• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.163-173
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• 2015

Objectives : The aim of this study is to determine whether Chinemys reevesii Gray pharmacopuncture is a clinically effective treatment for women with knee osteoarthritis. Methods : Female patients with knee osteoarthritis were recruited from May $1^{st}$, 2014 to April $15^{th}$, 2015 at the Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine of Dong-Eui University Korean Medical Hospital. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups. 4.0 ml of Chinemys reevesii Gray pharmacopuncture was injected at acupuncture points of the experimental group(n = 24) twice a week for three weeks. The control group(n = 24) received 5 % dextrose injections in order to identically stimulate the same acupuncture points of $ST_{35}$, $ST_{34}$, $SP_9$, $SP_{10}$, $GB_{34}$, $LR_8$, $EX-LE_4$, and $EX-LE_2$. The Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire(SF-MPQ), the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(KWOMAC), and the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions(EQ-5D) were recorded to evaluate treatment efficacy at first visit, after two weeks and four weeks from the initial visit. Results : 40 patients completed the trial. The experimental group showed more significant improvement than the control group in the scores of SF-MPQ, KWOMAC, and EQ-5D. However, there was no significant difference between groups in a few of the assessment scales. Conclusions : Chinemys reevesii Gray pharmacopuncture can be an effective treatment in control of pain, improvement in function and health-related quality of life for women with knee osteoarthritis.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.41 no.8
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• pp.807-823
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• 2008

This paper presents a technique for estimating discharge rating curve parameters. In typical practical applications, the original non-linear rating curve is transformed into a simple linear regression model by log-transforming the measurement without examining the effect of log transformation. The model of pseudo-likelihood estimation is developed in this study to deal with heteroscedasticity of residuals in the original non-linear model. The parameters of rating curves and variance functions of errors are simultaneously estimated by the pseudo-likelihood estimation(P-LE) method. Simulated annealing, a global optimization technique, is adapted to minimize the log likelihood of the weighted residuals. The P-LE model was then applied to a hypothetical site where stage-discharge data were generated by incorporating various errors. Results of the P-LE model show reduced error values and narrower confidence intervals than those of the common log-transform linear least squares(LT-LR) model. Also, the limit of water levels for segmentation of discharge rating curve is estimated in the process of P-LE using the Heaviside function. Finally, model performance of the conventional log-transformed linear regression and the developed model, P-LE are computed and compared. After statistical simulation, the developed method is then applied to the real data sets from 5 gauge stations in the Geum River basin. It can be suggested that this developed strategy is applied to real sites to successfully determine weights taking into account error distributions from the observed discharge data.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.67-83
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• 2006

