• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.16-30
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• 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish a clear diagnostic definition of Sanhupung using the Delphi method. Methods: This study used the Delphi technique. A panel consisting of 21 experts of Korean medicine, particularly in of gynecologic medicine, participated in the Delphi examination that included answering the 4th round survey. The Delphi examination was carried out through evaluating and correcting the questionnaire by e-mail. Results: Through the Delphi survey, we have reached on an agreement regarding the basic concepts, time, cause, essential symptoms, and accessory symptoms of Sanhupung. They are as follows: 1) Sanhupung is a culture bound syndrome reflecting Korea's cultural specificity. 2) Sanhupung can be diagnosed even after the miscarriage. 3) For the diagnosis of Sanhupung, the main cause of symptoms should not be classified as other disease. 4) Sanhupung can be diagnosed based on essential symptoms and accessory symptoms. 5) Essential symptoms include local symptoms such as joint pain at specific areas, partial sensory impairment and general symptoms including pain of all the joints, whole body sensory impairment, increased sweating, feeling of wind coming into the body, worsened symptoms with the cold, intolerance to cold, and pain of all the muscles. Conclusions: The basic concepts and diagnostic definition of Sanhupung were suggested based on the Delphi survey among experts in the field. Further research is necessary to improve reliability and validity of diagnostic definition of Sanhupung in clinical trials.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.33-38
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• 2014

Objectives : Inflammation is mediated by cellular components, such as leukocytes and microglia, and molecular components, including cytokines, extracellular proteases, and reactive oxygen species. Cnidium Rhizoma effects the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, suppression of the microglia activation and protection of the nerve cell injury. For this reason, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of water extracts of Cnidium Rhizoma on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Method : ICH was induced by the stereotaxic intracerebral injection of bacterial collagenase type IV (0.23 $U/{\mu}{\ell}$, 0.1 ${\mu}{\ell}/min$) in Sprague-Dawley rats. We orally administrated once 3 hours after ICH, then 2 times at 24-hour intervals the water extracts of Cnidium Rhizoma (500 mg/kg), myeloperoxidase (MPO) was observed by using immunofluorescense and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and microglia were observed by using immunohistochemistry. Results : Infiltration of MPO expressing neutrophil, expression of iNOS and TNF-${\alpha}$ and activated microglia were significantly reduced in peri-hematoma of the rats fed with water extracts of Cnidium Rhizoma. Conclusion : These results demonstrated that water extracts of Cnidium Rhizoma suppressed an inflammatory reaction through inhibition of MPO, iNOS and TNF-${\alpha}$ positive cell and activated microglia number in peri-hematoma of ICH-induced rats.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.47-53
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of improving obesity after 4 week complex Korean medicine treatment in obese patients by retrospectively analyzing. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 44 patients who received obesity treatment at 23 Korean medicine clinics in Daejeon city. We analyzed weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, body fat mass, muscle mass, hip and waist circumference, EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), Korean version of obesity-related quality of life scale (KOQOL), and satisfaction surveys at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. Results: The weight, BMI change after 4 weeks and 8 weeks was decreased significantly. In addition, there were significant differences in fat mass, muscle mass, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Life quality scale EQ-5D and KOQOL showed decreased significantly. In the evaluation of overall satisfaction, safety, help level, recommendation intention, and revisit intention, more than 89% answered positively that they were satisfied. There were no serious side effects. Conclusions: It was significant effect on weight loss and obesity improvement after complex Korean medicine. And quality of life evaluation and satisfaction survey also show positive results.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.344-362
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• 2022

