• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제43권4호
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• pp.233-239
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• 2016

Objective: Uterine contraction induced by the embryo transfer (ET) process has an adverse effect on embryo implantation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of oxytocin antagonist supplementation on the day of ET on in vitro fertilization outcomes via a meta-analysis. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Four online databases (Embase, Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Library) were searched through May 2015 for RCTs that investigated oxytocin antagonist supplementation on the day of ET. Studies were selected according to predefined inclusion criteria and meta-analyzed using RevMan 5.3. Only RCTs were included in this study. The main outcome measures were the clinical pregnancy rate, the implantation rate, and the miscarriage rate. Results: A total of 123 studies were reviewed and assessed for eligibility. Three RCTs, which included 1,020 patients, met the selection criteria. The implantation rate was significantly better in patients who underwent oxytocin antagonist infusion (19.8%) than in the control group (11.3%) (n = 681; odds ratio [OR], 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-2.96). No significant difference was found between the two groups in the clinical pregnancy rate (n = 1,020; OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 0.92-2.67) or the miscarriage rate (n = 456; OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.44-1.33). Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis of the currently available literature suggest that the administration of an oxytocin antagonist on the day of ET improves the implantation rate but not the clinical pregnancy rate or miscarriage rate. Additional, large-scale, prospective, randomized studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

• 한국조경학회지
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• 제18권3호통권39호
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• pp.57-70
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• 1990

This study is on system building and model case study to establish a new framework of "The Wild and Scenic Rivers System" and to apply this to Korean rivers. The Wild and Scenic Rivers System of the U. S. , which had become law in 1968 for establishing wild scenic and recreational river areas, was investigated. The techniques of two American case studies about the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System designation were investigated and synthesized, and study process was adjusted to Korean river system. Additionally, pilot study was carried out by the method and results were as follows : 1) In the American Wild and Scenic Rivers System, each river was evaluated based on eligibility criteria for designation, such as remarkable scenic, recreational, fish and wildlife, cultural or other ecological values. Segmented river areas were classified into three or four grades and management plans were prepared accordingly. 2) The management of rivers in Korea has emphasized on the flood control and water resources management up to the present, and now takes a growing interest in water quality. But it has been concerned very little with wild and scenic resources conservation of river corridors. It is strongly recommended to build Wild and Scenic Rivers System in Korea for rational management and conservation of the valuable natural resource. 3) Suggested evaluation criteria for the Korean Wild and Scenic Rivers System were wildness, wildlife and plants, hydrology, scenic quality, and historical and cultural resources. The river areas may be graded into four : Positive conservation area(I), Negative conservation area(II), Negative development area(III), Positive development area(IV). Management guidelines were proposed for each grade. 4) To test the applicability of the approach, one of the major tributary of the Han-River was selected for pilot study. The result showed that the evaluation and grading system worked well. Finally, it is recommended to incorporate the Wild and Scenic Rivers System into Korean national park system, and to amend the Korean National Park Act to enable this.

• Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research
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• 제10권6호
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• pp.686-697
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• 2018

Purpose: Several markers for eosinophilic inflammation have been proposed to predict response to asthma treatment. However, definitive criteria for treatment decisions have not yet been established. We investigate a potentially useful relatively non-invasive biomarker, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), to predict favorable responses to budesonide or montelukast, common treatment for children with asthma. Methods: Young children (1 to 6 years old) were enrolled in this randomized, parallel, 2-group, open-label trial. Criteria for eligibility included: 1) being symptomatic during the run-in period; and 2) having a serum EDN (sEDN) level ${\geq}53ng/mL$, with positive specific immunoglobulin E to house dust mite. Eligible patients were randomly placed into 2 groups: the BIS group received budesonide inhalation suspension (BIS) 0.5 mg once daily; the MONT group received montelukast 4 mg once daily. Ineligible patients were invited to receive montelukast 4 mg once daily (OBS group). Treatment period was 12 weeks. Results: Asthma control days increased significantly in the BIS and MONT groups (P < 0.000) over the 12-week study period. There was no significant change in sEDN in the BIS group but there was a significant decrease in the MONT group (P < 0.000). Patients in the OBS group with high EDN levels (> 53 ng/mL) showed a significant decrease due to MONT treatment (P = 0.023). Rescue medication usage significantly decreased in the BIS and MONT groups (P < 0.000). Conclusions: EDN is a useful relatively non-invasive biomarker for predicting responses to montelukast and budesonide treatment of preschool children with beta2-agonist responsive recurrent wheeze and multiple-trigger wheeze (Trial registry at UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000008335).

