• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.319-328
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• 2016

Objectives: Advancements in nanotechnology have led to nanoparticle (NP) use in various fields of medicine. Although the potential of NPs is promising, the lack of documented evidence on the toxicological effects of NPs is concerning. A few studies have documented that homeopathy uses NPs. Unfortunately, very few sound scientific studies have explored the toxic effects of homeopathic drugs. Citing this lack of high-quality scientific evidence, regulatory agencies have been reluctant to endorse homeopathic treatment as an alternative or adjunct treatment. This study aimed to enhance our insight into the impact of commercially-available homeopathic drugs, to study the presence of NPs in those drugs and any deleterious effects they might have, and to determine the distribution pattern of NPs in zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio). Methods: Homeopathic dilutions were studied using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction (SAED). For the toxicity assessment on Zebrafish, embryos were exposed to a test solution from 4 - 6 hours post-fertilization, and embryos/larvae were assessed up to 5 days post-fertilization (dpf ) for viability and morphology. Toxicity was recorded in terms of mortality, hatching delay, phenotypic defects and metal accumulation. Around 5 dpf was found to be the optimum developmental stage for evaluation. Results: The present study aimed to conclusively prove the presence of NPs in all high dilutions of homeopathic drugs. Embryonic zebrafish were exposed to three homeopathic drugs with two potencies (30CH, 200CH) during early embryogenesis. The resulting morphological and cellular responses were observed. Exposure to these potencies produced no visibly significant malformations, pericardial edema, and mortality and no necrotic and apoptotic cellular death. Conclusion: Our findings clearly demonstrate that no toxic effects were observed for these three homeopathic drugs at the potencies and exposure times used in this study. The embryonic zebrafish model is recommended as a well-established method for rapidly assessing the toxicity of homeopathic drugs.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.129-142
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• 2010

Background : The Bonghan theory is a hypothesis on the anatomical structure of the acupuncture point and meridian system. It has been regarded as a misunderstanding of the lymphatic system, or as a made-up story, for the past 40 years. Since 2002, Many studies have been published either to support the theory or to refute the old viewpoint. Objective : The purpose of this study was to find out the validity of the refutation by reviewing the publications. Methods : Searches were made from online databases (Riss4u.net, Google.com, Sciencedirect.com, Pubmed.com, baidu.com, and ci.nii.ac.jp) from 1960 to 2009. The search terms that were used were "Bonghan," "Bong han," "봉한," "thread-like structure," "KИM БOH XaHOM", "CИCTEMA KEHPAK," "鳳漢," "鳳漢管," and "鳳漢学說." References from the searched publications were also used. Results : Since the 1960s, 107 publications were identified as related works, but only 11 publications sought to refute the Bonghan theory. Two publications were researches, and nine were reviews. In the analysis of the correlation of the arguments with the publication contents, it was found that the research of G. Kellner reviewed the Bonghan system properly but that V. V. Kosmatov did not classify the ear-reflex zone as a traditional acupuncture point. For the review publications, only two reviews contained proper arguments, but seven publications were identified as broad interpretations, wrong translations, etc. Moreover, the two proper reviews were grounded on the research of G. Kellner. Conclusions : We found that the scientific origin of the refutation of the Bonghan theory is only one research by G. Kellner. This result suggest that Bonghan theory was not discussed enough to determine the invention.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.377-388
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine the content attributes and sensory characteristics of ice cream flavored with lotus leaf and seeds (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner). Analysis of freeze dried lotus leaf powder produced the following technical results: Freeze dried lotus leaf powder contained moisture 12.2, crude protein 5.9, crude fat 1.2, crude ash 7.0, crude fiber 13.4g/100mg; raw lotus seed powder contained moisture 65.0, crude protein 8.2, crude fat 0.3, crude ash 1.0, crude fiber 10.8g/100mg; freeze dried lotus seed powder contained moisture 14.0, crude protein 17.1, crude fat 1.9, crude ash 4.0, crude fiber 2.8g/100mg. Lotus seed was processed by 4 methods: freeze dried, roasted, freeze dried peeled inner layer, cooked cut peeled inner layer. Analysis of the color value produced the following technical results: freeze dried lotus leaf powder were L(lightness) 14.5, a(redness) 4.4, b(yellowness) 24.0; freeze dried lotus seed powder L 57.3, a 14.4, b 12.0; roasted lotus seed powder L 52.7, a 22.5, b 11.9; freeze dried lotus seed peeled inner layer L 60.0, a 1.4, b 12.3. Proportional lotus ingredients used for ice cream were 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, 10% for lotus leaves and 1%, 3%, 5% for lotus seeds. The maximum over run ratio for lotus leaf ice cream was 45.3~56.9% at 20~25 minutes operating time. Over run was significantly decreased by increasing the contents of lotus leaf powder. A maximum over run ratio for lotus seed ice cream was 46.1~54.3% at 20~25 operating time. Over run was not significantly different based on content of lotus leaf versus lotus seed. Sensory evaluation of lotus leaf ice cream produced the following results: the highest score was for color of 4.42 and the lowest score was for sweetness of 3.30. The total mean score significantly decreased by increasing the content of lotus leaf powder. Sensory evaluation of lotus seed ice cream produced the following results: the highest score was for cooked cut peeled inner layer type and the lowest was for freeze dried type 3.86. The sensory scores were not significantly different based on the content of lotus seed. Texture was evaluated highest with a rating of 4.21 and the taste was evaluated lowest with a rating of 3.68 For whole evaluation. This study concluded that lotus leaf ice cream demonstrates relative strength in terms of color and taste, and a relative weakness in terms of over run and sweetness. Suitable content of lotus leaf ranged from 1~5%. The lotus seed processed by the cooked cut peeled inner layer method received a higher rating than dried powder for lotus seed ice cream.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.414-425
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• 2024

