1.Formative versus reflective measurement models in nursing research: a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional study in Korea
Eun Seo PARK ; Young Il CHO ; Hyo Jin KIM ; YeoJin IM ; Dong Hee KIM
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2025;55(1):107-118
Purpose:
This study aimed to empirically verify the impact of measurement model selection on research outcomes and their interpretation through an analysis of children’s emotional and social problems measured by the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) using both reflective and formative measurement models. These models were represented by covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) and partial least squares SEM (PLS-SEM), respectively.
Methods:
This secondary data analysis evaluated children’s emotional and social problems as both reflective and formative constructs. Reflective models were analyzed using CB-SEM, while formative models were assessed using PLS-SEM. Comparisons between these two approaches were based on model fit and parameter estimates.
Results:
In the CB-SEM analysis, which assumed a reflective measurement model, a model was not identified due to inadequate fit indices and a Heywood case, indicating improper model specification. In contrast, the PLS-SEM analysis, assuming a formative measurement model, demonstrated adequate reliability and validity with significant path coefficients, supporting the appropriateness of the formative model for the PSC.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that the PSC is more appropriately analyzed as a formative measurement model using PLS-SEM, rather than as a reflective model using CB-SEM. This study highlights the necessity of selecting an appropriate measurement model based on the theoretical and empirical characteristics of constructs in nursing research. Future research should ensure that the nature of measurement variables is accurately reflected in the choice of statistical models to improve the validity of research outcomes.
2.A review of domestic and international contexts for establishing a communication platform for early-career nurse scientists
Jeung-Im KIM ; Jin-Hee PARK ; Hye Young KIM ; Mi YU ; Sun Joo JANG ; Yeonsoo JANG ; Sangeun JUN
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2025;55(2):317-325
Purpose:
As nursing continues to advance through digital health, clinical specialization, and interdisciplinary research, early-career nurse scientists are central to advancing innovation. However, Korea lacks a structured platform to support their research, collaboration, and career development. This review aimed to identify the needs of early-career nurse scientists and examine international best practices to guide the creation of an effective communication platform.
Methods:
This study involved a secondary analysis of the final report from the project “Establishment of a communication platform for young nursing scientists,” carried out by the Korean Society of Nursing Science. The report comprises data from focus group interviews with domestic graduate students and early-career researchers, a literature review of international communication and support systems, and a global policy analysis related to young nursing scientists. Based on this report, the present review synthesizes key findings and draws implications for the development of a communication platform in Korea.
Results:
International examples, such as grant writing programs, mentoring initiatives, and digital collaboration hubs, showed positive outcomes in strengthening research capacity and promoting the professional growth of nurse scientists. Based on these findings, key considerations for platform development include: (1) establishing clear leadership and a participatory governance model; (2) providing demand-driven content such as research guides, mentoring, and mental health resources; (3) implementing mechanisms to ensure sustainability, content quality, and user data protection; and (4) designing an integrated platform that fosters synergy across research, policy development, education, and global networking.
Conclusion
A digital platform for early-career nurse scientists should function not merely as an information portal, but also as dynamic infrastructure for collaboration, mentorship, and growth. It is recommended that the Korean Society of Nursing Science spearhead this initiative, with governmental support, to enhance the research capacity and expand the global engagement of Korean nursing scientists.
