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.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore whether there are differences in smoking status between two regions of Wonju-City and Chuncheon-City, Gangwon State, and to determine whether the experience of smoking cessation programs in the region affects quit attempts. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional study in which adults aged 19 and older living in two cities were surveyed using a pre-developed mobile app to investigate social capital for smoking cessation, and a total of 600 citizens were participated, including 310 in Wonju-City and 290 in Chuncheon-City.The statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Results: Wonju-City had a higher prevalence of current smoking than Chuncheon-City. Among smoking cessation programs operated by local public health centers, Wonju-City had a lower odds ratio for experience with smoking cessation education than Chuncheon-City (OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.33 to 0.81). When examining the effect of smoking cessation program experience on quit attempts, in Wonju-City, citizens who had completed smoking cessation education and used a smoking cessation clinic were more likely to attempt to quit than those who had not (OR=2.31 and OR=2.29, respectively). In Chuncheon-City, citizens who were aware of smoking cessation support services were 2.26 times more likely to attempt to quit smoking than those who were not, but statistical significance was not reached due to the small sample size. Conclusion Therefore, healthcare organizations in both regions should develop more practical intervention strategies to increase smokers' quit attempts, reduce smoking rates in the community, and address regional disparities.

Background and Objectives: Flexible laryngoscopes are indispensable tools in otolaryngology, but their frequent use makes them vulnerable to contamination, thus posing a risk of cross-infection. Unlike gastrointestinal endoscopes, flexible laryngoscopes currently lack standardized disinfection protocols. This study evaluates the efficacy of Cidex OPA (0.55% ortho-phthalaldehyde) to establish an effective, practical disinfection protocol for flexible laryngoscopes.Materials and Method This multicenter study involved the use of flexible laryngoscopes in otolaryngology outpatient clinics across five university hospitals. Laryngoscopes were immersed in Cidex OPA for 1, 5, or 12 minutes, with an additional group treated using Tristel wipes and foam after a 12-minute immersion. Swab samples were collected from the distal 15 cm of each laryngoscope following disinfection and cultured on blood agar plates under aerobic conditions at 35°C–37°C with 5% CO2 for 72 hours. Positive controls included laryngoscopes directly contaminated with saliva or laryngeal secretions. Results: Six out of ten positive control samples demonstrated bacterial growth. However, no bacterial growth was observed in any sample from the Cidex OPA immersion groups (1, 5, or 12 minutes), including the group treated with Tristel. These findings indicate that even a 1-minute immersion in Cidex OPA effectively eliminates bacterial contamination. Conclusion This study provides evidence supporting an efficient disinfection method that can enhance infection control and streamline clinical workflow. Further research with a larger sample size and varied disinfection techniques is needed to establish comprehensive disinfection guidelines for flexible laryngoscopes.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore whether there are differences in smoking status between two regions of Wonju-City and Chuncheon-City, Gangwon State, and to determine whether the experience of smoking cessation programs in the region affects quit attempts. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional study in which adults aged 19 and older living in two cities were surveyed using a pre-developed mobile app to investigate social capital for smoking cessation, and a total of 600 citizens were participated, including 310 in Wonju-City and 290 in Chuncheon-City.The statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Results: Wonju-City had a higher prevalence of current smoking than Chuncheon-City. Among smoking cessation programs operated by local public health centers, Wonju-City had a lower odds ratio for experience with smoking cessation education than Chuncheon-City (OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.33 to 0.81). When examining the effect of smoking cessation program experience on quit attempts, in Wonju-City, citizens who had completed smoking cessation education and used a smoking cessation clinic were more likely to attempt to quit than those who had not (OR=2.31 and OR=2.29, respectively). In Chuncheon-City, citizens who were aware of smoking cessation support services were 2.26 times more likely to attempt to quit smoking than those who were not, but statistical significance was not reached due to the small sample size. Conclusion Therefore, healthcare organizations in both regions should develop more practical intervention strategies to increase smokers' quit attempts, reduce smoking rates in the community, and address regional disparities.

