• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.111-120
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• 2024

Cloud coverage is a key factor in determining whether to proceed with observations. In the past, human judgment played an important role in weather evaluation for observations. However, the development of remote and robotic observation has diminished the role of human judgment. Moreover, it is not easy to evaluate weather conditions automatically because of the diverse cloud shapes and their rapid movement. In this paper, we present the development of a cloud monitoring program by applying a machine learning-based Python module "cloudynight" on all-sky camera images obtained at Miryang Arirang Astronomical Observatory (MAAO). The machine learning model was built by training 39,996 subregions divided from 1,212 images with altitude/azimuth angles and extracting 16 feature spaces. For our training model, the F1-score from the validation samples was 0.97, indicating good performance in identifying clouds in the all-sky image. As a result, this program calculates "Cloudiness" as the ratio of the number of total subregions to the number of subregions predicted to be covered by clouds. In the robotic observation, we set a policy that allows the telescope system to halt the observation when the "Cloudiness" exceeds 0.6 during the last 30 minutes. Following this policy, we found that there were no improper halts in the telescope system due to incorrect program decisions. We expect that robotic observation with the 0.7 m telescope at MAAO can be successfully operated using the cloud monitoring program.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.1
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• pp.31-41
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• 2024

Objective : Collateral circulation is associated with the differential treatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to verify the ability of the collateral map to predict futile EVT in patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke. Methods : This secondary analysis of a prospective observational study included data from participants underwent EVT for acute ischemic stroke due to occlusion of the internal carotid artery and/or the middle cerebral artery within 8 hours of symptom onset. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent predictors of futile recanalization (modified Rankin scale score at 90 days of 4-6 despite of successful reperfusion). Results : In a total of 214 participants, older age (odds ratio [OR], 2.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56 to 3.67; p<0.001), higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.21; p=0.004), very poor collateral perfusion grade (OR, 35.09; 95% CI, 3.50 to 351.33; p=0.002), longer door-to-puncture time (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.14; p=0.009), and failed reperfusion (OR, 3.73; 95% CI, 1.30 to 10.76; p=0.015) were associated with unfavorable functional outcomes. In 184 participants who achieved successful reperfusion, older age (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.44 to 3.67; p<0.001), higher baseline NIHSS scores (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.22; p=0.006), very poor collateral perfusion grade (OR, 4.96; 95% CI, 1.42 to 17.37; p=0.012), and longer door-to-reperfusion time (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.15; p=0.003) were associated with unfavorable functional outcomes. Conclusion : The assessment of collateral perfusion status using the collateral map can predict futile EVT, which may help select ineligible patients for EVT, thereby potentially reducing the rate of futile EVT.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.267-276
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• 2024

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of susceptibility map-weighted imaging (SMwI) taken in different acquisition planes for discriminating patients with neurodegenerative parkinsonism from those without. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, observational, single-institution study enrolled consecutive patients who visited movement disorder clinics and underwent brain MRI and ¹⁸F-FP-CIT PET between September 2021 and December 2021. SMwI images were acquired in both the oblique (perpendicular to the midbrain) and the anterior commissure-posterior commissure (AC-PC) planes. Hyperintensity in the substantia nigra was determined by two neuroradiologists. ¹⁸F-FP-CIT PET was used as the reference standard. Inter-rater agreement was assessed using Cohen;s kappa coefficient. The diagnostic performance of SMwI in the two planes was analyzed separately for the right and left substantia nigra. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with generalized estimating equations was applied to compare the diagnostic performance of the two planes. Results: In total, 194 patients were included, of whom 105 and 103 had positive results on ¹⁸F-FP-CIT PET in the left and right substantia nigra, respectively. Good inter-rater agreement in the oblique (κ = 0.772/0.658 for left/right) and AC-PC planes (0.730/0.741 for left/right) was confirmed. The pooled sensitivities for two readers were 86.4% (178/206, left) and 83.3% (175/210, right) in the oblique plane and 87.4% (180/206, left) and 87.6% (184/210, right) in the AC-PC plane. The pooled specificities for two readers were 83.5% (152/182, left) and 82.0% (146/178, right) in the oblique plane, and 83.5% (152/182, left) and 86.0% (153/178, right) in the AC-PC plane. There were no significant differences in the diagnostic performance between the two planes (P > 0.05). Conclusion: There are no significant difference in the diagnostic performance of SMwI performed in the oblique and AC-PC plane in discriminating patients with parkinsonism from those without. This finding affirms that each institution may choose the imaging plane for SMwI according to their clinical settings.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.82 no.6
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• pp.1524-1533
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• 2021