The present study examined that in Vivo/Vitro test is investigated in normotensive sham-operated rats (NSR) and aldosterone-analogue deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats (ADHR) and that the antihypertensive effect was induced by silver spike point (SSP) electrical stimulation at meridian points(CV-3, -4, Ki-12, SP-6, LR-3, BL-25, -28, -32, -52), specifically, such as aldosterone in 24 hour urine analysis from healthy volunteer. The gross examination and morphometric-histological changes, such as hypertrophy, production of necrotic tissues, and the changes of cell arrangement on the kidney, and adrenal gland were markedly observed in aldosterone-analogue DOCA-salt hypertensive rats compared with those from normotensive sham-operated rats. The systolic blood pressure, weight of kidney and adrenal gland were significantly increased in ADHR than that in NSR. The required time of PSS-induced resting tone was significantly increased in ADHR than that in NSR. However, the voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) currents were significantly decreased in ADHR than that in NSR. The urine analysis showed that the concentration of aldosterone was significantly decreased in resting state from the elderly people compared with those from the adolescent healthy volunteer. The current of 1 Hz continue type of SSP electrical stimulation significantly decreased in the concentration of aldosterone of 24 hour urine from the elderly people. These results suggest that the development of aldosterone analogue-induced hypertension is associated with changed the weight of kidney and adrenal gland, blood pressure, resting tone and Kv currents, which directly affects blood pressure. Therefore, the hypertension is a risk factor on cerebrovascular disease. Moreover, these results suggest that the diminished responsiveness to SSP electrical stimulation, especially current of 1Hz continue type, in elderly people may be, in part, related by the increased of antihypertensive effects.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.1-19
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• 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the research trends of randomized controlled trials on Traditional Korean Medicine treatment for postpartum depression in women. Methods: In order to investigate the effect of Traditional Korean Medicine on postpartum depression, randomized controlled trials on postpartum depression were searched using domestic and foreign search engines and a total of 11 studies were selected. Results: 1. There were 6 studies comparing Traditional Korean Medicine treatment methods with western medicine: fluoxetine hydrochloride (4), paroxetine (1), and mirazapine (1). 2. There were 5 studies comparing methods of Traditional Korean Medicine or sham acupuncture: 1 study evaluated the efficacy of Balance Acupuncture and Guipi Decoction, 1 study compared the effects of conventional acupuncture and Dispersing Liver Regulating Spirit Acupuncture, 1 study evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture and Heat-sensitive Moxibustion, 1 study compared the effects of conventional acupuncture and Musical Electroacupuncture, and 1 study compared the effects of conventional acupuncture and non-invasive sham acupuncture. 3. Postpartum depression is closely related to Heart and Liver, and there were many studies using acupoints Taichong (LR3) and Shenmen (HE7). Cranial acupoints Baihui (DU20) and Yintang (EX-HN3) were also frequently used. 4. Xiaoyaosan and Guipi Decoction were used in herbal medicine treatment for postpartum depression. 5. Novel treatment methods such as Heat-sensitive Moxibustion and Musical Electroacupuncture were used to treat postpartum depression. Conclusion: Traditional Korean Medicine treatment is a good treatment option for postpartum depression. Further systematic studies are needed to establish the basis for Traditional Korean Medicine treatment for postpartum depression.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.177-186
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• 2014

Objectives : The aim of this study is to report a case of a 51-year-old patient with Herpes zoster, whose symptoms were relieved within five weeks after the East-west medical combined treatment. Methods : A Herpes zoster patient with extreme pain around the right lower ribs and lower back was admitted into the Korean medicine hospital. Bee venom acupuncture was applied directly onto the site of pain and electroacupuncture was applied on $GV_6-BL_{20}$, inferior site of spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra-$BL_{21}$, $GV_5-BL_{22}$, $GV_4-BL_{23}$ six times a week. Moxibustion was applied on $BL_{49}$, $BL_{50}$, $BL_{51}$, $BL_{52}$, $GB_{25}$, $LR_{13}$ six times a week, and the patient took daily doses of herbal medicine and western medicines such as anticonvulsants, analgesics, antiepileptics. The patient's symptoms were evaluated with numeric rating scale(NRS) and neuropathic pain scale(NPS). Results : The results were as follows: 1. After the East-west medical combined treatment, the NRS grade decreased from 8 to 1. 2. On the neuropathic pain scale, the patient's symptoms changed from deep sharp pain and burning sensation to superficial dull pain and coldness. Sensitivity to touch, discomfort, and itchiness also decreased. Sudden attacks of pain appeared 14 to 21 days after onset, but disappeared after final treatment. Conclusions : The results of the above patient suggests that the East-west medical combined treatment may be effective for total remission of herpes zoster. Further research is needed to confirm such effects.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.25-42
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• 2017

