Radiotherapy is a key treatment for brain tumors and arteriovenous malformations; however, it is associated with adverse effects such as brain edema, demyelination, and delayed necrosis. These adverse effects are driven by inflammation and apoptosis, initiated by cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor, and interleukin-1β. Adipose tissuederived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADMSCs) offer protection against radiation-induced damage owing to their pluripotency and antiinflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of ADMSCs on irradiated brain cells.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide aggregation, representing a major therapeutic target. Emerging evidence suggests certain chemotherapeutic agents may attenuate Aβ pathology.

A twig-like middle cerebral artery (T-MCA) is a rare condition characterized by steno-occlusion of the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) with nearby collateral arterial networks. Despite unclear pathophysiology, it is often classified as a congenital anomaly caused by failure of fusion of the plexiform MCA arterial plexus. We aimed to improve understanding of the pathophysiology of T-MCAs by analyzing incidental T-MCA findings and their natural history.

To evaluate the influence of preoperative disc morphology and cage-related variables on disc angle change following single-level L4/5 oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF), and to identify predictors of postoperative angle loss and angular subsidence.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a stroke subtype with high mortality and poor functional outcomes. Prompt occlusion of a ruptured aneurysm at an early stage is crucial to prevent rebleeding, which can result in even higher mortality and more severe disabilities. The most critical initial decision in SAH management is the choice of treatment method with surgical clipping or endovascular coiling. We aimed to develop an evidence-based clinical guideline to select the optimal initial treatment in patients with SAH. We developed this guideline based on evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses via a de novo process. A systematic literature review was conducted across four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and KoreaMed) to answer two population, intervention, comparison, outcome questions comparing clipping and coiling. The risk of bias was assessed using ROB 2.0 and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagrams and meta-analyses were generated for functional outcome and mortality. We included six randomized control trials (RCTs) and 58 observational studies. Meta-analysis of RCTs showed that coiling improved functional outcomes compared to clipping (odds ratio [OR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86-0.97). No significant mortality difference was observed in RCTs (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.91-2.09), but non-RCTs favored clipping for reduced mortality (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.69-0.86). However, it is difficult to generalize these findings to all clinical situations, as patients with SAH have a highly variable clinical course. Final treatment decision should be tailored to the individual patient's status, including aneurysm location, morphology, and the expertise available at the treatment center. Such decisions are best made by specialists such as a board-certified physician and should be explained to the patient and their caregivers, along with the rationale for selecting the most appropriate treatment at the given hospital. Korea has many certified endovascular neurosurgeons, cerebrovascular surgeons, and certified cerebrovascular centers. Proper selection of the most suitable treatment method by certified physicians and centers would greatly benefit patient outcomes and healthcare professionals.

The 2024-2025 medical crisis in the Republic of Korea, triggered by mass trainee departures, caused severe staffing shortages in tertiary hospitals. The impact of this disruption on neurosurgeons' workload, lifestyle, and mental health has not been evaluated. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of burnout among neurosurgeons during the crisis, assess associated changes in workload and lifestyle, and identify key factors linked to burnout severity.

To evaluate the efficacy of individualized dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) using VerifyNow in reducing periprocedural ischemic complications following carotid artery stenting (CAS), particularly in patients with unstable plaques.

Prestin, expressed in cochlear outer hair cells, is essential for auditory signal amplification and may serve as a biomarker for cochlear injury related to trauma. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of prestin in the diagnosis and prognosis of cranial trauma.

Recurrent lumbar disc herniation (RLDH) is a significant challenge following lumbar discectomy, with recurrence rates of 5%-15%. Established risk factors include male gender, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and obesity, but the role of paraspinal muscles in recurrence is unclear. This study was conducted to identify key risk factors for RLDH, including the volume of paraspinal muscles with machine learning.

The indications for repeated brain computed tomography (CT) for delayed intracranial hemorrhage (DICH) remain inconclusive. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for DICH in patients with severe trauma.

