• Title/Summary/Keyword: Early outcomes

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Hetzer Technique for Surgical Correction of Ebstein's Anomaly (Hetzer 술기를 이용한 엡스타인 기형의 수술적 교정)

  • Chung, Jin-Woo;Im, Yu-Mi;Jung, Sung-Ho;Yun, Tae-Jin
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.40 no.7 s.276
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    • pp.473-479
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    • 2007
  • Background: The Hetzer procedure for the correction of Ebstein's anomaly has the advantages of technical feasibility and incorporation of the atrialized right ventricle (RV) into the functional RV. Material and Method: We preformed a retrospective review of 11 patients with Ebstein's anomaly and they had undergone a Hetzer procedure between March 2002 and December 2006. Result: The median age at operation was 19.8 years (range: 6 months ${\sim}56$ years). There were 4 males and 7 females. All patients showed severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) preoperatively, and arterial desaturation (<95%) was present in 3 patients. The original Hetzer technique was employed in 6 patients with the Carpentier type A anomaly. In the remaining 5 patients with the Carpentier type B or C anomalies, valve competence was restored at the level of the displaced tricuspid valve mechanism. Adjunct bidirectional cavo-pulmonary shunt, or one and a half ventricle repair strategy was employed for all the patients. The median follow-up was 8.6 months (range: $0.8{\sim}51.9$ months). There was no early or late death, and the immediate postoperative TR was trivial to mild in 8 patients. The median cardio-thoracic ratios on chest X-ray at the preoperative period and at postoperative 0, 1 and 6 months were 65%, 62%, 55% and 55%, respectively. Conclusion: The original or modified Hetzer procedure for Ebstein's anomaly shows excellent intermediate-term outcomes.

Clinical Results of Arthroscopic Treatment for Infection after Total Knee Arthroplasty (슬관절 전치환술 후 발생한 감염에 시행한 관절경적 치료의 임상 결과)

  • Kim, Kyung Tae;Lee, Song;Kim, Jee Hyoung;Kim, Dae Geun;Shin, Won Shik
    • Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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    • v.17 no.1
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    • pp.38-43
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    • 2013
  • Purpose: To evaluate the efficiency of arthroscopic treatment for infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and to investigate the factors affecting the outcomes. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 17 cases which underwent arthroscopic treatment to treat infection after TKA. After confirming infection by hematologic examination and analysis of joint fluid, we performed arthroscopic debridement, synovectomy and irrigation with normal saline mixed with antibiotics. Through routine examination after operation, we checked failure of treatment or recurrence of infection. If there is no recurrence until 2 years after the operation, we considered it as a success of treatment. Results: Of the 17 cases taken arthroscopic treatment, 13 cases were treated successfully with primary arthroscopic treatment only, but 4 cases had to undergo re-operation because of persistence or recurrence of infection. Analyzing the factors affecting the results, we found that symptom duration of the re-operation group is longer than the treated group after arthroscopy (p<0.05). Conclusion: Arthroscopic treatment can be effective when we performed appropriate selection of patients, careful and extensive arthroscopic irrigation and debridement, and suitable use of antibiotics. However, we have to do early arthroscopic surgery as soon as possible when infection after TKA is suspected.

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Convergence of Information Technology and Corporate Strategy (정보기술과 기업전략의 융합에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Lark Sang
    • Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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    • v.6 no.6
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    • pp.17-26
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    • 2015
  • Firms that have adopted internet technology have been confused by distorted market signals. It is natural to look at marketplace outcomes for guidance, when confronted with a new business phenomenon. However, market signals can be unreliable in the early states of any important new information technology. New technologies trigger rampant experimentation, and the experimentation is often unsustainable. As a result, market behavior is distorted and must be interpreted cautiously. In Chapter 1, we review a concept of business model and roles of strategies in a business model. In Chapter 2, we discuss a strategic auditing method for analyzing market/channel positioning, product/service positioning, value chain/value network positioning and external environmental factors. In chapter 3, we introduces major frameworks for understanding factors forming strategies. The strategic grid model categorizes four quadrants depending on the level of impacts of information technology on operation and strategy. The strategic alignment model presents a new method of assessing an alignment of information technology and business throughout all elements of a business model. In this research, we review the concept of a business model. This research introduces factors that shape strategies and new frameworks for understanding these factors. The research objective of this manuscript is to present a guidance for firms how to use information technology for attaining sustainable competitive advantages.

