Factors Influencing Suicidal Ideation in Korean Youth: A Secondary Data Study Using Longitudinal Data from the Korean Youth Panel Survey.

Background: Suicide is one of the most serious social problems in Korea. We examined suicidal ideation factors among Korean youth. Methods: For risk factor identification, data from the 2008 and 2018 Korean Youth Panel Survey were analyzed (n =6,568) using univariate multiple logistic regression analysis. Negative life events, feelings of hopelessness, early-life adversity, alcohol consumption, smoking, counseling experience, perceived stress, and current health status were independent variables, whereas suicidal ideation was the dependent variable. Results: Proximal (negative life events and feelings of hopelessness), distal (early-life adversities significantly influenced suicidal ideation), and health-related (alcohol consumption, counseling experience, perceived stress, and current health status) factors significantly influenced suicidal ideation among Korean youth. Conclusion: Mental health professionals must include distal risk factors, along with the common proximal and health-related risk factors, to provide targeted interventions.

Non-enhancing Glioblastoma: A Case Report.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a malignant adult brain tumor that is visualized as an enhancing lesion on post-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, we present a rare case of non-enhancing GBM that required histopathological examination for a definitive diagnosis. Our findings emphasize the critical role of biopsy in the diagnosis and treatment of GBMs, particularly in cases of non-enhancing lesions on MRI.

Effects of nursing professionalism and self-efficacy on job embeddedness in nurses.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of nursing professionalism on job embeddedness to stay in hospital nurses. Methods: This cross-sectional survey recruited 438 nurses working at four general hospitals and three small to medium hospitals in K province, South Korea. Data were collected from June 10 to September 10, 2022 using structured questionnaires and then analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 25.0. Results: The scores, out of 5.0, were 3.30 for nursing professionalism, 3.73 for self-efficacy, and 3.15 for job embeddedness. The three variables were different according to participants' general characteristics. The correlation between self-efficacy and nursing professionalism had a positive correlation to job embeddedness. Nursing professionalism had a mediating effect on the relation between self-efficacy and job embeddedness. Self-efficacy exerted an influence on organizational commitment through the mediating effect of nursing professionalism and is expected to lay the foundation for the promotion of job embeddedness. Conclusion: To increase nurses' job embeddedness, nursing and hospital managers must develop and implement programs that help improve nurses' self-efficacy and nursing professionalism to adjust well in their organization.

Factors Influencing Sleep Duration and Sleep Difficulty in People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Although sleep problems are prevalent among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), many research gaps exist in this area. The aims of this study were to identify sleep duration and sleep difficulty in people with COPD and to determine factors influencing these sleep variables. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) performed in 2019. A total of 408 people with COPD were included in the study. Individuals' sociodemographic, COPD-related, and psychological characteristics were examined to determine factors affecting their sleep duration and sleep difficulty. Results: Of 408 study subjects, almost 95% had mild or moderate COPD. The mean sleep duration of the subjects was 6.73 hours per day, indicating short sleep duration. Subjects with elementary school or no education, middle individual income, unmarried status, or depression were more likely to have shorter sleep duration than those with middle or high school education, low individual income, married status, or no depression. In addition, over 54% of subjects experienced mild to severe sleep difficulty. Female gender, low family income, and more perceived stress were significantly associated with greater sleep difficulty. Conclusion: Among the study subjects, over 40% had short sleep duration or mild to severe sleep difficulty. Although COPD severity was not significantly associated with sleep duration or sleep difficulty, sociodemographic disparities in sleep health were observed.

Education program promoting report of elder abuse by nursing students: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Elder abuse is an important public health concern that requires urgent attention. One main barrier to active responses to elder abuse in clinical settings is a low level of relevant knowledge among nurses. This study aims to develop an educational program to promote an intent to report elder abuse among nursing students and assess its effectiveness, with a focus on the rights of older adults. METHODS: A mixed method design was used with the Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate model. Twenty-five nursing students from Chungbuk Province participated in the study. Attitude toward older adults and knowledge of, awareness of, attitude towards, and intent to report elder abuse were assessed quantitatively and analyzed using paired t-test. The feasibility of the program and feedback were collected qualitatively through group interviews and analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: After the education program, attitude toward older adults (Cohen's d = 1.08), knowledge of (Cohen's d = 2.15), awareness of (Cohen's d = 1.56), attitude towards (Cohen's d = 1.85), and intent to report elder abuse (Cohen's d = 2.78) increased, confirming the positive effects of this program. Overall, all participants were satisfied with the contents and method of the program. CONCLUSIONS: The method of program delivery should be improved and tailored strategies to boost program engagement among nursing students should be explored to implement and disseminate the program.

