Search

Background Open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) has extensively been used for the correction of medial knee osteoarthritis. The proximal tibia is osteotomized and distracted to enable the rotation of tibial fragments around the lateral hinge. Both, wedge inclination on the medial side and saw progression near the lateral cortex determine the hinge orientation. This study focused on the interaction between hinge orientation and distraction sites on the coronal, sagittal, and horizontal planes of the distracted plateau. Methods Three parameters of wedge inclination, saw progression, and distraction site (i.e., posterior, middle, and anterior) were systematically varied. Using a three-dimensional (3D)-printing technique, the osteotomized tibiae were manufactured as the specimens for the in vitro experiments. In total, 27 variations (3 × 3 × 3) were tested. After distraction, the specimens were scanned by computed tomography and spatially registered with the original tibia to compare the 3D angles of the distracted plateaus. Results Coronal rotation is the main purpose of OWHTO; therefore, all the values of the coronal angles were positive and significantly higher than the other two. The sagittal and horizontal angles had relatively similar values. Distraction in the middle site seems to have the least impact on sagittal rotation. Large angles of hinge orientation show the superior ability in adjusting the sagittal rotation than small angles. However, the larger the horizontal angles the greater the wedge inclination. Conclusions The wedge inclination, saw progression, and distraction site constitute a complex mechanism that affects 3D rotations of the distracted plateau. The coronal angles are sensitive to hinge orientation and distraction site. The intraoperative planning of manipulating hinge orientation is an effective method to adjust sagittal rotation. A large angle of wedge inclination is an indicator of horizontal rotation, and it should be carefully mitigated to reduce the risk of cracking in the lateral hinge.

Superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) can be performed using fascia lata, dermal allograft, and long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT). We present a Technical Note combining dermal allograft and autologous LHBT, reconstructing the superior capsule’s actual anatomical thickness and augmenting with single-stranded LHBT. The glenoid side consists of intact LHBT insertion and is covered with dermal allograft. The lateral side comprises posteriorly transpositioned LHBT, dermal allograft, and repairable remnant cuff. First, 1 suture-based anchor is used to fix the biceps 5 to 8 mm posterior to the bicipital groove, and tenotomy is done distal to it, while the glenoid side of the biceps is preserved. Second, 2 suture-based anchors are used to fix the dermal allograft at the glenoid side by 1 double-pulley and 2 mattress sutures. Third, 2 SwiveLock anchors are used to fix allograft’s lateral side by 2 reverse mattress sutures. The tension and coverage of the graft can be determined by the position of the SwiveLock anchors. In this way, fewer anchors are needed than the conventional dermal allograft SCR and larger footprint coverage can be achieved than LHBT SCR. A better spacer effect may be achieved by combining both biological grafts’ thickness, mimicking the intact shoulder’s true anatomy., Technique Video Video 1 This video demonstrates our preferred technique for arthroscopic capsular reconstruction with acetabular sided anchors for patients undergoing revision hip arthroscopy for capsular insufficiency. Before proceeding with this technique, it is essential to treat any other pathology in the central and peripheral compartment of the hip and ensure adequate capsular reduction to the acetabular rim to determine feasibility of repair.