A Study of the Local Administration Environment Change and 'Mobum Burak Development' in 5 · 16 Military Government Period (5 · 16 군정기 지방행정 환경변화와 모범부락조성사업에 대한 고찰)

  • Seo, Man Yong;Park, Su Young
    • Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development
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    • v.20 no.3
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    • pp.643-678
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    • 2013
  • The purposes of study are to examine early appearance of rural village development that local administration firstly promoted through the 'Mobum Burak Development' promoted in environment change around the local government in 5 16 military government period and find implications of the current rural village development. During the military government period(1961~1963), rural administration showed lots of changes such as reorganization of administration system whose basic local government are si gun, introduction of national planning system and spread of si gun, reorganization of rural taxation system, diversification of extension caused by the establishment of rural facilities such as new Nong-hyup, RDA, etc. Thus, the main axis of development administration of counties was transferred from central government or American aid organization to local administration. According to the basic operation plan introduced after the 5 16 as a planning system, the Ministry of Home Affairs instructed to write and promote gun construction plan based on all conditions of gun as long-term general plan of rural development. Therefore, each do established general plans such as 'Nongdo Jeonbuk Geundaehwa Plan', 'Yakjin Gyeongbuk Plan', 'Jeonnam Miraesang', etc. and Mobum Burak Development was promoted by all kinds of titles such as 'Bogoganeun Maeul(Jeonbuk)', 'Bitnaneun Maeul(Chungnam)', 'Hyeokmyeong Chon(Gyeonggi)', 'Saemaeul geonseol(Gyeongnam)', etc. as a business of rural village development. But, business contents of gun's 'construction plan' couldn't be mutually connected although Mobum Burak Development and unit business contents were promoted by duplicated plan. It became useless general plan as times went by as business focusing on short-term outcomes rather than construction based on long-term region. Mobum Burak Development also borrowed contents community development business, but military government couldn't approach basic solution of village and regional agriculture by focusing on short-term outcome, without imitation of form and procedure. This study is judged to be utilized as basic data of following studies because rural village development companies focusing on national policies discovered unit rural companies and analyzed them by connecting to environment changes of rural administration.

Effects of Antiretroviral Therapy on the Survival of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-positive Adult Patients in Andhra Pradesh, India: A Retrospective Cohort Study, 2007-2013

  • Bajpai, Ram;Chaturvedi, Himanshu;Jayaseelan, Lakshmanan;Harvey, Pauline;Seguy, Nicole;Chavan, Laxmikant;Raj, Pinnamaneni;Pandey, Arvind
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.49 no.6
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    • pp.394-405
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    • 2016
  • Objectives: The survival outcomes of antiretroviral treatment (ART) programs have not been systematically evaluated at the state level in India. This retrospective study assessed the survival rates and factors associated with survival among adult human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients in Andhra Pradesh, India. Methods: The present study used data from 139 679 HIV patients aged ${\geq}15$ years on ART who were registered from 2007 to 2011 and were followed up through December 2013. The primary end point was death of the patient. Mortality densities (per 1000 person-years) were calculated. Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression models were used to estimate survival and explore the factors associated with survival. Results: The overall median follow-up time was 16.0 months (2.0 months for the deceased and 14.0 months for those lost to follow-up). Approximately 13.2% of those newly initiated on ART died during follow-up. Of those deaths, 56% occurred in the first three months. The crude mortality rate was 80.9 per 1000 person-years at risk. The CD4 count (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR],4.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.36 to 5.46 for < $100cells/mm^3$ vs. > $350cells/mm^3$), functional status (aHR, 3.05; 95% CI, 2.82 to 3.30 for bedridden vs. normal), and body weight (aHR, 3.69; 95% CI, 3.42 to 3.97 for <45 kg vs. >60 kg) were strongly associated with the survival of HIV patients. Conclusions: The study findings revealed that high mortality was observed within the first three months of ART initiation. Patients with poor baseline clinical characteristics had a higher risk of mortality. Expanded testing and counseling should be encouraged, with the goal of ensuring early enrollment into the program followed by the initiation of ART in HIV-infected patients.

