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1.  Transorbital Penetrating Intracranial Injury by a Chopstick 
A 38-year-old man fell from a chair with a chopstick in his hand. The chopstick penetrated his left eye. He noticed pain, swelling, and numbness around his left eye. On physical examination, a linear wound was noted at the medial aspect of the left eyelid. Noncontrast computed tomography (CT) study showed a linear hypodense structure extending from the medial aspect of the left orbit to the occipital bone, suggesting a foreign body. This foreign body was hyperdense relative to normal parenchyma. From a CT scan with 3-dimensional reconstruction, the foreign body was found to be passing through the optic canal into the cranium. The clear plastic chopstick was withdrawn without difficulty. The patient was discharged home 3 weeks after his surgery. A treatment plan for a transorbital penetrating injury should be determined by a multidisciplinary team, with input from neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2012.52.4.414
PMCID: PMC3488655  PMID: 23133735
Penetrating; Foreign body; Orbit; Craniocerebral trauma
2.  Neurotization from Two Medial Pectoral Nerves to Musculocutaneous Nerve in a Pediatric Brachial Plexus Injury 
Traumatic brachial plexus injuries can be devastating, causing partial to total denervation of the muscles of the upper extremities. Surgical reconstruction can restore motor and/or sensory function following nerve injuries. Direct nerve-to-nerve transfers can provide a closer nerve source to the target muscle, thereby enhancing the quality and rate of recovery. Restoration of elbow flexion is the primary goal for patients with brachial plexus injuries. A 4-year-old right-hand-dominant male sustained a fracture of the left scapula in a car accident. He was treated conservatively. After the accident, he presented with motor weakness of the left upper extremity. Shoulder abduction was grade 3 and elbow flexor was grade 0. Hand function was intact. Nerve conduction studies and an electromyogram were performed, which revealed left lateral and posterior cord brachial plexopathy with axonotmesis. He was admitted to Rehabilitation Medicine and treated. However, marked neurological dysfunction in the left upper extremity was still observed. Six months after trauma, under general anesthesia with the patient in the supine position, the brachial plexus was explored through infraclavicular and supraclavicular incisions. Each terminal branch was confirmed by electrophysiology. Avulsion of the C5 roots and absence of usable stump proximally were confirmed intraoperatively. Under a microscope, neurotization from the musculocutaneous nerve to two medial pectoral nerves was performed with nylon 8-0. Physical treatment and electrostimulation started 2 weeks postoperatively. At a 3-month postoperative visit, evidence of reinnervation of the elbow flexors was observed. At his last follow-up, 2 years following trauma, the patient had recovered Medical Research Council (MRC) grade 4+ elbow flexors. We propose that neurotization from medial pectoral nerves to musculocutaneous nerve can be used successfully to restore elbow flexion in patients with brachial plexus injuries.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2012.52.3.267
PMCID: PMC3483334  PMID: 23115676
Brachial plexus; Neurotization; Pectoral nerve; Musculocutaneous nerve
3.  Pulmonary Artery Stents-Still "Off Label" 
Korean Circulation Journal  2012;42(1):8-9.
doi:10.4070/kcj.2012.42.1.8
PMCID: PMC3283761  PMID: 22363377
4.  Surgical Results of Selective Median Neurotomy for Wrist and Finger Spasticity 
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of selective median neurotomy (SMN) for spastic wrist and fingers.
Methods
We studied 22 patients with wrist and finger spasticity refractory to optimal oral medication and physical therapy. The authors evaluated spasticity of the wrist and finger muscles by comparing preoperative states with postoperative states using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). We checked patients for changes in pain according to the visual analog scale (VAS) and degree of satisfaction based on the VAS.