Intra-articular corrective osteotomy can be used to restore the anatomic position of knee surfaces for tibial plateau malunion (TPM) but precise restoration is not easy. The personalized surgical guide (PSG) might improve the TMP outcomes. This study developed a two-staged PSG method to provide registration and drill the bone for subsequent osteotomy. The tests were performed to compare the accuracy the proposed PSG and the conventional guide (Anterior cruciate ligament guide, ACLG). The results showed that the PSG provides better accuracy (0.50 ± 0.19 mm) than the ACLG (1.58 ± 0.67 mm). The results show the PSG method is a feasible alternative to the conventional ACLG procedure.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and major depressive disorder (MDD) will be the two most disabling diseases by 2030. Patients with CVDs comorbid depression had lower levels of total omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and a higher omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. However, there have been limited studies on the effects n-3 PUFAs on MDD in patients with CVDs.We have enrolled a total of 59 patients (64% males, mean age of 61.5 ± 9.0 years and mean education of 10.2 ± 4.2 years) with CVDs comorbid MDD. They were randomized into either receiving n-3 PUFAs (2 g per day of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 1 g of DHA) or placebo for 12 weeks. We assessed depression symptom severity with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), as well as blood fatty acid levels, electrocardiogram and blood biochemistry, at the baseline and at the endpoint.There were no differences between the n-3 PUFAs and placebo group in the changes of HAMD and BDI total scores, while PUFAs group had a greater reduction in HAMD Cognition subscale scores than the placebo group at week 8 (p 0.05). Moreover, subgroup analyses found that the n-3 group had a greater reduction of HAMD Core subscale scores than the placebo group at the end of week 12 (p 0.05) for the very severe DEP group (HAMD ≥ 23).Overall, n-3 PUFAs did not show a beneficial effect on depressive symptoms when compared with placebo. However, when stratified with depression severity, n-3 PUFAs supplementation improved core depression symptoms in the very severe MDD group. N-3 PUFAs supplementation may provide a treatment option for a subpopulation of patients with CVDs comorbid MDD.

Purpose To assess the clinical and functional outcomes, including the return to sports and the progression of arthritis, in patients aged 50 years or older after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods A retrospective series of patients aged 50 years or older with ACL rupture who received ACL reconstruction surgery with autologous hamstring tendon was examined. Preoperative and postoperative functional outcomes were evaluated with the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity score. Associated injuries, postoperative complications, and the rate of return to preinjury sports were documented. A paired t test and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) were used for statistical evaluation. Results A total of 67 patients with a mean age of 56.6 years were enrolled. The mean follow-up time was 30.2 months. Clinical improvement in the IKDC score (from 41.4 preoperatively to 88.9 postoperatively), Lysholm score (from 49.8 to 86.1), and Tegner activity score (from 2.7 to 4.4) was noted. Regarding clinically relevant values of the MCID, all patients (100%) showed a ΔLysholm score exceeding 8.9; 66 of 67 patients (98.5%) revealed a ΔIKDC score exceeding 16.7; and 47 of 67 patients (70.1%) showed a ΔTegner activity score of more than 1. For the PASS, none of the patients had an IKDC score over 75.9 preoperatively whereas 60 patients (89.5%) had a score exceeding 75.9 postoperatively. Associated lesions included meniscal injuries (73.1%) and osteochondral lesions (89.6%). Of the patients, 36 (53.7%) returned to preinjury sports and 18 (22.9%) returned to sports with less intensity. No major complication, rerupture, or deterioration of arthritis was noted. Conclusions Patients aged 50 years or older receiving ACL reconstruction achieved significant improvements in IKDC, Lysholm, and Tegner scores. All patients reached the MCID for the ΔLysholm score; 98.5%, for the ΔIKDC score; and 70.1%, for the ΔTegner activity score. None of the patients reached the PASS for the preoperative IKDC value, whereas 89.5% reached the PASS postoperatively. Among patients aged 50 years or older, 53.7% returned to preinjury sports and 26.9% returned to sports with lower intensity. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.

