• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.137-147
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• 2004

Objective : The aim of the study was to compare the therapeutic effect of the superficial and in-depth insertion of acupuncture needles in the treatment of patients with ankle sprain. Design : A prospective randomized single-blind study of superficial and deep acupuncture was conducted. Setting : The study was conducted in the Kang-nam Oriental Hosp. of Dong-Guk University. Patients: The study comprised 14 patients with ankle sprain who were divided into two groups (A and B). Intervention : In group A, the needle was introduced in the skin at a depth of 2 mm, whereas in group B the needle was placed deeply into muscular tissue or the articular capsule at a depth more than 1.5 Cm The treatment was planned for a duration of 1 week, 3 times. Outcome Measures : The intensity of pain was evaluated with the Ankle grade pain chart(AGPC) before and after treatment and at the 1-week follow-up examination. The AGPC includes Swelling, Tenderness, Exudation, Bruise, Medial/Lateral. stability test, Anterior drawer test, Squeeze test, Bearing weight, Pressure Algometer, Walking state and VAS. Results : Although at the end of the treatment there was no evidence of significant statistical differences between the two different groups, Pain reduction(VAS) was greater in the group treated with deep acupuncture. A statistical difference existed between the two groups at the 1 week follow up, with a better result in the deeply stimulated group in VAS. Conclusion : Clinical results show that deep stimulation has a better analgesic effect when compared with superficial stimulation in pain reduction(VAS, Visual analogic scale).

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.29-36
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• 2007

Electroacupuncture(EA) is known to affect various autonomic functions such as blood pressure regulation, immune modulation and the improvement of disorders concerning autonomic functions. The aim of the present study was to establish whether EA has an immune-enhancing effect. ICR mice weighing 20 to 25g were divided into four groups: Group I(n=6), blank; Group II(n=6), control; Group III(Zusanli, n=6), low frequency-EA(10Hz of electrical stimulation), and Group IV(Zusanli, n=6), high frequency-EA (100Hz of electrical stimulation). For this study, we investigated expressions of spleen heat shock protein (HSP)70, HSP90 and secretions of cytokines. A Forced Swimming Test(FST) was performed as a model of activity test in mice. After three days of the FST, 10Hz EA($114.8{\pm}7.27s$) and 100Hz EA($147.5{\pm}1.29s$) immobility time significantly decreased compared with the control group($157.2{\pm}1.48s$). After seven days, 10Hz EA($124{\pm}1s$) and 100Hz EA($141{\pm}4.24s$) also significantly decreased immobility time compared with the control group($168{\pm}7.93s$). 10Hz EA and 100Hz EA increased the expression of HSP70 but did not change that of HSP90. 100Hz EA increased secretions of IL-6 and IL-12 compared with the control group however, 10Hz EA failed to change those of IL-6 and IL-12. The present results suggest that EA may be useful for down-regulated immune diseases.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.466-469
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• 2016

External volume expansion of the recipient site by suction has been proposed as a way of improving fat graft survival. The objective of this study was to present an innovative and simple intraoperative external expansion system to enhance small-volume autologous fat grafting (40-80 mL) and to discuss its background and its mechanism of action. In this system, expansion is performed using a complete vacuum delivery system known as the Kiwi VAC-6000M with a PalmPump (Clinical Innovations). The recipient site is rapidly expanded intraoperatively 10 times for 30 seconds each with a negative pressure of up to 550 mm Hg before autologous fat injection. During this repetitive stimulation, the tissues become grossly expanded, developing macroscopic swelling that regresses slowly over the course of hours following the cessation of the stimulus. The system sets various mechanisms in motion, including scar release, mechanical stimulation, edema, ischemia, and inflammation, which provide an environment conducive for cell proliferation and angiogenesis. In order to maintain the graft construct in its expansive state, all patients are encouraged postoperatively to use the Kiwi three times daily for one minute per session over the course of three days. The handling of this system is simple for both the patients and the surgeon. Satisfactory clinical outcomes have been achieved without significant complications.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.176-182
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• 2008

