Cross Mark
CrossMark Policy
Crossmark
Applying the CrossMark icon is a commitment by Korea Pharmacopuncture Institute to maintain the content published and alert readers to changes if and when they occur.
What is Crossmark?
CrossMark, a multi-publisher initiative from CrossRef, provides a standard way for readers to locate the authoritative version of a document. Elsevier recognizes the importance of the integrity and completeness of the scholarly record to researchers and librarians and attaches the highest importance to maintaining trust in the authority of its electronic archive. Clicking on the CrossMark icon will inform the reader of the current status of a document and may also provide additional publication record information about the document.
Permanency of content
All content published in Journal of Pharmacopuncture is permanently published, regardless of the outcome of the peer review that follows after publication. All versions of all articles that have passed peer review are permanently archived in PubMed Central.
Authors can revise, change and update their articles by publishing new versions, which are added to the article’s history; however, the individual versions, once published, cannot be altered or withdrawn and are permanently available on the Journal of Pharmacopuncture website. Journal of Pharmacopuncture participates in the CrossMark scheme, a multi-publisher initiative that has developed a standard way for readers to locate the current version of a piece of content. By applying the CrossMark policies, Journal of Pharmacopuncture is committed to maintaining the content it publishes and to alerting readers to changes if and when they occur.
Clicking on the CrossMark logo (at the top of each Journal of Pharmacopuncture article) will give you the current status of an article and direct you to the latest published version; it may also give you additional information such as new referee reports.
In order to maintain the integrity and completeness of the scholarly record, we will apply the following policies when published content needs to be corrected; these policies take into account current best practice in the scholarly publishing and library communities:
-
Correction
In traditional journals, where articles are peer-reviewed before publication, Corrections (or Errata) are published to alert readers to errors in the article that became apparent following the publication of the final article. By contrast, articles in Journal of Pharmacopuncture undergo peer review post publication and publication is not ‘final’ as new versions can be added at any stage. Possible mistakes that come to light during the peer review process may be highlighted in the published referee reports, which are part of the article. Authors can publish revised versions, and any errors that become apparent during peer review or later can be corrected through the publication of new versions. Corrections and changes relative to the previous version are always summarized in the ‘Amendments’ section at the start of a new version. -
Retraction
This action is reserved for articles that are seriously flawed and so the findings or conclusions cannot be relied upon. Articles may be retracted for several reasons, including:
• honest errors reported by the authors (for example, errors due to the mixing up of samples or use of a scientific tool or equipment that is found subsequently to be faulty)
• research misconduct (data fabrication)
• duplicate or overlapping publication
• fraudulent use of data
• plagiarism
• unethical research
For any retracted article, the reason for retraction and who is instigating the retraction will be clearly stated in the Retraction notice. The retraction notice will be linked to the retracted article (which usually remains on the site) and the article will be clearly marked as retracted (including the PDF).
An article is usually only retracted at the authors’ request or by the publisher in response to an institutional investigation. It is important to note in the context of Journal of Pharmacopuncture’s publication model, that ‐ as in traditional journals ‐ a retracted article is not ‘unpublished’ or ‘withdrawn’ in order for it to be published elsewhere. The reasons for retraction are usually so serious that the whole study, or large parts of it, are not appropriate for inclusion in the scientific literature anywhere. -
Removal
The removal of an article would only be undertaken where legal limitations have been placed upon the publisher, copyright holder or author(s), for example, if the article is clearly defamatory or infringes others’ legal rights, or if the article is the subject of a court order. The bibliographic information for a removed article will be retained on the site along with information regarding the circumstances that led to its removal.
Under rare circumstances, for example, if false or inaccurate data have been published that, if acted upon, pose a serious health risk, the original incorrect version(s) may be removed and a corrected version published. The reason for this partial removal would be clearly stated on the latest version. -
Editorial Note
If there is a potential, not yet resolved, problem with an article, it may be appropriate to alert readers with an Editorial Note. Such an Editorial Note may be added to the article, for example, if Journal of Pharmacopuncture receives information that research or publication misconduct might have taken place, or that there is a serious dispute between authors or between the authors and third parties. The Editorial Note will usually be posted while further investigations take place and until a more permanent solution has been found (e.g. the publication of a revised ‘corrected’ version, or a Retraction). -
Expression of Concern
In rare cases, Journal of Pharmacopuncture may decide to publish an Expression of Concern, which is linked to the problematic article, if there are serious concerns about an article but no conclusive evidence can be obtained that would unequivocally justify a Retraction. This may include:
• if there is inconclusive evidence of research or publication misconduct
• there is evidence that there are problems with the article, but the authors’ institution will not investigate the case
• an investigation into alleged misconduct has not been impartial or conclusive
DOI : 10.3831/KPI.CrossMark.Policy
Journal Info

Editorial Office
Most Read / Downloaded
-
Case Report2023-03-31
Suggested Integrative Approach for Hand Abscess with Cupping Therapy: a case study
Emad Ahmed Fathy Hussein1*, Shahira Hassan Ibrahim Negm1, Tabish Ishaq Shaikh2, Ahmed Helmy Saleh3J Pharmacopuncture 2023; 26(1): 94-98 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2023.26.1.94Abstract : A forty-three-year-old male patient was diagnosed with an acute abscess in the dorsum of the right hand. On the 5th day of conventional pharmacological therapy the patient was still suffering, and was referred to the Outpatient department (OPD) to evacuate and drain the abscess and treat the edema around the area with Hijama (wet cupping therapy, WCT). The hand abscess was successfully cured within a week using an integrative approach of wet cupping therapy together with conventional drug therapy.