BACKGROUND: Long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) instability and biceps reflection pulley (BRP) lesions are common cause of refractory anterior shoulder pain. We described a technique using dynamic arthroscopy to determine associated intraarticular pathologies. METHODS: Patients with refractory anterior shoulder pain and arthroscopically-diagnosed LHBT instability were enrolled. LHBT instability and the integrity of BRP and concomitant intra-articular lesions were investigated by ramp test. Demographics and arthroscopic findings were compared between patients with and without BRP tear. RESULTS: Forty patients were enrolled. BRP tear was noted in 25 patients (group A) and superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL) insufficiency through ramp test in 15 patients (group B). Concomitant intraarticular pathologies were noted in 27 patients, including 19 in group A (76%) and eight in group B (53%), without significant group-wise difference (p = 0.138). The incidence of articular-side subscapularis tear was significantly higher in group A (p = 0.021), and those of the other intraarticular pathologies were similar between groups A and B. Fraying at the articular side of the subscapularis and supraspinatus tendons was frequent in group B, without difference of incidence as compared to group A (p = 0.5 and p = 0.084, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: LHBT instability was a common disorder in patients with refractory shoulder pain. In those patients, dynamic assessment of BRP lesions and SGHL insufficiency and meticulous survey of associated intra-articular pathologies, including subscapularis tear are necessary for making accurate diagnosis and treatment decision.

Background To assess clinical and functional outcomes of patients aged 40 years or older receiving PCL reconstruction surgery. Methods All patients older than 40 years with isolated PCL rupture who underwent PCL reconstruction surgery were enrolled into the retrospective study. Associated meniscal injuries, osteochondral lesions, postoperative complications, and the rate of return to the preinjury level of activity were extracted. Outcomes included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity score. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) were used to evaluate the clinically relevant value of PCL reconstruction in this population. Results In total, 41 patients with a mean age of 51.7 years were included. The mean follow-up time was 32.8 months. Associated lesions included meniscal injuries (48.8%) and osteochondral lesions (97.6%). Improvement in the IKDC score (from 46.5 preoperatively to 79.0 postoperatively, p p p Conclusions PCL reconstruction is a reliable surgery for middle-aged patients suffering from persistent instability even after failed conservative treatment, with significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes that exceeded MCID in the majority of patients, restoration of subjective instability, and approximately half of the patients returned to preinjury activity levels. Level of evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains a major threat to public health worldwide. OHCA patients presenting initial shockable ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) rhythm have a better survival rate. We sought to develop a simple SACAF score to discriminate VT/VF from non-VT/VF OHCAs based on the Taiwan multicenter hospital-based registry database. We analyzed the in- and pre-hospital data, including demographics, baseline comorbidities, response times, automated external defibrillator information, and the 12-lead ECG recording closest to the OHCA event in bystander-witnessed OHCA patients. Among the 461 study patients, male sex (OR 2.54, 95% CI = 1.32–4.88, P = 0.005), age ≤ 65 years (OR 2.78, 95% CI = 1.64–4.70, P P P = 0.017) were independent risk factors for VT/VF OHCA (n = 81) compared with non-VT/VF OHCA (n = 380). A composite SACAF score was developed (male Sex, Age ≤ 65 years, Cardiovascular diseases, and AF) and compared with the performance of a modified CHA2DS2-VASc score (Cardiovascular diseases, Hypertension, Age ≥ 75 years, Diabetes, previous Stroke, Vascular disease, Age 65–74 years, female Sex category). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the SACAF was 0.739 (95% CI = 0.681–0.797, P 2DS2-VASc was 0.474 (95% CI = 0.408–0.541, P = 0.464). A SACAF score of ≥ 2 was useful in discriminating VT/VF from non-VT/VF OHCAs with a sensitivity of 0.75 and a specificity of 0.60. In conclusion, the simple SACAF score appears to be useful in discriminating VT/VF from non-VT/VF bystander-witnessed OHCAs and the findings may also shed light on future mechanistic evaluation.

Background: Little is known regarding the impact of socioeconomic factors on the use of evidence-based therapies and outcomes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction across Asia. Methods: We investigated the association of both patient-level (household income, education levels) and country-level (regional income level by World Bank classification, income disparity by Gini index) socioeconomic indicators on use of guideline-directed therapy and clinical outcomes (composite of 1-year mortality or HF hospitalization, quality of life) in the prospective multinational ASIAN-HF study (Asian Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure). Results: Among 4540 patients (mean age: 60±13 years, 23% women) with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, 39% lived in low-income regions; 34% in regions with high-income disparity (Gini ≥42.8%); 64.4% had low monthly household income (P interaction Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of socioeconomic determinants among patients with heart failure in Asia and suggest that attention should be paid to address disparities in access to care among the poor and less educated, including those from wealthy regions. Registration: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique Identifier: NCT01633398.

