Objectives : Grading facial paralysis plays a crucial role in establishing treatment plans and determining prognosis. Both domestic and international efforts have actively focused on the development of objective automated grading systems. The purpose of this study is to investigate trends in Automated Facial Palsy Grading Systems through literature search. Methods : Using PubMed, OASIS, and other databases, related research papers published from 2000 to 2024 were analyzed. The studies were analyzed by dividing into Automated Grading Image Processing (2D, 3D, Video), Landmark Assignment and Standard Grading System for comparison. Results : A total of 13 studies were selected in this study. The first article was published in 2013. Studies were rapidly increased since 2019. The mostly used input data was photo. The other data were 3D photo and video. Studies using 68 landmark assignment system were the most prevalent, followed by OpenCV, Manual attachment, and other Machine Learning algorithms. There were 6 studies compared with House-Brackmann grading system, 4 studies compared with Sunny brook facial grading system, 3 studies compared with Nottingham scale and also studies involving Yanagihara grading system, eFACE, electroneurography (ENoG). Conclusions : The automated Grading systems were developed using various technologies, including image processing, automatic landmark assignment, OpenCV, machine learning, and applications. This automated grading systems demonstrated accuracy comparable to or exceeding that of conventional subjective evaluation methods. Moreover, it significantly reduced the time required for facial paralysis assessment, highlighting its potential as a viable alternative to subjective evaluation.

Objectives : This study aims to analyze the learning characteristics of students in the Korean Medicine program in preparation for curriculum revision, specifically examining differences in teaching method preferences and learning competencies based on learning styles. Methods : Sixty-one students from the integrated bachelor's and master's program participated in a survey assessing on Kolb's learning styles, teaching method preferences, and learning competencies. Results : Results showed that the majority of students exhibited a Diverger learning style followed by 27.87% with an Accommodator. Lectures were the most preferred teaching method, followed by inquiry-based learning. Among learning competencies, cognitive factors had the highest score (3.90), while learning motivation in the affective domain had the lowest one (3.58). No significant differences were found in learning competencies by academic year or learning style. Conclusions : The study highlights the importance of considering student learning styles in curriculum development and suggests that diverse teaching methods should be designed to enhance student achievement and motivation within the context of Korean Medicine education.

This case demonstrates the diagnostic process and management of thoracic spine-originated dyspnea and chest tightness caused by thoracic breathing, treated with acupotomy. A female patient in her early 40s presented with dyspnea (dyspnea scale 4) and left-sided chest tightness (NRS 8). Pulmonary function tests and echocardiography conducted at a tertiary hospital were reported as normal, ruling out cardiac and pulmonary causes. The patient was identified as a thoracic breather, and tenderness was found in the Huatuojiaji (EX-B2) points of the thoracic spine, leading to a diagnosis of thoracic spine-originated dyspnea caused by thoracic breathing. Acupotomy utilizing a newly developed adhesiolysis technique normalized breathing (dyspnea scale 0) and reduced chest tightness (NRS 1). Breathing therapy was added to prevent recurrence. A 4-week follow-up showed no recurrence or adverse effects. This case highlights the importance of considering musculoskeletal factors in the evaluation of dyspnea and demonstrates acupotomy's potential as an effective, safe intervention.

Objectives : Acute lumbar myofascial pain syndrome is major cause of non-specific low back pain. Characteristic symptoms of Acute lumbar myofascial pain syndrom are localized pain originating from trigger points, taut bands in the muscles, and decreased range of motor. There are many studies about Acupuncture treating acute low back pain, but few studies used ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture. Using ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture, this case series investigates the effectiveness of treatment in five patients with acute non-specific low back pain, and proposes an approach targeting at the "Yosambyeongan", the interfascial space between the quadratus lumborum and psoas major muscles, also traditionally included in Bladder Meridian(BL) line. Methods : Five patients with acute low back pain who had no history of trauma or sciatica received ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture treatment targeted at "Yosambyeongan". Patients had a diagnostic evaluation of the range of lumbar motion (ROM) and numeric rating scale (NRS) before and after intervention. Results : As a result, pain and ROM were significantly improved in all cases. NRS score decreased from average 6.8 to average 3.2, lumbar extension and flexion improved by more than 30 degrees in most patients. Ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture targeting "Yosambyeongan" has been shown to be effective in severe pain relief and functional mobility recovery, especially in acute cases where conventional treatments have not achieved satisfying result. Conclusions : Ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture targeting the interfascial space between the quadratus lumborum and psoas major muscles along the Bladder Meridian line, which we have designated as 'Yosambyeongan,' demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in the treatment of acute LMPS. Further large-scale controlled studies are needed to validate these findings and optimize the technique for broader clinical application.