• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.9-18
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• 2022

Objectives This study was conducted to confirm the anti-inflammatory effect of Naetakbaekryeom-san (NTB), and whether it could be another treatment for inflammatory diseases. Methods The NTB water extract was extracted with hot water at 100℃ for 2 hours, concentrated at 80℃ under reduced pressure, and used. After 2 hours of pretreatment with NTB and positive control Bay11-7082, nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1𝛽, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-𝛼) were measured in RAW264.7 cells activated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) 500 ng/mL. After 2 hours of pretreatment with NTB, the anti-inflammatory effect of NTB was evaluated by measuring nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-𝜅B) in RAW264.7 cells and 293T cells activated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetic acid (PMA) 30 ng/mL. Results In RAW264.7 cells activated with LPS, NTB at concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/mL showed no cytotoxicity, significantly inhibited NO production and inhibition of iNOS expression. TNF-𝛼 cytokine levels was not regulated, but NTB at each concentration inhibited the production of IL-1𝛽 and IL-6, and the effect was higher than that of the positive control Bay11-7082 (20 𝜇M). In PMA-activated RAW264.7 cells and 293T cells, each concentration of NBT decreased the NF-𝜅B transcriptional activity, with the greatest decrease at 1 mg/mL. Conclusions These results demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effect of NTB water extracts, but further studies such as comparison of anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant effects by NTB component, comparison of effects according to extraction solvents, and clinical studies are needed.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2024

Cognitive reserve (CR) is a concept that can explain the discrepancies between the pathologic burden of the disease and clinical manifestations. It refers to the individual susceptibility to age-related brain changes and pathologies related to Alzheimer's disease, thus recognized as a factor affecting the trajectories of the disease. The purpose of this study was to explore the current states of clinical studies on neural substrates of CR in Alzheimer's disease using functional magnetic resonance imaging. We searched for clinical studies on CR using fMRI in the Pubmed, Cochrane library, RISS, KISS and ScienceON on August 14, 2023. Once the online search was finished, studies were selected manually by the inclusion criteria. Finally, we analyzed the characteristics of selected articles and reviewed the neural substrates of CR. Total thirty-four studies were included in this study. As surrogate markers of CR, not only education and occupational complexity, but also composite score and questionnaire-based method, which cover various areas of life, were mainly used. The most utilized methods in resting-state fMRI were independent component analysis, seed-based analysis, and graph theory analysis. Through the analysis, we demonstrated that neuroimaging techniques could capture the neural substrates associated with cognitive reserve. Moreover, functional connectivity of brain regions centered on prefrontal and parietal cortex and network areas such as default mode network showed a significant correlation with CR, which indicated a significant association with cognitive performance. CR may induce differential effects according to the disease status. We hope that this perspective on cognitive reserve would be helpful when conducting clinical researches on the mechanisms of traditional Korean medicine for Alzheimer's disease in the future.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.74-88
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• 2019

Objectives The aim of this study is systematic evaluation of the quality of qualitative studies related to short stature. It will be utilized as fundamental data for future qualitative research about Korean Medicine Pediatrics treatment for short stature. Methods We searched qualitative studies related to short stature in the Pubmed. Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the qualitative researches by using Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) and Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP). We also qualitatively synthesized theme of each included studies. We presented integrated theme and categories with in vivo coding about qualitative research about short stature. Results A total of 47 papers were screened and 7 papers were finally selected. In the quality assessment using COREQ, detalied information about the researchers, methods of approach, reasons for non-participation, presence of non-participants, participant's review of the transcript, and participant's review of the findings were insufficient. In the quality evaluation using CASP, there were lack of justifications for the research methods, description method of research, and bias in process of data analysis. The findings were synthesized into three themes: fixed idea about height, discomfort caused by small stature and personal coping strategy with stress caused by short stature. Conclusions In further qualitative research, it is necessary to report the research according to COREQ and CASP checklist. It is also necessary to understand the stress and coping strategies to short stature of patients, We need to develop a social management strategy for short stature.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.27-37
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• 2021

