Search Results (24)

Background and Objectives: Bell’s palsy, characterized by acute idiopathic facial nerve paralysis, exhibits variable recovery outcomes influenced by treatment timing, modality, and patient comorbidities. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of corticosteroid-based treatment (Ear, Nose, and Throat [ENT]), nerve blocks/physical therapy (Pain Medicine), and acupuncture/herbal medicine (Traditional Korean Medicine [KM]) and identify predictors of recovery and recurrence. This retrospective cohort study leverages South Korea’s pluralistic healthcare system, where patients choose specialties, to provide novel insights into departmental treatment outcomes. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 600 patients treated within 72 h of Bell’s palsy onset (2010–2024) at Wonkwang University Hospital, South Korea, using propensity score matching (PSM) (1:1:1) for age, sex, comorbidities, and initial House–Brackmann (HB) grade. The primary outcome was complete recovery (HB grade I) at 6 months; secondary outcomes included recovery time, recurrence, complications, and patient satisfaction. Multivariate logistic regression identified predictors. Results: The ENT group achieved the highest complete recovery rate (87.5%, phi = 0.18) versus Pain Medicine (74.0%) and KM (69.5%) (p < 0.001), with the shortest recovery time (4 weeks, Cohen’s d = 0.65 vs. KM). Synkinesis was lowest in the ENT group (6.0%). ENT treatment (OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.29–2.37) and early corticosteroid application (OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.42–2.68) predicted recovery. Hypertension (OR: 4.40), hyperlipidemia (OR: 8.20), and diabetes (OR: 1.40) increased recurrence risk. Subgroup analyses showed that ENT treatment was most effective for severe cases (HB grade IV: 90% recovery vs. 65% in KM, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Corticosteroid-based treatment (ENT) yielded superior recovery outcomes. Comorbidity management is critical for recurrence prevention. Early ENT referral and integrated care models are recommended to optimize outcomes in diverse healthcare settings. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin condition, is a common allergic disorder. The human skin, the largest organ, serves as the first barrier in protecting the body against various external threats. Human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) in the epidermal layer and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) in the dermis of the skin are implicated in AD-associated skin inflammation through the secretion of diverse inflammatory mediators, including chemokines. Sigesbeckia pubescens Makino (SP), a traditional Korean and Chinese herbal remedy, is used for treating inflammatory conditions. While several pharmacological effects of SP extract (SPE) have been documented, its specific inhibitory effect on AD-related skin inflammation remains unexplored. Hence, oral administration of SPE to NC/Nga mice reduced the severity of house dust mite extract-induced dermatitis, accompanied by lowered levels of serum inflammatory mediators, decreased epidermal thickness, reduced mast cell infiltration, and restoration of skin barrier function within skin lesions. In conclusion, SPE has demonstrated the ability to alleviate skin inflammation and protect the skin barrier and shows potential as a therapeutic option for AD. SPE inhibited proinflammatory chemokine production by modulating the Janus kinase (JAK) 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins (STAT) 1/STAT3 signaling pathway in IFN-γ- and TNF-α-stimulated skin cells. Full article

This study explored typologies among residents of South Korean public rental housing, focusing on their experiences of discrimination and social capital. Latent class analysis (LCA) was applied to data from 4683 individuals in the 2021 Seoul Public Rental Housing Panel Survey. Four distinct groups were identified: ‘Group Seeking Friendly Neighbor Relationships’, ‘Group Accepting Losses’, ‘Group with High Social Capital’, and ‘Group Indifferent to Neighbors’. The findings revealed that while discrimination was widespread, certain groups exhibited strong social capital. Notably, the ‘Group Accepting Losses’ showed the highest willingness to help neighbors despite facing significant discrimination, while the ‘Group with High Social Capital’ displayed high levels of neighbor trust and mutual support. These results challenge traditional views by showing that social capital can thrive even in the presence of discrimination. This study suggests that policies aimed at addressing discrimination in public rental housing should focus not only on physical integration but also on fostering social connections to enhance community cohesion and reduce mental health issues among residents. Full article