Effect of Neonatal Developmental Intervention Program (NDT) on Motor Development and Growth in Premature Infants

  • Park, Geun-Hwa;Choi, Sang-Youn;Kim, Sung-Mi;Kim, Mi-Ae;Lee, Eun-Ju
    • Neonatal Medicine
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    • v.17 no.2
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    • pp.207-216
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    • 2010
  • Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of neonatal developmental intervention program (NDT) in promoting motor development and growth and to determine the usefulness of Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE) and Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) in premature infants. Methods: We performed NDT on selected premature infants (PI, n=42) and compared them with the full term control group (FC, n=20). NDT protocol and development assessment (HNNE, NBAS) were manipulated by the physical therapist in the neonatal intensive care unit. The data of this study were collected prospectively. Results: The PI with GA <34 weeks (VPI) subgroup showed a more use of mechanical ventilator and surfactant, severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and intraventricular hemorrhage, and patent ductus arteriosus treated surgically than the PI with GA $\geq$34 weeks but less than 37 weeks (LPI) subgroup. The average scores improved significantly in the PI group between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd assessment by repeated measure (P=0.000). Also, the PI group showed significantly higher total scores and average score at 40 weeks postmenstrual age, P=0.000, respectively than in the FC group. The LPI subgroup showed more weight gain and change in the head circumference between the 1st and 3rd assessment by repeated measure, respectively, P<0.05. The PI group showed no apnea, bradycardia and late sepsis associated with intervention and assessment. Conclusion: The NDT might be a safe and useful intervention to promote motor and growth outcomes in premature infants. Also, the HNNE and NBAS might be safe and useful tools for assessing neurodevelopment in premature infants.

Gallbladder Cancer: a Subtype of Biliary Tract Cancer Which is a Current Challenge in China

  • Qu, Kai;Liu, Si-Nan;Chang, Hu-Lin;Liu, Chang;Xu, Xin-Sen;Wang, Rui-Tao;Zhou, Lei;Tian, Feng;Wei, Ji-Chao;Tai, Ming-Hui;Meng, Fan-Di
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.13 no.4
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    • pp.1317-1320
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    • 2012
  • Biliary tract cancers, broadly described as malignancies that arise from the biliary tract epithelia, are usually divided into two major clinical phenotypes: cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer, differing in etiopathogenesis, risk factors, and perhaps molecular and genetic signatures. Atypical symptoms and lack of tumor biomarkers make it difficult to diagnose in early stages. At the time of presentation, few patients are candidates for potentially curative surgical resection. We here assessed and compared features of a total of 150 cases divided into extra- and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas and gallbladder cancers (GBC). Althought there were no significant differences in serum tumour marker levels, GBC patients had the poorest prognosis. Furthermore, gallbladder cancer respond poorly to chemotherapy or radiation therapy and approximately half of untreated patients died within 10 months. Therefore, treatment for patients with gallbladder cancer is still in challenge. Outcomes and survival of these patients had improved little over the past three decades - a period in which new successful treatments have greatly contributed to the prolonged patient survival for many other cancers.

Presentation of Retinoblastoma Patients in Malaysia

  • Subramaniam, Shridevi;Rahmat, Jamalia;Rahman, Norazah Abdul;Ramasamy, Sunder;Bhoo-Pathy, Nirmala;Pin, Goh Pik;Alagaratnam, Joseph
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.15 no.18
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    • pp.7863-7867
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    • 2014
  • Background: Retinoblastoma is a rare type of cancer that usually develops in early childhood. If left untreated it can cause blindness and even death. The aim of this study is to determine sociodemographic and clinical features of retinoblastoma patients and also to determine the treatment pattern and outcome in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: Data for this study were retrieved from the Retinoblastoma Registry of the National Eye Database (NED) in Malaysia. Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Hospital Umum Kuching, Sarawak and Hospital Queen Elizabeth, Kota Kinabalu were the major source data providers for this study. Data collected in the registry cover demography, clinical presentation, modes of treatment, outcomes and complications. Results: The study group consisted of 119 patients (162 eyes) diagnosed with retinoblastoma between 2004 and 2012. There were 68 male (57.1%) and 51 (42.9%) female. The median age at presentation was 22 months. A majority of patients were Malays (54.6%), followed by Chinese (18, 5%), Indians (8.4%), and indigenous races (15.9%). Seventy six (63.8%) patients had unilateral involvement whereas 43 patients had bilateral disease (36.1%). It was found that most children presented with leukocoria (110 patients), followed by strabismus (19), and protopsis (12). Among the 76 with unilateral involvement (76 eyes), enucleation was performed for a majority (79%). More than half of these patients had extraocular extension. Of the 40 who received chemotherapy, 95% were given drugs systemically. Furthermore, in 43 patients with bilateral involvement (86 eyes), 35 (41%) eyes were enucleated and 17 (49%) showed extraocular extension. Seventy-two percent of these patients received systemic chemotherapy. The patients were followed up 1 year after diagnosis, whereby 66 were found to be alive and 4 dead. Sixteen patients defaulted treatment and were lost to follow-up, whereas follow-up data were not available in 33 patients. Conclusions: Patients with retinoblastoma in this middle-income Asian setting are presenting at late stages. As a result, a high proportion of patients warrant aggressive management such as enucleation. We also showed that a high number of patients default follow-up. Therefore, reduction in refusal or delay to initial treatment, and follow-up should be emphasized in order to improve the survival rates of retinoblastoma in this part of the world.

