• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.67-74
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• 2017

Objectives This study is aimed to identify and evaluate the already developed clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and contribute to making decisions in developing Korean medicine CPG of TMD. Methods We searched electronic database and selected CPGs of TMD according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, we made appraisal of selected CPGs by using AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II). Results Four CPGs are included and appraised with AGREE II. Among 6 domains of AGREE II, all CPGs failed to score over 60% in four domains. Only one CPG mentioned acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment for myofascial TMD. Conclusions It is difficult to indicate that included CPGs are with sufficient quality to recommend and it appears not to be appropriate to apply these already developed CPGs in Korean medicine clinical fields. Therefore, developing a new Korean medicine clinical practice guideline of TMD is required.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.313-353
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• 2023

Objectives: Heart failure is a chronic disease with increasing prevalence rates despite advancements in medical technology. Korean medicine utilizes herbal prescriptions to treat heart failure, but little is known about the specific herbal medicines comprising the network of herbal prescriptions for heart failure. This study proposes a novel methodology that can efficiently develop prescriptions and facilitate experimental research on heart failure by utilizing existing databases. Methods: Herbal medicine prescriptions for heart failure were identified through a PubMed search and compiled into a Google Sheet database. NetMiner 4 was used for network analysis, and the individual networks were classified according to the herbal medicine classification system to identify trends. K-HERB NETWORK was utilized to derive related prescriptions. Results: Network analysis of heart failure prescriptions and herbal medicines using NetMiner 4 produced 16 individual networks. Uhwangcheongsim-won (牛黃淸心元), Gamiondam-tang (加味溫膽湯), Bangpungtongseong-san (防風通聖散), and Bunsimgi-eum (分心氣飮) were identified as prescriptions with high similarity in the entire network. A total of 16 individual networks utilized K-HERB NETWORK to present prescriptions that were most similar to existing prescriptions. The results provide 1) an indication of existing prescriptions with potential for use to treat heart failure and 2) a basis for developing new prescriptions for heart failure treatment. Conclusion: The proposed methodology presents an efficient approach to developing new heart failure prescriptions and facilitating experimental research. This study highlights the potential of network pharmacology methodology and its possible applications in other diseases. Further studies on network pharmacology methodology are recommended.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.90-98
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• 2023

Objectives : Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide and is characterized by the loss of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). In a previous in vitro study, we demonstrated that Sihogyeji-tang (SG), Sihosogan-tang (SS), and Sihocheonggan-tang (SC) have the potential to be candidate medicines for PD. This study aimed to compare the neuroprotective effect of SG, SS, and SC using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydrophridine (MPTP)-induced PD mouse model. Methods : Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally administered with 30 mg/kg of MPTP for 5 days and orally administered SG, SS and SC for 12 days from the first MPTP injection. Motor function was assessed using the pole test and the rotarod test. Dopaminergic neuronal survival in the SN and striatum was evaluated through tyrosine-hydroxylase immunohistochemistry. Results : MPTP administration resulted in behavioral impairment and dopaminergic neuronal death in the SN and striatum. In the pole test, treatment with SG, SS, and SC alleviated the MPTP-induced motor dysfunction on day 5 and 12. In the rotarod test, SS and SG alleviated the MPTP-induced motor dysfunction on day 5, while only SS showed improvement on day 12. SS and SG significantly protected dopaminergic neurons in the SN from MPTP toxicity, and all three compounds (SG, SS, and SC) showed significant protection in the striatum. Notably, SS demonstrated superior efficacy in suppressing MPTP-induced motor dysfunction and dopaminergic neuronal death compared to SG and SC. Conclusions : These findings suggest that SS is the most effective formula among SG, SS, and SC for PD, indicating its potential role in the treatment of PD.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.21-29
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• 2015

