• Title/Summary/Keyword: Outcomes Measurement

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Comparision of Conventional IVF and ICSI for Leukocytospermia (Leukocytospermia 환자에서의 IVF와 ICSI의 결과 비교)

  • Kwon, Y.J.;Kim, J.S.;Kang, H.G.;Son, I.P.;Choi, K.W.;Lee, S.J.;Park, J.M.
    • Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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    • v.25 no.3
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    • pp.245-249
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    • 1998
  • White blood cells (WBCs) are present in most human ejaculates, but abnormally high concentration of seminal leukocytes may reflect an underlying pathological condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined leukocytospermia as status of more than $10^6$ WBC/mL of semen. The purpose of this study was firstly, to compare the outcomes between conventional IVF and ICSI in leukocytospermia, and secondly, to investigate whether ICSI may be an alternative treatment for patients with leukocytospermia. Total 121 cycles of conventional IVF and ICSI candidates underwent IVF cycles at PL Infertility Clinic. Semen Parameters including concentration, motility, morphology of spermatozoa and concentration of leukocytes were assessed from the raw ejaculates. There was no difference in sperm concentration, motility and morphology. The rates of fertilization and good embryo development from ICSI were significantly higher than those from conventional IVF in leukocytospermia (63.9% & 48.6%, respectively for ICSI group and 33.4% & 24.1%, respectively for IVF group, p<0.001). The pregnancy rate after ICSI was also higher than that from conventional IVF (34.3% vs 21.6%, p<0.05). These results indicate that the presence of seminal leukocytes ($>1\times10^6$ WBC/mL of semen) is adversely related with fertilization, embryo development and pregnancy rate. Therefore the measurement of seminal leukocytes in routine semen analysis appears to be of prognostic value with regard to male fertilizing potential. In conclusion, it is suggested that ICSI is an alternative choice of treatment for patients with leukocytospermia.

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Serum biomarkers for predicting pregnancy outcome in women undergoing IVF: human chorionic gonadotropin, progesterone, and inhibin A level at 11 days post-ET

  • Kim, Jee-Hyun;Shin, Mi-Sun;Yi, Gwang;Jee, Byung-Chul;Lee, Jung-Ryeol;Suh, Chang-Suk;Kim, Seok-Hyun
    • Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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    • v.39 no.1
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    • pp.28-32
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    • 2012
  • Objective: This study was performed to assess the prognostic value of serum hCG, progesterone, and inhibin A levels measured at 11 days post-ET for predicting pregnancy outcome in women participating in IVF. Methods: Between May 2005 and April 2008, sera were obtained from 70 infertile women who underwent IVF-ET at 11 days post-ET and stored. HCG, progesterone, and inhibin A levels were measured by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The predictive accuracy of hCG, progesterone, and inhibin A levels for establishment of intrauterine pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy was calculated by receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: For the prediction of intrauterine and ongoing pregnancy, serum hCG was better than progesterone and inhibin A. The predictive performance of progesterone and inhibin A was similar. The serum progesterone and inhibin A levels were significantly correlated each other (r=0.915, p=0.010). Conclusion: A single measurement of the serum hCG level is sufficient to predict pregnancy outcome in IVF-ET patients.

A Methodology for Evaluating Cycling Safety and Mobility using Probe Bicycle Sensor Data (프로브 자전거 센서자료를 이용한 자전거 주행안전성 및 이동성 통합평가기법 개발)

  • Joo, Shin-Hye;Oh, Cheol
    • Journal of Korean Society of Transportation
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    • v.30 no.3
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    • pp.43-55
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    • 2012
  • Bicycle is an environment-friendly transport mode contributing to a more sustainable transportation systems. To innovatively increase the use of bicycle as a significant transport mode, bicycle-friendly roadway environment should be provided. This study proposes a method to evaluate cycling environment based on the analysis of data collected from an specially equipped probe bicycle. The inertial measurement unit(IMU) consisting of a gyro sensor, accelerometer, and a global positioning systems(GPS) receiver was installed on the probe bicycle. Cycling stability index(CSI) and bicycle speed data were used as inputs of the proposed evaluation framework adopting the Fault Tree Analysis, which is a well-known technique for the risk analysis. The outcomes of this study will serve as an intelligent assesment tool for cycling environment.

Acupuncture for Subacute and Chronic Post-thoracotomy Pain in Patients with Traumatic Multiple Rib Fractures: A Study Protocol for a Randomised-controlled, Two-arm, Parallel Design, Pilot Trial