Quality Improvement in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit Using a Rounding Checklist: The Implementation Results

  • Chang, Ye Rim;Chang, Sung Wook;Kim, Dong Hun;Yun, Jeongseok;Yun, Jung Ho;Lee, Seok Won;Jo, Han Cheol;Choi, Seok Ho
    • Journal of Trauma and Injury
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    • v.30 no.4
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    • pp.113-119
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    • 2017
  • Purpose: Despite the numerous protocols and evidence-based guidelines that have been published, application of the therapeutics to eligible patients is limited in clinical settings. Therefore, a rounding checklist was developed to reduce errors of omission and the implementation results were evaluated. Methods: A checklist consisting of 12 components (feeding, analgesia, sedation, thromboembolic prophylaxis, head elevation, stress ulcer prevention, glucose control, pressure sore prevention, removal of catheter, endotracheal tube and respiration, delirium monitoring, and infection control) was recorded by assigned nurses and then scored by the staff for traumatized, critically ill patients who were admitted in the trauma intensive care unit (ICU) of Dankook University Hospital for more than 2 days. A total of 170 patients (950 sheets) between April and October 2016 were divided into 3 periods (period 1, April to June; period 2, July to August; and period 3, September to October) for the analysis. Questionnaires regarding the satisfaction of the nurses were conducted twice during this implementation period. Results: Record omission rates decreased across periods 1, 2, and 3 (19.9%, 12.7%, and 4.2%, respectively). The overall clinical application rate of the checklist increased from 90.1% in period 1 to 93.8% in period 3. Among 776 (81.7%) scored sheets, the rates of full compliance were 30.2%, 46.2%, and 45.1% for periods 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The overall mean score of the questionnaire regarding satisfaction also increased from 61.7 to 67.6 points out of 100 points from period 1 to 3. Conclusions: An ICU rounding checklist could be an effective tool for minimizing the omission of preventative measures and evidence-based therapy for traumatized, critically-ill patients without overburdening nurses. The clinical outcomes of the ICU checklist will be evaluated and reported at an early date.

Calibration of a Network Link Travel Cost Function with the Harmony Search Algorithm (화음탐색법을 이용한 교통망 링크 통행비용함수 정산기법 개발)

  • Kim, Hyun Myung;Hwang, Yong Hwan;Yang, In Chul
    • Journal of Korean Society of Transportation
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    • v.30 no.5
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    • pp.71-82
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    • 2012
  • Some previous studies adopted a method statistically based on the observed traffic volumes and travel times to estimate the parameters. Others tried to find an optimal set of parameters to minimize the gap between the observed and estimated traffic volumes using, for instance, a combined optimization model with a traffic assignment model. The latter is frequently used in a large-scale network that has a capability to find a set of optimal parameter values, but its appropriateness has never been demonstrated. Thus, we developed a methodology to estimate a set of parameter values of BPR(Bureau of Public Road) function using Harmony Search (HS) method. HS was developed in early 2000, and is a global search method proven to be superior to other global search methods (e.g. Genetic Algorithm or Tabu search). However, it has rarely been adopted in transportation research arena yet. The HS based transportation network calibration algorithm developed in this study is tested using a grid network, and its outcomes are compared to those from incremental method (Incre) and Golden Section (GS) method. It is found that the HS algorithm outperforms Incre and GS for copying the given observed link traffic counts, and it is also pointed out that the popular optimal network calibration techniques based on an objective function of traffic volume replication are lacking the capability to find appropriate free flow travel speed and ${\alpha}$ value.