Emerging evidence that ginseng components improve cognition in subjective memory impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and early Alzheimer's disease dementia

Ginseng is a traditional herbal medicine used for prevention and treatment of various diseases as a tonic. Recent scientific cohort studies on life prolongation with ginseng consumption support this record, as those who consumed ginseng for more than 5 years had reduced mortality and cognitive decline compared to those who did not. Clinical studies have also shown that acute or long-term intake of ginseng total extract improves acute working memory performance or cognitive function in healthy individuals and those with subjective memory impairment (SMI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or early Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia who are taking AD medication(s). Ginseng contains various components ranging from classical ginsenosides and polysaccharides to more recently described gintonin. However, it is unclear which ginseng component(s) might be the main candidate that contribute to memory or cognitive improvements or prevent cognitive decline in older individuals. This review describes recent clinical contributors to ginseng components in clinical tests and introduces emerging evidence that ginseng components could be novel candidates for cognitive improvement in older individuals, as ginseng components improve SMI cognition and exhibits add-on effects when co-administered with early AD dementia drugs. The mechanism behind the beneficial effects of ginseng components and how it improves cognition are presented. Additionally, this review shows how ginseng components can contribute to SMI, MCI, or early AD dementia when used as a supplementary food and/or medicine, and proposes a novel combination therapy of current AD medicines with ginseng component(s).

Skeletal Muscle Mass Index Reduction Rate as a Prognostic Indicator for Patients Undergoing Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Cancer

Background/Aim

There have been many studies on skeletal muscle depletion before surgery, and skeletal muscle depletion is a known risk factor for poor prognosis. However, reports on the association between changes in skeletal muscle mass and prognosis after surgery for pancreatic cancer are very few.

Patients and Methods

The data of 137 patients who underwent pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer between 2005 and 2022 were reviewed. Muscle areas were measured at the third lumbar vertebral level, and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) reduction rates were calculated. Patients were divided into two groups using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis based on the SMI reduction rate with a cutoff of 14% reduction rate. The clinicopathological factors, overall survival (OS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared between the two groups. Survival rates were analyzed both univariately and multivariately to clarify the factors associated with poor prognosis after pancreatectomy.

Results

A total of 102 patients met the inclusion criteria. SMI reduction rate ≥14% significantly correlated with advanced age and higher incidence of postoperative complications. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) <40 and SMI reduction rate ≥14% were significantly associated with poor OS. Tumor size ≥3.0 cm, preoperative neutrophile-lymphocyte ratio ≥3.0, and SMI reduction rate ≥14% were significantly associated with poor RFS.

Conclusion

The rate of skeletal muscle mass reduction after pancreatic surgery is an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Effect of Nasal Inhalation on Drug Particle Deposition and Size Distribution in the Upper Airway: With Soft Mist Inhalers

Delivery of drugs to the lungs is commonly achieved using nasal and/or oral breathing-assisted techniques. The route of inhalation can substantially change the fate of inhaled droplets. The Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhaler (SMI) is a commercially available efficient inhaler with 40-60% effectiveness. In the present study, we used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with a custom setup to investigate the effect of a combined oral/nasal inhalation route on the SMI's regional droplet deposition, size distribution, and flow field. Our setup used a modified induction port (MIP) to mimic nasal inhalation inside the human respiratory tract. Six different oral/nasal flow rate ratios inside the MIP were applied (total flow rate of 30 l/min). An overall good agreement was achieved between simulation outcomes and in vitro results. Our results confirmed that the combined inhalation route affects the flow field, altering the MIP's droplet deposition and size distribution. The lowest depositional loss, mainly in the mouth area, was observed at oral/nasal flow rate ratios of O/N = 1 and O/N = 2 with 3% and 7.7% values, respectively. Droplets with a 2-5 µm diameter range showed the highest droplet mass inside the MIP at all combined flow rates. We observed less intense vortexes followed by a lower level of turbulent kinetic energy at the oral/nasal ratio of 1. Increasing the relative humidity (RH) at oral/nasal flow rate ratios of 0.07, 1, and 14 led to an increase in droplet deposition at the outlet of the MIP.

GPCRs in the round: SMA-like copolymers and SMALPs as a platform for investigating GPCRs

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of membrane proteins, regulate a plethora of physiological responses and are the therapeutic target for 30-40% of clinically-prescribed drugs. They are integral membrane proteins deeply embedded in the plasma membrane where they activate intracellular signalling via coupling to G-proteins and β-arrestin. GPCRs are in intimate association with the bilayer lipids and that lipid environment regulates the signalling functions of GPCRs. This complex lipid 'landscape' is both heterogeneous and dynamic. GPCR function is modulated by bulk membrane properties including membrane fluidity, microdomains, curvature, thickness and asymmetry but GPCRs are also regulated by specific lipid:GPCR binding, including cholesterol and anionic lipids. Understanding the molecular mechanisms whereby GPCR signalling is regulated by lipids is a very active area of research currently. A major advance in membrane protein research in recent years was the application of poly(styrene-co-maleic acid) (SMA) copolymers. These spontaneously generate SMA lipid particles (SMALPs) encapsulating membrane protein in a nano-scale disc of cell membrane, thereby removing the historical need for detergent and preserving lipid:GPCR interaction. The focus of this review is how GPCR-SMALPs are increasing our understanding of GPCR structure and function at the molecular level. Furthermore, an increasing number of 'second generation' SMA-like copolymers have been reported recently. These are reviewed from the context of increasing our understanding of GPCR molecular mechanisms. Moreover, their potential as a novel platform for downstream biophysical and structural analyses is assessed and looking ahead, the translational application of SMA-like copolymers to GPCR drug discovery programmes in the future is considered.

