The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity effects of crude saponin (CS) in Korean red ginseng (KRG) on rats fed a high fat (HF) diet. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into a normal diet group and a high-fat (HF) diet group. The HF diet group became obese from being fed a HF diet over five weeks. The normal diet group were fed a normal diet. Each CS group of the normal diet group and HF diet group was administered CS (200 mg/kg, i.p.) for three weeks, the control group of both types was administered normal saline (1ml/kg, i.p.) instead of CS. Each group had 5 rats. Results: After administration of CS, the body weight, food consumption, adipose tissues, and expression of appetite peptides such as leptin and neuropeptide-Y (NPY) were investigated in the HF diet group as well as the normal diet group. Administration of CS reduced body weight, food intake, and fat content in the HF and normal diet groups. After CS administration, NPY expression and leptin were lower in the HF diet group. Conclusions: Our results suggest that CS may be useful in the treatment of obesity, especially of type qixu (氣虛).

Objectives: Samjunghwan has been known to be effective for the treatment of obesity. To show the effectiveness of Samjunghwan in a more scientific way, Samjunghwan extract was prepared and evaluated in high-fat diet rats by measuring the changes of body weight and lipid metabolism as described below. Methods: 245 g of crushed Samjunghwan was extracted with methyl alcohol. The extract was evaporated under reduced pressure to give 21.8 g. For 30 days, the control group rats were given a high fat diet, while the test group rats were given a high fat diet plus Samjunghwan extract. The normal group rats were given a normal diet. 50 mg of Samjunghwan extract per 1 kg of body weight was added to the diet for the test group rats. Results: The control group rats on a high fat diet gained weight by about 27-28% as compared to the normal group, whereas the test group rats on a high fat diet plus Samjunghwan extract lost weight about 6-8% as compared to the control group. A significant increase of liver weight caused by a high fat diet was also inhibited by the same Samjunghwan extract administration. Similar inhibitory effects on the food intake and on the epididymal adipose tissue weight were observed in the high fat diet rats by the administration of Samjunghwan extract. Serum and liver total lipid levels in the control group on a high fat diet increased significantly as compared to the normal group, whereas their serum and liver levels increased less on a high fat diet plus Samjunghwan extract administered test group than the control group. Impressively, serum leptin levels in the test group decreased almost to the level of the normal group, which was well in accordance with the decreased fat contents in the test group rats. Furthermore, the activities of hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthetase were increased in the control group, while their activities in the test group on a high fat diet plus Samjunghwan extract decreased nearly to the levels of normal group rats on a normal diet. Conclusions: These results showed that the obesity caused by a high fat diet was effectively inhibited the administration of Samjunghwan extract. Our results also showed that the abnormal lipid metabolism caused by a high fat diet was effectively cured by the administration of Samjunghwan extract.

