• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.306-318
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• 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Thus, early diagnosis is important to improve disease prognosis. Endoscopic assessment represents the most reliable imaging method for GC diagnosis; however, it is semi-invasive and costly and heavily depends on the skills of the endoscopist, which limit its clinical applicability. Therefore, the search for new sensitive biomarkers for the early detection of GC using noninvasive sampling collection methods has attracted much attention among scientists. Urine is considered an ideal biofluid, as it is readily accessible, less complex, and relatively stable than plasma and serum. Over the years, substantial progress has been made in screening for potential urinary biomarkers for GC. This review explores the possible applications and limitations of urinary biomarkers in GC detection and diagnosis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.3
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• pp.308-315
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• 2023

Recent updates in genomic-integrated glioma classification have caused confusion in current clinical practice, as management protocols and health insurance systems are based on evidence from previous diagnostic classifications. The Korean Brain Tumor Society conducted an electronic questionnaire for society members, asking for their ideas on risk group categorization and preferred treatment for each individual diagnosis listed in the new World Health Organization (WHO) classification of gliomas. Additionally, the current off-label drug use (OLDU) protocols for glioma management approved by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) in Korea were investigated. A total of 24 responses were collected from 20 major institutes in Korea. A consensus was reached on the dichotomic definition of risk groups for glioma prognosis, using age, performance status, and extent of resection. In selecting management protocols, there was general consistency in decisions according to the WHO grade and the risk group, regardless of the individual diagnosis. As of December 2022, there were 22 OLDU protocols available for the management of gliomas in Korea. The consensus and available options described in this report will be temporarily helpful until there is an accumulation of evidence for effective management under the new classification system for gliomas.

• International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.302-309
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• 2023

This study aimed to develop a VR-based digital therapeutic intervention for the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. The research combined medical data with virtual reality technology to develop an algorithm for ADHD diagnostic scales and implemented a VR-based digital therapeutic platform using a head-mounted display (HMD). This platform can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents. Additionally, we four VR games were developed, including archery timing, Antarctic exploration, grocery shopping, and rhythm-based drumming(RBD), incorporating various psychiatric treatment techniques based on cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT). To evaluate the usability of this digital therapeutic intervention, a group of experts specialized in counseling psychology participated in the study. The evaluations received highly positive feedback regarding the ability to access the system menu while wearing the HMD, the consistency of terminology used in menus and icons, the usage of actual size for 3D graphic elements, and the support for shortcut key functionality. The assessments also indicated that the games could improve attention, working memory, and impulse control, suggesting potential therapeutic effects for ADHD. This intervention could provide a daily treatment method for families experiencing financial constraints that limit hospital-based therapies, thereby reducing the burden.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.576-581
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• 2023

In this study aims to provide operational guidelines based on risk assessment and safety evaluation in the operation of non-traditional oil production plants, serving as alternative resources in comparison to conventional oils within the construction sector. Presently, operational facilities within these plants are active. However, integrating comprehensive management through sectional and device-specific diagnostic and evaluation systems in similar platform-based operational management systems proves to be a challenging reality. Consequently, this research introduces an evaluation methodology tailored for an operation-centric management system using an integrated management approach, and evaluates its practical applicability within the construction field.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2011.02a
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• pp.636-646
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• 2011

Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) techniques have been developed to provide a means for evaluating occupant responses to changes in an environment and linking this response to physical measures of that environment. POE has been used to systematically evaluate the performance of buildings after they have been built and occupied for some time. This paper present findings on factors (social and physical), which influences housing residential satisfaction of a sample of occupants in four different government Housing Subsidy locations in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Descriptive statistics were carried out on the data obtained through the use of occupant survey. Findings emanating from the survey revealed that the respondents were satisfied with their overall housing situation, but had complaints about certain aspects of the housing unit. However, the respondents felt that most of their housing needs were not being met. Also, a comparison is also made of the perceived factors of dissatisfaction amongst the housing subsidy occupants. It is recommended that a wider systematic coverage of the subject through investigation and diagnostic POE and occupants need assessment should be carried in housing subsidy schemes in South Africa.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.1201-1210
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The dietary intake of foods with fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) is known to adversely affect patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, the effects of FODMAP have been studied predominantly among Western populations. This study aimed to identify foods high in FODMAP content which form a part of the Korean adult diet and obtain basic data for the preparation of IBS guidelines. SUBJECTS/METHODS: An online survey of 1,000 adults from the general population in the age group of 20 to 40 years was performed. Data from 787 participants (men, 386; women, 401) were analyzed. The general characteristics of the participants, health status, IBS diagnosis using the Rome III diagnostic criteria, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire findings, and food items causing symptoms were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 169 participants (21.5%) had IBS. The contribution of the FODMAP nutrients in both IBS and healthy groups was as follows: fructan > lactose > excess fructose > sorbitol > mannitol > galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). The fructan intake was 4.6 ± 2.2 g/day and 4.3 ± 2.5 g/day in the IBS and healthy groups (P = 0.014), respectively. In the IBS group, the ratio of the intake of fructan to the total FODMAP intake was 39.5%, 29.8%, and 5.8% through onions, garlic, and bananas, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Fructan was the FODMAP nutrient most consumed by Korean adults. Therefore, given the difference in the dietary habits of each country's population, the dietary guidelines for IBS should be country specific.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.16.1-16.10
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• 2024