Background and Objectives: Flexible laryngoscopes are indispensable tools in otolaryngology, but their frequent use makes them vulnerable to contamination, thus posing a risk of cross-infection. Unlike gastrointestinal endoscopes, flexible laryngoscopes currently lack standardized disinfection protocols. This study evaluates the efficacy of Cidex OPA (0.55% ortho-phthalaldehyde) to establish an effective, practical disinfection protocol for flexible laryngoscopes.Materials and Method This multicenter study involved the use of flexible laryngoscopes in otolaryngology outpatient clinics across five university hospitals. Laryngoscopes were immersed in Cidex OPA for 1, 5, or 12 minutes, with an additional group treated using Tristel wipes and foam after a 12-minute immersion. Swab samples were collected from the distal 15 cm of each laryngoscope following disinfection and cultured on blood agar plates under aerobic conditions at 35°C–37°C with 5% CO2 for 72 hours. Positive controls included laryngoscopes directly contaminated with saliva or laryngeal secretions. Results: Six out of ten positive control samples demonstrated bacterial growth. However, no bacterial growth was observed in any sample from the Cidex OPA immersion groups (1, 5, or 12 minutes), including the group treated with Tristel. These findings indicate that even a 1-minute immersion in Cidex OPA effectively eliminates bacterial contamination. Conclusion This study provides evidence supporting an efficient disinfection method that can enhance infection control and streamline clinical workflow. Further research with a larger sample size and varied disinfection techniques is needed to establish comprehensive disinfection guidelines for flexible laryngoscopes.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore whether there are differences in smoking status between two regions of Wonju-City and Chuncheon-City, Gangwon State, and to determine whether the experience of smoking cessation programs in the region affects quit attempts. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional study in which adults aged 19 and older living in two cities were surveyed using a pre-developed mobile app to investigate social capital for smoking cessation, and a total of 600 citizens were participated, including 310 in Wonju-City and 290 in Chuncheon-City.The statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Results: Wonju-City had a higher prevalence of current smoking than Chuncheon-City. Among smoking cessation programs operated by local public health centers, Wonju-City had a lower odds ratio for experience with smoking cessation education than Chuncheon-City (OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.33 to 0.81). When examining the effect of smoking cessation program experience on quit attempts, in Wonju-City, citizens who had completed smoking cessation education and used a smoking cessation clinic were more likely to attempt to quit than those who had not (OR=2.31 and OR=2.29, respectively). In Chuncheon-City, citizens who were aware of smoking cessation support services were 2.26 times more likely to attempt to quit smoking than those who were not, but statistical significance was not reached due to the small sample size. Conclusion Therefore, healthcare organizations in both regions should develop more practical intervention strategies to increase smokers' quit attempts, reduce smoking rates in the community, and address regional disparities.

Background and Objectives: Flexible laryngoscopes are indispensable tools in otolaryngology, but their frequent use makes them vulnerable to contamination, thus posing a risk of cross-infection. Unlike gastrointestinal endoscopes, flexible laryngoscopes currently lack standardized disinfection protocols. This study evaluates the efficacy of Cidex OPA (0.55% ortho-phthalaldehyde) to establish an effective, practical disinfection protocol for flexible laryngoscopes.Materials and Method This multicenter study involved the use of flexible laryngoscopes in otolaryngology outpatient clinics across five university hospitals. Laryngoscopes were immersed in Cidex OPA for 1, 5, or 12 minutes, with an additional group treated using Tristel wipes and foam after a 12-minute immersion. Swab samples were collected from the distal 15 cm of each laryngoscope following disinfection and cultured on blood agar plates under aerobic conditions at 35°C–37°C with 5% CO2 for 72 hours. Positive controls included laryngoscopes directly contaminated with saliva or laryngeal secretions. Results: Six out of ten positive control samples demonstrated bacterial growth. However, no bacterial growth was observed in any sample from the Cidex OPA immersion groups (1, 5, or 12 minutes), including the group treated with Tristel. These findings indicate that even a 1-minute immersion in Cidex OPA effectively eliminates bacterial contamination. Conclusion This study provides evidence supporting an efficient disinfection method that can enhance infection control and streamline clinical workflow. Further research with a larger sample size and varied disinfection techniques is needed to establish comprehensive disinfection guidelines for flexible laryngoscopes.

Background/Aims: The recent update on the Selecting Therapeutic Targets in Inflammatory Bowel Disease initiative has added normal growth in children as an intermediate target in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. We aimed to investigate factors associated with reaching midparental height (MPH) in patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease in childhood and the adolescent period. Methods: This multicenter retrospective observational study included pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease that had reached adult height. Factors associated with reaching MPH were investigated by logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 166 patients were included in this study (128 Crohn’s disease and 38 ulcerative colitis). Among them, 54.2% (90/166) had reached their MPH. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that height Z-score at diagnosis and MPH Z-score were independently associated with reaching MPH (odds ratio [OR], 8.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.44 to 17.90;p<0.001 and OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.24; p<0.001, respectively). According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cutoff level of "height Z-score at diagnosis minus MPH Z-score" that was associated with reaching MPH was –0.01 with an area under the curve of 0.889 (95% CI [0.835 to 0.944], sensitivity 88.9%, specificity 84.2%, positive predictive value 87.0%, negative predictive value 86.5%, p<0.001). Conclusions Height Z-score at diagnosis and MPH Z-score were the only factors associated with reaching MPH. Efforts should be made to restore growth in pediatric patients who present with a negative “height Z-score at diagnosis minus MPH Z-score.”