Mu-guk-bo-yang-tm (tm means moxibustion), which Nam-soo Kim has developed from extensive clinical findings through acupuncture and moxibustion applications for over 80 years. Mu-guk-bo-yang-tm inclucing Zusanli (ST36), Quchi (LI11), Zhongwan (CV12), Feishu (BL13), Gaohuang (BL43), Baihui (GV 20), Qihai (CV6), Guanyuan (CV4) [Zhongji (CV3) and Shuidao (ST28) replace Qihai (CV 6) and Guanyuan (CV4) for women]. Do moxibustion 3-5 cones on every point with half the size of a rice of moxa every day.

We performed 3 kinds of memory tests and cognitive evoked potential study, P300, in 13 patients with memory disturbance and 19 control free of neurologic symptoms or history of neurological impairment; to determine correlation of each memory test with P300 and possibility of clinical application of P300 as a quantitative test of cognitive function. Patients and control younger than 40 years of age were selected to minimize the aging effect on the cognitive function tests. Those who marked 30 points in Mini-mental state examination were chosen as control. 11 of 13 patients had brrain lesions including temporal lobe. Comparing with tests in control group, the declarative ant the procedural memory of patients were significantly impaired (p<0.05, p<0.025, respectively), and P300 latency was significantly prolonged (p<0.001). In control group, among declarative memory tests Rey-Osterreith complex figure test and enhanced cued recall had significant correlation with P300 latency (p<0.05, p<0.05, respectively), while the Tower of Toronto test which was known to evaluate precedural memory did not. In patient group there was no significant correlation between any kind of memory test and P300 latency. These results not only are consistent with previous studies which detected temporal lobe as the origin of P300 wave, but implicate that brain loci other than temporal lobe might originate P300 wave. To apply P300 as a quantitative test of cognitive function, further extensive studies using age and IQ matched control will be needed.
Aging ; Ants ; Brain ; Evoked Potentials* ; Humans ; Memory* ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Temporal Lobe

It has been suggested that the elevated plasma homocysteine may lead to retinal dysfunction. We investigated the effects of plasma levels of homocysteine and folate on the retinal glial cells' injuries. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were raised either on a control diet or on an experimental diet containing 3.0 g/kg homocystine without folic acid for 10 weeks. Plasma homocysteine concentrations were measured by a HPLC-fluorescence detection method. Plasma folate and vitamin B12 levels were analyzed by a radioimmunoassay. The response of Muller cells which are the principal glial cells of the retina was immunohistochemically examined using an antibody for vimentin, a cytoskeletal protein belonging to the family of intermediate filament. At 2 weeks, the homocystine diet induced a twofold increase in plasma homocysteine, and a concomitant increase in the expression of vimentin in the Muller cells' processes spanning from the inner to outer membranes of the retina indicating arterial degeneration. At 10 weeks, the homocystine diet induced a fourfold increase in plasma homocystine, but vimentin immunoreactivity in the retinas was similar in both groups. In conclusion, increased plasma homocysteine levels have influence on morphological and functional changes of Muller cells in the retina.
Diet ; Ependymoglial Cells ; Folic Acid ; Homocysteine ; Homocystine ; Humans ; Hyperhomocysteinemia* ; Intermediate Filaments ; Male ; Membranes ; Neuroglia* ; Plasma ; Radioimmunoassay ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Retina ; Retinaldehyde* ; Vimentin* ; Vitamin B 12

Elevated plasma homocysteine is an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. Exercise is generally believed to reduce the plasma homocysteine levels and therefore, being beneficial for cardiovascular disease(CVD). However, there is a possibility that athletes undergoing strenuous training and competition which increase oxidative stress may suffer from increased plasma homocysteine levels. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of endurance training on the plasma concentrations of B vitamins and homocysteine in 23 male adolescent field hockey players. Data collection and blood sampling was performed during the training period and non-training period. Following the training period, significant changes in energy and vitamin B6 intakes were observed in these subjects. Plasma vitamin B2, pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) and homocysteine levels were significantly higher during the training period than non-training period, whereas no difference was observed in plasma folate and vitamin B12 levels. Positive correlation was observed between plasma folate and folic acid intakes. When energy, B vitamin intakes were adjusted there was a significant negative correlation between plasma homocysteine levels and plasma riboflavin, folate and vitamin B12 levels. In conclusion, it is suggested that athletes with oxidative stress by strenuous exercise may need B vitamins since riboflavin, folic acid and vitamin B12 were shown to be negatively correlated with plasma homocysteine in athletes during the training period.
Adolescent* ; Athletes ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Data Collection ; Folic Acid ; Hockey* ; Homocysteine* ; Humans ; Male* ; Oxidative Stress ; Plasma* ; Pyridoxal Phosphate ; Riboflavin ; Risk Factors ; Vitamin B 12 ; Vitamin B 6 ; Vitamin B Complex ; Vitamins*

This study attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition education especially high nutrient density diet, which promotes low carbohydrate, high protein and fiber. Sixty nine college students participated in the 8 week weight management program with nutrition education. After the program, forty six experienced a small amount of weight loss (WL group, 1.3 kg), but twenty three did not (WG group). The WL group's dietary habits and diet quality improved significantly. The INQ of nutrients and MAR significantly increased only in the WL group. The total DQI-I score significantly increased from 71.1 to 75.3 in the WL group, but it did not in the WG group. The total dietary habit scores significantly increased in both groups, but the changes in the dietary habit scores were greater than the WG group in the WL group. After the program, total cholesterol and triglyceride level decreased significantly in the WL group (p < 0.05). These results show that nutrition education which focuses on a nutrient density diet could help improve dietary habits, diet quality, total cholesterol, and the triglyceride level in college women.
Cholesterol ; Diet* ; Education* ; Female ; Food Habits* ; Humans ; Triglycerides ; Weight Gain* ; Weight Loss*

We investigated the effects of dietary folate supplementation on plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12 and hepatic levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) in diet-induced hyperhomocysteinemic rats. All animals were fed 0.3% homocysteine diet for 2 weeks, then they were placed either on a 0.3% homocystine or no homocystine with or without 8 mg/kg folate diet for 8 weeks. Homocystine diet induced hyperhomocysteinemia up to 3.5-fold at 10 weeks (28.0+/-4.8 micromol/l vs. 7.9+/-0.3 micromol/l). Dietary folate supplementation caused a significant decrease in plasma homocysteine levels which had been increased by a homocystine-diet. Also, dietary folate supplementation made them return to control levels at 4 wk when the diet was free of homocystine. Plasma folate levels were markedly decreased with homocystine diet with no folate supplementation. Plasma vitamin B12 did not differ between groups. Dietary homocystine increased hepatic levels of SAM in folate supplementation group at 10 weeks (p<0.05). Dietary folate supplementation increased hepatic levels of SAM/SAH ratios in homocystine group (p<0.05). In conclusion, dietary folate supplementation can effectively ameliorate the detrimental effects of hyperhomocysteinemia.mia.
Animals ; Diet ; Folic Acid* ; Homocysteine ; Homocystine* ; Hyperhomocysteinemia* ; Metabolism* ; Plasma ; Rats* ; S-Adenosylhomocysteine ; S-Adenosylmethionine* ; Vitamin B 12

Abstract: Ten cadavers were studied to compare the accessibility of cervical vertebral canal with conventional standard ventral slot and modified slanted ventral slot. One group performed standard ventral slot procedures at the C3-4, C5-6. The other group performed modified slanted ventral slot with inverted cone technique procedures at the C3-4, C5-6 computed tomography was performed before and after surgery. The accessibility of cervical vertebral canal with conventional standard ventral slot and modified slanted ventral slot using computed tomography in C3-4 and C5-6 intervertebral space was compared. Although smaller ostectomy was performed in the modified slanted ventral slot, some lesions were more accessible but limitations were obvious in C3-4 and C5-6 intervertebral disk space. After the disc material has been identified through accurate preoperative diagnostic imaging, less morbidity and complications can be expected if the appropriate surgical method is selected based on the lesion of compression.

