• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.113-127
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• 2004

Objectives : The usage of acupuncture has gained popularity as an alternative method of treatment for certain chronic pain conditions. However, the efficacy of acupuncture in various diseases has not been fully established and the underlying mechanism is not clearly understood. In the present study, the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) applied to foot samli$(ST_{36})$ on the carrageenan-induced knee arthritic pain was examined. Methods : A common source of persistent pain in humans is the knee arthritis. Knee arthritis was induced by injection of 2 % carrageenan $50\;{\mu}l$ into the knee joint cavity. When rats developed pain behaviors, EA was applied for 30 min. under enflurane anesthesia with repeated train stimuli at the intensity of 10X of muscle twitch threshold. The weight bearing force of the hind limb was measured for an indicator of pain level after each manipulation. Results : The average weight borne by the hind limb during normal gait was 55% of total body weight, which was reduced to less than 10% after knee arthritis. EA improved the weight bearing of the arthritic hind limb significantly for the duration of 4 hr. EA applied to $ST_{36}$ point produced a significant improvement of stepping force of the arthritic foot lasting for at least 4 h. However, $GB_{31}$ point did not produce any significant increase of weight bearing force. The analgesic effect was specific to the acupuncture point since the analgesic effect on the knee arthritis model could not be mimicked by EA applied to a nearby point, $GB_{31}$. The relations between EA-induced analgesia and endogenous nitric oxide(NO) and inducible NO synthase(iNOS)/neuronal NOS was also examined. Results were turned out that both NO production and nNOS/iNOS protein expression which is increased by arthritis were suppressed by EA stimulation applied to $ST_{36}$ point. Conclusions : The data suggest 1) that EA produces a potent analgesic effect on the rat model of chronic knee arthritis pain in a point specific manner and 2) that EA-induced analgesia modulate endogenous NO through the suppression of nNOS/iNOS protein expression.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.468-475
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• 1988

The cloned B. subtilis cdd gene encoding cytidine/2'deoxycytidine deaminase (EC 3.5.4.5) was expressed in the cdd deficient B. subtilis mutant ED40. The gene was isolted from the cdd complementing plasmid pSO21, and inserted into the EcoR1/Pvu1 sites of pGB215-110 ΔB, which is a temperature sensitivie E. coli-B. subtilis shuttle vector. In the transformed B. subtilis ED4O harboring the resulting plasmid pSO100, cdd was expressed at several hundred fold elevated levels, and the cytidine deaminase activity in E. coli containing pSO100 was twice the level in B. subtilis/pSO0100. The Km value for cytidine of the partially purified enzyme is 1.88$\times$10$^{-4}$M at pH 7.0 and the V$_{max}$ = 11.1 $\mu$mol/min/mg of protein. The enzyme was completely inhibited by 0.1M mercaptoethanol and HgCl$_2$. The inhibition by p-chrolomercurybenzoic acid showed a Ki = 5 uM. These results suggest that sulfhydryl reagents block an active site thiol group, and/or disturb the formation of the tetrameic holoenzyme.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.175-183
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• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Sumsu (Bufonis venenum) pharmacopuncture on insomnia and depression. Methods : We investigated 32 patients with a sleep disorder who had been recruited at a Korean medical hospital from March $1^{st}$, 2014 to April $16^{th}$, 2015. We divided subjects into two groups : The control group(N=15) was treated with Normal Saline and the experimental group(N=17) was treated with Sumsu(Bufonis venenum) pharmacopuncture. The subjects were injected with 0.05 ml~0.1 ml, for a total of 0.6 ml on each acupuncture point. These were Pungbu ($GV_{16}$), Pungi ($GB_{20}$), Gyeonjeong ($GB_{21}$), and Anmyun(EX-$HN_{20}$). Both groups were evaluated with the beck depression inventory(BDI) and given an insomnia score before treatment, after one week, two weeks and four weeks from the initial visit. Results : The Insomnia score and BDI decreased significantly in the experimental group. In comparing the control group with the experimental group, there was a more significant improvement of the insomnia score in the experimental group during all periods of this study. However, the difference of change in BDI between the control group and experimental group was only significant in the first week. Conclusions : Sumsu (Bufonis venenum) pharmacopuncture can be used as an effective treatment for patients with insomnia and depression.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.27-49
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• 2009

