• 대한응급의학회지
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• 제29권6호
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• pp.679-686
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• 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with the admission of patients in the emergency department (ED) within 30 days after discharge. Methods: A retrospective, observational study was conducted on adult patients presenting with abdominal pain to the ED of a single, urban, university hospital, between January 2014 and December 2015, who revisited the ED within 30 days after discharge. Data was collected on the emergency severity index level, time to contact doctors, physical examination, laboratory tests, use of computed tomography (CT), and patient disposition on revisitation. The primary outcome was hospital admission following an ED revisit in the 30-day period after the first visit. Results: During the study period, 19,480 patients visited the ED with the chief complaint of abdominal pain, and 13,577 were discharged. A total of 251 patients (1.29%) revisited the ED within 30 days, of which 89 were eligible for the study. The primary outcome was associated with not performing a CT scan on the initial visit and an increased C-reactive protein (CRP) value. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a cut-off baseline CRP value of >0.35 mg/dL can predict the primary outcome with a sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 62.1%, respectively (area under the curve, 0.701; 95% confidence interval, 0.569-0.833; P=0.007). Conclusion: An increased CRP value and not performing abdominal CT were associated with a higher rate of admission following ED revisits of patients with abdominal pain. Future prospective studies on the role of abdominal CT imaging in patients presenting to the ED with abdominal pain will be needed.

• 대한간학회지
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.384-391
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• 2018

Backgrounds/Aims: The objective of our study was to determine the epidemiological, laboratory, and serological characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and normal transaminases. The study also aimed to evaluate liver damage by measuring the liver fibrosis (LF) grade and to identify possible factors associated with the presence of fibrosis. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in patients with chronic HBV infection and classified as inactive carriers or immune-tolerant. Epidemiological variables of age, sex, immigrant, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI), as well as virological variables (HBV DNA) and transaminase level were collected throughout the follow-up. The LF grade was evaluated by transient elastography. The cutoff value for significant fibrosis (SF) was liver stiffness ${\geq}7.9kPa$. Results: A total of 214 patients were included in the analysis, and 62% of them had a BMI ${\geq}25kg/m^2$. During follow-up, 4% of patients showed transaminase elevation (<1.5 times normal). Most patients had a viral DNA level <2,000 IU/mL (83%). Data on LF were available in 160 patients; of these, 14% had SF, 9% F3, and 6% F4. The variables associated with the presence of SF were transaminase alteration during follow-up, as 23% of patients with SF had elevated transaminases versus 3% of patients without SF (P<0.005), and BMI, as the vast majority of patients with SF (88%) had a BMI ${\geq}25kg/m^2$ versus 56% of patients without SF (P<0.05). Conclusions: In patients with chronic HBV infection and normal transaminases, liver damage does not seem to be related to DNA levels, alcohol consumption, or immigrant status. SF seems to be associated with transaminase alteration during follow-up and elevated BMI. It is therefore recommended to measure LF grade with validated non-invasive methods in such patients.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제41권6호
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• pp.1231-1244
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• 2020

Objective: This study was conducted to report the glucose-lowering effect and safety of herbal extracts in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: We investigated 21 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were administered Daeshiho-tang, Bojungikgi-tang, Jowiseunggi-tang, and Hoechunyanggyeok-san at Kyung-Hee University Korean Medical Hospital from 2014 to 2019. The hypoglycemic effect of the herbal extracts was assessed by comparing blood glucose levels, including fasting blood sugar (FBS) and 2-hour postprandial glucose (PP2) levels. For safety assessment, the effects of herbal extracts on liver and kidney function were analyzed by liver function tests, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and kidney function tests, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr). Patients were stratified according to their glycated hemoglobin (<6.5 or >6.5) levels and the kind of herbal extract used for treatment. Results: After administration of herbal extracts, FBS and PP2 significantly decreased to 20.24 mg/dL and 35.0 mg/dL respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that, regardless of the glycated hemoglobin level, FBS and PP2 were significantly reduced in both groups. The safety profile showed no significant difference before and after taking herbal extracts. Conclusions: Daeshigo-tang, Bojungikgi-tang, Jowiseunggi-tang, and Hoechunyanggyeok-san may show the further glucose-lowering effects on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have already treated with anti-hyperglycemic agents.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제64권4호
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• pp.534-542
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• 2021

Objective : While balanced crystalloid (BC) could be a relevant fluid regimen with buffer system compared with normal saline (NS), there have been no studies on the optimal fluid for surgery of an unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA). This study aimed to compare the effects of fluid regimens between NS and BC on the metabolic and clinical outcomes of patients who underwent surgery for UIA. Methods : This study was designed as a propensity score matched retrospective comparative study and included adult patients who underwent UIA clipping. Patient groups were categorized as NS and BC groups based on the types of pre-operative fluid and the amount of fluid administered during surgery. The primary outcomes were defined as electrolyte imbalance and acidosis immediately after surgery. The secondary outcomes were the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and duration from the end of the operation to extubation. Results : A total of 586 patients were enrolled in this study, with each of 293 patients assigned to the NS and BC groups, respectively. Immediately after surgery, serum chloride levels were significantly higher in the NS group. Compared to the NS group, the BC group had lower incidence rates of acidemia (6.5% vs. 11.6%, p=0.043) and metabolic acidosis (0.7% vs. 4.4%, p=0.007). As compared to NS group, BC group had significantly shorter duration from the end of the operation to extubation (250±824 vs. 122±372 minutes, p=0.016) and length of stay in ICU (1.37±1.11 vs. 1.12±0.61 days, p=0.001). Throughout multivariable analysis, use of BC was found to be significant factor for favorable post-operative results. Conclusion : This study showed that the patients who received BC during UIA clipping had lower incidence of metabolic acidosis, earlier extubation and shorter ICU stay compared to those who received NS. Therefore, using BC as a peri-operative fluid can be recommended for patients who undergo surgery for UIA.

