Background: Respiratory infections play a major role in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). This study assessed the prevalence of bacterial and viral pathogens and their clinical impact on patients with AECOPD. Methods: This retrospective study included 1,186 patients diagnosed with AECOPD at 28 hospitals in South Korea between 2015 and 2018. We evaluated the identification rates of pathogens, basic patient characteristics, clinical features, and the factors associated with infections by potentially drug-resistant (PDR) pathogens using various microbiological tests. Results: Bacteria, viruses, and both were detected in 262 (22.1%), 265 (22.5%), and 129 (10.9%) of patients, respectively. The most common pathogens included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.8%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (11.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (9.0%), influenza A virus (19.0%), rhinovirus (15.8%), and respiratory syncytial virus (6.4%). Notably, a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; p=0.046), bronchiectasis (OR, 1.99; p=0.032), and the use of a triple inhaler regimen within the past 6 months (OR, 2.04; p=0.005) were identified as significant factors associated with infection by PDR pathogens. Moreover, patients infected with PDR pathogens exhibited extended hospital stays (15.9 days vs. 12.4 days, p=0.018) and higher intensive care unit admission rates (15.9% vs. 9.5%, p=0.030). Conclusion This study demonstrates that a variety of pathogens are involved in episodes of AECOPD. Nevertheless, additional research is required to confirm their role in the onset and progression of AECOPD.

Background: Respiratory infections play a major role in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). This study assessed the prevalence of bacterial and viral pathogens and their clinical impact on patients with AECOPD. Methods: This retrospective study included 1,186 patients diagnosed with AECOPD at 28 hospitals in South Korea between 2015 and 2018. We evaluated the identification rates of pathogens, basic patient characteristics, clinical features, and the factors associated with infections by potentially drug-resistant (PDR) pathogens using various microbiological tests. Results: Bacteria, viruses, and both were detected in 262 (22.1%), 265 (22.5%), and 129 (10.9%) of patients, respectively. The most common pathogens included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.8%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (11.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (9.0%), influenza A virus (19.0%), rhinovirus (15.8%), and respiratory syncytial virus (6.4%). Notably, a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; p=0.046), bronchiectasis (OR, 1.99; p=0.032), and the use of a triple inhaler regimen within the past 6 months (OR, 2.04; p=0.005) were identified as significant factors associated with infection by PDR pathogens. Moreover, patients infected with PDR pathogens exhibited extended hospital stays (15.9 days vs. 12.4 days, p=0.018) and higher intensive care unit admission rates (15.9% vs. 9.5%, p=0.030). Conclusion This study demonstrates that a variety of pathogens are involved in episodes of AECOPD. Nevertheless, additional research is required to confirm their role in the onset and progression of AECOPD.

Background: Respiratory infections play a major role in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). This study assessed the prevalence of bacterial and viral pathogens and their clinical impact on patients with AECOPD. Methods: This retrospective study included 1,186 patients diagnosed with AECOPD at 28 hospitals in South Korea between 2015 and 2018. We evaluated the identification rates of pathogens, basic patient characteristics, clinical features, and the factors associated with infections by potentially drug-resistant (PDR) pathogens using various microbiological tests. Results: Bacteria, viruses, and both were detected in 262 (22.1%), 265 (22.5%), and 129 (10.9%) of patients, respectively. The most common pathogens included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.8%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (11.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (9.0%), influenza A virus (19.0%), rhinovirus (15.8%), and respiratory syncytial virus (6.4%). Notably, a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; p=0.046), bronchiectasis (OR, 1.99; p=0.032), and the use of a triple inhaler regimen within the past 6 months (OR, 2.04; p=0.005) were identified as significant factors associated with infection by PDR pathogens. Moreover, patients infected with PDR pathogens exhibited extended hospital stays (15.9 days vs. 12.4 days, p=0.018) and higher intensive care unit admission rates (15.9% vs. 9.5%, p=0.030). Conclusion This study demonstrates that a variety of pathogens are involved in episodes of AECOPD. Nevertheless, additional research is required to confirm their role in the onset and progression of AECOPD.

