• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.340-348
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• 2019

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the nutritional status of liver transplantation (LT) recipients and explore certain factors that influence nutritional status, including dietary patterns and physical activities. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. The subjects included 211 LT recipients at a medical center outpatient clinic located in Seoul, Korea. The nutritional status, dietary patterns, and physical activities of each subject were measured using the body mass index (BMI), Mini Dietary Assessment (MDA), and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: The percentages of living and deceased donor LTs were 81.0% and 19.0%, respectively. The mean BMIs pre- and post-LT were 23.88 and $23.16kg/m^2$, respectively, and the average MDA score was 36.55. More than 60.0% of the subjects had a moderate or high level of physical activity. In multivariate analysis, a higher BMI before LT (${\beta}=.72$, p<.001), a lower Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (${\beta}=-.18$, p<.001), and being male (${\beta}=-.10$, p=.024) contributed to better nutritional status post-LT. Patients within six months of LT were less engaged in muscle exercises than those post six months of LT (p=.020). Conclusion: LT recipients in Korea have good nutritional status and a good level of physical activity. To improve recipients' post-LT nutritional status, the pre-LT nutritional status should be considered, particularly in those with a higher MELD score. In addition, physical activity including muscle-strengthening exercises should be encouraged from an earlier stage.

• Acute and Critical Care
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.222-229
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• 2018

Background: The diagnosis of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) is a pragmatic decision based on the degree of hypoxia at the time of onset. We aimed to determine whether reclassification using oxygenation metrics 24 hours after diagnosis could provide prognostic ability for outcomes in PARDS. Methods: Two hundred and eighty-eight pediatric patients admitted between January 1, 2010 and January 30, 2017, who met the inclusion criteria for PARDS were retrospectively analyzed. Reclassification based on data measured 24 hours after diagnosis was compared with the initial classification, and changes in pressure parameters and oxygenation were investigated for their prognostic value with respect to mortality. Results: PARDS severity varied widely in the first 24 hours; 52.4% of patients showed an improvement, 35.4% showed no change, and 12.2% either showed progression of PARDS or died. Multivariate analysis revealed that mortality risk significantly increased for the severe group, based on classification using metrics collected 24 hours after diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio, 26.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.43 to 209.89; P=0.002). Compared to changes in pressure variables (peak inspiratory pressure and driving pressure), changes in oxygenation (arterial partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen) over the first 24 hours showed statistically better discriminative power for mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.701; 95% CI, 0.636 to 0.766; P<0.001). Conclusions: Implementation of reclassification based on oxygenation metrics 24 hours after diagnosis effectively stratified outcomes in PARDS. Progress within the first 24 hours was significantly associated with outcomes in PARDS, and oxygenation response was the most discernable surrogate metric for mortality.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 2021

Objective: To analyze osteoporosis treatment patterns and teriparatide prescription-associated factors in Korea by using a national health insurance claims database. Methods: We utilized the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service National Patients Sample claims database to identify patients (aged ≥50 years) with at least one osteoporosis claim (International Classification of Disease 10th revision code: M80, M81, M82) and at least one prescription for osteoporosis medication (antiresorptive agents: bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor modulators, denosumab, and calcitonin; bone-forming agent: teriparatide) in 2018. Demographic characteristics and healthcare utilization patterns were analyzed. Factors associated with teriparatide prescriptions were assessed using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Records showed that 44,815 patients were prescribed osteoporosis medications in 2018; the percentage of patients prescribed each treatment was as follows: 86.6% bisphosphonates, 13.9% selective estrogen receptor modulators, 3.1% calcitonin, 2.1% denosumab, and 0.7% teriparatide. A greater proportion of patients prescribed teriparatide were ≥75 years (53.4% vs. 33.8%) and had fractures (63.9% vs. 12.8%) compared to the same for antiresorptives (p<0.001). Patients prescribed teriparatide had higher Charlson comorbidity index values (1.2±1.3 vs. 0.9±1.2) and were more frequently hospitalized (0.8±1.3 vs. 0.1±0.5) than those prescribed antiresorptives (p<0.001). Elderly patients (≥75 years old; adjusted OR=1.66; 95% CI 1.16-2.38) and those with fractures (adjusted OR=6.23; 95% CI 4.76-8.14) were more likely to be prescribed teriparatide than antiresorptives. Conclusion: Patients prescribed teriparatide were older and more likely to have severe osteoporosis than those prescribed antiresorptives.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.385-394
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• 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the status of regional variations in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treatment and investigate the association between the presence of a thrombectomy-capable stroke center (TSC) and the case fatality rate (CFR) of AIS within hospital service areas (HSAs). Methods: This observational cross-sectional study analyzed acute stroke quality assessment program data from 262 hospitals between 2013 and 2016. TSCs were defined according to the criteria of the Joint Commission. In total, 64 HSAs were identified based on the addresses of hospitals. We analyzed the effects of structure factors, process factors, and the presence of a TSC on the CFR of AIS using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Among 262 hospitals, 31 hospitals met the definition of a TSC. Of the 64 HSAs, only 20 had a TSC. At hospitals, the presence of a stroke unit, the presence of stroke specialists, and the rate of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) treatment were associated with reductions in the CFR. In HSAs, the rate of EVT treatment (odds ratio [OR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97 to 0.99) and the presence of a TSC (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88 to 0.99) significantly reduced the CFR of AIS. Conclusions: The presence of a TSC within an HSA, corresponding to structure and process factors related to the quality of care, contributed significantly to lowering the CFR of AIS. The CFR also declined as the rate of treatment increased. This study highlights the importance of TSCs in the development of an acute stroke care system in Korea.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.85 no.1
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• pp.80-88
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• 2022

