• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.61-70
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• 2017

Objectives The purpose of this survey is to know the rehabilitation therapists' awareness on the oriental medicine treatments for developmentally delayed children. Methods We distributed questionnaires to 370 rehabilitation therapists and collected 260 of them. We analyzed the data from the collected 260 questionnaires. Results 1. 60% of the participants didn't know what the oriental medicine treatment pertains. 2. 28% of the participants were aware the benefits of the oriental medicine treatment, especially in improving physical fitness and general health. 3. 30% of the participants worried about the side effect of the oriental medicine treatment such as increasing liver somatic index, changing of body weight, muscle stiffness or pain. 4. 53% of the participants said they refer to western medicine primary care doctor when parents of young patients ask rehabilitation therapists about the oriental medicine treatment option for their children. 5. Many participants think that the oriental treatment option should be widely recognized and understood. Conclusions This study shows that the rehabilitation therapists' low awareness about the oriental medicine treatment option for developmentally delayed children.

• The Journal of Korean Medical History
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.63-71
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• 2017

Traditional Asian medicine has an extensive evidence base built upon thousands of years of experience within Asia, of curing various diseases. Only recently, within the past two centuries, have modern medical scientists developed interest in traditional Asian medicine. Asian Medicine seems to be regarded only as an adjunctive medicine and viewed as alargely un-proven alternative medicine to complement western medicine, used in some cases to establish a new paradigm of "integrative medicine". This article reviews how Korean herbal cosmetics emerged by applying traditional Asian medicine to the science of cosmetics. The characteristics of Korean herbal cosmetics are examined through examples of history, concepts and traditions. With the advancements in biotechnology, studies are now being conducted on the dermatological effects and processing methods of herbal ingredients, including ginseng. The authors explain the current research on the identification on the active ingredients of herbs, extraction methods, and bio-processing of ingredients to improve the biological efficacies of herbs on the skin. A summary of studies focused on modern reinterpretations of ageing theories, such as 'Seven year aging cycle', are provided. In conclusion, the development of Korean cosmetics products are based on the accumulated knowledge of thousands of years of experience including; 1) practical heritage of traditional Asian medicines such as Donguibogam; 2) excellent medicinal plants, such as ginseng, which are native to Korea; and 3) innovative attempts to modernize materials, processes, and principles.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.123-138
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• 2022

Objectives This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the chuna combination treatment for patients who complain of functional impairment and pain even 3 months after total knee arthroplasty. Methods 24 patients who had 3 months of surgery and who had knee joint pain with a score of 4 or higher on the numerical rating scale (NRS) for more than a week were selected as subjects. The test group received usual care and Chuna treatment and the control group received the administration of drugs as usual care. And then the clinical efficacy and safety were compared and evaluated. Follow-up was performed 1 month after the end of treatment. Results As a result of the analysis, it was confirmed that the primary parameter Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (K-WOMAC) showed statistical significance in the amount of change in visit 2-visit 10 (V2-V10) in the pain domain and in the amount of change in visit 2-follow 1 (V2-FU1) in the functional domain and total score domain. The secondary parameter (NRS, risk of fall, and range of motion) showed a tendency to decrease in the degree of discomfort, but statistical significance could not be confirmed. Conclusions Because this study did not have enough study subjects, it is difficult to use the results as confirmatory evidence. However, it was confirmed that the 4-week Chuna treatment had a significant effect and safety in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Therefore, this study is meaningful as a prior research data to prepare confirmatory evidence in the future.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.19-38
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• 2017

Objectives : This is a retrospective statistical analysis of the demographic and therapeutic characteristics influencing the continued improvement of symptoms in patients treated in 2014 for herniated lumbar discs at a Korean medicine hospital; thereby, providing clinical data to further improve medical services of Korean medicine. Methods : We investigated the demographic and therapeutic variables of all patients who were diagnosed with a herniated lumbar intervertebral disc and were hospitalized for more than 1 night at Dunsan Korean medicine hospital from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2014. IBM SPSS 21.0 was used to conduct a logistic multiple regression analysis and a covariance analysis (ANCOVA) of the demographic and therapeutic variables collected from the electronic medical records and telephone surveys. Results : 1. A longer duration of hospitalization was significantly better for the maintenance of pain relief or a decrease in the pain after discharge. 2. Younger patients were significantly less likely to be treated with a Western medical treatment after discharge. 3. Most of the demographic and therapeutic variables were not statistically significant in regards to treatment for lower back pain since discharge. Conclusion : Some of the demographic and therapeutic variables had a positive effect on the prognosis at one year or greater in patients who received integrative Korean medical treatment for lumbar disc herniation. Continued and systematic research will be needed.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.169-179
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• 2023