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Yanghyuljanggeungunbo-tang(Yangxuezhuangjinjianbu-tang) and Cervi Cornu Parvum pharmaco-acupuncture in Spinal Cord Injury(SCI)-induced rats. Methods : The subjects were divided into 5 groups ; Normal, Control no treatment after SCI, Experimental I taken with Yanghyuljanggeungunbo-tang (Yangxuezhuangjinjianbu-tang) 500 mg/kg $0.5m{\ell}$ daily after inducing SCI. Experimental II taken with Cervi Cornu Parvum pharmaco-acupuncture at Taegye(KI3) and $Yangnungch{\acute{o}}n$(GB34) after inducing SCI and Experimental III taken with Yanghyuljanggeungunbo-tang(Yangxuezhuangjinjianbu-tang) 500 mg/kg $0.5m{\ell}$ and Cervi Cornu Parvum pharmaco-acupuncture at KI3 and GB34 to SCI-induced rats. After each operation, the present author observed the motor behavior recovery and nerve regeneration by analysis of the motor behavior tests, EMG, hematological(AST, ALT, WBC), histological and immunological changes. Rats were tested at modified Tarlov test at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th day, and Motor behavior test at 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st day. Results : Results are as follows. 1. All the experimental groups were improved compared with control group in the motor behavior tests including Tarlov test, Basso-Beattle-Bresnahan locomotor rating scale, modified inclined plane test, open field test, grid walk test and narrow beam test. Especially Experimental III was improved significantly among other groups. 2. In EMG test, H wave appeared weak only in Experimental III. And M wave was increased significantly in Experimental III. 3. All the experimental groups were significantly decreased compared with control group in serum AST, serum ALT and serum WBC tests. 4. significantly decreased in Tumor Necrosis Factor-${\alpha}$ test compared with the first day of SCI. 5. Muscle contraction and denaturation of all the experimental groups were inhibited in histological observations of gastrocnemius muscle. Especially, those of experimental III was more effective. 6. NGF and BDNF of spinal cord gray matter in all the experimental groups were increased compared with control group. Especially, those of experimental III was more effective. Conclusions : As above, it can be suggested that Yanghyuljanggeungunbo-tang(Yangxuezhuangjinjianbu-tang) and Cervi Cornu Parvum pharmaco-acupuncture may improve motor behavior, EMG, hematological, histological and immunological findings in Spinal Cord Injury(SCI)-induced rats. Especially, effects will be somewhat better in combination of these two treatments.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.101-113
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Samgi-Halleak pharmacopuncture treatment on insomnia and fatigue. Methods : This study was done with 47 nurses under shiftwork schedule. Subjects were divided into two groups ; Samgi-Halleak pharmacopuncture treated group(experimental group, N=24), normal saline treated group(control group, N=23). The procedures had been conducted to the subjects injecting 0.1~0.2mL total 1mL, 0.5~1cm deep on each acupoint 2 times per week. The acupoints were Pungji($GB_{20}$), Gyeonjeong($GB_{21}$), Sinsu($BL_{23}$). Both of groups were treated total 8 times, but control group was treated additional pharmacopuncture the same way as experimental group after 8 times normal saline treatment. The collected data were analyzed with insomnia and fatigue at baseline and post pharmacopuncture using independent samples t-test, Paired t-test, ${\chi}^2$-test by SPSS 18.0 Windows program. Results : After 8 times treatment, the scores of both groups showed significant improvement in insomnia and fatigue. Comparing the experimental and control group, there were more significant improvement in experimental group than control group in the scores of insomnia and fatigue. Conclusions : Samgi-Halleak pharmacopuncture can be used for effective treatment in patients with insomnia and fatigue.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.205-214
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• 2009

Objectives : This study was designed to evaluate objectively the efficacy of bee-venom acupuncture on Central post-stroke patients. Methods : After screening, 25 patients recruited with eligible criteria. Among them 1 dropped out in treatment group, 4 in control group. We applied bee-venom acupuncture 6 points of body($LI_{15}$, $GB_{21}$, $LI_{11}$, $GB_{31}$, $ST_{36}$, $GB_{39}$) 2 times a week for 3 weeks for treatment group, and normal saline for control group in the same way. After 3 weeks treatment and 2 weeks follow up we measured VAS, categorial rating scale as a pain assessment also MBI, Modified Rankin Scale as a stroke recovery. Results : 1. Treatment group showed significant difference in VAS, categorial rating scale after treatment and 2 weeks follow up, compared with baseline. The control group showed significant difference between baseline and after treatment But the 2 weeks follow up, there is no significant difference compared with baseline. Also there's no significant difference in categorial rating scale. 2. MBI showed significant difference in treatment group between baseline and after treatment, but the control group did not have any difference. There's no significant difference in Modified Rankin Scale for treatment group and control group. 3. There's no significant difference between control group and treatment group. This is because of the small sample size in the study, Thus it seems to reflect individual difference strongly. Conclusions : There are positive effect on CPSP patients in pain and stroke recovery treating with bee-venom acupuncture than control group.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.67-84
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• 2010