3.The Prelacrimal Recess Approach: A Review of Surgical Applications, Outcomes, and Recent Advances
Yeon Hee IM ; Soo Whan KIM ; Chan-Soon PARK ; Dong-Hyun KIM
Journal of Rhinology 2025;32(1):17-27
The prelacrimal recess approach (PLRA) has advanced endoscopic sinonasal surgery by providing improved access to the maxillary sinus and adjacent anatomical regions while preserving critical structures such as the inferior turbinate (IT) and nasolacrimal duct (NLD). First introduced in 2013, the PLRA has become an important technique for addressing various sinonasal pathologies. This review comprehensively evaluates the advancements, applications, and outcomes associated with the PLRA. The PLRA enables superior visualization and access to regions that are traditionally difficult to reach with conventional techniques. Standardized surgical steps emphasize meticulous preservation of the NLD and IT, while technical modifications have broadened its feasibility in patients with narrow prelacrimal recesses. Applications of the PLRA span diverse pathologies, including sinonasal inverted papilloma, fungal infections, odontogenic cysts, and tumors of the lacrimal system, orbit, and skull base. Anatomical studies reveal significant variations in prelacrimal recess dimensions across populations, affecting surgical feasibility. Sex-specific differences, ethnic variations, and age-related factors are important in patient selection. Clinical outcomes from multiple investigations validate the PLRA’s efficacy in maintaining sinonasal function while achieving comprehensive lesion removal. Comparative analyses with traditional approaches underscore the PLRA’s advantages in reducing postoperative morbidity and recurrence rates. Integration of the PLRA with complementary surgical approaches further expands its therapeutic applications while maintaining favorable safety profiles. The PLRA is a safe and effective surgical method that offers favorable outcomes in disease management, symptom resolution, and anatomical preservation. With ongoing innovations and refinements, the PLRA is poised to remain a cornerstone of minimally invasive sinonasal surgery, enabling the precise and safe treatment of complex pathologies.
4.The Cancer Clinical Library Database (CCLD) from the Korea-Clinical Data Utilization Network for Research Excellence (K-CURE) Project
Sangwon LEE ; Yeon Ho CHOI ; Hak Min KIM ; Min Ah HONG ; Phillip PARK ; In Hae KWAK ; Ye Ji KANG ; Kui Son CHOI ; Hyun-Joo KONG ; Hyosung CHA ; Hyun-Jin KIM ; Kwang Sun RYU ; Young Sang JEON ; Hwanhee KIM ; Jip Min JUNG ; Jeong-Soo IM ; Heejung CHAE
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):19-27
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.
5.The Survival and Financial Benefit of Investigator-Initiated Trials Conducted by Korean Cancer Study Group
Bum Jun KIM ; Chi Hoon MAENG ; Bhumsuk KEAM ; Young-Hyuck IM ; Jungsil RO ; Kyung Hae JUNG ; Seock-Ah IM ; Tae Won KIM ; Jae Lyun LEE ; Dae Seog HEO ; Sang-We KIM ; Keunchil PARK ; Myung-Ju AHN ; Byoung Chul CHO ; Hoon-Kyo KIM ; Yoon-Koo KANG ; Jae Yong CHO ; Hwan Jung YUN ; Byung-Ho NAM ; Dae Young ZANG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):39-46
Purpose:
The Korean Cancer Study Group (KCSG) is a nationwide cancer clinical trial group dedicated to advancing investigator-initiated trials (IITs) by conducting and supporting clinical trials. This study aims to review IITs conducted by KCSG and quantitatively evaluate the survival and financial benefits of IITs for patients.
Materials and Methods:
We reviewed IITs conducted by KCSG from 1998 to 2023, analyzing progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) gains for participants. PFS and OS benefits were calculated as the difference in median survival times between the intervention and control groups, multiplied by the number of patients in the intervention group. Financial benefits were assessed based on the cost of investigational products provided.
Results:
From 1998 to 2023, KCSG conducted 310 IITs, with 133 completed and published. Of these, 21 were included in the survival analysis. The analysis revealed that 1,951 patients in the intervention groups gained a total of 2,558.4 months (213.2 years) of PFS and 2,501.6 months (208.5 years) of OS, with median gains of 1.31 months in PFS and 1.58 months in OS per patient. When analyzing only statistically significant results, PFS and OS gain per patients was 1.69 months and 3.02 months, respectively. Investigational drug cost analysis from six available IITs indicated that investigational products provided to 252 patients were valued at 10,400,077,294 won (approximately 8,046,481 US dollars), averaging about 41,270,148 won (approximately 31,930 US dollars) per patient.
