• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.116-121
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• 2014

Background Understanding risk factors that increase readmission rates may help enhance patient education and set system-wide expectations. We aimed to provide benchmark data on causes and predictors of readmission following inpatient plastic surgery. Methods The 2011 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset was reviewed for patients with both "Plastics" as their recorded surgical specialty and inpatient status. Readmission was tracked through the "Unplanned Readmission" variable. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared using chi-squared analysis and Student's t-tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis was used for identifying predictors of readmission. Results A total of 3,671 inpatient plastic surgery patients were included. The unplanned readmission rate was 7.11%. Multivariate regression analysis revealed a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (odds ratio [OR], 2.01; confidence interval [CI], 1.12- 3.60; P=0.020), previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (OR, 2.69; CI, 1.21-5.97; P=0.015), hypertension requiring medication (OR, 1.65; CI, 1.22-2.24; P<0.001), bleeding disorders (OR, 1.70; CI, 1.01-2.87; P=0.046), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class 3 or 4 (OR, 1.57; CI, 1.15-2.15; P=0.004), and obesity (body mass index ${\geq}30$) (OR, 1.43; CI, 1.09-1.88, P=0.011) to be significant predictors of readmission. Conclusions Inpatient plastic surgery has an associated 7.11% unplanned readmission rate. History of COPD, previous PCI, hypertension, ASA class 3 or 4, bleeding disorders, and obesity all proved to be significant risk factors for readmission. These findings will help to benchmark inpatient readmission rates and manage patient and hospital system expectations.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.694-703
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the quality of life and its predictors in low income Korean aged. Methods: This was a predictive correlational study. An accessible sample from the population of people who were 65 and over and were supported by the basic livelihood security system was 1,040. Quota sampling with strata of state division in the nation was chosen. Quality of life and its predictors in the subjects were measured. Results: The mean quality of life in the subjects was 47.0$\pm$10.7. Predictors of this study significantly explained 54.3% of the total variance of quality of life. Depression was the most significant predictor of quality of life. Health problems, district, social support, leisure activity, and health behavior had effects on quality of life. Conclusion: This finding indicates that quality of life in lower income Korean aged is different from other populations by economic status. Demographics, health status and social status were predictors of quality of life in the aged with a small income.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.111-117
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• 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate pregnancy outcomes and the live birth rate at 1-year age increments in women aged ${\geq}40years$ undergoing fresh non-donor in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET), and to identify predictors of success in these patients. Methods: This retrospective study was performed among women ${\geq}40years$ of age between 2004 and 2011. Of the 2,362 cycles that were conducted, ET was performed in 1,532 (73.1%). Results: The clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in women ${\geq}40years$ significantly decreased with each year of increased age (p<0.001). Maternal age (odds ratio [OR], 0.644; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.540-0.769; p<0.001), basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels (OR, 0.950; 95% CI, 0.903-0.999; p=0.047), the number of high-quality embryos (OR, 1.258; 95% CI, 1.005-1.575; p=0.045), and the number of transferred embryos (OR, 1.291; 95% CI, 1.064-1.566; p=0.009) were significant predictors of live birth. A statistically significant increase in live birth rates was seen when ${\geq}3$ embryos were transferred in patients 40 to 41 years of age, whereas poor pregnancy outcomes were seen in patients ${\geq}43years$ of age, regardless of the number of transferred embryos. Moreover, the cumulative live birth rate increased in patients 40 to 42 years of age with repeated IVF cycles, but the follicle-stimulating hormone in those ${\geq}43years$ of age rarely showed an increase. Conclusion: IVF-ET has acceptable outcomes in those < 43 years of age when a patient's own oocytes are used. Maternal age, basal FSH levels, and the number of high-quality embryos and transferred embryos are useful predictors of live birth.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.32-36
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• 2008

