Background Anemia, which is a major public health problem worldwide, represents a decline in the oxygenation function, and can therefore be related to low strength. However, hemoglobin cannot repair muscles directly, but is beneficial only in a supportive role. Previous studies on the relationship between handgrip strength and anemia have been controversial. Thus, we aimed to analyze the association between handgrip strength and anemia in Korean adults. Methods This cross-sectional study used the 2013-2017 data from the 6th and 7 th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) that included 16,638 Korean adults, aged �19 years, who met the inclusion or exclusion criteria. Differences in sociodemographic factors (sex, age, education, income, and employment), lifestyle factors (alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity), and illness and health factors [body mass index (BMI), vitamin intake, iron intake, comorbid illnesses, and handgrip strength] by existence of anemia, were analyzed using the Chi square test. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to measure the association between handgrip strength and anemia, while adjusting for other possible confounders. Subgroup analysis, stratified by sex and age, was performed. Results Among Korean adults aged �19 years, 745,296 (7.7%) had anemia. A higher odds ratio, adjusted for other covariates/factors (OR) of anemia occurred in the weak handgrip strength group than in the strong handgrip strength group (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.58-2.33). The subgroup analysis showed a higher OR adjusted for other covariates/factors of anemia in the

Pharmacopuncture, or herbal acupuncture, is a new form of therapy derived from combinations of two traditional therapeutic methods, herbal medicine and acupuncture therapy. To compare the efficacy between dexamethasone-pharmacopuncture (DP) and dexamethasone-oral administration (DO), the effect of DP was investigated in murine models. Anti-anaphylactic effects of dexamethasone treatments were investigated in compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic reaction, ear swelling response, and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). DP treatment significantly inhibited the compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic reaction, ear swelling response, and PCA. The effects between DP and DO were on a similar level. These results indicate that DP can be used as an alternative method for DO in case of emergency.

Background: The purpose of this survey study was to understand how utilization of X-rays as an adjunct to Chuna manual therapy (CT) supports treatment, as assessed by Korean medicine doctors (KMDs). Methods: A survey was emailed to all 18,289 members of the Association of Korean Oriental Medicine (AKOM)to determine the implications of X-ray use in CT. Surveys were collected from September 22, 2017 to October 15, 2017. Results: Of the 18,289 KMDs 562 completed the survey. The implications of a radiological diagnosis (X-ray) with CT was assessed using 5 items in a questionnaire: time to diagnosis, accuracy of treatment, patient comprehension and satisfaction, CT effect, and safety of CT. Survey participants identified improvement in patient comprehension and satisfaction as the most important factor for X-ray use with CT, followed by increased safety of CT. From the determinant factors for selection of CT intensity and specific techniques, severity of clinical symptoms was shown to be the most influential factor. Degenerative changes of the spine and degree of spinal malposition were also reported to be highly influential. Conclusion: The KMDs' that participated in this study indicated that utilization of X-rays in conjunction with CT administration improved patient comprehension and satisfaction, and CT safety. Installation of radiological equipment in Korean medicine clinics where CT is provided may increase safety and patients' satisfaction.

Multiple vertebral compression fractures are a rare condition and are a serious consequence of postpartum osteoporosis. This report describes the case of a 35-year-old woman who had given birth to her first child 2 months before the onset of pain. Magnetic resonance imaging showed compression fractures of 7 vertebrae. The patient was treated with both conventional, and Korean medicine methods including acupuncture and herbal prescriptions. The patient's progress was assessed using self-reported symptoms, scale scores and laboratory test results. Her pain was gradually alleviated and biochemical inflammation marker levels improved, but her functional status remained severely impaired. Clinical practitioners who treat women in the postpartum period must be aware of osteoporosis and potential vertebral fractures and need to consider Korean medicine as an alternative therapy to help such patients.

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