• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.165-177
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• 2006

Objectives : 1. Clinical trial for the efficacy evaluation of Korean acupuncture techniques in treating frozen shoulder. 2. Development of the standard clinical guidelines of the acupuncture treatment for the frozen shoulder. 3. Development of the new clinical protocol for the acupuncture treatments. 4. Verification of the hypothesis that treating at both the remote and the nearby acupoints according to the meridian theory is more effective than treating at only the nearby acupoints. Methods : 1. Research designed as Single blind, Randomized, Sham acupuncture controlled clinical Trial. 2. Assignment of 86 patients to one of three groups treated at nearby acupoints(group A), remote & nearby acupoints(group B), and sham points(group C) respectively. 3. Trial conducted at KIOM CRC of Dunsan oriental medical hospital, Daejeon Univ. 4. Estimation of the recovery rate of the frozen shoulder in subjects aged over 40. 5. Efficacy evaluation using VAS, SPADI, ROM and Improvement rate. Results : 1. There was no significant difference in VAS among the three groups. 2. Pain related scores in SPADI of the group B were significantly lower than those of the group A. 3. There was no significant difference in disability related scores of SPADI among the three groups. 4. External rotation of upper arm in the group B was significantly improved in comparison with that in the group C. 5. Abduction of upper arm in group A was improved with weak statistical significance in comparison with that in the group C. Conclusion : Acupuncture at both the remote and the nearby acupoints according to the meridian theory is effective to improve external rotation of frozen shoulder, and acupuncture at the nearby acupoints is effective to improve adduction of frozen shoulder. However it is not clear that acupuncture treatment at both the remote and the nearby acupoints according to the meridian theory is more effective than treating at only the nearby acupoints in the treatment of frozen shoulder. Since our study was a short term trial, a long term trial for a more precise evaluation of acupuncture treatment for frozen shoulder will be needed in the future.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.1525-1531
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• 2012

Cigarette smoking is one of the most important public health concerns in Korea and worldwide. A number of studies have been conducted to measure the health and economic burden of smoking, but these did not reflect recent changes such as the decrease in smoking rate and the increase in the incidence of cancer. The purpose of this study was to provide up-to-date estimates of the health and economic burden of cancer caused by smoking and to compare the results with those of previous studies. Cancer-related burden was assessed with nationally representative data such as claims data from the National Health Insurance Corporation, and cause of death records from the National Statistical Office and the Korea Health Panel. We determined the smoking-attributable burden by multiplying the smoking-attributable fraction by the total burden. As a result, the burden of major cancers due to smoking was found to be substantial despite a recent sharp decrease in smoking by the Korean population. The total economic cost reaches $2,234.0 million in males and $870.0 million in females. Also, the health burden of cancers due to smoking is 2,038.9 disability adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100,000 individuals in men and 732.2 DALYs per 100,000 individuals in women. Among all cancers, cancers of the trachea, lungs and bronchus are the leading causes of health and economic burden. The huge burden caused by cancers linked to smoking makes it imperative that adequate policies to decrease the prevalence of smoking be developed, particularly considering the recent increase in smoking rate among women.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.14-19
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• 2012

Objective : The authors performed a retrospective study to assess the clinical and radiological outcome in symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis patients who underwent a direct pars repair surgery using two different surgical methods; pedicle screw with universal hook system (PSUH) and direct pars screw fixation (DPSF), and compared the results between two different treated groups. Methods : Forty-seven consecutive patients (PSUH; 23, DPSF; 15) with symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis who underwent a direct pars repair surgery were included. The average follow-up period was 37 months in the PSUH group, and 28 months in the DPSF group. The clinical outcome was measured using visual analogue pain scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI). The length of operation time, the amount of blood loss, the duration of hospital stay, surgical complications, and fusion status were also assessed. Results : When compared to the DPSF group, the average preoperative VAS and ODI score of the PSUH group were less decreased at the last follow-up; (the PSUH group; back VAS : 4.9 vs. 3.0, leg VAS : 6.8 vs. 2.2, ODI : 50.6% vs. 24.6%, the DPSF group; back VAS : 5.7 vs. 1.1, leg VAS : 6.1 vs. 1.2, ODI : 57.4% vs. 18.2%). The average operation time was 174.9 minutes in the PSUH group, and 141.7 minutes in the DPSF group. The average blood loss during operation was 468.8 cc in the PSUH group, and 298.8 cc in the DPSF group. The average hospital stay after operation was 8.9 days in the PSUH group, and 7 days in the DPSF group. In the PSUH group, there was one case of a screw misplacement requiring revision surgery. In the DPSF group, one patient suffered from transient leg pain. The successful bone fusion rate was 78.3% in the PSUH group, and 93.3% in the DPSF group. Conclusion : The present study suggests that the technique using direct pars screw would be more effective than the method using pedicle screw with lamina hook system, in terms of decreased operation time, amount of blood loss, hospital stay, and increased fusion success rate, as well as better clinical outcome.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.6
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• pp.806-813
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• 2020

Objective : Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common disease, and lumbar discectomy (LD) is a common neurosurgical procedure. However, there is little previous data on return to work (RTW) after LD. This study investigated the period until the RTW after LD prospectively. Clinically, the pain state at the time of RTW also checked. RTW failure rate 6 months after surgery also investigated. Methods : Patients with daily/regular jobs undergoing LD between September 2014 and December 2018 were enrolled. Pain was assessed by the Oswestri Disability Index (ODI) and the Numeric Rate Scale (NRS). Employment type was divided into self-employed, regular and contracted. Monthly telephone interviews were conducted to check RTW status and self-estimated work capability after surgery. Results : Sixty-seven patients enrolled in this study. Three patients failed to RTW, and three others resigned within 6 months after surgery. The preoperative NRS and ODI were 7.2±1.2 and 22.1±7.9, respectively. The average time to RTW was 5.1±6.0 weeks. At RTW, NRS was 1.5±1.8 and ODI was 6.3±3.9. Amongst patients that successfully returned to work were 16 self-employed workers, 42 regular employees, and three contracted workers. The time to RTW of self-employed, regular, and contracted workers were 5.9±8.8, 4.2±4.3 and 13.3±2.3 weeks, respectively (p=0.011). Thirty-six of the patients that returned to work self-reported a 22.8±15.6% reduction in work capability at 6 months. Conclusion : RTW may vary depending on the employment status. In this study, we found that while employment type may affect the length to RTW, most patients were able to RTW and >40% of patients reported no loss of work capabilities 6 months postoperatively, hopefully alleviating some patient hesitation towards LD.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.4
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• pp.363-367
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• 2016

Objective : To compare the fusion rate of a hydroxyapatite demineralized bone matrix (DBM) with post-laminectomy acquired autograft in lumbar interbody fusion surgery and to evaluate the correlation between fusion rate and clinical outcome. Methods : From January 2013 to April 2014, 98 patients underwent lumbar interbody fusion surgery with hydroxyapatite DBM (HA-DBM group) in our institute. Of those patients, 65 received complete CT scans for 12 months postoperatively in order to evaluate fusion status. For comparison with autograft, we selected another 65 patients who underwent lumbar interbody fusion surgery with post-laminectomy acquired autograft (Autograft group) during the same period. Both fusion material groups were matched in terms of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and bone mineral density (BMD). To evaluate the clinical outcomes, we analyzed the results of visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results : We reviewed the CT scans of 149 fusion levels in 130 patients (HA-DBM group, 75 levels/65 patients; Autograft group, 74 levels/65 patients). Age, sex, BMI, and BMD were not significantly different between the groups (p=0.528, p=0.848, p=0.527, and p=0.610, respectively). The HA-DBM group showed 39 of 75 fused levels (52%), and the Autograft group showed 46 of 74 fused levels (62.2%). This difference was not statistically significant (p=0.21). In the HA-DBM group, older age and low BMD were significantly associated with non-fusion (61.24 vs. 66.68, p=0.027; -1.63 vs. -2.29, p=0.015, respectively). VAS and ODI showed significant improvement after surgery when fusion was successfully achieved in both groups (p=0.004, p=0.002, HA-DBM group; p=0.012, p=0.03, Autograft group). Conclusion : The fusion rates of the hydroxyapatite DBM and Autograft groups were not significantly different. In addition, clinical outcomes were similar between the groups. However, older age and low BMD are risk factors that might induce non-union after surgery with hydroxyapatite DBM.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.14 no.9
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• pp.553-561
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to compare cardiopulmonary function, RPE(Rating of perceived exertion), and blood lactate when examining the GXT(Graded exercise testing) of wheelchair treadmill and arm ergometer. Participants were 11 wheelchair basketball players with non disability. While examining the GXT of wheelchair treadmill and arm ergometer, cardiorespiratory functional capacity was measured by using $Quarkb^2$ and Polar and RPE was measured through Borg Scale. The lactate analyser, YSI-2000 was used to measure blood lactate level when resting, right after exercise, two minutes, four minutes, six minutes, and ten minutes of recovery. Data was analyzed by paired t-test using SPSS 18.0 program and significance for all statistical analysis was fixed at .05 confidence level(p<0.05). The conclusion of this study is below. First, maximal oxygen uptake which is a factor of cardiopulmonary function showed the highest with arm ergometer, the rate of respiratory exchange showed the highest with wheelchair treadmill, and maximal heart rate showed the highest with wheelchair treadmill. Second, subjective exercise intensity showed the highest with arm ergometer at the end point. Third, blood lactate level showed the highest with arm ergometer right after exercise.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.117-126
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• 1999

