• Investigative and Clinical Urology
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.357-362
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• 2018

Purpose: Classic angiomyolipoma (AML) is common benign kidney tumor. However, some studies have claimed that epithelioid angiomyolipoma (EAML) has malignant potential. We compared the patient characteristics and prognosis of EAML and classic AML to demonstrate predicting factors and poorer prognosis of EAML. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 231 patients who were diagnosed with EAML (n=27, 11.7%) or classic AML (n=204, 88.3%), were reviewed. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scans before operation or needle biopsy. We assessed the age, sex, tumor size, body mass index, comorbidities, and Hounsfield unit (HU) according to each CT phase. We defined the unfavorable group as patients with recurrence, metastasis and death due to tumor progression. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict EAML. Results: EAML patients were younger (41.2 years vs. 49.1 years, p=0.001), predominantly male (55.6% vs. 28.4%, p=0.005), and had a larger tumor (7.5 cm vs. 4.2 cm, p<0.001). The median pre-contrast HU was not significantly different between EAML and classic AML ($29.9{\pm}23.7$ vs. $14.7{\pm}41.0$, p=0.071). In multivariable analysis, younger age (odds ratio [OR], 0.96; p=0.032), male sex (OR, 3.33; p=0.013), and tumor larger than 4 cm (OR, 3.8; p=0.009) were significant predictive factors. Five patients (18.5%) had unfavorable outcomes, two patients had lymph node metastasis, and three patients had lung metastasis. Conclusions: Patient and tumor characteristics can be helpful in determining the type of AML preoperatively. Younger age, male sex, and larger tumor mass may increase the possibility of diagnosing EAML. EAML has malignant potential and requires careful follow-up.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.499-508
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• 2019

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are primarily responsible for metastasis and recurrence, have self-renewal, differentiation, therapeutic resistance, and tumor formation abilities. Numerous studies have demonstrated the signaling pathways essential for the acquisition and maintenance of CSC characteristics, such as WNT/${\beta}$-catenin, Hedgehog, Notch, B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog (BMI1), Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), and TGF-${\beta}$ signals. However, few therapeutic strategies have been developed that can selectively eliminate CSCs. Recently, neutralizing antibodies against Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), have shown promising outcomes in clinical trials of melanoma, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer, as well as in hematologic malignancies. ICIs are considered to outperform conventional anticancer drugs by maintaining long-lasting anti-cancer effects, with less severe side effects. Several studies reported that ICIs successfully blocked CSC properties in head and neck squamous carcinomas, melanomas, and breast cancer. Together, these findings suggest that novel and effective anticancer therapeutic modalities using ICIs for selective elimination of CSCs may be developed in the near future. In this review, we highlight the origin and characteristics of CSCs, together with critical signaling pathways. We also describe progress in ICI-mediated anticancer treatment to date and present perspectives on the development of CSC-targeting ICIs.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.626-634
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• 2018

This retrospective study investigates the accuracy of triage procedures for pediatric patients in emergency departments (EDs) using the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS). The study includes 250 randomly selected initial nursing records and clinical outcomes of pediatric patients who visited one regional ED or a local ED from October 2016 to September 2017. The collected data were analyzed by a qualified expert to determine the true triage score. The accuracy of triage was defined as the agreement between the triage score of the emergency nurses (ENs) and the true triage score as determined by the expert. Based on expert comments, the cause of the triage error was analyzed and the KTAS score was compared with the discharge, length of stay (LOS), and medical cost. The results showed that the degree of agreement in the triage score between the experts and the ENs was excellent (weighted kappa=0.77). Among the causes of triage discordance, the most frequent was the incorrect application of vital signs to the KTAS algorithm criteria (n=13). Patients with high severity KTAS levels 1 and 2 were discharged less often (${\chi}=43.25$, p<0.001). There were significant differences in the length of stay (F=12.39, p<0.001) and cost (F=11.78, p<0.001) between KTAS scores when adjusting for age. The results of this study indicate that KTAS is highly accurate in EDs. Hence, the newly developed triage tool is becoming well established in Korea.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.171-184
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• 2019

