• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.43-49
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• 2015

Objectives: We evaluated the effect of the traditional Korean medical therapy of catgut-embedding therapy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: Thirteen patients(20 hands) with CTS underwent catgut-embedding therapy once per week for a total of 1-4 sessions. We measured the time to tingling in the fingers on performing Phalen's test. We also had patients use a visual analog scale (VAS) to indicate the severity of tingling. We also asked about the awakening time at night due to pain and tingling. We controlled the treatment as being limited to four sessions. Even if a patient had not been treated for four sessions, we ended the patient's treatment if symptoms resolved. Results: Patients who received catgut-embedding therapy showed significant improvements in the clinical symptoms of CTS. After treatment, in a total of 19 hands, the status of fourteen was changed from positive to negative in Phalen's test and the average of tingling occurrence time in that test was delayed. Among the 20 hands, the VAS in eight hands changed to zero and the average of VAS score decreased. Furthermore, in nine patients, four could sleep well without the use of a splint. Conclusions: Patients undergoing this traditional Korean medical therapy showed alleviation of finger tingling after even a single treatment. We thus concluded that this traditional Korean catgut-embedding therapy, may be effective for treating CTS. However, to confirm the effects of catgut-embedding therapy on CTS, further tests are required, including under the defined, strict conditions of a randomized controlled trial.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.233-240
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• 2016

FK506, a widely used immunosuppressant, is a 23-membered polyketide macrolide that is produced by several Streptomyces species. FK506 high-yielding strain Streptomyces sp. RM7011 was developed from the discovered Streptomyces sp. KCCM 11116P by random mutagenesis in our previous study. The results of transcript expression analysis showed that the transcription levels of tcsA, B, C, and D were increased in Streptomyces sp. RM7011 by 2.1-, 3.1-, 3.3-, and 4.1-fold, respectively, compared with Streptomyces sp. KCCM 11116P. The overexpression of tcsABCD g enes in Streptomyces sp. RM7011 gave rise to approximately 2.5-fold (238.1 μg/ml) increase in the level of FK506 production compared with that of Streptomyces sp. RM7011. When vinyl pentanoate was added into the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. RM7011, the level of FK506 production was approximately 2.2-fold (207.7 μg/ml) higher than that of the unsupplemented fermentation. Furthermore, supplementing the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. RM7011 expressing tcsABCD genes with vinyl pentanoate resulted in an additional 1.7-fold improvement in the FK506 titer (498.1 μg/ml) compared with that observed under non-supplemented condition. Overall, the level of FK506 production was increased approximately 5.2-fold by engineering the supply of allylmalonyl-CoA in the high-yielding strain Streptomyces sp. RM7011, using a combination of overexpressing tcsABCD genes and adding vinyl pentanoate, as compared with Streptomyces sp. RM7011 (95.3 μg/ml). Moreover, among the three precursors analyzed, pentanoate was the most effective precursor, supporting the highest titer of FK506 in the FK506 high-yielding strain Streptomyces sp. RM7011.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.109-117
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• 2016

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between walking ability of lumbar spinal stenosis patients and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of lumbar paraspinal muscles. Methods This study was carried out on 62 lumbar spinal stenosis patients who had limited walking abilities because of neurogenic claudication (NC). All patients received more than 2 weeks of complex treatment at Mokhuri Neck&Back Hospital. CSA of lumbar paraspinal muscles was measured from axial T2-weighted MRI and divided by CSA of adjacent vertebral body to avoid influence of body statues (RCSA-Relative CSA). Pain Free Walking Distance and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) was measured before and after treatment. Results The Pain Free Walking Distance had significantly increased in patients who had bigger RCSA of psoas muscle (r=0.313, p<0.05). Conclusions The psoas muscle can be a predictive factor for restoring walking ability of lumbar spinal stenosis patients who have limitations walking.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.115-122
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• 2013

