• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.270-287
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• 2009

Objective : Yinjinchunggan-tang(YJCGT) is reported previously as having theraputic effects on hepatitis such as anti-implammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-viral(HBV), etc. Though this prescription is not studied on its anti-fibrogenic effect, it is still expected to have the effect in the liver. Thus, this study was performed to investigate the anti-fibrogenic effect of YJCGT on thioacetamide(TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Method: Rat liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal TAA injection(150mg/kg) 3 times a week for 5 weeks. After the YJCGT (YJCGT 1g/kg, YJCGT 2g/kg)-treatment, body weight, liver and spleen weights, liver function test, the complete blood count and the portal pressure were studied. In addition, gene expressions of ASMA, procollagen type Ia2, MMP2, TIMP1 and TIMP2, all of which are known to be associated with liver fibrosis, were analyzed by RT-PCR. After YJCGT (YJCGT 1g/kg, YJCGT 2g/kg) treatment, percentages of collagen in TAA-induced rat liver tissue were measured by image analyzer. Results : The body weight of the normal group increased more than that of the control and YJCGT-treated groups. The AST level of the YJCGT lg/kg-treated group significantly decreased compared to that of the control. The ALT and the GGT levels of the YJCGT 2g/kg-treated group significantly increased compared to those of the control. In the YJCGT-treated groups. WBC, RBC and Hgb elevated by TAA injection decreased but platelet count increased. In the YJCGT lg/kg-treated group, the portal pressure elevated by TAA injection significantly decreased. The significant decreases in the gene expressions of procollagen type Ia2, MMP2 and TIMP2 were observed in the YJCGT-treated groups. In histological findings. TAA injections caused severe liver fibrosis, but the YJCGT treatment significantly reduced the amounts of hepatic collagens. Conclusions: These results suggest that YJCGT has beneficial effects on the treatment of patients with liver cirrhosis as well as chronic hepatitis. Further study should be done to decide the optimal concentration of the YJCGT for the treatment of liver cirrhosis.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.153-169
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• 2011

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the anti-fibrogenic effect and the effect on cell growth and apoptosis in YJCGT, YJCGT YSO and YJCGT YSCO on thioacetamide-induced rat liver tissue and the immortalized human hepatic cell line LX2. Materials and Methods : LX2 cells were treated with various concentrations (0, 50, 150, 300 ug/ml) of YJCGT, Y+YSO, and Y+YSCO extract for 24, 48 and 72 hours. After the treatment, cell viability was measured by using MTT assay. Caspase inhibitor assay, and cell viability were determined by a colorimetric assay with PMS/MTS solution. Rat liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal thioacetamide injection 150 mg/kg 3 times a week for 5 weeks. After the treatment, body weight, liver & spleen weights, liver function test, the complete blood cell count and the change of portal pressure were studied. After YJCGT, Y+YSO, and Y+YSCO treatment, percentages of collagen in thioacetamide-induced rat liver tissue were measured. Results : The viability of the LX2 cell decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Exposure of LX2 cells to YJCGT, YJCGT+YSO and YJCGT+YSCO induced caspase-3 activation, but co-treatment of YJCGT, YJCGT+YSO and YJCGT+YSCO with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK, and the caspase-3 inhibitor Z-DEVE-FMK, blocked apoptosis. There was no difference in rat body weight between the thioacetamide only group and the YJCGT, YJCGT+YSO and YJCGT+YSCO groups. In the YJCGT, YJCGT YSO and YJCGT YSCO groups, the serum level of GPT significantly went down compared with the thioacetamide only group. In the YJCGT, Y+YSO, Y+YSCO groups, white blood cell elevated by thioacetamide injection decreased but RBC, Hgb, and Hct increased. In the Y+YSO group, the portal pressure elevated by thioacetamide injection significantly decreased. In the histological finding, thioacetamide injections caused severe fibrosis, but YJCGT, Y+YSO, and Y+YSCO treatment significantly reduced the amounts of hepatic collagens. Conclusions : YJCGT, Y+YSO, and Y+YSCO inhibit the growth of LX2 cells by inducing apoptosis through caspase activity. YJCGT, Y+YSO, and Y+YSCO have beneficial effects on the treatment of cirrhotic patients as well as patients with chronic hepatitis.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.314-330
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• 2010

