• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제41권6호
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• pp.959-966
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• 2020

Objectives: To examine the fundamental characteristics of interventional clinical trials registered in the CRIS (Clinical Research Information Service) database. Methods: We systematically analyzed the status of Korean medical interventions using the search function of the CRIS database. Results: From 2010 to January 2020, 267 Korean medicine-related clinical trials were registered with CRIS. The studies, which included many randomized trials (80.14%), focused primarily on demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture and Korean herbal remedies. Most of these studies were government-sponsored and researcher-led clinical trials, but a few were company-sponsored trials. All trials were small and need improvement. Conclusion: This study reviews the current status of clinical trials in the field of Korean medicine and the basic data that can be used to create evidence-based Korean medicine.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.149-174
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• 2020

Objectives: This study was aimed to figure out the effect of Onkyung-tang (OKT) on cold hypersensitivity on feet in female patients. Methods: This study was designed to implement multi-center randomized clinical trial in three korean medical hospitals. The female patients who were enrolled in this study were 112 women who suffered from cold hypersensitivity on feet. They were randomly allocated into OKT group or control group in 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome was change in score of visual analogue scale of hypersensitivity on feet, and the secondary outcomes were thermometer of LU4, PC8, ST32, LR3, visual analogue scale of hypersensitivity on hands, result of cold stress test, and score of World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Results: In both group, the VAS of hypersensitivity on feet and hands was decreased while taking the medicine, and the effect of decreasing the VAS continues for the 4 weeks after the end of medication (p<0.001, 0.003, 0.001). In OKT group, the body temperature difference in lower extremity (ST32-LR3) was steadily decreased at every visit and it was statistically significant(p=0.003, <0.001). On the other hand, in control group, the body temperature difference in lower extremity was decreased only while taking the medicine (p<0.001). Conclusions: OKT significantly reduced discomfort coldness on feet in patients, and the effect of treatment was maintained at least for four weeks after medication.

• 대한치과교정학회지
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• 제50권6호
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• pp.373-382
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• 2020

Objective: To compare computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) customized nitinol retainers with standard stainless-steel fixed retainers over a 12-month study period. Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted on 62 patients randomly allocated to a control group that received stainless-steel retainers or a test group that received customized CAD/CAM nickel-titanium retainers. Four time points were defined: retainer placement (T0) and 1-month (T1), 6-month (T2), and 12-month (T3) follow-up appointments. At each time point, Little's irregularity index (LII) (primary endpoint) and dental stability measurements such as intercanine width were recorded in addition to assessment of periodontal parameters. Radiological measurements such as the incisor mandibular plane angle (IMPA) were recorded at T0 and T3. Failure events (wire integrity or debonding) were assessed at each time point. Results: From T0 to T3, LII and other dental measurements showed no significant differences between the two groups. The data for periodontal parameters remained stable over the study period, except for the gingival index, which was slightly, but significantly, higher in the test group at T3 (p = 0.039). The IMPA angle showed no intergroup difference. The two groups showed no significant difference in debonding events. Conclusions: This RCT conducted over a 12-month period demonstrated no significant difference between customized CAD/CAM nickel-titanium lingual retainers and standard stainless-steel lingual retainers in terms of dental anterior stability and retainer survival. Both retainers eventually appeared to be equally effective in maintaining periodontal health.

• 사상체질의학회지
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.42-54
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• 2018

