Purpose: Ankle fractures are common in the orthopedic field. Lateral malleolar fractures are often treated with lag screws and locking plates. Cortical screws are typically used as lag screws to achieve absolute stability through compression. In osteoporotic bone, however, achieving sufficient compression with cortical screws can be challenging. Cancellous screws may offer better fixation in metaphyseal bone. This study compared the outcomes of using cortical screws as lag screws and cancellous screws as position screws for lateral malleolar fixation. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent surgery for Weber type B ankle fractures at the authors’ hospital between March 2019 and March 2022. The patients were divided into two groups based on the screw type: cortical lag screws (n=70) and cancellous position screws (n=35). In both groups, a locking plate was applied in the same manner after screw fixation. The outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS), Olerud-Molander score (OMS), foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS), and foot function index (FFI). Complications, such as fixation failure, nonunion, and malunion, were recorded. Results: One hundred and five patients were included. The mean follow-up duration was 16 months (range, 12~28 months). The VAS (1.6±1.9 vs. 1.1±1.3, p=0.305), FFI (10.3±13.4 vs. 10.4±13.5, p=0.970), FAOS (83.0±14.4 vs. 83.5±14.4, p=0.899), and OMS (85.3±18.4 vs.84.7±17.6, p=0.910) scores were similar in the two groups. No complications were reported in either group. Conclusion For the fixation of Weber B fibular fractures, cortical lag screws and cancellous position screws showed comparable clinical outcomes. Cancellous screws with plate fixation may offer a viable alternative in cases with poor bone quality or difficulty applying lag screw techniques.

Purpose: Ankle fractures are common in the orthopedic field. Lateral malleolar fractures are often treated with lag screws and locking plates. Cortical screws are typically used as lag screws to achieve absolute stability through compression. In osteoporotic bone, however, achieving sufficient compression with cortical screws can be challenging. Cancellous screws may offer better fixation in metaphyseal bone. This study compared the outcomes of using cortical screws as lag screws and cancellous screws as position screws for lateral malleolar fixation. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent surgery for Weber type B ankle fractures at the authors’ hospital between March 2019 and March 2022. The patients were divided into two groups based on the screw type: cortical lag screws (n=70) and cancellous position screws (n=35). In both groups, a locking plate was applied in the same manner after screw fixation. The outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS), Olerud-Molander score (OMS), foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS), and foot function index (FFI). Complications, such as fixation failure, nonunion, and malunion, were recorded. Results: One hundred and five patients were included. The mean follow-up duration was 16 months (range, 12~28 months). The VAS (1.6±1.9 vs. 1.1±1.3, p=0.305), FFI (10.3±13.4 vs. 10.4±13.5, p=0.970), FAOS (83.0±14.4 vs. 83.5±14.4, p=0.899), and OMS (85.3±18.4 vs.84.7±17.6, p=0.910) scores were similar in the two groups. No complications were reported in either group. Conclusion For the fixation of Weber B fibular fractures, cortical lag screws and cancellous position screws showed comparable clinical outcomes. Cancellous screws with plate fixation may offer a viable alternative in cases with poor bone quality or difficulty applying lag screw techniques.

Purpose: Ankle fractures are common in the orthopedic field. Lateral malleolar fractures are often treated with lag screws and locking plates. Cortical screws are typically used as lag screws to achieve absolute stability through compression. In osteoporotic bone, however, achieving sufficient compression with cortical screws can be challenging. Cancellous screws may offer better fixation in metaphyseal bone. This study compared the outcomes of using cortical screws as lag screws and cancellous screws as position screws for lateral malleolar fixation. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent surgery for Weber type B ankle fractures at the authors’ hospital between March 2019 and March 2022. The patients were divided into two groups based on the screw type: cortical lag screws (n=70) and cancellous position screws (n=35). In both groups, a locking plate was applied in the same manner after screw fixation. The outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS), Olerud-Molander score (OMS), foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS), and foot function index (FFI). Complications, such as fixation failure, nonunion, and malunion, were recorded. Results: One hundred and five patients were included. The mean follow-up duration was 16 months (range, 12~28 months). The VAS (1.6±1.9 vs. 1.1±1.3, p=0.305), FFI (10.3±13.4 vs. 10.4±13.5, p=0.970), FAOS (83.0±14.4 vs. 83.5±14.4, p=0.899), and OMS (85.3±18.4 vs.84.7±17.6, p=0.910) scores were similar in the two groups. No complications were reported in either group. Conclusion For the fixation of Weber B fibular fractures, cortical lag screws and cancellous position screws showed comparable clinical outcomes. Cancellous screws with plate fixation may offer a viable alternative in cases with poor bone quality or difficulty applying lag screw techniques.