Purpose : Although human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) are a supportive factor for tissue engineering, oxidative stress during cell culture and transplantation has been shown to affect stem cell viability and mortality, leading to failed regeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and protective effects against cell damage of celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, and the antioxidant signal of hPDLSCs in H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. Methods : To induce oxidative stress in cultured hPDLSCs, H₂O₂ was used as an exogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS). Dose-dependent celecoxib (.1, 1, 10, or 100 µM) was administered after H₂O₂ treatment. WST-1 assay was used to assess cell damage and western blot was used to observe antioxidant activity of hPDLSCs in oxidative stress. Immunohistochemistry was performed for inverting the localization of the SOD and Nrf2 antibody. Results : We found that progressive cell death was induced in hPDLSCs by H₂O₂ treatment. However, low-dose celecoxib reduced H₂O₂-induced cellular damage and eventually enhanced the SOD activity and Nrf2 signal of hPDLSCs. Oxidative stress-induced morphological change in hPDLSCs included lowered the survival and number of spindle-shaped cells, and shrinkage and shortening of cell fibers. Notably, celecoxib promoted cell survival function and activated antioxidants such as SOD and Nrf2 by positively regulating the cell survival signal pathway, and also reduced the number of morphological changes in hPDLS. Immunohistochemistry results showed a greater number of SOD- and Nrf2-stained cells in the celecoxib-treated group following oxidative stress. Conclusion : By increasing SOD and Nrf2 expression at the antioxidant system, the findings suggest that celecoxib enhanced the antioxidative ability of hPDLSCs and protected cell viability against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress by increasing SOD and Nrf2 expression in the antioxidant system.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.61-69
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• 2019

Purpose : Human gingival fibroblast cell is one of the the main cell types in periodontal tissue, which they can show anti-inflammatory activity through the production of numerous lines of inflammatory mediators such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and interleukins. Porphyromonas gingivalis, one of the oral pathogens, has reported to play a critical role in the development of periodontal diseases. This study aimed to investigate anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of Gracilaria textorii ethanol extract (GTEE) in P. gingivalis derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS-PG) stimulated human gingival fibroblast (HGF)-1 cell line. Methods : In order to analyze anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of GTEE in HGF-1 cell line, NOS enzyme activity, expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase (NQO)1 and their transcription factors were estimated by Griess reaction and western hybridization. Results : LPS-PG induced overexpression of iNOS and COX-2, which was significantly attenuated by GTEE treatment in a dose-dependent manner without any cytotoxicity. In addition, intracellular NOS activity was in accordance with the result of iNOS expression. Due to important role in the regulation of inflammatory responses, phosphorylated status of p65 and c-jun, each subunit of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and activator protein (AP)-1, was also dose-dependently ameliorated by GTEE treatment. One of phase II enzymes, NQO1, and its transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), were analyzed since elevated phase II enzyme expression inhibited inflammatory response, which was significantly elevated by GTEE treatment in HGF-1 cell line. Conclusion : In conclusion, GTEE mitigated LPS-PG-stimulated inflammatory responses by attenuating NF-κB and AP-1 activation as well as accelerating NQO1 and Nrf2 expression in HGF-1 cell line. These results indicate that GTEE might be utilized a promising strategy for potential anti-inflammatory agent in periodontal diseases.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.41-61
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• 2019

Objectives The purpose of this survey was to investigate the using experiences and attitudes of general public toward the East-West collaborative medical practices (EWCMP). Methods We selected objects in general public and structured questionnaires were administrated to both 295 offline participants and 795 online participants. The data was collected from 15 to 28 February 2016 and analyzed statistically by frequency, ${\chi}^2$ cross-over analysis with SPSS software. Results The total number of participants was 1,090 and 66.1% of them has heard but only 19.5% has ever used EWCMP. For participants who has used EWCMP, the decision to use it was made by themselves (53.2%), 44.0% of them was satisfied with EWCMP, 89.4% of them showed revisiting intention to EWCMP hospital, and 72.2% of them showed the intention to introduce EWCMP to others. And 52.3% of them were optimistic about the prospects of EWCMP, especially in the field of disease treatment (49.9%) and rehabilitation (20.6%). On the reasons for lack of development of EWCMP, 31.9% of them listed prejudices existing on both sides firstly (31.9%). Preferred type of EWCMP was to use both western and Korean medical treatment at the same weight (53.9%). To promote EWCMP, it is required to confirm the concept of collaborative medical practice to the medical professions and government authorities (29.5%). Conclusions Considering low proportion of utilization and positive attitude toward the EWCMP among general populations, it is need to introduce or advertise EWCMP to them.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.65-75
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• 2023

