Medical data market platforms and medical data trade demands of medical device companies.

Objective: The significance of big data is increasingly acknowledged across all sectors, including medicine. Moreover, the trend of data trading is on the rise, particularly in exchanging other data for medical data to rejuvenate the medical industry. This study aimed to discern the facilitating factors of healthcare data trade. Methods: We assessed five medical data market platforms on October, 2022, based on three criteria: (a) clarity in articulating the data for sale; (b) transparency in specifying the data costs; and (c) explicit indication that payment grants data access. This helped identify the traded medical data types. Additionally, we anonymously surveyed 43 representatives from medical device companies about their demand for medical data trading, achieving a response rate of 66%. Results: Of the medical data traded on these platforms, 93.34% was structured, while 5.66% was unstructured, indicating an imbalance. Although there was a higher demand for structured medical data, there was also interest in purchasing unstructured medical data. Conclusion: Unstructured big data are crucial for medical device development, fueling the demand for trading such data. Many stakeholders view the data market as essential and are willing to procure medical data. Consequently, medical device companies will need methods to acquire unstructured medical data for developing innovative and enhanced medical devices.

Empowering Healthcare through Comprehensive Informatics Education: The Status and Future of Biomedical and Health Informatics Education.

OBJECTIVES: Education in biomedical and health informatics is essential for managing complex healthcare systems, bridging the gap between healthcare and information technology, and adapting to the digital requirements of the healthcare industry. This review presents the current status of biomedical and health informatics education domestically and internationally and proposes recommendations for future development. METHODS: We analyzed evidence from reports and papers to explore global trends and international and domestic examples of education. The challenges and future strategies in Korea were also discussed based on the experts' opinions. RESULTS: This review presents international recommendations for establishing education in biomedical and health informatics, as well as global examples at the undergraduate and graduate levels in medical and nursing education. It provides a thorough examination of the best practices, strategies, and competencies in informatics education. The review also assesses the current state of medical informatics and nursing informatics education in Korea. We highlight the challenges faced by academic institutions and conclude with a call to action for educators to enhance the preparation of professionals to effectively utilize technology in any healthcare setting. CONCLUSIONS: To adapt to the digitalization of healthcare, systematic and continuous workforce development is essential. Future education should prioritize curriculum innovations and the establishment of integrated education programs, focusing not only on students but also on educators and all healthcare personnel in the field. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration among educational institutions, academic societies, government agencies, and international bodies dedicated to systematic and continuous workforce development.

Factor Analysis Affecting Degree of Depression in Family Caregivers of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study.

This study was conducted to determine the degree of depression in family caregivers of spinal-cord-injury patients and to identify factors influencing family caregivers' depression. The final study subjects were 30 (family caregivers: 6 males and 24 females). The CES-D of family caregivers; general characteristics of spinal-cord-injury patients and family caregivers; and information on physical health, household income, leisure, social activity, family relationship, and life-in-general status of family caregiver were collected. A frequency analysis, normality test, Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman Correlation analysis, hierarchical regression analysis, and spider network through a path model analysis were performed. As for the general characteristics, when the patient was economically active, the caregiver's depression was mean ± SD; 2.04 ± 0.71; otherwise, it was mean ± SD 2.86 ± 0.74, indicating that the caregiver of the non-economic activity patient was more depressed (p = 0.013). In Model 1 of the multiple regression analysis to understand the effect on the depression of the caregiver, it was confirmed that the depression of the caregiver decreased as the family caregiver had more leisure and social activities (B = -0.718, p = 0.001). In Model 2, it was found that the depression of caregivers increased when the patient did not engage in economic activity (B = 0.438, p = 0.016). In the spider-web form through the path model analysis, as the family's economic level increased, physical health increased by B = 0.755 (p < 0.001), and the increase in physical health (B = 0.424, p = 0.042) was, in turn, a factor in the increase of engagement in leisure and social activities. Various policies will be needed for the successful return to society of spinal-cord-injury patients by ensuring that their leisure and social activities and establishing measures to support their economical income.

Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Adult Men and Women with Distorted Perception of Weight Status: Nationwide Surveys (KNHANES 2016-2018).