  • Kim, Kun Hyung;Cho, Hyun Min;Lee, Chan Kyu;Seok, JunePill;Kim, Seon Hee;Kim, Jung-Eun;Shin, Yu Kyung;Kim, Min Kyung
    • Journal of Acupuncture Research
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    • v.35 no.2
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    • pp.95-100
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    • 2018
  • Background: The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of acupuncture treatment for the management of subacute and chronic post-thoracotomy pain in patients with traumatic multiple rib fractures. Methods: A total of 30 participants who have undergone thoracotomy after traumatic multiple rib fractures will be recruited. Participants will be invited and equally randomised into acupuncture plus usual care and usual care alone groups. A computer-generated random number sequence will be used and concealed using opaque, sealed, sequentially numbered envelopes. Twelve sessions of manual and electrical acupuncture performed by Korean medicine doctors will be provided over a span of 3 months to participants allocated to the acupuncture group. Participants in the usual care group will continue pain medication, exercise and physical therapy as required. Study feasibility will be measured based on the proportion of patients who complete the measurement of pain at 12 or 24 weeks after baseline. The clinical outcomes will include; the average pain intensity over the recent week at rest, movement and cough, quality of life, patient's global assessment of recovery, respiratory function measured by the pulmonary function test and use of pain medication at 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after enrolment. Adverse events will be recorded for all participants. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The local ethics committee has approved the study. This pilot trial will inform further studies investigating the potential role of acupuncture for subacute and chronic post-thoracotomy pain in patients with traumatic multiple rib fractures.

Acupuncture Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

  • Kim, Jung-Eun;Kim, Sung-Phil;Kim, Ae-Ran;Park, Hyo-Ju;Kwon, Ojin;Jung, So-Young;Cho, Jung-Hyo;Kim, Joo-Hee;Choi, Sun-Mi
    • Journal of Acupuncture Research
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    • v.35 no.3
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    • pp.120-128
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    • 2018
  • Background: Adhesive capsulitis (AC) is a common condition that includes shoulder pain and limited movement. Despite more than 100 years of AC treatment, the most efficacious treatment remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) using acupuncture for AC. Methods: Thirty participants with AC were randomly assigned to acupuncture (A) or sham acupuncture (SA) groups. The participants received 15 acupuncture sessions over 6 weeks, and follow-up occurred for an additional 4 weeks thereafter. The primary clinical outcome was the numeric rating scale (NRS) for shoulder pain 6 weeks from the baseline. Secondary outcomes included range of motion (ROM) in the shoulder, the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), the EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D), the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and the patient global impression of change (PGIC). Results: Thirty participants were enrolled out of 37 screened individuals. Recruitment was conducted between August 2014 until May 2015. A total of 28 participants (93%) completed the 6-week intervention, and 26 participants (87%) completed the study. NRS, ROM, SPADI, EQ-5D, PSQI, and PGIC scores improved in both the experimental group and the sham group after 6 weeks, but the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. Adverse events were reported by 12 participants, although these events were not associated with acupuncture. Conclusion: A future RCT for AC may be feasible with some modifications to the recruitment plan and the secondary outcome measurement methods.

A Comparative Study on Virtual Try-on Systems using Body Measurement Input

  • Lim, Ho-Sun;Istook, Cynthia
    • The International Journal of Costume Culture
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    • v.13 no.2
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    • pp.118-129
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    • 2010
  • Digital technology introduced into the clothing and fashion industry is evolving to digital virtual fashions and consumer-centered mass-customized production systems. Today the application of such 3D virtual try-on systems is being expanded gradually in the clothing industry. This study purposed to make virtual avatars and virtual garments using OptiTex and V-stitcher virtual software and compared the appearance of the virtual garments put on the virtual avatars. For this, we created virtual avatars and virtual garments using body measurements obtained from jive subjects of top jive body shapes, respectively, using $[TC]^2$ body scanner. According to the results of comparing the outcomes of the two different virtual software systems, virtual avatar II of V-Stitcher tended to have a more round and lifted hip and the waist line at a higher position. In addition, the body curves and shapes of a virtual avatar affect the appearance of virtual garments. This study applied the same body measurements to virtual avatars and the same pattern to virtual garments, but when different kinds of virtual software were used, the virtual avatars and virtual garments showed different appearance and fit. This result may mean that when customers buy apparel products using different kinds of virtual try-on systems, their evaluation of appearance can vary depending on the virtual try-on system. Therefore, research needs to be made actively for the development and use of linkage programs that can reflect actual body measurements between virtual software systems and 3D body scanning systems.

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Measurement of Residential Volatile Organic Compound Exposure Through A Participant-Based Method (연구참여자에 의한 주택실내 휘발성 유기화합물 농도의 측정)

  • Hwang, Yun-Hyung;Lee, Ki-Young;Kim, Seo-Jin;Hong, Yun-Chul;Jun, Jong-Kwan;Cho, Soo-Hun
    • Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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    • v.37 no.5
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    • pp.369-375
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    • 2011
  • Objectives: Exposure to hazardous chemicals during pregnancy may result incritical reproductive health outcomes. Indoor residential levels are significant component of personal exposure. The collection of residential exposure data has been hampered by the cost and participant burden of health studies of indoor air pollution. This study utilized a participant-based approach to collect volatile organic compounds concentration from homes. Methods: Four hundred thirteen women were recruited from three major hospitals in Seoul and Gyeongi Provence and 411 agreed to participate. A passive sampler (OVM 3500, 3M, USA) with instructions were given to the participants, as well as a questionnaire. They were asked to deploy the sampler in their homes for three to five days and return them viapre-stamped envelope. Results: Three hundred forty six participants returned the sampler. Among the returned samplers, three hundred samplers satisfied our monitoring quality criteria. The success rate of the monitoring method was 73%. The geometric mean of TVOC level was 429(2) ${\mu}g/m^3$. The TVOC guideline of 500 ${\mu}g/m^3$ was exceeded in 38% of the houses. The residential VOC levels were significantly associated with remodeling of the house. Conclusions: The results suggested that a participant-based sampling approach may be a feasible and costeffective alternative to exposure assessment involving home visits by a field technician.