Conclusion
Our findings, based on analysis of published research, suggest that IITs conducted by KCSG led to survival benefits for participants and, in some studies, may have provided financial benefits by providing investment drugs.
6.Formative versus reflective measurement models in nursing research: a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional study in Korea
Eun Seo PARK ; Young Il CHO ; Hyo Jin KIM ; YeoJin IM ; Dong Hee KIM
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2025;55(1):107-118
Purpose:
This study aimed to empirically verify the impact of measurement model selection on research outcomes and their interpretation through an analysis of children’s emotional and social problems measured by the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) using both reflective and formative measurement models. These models were represented by covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) and partial least squares SEM (PLS-SEM), respectively.
Methods:
This secondary data analysis evaluated children’s emotional and social problems as both reflective and formative constructs. Reflective models were analyzed using CB-SEM, while formative models were assessed using PLS-SEM. Comparisons between these two approaches were based on model fit and parameter estimates.
Results:
In the CB-SEM analysis, which assumed a reflective measurement model, a model was not identified due to inadequate fit indices and a Heywood case, indicating improper model specification. In contrast, the PLS-SEM analysis, assuming a formative measurement model, demonstrated adequate reliability and validity with significant path coefficients, supporting the appropriateness of the formative model for the PSC.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that the PSC is more appropriately analyzed as a formative measurement model using PLS-SEM, rather than as a reflective model using CB-SEM. This study highlights the necessity of selecting an appropriate measurement model based on the theoretical and empirical characteristics of constructs in nursing research. Future research should ensure that the nature of measurement variables is accurately reflected in the choice of statistical models to improve the validity of research outcomes.
7.A review of domestic and international contexts for establishing a communication platform for early-career nurse scientists
Jeung-Im KIM ; Jin-Hee PARK ; Hye Young KIM ; Mi YU ; Sun Joo JANG ; Yeonsoo JANG ; Sangeun JUN
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2025;55(2):317-325
Purpose:
As nursing continues to advance through digital health, clinical specialization, and interdisciplinary research, early-career nurse scientists are central to advancing innovation. However, Korea lacks a structured platform to support their research, collaboration, and career development. This review aimed to identify the needs of early-career nurse scientists and examine international best practices to guide the creation of an effective communication platform.
Methods:
This study involved a secondary analysis of the final report from the project “Establishment of a communication platform for young nursing scientists,” carried out by the Korean Society of Nursing Science. The report comprises data from focus group interviews with domestic graduate students and early-career researchers, a literature review of international communication and support systems, and a global policy analysis related to young nursing scientists. Based on this report, the present review synthesizes key findings and draws implications for the development of a communication platform in Korea.
Results:
International examples, such as grant writing programs, mentoring initiatives, and digital collaboration hubs, showed positive outcomes in strengthening research capacity and promoting the professional growth of nurse scientists. Based on these findings, key considerations for platform development include: (1) establishing clear leadership and a participatory governance model; (2) providing demand-driven content such as research guides, mentoring, and mental health resources; (3) implementing mechanisms to ensure sustainability, content quality, and user data protection; and (4) designing an integrated platform that fosters synergy across research, policy development, education, and global networking.
Conclusion
A digital platform for early-career nurse scientists should function not merely as an information portal, but also as dynamic infrastructure for collaboration, mentorship, and growth. It is recommended that the Korean Society of Nursing Science spearhead this initiative, with governmental support, to enhance the research capacity and expand the global engagement of Korean nursing scientists.
