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This study investigates the effect of Licochalcone A (Lico-A), a flavonoid from licorice roots known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties, on NMDA-induced neurotoxicity in primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons. The study measured cell survival following NMDA and Lico-A exposure, revealing that Lico-A at a 2.5 μg/ml significantly improved cell viability, countering the detrimental effects of NMDA. The study also analyzed synaptic changes by examining both postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin-targeted imaging, showing that Lico-A treatment resulted in a significant increase in synaptic puncta, contrasting with the reduction observed under NMDA exposure. Furthermore, levels of phosphorylated mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase (P-MLKL) and phosphorylated receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 (P-RIP3), key necroptosis regulators, were measured using Western blotting. The results showed an increase in P-MLKL and P-RIP3 in neurons exposed to NMDA, which was reduced following Lico-A treatment. The response of astrocyte and microglia was also evaluated by immunostaining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). These markers exhibited heightened expression in the NMDA group, which was substantially reduced by Lico-A treatment. These findings suggest that Lico-A has neuroprotective effects against NMDA-induced neurotoxicity, potentially contributing to synaptic preservation, inhibition of neuronal necroptosis, and modulation of glial activation. Therefore, Lico-A shows promise as a neuroprotective agent for conditions associated with NMDA-related neurotoxicity.

A patient with sequelae of peripheral facial nerve palsy (FNP) was mainly treated with facial chuna manual therapy (FCMT) for over 6 months. The patient was diagnosed with hemophilia B and C, so invasive treatments, such as acupuncture and pharmacopuncture, were precluded. The facial nerve grading system 2.0 (FNGS) and the House–Brackmann Grading Scale (HBGS), Peitersen, Murata, Mehta, and numeric rating scale (NRS) systems were used to measure treatment effectiveness. Each scale showed improvement: FNGS, 3 to 2; HBGS, 3 to 2; Peitersen scale, 2 to 1; Murata scale, 9 to 4; Mehta scale, 14 to 1; and NRS, 8.5 to 2.5. An overall improvement was evident in facial muscle strength, particularly in synkinesis. If acupuncture and pharmacopuncture are unavailable, FCMT alone may be effective in treating FNP sequelae.

This review aims to analyze the efficacy of acupotomy in treating superior cluneal nerve entrapment syndrome (SCNES) by summarizing the findings of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The RCTs were retrieved from seven databases (i.e., the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Korean Studies Information Service System, Research Information Service System, and Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System). Seven RCTs were selected for this review. The results indicate that acupotomy is promising for providing significant pain relief and improving function in patients with SCNES. However, more high-quality RCTs are required to establish the long-term effectiveness and safety of acupotomy. This review provides valuable insights for clinicians and researchers in the management of SCNES.

This study aimed to provide the basis of treatment effects by analyzing randomized control trials (RCTs) on the use of thread embedding acupuncture (TEA) for low back pain that were published between February 2018 and July 2023. In total, 2,865 articles were retrieved from international and Korean databases. Nine of these articles were selected and evaluated based on the following categories: (1) year of publication, (2) type of disease, (3) sample size, (4) treatment interventions, (5) treatment frequency and duration, (6) insertion point and depth of thread embedding, (7) types and sizes of threads and needles, (8) evaluation indexes, (9) treatment outcomes, and (10) side effects. The risk of bias in RCTs was also assessed. This study also emphasizes the importance of further research on TEA for clinical treatment and the use of objective approaches. Furthermore, detailed method descriptions and results are important in determining the efficacy of TEA.

This study reviewed clinical papers reported on hemifacial spasm (HFS). Six online databases were searched for clinical papers published between January 2000 and December 2022. This study reviewed 14 studies, including 13 case reports and 1 combination of case reports and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The most frequently used acupoints were ST7 and TE17, and the stomach meridian was the most frequently selected. Herbal medicine, pharmacopuncture, thread embedding acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and physical therapy were combined with acupuncture. The most frequently used evaluation method is Scott’s scale. Out of 95 cases, 82 reported improved HFS symptoms after treatment. Our findings indicated the effectiveness of Korean Medicine treatment in treating HFS. However, evidence of efficacy and safety remains insufficient. Large-scale and well-designed investigations will be required in the future to corroborate these results. We believe that this paper will serve as the foundation for future RCTs.