Results
The preoperative mean MAS score was 3.27±0.46 (mean±SD), and mean MAS scores at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery were 1.82±0.5, 1.73±0.7, and 1.77±0.81 (mean±SD), respectively. On the last follow-up visit, the mean MAS score measured 1.64±0.9 (mean±SD). Wrist and finger spasticity was significantly decreased at 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation (p<0.01). The preoperative mean pain VAS score was 5.85±1.07 (mean±SD), and the mean pain VAS score on the last follow-up visit after surgery was 2.28±1.8 (mean±SD). Compared with the preoperative mean pain VAS score, postoperative mean pain VAS score was decreased significantly (p<0.01). On the basis of a VAS ranging from 0 to 100, the mean degree of patient satisfaction was 64.09±15.93 (mean±SD, range 30-90).
Conclusion
The authors propose SMN as a possible effective procedure in achieving useful, long-lasting tone and in gaining voluntary movements in spastic wrists and fingers with low morbidity rates.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2011.50.2.95
PMCID: PMC3206285  PMID: 22053226
Median nerve; Surgical procedure; Muscle spasticity; Wrist; Fingers
5.  Ulnar Nerve Compression in Guyon's Canal by Ganglion Cyst 
Compression of the ulnar nerve in Guyon's canal can result from repeated blunt trauma, fracture of the hamate's hook, and arterial thrombosis or aneurysm. In addition, conditions such as ganglia, rheumatoid arthritis and ulnar artery disease can rapidly compress the ulnar nerve in Guyon's canal. A ganglion cyst can acutely protrude or grow, which also might compress the ulnar nerve. So, clinicians should consider a ganglion cyst in Guyon's canal as a possible underlying cause of ulnar nerve compression in patients with a sudden decrease in hand strength. We believe that early decompression with removal of the ganglion is very important to promote complete recovery.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2011.49.2.139
PMCID: PMC3079103  PMID: 21519507
Guyon's canal; Ganglion cyst; Compression
6.  Selective Musculocutaneous Neurotomy for Spastic Elbow 
Objective
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and outcome of selective musculocutaneous neurotomy (SMcN) for spastic elbow.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 14 patients with spasticity of their elbows. The patients were selected using clinical and analytical scales, as well as nerve block tests, for assessment. Their mean age was 37.29 years (range, 19-63 years). SMcN was performed for these patients, and the mean follow-up period was 30.71 months (range, 19-54 months).
Results
The modified Ashworth scale (MAS) scores recorded before and after the SMcN showed that the patients' mean preoperative MAS score of 3.28 ± 0.12 was improved to 1.71 ± 0.12, 1.78 ± 0.18, 1.92 ± 0.16 and 1.78 ± 0.18 at postoperative 3, 6, 12 months and last follow-up, respectively. On the basis of a visual analogue score ranging from 0-100, the patients' mean degree of satisfaction score was 65.00 ± 16.52 (range, 30-90).
Conclusion
We believe that SMcN can be a good and effective treatment modality with low morbidity in appropriately selected patients who have localized spastic elbow with good antagonist muscles and without joint contracture.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2010.48.3.236
PMCID: PMC2966725  PMID: 21082051
Elbow; Muscle spasticity; Musculocutaneous nerve; Neurotomy; Surgical procedure
7.  A Painful Glomus Tumor on the Pulp of the Distal Phalanx 
A 52-year-old female patient presented with an 8-year history of progressively intense pain, cold sensitivity, and severe tenderness to palpation of the ulnar side of the tip of her right little finger. Subsequent diagnostic evaluation with ultrasonographic imaging revealed the presence of a glomus tumor in the tender area. Glomus tumors are benign, occurring in the vascular hamartomatous tubercles of the glomus body, which is a myoarterial apparatus typically found in the reticular dermis of the skin. Distal glomus tumors are relatively uncommon, and account for approximately 1% of all hand tumors. Most of them are located in the subungual area because of its high concentration of glomus bodies. We report a case of a glomus tumor with a typical triad of symptoms, yet with a rare location : on the pulp of the ulnar aspect of the distal phalanx of the right little finger.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2010.48.2.185
PMCID: PMC2941867  PMID: 20856673
Glomus tumor; Finger; Pain
8.  Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Intractable Pain Associated with Cauda Equina Syndrome 
