• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.143-156
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of reporting for case reports published in Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry from year 2018 to 2021 compared with year 2013 to 2017 in order to recommend ways to improve the quality of case reports published in the future. Methods: To evaluate the quality of case reports identified by electronic searching in Oriental medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS) and by hand searching from archives on peer review system of Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry using CAse REport (CARE) guideline. The researcher assessed the quality of reporting based on the CARE guideline as 'Sufficient', 'Not-Sufficient', 'Not-Applicable', and 'Not-Reported' for case reports published from 2018 to 2021 in Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry. In addition, it was compared with previous case reports published from 2013 to 2017. Results: Finally, 17 case reports were included for the assessment. General quality of reporting for case reports published from year 2018 to 2021 was improved compared with that of previous case reports published in 2018. The maximum value (46.4%→60.7%, 14.3% increase), the minimum value (22.2%→32.1%, 9.9% increase), and the median value (39.3%→50.0%, 10.7% increase) of the report rate evaluated as 'Sufficient' were generally improved. The maximum value (53.6%→50.0%, 3.6% decrease), minimum value (25.9%→21.4%, 4.5% decrease), and median value (35.7%→32.1%, 3.6% decrease) of the report rate evaluated as 'Not-Sufficient', the maximum value of the report rate evaluated as 'Not-reported' (40.7%→25.9%, 14.8% decrease), the minimum value (14.7%→10.7% decrease), and the intermediate value (14.7% decrease) were also generally improved. Four items (8b, 8d, 10c, and 13) were evaluated as 'Not-Reported'. These items seem to be items that need urgent improvement along with 8c, which showed a significant decrease in reporting rate. Conclusions: There are needs to improve the quality of case reports in Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry by comparing case reports published from year 2013 to 2017 with case reports published from year 2018 to 2021. To improve the quality of case reporting, sufficient education at the academic level should be provided on thesis preparation methods. It is also necessary to develop a tool for evaluating the quality of case reporting that reflects characteristics of Korean Medicine.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.23-33
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• 2022

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to establish a Korean medical perspective on the human body through understanding of the meridians according to the distribution of the three yin and three yang (삼음삼양) and the opening, closing and pivot (관합추) as defined in ≪Huangdi's Internal Classic≫. Methods : A total of 8 medical databases including KISS, Earticle, DBpia, RISS, OASIS, KMbase, and ScienceON were used to search studies published through July 2021, and literature was included without limitations on the publication period. The search terms were "(meridian OR acupoint OR meridian sinew) AND position" OR "Gwan-Hap-Chu" OR "Gae-Hap-Chu" OR "three yin and three yang". Two researchers independently made choices among the searched literature based on the preplanned selection/exclusion criteria. The search terms were"(meridian OR acupoint OR meridian sinew) AND position" OR "Gwan-Hap-Chu" OR "Gae-Hap-Chu" OR "three yin and three yang". Results : Of the 36 obtained from the survey, 19 (53%) followed the definitions of "internal diameter" for "three yin and three yang" and "the opening, closing and pivot," but 6 (about 16%) took a neutral position and 10 (22%) avoided mentioning. Therefore, it was judged that research was needed to end the debate on the distribution of 'three yin and three yang' and 'the opening, closing and pivot'. In order to apply the definition of ≪Huangdi's Internal Classic≫ on 'distribution of the three-yin and three-yang' and 'the opening, closing and pivot' to the upper limb and lower limb as well as the torso of the human body, this author proposed a human body model with both upper limb and lower limb attached, inspired by the posture of the fetus in the developmental stage. Conclusions : In this study, using a new human body model, it was revealed that the distribution of the three yin and three yang and the opening, closing and pivot' as defined in the ≪Huangdi's Internal Classic≫ can be applied not only to the torso of the human body, but also to the upper limb and lower limb. Based on the understanding of meridians, the selection of meridians in the clinical acupuncture should be made accurately, and continuous interest and research on this are expected.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.13-27
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• 2022

Objectives This study investigated the trends in domestic and international clinical research in craniosacral therapy, classified as a type of Chuna manual therapy, and suggested further directions in Korean medicine. Methods This scoping review was performed using the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework and preferred reporting items as per the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews checklist. Eight electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Koreanstudies Information Service System [KISS], KMBASE, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System [OASIS], Research Information Sharing Service [RISS], ScienceON) were searched to identify articles with the search terms "craniosacral therapy" and "cranial osteopathy" until December 2021. Results Forty-five studies were eligible as per our inclusion criteria. Most research studies (n=44) were conducted in the field of medicine and pharmacy, especially in rehabilitation medicine (n=16). As a result of the study design, randomized controlled trials (n=20) were the most common, and chronic pain (n=9) was the most frequently targeted disease, followed by headache (n=7). Thirty-two studies suggested interventions and 20 studies used Upledger's 10-step protocol. The average duration of craniosacral therapy was 41 min per session, administered 1.4 times per week. Outcome measurements were analyzed and categorized with the examination procedure for the patient. Conclusions This is the first scoping review of craniosacral therapy in Korea, and we believe that our findings could support its utility as Chuna. In the future, more studies should be conducted to establish the evidence of clinical efficacy of craniosacral therapy and develop standard techniques in Korean medicine.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.65-81
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• 2022

