• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.121-133
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the meanings and characteristic of the stagnation syndrome, a distinctive clinical syndrome in traditional Korean medicine (KM). Methods: The major ancient Oriental medicine literature, including Huangdi neijing (黃帝內經), Danxixinfa (丹溪心法), and Jingyuequanshu (景岳全書) were examined to identify the semantic change of the stagnation syndrome (鬱證). Also, recently published articles about the stagnation syndrome were searched from databases including MEDLINE, CENTRAL, KMBASE, KISS, NDSL, and OASIS. Results: The term of stagnation was originally used to describe not flowing and clogged situations, and the stagnation syndrome appeared as an independent syndrome in Danxixinfa. As the etiology became more sophisticated over time, emotional factors were mentioned for one of the causes of the stagnation syndrome. However, the major causes and symptoms of the stagnation syndrome were somatic factors. Various articles about stagnation were searched, and most of them used "stagnation" as the KM syndrome subtype of disease, some of them referred to the "stagnation syndrome" as an independent syndrome. The recently defined stagnation syndrome commonly shows distinctive symptoms of chest stuffiness, and an obstructing sensation in the throat. Conclusions: The semantic changes and characteristics of the stagnation syndrome were examined through searching ancient and modern literature. The meaning of the stagnation syndrome has evolved over time, and at its center, there are somatic and mental symptoms characterized by stagnation, distinguished from the depressive disorder.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.29-42
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• 2017

Background : Efforts towards increasing insurance coverage for traditional Korean medicine (TKM) are being continued. However, various difficulties are faced in generating evidence for TKM due to limited financial support and the low quality of research methodology. Objectives : The objectives of this study were to review the Swiss evaluation program for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and assess the expansion in public health insurance coverage of complementary medicine as approved by referendum in Switzerland. Methods : The regulations of CAM in the European Union were assessed. Research articles, reports, government publications and websites which deal with the 'Programm Evaluation $Komplement{\ddot{a}}rmedizin$ (PEK)' and the referendum in Switzerland were searched for and analyzed. Results : The PEK was conducted from 1998 to 2005. The PEK evaluated the efficacy, utilization and cost-effectiveness of anthroposophical medicine, homeopathy, neural therapy, phytotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine. However, clear conclusions could not be drawn from the evaluation according to the PEK Report. Later, a referendum was implemented in which 5 therapies would be added to the Switzerland Constitution with the support of the public. The coverage of CAM was approved by Swiss a plebiscite with an approval rate of 67.0%. Conclusions : The reason for the successful referendum is suggested to be public support and the solidarity with CAM experts and politicians. It may be surmised that recognition of the political efforts and scientific aspects required to expand insurance coverage of TKM, and towards obtaining public support, is necessary.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.156-164
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• 2014

Objectives The purpose of this study was to analyze the Sasang constitution and psychological traits of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and to utilize the results in treatment and management. Methods The differences of Sasang Constitution distribution, psychological characteristics, comorbid disorders between ALS group of 26 patients and general group of 1132 persons were investigated and analyzed. Results There was no significant different distribution of Sasang Constitution between ALS group and general group but there was Yang-like personality tendency in ALS group than general group. In overall constitution, ALS group had the high prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders and diabetes than general group. In Soyangin constitution, ALS group had a high prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders than genral group. In Taeeumin constitution, ALS group had a high prevalence rate of diabetes and hypertension than general group. Conclusion ALS patients have the Yang-like personality. It is due to the adaptation of personality on the environmental change or coping strategy on diseases rather than the characteristics of congenital Sasang Constitution.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.241-248
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• 2022

