• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.25-37
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• 2009

Hereditary peripheral neuropathies can be categorized as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies (HMSN), hereditary motor neuropathies (HMN), and hereditary sensory neuropathies (HSN). HMSN, HMN, and HSN are further subdivided into several subtypes. Here, we review the most recent findings in the molecular diagnosis and therapeutic strategy for hereditary peripheral neuropathies. The products of genes associated with hereditary peripheral neuropathy phenotypes are important for neuronal structure maintenance, axonal transport, nerve signal transduction, and functions related to the cellular integrity. Identifying the molecular basis of hereditary peripheral neuropathy and studying the relevant genes and their functions is important to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of these neurodegenerative disorders, as well as the processes involved in the normal development and function of the peripheral nervous system. These advances and the better understanding of the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathies represent a challenge for the diagnoses and managements of hereditary peripheral neuropathy patients in developing future supportive and curative therapies.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.164-168
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• 2015

Purpose: Flexibility has been considered one of the most important goals in rehabilitation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with the static stretching technique on the flexibility of hamstrings. Methods: Twenty-four subjects (15 men, 9 women) with limited hamstrings flexibility received three different intervention sessions in random order. The treatment sessions included static stretching (SS), static stretching with motor-level TENS (SS with motor TENS) and sensory-level TENS (SS with sensory TENS). All sessions of SS were performed in the straight-leg raise position for 30 seconds followed by rest for 15 seconds, in repetitions for 10 minutes using a belt. The TENS groups underwent TENS stimulation ($40{\mu}s$, 100 Hz) during the stretching for 10 minutes. Outcome measures were evaluated according to active knee extension (AKE) and recorded before the session and at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 15 minutes after the session. Results: There was significant improvement in hamstrings flexibility within all groups (p<0.05). SS with TENS (both sensory and motor) maintained significant increases in knee extension range of motion until 15 minutes post-treatment. In contrast, the SS-only group maintained significantly increased hamstrings flexibility only until 6 minutes post-treatment (p<0.05). Conclusion: Improvement in hamstrings flexibility with SS with TENS was maintained longer than with SS-only intervention. Electrical stimulation with stretching may be more effective than SS alone for increased duration of maintained hamstrings flexibility.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.11
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• pp.835-838
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• 2002

A 68-year-old man with Guillain-Barre syndrome after the resection of right upper lobe for squamous cell lung cancer is presented. He developed a sudden, symmetric, extremity weakness, respiratory insufficiency, and sensory ataxia on postoperative day 6. He was intubated emergently and placed on a ventilator. Electrodiagnostic studies were performed on days 2, 20, and 40 following the onset of weakness. Motor nerve conduction abnormalities were the predominant findings. Prolonged motor distal latencies, temporal dispersion, and partial motor conduction blocks were present and formed the diagnostic features of Guillain-Barre syndrome. With supportive care and additive use of intravenous immunoglobulin, the illness resolved 6 weeks later after the onset of weakness.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.199-207
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of NXP031, an inhibitor of oxidation by specifically binding to the complex of DNA aptamer/vitamin C, on dopaminergic neurons loss and the reaction of microglia in an animal model of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced subchronic Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: A subchronic PD mouse model was induced via an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of MPTP 30 mg/kg per day for five days. NXP031 (vitamin C/aptamer at 200 mg/4 mg/kg) and vitamin C at 200 mg/kg were administered via IP injections at one hour after performing MPTP injection. This process was performed for five days. Motor function was then evaluated with pole and rotarod tests, after which an immunohistochemical analysis was performed. Results: NXP031 administration after MPTP injection significantly improved motor functions (via both pole and rotarod tests) compared to the control (MPTP injection only) (p<.001). NXP031 alleviated the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum caused by MPTP injection. It was found to have a neuroprotective effect by reducing microglia activity. Conclusion: NXP031 can improve impaired motor function, showing neuroprotective effects on dopaminergic neurons in the SN and striatum of MPTP-induced subchronic Parkinson's disease mouse model. Results of this study suggest that NXP031 has potential in future treatments for PD and interventions for nerve recovery.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.176-189
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• 2024

In femoral neuropathy, the femoral nerve is compressed or ischemic. Patients with femoral neuropathy experience muscle atrophy, difficulty flexing the hip joint and extending the knee, decreased sensation of the lower extremities, and loss of patellar tendon reflex. The prognosis of femoral neuropathy is reported to vary, as it takes several days to several months for neurological abnormalities to resolve. We describe a case of a 58-year-old female with a diagnosis of severe femoral neuropathy and complaints of motor weakness and hypoesthesia. The patient underwent combined Western-Korean medicine treatment. The Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Scoring System, Overall Neuropathy Limitations Scale, and Berg Balance Scale were used as evaluation tools during the treatment period. The combined Western-Korean medicine treatment led to a significant improvement in symptoms in this patient with severe femoral neuropathy where the cause was unclear and the prognosis was expected to be poor.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.16-20
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• 2009