• 디지털융복합연구
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• 제18권12호
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• pp.425-434
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• 2020

바이러스감염으로 인한 설사는 전 세계적으로 공중 보건의 주요 문제이며 사망률의 큰 부분을 차지하고 있지만 기후데이터를 이용하여 분석한 연구는 많지 않다. 따라서 본 연구는 설사를 유발하는 바이러스인 Rotavirus Gr.A, Norovirus G-I & GII의 감염과 기후와의 인과관계를 분석하여 조기진단과 치료를 용이하게 하고 계절성 질환을 더욱 관리하고 예방하는데 기여하고자 하였다. 2010년 6월부터 2019년 12월까지 단국대학교 병원에서 시행한 대변 시료 4,009개의 설사바이러스 6종의 멀티플렉스 역전사 PCR(mRT-PCR)검사결과와 다양한 기후 요인 중 체감온도, 상대습도, 일조율과의 상관관계를 후향적으로 분석하였다. 4,009 개의 대변 샘플 중 985 개는 Rotavirus Gr.A, Norovirus G-I & GII 감염에 대해 양성이었다. 이 985 건 중 95.3 % (n = 939)는 10 세 미만으로 Rotavirus Gr.A, Norovirus G-I & GII는 10 세 미만 환자에서 높은 감염률을 보였다. 우리는 기상 빅데이터와 연령, 시기별 감염분석 등에 기초하여 Rotavirus Gr.A의 감염이 상대 습도에 따라 유의한 상관 관계가 있음을 확인하였고 Norovirus G-II의 감염은 체감 온도와 유의한 상관 관계가 있음을 확인하였다. 본 연구는 기후요인에 따른 Rotavirus Gr.A, Norovirus G-I & GII 감염의 분포에 대한 이해도를 향상시킴으로써 바이러스성 설사질환과 관련된 보건정책의 설정이나 계절적 영향에 대한 새로운 통찰력을 제공하는데 유용한 자료가 될 것으로 기대한다.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제51권2호
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• pp.117-127
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• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the volumetric characteristics of mucous retention cysts(MRCs) in the maxillary sinus and to analyze potential associations of MRCs with dentoalveolar pathologies. Materials and Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans exhibiting bilateral maxillary sinuses that were acquired from January 2016 to February 2019 were initially screened. A total of 227 scans(454 sinuses) that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included. The presence, location, and volumetric characteristics of the diagnosed MRCs were evaluated on CBCT images using the 3D-Slicer software platform. The presence of MRCs was correlated with potential influencing factors including age, sex, and dentoalveolar pathology. For MRCs located on the sinus floor, factors with a potential impact on the volume, surface, and diameter were analyzed. Results: An MRC was present in 130 (28.6%) of the 454 sinuses. Most MRCs were located on the sinus walls and floor. The mean MRC volume, surface, and diameter were 551.21±1368.04 mm³, 228.09±437.56 mm², and 9.63±5.40 mm, respectively. Significantly more sinuses with associated endodontically treated teeth/periapical lesions were diagnosed with an MRC located on the sinus floor. For MRCs located on the sinus floor, endodontic status exhibited a significant association with increased volume, surface, and diameter. Conclusion: Periapical lesions might be a contributing factor associated with the presence and volume of MRCs located on the sinus floor. The 3D-Slicer software platform was found to be a useful tool for clinicians to analyze the size of MRCs before surgical interventions such as sinus floor elevation procedures.

• 문화기술의 융합
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• 제7권1호
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• pp.300-308
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• 2021

코로나19의 유행은 면대면 상호작용을 중심으로 진행되어온 디자인 협업에 큰 변화를 일으켰다. 디자이너들은 대면 미팅이 어려운 상황에서 화상 회의 및 온라인 문서 도구 등을 적극 활용하게 되었고, 이는 특정 디자인 과정에서 오히려 비대면 협업이 더 효과적일 수 있다는 경험을 하는 계기가 되었다. 본 연구는 이러한 배경에서 디자인 과정 중 어떤 활동에 비대면 협업이 혹은 대면 협업이 더 효과적인지를 알아보고자 하였다. 이를 위해 코로나19 유행 이후에 진행된 사용자 경험 디자인 프로젝트 3건을 회고적 인터뷰 방법을 통해 분석하였다. 그 결과, 디자인 과정, '발견, 정의, 개발, 전달'의 세부 활동 중 디자이너들의 긴밀한 의사소통을 통해 창의적 문제 해결이 필요한 부분에는 대면 협업이, 디자이너 각각이 자신만의 공간을 확보하며 작업을 진행할 때는 비대면 협업이 선호되며 더 효과적이라는 것을 발견하였다. 또한 비대면 협업을 진행하기 위해서 필요한 디자인 도구의 특성에 대해서도 알아보았다. 본 연구를 통해 발견되고 논의된 내용들은 이후 디자인 과정에 관한 연구에 기여할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제34권2호
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• pp.229-233
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• 2021