Determination and differentiation of cells in the skeletal muscle lineage is positively regulated by cell-cell contact. Differentiation proteins proposed to mediate this effect include both classical MyoD and MEF members; potential interactions between the promyogenic activities of these classes of protein, however, are unknown. We show here that MyoD and MEF, two promyogenic family members that relate to each other in a cis fashion, form interactions with MyoD and MEF. These proteins contain myosin-heavy chainsand are enriched at sites of cell-cell contact between myoblasts. Therefore, in differentiation of MyoD and MEF from Chungsimyeonjaeum interact dependently, suggesting that the interactions occur in a cis fashion; consistent with this conclusion, MyoD-mediated differentiation is required for myoblasts to occur by Chungsimyeonjaeum. Inhibition in myoblasts of a MyoD by Staurosporine in its ability to associate with MEF interferes with differentiation as assessed by morphological and transcription levels, suggesting that this interaction is functionally important in myogenesis. Also, some of the differentiation-mediated proteins that are required for myogenesis seem to be based on interdependent activities of the promyogenic classical smad-subfamily.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Korean ginseng (KG), Korean red ginseng (KRG) and fermented Korean red ginseng (FKRG) extracts on cerebral hemodynamics and to compare distinction of each extract. Methods: Ten healthy male volunteers $(26.0{\pm}1.8yrs)$ participated in the study according to double-blind and cross-over protocols. Each volunteer was blindly administered 500mg of KG, KRG, FKRG extract or placebo (Dextrin). Blinded researchers measured changes of hyperventilation-induced cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), mean blood flow velocity (MBFV) of middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) and corrected blood flow velocity at $P_{ETCO2}=40mmHg$ (CV40) using transcranial Doppler ultrasound (DWL Co., Germany). Researchers also observed changes of mean blood pressure (MBP), pulse rate (PR) and expiratory $CO_2$ using S/5 Collector (Datex-Ohmeda Co., Finland). The evaluation was performed at basal condition, and repeated at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours after administration. Results: MBFV and CV40 in the KRG group tended to rise at I hour after administration, while those of the FKRG group tended to rise at 2 hours after administration. CVR increased significantly after 1 hour in the KRG group (p=0.009) and after 2 hours in the FKRG group (p=0.035), respectively. The KG group showed increasing tendency at 4 hours after administration. No group showed significant difference from the placebo in changes of MBP and PR. Conclusions: It is suggested that KG, KRG and FKRG extracts have effects of enhancing CVR and thus of increasing cerebral blood flow in human subjects.

Objective: Although chronic non-bacterial prostatitis is a common disease, it is very difficult to treat effectively. Lygodium japonicum has traditionally been used in treatment of urinary tract inflammation and voiding disturbance. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects and action mechanism of Lygodium japonicum in the rat model of non-bacterial prostatitis induced by castration and testosterone treatment. Methods: Five-month-old rats were treated with $17\beta-estradiol$ after castration for induction of experimental non-bacterial prostatitis, which is similar to human chronic prostatitis in histopathological profiles. Lygodium japonicum and testosterone were administered as an experimental specimen and a positive control, respectively. The prostates were evaluated by histopathological parameters including the epithelial score and epithelio-stromal ratio for glandular damage, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) labeling index for cyto-proliferation and a TUNEL (deoxyuridine triphosphate biotin nick end-labeling) assay for cell apoptosis. Results: While prostates of control rats revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation, the rats treated with Lygodium japonicum showed a lesser range of tissue damage. Epithelial score was improved in Lygodium japonicum than that of the control (P<0.05). The epithelio-stromal ratio was lower in Lygodium japonicum when compared to that of the control (P<0.05). Although there was no difference in PCNA and TUNEL positive cells of the glandular epithelia, we found an decreased number of PCNA positive cell and concurrent increase of TUNEL positive cells in the stroma of Lygodium japonicum treated rats (P<0.01). Conclusions: These findings suggest that Lygodium japonicum may protect the glandular epithelial cells and also inhibit stromal proliferation in association with suppression of cyto-proliferation and stimulation of apoptosis. We concluded that Lygodium japonicum may be a useful remedy agent for treating the chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.

Objective: These studies were undertaken to evaluate the effects of the different administration duration of Morindae Radix extract solution on spermatogenic abilities such as concentration, motility and morphological normality of sperm from the testes and the activities of sperm hyaluronidase. Materials and Method: We used 8-week-old ICR mice and administered 0.3mg/g extract solution of Morindae Radix once a day for 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. The control group was administered normal saline in the same way and duration. We examined the number of total, motile and normal sperm from the cauda epididymis. We also compared the testicular tissue, especially seminiferous tubules, between the control and treated groups by histochemical methods. Finally, we observed the difference of sperm hyaluronidase activities between the control and treated groups. Results: Significant administration duration-dependent differences were observed in the concentration of total sperm, motility and normality of spermatozoa of the Morindae Radix extract solution administered groups compared to the control group. In the histological analysis of the testicular tissues, the enlargement of testicular lobe diameter and apparent vasculogenesis between testicular lobes were observed in the Morindae Radix extract solution administered groups compared to the control group. Also, the activity of hyaluronidase was significantly increased in the Morindae Radix extract solution administered groups compared to the control group. Conclusions: This study shows that the beneficial effect of Morindae Radix extract solution on the concentration, motility and morphology of sperm, the testicular tissues and the activities of sperm hyaluronidase increased the greater the duration the mice were administered it. We suggest that Morindae Radix may be useful for the treatment of male sexual dysfunction and infertility.

