• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.2
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• pp.186-193
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• 2018

Objective : The purpose of this study was to evaluate pain-related behaviors after bilateral C2 root resection and change in pain patterns in the suboccipital region in rats. Methods : Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n=25/group); $n{\ddot{a}}ive$, sham, and C2 resection. Three, 7, 10, and 14 days after surgery, cold allodynia was assessed using $20{\mu}L$ of 99.7% acetone. c-Fos and c-Jun were immunohistochemically stained to evaluate activation of dorsal horn gray matter in C2 segments of the spinal cord 2 hours, 1 day, 7 days, and 14 days after surgery. Results : Three days after surgery, the response to acetone in the sham group was significantly greater than in the $n{\ddot{a}}ive$ group, and this significant difference between the $n{\ddot{a}}ive$ and sham groups was maintained throughout the experimental period (p<0.05 at 3, 7, 10, and 14 days). Seven, 10, and 14 days after surgery, the C2 root resection group exhibited a significantly greater response to acetone than the $n{\ddot{a}}ive$ group (p<0.05), and both the sham and C2 resection groups exhibited significantly greater responses to acetone compared with 3 days after surgery. No significant difference in cold allodynia was observed between the sham and C2 root resection groups throughout the experimental period. Two hours after surgery, both the sham and C2 root resection groups exhibited significant increases in c-Fos- and c-Jun-positive neurons compared with the naive group (p=0.0021 and p=0.0358 for the sham group, and p=0.0135 and p=0.014 for the C2 root resection group, respectively). One day after surgery, both the sham and C2 root resection groups exhibited significant decreases in c-Fos -positive neurons compared with two hours after surgery (p=0.0169 and p=0.0123, respectively), and these significant decreases in c-Fos immunoreactivity were maintained in both the sham and C2 root resection groups 7 and 14 days after surgery. The sham and C2 root resection groups presented a tendency toward a decrease in c-Jun-positive neurons 1, 7, and 14 days after surgery, but the decrease did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion : We found no significant difference in cold allodynia and the early expression of c-Fos and c-Jun between the sham and C2 resection groups. Our results may support the routine resection of the C2 nerve root for posterior C1-2 fusion, but, further studies are needed.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.254-261
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• 2000

In order to observe the bioactivity of ovariectomized rats, ovariectomized group (Ovx), nonovariectomized group (Sham), ovariectomized Vitamin C-treat group (Ovx+Vit C), ovariectomized Vitamin E-treat group (Ovx+Vit E) and ovariectomized Vitamin C+Vitamin E-treat group(Ovx+Vit C+E) were made. Lipidperoxides of liver and kidney, serum total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were investigate as follows. Lipidperoxides of liver and kidney in Ovx group were 1.78 times and 1.61 times increased compared to Sham group respectively. But, they were significantly decreased in Ovx+Vit C group, Ovx+Vit E group, Ovx+Vit C+E group compared to Ovx group. Serum total cholesterol in Ovx group was increased 2.57 times compared to Sham group. Injections of each substance such as ascorbate, tocopherol, mixture (C+E) make data of Cholesterol become low. When especially Vit C is injected, the data of cholesterol lowed by about 94%. Serum HDL-cholesterol in Ovx group decreased 36.7% compared to Sham group. And as the result of the measurement of SOD, Catalase, and GPx which are antioxidant enzyme, SOD and Catalase activities in Ovx group much higher than in Sham group. Based on the results, it is supposed that more produced free radicals increased antioxidant enzyme. And it is also thought that vitamin can inhibit aging by reducing antioxidant enzyme.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.117-127
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• 2010

Background : To demonstrate the efficacy of moxibustion therapy, randomized controled trials are required. But, clinical trials of moxibustion had limitations due to the absence of a sham moxibustion model for an appropriate placebo. Objectives : To develop a new sham moxibustion model based on the thermal characteristics of commercial indirect moxibustion, especially temperature, and to evaluate whether it could be applied in clinical trials. Methods : By applying heat insulation, we created a sham moxibustion device that was indistinguishable from a real one with the naked eye. It also stimulated heat but had inert remedial value. A clinical trial was performed on subjects to test double blinding. The subjects were randomly assigned into two groups, a treatment group and a sham group. Acupoint Zusanli($ST_{36}$) was used in each group for 3 times. A sham acupuncture credibility questionnaire was modified into a moxibustion credibility questionnaire and was filled out after treatment. Results : No major difference was detected in the subjects' baseline data. Most subjects and practitioners could not distinguish the sham moxibustion device from the real one. But, subjects who had experience of moxibustion therapy more likely to distinguish the sham moxibustion device from the real one than subjects who didn't have experience of moxibustion therapy. The treatment group showed a significant difference in the VAS(Visual Analog Scale) for intensity of sensation during treatment than that of the sham group. Conclusions : The sham moxibustion device in this study is proved sufficient and credible to be applied in investigations of the effect of moxibustion. But it is more appropriate for the people who don't have experience of moxibustion therapy.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.42-62
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• 2011

