• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.102-113
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• 2016

Objectives : This study is aimed at developing and discussing the prediction model of blood stasis pattern of traditional Korean medicine(TKM) using machine learning algorithms: multiple logistic regression and decision tree model. Methods : First, we reviewed the blood stasis(BS) questionnaires of Korean, Chinese, and Japanese version to make a integrated BS questionnaire of patient-reported outcomes. Through a human subject research, patients-reported BS symptoms data were acquired. Next, experts decisions of 5 Korean medicine doctor were also acquired, and supervised learning models were developed using multiple logistic regression and decision tree. Results : Integrated BS questionnaire with 24 items was developed. Multiple logistic regression models with accuracy of 0.92(male) and 0.95(female) validated by 10-folds cross-validation were constructed. By decision tree modeling methods, male model with 8 decision node and female model with 6 decision node were made. In the both models, symptoms of 'recent physical trauma', 'chest pain', 'numbness', and 'menstrual disorder(female only)' were considered as important factors. Conclusions : Because machine learning, especially supervised learning, can reveal and suggest important or essential factors among the very various symptoms making up a pattern identification, it can be a very useful tool in researching diagnostics of TKM. With a proper patient-reported outcomes or well-structured database, it can also be applied to a pre-screening solutions of healthcare system in Mibyoung stage.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.121-130
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• 2016

Objectives : Recently, people who have normal brachial blood pressure(BP) are being threatened by high-risk disease such as stroke. The aim of this study is to suggest that new method to assess systemic circulation. It can be performed by analyzing optimal blood pulse wave on 3 sites belonging to subjects that have normal BP. Methods : We respectively extracted main peaks(h1) of optimal blood pulse wave on left/right temporal artery(LR1=h1), radial artery(LR2=h1) and dorsalis pedis artery(LR3=h1). We obtained h1 from 30 subjects who are discreetly chosen and have normal BP. Main peak(h1) can be extracted by using 3D pulse imaging analyser(DMP-1000+, DAEYOMEDI Co., Korea) that has 5-level pressure method. We analyzed the ratio of [LR1/LR2] and [LR3/LR2]. Results : In the case of male group, the results are [LR1/LR2=0.7100.177] and [LR3/LR2=0.9290.317]. In the case of female group, the results are [LR1/LR2=0.6680.121] and [LR3/LR2=0.7050.195]. Especially, it is statistically verified that the result of ratio [LR3/LR2] is much higher in male group than in female group(p<0.05). Conclusions : We suggested the standard ratio of [LR1/LR2] and [LR3/LR2] for normal subjects, respectively. It can be adopted as a new method to evaluate the systemic circulation.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.166-178
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• 2012

Objectives : This study was purposed to investigate the possibility of traction therapy as treatment method of scoliosis, of which occurrence rate was increasing with teenagers in Korea. Methods : 63 literatures, history, classification, and effectiveness of traction therapy were reviewed and the occurrences rate of scoliosis with teenagers in Korea was investigated. Results : Traction therapy as a treatment method on scoliosis, was originally developed by Hippocrates(460~385 BC), based on the historical record. Traction therapy is classified according to the tools engaged, the postures, the traction methods, and the areas for traction. The opinions on the effect of traction as treatment method were different depending on whether it is in Korea or outside of the country. Within the country, 75% of reports were positive on the effects of traction therapy, while outside of the country, about 74% of reports were negative. On the other hand, the occurrence rates of scoliosis with teenagers in Korea were increasing from 1.46%(1977) to 11.08%(2008). Conclusions : Unfortunately the effects of traction therapy on scoliosis were unclear but it seems to be different in the effects of manipulative therapy and mechanical or apparatus traction therapy. Systematic studies on traction therapy are needed, because of the increasing rate of scoliosis in Korea with teenagers.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.239-249
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• 2012

본 연구는 족소음경근의 구성요소에 대하여 문헌 해석과 인체의 층별 해부를 통하여 해부학적 관점에서 관찰해 보기 위하여 수행되었다. 그리하여 다음과 같은 결론을 얻을 수 있었다. 1. 본 연구 결과 족소음경근의 구성요소와 분석방법에 있어서 기존의 연구와 다소 차이를 보여준다. 2. 족소음경근의 경로와 병증 증상 등을 고려할 때 족소음경근은 근육, 근막, 인대, 그리고 관련 신경을 포함하는 포괄적 개념으로 보인다. 3. 족소음경근의 분포는 경락과 밀접한 관련성이 있으나 일치하지는 않는 것으로 보이며 특히 치골부위 이상의 부위에선 그러할 것으로 사료된다. 4. 이론적으로 MPS와 Anatomy train 같은 가설과는 약간의 차이가 있어 보이며 굳이 관련시켜 생각할 이유가 없다고 생각한다.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.271-289
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• 2012

