Purpose: The surgical approaches and types of implants used for the fixation of distal-third humerus shaft fractures remain a matter of debate. We examined fracture patterns and evaluated the feasibility of plate fixation via an anterior approach. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 22 patients who underwent surgical treatment for distal-third humerus fractures from 2019 to 2023, with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months for all included patients. An anterolateral approach was used to perform open reduction and internal fixation. The minimum cortical width required for screw fixation at the most proximal part of the distal fragment was set at 10 mm. Results: The mean age of the patients was 38 years. Simple spiral and wedge fractures were predominant (86.3%). The distal fragment fracture line distribution was, on average, 30 mm (4–50 mm) to 101 mm (57–145 mm) from the coronoid fossa proximal margin. The mean distance sufficient to achieve bicortical purchase, engaging both the near and far cortices, was 61 mm (36–96 mm). An anterolateral approach was used in 18 patients based on computed tomography measurements of approximately 50 mm. An average of eight cortices were fixed in the distal fragment. All patients achieved bone union within 12 weeks without complications (mean, 12.69±2.43 weeks). Conclusion Stable fixation was achieved with an anterior straight plate when 50 mm of the distal fragment was secured from the coronoid fossa’s proximal margin, with both cortices measuring at least 10 mm in width.

Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in South Korea, imposing substantial physical, emotional, and financial burdens on patients and society. Despite the high burden of symptom and complex care needs of HF patients, palliative care and hospice services remain underutilized in South Korea due to cultural, institutional, and knowledge-related barriers. This position statement from the Korean Society of Heart Failure emphasizes the need for integrating palliative and hospice care into HF management to improve quality of life and support holistic care for patients and their families. By clarifying the role of palliative care in HF and proposing practical referral criteria, this position statement aims to bridge the gap between HF and palliative care services in South Korea, ultimately improving patient-centered outcomes and aligning treatment with the goals and values of HF patients.

Purpose: The surgical approaches and types of implants used for the fixation of distal-third humerus shaft fractures remain a matter of debate. We examined fracture patterns and evaluated the feasibility of plate fixation via an anterior approach. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 22 patients who underwent surgical treatment for distal-third humerus fractures from 2019 to 2023, with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months for all included patients. An anterolateral approach was used to perform open reduction and internal fixation. The minimum cortical width required for screw fixation at the most proximal part of the distal fragment was set at 10 mm. Results: The mean age of the patients was 38 years. Simple spiral and wedge fractures were predominant (86.3%). The distal fragment fracture line distribution was, on average, 30 mm (4–50 mm) to 101 mm (57–145 mm) from the coronoid fossa proximal margin. The mean distance sufficient to achieve bicortical purchase, engaging both the near and far cortices, was 61 mm (36–96 mm). An anterolateral approach was used in 18 patients based on computed tomography measurements of approximately 50 mm. An average of eight cortices were fixed in the distal fragment. All patients achieved bone union within 12 weeks without complications (mean, 12.69±2.43 weeks). Conclusion Stable fixation was achieved with an anterior straight plate when 50 mm of the distal fragment was secured from the coronoid fossa’s proximal margin, with both cortices measuring at least 10 mm in width.

Purpose: The surgical approaches and types of implants used for the fixation of distal-third humerus shaft fractures remain a matter of debate. We examined fracture patterns and evaluated the feasibility of plate fixation via an anterior approach. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 22 patients who underwent surgical treatment for distal-third humerus fractures from 2019 to 2023, with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months for all included patients. An anterolateral approach was used to perform open reduction and internal fixation. The minimum cortical width required for screw fixation at the most proximal part of the distal fragment was set at 10 mm. Results: The mean age of the patients was 38 years. Simple spiral and wedge fractures were predominant (86.3%). The distal fragment fracture line distribution was, on average, 30 mm (4–50 mm) to 101 mm (57–145 mm) from the coronoid fossa proximal margin. The mean distance sufficient to achieve bicortical purchase, engaging both the near and far cortices, was 61 mm (36–96 mm). An anterolateral approach was used in 18 patients based on computed tomography measurements of approximately 50 mm. An average of eight cortices were fixed in the distal fragment. All patients achieved bone union within 12 weeks without complications (mean, 12.69±2.43 weeks). Conclusion Stable fixation was achieved with an anterior straight plate when 50 mm of the distal fragment was secured from the coronoid fossa’s proximal margin, with both cortices measuring at least 10 mm in width.