Volatile flavor compounds of Chamaecyparis obtuse essential oil were extracted by simultaneous steam distillation extraction (SDE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and analyzed by GC-MS. A total of 48 and 50 components were identified in essential oil by SDE and SFE, respectively. Monoterpenes, oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes in essential oil by SDE were 37.24, 10.9, 9.61, 0.22, and 0.22%, respectively. In the case of SFE, they were 19.1, 23.3, 22.66, 1.31, and 10.57%, respectively. Antioxidant activities were increased with the increase of essential oil up to $80{\mu}L/mL$, irrespective of extraction method. Especially, when the essential oil concentration extracted by SDE was increased from 20 to $80{\mu}L/mL$, the antioxidant activity was increased from 10.5 to 55.1%. However, over $80{\mu}L/mL$ of essential oil, an equilibrium state was maintained. In the case of essential oil extracted by SFE, it was decreased compared to that of SDE. For the improvement of atopic dermatitis, various cosmetics such as an ato-cide soap, ato-cide spray, and ato-cide lotion containing essential oil extracted by SFE were tested. About over 90% was useful for the improvement of atopic dermatitis after 4 weeks of clinical trial targeting 40 female adults. These results demonstrate that ato-cide soap, ato-cide spray, and ato-cide lotion containing essential oil extracted by SFE could be used in functional cosmetics.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.69 no.2
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• pp.75-80
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• 2010

The year of 2009~2010 brought a number of concepts and new ideas were evaluated with promising results. However, some studies that challenged many beliefs. In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), recent clinical studies took into consideration of pathophysiologic changes of respiratory system compliance. Meta-analysis of positive end-expiratory pressure trials showed survival benefit of high positive end-expiratory pressure in ARDS. Until now, prone positioning did not show survival benefit in patients with ARDS. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) based management improved survival in patients with severe ARDS. ECMO can be a management option in severe ARDS. Sedation is a standard practice in critically ill patients needing mechanical ventilation. However, Danish group reported less sedation of critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation was associated with an increase in days without ventilation. Although this single center study has some limitations, the overall results are promising. Use of maximal sterile barrier precautions (mask, sterile gown, sterile gloves, and large sterile drapes) with chlorhexidine-impregnated dressing reduced central venous catheter related infection. Selective oropharyngeal decontamination (application of topical antibiotics in the oropharynx) reduced the mortality rate of an intensive care unit (ICU) population. Normoglycemia in Intensive Care Evaluation and Survival Using Glucose Algorithm Regulation (NICE-SUGAR) trial reported intensive glucose control increased mortality among adults in the ICU. Some of the results of above papers are promising. However, some ideas may need for more frequent individual assessment and increase the workload of ICU staffs. Before implementation of new practice in ICU, we should take into consideration of individual hospital situation including human and material resources.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.151-159
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• 2018

Background: The pain involved in orthodontic treatments may involve inflammatory processes. This study evaluated the effect of using a naproxen patch for pain reduction in the separating stage of fixed orthodontic treatment. Methods: In this double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial of 35 orthodontic patients (age: 14-19 years) who had pain during separator placement, each patient randomly placed naproxen and placebo patches in the first permanent molar region, in opposite quadrants of the same jaw. Patches were replaced every 8 hours until 3 days after separator placement. Patients recorded their pain perception at 2, 6, and 24 hours, and on days 2 (6 PM), 3 (10 AM and 6 PM), and 7 (10 AM and 6 PM), using a visual analog scale. Mean pain scores were compared for the two patches, and effects of sex and age thereon determined. Results: Data from 29 patients (21 girls, eight boys) were analyzed. Mean pain values decreased over time for both patches (P < 0.001). Recorded pain did not differ significantly between the sexes (P = 0.059) or between those aged <16 and those ${\geq}16years$ (P = 0.106). Mean pain recorded with naproxen patches was statistically significantly less than that with placebo patches at all time points (P = 0.004). Conclusion: The naproxen patch was more efficient than the placebo patch for reducing pain at all time points. The highest pain score was recorded at 6 hours, and the least pain was recorded at the $7^{th}$ day after separator placement.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2018

This study reviewed the regulatory safety management system for prevention of side effects of veterinary medical devices in Korea based on data obtained through analyses of those medical devices. In order to ensure the safety of medical devices, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has established the management system include licensing, test inspection (134 designated clinical trial agencies) and post management. In addition, it was introduce the good manufacture practice (GMP) certification system and device tracking requirements. In contrast, it is necessary to establish regulations for side effects report and awareness on veterinary medical devices in Korea. The center for veterinary medicine of FDA in the United States has been operated side effects reporting system of veterinary medical devices from user, manufactures and distributor. Due to increase the use of various kinds of veterinary medical devices for animals, it should be required to improve regulation related to the licensing procedures, GMP system, and the side effects reporting system in our country.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.125-133
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• 2014

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of patellar taping on balance and gait abilities in chronic stroke patients. Design: Randomized placebo-controlled trial. Methods: Thirty chronic stroke patients who have been diagnosed at least six months or before were recruited from R hospital. These study subjects were randomized to the experimental group (n=15) or placebo group (n=15). In the experimental group, patellar taping was applied while for the placebo group, placebo taping was applied. The Balance System SD was used for measuring dynamic standing balance in these two groups. In addition, the GAITRite (CIR System Inc.) system was utilized for calculating gait performance in these patients. Results: After application of taping, the patellar taping group showed a significant decrease in dynamic standing balance in their sway area (p<0.05). However, in the placebo group, there was no significant difference in dynamic standing balance ability and gait ability before and after application of taping. Comparison of the patellar taping group and placebo group showed significant differences in dynamic standing balance ability and gait performance (p<0.05). Conclusions: From the results of this study, it appears that application of patellar taping in chronic stroke patients significantly improved dynamic standing balance ability and gait ability in these patients. Based on these results, patellar taping is thought to be useful in real clinical settings where there are many chronic patients who are in need of improvement in their balance and gait ability.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.175-188
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• 2014

Objectives: The study was implemented to observe how Oriental Medicine Music Therapy (Korean Medicine Music Therapy) influences on curing the symptoms of anger and depression. Methods: Study conducted an experiment with an age of 43 female who usually suffers from headache and dizziness, and frequently gets angry at her daughter. The Study was conducted for an hour, 1 times a week. In the present study, the whole program consisted of 7 sessions. Other than the Oriental Medicine Music Therapy, the patient had never been cured by other treatments. Results: 1. According to the result of STAXI analysis, the patient with anger scale of 36 (before treatment) became to have anger scale of 31 after the treatment, indicating that the therapy had positive effect on curing the anger symptom. 2. Moreover, the analysis result of BDI showed that the patient with depression scale of 17 (before treatment) turned out to be non-depression state, which he had the depression scale of 8. Regarding the results above, it was observed that the treatment cured the depression symptom. 3. Based on the result of SEI analysis, the patient with a SEI score of 139 (higher the SEI score, more the self-esteem one has) became to have score of 142 after the treatment. Conclusions: From the research, it was observed that Korean Medicine Music Therapy has positive influence on improving one's anger or depression control and self-esteem. Clinical trial is needed to verify statistical significance.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.199-206
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• 2021

Objectives : This study aimed to compare the characteristics of suicide attempts among Korean patients with mixed and non-mixed depression. Methods : Patients who visited the emergency room due to a suicide attempt and participated in the Korean Cohort for the Model Predicting a Suicide and Suicide-related Behavior study were included. Using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), 111 patients were classified into the mixed depression (n=46) and non-mixed depression groups (n=65). The Koukopoulos Mixed Depression Rating Scale (KMDRS) score was calculated using the MADRS and YMRS scores. Suicide attempt characteristics were evaluated using the Columbia Suicidal Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and Suicide Intent Scale (SIS). Results : In the mixed depression group, the reason item among the ideation intensity score of the C-SSRS was higher, and the deterrent item score was lower. Scores on the timing and suicide note items of the SIS were higher, and scores for overt communication items were lower in the mixed depression group. The KMDRS score was positively correlated with the C-SSRS ideation intensity and total SIS score. After adjusting for additional variables, the KMDRS scores had a significant effect on the C-SSRS ideation intensity and total SIS scores. Conclusions : The mixed depression group showed a difference in the intensity of suicidal ideation and suicidal intention compared to those in the non-mixed depression group. The overall suicidal ideation intensity and suicidal intention increased according to the degree of mixed depression.