• CELLMED
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.25.1-25.7
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• 2020

Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is an IgE (immunoglobin-E) mediated inflammatory condition of upper respiratory tract; main clinical features involve runny nose, sneezing, nasal obstruction, itching and watery eyes. AR is a global problem and has large variations in incidences, currently affects up to 20% - 40% of the population worldwide. It may not be a life-threatening disease per se but indisposition from the condition can be severe and has the potential to adversely affect the daily functioning of life. Classical yoga literature indicates that, components of yoga have been used to treat numerous inflammatory conditions including upper respiratory tract. A few yoga intervention studies reported improvement in lung capacity, Nasal air flow and symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This review examined various anti-inflammatory pathways mediated through Yoga that include downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The hypothalaminic-pitutary-adrenal (HPA) axis and vagal efferent stimulation has been reported to mediate anti-inflammatory effect. A significant reduction is also reported in other inflammatory biomarkers like- TNF-alpha, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), plasma CRP and Cortisol level. Neti, a yogic nasal cleansing technique, reported beneficial effect on AR by direct physical cleansing of thick mucus, allergens, and inflammatory mediator from nasal mucosa resulting in improved ciliary beat frequency. We do not find any study showing effect of yoga on neurogenic inflammation. In summary, Integrated Yoga Therapy may have beneficial effect in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with allergic rhinitis. Yoga may reduce inflammation through mediating neuro-endocrino-immunological network. Future studies are needed to explore the mechanism how yoga might modulate immune inflammation cascade and neurogenic inflammation at the cellular level in relevance to allergic rhinitis; the effects of kriyas (yogic cleansing techniques) also need to be evaluated in early and late phase of AR. So the proposed model could guide future research.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.119-132
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• 2020

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical studies between 2015 and 2020 on the traditional Chinese medicine treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) using the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. Methods We searched clinical studies on the Chinese medicine treatment published in traditional Chinese medical journals on CTS through the CNKI search. Fifteen published studies between 2015 and 2020 were chosen and examined for the year of publication, sample size, study design type, diagnosis and evaluation of diverse criteria, treatment period, purpose of the study, and classification based on the treatment technique. Results Out of 73 studies, 15 had practiced various Chinese medical treatments, such as acupuncture, moxibustion, manipulation, herbal medicine application therapy, and external herbal treatment. Conclusions Various studies have investigated the Chinese medicine treatment for CTS in China. To envelope the treatment of CTS in Korean medicine, steady and valuable therapies for high-level clinical research are required. In the future, this study could be helpful in the development of the treatment of CTS with Korean medicine.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.656-662
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• 2022

The median nerve can be compressed due to a tumor along the course of the median nerve, causing typical compression symptoms or even persistence or recurrence after an operation. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of rare tumors described in recent publications that cause median nerve compression and to evaluate treatment options. The PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies describing median nerve compression due to a tumor in adults, published from the year 2000 and written in English. From 94 studies, information of approximately 100 patients have been obtained. Results The rare tumors causing compression were in 32 patients located at the carpal tunnel, in 21 cases in the palm of the hand, and 28 proximal from the carpal tunnel. In the other cases the compression site extended over a longer trajectory. There were 37 different histological types of lesions. Complete resection of the tumor was possible in 58 cases. A total of 8 patients presented for the second time after receiving initial therapy. During follow-up, three cases of recurrence were reported with a mean follow-up period of 11 months. The most common published cause of median nerve compression is the lipofibromatous hamartoma. Besides the typical sensory and motor symptoms of median nerve compression, a thorough physical examination of the complete upper extremity is necessary to find any swelling or triggering that might raise suspicion of the presence of a tumor.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.102-130
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• 2022

