• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.191-198
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• 2021

Background: Most clinical studies of immune responses activated by Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) have been conducted exclusively in patients. However, there is still a lack of clinical research on immune-boosting benefits of KRG for healthy persons. This study aims to confirm how KRG boosts the immune system of healthy subjects. Methods: A total of 100 healthy adult subjects were randomly divided into two groups that took either a 2 g KRG tablet or a placebo per day for 8 weeks. The primary efficacy evaluation variables included changes in T cells, B cells, and white blood cells (WBCs) before and after eight weeks of KRG ingestion. Cytokines (TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-2 and IL-4), WBC differential count, and incidence of colds were measured in the secondary efficacy evaluation variables. Safety evaluation variables were used to identify changes in laboratory test results that incorporated adverse reactions, vital signs, hematological tests, blood chemistry tests, and urinalysis. Results: Compared to the placebo group, the KRG intake group showed a significant increase in the number of T cells (CD3) and its subtypes (CD4 and CD8), B cells, and the WBC count before and after eight weeks of the intake. There were no clinically significant adverse reactions or other notable results in the safety evaluation factors observed. Conclusion: This study has proven through its eight-week intake test and subsequent analysis that KRG boosts the immune system through an increase in T cells, B cells, and WBCs, and that it is safe according to the study's safety evaluation.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.9-16
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• 2005

Objective : The heart rate variability is very useful indicator to study the function of the autonomic nervous system(ANS), and the physiologic signals can be observed based on the changes of the ANS of the heart. In order to assay the effects of the laser exposing to healthy subjects, the double blind test has been performed. Methods : This study included 62 healthy adults who have not any ANS disease and had normal sinus rhythm in electrocardiogram. The control group consisted of 31 subjects, laser group consisted of 31 subject. HRV was measured for 5 minutes before laser irradiation, sham and real laser irradiated for 30 minutes and than HRV remeasured for 5 minutes. Statistical significance was evaluated by independent T-test. Results : Mean HRV, Ln(VLF), Ln(HF), Ln(TP) of both groups at post-laser period decreased compared with that of the pre-laser period. Ln(LF) of both groups at post-laser period increased compared with that of the pre-laser period. LF/HF, SDNN of real laser group decreased and sham group decreased. Conclusions : There is no difference between two groups. The reason is presumed that all the studied subjects are healthy adults, and also the short and single transcutaneous laser irradiation would not influence upon changes of the ANS. The further study must be followed.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.1296-1307
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• 1997

Background : Erdosteine is a thiol derivative developed for the treatement of chronic obstructive bronchitis, including acute infective exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. Erdosteine has mucomodulating and antioxidant properties and especially exhibits excellent gastrointestinal tolerability. Methods : The study was conducted as a prospective evaluation, with 2 comparative groups orally treated with erdosteine 300mg (bid.) or ambroxol 30mg (b.i.d.) for 7 days and the design of trial was double-blind. The treatments have been assigned randomly to patients (n=80) with acute or chronic bronchitis. The primary end-point used to determine efficacy in this study was subjective symptoms including expectorating frequence, expectoration volume, expectorating difficulty, expectoration viscosity, cough intensity and dyspnea. The secondary end-points of efficacy was the result of arterial blood gas analysis and pulmonary function test. Safety was evaluated with adverse drug reactions and laboratory tests monitoring. 61 patients was included in the efficacy analysis, due to the fact that 19 patients drop-out for different reasons. The obtained values have been analyzed with paired Hest., ANOVA test., multivariate $t^2$-test, repeated measures analysis of covariance, two sample t-test, loglinear-logit model analysis, Fisher's exact test. Results : 1) There was no significant difference on demographic data and vital signs between erdosteine and ambroxol treated groups. 2) The comparison between erdosteine and ambroxol treated groups showed no significant difference in improvement of each symptom in spite of the more favorable efficacy obtained with erdosteine. No difference on the contrary was observed for arterial blood gas analysis and pulmonary function test. 3) As safety is concerned, no clinical significant changes in laboratory test and symptom were induced in erdosteine and ambroxol treated group and two patients in ambroxol treated group drop-out for adverse reactions in symptom. 4) In the evaluation of final clinical efficacy, erdosteine improved more effectively patient's overall symptoms {very good effect (11/31), good effect (12/31), moderate effect (6/31), no effect (2/31), aggravation (0/31)} than ambroxol {very good effect (6/30), good effect (14/30), moderate effect (5/30), no effect (4/30), aggravation (2/30)}. And the probability of symptomatic improvement by erdosteine compared to ambroxol was 2.5 times. (p<0.05). Conclusion : This study showed that erdosteine was clinically effective and safe drug for treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.129-138
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• 2004

