• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.97-103
• /
• 2017

Objectives : To identify whether pattern identification using nasal endoscopy for rhinitis can be applied as a tool for evaluating rhinitis in routine care setting, we performed a inter-rater reliability study on this pattern identification. Methods : Two Korean medicine doctors assessed 290 left/right nasal endoscopy photograph cases of rhinitis patients with pattern identification using nasal endoscopy. This pattern identification consist of four assessment items, nasal membrane color(pale/hyperemia), nasal membrane humidity(dryness/dampness), rhinorrhea(watery/yellow), and turbinate membrane edema(atrophic/edematous). Cohen's kappa statistic and Percentage agreement were used to evaluate the inter-rater reliability. Results : Inter-rater percentage agreement and Kappa coefficient for left nasal endoscopy photograph cases was from 'slight' to 'moderate'(% agreement: 40.00-67.59%/Kappa: 0.06-0.407). Only the agreement of 'rhinorrhea (watery/yellow)' item was moderate(% agreement: 67.59%/Kappa: 0.407). Inter-rater percentage agreement and Kappa coefficient for right nasal endoscopy photograph cases was also from 'slight' to 'moderate'(% agreement: 42.41-68.97%/Kappa: 0.109-0.465). Only the agreement of 'rhinorrhea(watery/yellow)' item was moderate(% agreement: 68.97%/Kappa: 0.465). Conclusions : It is necessary to resolve problems such as cut-off value setting, bipolar evaluation values(pale/hyperemia, dryness/dampness, watery/yellow, atrophic/edematous) and weighting items. Further rigorous studies that overcome the limitations of the current research are warranted.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.31 no.5
• /
• pp.284-293
• /
• 2017

Thread embedding therapy is used increasingly for various disease including neck pain. However, the evidence of thread embedding therapy on neck pain and the assessment of their methodology are still limited. This study aimed to investigate the clinical research methodology using thread embedding therapy on neck pain. Thread embedding therapy is used increasingly for various disease including neck pain. However, the evidence of thread embedding therapy on neck pain and the assessment of their methodology are still limited. This study aimed to investigate the clinical research methodology using thread embedding therapy on neck pain. Total 31 studies were included in analysis. Thread embedding therapy usually was used once a week(32.3%), once per 10days(29.0%), once per two weeks (25.8%). The most common concurrent treatment used with thread embedding therapy was Chinese medicine. Among acupuncture points, EX-B2 (61.3%) was most commonly used, followed by GV14(45.2%), GB20(29.0%), GB21(22.6%). For control group, acupuncture were most commonly used(58.1%). All studies reported that the effect of thread embedding therapy was more effective compared to control group. and 11 studies reported side effects. Only 13 studies(41.9%) reported the appropriate randomization method, and the mean Jadad score of included studies was 1.52. Previous clinical trials included in this study showed the effect of thread embedding therapy for neck pain. However, the quality of the studies was not high. Further rigorous clinical trials are need to assess the effect of thread embedding therapy.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.42-55
• /
• 2019

Objectives: Acceptability of patients towards obesity treatment program is associated with better weight loss outcomes. The purpose of this study was to review previously published study results of the predictive factors associated with patients' acceptability in obesity treatment. Methods: Authors searched for the articles related to acceptability reported as continuation, attendance and adherence, published from 2011 to 2018 found on Pubmed, Scopus, Research Information Sharing Service, and Koreanstudies Information Service System. A total of 23 articles were finally selected. From the study results, unchangeable and changeable predictors were extracted, and these predictors were examined according to detail categories. Results: Regarding the continuation of the treatment, unchangeable factors such as younger age, lower educational level, male sexuality and lower accessibility to physical activity predicted lower continuation. Furthermore, changeable factors such as early and half weight loss, better accessibility to the treatment and financial incentives for retention predicted higher continuation rate. Greater degree of attendance was predicted by unchangeable factors such as economical affordability, and changeable predictors such as half weight loss and proximity to the clinic. Main factors of adherence to the recommendation were unchangeable predictors such as weight loss experience, and changeable predictors such as more physical activity and appropriate dietary habits. Negative psychological state predicted lower continuation, attendance and adherence rate. Conclusions: Our review results suggest that unchangeable and changeable predictors of acceptability of patients should be carefully examined during treatments of obesity.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.12-23
• /
• 2019