Objectives This study aimed to assess the effects of oral administration of deer antler extracts on an osteoporosis-induced animal model. We analyzed the results of using deer antler single extracts on animal models with osteoporosis through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods We included osteoporosis studies in animal experiments that administrated deer antler extracts orally. We searched the following 13 databases without a language restriction: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Korean Medical Database (KMbase), National Digital Science Library (NDSL), Korean Traditional Knowledge (Koreantk), Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS), Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), and Koreanstudies Information Service System (KISS). We used Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation's risk of bias tool for assessing the methodological quality of the included studies. Results A total of 299 potentially relevant studies were searched and 11 were included for a systematic review. Nine studies used a single deer antler extract. A study compared the effects of single extracts of deer antler and antler glue, while another study compared the effects of three single extracts of deer antler, old antler, and antler glue. For evaluating the intervention effect, bone mineral density (BMD) was measured as the primary outcome, while the histomorphometric indicators of the bone and serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels were used as the secondary outcome variables. On conducting a meta-analysis of studies on single deer antler extract, BMD was observed to be significantly increased compared to that in control group (standardized mean difference [SMD]=2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.58~2.65; Z=7.75; p<0.00001; I²=56%). As a result of meta-analysis, according to the concentration of deer antler, the group with high concentration showed statistically significantly higher BMD than the group with low concentration (SMD=1.28; 95% CI=0.74~1.82; Z=4.63; p<0.00001; I²=9%). Conclusions The research shows that the deer antler extracts have significant anti-osteoporotic effects on the osteoporosis-induced animal model. However the studies included in this research had a high methodological risk of bias. This indicates the requirement of considerable attention in the interpretation of the study results.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.107-124
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• 2022

Objectives This study aimed to identify optimal combinations of acupoints used to treat chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Methods We searched four international databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Databases [AMED], and China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI]) and five Korean databases (DBpia, Research Information Sharing Service [RISS], Korean Studies Information Service System [KISS], Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System [OASIS], and KoreaMed) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used acupuncture to treat CIPN. Network analysis was performed on the acupoints used in more than three included articles. We constructed a network by calculating the Jaccard similarity coefficient between acupoints and applied minimum spanning tree. Then, modularity analysis, degree centrality (Cd), and betweenness centrality (Cb) were used to analyze properties of the acupoints. Results A total of 25 articles were included. 24 acupoints were extracted from 25 articles. The combinations of acupoints having the highest Jaccard similarity coefficient were {EX-UE9, EX-LE10} and {ST36, SP6}. In the modularity analysis, acupoints were classified to six modules. ST40, EX-UE11, and KI6 had the highest Cd value while ST40, GB34 had the highest Cb value. Conclusions This study found the systematic framework of acupoint combinations used in CIPN studies. This study is expected to provide new perspectives of CIPN treatment to therapists. A RCT is in progress of using the network of this study as a guideline. If significant results are derived from the RCT, it will be possible to lay the groundwork to consider acupuncture for CIPN treatment.

