• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.25 no.12
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• pp.1797-1808
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• 2021

Artificial intelligence is considered one of the core technologies leading the 4th industrial revolution. It is adopted in various fields bringing about a huge paradigm shift throughout our society. The field of biotechnology is no exception. It is undergoing innovative development by converging with other disciplines such as computers, electricity, electronics, and so on. In drug discovery and development, big data-based AI technology has a great potential of improving the efficiency and quality of drug development, rapidly advancing to overcome the limitations in the existing drug development process. AI technology is to be specialized and developed for the purpose including clinical efficacy and safety-related end points based on the multidisciplinary knowledge such as biology, chemistry, toxicology, pharmacokinetics, etc. In this paper, we review the current status of AI technology applied for drug discovery and consider its limitations and future direction.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.25-32
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• 2022

In this study, basic skin characteristics data were collected by measuring skin hydration, skin melanin, skin redness, and skin torsion elasticity from Korean women in from 20's to 40's ages, and then, age and correlation analysis were conducted. This was used to create a skin index, and cluster analysis was performed to classify the groups into 4 clusters, and the skin characteristics of each cluster were confirmed. Then, two prototypes were used for two weeks to confirm the improvement effect on skin moisture, skin redness, and skin dead mass reduction, and then analyzed which product was more effective in which cluster of subjects participated in the skin characteristics test. As a result of the study, the possibility of preparing for the customized cosmetics market was confirmed by applying the skin index and cluster analysis results to product efficacy evaluation.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.21-31
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• 2022

Objectives : The Gyotae-hwan formula has traditionally been applied to conditions of fearful throbbing[怔忡] and insomnia due to disharmony of the Heart and Kidney, of which experimental and clinical research has been carried out while those on its pathological mechanism and constituent compatibility have been inadequate. Methods : Pathological mechanism and constituent compatibility of the Gyotae-hwan formula as listed in the 『Comprehensive Medicine According to Master Han』(韓氏醫通) and the『Simple Recipes for Four Disciplines』(四科簡效方) were analyzed. Findings from recent researches searched using the keywords '交泰丸' and '교태환' in the OASIS and CNKI databases were referenced as well. Results : The Gyo-tae hwan was first mentioned in the text 『Comprehensive Medicine According to Master Han』by Mao Han in terms of constituent medicinals and application while measurements and name of formula were not listed while the concept of harmony between the Heart and Kidney was mentioned. In the『Simple Recipes for Four Discipline s』 written by Shixiong Wang, measurements of constituent medicinals, usages and name of formula were finally mentioned, along with its efficacy to treat fearful throbbing and insomnia due to disharmony between the Heart and the Kidney. Conclusions : In conclusion, the Gyo-tae hwan uses Coptidis Rhizoma as chief herb and Cinnamomi Cortex as assistant herb to change the state of disharmony between the Heart and Kidney to a harmonious state, treating insomnia and fearful throbbing.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.12.1-12.10
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• 2023

Background: Arthroscopic exploration of ventromedial part of canine coxofemoral joint is limited in conventional dorsal approach. Objectives: We evaluated the efficacy of a medial arthroscopic approach to the coxofemoral joint of dogs by analyzing the joint visible area and performing a safety analysis. Methods: Arthroscopic approaches to the coxofemoral joint were made in five cadavers using a traditional (dorsal) and novel (medial) approach. Three observers scored the visible area of images and videos of the acetabulum and femur. A safety analysis was performed via dissection of the medial hind limb. The distance between neurovascular structures and arthroscopic portals was measured. Results: The acetabulum was more visible in the dorsal than in the medial approach, with mean visualization scores of 16 ± 0.00 and 11.83 ± 1.26, respectively. The medioventral side of the femur was significantly more visible in the medial than in the dorsal approach, with mean visualization scores of 3.9 ± 0.99 and 6.93 ± 0.58, respectively. Safety analysis confirmed the medial portal site was safe, provided that the surgeon has comprehensive knowledge of the joint. The minimum distance from the arthroscopic medial portals to the nearest neurovascular structures was 2.5 mm. Conclusions: A medial arthroscopic approach to the canine coxofemoral joint has potential clinical application. Dorsal and medial approaches differ significantly and have distinct purposes. The medial approach is useful to access the ventromedial joint, making it an eligible diagnostic method for an arthroscopic evaluation of this area.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.224-249
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• 2023

