• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.467-475
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• 2002

Hyperthermia using transrectal thermal probes has been used for a noninvasive treatment of prostate diseases. However it is known that heating the rectal wall at excessively high temperature can lead to destruction of the rectal mucous membrane. and it is difficult to maintain an optimum temperature over the entire prostate. Thus, a more accurate understanding of the heat transfer mechanism between prostate and hyperthermia system is needed Numerical analysis was performed to investigate how the cold/warm stimulations on the prostate surface affect the temperature distribution in the prostate model. The general purpose software "FLUENT" was used for obtaining a finite volume solution to the unsteady conduction equation and to calculate the time-varying temperature in the prostate. Effects of the warm/cold stimulations and the stimulation frequency on the temperature distribution were simulated. and we visualized how hyperthermia affected the inside of the prostate. It was found that the effect of hyperthermia by using a typical heating method is limited due to the low thermal conductivity of the prostate. Consecutive repetitions of warm and cold stimulations were considered to provide the thermal irritations inside a prostate. The effects of temperature difference and duration of warm/cold stimulations were investigated, and basic data for the optimum period and effective patterns of stimulations were obtained. A simplified bioheat equation was also solved to describe effects of the blood flow on the blood-tissue heat transfer. The effect of blood flow was not dominant compared to that of warm/cold stimulations. These results might be used as data for design of prostate treating probe, prostatic therapy and thermal stimulation effects on the prostate.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.427-436
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• 2021

Background: Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies have been used to treat patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). However, the effect of therapies in cancer patients has yet to be investigated comprehensively. We hypothesized that cyclic thermal therapy would improve blood flow and microcirculation and improve the symptoms driven by CIPN. Methods: The criteria of assessment were blood volume in region of interest (ROI) in the images, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 questionnaire scores. The blood volume was quantified by using red blood cell (RBC) scintigraphy. All patients were treated 10 times during 10 days. The thermal stimulations, between 15° and 41°, were repeatedly delivered to the patient's hands. Results: The total score of the questionnaires, the score of questions related to the upper limbs, the score of questions closely related to the upper limbs, and the score excluding the upper limbs questions was decreased. The blood volume was decreased, and the variance of blood volume was decreased. During cooling stimulation, the blood volume was decreased, and its variance was decreased. During warming stimulation, the blood volume was decreased, and its variance was decreased. Conclusions: We suggest that cyclic thermal therapy is useful to alleviate CIPN symptoms by blood circulation improvement. RBC scintigraphy can provide the quantitative information on blood volume under certain conditions such as stress, as well as rest, in peripheral tissue.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.255-267
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• 2018

Inflammation is one of the main causes of pathologic pain. Knowledge of the molecular links between inflammatory signals and pain-mediating neuronal signals is essential for understanding the mechanisms behind pain exacerbation. Some inflammatory mediators directly modulate the excitability of pain-mediating neurons by contacting the receptor molecules expressed in those neurons. For decades, many discoveries have accumulated regarding intraneuronal signals from receptor activation through electrical depolarization for bradykinin, a major inflammatory mediator that is able to both excite and sensitize pain-mediating nociceptor neurons. Here, we focus on the final effectors of depolarization, the neuronal ion channels, whose functionalities are specifically affected by bradykinin stimulation. Particular G-protein coupled signaling cascades specialized for each specific depolarizer ion channels are summarized. Some of these ion channels not only serve as downstream effectors but also play critical roles in relaying specific pain modalities such as thermal or mechanical pain. Accordingly, specific pain phenotypes altered by bradykinin stimulation are also discussed. Some members of the effector ion channels are both activated and sensitized by bradykinin-induced neuronal signaling, while others only sensitized or inhibited, which are also introduced. The present overview of the effect of bradykinin on nociceptor neuronal excitability at the molecular level may contribute to better understanding of an important aspect of inflammatory pain and help future design of further research on the components involved and pain modulating strategies.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.242-246
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• 2008