Background: Although it is known that inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use may increase the risk of respiratory infection, its influence on the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remains unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between ICS use and the positivity of SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Methods: Nationwide data of 44,968 individuals with chronic respiratory diseases tested for SARS-CoV-2 until May 15, 2021 were obtained from the Ministry of Health and Welfare and Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in Korea. The positivity of SARS-CoV-2 infection was retrospectively analysed according to the prescription, type, and dose of ICS taken one year before SARS-CoV-2 test. Results: Among 44,968 individuals tested, 931 (2.1%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2. A total of 7,019 patients (15.6%) were prescribed ICS one year prior to being tested for SARS-CoV-2. Low, medium, and high doses of ICS were prescribed in 7.5%, 1.6%, and 6.5% of total cases, respectively. Among types of ICS, budesonide, fluticasone, beclomethasone, and ciclesonide were prescribed in 3.7%, 8.9%, 2.3%, and 0.6% of total cases, respectively. A multivariate analysis showed no significant increase in infection with ICS use (odds ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-1.03). Moreover, there were no associations between the positivity of infection and the dose or type of ICS prescribed. Conclusion: Prior ICS use did not increase the positivity for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, different doses or types of ICS did not affect this positivity.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.447-457
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• 2022

Background: Ultrasound-guided genicular nerve radiofrequency (RF) procedures are of interest in the management of chronic knee pain. A wide variety of demographic, clinical, and procedural characteristics can affect treatment success. This study aimed to determine predictive factors to provide superior treatment outcomes. Methods: The demographic, clinical, and technical data of patients who received genicular nerve RF for knee pain between September 2016 and September 2021 were evaluated. A positive outcome was defined as at least 50% pain relief on a pain score for at least 6 months. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with a successful response to genicular RF. Results: Among 206 patients who underwent genicular RF, 62% of the patients reported successful outcomes at 6 months. In the multivariate model, targeting 5 nerves (odds ratio [OR], 6.184; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.291-16.690; P < 0.001) was the most significant predictor of successful outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that prognostic genicular nerve block with a 50% cut-off value (OR, 2.109; 95% CI, 1.038-4.287; P = 0.039), no opioid use (OR, 2.753; 95% CI, 1.405-5.393; P = 0.003), and depression (OR, 0.297; 95% CI, 0.124-0.713; P = 0.007) were the predictive factors significantly associated with response to genicular RF. Conclusions: Clinical and technical factors associated with better treatment outcomes were ultimately targeting more nerves, performing prognostic block, no opioid use, and no depression. These results are expected to be considered when selecting patients for genicular RF.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.2
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• pp.255-268
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• 2022