Objective: This study aims to explore the opinions on the insurance coverage of artificial intelligence (AI), as categorized based on the distinct value elements offered by AI, with a specific focus on patient-centered outcomes (PCOs). PCOs are distinguished from traditional clinical outcomes and focus on patient-reported experiences and values such as quality of life, functionality, well-being, physical or emotional status, and convenience. Materials and Methods: We classified the value elements provided by AI into four dimensions: clinical outcomes, economic aspects, organizational aspects, and non-clinical PCOs. The survey comprised three sections: 1) experiences with PCOs in evaluating AI, 2) opinions on the coverage of AI by the National Health Insurance of the Republic of Korea when AI demonstrated benefits across the four value elements, and 3) respondent characteristics. The opinions regarding AI insurance coverage were assessed dichotomously and semi-quantitatively: non-approval (0) vs. approval (on a 1-10 weight scale, with 10 indicating the strongest approval). The survey was conducted from July 4 to 26, 2023, using a web-based method. Responses to PCOs and other value elements were compared. Results: Among 200 respondents, 44 (22%) were patients/patient representatives, 64 (32%) were industry/developers, 60 (30%) were medical practitioners/doctors, and 32 (16%) were government health personnel. The level of experience with PCOs regarding AI was low, with only 7% (14/200) having direct experience and 10% (20/200) having any experience (either direct or indirect). The approval rate for insurance coverage for PCOs was 74% (148/200), significantly lower than the corresponding rates for other value elements (82.5%-93.5%; P ≤ 0.034). The approval strength was significantly lower for PCOs, with a mean weight ± standard deviation of 5.1 ± 3.5, compared to other value elements (P ≤ 0.036). Conclusion: There is currently limited demand for insurance coverage for AI that demonstrates benefits in terms of non-clinical PCOs.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.21-33
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to improve the production of Mozzarella cheese analogues manufactured using mixtures of soy milk and concentrated raw milk by performing ultrafiltration (UF) and to assess the quality of these cheeses during a 30-day storage period at $4^{\circ}C$, relative to that of Mozzarella cheese manufactured with the traditional method. The solid consistency of Mozzarella cheese analogue prepared from milk mixtures was lower than that of cheese manufactured from raw milk or soy milk and increased during storage, which is considered to be the result of decreasing water levels, as well as with increasing soy milk concentrations. In the Mozzarella cheese analogue generated using the milk mixtures, the fat content decreased with increase in the soy milk concentration, while it decreased during the storage period. Lactose levels were lowest in cheese composed of soy milk or raw milk and processed by UF, and decreased during storage in cheese produced using milk mixtures. In milk mixtures containing soy milk, the protein concentration increased with increasing amounts of raw milk and did not change during the storage period. The water-soluble nitrogen compound level was similar between cheeses and increased only slightly during storage. The amount of non-protein nitrogen compounds was higher in the cheese analogue than in the control cheese and tended to increase during storage. Analysis of the physicochemical traits of the Mozzarella cheese analogue yielded the following results: During storage, titratable acidity levels increased while pH tended to decrease. After analysis using electropherograms, it was classified as ${\alpha}$-, ${\beta}$-, or ${\kappa}$-casein. The results of rheometry tests showed that in the Mozzarella cheese analogue prepared from milk mixtures, with raw milk concentrated by UF, increases in concentration rate lead to lowered hardness, elasticity, cohesiveness, and brittleness. When cheese was produced from milk mixtures and concentrated by UF, meltability increased as the concentration rate increased, although to an extent that was less than that observed for the control cheese, and tended to increase during storage. Sensory evaluation showed that the analogue cheese was much better than the control cheese in terms of formation, appearance, and flavor.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 1976