Objectives: The present study was carried out to investigate the preventive effects of Samgijiwhang-Tang(SJT) on streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy. Methods: SIT was given to rats through oral administration. The experimental animals were divided into a normal group of rats, a control group of STZ-induced diabetic rats, and a sample group with SIT administration. Rehmanniae Radix Preparat is combined in the original prescription of SIT, but in this experiment, Rehmanniae Radix was combined instead of Rehmanniae Radix Preparat to compare the effects of anti-diabetic nephropathy. Experimental diabetic nephropathy was induced by the injection of STZ(60mg/kg) in the rat via the peritoneum. The effect of SIT on STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy was observed by measuring the serum level of creatinine and BUN, in addition to urine secretion of albumin for 24 hours and the level of glucose found in the urine. Anti-oxidative stress of SIT administration in a living body was estimated by measuring lipid peroxide and GSH content in the cortex of kidneys. Results: STZ induced an increase of serum creatinine, urine glucose and renal cortical lipid peroxidation was lowered by Rehmanniae Radix Preparat combined SIT administration. Conclusions: The SIT treatment showed a protective effect on the rat diabetic nephropathy model, and action mechanism of the effect was thought to be concerned with anti-oxidative stress.

Objectives: This study was carried out to find the immune responses of the Gami-sopunghwalhyeol-tang $(Ji{\={a}}w{\`{e}}i-sh{\={u}}f{\={e}}nghu{\'{o}}xu{\`{e}}-tang)$ (hereinafter referred to GSHT) to the human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (hFLSs) isolated from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Experiments were performed to measure the cytotoxity against hFCs and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in hFLSs and the production of NO, ROS. Results: 1. The gene expression of TNF-a, IL-6, IL-8 in hFLSs was effectively reduced at $100{\mu}g/ml$, whereas IL-1 $\beta$ was effectively reduced at 100 and $10{\mu}g/ml$ of GSHT. 2. The gene expression of ICAM-1, MMP-3 in hFLSs was effectively inhibited at 100 and $10{\mu}g/ml$ of GSHT, whereas TIMP-1 was effectively increased at 100 and $10{\mu}g/ml$ of GSHT. 3. The gene expression of NOS-II in hFLSs was effectively inhibited at $100{\mu}g/ml$ of GSHT. 4. The production of NO and ROS in hFLSs was inhibited at 100 and $10{\mu}g/ml$ of GSHT. 5. The proliferation of hFLSs was significantly inhibited at $100{\mu}g/ml$ of GSHT. Conclusions: Comparison of the results for this study showed that Gami-sopunghwalhyeol-tang ($Ji{\={a}}w{\`{e}}i-sh{\={u}}f{\={e}}nghu{\'{o}}xu{\`{e}}-tang$: GSHT) had immunomodulatory effects of suppressing or enhancing.

