• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.188-194
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• 2014

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the effect of ethanol extract from Rosa rugosa Thunb. flowers(ERF) on the activities of antioxidant, antiwrinkle and whitening. Methods : We measured antioxidant efficacy of ERF by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) assay. Also we confirmed the inhibitory effect of ERF on collagenase activity and melanin synthesis by using collagenase assay kit and dihydroxiphenylalanine staining, respectively. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of ERF, we examined the inflammatory mediator IL-6. Results : ERF showed highly efficacy in DPPH radical scavenging activity. ERF dose-dependently suppressed collagenase activity. Ultraviolet-induced production of IL-6 decreased by ERF treatment. In B16F10 cell, ERF significantly reduced tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis. Conclusions : From the above results, it was indicated that ERF could be utilized as anti-aging and whitening cosmetic ingredients.

• Journal of Korean Institute of Industrial Engineers
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.260-270
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• 2013

This paper proposes a strategic portfolio model for managing performance of online games. The portfolio matrix is composed of two dimensions: financial performance and non-financial performance. Financial performance is measured by the conventional measure, average revenue per user (ARPU). In terms of non-financial performance, five non-financial key performance indicators (KPIs) that have been widely used in the online game industry are utilized: RU (Register User), VU (Visiting User), TS (Time Spent), ACU (Average Current User), MCU (Maximum Current User). Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is then employed to produce a single performance measure aggregating the five KPIs. DEA is a linear programming model for measuring the relative efficiency of decision making unit (DMUs) with multiple inputs and outputs. This study employs DEA as a tool for multiple criteria decision making (MCDM), in particular, the pure output model without inputs. Combining the two types of performance produces the online game portfolio matrix with four quadrants: Dark Horse, Stop Loss, Jack Pot, Luxury Goods. A case study of 39 online games provided by company 'N' is provided. The proposed portfolio model is expected to be fruitfully used for strategic decision making of online game companies.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.104-113
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• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to analyze an effect of medical Qigong therapy using Dong Chu Chim (DCC) which was invented by "Dongchu Han Medicine Institute", by measuring HRV. We compared effects of DCC with non-treatment, filiform acupuncture and filiform acupuncture with natural abdominal breathing. Methods : 1. The authors stimulated Nogung (PC8) of 26 normal adults by using DCC or filiform acupuncture in turn. 2. The natural abdominal breathing has been carried comfortably with consciousness in the lower abdomen. 3. HRV was measured for 5 minutes, three times (pre-treatment, during-treatment and post-treatment). Results and Conclusions : From this study, it seems that the stimulus of DCC, filiform acupuncture, filiform acupuncture with natural abdominal breathing can all affect the autonomic nervous system and control the balance of that. But there were not significant differences between these stimulus groups and the non-treatment group. Therefore, we suggest additional studies about the effect of DCC in the future.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.131-134
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the relationship between Sasang Constitution and length of chest and abdomen region. Methods : Forty eight participants were enrolled. Weight, height, and lengths from CV22 to CV16, from CV16 to CV8, and from CV8 to CV2 were measured. Ratios of last three lengths to total CV22 to CV2 were calculated respectively. On the other hand, Sasang Constitution was analyzed with QSCCII(Questionnaire of Sasang Constitutional Classification II). The analysis of relationship between the measurements and Sasang Constitution was carried out with SPSS to compare the mean values according to Sasang Constitution. Results : All the mean values were not significantly different depending on the Sasang Constitution, except the ratio of the length from CV16 to CV8 to the length from CV22 to CV2, only in female participants. The ratio was higher in the female Soeumin participants than any other constitutional groups. Conclusions : This result showed that Soeumin could be assumed that they might have weak digestion abilities.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.47-55
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• 2018

Objectives: Clinical improvements can be observed following placebo administrations in clinical trials. Randomized controlled trials have been conducted to disentangle the specific effects of therapeutic interventions over the past decade. In acupuncture trials, non-penetrating placebo needles offer the opportunity to determine the specific effects of needling. Methods: The present review provides an overview of the concept of the placebo effect and the characteristics of the placebo needles. Results: Placebo control can contribute to minimize for bias and the contextual and psychological components of therapeutic interventions. Placebo control should meet two criteria: blinding efficacy (indistinguishable from active treatment) and physiological inertness. In the case of acupuncture, however, it is difficult to meet both criteria simultaneously. The dilemma of placebo needles suggests that placebo needles do not constitute proper control in acupuncture research. Considering the characteristics of placebo needles, patients are more likely to perceive placebo needles as active treatment in acupuncture trials compared to placebo pills in pharmaceutical trials. Placebo response might be observed more frequently to placebo needles than to placebo pills. When acupuncture treatments are utilized in clinical use, placebo effects can be enhanced by exploiting patients' expectations in the contextual or environmental cues that surround medical intervention. Conclusions: We have to consider these unique characteristics of placebo needles in order to avoid drawing premature conclusions that acupuncture itself is just a placebo.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.105-115
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• 2018