Background Few large-scale cohort studies have investigated the association between community acquired pneumonia and the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). We aimed to study whether using ACEIs or ARBs had protective effects for community acquired pneumonia. Methods This database cohort study was conducted retrospectively in Taiwan. The hypertensive patients were the target population of this study. Patients with ARB use were defined as our first study cohort. The second study cohort comprised patients who used ACEI. Propensity-score matching at 1:1 was used between ARB users and non-ARB users. We recruited 67 944 participants for the ARB study and 58 062 participants for the ACEI study. The same matching was also performed between ACEI users and non-ACEI users. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to analyze the risk of the outcome of viral pneumonia. Results The hazard ratio of community acquired pneumonia for ARB users relative to non-ARB users was 0.33. The hazard ratio of community acquired pneumonia was 0.71 times in ACEI users compared with ACEI nonusers. In stratification analysis, both ARB and ACEI both exhibited a protective effect for community acquired pneumonia in each age and sex group. In the analysis of the effects of therapy duration, patients using ARB for fewer than 100 days exhibited a greater reduction in the risk of community acquired pneumonia (adjusted HR = 0.58) compared with the non-ARB cohort. For the ACEI study, patients who used ACEI for 121 to 450 days were more likely to exhibit reduced risks of community acquired pneumonia (adjusted HR = 0.5). Conclusion Both ACEI and ARB uses were associated with decreased risk of community acquired pneumonia infection.

Background Whether a sex difference exists in long-term cardiovascular (CV) outcomes after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is worth exploration. This study is sought to investigate the relationships among sex, age and the long-term prognosis after AMI. Methods This population-based retrospective cohort study used Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to investigate the sex differences in in-hospital and long-term CV outcomes in patients with AMI. We enrolled patients who were first diagnosed with AMI from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2013. The outcomes of interest included all-cause mortality, CV death, nonfatal stroke, nonfatal heart failure, and AMI recurrence during hospitalization and 5-year follow up. The CV outcomes were also analyzed by age stratification. Results Overall, 201,921 patients with AMI were analyzed; 68.72% were men and 31.28% were women, with mean ages of 65.34 ± 14.12 and 73.05 ± 12.22 years, respectively. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during hospitalization and up to 5 years were consistently greater in women than in men. Multivariable regression analysis revealed no sex difference existed in long-term all-cause and CV mortality. Men of all age groups consistently showed higher risk of both short- and long-term recurrence of AMI. Nonetheless, the female sex still independently predicted increased risk of nonfatal stroke and heart failure from hospitalization until 3-year follow up. Conclusion Women with AMI had poorer short-term and long-term outcomes. The sex differences in long-term all-cause and CV death disappear after multivariate analysis. Nonetheless, female AMI patients independently predicted higher risk of stroke and heart failure from hospitalization until a 3-year follow-up. To better understand the pathophysiology of female patients with AMI and develop more effective management, more studies in this field are necessary in the future.

The peripheral nervous system is the bridge of communication between the central nervous system and other body systems. Autologous nerve grafting is the mainstream method for repair of nerve lesions greater than 20 mm. However, there are several disadvantages and limitations of autologous nerve grafting, thus prompting the need for fabrication of nerve conduits for clinical use. In this study, we successfully fabricated astragaloside (Ast)-containing polyurethane (PU) nerve guidance conduits via digital light processing, and it was noted that the addition of Ast improved the hydrophilicity of traditional PU conduits by at least 23%. The improved hydrophilicity not only led to enhanced cellular proliferation of rat Schwann cells, we also noted that levels of inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) significantly decreased with increasing concentrations of Ast. Furthermore, the levels of neural regeneration markers were significantly enhanced with the addition of Ast. This study demonstrated that Ast-containing PU nerve conduits can be potentially used as an alternative solution to regenerate peripheral nerve injuries.

