Background: It is well known that a large number of patients with diabetes also have dyslipidemia, which significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination drugs consisting of metformin and atorvastatin, widely used as therapeutic agents for diabetes and dyslipidemia. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group and phase III multicenter study included adults with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels >7.0% and <10.0%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >100 and <250 mg/dL. One hundred eighty-five eligible subjects were randomized to the combination group (metformin+atorvastatin), metformin group (metformin+atorvastatin placebo), and atorvastatin group (atorvastatin+metformin placebo). The primary efficacy endpoints were the percent changes in HbA1c and LDL-C levels from baseline at the end of the treatment. Results: After 16 weeks of treatment compared to baseline, HbA1c showed a significant difference of 0.94% compared to the atorvastatin group in the combination group (0.35% vs. −0.58%, respectively; P<0.0001), whereas the proportion of patients with increased HbA1c was also 62% and 15%, respectively, showing a significant difference (P<0.001). The combination group also showed a significant decrease in LDL-C levels compared to the metformin group (−55.20% vs. −7.69%, P<0.001) without previously unknown adverse drug events. Conclusion The addition of atorvastatin to metformin improved HbA1c and LDL-C levels to a significant extent compared to metformin or atorvastatin alone in diabetes and dyslipidemia patients. This study also suggested metformin’s preventive effect on the glucose-elevating potential of atorvastatin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, insufficiently controlled with exercise and diet. Metformin and atorvastatin combination might be an effective treatment in reducing the CVD risk in patients with both diabetes and dyslipidemia because of its lowering effect on LDL-C and glucose.

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to examine the usefulness of osteoconductive bone substitutes with zeta potential control (geneX® ds; Biocomposites, England) by comparing the complications and radiographic evaluation with or without geneX® ds augmentation for internal fixation with proximal femur nail antirotation (PFNA) for treatment of osteoporotic unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 101 patients who underwent fixation with PFNA in osteoporotic unstable intertrochanteric fractures was conducted from December 2015 to August 2020. The radiographic evaluation and complication rates were compared between patients with geneX® ds (Group A: 41 cases) and those without geneX® ds (Group B: 60 cases). Results: In radiological valuation, the degree of blade sliding from the time immediately after surgery to one year after surgery was 1.4±1.2 mm and 5.8±2.7 mm in Group A and Group B, respectively (P<0.001). During the same time frame, a significant difference of 2.3±2.2° and 7.4±3.1° , respectively (P<0.001), in varus collapse, was observed for Group A and Group B. Conclusion Among patients fixed with PFNA for treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures, less blade sliding and varus collapse was observed for those with geneX® ds augmentation compared to those without it. In addition, there was no increase in the incidence of complications. The authors believe it can be regarded as a safe and effective additive for intramedullary fixation for treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures.

Only few studies have shown the efficacy and safety of glucose-control strategies using the quadruple drug combination. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the usefulness of the quadruple combination therapy with oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Background: This study aimed to analyze the correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) and the type of 5th metatarsal fracture, as well as to demonstrate whether there is a difference in radiological findings (heel alignment angle [HAA], heel moment arm [HMA], and metatarsus angle) between fracture types. Methods: A total of 87 patients were enrolled in the study and allocated into 3 groups: the Zone 1 group (N=36), the Zone 2 group (N=33), and the Zone 3 group (N=18). The participants’ demographic data, T-scores, existing fracture or osteoporosis medications, and radiologic parameters including HAA, HMA, and metatarsus adductus angle were analyzed and compared. Results: There was a significant difference between the mean age of the participants, with the highest age in the Zone 1 group and the lowest in the Zone 3 group. Regarding the history of concurrent fracture or osteoporosis medications, there was no significant difference between the 3 groups. Similarly, no significant difference was observed between the 3 groups about the BMD values. In contrast, the HAA was statistically significant in all groups with a positive correlation of -8.9 in the Zone 1 group, a negative correlation of 3.55 in the Zone 2 group, and an inverse relationship of 6.1 in the Zone 3 group. The metatarsus adductus angle was significantly higher in the Zone 3 group than the Zone 1 and Zone 2 groups. Conclusions The location of a 5th metatarsal bone fracture is not significantly associated with BMD. However, mechanical influences, such as hindfoot varus or forefoot adductus, have a significant correlation with fracture types.

Only few studies have shown the efficacy and safety of glucose-control strategies using the quadruple drug combination. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the usefulness of the quadruple combination therapy with oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Background: This study aimed to analyze the correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) and the type of 5th metatarsal fracture, as well as to demonstrate whether there is a difference in radiological findings (heel alignment angle [HAA], heel moment arm [HMA], and metatarsus angle) between fracture types. Methods: A total of 87 patients were enrolled in the study and allocated into 3 groups: the Zone 1 group (N=36), the Zone 2 group (N=33), and the Zone 3 group (N=18). The participants’ demographic data, T-scores, existing fracture or osteoporosis medications, and radiologic parameters including HAA, HMA, and metatarsus adductus angle were analyzed and compared. Results: There was a significant difference between the mean age of the participants, with the highest age in the Zone 1 group and the lowest in the Zone 3 group. Regarding the history of concurrent fracture or osteoporosis medications, there was no significant difference between the 3 groups. Similarly, no significant difference was observed between the 3 groups about the BMD values. In contrast, the HAA was statistically significant in all groups with a positive correlation of -8.9 in the Zone 1 group, a negative correlation of 3.55 in the Zone 2 group, and an inverse relationship of 6.1 in the Zone 3 group. The metatarsus adductus angle was significantly higher in the Zone 3 group than the Zone 1 and Zone 2 groups. Conclusions The location of a 5th metatarsal bone fracture is not significantly associated with BMD. However, mechanical influences, such as hindfoot varus or forefoot adductus, have a significant correlation with fracture types.

Objective: This study evaluated the association between mood and anxiety symptoms and suicidal attempt (SA) and/or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents seeking mental health services. We also tested predictors of SA and NSSI. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 220 adolescents who completed psychological assessment in clinical sample. Participants did the Adolescent General Behavior Inventory (A-GBI) and Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI). SA and NSSI were assessed retrospectively by interview. The caregiver of participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for themselves. Results: 17% of total participants had a history of SA, and 24% experienced NSSI. Both SA and NSSI were more common in girls. The score of depressive subscale on A-GBI was higher in adolescents with SA than those without. The participants with NSSI showed higher scores on CDI and depressive subscale on A-GBI than those without. SA was associated with maternal BDI and history of NSSI; female sex, depressive subscale on A-GBI, and history of SA with NSSI. Conclusion Our study found that NSSI and SA are strongly associated in adolescents. Female sex and depressive symptoms of the adolescents were also significantly associated with NSSI in Korean adolescent. Findings are consistent with patterns in other countries.

Objective: This study evaluated the association between mood and anxiety symptoms and suicidal attempt (SA) and/or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents seeking mental health services. We also tested predictors of SA and NSSI. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 220 adolescents who completed psychological assessment in clinical sample. Participants did the Adolescent General Behavior Inventory (A-GBI) and Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI). SA and NSSI were assessed retrospectively by interview. The caregiver of participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for themselves. Results: 17% of total participants had a history of SA, and 24% experienced NSSI. Both SA and NSSI were more common in girls. The score of depressive subscale on A-GBI was higher in adolescents with SA than those without. The participants with NSSI showed higher scores on CDI and depressive subscale on A-GBI than those without. SA was associated with maternal BDI and history of NSSI; female sex, depressive subscale on A-GBI, and history of SA with NSSI. Conclusion Our study found that NSSI and SA are strongly associated in adolescents. Female sex and depressive symptoms of the adolescents were also significantly associated with NSSI in Korean adolescent. Findings are consistent with patterns in other countries.

Background: Only few studies have shown the efficacy and safety of glucose-control strategies using the quadruple drug combination. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the usefulness of the quadruple combination therapy with oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: From March 2014 to December 2018, data of patients with T2DM, who were treated with quadruple hypoglycemic medications for over 12 months in 11 hospitals in South Korea, were reviewed retrospectively. We compared glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels before and 12 months after quadruple treatment with OHAs. The safety, maintenance rate, and therapeutic patterns after failure of the quadruple therapy were also evaluated. Results: In total, 357 patients were enrolled for quadruple OHA therapy, and the baseline HbA1c level was 9.0%±1.3% (74.9± 14.1 mmol/mol). After 12 months, 270 patients (75.6%) adhered to the quadruple therapy and HbA1c was significantly reduced from 8.9%±1.2% to 7.8%±1.3% (mean change, –1.1%±1.2%; P<0.001). The number of patients with HbA1c <7% increased significantly from 5 to 68 (P<0.005). In addition, lipid profiles and liver enzyme levels were also improved whereas no changes in body weight. There was no significant safety issue in patients treated with quadruple OHA therapy. Conclusion This study shows the therapeutic efficacy of the quadruple OHA regimen T2DM and demonstrates that it can be an option for the management of T2DM patients who cannot use insulin or reject injectable therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Working memory impairments serve as prognostic factors for patients with schizophrenia. Working memory deficits are mainly associated with gray matter (GM) thickness and volume. We investigated the association between GM diffusivity and working memory in controls and individuals with schizophrenia. METHODS: T1 and diffusion tensor images of the brain, working memory task (letter number sequencing) scores, and the demographic data of 90 individuals with schizophrenia and 97 controls were collected from the SchizConnect database. T1 images were parcellated into the 68 GM Regions of Interest (ROI). Axial Diffusivity (AD), Fractional Anisotropy (FA), Radial Diffusivity (RD), and Trace (TR) were calculated for each of the ROIs. RESULTS: Compared to the controls, schizophrenia group showed significantly increased AD, RD, and TR in specific regions on the frontal, temporal, and anterior cingulate area. Moreover, working memory was negatively correlated with AD, RD, and TR in the lateral orbitofrontal, superior temporal, inferior temporal, and rostral anterior cingulate area on left hemisphere in the individuals with schizophrenia. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated GM microstructural abnormalities in the frontal, temporal, and anterior cingulate regions of individuals with schizophrenia. Furthermore, these regional GM microstructural abnormalities suggest a neuropathological basis for the working memory deficits observed clinically in individuals with schizophrenia.
Anisotropy ; Brain ; Diffusion ; Diffusion Tensor Imaging ; Gray Matter ; Gyrus Cinguli ; Humans ; Memory, Short-Term ; Schizophrenia