To assess the role of $\alpha_{1G}$ T-type $Ca^{2+}$ channels in neuropathic pain after L5 spinal nerve ligation, we examined behavioral pain susceptibility in mice lacking $Ca_{V}3.1$ (${\alpha}_{1G}{^{-/-}}$), the gene encoding the pore-forming units of these channels. Reduced spontaneous pain responses and an increased threshold for paw withdrawal in response to mechanical stimulation were observed in these mice. The ${{\alpha}_{1G}}^{-/-}$ mice also showed attenuated thermal hyperalgesia in response to both low-(IR30) and high-intensity (IR60) infrared stimulation. Our results reveal the importance of ${\alpha}_{1G}$ T-type $Ca^{2+}$ channels in the development of neuropathic pain, and suggest that selective modulation of ${\alpha}_{1G}$ subtype channels may provide a novel approach to the treatment of allodynia and hyperalgesia.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.67-78
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study were to examine the anti-hyperalgesic effects of combination of electroacupuncture and microcurrent on anti-hyperalgesia in local hyperalgesia zone. Methods: It used 24 rats for experiment, divided them into control group, electroacupuncture group (EA group), microcurrent group (MC group), combination of electroacupuncture with microcurrent (EA+MC group), caused hyperalgesia by injecting ${\lambda}-carrageenan$ into hindpaw. Thickness of hindpaw, mechanical pain threshold (MPT), thermal pain threshold (TPT), noxious flexion withdrawal reflex (NFR) and somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) were measured immediately after induction, at 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours after induction. The electrical stimulation was given once a day for three days, 20min per session. Results: Change of thickness, MPT, and TPT showed significant difference in all groups compared to control group. In particular, there were remarkable difference in EA+ME group. In particular there were remarkable differences in EA group and EA+MC group. Change of NFR(% threshold, % reaction time, % RMS) and SEP showed mainly significant differences in EA group and EA+ME group compared to control group. In particular, there were remarkable difference in EA+ME group. Conclusion: The above results suggest that appropriate combination of microcurrent with electroacupuncture for pain control will be very desirable.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.79-87
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• 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the pain and balance of patients who receive total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: This study subjects were 24 patients in Hospital T, located in Daegu, South Korea who received TKA after being diagnosed with degenerative arthritis. The subjects were randomly divided into and experimental group and a control group, with each group including 12 patients. Both group received superfical thermal therapy, interferential current therapy (ICT), and continue passive motion (CPM), which are conventional knee therapy on the knee joint. The experimental group received the tDCS treatment three times a week for three weeks, from October 1st to October 20th. The visual analogue scale and Wii Balance Board system were used to measure the pain and balancing ability, respectively, of both groups. In the statistical result analysis, to compare about pre and post test difference in each groups was accomplished. Statistical analysis of independent t-test and paired t-test were conducted using SPSS version 23.0. Results: After three weeks of intervation, there were significantly difference in balance ability in pre and post test in the tDCS group. VAS decreased significantly in both groups(p<.05), There was a significantly difference in pain, balance ability in the tDCS group compared to the sham group. Conclusion: These results indicate that applying tDCS together with conventional knee joint therapy for TKA patients is effective in promoting the patients' recovery.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.1-14
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• 2006

Objectives : We implemented the Moxa-Extract Moxibustion Method in order to improve the conventional moxibustion therapy. This method is aimed to eliminate burning wounds and smoke, which are the defects of conventional moxibustion therapy. And we performed to verify the efficiency by comparing the Moxa-Extract Moxibustion Method with the conventional Indirect Moxibustion Method. We measured the body heat and the lasting time of blood circulation improveent using thermography. We implemented the Moxa-Extract Moxibustion Method in order to improve the conventional moxibustion therapy. This method is aimed to eliminate burning wounds and smoke, which are the defects of conventional moxibustion therapy. And we performed to verify the efficiency by comparing the Moxa-Extract Moxibustion Method with the conventional Indirect Moxibustion Method. We measured the body heat and the lasting time of blood circulation improvement using thermography. Methods : The moxibustion therapy has two kinds of effects: The formers are pharmacological effects of the Moxa's vasodilators and antioxidants. The latters are thermal effects which cause improvement of the blood circulation. To remove the demerits without omission of above therapeutic effects, we extracted the vasodilators and antioxidant compounds from the Moxa-CH2Cl2 fraction Moxa-EtOA and composed the moxibustion kit with (Ba0.8 Sr0.2)0.996 Y0.004 TiO2 + 0.5WT SiO2% positive Temperature Coefficients Thermistor. The experimental demonstrations have been made by the stimulating the spot which is CV4(Kwan-Won), CV8(Shin-Guel), CV12(Jung-Wan) acupuncture points of the conception vessel meridian(CV). And stimulating time was one hour. We divided the subjects into 5 groups such as no stimulation group, conventional Indirect Moxibustion group, only Moxa-Extract stimulation group, only heat stimulation group, and Moxa-Extract Moxibustion group. In the different cases, we have measured the body heat in pre-stimulation, just after stimulation, 2 hours after, and 4 hours after. Results : he body heats of the group who were stimulated by the Moxa-Extract Moxibustion method were increased by over the $2^{\circ}C$. And the body heats of the group who were stimulated by the Indirect Moxibustion Method were increased by average the $1^{\circ}C$. We have evaluated that the Moxa-Extract Moxibustion Method is improvement on the Indirect Moxibustion Method by the increasing rate is 200% and increasing time is 150% with the body heat of the abdominal region. Conclusion : We have implemented the Moxa-Extract Moxibustion Method and evaluated the efficiency of the Moxa-Extract Moxibustion Method comparing with the Indirect Moxibustion Method.