Background: Zaprinast is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5, 6 and 9. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors could produce anti-nociceptive effects by promoting the accumulation of cGMP. We hypothesized that intrathecal zaprinast could attenuate the allodynia induced by chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve in rat. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were prepared with four loose ligations of the left sciatic nerve just proximal to the trifurcation into the sural, peroneal and tibial nerve branches. Tactile allodynia was measured by applying von Frey filaments to the lesioned hindpaw. The thresholds for the withdrawal responses were assessed. Zaprinast ($3-100{\mu}g$) was administered intrathecally by the direct lumbar puncture method to obtain the dose-response curve and the 50% effective dose ($ED_{50}$). Measurements were taken before and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 180 min after the intrathecal doses of zaprinast. The side effects were also observed. Results: Intrathecal zaprinast resulted in a dose-dependent antiallodynic effect. The maximal effects occurred within 15-30 min and then they gradually decreased down to the baseline level over time in all the groups. There was a dose dependent increase in the magnitude and duration of the effect. The $ED_{50}$ value was $17.4{\mu}g$ (95% confidence intervals; $14.7-20.5{\mu}g$). No severe motor weakness or sedation was observed in any of the rats. Conclusions: Intrathecally administered zaprinast produced a dose-dependent antiallodynic effect in the chronic constriction injury neuropathic pain model. These findings suggest that spinal phosphodiesterase 5, 6 and 9 may play an important role in the modulation of neuropathic pain.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.79-86
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• 2012

Calcaneal fractures account for 2% of all fractures and approximately 60 to 70% of tarsal fractures. These fractures typically are the result of high-energy injury, such as a motor vehicle accident or a fall from a height. The potential for disabling malunion following intrarticular displaced calcaneal fracture is high, regardless of treatment. Fracture displacement typically results in loss of hindfoot height, varus and widening of the hindfoot, with possible subfibular impingement and irritation of the peroneal tendon and/or sural nerve. Frequently, subtalar joint develops posttraumatic arthritis. In symptomatic patients with calcaneal malunion, systemic evaluation is required to determine the source of pain. Nonsurgical treatment, such as activity and shoe modification, bracing, orthoses, and injection, is effective in many patients. Surgical treatment may involve simple ostectomy, subtalar arthrodesis with or without distraction, or corrective calcaneal osteotomy. A high rate of successful arthrodesis and of patient satisfaction has been reported with surgical manamgent.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.162-167
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• 1991

Epidural steroid therapy has been well-established for the treatment of sciatica and low back pain. Disappointing results following surgical decompression or discectomy pain owing for to nerve root compression have led to trials of corticosteroids injected either systemically or into the intrathecal or epidural space to treat intervertebral disc. Epidural steroid is less effective in the patients with low back pain who have a history of surgical operation, so that the use of epidural morphine and methylprednisolone has been advocated for the amelioration of chronic low back pain in the post-laminectomy pain("failed back") syndrome over the past several years. We treated 47 patients with low back pain who had a history of one or two surgical procedures. We concluded that epidural steroid therapy is less effective in the patients with "failed back" syndrome than in the virgin back furthermore, there is a greater risk of complication such as inadvertent dural puncture and corresponding motor paralysis and headache.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.155-159
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• 1998

Epidural neurolysis with phenol has appeared in literature since 1960. Complications due to accidental subdural block is a rare and unexpected sensory and/or motor disturbance, but it does occur. A 74 years old woman had postherpectic neuralgia for 3 weeks and VAS score of 10. She was treated with intercostal nerve block and intravenous infusion of lidocaine for 7 days and VAS score decreased to 6. To proceed further, we decided to perform epidural neurolysis with 4% phenol 1.5 ml. During thoracic epidural catherization, we encountered unexpected subdural catheterization in subdurographic finding, but we could not precisely rule out subdural catheterization. We had to check CT for exact location of catheter tip. We then performed subdural neurolysis with phenol. This procedure reduced VAS score to between 3 and 4, and we removed the catheter. She had no complication.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.253-256
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• 2001

One of the most serious complications of regional anesthesia is a neurological deficit. Although such a problem is very rare, obstetric patients may develop paresthesia and motor dysfuntion during the postoperative period in association with number of other factors, including direct nerve trauma, equipment problems, adhesive arachnoiditis, anterior spinal artery syndrome, epidural hematoma or abscess and adverse drug effect. We experienced a case of unilateral paraparesis following epidural anesthesia with 20 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine and $25{\mu}g$ of fentanyl in an obstetric patient.