• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.116-126
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social support (family, healthcare provider, friends/peer), treatment belief, hope, and health status in patients on hemodialysis, and to identify direct and indirect effects of the variables on patients' health status. Methods: The self-regulation model was used to establish a path model. Data were collected from 240 patients. Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire, Herth Hope Index, and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-12 were used. Data were analyzed using the SPSS and AMOS programs. Results: The model was supported by fit statistics ($x^2=3.33$, p=.343, GFI .995, RMSEA .021, AGFI .968, NFI .986, CFI .999, TLI .993). Family and friends/peer support showed a significant direct influence on hope, while healthcare provider support directly influenced treatment belief. Social support, treatment belief, and hope directly and indirectly influenced health status, explaining 28.7% of the variance. Conclusion: These results show mechanisms underlying connections between social support and health status by demonstrating impact of social support and showing treatment belief and hope as mediators between social context and outcomes. To promote health of patients on hemodialysis, it is necessary for patient, family, healthcare professional, and friends to collaborate.

• Perspectives in Nursing Science
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.148-155
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• 2011

Purpose: The aims of this study were to (1) summarize the HF self-management interventions and (2) identify gaps and priorities for further investigation. Methods: A computer search of the literature over the past decade yielded 9 HF self-management studies. Six studies used non-experimental design; only 3 (33%) studies used quasi-experimental design which were included in this review. Results: The three pivotal HF self-management interventions studies were important because they highlight the positive effects of self-management compliance and other quality of life outcomes as well as discussing various issues. The informational booklet and telephone follow-up were the most common modalities in these interventions. The periodic telephone counseling offered in 2 studies effectively facilitated patient self-management compliance. There were some methodological flaws such as small sample sizes (range 8~21 in each group) and lack of experimental designs, long-term follow-up, and random group assignment. Additionally, the use of valid, reliable outcome measures is necessary to compare the effects of the interventions worldwide. Conclusion: More clinical evidence on HF self-management is needed using a larger sample size and the efficacy needs to be tested for various outcomes, including morbidity, mortality, and health care cost.

• The Korean journal of helicobacter and upper gastrointestinal research
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.225-230
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• 2018

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (UGIB) is the most common GI emergency, and it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Early identification of low-risk patients suitable for outpatient management has the potential to reduce unnecessary costs, and prompt triage of high-risk patients could allow appropriate intervention and minimize morbidity and mortality. Several risk-scoring systems have been developed to predict the outcomes of UGIB. As each scoring system measures different primary outcome variables, appropriate risk scores must be implemented in clinical practice. The Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS) should be used to predict the need for interventions such as blood transfusion or endoscopic or surgical treatment. Patients with GBS ${\leq}1$ have a low likelihood of adverse outcomes and can be considered for early discharge. The Rockall score was externally validated and is widely used for prediction of mortality. The recently developed AIMS65 score is easy to calculate and was proposed to predict in-hospital mortality. The Forrest classification is based on endoscopic findings and can be used to stratify patients into high- and low-risk categories in terms of rebleeding and thus is useful in predicting the need for endoscopic hemostasis. Early risk stratification is critical in the management of UGIB and may improve patient outcome and reduce unnecessary health care costs through standardization of care.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.117-125
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• 2024

While shoulder hemiarthroplasty is still used to treat young patients with shoulder pathology, the use of this procedure has substantially declined in recent years due to its significant complication profile. Glenoid wear with arthrosis is one of the major postoperative complications following shoulder hemiarthroplasty, and efforts to prevent this complication led many scientists to explore alternative weight-bearing surfaces on arthroplasty implants to decrease joint wear and improve patient outcomes. Pyrolytic carbon, or pyrocarbon, is a material that has better biocompatibility, survivorship, strength, and wear resistance compared to the materials used in traditional shoulder hemiarthroplasty. Pyrocarbon implants have been used in orthopedics for over 50 years; recently, their utility in shoulder hemiarthroplasty has garnered much interest. The purpose behind the use of pyrocarbon in shoulder hemiarthroplasty is to decrease the risk of progressive glenoid wear, especially in young active patients in whom joint preservation is important. Promising survivorship and outcomes have been demonstrated by recent studies, including limited glenoid wear following pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty. Nevertheless, these clinical studies have been limited to relatively small case series with limited long-term follow-up. Accordingly, additional research and comparative studies need to be conducted in order to properly assess the therapeutic efficacy and value of pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.83 no.2
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• pp.141-146
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• 2020

Background: The burden of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary disease (PD) is increasing globally. To understand the treatment outcomes and prognosis of NTM-PD, a unified registry is needed. In this project, we aim to construct a multicenter prospective observational cohort with NTM-PD in South Korea (NTM-KOREA). Methods: The primary objective of this study is to analyze treatment outcomes according to the species. In addition, recurrence rate, adverse events, the impact of each drug on treatment outcomes as well as the impact of characteristics of mycobacteriology will be analyzed. The inclusion criteria for the study are as follows: fulfilling the criteria for NTM-PD having one of the following etiologic organisms: Mycobacterium avium complex, M. abscessus subspecies abscessus, M. abscessus subspecies massiliense, or M. kansasii; receiving the first treatment for NTM-PD after enrollment; age >20 years; and consenting to participate in the study. Seven institutions will participate in patient enrollment and about 500 patients are expected to be enrolled. Participants will be recruited from 1 March 2020 until 19 March 2024 and will be observed through 19 March 2029. During the follow-up period, participants' clinical course will be tracked and their clinical data as well as NTM isolates will be collected. Conclusion: NTM-KOREA will be the first nationwide observational cohort for NTM-PD in South Korea. It will provide the information to optimize treatment modalities and will contribute to deeper understanding of the treatment outcomes and long-term prognosis of patients with NTM-PD in South Korea.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.456-477
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• 2024