Background and Aims: Dansamtongmek-tang (DSTMT) and Dansamsengmek-san (DSSMS) have been used for many years as therapeutic agents for the acute stage of cerebrovascular disease, hypertension and hyperlipidemia in Oriental medicine, but the effects of DSTMT and DSSMS on hyperlipidemia and safety for cell damage are not yet well-known. This study was done to investigate the effects of DSTMT and DSSMS on hyperlipidemia. Methods: In vivo test: after administering DSTMT and DSSMS to SHR and ICR occurred hyperlipidemia for 3 weeks, we analyzed body weight, cholesterol levels. TG, HDL-chol, LDL-chol, LDH in plasma, brain, liver and kidney tissue, and DNA by RT-PCR. In vitro test: after administering DSTMT and DSSMS to human hepatocellular carcinoma in hypoxia, we observed cell cohesion by light microscope, analyzed the inflow of Ca2+ by confocal laser scanning microscope and DNA by RT-PCR. Results: DSTMT significantly decreased the levels of triglyceride and increased the levels of HDL-cholesterol in SHR, and significantly decreased the levels of LDL-cholesterol and body weight and increased the levels of HDL-cholesterol in ICR. DSSMS significantly decreased body weight, total cholesterol levels, LDL-cholesterol, LDH and cardiac risk factor (CRE) in SHR and significantly decreased the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, LDH and CRF in ICR. DSTMT had an effect on protecting cells from damage by inhibiting production of p53 mRNA, and in DSSMS, by inhibiting production of p53 mRNA and p21 mRNA after hypoxia. DSTMT effectively blocked off Ca2+ at low density, but DSSMS effectively blocked off Ca2+ at high density. Both DSTMT and DSSMS had an effect on inhibiting lipid metabolism by blocking off production of apo B mRNA. Conclusions: These results suggest that DSTMT and DSSMS might be usefully applied for treatment of hyperlipidemia and suppression of brain damage.

Objectives: In order to improve our understanding of the meridian, it is necessary to analyze how meridian theory formed. In this regard, the primitive form of meridians requires further study. Methods: Data from the pre-Han and Han dynasties were used, as such data document primitive forms of the meridian. Results: 1. Some of the terminology of the primitive meridians did not include symmetrical terms such as hand, foot, yin and yang; instead, terms of travel area were used. 2. In the primitive meridians, most travel from the bottom to the top. 3. The twelve meridian system had not yet been introduced into the primitive system. 4. In the primitive meridians, only a few had branches. 5. In the primitive meridians, they did not have obvious connections with the five vital organs and the six viscera. Conclusions: Although the primitive meridian system differs from the modem, studying the primitive meridians may improve our understanding of the modem meridians.

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the reproducibility of responses to the QSCC II. Methods: Subjects have been tested by QSCC II for 2 or 3 successive years in Kangnam Korean Hospital at Kyunghee University from January 2002 to December 2005. We analyzed constitutions of the same subjects of each year tested. Results: In the second year of QSCC II assessment, 333 of the total 584 subjects were classed as the same constitutions as in their first test. The reproducibility was thus 56.88%. After the third year of QSCC II, 45 of a total 81 subjects were in the same constitutions. The reproducibility was thus 55.56%. Conclusions: We have found that the reproducibility of QSCC II is about 56%, so there is a severe limitation to diagnosis of constitution by QSCC II. Therefore, we must analyze constitutions through multiple objective methods.

Objectives: To help the Oriental medicine clinical studies for the common cold treatment, this study analyzed the tendency of research into complementary medicine on the common cold recently published in PubMed. Methods: This study analyzed 26 research papers on complementary medicine on the common cold published in PubMed Over the past 10 years. It measured annually and for each country the number of papers published, the number of subjects, the period of research, the area of trial, the method of study, the objective of study, and intervention, respectively and intervention, the objective of study, and the result of trials overall. Results: There were research papers concerning treatment, prevention, safety of herbal medicine, inducement, and improvement of symptoms of the common cold in the study objective the most among them concerned treatment of the common cold. There were more positive results compared to negative results for treatment and prevention. The results for safety and symptom improvement were positive, while the results for the inducement were indeterminate. There were research papers about using food and medicine, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and cold exposure in intervention the most among them were about using food and medicine. The food and medicine interventions were Echinacea preparations, vitamins, zinc preparations, Baptisia, Thuja, the root of North American ginseng, probiotic bacteria, troxerutin, garlic, Andrographis paniculata, and caffeine. The use of Echinacea preparations was the most frequent among them. Conclusions: Recent research results of complementary medicine on the common cold were more positive than negative.