• The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers D
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• v.55 no.8
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• pp.386-396
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• 2006

We implemented the Drug-Pad Moxibustion Method in order to improve the conventional moxibustion therapy. This method is aimed to eliminate burning wounds and smoke, which are the defects of conventional moxibustion therapy. And we performed to verify the efficiency by comparing the Drug-Pad Moxibustion Method with the conventional Indirect Moxibustion Therapy. We measured the body heat and the lasting time of blood circulation improvement using thermography. The moxibustion therapy has two kinds of effects: The formers are pharmacological effects of the Moxa's vasodilators and antioxidants. The latters are thermal effects which cause improvement of the blood circulation. To remove the demerits without omission of above therapeutic effects, we extracted the vasodilators and antioxidant compounds from the Moxa-$CH_2Cl_2$ fraction Moxa-EtOAc and composed the moxibustion kit with $(Ba_{0.8}\;Sr_{0.2})_{0.996}\;Y_{0.004}\;TiO_2+0.5_{WT}\;SiO_2%$ Positive Temperature Coefficients Thermistor. The experimental demonstrations have been made by the stimulating the spot which is CV4(Kwan-Won), CV8(Shin-Guel), CV12(Jung-Wan) acupuncture points of the conception vessel meridian(CV). And stimulating time was one hour. We divided the subjects into 5 groups such as no stimulation group, conventional Indirect Moxibustion group, only Drug-Pad stimulation group, only heat stimulation group, and Drug-Pad Moxibustion group. In the different cases, we have measured the body heat in pre-stimulation, just after stimulation, 2 hours after, and 4 hours after. The body heats of the group who were stimulated by the Drug-Pad Moxibustion Method were increased by over the $2^{\circ}C$. And the body heats of the group who were stimulated by the Indirect Moxibustion Method were increased by average the $1^{\circ}C$. We have evaluated that the Drug-Pad Moxibustion Method is improvement on the conventional Indirect Moxibustion Method by the heat-increasing rate is 200% and the lasting time is 150% with the body heat of the abdominal region. In the conclusions, We have implemented the Drug-Pad Moxibustion Method and evaluated the efficiency of the Drug-Pad Moxibustion Method comparing with the conventional Indirect Moxibustion Method.

• International Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.35-45
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• 2009

Six healthy female volunteers twice undertook an experiment with different types of clothing leaving the arms and legs covered or uncovered at $24{\pm}0.5^{\circ}C$ and $50{\pm}5%$ RH to study how different thermal stimulation to the distal extremities during the afternoon could modulate circadian parameters of body temperature rhythm. One type of clothing consisted of long-sleeved shirts and full-length trousers (Type I, 989 g, 0.991 clo); the other type consisted of half-sleeved shirts and knee-length trousers (Type II, 750 g, 0.747 clo). Subjects wore Type I or Type II clothing during the afternoon (14:00 h - 19:00 h), and Type I clothing during the evening (19:00 h - 22:30 h) and the night sleep (22:30 h - 06:00 h). Rectal temperature and skin temperatures at the arm and leg were measured continuously. Results were as follows: 1) The circadian amplitude of rectal temperature tended to be greater, and the acrophase was significantly earlier when wearing Type II rather than Type I clothing. 2) The circadian nadirs of skin temperatures of the arm and leg were significantly lower and the amplitudes were significantly greater with Type II clothing. In addition, the acrophase and bathyphase of the circadian rhythm of arm skin temperature were significantly earlier with Type II than Type I clothing. 3) The amplitude of rectal temperature was related closely with that of arm and leg skin temperature. These results suggest that a slightly cool thermal stress during the afternoon to the arms and legs exerted by wearing half-sleeved shirts and knee-length trousers induces a greater amplitude and a phase advance of the overt circadian rhythm of body temperature.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.32-40
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• 2008

Background: Angelica dahurica has been used in various clinical cases. Its taste is hot and its property is warm, dry and nonpoisonous. Its efficacy is to remove wind-damp, cure swelling and edema, exhaust pus, stop itching, rhinitis and leukorrhea. Object: To test through experiment Angelica dahurica's analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy. Method: Inject acetic acid as a pain-inducing substance to the mice and measure visceral pain bywrithing reflex. Inject carrageenan that is an edema-inducing substance to the rat's paw and measure volume of edema. Take thermal pain to mice with plantar test and measure paw withdrawal latency. Normal group is non Angelica dahurica-treated group and treated group is Angelica dahurica-treated group. Results: In acetic acid-induced visceral model, treatment with Angelica dahurica suppressed writhing reflex significantlyand dose-dependently. In carrageenan-induced paw edema model, treatment with Angelica dahurica suppressed carrageenan-induced paw edema. In plantar test model, no significant effect on the withdrawal latency of thermal stimulation-induced nociception was observed. Conclusion: Angelica dahurica has analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy.