• Korean Journal of Cognitive Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.73-95
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• 2012

Two experiments were conducted to verify how the factors of attentional dispersion, reason for waiting, and cue of time flow affect the perceived waiting time. In experiment 1, based on the characteristics of waiting experience that Maister(1985) suggested, levels of attentional dispersion and whether or not offering a reason for waiting were manipulated. Participants estimated elapsed time(the objective time was 10 minutes) using either prospective or retrospective estimation method. Overall results were that they overestimated the elapsed time regardless of the experimental conditions. However, both main effects of the attentional dispersion and the reason for waiting were statistically significant. That is, when attention was more dispersed and when the reason was given, overestimation of elapsed time was reduced. No difference was found between the two estimation methods, and none of the interaction was significant. Experiment 2 was a replication of Experiment 1 except that a cue of time flow was added by using scroll bar on a computer screen. Because it has been suggested that the cue can help us to manage the waiting time and result in differences between the two time estimation methods. The results showed that main effects of the attentional dispersion and the reason for waiting were significant as those in Experiment 1. In addition, main effect of time estimation method and the three-way interaction were also significant. None of two-way interaction was significant. That is, the perceived waiting time is much shorter in the retrospective method, and the effects of the attentional dispersion and the reason of waiting were dependent upon the estimation methods. Both experiments showed that offering a clear reason for waiting is more important than the attentional dispersion in reducing the perceived waiting time. Some implications of these results for the service industry and the future direction of research were discussed in the final section.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.28-33
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• 2009

Purpose: This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the treatment results of chronic Achilles tendon rupture by Lindholm method. Materials and Methods: Between 2002 and 2006, we performed the reconstruction of the Achilles tendon by using of the gatrocnemius-sloeus fascia known as Lindholm method. Ten cases of ten patients were enrolled in this study (8 men and 2 women). The mean age of the patients at the time of operation was 49 years (range, 32${\sim}$66 years). The mean follow-up duration was 15.2 months (range, 12${\sim}$19 months). The retrospective review of the clinical history, physical examination, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score were conducted. Results: The mean AOFAS score before surgery was 74.10${\pm}$2.56 and that of the latest follow-up was 90.60${\pm}$5.72. The excellent results were six and good results were four patients. Eight patients were normal triceps power and the others were good. The average of heel to floor distance was 4.5 mm less in the operated legs than the contralateral ones in each patient, but there was no significant difference (p>0.05). The average of calf muscle circumference in the mid-leg was 7.5 mm less in the operated legs than the contralateral ones and there was significant difference (p<0.05). The active range of motion of the ankles, mean plantarflexion was 40 degrees and dorsiflexion was 16.8 degrees in operated side. The contralateral side was 43 degrees in plantarflexion and 19 degrees in dorsiflexion. No case showed rerupture of the reconstructed Achilles tendon. One patient had the superficial wound infection which was treated successfully by antibiotic therapy. Conclusion: It was suggested that the overall results of Lindholm method for the chronic Achilles tendon rupture indicated satisfactory outcomes.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.291-303
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• 2012

As respiratory tract infections (RTI) account for about 60% of all antibiotic prescriptions in outpatient care setting, there are significant concerns about emerging resistance that are largely due to the excessive or inappropriate use of antibacterial agents for viral respiratory infections. This study was aimed to develop retrospective drug utilization review (DUR) program of antibiotics for RTIs using Delphi methods. Retrospective DUR criteria of antibiotics for RTIs were identified based on clinical practice guidelines and opinion of experts. Expert panel members were clinical doctors and pharmacists and Delphi method was applied by survey on 16 members of panels. The claim data from Korean Health Insurance Review & Assessment (HIRA) were used to examine trends in outpatient antibiotic prescription between Janunary to December of 2008. As results, Quality index for RTI was assessed for the claim type, antibiotics use of quantity, duration, number and cost. Antibiotic prescription rate for RTIs, Defined Daily Dose (DDD), and duration of antibiotics use were more recognized as significant quality index by experts' opinion. Use of first line agents suggested by guidelines was low and duration of antibiotics use was shorter compared to the recommendations. Antibiotics were over prescribed for RITs. However, dose and duration of antibiotics were under-used.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.4717-4721
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• 2013