In recent years, explosive increase in population has been damaging mankind in terms of deprivation of natural resources and more of economical demands. Therefore, we have thought about problems as to counter-balance the increasing population, and reached a resolution of artificial methods of controlling birth. In the past, though now used in some of contraceptive methods, extravaginal ejaculation, condom were commonly used. But recently, pills, IUD and several kinds of operative procedures are quite popular. Though the recent methods are known to be effective compared with the traditional methods, a certain unwanted side effects as well as limited value of usages now must be discussed. On this aspect, we are trying to research for a ideal methods such as symptom free, more of natural way of family planning and try to zero the failure rate. And also it has been suggested that only if those scientific methods of controlling birth can be base on religious concepts of moral being, it will be enlightened. At the Happy Family Planning Clinic of St. Mary's Hospital, we apply Billing's ovulation method to out-patients who want contraception and usually advise them to use it on a self-care basis. For a retrospective study of the presurvey data analysis and use-effectiveness of the ovulation method from April 1, 1975 to Nov., 30, 1975, we have dealt with a total of 1,383 women (urban areas 465, rural areas 918). The results of preliminary survey were as follows; 1) Among 465 women in Seoul areas, the failure rate was 10.3, which signified unplanned pregnancies of 32 women. 27 of the 32 women were pregnant due to the users own failure and the remaing 5 due to the failure of the method. Therefore, the failure of the method accounted for 1.6. 2) Among 918 women in rural areas, the failure rate was 15.2 signifing unplanned pregnancies in 93 women. The cause of the failure in 81 of the 93 women was attributable to the user's own mistake and that in the remaing 12 to the default of the method. Therefore, the failure attributable to the method accounted for 2.0.

• The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.297-341
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• 2017