Objective : Treatments for patients with mental retardation and pervasive developmental disorders are not curative, and are designed to help those with disabilities adjust to their environments and daily demands. As clinicians, the present authors tried to find agents with potentially curative properties. Among the numerous herbal formulations available, we chose and assessed Gami-jiwhang-tang (GJT) in the hope that it would improve cognitive development of children. Methods : Subjects were typically-developing healthy, 7- to 8-year-old boys and girls living in Seoul, Korea. The experimental group took GJT for six weeks and was followed up six weeks after discontinuation of GJT. The control group was assessed at the same intervals but did not receive placebos. To measure the effects of GJT, neuropsychological tests and intelligence test were taken before commencing GJT and twelve weeks later. Resulets and Conclusion : For all of the ANOVAs, the treatment by time interaction terms was not significant. However, the experimental group showed the tendency to be progressed in most subscales compared with the control group, especially on performance intelligence, visual organization, and verbal fluency. Conclusion : Although GJT failed to reveal significant improvement in cognition, we remain hopeful about the compound and believe that it should be evaluated by a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in the future.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.149-174
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• 2020

Objectives: This study was aimed to figure out the effect of Onkyung-tang (OKT) on cold hypersensitivity on feet in female patients. Methods: This study was designed to implement multi-center randomized clinical trial in three korean medical hospitals. The female patients who were enrolled in this study were 112 women who suffered from cold hypersensitivity on feet. They were randomly allocated into OKT group or control group in 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome was change in score of visual analogue scale of hypersensitivity on feet, and the secondary outcomes were thermometer of LU4, PC8, ST32, LR3, visual analogue scale of hypersensitivity on hands, result of cold stress test, and score of World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Results: In both group, the VAS of hypersensitivity on feet and hands was decreased while taking the medicine, and the effect of decreasing the VAS continues for the 4 weeks after the end of medication (p<0.001, 0.003, 0.001). In OKT group, the body temperature difference in lower extremity (ST32-LR3) was steadily decreased at every visit and it was statistically significant(p=0.003, <0.001). On the other hand, in control group, the body temperature difference in lower extremity was decreased only while taking the medicine (p<0.001). Conclusions: OKT significantly reduced discomfort coldness on feet in patients, and the effect of treatment was maintained at least for four weeks after medication.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.144-148
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• 2018

Background: Panax ginseng is a well-known immune modulator, and there is concern that its immune-enhancing effects may negatively affect patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by worsening symptoms or increasing the risk of adverse effects from other drugs. In this randomized, crossover clinical trial, we evaluated the impact of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on disease activity and safety in RA patients. Methods: A total of 80 female RA patients were randomly assigned to either the KRG (2 g/d, n = 40) treatment or placebo (n = 40) groups for 8 wk, followed by crossover to the other treatment group for an additional 8 wk. The primary outcome was the disease flare rate, defined as worsening disease activity according to the disease activity score 28 joints-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR). The secondary outcomes were development of adverse events (AEs) and patient reported outcomes. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline and 8 wk and 16 wk. The outcomes were compared using the Chi-square test. Results: Of the 80 patients, 70 completed the full study. Their mean age was 51.9 yr, and most exhibited low disease activity (mean DAS28-ESR $3.5{\pm}1.0$) at enrollment. After intervention, the flare rate was 3.7% in each group. During KRG treatment, 10 AEs were reported, while five AEs were developed with placebo; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.16). Gastrointestinal- and nervous system-related symptoms were frequent in the KRG group. Conclusion: KRG is not significantly associated with either disease flare rate or the rate of AE development in RA patients.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.41
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• pp.29.1-29.10
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• 2019