Background: Iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) is a common disorder of the lateral knee. Previous research has reported that the iliotibial band (ITB) thickness (ITBT) is correlated with ITBFS, and ITBT has been considered to be a key morphologic parameter of ITBFS. However, the thickness is different from inflammatory hypertrophy. Thus, we made the ITB cross-sectional area (ITBCSA) a new morphological parameter to assess ITBFS. Methods: Forty-three patients with ITBFS group and from 43 normal group who underwent T1W magnetic resonance imaging were enrolled. The ITBCSA was measured as the cross-sectional area of the ITB that was most hypertrophied in the magnetic resonance axial images. The ITBT was measured as the thickest site of ITB. Results: The mean ITBCSA was 25.24 ± 6.59 ㎟ in the normal group and 38.75 ± 9.11 ㎟ in the ITBFS group. The mean ITBT was 1.94 ± 0.41 mm in the normal group and 2.62 ± 0.46 mm in the ITBFS group. Patients in ITBFS group had significantly higher ITBCSA (P < 0.001) and ITBT (P < 0.001) than the normal group. A receiver operator characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the best cut-off value of the ITBT was 2.29 mm, with 76.7% sensitivity, 79.1% specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) 0.88. The optimal cut-off score of the ITBCSA was 30.66 ㎟, with 79.1% sensitivity, 79.1% specificity, and AUC 0.87. Conclusions: ITBCSA is a new and sensitive morphological parameter for diagnosing ITBFS, and may even be more accurate than ITBT.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제64권5호
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• pp.808-817
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• 2021

Objective : Cervical surgery in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and cerebral palsy (CP) is challenging owing to the complexities of the deformity. We assessed factors affecting postoperative complications and outcomes after CSM surgery in patients with CP. Methods : Thirty-five consecutive patients with CP and CSM who underwent cervical operations between January 2006 and January 2014 were matched to 35 non-cerebral palsy (NCP) control patients. Postoperative complications and radiologic outcomes were compared between the groups. In the CP group, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score; Oswestry neck disability index; modified Barthel index; and values for the grip and pinch, Box and Block, and Jebsen-Taylor hand function tests were obtained pre- and postoperatively and compared between those with and without postoperative complications. Results : Sixteen patients (16/35%) in the CP group and seven (7/35%) in the NCP group (p=0.021) had postoperative complications. Adjacent segment degeneration (p=0.021), postoperative motor weakness (p=0.037), and revisions (p=0.003) were significantly more frequent in the CP group than in the NCP group; however, instrument-related complications were not significantly higher in the CP group (7/35 vs. 5/35, p=0.280). The number of preoperative fixed cervical deformities were significantly higher in CP with postoperative complications (5/16 vs. 1/19, p=0.037). In the CP group, clinical outcomes were almost similar between those with and without postoperative complications. Conclusion : The occurrence of complications during the follow-up period was high in patients with CP. However, postoperative complications did not significantly affect clinical outcomes.

• 구강회복응용과학지
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• 제37권4호
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• pp.225-231
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• 2021

목적: 측두하악장애 환자에게 주로 사용되는 장치 치료의 적응증 및 효과에 대한 연구는 다수 존재하나, 증상 개선에 따라 장치를 테이퍼링하여 종료하는 방법에 대한 연구는 부족하다. 따라서 본 후향적 연구는 측두하악장애 환자를 대상으로, 증상 개선에 따라 장치를 테이퍼링하여 종료하는 과정을 고찰하고자 한다. 연구 재료 및 방법: 턱관절 질환, 근막 통증, 이갈이 및 이악물기 등을 주소로 연세대학교 치과대학병원 구강내과를 내원하여 장치 치료(교합안정장치, 전방위치교합장치)를 시행한 130명의 환자의 차트 리뷰를 통해 장치 치료를 테이퍼링하여 종료하는 과정을 알아보았다. 결과: 평균 장치 장착 기간은 29개월로, 매일 장치를 장착한 기간은 8.4개월, 일주일에 3 - 4일간 장치를 장착한 기간은 9.5개월, 일주일에 1 - 2일간 장치를 장착한 기간은 11.1개월이었다. 결론: 측두하악장애 환자에서 장치 장착 시 처음 6개월 간은 매일 장착, 이후 6개월에서 18개월 동안은 일주일에 3 - 4일간 장착, 18개월 이후부터는 일주일에 1 - 2일간 장착하는 방식으로 테이퍼링하여 장치 치료를 종료할 시 측두하악장애 환자의 증상은 완화시키면서 교합 변화 등의 부작용은 최소화시킬 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.