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an effective treatment for bladder and bowel dysfunction, and also has a role in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain. We report two cases of intractable pain associated with cauda equina syndrome (CES) that were treated successfully by SNS. The first patient suffered from intractable pelvic pain with urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence after surgery for a herniated lumbar disc. The second patient underwent surgery for treatment of a burst fracture and developed intractable pelvic area pain, right leg pain, excessive urinary frequency, urinary incontinence, voiding difficulty and constipation one year after surgery. A SNS trial was performed on both patients. Both patients' pain was significantly improved and urinary symptoms were much relieved. Neuromodulation of the sacral nerves is an effective treatment for idiopathic urinary frequency, urgency, and urge incontinence. Sacral neuromodulation has also been used to control various forms of pelvic pain. Although the mechanism of action of neuromodulation remains unexplained, numerous clinical success reports suggest that it is a therapy with efficacy and durability. From the results of our research, we believe that SNS can be a safe and effective option for the treatment of intractable pelvic pain with incomplete CES.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2010.47.6.473
PMCID: PMC2899040  PMID: 20617098
Sacral Plexus; Neuromodulator; Pain; Cauda Equina
9.  Long-Term Results of Microsurgical Selective Tibial Neurotomy for Spastic Foot : Comparison of Adult and Child 
Objective
Selective neurotomy is generally a safe, effective, and long-lasting treatment for patients with spastic equinovarus foot deformity. We retrospectively analyzed the results of microsurgical selective tibial neurotomy (STN) for spastic feet in adults and children.
Methods
A neurosurgeon selected 32 patients with 45 spastic feet (adults : 13, children : 32) to undergo microsurgical STN between October 1998 and September 2007. A physician of rehabilitation assessed spasticity pre- and postoperatively, that was based on the Ashworth scale, ankle clonus, and the amplitude of ankle dorsiflexion. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 36.7 months in adults and 42.5 months in children.
Results
Spastic components of the feet were corrected immediately after surgery in both the adult and child groups. The mean Ashworth's grade changed from 3.6 ± 0.40 to 1.6 ± 0.70 in adults and from 3.7 ± 0.69 to 1.4 ± 0.49 in children. Mean ankle clonus decreased markedly, from 1.6 ± 0.79 to 0.3 ± 0.42 in adults and from 1.7 ± 0.65 to 0.3 ± 0.56 in children. The mean amplitude of ankle dorsiflexion was improved, but eight (adults: 4, children: 4) contracted feet needed complementary orthopedic correction for acceptable results.
Conclusion
STN can be effective in the long-term for improving lower limb function and reduction of equinovarus deformity. Our results demonstrate that STN might be an effective procedure for treating localized harmful spastic feet in adults and children.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2010.47.4.247
PMCID: PMC2864815  PMID: 20461163
Foot; Spasticity; Surgical procedures; Children; Adults
10.  Median Nerve Stimulation in a Patient with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type II 
A 54-year-old man experienced injury to the second finger of his left hand due to damage from a paintball gun shot 8 years prior, and the metacarpo-phalangeal joint was amputated. He gradually developed mechanical allodynia and burning pain, and there were trophic changes of the thenar muscle and he reported coldness on his left hand and forearm. A neuroma was found on the left second common digital nerve and was removed, but his symptoms continued despite various conservative treatments including a morphine infusion pump on his left arm. We therefore attempted median nerve stimulation to treat the chronic pain. The procedure was performed in two stages. The first procedure involved exposure of the median nerve on the mid-humerus level and placing of the electrode. The trial stimulation lasted for 7 days and the patient's symptoms improved. The second procedure involved implantation of a pulse generator on the left subclavian area. The mechanical allodynia and pain relief score, based on the visual analogue scale, decreased from 9 before surgery to 4 after surgery. The patient's activity improved markedly, but trophic changes and vasomotor symptom recovered only moderately. In conclusion, median nerve stimulation can improve chronic pain from complex regional pain syndrome type II.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2009.46.3.273
PMCID: PMC2764030  PMID: 19844632
Complex regional pain syndrome; Median nerve; Peripheral nerve stimulation
11.  Effect of the Combined Use of Tramadol and Milnacipran on Pain Threshold in an Animal Model of Fibromyalgia 
Background/Aims
Acidic saline injections produce mechanical hyperresponsiveness in male Sprague-Dawley rats. We investigated the effect of milnacipran in conjunction with tramadol on the pain threshold in an acidic saline animal model of pain.