Objectives : This research aimed to verify the validities of contraindicated acupoints in acupuncture treatment in Zhenjiudacheng. Methods : We investigated contraindicated acupoints when performing needling in Zhenjiudacheng, then verified them in today's medical knowledge and clinical studies. Results : In Zhenjiudacheng, 39 acupoints - LU2, LI4, LI13, LI14, LI16, ST1, ST9, ST12, ST17, ST25, ST30, ST42, SP6, SP11, SI18, BL8, BL9, BL56, KI11, TE7, TE8, TE19, TE20, GB3, GB18, GB21, GV10, GV11, GV17, GV22, GV24, CV1, CV4, CV5, CV8, CV9, CV15, CV17 and EX-HN11 - were described to need a careful approach in acupuncture treatment and 21 acupoints among them had contraindications. Most of the contraindications can be explained based on anatomical knowledge and results of clinical studies, and acupuncture treatment at the 39 contraindicated acupoints can induce injury of tissues or organs near the acupoints. Conclusions : The contraindicated acupoints in acupuncture treatment in Zhenjiudacheng seem to have been classified based on the adverse events experienced by doctors at that time. Therefore careful acupuncture treatment at these acupoints is needed to avoid injury to tissue or organs.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.24-30
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• 2020

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate melanogenesis inhibition of ethanol extract of Polyporus (EP) by using B16F10 melanoma cells. Methods : We measured antioxidant effect of EP by using 1,1-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and we confirmed melanin contents and tyrosinase activity of EP in cells. Additionally, the expression of tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1) and TRP-2 was observed by Western blot. Results : EP showed significantly high radical scavenging activity and inhibition of melanogenesis in dose-dependent manner by decreasing cellular tyrosinase activity and melanin content with or without α-melanin stimulating hormone. TRP-1 and TRP-2 expressions were also suppressed by EP in B16F10 cells. Conclusions : These results suggest that EP inhibits the melanogenesis and it could be a new organic ingredient for hyper-pigmentation.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.183-190
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• 2020

This case report details two remissions at onset and relapse after 4 years each with Korean herbal medicine treatment in a 33-year-old male patient diagnosed as Crohn's disease (CD) by clinical and colonoscopic examination. He presented bloody diarrhea and severe abdominal pain, and his symptoms were persistent even with usual Western medications, so he was offered surgery and biologics. He was then given Sayeok-Tang for 8 months and remission was induced. Four years later he had a relapse and this time he was given Banha-Sasim-Tang, and Baekduong-Ga-Gamcho-Agyo-Tang, based on pattern changes with intense symptom monitoring. Clinical and endoscopic remission was confirmed after 4 months of herbal medicine treatment and no adverse events were reported. This case report shows that individualized Korean herbal medicine treatment has the potential for induction of remission of CD and further research is warranted.

• The Korean Journal of Food & Health Convergence
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.23-26
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• 2020

Active and therapeutic sport recovery is becoming a popular and important component in approving performance for pro and recreational athletes alike. It is also helping in the realm of injury prevention. In the search of finding modalities that are widely effective, natural, and safe, acupuncture is a viable and cost-effective treatment for helping athletes achieve this goal. More direct related research is needed, but testimonials from pro athletes and the body of research that currently exists provides powerful evidence on acupunctures ability to help with enhancing recovery. Specializing in acupuncture and exercise science, Chris integrates acupuncture into musculoskeletal rehabilitation therapy or fitness training for pain modulation, speedy recovery, and enhanced performance. Clients can choose to focus on one-on-one corrective exercise therapy, manual and massage therapy, or acupuncture. However, for best results, Chris recommends all three. Other modalities that he uses in therapy are acu-taping, herbal therapy, nutrition supplementation, cupping, guasha, and stretching techniques. The corrective exercise component is one-on-one body balancing management, focusing on strength and conditioning, post physical rehab - exercise therapy, integrative sport specific exercise, weight loss, core strengthening, dynamic lumbar stabilization, active recovery techniques, and myo-fascial release techniques. The acupuncture component focuses on sport injuries, myofascial pain, peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, facial rejuvenation, stress, smoking cessation, addiction detoxification program, weight management, sport recovery and performance.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.74-80
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• 2019

Objectives : TA, a polyherbal extract, typically is used for pharmacopuncture therapy on patients with traffic accident-related injuries and musculoskeletal diseases. This study was performed to evaluate the safety of the TA extract, using a micronucleus test. Methods : The dose range and sampling time were first established. An in vivo micronucleus test was then performed to determine the induction of micronuclei in mouse bone marrow cells after a single intramuscular administration of TA to 7-week-old ICR mice (0.2 ml/animal, at 24 hours post-dosing). Results : The incidence of micro-nucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) in PCEs in the TA group was similar to that in the negative-control group, while that in the positive-control group was significantly greater. The positive- and negative-control groups did not differ in the ratio of PCEs to total erythrocytes. Conclusions : Our toxicity study indicates that the TA extract does not induce micronucleus formation in mouse bone marrow cells.