• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.312-318
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• 2023

Objectives: We reviewed the operational definitions of colorectal cancer (CRC) from studies using the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) and compared CRC incidence derived from the commonly used operational definitions in the literature with the statistics reported by the Korea Central Cancer Registry (KCCR). Methods: We searched the MEDLINE and KoreaMed databases to identify studies containing operational definitions of CRC, published until January 15, 2021. All pertinent data concerning the study period, the utilized database, and the outcome variable were extracted. Within the NHIS-National Sample Cohort, age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) of CRC were calculated for each operational definition found in the literature between 2005 and 2019. These rates were then compared with ASRs from the KCCR. Results: From the 62 eligible studies, 9 operational definitions for CRC were identified. The most commonly used operational definition was "C18-C20" (n=20), followed by "C18-C20 with claim code for treatment" (n=3) and "C18-C20 with V193 (code for registered cancer patients' payment deduction)" (n=3). The ASRs reported using these operational definitions were lower than the ASRs from KCCR, except for "C18-C20 used as the main diagnosis." The smallest difference in ASRs was observed for "C18-C20," followed by "C18-C20 with V193," and "C18-C20 with claim code for hospitalization or code for treatment." Conclusions: In defining CRC patients utilizing the NHIS database, the ASR derived through the operational definition of "C18-C20 as the main diagnosis" was comparable to the ASR from the KCCR. Depending on the study hypothesis, operational definitions using treatment codes may be utilized.

• The Journal of Korean Medical History
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.81-92
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• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to analyze and identify the problems of current laws and regulations regarding preparation and processing of herbal medicines at hospitals of Korean Medicine. Possible solutions are proposed in the end Methods : Based on the status of hospitals of Korean Medicine and characteristics of Korean Medicine and Korean Medicine industry, I analyze the laws and regulations in regards to preparation and processing of herbal medicines and propose possible solutions. Results : Regulations for the agents, places, and cautions in respect of preparation and processing of herbal medicines are inadequate. Meanwhile, the definition of drug preparation in the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act does not apply to processing and preparation of herbal Medicines at hospitals of Korean Medicine, since herbal medicines accompanies chemical and physical change. Discussions & Conclusions : New regulations for on-site preparation at hospitals of Korean Medicine are necessary. Also, the definition for herbal medicines preparation, which states possible chemical and physical changes of herbal medicines, should be specified in Pharmaceutical Affairs Act.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.189-230
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• 2020

The metabolic syndrome, by definition, is not a disease but is a clustering of individual metabolic risk factors including abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. These risk factors could dramatically increase the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The reported prevalence of the metabolic syndrome varies, greatly depending on the definition used, gender, age, socioeconomic status, and the ethnic background of study cohorts. Clinical and epidemiological studies have clearly demonstrated that the metabolic syndrome starts with central obesity. Because the prevalence of obesity has doubly increased worldwide over the past 30 years, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome has markedly boosted in parallel. Therefore, obesity has been recognized as the leading cause for the metabolic syndrome since it is strongly associated with all metabolic risk factors. High prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is not unique to the USA and Europe and it is also increasing in most Asian countries. Insulin resistance has elucidated most, if not all, of the pathophysiology of the metabolic syndrome because it contributes to hyperglycemia. Furthermore, a major contributor to the development of insulin resistance is an overabundance of circulating fatty acids. Plasma fatty acids are derived mainly from the triglycerides stored in adipose tissues, which are released through the action of the cyclic AMP-dependent enzyme, hormone sensitive lipase. This review summarizes the latest concepts in the definition, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome, as well as its preventive measures and therapeutic strategies in children and adolescents.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.47-56
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• 2014