Objectives : Ganoderma lucidum(Ganoderma or lingzhi, 靈芝) is a well-known oriental medical mushroom containing many bioactive compounds. The possible mechanisms involved in its effects on cancer cells remain to be elucidated. In the present study, the anti-proliferative and apoptotic activities of the G. lucidum ethanol extract(GEE), in AGS human gastric cancer cells were investigated. Methods : It was found that exposure of AGS cells to GEE resulted in the growth inhibition in a dose and time dependent manner as measured by trypan blue count and MTT assay. The anti-proliferative effect of GEE treatment in AGS cells was associated with morphological changes and formation of apoptotic bodies, and the flow cytometry analysis confirmed that GEE treatment increased the populations of apoptotic-sub G1 phase. Growth inhibition and apoptosis of AGS cells by GEE were connected with a concentration and time-dependent up-regulation of tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand(TRAIL) expression. Results : The levels of XIAP and survivin expression, members of IAP family proteins, were gradually down-regulated by GEE treatment. However other members of IAP family proteins such as cIAP-1 and cIAP-2 remained unchanged in GEE-treated AGS cells. GEE treatment also induced the proteolytic activation of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 and a concomitant degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase(PARP) protein, a caspase-3 substrate protein. Additionally, GEE-induced apoptosis was associated with the inhibition of Akt activation in a concentration and time-dependent manner, and pre-treatment with LY294002, a phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/Akt inhibitor, significantly increased GEE-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis. Conclusions : Therefore, G. lucidum has a strong potential as a therapeutic agent for preventing cancers such as gastric cancer cells.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.200-215
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences of pulse wave parameter between the non delivery group (single women with no childbirth experience) and the delivery group (married women who gave birth(s) in delivery). Methods : Sixty one healthy (non delivery) nulliparous women and fifty three delivery women participated in this study. We used 3 dimensional pulse analyser(3D MAC, DAEYOMEDI co., Korea), which measures radial pulse waveform non-invasively by way of tonometry method at 5 different applied pressure levels. From 114 subjects enrolled, pulse wave parameters were measured on the six locations of Chon, Kwan and Cheok of each hands. Results : Delivery group's pulse showed larger values in the following pulse wave parameters (Energy, Ap, RAI, As, Aw, h1, h2, h4, h4/h1, t, t1, t2, t4, Wm, Wm/t). Non delivery group's pulse indicated larger values in the pulse wave parameters such as Energy of left Chon, difference pulse energy between left and right hand, Ad, h5, h5/h1, t5. Conclusions : According to the analysis result, delivery group's pulse has bigger values in most part of pulse wave parameters, especially in Kwan and Cheok which correspond to Liver, Kidney, and Myeong-mun. We interpret these results that delivery women are more mature and stable in reproductive organs than non delivery group, as they have experienced delivery(deliveries) and child-caring through married life.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권3호
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• pp.406-420
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• 2012

Objectives : Scutellaria barbata has been widely used in oriental medicine used for treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study, to investigate the protective effect of Scutellaria barbata on type I allergic response, we determined whether Scutellaria barbata inhibits early or late allergic responses. Methods : To assess the effect of Scutellaria barbata Pharmacopuncture Extract(SB) in RBL-2H3 cells, we investigated the levels of the markers of degranulation such as ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase and histamine, inflammatory mediator such as IL-4, TNF-${\alpha}$, PGE2 and cysLT, and mRNA expression of cytokines and enzymes. In addition, we determined the levels of intracellular ROS by DCFH-DA assay and the free radical scavenging activity by DPPH method. Results : We found that SB suppressed the release of ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase and histamine and the production of IL-4, TNF-${\alpha}$, PGE2 and cysLT in RBL-2H3 by the antigen stimulation. SB also significantly inhibited the enzyme mRNA expressions, such as HDC2, COX-1, COX-2, 5-LOX and iNOS2, along with reduced cytokine mRNA expressions, such as IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF-${\alpha}$ and GM-CSF in RBL-2H3. In addition, SB suppressed the levels of intracellular ROS. Conclusions : Our results indicate that SB protects against type I allergic response and exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the inhibition of degranulation, inflammatory mediator release and mRNA expression of cytokines and enzymes.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제26권1호
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• pp.27-40
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• 2009