Background. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is a standard treatment in non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). However, the timing of initiation of DAPT in the Emergency Department (ED) is not well established. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the correlation between the different timings of DAPT initiation in ED and the outcomes in patients with NSTEMI. Method. We retrospectively collected data of patients who were diagnosed as NSTEMI in the ED of China Medical University Hospital during 2016 to 2019. All NSTEMI patients who required coronary stenting or ballooning were enrolled into the study, which means NSTEMI patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were included. The time interval between ED arrival and DAPT given was recorded. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether they received DAPT within 6 hours after arrival to the ED. The primary outcomes were in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The secondary outcomes were unexpected return to the ED within 72 hours, readmission within 14 days, and revascularization procedures performed within the first 30 days. Results. 938 NSTEMI patients with PCI were enrolled. Patients who received DAPT beyond 6 hours were relatively old (65.70 ± 14.13 versus 63.16 ± 13.31, p = 0.014 ) and had relatively more comorbidities and higher Killip scores than those who received DAPT within 6 hours. The group that received DAPT within 6 hours had lower in-hospital MACE rate (3.52% versus 8.37%, p = 0.009 ). Multivariate logistic regression showed the group beyond 6 hours was independently associated with higher risk for in-hospital MACE rate (OR : 2.09, 95% CI 1.07–4.07, p = 0.030 ). Conclusion. Among patients with NSTEMI, DAPT beyond 6 hours after ED arrival have higher in-hospital MACE rate than those within 6 hours.

Objectives We aimed to investigate whether the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM) is heightened in patients with prostate cancer receiving injection therapy. Methods Men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2000 and 2012 were included in the case cohort, and men without prostate cancer were included as controls. Each patient with prostate cancer was matched with a control patient with the same index year, demographic variables and comorbidities, and comparisons were made using propensity score matching. The hazard ratio of DM was estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results This cohort study consisted of 1213 patients with prostate cancer and 1213 control patients. The risk of DM in patients with prostate cancer was 1.60 times (95% CI = 1.12, 2.27) that of patients without prostate cancer. Compared with the controls, the hazard ratios of DM for patients with prostate cancer not receiving oral hormone therapy, patients with prostate cancer receiving oral hormone therapy, and patients with prostate cancer not receiving injection hormone therapy were 1.65 (95% CI = 1.01, 2.70), 1.57 (95% CI = 1.07, 2.70), and 1.94 (95% CI = 1.34, 2.81), respectively. The risk of DM in patients who received injection hormone therapy was 0.45 times (95% CI = 0.25, 0.82) that of patients who did not receive injection hormone therapy. Conclusion Patients with prostate cancer had an increased risk of DM compared with patients without prostate cancer. Patients with prostate cancer who received injection therapy had a lower risk of DM compared with those who did not.

Background Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) has been commonly adopted for irreparable radial head fractures while little information is addressed on valgus type injury. The purpose of this study is to report long-term outcomes and radiographic analysis in RHA for valgus type injury with comparison to fracture dislocation injury. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients receiving unilateral RHA with loose-fit, modular metal prosthesis for irreparable radial head fractures between 2004 and 2012. Totally, 33 patients with a mean follow up of 9 years (range, 7 to 15 years) were enrolled and divided into two groups including 14 valgus injuries and 19 fracture-dislocations. Demographics of the patients, injury details, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and correlation analysis were investigated and compared between two groups. Results In patient demographics, significant difference was noted in sex distribution (p = 0.001), lateral collateral ligament involvement (p = 0.000) and time from injury to RHA (p = 0.031) between two groups. No patient underwent subsequent removal or revision of prosthesis. Good to excellent results according to Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was achieved in 13 and 14 patients in group A and B respectively. Final motion range and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was significantly better in valgus injury group. Radiographic analysis demonstrated fewer patients in valgus injury group presented periprosthetic osteolysis with weak to moderate negative correlation between radiolucency score and MEPS. Conclusions With an average of 9 years follow-up, RHA using loose-fit, modular metal prosthesis achieves encouraging outcomes for both valgus injury and fracture dislocation. In valgus type injury, better motion range, lower disability score and lower incidence of periprosthetic osteolysis is noted while correlation analysis of radiolucency score suggests extended, long-term investigation.