General practitioners' experiences of providing somatic care for patients with severe mental illness: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Patients dealing with severe mental illnesses (SMI) often face suboptimal clinical outcomes and higher mortality rates due to a range of factors, including undetected physical health conditions. The provision of care for individuals with SMI is frequently disjointed, as they engage with diverse healthcare providers. Despite this fragmentation, primary care, particularly general practitioners (GPs), assumes a pivotal role in the care of SMI patients. Our study aimed to delve into the first-hand experiences of GPs in delivering somatic care to SMI patients, concentrating on the challenges they encounter and the strategies they employ to navigate these difficulties.

METHODS

We conducted in-depth interviews with fifteen GPs, utilizing a semi-structured interview guide, supplemented by ethnographic observations during clinical consultations in general practice. Through inductive coding, interview transcripts and observational field notes were systematically analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The findings were then deliberated upon within the author group.

RESULTS

GPs revealed that managing the chronic somatic care of SMI patients posed significant challenges. These challenges encompassed the multifaceted needs of patients, their behavior tied to symptoms, a lack of care continuity, and overarching time constraints. To tackle these challenges, the GPs had devised various strategies. However, all participants underscored the critical importance of having adequate time to properly prepare for, conduct, and follow up on consultations.

CONCLUSION

The GPs' interactions with SMI patients brought numerous challenges, although treating these patients were concurrently acknowledged as vital and fulfilling. The findings suggest that increased allocated time in general practice consultations for patients with SMI is important to support the somatic treatment requirements of this patient group.

Superb Micro-Vascular Imaging in Prenatal Ultrasound Diagnosis of Placental Infarction: A Case Report

Background

Placental infarction refers to a localized area of ischemic villous necrosis resulting from the interruption of maternal blood flow to the intervillous space, which can be attributed to spasm, stenosis, or occlusion of the decidual spiral artery caused by systemic or localized maternal vascular disease. The presence of large placental infarcts may pose significant risks to fetal well-being, including intrauterine growth retardation, fetal distress, and even fetal demise. Although placental infarction is commonly identified during postnatal pathological examinations, its prenatal diagnosis through ultrasound remains challenging and has been rarely reported.

Case Presentation

This report presents a case of acute placental infarction diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound using Superb Micro-vascular Imaging (SMI) technology. At 23 weeks' gestation, the ultrasound revealed that the placenta was attached to the left lateral and posterior walls of the uterus, showing localized thickening. Within this area of thickening, there were observed inhomogeneous hypoechoic regions. Superb Micro-vascular Imaging (SMI) revealed an abnormal echogenic region within the thickened placental tissue that lacked microvascular blood flow signals, but showed surrounding vascularity. Visually, this elliptical-shaped echogenic region enveloped by microvascular blood flow. From the 29th weeks of gestation onward, ultrasound suggested that the fetus was small for gestational age. A live baby weighing 2360g was delivered by cesarean section at 37 weeks' gestation. The placenta was approximately 20×18 × 3 cm with large grayish-yellow infarcts.

Conclusion

SMI allows rapid screening of large placental infarcts and easy detection of regions without normal vessel trees, thereby reducing missed diagnoses. Infarct area is easily measured by measuring the area surrounded by small blood vessels, especially in acute placental infarction, which is very helpful in accurately determining infarct size.

Quantitative evaluation of ocular vascularity and correlation analysis in patients with diabetic retinopathy by SMI and OCTA

AIMS

To find potential relation between retrobulbar vessels and fundus microvessels and to detect sensitive and effective clinical indicators in predicting the progress of diabetic retinopathy (DR), ocular hemodynamics were measured using superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and ultrawide-field optical coherence tomography angiography (UWF-OCTA).

METHODS

Observational, cross-sectional study evaluating ocular hemodynamics in patients with DR by SMI (Aplio i900, Canon Medical) and UWF-OCTA (BM-400 K BMizar, Tupai Medical Technology). The peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistive index (RI) of the central retinal artery (CRA), posterior ciliary artery (PCA), and ophthalmic artery (OA) were measured by SMI. UWF-OCTA evaluated the fundus vascular parameters. A correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between SMI and UWF-OCTA parameters.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-nine eyes of 139 diabetic patients were included: 29 without DR (NDR), 36 with mild to moderate nonproliferative DR (M-NPDR), 37 with severe NPDR (S-NPDR), and 37 with proliferative DR (PDR). PSV and EDV of retrobulbar vessels decreased from NDR to S-NPDR while increasing PDR. RI of OA showed a decreasing trend in the progression of DR, but other vessels didn't show the same trend. ROC curve analysis showed that CRAPSV, CRAEDV, PCAEDV, OAPSV, and OAEDV had diagnostic value distinguishing M-NPDR and S-NPDR. The correlation analysis observed a significant association between the SMI parameters of CRA and PCA and UWF-OCTA parameters. CRA hemodynamics were more associated with fundus vascular parameters, especially the retina, in the NDR group than in the M-NPDR group. In contrast, PCA consistently correlated with fundus vascular parameters, especially in the choroid, from the NDR to the M-NPDR group. However, OA showed a poor correlation with OCTA parameters.

CONCLUSION

The velocity of retrobulbar vessels, mainly the CRA, may serve as a valuable predictor for assessing the progress of DR. The use of SMI in diabetic patients may help identify patients at risk of developing retinopathy.

Anhedonia in adolescents at transdiagnostic familial risk for severe mental illness: Clustering by symptoms and mechanisms of association with behavior

BACKGROUND

Anhedonia is a transdiagnostic symptom of severe mental illness (SMI) and emerges during adolescence. Possible subphenotypes and neural mechanisms of anhedonia in adolescents at risk for SMI are understudied.

METHODS

Adolescents at familial risk for SMI (N = 81) completed anhedonia (e.g., consummatory, anticipatory, social), demographic, and clinical measures and one year prior, a subsample (N = 46) completed fMRI scanning during a monetary reward task. Profiles were identified using k-means clustering of anhedonia type and differences in demographics, suicidal ideation, impulsivity, and emotional processes were examined. Moderation analyses were conducted to investigate whether levels of brain activation of reward regions moderated the relationships between anhedonia type and behaviors.