Objective: The aim was to study experimentally the effects of Dioscorea bulbifera L. induced by sodium levothyroxine. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into four groups. Except for the normal group, the other three were treated with sodium levothyroxine $160{\mu}g/kg$ for 5 days. Among the three groups, two (except the control) were treated with Dioscorea bulbifera L. extract of 0.75g/kg (sample A) or 1.5g/kg (sample B). $T_3-uptake,\;T_3,\;T_4$, TSH, total cholesterol, glucose, ALP, AST, ALT, tree fatty acids, $\beta-lipoprotein$, and change in the serum of rats were measured after medication with solid extract of Radix Scrophulariae. Results: $T_4$ concentration and $T_3-uptake$ level decreased in sample A and B compared to controls. $T_3$ concentration decreased but not statistically meaningful. Considering lipid metabolism, only free fatty acid level was significantly reduced glucose level also significantly decreased in sample B. Serum AST, ALT and ALP levels were slightly elevated but there was no meaning statistically, which doesn't mean Dioscorea bulbifera L. has liver toxicity because the quantity of the extract perhaps couldn't reach the minimal dose causing liver toxicity, which according to an article was 60g. Body weight significantly increased in comparison to controls. Conclusion: These results suggest that Dioscorea bulbiftra L. lowers excess thyroid hormone and increased metabolism, resulting in improvement of hyperthyroid state.

Objective: The aim was to study experimentally the effects of Radix Scrophulariae (玄蔘) induced by Sodium levothyroxine. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats Were separated into four groups. Except for the normal group, the other three were treated with sodium levothyroxine $160{\mu}g/kg$ for 5 days. Among the three groups, two (except the control) were treated with Radix Scrophulariae extract 0.5g/kg (HNS 1) or 1.0g/kg (HNS II). $T_3-uptake,\;T_3,\;T_4$, TSH, total cholesterol, glucose, ALP, AST, ALT, free fatty acid, $\beta-lipoprotein$, and change in the serum of rats were measured after medication of solid extract of Radix Scrophulariae. Results: As a result of this study, HNS II showed significant decrease in comparison with the control in the serum $T_3-uptake,\;T_3$ ALP and free fatty acid content. HNS I and HNS II showed significant decrease in comparison with the control in the serum of $T_4$ and glucose content. HNS I and HNS II showed significant increase in comparison with the control in the serum of TSH and total cholesterol content. In body weight, HNS I and HNS II showed significant increase in comparison with the control. Conclusion: These results suggest that Radix Scrophulariae is effective to cure hyperthyroidism.

Objectives: Acupuncture has been applied in Asia for thousands of years, especially to rehabilitation after stroke. It has been reported that acupuncture increased cerebral blood supply and stimulated the functional activity of brain nerve cells shown by using brain imaging techniques. This study was to evaluate the effect of GB 34-GB 39 electro-acupuncture (EA) on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in stroke patients and normal volunteers using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Methods: The study procedure was divided into two parts: patients and volunteers studies. For the patients study, ten ischemic stroke patients (3 males, 7 females, mean age $68.5{\pm}8.9$ years old) were selected. Baseline brain SPECT was done with triple head gamma camera (MultiSPECT3, Siemens, USA) after intravenous administration of 1,110 MBq of $^{99m}Tc-ECD$. Fifteen-minute EA at GB 34 and GB 39 were applied on the affected limb. The same dose of $^{99m}Tc-ECD$ was injected during the EA, and the second set of SPECT images wasobtained. Using the computer software (ICON 7.1, Siemens, USA), 3 SPECT slices (upper, middle, lower) surrounding the brain lesion were selected and each slice was divided into 10-16 brain regions. Asymmetry indexes (AI) were analyzed in each brain region. We regarded over 10% changes of AI between before and after EA as significance. For the volunteers study, 10 healthy human volunteers (5 males, 5 females, mean age $28.1{\pm}6$ years old) were selected. In the resting state, $^{99m}Tc-ECD$ brain SPECT scans were performed. On the 7th day after the resting examination, 15 minute EA was applied at GB 34 and GB 39 on the right side of the subjects. Immediately after EA, the second SPECT images were obtained inthe same manner as the resting state. Significant increases and decreases of rCBF after EA were estimated by comparing their SPECT images with those of the resting state using paired t statistics at every voxel, which were analyzed by statistical parametric mapping with a threshold of p = 0.01, uncorrected (extent threshold: k=100 voxels). Results: In stroke patients, six of the eight (75%) had significantly increased perfusion in post-acupuncture scans compared to their baseline state. In normal volunteers, GB 34-GB GB EA increased rCBF in both hemispheres including right ventral posterior cingulate (Brodmann area (BA) 23), left superior temporal, anterior transverse temporal (BA 22, 41), left parastriate, peristriate (BA 18, 19), right occipitotemporal, angular (BA 37, 39), left rostral postcentral, caudal postcentral and preparietal (BA 2, 3, 5). However GB 34-GB 39 EA decreased rCBF in the right hemisphere including triangular and middle frontal lobes. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that OB 34-GB 39 EA increased cerebral perfusion in ischemic stroke patients and increased rCBF grossly in temporal lobes of normal volunteers. It is also suggested that there may be a correlation between the GB meridian and the territory of the middle cerebral artery.