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of intra-alveolar socket grafting, subepithelial connective tissue grafts, and individualized abutments on peri-implant hard and soft tissue outcomes following immediate implant placement. Methods: This randomized experimental study employed 5 mongrel dogs, with 4 sites per dog (total of 20 sites). The mesial roots of P3 and P4 were extracted in each hemimandible and immediate dental implants were placed. Each site was randomly assigned to 1 of 4 different treatment groups: standardized healing abutment (control group), alloplastic bone substitute material (BSS) + standardized healing abutment (SA group), BSS + individualized healing abutment (IA group), and BSS + individualized healing abutment + a subepithelial connective tissue graft (IAG group). Clinical, histological, and profilometric analyses were performed. The intergroup differences were calculated using the Bonferroni test, setting statistical significance at P<0.05. Results: Clinically, the control and SA groups demonstrated a coronal shift in the buccal height of the mucosa ($0.88{\pm}0.48mm$ and $0.37{\pm}1.1mm$, respectively). The IA and IAG groups exhibited an apical shift of the mucosa ($-0.7{\pm}1.15mm$ and $-1.1{\pm}0.96mm$, respectively). Histologically, the SA and control groups demonstrated marginal mucosa heights of $4.1{\pm}0.28mm$ and $4.0{\pm}0.53mm$ relative to the implant shoulder, respectively. The IA and IAG groups, in contrast, only showed a height of 2.6mm. In addition, the height of the mucosa in relation to the most coronal buccal bone crest or bone substitute particles was not significantly different among the groups. Volumetrically, the IA group ($-0.73{\pm}0.46mm$) lost less volume on the buccal side than the control ($-0.93{\pm}0.44mm$), SA ($-0.97{\pm}0.73mm$), and IAG ($-0.88{\pm}0.45mm$) groups. Conclusions: The control group demonstrated the most favorable change of height of the margo mucosae and the largest dimensions of the peri-implant soft tissues. However, the addition of a bone substitute material and an individualized healing abutment resulted in slightly better preservation of the peri-implant soft tissue contour.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.11-22
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• 2019

Background: Sling exercises are frequently used for the rehabilitation process of patients with shoulder joint injuries, but research on the significant frequency intensity and appropriate treatment duration for sling exercises with local vibration stimulation is lacking. Objects: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sling exercise with vibration on shoulder range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, pain, and dysfunction in patients with a medical diagnosis of shoulder joint injury. Methods: Twenty-two patients were randomly assigned to the experiment and control groups. Six sling exercises with and without 50 Hz vibrations were applied in the experiment and control groups, respectively. Each exercise consisted of 3 sets of 5 repetitions performed for 6 weeks. The assessment tools used included shoulder joint range of motion, muscle strength, pain level, and shoulder pain and disability index for functional disability. We conducted re-evaluations before and 3 and 6 weeks after intervention. The changes in the measurement variables were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results: The ROM of the external rotation of the shoulder joint had a significant interaction between the group and the measurement point (F=3.652, p<.05). In both groups, we found a significant increase in external rotation angle between the measurement points (p<.05). The flexor strength of the shoulder joint significant interaction between the group and the measurement point (F=4.247, p<.05). Both the experiment (p<.01) and control groups (p<.05) showed a significant increase in shoulder flexor strength at the measurement points. After 6 weeks of the interventions, both the groups showed significantly improved VAS (p<.01), SPADI (p<.01), and orthopedic tests (p<.01). However, there was no significant difference between the group and the measurement point in terms of the clinical outcomes observed. Conclusion: The sling exercise with local vibration of 50 Hz affected the external rotation of the shoulder range of motion and improved shoulder flexor strength in the patients with shoulder injuries. Therefore, we propose the use of the sling exercise intervention with vibration in the exercise rehabilitation of patients with shoulder joint injuries.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.100-104
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• 2018

Purpose: An axillary crutch is the most commonly used assistive device in foot and ankle patients who require nonweightbearing. On the other hand, its use frequently induces axillary or wrist pain and critical neurovascular injuries have been reported in several studies. This study compared the clinical outcomes of patients using the knee walker and axillary crutch. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed comparing the utility of a knee walker and axillary crutch as a nonweightbearing ambulatory aid for 62 foot and ankle patients treated between November 2016 and March 2018. A comparative study of the two orthosis could be performed because all the patients temporarily used an axillary crutch before or after the use of a knee walker. A demographic study and comparative analysis based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) satisfaction score (0~100), complications, and fall down history were evaluated. Furthermore, under the assumption of having retreatment, their preference of orthosis between the knee walker and axillary crutch was investigated. Results: The mean age of the patients was 36.5 and the mean duration of ambulation with a knee walker and axillary crutch were 5.2 and 2.4 weeks. The VAS satisfaction score of the knee walker and crutch was 88.8 and 27.5, respectively (p<0.05). The most frequent complications of the knee walker and crutch were ipsilateral knee pain (6 cases) and axillary or wrist pain (56 cases), respectively. No case of falling down occurred during knee walker ambulation, but there were two cases of crutch ambulation. Fifty-eight patients (93.5%) preferred the knee walker and four patients (6.5%) preferred a crutch. Conclusion: Compared to the axillary crutch, the knee walker afforded lower complication and higher satisfaction. Most patients preferred the knee walker to a crutch. Therefore, the knee walker is an efficient and safe orthosis for foot and ankle patients who require nonweightbearing.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.101-108
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• 2019