Background: Reduction in postoperative complications is of vital considerations in impacted third molar teeth surgery. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative complications of impacted third molar surgeries for bone removal using laser, piezoelectric equipment, and conventional rotary instruments. Methods: To address the research purpose, the investigator designed the prospective double-blind clinical trial study. The sample size was determined 20 (40 teeth) by sampling formula in any kind of operation. The data of patients were obtained in the different periods in terms of pain, trismus, swelling, ecchymosis, and patient's satisfaction and then analyzed using SPSS 20 software via paired t test and Wilcoxon and McNemar's tests. Results: The pain immediately after surgery and 2 days and 7 days after surgery was higher in the laser group. The swelling immediately after surgery was more in the laser group but not significant. The amount of mouth opening immediately after surgery and 2 days and 7 days after surgery was significantly lower in the laser group than in the piezosurgery group. The total duration of surgery and duration of osteotomy were significantly longer in the laser group. The patient's satisfaction from surgery with piezosurgery was more than that with laser, but this difference was not significant. Conclusion: Due to the rising demand for impacted wisdom tooth surgery, the present study suggests that hard tissue laser surgery and piezosurgery can clear the future of impacted molar surgery, and these approaches are more efficient in reducing postoperative complications compared to the conventional surgeries.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.228-233
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of dissolved oxygen in alcohol to blood pressure of healthy persons. Methods: Subjects (n=30) were randomized in a double blind crossover study to receive 120 mL, 240 mL, 360 mL of alcohol (Korean spirit, 19.59 v/v%, dissolved oxygen is 8 ppm and 20 ppm). Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and blood pressure were measured applying Lion SD-400 Alcolmeter$^{(R)}$ Breathalyser and Tensoval duo control. Pharmacokinetic parameters ($C_{max}$, $T_{max}$, $AUC_{last}$, $K_{el}$, $V_d$, Clearance) were calculated using Winnonlin$^{(R)}$ program. The difference of parameters and values were analysed by student t-test using Microsoft$^{(R)}$ Excel program. Results: The $AUC_{last}$ values of 8 ppm group and 20 ppm group in 240 ml administration were $6.15{\pm}2.60cg{\cdot}min/ml$, $5.33{\pm}1.84cg{\cdot}min/ml$ (p<0.05) and those in 360 mL were $11.93{\pm}5.70cg{\cdot}min/ml$, $10.33{\pm}4.60cg{\cdot}min/ml$ (p < 0.01), respectively. Thus, the $AUC_{last}$ was significantly decreased. On the other hands, there was a significant change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) after alcohol administration. All measured value after 360 mL of alcohol administration was significantly decreased (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The dissolved oxygen in alcoholic beverage has no effect on blood pressures but the alcohol administration has an effect on blood pressure. Thus, SBP can be used as a biomarker of alcohol administration and utilized in PK/PD modeling of alcohol.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare desflurane anesthesia with desflurane-remifentanil anesthesia by measuring postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting after gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. Methods: Data were collected using a random double blind method. The experimental group treated with desflurane-remifentanil anesthesia had a total of 25 patients. The control group had 20 patients who were treated with desflurane anesthesia. Pain (VAS), pushing PCA button, nausea and vomiting (VAS) were assessed at PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) arrival, 10 min, 20 min, 30 min in PACU and 2 hrs, 6 hrs, 24 hrs, 48 hrs in ward. INVR was assessed at 24 hrs. Extra analgesics and extra antiemetics were measured in PACU and the ward. Data were analyzed using t-test and repeated measure using ANOVA. Results: The experimental group presented with more postoperative pain (F=7.55, p<.001) than the control group. The experimental group took more extra analgesics in PACU and pressed the PCA button more often for 6 hours. The experimental group complained more postoperative nausea (F=2.11, p=.043) than the control group and took extra antiemetics during postoperative period of 24 hours. Conclusion: We conclude that desflurane-remifentanil anesthesia needs better management than desflurane anesthesia due to increased pain, nausea & vomiting after gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.25 no.4 s.34
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• pp.1-5
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of IPBC(3-lodo-2-propynylbutylcarbamate) on dandruff caused by the anthropophilic fungus Malassezia furfur. The effects of IPBC on dandruff were examined by evaluating (a) the MIC value of IPBC using broth dilution method; (b) the remnant antimicrobial activity of IPBC containing shampoo on skin disc; (c) the antidandruff efficacy of 1.0 % IPBC containing shampoo in double blind clinical trial. To investigate the remnant antimicrobial activity of IPBC against Malassezia furfur, guinea pig-skin disc was washed with antidandruff shampoo and then the diameter of inhibition zone per disc was measured. For clinical trial, thirty healthy volunteers, aged 25-35, participated in 4 week study. At 0, 2, 4 weeks, examinations of scaling, itching on scalp were carried out. The MIC(Minimun Inhibition Concentration) values of IPBC range from 0.10 to 1.00${\mu}g/ml$ and it seems that IPBC is more effective in the MIC values than zinc pyrithione, selenium disulphide, piroctone olamine and comparable to ketoconazole, climbazole. When the remnant antimicrobial activity of IPBC shampoo on skin disc was determined, 0.5% IPBC shampoo and 2.0% Ketoconazole shampoo resulted in similar antimicrobial effect. In addition, 1.0%, 2.0% IPBC shampoo was more effective than 2.0% ketoconazole shampoo. After two and four-weeks of 1.0% IPBC shampoo treatment, there was significant reduction of scaling, itching in test group compared to control group. On the basis of these results, it can be concluded that 1.0% IPBC is more effective than 2.0% Ketoconazole in reducing dandruff. It seems that strong capacity of drug binding to the stratum corneum plays a role in its antidandruff effect since adsorption of active ingredients on scalp is very important factor in reducing dandruff.