Purpose: This study compared the outcomes of intra-articular fracture reduction for distal radius fractures. Methods: Among 180 patients who underwent open reduction and plate fixation, the exclusion criteria were as follows: non-acute fracture (>1 month), an accompanying ulnar neck fracture, a distal ulnar fracture requiring fixation, fixation through the dorsal approach, other accompanying hand fractures, the absence of preoperative or postoperative computed tomography (CT), and follow-up for <1 year. Intra-articular fractures were evaluated through CT. Forty-eight patients with intra-articular fractures were studied. Displaced intra-articular fractures were defined as: (1) articular step-off ≥1 mm, (2) fracture gap ≥2 mm, or (3) gross incongruence. Reduction was classified as good (n=23) or poor (n=25) based on postoperative CT. The pain visual analogue scale (pVAS), the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and range of motion of the wrist joint were compared between both groups. Results: No significant between-group differences were found in the preoperative demographic data and the postoperative pVAS and quick DASH scores (pVAS: 0.6 vs. 0.8 and quick DASH: 9.4 vs. 10.2 in the good vs. poor reduction groups, respectively). However, the flexion-extension arc was significantly restricted in the poor reduction group (162° in the good reduction group vs. 146° in the poor reduction group, p<0.001). Conclusion The reduction of the articular surface was not related to pain and functional results at the mid-term follow-up after the surgical treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures. However, insufficient fracture reduction affected the postoperative range of motion.

Mangiferin is a kind of natural xanthone glycosides and is known to have various pharmacological activities. However, since the beneficial efficacy of this compound has not been reported in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, this study aimed to evaluate whether mangiferin could protect human RPE ARPE-19 cells from oxidative injury mimicked by hydrogen peroxide (H 2O 2). The results showed that mangiferin attenuated H 2O 2-induced cell viability reduction and DNA damage, while inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and preserving diminished glutathione (GSH). Mangiferin also antagonized H 2O 2-induced inhibition of the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes such as manganese superoxide dismutase and GSH peroxidase, which was associated with inhibition of mitochondrial ROS production. In addition, mangiferin protected ARPE-19 cells from H 2O 2-induced apoptosis by increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, decreasing caspase-3 activation, and blocking poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Moreover, mangiferin suppressed the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, which was achieved by interfering with mitochondrial membrane disruption. Furthermore, mangiferin increased the expression and activity of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor-erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2). However, the inhibition of ROS production, cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic effects of mangiferin were significantly attenuated by the HO-1 inhibitor, indicating that mangiferin promoted Nrf2-mediated HO-1 activity to prevent ARPE-19 cells from oxidative injury. The results of this study suggest that mangiferin, as an Nrf2 activator, has potent ROS scavenging activity and may have the potential to protect oxidative stress-mediated ocular diseases.

In recent years, next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based genetic testing has become crucial in cancer care. While its primary objective is to identify actionable genetic alterations to guide treatment decisions, its scope has broadened to encompass aiding in pathological diagnosis and exploring resistance mechanisms. With the ongoing expansion in NGS application and reliance, a compelling necessity arises for expert consensus on its application in solid cancers. To address this demand, the forthcoming recommendations not only provide pragmatic guidance for the clinical use of NGS but also systematically classify actionable genes based on specific cancer types. Additionally, these recommendations will incorporate expert perspectives on crucial biomarkers, ensuring informed decisions regarding circulating tumor DNA panel testing.

