• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.93-100
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• 2018

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gaseous molecule produced from heme by heme oxygenase (HO). Endogenous CO production occurring at low concentrations is thought to have several useful biological roles. In mammals, especially humans, a proper neurovascular unit comprising endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, microglia, and neurons is essential for the homeostasis and survival of the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, the regeneration of neurovascular systems from neural stem cells and endothelial precursor cells after CNS diseases is responsible for functional repair. This review focused on the possible role of CO/HO in the neurovascular unit in terms of neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and synaptic plasticity, ultimately leading to behavioral changes in CNS diseases. CO/HO may also enhance cellular networks among endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, and neural stem cells. This review highlights the therapeutic effects of CO/HO on CNS diseases involved in neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and angiogenesis. Moreover, the cellular mechanisms and interactions by which CO/HO are exploited for disease prevention and their therapeutic applications in traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke are also discussed.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.86-91
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• 2012

Purpose: Mass can compress around tissue and cause deviation of normal anatomical structures. Often, mass grows toward neurovascular pedicle and encircles depending on the nature of mature mass. Neglecting neurovascular involvement of the mass is a serious problem not to be overlooked. Authors have performed microscopic approach regarding mass involving the neurovascular pedicle in the hand. Materials and Methods: From January 2007 through February 2012, retrospective analysis for nine cases of mass involving neurovascular pedicles was done. Patients were evaluated preoperatively by ultrasonography or MRI and checked intraoperative finding. Masses were evaluated by site, preoperative evaluation, involved neurovascular pedicle, histopathologic diagnosis, complication, and recurrence. Results: The site of mass involving neurovascular pedicles was 4 cases on the wrist, 2 cases on the palm, 2 cases on the finger, 1 case on the hand dorsum. Involved neurovascular pedicles were 3 radial arteries and nerves, 3 proper digital arteries and nerves, 1 radial artery, 1 superficial branch of radial nerve, 1 common digital artery and nerve. The histopathologic diagnosis of mass were 3 ganglions, 2 giant cell tumors, 2 epidermal cysts, 1 fibroma, and 1 benign spindle tumor. There were 2 cases of recurrence and secondary excisions were performed. Conclusion: Neurovascular pedicle injury can lead to serious complication like sensory and motor disorders, distal part ischemia, and so on. In case of mass suspected neurovascular invasion, accurate preoperative evaluation such as ultrasonography or MRI is necessary. To prevent any neurovascular related complication during mass excision, delicate surgical technique using a microscope becomes essential.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.102-106
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• 2008

Purpose: To evaluate the anatomical localization of neurovascular bundle at the level of the korean knee joint using a magnetic resonance imaging study and minimize the risk of neurovascular injury from arthroscopy surgery. Materials and Methods: The transverse and central axes were described on axial MRI scans of 100 korean knee joints. The distance between the neurovascular bundle and central axis was measured. The differences in neurovascular bundle localization according to sex and side were analyzed. The results were evaluated with SPSS(ver. 10.1). The influence of sex was evaluated by t-test. The difference between right and left side was evaluated by paired t-test. Significance was considered as p<0.05. Results: Whereas neurovascular bundle localization was lateral to the central axis in 94 cases(94%), it was on central axis in 6 cases(6%). There was no statistically significant difference of sex and side(P>0.05). Conclusion: Preoperative evaluation of neurovascular bundle with MR axial scans may prevent neurovascular injury when performing arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and interventions on the posterior horns of menisci.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.45-57
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• 2020

In the neurovascular unit, the neuronal and vascular systems communicate with each other. O₂ and nutrients, reaching endothelial cells (ECs) through the blood stream, spread into neighboring cells, such as neural stem cells, and neurons. The proper function of neural circuits in adults requires sufficient O₂ and glucose for their metabolic demands through angiogenesis. In a central nervous system (CNS) injury, such as glioma, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease, damaged ECs can contribute to tissue hypoxia and to the consequent disruption of neuronal functions and accelerated neurodegeneration. This review discusses the current evidence regarding the contribution of oxygen deprivation to CNS injury, with an emphasis on hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-mediated pathways and Notch signaling. Additionally, it focuses on adult neurological functions and angiogenesis, as well as pathological conditions in the CNS. Furthermore, the functional interplay between HIFs and Notch is demonstrated in pathophysiological conditions.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.61-68
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• 2023