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a disease that narrows the spinal canal, causing neurological symptoms. To date, there have been several reports on traditional Korean medicine treatments for OPLL; however, there is no study on complex acupuncture treatment. Herein, we report 2 cases of cervical OPLL involving cervical pain, upper limb radiating pain, and hypoesthesia. The patients were diagnosed using C-spine computed tomography and did not receive any treatment at any other hospital. The patients were treated with acupuncture treatments, including electroacupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and acupotomy, at Daegu Korean Medicine Hospital at Daegu Haany University. The results were assessed using the visual analog scale, neck disability index, and Japanese Orthopedic Association scores, and the results indicated an improvement in the symptoms. Thus, this study demonstrated that complex acupuncture treatment may be helpful for treating cervical OPLL and improving the quality of life.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has been shown promising clinical outcomes. However, large to massive rotator cuff tears are difficult to completely repair with appropriate tension because of their size or poor tissue quality. An incomplete repair using the “hybrid technique” is one of way to solve this problem by maximizing the contact area between the tendon and the footprint of greater tuberosity. Additionally, the acellular dermal matrix patch augmentation has emerged as an adjuvant technique to enhance the biomechanical properties to promote healing of the repaired construct. This Technical Note describes arthroscopic incomplete rotator cuff repair using the “hybrid technique” with acellular dermal matrix patch augmentation.

Between May 2014 and April 2022, a total of 926 articles were retrieved from the international database, and a total of 233 articles were retrieved from the Korean database. From there, 14 studies were selected, and evaluated by the published year, terminology of the acupotomy, sample size, disease type, retention time, treatment sites, insertion depth and size of the acupotomy, treatment frequency, and duration, type of acupotomy manipulation method, evaluation index, therapeutic effects, adverse effects, and assessment of the risk of bias in randomized controlled trials. This study examined the need for additional acupotomy studies to secure an objective basis for the application of clinical treatment. Furthermore, the detailed description of the study methods and results and unified terminology can provide evidence for the efficacy of acupotomy.

In this study, the evidence of thread embedding acupuncture (TEA) in treating cervical radiculopathy in randomized controlled trials was investigated. We searched 16 databases up to August 22, 2022. Of the 2,644 studies retrieved, 22 randomized controlled trials (2,483 participants) were selected. Quality assessments were performed using Cochrane’s risk-of-bias tool and RevMan 5.4 software. Outcome measures in the included studies typically showed TEA had a significant therapeutic effect compared with simple acupuncture and other remedies, and TEA was better than sham TEA. Catgut and polydioxanone had no difference in effectiveness, however, catgut was considered to be less safe. TEA was shown to be more therapeutic when inserted deeper into the skin. Ultrasound guided TEA was more effective and safer than conventional TEA, and using a flat blade needle was better than conventional needles for TEA. No serious adverse events were reported from using TEA, and only a few mild side effects were observed. However, the limited number and heterogeneity of the included studies, together with the unclear methodological quality, indicate that higher-quality studies need to be conducted to determine the effectiveness and safety of TEA for cervical radiculopathy.

Two patients with sequelae of peripheral facial nerve palsy were treated with Facial Chuna Manual Therapy (FCMT) and acupuncture over 6 months. The House-Brackmann (HB) scale, facial nerve grading system 2.0 (FNGS), the scale of Peitersen, the scale of Murata, and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) were used to assess the effects of treatment. The HB scale, FNGS and NRS scores showed improvement for both patients (Case 1: HB scale 5 to 3, FNGS 4 to 2, NRS 10 to 5; Case 2: HB scale 5 to 3, FNGS 4 to 3, NRS 10 to 2.5) following 6 months of treatment. The scores for the Peitersen and Murata scales showed improvement over 6 months in Case 1 (Peitersen 2 to 1, Murata 10 to 7), but there was no change in Case 2 over the test period (4 months). FCMT and acupuncture may help patients with sequelae of facial palsy.