Objectives: Obesity is associated with a high mortality risk and impairment in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim of this article is to examine the impact of weight loss on HRQOL and which questionnaires sensitively reflect weight loss effects on HRQOL. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Research Information Sharing Service, and Korean Studies Information Service System were searched for the studies related to weight loss and HRQOL, published from 2009 to 2018. A total of 28 studies were eligible for inclusion. HRQOL results after weight loss from selected studies were classified and reported according to questionnaires. Results: Twenty-two studies reported statistically significant HRQOL improvements after weight loss and especially, all of studies with weight loss of more than 5% reported HRQOL improvements. HRQOL questionnaires were classified as generic, obesity-related and depression questionnaires. The most commonly used questionnaires were Short-Form health survey 36 (SF-36), Impact of Weight on Quality Life-Lite (IWQOL-Lite) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) respectively. SF-36 had a tendency to reflect physical health. IWQOL-Lite score was tended to be changed sensitively according to weight change. Depression questionnaires including BDI reported improvement of depression while mental aspects of SF-36 not changed in same studies. Conclusions: Improvements of HRQOL were noted in studies with weight loss of more than 5%. The main questionnaires for evaluating HRQOL were SF-36, IWQOL-Lite and BDI. It is suggested to use these questionnaires together for evaluating multiple aspects of impact of weight loss on HRQOL.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.59-74
• /
• 2022

Objectives : Evidence supporting the cold-heat symptom and sasang constitution type, which are diagnostic items of traditional Korean medicine, is needed to manage sleep disturbances, which is a typical symptom of mibyeong (subhealth). This study examined the association between each cold-heat symptom and sleep disturbances according to each sasang constitution type. Methods : This research was a cross-sectional study of 5,793 subjects from the Korean Medicine Data Center (KDC) community cohort survey. The association between each cold-heat symptom and sleep disturbances was analyzed by logistic regression analysis adjusted for several demographic variables. Subgroup analysis was then performed for each type of sasang constitution. Results : The soeum and soyang types were 1.53 and 1.26 times more likely to have sleep disturbances than the taeum type. Sleep disturbances were associated with 'coldness of the abdomen', 'watery mouth' in the cold domain items, and 'body feverishness', 'flushed face and eye', 'thirst', and 'scanty dark urine' in the heat domain items. The soeum and soyang types were 1.55 and 1.39 times more likely to sleep less than five hours per night than the taeeum type. In addition, the associations of those showed a different pattern for each sasang constitution type. Conclusions : Sleep disturbances are associated with specific cold-heat symptoms, and the associated cold-heat symptoms differ according to the sasang constitution type. These results may help traditional medicine specialists select customized interventions for patients with sleep disturbances.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.42 no.1
• /
• pp.46-58
• /
• 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to report weight changes and analyze adverse events in diabetic patients with Gamitaeeumjowee-Tang for weight loss. Methods: A retrospective chart review of weight change and adverse events was performed during the 10-week weight loss program using Gamitaeeumjowee-tang with low-calorie diets for diabetics(n=61). Weight and BMI changes were compared before and after the program and calculated the percentage of people who lost more than 5% of their weight, also identified whether subjects felt satiated or not. Adverse events were evaluated in terms of causality, severity and system-organ classes. Results: After 10-week weight loss program, significant weight loss (5.9±2.32kg, 7.73% reduction from baseline) and BMI reduction (2.9±0.86) were reported (n=61). Those who lost more than 5 percent of their body weight accounted for 88.5%, and also 88.5% of the participants felt full to help control their appetite. In assessing the causality of adverse events, 'Unlikely' was the most common (66%) and in severity evaluations, almost all symptoms were mild. Insomnia was the most frequently reported during the first 8 weeks, and constipation was reported the most afterwards. Conclusions: A combination of Gamitaeeumjowee-tang and low-calorie diets for 10 weeks appears to help weight reduction without serious adverse events in diabetic patients. Future well-designed prospective clinical studies testing the effectiveness and safety of this weight loss program are warranted.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.13-25
• /
• 2015

Objectives : To find out the standardized chuna manual technique for non-acute low back pain. Methods : The survey questions were developed by the consensus from the professor who major in Rehabillitation Medicine of Korean Medicine(RMKM). August 15th to september 1st 2015, the questionnaire was given to 23 RMKM doctors by e-mail. 20(90.9%) the questionnaire were retrieved out. Standardized technique of chuna were selected through experts consesus based on questionaire results. Results : Two essential techniques and two selective techniques were selected as standardized Chuna manual technique for lumbar region. Six essential technique and one selective technique were selected as standardized Chuna manual technique for iliac region. Conclusions : This is the first consensus of experts opinion for Chuna manual technique for operating randomized controlled trials(RCT). These reports are helpful for Korean Medicine doctor who operate Chuna manual technique and expected to make clinical evidence of Chuna manual medicine

