• Title/Summary/Keyword: Follow-up Period

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Temporal Characteristics of Volatile Organic Compounds in Newly-Constructed Residential Buildings: Concentration and Source

  • Shin, Seung-Ho;Jo, Wan-Kuen
    • Environmental Engineering Research
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    • v.18 no.3
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    • pp.169-176
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    • 2013
  • The present study was designed to examine the concentrations, emission rates, and source characteristics of a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in 30 newly-constructed apartment buildings by measuring indoor and outdoor VOC concentrations over a 2-year period. For comparison, seven villa-type houses were also surveyed for indoor and outdoor VOC concentrations over a 3-month period. Indoor and outdoor air samples were collected on Tenax-TA adsorbent and analyzed using a gas chromatograph (GC)/mass spectrometer system or a GC/flame ionization detector system coupled to a thermal desorption system. The long-term change in indoor VOC concentrations depended on the type of VOCs. Generally, aromatic (except for naphthalene), aliphatic, and terpene compounds exhibited a gradual deceasing trend over the 2-year follow-up period. However, the indoor concentrations of the six halogenated VOCs did not significantly vary with time changes. Similar to these halogenated VOCs, the indoor naphthalene concentrations did not vary significantly with time changes over the 2-year period. Unlike the halogenated VOCs, the indoor naphthalene concentrations were much higher than the outdoor concentrations. The indoor concentrations of aliphatic and aromatic compounds were higher for the villa-type houses when compared to those of apartment buildings. In addition, four source groups (floor coverings and interior painting, household products, wood paneling and furniture, moth repellents) and three source groups (floor coverings and interior painting, household products, and moth repellents) were considered as potential VOC sources inside apartment buildings for the first- and second-year post-occupancy stages, respectively.

Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis: Comparison of Pre- and Post-Public-Private Mix Periods

  • Kang, Yewon;Jo, Eun-Jung;Eom, Jung Seop;Kim, Mi-Hyun;Lee, Kwangha;Kim, Ki Uk;Park, Hye-Kyung;Lee, Min Ki;Mok, Jeongha
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.84 no.1
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    • pp.74-83
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    • 2021
  • Background: This study compared the treatment outcomes of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) before and after the implementation of public-private mix (PPM). Factors affecting treatment success were also investigated. Methods: Data from culture-confirmed pulmonary MDR-TB patients who commenced MDR-TB treatment at Pusan National University Hospital between January 2003 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups in terms of PPM status: pre-PPM period, patients who commenced MDR-TB treatment between 2003 and 2010; and post-PPM period, patients treated between 2011 and 2017. Results: A total of 176 patients were included (64 and 112 in the pre- and post-PPM periods, respectively). 36.9% of the patients were resistant to a fluoroquinolone or a second-line injectable drug, or both. The overall treatment success rate was 72.7%. The success rate of post-PPM patients was higher than that of pre-PPM patients (79.5% vs. 60.9%, p=0.008). Also, loss to follow-up was lower in the post-PPM period (5.4% vs. 15.6%, p=0.023). In multivariate regression analysis, age ≥65 years, body mass index ≤18.5 kg/m2, previous TB treatment, bilateral lung involvement, and extensively drug-resistant (XDR)- or pre-XDR-TB were associated with poorer treatment outcomes. However, the use of bedaquiline or delamanid for ≥1 month increased the treatment success. Conclusion: The treatment success rate in MDR-TB patients was higher in the post-PPM period than in the pre-PPM period, particularly because of the low rate of loss to follow-up. To ensure comprehensive patient-centered PPM in South Korea, investment and other support must be adequate.

