• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.39-47
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze clinical outcomes from cervical cancer and stratify patients into risk groups for prognostic factors for early-stage disease. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with stage IB or IIA cervical cancer treated with adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) following primary surgery at Samsung Medical Center from 2001 to 2011. Adjuvant RT was added for patients with intermediate-risk factors, and adjuvant CCRT was performed on high-risk patients after surgery. Results: We reviewed 247 patients-149 in the high-risk group and 98 in intermediate-risk group. The median follow-up was 62 months. Loco-regional failure (LRF) alone occurred in 7 patients (2.8%), distant metastasis alone in 37 patients (15.0%) and LRF with DM in 4 patients (1.6%). The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates for both groups were 79.7% and 87.6%, respectively. In the high-risk group, the 5-year DFS and OS probabilities were 72.5% and 81.9%, respectively. Histologic type, pathologic tumor size, and the number of pelvic lymph node (PLN) metastasis were significant prognostic factors for DFS and OS. We suggest a scoring system (0-3) using these prognostic factors to predict poor prognosis in high-risk patients. Using this system, patients with higher scores have higher recurrence and lower survival rates. Conclusion: In the high-risk cervical-cancer group who received primary surgery and adjuvant CCRT, non-squamous type, large tumor size and the number of PLN metastasis were significant prognostic factors, and the number of these factors was associated with survival rates.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.576-583
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• 2014

Background Standard upper blepharoplasty involves removal of both the skin and a portion of the underlying orbicularis oculi muscle. The senior author had observed sluggishness of eyelid closure, lagophthalmos as well as varying degrees of eye irritation in certain patients during the early postoperative period. He postulated that these findings could be due to orbicularis muscle excision. He therefore undertook a prospective study 27 years ago comparing standard blepharoplasty on one eyelid to skin-only excision on the fellow eyelid. Methods A randomized, prospective, single-blinded study was designed using the fellow eye as an internal control. 22 patients undergoing upper blepharoplasty procedure requiring greater than 5 mm of skin resection and with no history of ophthalmologic disease, dry eye, or previous eyelid surgery were selected. Upper blepharoplasty was performed with skin-only removal on one side, and combined skin-muscle removal on the other side. Patients were evaluated until six months after surgery except for two patients who were lost to follow-up after three months. Sluggish eyelid closure, lagophthalmos, dry eye and aesthetic result were outcome measures scored by patient survey, the operating surgeon, and a blinded expert panel. Results There were comparable aesthetic outcomes in both eyelids. The incidence of sluggish eyelid closure, lagophthalmos and dry eye syndrome were significantly higher in eyelids where wide segments of muscle had been resected. Conclusions Muscle-sparing upper blepharoplasty produces similar aesthetic outcomes as conventional blepharoplasty, while significantly reducing the complications of sluggish eyelid closure, lagophthalmos and dry eye disease. The authors therefore recommend muscle-sparing upper blepharoplasty.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.38-42
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• 1999

Background: In neonatal respiratory distress syndrome patients, various types of pulmonary air leak contributes to elevate morbity and mortality. Although early surgical interventions can provide better results in several cases, whole clinical outcomes are poor. This study was designed to investigate the clinical aspects of pulmonary air leak in the neonatal respiratory distress syndrome patients and major contributing factors to mortality. Material and Method : We retrospectively evaluated 48 cases of pulmonary air leak in the neonatal respiratory distress syndrome patients from September 1994 to May 1997. Result: There were 15 cases of primary and 33 cases of secondary pulmonary air leakages. The prominent manifestations were pure interstitial emphysema in 19 cases(39.9%) and combined pneumothorax in 19 cases(39.9%). In clinical aspects, normal birth weight was dominant(83.4%), the onset occurred within 24 hours was in 28 cases(58.8%). The pulmonary diseases were meconium aspiration syndrome(25.2%) and hyaline membrane disease(33.2%). The overall hospital mortality was 25.2%, and the majority were hyaline membrane diseases. Conclusion: Although the overral mortality rate of these diseases were high, more detailed studies about immediate treatement, perinatal prevention, intensive care to geriatric problems were needed individually to improve outcomes.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Railway
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.376-381
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• 2009