Factors Associated with Self-Rated Health among Korean Elderly.

Background: South Korea has the fastest growing aging population in the world, and the Korean older adult population has been reported to have poor self-rated health (SRH). This cross-sectional descriptive survey aimed to examine the SRH and associated factors among the Korean older adult population using the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data. Methods: The differences in SRH according to socioeconomic, health-related, and mental health-related factors and their relationships were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression, using data from 1,521 older adults in Korea from the 8th KNHANES. Results: Self-rated health was higher among older adults with a high family income (odds ratio [OR]=1.58, 95% CI: 1.05-2.36), those who finished elementary school or lower as opposed to those with a middle school diploma (OR=0.52, 95% CI:0.29-0.95), those with a low body mass index (BMI) compared to those with a higher BMI (OR=0.43, 95% CI: 0.21-0.88), those with no unmet health needs (OR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.31-3.06), those with better diet-related circumstances (OR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.15-3.39), those with lower stress (OR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.28-2.44), those with no suicidal ideation (OR=2.92, 95% CI: 1.75-4.87), and those without a history of psychiatric counseling (OR=2.10, 95% CI: 1.02-4.34). Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of health behaviors in promoting SRH among older adults in Korea, and emphasize the need for developing and implementing educational programs that reflect these findings.

Engineering Silk Protein to Modulate Polymorphic Transitions for Green Lithography Resists.

Silk protein is being increasingly introduced as a prospective material for biomedical devices. However, a limited locus to intervene in nature-oriented silk protein makes it challenging to implement on-demand functions to silk. Here, we report how polymorphic transitions are related with molecular structures of artificially synthesized silk protein and design principles to construct a green-lithographic and high-performative protein resist. The repetition number and ratio of two major building blocks in synthesized silk protein are essential to determine the size and content of ß-sheet crystallites, and radicals resulting from tyrosine cleavages by the 193 nm laser irradiation induce the ß-sheet to α-helix transition. Synthesized silk is designed to exclusively comprise homogeneous building blocks and exhibit high crystallization and tyrosine-richness, thus constituting an excellent basis for developing a high-performance deep-UV photoresist. Additionally, our findings can be conjugated to design an electron-beam resist governed by the different irradiation-protein interaction mechanisms. All synthesis and lithography processes are fully water-based, promising green lithography. Using the engineered silk, a nanopatterned planar color filter showing the reduced angle dependence can be obtained. Our study provides insights into the industrial scale production of silk protein with on-demand functions.

Undesired impact of iron supplement on MRI assessment of post-treatment glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant adult brain and has a poor prognosis. Routine post-treatment MRI evaluations are required to assess treatment response and disease progression. We present a case of an 83-year-old female who underwent MRI assessment of post-treatment GBM after intravenous iron replacement therapy, ferumoxytol. The brain MRI revealed unintended alteration of MRI signal characteristics from the iron containing agent which confounded diagnostic interpretation and subsequently, the treatment planning. Ferumoxytol injection prior to contrast enhanced MRI must be screened in post-treatment GBM patients to accurately evaluate tumor activity.

Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among university students in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic: the application of interpersonal-psychological theory and early maladaptive schema.

Background: This study examined the application of interpersonal-psychological theory and early maladaptive schema of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in South Korean university students. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data from 367 university students were surveyed using the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, Early Maladaptive Schema, Suicide Ideation Scale, and the Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale. Data were collected between June 21 and July 21, 2021. Results: University students' interpersonal needs and early maladaptive schema were significantly associated with suicidal ideation, and influencing suicide attempts. The acquired capability for suicide moderated the relationship between suicidal ideation and attempts. Conclusions: In suicide prevention programs for university students, it is critical to consider their interpersonal needs and early maladaptive schema, and the acquired capability for suicide, to prevent suicidal ideation and attempts among them.

Gender-Specific Factors Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life in Obese Korean Older Adults: Evidence from the 2020 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Given the increasing aging population in South Korea, the quality of life of older adults must be ensured. This cross-sectional descriptive study investigated the gender-specific factors associated with health-related quality of life in obese older adults aged 65 years and above based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES) 2020 data. In total, 507 obese Korean older adults participated in the 8th KNHNES. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the variation in health-related quality of life according to socioeconomic and health-related factors and assess their inter-relationships. The influencing factors of health-related quality of life in obese Korean older adults were national health insurance (odds ratio (OR) = 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.40-2.21), private health insurance (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.28-0.75), arthritis (OR = 6.64, 95% CI: 2.57-17.14), and good dietary lifestyle (OR = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.05-0.93) in men; and private health insurance (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.05-6.72), arthritis (OR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.44-5.51), and physical activity (OR = 4.33, 95% CI: 1.71-10.94) affected health-related quality of life in women. The importance of health behaviors should be considered in the development of health programs and interventions for improving the quality of life of older adults.