Comparison of the Change in the Pharyngeal Airway Space, Tongue and Hyoid Bone Positions according to the Orthognathic Surgical Methods of Mandibular Prognathism (하악 전돌증 환자에서 악교정 수술방법에 따른 설골과 혀의 위치 및 기도량 변화의 비교)

  • Lee, Yoon-Sun;Han, Se-Jin
    • Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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    • v.35 no.4
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    • pp.211-220
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    • 2013
  • Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the changes in the pharyngeal airway space, tongue and hyoid bone positions according to the orthognathic surgical methods of mandibular prognathism. Methods: The subjects included 30 patients (16 males, 14 females) with the skeletal class III malocclusion. Group 1 (10 patients) underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) only; group 2 (10 patients) underwent BSSRO with genioplasty; and group 3 (10 patients) underwent BSSRO, Le Fort I osteotomy. We measured the lines between the selected upper air way, hyoid bone and tongue landmarks on the lateral cephalometric x-ray films of skeletal class III. The measurements were made preoperation, within 1 week after the operation, 3~6 months after the operation and 1 year after the operation. We compared and analyzed the measurements with matched paired t-test and independent samples t-test. Results: There were no postoperative changes in the nasopharyngeal airway space in group 3. The measurements of group 3 also increased during the follow-up period as compared to the preoperative measurements. In group 1, 2 and 3, the immediate postoperative oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal airway spaces were decreased. In the following period, the hypopharyngeal airway space returned to the preoperative positions, but the oropharyngeal airway space was not significantly changed. The upper and lower tongue was posteriorly repositioned immediately after the surgery. During the follow-up period, the lower tongue position returned to the preoperative position, and the upper tongue position was not significantly changed. Immediately after the surgery, the B point was moved to the posterior position, and a slight anterior advancement was found in the follow-up period. Conclusion: Patients who received the mandibular setback surgery showed a decrease in the posterior airway space, and those who underwent maxillary advancement showed a significant increase of the nasopharyngeal airway space, which remained stable during the evaluation period. The change of the airway space, position of the hyoid bone and tongue did not differ according to the presence or absence of genioplasty.

Clinical Outcomes of Pulsed Radiofrequency Neuromodulation for the Treatment of Occipital Neuralgia

  • Choi, Hyuk-Jai;Oh, In-Ho;Choi, Seok-Keun;Lim, Young-Jin
    • Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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    • v.51 no.5
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    • pp.281-285
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    • 2012
  • Objective : Occipital neuralgia is characterized by paroxysmal jabbing pain in the dermatomes of the greater or lesser occipital nerves caused by irritation of these nerves. Although several therapies have been reported, they have only temporary therapeutic effects. We report the results of pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the occipital nerve, which was used to treat occipital neuralgia. Methods : Patients were diagnosed with occipital neuralgia according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders classification criteria. We performed pulsed radiofrequency neuromodulation when patients presented with clinical findings suggestive occipital neuralgia with positive diagnostic block of the occipital nerves with local anesthetics. Patients were analyzed according to age, duration of symptoms, surgical results, complications and recurrence. Pain was measured every month after the procedure using the visual analog and total pain indexes. Results : From 2010, ten patients were included in the study. The mean age was 52 years (34-70 years). The mean follow-up period was 7.5 months (6-10 months). Mean Visual Analog Scale and mean total pain index scores declined by 6.1 units and 192.1 units, respectively, during the follow-up period. No complications were reported. Conclusion : Pulsed radiofrequency neuromodulation of the occipital nerve is an effective treatment for occipital neuralgia. Further controlled prospective studies are necessary to evaluate the exact effects and long-term outcomes of this treatment method.

Rescue of a periodontally compromised tooth by non-surgical treatment: a case report

  • Cho, Young-Dan;Kim, Sungtae;Koo, Ki-Tae;Seol, Yang-Jo;Lee, Yong-Moo;Rhyu, In-Chul;Ku, Young
    • Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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    • v.46 no.2
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    • pp.128-134
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    • 2016
  • Purpose: This article describes a case of the successful non-surgical management of a periodontally compromised maxillary premolar. Methods: A combination therapy, including root planing, occlusal adjustment, and tooth splinting, was applied. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed during the 16-month follow-up period. Results: All periodontal parameters were improved. There were dramatic decreases (3-6 mm) in the probing pocket depth, tooth mobility, and marginal bone loss. Interestingly, gradual resolution of the periapical radiolucency and alveolar bone regeneration were observed in the radiographs, and the periodontal condition was maintained during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, these results demonstrate the importance of natural tooth preservation through proper periodontal treatment and occlusal adjustment of the periodontally compromised tooth, which is typically targeted for tooth extraction and dental implantation.