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common degenerative spinal condition that can have unpredictable improvement and worsening of symptoms which include low back pain, radiating pain, claudication, and degenerative lumbar scoliosis affecting quality of life. In this study, thread embedding acupuncture (TEA) was used as a conservative treatment for LSS in combination with complex Korean medicine treatments (acupuncture, herbal medicines, and physical therapy). The treatment was evaluated using the numerical rating scale, walking distance and duration, and inclination of radiological lumbar scoliosis according to antalgic posture. TEA was performed 27 times between June 8, 2020, and March 16, 2021. The patient showed improvement in numerical rating scale score from 7 to 2, pain-free walking distance from 10 m to 900 m, and scoliosis inclination following treatment. The findings of this study suggest that TEA may be helpful in the treatment of LSS.

Background Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai (ASN) has been reported to have analgesic effects. In this study an animal model of pharmacopuncture using ASN (100–500 mg/kg) was examined. Methods Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (n = 40) were randomly assigned to ASN-Low (1 mg/mL, 1.8 mL, ASN-L), ASN-Intermediate (5 mg/mL, 1.8 mL, ASN-M), ASN-High (10 mg/mL, 1.8 mL, ASN-H), negative control (0.2 mL normal saline), and positive control (0.2 mL 0.5% lidocaine) groups. All experiments were administered to the rats’ left hind leg. The analgesic response was assessed by monitoring the physical (hot plate, and von Frey test) and chemical (formalin) responses to pain. Results All ASN pharmacopuncture groups demonstrated significant differences in pain response to the hot plate test, von Frey test, and formalin test, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The response of the ASN-M group and ASN-H groups to the hot plate, the formalin, and the von Frey tests were significantly different, compared to the lidocaine group (p < 0.05). Conclusion ASN pharmacopuncture had a significant analgesic effect on SD rats in response to physical and chemical models of pain.

The degenerative spinal cord disease cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), and cervical myelopathy caused by trauma, can result in debilitating symptoms affecting quality of life. This study used acupotomy and other Korean medicine treatments (acupuncture, herbal medicine, and physical therapy) to improve the symptoms of CSM and cervical myelopathy. The visual analog scale, the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale (mJOA scale), the Nurick grading system, and the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale were used as the evaluation criteria to determine the effectiveness of treatment. The functional status of both patients improved from mild to moderate, with improved gait, local sensation, and level of pain. The degree of spinal cord injury remained the same. The findings of this study suggest that combined Korean medicine treatments including acupotomy may be helpful in the treatment of CSM and cervical myelopathy.

Background This study aimed to assess the toxicity of Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai (ASN) pharmacopuncture. Methods To investigate the toxicity of ASN pharmacopuncture, single and 4-week repeated dose toxicity experiments were conducted on BALB/c mice. In the single-dose toxicity experiment, mice were assigned 1 of 4 groups (5 males, 5 females per group). Then, 31.25, 62.5, and 125 mg/kg of ASN pharmacopuncture were administered to the mice in the experimental groups at acupoint ST36, while 0.2 mL of normal saline was administered to the control group at ST36. After a 4-week repeated dose regimen, the mice were assigned into 4 groups (5 males, 5 females per group). Then, 15.625, 31.25, and 62.5 mg/kg of ASN pharmacopuncture at ST36 were administered to the mice in the experimental groups, while 0.2 mL of normal saline was administered to the control group at ST36. Mortality, morbidity, general body and organ weight changes (after 4 weeks repeated dose), serum hematological and biochemical values, and histopathological changes in the liver and kidney were observed. Results In both single and 4-week repeated dose toxicity experiments, no deaths or symptoms occurred in any of the groups. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of body and organ weights, serum hematological and biochemical values, and specific organ histopathological changes. Conclusion ASN pharmacopuncture injection did not demonstrate significant toxicity in BALB/c mice compared with the control group, with a no-observed-adverse-effect level for a single dose of >125 mg/kg, and for 4 weeks repeated dose it was more than 62.5 mg/kg/day.

