Objectives : This study aimed to analyze the College of Korean Medicine's education related to vaccination to examine the feasibility of Korean medical doctors administering vaccines. Methods : We conducted a comprehensive review of the guidelines from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCP) and the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), along with the educational standards of Korean medical colleges. From these sources, key knowledge areas essential for vaccination were identified and distilled into 12 core items, creating a checklist used to evaluate the vaccination-related education. The curricula of Korean medical colleges and online continuing education courses for Korean medical doctors were analyzed using this checklist. Additionally, we reviewed the compulsory education course for vaccination providers for comparative purposes. Results : The analysis of common textbooks from colleges of Korean medicine revealed that while basic concepts of vaccination are widely covered, practical guidance on vaccine administration is less comprehensive. Continuing education for Korean medical doctors emphasizes basic epidemiological knowledge, vaccination contraindications and treating adverse reactions, but lacks details on patient education and the vaccination process. Compulsory education for vaccination providers covers extensive administrative content and comprehensively addresses essential vaccination knowledge, including patient education and practical vaccination procedures. Conclusion : The College of Korean Medicine's curriculum covers basic vaccination theories but lacks specific training in vaccine management. Additional training can improve Korean medical doctors' vaccination skills, enhancing the healthcare system's emergency response.

Objective : Pattern identification in Korean Medicine is a core value, leading to a quantitative and qualitative increase in related studies. This study aims to identify trends in newly published research and discuss pattern identification. Method : We reviewed studies from 2015 to 2023 using the Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System provided by the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine. The keywords used were: pattern identification, cold-heat, deficiency-excess, exterior-interior, yin-yang, phlegm-retained fluid, static blood, qi-blood, qi deficiency, blood deficiency, yin deficiency, yang deficiency, and four-constitution. Results : A total of 150 studies met the inclusion criteria. These comprised 84 observational studies, including case reports, 2 experimental studies, and 64 literature reviews. Most studies were published in the Korean Journal of Oriental Physiology and Pathology. On average, 17.1 studies were published annually, although the number of studies has decreased over the years. Network analysis revealed that the main keyword in titles was pattern identification (n=122), followed by study (n=68) and patients (n=34). Conclusion : These findings highlight trends in studies related to pattern identification, with a focus on its standardization. Considering the limitations of pattern identification, a shift towards a disease-centered approach is recommended.

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to review the current status of Complementary and Alternative medicine (CAM) in Canada, and derive its implications for Korean Medicine (KM). Methods : In order to understand the current status of CAM in Canada, a literature survey was conducted using academic databases such as PubMed, OASIS, RISS, and Google Scholar, and CAM regulations were identified through each state's legal website. Official documents provided on the Canadian government were referenced, and publications and official information were searched on the websites of related organizations. Results : In Canada, accredited CAM therapies include acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, natural therapy, massage therapy, homeopathy, and chiropractic. Regulations on these therapies vary from state to state in Canada, but all have laws, and education, licenses, organizations, and insurance systems are also regulated. In particular, the education and licensing system for natural therapy and chiropractic are relatively strict, and as a result, therapists can use the name of a doctor. The authority of CAM therapists is based on education. Conclusions : CAM therapies authorized in Canada have systematic regulation, and therapists have also been legally granted expertise. It may be surmised that the accumulation of policy and clinical evidence is important as one of the ways to maintain the expertise of KM.

Background : Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health issue worldwide, particularly among healthcare workers (HCWs) at high risk of exposure. Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a state where individuals are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis but do not show clinical symptoms. Early detection and treatment of LTBI are crucial to prevent progression to active TB. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of LTBI among Korean Medicine (KM) workers in Seoul, South Korea. Methods : This study analyzed 368 adults aged 19 and over working in Korean medicine institutions in Seoul by September 2023. Participants underwent a tuberculin skin test (TST) and completed a survey collecting demographic information, occupation, work duration, smoking status, BCG vaccination, TB history, and comorbidities. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results : The average age of participants was 43.1 years, with an LTBI prevalence rate of 3.5%. Significant risk factors included age and history of TB, Older age and a history of TB were associated with higher LTBI positivity. Conclusion : The study identified the prevalence and risk factors of LTBI among Korean medicine workers in Seoul. The findings highlight the need for targeted LTBI screening and preventive measures, especially for older workers and those with a history of TB. While the prevalence was lower than in other healthcare settings, the results emphasize the importance of regular LTBI testing and prevention education for KM workers. Future large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings and further understand the relationship between various risk factors and LTBI in KM settings.