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.410-417
• /
• 2016

Quercetin is a flavonoid usually found in fruits and vegetables. Aside from its antioxidative effects, quercetin, like other flavonoids, has a various neuropharmacological actions. Quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside (Rham1), quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (Rutin), and quercetin-3-(2(G)-rhamnosylrutinoside (Rham2) are mono-, di-, and tri-glycosylated forms of quercetin, respectively. In a previous study, we showed that quercetin can enhance ${\alpha}7$ nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (${\alpha}7$ nAChR)-mediated ion currents. However, the role of the carbohydrates attached to quercetin in the regulation of ${\alpha}7$ nAChR channel activity has not been determined. In the present study, we investigated the effects of quercetin glycosides on the acetylcholine induced peak inward current ($I_{ACh}$) in Xenopus oocytes expressing the ${\alpha}7$ nAChR. $I_{ACh}$ was measured with a two-electrode voltage clamp technique. In oocytes injected with ${\alpha}7$ nAChR copy RNA, quercetin enhanced $I_{ACh}$, whereas quercetin glycosides inhibited $I_{ACh}$. Quercetin glycosides mediated an inhibition of $I_{ACh}$, which increased when they were pre-applied and the inhibitory effects were concentration dependent. The order of $I_{ACh}$ inhibition by quercetin glycosides was Rutin${\geq}$Rham1>Rham2. Quercetin glycosides-mediated $I_{ACh}$ enhancement was not affected by ACh concentration and appeared voltage-independent. Furthermore, quercetin-mediated $I_{ACh}$ inhibition can be attenuated when quercetin is co-applied with Rham1 and Rutin, indicating that quercetin glycosides could interfere with quercetin-mediated ${\alpha}7$ nAChR regulation and that the number of carbohydrates in the quercetin glycoside plays a key role in the interruption of quercetin action. These results show that quercetin and quercetin glycosides regulate the ${\alpha}7$ nAChR in a differential manner.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.38 no.6
• /
• pp.971-979
• /
• 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of Cheongsimyeonja-tang on the human body. Methods: This was a retrospective study, conducted using electronic medical records (EMR). Appropriate clinical cases were identified and databased through EMR. Changes of vital signs, blood tests, and functional tests before and after taking Cheongsimyeonja-tang were determined. Results: There were several significant changes after taking Cheongsimyeonja-tang. Hemoglobin, total blood proteins, and total bilirubin were increased. Eosinophil, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were decreased. Conclusions: Cheonseomyeonja-tang had significant effects, including improvement of blood cell count (increase of red blood cells and hemoglobin), improvement of blood lipid level (decrease of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol), and blood pressure control (reduction of systolic blood pressure).

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.169-184
• /
• 2016

Objectives: To investigate the neurophysiological effect of acupuncture treatment on insomnia patients using quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) and standardized Low Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography method (sLORETA).Background: Insomnia is one of the commonly encountered symptoms in primary medical care. Recent studies of acupuncture for insomnia reported that the acupuncture groups showed significant improvements compared with the control groups. However, the neurophysiological mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia has not been revealed and a few studies have measured the effect of acupuncture treatment using QEEG.Methods: Participants who had some problems in initiating or maintaining sleep, or had non-restorative sleep for more than 3 days a week and ISI scores above 8 and below 21 were treated by acupuncture for 2 weeks (3 times a week, total 6 times). We assessed the effectiveness of acupuncture for insomnia by the PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) at baseline and at 2 weeks after the end of treatment (4th week). Also, we performed EEG and analysed the EEG data at baseline and at the end of treatment (2nd week) on the linked ears montage using the Neuroguide software program and sLORETA.Results: Thirty-two participants were enrolled and 2 participants dropped out because of personal reasons. Among the 30 participants, EEGs of 12 participants were included in the analysis of QEEG and sLORETA. Total score on the ISI and PSQI was significantly decreased after acupuncture treatment. The number of electrodes exceeding the range of 90% (±1.65) or 95% (±1.96) in the z scored absolute power of beta was significantly decreased after acupuncture treatment. There was no significant change in brain activation between pre- and post-acupuncture using sLORETA.Conclusions: The deviation of absolute power compared to the normative database was significantly decreased after acupuncture treatment in the alpha and beta ranges. Therefore, we suggest that acupuncture treatment for insomnia might be effective through the central nervous system especially in the brain. There are many limitations to drawing any conclusion. Further studies are needed in the future to overcome these limitations.