Since the era of evidence-based medicine, it has become a matter of course to use statistics to create objective evidence in clinical research. As an extension of this, it has become essential in clinical research to calculate the correct sample size to demonstrate a clinically significant difference before starting the study.Also, because sample size calculation methods vary from study design to study design, there is no formula for sample size calculation that applies to all designs. It is very important for us to understand this. In this review, each sample size calculation method suitable for various study designs was introduced using the R program (R Foundation for Statistical Computing). In order for clinical researchers to directly utilize it according to future research, we presented practice codes, output results, and interpretation of results for each situation.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic gastrectomy in early gastric cancer patients is accepted as standard, but it is sometimes challenging for patients who refuse blood transfusions such as Jehovah's Witness (JW) patients, because of the risk of bleeding related to radical lymph node dissection. This study aimed to confirm the adequacy and safety of laparoscopic gastrectomy with D1+ lymphadenectomy in JW patients. METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2015, 265 gastric cancer patients underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy in our institute. Among them, there were 25 JW, and they were statistically matched with 75 patients from the control groups depending on age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). In a retrospective review, patient laboratory values and their pathology results were analysed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference when comparing the clinical characteristics of JW and control groups. There was no statistically significant difference in blood loss or operation time between the two groups. Mean blood loss was 202.4±172.6 ml in the JW group and 179.7±163.8 ml in the control group (p=0.556). The number of retrieved lymph nodes was 27.8±13.9 in the JW group and 29.3±12.1 in the control group (p=0.607). Haemoglobin and haematocrit were measured after surgery and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic D1+ gastrectomy in a JW may be performed with an equivalent risk to the control group. Laparoscopic gastrectomy can be applied to Jehovah's Witnesses if the specialied cancer center has sufficient experience in stomach cancer surgery, even if there is not enough experience in bloodless surgery.
Blood Transfusion ; Bloodless Medical and Surgical Procedures ; Body Mass Index ; Case-Control Studies* ; Gastrectomy ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Jehovah's Witnesses ; Lymph Node Excision* ; Lymph Nodes* ; Pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms*

Background: The present study employed National Health Insurance Data to explore complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) updated epidemiology in a Korean context. Methods: A CRPS cohort for the period 2009-2016 was created based on Korean Standard Classification of Diseases codes alongside the national registry. The general CRPS incidence rate and the yearly incidence rate trend for every CRPS type were respectively the primary and secondary outcomes. Among the analyzed risk factors were age, sex, region, and hospital level for the yearly trend of the incidence rate for every CRPS. Statistical analysis was performed via the chi-square test and the linear and logistic linear regression tests. Results: Over the research period, the number of registered patients was 122,210.The general CRPS incidence rate was 15.83 per 100,000, with 19.5 for type 1 and 12.1 for type 2. The condition exhibited a declining trend according to its overall occurrence, particularly in the case of type 2 (P < 0.001). On the other hand, registration was more pervasive among type 1 compared to type 2 patients (61.7% vs.38.3%), while both types affected female individuals to a greater extent. Regarding age, individuals older than 60 years of age were associated with the highest prevalence in both types, regardless of sex (P< 0.001). Conclusions CRPS displayed an overall incidence of 15.83 per 100,000 in Korea and a declining trend for every age group which showed a negative association with the aging shift phenomenon.

Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between suicidal behavior and the use of methylphenidate (MPH) or atomoxetine (ATX) in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines were used to conduct a meta-analysis. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale was used to score the quality of the studies. Results: Nine studies were included in this quantitative analysis. The analysis included 602864 patients with ADHD (521125 and 81739 patients were taking methylphenidate [MPH group] and atomoxetine [ATX group], respectively) and 19230 healthy controls.The overall estimates were in the order of the control, MPH, and ATX groups; however, no statistically significant between-group difference was observed in the incidence of events (p=0.553 for control vs. MPH; p=1.000 for control vs. ATX; p=1.000 for MPH vs. ATX). Conclusion The rate of suicidal behavior was higher in the ADHD groups treated with MPH and ATX than in the control group. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the ADHD groups treated with MPH and ATX, and the control group. Therefore, MPH and ATX did not increase suicidal behavior.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the dimensional change of 3D-printed dentures after post-curing. Materials and Methods: The upper and lower dentures were designed in Exocad DentalCAD software and exported as STL files. The upper and lower dentures were printed from 10 STL files using a DLP-type dental 3D printer. The printed upper and lower dentures were cleaned, and a scan file was created using a model scanner before and after post-curing. The dimensional change was evaluated by superimposing the scanned denture files before and after post-curing and measuring the distance between measurement points on the denture. SPSS was used for statistics, and the level of significance was 5%. Results: The maxillary denture reduced in size during post-curing, with the most notable color change occurring in the posterior palatal region. The reduction in anteroposterior maxillary denture length (A-D, A-E, A-F), as well as the distance between the first molars on both sides (B-C), was statistically significant. After post-curing, the mandibular denture showed more noticeable color change in the posteriorly buccal and lingual region. The decrease of length on the posterior (A-M, A-D, A-E, A-L, A-H, A-I, H-I) and lingual (J-K, L-M) sides of the denture were statistically significant. Conclusion There was significant dimensional change in both the length and width of the 3D-printed maxillary and mandibular dentures after post-curing in this experiment. Consequently, it is seemed necessary to develop post-curing techniques and materials that reduce such denture deformation.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of oral swab and non-swab using cold water gauze on patients’ thirst and oral status following nasal surgery under general anesthesia. Methods: A non-equivalent control group was applied. Participants were divided into a control group (n=30) that was treated by cared for with cold water gauze application without oral swab and an experimental group (n=29) that was treated cared for with oral swab using cold water gauze after nasal surgery at the G University Hospital in Korea. Data were collected from May 14, 2020, to April 30, 2021, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, a chi-squared test, independent t-test, Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, and Mann-Whitney test. Results: The results showed no significant differences between the two groups in thirst (U=-0.04, p=.693) and overall oral condition (U=-0.34, p=.813) after the intervention. However, participants’ thirst and oral condition were significantly improved in each group after intervention. Conclusions It was confirmed that both oral care methods reduced thirst and improved oral condition after nasal surgery. These findings indicate the need for intervention for patients’ thirst and oral condition after nasal surgery. Furthermore, they show that these oral care protocols can be used as a safe and effective nursing intervention for patients who undergo nasal surgery under general anesthesia.