Sublabial Autologous Ear Cartilage Grafting for Increasing the Nasolabial Angle

  • Toncic, Rajko;Toncic, Dinko
    • Archives of Plastic Surgery
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    • v.43 no.1
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    • pp.46-52
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    • 2016
  • Background The loss of nasal tip support is caused by many factors and eventually results in the collapse and eventual dropping of the nasal tip. This reduces the nasolabial (NL) angle and negatively affects respiratory functions and one's appearance. Methods The aim of this retrospective study, which was conducted on 52 patients, was to present and popularize a simple and effective method for the reconstruction of a weakened columella by inserting an autologous ear cartilage graft using a sublabial approach. Results Of all the patients, three patients experienced transplant rejection. The period of follow-up observation was one to five years (mean, 27 months). The results were objectively evaluated by measuring the NL angle in standardized photos before and after the procedure at different time intervals over the follow-up period. We observed a significant increase of the NL angle (mean, $20^{\circ}$), and found these results to be durable over the long term. Of the 52 patients included in this study observed patients, three were dissatisfied (due to immediate infection and shifting of the strut), 28 were satisfied, and 21 were very satisfied. Conclusions The surgical method described here is simple and can be learned quickly. It has very good results with few complications, and is our method of choice for complex and serious cases seen in everyday rhinosurgical practice.

Long-term clinical results of isolated mitral valve replacement with the Ionescu-Shiley bovine pericardial valve (이오네스큐 판막의 장기 임상성)

  • 김종환
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.17 no.2
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    • pp.212-222
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    • 1984
  • A total of and consecutive 291 patients underwent isolated mitral valve replacement using the Ionescu-Shiley bovine pericardial xenograft valve during the 5-year period between October 1978 and June 1983. Thirty-two patients were the children under 15 years of age. There were 15 deaths within 30 days after surgery [operative mortality, 5.2%]. All early survivors except 6 children were placed on the long-term oral anticoagulation longer than postoperative 3 months. A total follow-up period extended for 398.2 patient-years, and 12 patients died [late mortality, 4.1%, or 3.0%/patient- year]. Ten patients experienced the thromboembolic complication [2.51%/patient-year], occurring in 8 patients within the first 3 postoperative months, and 4 died. Three patients had the late prosthetic valve endocarditis [0.75%/patient-year] and 2 died. The incidence of overall valve failure according to the criteria was 3.01%/patient-year, or 12 patients, and 2 had replacement of the failed bioprostheses [primary tissue failure, 0.5%/patient-year]. The long-term survival rate was 87.8%\ulcorner2.6% at 5 years postoperatively, and 84% of the late survivors were in NYHA Class I at the end of the follow- up. The probability remaining free from thromboembolism and overall valve failure was 89.8%\ulcorner6.3% and 81.2%\ulcorner.8% at 5 years respectively. These clinical results confirm the safety of mitral valve replacement. The only remaining clinical problem is the structural and functional durability of the bovine pericardial xenograft valve, and its use in young patients may be stopped in preference to the mechanical prosthetic valves.