Background: Although several efforts have been made recently to grade the severity of sublingual veins, these methods still meet some problems: clinicians' subjectivity and diversity of lighting conditions. Objectives: The purpose of our study was to quantify the severity of sublingual veins using CDs (color differences), and to verify clinical validity of the parameters of sublingual veins using CDs. Methods: We photographed the inferior surface of subjects' tongue from 74 subjects. CDs were computed through two sets of mean $L^*a^*b^*$ values extracted from BRC (black reference color) and the inferior surface of the tongue. We assumed that SVI (sublingual veins index) normalized percentage of a reciprocal of CDs between BRC and the inferior surface of the tongue including sublingual veins and BISV (black index of sublingual veins) percentage of a reciprocal of CDs between BRC and the main trunk of sublingual veins could be applied as quantitative parameters of sublingual veins and examined whether there are meaningful correlations between CDs and subjective grading by the clinicians or not. Results: There were high positive correlations of SVI and BISV to clinician evaluation respectively (r=0.715, 0.634). We computed a multiple regression equation which includes SVI and BISV as independent factors $(r^2=0.60);\;Y=0.711+0.046X_1+0.205X_2$ (Y: the severity of sublingual veins, $X_1:\;SVI,\;X_2:\;BISV$). Conclusions: We conclude that the severity of sublingual veins can be quantified through SVI and BISV, minimizing the clinicians' subjectivity and the diversity of lighting conditions.

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate acupuncture treatment of alopecia patients by researching literature and to standardize acupuncture treatment. Methods: We extracted the parts about acupuncture treatment of alopecia which are called 'Tal Bal(說髮), 'Ban Dok'(斑禿), 'Tal Mo'(脫毛), 'Bal Rak'(髮洛), 'Wonhyung Talmo'(圓形脫老) from 2 ancient and 49 modern oriental medicine literal sources. We surveyed the frequency and characteristics of the acupoints used for treatment of alopecia, and the acupoint was classified according to its meridian or demonstration. The results of this study were recorded as follows: 1. The most frequently used acupoints were GB20(風紙), GV20(百會), BL13(膈兪), SP6(三陰交), ST36(足三里), BL23(腎兪), SP10(血海), LI11(曲池), in that order. 2. The most frequently used meridians were the urinary bladder meridian (足太湯膀胱經), the Governor Vessel(督豚), the spleen meridian(足少陰脾經), and the gall bladder meridian(足少陰膽經), in that order 3. The most frequently used regions were the head, under the knee, and the back, in that order. 4. The most frequently used Jang organs and Bu organs were the spleen(脾), the stomach(胃), the liver(肝), the gall bladder(擔), the lungs(肺), and the large intestines(大腸), in that order. 5. Common methods of differentiation of alopecia are Hyulyulsaengpung(血熱生風), Gichehyutea(氣滯血瘀), Gihyulyanghea(氣血兩瘀), and Gansinbugok(肝腎不足). Conclusions : For treatment of alopecia, all the patient's symptoms, including alopecia, must taken into consideration and demonstrated.