Objective : The aim of this study is to find out the significance of Chongu pulse diagnosis as the standard of measuring the result of the acupuncture on 'the affected part of the pulse wave' based on the literature. Method : (1) The clear concepts of the 'unaffected part' and the 'affected part' were organized. (2) The relation between the pulse diagnosis and the acupuncture in Hwangjenaekyung was studied. (3) The indications of Mu acupuncture treatment(繆刺法) and Geo acupuncture treatment(巨刺法) in Hwangjenaekyung was studied. (4) The types and changes of pulse diagnosis in Hwangjenaekyung was studied, especially based on the relation between Sambuguhu pulse diagnosis(三部九候脈診) and Chongu pulse diagnosis(寸口脈診). (5) By synthesizing these results, the significance of Chongu pulse diagnosis as the standard of measuring the result of the acupuncture on 'the affected part of the pulse wave' was found. Result & Conclusion : 1. When the affected part and the unaffected part are defined, it is necessary to make clear that which one of next three definitions is used ; Firstly, 'the broad sense of definition of the affected part and the unaffected part of the symptom', which contains the pulse wave. Secondly, 'the narrow sense of definition of the affected part and the unaffected part of the symptom', without the pulse wave. And thirdly, 'the definition of the affected and the unaffected part of the pulse wave', which has the only independent standard of the pulse wave. 2. Geo acupuncture treatment(巨刺法) is an acupuncture treatment which means the needling on 'the affected part of the pulse wave' based on Sambuguhu pulse diagnosis (三部九候脈診), and Mu acupuncture treatment(繆刺法) is an acupuncture treatment which means the needling on 'the unaffected part of the symptom based on the narrow sense of the definition'. The range of the indications of Mu acupuncture treatment(繆刺法) and Geo acupuncture treatment(巨刺法) contains most of the diseases which contains Rakbyung(絡病), Kyungbyung(經病) and Ojangbyung(五臟病). 3. Chongu pulse diagnosis(寸口脈診) contains not only the range of the indications of Sambuguhu pulse diagnosis(三部九候脈診), but also most of the diseases. 4. From synthesizing these results of the study on the literature, we infer that Chongu pulse diagnosis as the standard of measuring the result of the acupuncture on 'the affected part of the pulse wave' is significant.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.42-53
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• 2022

Objectives: The definition of Sanhupung (Puerperal wind disorder) has been varied and there has been a prior study to establish the definition, but no clear conclusion has been reached on diagnostic criteria. Therefore, the aim of this study was to clearly redefine the definition of Sanhupung using the Delphi method. Methods: This study used the Delphi technique. A panel consisting of 13 experts of Korean medicine, particularly in Obstetrics & Gynecology, participated in the Delphi survey that included answering the 3rd round survey. The Delphi survey was conducted by evaluating and correcting the questionnaire using e-mail. Results: Through the Delphi survey, we have reached an agreement regarding the diagnostic criteria of Sanhupung. They are as follows: 1) Sanhupung can be diagnosed based on basic symptoms. If one or more symptoms are expressed in the basic symptom group, it can be diagnosed as Sanhupung. It is diagnosed in detail as a pain type or a sensory impairment type according to the category of basic symptoms. 2) Incidental symptoms are not essential for diagnosis, and are referred to for checking general weakness and autonomic nervous system conditions. 3) In order to meet the diagnostic criteria, the symptoms should occur within 6 months after childbirth or miscarriage, and the cause of the symptoms should not be classified as other diseases. Conclusions: The diagnostic criteria of Sanhupung were suggested based on the Delphi survey among experts in the field. Further research is necessary to improve the reliability and validity of the criteria.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.522-529
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• 2021