Complete surgical resection of the primary tumour is a crucial predictive step for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), because incomplete resection may lead to increase in the recurrence rate. Molecular cancer markers have been investigated as potential predictors of prognosis marker, to identify patients who are at high risk of local recurrence. This retrospective study aimed to determine the prognostic correlation between p53 and eIF4E expression and clinical characteristics, recurrence and overall survival. Forty eight HNSCC patients were selected between 2006 and 2009 diagnosed at the Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. Out of 48, only those 24 with negative surgical margins with hematoxylin and eosin (HandE) were chosedn for further analysis. A total of 77 surgical margins were obtained and subsequently analysed by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with monoclonal p53 and polyclonal eIF4E antibodies. Contingency table and ${\chi}^2$-test were used to investigate the correlation between p53 and eIF4E expression and clinical characteristics, recurrence and overall survival of the HNSCC patients. The follow up period was 74 months (range 1-74 months). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to generate recurrence and survival curves. This is a first retrospective study of Northern Territory patients, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Molecular study of surgical margins could help to identify patients with and without clear margins after surgery and help in choice of the most appropriate adjuvant treatment for HNSCC patients.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.837-847
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hospital characteristics on employment rate, working period, and retirement of ward nurses in Korea through a retrospective cohort study based on HIRAS data. Methods: Data were obtained from a report on medical care institutions of Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRAS). Data from 259,941 nurses who were working for a day or more from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016, at 2,942 medical care institutions were analyzed. Life table method analysis, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis were conducted. Results: The employment rates of 5 yeas and 10 years for the total sample were 38% and 28%, respectively. The estimated mean value of the working period was 3,642.7 days (SE: 17.4 days). Cox proportional hazard regression analyses revealed that nurses who were working at the general hospital/hospital, clinic, and nursing hospital were more likely to leave the hospital compared to those who were working at the 3rd general hospital. Nurses who were working at the medical institutions which were located in cities and countries, established by the private foundation, rated lower levels of nursing, and owned an insufficient number of beds, nurses and doctors were more likely to leave their workplace compared to those of the counterparts. Conclusion: This study indicates that hospital characteristics may play a significant role in retirement and working period of ward nurses in Korea. The improvement of hospital conditions to reduce ward nurses' retirement are needed.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.65-74
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• 2023

Background/Aims: Gastric varices (GV) are present in 25% of cirrhotic patients with high rates of rebleeding and mortality. Data on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided treatment in severe liver disease (model for end stage liver disease sodium [MELD-Na] >18 and Child-Turcotte-Pugh [CTP] C with GV) are scarce. Thus, we performed a retrospective comparison of endoscopic glue injection with EUS-guided therapy in cirrhotic patients with large GV. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in the tertiary hospitals of India. A total of 80 patients were recruited. The inclusion criteria were gastroesophageal varices type 2, isolated gastric varices type 1, bleeding within 6 weeks, size of GV >10 mm, and a MELD-Na >18. Treatment outcomes and complications of endoscopic glue injection and EUS-guided GV therapy were compared. Results: In this study, the patients' age, sex, liver disease severity (CTP, MELD-Na) and clinical parameters were comparable. The median number of procedures, injected glue volume, complications, and GV obturation were better in the EUS group, respectively. On subgroup analysis of the EUS method (e.g., direct gastric fundus vs. paragastric collateral [PGC] coil placement), PGC coil placement showed decreased coil requirement, less injected glue volume, decreased luminal coil extrusion, and increased successful GV obturation. Conclusions: EUS-guided treatment is more efficient and safer, and requires a smaller number of treatment sessions, as compared to endoscopic treatment in severe liver disease patients with large GV. Furthermore, PGC coil placement increases the complete obliteration of GV.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.95-106
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• 2024

Background and Purpose: Ventricle enlargement has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We studied the relationship between ventricular size and cognitive function in patients with AD. We focused on the effect of the initial ventricle size on the rate of cognitive decline in patients with AD. Methods: A retrospective analysis of probable clinical AD participants with more than 2 magnetic resonance imaging images was performed. To measure ventricle size, we used visual rating scales of (1) Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) score and (2) conventional linear measurement method. Results: Increased clinical dementia rating (CDR) was correlated with a decreased Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score, and increased medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTLA) and global ventricle size (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.021, respectively). There was a significant correlation between the change in cognitive function in the group (70%-100%ile) with a large initial ventricle size (p=0.021 for ∆CDR, p=0.01 for ∆MMSE), while the median ventricle size (30%-70%ile) showed correlation with other brain structural changes (MTLA, frontal atrophy [FA], and white matter) (p=0.036 for initial MTLA, p=0.034 for FA). Conclusions: In this study, the initial ventricle size may be a potential new imaging biomarker for initial cognitive function and clinical progression in AD. We found a relationship between the initial ventricle size and initial AD-related brain structural biomarkers.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.455-462
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• 2014