Background This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical effect of acupotomy, a newly upcoming acupuncture treatment method for a dorsal wrist ganglion cyst. Methods A patient with a dorsal wrist ganglion cyst was treated with acupotomy under ultrasonographic guidance. The symptoms caused by the cyst and size of the cyst under ultrasonographic observation were used to evaluate the effect of the acupotomy treatment. Results The numeric rating scale score reduced from 7 to 1.4 throughout the treatment period. The size and swelling of the cyst decreased following acupotomy treatment. Conclusion Acupotomy had a positive clinical effect in the treatment of a dorsal wrist ganglion cyst in this case. Further studies are required for its additional retrospective application

Round Acupuncture having blunt end has developed from acupotomy. This case report is to find out that Round Acupuncture is effective in treating patients with recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which has not improved by steroid injection or acupotomy. Round Acupuncture was inserted into the distal fibers of transverse carpal ligament and released toward the proximal fibers. Treatment was performed three times in total. T ingling, numbn ess, night pain and swelling sensation were assessed, and provocative maneuvers were also used. After treat ment, all symptoms completely disappeared and the patient had no recurrence until 3 months after treatment. Round Acupuncture co uld be an effective treatment for recurrent CTS.

Image processing on smartphones, which are resource-limited devices, is challenging. Panorama generation on modern mobile phones is a requirement of most mobile phone users. This paper presents an automatic sequential image stitching algorithm with high-resolution panorama generation and addresses the issue of stitching failure on smartphone devices. A robust method is used to automatically control the events involved in panorama generation from image capture to image stitching on Android operating systems. The image frames are taken in a firm spatial interval using the orientation sensor included in smartphone devices. The features-based stitching algorithm is used for panorama generation, with a novel modification to address the issue of stitching failure (inability to find local features causes this issue) when performing sequential stitching over mobile devices. We also address the issue of distortion in sequential stitching. Ultimately, in this study, we built an Android application that can construct a high-resolution panorama sequentially with automatic frame capture based on an orientation sensor and device rotation. We present a novel research methodology (called “Sense-Panorama”) for panorama construction along with a development guide for smartphone developers. Based on our experiments, performed by Samsung Galaxy SM-N960N, which carries system on chip (SoC) as Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 and a CPU of 4 × 2.8 GHz Kyro 385, our method can generate a high-resolution panorama. Compared to the existing methods, the results show improvement in visual quality for both subjective and objective evaluation.

The purpose of this study was to investigate useful manual therapy techniques for peripheral facial nerve palsy and to propose guidelines to be applied for current manual therapy techniques. Several databases were searched to find manual therapies for facial palsy. These therapies included cervical, and temporomandibular joint chuna manual therapy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, neuromuscular re-education, facial exercise, and mime therapy. Both cervical, and temporomandibular joint chuna manual therapy release nerve compression, helping blood circulation and nerve conduction. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation uses irradiation, bilateral activation, and eccentric facilitation to improve muscle power and symmetry. Neuromuscular re-education, as a retraining tool for facial movement patterns, enhances neuromuscular feedback. Facial exercise helps the patient continuously move and massage facial muscle themselves. Mime therapy aims to develop a conscious connection between the use of certain muscles and facial expressions. The use of facial chuna manual therapy for peripheral facial nerve palsy can stimulate the proprioceptive neuromuscular receptors in the face. Peripheral facial nerve palsy has 4 phases; progress phase, plateau phase, recovery phase, and sequelae phase. Each phase needs different treatments which include relaxation, assistance, resistance, origin-insertion extension, and nerve pathway expansion.