-
Review Article2022-03-31
The Role of Bloodletting and Cupping in Severe Acute Urticaria and Angioedema as Skin Emergencies in Persian Medicine
Maryam Taghavi Shirazi1,2, Hoorieh Mohammadi Kenari1,3, Fatemeh Eghbalian1,3*J Pharmacopuncture 2022; 25(1): 7-14 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2022.25.1.7Abstract : Objectives: Some dermatological diseases can be life-threatening. Urticaria and angioedema are common reasons for patients to seek treatment at an emergency department. Severe, generalized urticaria and angioedema can endanger patients’ lives by involving the airways and causing anaphylactic shock. The humor-based Persian Medicine (PM) concepts of Shara andMaShara, referring to two kinds of skin lesions, have similarities to urticaria and angioedema, respectively. This article aims to provide scientific evidence regarding the application of PM as an early intervention strategy in the emergency management of urticaria and angioedema. Methods: This was a narrative review of PM studies identified by searching medical databases using search terms related to these diseases, as well as risk-associated keywords such as “fatal”, “death”, “life-threatening”, “emergency”, “cupping”, and “bloodletting”. Data were then compared, interpreted, and analyzed. Results: PM scholars consider the human body as a unified whole and believe in an inner power (Nature) which stems from the body. When the presence of excessive hot substances cause an imbalance of bodily humors, Nature directs their heated vapors sharply toward the skin, thus causing Shara andMaShara. If there is a high risk of inflammation spreading to vital organs under severe conditions, urgent manual interventions are crucial. Conclusion: In serious conditions of urticaria and angioedema, Fasd or bloodletting and Hijama can be effective in speeding up the control of lesions and reducing morbidity and mortality. Consequently, the development of integrated Persian and conventional medicines may provide new therapeutic pathways for skin emergencies.
Abstract -
Systematic Review2021-12-31
Effect of Manual Acupuncture for Mild-to-Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Jeong Ho Huh1†, Hye In Jeong2†, Kyeong Han Kim3,4*J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24(4): 153-164 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2021.24.4.153Abstract : Objectives: Despite the low cost and high accessibility of manual acupuncture (MA) treatments for the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), this intervention has not been uniformly evaluated in systematic reviews (SR), and no SR has evaluated MA monotherapy for CTS. This review was conducted to summarize the findings and undertake a quality assessment of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture treatment methods for mild-tomoderate CTS to identify clinical evidence for the use of MA in CTS.Methods: We searched five databases for articles on relevant RCTs that were published until June 2021 without imposing specific restrictions, such as age or sex, on CTS patients. RCTs that evaluated MA were included without any restriction on comparator interventions. Measurement tools for evaluating pain reduction and functional improvement or for evaluating efficacy using electrophysiological indicators were included as outcome measures.Results: We included seven RCTs, of which three studies reported both post-treatment improvement effects and statistical significance using p-values for all outcomes. Five studies reported statistically significant intergroup differences (p-values for all outcomes) in posttreatment improvement. None of the studies reported severe adverse effects of MA. In all of the RCTs, the reporting rates of the 2c, 2a, and 6a items of STRICTA 2010 were 14%, 29%, and 29%, respectively. PC7 (Daereung) was used to treat CTS in all of the included studies.Conclusion: MA can be used for CTS treatment without serious adverse effects. PC7 was the most commonly used acupoint. In order to ensure objective and reliable reporting, accurate standardization of acupuncture treatment methods acupoint terms should be undertaken in future RCTs.
Abstract

-
Systematic Review2021-12-31
Effect of Manual Acupuncture for Mild-to-Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Jeong Ho Huh1†, Hye In Jeong2†, Kyeong Han Kim3,4*J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24(4): 153-164 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2021.24.4.153Abstract : Objectives: Despite the low cost and high accessibility of manual acupuncture (MA) treatments for the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), this intervention has not been uniformly evaluated in systematic reviews (SR), and no SR has evaluated MA monotherapy for CTS. This review was conducted to summarize the findings and undertake a quality assessment of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture treatment methods for mild-tomoderate CTS to identify clinical evidence for the use of MA in CTS.Methods: We searched five databases for articles on relevant RCTs that were published until June 2021 without imposing specific restrictions, such as age or sex, on CTS patients. RCTs that evaluated MA were included without any restriction on comparator interventions. Measurement tools for evaluating pain reduction and functional improvement or for evaluating efficacy using electrophysiological indicators were included as outcome measures.Results: We included seven RCTs, of which three studies reported both post-treatment improvement effects and statistical significance using p-values for all outcomes. Five studies reported statistically significant intergroup differences (p-values for all outcomes) in posttreatment improvement. None of the studies reported severe adverse effects of MA. In all of the RCTs, the reporting rates of the 2c, 2a, and 6a items of STRICTA 2010 were 14%, 29%, and 29%, respectively. PC7 (Daereung) was used to treat CTS in all of the included studies.Conclusion: MA can be used for CTS treatment without serious adverse effects. PC7 was the most commonly used acupoint. In order to ensure objective and reliable reporting, accurate standardization of acupuncture treatment methods acupoint terms should be undertaken in future RCTs.
Abstract -
Review Article2021-12-31
Analysis of Trend of Studies on Microneedle Treatment System (MTS)
Hea-Sun Chun, Ho-Seub Song*J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24(4): 182-190 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2021.24.4.182Abstract : Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the microneedle therapy system (MTS) and its research methods for the past 10 years in Korea.Methods: Data on microneedle therapy system were collected using NDSL, KISS, RISS, and OASIS electronic databases from January 2010 to August 2021. “microneedle,” “derma stamp,” “microneedle therapy system” were used as the keywords. The present study, however, excluded data that were 1) unrelated to the microneedle therapy system, 2) from review/meta/protocol studies, and 3) from overseas studies. Data selected through the primary screening process, animal studies, case reports, and clinical data were included in the analysis. However, information data not related to the microneedle therapy system were excluded from the study.Results: Among the MTS-related papers published from January 2010 to August 2021, 7 animal research, 2 clinical trials, and 10 case studies were published. Based on the research topics, there were 8 papers on skin improvement and skin diseases, 7 papers on hair growth and hair loss, 3 papers on stability, and 1 paper on peripheral facial paralysis.Conclusion: Most of the studies related to MTS focused on skin, hair, and stability. The effect of MTS on hair growth and skin improvement has been confirmed, and it has been proven to have significant effects on the treatment of acne, acne scars, and hair loss in clinical practice. No serious side effects were observed during the MTS treatment, and the safety assessment confirmed that it was safe for use.
Abstract -
Review Article2021-12-31
Study of Latest Trend on Acupuncture for Obesity Treatment
Hea-Sun Chun1, Dong-Hwan Kim2, Ho-Seub Song1*J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24(4): 173-181 https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2021.24.4.173Abstract : Objectives: The aim of this review was to appraise Korean studies published between 2010 and 2021 which examined the role of acupuncture in the treatment of obesity.Methods: We performed a search of the NDSL, KISS, RISS, OASIS, PubMed, EMBASE electronic databases for relevant animal researches, case reports, and clinical trials, using the following search terms: ‘obesity’, ‘acupuncture’, ‘electroacupuncture’, and ‘pharmacopuncture’. We excluded previous reviews and meta-analyses, studies not related to obesity or acupuncture treatment, as well as studies conducted in countries other than Korea. We also excluded studies where relevant information on acupuncture treatment in obesity could not be obtained.Results: Most studies were conducted in animals, followed by case reports and clinical trials. In animal researches and case reports, pharmacopuncture was the most used intervention. In case studies, electroacupuncture, thread-embedding therapy, manual acupuncture, acupotomy, and auricular acupuncture were also used. In animal researches, pharmacopuncture treatment was associated with improvement in obesity indices. In the case of local obesity, specific acupuncture techniques such as thread-embedding therapy and pharmacopuncture were associated with significant improvements in local obesity, even when diet and exercise were not controlled for.Conclusion: Acupuncture treatment showed significant benefit in the treatment of obesity, with a local effect evident for certain approaches, such thread-embedding therapy and acupotomy.
Abstract