Objective: This study was performed to investigate the effect of acupuncture at HT8 on brain activity in perimenopausal women using fMRI. Methods: 15 healthy perimenopausal women volunteered in the study. No stimulation, sham stimulation, duration of acupuncture treatment on HT8, and rotation of acupuncture treatment on HT8 were randomly given for 6 minutes, with 20 seconds' intervals. Results: 1. In comparison with sham stimulation(Sham-B) and duration of acupucture (S1-B, S1-Sham, S2-S1), the areas of fMRI signal activation areas were just like cases including no stimulation. But the areas of vision were activated in S1-Sham. 2. In comparison with duration of acupuncture(S1-B, S1-Sham, S2-S1) and rotation of acupuncture(S2-B, S2-Sham, S2-S1), the areas of vision were activated in duration of acupuncture, and Supplementary motor area(SMA) were especially activated in rotation of acupuncture. Conclusions: After using fMRI and analysing effect of acupuncture treatment at HT8, we could confirm that fMRI signal activation areas by acupuncture treatment at HT8 were different from areas by sham stimulation. And according to acupuncture stimulation methods with duration and rotation, etc, we could confirm the specific reactions of series, and could get useful basic data for research of acupuncture from now on.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.19-51
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• 2003

To demonstrate the effect of massages on the skeletal muscles of immobilization ddY mice models induced by right side sciatic nerve neurectomy, the cross sectional histological profiles of the muscularis (M) gastrocnemius, M. tibialis cranialis and M. tibialis caudalis were observed after 28 days of treatment of massages with the changes of body weight, thickness of hind limb and individual muscle weights. In addition, changes of serum aspartate amino- transferase (AST) and creatine phosphokinase (CK) levels were also demonstrated with diameter of individual muscle fiber and muscle fasciculata, and number of muscle fiber in each of three types of muscles located in the calf. The experimental groups were divided into five groups, 1) Sham-operated group (Sham), 2) Neurectomized but not massage control group (Control), 3) Neurectomized and massage at knee joint regions (T1), 4) Neurectomized and massage at calf regions (T2), and 5) Neurectomized and massages at achilles tendon regions (T3). The experimental animals were used 5 per groups. The results are as follow: 1. No significant changes of body weight were demonstrated in this groups during whole experimental periods compared to that of Sham group. In addition, no significant changes of body weight gains during experimental periods (Day 0 - Day 27: 28 days of treatment) were also observed. 2. The thickness of intact left side hind limb was not changes in all tested groups compared to that of Sham group. However, the thickness of right side hind limb were remarkedly decreased in Control, T1, T2 and T3 groups compared to that of Sham group. In addition, the differences of thickness of hind limb between right and left sides were also significantly increased in Control and massage groups (T1, T2 and T3) compared to that of Sham group. However, the thickness of right side of hind limb were significantly increased and the differences of thickness between both sides of hind limb were dramatically decreased in massage groups compared to that of Control group in followed order: T1 > T3 > T2. 3. Absolute and relative weight of M. gastrocnemius in the intact left side of hind limb was not changes in all tested groups compared to that of Sham group. However, the weight of right side M. gastrocnemius were remarkedly decreased in Control, T1, T2 and T3 groups compared to that of Sham group. In addition, the differences of weight of M. gastrocnemius between right and left sides were also significantly increased in Control and massage groups compared to that of Sham group. However, the weight of right side M. gastrocnemius were significantly increased and the differences of weight between both sides of M. gastrocnemius were dramatically decreased in massage groups compared to that of Control group in followed order: T3 > T1 >. 4. Absolute and relative weight of M. tibialis cranialis in the intact left side was not changes in all tested groups compared to that of Sham group. However, the weight of right side M. tibialis cranialis were remarkedly decreased in Control, T1, T2 and T3 groups compared to that of Sham group. In addition, the differences of weight of M. tibialis cranialis between right and left sides were also significantly increased in Control and massage groups compared to that of Sham group. However, the weight of right side M. tibialis cranialis were significantly increased and . the differences of weight between both sides of M. tibialis cranialis were dramatically decreased in massage groups compared to that of Control group in followed order: T3 > T1 > T2. 5. Absolute and relative weight of M. tibialis caudalis in the intact left side was not changes in all tested groups compared to that of Sham group. However, the weight of right side M. tibialis caudalis were remarkedly decreased in Control, T1, T2 and T3 groups compared to that of Sham group. In addition, the differences of weight of M. tibialis caudalis between right and left sides were also significantly increased in Control and massage groups compared to that of Sham group. However, the weight of right side M. tibialis caudalis were significantly increased and the differences of weight between both sides of M. tibialis caudalis were dramatically decreased in massage groups compared to that of Control group in followed order: T3 > T1 > T2. 6. A significant increase of serum AST levels were demonstrated in Control group. However, serum AST levels of massage groups were significantly decreased compared to that of Control group in followed order: T3 > T1 > T2. In case of 73 group, the values decreased into similar levels compared to that of Sham group. 7. A significant increase of serum CK levels were demonstrated in Control group. However, serum CK levels of massage groups were significantly decreased compared to that of Control group in followed order: T3 > T1 > T2.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.84-93
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• 2001

This study was to evaluate the effect of dietary taurine on bone mass loss in ovariectomized rats. Forty Sprauge-Dawly female rats (body weight 200$\pm$22 ) were divided into four groups. Control (sham) group was fed without taurine and the other three ovariectomized groups were fed the diets with 0%, 1% and 2% taurine for eight weeks. There was no significant difference in Plasma taurine level among the three ovariectomized groups. The sham group showed higher calcium level in femur than that of the other ovariectomized groups. There was no significant difference in phosphorus level in femur among the four groups. The levels of magnesium and zinc in sham group was higher than those of in the ovariectomized groups. The sham and 1% taurine fed ovariectomized group showed higher level of sodium than 0% and 2% taurine fed ovariectomized groups. Body weight and diet intake in sham group were lower than those of in the three ovariectomized groups due to ovariectomy. Breaking force and specific gravity of femur were not different significantly among the four groups. The level of minerals in l% taurine fed ovariectomized group was higher than that of in 0% taurine fed ovariectomized group even though the level of minerals in ovariectomized was lower than In sham group, which indicates that taurine supplementation might have benificial effects on osteoporosis.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.127-134
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• 2008

The effects of vitamin $D_{3}$ supplementation on bone mineral density and bone mineral content in ovariectmized rats were investigated. Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats (body weight 180 g) were divided into two group, ovariectomy and Sham groups, which were each randomly divided into two subgroups that were fed casein and casein supplemented with vitamin $D_{3}$ diets. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured using PIXlmus (GE Lunar Co, Wisconsin, USA) in spine and femur on 6 weeks after feeding. Osteocalcin and urinary DPD crosslinks value were measured as markers of bone formation and resorption. The body weight gain and food efficiency ratio (FER) were higher in OVX groups than in Sham groups regardless of diets. Serum Ca concentration and urinary Ca excretion were higher in vitamin $D_{3}$ supplemented group than in casein group in Sham and OVX. Crosslinks values were higher in OVX groups than in Sham groups. Spine BMD and femur BMD of ovariectomy group were significantly lower than Sham groups, however vitamin $D_{3}$ supplemented groups were significantly higher than control groups in Sham and OVX. In conclusion, dietary vitamin $D_{3}$ supplementation on ovariectimized rats were significantly increased bone mineral density and bone mineral content in spine and femur.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.77-93
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• 2008

Objectives : Though there were many clinical studies of acupuncture effects they didn't have appropriate control group or use another therapy for control group. So, we didn't say it was true acupuncture effect, though subjects in clinical study improved. Recently several sham needles for control group were developed and validated. This study aimed at summarizing the validation studies of these needles and evaluating the control group of the acupuncture clinical study. Methods : Computerized literature searches were performed using 'acupuncture' and 'placebo or sham' with a limitation of the results to RCTs in Pubmed, Sciencedirect, NDSL, KISS, RISS. Data were extracted regarding study design, sample size, acupuncture point, stimulation form, credibility testing. And We have examined 106 acupuncture clinical studies published by Pubmed from January 1, 2005 to April 30, 2008. Data were extracted author's country, subject of study, type of study groups, type of control groups, type of blinding, difference between the results in the control groups. Results : Streitberger's placebo needle, Fink's sham needle, Park sham needle, Kim sham needle were developed. They were validated at domestic and abroad. But the results were deviation depending on the each of the researcher. They has shown that sample, acupuncture points, experiences or knowledge of acupuncture dependent on the results. Recent three years, acupuncture clinical trial had different results. Significant differences between Study group and control group emerged from using other therapy or non-treatment for control group. Many study has no significant differences using sham acupuncture for control groups. Conclusions : Acupuncture clinical studies need to meet several requirements. First of all, they require the basics of randomized controlled clinical studies such as blinding and the accurate implementation and description of randomization. And also need to research the unique circumstances of these studies such as the development of sham acupuncture and blinding method which differs from other clinical trials.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.216-223
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dietary caffeine supplementation on bone mineral density and bone mineral content in ovariectomized rats. Twenty eight female Sprague-Dawley rats (body weight $210\;{\pm}\;5\;g$) were divided into two groups, ovariectomy (OVX) and Sham groups, which were each randomly divided into two subgroups that were fed control and control supplemented with caffeine diets (caffeine 0.03% diets). All rats were fed on experimental diet and deionized water ad libitum for 6 weeks. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured using PIXImus (GE Lunar Co, Wisconsin) in spine and femur. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and osteocalcin and urinary DPD crosslinks value were measured as markers of bone formation and resorption. The results of this study indicate that body weight gain and food intake were higher in OVX groups than in Sham groups regardless of diets. There were no differences weight gain between the control and caffeine groups in both OVX and Sham groups. Within the OVX groups, serum Ca concentration was lower in rats fed caffeine than in rats fed the control diet. Serum ALP, osteocalcin, urinary Ca, and phosphate were not different in each group. Spine BMD, spine BMD/weight, and spine BMC/weight, femur BMD/weight and femur BMC/weight of ovariectomy groups were significantly lower than Sham groups. Within the OVX group, there were no differences in spine BMD and BMC and femur BMD and BMC. These results indicate that no significant differences in spine and femur BMD were found due to 0.03% caffeine intakes in diet in OVX rats for 6 weeks. No negative effect of caffeine in 0.03% diet on bone mineral density were found in the present study. Further investigation of the relation between caffeine and bone mineral density are warranted. (KoreanJNutr2008; 41(3): 2l6~223)

• Journal of Magnetics
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.161-169
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• 2014

The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on the alleviation of lumbar myalgia. This is a randomized, real-sham, double blind pilot study. 38 patients were divided into the PEMF group and the Sham group, each of which was composed of 19 patients (1 patient dropped out in the Sham group) of randomized allocation. The PEMF group was treated by using the PEMF device and the Sham group by using a sham device on the lumbar muscle and acupuncture points, three times a week for a total of two weeks. Evaluations of Visual Analogue Scale for bothersomeness (VASB), Visual Analogue Scale for pain intensity (VASP), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Instrument (SF-36), EuroQol-5Dimension (EQ-5D), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), etc. before and 1 week after treatment were carried out. The primary outcome measure was the VASB, measured 1 week after the end of the pulsed electromagnetic therapy. VASB scores for the PEMF group changed by $-2.06{\pm}2.12$ from the baseline, and that for the Sham group changed by $-0.52{\pm}0.82$ (p < 0.05). VASP scores for the PEMF group were reduced by $-2.10{\pm}2.12$ from the base line, and that for the Sham group was reduced by $-0.53{\pm}1.50$ (p < 0.05). PEMF group showed significant improvements in all VASB, VASP, ODI, SF-36, EQ-5D, BDI and RMDQ scores, while the Sham group showed significant improvements in all scores, except the VASP score. However, the VASB, VASP and RMDQ scores of the PEMF group were much lower than those of the Sham group. The two groups showed no significant difference in ODI, SF-36, EQ-5D and BDI. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of PEMF treatment for alleviating lumbar myalgia.