RESULTS

Two-clusters emerged: a high anhedonia profile (high-anhedonia), characterized by high levels of all types of anhedonia, (N = 32) and a low anhedonia profile (low-anhedonia), characterized by low levels of anhedonia types (N = 49). Adolescents in the high-anhedonia profile reported more suicidal ideation and negative affect, and less positive affect and desire for emotional closeness than low-anhedonia profile. Furthermore, more suicidal ideation, less positive affect, and less desire for emotional closeness differentiated the familial high-risk, high-anhedonia profile adolescents from the familial high-risk, low-anhedonia profile adolescents. Across anhedonia profiles, moderation analyses revealed that adolescents with high dmPFC neural activation in response to reward had positive relationships between social, anticipatory, and consummatory anhedonia and suicidal ideation.

LIMITATIONS

Small subsample with fMRI data.

CONCLUSION

Profiles of anhedonia emerge transdiagnostically and vary on clinical features. Anhedonia severity and activation in frontostriatal reward areas have value for clinically important outcomes such as suicidal ideation.

Thyroid ultrasound and its ancillary techniques

Ultrasound (US) of the thyroid has been used as a diagnostic tool since the late 1960s. US is the most important imaging tool for diagnosing thyroid disease. In the majority of cases a correct diagnosis can already be made in synopsis of the sonographic together with clinical findings and basal thyroid hormone parameters. However, the characterization of thyroid nodules by US remains challenging. The introduction of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TIRADSs) has improved diagnostic accuracy of thyroid cancer significantly. Newer techniques such as elastography, superb microvascular imaging (SMI), contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and multiparametric ultrasound (MPUS) expand diagnostic options and tools further. In addition, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is a promising tool to improve and simplify diagnostics of thyroid nodules and there is evidence that AI can exceed the performance of humans. Combining different US techniques with the introduction of new software, the use of AI, FNB as well as molecular markers might pave the way for a completely new area of diagnostic accuracy in thyroid disease. Finally, interventional ultrasound using US-guided thermal ablation (TA) procedures are increasingly proposed as therapy options for benign as well as malignant thyroid diseases.

Comparison of subjective quality of life domains in schizophrenia, mood, and anxiety disorders; an individual patient data meta-analysis

This study sought to compare satisfaction with different subjective quality of life domains across individuals with three different mental health disorders. Samples from four separate studies were combined to conduct a one-step individual patient data meta-analysis. 5329 individuals with either a schizophrenia (n = 1839), mood (n = 1650), or anxiety disorder (n = 1840) were included. Mean satisfaction ratings for each life domain were compared across disorders. Associations between satisfaction ratings and personal characteristics were investigated using multivariable mixed effect models. Results showed that individuals with an anxiety disorder had the widest range of scores and reported lower satisfaction in most domains compared to those with a schizophrenia or mood disorder. Individuals with a schizophrenia disorder rated domains to do with 'others', such as relationships with family and sex life, as lower than individuals with a mood or anxiety disorder. Satisfaction ratings were often more impacted by personal characteristics, such as employment status, than by diagnostic category. These results demonstrate that specific life areas are impacted differently in the three mental health disorders studied. However, further research needs to consider the impact of personal characteristics across disorders, and the subjective quality of life in individuals with anxiety disorders in particular warrants further investigation.

Treating Trauma in Criminal Justice-Involved with SMI: "Trauma Is a Huge Part of It"

Individuals with serious mental illness are both disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system and more likely to experience correlates with offending (e.g., trauma, substance abuse, and homelessness). Moreover, research using the Adverse Childhood Experiences has found strong correlation between childhood trauma and later negative outcomes, including criminal justice involvement. Despite this, research has yet to examine how trauma can influence treatment decisions for criminal justice-involved individuals with SMI. Using a qualitative approach and in-depth semi-structured interviews with 61 community mental health service providers, the current study addresses this gap in the literature. Findings confirm the high prevalence of trauma in this population as well as suggests a number of key findings for this population including (1) how trauma affects treatment decisions, (2) the existing barriers related to the treatment of trauma, and (3) what service providers need to effectively treat trauma. Implications for policy and practice are extensive.

A two-arm, randomised feasibility trial using link workers to improve dental visiting in people with severe mental illness: a protocol paper

BACKGROUND

People with severe mental illness (e.g. psychosis, bipolar disorder) experience poor oral health compared to the general population as shown by more decayed, missing and filled teeth and a higher prevalence of periodontal disease. Attending dental services allows treatment of oral health problems and support for prevention. However, people with severe mental illness face multiple barriers to attending routine dental appointments and often struggle to access care. Link work interventions use non-clinical support staff to afford vulnerable populations the capacity, opportunity, and motivation to navigate use of services. The authors have co-developed with service users a link work intervention for supporting people with severe mental illness to access routine dental appointments. The Mouth Matters in Mental Health Study aims to explore the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention within the context of a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) measuring outcomes related to the recruitment of participants, completion of assessments, and adherence to the intervention. The trial will closely monitor the safety of the intervention and trial procedures.

METHODS

A feasibility RCT with 1:1 allocation to two arms: treatment as usual (control) or treatment as usual plus a link work intervention (treatment). The intervention consists of six sessions with a link worker over 9 months. Participants will be adults with severe mental illness receiving clinical input from secondary care mental health service and who have not attended a planned dental appointment in the past 3 years. Assessments will take place at baseline and after 9 months. The target recruitment total is 84 participants from across three NHS Trusts. A subset of participants and key stakeholders will complete qualitative interviews to explore the acceptability of the intervention and trial procedures.

