• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.175-176
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• 2002

Airway inflammation is a characteristic of many lung disorders including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. All these diseases involve the recruitment of immune and inflammatory cells to the lungs leading to systemic and local chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. (omitted)

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.76 no.5
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• pp.237-239
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• 2014

The early pulmonary consequences of inhalation injury are well documented; however, little is known about delayed pulmonary complications following thermal inhalation injury. Although thermal injury below the vocal cords is rare because of effective heat dissipation in the upper airway, inflammatory endobronchial polyps have previously been reported as a delayed complication associated with inhalation injury. We report an extraordinary case of tracheobronchial polyps in patients with smoke inhalation injury. This report shows the delayed development and natural course of tracheobronchial polyps following thermal injury.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.654-664
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• 2021

Background: Ginsenoside Rg3, isolated from Panax ginseng, has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. It is known to reduce inflammation in acute lung injury in mice, and to reduce the expression of inflammatory cytokines and COX-2 in human asthmatic airway epithelium. In this study, we attempted to determine whether ginsenoside Rg3 inhibits airway inflammation, oxidative stress, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in the lungs of asthmatic mice. We also investigated its effects on oxidative stress and the inflammatory response in tracheal epithelial cells. Methods: Asthma symptoms were induced in female BALB/c mice sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA). Mice were divided into five groups: normal controls, OVA-induced asthmatic controls, and asthmatic mice treated with ginsenoside Rg3 or prednisolone by intraperitoneal injection. Inflammatory BEAS-2B cells (human tracheal epithelial cells) treated with ginsenoside Rg3 to investigate its effects on inflammatory cytokines and oxidative responses. Results: Ginsenoside Rg3 treatment significantly reduced eosinophil infiltration, oxidative responses, airway inflammation, and AHR in the lungs of asthmatic mice. Ginsenoside Rg3 reduced Th2 cytokine and chemokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and lung. Inflammatory BEAS-2B cells treated with ginsenoside Rg3 reduced the eotaxin and pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions, and monocyte adherence to BEAS-2B cells was significantly reduced as a result of decreased ICAM-1 expression. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rg3 reduced the expression of reactive oxygen species in inflammatory BEAS-2B cells. Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rg3 is a potential immunomodulator that can ameliorate pathological features of asthma by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.28-30
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• 2016

Major maxillofacial bone injury itself can be life threatening from both cardiovascular point of view, as well as airway obstruction. Significant hemorrhage from facial fracture is an uncommon occurrence, and there is little in the literature to guide the management of these patients. We report a 73-year-old male driver who was transported to our hospital after a motor vehicle collision. The patient was hypotensive and tachycardic at presentation and required active fluid resuscitation and transfusion. The patient was intubated to protect the airway. All external attempts to control the bleeding, from packing to fracture reduction, were unsuccessful. Emergency angiogram revealed the bleeding to originate from terminal branches of the sphenopalatine artery, which were embolized. This was associated with cessation of bleeding and stabilization of vital signs. Despite the age and severity of injury, the patient recovered well and was discharged home at 3 months with full employment. In facial trauma patients with intractable bleeding, transcatheter arterial embolization should be considered early in the course of management to decrease mortality rate.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.53-55
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• 2010

A thyroid cartilage fracture is a rare entity and can be overlooked easily. Such cases are difficult to diagnose, and assessment and treatment guidelines are difficult to determine. CT of the neck region may be useful when acute airway intervention is not required or when more information regarding the neck's anatomy is required for management decisions. We describe a case of a thyroid cartilage fracture with displacement. In the emergency department (ED), neck CT and fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy were used to assess the status of the patient's (a male) vocal chords immediately. He remained unable to phonate continuously. After an immediate assessment, we decided to use steroid and conservative therapy. The patient had a good recovery and was without symptoms one month after injury. There is no question that early surgical repair of neck injuries affords the best results for airway and voice patency in most cases however, we suspect that surgical repair is not needed in all cases. Early recognition and an accurate therapy plan for a thyroid fracture with displacement are essential. Therefore, the emergency physician's immediate and careful decision based on endoscopy and neck CT is important for the patient's long-term recovery.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.259-265
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• 2001

Mercury vapor inhalation-induced acute respiratory failure(ARF) has been reported to be fatal. This study was designed to observe the possible mechanism of inhaled mercury vapor poisoning in the respiratory system. Sixty percent of rats(12/20) exposed to mercury vapor were dead within 72 hours of exposure whereas all the rats(20/20) exposed to mercury vapor combined with dithiothreitol(DTT) vapor survived. The histological observation showed that ARF was a direct cause of the death induced by mercury vapor inhalation, which was significantly circumvented by DTT vapor. Cyclic AMP mediated chloride secretion was inhibited by luminal side but not serosal side sulfhydryl blocking agents (Hf$^{2+}$ $\rho$-chloromercuribenzoic acid or $\rho$-chloromercuriphenyl sulfonic acid) in a dose-dependent manner in a primary cultured rat airway monolayer. The inhibitory component of cAMP induced chloride secretion was completely restored by luminal side DTT(0.5mM). these results suggest that the oxidized form(Hg$^{2+}$) of mercury vapor(Hg0) contribute to ARF and subsequent death. The finding is important as it can provide important information regarding emergency manipulation of ARF patients suffering from by mercury vapor poisoning.ing.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.179-183
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• 2005