This study explores the Potaxie, Fifes, and Tilinx subcultures on TikTok, examining their origins, characteristics, and cultural significance. Originating from a viral video in 2020, the Potaxie subculture emerged within the Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ community and evolved to symbolise inclusivity and gender equality. Potaxies use vibrant aesthetics influenced by Japanese and Korean pop culture to express their identities and resistance. In contrast, Fifes, associated with cisgender heterosexual men, embody traditional patriarchal values, often sexist and homophobic, creating a narrative of resistance between the groups. The Tilinx, symbolic descendants of the Potaxies, are inspired by ballroom culture and drag houses, with “Potaxie mothers” continuing the fight for inclusion and diversity. Using a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative analysis through the TikTok API and qualitative content analysis via MAXQDA and Python, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the subculture that accumulates over 2.3 billion interactions. The findings highlight how TikTok serves as a platform for identity construction, cultural resistance, and the redefinition of social norms. Additionally, the study examines how digital platforms mediate intersectional experiences, favouring certain types of content through algorithms, and how participants navigate these opportunities and constraints to express their intersecting identities. The implications for communication strategies, youth policies, educational plans, and research on the commercialization of these subcultures are profound, offering insights into the transformative potential of social media in shaping contemporary cultural and social narratives. Full article

This study explores the recent emergence of traditional Korean houses and hanoks as markers of cultural capital in Seoul, South Korea. While the ownership of detached houses itself can be a symbol of wealth in Seoul, traditional-style houses have become increasingly associated with luxurious living, particularly after the successful remodeling of hanoks in metropolitan settings such as Bukchon in Seoul. This study employs the critical luxury studies method to analyze the recent rise in hanok construction/remodeling among elites, and illustrates how traditional architectural forms have become status markers. Although the regeneration of traditional houses in cities has been examined from the perspective of gentrification or touristic cultural consumption, less academic attention has been placed on the phenomenon from the perspective of the homeowners’ taste. This study examines how traditional architecture has become a form of acceptable luxury through a media analysis of published articles and interviews with the residents of hanoks. This study argues that protecting endangered traditions and rich sensory experiences function as important moralizing factors in luxury housing, indicating that sociocultural valuation becomes as significant as market valuation. Full article

A hanok is a traditional Korean house built with wood as the main structural material. It is constructed using cross- and unidirectional joint techniques without the use of steel. A hanok is composed of vertical and horizontal members, with columns being the most important vertical members and Daedeulbo being the most important horizontal member. As a cultural heritage structure, a hanok is often deformed due to damage to the wood over the years. In particular, the building beginning to lean is a typical example. Depending on the extent of damage, hanoks are repaired through partial or complete dismantling, but the same phenomenon recurs in many hanoks even after repair. In this study, 69 hanoks with well-documented records were selected to build a building column arrangement DB, column movement DB, and building attribute DB. The constructed DB was optimized in two dimensions by utilizing the features of each element with the UMAP algorithm and then clustered using the DBSCAN algorithm. Using this method, the movement of one column was analyzed individually, and the movement of two, three, and four columns was analyzed in groups, considering the characteristics of a hanok. As a result, similar patterns of column movement were found in hanoks with similar shapes. It was also possible to identify vulnerable locations according to the direction of column movement, and it was found that the deterioration of the joining strength of horizontal members affects the movement of columns. Full article

The South Korean residential real estate market is influenced by both the traditional dynamics of demand and supply and external factors such as housing policies and macroeconomic conditions. Considering the proportion of housing assets in individual wealth, market fluctuations can have significant implications. While previous studies have utilized variables such as GDP growth rate, patent issuance, and birth rate, and employed models such as LSTM and ARIMA for housing price predictions, many have overlooked the influence of local factors. In particular, there has been insufficient investigation into the impact of subway stations and living social overhead capital facilities on housing prices, especially in metropolitan areas. This study seeks to bridge this gap by analyzing the usage trends of subway stations, evaluating the impact of living social overhead capital facilities on housing values, and deriving the optimal machine learning model for price predictions near subway stations. We compared and analyzed a total of eight machine learning regression models, including Linear Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, LightGBM, Ridge, Lasso, Elastic Net, and XGBoost, all of which are popular regression models, especially in the context of machine learning and data science. Through comparative analysis of these machine learning techniques, we aim to provide insights for more rational housing price determinations, thereby promoting stability in the real estate market. Full article