Gastric cancer is heterogeneous in morphology, biology, genomics, and treatment response. Alterations in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression, microsatellite instability (MSI) status, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) levels, and fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) can be used as biomarkers. Since the combination of fluoropyrimidine/platinum plus trastuzumab that was investigated in the ToGA trial was approved as a standard of care in HER2-positive patients in 2010, no other agents showed efficacy in the first- (HELOISE, LOGiC, JACOB trials) and second- (TyTAN, GATSBY, T-ACT trials) line treatments. Despite the success in treating breast cancer, various anti-HER2 agents, including a monoclonal antibody (pertuzumab), an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC; trastuzumab emtansine [T-DM1]), and a small molecule (lapatinib) failed to translate into clinical benefits until the KEYNOTE-811 (first-line) and DESTINY-Gastri01 (≥second-line) trials were conducted. The incorporation of HER2-directed treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors in the form of a monoclonal antibody or ADC is now approved as a standard treatment. Despite the promising results of new agents (engineered monoclonal antibodies, bi-specific antibodies, fusion proteins, and small molecules) in the early phase of development, the management of HER2-positive gastric cancer requires further optimization to achieve precision medicine with a chemotherapeutic backbone. Treatment resistance is a complex process that can be overcome using a combination of chemotherapy, targeted agents, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, including novel agents. HER2 status must be reassessed in patients undergoing anti-HER2 treatment with disease progression after the first-line treatment. As a general guideline, patients who need systemic treatment should receive chemotherapy plus targeted agents, anti-angiogenic agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, or their combinations.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.39-44
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• 2022

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is the standard antidote treatment for preventing hepatotoxicity caused by acetaminophen (AAP) poisoning. This review summarizes the recent evidence for the treatment of AAP poisoning. Several alternative intravenous regimens of NAC have been suggested to improve patient safety by reducing adverse drug reactions and medication errors. A two-bag NAC infusion regimen (200 mg/kg over 4 h, followed by 100 mg/kg over 16 h) is reported to have similar efficacy with significantly reduced adverse reactions compared to the traditional 3-bag regimen. Massive AAP poisoning due to high concentrations (more than 300-lines in the nomogram) needs to be managed with an increased maintenance dose of NAC. In addition to NAC, the combination therapy of hemodialysis and fomepizole is advocated for severe AAP poisoning cases. In the case of a patient presenting with an altered mental status, metabolic acidosis, elevated lactate, and an AAP concentration greater than 900 mg/L, hemodialysis is recommended even if NAC is used. Fomepizole decreases the generation of toxic metabolites by inhibiting CYP2E1 and may be considered an off-label use by experienced clinicians. Since the nomogram cannot be applied to sustained-release AAP formulations, all potentially toxic sustained-release AAP overdoses should receive a full course of NAC regimen. In case of ingesting less than the toxic dose, the AAP concentration is tested twice at an interval of 4 h or more; NAC should be administered if either value is above the 150-line of the nomogram.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.31-38
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• 2023