Background: Respiratory infections play a major role in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). This study assessed the prevalence of bacterial and viral pathogens and their clinical impact on patients with AECOPD. Methods: This retrospective study included 1,186 patients diagnosed with AECOPD at 28 hospitals in South Korea between 2015 and 2018. We evaluated the identification rates of pathogens, basic patient characteristics, clinical features, and the factors associated with infections by potentially drug-resistant (PDR) pathogens using various microbiological tests. Results: Bacteria, viruses, and both were detected in 262 (22.1%), 265 (22.5%), and 129 (10.9%) of patients, respectively. The most common pathogens included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.8%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (11.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (9.0%), influenza A virus (19.0%), rhinovirus (15.8%), and respiratory syncytial virus (6.4%). Notably, a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; p=0.046), bronchiectasis (OR, 1.99; p=0.032), and the use of a triple inhaler regimen within the past 6 months (OR, 2.04; p=0.005) were identified as significant factors associated with infection by PDR pathogens. Moreover, patients infected with PDR pathogens exhibited extended hospital stays (15.9 days vs. 12.4 days, p=0.018) and higher intensive care unit admission rates (15.9% vs. 9.5%, p=0.030). Conclusion This study demonstrates that a variety of pathogens are involved in episodes of AECOPD. Nevertheless, additional research is required to confirm their role in the onset and progression of AECOPD.

Background: Respiratory infections play a major role in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). This study assessed the prevalence of bacterial and viral pathogens and their clinical impact on patients with AECOPD. Methods: This retrospective study included 1,186 patients diagnosed with AECOPD at 28 hospitals in South Korea between 2015 and 2018. We evaluated the identification rates of pathogens, basic patient characteristics, clinical features, and the factors associated with infections by potentially drug-resistant (PDR) pathogens using various microbiological tests. Results: Bacteria, viruses, and both were detected in 262 (22.1%), 265 (22.5%), and 129 (10.9%) of patients, respectively. The most common pathogens included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.8%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (11.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (9.0%), influenza A virus (19.0%), rhinovirus (15.8%), and respiratory syncytial virus (6.4%). Notably, a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; p=0.046), bronchiectasis (OR, 1.99; p=0.032), and the use of a triple inhaler regimen within the past 6 months (OR, 2.04; p=0.005) were identified as significant factors associated with infection by PDR pathogens. Moreover, patients infected with PDR pathogens exhibited extended hospital stays (15.9 days vs. 12.4 days, p=0.018) and higher intensive care unit admission rates (15.9% vs. 9.5%, p=0.030). Conclusion This study demonstrates that a variety of pathogens are involved in episodes of AECOPD. Nevertheless, additional research is required to confirm their role in the onset and progression of AECOPD.

Purpose: This study investigated the impact of the guide hole height on the accuracy of implant placement using CAD/ CAM-fabricated surgical guides in resin models. The hypothesis is that decreasing the height of the guide hole reduces placement accuracy. Materials and Methods: Ten identical partially edentulous maxillary models were each fitted with surgical guides featuring guide hole heights of 1 mm, 3 mm, and/or 5 mm. Using a surgical guide and drill kit, implants were placed in six predetermined sites per model. Placement accuracy was evaluated by comparing the actual implant positions with the planned positions using digital scanning and computer software analysis. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests to determine the significance of deviations at both the coronal and apical positions. Results: The average deviations were 0.75±0.33 mm at the coronal position and 1.10±0.51 mm at the apical position. Placement accuracy didnot differ with different guide hole heights. Additionally, errors were consistent regardless of the guide hole height and were not influenced by the type of support or the implant placement site. Conclusion In this rotro study, varying the height of the guide hole did not significantly affect the accuracy of implant placement. The results suggest that guide hole height within the tested range does not have a substantial impact on placement errors. Our findings indicate that factors other than the guide holeheight may play a more critical role in implant placement accuracy.

Purpose: This study investigated the impact of the guide hole height on the accuracy of implant placement using CAD/ CAM-fabricated surgical guides in resin models. The hypothesis is that decreasing the height of the guide hole reduces placement accuracy. Materials and Methods: Ten identical partially edentulous maxillary models were each fitted with surgical guides featuring guide hole heights of 1 mm, 3 mm, and/or 5 mm. Using a surgical guide and drill kit, implants were placed in six predetermined sites per model. Placement accuracy was evaluated by comparing the actual implant positions with the planned positions using digital scanning and computer software analysis. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests to determine the significance of deviations at both the coronal and apical positions. Results: The average deviations were 0.75±0.33 mm at the coronal position and 1.10±0.51 mm at the apical position. Placement accuracy didnot differ with different guide hole heights. Additionally, errors were consistent regardless of the guide hole height and were not influenced by the type of support or the implant placement site. Conclusion In this rotro study, varying the height of the guide hole did not significantly affect the accuracy of implant placement. The results suggest that guide hole height within the tested range does not have a substantial impact on placement errors. Our findings indicate that factors other than the guide holeheight may play a more critical role in implant placement accuracy.