Accidents involving children are an important cause of death and disability. They also have enomorous financial implications. In order to prevent childhood accidents, research and education for safety should be strengthened. The purpose of this study was to determine how often young children have accidents and what factors affect the accident rate. The sample consisted of 771 children who were in the second, third and forth grades of two elementary schools located in Kyung-gi Province. One school had students from middle class families living in apartment complexes and the other, students from lower income families mainly living in single houses. The questionnaires included items on the occurance of accidents and the parents' attitudes regarding accidents during the academic year from March 1997 to February 1998. The Questionnaires were distributed to conventiently selected students to be compeleted by their parents and collected during the period of May 28, to June 6, 1998. The data were analyzed using SAS PC statistical package. The results of the study are as follows ; 1. Of 771 student subjects, 393 had 887 accidental injuries during the study period. 2. The month, the day and the time with the highest accident rate were May, Sunday, and between 1 and 4 p. m. each. 3. In the analysis of the location where the injury took place, the most frequent place was on around their homes followed by school and, then, inside the home 4. Most of the accidents were caused by carelessness on the part of the children and the most frequent type of injury was an abrasion. 5. Children most injured their legs 6. They were treated at home most often and usually emergency treatment was performed by family members with, disinfection being the main type of first aid. Cost of the treatment ranged from 8,000 to 20,000 won in most cases. 7. House type and parents' education level were statistically significant in chi-square analysis. 8. Parents educate their children about traffic safety most frequently followed by fire safety and, then, prevention of violence. 9. Parents think that prevention of violence should be the most important part of injury prevention education both at school and home. 10. To identify factors related to accident occurrence, multiple logistic regression was performed and the main factors were birth order and house type.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.815-827
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• 2001

Accidents involving students are an important cause of death and disability. They also have enormous financial implications. In order to prevent childhood accidents. research and education for safety should be strengthened. The purpose of this study was to determine how often lower grade elementary students have accidents and what factors affect the accident rate. The study population consisted of 676 students who were in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades of twelve elementary schools located in Kun Wi Gun. The questionnaires were distributed to all of the 2nd to 4th grade student in the Kun Wi Gun to be completed by their parents about all the accidents which happened last one year and collected during the period of March 19, to March 30, 2001. The data were analyzed by using SPSS WIN 10.0 statistical package. The results of the study are as follow: 1. Among 676 students. 270 students had 540 accidental injuries during the study period. 2. The month, the day and the time with the highest accident rate were April. Monday. and between 1 and 4 p. m. each. 3. In the analysis of the location where the injury took place, the most frequent place was on school, around their homes and. then inside the home. 4. Most of accidents were caused by carelessness on the part of the students and the most frequent type of injury was an abrasion. 5. Students most injured part of the body was their legs. 6. They were treated at home most often and usually emergency treatment was performed by family members with disinfectant as first aid measure. Cost of the treatment of the accident ranged from 10.000 to 30,000 won in most cases. 7. Students' personality. type of family composition. mother's age and parents' education level were statistically significant. As a conclusion. 1st to 3rd grade rural elementary students need their assessment for accident involving condition. This study gave a very useful and important data to prepare accident prevention teaching program and to prepare accident prevention strategies.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.43-50
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• 2018

Objectives Upper lumbar disc herniation (LDH) (L1/2, L2/3) has specific anatomical characteristics and different outcome after conventional treatment compared to lower LDH (L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1). The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical features and effects of korean medical treatment of upper LDH between lower LDH. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data collected from 121 patients who was had admitted at the Haeundae Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine from June 1st, 2014 to August 31th, 2018. The patients who had treated at L1/2, L2/3 level LDH were grouped and compared with those treated at the L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1 level. We reviewed the patient characteristics such as age, the positive rate of Straight Leg Raise Test (SLR test), the presence or absence of previous lumbar surgery. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were evaluated at adimission and discharge. Results Mean age was significantly higher at upper LDH group and positive rate of SLR test was higher at lower LDH group. There was no significant difference of gender and previous lumbar surgery between two groups. Each group had a significant improvement of NRS, ODI scores. But between two groups, there was no significant difference of NRS, ODI scores. Conclusions Upper LDH group was older than lower LDH group. SLR test was useful tool to exclude upper LDH. Korean medical treatment was significantly effective to both upper and lower LDH groups. Further well designed prospective comparative studies are needed.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.4067-4076
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• 2015

This study aims to examine the trend in household catastrophic medical expenditure according to the healthcare coverage types and its associated factors based on the raw data of the Korean Health Panel over the years 2008 to 2011. Correspondence analysis was used to investigate the trend in the incidence rates of annual catastrophic medical expenditure and generalized estimating equation to examine the factors influencing the incidence of catastrophic medical expenditure. The annual mean incidence rates of household catastrophic medical expenditure were 25.1%, 15.4%, 10.1%, 5.4% and 3.2% in the threshold levels of 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, and 40% respectively. The incidence rate of household catastrophic medical expenditure was higher when the total annual household income was lower, the education level of the householder was lower, the healthcare coverage type was National Health Insurance, the householder had disability, the age of the householder was older, the number of household members was smaller, the subjective health status of household members was lower, and the prevalence rate of the chronic disease of the household was higher(p<0.05). Therefore, a policy for vulnerable households with older or patient members of chronic diseases should be established.