Background This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim pharmacopuncture on disuse muscle atrophy in the gastrocnemius muscle of rats. Methods Thirty male 250 g Sprague-Dawley rats were distributed randomly into 3 groups. The left hindlimb immobilization was performed with casting tape for 2 weeks, and no treatment was given to the right hindlimb. Rats received pharmacopuncture and were injected daily on the BL57 with either 2 mL of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim aqueous extract (ZM-W group), 1 mL pharmacopuncture of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim ethanol extract (ZM-E group), or 2 mL normal saline (control group). After 2 weeks of immobilization, the weight of the whole gastrocnemius muscle was measured, and the morphology of both the left and the right gastrocnemius muscles were assessed by Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. To investigate the immobilization-induced muscular apoptosis, the immunohistochemical analysis of BAX and Bcl-2 was carried out. Results ZM-W and ZM-E significantly inhibited the reduction in weight of the left gastrocnemius muscle, the reduction in the left myofibrils, and the cross-sectional area of gastrocnemius, as compared with the control. Moreover, the ZM-W and ZM-E groups showed significantly reduced immunoreactivity for BAX, and increased immunoreactivity of Bcl-2 in left gastrocnemius muscle compared with the control group. Conclusions These results suggest that Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim pharmacopuncture has protective effects against immobilization-induced muscle atrophy by regulating the activity of apoptosis-associated BAX / Bcl-2 proteins in the gastrocnemius muscle.

This review analyzed randomized controlled trials and case reports to identify the effectiveness, and level of evidence showing that acupuncture treatment aids the recovery of patients with tennis elbow. A literature search was performed between 1st to 10th September, 2019 which used PubMed, the Cochrane library, the Korean databases Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, Korean Studies Information Service System to retrieve Korean and international studies. Amongst the 243 articles retrieved there were 9 randomized controlled trials and 18 case reports. The level of evidence for the recovery of patients with tennis elbow, for efficacy and safety of acupuncture was low. It was observed that the studies had a high risk of bias, missing acupuncture details, multiple combinations of treatments rather than a single treatment, insufficient indicators of assessment, and lacked robustness. Compliance with international standards such as using consolidated standards of reporting trials, will improve the quality of evidence.

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and analgesic effects of Datura Flos; pharmacopuncture (DFP). Methods The analgesic effects of DFP were assessed using mechanical (hot plate), chemical (formalin test), and thermal (von Frey filament test) pain tests. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned randomly into DFP (75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg), lidocaine 0.5%, or normal saline group for treatment on Kl3. Gross pathology, histopathology, biochemistry and hematology were performed. Results In the hot plate test, DFP at a high dose (HDDFP; 150 mg/kg) produced a significant analgesic effect, at 10 and 20-minutes post injection (p < 0.01). Low dose DFP (LDDFP; 75 mg/kg) also showed an analgesic effect at 10 minutes post injection (p < 0.01). In the formalin test, HDDFP produced an analgesic effect, for 0-10 and 10-20 minutes (p < 0.01) post treatment, whereas LDDFP showed analgesic effects between 10-20 minutes (p < 0.05). In the von Frey filament test, DF-H produced an analgesic effect, 10 (p < 0.01) and 20 minutes post treatment (p < 0.05). LDDFP showed analgesic effect at 10 minutes (p < 0.05). In the acupuncture response test, HDDFP produced an analgesic effect at 10 minutes post treatment (p < 0.05). DF-H did not cause any anatomical changes to the liver or kidney and there were no abnormalities in biochemistry or hematology. Conclusions DF-H was not toxic and provided short term analgesia, suggesting it may be useful in the management of pain.

Background This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of pharmacopuncture and dermal application of Sebalgukhwa-san extracts on hair growth in an alopecia mouse model. Methods Twenty-one C57BL/6 mice were divided into 3 groups; control group-normal saline injection or vehicle solution application, positive control group-minoxidil (MNXD), experimental group-pharmacopuncture and applied Sebalgukhwa-san (SGS) extract. The effects of the treatment on hair growth, were determined through photographs, and phototrichogram analysis by folliscope. Hair follicle morphometry by hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed, and hair growth-related protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin like growth factor-1, and transforming growth factor-beta 1 were monitored by Western blotting. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were measured for liver function test. Results Body weight increased consistently in all groups. Hair growth was improved in the MNXD and SGS groups compared with the control. Hair density and thickness improved statistically significantly in the MNXD and SGS groups compared with the control p < 0.05. The number of hair follicles improved in the MNXD and SGS groups compared with the control but the size did not. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and insulin like growth factor-1 increased, and there was a decrease in the expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 in the MNXD and SGS groups compared with the control, however, there was no significant difference. Sebalgukhwa-san treatment had no toxicity in liver function tests. Conclusions Pharmacopuncture and dermal application of Sebalgukhwa-san extract may be therapeutically beneficial for the treatment of alopecia.