Purpose: The major complication of acute organophosphate (OP) poisoning is respiratory failure as a result of cholinergic toxicity. Many clinicians find it difficult to predict the optimal time to initiate mechanical ventilation (MV) weaning, and as a result have tended to provide a prolonged ventilator support period. The purpose of this study is to determine any clinical predictors based on patients characteristics and laboratory findings to assist in the optimal timing of mechanical ventilator weaning. Methods: We reviewed medical and intensive care records of 44 patients with acute OP poisoning who required mechanical ventilation admitted to medical intensive care unit between July 1998 and June 2007. Patient information regarding the poisoning, clinical data and demographic features, APACHE II score, laboratory data, and serial cholinesterase (chE) levels were collected. Base on the time period of MV, the patients were divided into two groups: early group (wean time < 7 days, n = 28) and delayed group (${\geq}$ 7 days, n = 16). Patients were assessed for any clinical characteristics and predictors associated with the MV weaning period. Results: During the study period, 44 patients were enrolled in this study. We obtained the sensitivity and specificity values of predictors in the late weaning group. APACHE II score and a reciprocal convert of hypoxic index but specificity (83.8%) is only APACHE II score. Also, the chE concentration (rho = -0.517, p = 0.026) and APACHE II score (rho = 0.827, p < 0.001) correlated with a longer mechanical ventilation duration. Conclusion: In patients with acute OP poisoning who required mechanical ventilation, the APACHE II scoring system on a point scale of less than 17 and decrements in cholinesterase levels on 1-3 days were good predictors of delayed MV weaning.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.377-382
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• 2003

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictor associated transitions with each stage of smoking cessation based on the Transtheoretical Model, and to provide basic data for smoking cessation programs for adolescents. Methods : The participants were 297 current and former smokers, obtained from stratified random sampling of 2nd graders from 127 high schools in B cities. The data were collected between April 6th and 16th 2002, using a structured self-report questionnaire, and analyzed using a multiple logistic regression, with the SPSS program for Windows (Version 10.0). Results : The predictors of transition from precontemplation to contemplation were consciousness raising (OR=1.22, 95% CI:1.07-1.40), coping pros (OR=.84, 95% CI:.70-1.00) and attitude of parents to smoking (OR=2.97,95% Cl: 94-9.24). The predictors of transition from contemplation to preparation were helping relationships (OR=.83, 95% CI:.72-.96), self-liberation (OR=1.15, 95% CI: 99-1.33) and nicotine dependence (OR=.76, 95% CI: 56-1.03). The only predictor of transition from preparation to action was the social pros (OR=.66, 95% CI:.57-.82). The predictors of transition from action to maintenance were self-reevaluation (OR=.81, 95% CI:.71-.92) and negative affective situation (OR=.85, 95% CI:.72-1.00). Conclusion : Adequate examination on the factors for predicting the transitional stages of change for smoking cessation in Koreans are presented in this study. The results of this study will become the pillar of smoking cessation Planning and application programs.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.300-308
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• 2013