Objective: Many studies have examined the July effect. However, little is known about the July effect in sepsis. We hypothesized that the July effect would result in worse outcomes for patients with sepsis. Methods: Data from patients with sepsis, collected prospectively between January 2018 and December 2021, were analyzed. In Korea, the new academic year starts on March 1, so the “July effect” appears in March. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included adherence to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign bundle. Outcomes in March were compared to other months. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to adjust for confounders. Results: We included 843 patients. There were no significant differences in sepsis severity. The 30-day mortality in March was higher (49.0% vs. 28.5%, P<0.001). However, there was no difference in bundle adherence in March (42.2% vs. 48.0%, P=0.264). The multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression showed that the July effect was associated with 30-day mortality in patients with sepsis (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.925; 95% confidence interval, 1.405–2.638; P<0.001). Conclusion The July effect was associated with 30-day mortality in patients with sepsis. However, bundle adherence did not differ. These results suggest that the increase in mortality during the turnover period might be related to unmeasured in-hospital management. Intensive supervision and education of residents caring for patients with sepsis is needed in the beginning of training.

Purpose: This study devised triple tension band wirings (TTBW) fixation in patients with comminuted patella fractures to compare the clinical result of TTBW with that of tension band wiring (TBW). Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 91 patients who had undergone surgery diagnosed with acute patella fracture from January 2011 to December 2016. The study included 51 double TBW patients (Group 1) and 40 patients with TTBW (Group 2). Results: Five out of 51 cases had a loss of reduction and fixation failure in Group 1, and no failure of fracture formation healing occurred in Group 2. Nonunion was noted in one case in Group 1 and no case in Group 2. Eight K-wire migration cases were observed in Group 1, which was not observed in Group 2. Six patients in Group 1 underwent revisional surgery. No patients in Group 2 had a reoperation. As a result of a one-year follow-up after the operation, the mean range of motion of the knee joint in groups 1 and 2 was 128.3°±11.3° and 127.9°±10.8°, respectively. The Lysholm’s scores for groups 1 and 2 were 90.8±4.2 and 90.3±3.8 points, respectively, which was not statistically significant. Conclusion TTBW is a helpful technique for the surgical treatment of comminuted patella fractures. The TTBW method has less reoperation due to nonunion and fixation failure. After a one-year followup, the clinical results were similar to the conventional TBW method.

Background: Lawsonia intracellularis is the causative agent of proliferative enteropathy and is associated with several outbreaks, causing substantial economic loss to the porcine industry. Objectives: In this study, we focused on demonstrating the protective effect in the mouse model through the immunological bases of two vaccine strains against porcine proliferative enteritis. Methods: We used live-attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) secreting two selected immunogenic LI antigens (Lawsonia autotransporter A epitopes and flagellin [FliC]-peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein-FliC) as the vaccine carrier. The constructs were cloned into a Salmonella expression vector (pJHL65) and transformed into the ST strain (JOL912). The expression of immunogenic proteins within Salmonella was evaluated via immunoblotting. Results: Immunizing BALB/c mice orally and subcutaneously induced high levels of LI-specific systemic immunoglobulin G and mucosal secretory immunoglobulin A. In immunized mice, there was significant upregulation of interferon-γ and interleukin-4 cytokine mRNA and an increase in the subpopulations of cluster of differentiation (CD) 4+ and CD 8+ T lymphocytes upon splenocytes re-stimulation with LI antigens. We observed significant protection in C57BL/6 mice against challenge with 106.9 times the median tissue culture infectious dose of LI or 2 × 109 colony-forming units of the virulent ST strain. Immunizing mice with either individual vaccine strains or co-mixture inhibited bacterial proliferation, with a marked reduction in the percentage of mice shedding Lawsonia in their feces. Conclusions Salmonella-mediated LI gene delivery induces robust humoral and cellular immune reactions, leading to significant protection against LI and salmonellosis.

Purpose: Ankle fractures are common in the orthopedic field. Lateral malleolar fractures are often treated with lag screws and locking plates. Cortical screws are typically used as lag screws to achieve absolute stability through compression. In osteoporotic bone, however, achieving sufficient compression with cortical screws can be challenging. Cancellous screws may offer better fixation in metaphyseal bone. This study compared the outcomes of using cortical screws as lag screws and cancellous screws as position screws for lateral malleolar fixation. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent surgery for Weber type B ankle fractures at the authors’ hospital between March 2019 and March 2022. The patients were divided into two groups based on the screw type: cortical lag screws (n=70) and cancellous position screws (n=35). In both groups, a locking plate was applied in the same manner after screw fixation. The outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS), Olerud-Molander score (OMS), foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS), and foot function index (FFI). Complications, such as fixation failure, nonunion, and malunion, were recorded. Results: One hundred and five patients were included. The mean follow-up duration was 16 months (range, 12~28 months). The VAS (1.6±1.9 vs. 1.1±1.3, p=0.305), FFI (10.3±13.4 vs. 10.4±13.5, p=0.970), FAOS (83.0±14.4 vs. 83.5±14.4, p=0.899), and OMS (85.3±18.4 vs.84.7±17.6, p=0.910) scores were similar in the two groups. No complications were reported in either group. Conclusion For the fixation of Weber B fibular fractures, cortical lag screws and cancellous position screws showed comparable clinical outcomes. Cancellous screws with plate fixation may offer a viable alternative in cases with poor bone quality or difficulty applying lag screw techniques.

Objective: To explore the effects of tactile stimulation using air pressure at the auricular branch of the vagus nerve on autonomic activity in healthy individuals. Methods: Three types of tactile stimulation were used in this study: continuous low-amplitude, continuous high-amplitude, and pulsed airflow. The tactile stimulations were provided to the cymba concha to investigate autonomic activity in 22 healthy participants. The mean heart rate (HR) and parameters of HR variability, including the standard deviation of R-R intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive R-R interval differences (RMSSD) were compared at baseline, stimulation, and recovery periods. Results: Two-way repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant main effect of time on HR (p=0.001), SDNN (p=0.003), and RMSSD (p<0.001). These parameters showed significant differences between baseline and stimulation periods and baseline and recovery periods in the post-hoc analyses. There were no significant differences in the changes induced by stimulation type and the interaction between time and stimulation type for all parameters. One-way repeated measures ANOVA showed that HR, SDNN, and RMSSD did not differ significantly among the three time periods during sham stimulation. Conclusion Parasympathetic activity can be enhanced by auricular tactile stimulation using air pressure, targeting the cymba concha. Further studies are warranted to investigate the optimal stimulation parameters for potential clinical significance.

Objective: Because of the exceptionally high suicide rates in South Korea, new assessment methods are needed to improve suicide prevention. The current study aims to validate the revised Suicide Crisis Inventory-2 (SCI-2), a self-report measure that assesses a cognitiveaffective pre-suicidal state in a Korean sample. Methods: With data from 1,061 community adults in South Korea, confirmatory factor analyses were first conducted to test the proposed one-factor and five-factor structures of the SCI-2. Also, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to examine possible alternative factor structure of the inventory. Results: The one-factor model of the SCI-2 resulted in good model fit and similarly, the five-factor model also exhibited strong fit. Comparing the two models, the five-factor was evaluated as the superior model fit. An alternative 4-factor model derived from EFA exhibited a comparable model fit. The Korean version of the SCI-2 had high internal consistency and strong concurrent validity in relation to symptoms of suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety. Conclusion The SCI-2 is an appropriate and a valid tool for measuring one’s proximity to imminent suicide risk. However, the exact factor structure of the SCI-2 may be culture-sensitive and warrants further study.

Background: Excessive proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which contributes to the development of occlusive vascular diseases, requires elevated mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to meet the increased requirements for energy and anabolic precursors. Therefore, therapeutic strategies based on blockade of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation are considered promising for treatment of occlusive vascular diseases. Here, we investigated whether DN200434, an orally available estrogen receptor-related gamma inverse agonist, inhibits proliferation and migration of VSMCs and neointima formation by suppressing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Methods: VSMCs were isolated from the thoracic aortas of 4-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats. Oxidative phosphorylation and the cell cycle were analyzed in fetal bovine serum (FBS)- or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated VSMCs using a Seahorse XF-24 analyzer and flow cytometry, respectively. A model of neointimal hyperplasia was generated by ligating the left common carotid artery in male C57BL/6J mice. Results: DN200434 inhibited mitochondrial respiration and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 activity and consequently suppressed FBS- or PDGF-stimulated proliferation and migration of VSMCs and cell cycle progression. Furthermore, DN200434 reduced carotid artery ligation-induced neointima formation in mice. Conclusion Our data suggest that DN200434 is a therapeutic option to prevent the progression of atherosclerosis.