Radiation Doses and Quality Assurance in Cone Beam CT(CBCT) (임상가를 위한 특집 4 - CBCT 검사법의 정도관리 및 선량)

  • Choi, Yong-Suk;Kim, Gyu-Tae;Hwang, Eui-Hwan
    • The Journal of the Korean dental association
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    • v.52 no.3
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    • pp.153-163
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    • 2014
  • 3-dimensional information for anatomic stucture plays a role as integral part in clinical aspect of dental practice. CBCT(cone beam computed tomography) has been accepted as useful diagnostic tool offering Volume data and images for evaluating teeth and jaws in lower radiation dose than conventional CT. CBCT equipment is essential for the quality assurance of it to ensure continued satisfactory performance and result of adequate images. Dental practitioner and oral and maxillofacial radiologist should have a responsibility and critical thinking to deliver this technology to patients in a responsible way, so that diaganostic value is maximised and radiation doses kept as low as resonably achievable. CBCT imaging modality should be used only after a review of the patient's health and imaging history and the completion of a thorough clinical examination. Clinical guidelines are systematically developed statements to assist practitioner and patient decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical circumstances Dental practitioners should prescribe CBCT imaging only when they expect that the diagnostic yield will benefit patient care, enhance patient safety or improve clinical outcomes significantly. Knowledge of patient dose is essential for clinicians who are making the decision regarding the justification of the exposure. There are some limitation in the measurement of patient dose in CBCT for the approval and adaptation of conventinal methodolgy in CT. It is also important to ensure that doses are optimised and in line with any national and international guidelines. The higher radiation doses of CBCT compared with conventional radiography, mean that high standards must be maintained. The Quality Assurance(QA) programme should entail surveys and checks that are performed according to a regular timetable. QA programme should be maintained by staff to ensure adherence to the programme and to raise its importance among staff.

The Effects of the Psychological Learning Environment by Science Teachers on Students' Science Achievement (과학교사에 의해 조성되는 심리적 학습환경이 학생들의 과학 성취도에 미치는 효과)

  • Lee, Jae-Chon;Kim, Beom-Ki
    • Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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    • v.19 no.2
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    • pp.315-328
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    • 1999
  • The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of psychological learning environment generated by science teachers upon students' affective perceptions and cognitive learning. The subjects of the study were consist of 2.693 students from secondary school. The students' perception were examined by the tools of PLEIS(Psychological Learning Environment Instrument by Science teacher). SAMS(Science Anxiety Measurement Scale). HARS(High schools' s Attitude Related Science). and ALWSS(Attitude toward Laboratory Work Scale in Secondary school). and cognitive learning outcomes assessed to TIPS II (Test of Integrated Process Skills II ) and science test score. The results of this study suggest that positive psychological learning environment by science teacher should be offered to students for the improvement of science achievement. and learning environment will be used as an instrument of self assessment for improving science teaching strategy. Understanding of relationship among psychological learning environment, affective perception and cognitive learning will be helpful to the design of science teaching and learning process.

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Feasibility Study of Patient Specific Quality Assurance Using Transit Dosimetry Based on Measurement with an Electronic Portal Imaging Device

  • Baek, Tae Seong;Chung, Eun Ji;Son, Jaeman;Yoon, Myonggeun
    • Progress in Medical Physics
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    • v.28 no.2
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    • pp.54-60
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    • 2017
  • This study was designed to measure transit dose with an electronic portal imaging device (EPID) in eight patients treated with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and to verify the accuracy of dose delivery to patients. The calculated dose map of the treatment planning system (TPS) was compared with the EPID based dose measured on the same plane with a gamma index method. The plan for each patient was verified prior to treatment with a diode array (MapCHECK) and portal dose image prediction (PDIP). To simulate possible patient positioning errors during treatment, outcomes were evaluated after an anthropomorphic phantom was displaced 5 and 10 mm in various directions. Based on 3%/3 mm criteria, the $mean{\pm}SD$ passing rates of MapCHECK, PDIP (pre-treatment QA) for 47 IMRT were $99.8{\pm}0.1%$, $99.0{\pm}0.7%$, and, respectively. Besides, passing rates using transit dosimetry was $90.0{\pm}1.5%$ for the same condition. Setup errors of 5 and 10 mm reduced the mean passing rates by 1.3% and 3.0% (inferior to superior), 2.2% and 4.3% (superior to inferior), 5.9% and 10.9% (left to right), and 8.9% and 16.3% (right to left), respectively. These findings suggest that the transit dose-based IMRT verification method using EPID, in which the transit dose from patients is compared with the dose map calculated from the TPS, may be useful in verifying various errors including setup and/or patient positioning error, inhomogeneity and target motions.