Scolopendra was known to cure erectile dysfunction. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of Scolopendra on the nitric oxide synthase activity, nitrite level, cyclic-GMP and erectile responses in rat's corpus cavernosum penis. The crushed Scolopendra was extracted 3 times, each time with 3 volumes of methyl alcohol at $60^{\circ}C$ for 24 h. The extract was filtered and evaporated under a reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator to yield 14.2 g. Scolopendra extract was oral-administered 50 mg per 1 kg of body weight for 30 days. First, samples were treated with Scolopendra, and then ethanol-treated rats and L-N-Nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) treated rats were fed with the samples. The level of urethral nitrite and nitric oxide synthase activity in the ethanol-Scolopendra double administered rats were as high as in the normal group, while the one in the ethanol-treated group was decreased. The level of urethral cyclic-GMP and guanylate cyclase actiyity in the ethanol-Scolopendra double administered rats were as high as in the normal group, while the one in the ethanol-treated group was decreased. The level of urethral phosphodiesterase activity in the ethanol-Scolopendra double administered rats was as low as in the normal group, while the one in the ethanol-treated group was increased. The erectile response to a cavernous nerve stimulation in L-NAME $(10^{-4})-treated$ rats was restored by the Scolopendra to the similar level seen in the normal group. The electile response to cavernous nerve stimulation in the ethanol-Scolopendra double administered rats were increased as high as in the normal group while the one in the ethanol-treated group was decreased. Scolopendra was effective in restoring the ethanol-induced or L-NAME-induced erectile dysfunction in rats.

• Journal of Magnetics
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.213-220
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• 2010

Since the hypothalamus immediately reacts to a nerve by processing all the information from the human body and the external stimulus being conducted, it performs a significant role in internal secretion; thus, a diverse and rapid stimulus pulse is required. By detecting Zero Detector accurately via the application of AVR on-Chip (ATMEL) using commercial electricity, chopping generates a stimulus pulse to the brain using an IGBT gate to designate a new magnetic stimulation following treatment and diagnosis. To simplify and generate a diverse range of stimuli for the brain, chopping can be used as a free magnetic stimulator. Then, commercial frequency (60Hz) is chopped precisely at the first level of the leakage transformer to deliver an appropriate stimulus pulse towards the hypothalamus when necessary. Discharge becomes stable, and the chopping frequency and duty-ratio provide variety after authorizing a high-pressure chopping voltage at the second level of the magnetic stimulator. These methods have several aims. The first is to apply a variable stimulus pulse via accurate switching frequency control by a voltaic pulse or a pulse repetition rate, according to the diagnostic purpose for a given hypothalamus. Consequently, the efficiency tends to increase. This experiment was conducted at a maximum of 210 W, a magnetic induced amplitude of 0.1~2.5 Tesla, a pulse duration of $200{\sim}350\;{\mu}s$, magnetic inducement of 5 Hz, stimulus frequency of 0.1~60 Hz, and a duration of stimulus train of 1~10 sec.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.234-241
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• 2011

Mantidis Vagina Ovorum was formulated to contain various natural products known to cure erectile dysfunction. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of Mantidis Vagina Ovorum on the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, nitrite level, antioxidation and erectile responses in rat's corpus cavernosum penis. The crushed Mantidis Vagina Ovorum was extracted 3 times, each time with 3 volumes of methyl alcohol at $60^{\circ}C$ for 24 h. The extract was filtered and evaporated under a reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator to yield 16.6 g. Mantidis Vagina Ovorum extract oral-administered 75 mg per 1 kg of body weight for 30 days. First, samples were treated with Mantidis Vagina Ovorum, and then cimetidine-treated rats and L-N-Nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) treated rats were put with the samples. The level of urethral lipid peroxide in the cimetidine-Mantidis Vagina Ovorum double administered rats was decreased as low as in the normal group, while the one in the cimetidine-treated group was increased. The urethral NOS activity, the level of urethral nitrite, the level of testosterone and the electile response to cavernous nerve stimulation in the cimetidine-Mantidis Vagina Ovorum double administered rats were increased as high as in the normal group while the one in the cimetidine-treated group was decreased. The electile response to cavernous nerve stimulation and the level of nitrite in L-NAME ($10^{-4}$)-treated rats was restored by the administration of Mantidis Vagina Ovorum as high as in the normal group. Mantidis Vagina Ovorum was effective in restoring the cimetidine-induced or L-NAME-induced erectile dysfunction in rats.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.189-197
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• 2022