Objectives: The persistence and unpredictability of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and new measures to prevent direct medical intervention (e.g., social distancing and quarantine) have induced various psychological symptoms and disorders that require self-treatment approaches and integrative treatment interventions. To address these issues, the Korean Medicine Mental Health (KMMH) center developed a field manual by reviewing previous literature and preexisting manuals. Methods: The working group of the KMMH center conducted a keyword search in PubMed in June 2021 using "COVID-19" and "SARS-CoV-2". Review articles were examined using the following filters: "review," "systematic review," and "meta-analysis." We conducted a narrative review of the retrieved articles and extracted content relevant to previous manuals. We then created a treatment algorithm and recommendations by referring to the results of the review. Results: During the initial assessment, subjective symptom severity was measured using a numerical rating scale, and patients were classified as low- or moderate-high risk. Moderate-high-risk patients should be classified as having either a psychiatric emergency or significant psychiatric condition. The developed manual presents appropriate psychological support for each group based on the following dominant symptoms: tension, anxiety-dominant, anger-dominant, depression-dominant, and somatization. Conclusions: We identified the characteristics of mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic and developed a clinical mental health support manual in the field of Korean medicine. When symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria for a mental disorder, doctors of Korean medicine can treat the patients according to the manual for the corresponding disorder.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.234-243
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• 2006

Objectives : Several factors, such as biological markers, clinical correlates, and course of the depressive disorders with psychotic symptoms differ from those without psychotic symptoms. Therefore, specification of a treatment algorithm for depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms is legitimated. This article provides a systematic review of somatic treatments for depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms. Methods : According to the search strategy of the Clinical Research Center for Depression of Korean Health 21 R & D Project, first, PubMed and EMBASE were searched using terms with regard to the treatment of depressive disorders with psychotic symptoms(until July 2006). Reference lists of related reviews and studies were searched. In addition, relevant practice guidelines were searched using PubMed. All identified clinical literatures were reviewed and summarized in a narrative manner. Results : Treatment options, such as a combination of an antidepressant and an antipsychotic versus an antidepressant or an antipsychotic alone are summarized. In addition, issues regarding the electroconvulsive therapy( ECT), combination therapy, and maintenance treatment are discussed. Conclusion : In former times, the combination of an antidepressant and an antipsychotic or ECT were recommended as the first line treatment for depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms. Recently, however, there was a suggestion that there was no conclusive evidence that the combination of an antidepressant and an antipsychotic drug is more effective than an antidepressant alone. More evidence regarding the pharmacological treatment for depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms is needed.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.19 no.12
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• pp.495-504
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• 2021

This review aims to identify the virtual reality (VR)-based home modification programs and provide basic data for the future development and application of domestic VR-based home modification programs. We collected the studies of academic publication or conference, symposium addressed VR-based home modification from January 2011 to June 2021 using hand searching and databases such as Medline, Embase, and Scopus. A total of 7 studies were selected through selection criteria, and the studies were quantitative and qualitative studies on the development of VR prototype for home modification and the acceptability and usability of the programs. VR-based home modification have been developed and applied for various purposes for stakeholders involved in home modification. It can be used as the tools for fostering experts in home modification, evaluating the home environment remotely, and facilitating communication and collaboration with the stakeholders in the modification process. In the future, studies on development and feasibility of VR-based home modification program reflecting the characteristics of domestic housing should be conducted, and it is expected to be utilized as a tool to support the home modification process.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.1-33
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• 2020