DISCUSSION

The link work intervention aims to improve dental access and reduce oral health inequalities in people with severe mental illness. There is a dearth of research relating to interventions that attempt to improve oral health outcomes in people with mental illness and the collected feasibility data will offer insights into this important area.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was preregistered on ISRCTN (ISRCTN13650779) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05545228).

Evaluation of the prognostic value of computed tomography-derived body composition in patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair

BACKGROUND

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is the most common mode of repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in the UK. EVAR ranges from standard infrarenal repair to complex fenestrated and branched EVAR (F/B-EVAR). Sarcopenia is defined by lower muscle mass and function, which is associated with inferior perioperative outcomes. Computed tomography-derived body composition analysis offers prognostic value in patients with cancer. Several authors have evaluated the role of body composition analysis in predicting outcomes in patients undergoing EVAR; however, the evidence base is limited by heterogeneous methodology.

METHODS

Six hundred seventy-four consecutive patients (58 (8.6%) female, mean (SD) age 74.4 (6.8) years) undergoing EVAR and F/B-EVAR at three large tertiary centres were retrospectively recruited. Subcutaneous and visceral fat indices (SFI and VFI), psoas and skeletal muscle indices, and skeletal muscle density were measured at the L3 vertebral level from pre-operative computed tomographies. The maximally selected rank statistic technique was used to define optimal thresholds to predict mortality.

RESULTS

There were 191 deaths during the median follow-up period of 60.0 months. Mean (95% CI) survival in the low SMI versus high SMI subgroups was 62.6 (58.5-66.7) versus 82.0 (78.7-85.3) months (P < 0.001). Mean (95% CI) survival in the low SFI versus high SFI subgroups was 56.4 (48.2-64.7) versus 77.1 (74.2-80.1) months (P < 0.001). One-year mortality in the low SMI versus high SMI subgroups was 10% versus 3% (P < 0.001). Low SMI was associated with increased odds of one-year mortality (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.60-6.34, P < 0.001). Five-year mortality in the low SMI versus high SMI subgroups was 55% versus 28% (P < 0.001). Low SMI was associated with increased odds of five-year mortality (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.11-2.14, P < 0.01). On multivariate analysis of all patients, low SFI (HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.30-2.76, P < 0.001) and low SMI (HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.34-2.63, P < 0.001) were associated with poorer survival. On multivariate analysis of asymptomatic AAA patients, low SFI (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.01-2.35, P < 0.05) and low SMI (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.20-2.42, P < 0.01) were associated with poorer survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Low SMI and SFI are associated with poorer long-term survival following EVAR and F/B-EVAR. The relationship between body composition and prognosis requires further evaluation, and external validation of the thresholds proposed in patients with AAA is required.

The Sociodemographic Profile of Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Serious Mental Illness in Kerala - A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Older adults with serious mental illness (OASMI) have to manage the twin challenges of old age and mental illness. Understanding their characteristics will help policymakers and researchers plan tailored interventions. The profile of OASMI is not described in any publication from India, and this paper addresses that gap. The information from this study will serve as a baseline for the planned periodic follow-up of the study participants.

Methods

This study employed a cross- sectional design among a sample of OASMI identified through multistage cluster sampling from three districts in Kerala. We interviewed them in their households and collected sociodemographic data using a pretested tool.

Results

Among the 917 OASMI participants, 66% were females, 18% were the 'oldest-old' (≥80 years), 94.1% were unemployed, 51.7% were socially backward, 68.5% were financially weak, 10.1% were living alone, 59.4% were living without partners, and 63.7% had caregivers.

Conclusion

Compared to the general population of older adults in Kerala, the OASMI have poorer socioeconomic status and higher rates of social isolation, and males are dying earlier. The profile of the OASMI depicts their multiple vulnerabilities and the need to address those.

Combination of Sarcopenia and Anemia Predicts Worse Outcome in Elderly Patients With Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

BACKGROUND/AIM

In diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), sarcopenia is associated with increased side-effects of chemotherapy and poor survival, especially in elderly patients. Anemia, a complex condition resulting from cancer itself and inflammation, might have a correlation with loss of muscle mass and might also indicate a worse outcome. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of the skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the third lumbar vertebra (L3) with hemoglobin (Hb) levels and its predictive value for the outcome of DLBCL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included patients, aged 70 or older, newly diagnosed with DLBCL who received immunochemotherapy. Sex-specific L3-SMI was measured by computed tomography, and Hb levels before treatment were recorded. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model were used to analyze survival and prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Anemia was correlated with a low SMI. The presence of either low L3-SMI or anemia (Hb <10.5 g/l) indicated a poor prognosis for both progression-free and overall survival. A novel score combining L3-SMI, and Hb and lactate dehydrogenase levels as independent predictive factors was proposed for treatment response, progression-free and overall survival after adjusting for International Prognostic Index.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the importance of sarcopenia and anemia in patients with DLBCL, particularly in the elderly population. The proposed novel score combining L3-SMI, Hb, and lactate dehydrogenase may provide additional prognostic information for patients with DLBCL, aiding in treatment decisions and management.

Evaluation of Soft Mist Inhaler Aerosol Velocity, Size, and Deposition Inside the Mouth-A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study

Respiratory diseases debilitate more than 250 million people around the world. Among available inhalation devices, the soft mist inhaler (SMI) is the most efficient at delivering drugs to ease respiratory disease symptoms. In this study, we analyzed the SMI performance in terms of the aerosol's velocity profiles, flow pattern, size distribution, and deposition by employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. We modeled two different simplified mouth geometries, idealized mouth (IM), and standard mouth (SM). Three different locations (x = 0, x = 5, and x = 10 mm) for the SMI nozzle orifice were chosen along the mouth cavity centerlines, followed by two different SMI nozzle angles (10 deg and 20 deg) for IM geometry. A flowrate of 30 L/min was applied. The simulation results were evaluated against experimental data. It was found that the SMI could be simulated successfully with a level of error of less than 10%. The inhalation flowrate significantly impacted the aerosol's velocity profile and deposition efficiency on both the IM and SM walls. The lowest particle deposition on the mouth wall occurred when a fixed flowrate (30 L/min) was applied inside both geometries, and the SMI nozzle position moved forward to x = 10 mm from the IM and SM inlets. An increase in the SMI nozzle angle increased particle deposition and decreased the deposition fraction for particles with a diameter above 5 μm inside the IM.