Prior studies exploring the effectiveness of traditional Korean medicine (TKM) treatment for facial palsy have mainly focused on Bell’s palsy, and there are few studies on the effectiveness of TKM treatments for traumatic facial palsy following mandibular fracture. The patient was a 24-year-old Korean man with left-sided facial paralysis following a left mandibular fracture. Surgery was performed for the fracture and the facial palsy was treated using conventional medicine (CM) treatments for approximately 3 months, but there was no improvement observed in the patient’s condition. Subsequently, the patient underwent an integrative Korean medicine treatment regimen consisting of acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and herbal medication for a duration of 2 months. After 2 months of treatments, the House–Brackmann facial grading scale changed from Ⅴ to II and Yanagihara’s unweighted grading score increased from 9 to 34. This case presentation and previous studies of traumatic facial palsy using TKM treatment show that TKM treatment may be considered a complementary or alternative treatment method to CM treatment in patients with traumatic facial palsy. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023445051. Full article

Physicochemical changes in fermented alcoholic beverages are significantly related to microbial community development during fermentation. Due to its unusually long fermentation, Gayangju, a traditional Korean house rice wine fermented with nuruk as the traditional starter, gives rise to a strong yeast community and, therefore, a high ethanol concentration and different flavors. However, no detailed analysis has been examined. Changes in microbial community structure during Gayangju fermentation were examined using both culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. During fermentation, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomycopsis fibuligera were dominant during all stages of the fermentation. In contrast, Candida parapsilosis, Hanseniaspora guilliermondii, Pichia anomala, Malassezia cuniculi and P. fermentans were identified as minor. P. anomala appeared after the second brewing and then remained constant. Among the 19 compounds identified in this study as order-active compounds, 2-methyl-1-butanol (isoamyl alcohol) was the major compound that increased during the long fermentation stage. Most of the odor-active compounds such as 2,3-butanediol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, ethyl tetradecanoate, ethyl decanoate, ethyl dodecanoate, butanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid (isovaleric acid), 2-methylbutanoic acid, 2-methyl-1-propanol, ethyl acetate, ethyl caprylate, 2-phenylethanol, and 3-methylbutyl acetate increased as the fermentation progressed during 68 days of fermentation, which showed significant differences in the concentrations of odor-active compounds of commercially fermented makgeolli. Full article

Oldest-old women are known to live at the intersection of multiple socioeconomic disadvantages in South Korean society. This study classified oldest-old Korean women into several socioeconomically homogeneous classes based on various socioeconomic status (SES) risks and compared health characteristics among the identified classes. This cross-sectional study utilized the 2019 Korean Community Health Survey, including data from 11,053 women (≥80 years). Latent class analysis determined the number of underlying socioeconomic classes based on nine selected SES variables. Four distinct socioeconomic classes were identified: “Urban, living alone, recipient of NBLSS, moderate education, leisure activity” (Class 1), “Rural, traditional house, living with others, not financially deprived, low education, employed” (Class 2), “Urban, living with family, financially affluent, not employed, no barriers to healthcare” (Class 3), “Rural, traditional house, living alone, financially deprived, uneducated, employed, barriers to healthcare” (Class 4). Depressive symptoms, subjective stress, and the prevalence of sleep disorder and diabetes were higher in Class 1 compared to other classes. Health-related quality of life, perceived health, and self-rated oral health were the poorest in Class 4. Class 3 reported the best health status. Understanding the intersecting SES risk factors in this group can aid in developing targeted interventions. Full article

This study aimed to present an evaluation system to assess comfort that reflects the unique value of vernacular architecture. For this purpose, the background, purpose, evaluation items, and evaluation methods of Korean Standard-Basic Part: 6300-1, 2 (KS A 6300) were analyzed. As a result, the weakness was found in the KS system that there was no method to evaluate the user’s human sensory comfort. To overcome this problem, the contents of KS A 6300-1, 2 were analyzed, and evaluation indices were categorized to assess the comfort of human sensory experience. A comfort assessment index was then derived to evaluate the visual and tactile comfort of the Korean traditional house by analyzing previous research and systems. To assess the possibility of using the Hanok evaluation system for the derived comfort indices, the actual building environmental and user data were collected for one year. Based on the previous step, Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Daylight Glare Probability (DGP) were calculated, and at the same time, a comparative analysis was conducted with the collected user data. As a result, DGP showed a tendency of changing user comfort and an error of 7 to 8% regardless of region, while PMV showed a tendency similar to the change in user discomfort response rate. Accordingly, it was concluded that each evaluation index could be used for the comfort evaluation of Hanok. Full article