연구 목적 : 본 연구는 근골격계 질환에 대한 수기치료가 갖는 경제적 효과를 체계적으로 평가해 보기 위해 시행되었다. 연구 방법 : 2017년 2월 2일까지 국내외 관련 문헌을 체계적으로 검색 하였으며, 연관된 체계적 고찰 논문의 참고문헌을 조사하였다. 두 명의 연구자가 독립적으로 문헌을 선택하고, 비뚤림 위험 평가 및 경제성 평가 질 평가, 자료 추출을 시행하였다. 연구 결과 : 총 3,327개의 논문을 검토하여 최종적으로 18개의 무작위 대조 연구가 포함되었다. 경제성 평가는 수기요법과 다른 치료방법간의 유효성 비교를 통해 시행되었다. 요부 통증, 견관절 통증 및 외측 상과염 치료에 있어 침치료, 견인치료, 주사치료, 일반의 치료, 척추 안정화 기법 및 통증관리 치료보다 비용 효과적인 것으로 나타났다. 또한 또한, 수기치료는 경항통, 흉통, 고관절염 혹은 슬관절염, 경추신경병증 및 수부손상 치료에 있어 일반적 치료, 물리치료, 자가 치료 프로그램, 견인 치료에 비하여 효과적인 치료인 것으로 확인되었다. 결론 : 18개의 논문 중 10개의 논문에서 근골격계 질환 치료에 있어 수기치료가 경제적으로 효과가 있는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 결과는 다른 치료방법에 비해 수기요법이 근골격계 질환에 있어서 경제적 가치가 있음을 시사하는 내용이다. 하지만, 근골격계 질환 수기치료의 경제성 평가에 대한 선행 연구는 전반적으로 부족한 실정으로, 보다 정확한 결과를 제시하고 정책결정을 위한 효과적인 제안을 위해서는 체계적인 추가 연구가 필요하다 사료되는 바이다.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.61-74
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• 2004

Objectives：This study was performed to introduce a psychoeducational family therapy model for the families of schizophrenic patient and to investigate the effect of this model on the changes in coping style and depressive symptoms of the family members, and in perception of emotional support by families and depressive symptoms of patients. Methods：Nine preschool children, 3-5 years old, experiencing physical injuries caused by attack from a psychotic patient at kindergarten, were evaluated for psychological assessments；Intelligence test, MSSB(MacArthur Story-Stem Battery), H-T-P test(House-Tree-Person test). And their parents completed rating scale, KPI-C(Korean Personality Inventory for Children about children’s psychological conditions). Results：With respects to the contents and emotional reactions of MSSB, 9 preschool children showed generally high levels of anxiety, depression, avoidance, aggression, probably related to the traumatic experiences. Even though children couldn't verbally report directly about their traumatic experiences, in both MSSB, structured play narrative assessment tool, and HPT, free drawing and association test, they demonstrated psychiatric problems through reenactment plays, regardless of clinical diagnoses. Conclusion：Present study allowed us the chance to see beyond the outer pathological behaviors of PTSD in preschool children, through deeper evaluations of their mental representation. These preliminary data suggest deep understanding of internal representation would be of help for thorough evaluations and treatment plan for preschool children, experiencing severe trauma.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.91-98
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• 2007

Objectives : Considering the impact of depressive illness on physical and mental health of both mother and fetus, specification of a treatment algorithm for depressive disorder during pregnancy is legitimated. This article provides a systemic review of treatments for depressive disorder during pregnancy and lactation. Methods : According to the search strategy of the Clinical Research Center for Depression of Korean Health 21 R & D Project, PubMed and EMBASE were searched using terms with regard to the treatment of depressive disorders during pregnancy and lactation. Reference lists of related reviews and studies were searched. In addition, relevant practice guidelines were searched using the PubMed. All identified clinical literatures were reviewed and summarized in a narrative manner. Results : Pharmacotherapy during pregnancy and lactation requires a comprehensive assessment of the risks and benefits of treatment for both mother and fetus or neonate. Recently, there is growing evidence that the use of tricyclic and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors during pregnancy and lactation does not result in increased risks of teratogenicity. Treatment strategies are described according to the point of time of pregnancy or lactation. FDA categories for antidepressants during pregnancy and lactation are described. In addition, issues regarding to the electroconvulsive therapy and psychosocial treatment are discussed. Conclusion : The treatment option for depressive disorders during pregnancy and lactation depends on the severity of depressive illnesses of the individual patient. For mild to moderate depression, the non-pharmacological treatment should be considered first. For moderate to severe depression, pharmacotherapy should be administered in addition to the psychosocial treatment. ECT is recommended for depressive disorder of severe intensity. As the research knowledge is limited, the recommendations should based on the best judgement of psychiatrists.