• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.29-52
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• 2024

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of herbal medicines on alopecia areata (AA). Methods We searched 10 Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese databases for studies published until April 3, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of herbal medicines on AA were included. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. A meta-analysis was conducted according to outcome measurements, such as total effective rate (TER), full recovery rate, and recurrence rate, using the Review Manager software. Results Seventeen RCTs were included in this study, and the TER in the treatment group was 1.48 times higher than that in the control group [Risk ratio (RR): 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40~1.55, I² = 43%]. The full recovery rate was 2.25 times higher in the treatment group [RR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.62~3.12, I² = 53%], and the recurrence rate was 0.22 times lower, than that of the control group [RR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.070~0.68, I² = 0%]. Four studies reported that there were no adverse events. Four studies reported mild gastric discomfort, a mild increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and constipation in the treatment group. Conclusions Our meta-analysis showed that herbal medicines are significantly effective in treating AA. However, owing to the low quality of the included studies, future clinical studies are required to determine their potential for clinical applications.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.348-357
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• 2024

Objectives: The total population of Korea began to decline in 2019; in particular, the population in rural areas has been rapidly decreasing and is aging. Therefore, the government has designated depopulation areas and is seeking ways to support them. To assess whether health disparities exist between areas with population decline and those without, this study used community health survey data to observe temporal changes in health behaviors between the two types of areas. Methods: The analysis used Community Health Survey data from 2010 to 2019, and regional classification was divided by depopulation areas designated by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Trends in health behavior and chronic disease prevalence between depopulation and non-depopulation areas were analyzed. All analyses were conducted using complex sample analysis procedures in SAS 9.4 software. Results: The smoking rate steadily decreased in both depopulation and non-depopulation areas, whereas the high-risk drinking rate increased slightly. The walking practice rate did not improve in depopulation areas compared to non-depopulation areas. Furthermore, nutritional labeling usage rate was consistently lower in depopulation areas than in non-depopulation areas, with the gap being the largest. The prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension showed that the gap between depopulation and non-depopulation areas is continuously increasing. Conclusions: Health behaviors in depopulation areas have not improved, and the prevalence of chronic diseases is increasing rapidly. Therefore, the demand for health care services that support healthy lifestyle practices and chronic disease management in these areas is expected to increase.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.104-113
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• 2024

Purpose: This study investigated the correlations among resilience, the awareness of patient safety management, proactive behavior, and the performance of standard precautions among nurses working in the emergency department. Additionally, it aimed to identify the factors influencing the performance of standard precautions. Methods: Data were collected through a descriptive survey conducted between June 10 and July 9, 2023. The participants included 208 nurses working in the emergency department in Korea. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS/WINdows software version 29.0, based on the frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Scheffé test, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple regression. Results: The analysis based on the participants' general characteristics showed that performance of standard precautions varied significantly according to age (t=2.10, p=.036), size of the emergency department (F=7.46, p<.001), average number of patients treated per day while working in the past month (t=-3.88, p<.001) and standard precautions training experience (t=2.16, p=.032). The main factors influencing the performance of standard precautions among nurses working in the emergency department are awareness of patient safety management (β=.62, p<.001), resilience (β=.18, p=.042), and age (β=-.15, p=.007), with a total explanatory power of approximately 46.0%. Conclusion: It is necessary to establish programs and an effective education system to increase resilience and awareness in patient safety management to improve the performance of standard precautions among nurses working in the emergency department.

• The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.263-279
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• 2024

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of nurse-led interventions on quality of life, medication adherence, anxiety, and depression in kidney transplant recipients. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Two researchers independently selected the final literature, and the quality assessment was performed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias tool. Additionally, a meta-analysis was conducted using the statistical software RevMan 5.4 to estimate effect sizes. Results: Among the reviewed 2,264 papers, 8 final papers, including 6 from the literature search and 2 from manual searches, were included in the analysis. The total number of participants included in the analysis was 477. Nurse-led interventions were found to be effective in improving quality of life (d=1.05) and reducing anxiety (d=-0.98) and depression (d=-1.25). Due to the heterogeneity of the measurement tools, the effect size for medication adherence could not be calculated. Despite this, nurse-led interventions were shown to improve medication adherence. In the cases of anxiety and depression, longer intervention periods showed a more significant reduction trend. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that nurse-led interventions positively impact quality of life, medication adherence, anxiety, and depression in kidney transplant recipients. Therefore, it is important to recognize the crucial role of nurses and explore ways to provide continuous nursing interventions for kidney transplant recipients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.6987-6990
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• 2015