Somatotopic Mapping of the Fingers in the Somatosensory Cortex Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Review of Literature.

Multiple studies have demonstrated finger somatotopy in humans and other primates using a variety of brain mapping techniques including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Here, we review the literature to better understand the reliability of fMRI for mapping the somatosensory cortex. We have chosen to focus on the hand and fingers as these areas have the largest representation and have been the subject of the largest number of somatotopic mapping experiments. Regardless of the methods used, individual finger somatosensory maps were found to be organized across Brodmann areas (BAs) 3b, 1, and 2 in lateral-to-medial and inferior-to-superior fashion moving from the thumb to the pinky. However, some consistent discrepancies are found that depend principally on the method used to stimulate the hand and fingers. Therefore, we suggest that a comparative analysis of different types of stimulation be performed to address the differences described in this review.

High-Cost Users of Prescription Drugs: National Health Insurance Data from South Korea.

IMPORTANCE: In OECD countries, pharmaceutical spending reached around 800 billion USD in 2013, accounting for about 20% of total spending in the retail sector. Pharmaceutical expenditures are steadily increasing in South Korea, necessitating strategies to promote efficiency. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated factors associated with high-cost users (HCUs), who account for the majority of outpatient prescriptions in the total South Korean population. The top 20 frequently prescribed therapeutic subgroups were also investigated. DESIGN: This is an observational study performed using health insurance claims data in 2019. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 44,744,632 people (including 6,806,339 aged 65 years or older) who were prescribed outpatient medications were included. MAIN MEASURES: HCUs were defined as those for whom prescription drug costs were in the top 5%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed using factors including age, insurance type, number of prescription drugs, outpatient visit days, prescription treatment days, and chronic diseases. RESULTS: HCUs accounted for 3.6 million (5% of the total population) and 1.4 million (21.1% of those 65 years or older). Furthermore, 4.1% of HCUs in the total population had few comorbidities. Male sex, older age, insurance (Medical Aid), comorbidities, chronic diseases, number of prescription drugs, outpatient visit days, and prescription days were all associated with an increased probability of being an HCU. The highest spending was found for B01 (antithrombotic agents) with 0.4 billion USD, followed by C10 (lipid-modifying agents) and A10 (drugs used in diabetes). The proportion of spending for HCUs among the general population was highest in L01 (antineoplastic agents), at 98.2%, and L04 (immunosuppressants), at 87.8%, whereas among the elderly, the highest proportions were found for B01 (antithrombotic agents), at 44.5%, and N06 (antidepressants), at 44.3%. CONCLUSION: Age and multiple chronic conditions were strongly associated with HCUs, and it seems necessary to reduce drug prescriptions in patients without complex comorbidities. Several measures should target those without multiple chronic conditions who are nonetheless HCUs.

Factors associated with psychosocial problems in Korean nursing and non-nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed our lives in many ways, including school closures and social distancing practices. These abrupt life changes may have led to psychosocial problems in college students. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with psychosocial problems in South Korean nursing and non-nursing students. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with 139 nursing and 147 non-nursing students (N = 286) between August 6 and October 30, 2020. We investigated participants' general characteristics (that is, sociodemographic and health-promoting behaviors), sensitivity to COVID-19 infection, COVID-19 pandemic response indicators, and psychosocial problems. The factors associated with psychosocial problems were determined using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Among the COVID-19 pandemic response indicators, perceived health status during the COVID-19 pandemic was verified as a factor associated with psychosocial problems in nursing (ß =  - 5.831, p < .001) and non-nursing students (ß =  - 8.513, p < .001). Perceived stress (ß = 1.263, p = .045), trust in policy (ß = .892, p < .001), and religion (ß =  - 1.424, p = .004) were verified as correlates of psychosocial problems in non-nursing students. CONCLUSION: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the stakeholders can use our study results to identify students experiencing psychosocial problems and subsequently as a theoretical background for developing intervention programs for those at a high risk of psychosocial problems. Additionally, it can be used as primary data for future research and practice regarding COVID-19 guidelines among students.