Background: Skeletal muscle injuries are very common in sports medicine. Conventional therapies have limited clinical efficacy. New treatment methods should be developed to allow athletes to return to play with better function. Purpose: To evaluate the in vitro differentiation potential of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells and the in vivo histologic and physiologic effects of mesenchymal stem cell therapy on muscle healing after contusion injury. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Bone marrow cells were flushed from both femurs of 5-week-old C57BL/6 mice to establish immortalized mesenchymal stem cell lines. A total of 36 mice aged 8 to 10 weeks were used to develop a muscle contusion model and were divided into 6 groups (6 mice/group) on the basis of the different dosages of IM2 cells to be injected (0, 1.25 × 105, and 2.5 × 105 cells with/without F-127 in 100 μL of phosphate-buffered saline). Histological analysis of muscle regeneration was performed, and the fast-twitch and tetanus strength of the muscle contractions was measured 28 days after muscle contusion injury, after injections of different doses of mesenchymal stem cells with or without the F-127 scaffold beginning 14 days after contusion injury. Results: The mesenchymal stem cell–treated muscles exhibited numerous regenerating myofibers. All the groups treated with mesenchymal stem cells (1.25 × 105 cells, 2.5 × 105 cells, 1.25 × 105 cells plus F-127, and 2.5 × 105 cells plus F-127) exhibited a significantly higher number of regenerating myofibers (mean ± SD: 111.6 ± 14.77, 133.4 ± 21.44, 221.89 ± 32.65, and 241.5 ± 25.95, respectively) as compared with the control group and the control with F-127 (69 ± 18.79 and 63.2 ± 18.98). The physiologic evaluation of fast-twitch and tetanus strength did not reveal differences between the age-matched uninjured group and the groups treated with various doses of mesenchymal stem cells 28 days after contusion. Significant differences were found between the control group and the groups treated with various doses of mesenchymal stem cells after muscle contusion. Conclusion: Mesenchymal stem cell therapy increased the number of regenerating myofibers and improved fast-twitch and tetanus muscle strength in a mouse model of muscle contusion. However, the rapid decay of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells suggests a paracrine effect of this action. Treatment with mesenchymal stem cells at various doses combined with the F-127 scaffold is a potential therapy for a muscle contusion. Clinical Relevance: Mesenchymal stem cell therapy has an effect on sports medicine because of its effects on myofiber regeneration and muscle strength after contusion injury.