Anatomical knowledge of the occipital condyle (OC) and its relationships to surrounding structures is important for avoiding injury during craniovertebral junction (CVJ) surgeries. This study was conducted to evaluate the morphology and morphometry of OC and its relationship to foramen magnum, jugular foramen (JF), and hypoglossal canal (HC). Morphometric parameters including length, width, height, and distances from the OC to surrounding structures were measured. The oval-like condyle was the most common OC shape, representing for 33.0% of all samples. The mean length, width and height of OC were 21.3±2.4, 10.5±1.4, and 7.4±1.1 mm, respectively. Moreover, OC was classified into three types based on its length. The most common OC length in both sexes was moderate length or type II (62.5%). The mean distance between anterior tips and posterior tips of OC to basion, and opisthion were 11.5±1.4, 39.1±3.3, 25.2±2.2, and 27.4±2.7 mm, respectively. The location of intracranial orifice of HC was commonly found related to middle 1/3 of OC in 45.0%. JF was related to the anterior 2/3 of OC in 81.0%, the anterior 1/3 of OC in 12.5%, and the entire OC length in 6.5%. These morphological analysis and morphometric data should be taken into consideration before performing surgical operation to avoid CVJ instability and neurovascular structure injury.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.51-55
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• 2022

Pelvic ring injuries have high mortality and morbidity rates, and they are difficult to treat because accompanying injuries to the pelvic organs, genitourinary organs, and neurovascular tissues are common. Genitourinary injuries are common comorbid injuries that have been reported to occur in 5% to 6% of all pelvic ring injuries. However, these injuries usually occur simultaneously with the pelvic ring injury, whereas relatively little research has dealt with genitourinary injuries that occur after treatment of a pelvic ring injury. To the best of our knowledge, only three cases of delayed bladder perforation due to screw loosening after symphyseal plate fixation in anterior pelvic ring injury have been reported worldwide, and no such cases have yet been reported in Korea. Since the authors experienced this very rare complication after pelvic ring surgery, we report this case along with a literature review.

• The Academic Congress of Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society
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• 2003.11a
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• pp.61-63
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• 2003

- Injury to the neurovascular structures can be minimized - Incising the skin only - Using blunt dissection and blunt trocars - Distending the joint - Placing the anterior portals in a more proximal position - With more innovation in instrument and techni

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.173-178
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• 2021

Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury is usually caused by stretching or crushing of the neurovascular structures and postoperative intra-alveolar hematoma or edema after dental procedures. This results in paresthesia in the ipsilateral chin, lip (vermilion border, skin, and mucosa), and labial or buccal alveolar mucosa of the mandibular anterior teeth. However, there are no reports of sensory alterations in the teeth, especially tooth hypersensitivity, after IAN injury. I report a case in which paresthesia of the lower lip and hypersensitivity of the lower anterior teeth occurred simultaneously after the removal of the third molar that was located close to the IAN. In addition, I discuss the reasons for the different sensory changes between the tooth and chin (skin) after nerve injury from a neurophysiological point of view. Since the dental pulp and periodontal apparatus are highly innervated by the inferior alveolar sensory neurons, it seems necessary to pay attention to the changes in tooth sensitivity if IAN injury occurs during dental procedures.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.105-115
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• 2016

Purpose: While all midshaft clavicle fractures have traditionally been treated with conservative measures, recent operative treatment of displaced, communited midshaft clavicle fractures has become more common. Though a recent increase in operative treatment for midshaft clavicle fractures, we have done the operative methods in limited cases. The aim of this study is to present indications, operative techniques and outcomes of the experienced cases that have applied to this limited group over the previous 10 years. Methods: This study consists of a retrospective review of radiological and clinical data from January of 2005 to July of 2015. Operative criteria for midshaft clavicle fractures having considerable risk of bone healing process were 4 groups - a floating shoulder, an open fracture, an associated neurovascular injury, and a nonunion case after previous treatment. Results: The study consisted of 18 patients who had operative treatment for midshaft clavicle fractures in adults. The most common surgical indication was a floating shoulder (10 cases, 55.6%), followed by nonunion (5 cases, 27.8%), an associated neurovascular injury (4 cases, 22.2%), and open fracture (3 cases, 16.7%). All cases were treated by open reduction and internal fixation in anterosuperior position with reconstruction plate or locking compression plate. Bone union was achieved in all cases except 1 case which was done bone resection due to infected nonunion. Mean bone union period was 19.5 weeks. There were no postoperative complications, but still sequelae in 4 cases of brachial plexus injury. Conclusion: We have conducted an open reduction and internal fixation by anterosuperior position for midshaft clavicle fractures in very limited surgical indications for last 10 years. Our treatment strategy for midshaft clavicle fractures showed favorable radiological results and low postoperative complications.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.599-609
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• 2021

Ginseng has long been considered as an herbal medicine. Recent data suggest that ginseng has antiinflammatory properties and can improve learning- and memory-related function in the central nervous system (CNS) following the development of CNS neuroinflammatory diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, cerebral ischemia, and other neurological disorders. In this review, we discuss the role of ginseng in the neurovascular unit, which is composed of endothelial cells surrounded by astrocytes, pericytes, microglia, neural stem cells, oligodendrocytes, and neurons, especially their blood-brain barrier maintenance, anti-inflammatory effects and regenerative functions. In addition, cell-cell communication enhanced by ginseng may be attributed to regeneration via induction of neurogenesis and angiogenesis in CNS diseases. Thus, ginseng may have therapeutic potential to exert cognitive improvement in neuroinflammatory diseases such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.