Purpose To investigate the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in healthcare workers (HCWs) with positive interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) results based on chest X-ray (CXR) and CT findings and determine the role of imaging in the diagnosis of TB. Materials and Methods Among 1976 hospital personnel screened for TB using IGRA, IGRApositive subjects were retrospectively investigated. Clustered nodular and/or linear streaky opacities in the upper lung zone were considered positive on CXR. The CT findings were classified as active, indeterminate, inactive, or normal. The active or indeterminate class was considered CT-positive. Results IGRA was positive in 255 subjects (12.9%). CXR and CT were performed in 249 (99.2%) and 113 subjects (45.0%), respectively. CXR- and CT-positive findings were found in 7 of 249 (2.8%) and 9 of 113 (8.0%) patients, respectively. Among the nine CT-positive subjects, active and indeterminate TB findings were found in 6 (5.3%) and 3 (2.7%) patients, respectively. Microbiological tests, including acid-fast bacilli staining, culture, and polymerase chain reaction for TB, were negative in all nine CT-positive subjects. Empirical anti-TB medications were administered to 9 CT-positive subjects, and 3 of these nine subjects were CXR-negative for pulmonary TB.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.48-71
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• 2024

Typhoons are representative oceanic and atmospheric phenomena that cause interactions within the Earth's system with diverse influences. In recent decades, the typhoons have tended to strengthen due to rapidly changing climate. The 2022 revised science curriculum emphasizes the importance of teaching-learning activities using advanced science and technology to cultivate digital literacy as a citizen of the future society. Therefore, it is necessary to solve the temporal and spatial limitations of textbook illustrations and to develop effective instructional materials using global-scale big data covered in the field of earth science. In this study, according to the procedure of the PDIE (Preparation, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) model, the inquiry activity data was developed to visualize the track of the typhoon using the image data of GK-2A. In the preparatory stage, the 2015 and 2022 revised curriculum and the contents of the inquiry activities of the current textbooks were analyzed. In the development stage, inquiry activities were organized into a series of processes that can collect, process, visualize, and analyze observational data, and a GUI (Graphic User Interface)-based visualization program that can derive results with a simple operation was created. In the implementation and evaluation stage, classes were conducted with students, and classes using code and GUI programs were conducted respectively to compare the characteristics of each activity and confirm its applicability in the school field. The class materials presented in this study enable exploratory activities using actual observation data without professional programming knowledge which is expected to contribute to students' understanding and digital literacy in the field of earth science.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.3
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• pp.345-353
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• 2024

Objective : Blood-blister aneurysms (BBAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are challenging lesions with high morbidity and mortality rates. Although research on BBAs is well documented in different populations, the study of BBAs in the Tibetan population is extremely rare. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of BBAs and analyze the treatment modalities and long-term outcomes in the Tibetan population in comparison with the Han population. Methods : The characteristics of patients with BBAs of the ICA from January 2009 to January 2021 at our institution were reviewed. The features of aneurysms, treatment modalities, complications, and follow-up outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Results : A total of 130 patients (41 Tibetan and 89 Han patients) with BBAs of the ICA who underwent treatment were enrolled. Compared with the Han group, the Tibetan group significantly demonstrated a high ratio of BBAs among ICAs (8.6%, 41/477 vs. 1.6%, 89/5563; p<0.05), a high ratio of vasospasm (34.1%, 14/41 vs. 6.7%, 6/89; p=0.001), a high risk of ischemic events (43.9%, 18/41 vs. 22.5%, 20/89; p<0.05), and a low ratio of good outcomes (modified Rankin scale, 0-2) at the 1-year follow-up (51.2%, 21/41 vs. 74.2%, 66/89; p<0.05). The multivariate regression model showed that ischemic events significantly contributed to the prediction of outcomes at 1 year. Further analysis revealed that microsurgery and vasospasm were associated with ischemic events. Conclusion : In comparison with Han patients, the Tibetan population had a high ratio of BBA occurrence, a high incidence of ischemic events, and a high ratio of poor outcomes. The endovascular approach showed more benefits in BBA patients.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.143-151
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• 2024

This study compared the health behaviors, health related clinical characteristics between individuals with Glycated Hemoglobin A1C≧6.5% and < 6.5% in 30~59yr. Factors that were associated with A1C were identified by sex, health behaviors, health literacy. This study was an observational study with a cross-sectional design based on data from 2019~2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to compute the odds ratios of health behaviors to identify the risk factors for Glycated Hemoglobin. The prevalence of A1C≧6.5% among the total was 79.4%(weighted %, n=348). In the A1C≧6.5%, 71.8% were men. In univariate logistic regression for A1C≧6.5%, sex, duration with diabetes, and body mass index(BMI) were influencing factors. In multiple logistic regression by sex, the factors associated with A1C≧6.5 in women were as follows: education(OR 4.5; 95% CI:1.1, 18.5), duration with diabetes(OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.1, 7.9). Strategies should be targeted to improve health behaviors and clinical characteristics for those in their sex, women in low education level, duration with diabetes. Moreover, healthcare providers should understand the barriers to health behaviors and health literacy to effectively deliver healthcare service.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2024