Background: Oral cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers and one of the top ten causes of death in the whole world. Most oral cancers are diagnosed at late stages. Since dentists play a critical role in early detection of oral cancer, they should be knowledgeable and skillful in oral cancer diagnosis. The aim of this study was to survey dentist knowledge about oral cancer in Southern Khorasan Province. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with dentists who participated in an in-service educational program at the Faculty of Dentistry of Birjand University of Medical Sciences in spring 2014. A questionnaire including demographic information with 11 questions regarding oral cancer was prepared. The participants were required to be complete the questionnaires within a specific time span. The data were analyzed using SPSS 15 software by t-test and one-way ANOVA at 0.05 confidence level. Results: A total of 73 dentists out of 80 answered the questionnaires - 36 (49.3%) were females and 37 (50.7%) were males. Total mean score of knowledge was $7.91{\pm}1$ of 11. Mean scores of knowledge of male and female participants were $7.70{\pm}1.83$ and $8.13{\pm}1.94$ respectively. Mean knowledge score of general dentists was $7.41{\pm}1.79$ and of dental specialists was $9.44{\pm}1.0$ In spite of higher knowledge score of women compared to men and general dentists compared to dental specialists, these differences were not statistically significant (p=0.09). Tukey testing showed a significant difference between groups with 1-4 years of experience (8.74) and over twenty years of experience (6.50) ( p=0.001). Conclusions: Considering the good knowledge level of young dentists and the specialists and the importance of early diagnosis of oral cancer, it seems necessary to pay more attention to academic education for dentistry students, as well as holding retraining courses for experienced dentists, so that their knowledge not be reduced over time.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.60 no.3
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• pp.394-400
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• 2015

The roots of Platycodon grandiflorum species either dried or fresh, are used as an ingredient in salads and traditional cuisine in Korea. To interpret the root proteins, a systematical and targeting analysis were carried out from diploid and tetraploid roots. Two dimensional gels stained with CBB, a total of 39 differential expressed proteins were identified from the diploid root under in vivo condition using image analysis by Progenesis Same Spot software. Out of total differential expressed spots, 39 differential expressed protein spots (${\geq}\;1.5$-fold) were analyzed using LTQ-FTICR mass spectrometry. Except two proteins, the rest of the identified proteins were confirmed as down-regulated such as Isocitrate dehydrogenase, Proteasome subunit alpha type-2-B. However, the most of the identified proteins from the explants were mainly associated with the oxidoreductase activity, nucleic acid binding, transferase activity and catalytic activity. The exclusive protein profile may provide insight clues for better understanding the characteristics of proteins and metabolic activity in various explants of the economically important medicinal plant Platycodon grandiflorum.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.100-107
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• 2018

The material and geometrical nonlinear finite elment analysis of UHPFRC 50M composite box girder was carried out. Constitute law in tension and compressive region of UHPFRC and HPC were modeled based on specimen test. The accuracy of nonlinear FEM analysis was verified by the experimental result of UHPFRC 50M composite girder. The UHPFRC 50M segmental composite box girder which has 1.5% steel fiber of volume fraction, 135MPa compressive strength and 18MPa tensile strength was tested. The post-tensioned UHPFRC composite girder consisted of three segment UHPFRC U-girder and High Strength Concrete reinforced slab. The parts of UHPFRC girder were modeled by 8nodes hexahedron elements and reinforcement bars and tendons were built by 2nodes linear elements by Midas FEA software. The constitutive laws of concrete materials were selected Multi-linear model both of tension and compression function under total strain crack model, which was included in classifying of smeared crack model. The nonlinearity of reinforcement elements and tendon was simulated by Von Mises criteria. The nonlinear static analysis was applied by incremental-iteration method with convergence criteria of Newton-Raphson. The validation of numerical analysis was verified by comparison with experimental result and numerical analysis result of load-deflection response, neutral axis coordinate change, and cracking pattern of girder. The load-deflection response was fitted very well with comparison to the experimental result. The finite element analysis is seen to satisfactorily predict flexural behavioral responses of post-tensioned, reinforced UHPFRC composite box girder.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.32 no.12
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• pp.1891-1902
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• 2008