We searched out court rulings on medical affairs through court library search sites and specialized articles on medically relevant judgments sentenced in 2016. And we selected and analyzed the judgements of the court we considered important as follows. In relation to the medical civil judgements, (1) In the case of applying surgery for female infertility during cesarean section operation but it has not been done, we expressed the regret for the lack of judgment in the process of entering the medical contract, introducing the rights infringed and the scope of compensation, (2) We pointed out that the ruling on the medical malpractice estimation goes out of limit of negligence estimation doctrine, and that the court asked very high degree duty of the traditional Korean medicine doctors to cooperate with Western medicine doctors. (3) In the case of admitting hospital's 100% responsibility, we pointed out the court overlooked the uncertainty and good intention of the medical practice. (4) Additionally, We introduced the cases admitted the hospital's responsibility in the accident related to the psychiatric patients in closed ward. Relating to a medical criminal ruling, we analyzed the supreme court decision about whether the dentist's Botox injection on the patient's face is a medical practice within the scope of the license from the viewpoint whether it is within the possible range of the word. And, concerning decisions on healthcare administration, (1) we analyzed the case about when medical personnel operate multiple medical institutions, whether it is possible to get back medical care costs under the National Health Insurance Law, (2) We commented on the ruling regarding explanation obligation in terms of object, degree, subject of explanation as a prerequisite for permissible arbitrary uninsured benefits. Finally, we reviewed the decision of the Constitutional Court about the Article 24 of the Mental Health Law, which it had allowed for a mental patient to be hospitalized forcibly by the consent of two guardians and a diagnosis of a psychiatrist. Also we indicated the problems of the revised Mental Health Law.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.338-342
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• 1996

Fruit of Lycium chinense Miller was known to Korean as traditional medicine that has effective components for strengtherning function of human body, especially liver. To study characteristics of the wine and Yakju made by fruit Lycium chinense Miller, general components such as organic acid, methanol, ester, fusel oil and $SO_2$ were analyzed after storing them for 10 and 20 days at $20^{\circ}C\;and\;30^{\circ}C$, respectively. Organic acid contents of the wine were mainly lactic, malic, tartaric and acetic acid. Ester and fusel oil contents of the wine were $4.0{\sim}5.0\;mg%$ and $12{\sim}30\;mg%$, respectively, and the values were smaller than those of the Yakju. Methanol content of the wine was $25{\sim}27\;mg%$. Storage temperature in terms of the quality of the wine and Yakju was better in $20^{\circ}C\;than\;30^{\circ}C$. Treatment of the wine and Yakju either by adding 100 ppm of $SO_2$ or heating at $60^{\circ}C$ for 30 min was better in quality than control for storage.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.609-620
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• 1999

Over the period between January 1997 and December 1998, herbal medicine was more than three times administered to the patients coming to Na dong gyu's Oriental Medical Clinic on account of the symptom of growth deficiency. According to radiological opinions about the patients providing cooperation for measuring their height and weight as well as their bone age every three months, it was found that the growth plates were not closed. A research was conducted for 200 children randomly selected of patients in prepuberty (they grew by less than 5cm a year before treatment at a age of 12years for female children and 14years for male children). As a result, the following conclusion was drawn: 1. The randomly selected subjects were made up of 116 male and 84 female children in terms of gender. The age direstribution was most 10 to 12 years in 86 children(34.00%), followed by 8-10 years(27.50%) and 12 to 14 years(19.50%). 2. Considering the distribution of sick children's parental height, the fathers of 141 children(70.50%) measured less than 170cm high, the subaverage height, while the mothers of 172 children(86%) measured less than 160cm high, the subaverage height. It was shown that sick childen's height was genetically influenced by their parents. 3. Children patients's weight at a time of birth was most 3.1-3.5kg for 85 children(44%) and less than 2.5kg which came under the range of growth dificiency for 19 children(9.5%). 4. The highest proportian of the children patients with growth dificiency(56.33%) had the symptom of digestive disorders, of which 77 children patients(18.78%) had anorexia, 16.59% of children patients had the high level of respiratory disorders. Both the digestive disorder and the respiratory disorder put together, they had the high rate of 72.92%. Therefore, this indicates that both the digestive disorder and the respiratory disorder have a great effect on children's growth dificiency. 10.74% of chilren patients were shown to have allergic disorders, which indicates that they also exert an effect on growth deficiency. Specifically, 7.07% of the children patients had the high level of obesity, which shows that an excessive uptake of nutrition may rather induce children to have growth dificiency though an appropriate amount of nutritional uptake is necessary. 5. Comparing their bone age and their chronological age, 58 children patients(29.00%) showed that they were the same at the highest percent. 79 children patients(39.50%) showed that thier bone age was lower than their chronological age. And 63 children patients(31.50%) showed that their bone age was higher than their chronological age. 6. As regards the prescription administered to children patients for treating their growth dificiency, Growth tang A related to the kidney, the congenital factor, of the causes for growth dificiency in traditional Oriental Medicine was administered to 108 children patients(54%), whereas the Growth tang B related to the spleen, the acquired factor, was administered to 92 children patients(46%). 7. 116 male children patients with growth dificiency had the average value of growth for one year before treatment, 4.39cm, while 84 female children patients had the average value of growth for one year before treatment, 4.24cm. A total of 200 children had the average value of growth for one year before treatment, 4.33cm. The annual average value of growth in growth curve surveyed by the Korea Pediatrics Society was 5.79cm. Compared to this value, the one year average value of growth for 108 male and female children patients taking Growth tang A was shown be 8.44cm, which indicates a greater growth by 4.12cm(95.37%) in comparison with the average value of growth before treatment, 4.32cm, and a greater growth by 2.65cm(45.77%) compared to 5.79cm, the average value of growth in growth curve surveyed by the Korea Pediatrics Society. Also, the average value of growth before treatment for 92 male and female children patients taking Growth tang B was shown to be 8.47cm, which indicates a greater increase by 4.15cm(96.06%) compared to 4.32cm, the average value of growth before treatment and a greater increase by 2.67cm(46.29%) in comparison with 5.79cm, the average value of growth in growth curve surveyed by the Korea Pediatrics Society. Considering the average value of growth for male and female children patients taking Growth tang A and B, it was shown to be 8.46cm, which indicates a greater increase by 4.14cm(95.81%) compared to 4.32cm, the average value of growth before treatment, and a greater increase by 2.67cm(46.11%) compared to 5.79cm, the average value of growth in growth curve surveyed by the Korea Pediatrics Society.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.222-225
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• 2018

