• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.39-54
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze both treatment and adverse events of Korean medicine treatment for whiplash associated disorder patients during pregnancy. Methods: We investigated the medical records of 44 pregnant patients who had got into car accidents from April 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019. Results: 100 percent of the inpatients and 88 precent of the outpatients were treated by acupuncture. 79 percent of the inpatients and 72 precent of the outpatients were treated by chuna, and 86 percent of the inpatients and 64 precent of the outpatients were treated by pharmacopuncture. Out of 32 patients with low back pain, 94 percent were treated by acupuncture, 47 percent by phramacopuncture and 38 precent by chuna. 90 percent of 31 patients with cervical pain were treated by acupuncture, 71 percent were treated by pharmacopuncture and 77 percent were treated by chuna. There were adverse events like cough, rhinorrhea, dilatation of cervix and worsen low back pain during or after the treatment. Conclusions: Korean medicine treatment including chuna and pharmacopuncture can be applied to pregnant women injured by traffic accident.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.113-127
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• 2015

Objectives: This study was performed to analyze the trend of acne-related experimental studies in Korean medicine. Methods: We searched 17 articles related with experimental study of acne, published Korean medical journals from 2005 to 2014. We classified all articles according to the journal and checked on the kind of herbs. All articles were categorized into two types: cell experimental study and animal experimental study. Results: 1. Total 17 papers were searched; 7 articles (41.2%) were published in the Journal of Korean Medical Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Dermatology, 4 articles (23.5%) were published in the Journal of Korean Institute of Pharmacopuncture, 3 articles (17.6%) were published in Korean Journal of Oriental Physiology and Pathology, 2 articles (11.8%) were published in Korean Journal of Herbology, and 1 article (5.9%) was published in the Journal of Korean Medicine. 2. Total 17 kind of herbs were used in the studies; 10 articles (58.8%) used single herb, 7 articles (41.2%) used complex herbs. 3. Total 17 articles were categorized 2 types; 16 cell experimental studies (94.1%), 1 animal experimental study (5.9%). 4. Experimental researches were mainly investigated using Raw 264.7 cell line and P. acnes. The levels of NO, iNOS, $TNF-{\alpha}$, PGE, COX-2, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, NF-kB were analyzed to confirm of herbs' antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity. Conclusions: Searching for natural antibiotics, it is needed to do experimental studies continuously, and also needed to diversify the kind herbs and experimental bacteria.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.734-743
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• 2021

Background: The underlying mechanisms of the potential tumor-suppressive effects of ginsenoside Rh2 are complex. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is usually dysregulated in cancer. This study explored the regulatory effect of ginsenoside Rh2 on m6A RNA methylation in cancer. Methods: m6A RNA quantification and gene-specific m6A RIP-qPCR assays were applied to assess total and gene-specific m6A RNA levels. Co-immunoprecipitation, fractionation western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect protein interactions and distribution. QRT-PCR, dual-luciferase, and ChIP-qPCR assays were conducted to check the transcriptional regulation. Results: Ginsenoside Rh2 reduces m6A RNA methylation and KIF26B expression in a dose-dependent manner in some cancers. KIF26B interacts with ZC3H13 and CBLL1 in the cytoplasm of cancer cells and enhances their nuclear distribution. KIF26B inhibition reduces m6A RNA methylation level in cancer cells. SRF bound to the KIF26B promoter and activated its transcription. SRF mRNA m6A abundance significantly decreased upon KIF26B silencing. SRF knockdown suppressed cancer cell proliferation and growth both in vitro and in vivo, the effect of which was partly rescued by KIF26B overexpression. Conclusion: ginsenoside Rh2 reduces m6A RNA methylation via downregulating KIF26B expression in some cancer cells. KIF26B elevates m6A RNA methylation via enhancing ZC3H13/CBLL1 nuclear localization. KIF26B-SRF forms a positive feedback loop facilitating tumor growth.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.175-182
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• 2021

To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) a literature review was conducted of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) where acupuncture was used as an intervention for patients diagnosed with SIS. Relevant clinical studies (N = 181) were retrieved from several databases based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria, and the interventions and results were analyzed. Six RCTs were selected to review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In all 6 studies, the acupuncture treatment group showed significant positive changes in indicators evaluating pain, disability, and quality of life. A significant decrease in the evaluation indicators (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, numeric rating scale, Visual Analogue Scale, Constant Murley Shoulder Assessment Score, patient's global assessment, and doctor's global assessment) and a significant increase in the questionnaire scores (UCLA, AL-score, EuroQol 5 Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand) were observed. In addition, 1 study showed similar improvements in pain and quality of life measures in the acupuncture group and corticosteroid injection group. No major side effects were reported. Acupuncture may be an effective and safe treatment for SIS however, further RCTs are required.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.219-226
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• 2021