Despite improvements in vaccine coverage, a resurgence of measles has been reported, especially in the infant and adult populations in recent years. We conducted a systematic review of seroprevalence studies conducted in the Western Pacific Region (WPR) to provide insights into seropositivity trends in different countries. This systematic review aimed to collect data from all available measles seroprevalence studies to characterize the differences in population immunity against measles in different countries. We searched the online databases PubMed and Embase to identify: 1) observational studies that investigated seroprevalence in all age groups, and 2) results reported as antibody levels. The following variables were extracted from different study arms: paper identification (title, first author, publication year), inclusion and exclusion criteria, study site, age of subjects, number of subjects, country/area, population, methods, and seropositivity (%). The search yielded a total of 69 studies included in the review. Among the 1-6-year-old group, seropositivity remained relatively high, at 81-100% in China, 86-94% in Korea, and 77-91% in Australia. In adolescents aged 7-18-years old, seropositivity was relatively constant in China and Australia over time; however, a decreasing trend was noted in Korea in 2011 (66%), 2014 (69%), and 2014 (50%) in this age group. A similar downward trend was observed among Korean adults aged 19-39 years in 2011 (74%), 2019 (71%), and 2019 (64%). Children are likely to be protected by universal vaccination programs in WPR countries and regions. However, susceptible individuals with waned immunity may be present among the adult population.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.55-63
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• 2024

Purpose: A 2-dose varicella vaccination strategy has been introduced in many countries worldwide, aiming to increase vaccine effectiveness (VE) against varicella infection. In this network meta-analysis, we aimed to provide a comprehensive evaluation and an overall estimated effect of varicella vaccination strategies, via a Bayesian model. Methods: For each eligible study, we collected trial characteristics, such as: 1-dose vs. 2-dose, demographic characteristics, and outcomes of interest. For studies involving different doses, we aggregated the data for the same number of doses delivered into one arm. The preventive effect of 1-dose vs. 2-dose of varicella vaccine were evaluated in terms of the odds ratio (OR) and corresponding equal-tailed 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: A total of 903 studies were retrieved during our literature search, and 25 interventional or observational studies were selected for the Bayesian network meta-analysis. A total of 49,265 observed individuals were included in this network meta-analysis. Compared to the 0-dose control group, the OR of all varicella infections were 0.087 (95% CI, 0.046-0.164) and 0.310 (95% CI, 0.198-0.484) for 2-doses and one-dose, respectively, which corresponded to VE of 69.0% (95% CI, 51.6-81.2) and VE of 91.3% (95% CI, 83.6-95.4) for 1- and 2-doses, respectively. Conclusions: A 2-dose vaccine strategy was able to significantly reduce varicella burden. The effectiveness of 2-dose vaccination on reducing the risk of infection was demonstrated by sound statistical evidence, which highlights the public health need for a 2-dose vaccine recommendation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.251-257
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• 2024

Background Plastic surgery has developed to benefit in a variety of challenging areas formerly handled by other disciplines. Medical students do not have a clear picture of plastic surgery as a career due to lacking scope, clinical practice, and understanding of plastic surgery as a clinical area of expertise, including general practitioners, nursing staff, medical trainees, and the general public, and misconceptions about the extent of reconstructive and plastic surgery. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on Kuwait University Medical students (2nd-7th Years) over a period of 1 month. A questionnaire and a consent form were provided to eligible students. The inclusion criteria were Kuwait University Medical students from 2nd to 7th Years with signed consent form. The response was collected via email sent in coordination with the Vice Dean of Student Affairs in the Faculty of Medicine. Using statistical package for the social sciences, responses were statistically analyzed. Pearson's chi-square test was used to calculate p-values, where p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 244 eligible medical students, 121 males and 123 females, were included in the study, with a mean age of 21 (±2) years. Similarly, 126 (51.6%) were preclinical students (2nd-4th-year students), while 118 (48.4%) were clinical students (5th-7th-year students). About 79.8% of medical students believed that plastic surgery plays an essential role in trauma management, whereas 9.2% did not consider plastic surgery significant for trauma management. This study found that only 15.5% of medical students were interested in enrolling in plastic surgery residency after graduation, while 47.1% of students did not consider plastic surgery residency after graduation. However, 37.4% were uncertain. The two most driving factors in deciding on plastic surgery residency were expected income (61.8%) and lifestyle (14.3%). Conclusion Improving medical students' education quality can enhance their perception and awareness of plastic surgery. Students should be taught the broader scope of plastic surgery. The inclusion of formal training during undergraduation is the essence of time and should be added to or improved during plastic surgery rotations with more emphasis on reconstructive and hand/peripheral nerve surgery. Student-led interest groups can be a useful tool for educating students about their specialty.