Background To investigate long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) instability and biceps reflection pulley (BRP) lesions with dynamic arthroscopy in patients with refractory anterior shoulder pain and determine associated intraarticular pathologies. Methods Patients with refractory anterior shoulder pain and arthroscopically-diagnosed LHBT instability were enrolled. LHBT instability was confirmed by either static dislodge from the groove or subluxation induced by the hook probe (ramp test), and the integrity of BRP and concomitant intra-articular lesions were investigated. Demographics and arthroscopic findings were compared between patients with and without BRP tear. Results A total of 40 patients with refractory anterior shoulder pain and arthroscopically-diagnosed LHBT instability identified through review of medical records at a single surgeon’s practice from 2014 to 2017 were enrolled. BRP tear was noted in 25 patients (group A) and superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL) insufficiency through ramp test, in 15 patients (group B). No significant difference of patient characteristics was observed between the two groups. Concomitant intraarticular pathologies were noted in 27 patients, including 19 in group A (76%) and eight in group B (53%), without significant group-wise difference (P = 0.083). The incidence of articular-side subscapularis tear was significantly higher in group A (P = 0.021), and those of the other intraarticular pathologies were similar between groups A and B. Fraying at the articular side of the subscapularis and supraspinatus tendons was frequent in group B, without difference of incidence as compared to group A (P = 0.5 and P = 0.084, respectively). Conclusions LHBT instability was a common disorder in patients with refractory shoulder pain. In patients with refractory anterior shoulder pain, dynamic assessment of BRP lesions and SGHL insufficiency and meticulous survey of associated intra-articular pathologies, including subscapularis tear are necessary for making accurate diagnosis.

Background Data comparing outcomes in heart failure ( HF ) across Asia are limited. We examined regional variation in mortality among patients with HF enrolled in the ASIAN ‐HF (Asian Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure) registry with separate analyses for those with reduced ejection fraction ( EF ; Methods and Results The ASIAN ‐ HF registry is a prospective longitudinal study. Participants with symptomatic HF were recruited from 46 secondary care centers in 3 Asian regions: South Asia (India), Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore), and Northeast Asia (South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China). Overall, 6480 patients aged >18 years with symptomatic HF were recruited (mean age: 61.6±13.3 years; 27% women; 81% with HF and reduced r EF ). The primary outcome was 1‐year all‐cause mortality. Striking regional variations in baseline characteristics and outcomes were observed. Regardless of HF type, Southeast Asians had the highest burden of comorbidities, particularly diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease, despite being younger than Northeast Asian participants. One‐year, crude, all‐cause mortality for the whole population was 9.6%, higher in patients with HF and reduced EF (10.6%) than in those with HF and preserved EF (5.4%). One‐year, all‐cause mortality was significantly higher in Southeast Asian patients (13.0%), compared with South Asian (7.5%) and Northeast Asian patients (7.4%; P Conclusions This first multinational prospective study shows that the outcomes in Asian patients with both HF and reduced or preserved EF are poor overall and worst in Southeast Asian patients. Region‐specific risk factors and gaps in guideline‐directed therapy should be addressed to potentially improve outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration URL : https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ . Unique identifier: NCT 01633398.

Background The circulating level of soluble lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐1 ( sLOX ‐1) is a valuable biomarker of acute myocardial infarction ( AMI ). The most electronegative low‐density lipoprotein, L5, signals through LOX ‐1 to trigger atherogenesis. We examined the characteristics of LOX ‐1 and the role of L5 in aspirated coronary thrombi of AMI patients. Methods and Results Intracoronary thrombi were aspirated by performing interventional thrombosuction in patients with ST ‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction ( STEMI ; n=32) or non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (n=12). LOX ‐1 level and the ratio of sLOX ‐1 to membrane‐bound LOX ‐1 were higher in thrombi of STEMI patients than in those of non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients. In all aspirated thrombi, LOX ‐1 colocalized with apoB100. When we explored the role of L5 in AMI , deconvolution microscopy showed that particles of L5 but not L1 (the least electronegative low‐density lipoprotein) quickly formed aggregates prone to retention in thrombi. Treating human monocytic THP ‐1 cells with L5 or L1 showed that L5 induced cellular adhesion and promoted the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages in a dose‐dependent manner. In a second cohort of AMI patients, the L5 percentage and plasma concentration of sLOX ‐1 were higher in STEMI patients (n=33) than in non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients (n=25), and sLOX ‐1 level positively correlated with L5 level in AMI patients. Conclusions The level of LOX ‐1 and the ratio of sLOX ‐1 to membrane‐bound LOX ‐1 in aspirated thrombi, as well as the circulating level of sLOX ‐1 were higher in STEMI patients than in non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients. L5 may play a role in releasing a high level of sLOX ‐1 into the circulation of STEMI patients.