Objectives : To review RCTs on acupuncture treatment for shoulder pain in order to establish a standard acupuncture treatment model in treating shoulder pain. Methods : RCT articles on traditional acupuncture treatment for shoulder pain were searched through online database. Quality of studies were assessed using the FEAS and the modified Jadad score. Results : Eighteen trials of acupuncture for shoulder pain were analyzed. Based on the results of these reviews the following factors might contribute to optimal results from acupuncture treatment. 1) Usage of LI, SI, TE meridians, usage of $LI_{15}$, $TE_{14}$, $GB_{21}$, $LI_{11}$, $LI_4$, $SI_{14}$, $LI_{14}$, $TE_{15}$ acupuncture points. 2) More than four acupuncture points should be used. 3) More than 15 minutes of needle retention time. 4) Needle length-40mm and diameter-0.30mm. 5) More than 9 times treatment 6) More than 5 weeks treatment duration. Conclusions : There was no relation between quality of article and effectiveness of acupuncture. To improve the remedial value, it is necessary to mention De-qi, stimulation of acupuncture and correct variation in diagnosis with the above-mentioned. It is better that clinical trials of acupuncture treatment is designed that type of RCT and double blind. Also when it is set that sham nonpenetrating acupuncture, no treatment group as a control group, and participants don't distinguish wheather acupuncture treatment or not, it will be more meaningful.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.141-149
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• 2009

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to find out proper method for clinical application of acupoints in Bell's palsy patients by using of digital infrared thermographic imaging(DITI). Methods : We investigated 44 cases of patients with Bell's palsy and checked thermal differences between abnormal and normal acupoint sites by using of DITI. Then we drew a comparison between acupoints of DITI and HBGS, ENoG, NET. We used Pearson's correlation for statistical analysis. Results : The HBGS was significantly correlated with ENoG, NET. The thermal difference of ST3 was significantly correlated with HBGS, Lip and Buccal abnormal site of NET. And the thermal differences between ST3 and GB21 were significantly correlated with ENoG, Forehead abnormal site of NET. Conclusions : Severity of Bell's palsy can be evaluated through DITI.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.19-28
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• 2009

Objectives : We tried to investigate the effects of Panax Ginseng Radix pharmacopuncture and Zizyphi Spinosi Semen pharmacopuncture on human body with the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) in adult man. As well as we tried to investigate how safe Panax Ginseng Radix and Zizyphi Spinosi Semen pharmacopuncture on the the human being. Methods : We investigated on 44 healthy volunteers consisted of 16 subjects in Panax Ginseng Radix pharmacopuncture group, 13 subjects in Zizyphi Spinosi Semen pharmacopuncture group and 15 subjects in Normal Saline. We ruled out subjects who wasn't stable by rest, with in the limit of normal heart beat(60-120cycle/min). Study form was a randomized, clinical trial. Each group was injected Panax Ginseng Radix pharmacopuncture, Zizyphi Spinosi Semen pharmacopuncture and Normal Saline $0.2m{\ell}$ at $GB_{21}$(Kyonjong). We measured HRV on 7 times : before and after injection per 5 minutes during 30 minutes. The SPSS 13.0 for windows was used to analyze the data by the paired t-test(in the group) and Anova test(among the groups) were used to verify the result. Results : 1. After Panax Ginseng Radix pharmacopuncture injection, SDNN was significantly high, pNN50 was significantly low, Ln(TP) was significantly high, Ln(VLF) was significantly high, Ln(LF) was significantly high at 30 minutes. 2. After Zizyphi Spinosi Semen pharmacopuncture injection, Complexity was significantly low, Ln(VLF) was significantly high at 30 minutes. 3. HRV-index made a significant difference between the Zizyphi Spinosi Semen pharmacopuncture and normal saline at 5 minutes(p=0.02). 4. There wasn's any pain the injected region and whole body, rubefaction, uredo, nausea, vomiting, colic, headache, dizziness within 24 hours. Measured data and mean value of Mean-HRV was within normal range. Conclusions : The results suggested that and Panax Ginseng Radix pharmacopuncture in healthy adult man tended to activate the vagus nervous system within normal range.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.1-7
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• 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study was to observe the effect of Embedding therapy on frozen shoulder. Methods: 57 patients with frozen shoulder were treated with Embedding therapy. It was performed once a day, once per a week. 15~20 Embedding thread were used in one time Embedding therapy. The total number of Embedding therapy was 10. Trapezius muscle including the Gyeonjeong ($GB_{21}$), Deltoid muscle including the Nosu ($SI_{10}$), Supraspinatus muscle including the Byeongpung ($SI_{12}$), Infraspinatus muscle including the Cheonjong ($SI_{11}$) and gokwon($SI_{13}$), Lavator scapular muscle including the Gyeonjunsu ($SI_{15}$), Rhomboides major muscle including the Pungmun ($BL_{12}$), Rhomboides minor muscle including the Daejeo ($BL_{11}$) and Teres major muscle including the Gyeonjeong ($SI_{19}$). VAS scale, SPADI scale and ROM were compared between before and after treatment to evaluate the effect of Embedding therapy. Results: VAS scale decreased significantly (p=0.003). SPADI Scale decreased significantly (pain (p=0.006), disability(p=0.005)). ROM angle range increased significantly(flexion (p=0.005), extension(p=0.005), abduction(p=0.003), adduction(p=0.003), external rotation (p=0.005), internalrotation(p=0.005)). 29.8% patients were very much satisfied, 62.0% patients were satisfied and 8.0% patients were answered so so about Embedding therapy. Conclusion: The Embedding therapy could be effective to improve symptoms of frozen shoulder.