• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.1
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• pp.14-21
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• 2024

Objective : The primary treatment goal of current endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for emergent large-vessel occlusion (ELVO) is complete recanalization after a single maneuver, referred to as the 'first-pass effect' (FPE). Hence, we aimed to identify the predictive factors of FPE and assess its effect on clinical outcomes in patients with ELVO of the anterior circulation. Methods : Among the 129 patients who participated, 110 eligible patients with proximal ELVO (intracranial internal carotid artery and proximal middle cerebral artery) who achieved successful recanalization after EVT were retrospectively reviewed. A comparative analysis between patients who achieved FPE and all others (defined as a non-FPE group) was performed regarding baseline characteristics, clinical variables, and clinical outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were subsequently conducted for potential predictive factors with p<0.10 in the univariate analysis to determine the independent predictive factors of FPE. Results : FPE was achieved in 31 of the 110 patients (28.2%). The FPE group had a significantly higher level of functional independence at 90 days than did the non-FPE group (80.6% vs. 50.6%, p=0.002). Pretreatment intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) (odds ratio [OR], 3.179; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.025-9.861; p=0.045), door-to-puncture (DTP) interval (OR, 0.959; 95% CI, 0.932-0.987; p=0.004), and the use of balloon guiding catheter (BGC) (OR, 3.591; 95% CI, 1.231-10.469; p=0.019) were independent predictive factors of FPE. Conclusion : In conclusion, pretreatment IVT, use of BGC, and a shorter DTP interval were positively associated with FPE, increasing the chance of acquiring better clinical outcomes.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.1847-1850
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• 2016

Background: It is reported that the percentage of smudge cells in the blood smear could be a prognostic indicator in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, the clinical significance of smudge cells in other hematological malignancies, solid tumors or non-malignant diseases is less clear. Hence, this study was conducted to survey the clinical significance of smudge cells in hematological cancers and other disorders. Materials and Methods: From January to November, 2015, the clinical data of patients who received blood examination with differential counts for clinical purpose and were found to have smudge cells in the peripheral blood film in Far Eastern Memorial Hospital were selected. The percentage of smudge cells and patient outcomes were evaluated for further univariate and survival analyses. Results: A total of 102 patients with smudge cells in their blood smears were included. Smudge cells were frequently presented in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA; n=30), infections (n=23), hematological cancers (n=23) and solid cancers (n=10). There was no relationship between the percentage of smudge cells and the patient mortality in all diseases (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.47-2.48, P=1.000) as well as the OHCA group (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 0.38-9.60, P=0.694). It was observed that in patients with all cancers with the percentage of smudge cells less than 50% had a lower mortality rate in comparison with those who had the percentage of smudge cells of 50% or more (OR: 22.29, 95% CI: 2.38-208.80, P<0.001). Additionally, it was seemingly that patients with smudge cells of 50% or more had a lower survival rate than those with smudge cells less than 50% in all cancers with follow-up at 2-month intervals, but without statistical significance (P=0.064). Conclusions: Our survey indicated that in all cancers, those who had higher percentage of smudge cells were prone to have poor outcomes when compared with the subjects with lower percentage of smudge cells. This finding was quite different from the results of previous studies in which the race-ethnicity of most study populations was non-Asian; hence, further investigations are required. Besides, there was no apparent association of the percentage of smudge cells with patient outcomes in all diseases, including OHCA.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.196-199
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• 2019

This study was conducted to evaluate and analyze fractures types, sites and surgical approach of wild birds in Korea. The study was conducted on data collected for fracture lesion sites, species, outcomes, surgical methods, treatments and medical records from wildlife centers in South Korea. All birds were subjected to clinical examination, followed by surgical invasion and post-operative care. Fractures were more common in adult non-raptor species (51.57%) as compared to raptors (48.43%). Of the 254 cases evaluated, maximum cases comprised ulnar fractures (29.70%), followed by radial (21.76%) and humeral fractures (17.35%). Treatment procedures at 340 fracture sites were maximally treated with figure-8 bandage (33.07%), external skeletal fixator-intramedullary pin (ESF+IM tie-in fixation) (20.86%), and other varied procedures. All birds were kept indoors till recovery. Treatment outcomes were dependent on the type of bone fractured and surgical method applied. Based on the surgical treatments and outcomes, birds were kept hospitalized, and released or euthanized. The findings of this study provide information for veterinarians regarding the fractures sites, basic database for the species and outcomes of fracture repair in wild birds.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.205-213
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• 2014