Methods
The left gastrocnemius muscle of 20 male rats was injected with 100 µL of saline at pH 4.0 under brief isoflurane anesthesia on days 0 and 5. Rats administered acidic saline injections were separated into four study subgroups. After determining the pre-drug pain threshold, rats were injected intraperitoneally with one of the following regimens; saline, milnacipran alone (60 mg/kg), milnacipran (40 mg/kg) plus tramadol (20 mg/kg), or milnacipran (40 mg/kg) plus tramadol (40 mg/kg). Paw withdrawal in response to pressure was measured at 30 min, 120 min, and 5 days after injection. Nociceptive thresholds, expressed in grams, were measured with a Dynamic Plantar Aesthesiometer (Ugo Basile, Italy) by applying increasing pressure to the right or left hind paw until the rat withdrew the paw.
Results
A potent antihyperalgesic effect was observed when tramadol and milnacipran were used in combination (injected paw, p=0.001; contralateral paw, p=0.012). This finding was observed only at 30 min after the combination treatment.
Conclusions
We observed potentiation of the antihyperalgesic effect when milnacipran and tramadol were administered in combination in an animal model of fibromyalgia. Further research is required to determine the efficacy of various combination treatments in fibromyalgia in humans.
doi:10.3904/kjim.2009.24.2.139
PMCID: PMC2698623  PMID: 19543493
Fibromyalgia; Pain; Acidic saline animal model; Tramadol; Milnacipran
12.  Syringomyelia Associated with a Spinal Arachnoid Cyst 
While syringomyelia is not a rare spinal disorder, syringomyelia associated with a spinal arachnoid cyst is very unusual. Here, we report a 62-year-old man who suffered from gait disturbance and numbness of bilateral lower extremities. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the presence of a spinal arachnoid cyst between the 7th cervical and 3rd thoracic vertebral segment and syringomyelia extending between the 6th cervical and 1st thoracic vertebral segment. The cyst had compressed the spinal cord anteriorly. Syringomyelia usually results from lesions that partially obstruct cerebrospinal fluid flow. Therefore, we concluded that the spinal arachnoid cyst was causing the syringomyelia. After simple excision of the arachnoid cyst, the symptoms were relieved. A follow-up MRI demonstrated that the syringomyelia had significantly decreased in size after removal of the arachnoid cyst. This report presents an unusual case of gait disturbance caused by syringomyelia associated with a spinal arachnoid cyst.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2009.45.5.315
PMCID: PMC2693796  PMID: 19516954
Syringomyelia; Arachnoid cyst; Spinal cord neoplasm
13.  Delayed Bilateral Abducens Nerve Palsy after Head Trauma 
Although the incidence of unilateral abducens nerve palsy has been reported to be as high as 1% to 2.7% of head trauma cases, bilateral abducens nerve palsy following trauma is extremely rare. In this report, we present the case of a patient who developed a bilateral abducens nerve palsy and hypoglossal nerve palsy 3 days after suffering head trauma. He had a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 15 points. Computed tomography (CT) images demonstrated clivus epidural hematoma and subarachnoid hemorrhage on the basal cistern. Herein, we discuss the possible mechanisms of these nerve palsies and its management.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2008.44.6.396
PMCID: PMC2615146  PMID: 19137087
Abducens nerve palsy; Hypoglossal nerve palsy; Epidural hematoma; Clivus
14.  Long Term Results of Microsurgical Dorsal Root Entry Zonotomy for Upper Extremity Spasticity 
Objective
The purpose of the present study is to assess the long-term results of microsurgical dorsal root entry zonotomy (MDT) for the treatment of medically intractable upper-extremity spasticity.
