1.Outcomes of Deferring Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Without Physiologic Assessment for Intermediate Coronary Lesions
Jihoon KIM ; Seong-Hoon LIM ; Joo-Yong HAHN ; Jin-Ok JEONG ; Yong Hwan PARK ; Woo Jung CHUN ; Ju Hyeon OH ; Dae Kyoung CHO ; Yu Jeong CHOI ; Eul-Soon IM ; Kyung-Heon WON ; Sung Yun LEE ; Sang-Wook KIM ; Ki Hong CHOI ; Joo Myung LEE ; Taek Kyu PARK ; Jeong Hoon YANG ; Young Bin SONG ; Seung-Hyuk CHOI ; Hyeon-Cheol GWON
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(3):185-195
Background and Objectives:
Outcomes of deferring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) without invasive physiologic assessment for intermediate coronary lesions is uncertain.We sought to compare long-term outcomes between medical treatment and PCI of intermediate lesions without invasive physiologic assessment.
Methods:
A total of 899 patients with intermediate coronary lesions between 50% and 70% diameter-stenosis were randomized to the conservative group (n=449) or the aggressive group (n=450). For intermediate lesions, PCI was performed in the aggressive group, but was deferred in the conservative group. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE, a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction [MI], or ischemia-driven any revascularization) at 3 years.
Results:
The number of treated lesions per patient was 0.8±0.9 in the conservative group and 1.7±0.9 in the aggressive group (p=0.001). At 3 years, the conservative group had a significantly higher incidence of MACE than the aggressive group (13.8% vs. 9.3%; hazard ratio [HR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–2.21; p=0.049), mainly driven by revascularization of target intermediate lesion (6.5% vs. 1.1%; HR, 5.69; 95% CI, 2.20–14.73;p<0.001). Between 1 and 3 years after the index procedure, compared to the aggressive group, the conservative group had significantly higher incidence of cardiac death or MI (3.2% vs.0.7%; HR, 4.34; 95% CI, 1.24–15.22; p=0.022) and ischemia-driven any revascularization.
Conclusions
For intermediate lesions, medical therapy alone, guided only by angiography, was associated with a higher risk of MACE at 3 years compared with performing PCI, mainly due to increased revascularization.
2.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.
3.Outcomes of Deferring Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Without Physiologic Assessment for Intermediate Coronary Lesions
Jihoon KIM ; Seong-Hoon LIM ; Joo-Yong HAHN ; Jin-Ok JEONG ; Yong Hwan PARK ; Woo Jung CHUN ; Ju Hyeon OH ; Dae Kyoung CHO ; Yu Jeong CHOI ; Eul-Soon IM ; Kyung-Heon WON ; Sung Yun LEE ; Sang-Wook KIM ; Ki Hong CHOI ; Joo Myung LEE ; Taek Kyu PARK ; Jeong Hoon YANG ; Young Bin SONG ; Seung-Hyuk CHOI ; Hyeon-Cheol GWON
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(3):185-195
Background and Objectives:
Outcomes of deferring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) without invasive physiologic assessment for intermediate coronary lesions is uncertain.We sought to compare long-term outcomes between medical treatment and PCI of intermediate lesions without invasive physiologic assessment.
Methods:
A total of 899 patients with intermediate coronary lesions between 50% and 70% diameter-stenosis were randomized to the conservative group (n=449) or the aggressive group (n=450). For intermediate lesions, PCI was performed in the aggressive group, but was deferred in the conservative group. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE, a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction [MI], or ischemia-driven any revascularization) at 3 years.
Results:
The number of treated lesions per patient was 0.8±0.9 in the conservative group and 1.7±0.9 in the aggressive group (p=0.001). At 3 years, the conservative group had a significantly higher incidence of MACE than the aggressive group (13.8% vs. 9.3%; hazard ratio [HR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–2.21; p=0.049), mainly driven by revascularization of target intermediate lesion (6.5% vs. 1.1%; HR, 5.69; 95% CI, 2.20–14.73;p<0.001). Between 1 and 3 years after the index procedure, compared to the aggressive group, the conservative group had significantly higher incidence of cardiac death or MI (3.2% vs.0.7%; HR, 4.34; 95% CI, 1.24–15.22; p=0.022) and ischemia-driven any revascularization.
Conclusions
For intermediate lesions, medical therapy alone, guided only by angiography, was associated with a higher risk of MACE at 3 years compared with performing PCI, mainly due to increased revascularization.
4.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.
5.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.
6.Transradial Approach for Neurovascular Interventions : A Literature Review
Hoon KIM ; Young Woo KIM ; Hyeong Jin LEE ; Seon Woong CHOI ; Sunghan KIM ; Jae Sang OH ; Sang-Hyuk IM ; Jai Ho CHOI ; Seong-Rim KIM
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society 2025;68(2):113-126
The femoral artery is the preferred access route for neurointerventions. The transfemoral approach (TFA) offers advantages such as a large diameter and easy access. However, it also entails disadvantages such as patient discomfort and high risk of complications. Following the initial report of coronary angiography using the transradial approach (TRA) in 1989, cardiologists discovered the advantages of TRA over the TFA and gradually replaced it with the TRA. In 1997, Matsumoto et al. used the TRA for cerebral angiography and neurointervention. Thereafter, the adoption of TRA for neurointervention gradually increased and good outcomes were reported. However, despite these developments, the adoption rate of TRA is relatively low. We reviewed the relevant studies to increase the accessibility of TRA for neurointerventionists.
7.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.
8.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.
9.Transradial Approach for Neurovascular Interventions : A Literature Review
Hoon KIM ; Young Woo KIM ; Hyeong Jin LEE ; Seon Woong CHOI ; Sunghan KIM ; Jae Sang OH ; Sang-Hyuk IM ; Jai Ho CHOI ; Seong-Rim KIM
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society 2025;68(2):113-126
The femoral artery is the preferred access route for neurointerventions. The transfemoral approach (TFA) offers advantages such as a large diameter and easy access. However, it also entails disadvantages such as patient discomfort and high risk of complications. Following the initial report of coronary angiography using the transradial approach (TRA) in 1989, cardiologists discovered the advantages of TRA over the TFA and gradually replaced it with the TRA. In 1997, Matsumoto et al. used the TRA for cerebral angiography and neurointervention. Thereafter, the adoption of TRA for neurointervention gradually increased and good outcomes were reported. However, despite these developments, the adoption rate of TRA is relatively low. We reviewed the relevant studies to increase the accessibility of TRA for neurointerventionists.
10.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.

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