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.102-110
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• 2019

Purpose: Despite an increased acceptance of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) in early gastric cancer (EGC), there is insufficient evidence for its oncological safety in advanced gastric cancer (AGC). This is a prospective phase II clinical trial to evaluate the feasibility of LG with D2 lymph node dissection (LND) in AGC. Materials and Methods: The primary endpoint was set as 3-year disease-free survival (DFS). The eligibility criteria were as follows: 20-80 years of age, cT2N0-cT4aN3, American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 or less, and no other malignancy. Patients were enrolled in this single-arm study between November 2008 and May 2012. Exclusion criteria included cT4b or M1, or having final pathologic results as EGC. All patients underwent D2 lymphadenectomy. Three-year DFS rates were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: A total of 157 patients were enrolled. The overall local complication rate was 10.2%. Conversion to open surgery occurred in 11 patients (7.0%). The mean follow-up period was $55.0{\pm}20.4months$ (1-81 months). The cumulative 3-year DFS rates were 76.3% for all stages, and 100%, 89.3%, 100%, 88.0%, 71.4%, and 35.3% for stage IB, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC, respectively. Recurrence was observed in 37 patients (23.6%), including hematogenous (n=6), peritoneal (n=13), locoregional (n=1), distant node (n=8), and mixed recurrence (n=9). Conclusions: In addition to being technically feasible for treatment of AGC in terms of morbidity, LG with D2 LND for locally advanced gastric cancer showed acceptable 3-year DFS outcomes.

• 무역학회지
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• 제44권2호
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• pp.95-107
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• 2019

The ICSID arbitral tribunal shall determine the suitability of investors in accordance with the Article 25 of the ICSID convention and the investment or investor's provisions under the BIT. The eligibility of investors has an important role in establishing jurisdiction under international investment disputes. Therefore, this study draws implications on issues related to investor qualification, focusing on ICSID arbitration. The investor's nationality shall be taken into consideration in determining whether the investor is eligible. The criteria for determining the nationality of a corporate investor include the place of incorporation, main business location, and substantial ownership or control. The criterion of the place of incorporation that is used in a number of BIT have the problem of protecting investors from third countries not involved in the BIT. So, in recent years it is stipulated that the actual economic activity or the main business location as well as the place of incorporation criteria. And this problem is complemented by the denial of benefit clause. When determining whether a local corporation is controlled by foreigner in the host state it considers the shareholding rate, voting rights, and the exercise of managerial rights. There is a tendency to recognize shareholder's right to petition. Thus the same damage should not cause problems such as duplicate repayment or double reimbursement between the shareholders and the company. Unexpected problems can arise if the scope of investments and investors is broadly specified in the BIT. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the scope of investment to be protected.

• 대한치과교정학회지
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• 제52권5호
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• pp.334-344
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to systematically analyze the effect and stability of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of patients with maxillary transverse deficiency (MTD). Methods: We searched PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang Database for relevant studies published before February 18, 2021 and selected them according to the eligibility criteria. The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews (version 5.1.0) criteria were used for the quality assessment of randomized controlled trials, while the scoring protocol of the methodological index for non-randomized studies was used for non-randomized controlled trials. Statistical analysis was performed using the RevMan5.3 software. Results: All the included studies showed a relatively high success rate of expansion. The changes in both the intermolar and alveolar widths after MARPE were statistically significant. MARPE exhibited greater skeletal expansion effects than did conventional RPE. The midpalatal suture was opened in parallel after MARPE. A small amount of relapse was observed 1 year after expansion. MARPE caused tooth inclination and a decrease in alveolar height, but it was less significant than in conventional RPE. Conclusions: MARPE may be an effective treatment modality for patients with MTD. It causes great transverse skeletal expansion in late adolescence. In comparison to conventional RPE, MARPE has lower detrimental periodontal effects and has certain clinical advantages.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제16권sup1호
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• pp.21-36
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The long-term health impacts of dietary sugar have begun to be reported. The committee on the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans for sugar intended to update the scientific evidence on the association of added sugar intake with health outcomes, including mortality. This study evaluated the evidence on the association of dietary sugar with the all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality from cohort studies. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were searched until July 2021. The search terms were based on multiple combinations of keywords, such as added sugar, beverage, and mortality, included in the title or abstract. Two authors independently assessed the eligibility criteria of study selection and extracted the information from each selected article for this systematic review. RESULTS: The literature search identified 276 articles. Seventeen cohort studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. This study extracted information on the cohort and participants, dietary assessment methods, exposure and its comparison groups, health outcomes, and risk measures. Five articles reported added sugar intake, and 15 articles reported the food sources of the added sugar in the association with mortality. Increased mortality was observed in higher added sugar intake and a lower intake of less than 5% of energy, while higher discrepancies between gender, age groups, and countries were noted. In addition, nutritious sugary foods and beverages did not increase mortality. CONCLUSIONS: A 'U' or 'J' shaped relationship between the added sugar intake and mortality was estimated. The observed discrepancy indicated the need for more evidence to establish the dose-response relationship for Koreans.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.245-264
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• 2024

Computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (CCLAD) is an innovative electronic injection device that represents a cutting-edge approach to dental anesthesia. This system is promising for painless anesthesia using controlled anesthetic injections. This review aimed to compare the discomfort experienced by patients during local anesthesia using a traditional syringe and the CCLAD system and evaluate the potential of the CCLAD system as a painless dental anesthesia solution. The inclusion criteria for this study were based on the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The study population, including children and adults, underwent dental anesthesia using the CCLAD system, ensuring a comprehensive and representative sample that instills confidence in the validity of the results. Fourteen clinical trials were included in the analysis after they fulfilled the eligibility criteria. We found that using computer-assisted anesthetic equipment not only led to a significantly lower pain perception score, but also had a profound positive impact on patient behavior. Patients using the CCLAD device exhibited more cooperative and helpful conduct, indicating the system's effectiveness in improving patient comfort and experience and reassuring the audience about its positive impact. In conclusion, using a computer-assisted anesthetic device such as the CCLAD system significantly reduced pain perception scores and improved patient behavior, making them more cooperative and helpful. These findings offer hope for pediatric dentistry and apprehensive adult patients, suggesting a more comfortable and less daunting dental experience with the CCLAD system.

• 대한통합의학회지
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• 제12권3호
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• pp.237-247
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• 2024

Purpose : This study aimed to systematically review the effectiveness of nursing interventions for patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). As the use of ECMO increases in critical care settings, it is important to understand how nursing interventions affect patient outcomes, survival, and complication rates. Methods : This systematic review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. A literature search was performed using terms related to ECMO and nursing interventions in several international electronic databases including CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. Studies were screened and selected according to predefined eligibility criteria, focusing on those that evaluated the impact of nursing interventions on adult. Data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment were independently performed by two researchers. Results : A total of 647 studies were identified, and seven met the inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis. The included studies demonstrated that high-quality nursing care significantly improves clinical outcomes and reduces complications in patients receiving ECMO. Effective nursing interventions included prone positioning combined with ECMO for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, meticulous infection control, comprehensive and continuous nursing protocols, skilled nursing, and multidisciplinary management. These interventions have been shown to improve oxygenation, reduce complications, such as bleeding, manage blood pressure, and enhance overall clinical outcomes. Conclusion : High-quality nursing interventions are critical to improve survival and reduce complications in patients receiving ECMO. Implementing a multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive nursing protocols, including infection control and psychological support, is essential for the effective management of these patients. The findings of this study provide a foundation for the development of practical guidelines and educational programs to improve the quality of care for patients undergoing ECMO, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of ECMO treatment and patient outcomes.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.147-152
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of vaginal progesterone for luteal phase support (LPS) on the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) in natural frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles via a meta-analysis. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies that met our selection criteria. Four online databases (PubMed, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Library) were searched between January 2017 and May 2017. Studies were selected according to predefined inclusion criteria and meta-analyzed using R software version 2.14.2. The main outcome measure was CPR. Results: A total of 18 studies were reviewed and assessed for eligibility. One RCT (n = 435) and three retrospective studies (n = 3,033) met the selection criteria. In a meta-analysis of the selected studies, we found no significant difference in the CPR (odds ratio [OR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60-1.55) between the vaginal progesterone and control groups. An analysis of the two retrospective cohort studies that reported the live birth rate (LBR) following FET showed a significantly higher LBR in the vaginal progesterone group (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.21-2.46). A subgroup meta-analysis of FET conducted 5 days after injection of human chorionic gonadotropin showed no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the CPR (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.90-1.55) or miscarriage rate (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.36-1.47). Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis of the currently available literature suggest that LPS with vaginal progesterone in natural FET cycles does not improve the CPR.