Objectives This study aimed to investigate therapeutic effect of Korean Medicine Steam Therapy (KMST) for leukorrhea patients. Methods From December 1st 2013 to Nov 31st 2014, 16 leukorrhea outpatients treated with KMST filled out questionnaire before and after treatments. The questionnaire was composed of 8 question items such as sleep, appetite & digestion, urination, defecation, emotion, cold hypersensitivity, menstrual pain, leukorrhea and patients were told to evaluate their symptoms as NRS score. We analyzed mean NRS score of each question item before and after KMST by using Wilcoxon's signed rank test of SPSS ver. 19. Results Mean age of participants was 40.8±13.0 years and mean value of treatment numbers per person was 3.8±1.8 times. 43.75% (n=7) of the patients had history of vaginitis caused by gardnella vaginalis, ureaplasma urealyticum or candida albicans. All patients were treated with acupuncture, moxibustion and Korean medicine. In addition, there was no side effect reported by participants. NRS score of quantity, odor of leukorrhea, perineal unpleasant sensation such as itching, dryness, burning sensation remarkably decreased (p<0.01, p<0.05, p<0.01 each). NRS score of symptoms including sleep, urination, cold hypersensitivity, menstrual pain also remarkably decreased (p<0.05). Conclusions Symptoms of leukorrhea patients including sleep, urination, cold hypersensitivity, menstrual pain, leukorrhea showed significant decrease after treated with concurrent KMST.

• The Journal of the Society of Korean Medicine Diagnostics
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.205-216
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• 2014

Objectives The purpose of this study is to help improve the management of traditional Korean medical(TKM) clinics and the policies for supporting them, by conducting a survey of the practitioners of TKM. Methods Stratified sampling was conducted based on regional location, and 700 samples were selected in a random manner from the membership list. The questionnaire was delivered and returned by mail. The survey was conducted between 20 July and 31 August 2010. A total of 177 questionnaires (recovery rate: 25.28%) were recovered and analyzed for the study. Results 1. The the survey indicate that the overall size of TKM clinics has fallen compared with previous survey, while the average number of beds per clinic has remained unchanged at 7.9. The sale of medicine as a proportion of total monthly sales has increased. 2. There has been no change in the composition of clinical staff as there are three nursing assistants. Although the average daily number of patients to clinics has remained at around 33.90 compared with ten years ago, the number of patients requiring seeking acupuncture treatment has increased while the number of those treated with medication has decreased. 3. Clinicians in TKM have indicated their preference for a binary system that separates TKM from western medicine (57.4%). The respondents do not favor the separation of dispensary from medical practice (81.5%), marks of origin for medicinal herbs (68.9%), disclosure of the prescriptions (67.2%), and the overseas expansion of Korean medical services (70.4%). However, they indicated that they are very much in favor of being granted the authority to employ and give orders to medical technicians (96.0%). 4. The respondents selected Korea as the country that maintains a proper academic system for traditional medicine (45.5%), and are not in favor of opening Korea's traditional medicine market under an Free Trade Agreement(FTA) with China (72.7%). Conclusion The overall status of the management of TKM clinics has declined compared with the preceding decade. There has been only a slight change in clinicians' opinion of the related policies and regulatory issues.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.63-75
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• 2020

Objectives : Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease and osteoporosis fracture is the leading cause of decreased life. Bisphosphonate and selective estrogen receptor modulators are the best choice of treatment for osteoporosis. However, when used for a long time, they increase the probability of side effect such as osteonecrosis of the jaw. Thus, it is crucial to develop alternative medicine to treat osteoporosis. Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix, a herbal medicine, is mainly to treat rheumatoid arthritis. However, the effect of the water extract of Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix (w-GM) on osteoporosis has not been investigated. Thus, we examine whether w-GM can inhibit osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL)-treated RAW 264.7 cells. In this study, RAW 264.7 cells were used as an osteoclast differentiation model by treating them with RANKL. Methods : RAW 264.7 cells were used to determine the effect of w-GM on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. The number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells, TRAP activity and pit formation assay were examined. In addition, protein expressions were measured by western blot and mRNA expressions were analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results : Treatment with w-GM inhibited the number of TRAP-positive cells, TRAP activity and pit area. In addition, w-GM decreased protein expression such as mitogen-activated protein kinase, NF-κB, c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1). It also inhibited the mRNA levels such as c-Fos, NFATc1, TRAP, NF-κB, calcitonin receptor and cathepsin K in RANKL-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusions : These results suggest that w-GM has inhibitory effects via osteoclast differentiation, thus it could be a new medication for osteoporosis.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.66-71
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• 2014