Factors influencing intention to intervene in elder abuse among nursing students.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the intention to intervene in elder abuse among nursing students. METHODS: A descriptive survey design was used, and questionnaires were completed by 182 nursing students. Statistical analysis was performed on the data collected, using SPSS 25.0, χ 2-test, t-test, correlation, and regression analysis to confirm predictors of intention to intervene in elder abuse. RESULTS: Awareness of abuse, legal and institutional knowledge, and attitude were positively correlated with the intention to intervene in elder abuse. Factors influencing the intention to intervene by nursing students were education courses about elder abuse, awareness of elder abuse, legal and institutional knowledge, and attitude. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that it is necessary to provide educational protocols for nursing students to improve their awareness and knowledge of elder abuse. Based on the findings of this study, there is a need for specific education programs and guidelines to increase the assessment of, and intervention in, elder abuse.

Comparing audio- and video-delivered instructions in dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation with drone-delivered automatic external defibrillator: a mixed methods simulation study.

This study compared first responders' cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performance when a dispatcher provides audio instructions only and when both audio and video instructions are given. In the simulation, an automatic external defibrillator (AED) was delivered via drone in response to a cardiac arrest occurring outside a hospital setting. Participants' qualitative experiences were also explored.An exploratory sequential mixed methods design was used. AEDs were delivered to college students via drone with one group receiving both audio and video instructions and the other receiving audio-only instruction, and differences in CPR performance and accuracy were compared. After completion, focus group interview data were collected and analyzed. Video-based instruction was found to be more effective in the number of chest compressions (p < 0.01), chest compression rate (p < 0.01), and chest compression interruptions (p < 0.01). The accuracy of the video group for the chest compression region was high (p = 0.05). Participants' experiences were divided into three categories: "unfamiliar but beneficial experience," "met helper during a desperate and embarrassing situation," and "diverse views on drone use." Our results lay the groundwork for a development plan for providing emergency medical services using drones, as well as the preparation of guidelines for dispatchers on the provision of video instructions.

Effect of Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Performance of Cu Nanofoams Processed by Dealloying.

Cu nanofoams are promising materials for a variety of applications, including anodes in high-performance lithium-ion batteries. The high specific surface area of these materials supports a high capacity and porous structure that helps accommodate volume expansion which occurs as batteries are charged. One of the most efficient methods to produce Cu nanofoams is the dealloying of Cu alloy precursors. This process often yields nanofoams that have low strength, thus requiring additional heat treatment to improve the mechanical properties of Cu foams. This paper provides the effects of heat treatment on the microstructures, mechanical properties, and electrochemical performance of Cu nanofoams. Annealing was conducted under both inert and oxidizing atmospheres. These studies ultimately reveal the underlying mechanisms of ligament coarsening during heat treatment.

Superiority of coarse eggshell as a calcium source over limestone, cockle shell, oyster shell, and fine eggshell in old laying hens.

Chicken eggshell (ES) waste is a rich source of calcium carbonate (CaCO3); however, the potential of ES as dietary calcium (Ca) in old laying hens has not been explored. This study compared the effects of feeding limestone, cockle shell, oyster shell, fine ES, and coarse ES as the sole Ca source on production performance, egg quality, blood biochemical constituents, and tibia characteristics in old laying hens. A total of 450 ISA-Brown laying hens at 73 wk of age with similar egg production rate (EPR) were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups (90 hens/group, 9 hens/replicate) for 7 wk. Dietary treatment groups comprised a corn-soybean meal based diet containing different Ca sources: (i) limestone (LS; < 2 mm and 2-4 mm mixed in the ratio of 3:7) as control, (ii) cockle shell (CS; 1-4 mm), (iii) oyster shell (OS; 3-16 mm), (iv) ES fine particles (ESF; < 1 mm), and (v) ES coarse particles (ESC; 3-5 mm). Results indicated that dietary inclusion of coarse ES particles significantly increased average egg weight (P < 0.001) and daily egg mass (P < 0.05), and decreased feed conversion ratio (P < 0.001) as compared with the other treatments. However, no significant differences in EPR, feed intake, cracked egg proportion, and mortality were observed among the dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Notably, the use of ESF led to a lower proportion of cracked eggs than ESC (P < 0.05). ESC fed hens produced the heaviest eggs whereas CS fed hens produced the lightest (P < 0.001); the particle size of ES also affected the egg weight (P < 0.05). The eggs from OS and ESC fed hens showed a greater albumen height in comparison to eggs from CS group (P < 0.05); but no significant difference was observed among the LS, OS, ESF, and ESC groups (P > 0.05). The yolk color was darker in the eggs of group ESF as compared with other dietary groups (P < 0.01). However, no significant effects on Haugh units and shell properties were observed among the treatments (P > 0.05). The blood biochemistry results were not affected by the dietary Ca (P > 0.05) except for lower levels of high-density lipoprotein percentage (HDL %) in OS and ESC fed hens (P < 0.05). The tibia characteristics including weight, length, width, and breaking strength did not differ among the dietary groups (P > 0.05). However, the ESC and OS fed hens showed higher tibia bone mineral density (BMD) than the other groups (P < 0.001). In conclusion, coarse ES as a sole Ca source had beneficial effects on the production performance, egg quality, and tibia BMD in old laying hens.