Whiplash injury commonly seen in automobile accident. This type of acceleration-deceleration injury may rarely lead to unfavorable outcomes as in the case of retropharyngeal hematoma. Because this lesion has the possibility of compressing the potential airway acutely or gradually, not only the rapid assessment and treatment but also closed observation are needed. We report a case of a 20-year-old man, who sustained a whiplash injury from contact with the headrest of his seat after his car was involved in a rollover. He had no symptom except posterior neck pain initially, but complained odynophagia and acute dyspnea after 10 hours of admission. The diagnostic work-up comprising lateral radiograph, CT imaging disclosed the rare constellation of a retropharyngeal hematoma with cervical spine fractures. Medical treatment and close observation were sufficient for the patient because he had no progressive dyspnea or major dysphagia.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.2613-2617
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• 2015

Radiation induced lung injury has long been considered a treatment limiting factor for patients requiring thoracic radiation. This radiation induced lung injury happens early as well as late. Radiation induced lung injury can occur in two phases viz. early (< 6 months) when it is called radiation pneumonitis and late (>6 months) when it is called radiation induced lung fibrosis. There are multiple factors that can be patient, disease or treatment related that predict the incidence and severity of radiation pneumonitis. Radiation induced damage to the type I pneumocytes is the triggering factor to initiate such reactions. Over the years, radiation therapy has witnessed a paradigm shift in radiation planning and delivery and successfully reduced the incidence of lung injury. Radiation pneumonitis is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. Steroids, ACE inhibitors and pentoxyphylline constitute the cornerstone of therapy. Radiation induced lung fibrosis is another challenging aspect. The pathophysiology of radiation fibrosis includes continuing inflammation and microvascular changes due to pro-angiogenic and profibrogenic stimuli resembling those in adult bronchiectasis. General supportive management, mobilization of airway secretions, anti-inflammatory therapy and management of acute exacerbations remains the treatment option. Radiation induced lung injury is an inevitable accompaniment of thoracic radiation.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.168-172
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• 2022

Purpose: The neck is a particularly critical region for penetrating injuries due to the close proximity of the trachea, esophagus, blood vessels, and the spinal cord. An open neck injury has the potential for serious morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the assessment and management of open neck injuries. Methods: In this retrospective study, open neck injury patients who were admitted to the Trauma Center of Daejeon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University between December 2015 and December 2017 were analyzed for epidemiology, the mechanism of trauma, the injured organ, complications, and mortality. Results: Thirty-two patients presented with open neck injuries. All patients underwent computed tomographic angiography to evaluate their injuries once their vital signs stabilized. Among these patients, 27 required surgical treatment. The most commonly injured organ was the airway. There were five deaths, and the main cause of death was bleeding. Mortality was associated with the initial systolic blood pressure at the hospital and Glasgow Coma Scale. Conclusions: Mortality from open neck injuries was associated with initial systolic blood pressure at the hospital and Glasgow Coma Scale.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.174-179
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• 2010

Objective : Cricothyrotomy and tracheostomy are performed by physicians in various disciplines. It is important to know the comprehensive anatomy of the laryngotracheal region. Hemorrhage, esophageal injury, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, pneumothorax, hemothorax, false passage of the tube and tracheal stenosis after decannulation are well known complications of the cricothyrotomy and tracheostomy. Cricothyrotomy and tracheostomy should be performed without complications and as quickly as possible with regards the patients' clinical condition. Methods : A total of 40 cadaver necks were dissected in this study. The trachea and larynx and the relationship between the trachea and larynx and the surrounding structures was investigated. The tracheal cartilages and annular ligaments were counted and the relationship between tracheal cartilages and the thyroid gland and vascular structures was investigated. We performed cricothyrotomy and tracheostomy in eleven cadavers while simulating intensive care unit conditions to determine the duration of those procedures. Results : There were 11 tracheal cartilages and 10 annular ligaments between the cricoid cartilage and sternal notch. The average length of trachea between the cricoid cartilage and the suprasternal notch was 6.9 to 8.2 cm. The cricothyroid muscle and cricothyroid ligament were observed and dissected and no vital anatomic structure detected. The average length and width of the cricothyroid ligament was 8 to 12 mm and 8 to 10 mm, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the surgical time required for cricothyrotomy and tracheostomy (p < 0.0001). Conclusion : Tracheostomy and cricothyrotomy have a low complication rate if the person performing the procedure has thorough knowledge of the neck anatomy. The choice of tracheostomy or cricothyrotomy to establish an airway depends on the patients' clinical condition, for instance; cricothyrotomy should be preferred in patients with cervicothoracal injury or dislocation who suffer from respiratory dysfunction. Furthermore; if a patient is under risk of hypoxia or anoxia due to a difficult airway, cricothyrotomy should be preferred rather than tracheostomy.