Objectives: This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and the technical quality of root canal fillings in an adult Kuwaiti subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and Methods: Two experienced examiners analyzed 250 CBCT images obtained from Kuwaiti patients aged 15-65 years who attended government dental specialist clinics between January 2019 and September 2020. The assessment followed the radiographic scoring criteria proposed by De Moor for periapical status and the technical quality of root canal filling. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used for statistical analysis, with significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Among the 2,762 examined teeth, 191 (6.91%) exhibited radiographic signs of AP, and 176 (6.37%) had undergone root canal filling. AP prevalence in root canal-treated teeth was 32.38%, with a significant difference between males and females. Most of the endodontically treated teeth exhibited adequate root canal filling (71.5%). Conclusions: The study demonstrated a comparable prevalence of AP and satisfactory execution of root canal treatment compared to similar studies in different countries.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.8
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• pp.785-793
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• 2022

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving apocrine-bearing sites. It is characterized by recurrent painful nodules and abscesses that potentially rupture, resulting in sinus tract formation, fistulas, and scarring. HS tends to be found in the intertriginous areas (i.e., the axillary, inguinal, and perianal areas of the body). HS may be uncommon for radiologists because its diagnosis is usually based on clinical assessment. However, diagnosis based solely on clinical manifestations can underestimate the severity of HS. Ultrasonography and MRI play a critical adjunct role in determining the severity and extent of the disease and greatly aid its management. Given that MRI is an effective imaging tool, its role in the analysis of severe and anogenital HS lesions merits considerable attention. Unfortunately, anoperineal HS imposes diagnostic dilemmas. It has multiple symptoms and presentations and often mimics other diseases in the intertriginous areas. Therefore, a thorough understanding of HS is essential to avoid delayed diagnoses. This review highlights the typical MRI imaging features and staging of HS, emphasizing on the anoperineal location. The review also differentiates the disease from mimics to facilitate the prompt delivery of appropriate treatment and improve patients' quality of life.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.537-545
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• 2023

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by impaired lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and peristalsis of the esophageal body. With the increasing prevalence of achalasia, interest in the role of endoscopy in its diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring is also growing. The major diagnostic modalities for achalasia include high-resolution manometry, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and barium esophagography. Endoscopic assessment is important for early diagnosis to rule out diseases that mimic achalasia symptoms, such as pseudo-achalasia, esophageal cancer, esophageal webs, and eosinophilic esophagitis. The major endoscopic characteristics suggestive of achalasia include a widened esophageal lumen and food residue in the esophagus. Once diagnosed, achalasia can be treated either endoscopically or surgically. The preference for endoscopic treatment is increasing owing to its minimal invasiveness. Botulinum toxins, pneumatic balloon dilation, and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) are important endoscopic treatments. Previous studies have demonstrated excellent treatment outcomes for POEM, with >95% improvement in dysphagia, making POEM the mainstay treatment option for achalasia. Several studies have reported an increased risk of esophageal cancer in patients with achalasia. However, routine endoscopic surveillance remains controversial owing to the lack of sufficient data. Further studies on surveillance methods and duration are warranted to establish concordant guidelines for the endoscopic surveillance of achalasia.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.408-412
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• 2024

Fetal lung interstitial tumor (FLIT), which is characterized by immature interstitial cells resembling the fetal lung parenchyma of 20 to 24 weeks of gestation, is a rare respiratory neoplasm. This study presents the first reported FLIT in Korea. It also aims to refine the diagnostic method of FLIT and increase the accuracy of prognostic assessment by using next-generation sequencing to check for anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) gene rearrangement. Although the initial prognosis for FLIT has been promising since its first report in 2010, certain pathological features are associated with poorer outcomes. Therefore, achieving an accurate diagnosis of FLIT is crucial for avoiding unnecessary treatments beyond surgical resection.