The common data model (CDM) has found widespread application in healthcare studies, but its utilization in cancer research has been limited. This article describes the development and implementation strategy for Cancer Clinical Library Databases (CCLDs), which are standardized cancer-specific databases established under the Korea-Clinical Data Utilization Network for Research Excellence (K-CURE) project by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare. Fifteen leading hospitals and fourteen academic associations in Korea are engaged in constructing CCLDs for 10 primary cancer types. For each cancer type-specific CCLD, cancer data experts determine key clinical data items essential for cancer research, standardize these items across cancer types, and create a standardized schema. Comprehensive clinical records covering diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes, with annual updates, are collected for each cancer patient in the target population, and quality control is based on six-sigma standards. To protect patient privacy, CCLDs follow stringent data security guidelines by pseudonymizing personal identification information and operating within a closed analysis environment. Researchers can apply for access to CCLD data through the K-CURE portal, which is subject to Institutional Review Board and Data Review Board approval. The CCLD is considered a pioneering standardized cancer-specific database, significantly representing Korea’s cancer data. It is expected to overcome limitations of previous CDMs and provide a valuable resource for multicenter cancer research in Korea.

The common data model (CDM) has found widespread application in healthcare studies, but its utilization in cancer research has been limited. This article describes the development and implementation strategy for Cancer Clinical Library Databases (CCLDs), which are standardized cancer-specific databases established under the Korea-Clinical Data Utilization Network for Research Excellence (K-CURE) project by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare. Fifteen leading hospitals and fourteen academic associations in Korea are engaged in constructing CCLDs for 10 primary cancer types. For each cancer type-specific CCLD, cancer data experts determine key clinical data items essential for cancer research, standardize these items across cancer types, and create a standardized schema. Comprehensive clinical records covering diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes, with annual updates, are collected for each cancer patient in the target population, and quality control is based on six-sigma standards. To protect patient privacy, CCLDs follow stringent data security guidelines by pseudonymizing personal identification information and operating within a closed analysis environment. Researchers can apply for access to CCLD data through the K-CURE portal, which is subject to Institutional Review Board and Data Review Board approval. The CCLD is considered a pioneering standardized cancer-specific database, significantly representing Korea’s cancer data. It is expected to overcome limitations of previous CDMs and provide a valuable resource for multicenter cancer research in Korea.

The common data model (CDM) has found widespread application in healthcare studies, but its utilization in cancer research has been limited. This article describes the development and implementation strategy for Cancer Clinical Library Databases (CCLDs), which are standardized cancer-specific databases established under the Korea-Clinical Data Utilization Network for Research Excellence (K-CURE) project by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare. Fifteen leading hospitals and fourteen academic associations in Korea are engaged in constructing CCLDs for 10 primary cancer types. For each cancer type-specific CCLD, cancer data experts determine key clinical data items essential for cancer research, standardize these items across cancer types, and create a standardized schema. Comprehensive clinical records covering diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes, with annual updates, are collected for each cancer patient in the target population, and quality control is based on six-sigma standards. To protect patient privacy, CCLDs follow stringent data security guidelines by pseudonymizing personal identification information and operating within a closed analysis environment. Researchers can apply for access to CCLD data through the K-CURE portal, which is subject to Institutional Review Board and Data Review Board approval. The CCLD is considered a pioneering standardized cancer-specific database, significantly representing Korea’s cancer data. It is expected to overcome limitations of previous CDMs and provide a valuable resource for multicenter cancer research in Korea.

The machining accuracy of zirconia prostheses fabricated by the subtractive (SM) and additive manufacturing (AM) was evaluated using the Merlon fracture test model in ISO 18675 (2022). The SM specimens were fabricated by a DWX-51D (Roland, Sydney, NSW, Australia) using two zirconia blocks (Katana Zirconia HT; KH, Katana Zirconia STML; KS). The AM specimens were prepared by a DLP type 3D printer INNI-Ⅱ (AON, Gunpo, Korea) using zirconia liquid slurry (INNI-CERA; PZ). The specimen STL image was acquired using a model scanner (E3, 3 Shape A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark). The machining accuracy of the specimens was analyzed by the RMS method superimposing the reference STL image and the specimen STL image in image analysis software (Geomagic Control X, 3D Systems, Rock Hill, SC, USA). From the results of the machining accuracy analysis, the KH and KS groups showed statistically significantly better machining accuracy (lower RMS) than the PZ group (P<0.05). The KH and KS groups showed higher machining accuracy as the thickness decreased, and the 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm experimental groups showed statistically significantly better machining accuracy than the 0.4 mm experimental group (P<0.05). On the other hand, the PZ group showed better machining accuracy as the thickness increased, with the 0.4 mm group showing statistically significantly better machining accuracy than the 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm groups (P<0.05). Within the limitation of this study, the thickness of the final zirconia prosthesis fabricated by additive manufacturing should be at least 0.4 mm for clinical use in dentistry.

Purpose: Endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy (E-NSM) is a minimally invasive surgical technique that shows good results in patients with breast cancer. The authors compared 3 different types of commercial energy devices to examine their efficacy and safety in E-NSM performed with breast reconstruction. Methods: A total of 36 cases of E-NSM were conducted with either Sonicision (S group, n = 11), Harmonic (H group, n = 6), or Thunderbeat (T group, n = 19). The clinicopathologic factors and postoperative complications, including nipple or skin necrosis and surgical site seroma volume, were evaluated for 3 months after surgery. Results: The surgical duration of E-NSM was significantly shorter in the S group than in the H group (P = 0.043) and T group (P = 0.037). However, the total surgical duration including E-NSM and breast reconstruction, and the total and daily drainage volume of postoperative seroma did not differ significantly among the 3 groups. Even when the energy devices were compared according to their working principle, i.e., ultrasonic (S and H) vs. hybrid (T), the total breast surgery duration and total and daily drainage volume of seroma showed no difference between the 2 groups. Although surgeon satisfaction did not significantly differ when using 3 devices for E-NSM (P = 0.428), surgeon’s fatigue was found to be lowest in the S group, though it was not significant (P = 0.064). Conclusion Any energy device can be safely used for E-NSM with breast reconstruction without causing any major complications. However, cordless ultrasonic energy devices allow greater mobility for the surgeon and, therefore, may shorten surgical time in breast surgery.

Background/Aims: The corona virus disease 2019 posed a major risk for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) cases. Our study aimed to assess changes in kidney replacement therapy (KRT) trends and healthcare access for these patients during the pandemic. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed nationwide data from July 2017 to June 2022 to assess changes in KRT and ESKD incidence. KRT modalities included peritoneal dialysis (PD), hemodialysis (HD), and kidney transplantation (KT). We utilized the interrupted time series (ITS) method to compare changes in KRT modality before and after the incidence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: ESKD incidence remained stable from 2018 to April 2022. The ITS analysis confirmed that the pandemic did not significant impact overall KRT incidence. PD cases decreased (5.7% to 1.3%), while HD cases increased (81.6% to 85%), and KT recipient remained relatively stable (12.7% to 17.3%). The hospitalization and hospital stay decreased in nursing hospital (165.01 days to 147.77 days) and general hospital (61.34 days to 55.58 days) during the pandemic, however, remained unchanged for PD and KT. Conclusions Our findings indicate no significant changes in ESKD incidence in South Korea during the pandemic. However, there were shifts in modality distribution, with decreased PD and increased HD cases. Notably, HD cases showed a significant reduction in hospital admissions and length of stay. The healthcare system demonstrated stability during the pandemic, with minimal disruptions in ESKD care.