Robotic Esophagectomy Compared With Open Esophagectomy Reduces Sarcopenia within the First Postoperative Year: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia is a known risk factor for adverse outcomes after esophageal cancer (EC) surgery. Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) offers numerous advantages, including reduced morbidity and mortality. However, no evidence exists to date comparing the development of sarcopenia after RAMIE and open esophagectomy (OE). The objective was to evaluate whether the development of sarcopenia within the first postoperative year after esophagectomy is associated with the surgical approach: RAMIE versus OE.

METHODS

A total of 168 patients with EC were analyzed who either underwent total robotic or fully open Ivor Lewis esophagectomy in a propensity score-matched analysis. Sarcopenia was assessed using the skeletal muscle index (cm²/m²) and psoas muscle thickness per height (mm/m) on axial computed tomography scans during the first postoperative year; in total 540 computed tomography scans were evaluated.

RESULTS

After 1-to-1 propensity score matching for confounders, 67 patients were allocated to RAMIE and OE groups, respectively. Skeletal muscle index in the OE group was significantly lower compared with the RAMIE group at the third (43.2 ± 7.6 cm²/m² versus 49.1 ± 6.9 cm²/m², p = 0.001), sixth (42.7 ± 7.8 cm²/m² versus 51.5 ± 8.2 cm²/m², p < 0.001) and ninth (43.0 ± 7.0 cm²/m² versus 49.9 ± 6.6 cm²/m², p = 0.015) postoperative month. Similar results were recorded for psoas muscle thickness per height.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this study is the first to suggest a substantial benefit of RAMIE compared with open esophagectomy in terms of postoperative sarcopenia. These results add further evidence to support the implementation of the robotic approach in multimodal therapy of EC.

Looking beyond the laboratory: Exploring behavioral and eye-fixation patterns in individuals with severe mental illness during a real-life supermarket task

Individuals with severe mental illnesses (SMI) often have difficulty performing daily activities that require intact executive functions, such as grocery shopping. Performance-based evaluations are valuable but lack the subjects' viewpoints during task performance. This study aims to combine performance-based observation and cognitive science methods to provide insights regarding real-life behavior and problem-solving in populations with SMI. In this correlational-research study, 42 participants (10 in the SMI group and 32 in the control group) performed the Test of Grocery Shopping Skills (TOGSS) while wearing an eye-tracking device. We hypothesized that patterns in task planning, task-time use, and attention allocation to written information relevant to the task would differ between the groups during the task. The results showed between-group differences in both TOGSS efficiency outcomes (time and redundancy), duration, and number of fixations. An eye-tracking pattern analysis determined between-group differences in scanning patterns of the grocery list but similarities in task planning. The selection process was found to be significantly more accurate and efficient for the control group than for the SMI group. Our findings suggest that a combination of perspectives allows us to better understand the behavior of SMI individuals in a regular daily task.

Alternative skeletal muscle index for sarcopenia diagnosis in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A pilot study

PURPOSE

To determine an alternative skeletal muscle index (a-SMI), easy diagnosis of sarcopenia in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 223 inpatients with T2DM (100 males, age range 60-89; 123 females, age range 60-87). Screening for grip strength and gait speed, measuring SMI by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (d-SMI) for sarcopenia diagnosis, according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 consensus. The a-SMI was established by binary logistic regression analysis with positive screening population. To assess the conformance of the new diagnostic approach with the AWGS 2019.

RESULTS

Sarcopenia was present in 36.3% of the study population. 59 had normal d-SMI and 81 had low d-SMI in screening patients with probable sarcopenia. In univariate analyses for all positive screening population, body mass index (BMI), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 - (OH) VitD), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), hypertension (HTN), and gender were correlates of d-SMI. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that male (B = 2.463, 95%CI: 3.640 ~ 37.883, p = 0.000), HTN (B = 1.404, 95%CI: 1.599 ~ 10.371, p = 0.003), BMI (B = -0.344, 95%CI: 0.598 ~ 0.839, p = 0.000), 25-(OH) VitD (B = -0.058, 95%CI: 0.907 ~ 0.982, p = 0.004) were independent factors for d-SMI detection. Based on the extracted four correlates, the a-SMI was determined. The area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.842, sensitivity and specificity for the new diagnostic approach were 84.0% and 84.5%. In a statistical measure of agreement between the AWGS 2019 and the new diagnostic approach, the kappa coefficient was 0.669 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The a-SMI - based on gender, obesity status, 25-(OH) VitD, and HTN history - can be used in the absence of the d-SMI to supplement the algorithm for sarcopenia diagnosis in elderly patients with T2DM.

The correlation of muscle quantity and quality between all vertebra levels and level L3, measured with CT: An exploratory study

Introduction

In patients with cancer, low muscle mass has been associated with a higher risk of fatigue, poorer treatment outcomes, and mortality. To determine body composition with computed tomography (CT), measuring the muscle quantity at the level of lumbar 3 (L3) is suggested. However, in patients with cancer, CT imaging of the L3 level is not always available. Thus far, little is known about the extent to which other vertebra levels could be useful for measuring muscle status. In this study, we aimed to assess the correlation of the muscle quantity and quality between any vertebra level and L3 level in patients with various tumor localizations.