Methods
The records of nine adult patients who underwent MDT by one operating neurosurgeon from March 1999 to June 2004 were retrospectively reviewed by another investigator who had no role in the management of these patients. In all patients, MDT was performed on all roots of the upper limb (from C5 to T1) for spasticity of the upper extremity. The degree of spasticity was measured by the Modified Ashworth Scale (grade 0-4). Severity of the pain level was determined using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS, score 0-10). Also, patient satisfaction of the post-operative outcome was assessed.
Results
Comparing the preoperative and postoperative spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale, we observed improvement in all patients, particularly in five of the nine patients (55.6%) who improved by three grades over an average of 66.4 months (range, 40-96). Regarding patient satisfaction, seven patients (77.8%) had affirmative results. None of the patients experienced severe, life-threatening, postoperative complications. We observed a decrease in the intensity of painful spasms to less than three scores as measured by NRS in all four patients with associated pain.
Conclusion
This study shows that MDT provides significant, long-term reduction of harmful spasticity and associated pain in the upper limbs.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2008.43.4.182
PMCID: PMC2588261  PMID: 19096640
Muscle spasticity; Upper extremity; Spinal cord; DREZ operation; Long-term effect
15.  Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, Associated With Synovial Chondromatosis 
A 62-year-old female patient suffered from numbness and resting pain in the right ring and little fingers for 3 years. We confirmed cubital tunnel syndrome with electrodiagnostic study and performed the operation. We found seven firm consistent nodules, compressing the overlying the ulnar nerve, proximal to the medial epicondyle in the operation field. Histological finding showed synovial chondromatosis. We report a rare case of a patient with cubital tunnel syndrome caused by synovial chondromatosis.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2008.43.2.109
PMCID: PMC2588235  PMID: 19096614
Cubital tunnel syndrome; Synovial chondromatosis
16.  Analysis of Failed Spinal Cord Stimulation Trials in the Treatment of Intractable Chronic Pain 
Objective
The purpose of this study is to identify the factors affecting the failure of trials (<50% pain reduction in pain for trial period) to improve success rate of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) trial.
Methods
A retrospective review of the failed trials (44 patients, 36.1%) among the patients (n=122) who underwent SCS trial between January 1990 and December 1998 was conducted. We reviewed the causes of failed trial stimulation, age, sex, etiology of pain, type of electrode, and third party support.
Results
Of the 44 patients, 65.9% showed unacceptable pain relief in spite of sufficient paresthesia on the pain area with trial stimulation. Four of six patients felt insufficient paresthesia with stimulation had the lesions of the spinal cord. Seventy five percent of the patients experienced unpleasant or painful sensation during stimulation had allodynia dominant pain. Third-party involvement, sex, age and electrode type had no influence on the outcome.
Conclusion
We conclude that SCS trial is less effective for patients with neuropathic pain of cord lesions, postherpetic neuropathy or post-amputation state. Further, patients with allodynia dominant pain can feel unpleasant or painful during trial stimulation.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2008.43.2.85
PMCID: PMC2588233  PMID: 19096610
Spinal cord stimulation; Cord lesion; Allodynia; Paresthesia; Chronic pain
17.  Arachnoid Cyst with Spontaneous Intracystic Hemorrhage and Chronic Subdural Hematoma 
We report a case of arachnoid cyst in which subdural hematoma and intracystic hemorrhage developed spontaneously. Usually, arachnoid cysts are asymptomatic, but can become symptomatic because of cyst enlargement or hemorrhage, often after mild head trauma. Although they are sometimes combined with subdural hematoma, intracystic hemorrhage has rarely been observed. Our patient had a simultaneous subdural hematoma and intracystic hemorrhage without evidence of head trauma.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2008.43.1.54
PMCID: PMC2588155  PMID: 19096549
Arachnoid cyst; Spontaneous intracystic hemorrhage; Subdural hematoma
18.  Transcatheter Closure of Secundum Atrial Septal Defect in Patients Over 60 Years Old 
Korean Circulation Journal  2013;43(2):110-114.