The hanok or traditional Korean house has evolved to meet modern conditions that are continually updated. The “Samcheong Hanok” located in Bukchon, the most representative hanok village in Seoul, is a typical example. The house was originally constructed around 1940 but underwent several stages of extension and repairs before finally being renovated by architect Wook Choi in 2000. It is arguable that the evolution of the Samcheong Hanok illustrates a typical history of modern hanok, which is characterized as two types according to certain periods. The first is the urban-type hanok, built approximately between 1930 and 1960, which is a standardized version that was mass-produced for anonymous clients by a developer. The second, introduced around 2000, is the contemporary hanok, an individualized and tailor-made version built for a specific client in general. Based on analysis and integration of Bukchon’s historical context and Samcheong Hanok’s records, this paper aims to trace and reconstruct a plausible history of the house to illustrate the typical historical aspects of modern hanok—urban-type and contemporary. In the conclusion, after revealing the rigidity of the current hanok support system, several suggestions for a creative evolution of hanok are offered. Full article

This study examines the sustainable landscapes displayed in traditional Korean houses of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) by investigating urban agricultural practices implemented in the palace, private houses, and an imaginary garden (Uiwon). Currently popular productive gardening applications, such as urban agriculture, productive landscapes, and edible landscapes, also formed the backbone of the traditional Korean housing environment in the Joseon Dynasty, which has had substantial implications for today’s landscaping practices. Landscapes that are productive rather than decorative are important for environmentally sound and sustainable development not only for South Korea but also for modern housing design worldwide. This research provides concrete discussions of the definition and range of urban agriculture, agricultural methods, and principal agents of gardening-related businesses. This information advances the cultural conversation as well as the understanding and application of gardening in the modern context. Through a comparison of traditional and modern South Korean housing environments, this study contributes to developing the research on the role of gardens in sustainable landscapes. Full article

Kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented vegetable, has received considerable attention for its health-promoting effects. This study analyzes the cultivable microbial community in kimchi fermented at different temperatures using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to comprehensively understand the factors affecting the quality of kimchi. Of the 5204 strains isolated from kimchi, aligned with the in-house database, 4467 (85.8%) were correctly identified at the species level. The fermentation temperature affected the microbial community by varying the pH and acidity, which was mainly caused by temperature-dependent competition between the different lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species in kimchi. LAB, such as Levilactobacillus (Lb.) brevis and Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum associated with rancidity and tissue softening, proliferated faster at higher temperatures than at low temperature. In addition, LAB, such as Latilactobacillus (Lat.) sakei and Leuconostoc (Leu.) mesenteroides, which produce beneficial substances and flavor, were mainly distributed in kimchi fermented at 4 °C. This study shows as a novelty that MALDI-TOF MS is a robust and economically affordable method for investigating viable microbial communities in kimchi. Full article

The paper aims to evaluate the psychological factors of the comfort performance of the hanok. This is to guide restoration and improvement in consideration of the intangible variables that provide the quality of the hanok. Through this process, we ultimately intend to build an integrated residential performance evaluation system that includes factors related to the quality of residents’ lives, such as the comfort of their surrounding and indoor environment, as well as the functionality and convenience of the hanok, a representative type of Korean traditional architecture. The test method to evaluate the comfort performance of hanok is largely divided into the physical perception element, which is a quantitative indicator, and the psychological cognitive element, which is a qualitative indicator. Physical perceptive factors are composed of nine quantifiable factors that can be measured by numerical values, namely humidity control, condensation, insulation, thermal comfort, air permeability, solar radiation, solar lighting, sound insulation, and air cleanness. This is a perceptual concept of viewing a building as it is, and a quantitative evaluation method of measuring data in the field using environmental sensors and equipment. Psychological cognitive factors that are evaluated based on the experiences of users (residents) living in hanok, are classified into five categories, of scenery, beauty, deodorization, usability, and health. This study was conducted through a questionnaire between experts and users (residents), limited to the psychological factors among methods of evaluating the comfort performance of hanok. As a result, it can be seen that environmental factors are the main variables that influence the degree of satisfaction with the psychological perception factor. This might be a merit factor of general hanok, and weight could be given when creating an integrated standard in the future. Full article