Purpose: Pain perception is affected by a wide range of contributing factors, including biological, psychological, and social factors. Although the provision of visual information could have a modulatory effect on pain perception, it is unclear whether such a visual effect might vary depending on the anatomical site and stimulation type. This study aimed to analyze the modulatory effect of visual information on the perception of sharp and dull pain in the face and hand and to assess the influence of individual fear levels on modulatory visual information. Methods: A total of 68 healthy male and female volunteers were recruited for this study. Pressure and pricking pain with and without visual information were induced on the masseter and thenar muscles, and alterations in pain threshold were evaluated. The survey was conducted using the Geop-Pain Questionnaire (GPQ). Results: The pricking pain threshold of the hand was significantly elevated when viewing the stimulated hand. This result indicated that the provision of visual information could decrease sensitivity to sharp pain in the hand. However, when correlating the GPQ score with the alteration in thresholds induced by visual information, no significant correlation was observed between the GPQ score and the threshold difference induced by visual information. This finding showed that the visual effect was not significantly affected by the fear level. Conclusions: This study showed that the effect of visual information on the pain threshold could vary according to the anatomical site and stimulation type. A better understanding of such a modulatory effect on pain perception might be useful for clinicians during painful therapeutic procedures.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.178-184
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• 2016

Objective: Tension-type headache is caused by hormones, foods, irritants, stress, obesity, fatigue, and neck and head trigger points-prolonged abnormal posture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of relaxation approach on head posture, static postural stability, and headache in persons with tension-type headache. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty-five persons with tension-type headache participated in this study. This study was a pretest-posttest with a control group design for a duration of 4 weeks (60 min/3 times/1 wk). The participants were randomly allocated to the relaxation approach group (n=18) and the control group with conventional rehabilitation including thermotherapy and transcutaneous electrical stimulation for the same period (n=17). Outcome measures involved forward head posture (FHP), foot pressure, neck disability index (NDI), and six-item headache impact test (HIT-6). Results: Relaxation approach and control groups improved significantly in the amount of forward head posture, neck disability index, and six-item headache impact test scores after training (p<0.05). The control group was found to be significantly different in the amount of FHP, backward foot pressure, NDI, and HIT-6 after training compared to before training (p<0.05). The relaxation approach group significantly improved in forward head posture, neck disability index, and six-item headache impact test compared with control group after training (p<0.05). Neck disability index and six-item headache impact test significantly improved after training compared with before training in the control group (p<0.05). However, the foot pressure was not significantly different between relaxation approach and control groups. Conclusions: This study suggests that treatment with relaxation approach combined with self-exercise would be effective in reducing the amount of forward head posture, neck disability and headache impacts.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.651-657
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• 2003

In order to examine if arsenic, one of environmental stresses, contributes to hypertension as one of cardiovas cular pathological factors, this study was perfarmed in vivo and in vitro, using intacted or pithed rats and aorta ring preparation, respectively. And also the relationship between expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 90 and vasoactives-induced contractile response was elucidated. To measure blood pressure, the carotid arterial pressure was recorded on physiograph(Grass Co. 79E) connected to strain gauge. On the other hand, contractile response of vascular ring preparation isolated from rat was determined in organ bath and was recorded on physiograph connected to isometric transducer. And HSP was detacted by Western blotting whole cell Iysis. Preganglionic nerve stimulation was increased by 26.0% in arterial pressure of rat treated with arsenic. Vascular contractile response was monitored and HSP were measured by Western blotting of whole Iysis prepared from samples exposed with 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mM of arsenic for 8 hours. The dose-vascular responses of potassium chloride were augmented by increasing dose of arsenic in the strips exposed to arsenic for 8 hours, and were not augmented for 1, 3, 5 hours. And the response of relaxation of rat aorta induced by histamine was not influenced by arsenic stress. The increase of HSP 90 expression in rat aorta was pronounced at 8 hours after 4 mM of arsenic treatment, but HSP 60 expression was not. Arsenic stress not only increased the expression of HSP 90 in the rat aorta, but also augmented contractions to potassium chloride. These results indicated that arsenic stress was sufficient to induce heat shock protein 90, resulting in increased vascular contractility in rat aorta.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.41-49
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• 2015

This study aimed to evaluate the surface area and velocity of center of pressure (COP) during one leg standing by stimulating the sensory system in normal adults. Thirty subjects were enrolled in this study. Subjects were asked to stand on one leg during testing conditions. Testing conditions included 6 different sensory stimulations as follows: eyes opened, eyes closed, eyes opened with vibrator, eyes opened with head-mounted display (HMD), eyes opened with vibrator and HMD, and eyes closed with vibrator. During each testing condition, the surface area and velocity of center of pressure were measured. There were significant differences in the mean surface area and the mean velocity of COP between the "eyes opened" condition and the other five testing conditions (p<.05). However, in the comparison between the "eyes closed" and "eyes opened with HMD" conditions, there were no significant differences in the tested parameters. This study shows that closing eyes or keeping eyes opened while using HMD to experience virtual reality has the same effect on one leg standing balance. This finding should be considered in the evaluation or intervention of balance, especially one leg standing balance and balance while standing with a small base of support.