Objectives This study was aimed to compare effects of Yukgunja-tang (YGJT) extract granule on functional dyspepsia (FD) by sasang constitution. Methods A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, two-center trial was performed. We obtained 3D face images of FD patients participating in this study using face-only scanner and classified them into two types as narrow face and wide face by 3D facial shape diagnosis system (3-FSDS). 96 subjects (48 subjects per type) were enrolled and were randomly allocated into treatment or control groups in a 2:1 ratio. YGJT extract granule or placebo were administered to each group during the 8 week treatment period. One of sasang constitutional specialist diagnosed their constitutions by referring to questionnaires and 3D face images. The primary outcome was total dyspepsia symptom scale (TDS scale), the secondary outcomes were single dyspepsia symptom scale (SDS scale), visual analog scale (VAS) and so on. This trial was registered with clinical research information service identifier: KCT0001920, 15 May, 2016. Results In the Taeeumin treatment group, the TDS scale was significantly decreased after 8 weeks compared to the control group (t=2.331, p=0.025) and the SDS scale also significantly decreased. (t=2.042, p=0.048). The specific effects of the YGJT extract granule without the placebo effect on the Taeeumin with functional dyspepsia were 30.61% in TDS scale and 28.33% in SDS scale. Conclusions The effects of Yukgunja-tang extract granule on functional dyspepsia was different according to Sasang constitution. So the constitution should be considered in randomized controlled trials using herbal extract granules.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.346-353
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• 2007

Background : Over a thousand years of clinical preparation of Ephedrain traditional Korean medicine has confirmed effectiveness and security. Recently. Ephedra-containing herbal preparations to treat obesity are common. The aim of this study is to identify effects of Ephedra on psychological anxiety. Objectives : To determine effects of Ephedraon psychoactivity and autonomic nervous system. Methods : The study design was a double-blind randomized controlled trial. The subjects of this study were healthy adults. They were allocated to either the Ephedragroup (N =66) or the placebo group (N =32), Ephedra(8 g) or a placebo in similar opaque capsules was given twice a day for 2 weeks. Anxiety score was estimated with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory before first and after last medication. 36 of the Ephedragroup and 24 of the placebo group finished the trial and were analyzed. Paired samples T-test and independent samples T-test were applied to statistical analysis. Results : The following result was obtained: After taking Ephedra. state anxiety increased significantly. In the placebo group. both state and trait anxiety increased although significance was not reached. Conclusions : It is concluded that the intake of Ephedraplays a significant role in the increase of anxiety in healthy adults. It is suggested that anxiety level change should be considered when using Ephedra in clinics.

• 한방비만학회지
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.87-95
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• 2017

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate efficacy and safety of Punica granatum L. Actinidia chinensis Planch. mixed extract on body fat. Methods: Thirty women were recruited ($25kg/m^2{\leq}body$ mass index [BMI]${\leq}29.9kg/m^2$) ($19yr{\leq}age{\leq}38yr$) and randomized to receive Punica granatum L. Actinidia chinensis Planch. mixed extract or placebo for 8 weeks. During the test, they visited four times including screening. Body fat mass, body fat rate, anthropometric dimensions at waist and hip, waist-hip ratio, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured at screening and 8 weeks after screening. Adverse reaction were also checked each visit. Results: There were no significant differences in all index. But when divide experimental group by BMI index, age, and compliance, less than BMI $27kg/m^2$ group decreased body weight, body fat mass and more than BMI $27kg/m^2$ group also decreased body weight, body fat mass and waist circumference. Less than age 30 years group showed decline of waist circumference, fat free rate and T-cholesterol and more than age 30 years group showed decline of fat free mass. Group with compliance more than 95% was decreased BMI, fat free mass, and hip circumference. Conclusions: There was no significant efficacy as compared with placebo group, but as divide experimental group according to BMI index, age, compliance, mixed extract might be effective to reduce obesity index.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.57-69
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• 2008

Objectives : To review the controlling methods used in RCTs (randomized controlled trials) of auricular acupuncture. Methods : To investigate the controlling methods used in clinical trials of auricular acupuncture, 46 articles were retrieved from PUBMED (from August 1976 to August 2007, with limits: english, clinical trial) using the key words of "ear acupuncture", "auricular acupuncture", "auriculo-medicine", and sorted out according to the types of control treatments. Among them, 10 articles were selected based on STRICTA (Standards for Reporting Intervention in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture), and the controlling methods used in those articles were reviewed. Results : In clinical trials of auricular acupuncture, 'sham acupoints (non-acupoints and non-treatment acupoints included)', 'minimal acupuncture', 'pseudo-intervention', and 'placebo devices' have been used as controlling methods, but their 'inactivity' have been in question. To compensate the disadvantages of 'minimal acupuncture', and 'pseudo-intervention' control, placebo auricular acupuncture needles have been developed, although these needles didn't satisfy the conditions of 'blinding' and 'physical inactivity' simultaneously. Conclusions : Further researches on 'sham acupoints' and new development of 'placebo auricular acupuncture needles' are needed.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제11권3호
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• pp.407-416
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• 2005