Objective : This study was performed to investigate the anti-fibrogenic effect and changes of inflammation-related genes by YBR I and YBR II (YBR I: Arteisiae Capillaris Herba, Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba, Hoelen/ YBR II: YBR I +Sanguisorbae Radix, Biotae Cacumen, Cirsii Japonici Herba) on HSC(hepatic stellate cells)-T6 and TAA-induced rat liver tissue. Materials and Methods : HSC-T6 were treated with various concentrations of distilled-water extract YBR I and YBR II extract for 24, 48 and 72 hours. After the treatment, cell viability, proliferation, procollagen levels and IL-6 levels were measured by using MTT Assay, BrdU Assay, Procollagen Type 1 C-peptide EIA kit, and Murine IL-6 ELISA Development kit. Rat liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal TAA injection of 150mg/kg 3 times a week for 6 weeks. After the treatment, body weight, liver & spleen weights, liver function test, complete blood cell count and change of portal pressure were studied. In addition, gene expressions of ASMA, IL-6, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, all of which are known to be associated with liver fibrosis, were analyzed by using Real-Time PCR. After YBR I and YBR IItreatment, percentages of collagen in TAA-induced rat liver tissue were measured. Results : The viability and proliferation of the HSC-T6 decreased as the concentration increased. The production of procollagen decreased as the concentration increased. The production of IL-6 was little influenced by YBR I and YBR II. There was no difference in rat body weight between the TAA-only group and the YBR groups. Compared with rat liver weight of TAA-only group, that of the YBR groups increased. In the YBR I group, the serum level of AST elevated by TAA injection significantly decreased and in the YBR I and II group, the serum level of ALP and ALT elevated by TAA injection decreased. In the YBR I group, white blood cell count elevated by TAA injection decreased but platelets increased. In the YBR I group, the portal pressure elevated by TAA injection significantly decreased. Decreases in the gene expression of ASMA and MMP-2 were observed in the YBR I group. The gene expression of IL-6 was little influenced by YBR I and YBR II -treated groups. In the histological finding, TAA injections caused severe fibrosis, but YBR I and YBR II treatment significantly reduced the amounts of hepatic collagens. Conclusions : These results suggest that YBR I and II have inhibitory effects on the hepatic fibrogenesis.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.271-278
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• 2001

Ascites is commonly caused by portal vein pressure accentuation or peritoneal disease. Also, the use of diuretic and ascitic puncture have been the mainstays of ascites treatment. Objective : Experimental studies were done to research the effects of herbal medication on diseases with ascites (ex. liver cirrhosis, peritoneal carcinoma) on two patients. Methods : For measuring the response about the ascites, we observed this clinical symptoms : weight, abdominal circumference (umbilical circumference, upper abdominal circumference), and lab finding. Result : In both cases, clinical symptoms and ascites improved with herbal medication. Second, abdominal circumference decreased. Third, there was no electrolyte imbalance. Conclusion : This test shows that herbal medication has a strong effect on decreasing the intractable ascites.

• Journal of Korean Society of Rural Planning
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.11-20
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• 2022

As a portal to rural town, Myeon near large cities is expected to represent image of the rural area. But, the landscape are changing rapidly due to development pressure and to the expansion of the transportation network. For visitors and transit traffic, Recognizing that the characteristics of the streetscape is an important task for the vitalization of the rural district. In particular, it was found that the visual quantity of the central street in the location of the town was closely related to the preference of the streetscape, and the visual quantity of trees and the visual quantity of the building showed an inverse relationship of + and - respectively. Since this is not a simple ratio of the sky to the building, but a relative factor, the possibility of landscape improvement can be improved through management of public facilities or green spaces and maintenance of open spaces or gaps between buildings. It seems that it is necessary to secure separate means for the management of the architectural landscape, such as the establishment of a special landscape plan or establishment of ordinances.

• Journal of the Korean Data Analysis Society
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.2941-2951
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• 2018

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of ocean weather factors on shipments of swimming crab. We use the data of data portal and ocean weather factors (mean wind velocity, mean atmospheric pressure, mean relative humidity, mean air temperature, mean water temperature, mean maximum wave height, mean significant wave height, maximum significant wave height, maximum wave height, mean wave period, maximum wave period). We did statistical analysis using Poisson regression analysis and negative binomial regression analysis. As the result of study, important factors influential in the shipments of swimming crab turn out to be mean wind velocity, mean atmospheric pressure, mean relative humidity, mean water temperature, maximum wave height, mean wave period and maximum wave period. the shipments of swimming crab increases as mean wind velocity, mean atmospheric pressure, mean relative humidity, mean water temperature increases or mean wave period increase. However, as maximum wave height, maximum wave period decreases, the shipment of swimming crab increases.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.25-40
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• 2022

