• Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research
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• v.95 no.6
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• pp.324-332
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• 2018

Purpose: We present our experience involving the management of this disease, identifying prognostic factors affecting treatment outcomes. Methods: The patients treated for Fournier gangrene at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included demographics, extent of soft tissue necrosis, predisposing factors, etiological factors, laboratory values, and treatment outcomes. The severity index and score were calculated. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the association between potential predictors and clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 41 patients (male:female = 33:8) were studied. The mean age was 54.4 years (range, 24-79 years). The most common predisposing factor was diabetes mellitus (n = 19, 46.3%). Sixteen patients (39.0%) were current smokers. Seven patients had chronic kidney disease. The most frequent etiology was urogenital lesion (41.5%). The mortality rate was 22.0% (n = 9). Multivariate regression analyses showed that extension of necrosis beyond perineal/inguinal area and pre-existing chronic kidney disease were significant and independent predictors of mortality. Extension of necrosis beyond perineal/inguinal area was a significant predictor of increased duration in the intensive care unit and hospital stay. In addition, pre-existing chronic kidney disease was a significant predictor of flap reconstruction in the wound. Conclusion: Fournier gangrene with extensive soft tissue necrosis and pre-existing chronic kidney disease was associated with poor prognosis and complexity of patient management. Early recognition of dissemination and premorbid renal function is essential to reduce mortality and establish a management plan for this disease.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.51-63
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• 2019

In the rapidly changing society since the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the cultivation of convergence talents that can solve complex problems is emerging as an important issue. The purpose of this study is to propose the core competencies required to establish the program learning outcomes of the engineering and education curriculum, which is the accreditation standard of engineering education proposed by ABEEK(Accreditation Board for Engineering Education of Korea). Case study methodology was applied to achieve the purpose of the study. The case of analysis is design and software convergence majors of domestic and foreign universities. The educational objectives and course syllabi were analyzed. As a result of the research, four core competencies to be achieved in the design and software convergence majors were derived in addition to the ten program outcomes presented by ABEEK. New core competencies are convergence ability, creative thinking, entrepreneurship, and design ability. The result of this study is expected to contribute to the development of the evaluation system for the convergence engineering education field.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.97-105
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• 2022

Background: Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) has been widely used in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases. Epidural injection of steroids can reduce the incidence and duration of postoperative pain in a short period of time. Although steroids are widely believed to reduce the effect of surgical trauma, the observation indicators are not uniform, especially the long-term effects, so the problem remains controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to evaluate the efficacy of epidural steroids following PTED. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Database from 1980 to June 2021 to identify randomized and non-randomized controlled trials comparing epidural steroids and saline alone following PTED. The primary outcomes included postoperative pain at least 6 months as assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay and the time of return to work. Results: A total of 451 patients were included in three randomized and two non-randomized controlled trials. The primary outcomes, including VAS and ODI scores, did not differ significantly between epidural steroids following PTED and saline alone. There were no significant intergroup differences in length of hospital stay. Epidural steroids were shown to be superior in terms of the time to return to work (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Intraoperative epidural steroids did not provide significant benefits, leg pain control, improvement in ODI scores, and length of stay in the hospital, but it can enable the patient to return to work faster.

• 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.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.488-493
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• 2022

Background Currently, the BREAST-Q can effectively measure patient's satisfaction on the quality of life from the patient's perspective in relation to different type of breast reconstruction. However, evaluation of patient satisfaction and cosmetic outcomes in breast reconstruction may have potential to led bias. Methods To maximize the benefits of using BREAST-Q to evaluate clinical outcome, we performed comparative study focused on the correlation between postoperative BREAST-Q and cosmetic outcomes assessed by medical professionals. For the current analysis, we used three postoperative BREAST-Q scales (satisfaction with breast, psychosocial well-being, and sexual well-being). The Ten-Point Scale by Visser et al was applied to provide reproducible grading of the postoperative cosmetic outcomes of the breast. The system includes six subscales that measured overall aesthetic outcome, volume, shape, symmetry, scarring, and nipple-areolar complex. The photographic assessments were made by five medical professionals who were shown photographs on a computer screen in a random order. Obtained data were stored in Excel and evaluated by Spearman's correlations using SPSS Statistics. Results We enrolled 92 women in this study, 10 did not respond to all scales of postoperative BREAST-Q, the remaining 82 women had undergone breast reconstruction. The correlation between BREAST-Q score and aesthetic score measured by Ten-Point Scale for the three BREAST-Q scales all show positive values in Spearman's correlation coefficient. Conclusion A significant correlation without any bias observed was found between the patient's satisfaction measured by BREAST-Q after breast reconstruction and the medical expert's aesthetic evaluation.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.251-262
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• 2022

Purpose: Endoscopic drainage is an established treatment modality for adult patients with pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). Available data regarding the efficacy and safety of endoscopic drainage in pediatric patients are limited. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to analyze the outcomes of endoscopic drainage in children with PFCs. Methods: A literature search was performed in Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar for studies on the outcomes of endoscopic drainage with or without endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) guidance in pediatric patients with PFCs from inception to May 2021. The study's primary objective was clinical success, defined as resolution of PFCs. The secondary outcomes included technical success, adverse events, and recurrence rates. Results: Fourteen studies (187 children, 70.3% male) were included in this review. The subtypes of fluid collection included pseudocysts (60.3%) and walled-off necrosis (39.7%). The pooled technical success rates in studies where drainage of PFCs were performed with and without EUS guidance were 95.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.6-98%; I²=0) and 93.9% (95% CI, 82.6-98%; I²=0), respectively. The pooled clinical success after one and two endoscopic interventions were 88.7% (95% CI, 82.7-92.9%; I²=0) and 92.3% (95% CI, 87.4-95.4%; I²=0), respectively. The pooled rate of major adverse events was 6.3% (95% CI, 3.3-11.4%; I²=0). The pooled rate of recurrent PFCs after endoscopic drainage was 10.4% (95% CI, 6.1-17.1%; I²=0). Conclusion: Endoscopic drainage is safe and effective in children with PFCs. However, future studies are required to compare endoscopic and EUS-guided drainage of PFCs in children.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2023.05a
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• pp.177-177
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• 2023