While applying the systems engineering (SE) in systems development, a series of technical reviews play a critical role and is intended to monitor the status of the progress and outcomes of the project for which appropriate technical plans prepared earlier should be executed. It is noted however that during the technical review executed as planned, a lot of problems usually come out. Included are the ambiguity in the reports of the progress status and outcomes, discrepancies among the opinions from different participants, and the delay in carrying out the tasks. To solve those problems in an early stage, informal reviews are usually adopted before the formal technical reviews are held. A type of the informal reviews is the peer review. This paper is concerned with the peer review process model to make the later technical reviews more effective. Specifically, we first review the necessity and meaning of the peer reviews. We then study a model for the peer review process. To model the process, the methods of an IDEF modeling and schema definition have been applied using a computer-aided SE tool, Cradle(R), in the environment of the national research and development project. As a result, the implemented process model can show hew the peer review process is designed and managed to be utilized in the technical review. The documents related with the peer review process can also be generated automatically from the developed model Database. Finally, a general misunderstanding about the peer review and its improvement plan have also been mentioned.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.63 no.6
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• pp.219-225
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• 2020

Background: There is increasing concern that moderate preterm (32-33 weeks' gestation) and late preterm (34-36 weeks' gestation) birth may be associated with minor neurodevelopmental problems affecting poor school performance. Purpose: We explored the cognitive function, cognitive visual function, executive function, and behavioral problems at school age in moderate to late preterm infants. Methods: Children aged 7-10 years who were born at 32⁺⁰ to 36⁺⁶ weeks of gestation and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from August 2006 to July 2011 at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital were included. We excluded children with severe neurologic impairments, congenital malformations, or chromosomal abnormalities. Neuropsychological assessments consisted of 5 neuropsychological tests and 3 questionnaires. Results: A total of 37 children (mean age, 9.1±1.2 years) participated. The mean gestational age at birth was 34.6±7.5 weeks, while the mean birth weight was 2,229.2±472.8 g. The mean full-scale intelligence quotient was 92.89±11.90; 24.3% scored between 70 and 85 (borderline intelligence functioning). An abnormal score was noted for at least one of the variables on the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnostic system for 65% of the children. Scores below borderline function for executive quotient and memory quotient were 32.4% and 24.3%, respectively. Borderline or clinically relevant internalizing problems were noted in 13.5% on the Child Behavior Check List. There were no significant associations between perinatal factors or socioeconomic status and cognitive, visual perception, executive function, or behavior outcomes. Conclusion: Moderate to late preterm infants are at risk of developing borderline intelligence functioning and attention problems at early school age. Cognitive and executive functions that are important for academic performance must be carefully monitored and continuously followed up in moderate to late preterm infants.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.212-218
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• 2011

Purpose: Intracorporeal anastomosis during laparoscopic gastrectomy is becoming increasingly prevalent. However, selection of the anastomosis method after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy is equivocal because of a lack of technical feasibility and safety. We compared intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy with gastrojejunostomy using linear staplers to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of intracorporeal anastomoses as well as its' minimally invasiveness. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analyses of a prospectively collected database for gastric cancer revealed 47 gastric cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with either intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy or gastrojejunostomy from March 2011 to June 2011. Perioperative outcomes such as operation time, postoperative complication, and hospital stay were compared according to the type of anastomosis. Postoperative inflammatory response was also compared between the two groups using white blood cell count and high sensitivity C-reactive protein. Results: Among the 47 patients, 26 patients received gastroduodenostomy, whereas 21 patients received gastrojejunostomy without open conversion or additional mini-laparotomy incision. There was no difference in mean operation time, blood loss, and length of postoperative hospital stays. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative complication or mortality between two groups. However, significantly more staplers were used for gastroduodenostomy than for gastrojejunostomy (n=6) than for gastroduodenostomy and (n=5). Conclusions: Intracorporeal anastomosis during laparoscopic gastrectomy using linear stapler, either gastroduodenostomy or gastrojejunostomy, shows comparable and acceptable early postoperative outcomes and are safe and feasible. Therefore, surgeons may choose either anastomosis method as long as oncological safety is guaranteed.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.7 no.6
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• pp.423-430
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• 2015

PURPOSE. To evaluate the cumulative survival rate (CSR) and mechanical complications of single-tooth $Ankylos^{(R)}$ implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This was a retrospective clinical study that analyzed 450 single $Ankylos^{(R)}$ implants installed in 275 patients between December 2005 and December 2012. The main outcomes were survival results CSR and implant failure) and mechanical complications (screw loosening, fracture, and cumulative fracture rate [CFR]). The main outcomes were analyzed according to age, sex, implant length or diameter, bone graft, arch, and position. RESULTS. The 8-year CSR was 96.9%. Thirteen (2.9%) implants failed because of early osseointegration failure in 3, marginal bone loss in 6, and abutment fracture in 4. Screw loosening occurred in 10 implants (2.2%), and 10 abutment fractures occurred. All abutment fractures were located in the neck, and concurrent screw fractures were observed. The CSR and rate of screw loosening did not differ significantly according to factors. The CFR was higher in middle-aged patients (5.3% vs 0.0% in younger and older patients); for teeth in a molar position (5.8% vs 0.0% for premolar or 1.1% for anterior position); and for larger-diameter implants (4.5% for 4.5 mm and 6.7% for 5.5 mm diameter vs 0.5% for 3.5 mm diameter) (all P<.05). CONCLUSION. The $Ankylos^{(R)}$ implant is suitable for single-tooth restoration in Koreans. However, relatively frequent abutment fractures (2.2%) were observed and some fractures resulted in implant failures. Middle-aged patients, the molar position, and a large implant diameter were associated with a high incidence of abutment fracture.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.344-349
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• 2016