Background: The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is a widely used method to assess the clinical performance of students in clinical practice. Although OSCE has been used for undergraduate students of Korean medicine, this has not been widely reported. Methods: In 2020, the practical course for acupuncture and moxibustion medicine (acupuncture, electroacupuncture, pharmacopuncture, auricular acupuncture, and burning acupuncture) was taught using flipped learning, according to clinical practice guidelines, and assessed by the OSCE. The appropriateness of this model of education and its evaluation using OSCE were evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale, and the results were analyzed. Results: Of the respondents, 67% reported that the OSCE accurately reflected their competency, and 82% reported that online video lectures helped them to improve their clinical skills. The average adequacy score of the model was > 3.7/5, and the average adequacy score of the checklist used in the OSCE was > 4.1/5 for all 5 clinical application skills. The difference in the mean self-efficacy score between students who had taken the OSCE and those students who had not taken the OSCE, was highest in the burning acupuncture group (0.923). Conclusion: This study showed that students' satisfaction with the OSCE was high and flipped learning was an effective education model. In the future, models representing the human body or simulated patients should be used to evaluate students' skills and attitude.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.54-62
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• 2019

Cis-3-O-p-hydroxycinnamoyl ursolic acid (HCUA), a triterpenoid compound, was purified from Elaeagnus oldhamii Maxim. This traditional medicinal plant has been used for treating rheumatoid arthritis and lung disorders as well as for its anti-inflammation and anticancer activities. This study aimed to investigate the anti-proliferative and apoptotic-inducing activities of HCUA in oral cancer cells. HCUA exhibited anti-proliferative activity in oral cancer cell lines (Ca9-22 and SAS cells), but not in normal oral fibroblasts. The inhibitory concentration of HCUA that resulted in 50% viability was $24.0{\mu}M$ and $17.8{\mu}M$ for Ca9-22 and SAS cells, respectively. Moreover, HCUA increased the number of cells in the sub-G1 arrest phase and apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner in both oral cancer cell lines, but not in normal oral fibroblasts. Importantly, HCUA induced p53-mediated transcriptional regulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bak, Bim, Noxa, and PUMA), which are associated with mitochondrial apoptosis in oral cancer cells via the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. HCUA triggered the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) that was ascertained to be involved in HCUA-induced apoptosis by the ROS inhibitors YCG063 and N-acetyl-L-cysteine. As a result, HCUA had potential antitumor activity to oral cancer cells through eliciting ROS-dependent and p53-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis. Overall, HCUA could be applicable for the development of anticancer agents against human oral cancer.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.1-14
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• 2018

Purpose : Customers with loyalty are very important to hospitals for sustainable growth in their medical market. Individuals with loyalty are likely to visit same hospital repeatedly when they need medical services. This study was to identify factors associated with selection of specialty hospitals among customers with loyalty. Methods : The subjects of this study were 735 inpatients in 22 specialty hospitals in 6 designated fields(joints, spine, colorectal-anal, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology). Customer types classified as customers with high loyalty, neutral customers, and customers with low loyalty according to net promoter score(NPS). Factor analysis was conducted to classify 22 hospital selection factors into some similar properties. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to confirm the selection factors related to loyal customers. Findings : Most of specialty hospitals received high NPS of 8 points or higher in all the designated fields. Five factors associated with selection of specialty hospital are (1) hospital facilities and convenience, (2) trust in doctor and hospital, (3) rapidness of treatment, (4) hospital awareness, and (5) accessibility. As a result of logistic regression analysis, selection factors related to loyal customers were 'hospital facilities and convenience', 'trust in doctor and hospital' and 'rapidness of treatment'. Differences in the degree of importance of three selection factors by customer types appeared for each designated field. Practical Implications : This study confirms the high level of patient experience among inpatients of specialty hospitals. Factors associated with selection of hospital among inpatients with loyalty are 'facilities and convenience of hospitals', 'trust of doctor and hospital' and 'rapidness of treatment'. This study will be meaningful as basic data to systematically enhance the roles and functions of the health care system and to provide securing competitiveness according to designated fields in the management aspect of specialty hospitals.