Objective: The aim of this study was to introduce newly developed cooperation group standards of acupuncture needles for single use and to make a contribution to the future development of Korean Industrial Standards (KS) of acupuncture needles for single use. Results and Conclusion: Quality assurance and quality control with high safety profile is one of the most critical issues in medical device manufacturing. Up to now, proper attention has not been paid to this issue with respect to acupuncture needles for single use and their related devices. We, therefore, organized a committee to make guidelines to produce an acupuncture needle with high quality and safety. In the committee, we reviewed the topic from an historical viewpoint, and investigated the current situation of the standardization of acupuncture needles in other developed countries. Finally, we developed the cooperation group standards in advance of development of KS on the acupuncture needles for single use. The standards are composed of 12 sections describing: Scope, Normative references, Definitions, Materials, Configuration, Appearance and Cleanliness, Quality, Sterilization and Safety, Processing of Surface and Coating Material, Test, Packaging, and Labeling. We hope that the standards would be useful guidelines to produce high quality acupuncture needles and play an important role in the development of KS in the future.

Objective: To know the recurrence rate of paranasal sinusitis in adults using follow-up investigations. Method: Data was collected from 37 patients who were treated in the Department of Ophthalmology & Otolaryngology & Dermatology, Kangnam Oriental Medical Hospital from 2001-10-01 to 2005-05-31 for chronic paranasal sinusitis in adults over 21 years of age. Results & conclusions: 1. The males made up 51.4% and females made up 48.6%. The recurrence rate was 78.4%. 2. By residence, 78.4% lived in apartments; 21.6% lived in houses. 3. Of the main symptoms, nasal obstruction was the most common. 4. The duration of the disease was within 1 month to 40 years; the group with difficulties within the last 5 years made up the largest group. 5. The patients who had chronic nasal family histories made up 40.5%; Patients who didn't have chronic nasal family histories made up 59.5%. 6. In regards to the period of Tx distribution. the group treated within 4 weeks made up the largest group at 54.1%. 7. As far as methods of Tx distribution, the group of patients treated with herbal medicine and acupuncture were larger (62.2%) than the group treated with only herbal medicine (37.8%). 8. The most common nasal condition symptom in patient histories was chronic rhinitis. 9. The most frequent areas affected by paranasal sinusitis on PNS images were the lateral maxillary sinus, the unilateral maxillary sinus and the ethmoidal sinus. 10. The number of patients who drank little was larger (75.7%) than the number of drinking patients(24.3%); There were more non-smoking patients (78.4%) than smoking patients(16.2%). 11. The patients who slept for 6-7 hours made up the larger group (40.5%). 12. The number of patients who preferred warm water was larger making up 54.1 %; the number of patients that preferred cool water made up 21.6%. 13. The patients who had a common cold 3-5 times a year was the largest group at 54.1%.

Backgrounds: Blood stasis is hon as an important pathologic factor for vascular disorder in Oriental medicine. Despite its clinical importance there have been few objective tests for diagnosing blood stasis. Objectives: This study was designed to examine the relationship between blood stasis and arterial stiffness measured by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI). Methods: The subjects were 104 ischemic stroke patients with onset after 14 days. Their general characteristics, lipid profiles and uric acid were recorded. The degree of arterial stiffness was assessed by CAVI, and blood stasis was evaluated by diagnostic criteria. The data were analyze4 by chi-square test, student t-test, spearman correlation analysis, and pearson correlation analysis. Then, stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was applied in order to exclude the interactions among several factors. Results: There were significant differences in right, left and higher CAVI between the blood stasis group and the non blood stasis group (p-value<0.01). Age, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride and CAVI had relationships with blood static scores. In multiple logistic regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio of blood stasis for arterial stiffness with CAVI above 9 were 7.091 (95% confidence interval, $1.641\sim30.638$). Conclusions: The results demonstrated the relationship between blood stasis and arterial stiffness measured by CAVI. Therefore, we suggest that CAVI should be one of the objective tests for diagnosing blood stasis.