Objective : The purpose of this trial is to observe the preliminary effects of Salvia plebeia (SP) extract on quality of life in patients with solid cancer. Methods : This is a prospective, open-label, single-arm, and single-dose clinical trial. Twenty participants who have been diagnosed with solid cancer between the ages of 20 and 65 will be included. All participants will be administered SP granules for 12 weeks. Data will be collected at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after enrollment. The primary outcome is quality of life, using the Korean version of the Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-General questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include tumor markers in blood tests for each cancer type, soluble programmed death-ligand 1, the percentage of natural killer cells among lymphocytes, ratio of T-helper and T-suppressor cells, ratio of total T, T-helper, T-suppressor, and B cells in lymphocytes, level of C-reactive protein, and tumor size via radiology examination. Safety will be assessed by clinical laboratory tests and monitoring of adverse events. Discussion : This study aims to observe the effects of an oral administration of SP preparations in patients with solid cancer on changes in quality of life and an improvement in immune function. It is expected to provide objective evidence of the effect and safety of SP for patients with solid cancer. Trial registration: KCT0007315 (Clinical Research Information Service)

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.86 no.3
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• pp.234-244
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• 2023

Background: Effective treatment of fluoroquinolone-resistant multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (FQr-MDR-TB) is difficult because of the limited number of available core anti-TB drugs and high rates of resistance to anti-TB drugs other than FQs. However, few studies have examined anti-TB drugs that are effective in treating patients with FQr-MDR-TB in a real-world setting. Methods: The impact of anti-TB drug use on treatment outcomes in patients with pulmonary FQr-MDR-TB was retrospectively evaluated using a nationwide integrated TB database (Korean Tuberculosis and Post-Tuberculosis). Data from 2011 to 2017 were included. Results: The study population consisted of 1,082 patients with FQr-MDR-TB. The overall treatment outcomes were as follows: treatment success (69.7%), death (13.7%), lost to follow-up or not evaluated (12.8%), and treatment failure (3.9%). On a propensity-score-matched multivariate logistic regression analysis, the use of bedaquiline (BDQ), linezolid (LZD), levofloxacin (LFX), cycloserine (CS), ethambutol (EMB), pyrazinamide, kanamycin (KM), prothionamide (PTO), and para-aminosalicylic acid against susceptible strains increased the treatment success rate (vs. unfavorable outcomes). The use of LFX, CS, EMB, and PTO against susceptible strains decreased the mortality (vs. treatment success). Conclusion: A therapeutic regimen guided by drug-susceptibility testing can improve the treatment of patients with pulmonary FQr-MDR-TB. In addition to core anti-TB drugs, such as BDQ and LZD, treatment of susceptible strains with later-generation FQs and KM may be beneficial for FQr-MDR-TB patients with limited treatment options.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.571-581
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• 2015

In the field of Korean medicine (KM), KM terms has been mixed used for a long period. After the Society of KM had systematically organized the KM terms used in our country, the book for the Korean medical standard terminologies was published. In this study, we developed an online service based on the book. The online service provides various useful functions for searching the terms and their commentary and collecting users' opinions. Users can also compare the standard terms with their semantic search results and naver's knowledge search results within our system. By analyzing logs of our system, we suggested several directions for future development, including the improvement of search functions, advertisements, and the provision of open APIs. In the future, our online service might provide the important information on clinics, academic researches, and international standards.

• The Journal of Korean Medical History
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.45-61
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• 2017

Objectives : This research aims to investigate the consumer's interest in the Korean Medicine (KM) industry by using Google-trends and Naver-Data lab. A quick and uncomplicated way for those who are already involved with KM industry but do not have expertise in utilizing Big-data searches, is introduced. Methods : 'Direct keyword' was set by FGI (Focus Group Interview) and 'Detailed keyword' was set by using relevant word search and autocomplete search functions in the search engine. By inquiring Naver-Data lab, keyword search volumes are compared by age and sex, date range, and originating region of the researcher. It is possible to determine whether the data is reliable or authentic through examining the associated query. Selected direct keywords used through FGI (Focus Group Interview) were 'Acupuncture', 'Herbal Medicine', 'Cupping', 'Musculoskeletal Disease', 'Diet', and 'Stemina'. Based on these keywords, the following results were derived from the keyword analysis. Results : From August 2016, there was a noticeable surge of interest in men's 'Cupping'. The search for 'Diet' increased in the second quarter of 2016 from all ages. The search volume of 'Stemna' for individuals in their 20s is higher than that of those in their 30s or 40s'. Researchers from the region of Chungcheongbuk-do had a higher level of interest in analgesics and less interest in Korean Medicine. There is a greater interest in the KM market from European countries and America, than from Korea, China, and other Asian countries. Discussion : Despite the limitations of the research, it is meaningful to introduce a quick and easy data search method to compare information by age, sex, and region. Conclusion : The future of research into Korea Medicine and this market is confirmed by our data results which indicate interest from Europe, the United States, and other western countries, but less interest from Korea, China and other Asian countries.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.138-141
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• 2021