Objectives : In the current study, we performed the 13-week repeated oral dose toxicity test and a 4-week recovery test of standardized Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. and Psoralea corylifolia L. 30 % ethanol extract (SCP) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats owing to aims for verifying no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL). Methods : The animal study was performed according to OECD guidelines for the testing of chemicals section 4 health effects test No.408 repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rodents (03 October 2008). In the repeated dose toxicity study, SCP was orally administered to female and male rats at dose levels of 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 mg/kg/day for 13-week. The control group and high dose (4,000 mg/kg/day) group were then monitored for 4 extra weeks to determine recovery time after the study period. 1) Results : Compared with the control group, there were no treatment-related adverse effects in clinical signs, body weight, hematology, serum biochemistry (Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, 𝛾-Glutamyl transpeptidase, Blood urea nitrogen, Creatinine, Glucose, Total cholesterol, Total protein, Creatine phosphokinase, Albumin, Total bilirubin, Triglyceride, Inorganic phosphorus, Albumin/Globulin ratio, Calcium ion, Sodium ion, Potassium ion, Chloride ion), necropsy findings and organ weight (Ovary, Adrenal gland, Pituitary, Thymus, Prostate, Testis, Epididymis, Spleen, Kidney, Heart, Lung, Brain, Liver) at any dose tested. Conclusions : Taken together, these results suggest that the NOAEL of SCP in both genders was considered as over 4,000 mg/kg. Results from this study provide scientific evidence for the safety of SCP.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.259-274
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• 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to provide clinical evidence to support the use of auricular blood-letting therapy (ABT) for headaches. Methods: Studies were identified by a comprehensive search of five databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of the ABT for headaches were included. Two authors independently extracted the data and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies using Cochrane's risk-of-bias tool. If two or more studies reported the same outcome, a meta-analysis was performed. Meta-analysis results for dichotomous variables are expressed as risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of eight RCTs were included in this review. The total effective rate (TER) was the most commonly used outcome measurement. Among the eight RCTs, five were included in the metaanalysis. The TER was not statistically significantly different in the ABT group compared to the medication group (two studies, n=55, RR=1.24, 95% CI: 0.78 to 1.96, p=0.36, I² =86%). However, the TER of the combined ABT and medication group was significantly different compared to the medication alone group (four studies, n=159, RR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.35, p<0.0001, I² = 0%). Pain and mental health-related outcomes in the combined ABT and medication group were significantly different from the control groups. The methodological quality of the included RCTs was generally low. Conclusions: ABT combined with medication may be effective for treating headaches. However, the number of studies included was small, so the results were insufficient, and statistically significant effects were not confirmed for a single implementation of ABT. Thus, well-designed further studies based on the findings of this study are recommended.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.58-68
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• 2015

Objectives : To evaluate the long-term survival effects of traditional Korean medicine (TKM) on refractory metastatic lung cancer and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which have historically poor survival rates. Methods : A retrospective study was conducted using the medical records of two patients in Daejeon University hospital. The first patient, with SCLC, was treated from January 2000 to December 2009 and the other, with metastatic pulmonary cancer from primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), was treated from September 2004 to February 2014. The patients were treated with herbal medicines at one-month intervals. During hospitalization, acupuncture and indirect moxibustion were performed concurrent with the administration of Western therapy. Treatment efficacy was assessed monthly using chest radiography, chest computed tomography, and laboratory examination data, and by measuring patient performance status. Results : Both patients exhibited a stable disease course for more than 9 years after the initial diagnosis of intractable lung cancer, suggesting that their disease status was controlled by TKM. Conclusions : We suggest that a combination of TKM with conventional Western therapy for refractory lung cancer patients is effective in controlling various symptoms related to lung cancer and improving quality of life, and may potentially prolong overall survival.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.67-75
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to present an appropriate management plan as a supplement to the scientific evidence of the currently operated distancing system for preventing COVID-19. The currently being used mathematical models are expressed as simultaneous ordinary differential equations, there is a problem in that it is difficult to use them for the management of entry and exit of small business owners. In order to supplement this point, in this paper, a method for quantitatively expressing the risk of infection by people who gather is presented in consideration of the allowable risk given to the gathering space, the basic infection reproduction index, and the risk reduction rate due to vaccination. A simple quantitative model was developed that manages the probability of infection in a probabilistic level according to a set of visitors by considering both the degree of infection risk according to the vaccination status (non-vaccinated, primary inoculation, and complete vaccination) and the epidemic status of the virus. In a given example using the model, the risk was reduced to 55% when 20% of non-vaccinated people were converted to full vaccination. It was suggested that management in terms of quarantine can obtain a greater effect than medical treatment. Based on this, a generalized model that can be applied to various situations in consideration of the type of vaccination and the degree of occurrence of confirmed cases was also presented. This model can be used to manage the total risk of people gathered at a certain space in a real time, by calculating individual risk according to the type of vaccine, the degree of inoculation, and the lapse of time after inoculation.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.88-96
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• 2020