8.The Prelacrimal Recess Approach: A Review of Surgical Applications, Outcomes, and Recent Advances
Yeon Hee IM ; Soo Whan KIM ; Chan-Soon PARK ; Dong-Hyun KIM
Journal of Rhinology 2025;32(1):17-27
The prelacrimal recess approach (PLRA) has advanced endoscopic sinonasal surgery by providing improved access to the maxillary sinus and adjacent anatomical regions while preserving critical structures such as the inferior turbinate (IT) and nasolacrimal duct (NLD). First introduced in 2013, the PLRA has become an important technique for addressing various sinonasal pathologies. This review comprehensively evaluates the advancements, applications, and outcomes associated with the PLRA. The PLRA enables superior visualization and access to regions that are traditionally difficult to reach with conventional techniques. Standardized surgical steps emphasize meticulous preservation of the NLD and IT, while technical modifications have broadened its feasibility in patients with narrow prelacrimal recesses. Applications of the PLRA span diverse pathologies, including sinonasal inverted papilloma, fungal infections, odontogenic cysts, and tumors of the lacrimal system, orbit, and skull base. Anatomical studies reveal significant variations in prelacrimal recess dimensions across populations, affecting surgical feasibility. Sex-specific differences, ethnic variations, and age-related factors are important in patient selection. Clinical outcomes from multiple investigations validate the PLRA’s efficacy in maintaining sinonasal function while achieving comprehensive lesion removal. Comparative analyses with traditional approaches underscore the PLRA’s advantages in reducing postoperative morbidity and recurrence rates. Integration of the PLRA with complementary surgical approaches further expands its therapeutic applications while maintaining favorable safety profiles. The PLRA is a safe and effective surgical method that offers favorable outcomes in disease management, symptom resolution, and anatomical preservation. With ongoing innovations and refinements, the PLRA is poised to remain a cornerstone of minimally invasive sinonasal surgery, enabling the precise and safe treatment of complex pathologies.
9.Speech Perception and Mapping Characteristics of Cochlear Implant Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Comparative Results After 10 Years of Use
Gi Jung IM ; Pyung Gon THAK ; Jae Hyung PARK ; Bong Il PARK ; Jiwon CHANG ; Euyhyun PARK ; Sung Won CHAE ; Hak Hyun JUNG
Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 2025;68(4):152-158
Background and Objectives:
This study aimed to analyze postoperative performance and mapping characteristics of cochlear implants (CIs) by comparing patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to those without ASD, and to suggest CI mapping solutions in patients with ASD.Subjects and Method This retrospective study enrolled 10 children with ASD and hearing disabilities, who received simultaneous bilateral CI (ASD group), and 20 children with bilateral hearing disabilities, who received simultaneous bilateral CI at the same age (control group). CI performance was analyzed using speech perception tests (categorical auditory performance score and monosyllable, bisyllable, and Ling’s 6 tests) and a sound field test. The mapping characteristics focused on variables related to stimulus intensity and fine-tuning.
Results:
The performance of the ASD group was significantly poorer than that of the control group in all speech perception and sound field tests. At the comfortable (C) and threshold (T) levels, the ASD group scored significantly lower than the control group. The dynamic range of ASD group was significantly narrower than the control group. The ASD group had significantly lower pulse width, sensitivity, and volume than control group.
Conclusion
CI mapping in the ASD group showed practical limitations. To avoid overstimulation in patients with ASD, the dynamic range should be set narrow, or the C/T level should be set lower than normal. Key control factors, such as pulse width, sensitivity, and volume, should be set lower than the control group. Although lower performance from CI is generally expected in the ASD group, CI mapping in the ASD group requires a long-term approach with dedicated efforts and patience.
10.Ultrasound evaluation of clinical mimics of deep vein thrombosis: essential insights for radiologists in interpretation
Dongsuk IM ; Lyo Min KWON ; Sun Young PARK ; Min Su PARK ; Won Ju HONG
Ultrasonography 2025;44(3):171-188
Ultrasonography (US) is a sensitive and radiation-free technique for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Therefore, when DVT is clinically suspected but not detected on US, radiologists should consider a range of alternative differential diagnoses. This review article presents the imaging findings of clinical conditions that mimic DVT, which can be distinguished using a multimodal radiologic approach. Additionally, DVT mimics can be categorized into two groups based on whether a flat or normal waveform is observed on Doppler US. This article details the imaging findings and clinical presentations of DVT mimics, organized by these classifications. This information may help radiologists make more accurate diagnoses, enabling patients to receive appropriate treatment in a timely manner.

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