Methods

Two hundred-twenty Positron Emission Tomography (PET)-CT images of patients with four different tumor localizations were included: 1. head and neck (n = 34), 2. esophagus (n = 45), 3. lung (n = 54), and 4. melanoma (n = 87). From the whole body scan, 24 slices were used, i.e., one for each vertebra level. Two examiners contoured the muscles independently. After contouring, muscle quantity was estimated by calculating skeletal muscle area (SMA) and skeletal muscle index (SMI). Muscle quality was assessed by calculating muscle radiation attenuation (MRA). Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine whether the other vertebra levels correlate with L3 level.

Results

For SMA, strong correlations were found between C1-C3 and L3, and C7-L5 and L3 (r = 0.72-0.95). For SMI, strong correlations were found between the levels C1-C2, C7-T5, T7-L5, and L3 (r = 0.70-0.93), respectively. For MRA, strong correlations were found between T1-L5 and L3 (r = 0.71-0.95).

Discussion

For muscle quantity, the correlations between the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels are good, except for the cervical levels in patients with esophageal cancer. For muscle quality, the correlations between the other levels and L3 are good, except for the cervical levels in patients with melanoma. If visualization of L3 on the CT scan is absent, the other thoracic and lumbar vertebra levels could serve as a proxy to measure muscle quantity and quality in patients with head and neck, esophageal, lung cancer, and melanoma, whereas the cervical levels may be less reliable as a proxy in some patient groups.

Thoracic sarcopenia as a predictive factor of SARS-COV2 evolution

PURPOSE

Evaluation of CT sarcopenia as a predictor of intensive care hospitalization during SARS-COV2 infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single-center retrospective study of patients admitted to hospital with SARS-COV2 infection. The estimation of muscle mass (skeletal muscle index (SMI)) for sarcopenia, measurement of muscle density for muscle quality and body adiposity, were based on CT views on the T4 and L3 levels measured at admission. Demographic data, percentage of pulmonary parenchymal involvement as well as the orientation of patients during hospitalization and the risk of hospitalization in intensive care were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 162 patients hospitalized for SARS-COV2 infection were included (92 men and 70 women, with an average age of 64.6 years and an average BMI of 27.4). The muscle area measured at the level of L3 was significantly associated with the patient's unfavorable evolution (124.4cm2 [97; 147] vs 141.5 cm² [108; 173]) (p = 0.007), as was a lowered SMI (p < 0.001) and the muscle area measured in T4 (OR = 0.98 [0.97; 0.99]), (p = 0.026). Finally, an abdominal visceral fat area measured at the level of L3 was also associated with a risk of hospitalization in intensive care (249.4cm2 [173; 313] vs 147.5cm2 [93.1; 228] (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that thoracic and abdominal sarcopenia are independently associated with an increased risk of hospitalization in an intensive care unit, suggesting the need to assess sarcopenia on admission during SARS-COV2 infection.

Ultrasound monitoring of microcirculation: An original study from the laboratory bench to the clinic

OBJECTIVE

Monitoring microcirculation and visualizing microvasculature are critical for providing diagnosis to medical professionals and guiding clinical interventions. Ultrasound provides a medium for monitoring and visualization; however, there are challenges due to the complex microscale geometry of the vasculature and difficulties associated with quantifying perfusion. Here, we studied established and state-of-the-art ultrasonic modalities (using six probes) to compare their detection of slow flow in small microvasculature.

METHODS

Five ultrasonic modalities were studied: grayscale, color Doppler, power Doppler, superb microvascular imaging (SMI), and microflow imaging (MFI), using six linear probes across two ultrasound scanners. Image readability was blindly scored by radiologists and quantified for evaluation. Vasculature visualization was investigated both in vitro (resolution and flow characterization) and in vivo (fingertip microvasculature detection).

RESULTS

Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI) and Micro Flow Imaging (MFI) modalities provided superior images when compared with conventional ultrasound imaging modalities both in vitro and in vivo. The choice of probe played a significant difference in detectability. The slowest flow detected (in the lab) was 0.1885 ml/s and small microvasculature of the fingertip were visualized.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrated that SMI and MFI used with vascular probes operating at higher frequencies provided resolutions acceptable for microvasculature visualization, paving the path for future development of ultrasound devices for microcirculation monitoring.

Young Adult Male Patients With Childhood-onset IBD Have Increased Risks of Compromised Cortical and Trabecular Bone Microstructures

BACKGROUND

Young adults with childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have increased risks of low areal bone mineral density and low skeletal muscle mass. Volumetric BMD (vBMD), bone geometry and microstructures, in addition to possible associations with skeletal muscle index (SMI) and physical exercise have been scarcely studied in this patient group.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In total, 49 young adult male patients with childhood-onset IBD and 245 age- and height-matched young adult male controls were scanned with high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Bone geometry, vBMD, and bone microstructures were calculated as median values and compared between the patients and controls. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to determine the independent associations among IBD diagnosis, SMI (kg/m2), and physical exercise.

RESULTS

The group of young adult patients had, in comparison with the controls, significantly smaller median cortical area (126.1 mm2 vs151.1 mm2, P < .001), lower median total vBMD (296.7 mg/cm3 vs 336.7 mg/cm3, P < .001), and lower median cortical vBMD (854.4 mg/cm3 vs 878.5 mg/cm3, P < .001). Furthermore, the patients compared with the controls had lower median trabecular volume fraction (16.8% vs 18.2%, P < .001) and thinner median trabeculae (0.084 mm vs 0.089 mm, P < .001). The differences between the patients with IBD and controls persisted in multivariable analyses that included adjustments for SMI and physical exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

Young adult men with childhood-onset IBD are at increased risk of having reduced bone quality in both the cortical and trabecular bone structures compared with normative matched controls.

Sarcopenia and frailty combined increases the risk of mortality in patients with decompensated cirrhosis

Background:

Both sarcopenia and frailty are prevalent in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and associated with negative outcomes. However, few studies investigated the impact of their coexistence on mortality. We aimed to evaluate the role of sarcopenia and frailty on survival in a cohort of hospitalized cirrhotics.

