• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.1-4
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• 2009

Objective: To report an unsuspected adaptive plasticity of single upper motor neurons and of primary motor cortex found after microsurgical connection of the spinal cord with peripheral nerve via grafts in paraplegics and focussed discussion of the reviewed literature. Methods: The research aimed at making paraplegics walk again, after 20 years of experimental surgery in animals. Amongst other things, animal experiments demonstrated the alteration of the motor endplates receptors from cholinergic to glutamatergic induced by connection with upper motor neurons. The same paradigm was successfully performed in paraplegic humans. The nerve grafts were put into the ventral-lateral spinal tract randomly, with out possibility of choosing the axons coming from different areas of the motor cortex. Results: The patient became able to selectively activate the re-innervated muscles she wanted without concurrent activities of other muscles connected with the same cortical areas. Conclusion: Authors believe that unlike in nerve or tendon transfers, where the whole cortical area corresponding to the transfer changes its function a phenomenon that we call "brain plasticity by areas". in our paradigm due to the direct connection of upper motor neurons with different peripheral nerves and muscles via nerve grafts motor learning occurs based on adaptive neuronal plasticity so that simultaneous contractions of other muscles are prevented. We propose to call it adaptive functional "plasticity by single neurons". We speculate that this phenomenon is due to the simultaneous activation of neurons spread in different cortical areas for a given specific movement, whilst the other neurons of the same areas connected with peripheral nerves of different muscles are not activated at the same time. Why different neurons of the same area fire at different times according to different voluntary demands remains to be discovered. We are committed to solve this enigma hereafter.

• Transactions of the KSME C: Technology and Education
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.131-140
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• 2015

The mono-ski for the paraplegia designed to skiing is formed as seat bucket on the sled. The impact force transferred by snow surface during skiing is absorbed by the leg joints of normal human, but it is transferred to the human body on the seat when using mono-ski. Most of commercially available mono-ski have absorbing device and link mechanism between seat and ski mount in order to complement it. In this study we developed the comfort evaluation model that could provide skiing simulation of mono-ski with hydraulic damper and analyzed vibrational acceleration occurred during skiing uneven surface. The evaluation method used in this study is the international standard BS6841. We evaluated comfort performance of mono-ski in accordance with nozzle adjustment of hydraulic damper.

• Convergence Security Journal
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• v.14 no.3_1
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• pp.65-70
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• 2014

The aim of this study is to suggest the fitness Avatar model for increasing physical activities in individuals with SCI(spinal cord injury). With the increasing of the disable, the ratio of individuals with SCI is also increasing. Avatar is a movable image that represents a person in a virtual reality environment or in cyberspace. With the expansion of new technology, such as video games and virtual reality, there has been an increase in the interest of using virtual reality in therapy. It is not easy for individuals with SCI to access tho sports facilities due to paraplegia. The increasing physical activities based on virtual reality will be the most innovative and future-oriented approach. First, building a system and establishing a comprehensive support system is essential to activate and spread variety of physical activities for individuals with SCI. Second, providing a appropriate feedback and identifying the effect of intervention will be considered.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.453-459
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• 2013

Although Serbia is recognized as an endemic country for echinococcosis, no information about precise incidence in humans has been available. The aim of this study was to investigate the skeletal manifestations of hydatid disease in Serbia. This retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical database of Institute for Pathology (Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade), a reference institution for bone pathology in Serbia. We reported a total of 41 patients with bone cystic echinococcosis (CE) during the study period. The mean age of 41 patients was $40.9{\pm}18.8$ years. In 39% of patients, the fracture line was the only visible radiological sign, followed by cyst and tumefaction. The spine was the most commonly involved skeletal site (55.8%), followed by the femur (18.6%), pelvis (13.9%), humerus (7.0%), rib (2.3%), and tibia (2.3%). Pain was the symptom in 41.5% of patients, while some patients demonstrated complications such as paraplegia (22.0%), pathologic fracture (48.8%), and scoliosis (9.8%). The pathological fracture most frequently affected the spine (75.0%) followed by the femur (20.0%) and tibia (5.0%). However, 19.5% of patients didn't develop any complication or symptom. In this study, we showed that bone CE is not uncommon in Serbian population. As reported in the literature, therapy of bone CE is controversial and its results are poor. In order to improve the therapy outcome, early diagnosis, before symptoms and complications occur, can be contributive.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.1-11
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• 2016

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess the effects of local vibration on ankle plantarflexion spasticity and clonus in patients with spinal cord injury. METHODS: The subjects were 14 inpatients with complete or incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) whose scores were higher than 1 on the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Spinal Cord Assessment Tool for Spastic Reflexes (SCATS) scale of paraplegia. A randomized single-blind cross-over design was used. Vibration treatment involved a single application of vibration for 10 min in the sitting position, and placebo treatment involved the patient remaining in the sitting position for 10 min. One day after treatment, vibration and placebo treatments were crossed over. Spasticity was measured by using the MAS, and resistance force, by using a hand-held dynamometer; clonus was gauged by using the SCATS scale and clonus burst duration. Additionally, the burst maximal frequency and voluntary ankle dorsiflexion angle of the triceps surae were measured. RESULTS: The application of vibration treatment in the sitting position significantly reduced the MAS scores and resistance force, but significantly increased the dorsiflexion angle of the ankle joint (p<0.05). Furthermore, the vibration treatment diminished the clonus burst duration and SCATS score significantly (p<0.05). Although it reduced the burst maximal frequency of the lateral gastrocnemius and medial soleus, this was significant only for the lateral gastrocnemius. The placebo treatment did not significantly affect any of the test parameters. CONCLUSION: Vibration treatment in the sitting position was effective in cases of spasticity and clonus caused by SCI.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.527-530
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• 2014