■ Objectives This clinical study is to report the effect of Korean medicine on patient with chronic benign fasciculation syndrome on a both legs. ■ Methods A patient who suffered from involuntary fasciculation of Quadricepts femoris and Gastrocnemius was treated with herbal medicine Gami SSanghwa-Tang and Yang Eui Gongjin-dan, acupuncture and moxibustion. Degree of fasciculation and general condition was measured. ■ Results After taking Gami Ssanghwa-Tang and Yang Eui Gongjin-Dan, degree of fasciculation have reduced and patient's general condition improved. ■ Conclusion This clinical case study showed the effect of Korean medicine on symptom of fasciculation.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.21-30
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• 2018

■ Objectives This case study is to report the two cases of Gami-Guibitang on cognitive impairment after stroke with improved recall memory. ■ Methods We used Korean medicine treatments including Gami-guibitang, acupuncture and moxibustion to treat patients who had cognitive impairment after stroke for at least two months. We observed the changes of symptoms by measuring Korean version of Mini-mental status examination (MMSE-K), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) and Global Detration Scale (GDS). ■ Results After treatment, the patient's symptoms were improved including MMSE-K, CDR and GDS. Improvement appeared to be prominent in recall memory. The general condition were also improved after treatment. ■ Conclusion This clinical case study suggests that Korean medicine including Gami-guibitang could be used to treat patients who had cognitive impairment after stroke especially suffering from degraded recall memory.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.31-50
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• 2017

Objectives : This paper aims to shed light on the change in Korean medicine's anatomical awareness through reviewing the locations and the interrelationship between back acupoints, live, and spleen as revealed in Suwen Xueqixingzhipian. Methods : The locations of the back acupoints described in the Suwen Xueqixingzhipian were compared with the information found in Neijing annotations, Lingsu, and other books on acupuncture, and the location of liver and spleen were compared with the figures of internal organs found in pre-Northern Song Period texts and with Neijing's other chapters. Results : According to Taisu, the acupoint UB18 and UB20 as described in the back acupoints of Suwen Xueqixingzhipian are located left side and right side of human body respectively, and this knowledge derives from an accurate anatomical awareness of the locations of liver and spleen. Although such anatomical awareness found in Taisu, which was published in the Sui Dynasty, was unable to influence the 10th century Oh Dynasty's Yanluozi Neijingtu, it was gradually revised in Northern Song Period's Qixifan Wuzangtu and Cunzhentu through autopsies. However, the Theory of Five Elements which described as seen in the other chapters in Neijing or Tang Dynasty Wang Bing's annotation that liver is located at the left side of human body and spleen at the center exerted an immense influence over the subsequent generations' future doctors. Even though Taisu disappeared in Korea and China at the end of Southern Song period, the accurate anatomical knowledge with regards to the locations of viscera and entrails were passed down through medical texts such as Ming Dynasty's Yixuerumen. Conclusions : Suwen Xueqixingzhipian's awareness on the anatomical locations of liver and spleen only continued until the end of Southern Song period through Taisu. Because of this, it's anatomical awareness did not have a chance to gain much following like the Theory of Five Elements' point of view that were introduced in Wang Bing's annotations.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2023

Objectives : This study aims to provide information regarding the status and quality of mobile applications (MAs) using self-acupressure by performing a systematic review. Methods : We conducted comprehensive searching on five international databases and two app markets from inception to July 31, 2022 to identify MAs using self-acupressure. We analyzed the characteristics of each MA regarding the name of the MA, registered app markets, target symptoms, developers, the year and country of development, cost, target age, media function, and expertise. We assessed the quality of each MA using Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Results : We identified a total of 30 MAs using self-acupressure (25 MAs from the app market and 6 MAs from clinical studies, with 1 MA in common). 17 out of 24 MAs from the app market provided self-acupressure regimens for various symptoms and the others provided regimens for specific symptoms such as memory, anxiety, depression, asthma, allergy, low back pain, and headache. 14 developers were reported. 23 MAs were developed after 2013. The largest number of MAs were developed in the United States. The target age group of 12 MAs was above the age of 3, and that of 11 MAs was above the age of 12. 14 MAs provided multimedia functions such as videos. 13 MAs provided information of expertise. From clinical studies, only 3 out of 6 MAs were accessible through the app market. 4 MAs were developed by the researchers of the study. In terms of MARS, the score of MAs from the app market was higher than that of MAs from clinical studies in both objective and subjective evaluation areas. Conclusions : This study summarizes the characteristics of MAs using self-acupressure. More MAs using self-acupressure should be developed and further clinical research for MA on each symptom and disease is warranted for the diversification of MA fields using self-acupressure.