Background: Monocusp reconstruction with a transannular patch (TAP) results in early improvement because it relieves residual volume hypertension during the immediate postoperative period. However, few reports have assessed the long-term surgical outcomes of this procedure. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the mid-term surgical outcomes of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair using monocusp reconstruction with a TAP. Methods: Between March 2000 and March 2009, 36 patients with a TOF received a TAP. A TAP with monocusp reconstruction (group I) was used in 25 patients and a TAP without monocusp reconstruction (group II) was used in 11 patients. We evaluated hemodynamic parameters using echocardiography during the follow-up period in both groups. Results: At the most recent follow-up echocardiography (mean follow-up, 8.2 years), the mean pulmonary valve velocities of the patients in group I and group II were $2.1{\pm}1.0m/sec$ and $0.9{\pm}0.9m/sec$, respectively (p=0.001). Although the incidence of grade 3-4 pulmonary regurgitation (PR) was not significantly different between the two groups (group I: 16 patients, 64.0%; group II: 7 patients, 70.0%; p=0.735) during the follow-up period, the interval between the treatment and the incidence of PR aggravation was longer in group I than in group II (group I: $6.5{\pm}3.4years$; group II: $3.8{\pm}2.2years$; p=0.037). Conclusion: Monocusp reconstruction with a TAP prolonged the interval between the initial treatment and grade 3-4 PR aggravation. Patients who received a TAP with monocusp reconstruction to repair TOF were not to progress to pulmonary stenosis during the follow-up period as those who received a TAP without monocusp reconstruction.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.356-360
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• 2016

Background: The standard approach in treating cardiac myxoma is the median full sternotomy. With the evolution of surgical techniques, the right minithoracotomy approach has emerged as an alternative method. Since few studies have been published assessing the right minithoracotomy approach, we performed a retrospective study to compare the clinical outcomes of the right minithoracotomy approach with those of the sternotomy approach. Methods: From January 2005 to December 2014, 203 patients underwent resection of a cardiac myxoma. Patients with preexisting cardiac problems were excluded from this study. 146 patients were enrolled in this study; 83 patients were treated using a median sternotomy and 63 patients were treated using a right minithoracotomy. Results: No early mortalities were recorded in either group. Although the cardiopulmonary bypass time and aorta cross-clamp time were significantly shorter in the sternotomy group (p<0.001 and p=0.005), postoperative blood transfusions and arrhythmia events were significantly less common in the thoracotomy group (p=0.004 and p=0.025, respectively). No significant differences were found in the duration of the hospital stay, postoperative intubation time, the duration of the intensive care unit stay, and recurrence. Conclusion: The minimally invasive right minithoracotomy approach is a good alternative method for treating cardiac myxoma because it was found to be associated with a lower incidence of postoperative complications and a shorter postoperative recovery period.

• Annals of Laboratory Medicine
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.538-544
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• 2018

Background: Serum copeptin has been demonstrated to be useful in early risk stratification and prognostication of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the prognostic value of copeptin after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for clinical outcomes remains uncertain. We investigated the prognostic role of serum copeptin levels immediately after successful PCI as a prognostic marker for major adverse cardiac events (MACE; comprising death, repeat PCI, recurrent MI, or coronary artery bypass grafting) in patients with AMI. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 149 patients with AMI who successfully received PCI. Serum copeptin levels were analyzed in blood samples collected immediately after PCI. The association between copeptin levels and MACE during the follow-up period was evaluated. Results: MACE occurred in 34 (22.8%) patients during a median follow-up of 30.1 months. MACE patients had higher copeptin levels than non-MACE patients did. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the increase in serum copeptin levels was associated with increased MACE incidence (odds ratio=1.6, P =0.005). Conclusions: A high level of serum copeptin measured immediately after PCI was associated with MACE in patients with AMI during long-term follow-up. Serum copeptin levels can serve as a prognostic marker in patients with AMI after successful PCI.