Background: Burnout syndrome (BOS) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. This study aims to create the Korean version burnout syndrome scale (KBOSS) that conforms to WHO's definition of BOS and present the cut-off points for screening. Methods: We developed the KBOSS based on WHO's definition of BOS. An online survey was conducted through a specialized online research company. We recruited 444 workers for this research. The validity of the KBOSS was assessed using factor analysis and Pearson's correlation. The KBOSS reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The cut-off points for each of the three dimensions were derived using the upper quartile score. Results: The validity and reliability of the KBOSS were good. Regarding reliability, the scale's overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.813. Cronbach's alpha of each three-dimension was as follows: exhaustion, 0.916; cynicism, 0.865; and professional inefficacy, 0.819. The cut-off points of BOS three dimensions are exhaustion S 21; cynicism S 18; and inefficacy S 15. Conclusion: The developed questionnaire (KBOSS) can be a useful tool for screening of BOS.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.1111-1116
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• 2006

Medical science is an area of study that focuses on maintaining health and treating disease. However, modern medicine focuses on treating disease and neglects methodology of maintaining health. Although the definition of heal this defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and as the concept of harmonizing Yin and Yang in Korean medicine, there is no specific details regarding the definition. Thus, the following conclusion was obtained after the concept of health is viewed through Yin-Yang(陰陽), Vital Essence(精), Qi(氣), and Healthy Person(平人). Although Yin and Yang have opposite properties, they work very closely, maintaining the overall balance and harmony. Secondly, Vin and Yang would each function by the effects of one another, and the body could maintain normal physiological activities through this function. Thirdly, it maintains normal physiological state through the ascending Kidney-Water and descending Heart-Yang(水升火降). Fourthly, Vital Essence is divided into the congenital Essence(先天之精) and the acquired Essence(後天之精) in which the former is related with reproduction and the latter, nourishing. Fifthly, Qi is resistant to pathogens and related with the physique so that Qi and physique should be balanced. Sixthly, Healthy Person is the state where the exchange of Qi-Blood is active.

• The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.11-34
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• 2014

Promulgation of the medical practice rule without specific definition in Medical Law has brought about many constitutional issues. The major issue is that the law has the government punish unlicensed medical practice without defining what it is. Instead, the law chooses a license-centered structure of criminal punishment for medical malpractice, saying "no one can practice medicine without the government-approved license." This regulation violates the rule of "void for vagueness" based on the principle of "nulla poena nullum crimen sine lege." Judicial interpretation should be required for a citizen to understand the Medical Law provision intuitively. In addition, the law infringes upon the freedom of occupation of the unlicensed and the licensed who wish to extend his or her practice area for "holistic medicine." The central issue of the law is that it was established under no ground of professionalism even though medical practice has been understood professional. The government has centrally controlled the medical field for its needs. Lastly, the current law violates the right of medical selection of the consumers of medicine. Because patients have the right of health and life, they have to hold the latitude of selection for medical treatments. Especially, they should have an opportunity for considering the Complementary and Alternative Medicine if they want. But under the current rules, this medicine is not permitted. To correct those problems, a new provision for the definition of medical practice should be adopted at once.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.117-133
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• 2016

Objectives : Traditional Korean Emergency Medicine (EM) has been developing for thousands of years, however its value was not properly considered after 19th century modernization. The purpose of this study was to review the current status of EM in Korean Medicine and suggest methods for improvement. Methods : We performed systematic reviews of the definition, current medical system, and educational curriculum of EM in Western Medicine, traditional Korean and Chinese Medicine, and integrated Western and traditional Chinese medicine with the use of medical classics and text books. We also analyzed the trends in published research articles to discuss the current situation in the field of traditional Korean EM, and to provide methods for its establishment and development with traditional Korean medicine. Results : The definition of EM as a treatment of acute disease shares common understanding among traditional Korean, Chinese, and Western medicine. We presented descriptions of EM in many medical classics, however current law and EM service does not include these. As for the review of publications during the last 20 years, we found 21 articles in several fields that confirmed the need for more investigation. Conclusion : Traditional Korean EM has a long history and clinical experiences that can be found in medical classics, textbooks and research articles. There is an urgent need for more studies on traditional Korean EM as an emergency medical service system, and in terms of educational curriculum and related policies to improve Evidence-Based teaching.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.63 no.8
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• pp.310-311
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• 2020