Objective : To propose a new measure for effective monitoring of intraoperative somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) and to validate the feasibility of this measure for evoked potentials (EP) and single trials with a retrospective data analysis study. Methods : The proposed new measure (hereafter, a slope-measure) was defined as the relative slope of the amplitude and latency at each EP peak compared to the baseline value, which is sensitive to the change in the amplitude and latency simultaneously. We used the slope-measure for EP and single trials and compared the significant change detection time with that of the conventional peak-to-peak method. When applied to single trials, each single trial signal was processed with optimal filters before using the slope-measure. In this retrospective data analysis, 7 patients who underwent cerebral aneurysm clipping surgery for unruptured aneurysm middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation were included. Results : We found that this simple slope-measure has a detection time that is as early or earlier than that of the conventional method; furthermore, using the slope-measure in optimally filtered single trials provides warning signs earlier than that of the conventional method during MCA clipping surgery. Conclusion : Our results have confirmed the feasibility of the slope-measure for intraoperative SEP monitoring. This is a novel study that provides a useful measure for either EP or single trials in intraoperative SEP monitoring.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.34-40
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• 2017

Purpose: This study was performed to review the outcomes of gastrostomy insertion in children at our institute during 10 years. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 236 patients who underwent gastrostomy insertion from October 2005 to March 2015. We used our algorithm to select the least invasive method for gastrostomy insertion for each patient. Long-term follow-up was performed to analyze complications related to the method of gastrostomy insertion. Results: Out of 236 patients, 120 underwent endoscopic gastrostomy, 79 had laparoscopic gastrostomy, and 37 had open gastrostomy procedures. The total major complication rates for endoscopic gastrostomy insertion, laparoscopic gastrostomy insertion, and open gastrostomy were 9.2%, 8.9%, and 8.1%, respectively. The most common major complication was gastroesophageal reflux requiring Nissen fundoplication (3.8%), and other complications included peritonitis (1.3%), hiatal hernia (1.3%), and bowel perforation (0.8%). Gastrostomy removal was successful in 8.6% and 5.0% of patients in the endoscopic and surgical gastrostomy groups, respectively. Gastrocutaneous fistula occurred in 60% of surgically inserted cases, requiring a second operation. Conclusion: This retrospective study was performed to review the outcome of gastrostomy insertion, as well as to introduce an algorithm that can be used for future cases. Further studies should be conducted to make a consensus on choosing the most appropriate method for gastrostomy insertion.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.59-65
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• 2023

Background: Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a localized bone disorder in which fibro-osseous tissue replaces the normal bone structure. Patients with craniofacial FD often present with gradual swelling, deformity, and compromised vision or hearing. We previously introduced "the core extirpation method," a novel surgical technique that is minimally invasive like traditional bone shaving but has longer-lasting effects. This study presents the long-term outcomes of our core extirpation method. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent core extirpation for FD of the zygomaticomaxillary region from 2012 through 2021. Computed tomography (CT) scans were performed 6 to 12 months before the operation, immediately before and after the operation, and during follow-up visits. We performed all operations using the upper gingivobuccal approach, and we extirpated the core of the lesion while preserving the cortical structures of the zygoma and the maxilla to maintain symmetrical facial contour. Results: In 12 patients with lesions in the growth phase, anteroposterior/mediolateral (AP/ML) length discrepancies and the volume increased between preoperative and immediate postoperative CT scans. All patients' immediate postoperative AP/ML discrepancies were stable up to 12-17 months postoperatively. Postoperative volume showed continuous lesion growth; the median volume growth rate was 0.61 cc per month. Conclusion: In this article, we present our experiences managing FD using the minimally invasive core extirpation technique, which entails small expected blood loss and can be performed as day surgery. It provides similar cosmetic outcomes as traditional bone shaving but with longer-lasting results. Although there are some limitations with the study's retrospective nature and small sample size, our 4-year follow-up results show promising results of the core extirpation method in well-indicated patients.