Objectives The goal of this review was to investigate clinical, experimental and literature studies of Korean medicine on atopic dermatitis (AD) of Korean children in Korean medicine literature, seeking for the better research methods for more effective treatments. Methods Electronic investigations were practiced on AKOP (The Association of Korean Oriental Pediatrics, http://www.akop.or.kr) to collect theses which were published by J Pediatr Korean Med. The key word 'Atopy' was used for searching to ensure that every related thesis was collected. The publication date was limited from 1996 to 2016. The selected literatures were assessed mainly according to distributions of study type, publication year, scale, treatment and its efficacy. Results 55 papers were selected from 59 studies. In these collected 55 related theses, there were 29 experimental studies (52.73%), 18 clinical studies (32.73%), 8 review studies (14.55%). In the 29 experimental studies, there were 20 studies (68.97%) using NC/Nga mouse as subjects. The mite antigen was used to trigger AD by 8 studies (27.59%). The studies have been utilizing DNCB and DNFB instead of mite antigen since 2011. All the experimental studies showed that the Korean medicine was effective in AD. In total 18 clinical studies, 3 studies (16.67%) were case reports, only 1 thesis (5.56%) was conducted by case control study and the rest were case series studies. 7 studies (38.89%) of 18 studies diagnosed AD according to Hanifin and Rajka's diagnostic criteria (1980), only 1 study (5.56%) according to the Korean standard and the rest 10 studies (55.56%) didn't mention diagnostic criteria. 12 clinical studies (66.67%) showed efficacy in treating AD. There were 10 studies (55.56%) only employing internal treatments and 1 thesis (5.56%) didn't mention the exact prescription. Naesowhajungtang-kamibang, Saenghyeoryunbue-um were used 3 times (16.67%) as the internal medicine respectively. 5 theses (27.78%) were combined with acupuncture therapy. Hegu (LI4), Sanyinjiao (SP6) were used in 4 theses, and Taichong (LR3), Quchi (LI11), Zusanli (ST36) in 3 theses. The number of acupoints chosen from The Spleen meridian of Foot-Taiyin was the largest. There were 8 review theses. 2 were about the foreign oriental medicine, 3 were about the external medicine or external treatment methods, and 3 other studies were about severity scoring systems, the methodological study in the latest clinical study, overview for pattern and results of herbal medicine-derived AD clinical researches. Conclusions The experimental studies and clinical studies showed the effectiveness of Korean medicine treatments. However, this study still needs improving by conducting more comparative studies and using better research methods, in order to find more effective treatments to improve clinical efficacy.

• Korea Trade Review
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.277-296
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• 2017

More than 95% of imports and exports in the World are being transported by vessels. In other words, marine transportation accounts for a large portion of share in the world trade. The purpose of this study is to analyze factors of seaborne trade volume according to items affecting on the world economy. This study conducted a linear regression analysis between seaborne trade volume and the world economy (world GDP) to estimate the correlation between them. Panel data analysis and random effects model analysis have been applied to examine the effect of seaborne trade volume. For this study, the seaborne trade volume is categorized into 10 items, and estimated how much global GDP will be affected when the trade volume changes. In addition, the granger causality test was conducted to verify the relationship between seaborne trade volume and the world GDP. As a result, seaborne trade volume and the world GDP were mutually influenced each other. However, seaborne trade volume affects the world economy more significantly. The items affecting world economic growth include petroleum products, crude oil, chemical products, and so on. The estimated value of the coefficients of petroleum products, crude oil and chemical products were 1.014, 1.013 and 1.010, respectively. The estimated value 1.014 of petroleum products means that the growth rate is 1.014 times higher than the current world GDP growth rate when the seaborne trade volume of petroleum products increased by one unit Lastly, this study examines the seaborne trade volume of 10 categories and then verifies whether the growth rate of world GDP will increase when the volume of seaborne trade increased. This study is expected to provide policy-makers with useful information about formulating policies related to international trade.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.1071-1082
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• 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report the efficacy of using Korean medicine treatment with cold hypersensitivity of the hands and feet with lumbar spinal herniated intervertebral disc. Case presentation: We used Korean medicine treatment (Gyejigabuja-tang, acupuncture) to treat a hospitalized patient with cold hypersensitivity of the hands and feet with lumbar spinal herniated intervertebral disc. To evaluate the treatment, we used the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The degree of cold hypersensitivity of the hands and feet was also evaluated using evaluation paper. The generic health status was measured using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) scale. The 31-year-old female underwent 13 days of inpatient treatment. Her pattern identification was that both hands and feet are cold (BiYangHeo) types. The treatments were herbal medicine and acupuncture. She took Gyejigabuja-tang for 13 days. She also received acupuncture for 20 minutes twice a day at LI11 (曲池), L14 (合谷), TE5 (外關) on her hands, LR3 (太衝), SP6 (三陰交), SP9 (陰陵泉) ST36 (足三里), GB41 (足臨泣) on Feet, GV4 (命門), GV3 (腰陽關), BL23 (腎兪), BL24 (氣海兪), BL25 (大腸兪), and BL26 (關元兪) on the low back. After 2 weeks of treatment, the NRS scale of her cold hypersensitivity of hands and feet symptoms dropped from NRS 7 to NRS 3, and her low back pain dropped from NRS 6 to NRS 3. Her cold hypersensitivity of hands and feet evaluation paper score decreased from 64 to 32, and her EQ-5D increased from 0.487 to 0.681. After the end of treatment, continued symptom improvements and no significant side effects were confirmed. Results: These findings suggest that Korean medical treatment (Gyejigabuja-tang, acupuncture) may be effective for treating cold hypersensitivity of hands and feet with lumbar spinal herniated intervertebral disc. The NRS, evaluation paper, and EQ-5D scores improved after treatment, with no side effects.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.760-772
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• 2024