Background and Objectives
Atrial septal defect (ASD) is the one of most common congenital heart diseases detected in adults. Along with remarkable development of device technology, the first treatment strategy of secundum ASD has been transcatheter closure in feasible cases. However, there are only a few publications regarding the results of transcatheter closure of ASD in elderly patients, especially those over 60 years of age. We report our results of transcatheter closure of ASD in patients over 60 years old.
Subjects and Methods
Between May 2006 and December 2011, 31 patients over 60 years old (25 female and 6 male; mean 66.7±5.25 years old, range 61-78 years old) were referred to our center.
Results
A total of 23 patients underwent therapeutic catheterization to close secundum ASD, and the closure was successful in 22 patients (95.7%). All patients who underwent the procedure survived except for one patient who expired because of left ventricular dysfunction. A small residual shunt was observed in two (9%) of 21 patients before discharge but disappeared at follow-up. All patients eventually had complete closure. There were five patients who had coronary problems. One patient underwent percutaneous coronary intervention using a stent at the same time as transcatheter closure of ASD. Atrial arrhythmias were detected in 6 of 23 patients (26.1%) before the procedure. One patient was successfully treated by radiofrequency ablation before the procedure. No patients displayed new onset arrhythmia during the follow-up period. Follow-up echocardiographic evaluation showed a significantly improved right ventricular geometry.
Conclusion
We conclude that transcatheter closure of ASD is a safe and an effective treatment method for patients over 60 years old if the procedure is performed under a thorough evaluation of comorbidities and risk factors.
doi:10.4070/kcj.2013.43.2.110
PMCID: PMC3596657
Atrial septal defect; Septal occluder device; Elderly
19.  Intradural Extramedullary and Subcutaneous Tumors in Neonate : Atypical Myxoid Spindle Cell Neoplasm 
Tumors of the central nervous system are common in the pediatric population and constitute the second most prevalent tumor type in children. Within this group, spinal cord tumors are relatively rare and account for 1 to 10% of all pediatric central nervous system tumors. We describe a very rare case of an intradural extramedullary spinal cord tumor with a subcutaneous mass and discuss its clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and treatment. A male infant was delivered normally, with uneventful development. At 16 days post-delivery, his family took him to a pediatrician because of a mass on his upper back. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine revealed a well-demarcated soft-tissue mass with central cystic change or necrosis at the subcutaneous layer of the posterior back (T2-7 level). Another mass was found with a fat component at the spinal canal of the T1-3 level, which was intradural extramedullary space. After six weeks, the spinal cord tumor and subcutaneous mass were grossly total resected; pathologic findings indicated an atypical myxoid spindle cell neoplasm, possibly nerve sheath in type. The final diagnosis of the mass was an atypical myxoid spindle cell neoplasm. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged after nine days without any neurological deficit. We report a rare case of an intradural extramedullary spinal tumor with subcutaneous mass in a neonate. It is necessary to monitor the patient's status by examining consecutive radiologic images, and the symptoms and neurological changes should be observed strictly during long-term follow-up.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2012.52.4.417
PMCID: PMC3488656  PMID: 23133736
Intradural extramedullary spinal cord neoplasm; Neonate; Congenital
20.  iMatch: A retention index tool for analysis of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry data 
Journal of chromatography. A  2011;1218(37):6522-6530.