Background : Qigong is an energy-healing intervention used to prevent and cure ailments and to improve health through regular practice. Although qigong-neither itself nor its postulated mechanism of action-are within the paradigm of modern Western medical science, its effects on the human body could be possible. Objectives : This study aims to review the bibliography, biological responses and therapeutic effects of Qigong. In the process, this review will grasp trends in this field of studies and will direct further researches into the right direction. Method : The computerized Korean databases were searched from their respective inceptions up to January 2008. The search terms used were 'qi', 'qigong', 'doin', 'training', 'bioenergy', 'life nurturing' and random or Korean language terms related to qigong. Several specialized journals were also manually searched for relevant articles. Result : Since the 1990s, Qigong papers in the Korean Literature are increased. The articles on Korean traditional medicine had been published more than those on physical education or nursing etc. However, since the majority of the trials determine questionnaire, it was difficult to determine the efficacy of a specific intervention. The methodological quality of the trials was generally low (Jadad score: mean, 1.3; range, 1 to 4), questioning their reliability. Conclusions : More profound studies for Qigong are needed. Further rigorous clinical trials with more objective outcome measures that include sham procedures should be performed. Specifically, we think it should be clinical studies and qualitative research methods for evaluation are needed.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.99-112
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• 2007

Objectives : It was to translate three neck and spinal pain disability questionnaires - the Neck Disability Index (NDI), the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS), and the Functional Rating Index (FRI) - into Korean language, and evaluate the psychometric properties of Korean versions of questionnaires to achieve a good cross-cultural adaptation. Methods : Forty (23 males, 17 females) subjects aged from 15 to 64 years old, participated to examine test-retest reliability. One hundred and eighty (76 males, 104 females) subjects with a primary diagnosis of non-specific neck pain and 81 healthy volunteers were undertaken to examine internal consistemcy, discriminative validity and longitudinal construct validity. Versions of each questionnaire in idiomatic modern Korean were developed using a procedure proposed by Beaton et al. (2000). To assess reliability, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC $_{(2,1)}$) was calculated. Internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha. Discriminative validity was examined with independent-group t-tests. Responsiveness was tested by calculating the effect size and standardized response mean for each questionnaire and using Pearson' s r and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results : Test-retest reliability ofthe translated versions of the three disability questionnaires was excellent (ICC $_{(2,1)$ = 0.86-0.90). High internal consistency was found in the three disability questionnaires (Cronbach's alpha ranged from ${\alpha}=0.88$ for the FRI to ${\alpha}=0.96$ for the NPDS and 0.82 for the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire(SFMPQ)). the VAS subscale of the SFMPQ was found to be the most responsive of the subscales (ES=1.44, SRM=1.37). The VAS was also the most responsive pain and disability index in internal responsiveness analysis, although disability indices showed marginally better responsiveness when compared with external standards. No floor or ceiling effects were observed. Conclusions : It is concluded that the questionnaires were successfully translated and exhibit acceptable measurement properties, and may suggest that they are suitable for use in clinical and research application.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.141-161
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• 2007

Objectives & Methods : The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-oxidative effects of electroacupuncture at Hyunjong (GB39) in rats. The author performed several experimental items including change of body weight, relative liver weight, level of albumin, total bilirubin, LDL-Cholesterol, LDH, GOT and GPT in blood serum, level of SOD, glutathione, catalase, NO and MDA in liver, histological change of liver. Results : 1. In the GB39-EA group, body weights were decreased in the early stages, but increased later on gradually. 2. In the GB39-EA group, the level of LDL-cholesterol was significantly decreased in comparison with that of the holder group, sham-EA group and GB39-NR group. 3. In the GB39-EAgroup, liver SOD, glutathione, catalase activity were increased, and NO density was decreased in comparison with those of the holder group, sham-EA group and GB39-NR group. MDA activity was significantly decreased in comparison with that of the holder group. 4. In the GB39-EA group, the density of liver tissue was more similarly maintained to the normal group in comparison with that of the holder group and sham-EA group. 5. The results of the GB39-EA group showed similar tendency with those of the GB39-EA group, but the effects were lower than those of the GB39-EA group. Conclusions : These results suppose that electroacupuncture at GB39 has an anti oxidative effect in human.