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to classify determinants of cost increases into two categories, negotiable factors and non-negotiable factors, in order to identify the determinants of health care expenditure increases and to clarify the contribution of associated factors selected based on a literature review. Methods: The data in this analysis was from the statistical yearbooks of National Health Insurance Service, the Economic Index from Statistics Korea and regional statistical yearbooks. The unit of analysis was the annual growth rate of variables of 16 cities and provinces from 2003 to 2010. First, multiple regression was used to identify the determinants of health care expenditures. We then used hierarchical multiple regression to calculate the contribution of associated factors. The changes of coefficients ($R^2$) of predictors, which were entered into this analysis step by step based on the empirical evidence of the investigator could explain the contribution of predictors to increased medical cost. Results: Health spending was mainly associated with the proportion of the elderly population, but the Medicare Economic Index (MEI) showed an inverse association. The contribution of predictors was as follows: the proportion of elderly in the population (22.4%), gross domestic product (GDP) per capita (4.5%), MEI (-12%), and other predictors (less than 1%). Conclusions: As Baby Boomers enter retirement, an increasing proportion of the population aged 65 and over and the GDP will continue to increase, thus accelerating the inflation of health care expenditures and precipitating a crisis in the health insurance system. Policy makers should consider providing comprehensive health services by an accountable care organization to achieve cost savings while ensuring high-quality care.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.411-417
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a set of interrelated metabolic risk factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Studies regarding the specificity and sensitivity of serum levels of leptin and uric acid as predictors of MetS are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of leptin and uric acid in terms of their specificity and sensitivity as predictors of MetS in the studied Jordanian group. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In this cross sectional study, 630 adult subjects (308 men and 322 women) were recruited from the King Hussein Medical Center (Amman, Jordan). The diagnosis of MetS was made according to the 2005 International Diabetes Federation criteria. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the efficacy of serum levels of leptin and uric acid as predictors of MetS in the studied Jordanian group. RESULTS: Study results showed that for identification of subjects with MetS risk, area under the curve (AUC) for leptin was 0.721 and 0.683 in men and women, respectively. Serum uric acid levels in men showed no significant association with any MetS risk factors and no significant AUC, while uric acid AUC was 0.706 in women. CONCLUSION: Serum leptin levels can be useful biomarkers for evaluation of the risk of MetS independent of baseline obesity in both men and women. On the other hand, serum uric acid levels predicted the risk of MetS only in women.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.160-169
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• 2011

The purposes of this study were to identify the significant predictors of subjective happiness for nursing students. The subjects consisted of 385 nursing students. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires, which were constructed to include positive emotion, gratitude disposition, flow, self-esteem, and subjective happiness. The data were analyzed by the PASW. 18.0 program. The significant predictors of subjective happiness for nursing students were gratitude disposition, self-esteem, flow, physical health status, positive emotion, and economic status, explaining 49.4% of the variance in subjective happiness. The most important predictors of subjective happiness for nursing students were gratitude disposition, self-esteem, and flow. The findings of this study suggest that the approach to effective happiness promotion program for nursing students should consider gratitude disposition, self-esteem, and flow.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences
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• v.35 no.5C
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• pp.464-471
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• 2010

The demand for high quality of multimedia applications, which far surpasses the rapid evolution of transmission and storage technologies, makes better compression coding capabilities ever increasingly more important. In order to provide enhanced video coding performance, this paper proposes an efficient competition-based motion vector coding scheme. The proposed algorithm adaptively forms the motion vector predictors based on the contexts of scene characteristics such as camera motion and nearby motion vectors, providing more efficient candidate predictors than the previous competition-based motion vector coding schemes which resort to the fixed candidates optimized by extensive simulations. Up to 200% of compression gain was observed in the experimental results for the proposed scheme applied to the motion vector selection for skip mode processing.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.470-477
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the levels of depression and predictors of depression in middle-school girls. Method: A self-report survey was conducted with 2nd and 3rd grade students in a girls'middle school (N=401) in Pusan. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simultaneous multiple regression using the SPSS program. Results: The mean score for the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) was 20.63. The level of depression was negatively related to problem-solving ability, self-esteem, total household income, school achievement, self-perception of body-image, and satisfaction in relationships with siblings, parents, and friends. A multivariate approach showed that predictors explained 61% of variance in depression. Significant predictors of depression were self-esteem (${\beta}$=-.38), problem-solving ability (${\beta}$=-.34), and satisfaction in relationships with friends (${\beta}$=-.14) and parents (${\beta}$=-.08). Conclusion: The findings suggest that it is important to develop educational programs to increase self-esteem and problem-solving abilities in middle school girls. Considering the high levels of depression in middle school girls, school nurses play an important role in detecting and reducing emotional tension among these students. Nursing interventions, including art therapy, problem-solving counseling, and bibliotherapy could be useful in enhancing self-esteem, problem-solving abilities, and satisfaction in relationship with friends, siblings and parents.