Determinants of Growth in Prescription Drug Spending Using 2010-2019 Health Insurance Claims Data.

Background: Despite policies to manage prescription drug spending and ensure accessibility, prescription drug spending has continued to increase in South Korea. Using nationwide claims data, this study analyzed trends in total pharmaceutical expenditures and pharmaceutical expenditures by drug classification. Methods: We conducted a retrospective population-based study using the Korean National Health Insurance claims database from January 2010 through December 2019. Pharmaceuticals were categorized as new drugs, continued drugs, and abandoned drugs. Prescription drug spending was calculated using the components of price and quantity for individual products in successive two-year periods, to obviate the need to consider changes over time. Results: Total pharmaceutical expenditures increased by 54.2% from 2010 to 2019 (from USD 11.3 billion to USD 17.4 billion). The average annual growth rate was 4.9% overall (the 4% rate for continued drugs was decomposed into -3.5% for the price of drugs, 8.0% for the quantity of drugs, and -0.5% for mixed effects, a measure of changes in drug treatment patterns). The trends were generally consistent. Particularly sharp increases in expenditures were found for groups L (antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents), C (cardiovascular system drugs), and A (alimentary tract and metabolism drugs). Conclusions: Since increased prescription drug spending was primarily driven by an increase in the quantity of drugs used, consumer-focused policies to reduce drug use are necessary.

Educational needs related to elder abuse among undergraduate nursing students in Korea: An importance-performance analysis.

BACKGROUND: Elder abuse is a prominent social issue and is a particularly grave problem in increasingly aging societies. Provision of appropriate elder abuse education programs for undergraduate nursing students, who are the future healthcare providers, can aid the detection of elder abuse by strengthening their practical knowledge. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to conduct an importance-performance analysis (IPA) on the educational content related to elder abuse among undergraduate nursing students in Korea. DESIGN: Cross-sectional design with a questionnaire survey. SETTING: Nursing department in the Chungcheong region of South Korea. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 324 undergraduate nursing students participated. METHODS: The IPA and Borich needs assessment of undergraduate nursing students' perceptions of elder abuse education were conducted. RESULTS: The IPA analysis indicated that quadrant I demonstrated high levels of both importance and performance. The results of the Borich needs assessment, which analyzed the order of priority of the educational needs, also indicated that the factors that ranked high in the order of priority belonged to quadrant 1 (strengthening maintenance) and quadrant 4 (concentrated investment), consistent with the IPA results. The results of the locus for focus model identified the elder abuse education topics' first and second priority groups. Educational themes such as "understanding of laws regarding elder abuse and ways of reporting it" were revealed to be the highest priority, and themes such as "human rights of the elderly" and "types and cases of elder abuse" received the second priority. CONCLUSIONS: Courses regrading elder abuse that include the educational needs, identified the by undergraduate nursing students, are required to improve the professional ability of nurses who care for the elderly.

Comparison of COVID-19 and MERS Risk Communication in Korea: A Case Study of TV Public Service Advertisements.

PURPOSE: In recent years, the world has been under threat of novel infectious diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Governmental risk communication plays a key role in overcoming the public health crises caused by the emergence of these infectious diseases. The purpose of this study was to identify the focus of Korean public service advertisements (PSAs) in response to the MERS and COVID-19 outbreaks, along with the differences between them. METHODS: A total of five MERS and 17 COVID-19 TV PSAs were analyzed using Lasswell's Sender, Message, Channel, Receiver, and Effect model and the responses of the Korean government were compared between the MERS and COVID-19 outbreaks. RESULTS: During the MERS outbreak, the Korean government failed to gain the public's trust through its PSAs. Despite its best efforts, it provided opaque and selective information on the crisis. Conversely, in the case of COVID-19, the Korean government has successfully worked to strengthen community awareness by supporting and encouraging the public. CONCLUSION: Despite the Korean government's improved communication in the COVID-19 crisis, there has been an insufficient response to the needs of vulnerable groups that could be placed in at-risk situations as a result of domestic violence or mental health problems during outbreaks of novel infectious diseases that require aggressive management.