Background: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) both require long-term management, and patients with asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) need comprehensive and prolonged care beyond pharmacotherapy. However, due to limited research on ACO, treatment strategies and long-term outcomes remain unclear. This highlights the need for further multidisciplinary research to improve ACO treatment and prognosis. Case Presentation: This case report describes a patient who presented with symptoms of cough, sputum, wheezing, dyspnea, and oral dryness. The patient was diagnosed with ACO and received a combination of Korean medicine treatments alongside standard asthma medication for 15 days. Standardized tools were used to evaluate symptoms and quality of life, respectively. After treatment, Medical Research Council scale, Leicester cough questionnaire Korean-Version and Numerical Rating Score demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement, and Total IgE and Eosinophils were slightly decreased. Conclusion: This case suggests Korean medicine treatments might be effective in managing symptoms in patients with ACO and enhancing quality of life.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.94-106
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• 2022

Purpose: Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction (LPG-DTR) is a function-preserving procedure performed for treating upper early gastric cancer (EGC). However, few studies have compared the outcomes of LPG-DTR with those of laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG). This study aimed at comparing the short-term outcomes of LPG-DTR between LTG and upper EGC. Materials and Methods: For upper-third EGC, a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial was performed to compare those who underwent LPG-DTR with those who underwent LTG. Short-term outcomes, including clinicopathologic results, morbidity, mortality, and postoperative courses, were evaluated using a full analysis set based on the intention-to-treat principle and the per-protocol set. Results: Of the patients, 138 who fulfilled the criteria were randomized to each group. One patient in the LPG-DTR group withdrew consent. Sixty-eight patients underwent LPG-DTR and 69 underwent LTG. The operative time (LPG-DTR=219.4 minutes; LTG=201.8 minutes; P=0.085), estimated blood loss (LPG-DTR=76.0 mL; LTG=66.1 mL; P=0.413), and the morbidity rate (LPG-DTR=23.5%; LTG=17.4%; P=0.373) between the groups were not significantly different. No mortality occurred in either of the study groups. Two weeks post operation, the Visick scores for postprandial symptoms, including reflux symptoms, were not significantly different between the groups (P=0.749). Laboratory findings on postoperative day 5 were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusions: The short-term outcomes of LPG-DTR for upper EGC were comparable to those of LTG.

• Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.366-371
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• 2023

Backgrounds/Aims: Biliary surgery in patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction with portal cavernoma (PC) is technically challenging, and associated with the risk of bleeding. Therefore, prior portal vein decompression is usually recommended before definitive biliary surgery. Only a few studies have so far reported the safety of isolated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We aimed to evaluate our experience of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with PC without prior portal decompression. Methods: Prospectively maintained data for patients with PC who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease without portal decompression were analyzed. Clinical features, imaging, intraoperative factors, conversion rate, complications of surgery, and long-term outcomes were assessed. Results: Sixteen patients underwent cholecystectomy without portal decompression from 2012 to 2021, of which interventions 14 were laparoscopic cholecystectomies. One patient required conversion (7.1%) to open surgery. Jaundice was present in 5 patients (35.7%), and underwent endoscopic stone clearance before surgery. Median intraoperative blood loss, operative time, and hospital stay were 100 mL (20-400 mL), 105 min (60-220 min), and 2 days (1-7 days), respectively. Blood transfusion was required in two patients (14.2%). Prior endoscopic or percutaneous intervention was associated with significant blood loss and prolonged intraoperative time. Conclusions: In centers with experience, prior portal decompression can be avoided in patients with PC requiring isolated cholecystectomy to treat gallstones or their complications. Laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible for these patients, and gives excellent outcomes in the selected group.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.5-10
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• 2016

Purpose: This study reviewed what the location of death (LOD) means as an outcome and how to use LOD to assess end-of-life (EOL) care. This study also examined the reason why LOD is significant for the quality of EOL care. Methods: A literature review was performed, using LODs and home deaths as outcomes in the field of EOL care, and analyzed the findings associated with key fields in regards to LOD. Results: Palliative care research used LOD, in particular, hospital death (versus home death) as a significant outcome when examining cost savings, quality of life care, and patient and family preferences. Based on substantial evidence from previous research, home hospice or continuous palliative care in non-hospital settings (i.e. homes, nursing homes) have been designed and available for dying patients in developed countries. Conclusion: The LOD delivers practical significance as an outcome for diverse reasons. In-depth examination on LOD in South Korea is needed despite limitations to interpretation of its meaning in the country.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.172-177
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• 2020

Superficial esophageal neoplasms (SENs) are being diagnosed increasingly frequently due to the screening endoscopy and advances in endoscopic techniques. Endoscopic resection (ER) is a relatively noninvasive treatment method with low morbidity and mortality that provides excellent oncologic outcomes. Endoscopic submucosal dissection is associated with higher rates of en bloc, complete and curative resections and lower rates of local recurrence than endoscopic mucosal resection. The most serious complication of ER is stricture, the treatment and prevention of which are crucial to maintain the patient's quality of life. ER for SEN is feasible, effective, and safe and can be considered a first-line treatment for SENs in which it is technically feasible.