Evaluation of clinical effectiveness of blood stasis leaflet in patients with blood stasis: A prospective, randomized, and crossover trial.

Background: Blood stasis (BS) refers to a pattern of symptoms resulting from circulatory dysfunction or stagnation in the human body. Due to its historical origin and diverse interpretations, communication between patients and doctors of traditional Korean medicine (DKMs) presents challenges. Efforts to improve patients understanding in traditional Korean medicine (TKM) have led to the development of disease-specific standard clinical practice guidelines.

Characteristics of Gait Event and Muscle Activation Parameters of the Lower Limb on the Affected Side in Patients With Hemiplegia After Stroke: A Pilot Study.

Objectives: To confirm the characteristics of gait events and muscle activity in the lower limbs of the affected and unaffected sides in patients with hemiplegia.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Motion analysis laboratory of the Wonkwang University Gwangju Hospital.

Validity and Reliability of POM-Checker for Measuring Shoulder Range of Motion in Healthy Participants: A Pilot Single-Center Comparative Study.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare shoulder movement measurements between a Kinect-based markerless ROM assessment device (POM-Checker) and a 3D motion capture analysis system (BTS SMART DX-400).

Methods: This was a single-visit clinical trial designed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the POM-Checker. The primary outcome was to assess the equivalence between two measurement devices within the same set of participants, aiming to evaluate the validity of the POM-Checker compared to the gold standard device (3D Motion Analysis System).

Effectiveness and Safety of Fufang Danshen Dripping Pill (Cardiotonic Pill) on Blood Viscosity and Hemorheological Factors for Cardiovascular Event Prevention in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

: Diabetes can cause various vascular complications. The Compounded Danshen-Dripping-Pill (CDDP) is widely used in China. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness and safety of CDDP in the blood viscosity (BV) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

The clinical effects of Gyejibongnyeong-Hwan (Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan) on patients with hyperlipidemia: A study protocol for a multicenter, double-blind, two-armed parallel, investigator-initiated, exploratory randomized controlled trial.

Background: Hyperlipidemia, the most common form of dyslipidemia, is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. There is a constant demand for therapeutic agents with relatively few side effects that can be administered from the initial stage of hyperlipidemia, herbal medicines derived from natural products can be considered candidates for treating dyslipidemia. This study aims to explore the feasibility, preliminary effectiveness, and safety of Gyejibongnyeong-Hwan (GBH) in patients with hyperlipidemia.

Two case reports of tapering sedative-hypnotic drugs through classical conditioning using herbal medicine (CARE-compliant).

Rationale: Sedative-hypnotic drugs (SHDs) used for insomnia are recommended for short-term use owing to concerns regarding abuse and dependence. Nevertheless, drug discontinuation is challenging owing to rebound insomnia that occurs when the SHD is ceased. Therefore, a strategy is required to reduce or discontinue SHDs, while minimizing rebound insomnia.

Effect of herbal medicine (Jodeungsan) on migraine: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

Background: Migraine is a relatively common disease that has a significant effect on the daily activities of affected individuals. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of herbal medicine (Jodeungsan, JDS) on migraine.

Methods: Sixty-four patients with migraine were recruited and randomized to either the JDS or placebo group at a 1:1 ratio.

Comparison of Metabolites and Gut Microbes between Patients with Ulcerative Colitis and Healthy Individuals for an Integrative Medicine Approach to Ulcerative Colitis-A Pilot Observational Clinical Study (STROBE Compliant).

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an intractable disease associated with high morbidity and healthcare costs. Metabolites and gut microbes are areas of interest for mainstream and complementary and alternative medicine. We, therefore, aimed to contribute to the discovery of an integrative medicine for UC by comparing and analyzing gut microbes and metabolites in patients with UC and in healthy individuals.

Efficacy of a Synbiotic Containing DKGF1 and in Elderly Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Background/aims: There is increasing evidence that supplementation with pre- and probiotics appears to have positive effects on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a new synbiotic formulation on gastrointestinal symptoms in elderly patients with IBS.

Methods: Sixty-seven IBS patients aged ≥60 years were randomly assigned to either a placebo group (n=34) or a synbiotic group (n=33).

Comparison of Metabolites and Gut Microbes between Patients with Parkinson's Disease and Healthy Individuals-A Pilot Clinical Observational Study (STROBE Compliant).

Introduction: Even if levodopa, dopamine agonists, and others are used for patients with Parkinson's disease, the effect is not sustained, and side effects such as motor fluctuation and dyskinesia are more likely to appear as the dose increases. Thus, new approaches for managing Parkinson's disease are needed. This study aimed to compare the metabolites and gut microbes between patients with Parkinson's disease and healthy individuals.

Calcium Solubilization Ability and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Hydrolyzed Casein.

This study performed to evaluate the applicability of functional dairy food materials by comparing the calcium solubilization ability and anti-inflammatory effects of hydrolyzed casein protein. Commercial enzyme (Alcalase; Neutrase; Protamex; Flavourzyme) was added to the 10% casein solution to prepare the casein hydrolysates. Samples obtained every hour [1:200 (w/v)].

Comparison of gait recovery patterns according to the paralyzed side in stroke patients: An observational study based on a retrospective chart review (STROBE compliant).