The impacts of dams on transboundary flow are complex and challenging to project and manage, given the potential moderating influence of a broad range of anthropogenic and natural factors. This study presents a global meta-analysis of 168 studies that examines the effect magnitude of dams on downstream seasonal, annual flow, and hydrological extremes risk on 39 hotspot transboundary river basins. The study also evaluates the impact of 13 factors, such as climate, basin characteristics, dams' design and types, level of transboundary cooperation, and socioeconomic indicators, on the heterogeneity of outcomes. The findings reveal that moderators significantly influence the impact of dams on downstream flow, leading to considerable heterogeneity in outcomes. Transboundary cooperation emerges as the key factor that determines the severity of dams' effect on both dry and wet season's flows at a significance level of 0.01 to 0.05, respectively. Specifically, the presence of water-supply and irrigation dams has a significant (0.01) moderating effect on dry-season flow across basins with high transboundary cooperation. In contrast, for wet-season flow, the basin's vulnerability to climate extremes is associated with a large negative effect size. The various moderators have varying degrees of influence on the heterogeneity of outcomes, with the aridity index, population density, GDP, and risk level of hydro-political tension being the most significant factors for dry-season flow, and the risk level of hydro-political tension and basin vulnerability to climate extremes being the most significant for wet-season flow. The results suggest that transboundary cooperation is crucial for managing the impacts of dams on downstream flow, and that various other factors, such as climate, basin characteristics, and socioeconomic indicators, have significant moderating effects on the outcomes. Thus, context-specific approaches are necessary when predicting and managing the impacts of dams on transboundary flow.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.195-204
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• 2024

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an intervention for severe heart and lung failure; however, it poses the risk of complications, including gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). Comprehensive analyses of GIB in patients undergoing ECMO are limited, and its impact on clinical outcomes remains unclear. Methods: This retrospective study included 484 patients who received venovenous and venoarterial ECMO between January 2015 and December 2022. Data collected included patient characteristics, laboratory results, GIB details, and interventions. Statistical analyses were performed to identify risk factors and assess the outcomes. Results: GIB occurred in 44 of 484 patients (9.1%) who received ECMO. Multivariable analysis revealed that older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.06; p=0.0130) and need to change the ECMO mode (OR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.75-7.96; p=0.0006) were significant risk factors for GIB, whereas no association was found with antiplatelet or systemic anticoagulation therapies during ECMO management. Half of the patients with GIB (22/44, 50%) underwent intervention, with endoscopy as the primary modality (19/22, 86.4%). Patients who underwent ECMO and developed GIB had higher rates of mortality (40/44 [90.9%] vs. 262/440 [59.5%]) and ECMO weaning failure (38/44 [86.4%] vs. 208/440 [47.3%]). Conclusion: GIB in patients undergoing ECMO is associated with adverse outcomes, including increased risks of mortality and weaning failure. Even in seemingly uncomplicated cases, it is crucial to avoid underestimating the significance of GIB.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.73-87
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• 2023

The aim of this review is to conduct an analysis of existing literature on outcomes of application of various methods of joint decompression in management of septic arthritis of the hip in children. A search of literature in PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar was conducted for identification of studies reporting on the outcomes of intervention for septic arthritis of the hip in children. Of the 17 articles selected, four were comparative studies; two of these were randomized controlled trials while the rest were single arm studies. Statistical difference was observed between the proportion of excellent clinical and radiological outcomes in arthrotomy (90%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 81-98%; 89%, 95% CI 80-98%), arthroscopy (95%, 95% CI 91-100%; 95%, 95% CI 90-99%), and arthrocentesis (98%, 95% CI 97-100%; 99%, 95% CI 97-100%), respectively. The highest overall rate of additional unplanned procedures was observed in the arthrocentesis group (24/207, 11.6%). Patients who underwent arthrocentesis had a statistically greater chance of excellent clinical and radiological outcomes, although the highest level of need for additional unplanned surgical intervention was observed in the arthrocentesis group, followed by the arthroscopy group and the arthrotomy group. Future conduct of a prospective multi-centric study focusing on the developed and developing world, along with acquisition of data. such as delay of treatment and severity of disease will enable assessment of the efficacy of one technique over the other by surgeons worldwide.

• Journal of Practical Engineering Education
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• v.16 no.3_spc
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• pp.291-296
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• 2024

This study analyzed various machine learning models that predict employment outcomes after vocational training using pre-assessment data of disabled vocational trainees. The study selected and utilized the most appropriate machine learning models based on a data set containing various personal characteristics, including trainees' gender, age, and type of disability. Through this analysis, the goal is to improve the employment rate and job satisfaction of disabled trainees using only pre-assessment data. As a result, it presents a universal approach that can be applied not only to people with disabilities, but also to vocational trainees from a variety of backgrounds. This is expected to make an important contribution to the development and implementation of tailored vocational training programs, ultimately helping to achieve better employment outcomes and job satisfaction.