Background : Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly impacted all aspects of life, from disease prevalence to the utilization of medical services. In Republic of Korea, there exists both a duty and a right for Korean Medicine to treat epidemic diseases. However, no studies have been conducted to examine changes in the utilization of Korean Medicine during the pandemic. This study aims to identify the differences in the utilization of Korean Medicine before and after COVID-19. Method : This study analyzed data from the Health Insurance Statistics of the National Health Insurance Service and the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service from 2016 to 2022. To compare the utilization of Korean Medicine with Western medicine, the analysis was limited to the clinic level. Results : The top 10 most frequently treated conditions in Korean Medicine from 2016 to 2022 remained consistent, primarily involving musculoskeletal diseases, with the exception of functional dyspepsia. Visits to Korean Medicine clinics have declined, while visits to Western Medicine clinics recovered. Despite the overall decline in visits, certain Korean Medicine services increased in frequency, especially in precipitator-simulated acupuncture, indirect moxibustion (moxa burner), pricking cupping (two areas), warming meridian sinew, and complex Chuna therapy (80% as out-of-pocket expenses). Although the relative value units in Korean Medicine services varied, the fees for all services, except for precipitator-simulated acupuncture, increased. Conclusion : These findings indicate that COVID-19 has affected the utilization of Korean Medicine. Further studies are needed to explore the broader impact of epidemics on medical services and to develop policies to address these changes.

목적 : 본 연구는 한의약에서 사용하는 용어가 SNOMED CT로 매핑 가능한지 여부를 조사하고, 한의약 용어를 표현하기 위해 기존 SNOMED CT 온톨로지를 개선할 수 있는 방안을 제안하는 것을 목표로 하였다. 방법 : 선행 연구의 매핑 가이드라인에서 제시된 7단계 과정을 수정하여 활용하였다. 매핑의 목적 및 범위 정의, 용어 추출, 개념 추출, 매핑을 위한 소스 용어 작업, SNOMED CT 개념 검색, 매핑 관계 분류 및 매핑 검증의 과정을 수행하였다. 매핑의 목적은 한의약 임상 아이디어를 표현하는 표준 용어로서 SNOMED CT를 평가하는 것이고, 범위에는 편두통 환자 관리의 평가, 진단, 치료 및 예방을 포함하였다. 결과 : 총 546개의 용어가 추출되었다. 중복된 용어를 제거한 후, 271개의 개념이 SNOMED CT 매핑에 사용되었다. 이중 43.2%는 SNOMED CT 개념과 의미론적으로 동등하게 매핑되었고(117개 개념), 39.1%는 SNOMED CT 개념이 더 포괄적인 의미를 가지도록 매핑되었다(106개 개념). 상대적으로 포괄적인 의미를 가지는 SNOMED CT 개념에 매핑된 한의약 개념 106개 중 19개는 SNOMED CT 후조합을 이용하여 의미론적으로 동등하게 표현이 가능하였다. 나머지 17.7%의 한의약 개념은 SNOMED CT에 매핑할 수 없었다. 결론 : 본 연구는 한의약에서 사용되는 개념을 SNOMED CT에 매핑하여 한의약 용어를 표준화하였다. 연구 결과를 바탕으로, 한의약에서 사용되는 용어를 표준의료용어로 표현하기 위하여 SNOMED CT에 새로운 개념과 속성을 추가하는 것을 제안한다.

Objectives : Anxiety is an important mental health symptom associated with healthcare utilization. This research aims to identify the demographic, socio-economic, and health-related factors associated with the use of Korean medicine (KM) treatments in adults experiencing anxiety. Methods : We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using the Korea Health Panel Annual Data 2019. Logistic regression models were employed to examine the relationships between KM utilization and various factors such as economic activity, perceived stress levels, and presence of physical discomfort. The study sample included 552 adults experiencing anxiety. Results : Among the subjects, 19.20% were using both conventional treatment and KM treatment. The analysis revealed that individuals engaged in economic activities were more likely to use KM treatments compared to those who were not (odds ratio [OR] = 2.207, 95% confidential interval [CI] = 1.316 to 3.699). Additionally, individuals reporting high levels of pain or discomfort showed a significantly higher likelihood of using both KM and conventional medical services (OR = 2.933, 95% CI = 1.645 to 5.231). Musculoskeletal conditions were the most common reason for KM utilization among the study participants. Conclusion : The findings suggest that economic activity and the severity of physical discomfort significantly influence the use of KM treatments among adults with anxiety. These insights could inform healthcare policy and the integration of KM services into broader health management strategies for anxiety.