A method was developed to employ National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 2008 retention index database information for molecular retention matching via constructing a set of empirical distribution functions (DFs) of the absolute retention index deviation to its mean value. The effects of different experimental parameters on the molecules’ retention indices were first assessed. The results show that the column class, the column type, and the data type have significant effects on the retention index values acquired on capillary columns. However, the normal alkane retention index (Inorm) with the ramp condition is similar to the linear retention index (IT), while the Inorm with the isothermal condition is similar to the Kováts retention index (I). As for the Inorm with the complex condition, these data should be treated as an additional group, because the mean Inorm value of the polar column is significantly different from the IT. Based on this analysis, nine DFs were generated from the grouped retention index data. The DF information was further implemented into a software program called iMatch. The performance of iMatch was evaluated using experimental data of a mixture of standards and metabolite extract of rat plasma with spiked-in standards. About 19% of the molecules identified by ChromaTOF were filtered out by iMatch from the identification list of electron ionization (EI) mass spectral matching, while all of the spiked-in standards were preserved. The analysis results demonstrate that using the retention index values, via constructing a set of DFs, can improve the spectral matching-based identifications by reducing a significant portion of false-positives.
doi:10.1016/j.chroma.2011.07.039
PMCID: PMC3163042  PMID: 21813131
retention index; empirical distribution function; identification; GC-MS
21.  Working Memory Impairment in Fibromyalgia Patients Associated with Altered Frontoparietal Memory Network 
PLoS ONE  2012;7(6):e37808.
Background
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain and frequently associated with other symptoms. Patients with FM commonly report cognitive complaints, including memory problem. The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in neural correlates of working memory between FM patients and healthy subjects, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Methodology/Principal Findings
Nineteen FM patients and 22 healthy subjects performed an n-back memory task during MRI scan. Functional MRI data were analyzed using within- and between-group analysis. Both activated and deactivated brain regions during n-back task were evaluated. In addition, to investigate the possible effect of depression and anxiety, group analysis was also performed with depression and anxiety level in terms of Beck depression inventory (BDI) and Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) as a covariate. Between-group analyses, after controlling for depression and anxiety level, revealed that within the working memory network, inferior parietal cortex was strongly associated with the mild (r = 0.309, P = 0.049) and moderate (r = 0.331, P = 0.034) pain ratings. In addition, between-group comparison revealed that within the working memory network, the left DLPFC, right VLPFC, and right inferior parietal cortex were associated with the rating of depression and anxiety?
Conclusions/Significance
Our results suggest that the working memory deficit found in FM patients may be attributable to differences in neural activation of the frontoparietal memory network and may result from both pain itself and depression and anxiety associated with pain.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0037808
PMCID: PMC3370998  PMID: 22715371
22.  An Acute Postoperative Intractable Hyperventilation after an Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy 
This report describes a rare case of postoperative hyperventilation attack after an endoscopic third ventriculostomy in a 46-year-old woman. About 60 min after the termination of the operation, an intractable hyperventilation started with respiratory rate of 65 breaths/min and EtCO2, 16.3 mm Hg. Sedation with benzodiazepine, thiopental sodium, fentanyl, and propofol/remifentanil infusion was tried under a rebreathing mask at a 4 L/min of oxygen. With aggressive sedative challenges, ventilation pattern was gradually returned to normal during the 22 hrs of time after the surgery. A central neurogenic hyperventilation was suspected due to the stimulating central respiratory center by cold acidic irrigation solution during the neuroendoscopic procedure.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2012.51.3.173
PMCID: PMC3358608  PMID: 22639718
Central neurogenic hyperventilation; Endoscopic third ventriculostomy; Sedation
23.  ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channel-Deficient Mice Show Hyperphagia but Are Resistant to Obesity 
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal  2011;35(3):219-225.
Background
The hypothalamus, the center for body weight regulation, can sense changes in blood glucose level based on ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels in the hypothalamic neurons. We hypothesized that a lack of glucose sensing in the hypothalamus affects the regulations of appetite and body weight.
Methods
To evaluate this hypothesis, the responses to glucose loading and high fat feeding for eight weeks were compared in Kir6.2 knock-out (KO) mice and control C57BL/6 mice, because Kir6.2 is a key component of the KATP channel.