Objective : Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common disease in neurosurgical departments, but optimal perioperative management guidelines have not yet been established. We aimed to assess the current clinical management and outcomes for CSDH patients and identify prognostic factors for CSDH recurrence. Methods : We enrolled a total of 293 consecutive patients with CSDH who underwent burr hole craniostomy at seven institutions in 2018. Clinical and surgery-related characteristics and surgical outcomes were analyzed. The cohort included 208 men and 85 women. Results : The median patient age was 75 years. Antithrombotic agents were prescribed to 105 patients. History of head trauma was identified in 59% of patients. Two hundred twenty-seven of 293 patients (77.5%) had unilateral hematoma and 46.1% had a homogenous hematoma type. About 70% of patients underwent surgery under general anesthesia, and 74.7% underwent a single burr hole craniostomy surgery. Recurrence requiring surgery was observed in 17 of 293 patients (5.8%), with a median of 32 days to recurrence. The postoperative complication rate was 4.1%. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with CSDH recurrence were separated hematoma type (odds ratio, 3.906; p=0.017) and patient who underwent surgery under general anesthesia had less recurrence (odds ratio, 0.277; p=0.017). Conclusion : This is the first retrospective multicenter generalized cohort pilot study in the Republic of Korea as a first step towards the development of Korean clinical practice guidelines for CSDH. The type of hematoma and anesthesia was associated with CSDH recurrence. Although the detailed surgical method differs depending on the institution, the surgical treatment of CSDH was effective. Further studies may establish appropriate management guidelines to minimize CSDH recurrence.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.345-353
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• 2022

Objective: To investigate airway volumes using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) by skeletal patterns, sex, and cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) stages in Korean adolescents. Methods: The sample consisted of pretreatment CBCT and cephalograms of 95 adolescents (aged 12-19) obtained out of 1,611 patients examined for orthodontic treatment from 2018 to 2020 in Kyungpook National University Dental Hospital. The samples were classified into two sex groups; three skeletal pattern groups, four chronological age groups and four CVM stages. Nasopharyngeal volumes (NPV), oropharyngeal volumes (OPV), total pharyngeal airway volume (TAV) and minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) measurements were taken from the CBCT. Multiple linear regression analyses to find out which one of the independent variables are good predictors for airway variables. Significant factors were analyzed by two-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) then multiple comparisons were analyzed using a t-test, and Fisher least significant difference. Results: Age, sex, CVM, and Sella-Nasion-B point have significant influence on airway variable. Males and females showed similar patterns of change in chronological age groups 1-3; however, males had larger NPV, OPV, and MCA at CVM in group 4. According to CVM stages, males had larger OPV, TAV, and MCA at CVM stage 6 (p-value: 0.019, 0.021, 0.015, respectively) and no sex differences at CVM stages 3, 4, and 5. Conclusions: Skeletal patterns have an effect on airway volume. Sex differences were found in CVM 6.

• International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.25-39
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• 2022

Perceptions of Library and Information (LI) professionals in Nigeria and the impact of COVID-19 on libraries, librarians and library services, were studied. The significance of demographic factors on LI professionals' perception of COVID-19 and its impact on libraries was tested. Descriptive survey design and Purpose sampling technique were adopted. LIS professionals in Nigeria constituted the population, and an online questionnaire designed by the researchers through Microsoft Forms was used. Descriptive analysis of respondents' demographic data and their covid-19 perception were presented in frequencies and percentages using tables while multivariate regression technique was used to test the significance of relationship between variables at P < 0.05. Findings revealed that many (61.4%) of the respondents agreed that COVID-19 is real but have personal reservations. However, 47.5% indicated that COVID-19 is a scientific invention. On the impacts of COVID-19 on libraries, the study found that COVID-19 is a game changer that will enhance the creation of new services by libraries, cause the reconfiguration of library space for safe operations in post-COVID, establishment of new rules and regulations, and more reliance on e-resources. On the test of association, educational qualification of respondents had a significant impact on respondents' perceptions that COVID-19 will reduce the use of library print resources (P-value = 0.005, B: 0.38, [95% CI: 0.115 - 0.646]) and that library will create new services to address the changes caused by COVID-19. Also, educational qualification of respondents significantly influenced respondents' perception that COVID-19 is real. The study recommends that libraries should take advantage of the season to innovate, and that public health institutions should continually educate people on corona virus to disabuse people's mind of conspiracy theories.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.836-843
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• 2022

In the present study, exposure to heavy metals by consumption of edible seaweeds (green laver, laver, hijiki, sea tangle, and sea mustard) was assessed based on their concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg). The mean of heavy metal concentrations were 0.006-0.023 mg/kg for Pb, 0.037-0.156 mg/kg for Cd, 1.117-15.928 mg/kg for As, and 0.008-0.021 mg/kg for Hg. In multivariate analysis, the correlations were high between Pb levels in sea mustard, Cb levels in laver, and As and Hg level in Hijiki. However, the estimated daily intake and target hazard quotient (THQ) of the heavy metals in edible seaweeds were below their approved limits suggesting no health risks associated with seaweed consumption by Koreans.