The outcomes of first-generation EGFR-TKIs (Gefitnib and Erlotinib) have shown great advantages over traditional treatment strategies in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but unfortunately we have to face the situation that most patients still fail to respond in the long term despite initially good control. Up to now, the mechanism of acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs has not been fully clarified. Herein, we sought to compile the available clinical reports in the hope to better understanding the subsequent treatment choices, particularly on whether restoring after a drug holiday or switching to another EGFR-TKI is the better option after failure of one kind of EGFR-TKI.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.266-270
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• 2014

Purpose: Palliative gastrectomy and chemotherapy are important options for peritoneal seeding of gastric cancer. The treatment stage IV gastric cancer patient who respond to induction chemotherapy, is converted to gastrectomy (conversion therapy or conversion surgery). This study explored the clinical outcomes of gastric cancer patients with peritoneal seeding who had undergone conversion therapy. Materials and Methods: Between 2003 and 2012, gastric cancer patients with peritoneal seeding, as determined by preoperative or intraoperative diagnosis were reviewed retrospectively. Clinicopathologic characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with peritoneal seeding were analyzed. Results: Forty-three patients were enrolled. Eighteen patients had undergone conversion surgery and 25 patients continued conventional chemotherapy. Among the 18 conversion patients, 10 received clinically curative resection. The median follow-up period was 28.5 months (range 8 to 60 months) and the total 3-year survival rate was 16.3%. The median survival time of the patients who received clinically curative conversion therapy was 37 months, and the 3-year survival rate was 50%. The median follow-up for non-curative gastrectomy patients was 18 months. No patient treated using chemotherapy survived to 3 years; the median survival time was 8 months. The differences in survival time between the groups was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusions: In terms of survival benefits for gastric cancer patients with peritoneal seeding, clinically curative conversion therapy resulted in better clinical outcomes.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.12-17
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• 2013

The purpose of this review is to examine the performance of attachments used in implant-supported overdenture (IOD) in both clinical and in vitro settings and report the compiled findings, comparisons, and trends in the research literature. Articles published in PubMed on IOD attachment systems and performance were reviewed. Non-original articles were excluded. For each article included, the type of study, number of implants, number of attachment systems, and study outcome were recorded. Of the 283 articles found, 158 met the inclusion criteria. Ninety-four articles were clinical studies and 64 articles were in vitro studies. Studies on retention were the most common for in vitro studies, and four or more attachment systems were compared in most articles with significant differences in outcome. A clinical outcome of one attachment system was most common for clinical studies, while most studies had neutral outcomes overall. Ball attachment was the most commonly tested IOD attachment system. The trend in the literature showed that there is a large discrepancy between the study designs and outcomes between the clinical and the in vitro studies for IOD. Further clinical studies that can validate in vitro research should be encouraged to address this discrepancy between the two areas.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.83-97
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• 2008

Cervical and thoracic radiculopathies are among the most common causes of neck pain. The most common causes are cervical disc herniation and cervical spondylosis in patients with cervical radiculopathy, and diabetes mellitus and thoracic disc herniation in thoracic radiculopathy. A thorough history, physical examination, and testing that includes electrodiagnostic examination and imaging studies may distinguish radiculopathy from other pain sources. Although various electrodiagnostic examinations may help evaluate radiculopathy, needle electromyography is the most important, sensitive, and specific method. Outcome studies of conservative treatments have shown varying results and have not been well controlled or systematic. When legitimate incapacitating symptoms continue despite conservative treatment attempts, more invasive spinal procedures and intradiscal treatment may be appropriate. Surgery has been shown to have excellent clinical outcomes in patients with disc extrusion and neurological deficits. However, patients with minimal disc herniation have fair or poor surgical outcomes. In addition, conventional open disc surgery entails various inadvertent surgical related risks. Although there has not yet been a non-surgical interventional procedure developed with the therapeutic efficacy of open surgery, conservative procedures can offer substantial benefits, are less invasive, and avoid surgical complications. While more invasive procedures may be appropriate when conservative treatment fails, prospective studies evaluating cervical and thoracic radiculopathies treatment options would help guide practitioners toward optimally cost-effective patient evaluation and care.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.4661-4666
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• 2013