This study analyzed the distorted perception of weight in adults aged 20 years or older and investigated the difference in the amount of physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study examined 21,326 adults regarding their body mass index (BMI), subjective body recognition (SBR), physical activity (according to the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire; GPAQ), and HRQOL (EuroQol-5 Dimension; EQ-5D) from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016−2018). Independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square test, and multiple regression analysis were conducted. The group with the same BMI and SBR significantly showed a long time of activity vigorous-intensity (F = 21.25, p = 0.003) and moderate-intensity time (F = 17.24, p < 0.001). In the 'BMI = SBR' group, the sub-group with normal BMI and normal SBR showed the highest vigorous-intensity (mean ± SD = 7.20 ± 26.05, F = 37.86, p < 0.001) and moderate-intensity (mean ± SD = 13.89 ± 30.18, F = 43.27, p < 0.001) activity times. The sub-group with normal BMI and normal SBR had the highest percentage of responding as normal in the five EQ-5D sub-items. For the score of the EQ-5D Index, the highest score was shown in the group that felt subjectively more obese than the actual BMI (F = 56.83, p < 0.001). In the 'BMI = SBR' group, these factors related to physical activity (vigorous-intensity, moderated-intensity, and walking) are factors influencing health-related quality of life in this regression model (F = 396.57, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.165). Various health promotion programs and policy recommendations to reduce the distorted perception of weight are required.

Risk factors influencing COVID-19 mortality rate in OECD countries: A cross-sectional study.

SUMMARY: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread globally; however, the COVID-19 mortality rate varies largely across countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting mortality and increase in mortality rate by time trends in 30 member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). These countries have different national health and medical characteristics in terms of health care use, health equipment, health resource, health risk, and health status at different time points. The results revealed that the lower 25% of countries had an increase in the mortality rate of 27.21% which was higher than the upper 25% of countries' increase in the mortality rate of 20.51%. Therefore, the affected countries should strengthen their medical infrastructure to prepare for such large-scale outbreaks in the future. It is imperative to reduce the health inequality between population groups and achieve health equity, regardless of the income gap, rather than vaccination of specific countries. This will require the management of non-communicable diseases, a solid health insurance system, a stable supply of medical supplies, and strengthening the competency of health care workers.

Point of Care Test Technology Suitable for Early Detection and Monitoring of Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in adulthood worldwide. A simple and convenient diagnostic method is needed for monitoring high-risk patients for stroke. Few POCTs are available for stroke diagnosis. Soluble blood P-selectin is known as a biomarker for platelet aggregation. Increased expression of P-selectin is observed in coronary artery disease, acute myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral arterial disease. OBJECTIVE: A simple method that can measure the increased expression of P-selectin in stroke patients is intended to be used for diagnosis or early detection and hospital monitoring of ischemic stroke. METHODS: Plasma proteins in blood were separated using a three-layered filter system. Quantum dot and antibody were conjugated to detect biomarkers present in plasma and then measured with a fluorescence spectrophotometer. RESULTS: The detection limit of soluble P-selectin confirmed by immunoassay was 1 ng/ul. In order to increase the sensitivity and simplify the reaction, the detection limit was measured to evaluate the sensitivity of the quantum dot labeled anti P-selectin antibody. As a result, P-selectin of 5 ng/ul or more showed saturation signal intensity, indicating the upper limit of detection, and 10 pg/ul was the lower limit of detection. CONCLUSION: In this study, we proposed a three-layer filter membrane system that can separate biomarker- rich fractions from whole blood, simplifying the analysis process and improving sensitivity by using quantum dot-labeled antibodies to detect biomarkers. We hope that our system complements the advantages of POCT and can be applied to real clinical applications.

Intratumoral budding: A novel prognostic biomarker for tumor recurrence and a potential predictor of nodal metastasis in uterine cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic and predictive significance of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and lymph node metastasis of intratumoral budding (ITB) and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters in patients with cervical cancer. METHODS: Total 151 patients with cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy with pelvic and/or paraaortic lymphadenectomy were included. We assessed the status of ITB and peritumoral budding (PTB) in all available hematoxylin and eosin-stained specimens. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for ITB, PTB, and other clincopathological parameters as predictors of recurrence. RESULTS: ITBhigh (≥3TB/HPF) was significantly associated with large tumor size, deep stromal invasion, LVI, parametrial invasion, and lymph node metastasis. The numbers of ITBs and PTBs were positively correlated (r2 = 0.754, p < 0.0001). ITBhigh was more frequently observed in squamous cell carcinoma compared with adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.010). ITBhigh was found to be an independent prognostic factor for tumor recurrence by multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37-9.90; p = 0.026). Multiple logistic regression showed association of LVI (odds ratio [OR], 1.85; 95% CI, 1.11-3.06; p = 0.017) and lymph node metastasis (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.26-4.66; p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: ITBhigh is an independent prognostic factor for tumor recurrence. ITB is a surrogate marker for predicting LVI in cervical cancers. The evaluation of ITB may be readily applied in the clinical setting for improved prognosis and to guide the clinical management of patients with cervical cancer.