■Objectives This study aimed to collect and analyze clinical studies on the significance of acupuncture in the treatment of hypertension among Korean patients. ■Methods Among Korean patients with a blood pressure (BP) of 120 mmHg or higher and a diastolic BP of 80 mmHg or higher, those, treated with acupuncture only, were included. A literature search was conducted through 'Embase', 'Medline', 'Science and Technology Information Integration Service (NDSL)', 'Traditional Korean Knowledge Portal (OASIS)', 'PubMed', and 'Scopus'. The search keywords were (hypertension OR 'blood pressure') AND acupuncture. The papers, published before the day of the search (02. January 2022), were included in this study. ■Results Among the 12 selected papers, seven involved randomized controlled trial (RCT), four before-and-after studies, and one case series. The number of RCTs has increased yearly. The treatment methods used in the studies included needle acupuncture in eight studies, auricular acupuncture in two, pharmacopuncture in one, and si-acupuncture in one. The average numbers of patients enrolled in RCTs, before-and-after studies, and case series were 21.1, 30, and 23 respectively. Six studies were conducted on prehypertensive patients, two on stage 1 hypertension patients, and four on stage 2 hypertension patients. The involved acupoints have been reported to be ST36 in eight papers, LI11 in four papers, and PC6 in three papers. The treatment period lasted for < 1 week in eight studies and 8 weeks in four studies. Acupuncture successfully lowered blood pressure in nine out of 12 studies ■Conclusions Acupuncture is a viable alternative treatment option for prehypertensive patients, who are not taking medications. Additionally, it is also useful in further lowering the BP of patients with stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension in the short term. Large-scale and long-term studies on acupuncture for hypertension should be conducted.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.220-225
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• 1998

Background: The patients of facial hyperhidrosis have been known that they had much difficulties in interpersonal relationships and social activities due to excessive hidrosis when they were in stress, hot weather, or having meals. Previous drug therapy and stellate ganglion block have only temporary effects. The surgical method, $T_1$ sympathetomy has the risk of Hornor's syndrome. For that reasons, the sympathicotomy of proximal and distal portions of $T_2$ sympathetic ganglion with electroresectoscope used in transurethral resection seemed to be appropriate procedure, and we would like to report the results of our procedure. Method: Under the general anesthesia with semi-sitting position, and the portal was made through the small incision along the upper border of the 4th rib at the crossing point of mid-axillary line. After the partial collapse of lung by insufflation of 300 to 500 ml of $CO_2$, $T_2$ sympathetic ganglion was identified and resected proximally and distally with electro-cauterization. Finally the lung was expanded by limiting flow until the airway pressure reached 30 to 40 cm$H_2O$, and the wound was closed after removal of electroresectoscope. Result: There was no postoperative complication requiring surgical interventions. The facial sweating was stopped immediately after the operation and all the patients appeared to be satisfied. Conclusion: $T_2$ sympathicotomy with TUR electroresectoscope is thought be the minimal invasive and highly successful method in the treatment of facial hyperhidrosis. But longer terms follow-up will be needed to prove this result.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.3051-3056
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• 2015

Background: Skin self-examination (SSE) may facilitate early diagnosis of melanoma at a potentially curable stage. Little data are available concerning the SSE frequency and knowledge about the symptoms of melanoma in non-patient populations. The aim of our study was to assess the performance of skin self-examination, recognition of potential melanoma symptoms as well as behavior related to sun exposure among web users in Poland. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among readers of a scientific portal. Invited respondents were asked to complete an online questionnaire. Finally, statistical analysis was conducted on 4,919 surveys towards potential clinical signs of melanoma and SSE performance. Results: Approximately 60% of respondents had ever performed SSE in their life. Only 18.4 % declared performance on a regular, monthly, basis. Factors promoting this activity were established to be bigger place of residence, higher education and sensitive skin phototype, higher level of knowledge concerning melanoma, safe tanning rules and, especially, past surgical excision of naevi. Declared longer use of tanning beds was linked to understanding better the importance of clinical features of melanoma. Awareness of hazardous behavior during sunbathing is associated with the attempts to change them. Conclusions: Regular SSE is not a common practice, whilst the knowledge about the clinical features of melanoma is varied. Therefore, constant pressure should be put on promotion of regular skin self-examination and teaching its proper techniques, including familiarity with the ABCD (asymmetry; border; color; diameter) rule and its extension of "EFG" (elevated, firm, progressive growth) criteria.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.163-173
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• 2018

The design wind pressure for low-rise buildings in the ASCE 7-10 is defined by procedures that are categorized into the Main Wind Force-Resisting System (MWFRS) and the Components and Cladding (C&C). Some of these procedures were originally developed based on steel portal frames of industrial buildings, while the residential structures are a completely different structural system, most of which are designed as low-rise light-frame wood constructions. The purpose of this study is to discuss the rationality (or irrationality) of the extension of the wind loads calculated by the ASCE 7-10 to the light-frame wood residential buildings that represent the most vulnerable structures under extreme wind conditions. To serve this purpose, the same approach as used in the development of Chapter 28 of the ASCE 7-10 that envelops peak responses is adopted in the present study. Database-assisted design (DAD) methodology is used by applying the dynamic wind loads from Louisiana State University (LSU) database on a typical residential building model to assess the applicability of the standard by comparing the induced responses. Rather than the postulated critical member demands on the industrial building such as the bending moments at the knee, the maximum values at the critical points for wood frame buildings under wind loads are used as indicators for the comparison. Then, the critical members are identified through these indicators in terms of the displacement or the uplift force at connections and roof envelope. As a result, some situations for each of the ASCE 7 procedures yielding unconservative wind loads on the typical low-rise residential building are identified.