Methods:

This was an observational cohort study including 221 patients hospitalized for decompensated events. The cutoff for low skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the third lumbar vertebra level on computed tomography built by our previous work (male: SMI <46.96 cm²/m²; female: SMI <32.46 cm²/m²) was used for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Individuals with a Frailty Index >0.38 were considered frail. The sample was divided into four groups: sarcopenia and frailty (SF); sarcopenia and non-frailty (SN); non-sarcopenia and frailty (NF); and non-sarcopenia and non-frailty (NN). Follow-up for survival lasted 2 years.

Results:

Sarcopenia and frailty were present in 21.7% and 14.5% of the patients, respectively. The frequency of frailty in the group of sarcopenic patients was significantly higher than in the patients without sarcopenia (27.1% versus 11%, p = 0.009). In the survival analysis, the SF group showed a higher hazard ratio (2.604 in model 1; 4.294 in model 2) for mortality when compared with the NN group. In addition, the concurrence of those two conditions does give rise to incremental risk for mortality when compared with the group with each disturbance separately, namely, the SN/NF group.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, cirrhotic patients with sarcopenia and frailty combined showed higher mortality risk.

The comparative study of color doppler flow imaging, superb microvascular imaging, contrast-enhanced ultrasound micro flow imaging in blood flow analysis of solid renal mass

Purposes

To evaluate the value of Color Doppler Flow Imaging (CDFI), Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI) and Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Microflow Imaging (MFI) in display the microvascular blood flow signals in renal solid lesions.

Methods

142 patients with 144 renal masses were examined by CDFI, SMI and MFI simultaneously. We compared the difference of blood flow grading and vascular architecture based on CDFI, SMI and MFI.

Results

The blood flow signals detection rates of CDFI, SMI and MFI were 78.5% (113/144), 88.9% (128/144) and 93.8% (135/144), respectively. Concentrated on blood flow grading, The coincidence rates of CDFI and SMI were 64.58% (93/144) and 81.25% (117/144) referring to MFI, respectively. Blood flow grade 2–3 in CDFI is significantly lower than SMI(x² = 5.557, P = 0.018) and MFI (x² = 10.165, P = 0.001). Whereas there was no significant difference between SMI and MFI (x² = 2.372, P = 0.499). Concentrated on vascular architecture, the coincidence rates of CDFI and SMI were 56.25% (81/144) and 75.69% (109/144) referring to MFI, respectively. Vascular architecture type IV and V in CDFI was significantly lower than SMI (x² = 18.217, P < 0.001) and MFI (x² = 29.518, P < 0.001). Whereas there was no significant difference between SMI and MFI (x² = 3.048, P = 0.550). The sensitivity and specificity of CDFI, SMI and MFI in the diagnosis of renal mass were 61.29% and 90.20%, 79.57% and 88.24%, 88.17% and 84.31% respectively. The areas under the ROC curve of the three were 0.757, 0.839 and 0.862, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between CDFI and MFI (Z = 3.687, P = 0.0002), while there was no statistically significant difference between SMI and MFI (Z = 1.167, P = 0.2431).

Conclusion

SMI and MFI are superior to CDFI in showing blood flow signals in renal solid masses, and it can perform blood flow and vascular architecture more accurately.

Advances in knowledge

SMI is similar to MFI in its ability to display fine vessels and diagnostic efficiency, and has application value in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of renal solid masses.

A Single-Day Training for Managers Reduces Cognitive Stigma Regarding Mental Health Problems: A Randomized Trial

Background: Mental illnesses have received increasing attention in the work context in recent years, yet they are still often accompanied by stigma. One starting point for stigma reduction is interventions in the workplace. The present study evaluated a one-day workshop for managers in a large company. Method: Enrolled managers (n = 70) were randomly assigned to the intervention group and the waiting control group. The training included a theoretical section on mental and stress-related diseases as well as the interplay between work and health, group work on personal stress experience, theoretical input on dealing with mentally ill employees, and a group discussion on this topic along with case studies. Both groups completed the following questionnaires at baseline and three months after training: Effort–Reward Imbalance Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire, Mental Health Knowledge Schedule, Social Distance Scale, and the Irritation Scale. Results: Compared to the waiting group, the intervention group showed a significant improvement in the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (U = 417.00, p = 0.040) and an increase in the Irritation Scale (U = 371.50 p = 0.011). All other scales remained unchanged. Conclusion: The content and duration of the training were adequate to reduce cognitive stigma towards mental illness. However, the present approach was not sufficient for an improvement in the subjective stress level of the participating managers.

The Triple P Positive Parenting Program for Parents With Psychosis: A Case Series With Qualitative Evaluation

Although many people with psychosis are parents, managing the dual demands of poor mental health and parenting can be stressful and may contribute to poorer outcomes for both parent and child. Parenting interventions have the potential to improve outcomes for the whole family but need evaluation of feasibility in this context. The Triple-P Self-Help Workbook was implemented with guidance and support with 10 parents experiencing psychosis in a multiple baseline case series study. Sessions were weekly and home-based. Outcome measures examined facets of parenting, child behavior, self-efficacy and parental mental health. Follow up interviews explored parents' perspectives of the perceived impact of the intervention and apparent mechanisms of change. The program resulted in clinically significant change (>25% improvement) in mental health, parenting and child behavior measures post-intervention for the 50% who completed all 10 sessions and improvements were maintained at 3 and 6 month follow up. Interviews with those who completed the program revealed it to have been transformative: parents reported positive changes in parenting style; they were empowered with regard to their parenting and had a greater sense of control over their mental health. This study provides preliminary evidence that self-directed Triple P might be able to reduce the symptoms of psychosis by improving family functioning. Findings could inform the future development or adaptation of evidence-based parenting interventions for parents with psychosis in order to improve their mental health, aid recovery, and intervene early in the lives of children at risk of poor long-term outcomes.