With concerns for consumers' return behaviors affecting internet shopping malls' profits and product management in the internet clothing market, this study is designed to investigate determinants affecting return and path models for return behaviors. For an empirical study, questionnaires are prepared and respondents in their 20s and 30s with internet clothing purchase experience are selected using the convenience sampling. A total of 517 questionnaires are used for the final analysis. Data are analyzed by using SPSS 12.0 software and descriptive statistics, $x^2$-test, discriminant analysis, regression analysis, and path analysis is conducted. The results are as follows. First, ones who have returned after purchasing clothing items in internet shopping reached 63.4% of the total consumers. Respondents returned items with price at 50 thousand won or less stood at 67.2%, and the most frequent return shopping malls are open markets with their return rate at 51.1%. Second, variables such as risk perception, information search, impulse buying, buying experience, and age have a positive effect on return experience. Impulse buying and buying experience turn out to have a significant effect on the degree of return, but risk perception, information search, age, and gender to have an insignificant effect. Return intention is significantly affected by risk perception, gender, and age. Third, the analysis of path model for return experience shows that perceived risk has a positively effect, and information search has a direct effect as well as an indirect effect through buying experience or impulse buying. The analysis of path model for the degree of return shows that risk perception does not have effect, but information search has indirect effect through buying experience or impulse buying. This study is thought to find consumers' return behavior characteristics in online shopping, and help businesses operating online shopping malls to efficiently manage returns and set up strategies against returns.

• Korean Journal of Digital Imaging in Medicine
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.27-31
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigated the usefulness of MR perfusion image comparing with SPECT image. A total of pediatric 30 patients(average age : 7.8) with Moyamoya disease were performed MR Perfusion with 32 channel body coil at 3T from March 01, 2010 to June 10, 2010. The MRI sequences and parameters were as followed : gradient Echo-planar imaging(EPI), TR/TE : 2000ms/50ms, FA : $90^{\circ}$, FOV : $240{\times}240$, Matrix : $128{\times}128$, Thickness : 5mm, Gap : 1.5mm. Images were obtained contrast agent administrated at a rate of 1mL/sec after scan start 10s with a total of slice 1000 images(50 phase/1 slice). It was measured with visual color image and digitize data using MRDx software(IDL version 6.2) and also, it was compared of measurement with values of normal and abnormal ratio to analyze hemodynamic change, and a comparison between perfusion MR with technique using Warm Color at SPECT examination. On MR perfusion examination, the color images from abnormal region to the red collar with rCBV(relative cerebral blood volume) and rCBF(relative cerebral blood flow) caused by increase cerebral blood flow with brain vascular occlusion in surrounding collateral circulation advancement, the blood speed relatively was depicted slowly with blue in MTT(Mean Transit Time) and TTP(Time to Peak) images. The region which was visible abnormally from MR perfusion examination visually were detected as comparison with the same SPECT examination region, would be able to confirm the identical results in MMD(Moyamoya disease)judgments. Hymo-dynamic change in MR perfusion examination produced by increase and delay cerebral blood flow. This change with digitize data and being color imaging makes enable to distinguish between normal and abnormal area. Relatively, MR perfusion examination compared with SPECT examination could bring an excellent image with spatial resolution without radiation expose.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.169-184
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• 2016

Objectives: To investigate the neurophysiological effect of acupuncture treatment on insomnia patients using quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) and standardized Low Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography method (sLORETA).Background: Insomnia is one of the commonly encountered symptoms in primary medical care. Recent studies of acupuncture for insomnia reported that the acupuncture groups showed significant improvements compared with the control groups. However, the neurophysiological mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia has not been revealed and a few studies have measured the effect of acupuncture treatment using QEEG.Methods: Participants who had some problems in initiating or maintaining sleep, or had non-restorative sleep for more than 3 days a week and ISI scores above 8 and below 21 were treated by acupuncture for 2 weeks (3 times a week, total 6 times). We assessed the effectiveness of acupuncture for insomnia by the PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) at baseline and at 2 weeks after the end of treatment (4th week). Also, we performed EEG and analysed the EEG data at baseline and at the end of treatment (2nd week) on the linked ears montage using the Neuroguide software program and sLORETA.Results: Thirty-two participants were enrolled and 2 participants dropped out because of personal reasons. Among the 30 participants, EEGs of 12 participants were included in the analysis of QEEG and sLORETA. Total score on the ISI and PSQI was significantly decreased after acupuncture treatment. The number of electrodes exceeding the range of 90% (±1.65) or 95% (±1.96) in the z scored absolute power of beta was significantly decreased after acupuncture treatment. There was no significant change in brain activation between pre- and post-acupuncture using sLORETA.Conclusions: The deviation of absolute power compared to the normative database was significantly decreased after acupuncture treatment in the alpha and beta ranges. Therefore, we suggest that acupuncture treatment for insomnia might be effective through the central nervous system especially in the brain. There are many limitations to drawing any conclusion. Further studies are needed in the future to overcome these limitations.