Background: The wide spectrum of clinical features in advanced stages of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) probably contributes to disparities in outcomes because of different prognostic variables significant for stage IIIB/IV patients. Hence the aim of this study was to check for favorable response of patients to various chemotherapeutic combinations with respect to patient survival in stage IIIB and stage IV NSCLC disease. We selected those patients for our study who were receiving treatment with paclitaxel, gemcitabine or etoposide in combination with platinum based drugs. Materials and Methods: Seventy-two patients who visited the hospital from June 2009 to November 2012 with confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer were included, and data were collected for follow up and classified according to treatment received with respect to patients' regimen and response, and overall survival. This study analyzed tumor variables that were associated with clinical outcome in advanced NSCLC patients who were undergoing first-line chemotherapy for stage IIIB/IV NSCLC. Results: Comparative data on various parameters like age, gender, stage, histology, site of disease, metastatic site and chemo-regimens was analyzed; these parameters predicted variable significant improvement for overall survival ($p{\geq}0.05$). One and two year survival rates were 20.8% and 15.3%. Conclusions: In this study we found slight improvement in survival rates in NSCLC and clinical outcomes with one combination (carboplatin+paclitaxel). Overall there were only marginal differences in survival rates for other chemo-regimens evaluated in this study.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.414-425
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• 2024

Objective: This study aims to explore the opinions on the insurance coverage of artificial intelligence (AI), as categorized based on the distinct value elements offered by AI, with a specific focus on patient-centered outcomes (PCOs). PCOs are distinguished from traditional clinical outcomes and focus on patient-reported experiences and values such as quality of life, functionality, well-being, physical or emotional status, and convenience. Materials and Methods: We classified the value elements provided by AI into four dimensions: clinical outcomes, economic aspects, organizational aspects, and non-clinical PCOs. The survey comprised three sections: 1) experiences with PCOs in evaluating AI, 2) opinions on the coverage of AI by the National Health Insurance of the Republic of Korea when AI demonstrated benefits across the four value elements, and 3) respondent characteristics. The opinions regarding AI insurance coverage were assessed dichotomously and semi-quantitatively: non-approval (0) vs. approval (on a 1-10 weight scale, with 10 indicating the strongest approval). The survey was conducted from July 4 to 26, 2023, using a web-based method. Responses to PCOs and other value elements were compared. Results: Among 200 respondents, 44 (22%) were patients/patient representatives, 64 (32%) were industry/developers, 60 (30%) were medical practitioners/doctors, and 32 (16%) were government health personnel. The level of experience with PCOs regarding AI was low, with only 7% (14/200) having direct experience and 10% (20/200) having any experience (either direct or indirect). The approval rate for insurance coverage for PCOs was 74% (148/200), significantly lower than the corresponding rates for other value elements (82.5%-93.5%; P ≤ 0.034). The approval strength was significantly lower for PCOs, with a mean weight ± standard deviation of 5.1 ± 3.5, compared to other value elements (P ≤ 0.036). Conclusion: There is currently limited demand for insurance coverage for AI that demonstrates benefits in terms of non-clinical PCOs.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.120-126
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• 2018

Background: Treatment of distal humerus fractures in osteoporotic elderly patients is often challenging. For non-reconstructible fractures with open reduction and internal fixation, total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is an acceptable alternative. However, the relatively high complication rates and lifelong activity restrictions make TEA less ideal for elderly or low-demand patients. Efforts to identify or develop alternate procedures that benefit relatively young, high-demand patients have resulted in increased interest in hemiarthroplasty. This systematic review reports the clinical outcomes of hemiarthroplasty for distal humeral fractures. Methods: We systematically reviewed the databases of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library. All English-language studies published before June 2017 were considered for possible inclusion. Search terms included 'distal humerus fracture' and 'hemiarthroplasty'. Studies reporting outcomes (and a minimum of 1 year clinical follow-up) in human subjects after hemiarthroplasty (Latitude system) for distal humeral fractures were assessed for inclusion. Patient demographics, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and complications were recorded, and homogenous outcome measures were analyzed. Results: Nine studies with a total of 115 patients met the inclusion criteria. Among the included studies, the weighted mean follow-up time was 35.4 months. Furthermore, the weighted mean of the postoperative range of motion ($107.6^{\circ}$ flexion-extension, $157.5^{\circ}$ for pronation-supination) and functional outcomes (Mayo elbow performance scores: 85.8, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score: 19.6) were within the acceptable range. Conclusions: Our study indicates that hemiarthroplasty is a viable option for comminuted distal humerus fracture. Satisfactory functional outcomes were observed in most patients.