Jee Soo Kim

Two arbitrary life distributions F and G can be ordered with respect to their Laplace transforms. We say is Laplace-smaller than for all s > 0. Interpretations of this ordering concept in reliability, operations research, and economics are described. General preservation properties are presented. Using these preservation results we derive useful inequalities and discuss their applications to M/G/ 1 queues, time series, coherent systems, shock models and cumulative damage models.

Given the lack of proven benefits and the clear evidence of morbidities, pCND cannot be recommended as a routine procedure. We suggest that CND be reserved for therapeutic situations.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines highly expressed in Helicobacter pylori that inhibits gastric acid secretion. In this study we determined the effect of silibinin on TNF-alpha-induced MMP-9 expression in gastric cancer cell lines. MMP-9 mRNA and protein expression was dose-dependently increased by TNF-alpha in SNU216 and SNU668 gastric cancer cells. On the other hand, TNF-alpha-induced MMP-9 expression was dose-dependently suppressed by silibinin. To ver

The bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) is one of the most popular contemporary remote-access thyroidectomy techniques. While the initial experiences with BABA endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET) were associated with some technical challenges and safety concerns, many limitations of the technique could now be substantially overcome by BABA robotic thyroidectomy (RT). In this review, the current literature evidences of BABA RT were analyzed. Data regarding the patient selection, the learning curve,

Because of the low incidence of metastasis/recurrence in level V and the clear evidence of increased morbidities, level V dissection in N1b PTC patients may be reserved for those with three-level simultaneous metastasis or clinically/radiologically evident level V metastasis.

Abstract Background The influence of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroidectomy status on Tg in fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) washout fluid is unclear. Methods A total of 282 lymph nodes were prospectively subjected to FNAC, fine‐needle aspiration (FNA)‐Tg measurement, and frozen and permanent biopsies. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of several predetermined FNA‐Tg cutoff values for recurrence/metastasis in lymph nodes according to thyroidectomy status. Results The diagnostic p

Although ultrasonography (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the most reliable diagnostic modality for evaluating thyroid nodules, 10% to 40% of FNAB samples yield indeterminate findings. The BRAF V600E mutation, a highly specific molecular marker for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), well known for its prognostic value, has dubious diagnostic value because of its low sensitivity. Novel strategies are clearly needed to distinguish PTC, which represents the majority of thyroid ma

When multifocality and BRAF mutation positivity are observed in PTC patients with tumor size <4 cm, total thyroidectomy may be considered. If lobectomy is performed in PTC patients with multifocality and BRAF mutation positivity, meticulous follow-up is needed to detect hidden malignancies in the contralateral lobe.

Endoscopic thyroidectomy is a safe and feasible alternative as compared with conventional open thyroidectomy in patients with a small thyroid cancer or a benign thyroid tumor. However, despite the many advantages of endoscopic surgery, it can result in unexpected complications. Recently, the authors experienced a case of follicular thyroid cancer recurrence that developed around the operative bed and along the port insertion site after endoscopic thyroidectomy for a large follicular neoplasm. Th

Routine oral calcium and vitamin D supplements are beneficial after total thyroidectomy with central neck lymph node dissection with no difference between cholecalciferol and calcitriol. If taken after the onset of hypocalcemia, however, calcitriol along with calcium carbonate seems to be more effective than is cholecalciferol with calcium carbonate.

Compared with CV-PTC, FV-PTC showed less aggressive behaviors and more favorable outcomes. However, DSV-PTC showed more aggressive behaviors and a less favorable outcome than CV-PTC did. Therefore, the management strategy and follow-up plan for PTC should be differentiated according to the histologic variant.