Supplemental material, DS_10.1177_0363546520905853 for Application of Bone Marrow–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Muscle Healing After Contusion Injury in Mice by Chih-Hao Chiu, Tsan-Hsuan Chang, Shih-Sheng Chang, Gwo-Jyh Chang, Alvin Chao-Yu Chen, Chun-Ying Cheng, Su-Ching Chen, Jen-Fen Fu, Chih-Jen Wen and Yi-Sheng Chan in The American Journal of Sports Medicine

Background: Association between hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and bacterial infections required to be determined. Whether hydroxychloroquinehad use could reduce lesser risk of bacterial infections are unknown. We aimed to conduct a retrospective cohort propensity-matching study to investigate the association between HCQ use and the incidence of bacterial pneumonia in rheumatic patients. Methods: The Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID), a one million extract from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of 23 million Taiwanese populations was used. We included patients who newly diagnosed rheumatic and immune disease (ICD-9-CM codes 696.0, 710, 714) within 2000-2012.HCQ users and nonusers were then matched according to age, sex, urbanization level, monthly income, comorbidities and medications in the ratio of 1:1 by the propensity score matching. Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate the risk of bacterial pneumonia in rheumatic patients who used HCQ and who did not use HCQ. Results: There were total 3285 patients with rheumatic and immune disease enrolled. The cumulative incidence curve of patients with the use of HCQ sulfate had no difference to that of patient without the use of HCQ sulfate in propensity score matched cohort, (Log-rank test: p-value=0.5). However, patients used HCQ sulfate for more than 1400 average use days had a lesser risk of bacterial pneumonia (adjusted HR=0.55, 95% CI=0.35, 0.89) in the cohort matched, with regarding HCQ nonusers as a reference. Conclusion: Rheumatic patients taking HCQ had no overall significant differences of bacterial pneumonia incidences compared with rheumatic patients not taking HCQ. HCQ used more than >1400 days was associated with lower risk of bacteria pneumonia. Funding Statement: This study is supported in part by Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare Clinical Trial Center (MOHW109-TDU-B-212-114004), China Medical University Hospital (CMU107-ASIA-19, DMR-109-231); MOST Clinical Trial Consortium for Stroke (MOST 108-2321-B-039-003-), Tseng-Lien Lin Foundation, Taichung, Taiwan. No additional external funding was received for this study. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the China Medical University Hospital (CMUH104-REC2-115(AR-4)).

Background The role of surgical fixation of ulnar styloid fractures remains a subject of debate. The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes following early and late intervention. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 28 patients who underwent surgical repair for unilateral ulnar styloid fractures with distal radioulnar instability between 2004 and 2014. Surgical fixation was performed within 3 months of injury in 13 patients (group A) and beyond 3 months in 15 patients (group B). Patient characteristics and functional outcomes were compared between the two groups. The outcome survey consisted of QuickDASH score, grip strength, range of motion, pain score based on the visual analog scale, and surgical complications. Descriptive statistics were calculated for key variables. A p value of

AIM We used insurance claims data of Taiwan to compare the risk of non-traumatic lower extremity amputation between haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. METHODS We identified 77 669 HD patients and 10 035 PD patients without prior amputation from 2000 to 2010. Incidence rates and hazard ratios (HRs) of lower extremity amputation, and subsequent 30-day mortality after amputation were evaluated up to 31 December 2011. RESULTS There were 2427 and 216 patients undergoing lower extremity amputation during follow-up in the HD and PD groups with incidence rates of 8.35 and 5.79 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Compared with the HD group, the overall adjusted HR of lower extremity amputation for the PD group was 1.27 (95% CI = 1.10-1.46). The impact of diabetes status on the risk of lower extremity amputation interacted with dialysis modality significantly (P