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for cardiac surgery induces the production and release of numerous chemotactic substances and cytokines, ensuing systemic inflammatory response that causes postoperative major organ dysfunctions. We performed a randomized, prospective study to investigate clinical effects of preoperative treated-methylprednisolone for preventing inflammation in pediatric cardiac surgery with CPB. Thirty pediatric patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery were randomized to either control(n=15) or steroid group (n=15, 10 mg/kg of methylprednisolone). Arterial blood samples were taken before and after the operations for measuring total leukocyte (T-WBC) and differential counts, platelet counts, interleukin-6 (IL-6), myeloperoxidase (MPO), neuron specific enolase (NSE), troponin-I (TNI), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels. Postoperative parameters such as pulmonary index (PI, $PaO_2/FiO_2$), 24 hrs and total bleeding volumes, mechanical ventilating (MVP) and intensive care unit (ICU)-staying periods, and hospitalization were assessed. T-WBC, neutrophil fraction, IL-6, MPO, NSE, TNI, AST and creatinine levels, bleeding volumes, PI, and MVP at the postoperative periods were lower or shorter in steroid group than in control group (P<0.05). These findings indicated that preoperative administration of methylprednisolone attenuated CPB-induced inflammatory reactions, contributing to postoperative recovery of patients underwent cardiac surgery.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제26권4호
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• pp.53-66
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• 2009

Objective : Acupuncture has been widely used throughout the world for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (knee OA). This study investigated whether acupuncture, particularly Sa-am acupuncture, could be effective in relieving pain and improving the symptoms of knee OA. Method : This study was conducted as a prospective, randomized, controlled, and patient- and investigator-blinded clinical trial. Forty volunteers with knee OA participated in the study. All participants were screened through an inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thirty four participants completed the clinical trial. In total, forty subjects were randomly selected to receive Sa-am acupuncture. Eight sessions of acupuncture were given at the contralateral side of the problematic knee for 4 weeks. Korean translation of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (KWOMAC) scores were measured twice: at the beginning and end of the clinical trial period. Both the Patient Global Assessment and physical health scores based on the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey were also used to measure the results. Results : Compared to the pre-trial scores, the Sa-am acupuncture group (n=34) showed a significant decrease in KWOMAC total scores according to a paired t-test. The Sa-am acupuncture group also showed significant improvement in the Patient Global Assessment when compared to the pre-trial. Conclusions : Sa-am acupuncture for knee OA resulted in an improved KWOMAC total score. This was mostly driven by the function component score that was greatly affected by acupuncture. However, further studies with expanded designs are needed to solidify this finding with scientific rigor.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.75-92
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• 2020

Objectives: This clinical trial is performed to investigate the effect of improving the menopausal symptoms and the safety of extract obtained from Pueraria thunbergiana Bentham and Curcuma longa L. in menopausal women Methods: This study was randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. 110 women with menopausal symptoms were assigned to treatment group (n=55) and control group (n=55). The results of this study were evaluated through changes in Kupperman Index score, Menopause-specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) score, degree of hot flashes and sweating, Body Mass Index(BMI), laboratory test results including female hormones. Results: In the treatment group compared to before baseline, there was significant difference in the Kupperman Index total score, score of each item in the Kupperman Index, MENQOL total score, hot flush and sweating visual analogue scale (VAS), hot flush score, and hot flush duration at one time. However, there was also a significant change compared to baseline in the control group, there was no significant difference between the treatment group and the control group. There was no significant change in female hormone levels in both group, and there were no adverse events associated with the clinical trial product. Conclusions: This clinical trial showed that extract obtained from Pueraria thunbergiana Bentham and Curcuma longa L. was helpful in improving menopausal symptoms in menopausal women without significant side effects.