Results
The hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) analyzed one hour after glucose injection was suppressed in C57BL/6 mice, but not in Kir6.2 KO mice, suggesting a blunted hypothalamic response to glucose in Kir6.2 KO mice. The hypothalamic NPY expression at a fed state was elevated in Kir6.2 KO mice and was accompanied with hyperphagia. However, the retroperitoneal fat mass was markedly decreased in Kir6.2 KO mice compared to that in C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, the body weight and visceral fat following eight weeks of high fat feeding in Kir6.2 KO mice were not significantly different from those in control diet-fed Kir6.2 KO mice, while body weight and visceral fat mass were elevated due to high fat feeding in C57BL/6 mice.
Conclusion
These results suggested that Kir6.2 KO mice showed a blunted hypothalamic response to glucose loading and elevated hypothalamic NPY expression accompanied with hyperphagia, while visceral fat mass was decreased, suggesting resistance to diet-induced obesity. Further study is needed to explain this phenomenon.
doi:10.4093/dmj.2011.35.3.219
PMCID: PMC3138101  PMID: 21785741
Appetite; Hypothalamus; Intra-abdominal fat; KATP channels
24.  The Results of Transcatheter Occlusion of Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Success Rate and Complications Over 12 Years in a Single Center 
Korean Circulation Journal  2010;40(5):230-234.
Background and Objectives
Percutaneous occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has become increasingly attractive with the evolution of devices and techniques. We reviewed results for percutaneous occlusion of PDA using various devices in a single center.
Subjects and Methods
A retrospective review was done for 118 consecutive procedures performed in 111 patients with PDA between January 1996 and December 2007.
Results
The median age of the patients was 4.5 years (0.9 to 60.3 years); body weight was 16.9 kg (6.8 to 74.7 kg). The median PDA diameter at the pulmonic end was 3.8 mm (0.7 to 10 mm); mean pulmonary artery pressure was 21.0 mmHg (7 to 60 mmHg). Complete occlusion occurred in 76/111 (68.4%) immediately after implantation and in 100/111 (90.0%) at one year of follow-up. Second procedures for residual shunts were done in 7 patients. After the year 2001, the complete closure rate was 95.2% compared to 71.4% before 2001. Complications associated with the procedure were left pulmonary artery narrowing (all <20 mmHg) in 14, arrhythmia in 2, and death in 1.
Conclusion
Evolution of devices, cumulative experience, and health insurance covering the cost of devices have contributed to good outcomes in our center for percutaneous occlusion of PDA. Our results have improved over the years, particularly with the use of the Amplatzer duct occluder.
doi:10.4070/kcj.2010.40.5.230
PMCID: PMC2877787  PMID: 20514333
Ductus arteriosus, patent
25.  A Case of Infantile Meningioangiomatosis with a Separate Cyst 
Meningioangiomatosis (MA) is a rare congenital tumor that occurs mostly in 5-15 year old children. There have been only 5 cases previously reported that described the cystic nature within these tumors. We present a case of a MA accompanied by a separate macrocyst. A normally developed 2 year-old female patient presented with partial and generalized seizures. The brain computerized tomogram and magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of a calcified mass accompanied by a cyst in the right parietal area, surrounded by low density and high attenuation edema and hemorrhage. Upon right parietal craniotomy, a 1.6 cm × 1.2 cm × 0.5 cm sized plate-like, gray-white, slightly hard mass was seen and it was completely excised. Approximately 1 cm from the mass in the anterior lateral direction, a cyst was found and subsequent biopsy of the cyst wall revealed no tumor tissue, and therefore the cyst was not removed. Pathologic report demonstrated the meningioangiomatosis. Follow up examination 2 years later showed no recurrence of the tumor, and there was no evidence of neurological deficits. Authors suggest that cysts that arise in the surrounding tissues of tumors may not be tumor cysts, and do not require surgical removal.
doi:10.3340/jkns.2009.46.3.252
PMCID: PMC2764025  PMID: 19844627
Brain tumor; Cyst; Epilepsy; Infant; Neurofibromatosis

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