Background: The present study employed National Health Insurance Data to explore complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) updated epidemiology in a Korean context. Methods: A CRPS cohort for the period 2009-2016 was created based on Korean Standard Classification of Diseases codes alongside the national registry. The general CRPS incidence rate and the yearly incidence rate trend for every CRPS type were respectively the primary and secondary outcomes. Among the analyzed risk factors were age, sex, region, and hospital level for the yearly trend of the incidence rate for every CRPS. Statistical analysis was performed via the chi-square test and the linear and logistic linear regression tests. Results: Over the research period, the number of registered patients was 122,210.The general CRPS incidence rate was 15.83 per 100,000, with 19.5 for type 1 and 12.1 for type 2. The condition exhibited a declining trend according to its overall occurrence, particularly in the case of type 2 (P < 0.001). On the other hand, registration was more pervasive among type 1 compared to type 2 patients (61.7% vs.38.3%), while both types affected female individuals to a greater extent. Regarding age, individuals older than 60 years of age were associated with the highest prevalence in both types, regardless of sex (P< 0.001). Conclusions CRPS displayed an overall incidence of 15.83 per 100,000 in Korea and a declining trend for every age group which showed a negative association with the aging shift phenomenon.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the influences of recognition on low fertility and views of marriage on childbirth will in university students. METHODS: Participants were 190 university students in Chungchungnamdo province, Korea. The data were collected from May to October 2018 and examined using descriptive statistics, t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation and multiple regression with IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 24.0. RESULTS: Childbirth will was significantly correlated with recognition on low fertility (r=0.20, p=0.002) and views on marriage (r=0.53, p<0.001). Factors associated with childbirth will were views on marriage (β=0.24, p<0.001). CONCLUSION Theses results suggests that views on marriage have important influences on childbirth will in university students. To improve childbirth will, the positive views on marriage need to be formulated in university students.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate patient-reported satisfaction following robot-assisted hysterectomy due to benign uterine disease, and to identify the factors associated. METHODS: We used a questionnaire to evaluate patients' satisfaction with robot-assisted hysterectomy. The questions concerned overall patient-reported satisfaction and specific factors affecting satisfaction, including postoperative pain, return to daily life, the hospital experience, wounds, cost, the doctor-patient relationship, whether expectations were met, and whether detailed information was provided. We also collected data from patient records, such as uterine weight, rate of pelvic adhesion, operation time, rate of transfusion, delayed discharge, and readmission. One hundred patients who underwent robot-assisted hysterectomy participated in the study. Seventy-three fully completed questionnaires were returned. RESULTS: The majority of patients (95.9%) were satisfied with robot-assisted hysterectomy. The doctor-patient relationship, whether expectations were met, the hospital experience, wounds, and whether detailed information was provided were statistically significant factors influencing patients' overall satisfaction. Payment of fees and clinical and surgical outcomes did not significantly influence patients' overall satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that most patients reported high levels of satisfaction following robot-assisted hysterectomy, regardless of cost or clinical and surgical outcomes. Therefore, if gynecologists consider robot-assisted hysterectomy suitable for patients they need not hesitate based on potential costs; they should feel confident in recommending the procedure to patients.
Fees and Charges ; Humans ; Hysterectomy* ; Pain, Postoperative ; Patient Satisfaction ; Uterine Diseases* ; Wounds and Injuries