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the effects of Valerianae Radix et Rhizoma Methanol Extract (VRME) on serum lipid levels in a high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice. Methods: Each 8 C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to normal diet group, high-fat diet control group, high-fat diet plus 100 mg/kg/day of VRME group. In order to induce hyperlipidemia, high-fat diets were supplied to control group and VRME group for four weeks. Normal diet group were supplied with general feed for four weeks. After that control group supplied only high-fat diets as feed, VRME group received oral administration of VRME with high-fat diets for three weeks. and normal diet group were supplied with general feed for three weeks. After seven weeks, the changes in the body weight, the plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood glucose in serum were measured. Results: In our results, VRME did not affects weight gain, serum AST and ALT in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice. Oral administration of VRME lowered levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride, which were elevated by induction of hyperlipidemia. and oral administration of VRME lowered blood glucose significantly. Conclusions: These results suggest that VRME could act as a potent antihyperlipidemic in therapeutics for hyperlipidemia.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.69-79
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• 2021

Objectives The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of integrative Korean medicine on acute postoperative pain after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Methods This study was conducted in a retrospective observational way. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into integrative Korean medicine-treated group (IKM group) and no integrative Korean medicine treated-group (No IKM group). The primary outcome was the difference in the amount of change in pain intensity. The secondary outcome was the difference in pain intensity, opioid consumption over time, and the number of adverse events after surgery. Results The change of numerical rating scale for pain intensity from baseline to IKM group was 3.09±2.12, while 2.64±1.80 in no IKM group, and the difference of change between two groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). Difference in the use of opioid between two groups over time after surgery was also statistically significant (p=0.000). Conclusions The results of this study suggest that integrative Korean medicine can be effective for acute postoperative pain after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.69-77
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• 2021

연구 배경 최근 한국 및 중국에서 근골격계 질환에 대한 도침술의 활용이 늘고 있다. 하지만 현재까지의 임상연구는 대부분 증례보고 형태에 그치거나, 충분한 근거가 확보되지는 않은 실정이다. 우리는 요천추신경병증환자의 치료에 있어 도침치료와 통상한의치료와의 비교를 통해 도침치료의 유효성, 안전성, 경제성 평가를 시행하기 위해 본 연구를 기획하게 되었다. 연구 방법 본 연구는 예비임상 연구로, 다기관에서 진행되며, 무작위대조군, 활성 대조군을 통한 2개군 병행집단 연구로 평가자 맹검을 시행하게 된다. 이 연구에서는 총 50명의 요천추신경병증 환자를 대상으로 2개군으로 균등하게 분배하여 도침술 또는 통상한의치료를 시행하게 된다(각군당 25명). 도침술 그룹의 경우 협척혈에 도침치료를 시행 받게 되며, 통상 한의치료군은 연구자 판단하에 도침술을 제외한 적절한 한의치료를 시행 받게 된다. 두 개의 그룹은 주당 2회씩 총 3주간 치료를 받게 된다. 일차 유효성 평가는 요통으로 인한 기능장애를 평가하기 위한 Oswestry disability index를 통해 시행한다. 이차 유효성 평가지표로는 numeric rating scale, European Quality of Life 5-Dimension 5-Level, short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire scores를 시행하게 된다. 고찰 본 예비임상연구의 결과는 추후 있을 요천추신경병증에 대한 도침치료 및 한의통상치료 비교효과 연구의 유효성, 경제성평가 본 임상연구를 위한 기초 정보 및 가능성을 확인하고 적절한 대상자수 산정에 도움이 될 것이다.