Objectives : This study was conducted to evaluate the cytotoxic protective effects of Jinsimyusaeng-hwan (Modified Ojayeonjong-hwan) against oxidative stress. Methods : 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) method were used to estimate the antioxidant activity of Jinsimyusaeng-hwan. C2C12 myoblasts were used to reevaluate the antioxidant effects. And apoptosis analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential analysis, measurement of intracellular reactive oxygen species levels were conducted to investigate antioxidant activity of Jinsimyusaeng-hwan. Results : In comparison of DPPH free radical and ABTS cationic radical scavenging activity, it increased as the concentration of water extracts of Jinsimyusaeng-hwan(WEJ) and 70% ethanol extracts of Jinsimyusaeng-hwan (EEJ) increased. In the results of comparing the total phenol content and reducing power using the FRAP method, extracts with high total phenol content also showed high reducing power. In comparison of the protective effect against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in C2C12 myoblasts, WEJ had no significant effect, but the EEJ inhibited H₂O₂-mediated cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxic protective effect of EEJ against oxidative stress in C2C12 myoblasts was correlated with their inhibitory effects on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. In H₂O₂-treated C2C12 myoblasts, the apoptosis inhibitory effects of EEJ were associated with suppression of mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage. The protective effect of EEJ against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in C2C12 myoblasts were directly related to the inhibition of ROS generation. Conclusion : Jinsimyusaeng-hwan extracts have cytotoxic protective effects against oxidative stress, and it was better in 70% ethanol extract than in water extract.

Objectives : The aim of this study was to perform network analysis and analysis using the K-HERB database on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), to verify the similarity between the derived networks and existing prescriptions, and to explore the possibility of developing new IBD prescriptions preliminarily. Methods : We conducted a comprehensive literature search on July 6, 2024, utilizing databases such as ScienceON, RISS, and OASIS. Clinical studies assessing the efficacy of herbal medicine in treating Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis were identified and compiled into a structured database. This dataset, which included related prescriptions and herbal formulations, was subsequently analyzed using NetMiner 4 for centrality and Louvain clustering analyses. We then compared the networks derived from the K-HERB database with existing therapeutic prescriptions to assess their similarity. Results : A total of 24 prescriptions and 66 herbs were identified across the surveyed studies on IBD. Paeoniae Radix Alba(白芍藥) emerged as the most frequently utilized herb for both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Prominent herb combinations included Paeoniae Radix Alba-Angelicae Sinensis Radix (白芍藥-當歸), Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Coptidis Rhizoma (當歸-黃連), and Coptidis Rhizoma-Scutellariae Radix (黃連-黃芩) for ulcerative colitis. Centrality analysis revealed that Poria cocos (茯苓) and Paeoniae Radix Alba (白芍藥) had high centrality in the Crohn's disease, while Angelicae Sinensis Radix (當歸) and Paeoniae Radix Alba (白芍藥) had high centrality in the ulcerative colitis, indicating their prominent roles within the networks. Cohesion analysis resulted in 7 networks for Crohn's disease and 16 networks for ulcerative colitis. After excluding networks with a single herb, three networks related to Crohn's disease and two related to ulcerative colitis were examined using the K-HERB database. Among the 14 derived prescriptions for Crohn's disease and seven for ulcerative colitis, all except Oryeong-san (五苓散) were non-traditional in the context of IBD treatment. Conclusion : This preliminary study may provide a basis for the understanding and application of herbal prescriptions for IBD based on network analysis and the K-HERB database.

목적 : MMSE와 MoCA 인지 도구를 사용하여 인지 유형에 따른 침치료 효과를 확인하고자 하였다. 체계적 문헌 고찰을 통하여 침치료 적용 방법에 따라 효과성과 침치료 무작위 임상시험 논문의 질을 평가하여 임상시험 논문의 편향성을 파악하고자 하였다. 방법 : 2012년에서 2023년까지 수행된 경도인지장애 침치료 효과에 대한 논문을 문헌고찰과 코크란 메타분석으로 조사한 연구이다. 논문 질 분석도구는 코크란 편향성 위험도구(Cochrane risk of bias : RoB)를 사용하였으며 메타분석 도구는 메타분석용 Cochrane RevMan V5.4.1 (Cochrane Collaboration) 소프트웨어를 사용하였다. 결과 : 분석에 사용한 대상자는 총 967명으로 침치료 무작위 대조군 연구논문 16편이 분석되었다. 결과는 다음과 같다. 경도인지장애 침치료 메타분석 결과 MMSE 평균차이는 1.61로 95% 신뢰구간은 0.14에서 3.07로 p<0.001로 유의하였다. Z=2.15(p=0.03), MoCA 점수는 평균차이는 0.39에서 2.49로 p<0.001), Z=2.70(p=0.007)로 경도인지장애 대상자의 침치료 효과는 유의하였다. 결론 : 경도인지장애 침치료 효과는 유의하였으며, 향후 다양한 유형의 경도인지장애 침치료 무작위대조군 연구를 제안하고자 한다. 이 연구의 의의는 지역사회 경도인지장애 대상자의 예방적 차원의 융합인지 중 재프로그램개발의 기초자료를 제시하였다는데 의의가 있다.