Health policy is a historical product in the process of development, including the political and economic factors of the state as well as the social and cultural elements of the country. Bioethics began to debate the ethical questions that arise in the overall process of life's birth and death, and gradually evolved by presenting ethical directions for various social phenomena. Especially, according to the moral awakening of 'scientific medicine' which caused in some human problems in the rapidized scientific society from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, as a result of distress including the concept of various social relations, it is possible to say that it has reached the bioethics. Although health policy and bioethics are different in terms of starting and concept, they can be found in common with social, cultural, and political diversity in the times. In 2004, 'Bioethics Law' was enacted through the issue of research ethics in the life sciences. Therefore, in order to examine ethical aspects of current health policy direction and major issues, it can be divided into before and after enactment of 'Bioethics Law' in 2004. The authors would like to examine how the evolution of the ethical viewpoint on the health policy has changed in line with the enactment of the 'Bioethics Law' and how it is trying to solve it from an ethical point of view. Through the various events that took place in the 1990s and the 2000s, various discussions on bioethics were conducted in Korea. Prior to the enactment of the 'Bioethics Law,' ethical judgments of professions, distribution of healthcare resources, if the discussion focused on the ethical judgment of abortion, and the various events that appeared in the early 2000s became the beginning to inform that the ethical debate about the life, death, and dignity of human beings began in earnest in Korea with the enactment of the 'Bioethics Law.' Since then, 'Hospice and Palliative care Law' which was enacted in 2017, is based on the fact that the health policy of our country focuses on the treatment of the past diseases, health promotion, and delivery of health care services. It was an opportunity to let them know that even the quality problems were included. Therefore, considering the various circumstances, the ethical issue facing Korea's health care system in the future is the change of the demographic structure due to aging and what is to be considered as the beginning and the process of life in the overall process of life. It is the worry about how to die and when it sees as death. This has far exceeded the paradigm of traditional health care policies such as disease prevention and management and health promotion, and calls for innovative policy response at the national level that reflects the new paradigm, which in many cases creates a predictable ethical environment. And health policy should be shifted in the direction of future ethical review considering sustainability in the development process of future health care rather than coercive management.