Objectives: This study aims to describe the utilization of herbal formulas from Wenrejingwei by using network analysis and understand the treatment of acute exogenous febrile diseases. Methods: We constructed a matrix of high-frequency herbal combinations (HCs) from Wenrejingwei and Shang Han Lun and cluster networks based on cohesive analysis. Network analysis was performed to compare the results. Results: The results of the high-frequency HC network in Wenrejingwei showed cohesive patterns in three categories corresponding to dampness-heat and warm-fever treatment. Compared to the Shang Han Lun network, the Wenrejingwei network indicated a careful approach in the use of pungent and warm herbs such as Guizhitang. Moreover, the combination of Scutellaria baicalensis and Coptis chinensis along with the use of herbs strengthening yin, such as Ginseng Radix and Liriopes Radix, provide evidence of a holistic approach in the treatment of exogenous febrile diseases by considering the balance of the human body damaged by heat. Conclusion: The results of this study could help select appropriate herbal formulas and treatment methods for treating Onbyeong and modern acute febrile infectious diseases.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-4
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• 1977

Two hundred and twenty-seven strains of Escherichia coli isolated from 25 hens (12 hens received tetracycline neomycin and sulfadimethoxine, and 13 hens not received antibiotics) were studied for the drug resistance and distribution of R factors. About 74 per cent of E. coli strains isolated from hens of a herd received antibiotics were resistance to tetracycline (TC) streptomycin (SM), chloramphenicol (CM), kanamycin (KM), ampicillin (AP) and sulfisomidine (Su), alone or in combination thereof, but only a hen among a herd not received antibiotics excreted E. coli resistant to TC and SM. Among resistant strains, about 7% were found to be resistant to TC and SM, whereas 93% were resistant to three or more antibiotics. The most common pattern was the quadruple resistant to SM, TC, KM and Su (28.7%), and followed by triple ones to SM, TC and Su (25.3%), and SM, TC and KM (24.7%). About 84% of resistant strains carried R factors which were transferable to the recipient by conjugation.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.165-178
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• 2018

Objectives: To determine the current status of the treatment of breast cancer patients by Korean Medicine doctors (KMDs) and to examine the need for clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the supportive care of these patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a self-administered questionnaire. Participants were asked about their experience in treating breast cancer patients; the number of breast cancer patients they currently treat; the main complaints expressed by, diagnoses of, and treatments used for such patients; and their opinions about Korean Medicine (KM) as the basis for providing supportive care for breast cancer. Results: The data for this study were collected from 322 respondents. 84 of whom reported having ever treated patients with breast cancer. Most breast cancer patients who visited the KM clinic were classified as stage I or II, and their major complaints were fatigue, general weakness and musculoskeletal pain. The major diagnostic strategies were syndrome differentiation and pulse diagnosis. The major treatments administered were herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion. KMDs cited a need for medical information, such as CPGs, as their most important concern with regard to the treatment of breast cancer patients. Conclusions: This survey determined the prevalence of the use of KM for Korean breast cancer patients. Our results underscore the need for clinical practice guidelines for using of KM as the basis of supportive care for breast cancer and for informing clinicians and patients about this approach.