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The Role of Intraoperative Echocardiograpby after Repair of Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect (완전방실중격결손증 수술후 심에코도의 역할)

  • 홍유선
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.27 no.11
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    • pp.902-906
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    • 1994
  • Between May 1991 and August 1993, 16 patients underwent repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect without another major anomaly at Cardiovascular Center,Yonsei University College of Medicine. Ages of the patients ranged from 3 months to 38 years with a mean of 42 months. Among 16, 10 patients[63%] are associated with Down`s syndrome. All patients underwent primary repair except and one who received had been repaire of coactation of aorta and patent ductus arteriosus 2 month before. Preoperative mitral valve regurgitation [MR] was evaluated with Doppler echocardiography and angiography which revealed absent or grade I in 1, grade II in 8, grade III in 4, and grade IV in 3. Operative technique was performed under the moderate hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass with crystalloid cardioplegia. Intraoperative echocardiography was performed epicardial approach [n=7] in the operative table or transthoracic approach [n=9] at intensive care unit. In all patients except 3, MR were improved. But in 3 patients, was not improved or exagerated comparing preoperative one. All of them were died.One patient was showed MR grade IV in intraoperative echocardiography, we re-repaired atriventricular valve with cardiopulmonary bypass. During follow-up period [at a mean of 11 months after repair], doppler echocardiography was performed in all patients. The follow up echocardiography revealed that the degree of MR in immediate postoperative period was not changed except in two patients in whom it was aggravated. Thus it seems that intraoperative and early postoperative echocardiography was employed important role of survival and can be predictable for long term results.

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Comparison of retention characteristics of Essix and Hawley retainers

  • Demir, Abdullah;Babacan, Hasan;Nalcaci, Ruhi;Topcuoglu, Tolga
    • The korean journal of orthodontics
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    • v.42 no.5
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    • pp.255-262
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    • 2012
  • Objective: We aimed to compare the retention characteristics of Essix and Hawley retainers. Methods: Adolescents undergoing fixed appliance treatment at 2 centers were recruited for this study. Twenty-two patients (16 women and 6 men) wore Essix retainers (Essix group) while 20 (14 women and 6 men) wore Hawley retainers (Hawley group). The mean retention time was 1 year, and the mean follow-up recall time for both groups was 2 years. Two qualified dental examiners evaluated the blind patient data. Maxillary and mandibular dental casts and lateral cephalograms were analyzed at 4 stages: pretreatment (T1), post-treatment (T2), post-retention (T3), and follow-up (T4). Results: The results revealed that Essix appliances were more efficient in retaining the anterior teeth in the mandible during a 1-year retention period. The irregularity index increased in both arches in both groups after a 2-year post-retention period. The mandibular arch lengths increased during treatment and tended to return to their original value after retention in both groups; however, these changes were statistically significant only in the Hawley group. Cephalometric variables did not show any significant differences. Conclusions: The retention characteristics of both Essix and Hawley retainers are similar.

Conventional Posterior Approach without Far Lateral Approach for Ventral Foramen Magnum Meningiomas

  • Sohn, Seil;Chung, Chun Kee
    • Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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    • v.54 no.5
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    • pp.373-378
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    • 2013
  • Objective : We present our experience of conventional posterior approach without fat lateral approach for ventral foramen magnum (FM) meningioma (FM meningioma) and tried to evaluate the approach is applicable to ventral FM meningioma. Methods : From January 1999 to March 2011, 11 patients with a ventral FM meningioma underwent a conventional posterior approach without further extension of lateral bony window. The tumor was removed through a working space between the dura and arachnoid membrane at the cervicomedullary junction with minimal retraction of medulla, spinal cord or cerebellum. Care should be taken not to violate arachnoid membrane. Results : Preoperatively, six patients were of Nurick grade 1, three were of grade 2, and two were of grade 3. Median follow-up period was 55 months (range, 20-163 months). The extent of resection was Simpson grade I in one case and Simpson grade II in remaining 10 cases. Clinical symptoms improved in eight patients and stable in three patients. There were no recurrences during the follow-up period. Postoperative morbidities included one pseudomeningocele and one transient dysphagia with dysarthria. Conclusion : Ventral FM meningiomas can be removed gross totally using a posterior approach without fat lateral approach. The arachnoid membrane can then be exploited as an anatomical barrier. However, this approach should be taken with a thorough understanding of its anatomical limitation.