The insertion of a surgical paddle lead for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a cornerstone therapy for chronic refractory pain, with lower impedance and reduced battery usage than a percutaneous lead. However, the greater invasiveness of this procedure can cause complications.

The 2024 Journal Citation Reports (JCR) reveal that the impact factor (IF) for the Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society (JKNS) has risen to 1.7, an increase from 1.4 in 2023. Meanwhile, Republic of Korea has been in turmoil in healthcare system since February 2024, provoked by government's sudden and drastic policy to increase medical school admissions. This situation has profoundly impacted medical research activities, in addition to clinical practice. There is concern about whether the Korean medical community can sustain and build upon its academic achievements once this situation is resolved. Maintaining the growth of a medical journal is becoming increasingly challenging. The JKNS must continue its previous efforts to sustain its current progress. To enhance its IF, JKNS should focus on recruiting high-quality review articles and becoming a preferred journal for authors by offering a rapid review process. Collaboration with subspecialty journals is also crucial to ensure that both JKNS and those journals can grow together.

To identify the ideal timing for resuming oral or injectable anticoagulants therapy after spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage (sICH).

Postoperative spondylodiscitis is a rare but serious complication of spinal surgery. The difficulty in establishing an early diagnosis necessitates the evaluation of novel biomarkers. This study aims to determine the diagnostic value of procalcitonin (PCT), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), ESR/CRP, and ESR/PCT ratios in the diagnosis of postoperative spondylodiscitis and to compare the sensitivity and specificity of these parameters.

Remote spinal subdural hematoma (SSH) following unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) spine surgery is rare, even without intraoperative dural injury. We report two such cases. A 76-year-old woman underwent anterior lumbar interbody fusion and UBE decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis. Intraoperatively, dense adhesions were noted, but no cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage occurred. Postoperatively, she developed left leg monoplegia. MRI revealed a subdural hematoma at L2-3, remote from the surgical site. She recovered completely with steroid therapy and conservative management. An 88-year-old man underwent left-sided UBE laminotomy for central stenosis. The procedure was uneventful. Postoperative MRI revealed an incidental subdural hematoma from L2-4 without neurological deficits. He was observed conservatively. Both patients showed favorable outcomes without surgical evacuation. Remote SSH is a rare but important complication following UBE surgery. It should be considered when unexpected neurological deficits occur postoperatively, even in the absence of visible dural tears. Prompt diagnosis is essential for optimal management.

This study investigated the relationship between arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) levels in the first 24 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and clinical outcomes in neurocritically ill brain tumor patients.

We aim to develop an interactive segmentation model that can offer accuracy and reliability for the segmentation of the irregularly shaped spinal cord and canal in degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) through manual click and model refinement.

Reactive oxygen species generated by mitochondria contribute to the induction of programmed cell death (PCD), but their involvement in epilepsy remains uncertain. The present study investigates the biomarkers and underlying mechanisms of mitochondria-related genes (MRGs) and PCD-related genes (PCDRGs) in epilepsy.

Professor Chung, an Emeritus Professor at Hanyang University School of Medicine, was a pioneering figure in Korean neurosurgery. After serving as an Army Surgeon during the Korean War, he specialized in neurosurgery, training under Professor Joo Geol Lee at Capital Medical College. Throughout his career, Professor Chung introduced numerous innovations in spinal surgery, including lumbar interbody fusion with metal support, anterior cervical foraminotomy, and the early adoption of microsurgery and motorized drills. In 1972, he became the first Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at Hanyang University Hospital, where he established a leading neurosurgical center. His contributions extended beyond clinical practice-he founded the Korean Spinal Neurosurgery Society in 1987 and served as President of Hanyang University Hospital from 1986 to 1987. Even after retirement, he remained active in the field, practicing and contributing to neurosurgery until his passing in 2016. He strongly emphasized continuous learning and international collaboration, fostering relationships with global spine surgery leaders and actively participating in international conferences. His dedication to minimally invasive techniques and surgical innovation profoundly impacted Korean neurosurgery, inspiring future generations and significantly advancing the field.