• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.143-153
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• 2018

Background: The determination of the amount of radionuclides and internal dose for the worker who may have intake of radionuclides results in a variation due to uncertainty of measurement data and ingestion information. As a result of this, it is possible that for the same internal exposure scenario assessors could make considerably different estimation of internal dose. In order to reduce this difference, internal exposure scenarios for nuclear facilities were developed, and intercomparison were made to determine the harmonization of dose assessment results among the assessors. Materials and Methods: Seven cases on internal exposures incidents that have occurred or may occur were prepared by referring to the intercomparison excercise scenario that NRC and IAEA have carried out. Based on this, 16 nuclear facilities concerned with internal exposure in Korea were asked to evaluate the scenarios. Each result was statistically determined according to the harmonization discrimination criteria developed by IDEAS/IAEA. Results and Discussion: The results were evaluated as having no outliers in all 7 cases. However, the distribution of the results was spread by various causes. They can be divided into two wide categories. The first one is the distribution of the results according to the assumption of the intake factors and the evaluation factors. The second one is distribution due to misapplication of calculation method and factors related to internal exposure. Conclusion: In order to satisfy the harmonization criteria and accuracy of the internal exposure dose evaluation, it is necessary that exact guidelines should be set on low dose, and various intercomparison cases also be needed including high dose exposure as well as the specialized education. The aim of the blind test is to make harmonization evaluation, but it will also contribute to securing the expertise and high quality of dose evaluation data through the discussion among the participants.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.800-809
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• 2008

Objective : Although chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrcme(CP/CPPS) is a common disease, there is no consensus on the etiology or pathology and treatment. This was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, investigating the therapeutic effects of the traditional Korean medicine, Bosingunyang-tang(BSGYT). Method : Participants who met US National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus criteria for CP/CPPS were entered after applying inclusion/exclusion criteria. They were randomized to the BSGYT or placebo group. and treated three times a day for 6 weeks. NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) was used to estimate the clinical symptoms of CP/CPPS. Prostaglandin E2 and ${\beta}$-endorphin in prostatic fluid, collected by 2-glass pre-massage and post-massage test, were analyzed as factors associated with pain and inflammation. Result : The mean decrease in NIH-CPSI total score of the BSGYT group was 11.0 points, which is 5.7 points more than the placebo group. (Mann Whitney test P=0.038) Also the BSGYT group showed three times higher response rate than the placebo group in NIH-CPSI pain subscale score. (Fisher's exact test P=0.027) In those responders, prostaglandin E2 decreased significantly. (Wilcoxon's signed-ranks test P=0.037). No specific side effects were observed. Conclusion : After a 6-week treatment period, BSGYT improved clinical symptoms of CP/CPPS patients by decreasing PGE2 level in prostatic fluid.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.165-170
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• 2010

This study assessed effects of magnetic acu-point therapy as an add-on to conventional antihypertensive managements such as medication or lifestyle modification for hypertensive or pre-hypertensive subjects. This study was conducted with the purpose to evaluate the decreasing effect of the blood pressure on the hypertensive patients who were given to magnetic acu-point therapy. A single-blind, placebo-controlled trial by cross matching was conducted at Daejeon University Oriental Hospital. The washout periods of cross matching are 10 days. 22 hypertensive (systolic BP>140 mmHg or diastolic BP>90 mmHg) volunteers were recruited and treatments were donemagnetic acu-points on Oegwan(TE 5), Jogimeup(GB 41), Naegwan(PC 6), Gongson(SP 4), Hugye(SI 3), Sinmaek(BL 62). The treated group was statistically significant decrease of the blood pressure, while control group show no statistically significant difference of BP. From the results, magnetic acu-point therapy seems to offer a benefit to the treatment of hypertensive patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.79 no.2
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• pp.98-100
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• 2016

We present a rare case of critically compromised airway secondary to a massively dilated sequestered colon conduit after several revision surgeries. A 71-year-old male patient had several operations after the diagnosis of gastric cancer. After initial treatment of pneumonia in the pulmonology department, he was transferred to the surgery department for feeding jejunostomy because of recurrent aspiration. However, he had respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. The chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed pneumonic consolidation at both lower lungs and massive dilatation of the substernal interposed colon compressing the trachea. The dilated interposed colon was originated from the right colon, which was sequestered after the recent esophageal reconstruction with left colon interposition resulting blind pouch at both ends. It was treated with CT-guided pigtail catheter drainage via right supraclavicular route, which was left in place for 2 weeks, and then removed. The patient remained well clinically, and was discharged home.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.524-529
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• 2005

Socheongryong-tang(SCRT) is widely used to treat the common cold. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of SCRT on Punghan type(風寒型) and Pungyeol type(風熱型) common cold. 98 registered students with commom colds of recent onset were randomized to the double blind, placebo-controlled study. SCRT extract in capsule, $5.4g(1.8g{\times}3cap)$, orally dissolved 3 times a day. The severity of illness was assessed by the physician, using a 5-point scale on start and finish. In Pungyeol type common cold, no statistically significant differences were detected between the SCRT and placebo groups for any of the measured outcomes. In Punghan type common cold, SCRT significantly reduced rhinorrhea (p=0.034) and nasal stuffiness (p=0.048) compared with placebo. This study shows that SCRT is effective in treating cold symptoms in Punghan type common cold. If patients with cold are able to be administered SCRT according to common cold type, the benefit would be expected to increase.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.633-638
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• 2001