Objective: In this study, the antioxidant activity of Ojayeonjong-hwan extracts was compared, and the following results were obtained. Methods: For hydrothermal and ethanol extracts, DPPH free radical and ABTS cationic radical erasing activity and reducing power using the FRAP method were compared, and the association between the antioxidant power of each extract and total phenol content was investigated. Significant results were obtained through in vitro apoptosis analysis through FFITC staining, mitochondrial membrane potential analysis, and ROS level measurement using C2C12 myoblastoma. Results: 1. In a comparison of DPPH free radical and ABTS cationic radical scavenging activity, water, and 70% ethanol extracts of Ojayeonjong-hwan (WEO and EEO) showed superior radical scavenging ability. 2. In the results of reducing power using the FRAP method, WEO and EEO showed antioxidant activity, which was shown to be dependent on the total phenol content contained in the extracts. 3. In comparison to the protective effect against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in C2C12 myoblasts, water extracts had no significant effect, but 70% ethanol extracts inhibited H₂O₂-mediated cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner. 4. The cytotoxic protective effect of EEO against oxidative stress in C2C12 myoblasts was correlated with its inhibitory effects on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest. 5. In H₂O₂-treated C2C12 myoblasts, the apoptosis inhibitory effects of EEO were associated with the suppression of mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage. 6. The protective effects of EEO against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in C2C12 myoblasts were directly related to the inhibition of ROS generation. Conclusions: Ojayeonjong-hwan extracts all have protective potential against oxidative stress.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.61-72
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• 2022

Objectives This study aimed to the application of Chuna manual therapy in patients with stroke where much evidence is not available. Methods Domestic databases (KOREANTK, OASIS, RISS, KISS, and KMBASE) were queried for literature showing application of Chuna manual therapy in stroke patients. Additionally, insufficient evidence was supplemented with expert consensus using the Delphi method. Based on the literature review and expert consensus, the academic committee of the Korean Society of Chuna Manual Medicine reviewed and summarized the Chuna technique recommendations that can be applied to stroke patients. Results There were six studies on Chuna manual therapy in stroke patients, and Chuna therapy was applied for pelvic, shoulder, and elbow joint spasticity. The expert Delphi survey did not agree with the application of the nine of the 69 standard Chuna techniques and deliberated on matters to be considered when applying Chuna manual therapy to stroke patients. Finally, based on clinical research literature and expert opinions, Chuna technique was recommended for patients with post-stroke spasticity. Conclusions The application of Chuna therapy to non-muscular skeletal disorders, including stroke is recommended and should be applied while taking the necessary precautions.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.9-17
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• 2022

Objective : In modern society, liver diseases such as liver fibrosis are on the rise as inflammation and wound healing processes of the liver are repeated due to factors such as drinking, smoking, and stress. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Saenggangeonbi-tang (SGGBT) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis. Methods : The mice were divided into 4 groups for examination (n=6): Normal group (Nor), distilled water-treated liver fibrosis mice (Con), silymarin 50 mg/kg-treated liver fibrosis mice (Sily), SGGBT 200 mg/kg-treated liver fibrosis mice (S200). Liver fibrosis was established in the mice via TAA for 8 weeks (1 week 100 mg/kg, 2,3 weeks 200 mg/kg, 4-8 weeks 400 mg/kg, three times a week, intraperitoneal injection) and they were administered silymarin and SGGBT (every day, oral administration) with the TAA. Results : SGGBT significantly decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferanse, ammonia, and myeloperoxidase in serum increased by liver fibrosis. As a result of confirming H&E and MT staining, it was confirmed that SGGBT reduced damage and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissue, and alleviated changes in collagen fiber deposition and histological fibrosis. Also, it was confirmed through PAS staining that it reduced glycogen deposition in liver tissue. In addition, SGGBT significantly decreased the NADPH oxidases as well as significantly modulated the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2. Conclusions : These results suggest that SGGBT regulates the expression of MMP/TIMP protein through inhibition of oxidative stress and alleviates liver fibrosis by reducing collagen and glycogen deposition in liver tissue.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.36-47
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• 2022

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-Inflammatory effect of Hwadokdan(HDD) extracted with water. Methods : We pretreated LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cell with HDD and anti-inflammatory effect of HDD is investigated by measuring NO production, relative iNOS, and TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, PGE2 productions level, p-IκBα, IκBα, NFκB. Results : HDD reduced NO production and iNOS protein, TNF-α, IL-6 level at concentration of 100㎍/㎖ and 300㎍/㎖ in LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cell significantly. There wasn't a significant cytotoxicity in MTT assay. And HDD reduced IL-1β level at concentration of 300㎍/㎖ in LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cell significantly. HDD reduced p-IκBα and NFκB protein level at concentration of 300㎍/㎖ in LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cell significantly. And HDD enhanced IκBα protein level at concentration of 100㎍/㎖ and 300㎍/㎖ in LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cell significantly. Conclusions : These suggests that HDD can be used as a therapeutic drug for various inflammatory diseases.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.107-122
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• 1994