Capsular contracture (CC) is a concerning issue for individuals undergoing postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) with implant-based breast reconstruction. This study investigated whether the extent of CC and implant migration differs based on implant placement and the reconstruction stage. Insertion plane and stage of breast implants were investigated, and the presence and severe cases of CC and implant migration were analyzed. Among 195 participants, 83 were in the pre-pectoral group, and 112 were in the sub-pectoral group. Two-staged surgery was performed on 116 patients, while 79 underwent direct-to-implant (DTI).Notably, The occurrence of CC (prepectoral, 17 [20.48%] and subpectoral, 42 [37.50%];p = 0.011), CC severity (prepectoral, 4 [4.82%] and subpectoral, 17 [15.17%]; p = 0.021), and implant upward migration (prepectoral, 15 [18.07%] and subpectoral, 38 [33.92%]; p = 0.014) significantly varied between the two groups. The incidence of CC was more common in the DTI group (odds ratio [OR], 2.283; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.164–4.478). Furthermore, subpectoral placement was an independent risk factor for occurrence (OR, 2.989; 95% CI, 1.476–6.054) and severity of CC (OR, 38.552; 95% CI, 1.855–801.186) and upward implant migration (OR, 2.531; 95% CI, 1.263–5.071). Our findings suggest that pre-pectoral reconstruction and the two-stage operation benefit patients who may undergo PMRT. These approaches can help reduce the incidence of CC and abnormal implant migration following radiation, leading to improved aesthetic outcomes and greater patient satisfaction.

Purpose: This retrospective study compared the maxillary sinus floor augmentation techniques (lateral and transcrestal approaches) to assess the impact of bone grafting, graft materials, and initial residual bone height (RBH). Materials and Methods: Fifty patients who underwent maxillary sinus floor augmentation for posterior maxillary implant placement were included. Panoramic radiographs were obtained before surgery (T0), immediately after surgery (T1), and 6-10 months post-surgery (T2). Length measurements on panoramic radiographs were performed using a digital caliper at T1 and T2. Statistical validation included one-way ANOVA, t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and correlation analyses. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess associations after adjusting for confounding factors. Results: Of the 50 patients, 35 underwent a transcrestal approach and 15 underwent a lateral approach. The results showed significant endosinus bone gain (ESBG) differences between allogeneic and xenogeneic grafts and no grafts (p < .001). Osteotomy sinus floor elevation without grafting yielded 3.24 ± 1.42 of ESBG. When divided into three groups based on initial RBH, RBH 1 had 27 patients, RBH 2 had 12 patients, and RBH 3 had 11 patients. Within the RBH group 1 (RBH under 4), the lateral approach had significantly greater ESBG than the transcrestal approach (p < .001). Multivariate linear regression analysis confirmed statistically significant associations between the studied variables after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusion When the RBH is < 4 mm, lateral-approach sinus augmentation and bone grafting should be performed to attain significant ESBG. The RBH, bone graft materials, and sinus elevation techniques vary considerably in ESBG.

Capsular contracture (CC) is a concerning issue for individuals undergoing postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) with implant-based breast reconstruction. This study investigated whether the extent of CC and implant migration differs based on implant placement and the reconstruction stage. Insertion plane and stage of breast implants were investigated, and the presence and severe cases of CC and implant migration were analyzed. Among 195 participants, 83 were in the pre-pectoral group, and 112 were in the sub-pectoral group. Two-staged surgery was performed on 116 patients, while 79 underwent direct-to-implant (DTI).Notably, The occurrence of CC (prepectoral, 17 [20.48%] and subpectoral, 42 [37.50%];p = 0.011), CC severity (prepectoral, 4 [4.82%] and subpectoral, 17 [15.17%]; p = 0.021), and implant upward migration (prepectoral, 15 [18.07%] and subpectoral, 38 [33.92%]; p = 0.014) significantly varied between the two groups. The incidence of CC was more common in the DTI group (odds ratio [OR], 2.283; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.164–4.478). Furthermore, subpectoral placement was an independent risk factor for occurrence (OR, 2.989; 95% CI, 1.476–6.054) and severity of CC (OR, 38.552; 95% CI, 1.855–801.186) and upward implant migration (OR, 2.531; 95% CI, 1.263–5.071). Our findings suggest that pre-pectoral reconstruction and the two-stage operation benefit patients who may undergo PMRT. These approaches can help reduce the incidence of CC and abnormal implant migration following radiation, leading to improved aesthetic outcomes and greater patient satisfaction.