Carboplatin, an advanced anticancer drug with excellent efficacy against ovarian cancer, was developed to alleviate the side effects that often occur with cisplatin and other platinum-based compounds. Our study reports the in vitro characteristics, viability, and activity of cells expressing the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene after carboplatin was conjugated with polysuccinimide (PSI) and administered in combination with other widely used anticancer drugs. PSI, which has promising properties as a drug delivery material, could provide a platform for prolonging carboplatin release, regulating its dosage, and improving its side effects. The iNOS gene has been shown to play an important role in both cancer cell survival and inhibition. Herein, we synthesized a PSI-carboplatin conjugate to create a modified anticancer agent and confirmed its successful conjugation. To ensure its solubility in water, we further modified the structure of the PSI-carboplatin conjugate with 2-aminoethanol groups. To validate its biological characteristics, the ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3 and normal ovarian Chinese hamster ovary cells were treated with the PSI-carboplatin conjugate alone and in combination with paclitaxel and topotecan, both of which are used in conventional chemotherapy. Notably, PSI-carboplatin conjugation can be used to predict changes in the genes involved in cancer growth and inhibition. In conclusion, combination treatment with the newly synthesized polymer-carboplatin conjugate and paclitaxel displayed anticancer activity against ovarian cancer cells but was not toxic to normal ovarian cancer cells, resulting in the development of an effective candidate anticancer drug without severe side effects.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.408-424
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• 2023

Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) is an incapacitating disorder that impacts a substantial proportion of stroke survivors and can diminish their quality of life. Conventional therapies for CPSP, including tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioids, are frequently ineffective, necessitating the investigation of alternative therapeutic strategies. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is now recognized as a promising noninvasive pain management method for CPSP. rTMS modulates neural activity through the administration of magnetic pulses to specific cortical regions. Trials analyzing the effects of rTMS on CPSP have generated various outcomes, but the evidence suggests possible analgesic benefits. In CPSP and other neuropathic pain conditions, high-frequency rTMS targeting the primary motor cortex (M1) with figure-eight coils has demonstrated significant pain alleviation. Due to its associaton with analgesic benefits, M1 is the most frequently targeted area. The duration and frequency of rTMS sessions, as well as the stimulation intensity, have been studied in an effort to optimize treatment outcomes. The short-term pain relief effects of rTMS have been observed, but the long-term effects (> 3 months) require further investigation. Aspects such as stimulation frequency, location, and treatment period can influence the efficacy of rTMS and ought to be considered while planning the procedure. Standardized guidelines for using rTMS in CPSP would optimize therapy protocols and improve patient outcomes. This review article provides an up-to-date overview of the incidence, clinical characteristics, outcome of rTMS in CPSP patients, and future perspective in the field.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.181-212
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• 2023

Objectives: To examine the efficacy and safety of cupping therapy for insomnia disorder and provide clinical evidence that could contribute to further research. Methods: We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that verified effects of cupping therapy for insomnia disorder from 11 domestic and foreign databases. Included studies were evaluated using Risk of Bias (RoB). Results: Nineteen RCTs were selected. Wet cupping was more frequently used than dry cupping. Moving cupping was mostly used among dry cupping methods. Dry cupping was mainly performed in Bladder Meridian on the back. Wet cupping was mainly performed on BL18, LR14, and BL15. The most common treatment period was 4 weeks. The average number of treatments per week was about 2.4 times for all types of cupping, about 3.2 times for dry cupping and about 1.9 times for wet cupping. All selected studies showed a significant sleep improvement compared to the control group. As a result of the meta-analysis, in terms of effective rate, SAS score, and SDS score, the wet cupping in combination with acupuncture was significantly more effective than acupuncture alone, although the quality of selected RCTs was low. Conclusions: Cupping therapy is effective for insomnia disorder. Based on results of this study, it is reasonable to use wet cupping two times per week on BL18, LR14, and BL15 or use moving cupping three times per week in Bladder Meridian on the back for 4 weeks to treat insomnia disorder.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare Studies
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.81-106
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to find out correlation and predictors of recovery predictive factors for North Korean refugees experienced torture in South Korea. This survey was conducted on 205 North Korean refugees with questions on socio-demographic variables, mental health & personality variables, and social & economical variables. The influence of these variables was analysed. Result indicated that sex, age, disease, child living in the North, marriage experience in the North and the China were associated with post-traumatic stress of torture. Also, depression, rumination, self-efficacy, resilience, secure-attachment, social support from the South, economic difficulties predicted the recovery for North Korean refugees with torture experience. Finally, clinical intervention with healing relationship and human rights for North Korean refugees were discussed.