The Influencing Factors of Gender Differences on Mental Burdens in Young Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapist.

BACKGROUND: Gender differences in personal discrimination experience, burnout, and job stress among physiotherapists and occupational therapists are considered as associated factors of job loss, poor job quality, high turnover, and economic losses due to the outflow of medical personnel. Thus, the purpose of this study is to analyze the level of burnout, personal discrimination experience, and job stress according to gender differences for young physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Furthermore, we used regression analyses to determine the contribution of gender differences in personal discrimination experience and job stress to self-reported burnout, considering gender and two age groups (younger than 30 years old vs. 30 years old and over). METHODS: A total of 325 professional physiotherapists and occupational therapists were part of this study (n = 325; male n = 131; female n = 194. Age: 20-29 years old, n = 178; ≥30 years old, n = 147). Data were collected using a questionnaire including our three study variables (scales: the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), a modified version of the gender section of the Medical School Graduation Questionnaire from the Association of American Medical Colleges; and the Korean version of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ)). Further, data on socio-demographic factors, job-related factors, health-related factors, and subjective job satisfaction were also collected. RESULTS: There were significant positive correlations between job stress and gender differences in personal discrimination experience and job stress and burnout in women 30 years old and over. Personal experience of gender discrimination (ß = 0.179, p = 0.015) and job stress (ß = 0.162, p = 0.028) explained a significant 42.4% of the variance in burnout in the case of younger female participants (20-29 years old). However, this model did not explain a significant amount of the variance in burnout in the case of younger male participants (R2 = 0.156, p = 0.072). Regarding participants aged 30 years and over, our results showed that only job stress (but no personal experience of gender discrimination) was a relevant predictor for both males (ß = 0.471, p < 0.001) and females (ß = 0.373, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, female therapists showed higher levels of burnout than male therapists. In particular, personal discrimination experience and job stress significantly contributed to burnout in younger female therapists while job stress was the most relevant predictor variable of burnout for both males (under 30 years old and 30 years old and over) and females in their thirties and beyond. For young female physiotherapists and occupational therapists, safe working environments should be created to reduce work-related mental burdens. It is also necessary to consider policies and regulations that can prevent job stress for therapists and measures that can positively resolve the unavoidable job stress.

Relationship between the actual fine dust concentration and media exposure that influenced the changes in outdoor activity behavior in South Korea.

The one reason of the decrease of walking time for adults in South Korea among various factors is the sense of fear about fine dust sparked by media reports, which has created a negative perception of fine dust. This study aimed to assess the change in concentration of fine dust, as well as individuals' walking time and health status, in South Korea, and to investigate the relationship between the media reports on fine dust. Using the national government statistics data, we analyzed the relationship between walking time, concentration of fine dust, and amount of media reports on fine dust. From 2008 to 2017, the average walking time and PM10 levels decreased from 76.17 to 49.47 min and 52 to 45 µg/m3; whereas PM10 media frequency increased from 349 to 9,234. No positive correlation existed between walking time in South Korea and exposure to fine dust. However, media reports on fine dust increased steadily from 2012 and peaked in 2015. The decrease in average walking time in South Korea was due to the negative perception created by the increase in media reports on fine dust, rather than the increase in the actual concentration of fine dust.

Burnout Syndrome and Work-Related Stress in Physical and Occupational Therapists Working in Different Types of Hospitals: Which Group Is the Most Vulnerable?

Because of the nature of their work, physical and occupational therapists are at high risk of burnout, which is associated with decreased job satisfaction, medical errors, and mental wellbeing in healthcare professionals. To well manage and minimize potential impact of burnout, risk factors should be determined. This study examined burnout and job stress in physical and occupational therapists in various Korean hospital settings. Physical and occupational therapists from several rehabilitation facilities in South Korea completed a survey between March-May 2019. A set of questionnaires, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Job Content Questionnaire, were distributed to all participants. In total, 325 professionals (131 men and 194 women) were recruited. Burnout and work-related stress differed significantly according to several factors. Hospital size, gender, and age were the main contributory factors affecting at least two dimensions of the questionnaires. The more vulnerable group consisted of female therapists in their 20s at small- or medium-sized hospitals with low scores for quality of life. High levels of job stress and burnout were observed in female therapists in their 20s at small- or medium-sized hospitals. Hospitals and society should create suitable environments and understand the nature of therapists' work to improve healthcare.