• 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 Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.153-164
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• 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Heat-sensitive Moxibustion on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Methods: We searched articles from Academic Journals(CAJ) online databases, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS), Searching key words were '前列腺增生', '熱敏灸' and '열민구', '전립선비대'. The search range included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Among the articles published to 2020, 10 articles were found. After review the title, abstract and original, 3 articles were selected finally to rule out treatment combined with completely different treatments. Result: The Heat-sensitive moxibustion at acupoints in the treatment of Benign prostatic hyperplasia were significantly superior to control group after treatment in the symptoms of patients, IPSS, QOL, PVR and Qmax(P<0.05). The Heat-sensitive moxibustion can significantly reduce the incidence of temporary urinary incontinence after Transurethral resection of the prostate(TURP) and improve life quality and satisfaction of patients(P<0.05). The individualized desensitization saturated time and amount of Heat-sensitive moxibustion is superior effective to general amount and time of traditional moxibustion in the total effective rate, IPSS, Ru and Qmax(P<0.01) for Benign prostatic hyperplasia. Conclusion: Heat sensitive moxibustion directly transfer heat to the source of a disease. So it can be considered as a good treatment for Benign prostate hypertrophy. It was also shown a better effect on BPH compared to traditional moxibustion, According to the thermo principles of tumor, if the tumor cell's death temperature of 43℃ is reached, that can cause tumor degeneration. Therefore I think Heat sensitive moxibustion can be applied to various tumor disease. The results of this study could be applied to clinical treatment of BPH. However, additional large-scale clinical researches should be conducted.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.87-105
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analysis the Clinical Study Trends on Korean Medicine Treatment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Methods: The key words such as 'polycystic ovary syndrome', 'polycystic ovarian syndrome', 'korean medicine', 'herbal medicine', 'acupuncture' are used for the research through 'OASIS', 'KCI', 'KISS', 'RISS'. Results: Ten clinical studies with 73 patients were selected. All studies were the noncomparative studies, and 8 case reports, 1 case series, 1 retrospective chart review. Symptoms accompanied by PCOS were oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, irregular menstruation, hirsutism, acne, obesity etc. The most used treatment was herbal medicine in all studies with 72 patients (98.6%). The most frequently used acupuncture and moxibustion point was respectively 合谷 (LI4) and 關元 (CV4). The duration of treatment was between 3 months and 10 months, the average 159 days. Outcome measurements were Recovery of menstrual cycle (97.6%), Hormone test (23.8%), Sonogram (61.9%), Indexes of obesity (23.8%). In terms of menstrual recovery, 35 patients (85.4%) have recovered from menstruation in 8 studies with 41 patients. In hormone tests, all 10 patients have decrease of LH/FSH ratio and LH in 3 studies with 10 patients. Through sonogram, Ovulation menstruation was confirmed in all 6 patients. In all 10 patients of 3 studies evaluating weight before and after treatment, weight was reduced. Conclusions: The effect on Korean Medicine treatment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome had mostly positive results. However, Further large, well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish the foundation of Korean Medicine treatment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.42-73
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• 2023

Objectives : In order to investigate the current status of recent clinical evidence related to complementary and alternative medicine(CAM) treatment for burns and to inform research and treatment strategies for future, we publish a scoping review(ScR) of randomized controlled trials(RCTs). Methods : The research question of the ScR was "Are there any RCTs of CAM treatment for burn?". RCTs published from 2000 to 2022 were identified in 7 databases(PubMed, Cochrane, CNKI, OASIS, RISS, KCI, KMbase) in March 2023. Data were tabulated and analyzed descriptively with respect to the research questions. Results : 41 RCTs were included. 21(51.2%) were conducted in China, 13(31.7%) in Iran. The main treatment criteria were herbal medicine in 28 cases, acupuncture in 9 cases, chuna therapy in 4 cases, and psychotherapy in 3 cases. Among the herbal medicine, there were 19 topical medications, 5 injections(intravenous pharmacopuncture), 4 aerosol drugs(aromatherapy), and 1 oral drug. Among the acupuncture, there were 4 plum blossom needles(seven-star needles), 2 wrist-ankle acupunctures, 2 press needles, and 1 electroacupuncture. CAM treatments were effective in treating burns. It reduced pain and pruritus at the burn site, helped recovery and management of the donor site, reduced anxiety and pain during dressing change, improved hematological problems and vital signs, and finally lowered the mortality rate. CAM treatments also lowered health care costs. Conclusions : CAM treatments for burns is prospective, and that it deserves to make high-quality studies including additional large-scale RCTs.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.62-78
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• 2023

Objectives : This study aims to assess the impact of acupotomy on migraine through an examination of clinical studies conducted since 2015. Methods : We conducted a comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled trials (nRCTs) related to acupotomy treatment for migraine, utilizing five Korean online databases (OASIS, Science ON, DBPIA, KISS, RISS), as well as four foreign online databases (CNKI, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library). We identified a total of 10 relevant studies for analysis. Participants characteristics, treatment points, combination treatments, treatment cycles or frequencies, evaluation indices, efficacy, and adverse events were analyzed. The risk of bias in the 10 RCTs was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0). Results : A total of 931 participants were included in 10 studies. In the intervention group, the average duration of migraine morbidity ranged from 15.5±4.5 months to 15.9±4.2 years. Six studies based their diagnoses on the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD), while five studies relied on Chinese diagnostic criteria. All studies specified the treatment area as the region exhibiting tenderness or induration on the head and neck. Treatment cycles ranged from a minimum of 2 days to a maximum of 1 week, with the number of days per treatment course varied from 5 days to 4 weeks. The diameter of acupuncture needles used varied between 0.3 mm and 1 mm. Of the eight studies specifying needle length, the shortest was 20 mm, and the longest was 40 mm. A total of eight evaluation indices were employed, with total efficacy rate (TER) and visual analogue scale (VAS) being the most frequently used. Statistically, all intervention groups showed more significant results compared to the control groups. Adverse events were reported in only two studies within the intervention group. Overall, the risk of bias assessment for the selected RCTs ranged from 'some concerns' to 'high risk of bias.' Conclusions : This study showed that acupotomy treatments for migraine were effective.