Gait rehabilitations have been abundantly performed for post-stroke patients, because gait is the most important factor for the return of post-stroke patients to daily life. However, conventional uniform gait rehabilitations tend to be tedious and reduce motivation. The aim of this study was to contribute to the development of personalized rehabilitation of gait by identifying differences in gait recovery pattern according to the paralyzed side of post-stroke patients.

Cupping Therapy for Migraine: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Migraine is a common reason for primary headache disorders. Cupping is a frequently used traditional intervention for controlling pain including migraine. There have been no systematic reviews on the clinical effects of cupping on migraine.

Effect of Heat-killed DKGF7 on a Rat Model of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Non-viable bacteria, referred to as "paraprobiotics," have attracted attention as potentially safer alternatives to probiotics. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of heat-killed DKGF7 on the symptomatic improvement of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a rat disease model and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the beneficial effects of heat-killed probiotics. Seven male Wistar rats were induced with IBS by restraint stress and administered heat-killed DKGF7 for four weeks and then compared with seven rats in the control group.

A comparative study of sono-urethrography using saline, agitated saline, and an ultrasound contrast agent in normal beagles.

Sono-urethrography is a technique used to evaluate the integrity of the urethra utilizing fluid dilation of the urethral lumen. The purpose of this prospective, method comparison, pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of sono-urethrography in male dogs and to compare the quality of the images obtained using three different contrast solutions. The prostatic, membranous, and penile urethra was evaluated using saline, agitated saline, and ultrasound contrast agent (Sonovue) in 10 adult, male Beagles.

Effect of a Synbiotic Containing and on a Murine Model of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The administration of a combination of probiotics and prebiotics is expected to be a promising strategy for improving irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a synbiotic containing and extract for symptomatic improvement of IBS in a murine model and to evaluate the mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of this synbiotic. A total of 20 male Wistar rats aged 8 weeks with IBS induced by restraint stress were assigned into four groups and administered as a probiotic and extract as a prebiotic for 4 weeks.

Adjuvant effects of killed Lactobacillus casei DK128 on enhancing T helper type 1 immune responses and the efficacy of influenza vaccination in normal and CD4-deficient mice.

Lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus casei DK128 isolated from fermented vegetable foods was suggested to stimulate innate immune responses. Here, we investigated whether heat-killed DK128 would exhibit adjuvant effects on enhancing the efficacy of influenza vaccination. Immunization of mice with split influenza virus vaccine in the presence of heat-killed DK128 induced significantly higher levels of both IgG1 and IgG2c isotype antibodies than those by vaccine only.

Effects of Novel Probiotics in a Murine Model of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Background/aims: Dysbiosis is an important factor in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Several studies have reported promising results using probiotics for the treatment of IBS. This study evaluated the efficacy of novel probiotics isolated from Kimchi, a Korean fermented food, and the feces of healthy Vietnamese people in a murine model of IBS.

Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated From Korean Kimchi Activate the Vitamin D Receptor-autophagy Signaling Pathways.

Background: Probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been used in the anti-inflammation and anti-infection process of various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Vitamin D receptor (VDR) plays an essential role in pathogenesis of IBD and infectious diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated that the human VDR gene is a key host factor to shape gut microbiome.

Development of Integrative Medicine Therapy for Gastrointestinal Autoimmune Diseases: A study protocol for a registry study.

Background: Although the incidence of AD, including gastrointestinal AD, increases every year, there is no effective therapy for it yet. This causes high medical costs to be spent on the management of autoimmune patients every year. The aim of this study is to identify the characteristics related to the causes and symptoms of gastrointestinal autoimmune disease (AD) by collecting patients' information and to further contribute to the development of an integrative medicine therapy for gastrointestinal AD.

Assessment of a split-bolus computed tomographic enterography technique for simultaneous evaluation of the intestinal wall and mesenteric vasculature of dogs.

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic usefulness of split-bolus CT enterography in dogs.

Animals: 6 healthy Beagles.

Procedures: CT enterography was performed in all dogs in a nonrandomized crossover study design involving 3 techniques: a dual-phase technique and 2 techniques involving splitting of the administered contrast agent dose (ie, split technique and split-bolus tracking technique).

Difference in gait recovery rate of hemiparetic stroke patients according to paralyzed side: A cross-sectional study based on a retrospective chart review.

In Donguibogam, a representative encyclopedic source of knowledge on traditional Korean medicine, left-sided hemiparesis due to stroke is called "Tan" as a sort of "Heyol-Byeong," while right-sided hemiparesis due to stroke is called "Tan" as a sort of "Gi-Byeong." According to the theory of Donguibogam, diseases on the left or right side of the human body must be treated differently. Clinically, the symptoms caused by left and right hemisphere lesions in stroke patients differ, as the functions of the left and right hemispheres differ.

Ultrasound-guided transhepatic computed tomography cholecystography in beagle dogs.

This study was performed to evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound-guided computed tomography (CT) cholecystography and to establish an optimal protocol. In 8 healthy beagles, CT cholecystography was conducted using four contrast formulas; two dilution ratios (1:1 vs. 1:3) and two total volumes (8 mL vs.