We investigated the single- and multiple dose pharmacokinetics of a new controlled-release formulation (Orfil retard enteric coated tablet) of valproic acid in comparison with those of the plain tablet as a reference. Twelve healthy volunteers were given each formulation of 300 mg in the single-dose study. In the steady-state multiple-dose study, twelve epileptic patients received 1200 mg/day of the reference drug (300 mg 9 AM, 300 mg 3 PM, 600 mg 9 PM) and the test formulation (600 mg 9 AM, 600 mg 9 PM) with at least one week interval in cross-over manner. The AUC values of the test controlled release formulation were 91.7% (95% confidence interval: 78.4-100.4%) of the reference drug in the single-dose study and 98.2% (95% confidence interval: 86.2%-109.9%) in the steady-state study. The AUC's of the two formulations were not significantly different by ANOVA test. The Cmax and Tmax values of the test formulation were significantly different from the values of the reference in single-(Tmax: 158.4%, Cmax: 52.5% of the reference) and multiple-dose study (Tmax: 153.5% of the reference). The MRT values of the test formulation were also significantly greater (129.4% of the reference) in the single-dose study. Regarding the controlled-release characteristics of the test formulation, fluctuation index and percentage fluctuation of the twice a day dosage regimen of the test formulation were comparable with those of the thrice a day dosage regimen of the conventional tablet. Area deviation was even smaller in the test regimen of the controlled release formulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Administration, Oral ; Adult ; Biological Availability ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; Epilepsy/blood/*drug therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Tablets ; Tablets, Enteric-Coated ; Valproic Acid/*pharmacokinetics

The feasibility of virtual otoscopy (VO) imaging was evaluated in five dogs with experimentally induced otitis media, two control dogs, and two canine patients with otitis media. VO images of the tympanic cavity and ossicles were generated with commercially available software using raw computed tomography (CT) data. Eight out of 10 ears inoculated with pathogen exhibited obvious clinical signs associated with otitis externa. CT images revealed soft tissue density material occupying the tympanic bulla compatible with otitis media in three dogs with experimentally induced otitis media and two patients. No remarkable features were observed on the radiographs. Four different VO views (ear canal, tympanic bulla, eustachian tube, and ossicular chain) were created. Promontory, cochlea window, tympanic, and septum bulla as well as ossicles were easily and clearly distinguished except for the incus and stapes of the clinical patients. VO images were not more suitable than images created with conventional CT for accurately diagnosing otitis media in this study. However, it appears that VO could be more feasible for assessing the complex structure of the inner ear in dogs with fluid-filled tympanic cavities since fluid accumulation within the tympanic bulla did not affect the evaluation of bony tissue in the middle ear on VO images.
Animals ; Blister ; Cochlea ; Dogs ; Ear ; Ear, Inner ; Ear, Middle ; Eustachian Tube ; Incus ; Otitis Externa ; Otitis Media ; Otoscopy ; Stapes

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostate disease in middle aged and elderly men. Therefore, identifying risk factors for BPH is crucial for understanding the etiology and for undertaking interventions or targeting strategies. The survey was carried out in two steps: first, pilot study was conducted prior to the main study in order to estimate baseline characteristics. Second, main study investigated prevalence and risk factors of BPH by clinical diagnostic tests and questionnaire. A total of 641 male aged 50-79 years participated in this community-based crosssectional study. Using 24 hour recall of food consumption, we found that animal fat intakes increased the risk of BPH with adjusted for age, chronic bronchitis, PSA level, drinking frequency, and excercise frequency (odds ratio 1.84, 95% confidence interval 1.10-3.06). Although BPH has been considered as unavoidable disease with advancing age, if these dietary risk factors are clearly identified, it can be prevented effectively by laying special emphasis on those at risk.
Aged ; Animals ; Bronchitis, Chronic ; Diagnostic Tests, Routine ; Diet ; Drinking ; Humans ; Hyperplasia* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mortuary Practice ; Pilot Projects ; Prevalence ; Prostate* ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires