Search

Purpose: The modified Bröstrom operation (MBO) is a prominent surgical treatment for patients with chronic lateral ankle instability. This study examined the improvement of functional instability by quantitatively assessing the changes in postural control using pedobarography after MBO and proprioceptive exercises. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 38 patients who underwent MBO for chronic lateral ankle instability from May 2015 to December 2021. The mechanical instability was evaluated pre- and post-operatively using the Manual-Anterior Drawer Test, and the clinical outcomes were assessed using the AOFAS-AHFS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale). Pedobarography was used to evaluate postural control measuring foot pressure center variables, specifically the envelope area (ENV) of the pressure center trajectory and the sway velocity (SV) of the pressure center movement. The improvement of postural balance ability was evaluated according to age by classifying the participants into young adult and middle-aged adult groups based on a threshold of 40 years. They were further analyzed by dividing into groups according to sex. Results: The AOFAS-AHFS and Manual-Anterior Drawer Test improved significantly when the pre-surgery and post-surgery final followup assessments were compared (69.2 to 86.3, p<0.001; 2.3 to 0.2, p<0.001; respectively). When comparing pre-surgery and post-surgery final follow-up assessments with the eyes open, the ENV of the pressure center trajectory and SV significantly decreased (108.0 to 66.3, p=0.010; 23.0 to 18.8, p=0.030; respectively). When classified according to age, patients under 40 years showed a significant decrease in SV when measured with the eyes open post-surgery (20.5 to 18.0, p=0.030), while patients over 40 years showed a significant decrease in both ENV and SV when measured with eyes open post-surgery (149.7 to 84.7, p<0.01; 37.7 to 20.9, p=0.020; respectively). The male and female groups showed a significant decrease in SV when measured with the eyes open post-surgery (21.0 to 18.7 and p<0.01 vs. 25.5 to 18.9 and p=0.020, respectively). Conclusion: The postural control changes were quantitatively evaluated using pedobarography after MBO and proprioceptive exercises, showing that the functional ankle instability improved regardless of age or sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica juncea, a member of the Brassicaceae family commonly referred to as mustard, is an allotetraploid (AABB, 2n=36) resulting from interspecific hybridization between Brassica rapa (AA, 2n=20) and Brassica nigra (BB, 2n=16). In this study, microspores were cultured using F1 hybrids between two selected B. juncea double haploid (DH) lines with high anthocyanin and glucosinolate contents in the maternal versus leafy paternity. The results of the microspore culture showed that the total number of cultured buds, obtained embryos, and embryos per bud were 2,010, 15,526, and 7.62, respectively. Colchicine was used to induce the amphidiploids (AABB). We found that 149 of the 218 regenerated plants (68.3%) were amphidoploid. Among them, 117 individuals underwent ripening and seed harvesting and were used for subsequent phenotype analysis. Leaf color, length, and other agricultural traits exhibited various patterns owing to the recombination of the parental allele. The glucosinolate (GSL) content ranged from a maximum of 29.27 μmol/g dry weight to a minimum of 6.39 μmol/g dry weight, exceeding the range of parental value. The composition of GSL was mainly aliphatic, with sinigrin accounting for approximately 89% of the total aliphatic GSL content. These DH lines and their respective unique phenotypic traits are crucial for crop breeding and are valuable resources for advancing functional genomics and developing molecular markers in B. juncea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The current treatment option of bimalleolar equivalent fractures is open reduction and internal fixation of lateral malleolus followed by syndesmotic screw fixation of syndesmosis or deltoid ligament augmentation. On the other hand, there is still debate using deltoid ligament augmentation technique. This study compared the clinical results of deltoid ligament augmentation and syndesmosis screw fixation in bimalleolar equivalent fractures. Materials and Methods: From 2007 to 2022, this study retrospectively compared 31 patients who underwent deltoid ligament augmentation with fibula fixation with 12 patients who underwent syndesmosis fixation for bimalleolar equivalent fractures. The clinical results were compared by measuring visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and ankle range of motion 12 months after surgery. The radiological results were compared by measuring