Abstract Background We investigated the efficacy and safety of thread-embedding acupuncture (TEA) for chronic low back pain (LBP) in a randomized controlled pilot trial with the aim of laying the foundation for a large-scale randomized controlled trial on this topic. Methods Forty participants were recruited for this two-arm, assessor-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial. The participants were randomly allocated to a TEA group (experimental group) or an acupuncture group (control group). The TEA group received TEA once every 2 weeks for 8 weeks (four sessions in total), while the acupuncture group received acupuncture twice per week for 8 weeks (16 sessions in total). The primary outcome was the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain and the secondary outcomes were short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. Assessments were performed at screening and at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks after treatment initiation (the 10-week assessment was conducted at 2 weeks after treatment cessation). Results Of the 40 participants, 36 completed the study and four dropped out. Both the TEA group and the acupuncture group showed significant improvements in VAS, SF-MPQ, and ODI scores in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, with regard to ODI, a significant interaction between group and time was observed, with the two groups exhibiting a different pattern of change at 8 weeks according to contrast analysis with Bonferroni’s correction. No serious adverse event occurred, and hematological and biochemical test findings were within normal limits. Conclusion This pilot study has provided basic data for a larger clinical trial to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of TEA for chronic LBP. Trial registration Clinical Research Information Service of the Korea National Institute of Health, ID: KCT0001819. Registered on 15 February 2016.

This report showed the clinical outcome of an elderly patient with a femoral neck fracture who was treated non-operatively with Korean medical treatment. The patient had acupuncture, herbal medication, moxibustion, and participated in physical rehabilitation for 3 months. The effects of Korean medical treatment were measured every 2 weeks using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and the Harris hip score (HHS). After treatments, the NRS score for hip pain decreased from 8 to 2, and the HHS increased from 0 to 43. A 42-month follow-up showed the patient’s NRS score was 0 and the HHS was 61. Furthermore, an X-ray showed complete union of the femoral neck fracture with no suspicion of avascular necrosis. These results suggest that Korean medical treatment can effectively reduce pain and aid rehabilitation in patient with femoral neck fractures with no surgery, resulting in complete union of the fracture.

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Dokhwalgisaeng-tang on immobilization-induced muscle atrophy. Methods Twenty young male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups. The rats in Dokhwalgisaeng-tang group were orally administered Dokhwalgisaeng-tang water extract, and the rats in the control group were given saline only. Hind limb immobilization was performed with casting tape to keep the left ankle joint in a fully extended position. No intervention was performed on the right leg which was used as an intact region. After 2 weeks of immobilization, all animals were sacrificed, and the gastrocnemius muscle was dissected from both legs and weighed. The morphology of the right and the left gastrocnemius muscle in both the Dokhwalgisaeng-tang and the control group was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The muscle cross sectional area was examined by image analysis (Axiovision LE software). In addition, immunohistochemical staining was carried out using the free-floating method, and the number of apoptotic related proteins were counted (anti-BAX, anti-Bcl-2). Results Dokhwalgisaeng-tang showed a significant protective effect against the reduction of the left gastrocnemius muscle (weight and muscle cross sectional area) compared with the control group. Moreover, the treatment with Dokhwalgisaeng-tang significantly reduced protein expression of BAX and increased protein expression of Bcl-2 in the gastrocnemius muscle compared with the control group. Conclusions Dokhwalgisaeng-tang showed protective effects against disuse muscle atrophy, potentially through altered BAX and Bcl-2 protein expression in the gastrocnemius muscle.