Objective : Stroke is the most frequent cause of death in Korea. Because it remains severe disablities disturbing normal life, it is important to carry out intervention preventing from progression of condition in patients with acute ischemic stroke within therapeutic time window. Thus early thrombolysis is beneficial for patients with acute ischemic stroke. However its therapeutic efficacy is not known in combination with oriental medical therapy. In this study, we investigated the safety and the clinical effect of continous intravenous urokinase therapy and oriental medical therapy. Methods : Twenty eight patients with acute onset of ischemic stroke no later than three days received continous infusion of urokinase and oriental medical therapy. We estimated the subjects's neurological deficit and functional status with National institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke Scale(NIHSS) and Europian Stroke Scale (ESS) prior to therapy, on day 3, 7, 14 after the starting urokinase therapy and on day at discharge. Results: After day 7, the scores of NIHSS and ESS were improved significantly. There are no differences in therapeutic effects of the interval between onset of stroke and initiation of therapy. Complication were noted in four(14%) patients, but these are not fatal complication and make no neurological deficiency. Conclusion : The results of these investment suggest that continuous intravenous urokinase with oriental medical therapy could be a safe and effective intervention to prevent from progression in acute ischemic stroke. But this findings should be confirmed in multicenter double blind controlled trial.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.778-786
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• 2008

Objectives : This study was to investigate the short time effect of caffeine on heart rate variability(HRV) and the effect of Neiguan(PC6) acupuncture stimulation on HRV. Methods : 27 healthy adult volunteers were randomly allocated to two groups: Neiguan group (N=13) or placebo group (N=14). The study was carried out under a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial method. Each group orally received the same tablets with 200 mg caffeine. After 1 hour, acupuncture was applied to the Neiguan(PC6) points for the Neiguan group, and for the placebo group was applied to a non-acupuncture point. Both groups were estimated with HRV 3 times, before and after caffeine ingestion, 20 minutes after acupuncture stimulation. Results : After taking caffeine, pulse rate, mean-HRV, and pNN50(the proportion derived by dividing NN50 by the total number of NN intervals) decreased, SDNN(standard deviation of all normal-to-normal (NN) intervals), RMSSD (the root square of successive differences), TP log, HF(high frequency), and HRV index was increased. There were significant changes to the autonomic nervous system after taking caffeine. There were no significant differences between the two groups after acupuncture at Neiguan. Conclusion : Caffeine could induce general activation of the autonomic nervous system. Neiguan acupuncture stimulation may not have significant influence on the autonomic nervous system.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.1349-1355
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• 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of additional administration of Banha-sasim-tang formulation to patients with gastrointestinal symptoms that did not improve with Western medicines. Methods: The patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed retrospectively. A paired t-test was performed on the Nepean Dyspepsia Index-Korean version (NDI-K) scores before and after administering the Banha-sasim-tang formulation. Results: A total of 27 subjects were included. The mean duration of taking the Banha-sasim-tang formulation was 15.6±3.1 days. The most commonly used Western medicine before taking the Banha-sasim-tang formulation was rebamipide. The means of the NDI-K score were 57.4±21.8 before administering Banha-sasim-tang formulation and 34.9±16.5 after administration, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.0001). No serious side effects were encountered while taking the Banha-sasim-tang formulation. Conclusions: For patients whose gastrointestinal symptoms do not improve with Western medicines, additional administration of Banha-sasim-tang formulation may be an option. However, as this study is a retrospective chart review, prospective, large-scale, double-blind studies are needed in the future.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.131-141
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• 2012

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and biosafety of Adenophorae Radix(AR) extract in obesity or overweight patient. Methods: This study is double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled intervention Study. 30 patients with BMI $25{\leq}$ and 30> were allotted into two groups at random. In 0, $6^{th}$, $12^{th}$ week, we had checked body weight, waist line, hip line, body fat and abdominal CT scan. In 0, $12^{th}$ week, we also had checked lipid metabolism and biosafety with blood test. Results: AR treatment had a significant effect on suppressing body wight gain (p<0.01) and BMI index(p<0.01). AR treatment reduced plasma TG level but we couldn't find statistical significance. AR treatment had produced no adverse reactions. Conclusions: This study shows that Adenophorae Radix(AR) extract can reduce the weight, BMI. Adenophorae Radix(AR) extract can be used in obesity or overweight patient.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.135-143
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• 2017

Objectives : This trial aimed to determine if Wasong (Orostachys japonicus) extract can enhance immune system and is safe enough to be approved as a health functional food. Methods : Total 62 people, aged 45 and older, will be recruited to participate in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. This study will compare Wasong extract and placebo. Wasong group will take 1g of Wasong extract, once a day, for 8 weeks. Placebo group will take 1g of crystalline cellulose as placebo, once a day, for 8 weeks. Outcomes will be measured at the baseline, the end of 4th week, and 8th week. Primary outcomes are the ratio of NK cells/total lymphocytes and the ratio of T-helper cells/T-suppressor cells. Secondary outcomes are total white blood cell count, the ratio of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes in total leukocytes, the ratio of total T cells, T-helper cells, T-suppressor cells, and B cells to lymphocytes, the amount of blood IgM, IgG, IgA, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG, and blood metabolite target &global analysis. Results : This trial was approved by institutional review board of Pusan National University Korean Medicine Hospital (registry number: 2016006), and registered in Clinical Research information Service, one of WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (registry number: PRE20161006-002). Recruitment opened in February 2017 and is supposed to be completed by August 2017. The result is expected to be published by June 2018. Conclusion : This trial will provide clinical information to determine the efficacy and safety of Wasong in enhancing immune system of middle-aged and older people.