Spinal subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAH) can extend into the intracranial subarachnoid space, but, severe cerebral vasospasm is rare complication of the extension of intracranial SAH from a spinal subarachnoid hematoma. A 67-year-old woman started anticoagulant therapy for unstable angina. The next day, she developed severe back pain and paraplegia. MRI showed intradural and extramedullar low signal intensity at the T2-3, consistent with intradural hematoma. High signal intensity was also noted in the spinal cord from C5 to T4. We removed subarachnoid hematoma compressing the spinal cord. The following day, the patient complained of severe headache. Brain CT revealed SAH around both parietal lobes. Three days later, her consciousness decreased and left hemiplegia also developed. Brain MRI demonstrated multiple cerebral infarctions, mainly in the right posterior cerebral artery territory, left parietal lobe and right watershed area. Conventional cerebral angiography confirmed diffuse severe vasospasm of the cerebral arteries. After intensive care for a month, the patient was transferred to the rehabilitation department. After 6 months, neurologic deterioration improved partially. We speculate that surgeons should anticipate possible delayed neurological complications due to cerebral vasospasm if intracranial SAH is detected after spinal subarachnoid hematoma.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.73-80
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• 2018

Carbon monoxide poisoning leads to hypoxia, which eventually leads to tissue ischemia. The delayed neuropsychiatric syndrome can arise in the period from 4 days to 5 weeks following carbon monoxide poisoning. This case report describes a male who suffered from delayed sequelae after self-inflicted carbon monoxide poisoning. At the time of admission, he had symptoms of quadriplegia, both upper limb ankylosis, gait disturbance, and dysuria. He was treated with acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, physical therapy, and Uwhangchungsim-won. Paraplegia improved considerably after 7 days in hospital, and paralysis of the both upper extremities improved after 14 days in hospital. He was able to walk holding on to his wheelchair after 28 days in hospital. He was hospitalized for 55 days and was discharged from the hospital in a fine condition for everyday life. This case report suggests the possibility that korean medicine for delayed neuropsychiatric syndrome.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.117-124
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• 2008

Objective This study was investigated on the Scolopendrid Pharmacopuncture of Caude equina syndrome which has been described as a complex of low back pain, bilateral sciatica, saddle anesthesia and motor weakness in the lower extremity that progress to paraplegia with baldder and bowel incontinence. Methods & Results Clinical observation was done on Cauda equina syndrome in the Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Woosuk jeonju Oriental Medical Hospital frome May 30 to July 13. The patient was treated with Scolopendrid Pharmacopuncture at Shinsu(B23), Gihaesu(B24), Taejangsu(B25), Gwanweonsu(b26), Dangryo(b31), Charyo(b32), Jang-gang(gv1) and Hoe-eum(cv1) with Oriental Medicine treatment. We evaluated SF-36, the bladder incontinence, bowel incontinence, sensibility by sting skin, before and after treatmeat. Conclusion 1. At the early time, gait disturbance was treated well, but discomfort of bladder incontinence, bilateral sciatica, saddle anesthesia and motor weakness was remained. 2. The symptoms of Cauada equina syndrome, especially bladder incontinence and bilateral sciatica, was recurred in short duration by scolopendrid Pharmacopuncture and oriental medicine treatment.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.73-79
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• 2016

Background: The aim of this study was to report our early experiences with the endovascular repair of ruptured descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (rDTAAs), which are a rare and life-threatening condition. Methods: Among 42 patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) between October 2010 and September 2015, five patients (11.9%) suffered an rDTAA. Results: The mean age was $72.4{\pm}5.1years$, and all patients were male. Hemoptysis and hemothorax were present in three (60%) and two (40%) patients, respectively. Hypovolemic shock was noted in three patients who underwent emergency operations. A hybrid operation was performed in three patients. The mean operative time was $269.8{\pm}72.3minutes$. The mean total length of aortic coverage was $186.0{\pm}49.2mm$. No 30-day mortality occurred. Stroke, delirium, and atrial fibrillation were observed in one patient each. Paraplegia did not occur. Endoleak was found in two patients (40%), one of whom underwent an early and successful reintervention. During the mean follow-up period of $16.8{\pm}14.8months$, two patients died; one cause of death was a persistent type 1 endoleak and the other cause was unknown. Conclusion: TEVAR for rDTAA was associated with favorable early mortality and morbidity outcomes. However, early reintervention should be considered if persistent endoleak occurs.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.92-102
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• 2018

Purpose: This study investigated the validity of the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) as a predictor of periodontal disease (PD) over a 12-year period. Methods: Nationwide representative samples of 149,785 adults aged ${\geq}60$ years with PD (International Classification of Disease, 10th revision [ICD-10], K052-K056) were derived from the National Health Insurance Service-Elderly Cohort during 2002-2013. The degree of comorbidity was measured using the CCI (grade 0-6), including 17 diseases weighted on the basis of their association with mortality, and data were analyzed using multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression in order to investigate the associations of comorbid diseases (CDs) with PD. Results: The multivariate Cox regression analysis with adjustment for sociodemographic factors (sex, age, household income, insurance status, residence area, and health status) and CDs (acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, cerebral vascular accident, dementia, pulmonary disease, connective tissue disorders, peptic ulcer, liver disease, diabetes, diabetes complications, paraplegia, renal disease, cancer, metastatic cancer, severe liver disease, and human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]) showed that the CCI in elderly comorbid participants was significantly and positively correlated with the presence of PD (grade 1: hazard ratio [HR], 1.11; P<0.001; grade ${\geq}2$: HR, 1.12, P<0.001). Conclusions: We demonstrated that a higher CCI was a significant predictor of greater risk for PD in the South Korean elderly population.