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Background and objectives: Diabetic foot stands out as one of the most consequential and devastating complications of diabetes. Many factors, including VIPS (Vascular management, Infection management, Pressure relief, and Source of healing), influence the prognosis and treatment of diabetic foot patients. There are many studies on VIPS, but relatively few studies on "sources of healing". Nutrients that affect wound healing are known, but objective data in diabetic foot patients are insufficient. We hypothesized that "sources of healing" would have many effects on wound healing. The purpose of this study is to know the affecting factors related to the source of healing for diabetic foot patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review identified 46 consecutive patients who were admitted for diabetic foot management from July 2019 to April 2021 at our department. Several laboratory tests were performed for influencing factor evaluation. We checked serum levels of total protein, albumin, vitamin B, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, Hb, HbA1c, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. These values of diabetic foot patients were compared with normal values. Patients were divided into two groups based on wound healing rate, age, length of hospital stay, and sex, and the test values between the groups were compared. Results: Levels of albumin (37%) and Hb (89%) were low in the diabetic foot patients. As for trace elements, levels of iron (97%) and zinc (95%) were low in the patients, but levels of magnesium and copper were usually normal or high. There were no differences in demographic characteristics based on wound healing rate. However, when compared to normal adult values, diabetic foot patients in our data exhibited significantly lower levels of hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, iron, zinc, copper, and HDL cholesterol. When compared based on age and length of hospital stay, hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in both the older age group and the group with longer hospital stays. Conclusions: Serum levels of albumin, Hb, iron, and zinc were very low in most diabetic foot patients. These low values may have a negative relationship with wound healing. Nutrient replacements are necessary for wound healing in diabetic foot patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) using composite solid electrolytes (CSE) have attracted attention as next-generation battery materials with high stability and energy density. In this study, we manufactured CSE using a poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) polymer host and ceramic inorganic filler. Next, a 23.3 μm electrolyte was prepared via in situ polymerization using a poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (PEGMEA)-based liquid precursor. The introduction of ceramic fillers and in situ polymerization can improve the mechanical strength and ionic conductivity of the electrolyte and enable a high lithium transference number owing to the anion immobilization effect. LiFePO4/Li cells using the manufactured electrolyte exhibited a high capacity maintenance rate of 93.2% over 150 cycles. In addition, a pouch cell based on the prepared electrolyte exhibited excellent stability and flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wagstaffe fracture constitutes an indirect injury to the AITFL and can precipitate syndesmotic instability. The prevailing fixation methods often involve the use of mini-screws or K-wires, with absorbable suture repair reserved for cases with small or comminuted fragments exhibiting instability. In this study, we devised a mini-plate fixation method capable of securing the fracture fragment irrespective of its size or condition. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who underwent surgery for ankle fractures between May 2022 and October 2023. The surgical technique involved direct fixation of the Wagstaffe fracture using mini-plate fixation. Radiologic evaluation was performed using postoperative CT images, and clinical outcomes were assessed using the OMAS and VAS. Results: Fourteen patients with an average age of 62.5 years were included. Most fractures were associated with the supination-external rotation type. The average preoperative OMAS significantly improved from 5.95 to 83.57 postoperatively. The average VAS score decreased from 7.95 preoperatively to 0.19 postoperatively. Conclusions: The mini-plate technique for Wagstaffe fractures exhibited dependable fixation strength, effective fracture reduction, a minimal complication rate, and judicious surgical procedure duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reveals the trajectories of Korean companies that employ technologies related to 4IR. The data were based on the 2017 and 2018 corporate surveys conducted by Korea Statistics' Microdata Integrated Service. The network analysis methodology was applied, with a focus on visualizing the relationships between nine technologies. The results are as follows; First, there were differences between the corporate technology absorption trajectories from the integrated perspective and from the perspective of the detailed application fields. Second, the Internet of Things occupied a greater proportion, compared to other technologies, in several technology absorption trajectories. This seems to reflect the hyper-connectivity of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Third, hyper-intelligence appears to be at a nascent stage, in terms of utilization with other technologies. This paper primarily contributes empirical evidence to existing research on technological trajectories with unique data and results, which is generally depending on patents data, creating a foundation for further theoretical and practical applications by scholars and managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]