Objective: Hiccup is a sudden, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, followed by laryngeal closure. Persistent hiccups can occur in the central nervous system following a cerebral infarction. While medications, for example chlorpromazine, are commonly used for treatment, they often fail to fully resolve the hiccups, showing little to no improvement in symptoms. The aim of this study was to present the treatment response of a patient diagnosed with posterior limb of internal capsule (PLIC) infarction, who was experiencing hiccups and was treated with combined Korean medicine after taking chlorpromazine. Case Presentation: A 71-year-old male diagnosed with left PLIC infarction was experiencing problems in daily life due to hiccups and dysarthria. During the 10-day hospitalization, he received treatment that included herbal medicine (modified Hyeolbuchugeo-tang, Xiěfǔzhúyūtāng), acupuncture (GV20, LI11, ST36, LI4, LR3, and submandibular area acupoint), moxibustion, cupping, and physical therapy. After 10 days of hospitalization, the patient's hiccups disappeared, and he did not have to take any chlorpromazine. The score on the Numerical Rating Scale fell from 7-8 to 1-2. The 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L) fell from 11 to 7, and the EQ Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) rose from 20 to 80. The frequency (times per minute) of hiccups decreased and almost disappeared. During outpatient treatment, the patient stated that he did not experience hiccups for 7 months, and no significant side effects were observed. Conclusion: This study suggests that a patient with hiccups as a chief complaint can be effectively treated with combined Korean medicine. However, more studies with control groups are needed to confirm these findings.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.134-144
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• 2007

[ $\underline{Purpose}$ ]: Immobilization devices that improve the setup reproducibility of pelvic cancer patients and that provide comfort to patients during radiotherapy were designed and the feasibility of the devices was evaluated. $\underline{Materials\;and\;Methods}$: A customized device was designed to immobilize a knee, thigh, and foot of a patient. Sixty-one patients with prostate cancer were selected and were divided into two groups-with or without devices. The setup errors were measured with respect to bony landmarks. The difference between digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRR) and simulation films, and the differences between DRR and portal films were measured. $\underline{Results}$: The left-right (LR), anterior-posterior (AP) and craniocaudal (CC) errors between the DRR and simulation films were $1.5{\pm}0.9\;mm$, $3.0{\pm}3.6\;mm$, and $1.6{\pm}0.9\;mm$, respectively without devices. The errors were reduced to $1.3{\pm}1.9\;mm$, $1.8{\pm}1.5\;mm$ and $1.1{\pm}1.1\;mm$, respectively with the devices. The errors between DRR and portal films were $1.6{\pm}1.2\;mm$, $4.0{\pm}4.1\;mm$, and $4.2{\pm}5.5\;mm$, respectively without the devices and were reduced to $1.0{\pm}1.8\;mm$, $1.2{\pm}0.9\;mm$, and $1.2{\pm}0.8\;mm$, respectively, with the devices. The standard deviations among the portal films were 1.1 mm, 2.1 mm, and 1.0 mm at each axis without the devices and 0.9 mm, 1.6 mm and 0.8 mm with the devices. The percentage of setup errors larger than 3 mm and 5 mm were significantly reduced by use of the immobilization devices. $\underline{Conclusion}$: The designed devices improved the setup reproducibility for all three directions and significantly reduced critical setup errors.