Although the proportion of edentulous patients is declining, the aging population has resulted in an increase in their absolute numbers. Conventional complete dentures can partially restore oral function but have significant limitations such as low retention and relatively poor masticatory ability. Therefore, implant overdentures have been proposed as an alternative, offering enhanced functionality, higher patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness compared to fixed implants. In this case, a 74-year-old female patient presented with complaints about her existing implant overdenture, fabricated in 2010, which frequently dislodged and was aesthetically unpleasing. Clinical examination revealed worn attachments and artificial teeth, as well as insufficient upper lip support. It was decided to remake the implant overdentures utilizing the existing implants. During the fabrication, the patient continued to use her previous denture. After evaluating the occlusal relationships, facial form, and vertical dimension, the new overdentures were fabricated. The newly created implant overdentures showed satisfactory aesthetic and functional results, and the patient was satisfied.

Background: Tinnitus is a bothersome condition associated with various symptoms. However, the mechanisms of tinnitus are still uncertain, and a standardized assessment of the diagnostic criteria for tinnitus is required. We aimed to reach a consensus on diagnosing tinnitus with professional experts by conducting a Delphi study with systematic review of the literature. Methods: Twenty-six experts in managing tinnitus in Korea were recruited, and a two-round modified Delphi study was performed online. The experts evaluated the level of agreement of potential criteria for tinnitus using a scale of 1–9. After the survey, a consensus meeting was held to establish agreement on the results obtained from the Delphi process. Consensus was defined when over 70% of the participants scored 7–9 (agreement) and fewer than 15% scored 1–3 (disagreement). To analyze the responses of the Delphi survey, the content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance were evaluated. Results: Consensus was reached for 22 of the 38 statements. For the definition of tinnitus, 10 out of 17 statements reached consensus, with three statements achieving complete agreement including; 1) Tinnitus is a conscious perception of an auditory sensation in the absence of a corresponding external stimulus, 2) Tinnitus can affect one’s quality of life, and 3) Tinnitus can be associated with hearing disorders including sensorineural hearing loss, vestibular schwannoma, Meniere’s disease, otosclerosis, and others. For the classification of tinnitus, 11 out of 18 statements reached consensus. The participants highly agreed with statements such as; 1) Vascular origin is expected in pulse-synchronous tinnitus, and 2) Tinnitus can be divided into acute or chronic tinnitus. Among three statements on the diagnostic tests for tinnitus only Statement 3, “There are no reliable biomarkers for sensory or emotional factors of tinnitus.”reached consensus. All participants agreed to perform pure-tone audiometry and tinnitus questionnaires, including the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Tinnitus Questionnaire. Conclusion We used a modified Delphi method to establish a consensus-based definition, a classification, and diagnostic tests for tinnitus. The expert panel reached agreement for several statements, with a high level of consensus. This may provide practical information for clinicians in managing tinnitus.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the origins of prostatic arteries (PAs) in the Korean population and compare them with those reported in the literature. Materials and Methods: From April 2018 to February 2024, 108 male (mean age ± standard deviation: 71.6 ± 9.7 years) with lower urinary tract symptoms (n = 102) or refractory hematuria (n = 6) underwent prostatic artery embolization (PAE). Computed tomography and angiography images were retrospectively reviewed. The branching pattern of the internal iliac artery (IIA) was classified according to the Yamaki system. The origin of the PA was categorized using the de Assis definition, and the incidence of each type was recorded. A systematic literature review was conducted and the most common types of PA were investigated. Results: PAE was successfully implemented on 211 of the 216 pelvic sidewalls. PA cannulation failed in five sidewalls due to a steno-occlusive state. The most common IIA type was type A, in which the IIA was divided into the superior gluteal artery and gluteal–pudendal trunk (77%). Of 226 PAs analyzed, including 15 in 211 sidewalls exhibiting dual PAs, the most common PA origin was the internal pudendal artery (type IV, 35%), followed by the superior vesical (type I, 25%) and obturator (type III, 21%) arteries. Anterior division of IIA (type II) was less common (10%). Type V (uncommon origins) occurred in 8% of cases, including five distal internal pudendal arteries, four quadfurcations, three inferior gluteal arteries, three trifurcations, two medial femoral circumflex arteries, and two rectal arteries. Two of the five patients with surgically or endovascularly altered anatomy were successfully treated via PAs originating from the medial femoral circumflex arteries. Globally, type I is the most common PA type. Conclusion In the Korean population, the most common IIA pattern and PA origin were types A and IV, respectively.