medial clear space, tibiofibular overlap, and tibiofibular clear space before and after surgery. The postoperative complications were compared. Results: The post-operative AOFAS score, the VAS score, and the ankle range of motion were similar in the two groups. The radiological results showed a similar medial clear space, tibiofibular overlap, and tibiofibular clear space in the two groups before and after surgery. In addition, there were no postoperative complications in the group that underwent deltoid ligament augmentation, and one screw break and superficial infection were observed in each of the patient groups that had undergone trans-syndesmosis screw fixation. Conclusion: Clinically good results could be obtained despite only deltoid ligament augmentation being performed alone after fibular fracture fixation in bimalleolar equivalent fractures. In addition, if only deltoid ligament augmentation is performed alone rather than transsyndesmosis screw fixation, there is little possibility of misalignment and no risk of screw breakage or the need for additional procedures to remove the screws. In conclusion, deltoid ligament repair without syndesmosis screw fixation could be viable for treating bimalleolar equivalent fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surgical treatment of Achilles tendinopathy can be considered after the failure of conservative treatment, and the surgical methods may be divided into two groups; treatments for insertional and non-insertional tendinopathy. In the case of insertional tendinopathy, debridement including tendon and calcification of the diseased lesion, reattachment of the tendon, and calcaneal ostectomy of the Haglund lesion are the primary treatments. If reattachment is not possible, reconstruction should be performed by other methods such as tendon transfer. As a result of surgery for insertional tendinopathy, there is an improvement in the pain and function after surgery, but there are some patients whose pain does not completely disappear. Some residual pain may persist; therefore, the overall success rate of the surgery can be expected to be 80% to 90%. For the patients of non-insertional tendinopathy, conservative treatment through eccentric exercise is the primary treatment, and most of them have reported good results. In case of failure after various conservative treatments, debridement of the diseased lesion and repair of the remaining tendon would be the primary surgical treatments. If the remaining tendon is not sufficient, reconstruction such as tendon transfer should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When testing the EMS of an automotive LED lamp, light meters or ammeters can be used to monitor the normal operation conditions and performance degradation. However, in reality, illuminance is monitored by relying on human eyes because they are not suitable for use in an EMS test noise environment. If illuminance is monitored by using human eyes, the judgment criterion of normal operation is vague, and accurate monitoring is impossible owing to factors such as vision, blink of an eye, and eye fatigue of the test engineer. In this paper, we propose an automation system that can quantitatively monitor the illuminance of an automotive LED lamp while avoiding EMC test interference inside the chamber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical examination and surgical findings and symptoms are often inconsistent with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings when diagnosing chronic ankle lateral ligament instability, and confirmed surgical findings are used as the gold standard in most clinical studies. Anterior drawer testing is considered unreliable because normal findings are highly variable, and its accuracy ranges from 50% to 100%. Furthermore, radiographic stress imaging, such as in anterior drawer stress view, is performed under manual stress or using a stress device, and its findings also vary widely and confuse when interpreting stress views. The average accuracy of MRI findings is around 85% (range, 66%~91.7%), and thus, cannot be used as a primary indicator for surgery. For patients with suspected lateral ankle ligament instability, based on symptoms and physical examination findings, MRI may be useful for identifying lesions in ankle joints and for differentiating them from other conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of nebulizer therapy with normal saline on thirst and sore throat among postoperative patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group, pretest-posttest design was used with 50 participants. The experimental group received nebulizer therapy with normal saline every two hours for 10 minutes three times and wet gauze (n=25), and the control group received only wet gauze (n=25). Data were collected using the Numeral Rating Scale for Thirst and Sore Throat. Measurements were calculated before applying nebulizer therapy and total five times for 12 hours after treatment. Data were analyzed using the repeated measured ANOVA. Results: Thirst for the experimental group using the nebulizer therapy with normal saline improved more than for the control group (F=3.06, p=.043). Sore throat was not significantly different between the two groups (F=0.63, p=.565). Conclusion: Study results indicate that using nebulizer therapy with normal saline can reduced thirst for postoperative patients. So nurses can apply nebulizer therapy with normal saline to reduce thirst and to improve comfort for postoperative patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study evaluated the clinical results of surgical treatment with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for treating displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus in comparison with conventional lateral extensile approach plate osteosynthesis. Materials and Methods: Of 79 cases of Sanders type II or III calcaneus fractures, 15 cases treated with the minimally invasive calcaneal plate (group M) and 64 cases treated with lateral extensile approach calcaneal plate (group E) were identified. After successful propensity score matching considering age, sex, diabetes mellitus history, and Sanders type (1:3 ratio), 15 cases (group M) and 45 cases (group E) were matched and the demographic, radiologic, and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: The median time of surgery from injury was 2.0 days in group M and 6.0 days in group E (p=0.014). At the six months followup, group M showed results comparable with those of group E in radiographic outcomes. In the clinical outcomes, group M showed better postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores than did group E (p=0.001, p=0.008). A greater range of subtalar motion was achieved at the six months follow-up in group M (inversion 20.0° vs. 10.0°, p=0.002; eversion 10.0° vs. 5.0°, p=0.025). Although there were no significant differences in complications between the two groups (1 [6.7%] vs. 7 [15.6%], group M vs. group E; p=0.661), there was only one sural nerve injury and no wound dehiscence and deep infection in group M. Conclusion: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis showed superior clinical outcomes compared with that of the conventional lateral extensile approach plate osteosynthesis in Sanders type II or III calcaneus fractures. We suggest applying minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in Sanders type II or III calcaneus fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined the effects of beraprost sodium on digital infrared thermal images in patients with peripheral arterial disease caused by type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease were treated with beraprost sodium in a prospective, multicenter, cohort study from February 2013 to December 2014. Beraprost sodium (40 µg) was administered orally 3 times daily (120 µg/day) for 6 months. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) were performed to compare the blood flow improvement between before and after dosing. Results: Among the 25 patients included in the evaluation, 22 patients completed the study. A significant increase in body temperature was observed in the front and left side, particularly in the plantar side in DITI compared to that before and after administration. An increase in body temperature was observed at the frontal part from 28.1°C±2.3°C to 29.1°C±2.1°C (p=0.021), at the left side from 27.8°C±2.4°C to 28.6°C±1.9°C (p=0.028), at the plantar part at 24.0°C±1.5°C, and at the plantar part at 27.1°C±2.4°C (p<0.01). The VAS decreased significantly from 5.4±1.3 to 2.7±2.0 after 6 months of treatment (p<0.01). Conclusion: Beraprost sodium is a safe and easy-to use oral medication for diabetes peripheral arterial disease. It can be expected to increase the blood flow and decrease the lower extremity pain statistically after being taken for 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chopart joint fracture and dislocation are rare injuries compared with other joint injuries with various clinical manifestations. Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge of the radiological findings of the joints, and thus, the extent of joint ligament damage may be underestimated, leading to improper treatment. This paper reports three cases of Chopart joint injury and seeks to reconsider the importance of Chopart joint evaluation and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To introduce reliable and newly developed radiographic measures based on a lateral ankle radiograph to assess a syndesmotic reduction after screw fixation and to compare with the radiographic measures based on the anteroposterior (AP) and mortise radiographs. Materials and Methods: The postoperative ankle radiographs of 34 ankle fracture cases after screw fixation for concurrent syndesmosis injury were reviewed. Two radiographic parameters were measured on each AP and mortise radiograph; tibiofibular clear space (TFCS) and tibiofibular overlap (TFO). Five radiographic parameters were measured on the true lateral radiographs; the anteroposterior tibiofibular (APTF) ratio, anterior tibiofibular ratio (ATFR), posterior tibiofibular ratio (PTFR), distances of intersection of the anterior fibular border and the tibial plafond to anterior cortex of the tibia (AA'), and the intersection of posterior fibular border and tibial plafond to the tip of the posterior malleolus (BB'). In addition, the distance (XP) between the fibular posterior margin (X) crossing tibial plafond or the posterior malleolus and posterior articular margin (P) of the tibial plafond was measured on the lateral view. Results: Using TFCS and TFO in the AP and mortise radiographs, malreductions of syndesmosis were estimated in 17 of 34 cases (50.0%). Using the introduced and developed radiographic measures in the lateral radiographs, syndesmotic malreductions were estimated in 16 out of 34 cases (47.1%). Seventeen cases (50.0%) showed no evidence of postoperative diastasis using the radiographic criteria on the AP and mortise view, 10 cases (58.8%) of whom showed evidence of a malreduction on the lateral radiograph. The newly developed measurements, XP, were measured 0 in 11 out of 34 cases (32.4%). Conclusion: The reduction of syndemosis after screw fixation can be accurately assessed intraoperatively with a combination of several reliable radiographic measurements of the lateral radiograph and traditional radiographic measurements of the AP and mortise radiograph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit development period (FDP), defined as the time between full bloom and maturity, varies greatly in peaches (Prunus persica L. Batsch). It is necessary to develop molecular markers associated with maturity date to extend the harvest season in new peach cultivars. We designed the 260 SSR primer set covering the entire genome of approximately 300 kb to 1 Mb based on P. persica cultivar ‘Mihong’ genome sequence. The SSR markers were used to survey the relationship between the parentages ‘Yumeyong’ and ‘Chiyomaru’ and their offspring cultivars ‘Mihong’, ‘Yumi’, ‘Misshong’ and ‘Soomee’. Male cultivar ‘Chiyomaru and its offspring cultivars ‘Mihong’, Yumi’, and ‘Misshong’ are early and middle maturity cultivars with FDP of 77, 76, 82, and 108 days, respectively, whereas female cultivar ‘Yumyeong’ and its offspring cultivar ‘Soomee’ are late maturity cultivars with FDP of 128 days. Three regions of SSR markers could distinguish between early, middle, and late maturity cultivars. In the early stages of breeding, these markers will be used for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in the parentages ‘Yumyeong’ and ‘Chiyomaru’ and their offspring cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunus persica “Mihong” cultivar is a domesticated white peach that was generated from the crossing between “Yumyeong” and “Chiyomaru” cultivars in the Republic of Korea in 1995. We launched “Mihong” genome sequencing in 2018 and “Mihong” reached to 200 scaffold and 241 Mb sequences using long-read sequencing and Hi-C technology. F1 populations of ”Kawanakajima Hakuto,” “Mihong,” “Changhowon Hwangdo,” and “Yumi” were developed in NIHHS. These four cultivars were sequenced and assembled using the SOAPdenovo version 2.04. First, we surveyed the SSRs in “Mihong” assembly sequences and extracted the ±300 bp flanking sequences containing SSRs. Second, the assembly sequences of three cultivars were aligned and mapped against “Mihong” ±300 bp flanking sequences using BLASTn (version 2.2.29+). We anticipated the differential length in SSRs among the four cultivars. We sorted the primers with a standard deviation over 4.5 (STEV > 4.5) among the four cultivars. In addition, we surveyed the primers having difference in over 10 bp with “Kawanakajima Hakuto” and “Mihong” for polymorphic markers in the mapping population. All primer pairs were designed to generate amplicons of 150-200 bp in coating SSR regions using primer3 (version 3-2.2.3). We selected 260 SSR markers with a physical distance of average per 1 Mb. These SSR markers accounted for 74% polymorphism in the four genotypes. Finally, a F1 population of “Kawanakajima Hakuto” and “Mihong” covered 884.5 cM with 465 SNPs and 86 SSRs and this genetic map matched correctly to the HI-C pseudomolecule of P. persica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]