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Spinal cord injury (SCI), primarily caused by trauma, leads to permanent and lasting loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Current therapeutic strategies are focused on mitigating secondary injury, a crucial aspect of SCI pathophysiology. Among these strategies, stem cell therapy has shown considerable therapeutic potential. This study builds on our previous work, which demonstrated the functional recovery and neuronal regeneration capabilities of peripheral nerve-derived stem cell (PNSC) spheroids, which are akin to neural crest stem cells, in SCI models. However, the limited anti-inflammatory capacity of PNSC spheroids necessitates a combined therapeutic approach. As a result, we investigated the potential of co-administering resolvin D1 (RvD1), known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, with PNSC spheroids. In vitro analysis confirmed RvD1’s anti-inflammatory activity and its inhibitory effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines. In vivo studies involving a rat SCI model demonstrated that combined therapy of RvD1 and PNSC spheroids outperformed monotherapies, exhibiting enhanced neuronal regeneration and anti-inflammatory effects as validated through behavior tests, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry. Thus, our findings suggest that the combined application of RvD1 and PNSC spheroids may represent a novel therapeutic approach for SCI management.

The objective of this study is to present a rare case of an invaginated inferior vena cava (IVC) aneurysm in the lumbar intradiscal space. A 73-year-old woman with lower back pain and bilateral lower extremity swelling presented to the clinic. She had undergone spinal surgery performed thrice at the same site (L4–L5) in another hospital and a separate posterolateral fusion surgery procedure 3 years previously. On plain radiography, pseudarthrosis was observed at L4–L5 segment. Contrast computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed a dilatation of the IVC in the intradiscal space of L4–L5. On the anterior side, anterior discectomy was performed. Following insertion of the allograft bone chip and cage, the invaginated IVC aneurysm was repositioned. Implant removal and screw fixation were performed posteriorly. Post-surgery, the patient’s lower back pain improved, and the start of anticoagulation treatment after vascular evaluation was planned. Although there have been numerous case reports of patients with intradiscal cysts or gas requiring surgical treatment, there have not yet been any reports of those with invaginated IVC in an intradiscal space. It is important to provide the appropriate treatment based on a thorough prior understanding of the patient’s anatomy.

The purpose of this study is to identify the determination variables which affect the retail property prices in Seoul by examining the variables related to the economic conditions of retail trade areas, physical characteristics of buildings, and location. About 146 major retail property data from 1 December 2007 to 31 December 2007 were analysed. Regression analysis and a structural equation modelling (SEM) were constructed to test the significance of the variables on the retail property prices in Seoul. The results indicate that age of building, size of shop and location explain a significant portion of the variability of the retail property prices. Through the empirical analysis, it was concluded that the retail property prices in Seoul were affected by the economic conditions, physical characteristics, and location.

A glass-bonded sodalite ceramic waste form (CWF) has been developed to immobilize electrorefiner salt wastes from electrometallurgical treatment of spent sodium-bonded reactor fuel for disposal. A degradation model is being developed to support qualification of the CWF for disposal in the federal high-level waste disposal system. The parameter values in the waste form degradation model were previously determined from the dissolution rates measured in MCC-1 tests conducted at 40, 70, and 90°C. The results of several series of tests that were conducted to confirm the applicability of the dissolution rate model and model parameters are presented in this paper: (1) Series of MCC-1 tests were conducted in five dilute buffer solutions in the pH range of 4.8 – 9.8 at 20°C with hot isostatic pressing (HIP) sodalite, HIP glass, and HIP CWF. The results show that the model adequately predicts the dissolution rate of these materials at 20°C. (2) Tests at 20 and 70°C with CWF made by pressureless-consolidation (PC) indicate that the model parameters extracted from the results of tests with HIP CWF can be applied to PC CWF. (3) The dissolution rates of a glass made with a composition corresponding to 80 wt. % glass and 20 wt. % sodalite were measured at 70°C to evaluate the sensitivity of the rate to the composition of binder glass in the CWF. The dissolution rates of the modified binder glass were indistinguishable from the rates of the binder glass.

Objective : The objectives of this study were to analyze the recanalization rates and outcomes of multimodal therapy that consisted of sequential intravenous (IV)/intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis, mechanical thrombolysis including mechanical clot disruption using microcatheters and microwires, balloon angioplasty, and stenting for acute ischemic stroke, and to evaluate the prognostic factors related to the outcome. Methods : Fifty patients who were admitted to the hospital within 8 hours from ischemic symptom onset were retrospectively analyzed. Initial IV thrombolysis and subsequent cerebral angiography were performed in all patients. If successful recanalization was not achieved by IV thrombolysis, additional IA thrombolysis with mechanical thrombolysis, including balloon angioplasty and stenting, were performed. The outcomes were assessed by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) change and modified Rankin scale (mRS) and prognostic factors were analyzed. Results : Successful recanalization was achieved in 42 (84%) of 50 patients, which consisted of 8 patients after IV thrombolysis, 19 patients after IA thrombolysis with mechanical clot disruption, and 15 patients after balloon angioplasty or stenting. Symptomatic hemorrhage occurred in 4 (8%) patients. Good outcomes were achieved in 76% and 70% of patients upon discharge, and 93% and 84% of patients after 3 months according to the NIHSS change and mRS. The initial clinical status, recanalization achievement, and presence of symptomatic hemorrhage were statistically related to the outcomes. Conclusion : Multimodal therapy may be an effective and safe treatment modality for acute ischemic stroke. Balloon angioplasty and stenting is effective for acute thrombolysis, and produce higher recanalization rates with better outcomes.