Background The purpose of this study was to review whether Korean medicine treatment was effective to maintain the spinal stability and to relieve spinal symptom by reviewing medical records of 18 vertebral compression fracture patients. Methods The subjects were 18 thoracolumbar compression fracture patients who were taken more than two lateral view x-rays of fractured vertebra from Jan, 2010 to June, 2018. They were divided into two groups: the time admitted into Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Pohang Korean Medical Hospital of Daegu Hanny University from onset (Research 1) and whether or not they have a past history of osteoporosis (Research 2). Then, they were follow-up observed and compared by compression ratio and numerical rating scale (NRS) and so on. Results The amount of weekly compression rate increase of 18 patients was 1.76% per week. According to the result of Research 1, the patients group (14 patients) who were admitted into the hospital within 1-2 weeks from getting injury was 1.88% per week whereas the patients group(4 patients) who were admitted into the hospital within 3-4 weeks from getting injury was 1.22% per week. By Research 2 result, the patients group (7 patients) who had been diagnosed as an osteoporosis patient was 2.19% per week, and those (11 patients) who had not was 1.49% per week. There was a statistical significance in the change of the amount of compression rate increase in the case of Research 1, but there was not in the case of Research 2. NRS was decreased without significant difference regardless of the time admitted into the hospital and whether or not the patients had the past history of osteoporosis. Conclusions Considering that there were more amount of compression rate increase at 1-4 weeks from onset, it is necessary to offer treatment more actively on early time from onset. Further research is needed into the increase of compression rate by the patients’ having a past history of osteoporosis or not. Given that NRS decreased without significant difference, it is assumed that Korean medicine treatment has a meaningful effect on relieving subjective symptom of patients who are diagnosed as vertebral compression fractures.

Objectives:We investigated the efficacy and safety of miniscalpel acupuncture (MA) for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in an assessor-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial; this would provide information for a largescale randomized controlled trial.Methods:Participants (n = 24) were recruited and randomly allocated to the MA group (experimental) or acupuncture group (control). The MA group received treatment once a week for 3 weeks (total of 3 treatments), while the acupuncture group received treatment two times per week for 3 weeks (total of 6 treatments). The primary outcome was pain as assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS). The secondary outcomes (intensity of current pain, stiffness, and physical function) were assessed using the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Assessments were performed at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 during treatment and at week 5 (2 weeks after the end of treatment).Results:Of the 24 participants, 23 completed the study. Both groups showed significant improvements in VAS, SF-MPQ, and WOMAC. However, there were no significant differences between the MA and acupuncture groups. No serious adverse event occurred and blood test results were within normal limits.Conclusion:Our results suggest that although both MA and acupuncture provide similar effects with regard to pain control in patients with KOA, MA may be more effective in providing pain relief because the same relief was obtained with fewer treatments. A large-scale clinical study is warranted to further clarify these findings.

Abstract Background Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disease during the lifespan of an individual. With an increase in dependence on computer technology, the prevalence of chronic neck pain is expected to rise and this can lead to socioeconomic problems. We have designed the current pilot study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of miniscalpel acupuncture treatment combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods This seven-week clinical trial has been designed as an assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial with three parallel arms. Thirty-six patients will be recruited and randomly allocated to three treatment groups: miniscalpel acupuncture treatment; NSAIDs; and miniscalpel acupuncture treatment combined with NSAIDs. Patients in the miniscalpel acupuncture and combined treatment groups will receive three sessions of miniscalpel acupuncture over a three-week period. Patients in the NSAIDs and combined treatment groups will receive zaltoprofen (one oral tablet, three times a day for three weeks). Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at weeks 0 (baseline), 1, 2, 3 (primary end point), and 7 (four weeks after treatment completion) using the visual analogue scale and the Neck Disability Index, EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire, and Patients’ Global Impression of Change scale, respectively. Adverse events will also be recorded. Discussion This pilot study will provide a basic foundation for a future large-scale trial as well as information about the feasibility of miniscalpel acupuncture treatment combined with NSAIDs for chronic neck pain. Trial registration Korean Clinical Research Information Service registry, KCT0002258 . Registered on 9 March 2017.