Background: To date, a variety of surgical approaches have been used to reconstruct the medial orbital wall fracture. Still however, there is still a controversy as to their applicability because of postoperative scars, injury of anatomical structures and limited visual fields. The purpose of this study was to introduce a useful additional medial subbrow approach for better reduction and securement more accurate implant pocket of medial orbital wall fracture with the subciliary technique. Methods: We had performed our technique for a total of 14 patients with medial orbital wall fracture at our medical institution between January 2016 and July 2017. All fractures were operated through subciliary technique combined with the additional medial subbrow approach. They underwent subciliary approach accompanied by medial wall dissection using a Louisville elevator through the slit incision of the medial subbrow procedure. This facilitated visualization of the medial wall fracture site and helped to ensure a more accurate pocket for implant insertion. Results: Postoperative outcomes showed sufficient coverage without displacement. Twelve cases of preoperative diplopia improved to two cases of postoperative diplopia. More than 2 mm enophthalmos was 14 cases preoperatively, improving to 0 case postoperatively. Without damage such as major vessels or extraocular muscles, enophthalmos was corrected and there was no restriction of eyeball motion. Conclusion: Our ancillary procedure was useful in dissecting the medial wall, and it was a safe method as to cause no significant complications in our clinical series. Also, there is an only nonvisible postoperative scar. Therefore, it is a recommendable surgical modality for medial orbital wall fracture.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.75-85
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• 2018

Purpose: This study examined the Poisoning Severity Score (PSS) from acute poisoning patients, to determine the relationships among the PSS, PSSsum, the primary outcome (prolonged stay at the ER over 24 hours, general ward and ICU admission and the application of intubation and mechanical ventilator, and the administration of inotropes). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted through the EMR for 15 months. The PSS grade was classified according to the evidence of symptoms and signs. The differences in the primary outcomes between the PSS of when a single organ was damaged, and the PSS, PSSsum combined with the grade of when multiple organs were damaged, were studied. The cutoff value was calculated using the receiving operating characteristics (ROC) curve. Results: Of the 284 patients; 85 (29.9%) were men with a mean age of 48.8 years, and their average arrival time to the ER was $4.4{\pm}6.7\;hours$. The most frequently used drug was hypnotics. The number of patients with PSS grade 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 17, 129, 122, 24, and one, respectively. No ICU admissions, application of intubation and mechanical ventilators, administration of inotropes were observed among the patients with PSS grades 0 and 1 but only on patients with PSS grades 2 to 4. At PSS, when separating the patients according to the number of damaged organs, 17 had no symptoms, 133 had one organ damaged, 75 had two organs damaged, 36 had three organs damaged, and 23 had four organs damaged. Significant differences were observed between increasing number of damaged organs and the primary outcome. Conclusion: Among the acute poisoning patients, the PSS was higher in severity when the grade was higher. The number of damaged organs and the primary outcome showed meaningful statistical differences. This study confirmed that when the patients' PSS>2 and PSSsum>5, the frequency of ICU admission was higher, and they were considered to be severe with an increased prescription risk of application of intubation and mechanical ventilator, and the administration of inotropes.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.86-92
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• 2018

Purpose: Cardiovascular or respiratory complications of acute intoxication are the most common causes of mortality. Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) or specific antidotes help manage these cardiac or respiratory complications in acute intoxication. On the other hand, some cases do not respond to ACLS or antidotes and they require some special treatment, such as extracorporeal life support (ECLS). ECLS will provide the chance of recovery from acute intoxication. This study examined the optimal timing of ECLS in acute intoxication cases. Methods: This paper is a brief report of a case series about ECLS in acute poisoning. The cases of ECLS were reviewed and the effects of ECLS on the blood pressure and serum lactate level of the patients were analyzed. Results: A total of four cases were reviewed; three of them were antihypertensive agent-induced shock, and one was respiratory failure after the inhalation of acid. The time range of ECLS application was 4.8-23.5 hours after toxic exposure. The causes of ECLS implementation were one for recurrent cardiac arrest, two for shock that did not respond to ACLS, and one for respiratory failure that did not respond to mechanical ventilator support. Three patients showed an improvement in blood pressure and serum lactate level and were discharged alive. In case 1, ECLS was stared at 23.5 hours post toxic exposure; the patient died due to refractory shock and multiple organ failure. Conclusion: The specific management of ECLS should be considered when a patient with acute intoxication does not recovery from shock or respiratory failure despite ACLS, antidote therapies, or mechanical ventilator support. ECLS improved the hemodynamic and ventilator condition in complicated poisoned patients. The early application of ECLS may improve the tissue perfusion state and outcomes of these patients before the toxic damage becomes irreversible.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.467-475
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• 2021

Purpose: When a patient with acute deterioration occurs in a ward, the decision to transfer to intensive care unit (ICU) is critical to improve the patient's outcomes. However, when available ICU resources limited, it is difficult to determine which of the deteriorating ward patients to transfer to the ICU. Therefore the purpose of this study was to identify risk factors in predicting deteriorating ward patients transferred to intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: We reviewed retrospectively clinical data of 2,945 deteriorating ward patients who referred medical emergency team. Data were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression. Results: The solid cancer that diagnosed at hospitalization (odds ratio[OR] 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-0.47), when the cause of deterioration was respiratory problem (1.51; 95% CI 1.17-1.95), high MEWS (1.22; 1.17-1.28) and SpO2/FiO2 score (2.41; 2.23-2.60) were predictive of ICU transfer. Conclusion: These findings suggest that early prediction and treatment of patients with high risk of ICU transfer may improve the prognosis of patients.