Many alternatives have been discussed to reduce the medical expenditure and to use the medical resources effectively. Many studies about the economies of scale have been done for the last several decades. This study has analyzed the relationship between the number of beds and the mean expense per hospitalization day in Korea. A Cost Function Model was identified and we wanted to see the minimum optimal size with the cheapest mean expense per hospitalization day. The result is as follows; 1. In the Cost Function Mode, (the number of beds)$^{2}$, the number of personnel, productivity and training institutions are the factors that statisticaly influence the mean expenses. 2. By the univariate analysis the mean expense proved to be the smallest as the level of 150-200bed, The breaked down of the components of expenses shows that the mean labor cost is much different from the mean value of material and administration costs, and that hospital with 150-200 beds also have the minimal expense. The mean expense goes up dramatically in hospitals of 450 beds or more. 3. When the other conditions are constant, according to the multiple regression analysis of the mean expense per adjusted hospitalization day the minimum optimal size with the cheapest expense is a hospital with 191 beds and the hospital with 230 beds takes the lowest mean labor cost. The material or administration costs are not influenced by hospital size. This research has limitation in measuring the variables that influence hospital xpenses, in estimating hospital output by the number of beds in considering outpatient cost and in securing representativeness of hospitals because many hospitals made no responses to the research questionnare. But it is valuable and helpful for development of health policy to figure out the number of beds with the cheapest expense per hospitalization day.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.1-24
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• 1993

This study is designed to find clues to make a plan for efficient hospital bed utilization. Author has tried to estimate the level of appropriateness and to find out factors affecting intra-hospital variation of inappropriate bed utilization using modified Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol of which criteria are based on service intensity and patients' conditions. Systematic random sampling was done from the population of inpatients during one month in on university hospital. Data were collected by concurrent and retrospective medical record review and analysed by multiple logistic regression. In medical services, 83.5% of admission reveals appropriate and the level of inappropriate admission shows significant differences by patients' residence, type of department admitted to, admission 개\ulcorner, and length of stay. In surgical services, 97.3% and 34.7% are appropriate in location and timing of surgery respectively. Inappropriate timing of surgery differs significantly depending on patients' age, type of department admitted to, admission route, and length of stay. Sixty two percent of hospital days shows appropriate and the level of inappropriateness show marked differences by patients'age, type of services, admission routes, part of the month, part of the stay, and length of stay. Inappropriate hospital days are due to inappropriate level of care, premature admission, improper scheduling of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, and problems in scheduling surgery in sequence. In conclusion, substantially high proportion of inappropriate hospital bed utilization was confirmed. To reduce it, it is necessary to develop alternative services with which can replace inpatient services, and to introduce utilization management system which may include internal peer review.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.85-100
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• 2023

Objectives: To evaluate stress patterns and coping abilities in women with infertility by conducting in-depth interviews. Methods: Ten women with infertility who visited the Korean Medicine Hospital and provided consent after being informed of the purpose and method of the study were selected after meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria. They were requested to complete a preliminary questionnaire developed by the researchers, the Infertility Stress Scale, and the Korean version of the Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI). Subsequently, each participant was interviewed individually. Results: The preliminary questionnaire was used to evaluate sensitivity to each type of infertility-related stress and ability to express and resolve it. Among all infertility stress types, the largest proportion, accounting for an average of 47.5±26.95%, was that felt by the patient herself. Considering stress awareness intensity, the stress felt by the patient was the highest, with an average score of 4.30±0.64. Relative stress sensitivity due to infertility was the highest, with an average score of 3.90±0.94. Compared with general work stress, the average ability to relieve stress related to problems with spouses was the highest, with a score of 2.50±1.20. The average Infertility Stress Scale score was 2.88±1.35 and FPI score was 2.87±2.52. Conclusions: The highest stress scores were observed for the following items: meaning of children, need for parenthood, and stress due to the diagnosis of infertility. The lowest stress scores were allocated to the item concerning relationships with friends and co-workers. Based on the in-depth interviews conducted after the survey, stress in women with infertility may be classified as emotional, physical, and economic. Thus, the requirement for providing appropriate psychological and emotional support depending on the stress type in addition to general medical treatment for infertility treatment was confirmed.