• Research in Vestibular Science
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.134-141
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• 2018

Objectives: We aimed to study the role of vestibular input on spatial memory performance in mice that had undergone bilateral surgical labyrinthectomy, semicircular canal (SCC) occlusion and 4G hypergravity exposure. Methods: Twelve to 16 weeks old ICR mice (n=30) were used for the experiment. The experimental group divided into 3 groups. One group had undergone bilateral chemical labyrinthectomy, and the other group had performed SCC occlusion surgery, and the last group was exposed to 4G hypergravity for 2 weeks. The movement of mice was recorded using camera in Y maze which had 3 radial arms (35 cm long, 7 cm high, 10 cm wide). We counted the number of visiting arms and analyzed the information of arm selection using program we developed before and after procedure. Results: The bilateral labyrinthectomy group which semicircular canal and otolithic function was impaired showed low behavioral performance and spacial memory. The semicircular canal occlusion with $CO_2$ laser group which only semicircular canal function was impaired showed no difference in performance activity and spatial memory. However the hypergravity exposure group in which only otolithic function impaired showed spatial memory function was affected but the behavioral performance was spared. The impairment of spatial memory recovered after a few days after exposure in hypergravity group. Conclusions: This spatial memory function was affected by bilateral vestibular loss. Space-related information processing seems to be determined by otolithic organ information rather than semicircular canals. Due to otolithic function impairment, spatial learning was impaired after exposure to gravity changes in animals and this impaired performance was compensated after normal gravity exposure.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2019

Background: Tongue reconstruction is challenging with the unique function and anatomy. Goals for reconstruction differ depending on the extent of reconstruction. Thin and pliable flaps are useful for tongue tip reconstruction, for appearance and mobility. This study reports lateral arm free flap (LAFF) as a safe and optimal option for hemi-tongue reconstruction, especially for tongue tip after hemiglossectomy. Methods: Thirteen LAFFs were performed for hemi-tongue reconstruction after hemiglossectomy from 1995 to 2018. Of the 13 patients, seven were male and six were female, age varying from 24 to 64 years. Results: All flaps healed uneventfully without complications. Donor sites were closed primarily. The recipient vessels for microvascular anastomosis were mainly superior thyroidal artery, external jugular vein. All patients returned to normal diet, with no complaints regarding reconstructed tongue and donor site. Conclusion: The LAFF is hairless, thin (especially with lateral epicondyle approach), and potentially sensate. They are advantageous features for tongue tip and hemi-tongue reconstruction. Donor site sacrifices the inessential posterior radial collateral artery, and the scar is hidden under short sleeve shirts. We believe that LAFF can be considered as the first choice flap for hemitongue reconstruction, over radial forearm free flaps.

• Korean Journal of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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• v.61 no.12
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• pp.650-657
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• 2018

Background and Objectives The present study aimed to compare receptive and expressive language development in children who have undergone simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation (SCI) and those who have undergone bimodal stimulation (unilateral CI+ hearing aid). Subjects and Method In a retrospective analysis of clinical data, 15 pediatric patients who have received SCI and nine patients who have received bimodal stimulation (BM group) were enrolled. CI was performed for all patients at 24 months of age. Category of Auditory Performance (CAP) scores, Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (IT-MAIS) scores, and developmental quotients (DQ) for expressive and receptive language were compared between the groups at 12 month of follow-up. The Percentage of Consonants Correct (PCC) of children evaluated at 4 years old was also compared. Results At 12 months of follow-up, significantly greater improvements in CAP scores (${\Delta}4.25{\pm}0.5$) were noted in the SCI group compared to the BM group (${\Delta}3.56{\pm}0.88$, p=0.041). Significantly greater improvements in IT-MAIS scores were also noted in the SCI group (${\Delta}36.17{\pm}4.09$) than in the BM group (${\Delta}30.17{\pm}2.91$, p=0.004). The DQ of receptive language was higher in the SCI group than in the BM group ($87.6{\pm}15.4%$ vs. $75.5{\pm}12.0%$, p=0.023) at 12 months of follow-up. Moreover, early SCI was associated with better receptive language skills. PCC index of children at 4 years old was higher in the SCI group than in the BM group ($88.5{\pm}13.2%$ vs. $62{\pm}15.8%$, p=0.014). Earlier SCI was associated with even greater improvements. Conclusion Bilateral SCI is associated with significant improvements in language development when compared with bimodal stimulation. Earlier SCI was associated with better outcomes.