Objectives: Objectives: In this study, we define a medical service type that combines Western medicine, Korean medicine, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as an integrated medical service. This study, as part of tertiary hospital-based integrated medical service model and clinical field application, aims to collect status and opinions on integrated medical service for medical staff in the field. Methods: This is a survey study, and was conducted on doctors from Kyung Hee University Hospital and Korean medicine doctors from Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital. Respondents were recruited on a first-come, first-served basis until the number of respondents reached 120. The investigation was conducted for a total of 16 days from October 4, 2021 to October 19, 2021 by e-mail. Results: Recognition of integrated medical services was confirmed to be 45.8%, and 49.2% responded positively to the necessity of it. As a group of diseases that require the establishment of integrated medical services in the future, 'disorders of musculoskeletal systems and connective tissues' was the highest. The most expected advantages of providing integrated medical services were 'increased satisfaction of patients and guardians' and 'increased treatment effects.' Conclusions: In this study, we investigated the perception of doctors and Korean medicine doctors on integrated medical services that combine Western medicine, Korean medicine, and CAM. It has been confirmed that medical staff generally have a positive perception of integrated medical services, and if the scientific basis for the effect of integrated medical services is supported, the rate of positive perception is expected to increase.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.30-41
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• 2019

Objectives Development of objective clinical measure for analyzing pediatric weakness has been studied. However, there is no gold standard clinical measures with acceptable validity and reliability were not provided yet and these has been major issue for clinics. Methods Some Korean medicine hospital outpatients (n=324) were recruited as participants, and 55 preliminary questions were given. Pediatric Weakness Scale (PWS) with five subscales and thirty questions were developed using factor analysis and item analysis. The internal consistency of PWS subscales were examined with using Cronbach's alpha. The correlations between PWS subscales and physical characteristics of Body Mass Index (BMI) and Ponderal Index (PI) were attested using Pearson's correlation. The differences between PWS subscale scores and profiles among 3 to 13 years old children were examined using profile analysis and ANOVA by gender. Results PWS five subscales explained 49.1% of total variance, and the range of Cronbach's alpha was from 0.700 to 0.803. The range of correlation coefficient between PWS total score and five subscales was from 0.643 to 0.748, and the PWS total score was significantly (p<0.001) correlated positively with BMI (r=-0.237) and negatively with PI (r=-0.280). The scores and profiles of PWS five subscales, BMI and PI were found to be significantly different among the all age groups. Conclusions Objective and validated clinical measure for analyzing pediatric weakness with five subscales was developed in current study, and foundations for screening, managing and treating pediatric weakness during the development were established as well. This study would contribute to the integrative education and clinical practice of the Eastern and Western medicine.

• Integrative Medicine Research
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.67-73
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• 2014

Background: The transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3)is constitutively activated in many human cancers. It promotes tumor cell proliferation,inhibits apoptosis, induces angiogenesis and metastasis, and suppresses antitumor hostimmune responses. Therefore, Stat3 has emerged as a promising molecular target for cancertherapies. In this study, we evaluated the Stat3-suppressive activity of 38 herbal medicinestraditionally used in Korea.Methods: Medicinal herb extracts in 70% ethanol were screened for their ability to suppressStat3 in the A549 human lung cancer cell line. A Stat3-responsive reporter assay system wasused to detect intracellular Stat3 activity in extract-treated cells, and Western blot analyseswere performed to measure the expression profiles of Stat3-regulated proteins.Results: Fifty percent of the 38 extracts possessed at least mild Stat3-suppressive activities(i.e., activity less than 75% of the vehicle control). Ethanol extracts of Bupleurum falcatumL., Taraxacum officinale Weber, Solanum nigrum L., Ulmus macrocarpa Hance, Euonymus alatusSieb., Artemisia capillaris Thunb., and Saururus chinensis (Lour.) Baill inhibited up to 75% of thevehicle control Stat3 activity level. A549 cells treated with these extracts also had reducedBcl-xL, Survivin, c-Myc, and Mcl-1 expression.Conclusion: Many medicinal herbs traditionally used in Korea contain Stat3 activity-suppressing substances. Because of the therapeutic impact of Stat3 inhibition, these resultscould be useful when developing novel cancer therapeutics from medicinal herbs.