% CI: -1.25 to -0.58). However, heterogeneity between the studies was observed. Conclusions: Despite the limited quantity and heterogeneity of studies, it has been demonstrated that manual therapy intervention is effective in reducing pain catastrophizing in individuals with chronic pain.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.31-42
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• 2023

Objectives This study aimed to conduct a systematic review evaluating the effectiveness of muscle energy technique(MET) in temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). Methods Searches were conducted in 11 electronic databases until October 2023. Randomized controlled trials(RCT) comparing the effect of MET for TMD were included. All studies were evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results Nine documents that fulfilled all the criteria were obtained for analysis. All studies showed some concerns in high risk of bias, but showed a significant improvement in pain and maximum mouth opening compared to baseline of MET or control group. MET was not better than extracorporeal shock wave therapy or myofascial release in some outcomes. Conclusions MET seems to be an effective treatment for TMD in some regards, however, can be considered as an adjunct therapy which has weak evidence. Further studies are required due to the inconclusive data and poor homogeneity found in this review.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.221-241
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• 2023

Background: The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of digital therapeutics for insomnia on sleep disorders and mental health improvement compared to the control group. Methods: Following the guidelines on systematic review(PRISMA, NECA), a literature search was conducted through PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, RISS, KISS, and KoreaMed using keywords. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and Review Manager version 5.3 were used for risk of bias and effect size assessment. Results: Thirty eight RCT met criteria for inclusion. When compared against three control conditions, the digital therapeutics for insomnia was an effective intervention for improvement sleep disorders and mental health in comparison to waiting list and Patient-directed care with some intervention by medical staff. However, digital therapeutics for insomnia were no more effective than face-to-face CBT-I control group. Conclusion: The efficacy of digital therapeutics for insomnia was evaluated differently depending on the control group. Therefore, in phase 3 clinical trials for efficacy evaluation, it is necessary to review whether the control group has been properly established.