Serum IL-35 levels is a new candidate biomarker of cancer-related cachexia in stage IV non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Cancer‐related cachexia is a major cause of treatment resistance and poor prognosis, which is characterized by anorexia and skeletal muscle depletion. To date, there have been no reports on the relationship between IL‐35 and cancer‐related cachexia in patients with stage IV non‐small cell lung cancer.

Methods

Serum IL‐35 levels in 86 patients with stage IV NSCLC were measured and statistically analyzed based on patients' clinicopathological parameters. Serum albumin levels, C‐reactive protein, and skeletal muscle index (SMI) of the patients were also determined. In vivo studies using a mouse model were also conducted by subcutaneously injecting immunodeficiency (SCID) mice with overexpressing IL‐35 cell lines and determining their daily food intake, bodyweight and muscle atrophy. Cachexia indicators were measured again after administering the mice with an anti‐IL35 neutralizing antibody.

Results

Patients with stage IV NSCLC had significantly higher serum IL‐35 levels than the healthy controls. Similarly, circulating IL‐35 levels were significantly higher in patients with cachexia than those without. The SMI values of patients with high serum IL‐35 levels were significantly lower than those with low serum IL‐35 levels. Mice subcutaneously injected with LLC PLV‐IL‐35 cell lines exhibited anorexia, weight loss, and muscle atrophy. Moreover, these symptoms were significantly reduced after administering the mice with an anti‐IL35 neutralizing antibody.

Conclusions

This study reveals that high serum IL‐35 expression is associated with non‐small cell lung cancer cachexia and skeletal muscle atrophy. These findings highlight its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for controlling cachexia of advanced lung cancer.

Can we better understand severe mental illness through the lens of Syndemics?

Current health care systems do not sufficiently address contributors, also known as modifiable behavior factors, to severe mental illnesses (SMI). Instead treatment is focused on decreasing symptom-experience rather than reducing the detrimental effect of biological predisposition and behavioral influences on illness. Health care services and patients alike call for a more comprehensive, individual approach to mental health care, especially for people with SMI. A Syndemics framework has been previously used to identify ecological and social contributors to an HIV epidemic in the 1990s, and the same framework is transferable to mental health research to identify the relationship between contributing factors and the outcomes of SMI. Using this approach, a holistic insight into mental illness experience could inform more effective health care strategies that lessen the burden of disease on people with SMI. In this review, the components of a Syndemic framework, the scientific contributions to the topic so far, and the possible future of mental health research under the implementation of a Syndemic framework approach are examined.

Comparison of abnormalities in the sequence of growth stages in the skeletal maturity index vs cervical vertebral maturation: A retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the frequency of abnormal progression that could ultimately affect the reliability of the skeletal maturity index (SMI) and the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method that are most commonly used analyses for skeletal age assessment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective design was used to compare 299 hand-wrist radiographs with 299 lateral skull radiographs regarding the number of abnormalities in the proposed sequence of maturation in the SMI and CVM methods.

RESULTS

A significantly greater number of abnormalities occurred in the sequence of CVM progression compared with SMI (P < .001). Sex and age did not have an effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Skeletal age assessment based on SMI is more accurate than CVM regarding the progressive sequence of stages.

mHealth technology to assess, monitor and treat daily functioning difficulties in people with severe mental illness: A systematic review

Severe mental illness (SMI) is associated with poor daily functioning; however available interventions currently under-deliver on their recovery prospect. Mobile digital health (mHealth) interventions are increasingly being developed and evaluated, and have the potential to support recovery. This review evaluates the use of mHealth technology to assess, monitor and reduce functioning difficulties in people with SMI. Studies were systematically searched on multiple databases. Study quality was assessed and double-rated independently. Findings were organised using a narrative synthesis and results were summarised according to the mHealth device purpose, i.e., assessment and monitoring or intervention. Thirty-eight studies comprised of 2262 participants met the inclusion criteria. Smartphones were the most popular mHealth device; personal digital assistants, wearables and tablets were also used. mHealth was widely found to be acceptable and feasible, with preliminary findings suggesting it can support functional recovery by augmenting an intervention, simplifying the assessment, increasing monitoring frequency and/or providing more detailed information. Considerations for overcoming barriers to implementation, recommendations for future research to establish effectiveness, personalisation and specification of mHealth devices and methodologies are discussed. The value of mHealth for remote delivery of recovery based interventions is also considered.

TRONARTO: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of Tiotropium/Olodaterol Delivered via Soft Mist Inhaler in COPD Patients Stratified by Peak Inspiratory Flow

Background

Inhaled bronchodilator therapy is currently the mainstay of treatment for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Some inhalers require patients to achieve certain inhalation efforts either to activate the device or to deliver medication to the site of action. For dry powder inhalers, low peak inspiratory flow (PIF) can result in poor medication delivery but the clinical significance of this is not well understood.

Methods

TRONARTO was a 4-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, parallel-group study which stratified patients with moderate-to-severe COPD according to their PIF against medium-low resistance at screening. Patients were randomized to receive tiotropium/olodaterol (5 μg/5 μg) or matched placebo delivered via the Respimat^® Soft Mist™ inhaler (SMI). After 4 weeks of treatment, we assessed change from baseline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) area under the curve 0–3 hours (FEV₁ AUC_0–3h) and trough FEV₁.

Results

Overall, 213 patients were randomized, of whom 106 received tiotropium/olodaterol (PIF <60 L/min, 55; PIF ≥60 L/min, 51) and 107 received placebo (PIF <60 L/min, 55; PIF ≥60 L/min, 52). For FEV₁ AUC_0–3h, the adjusted mean change from baseline versus placebo was 336 mL (95% confidence interval [CI] 246–425 mL; P<0.0001) in the PIF <60 L/min group and 321 mL (95% CI 233–409 mL; P<0.0001) in the PIF ≥60 L/min group. For trough FEV₁, the adjusted mean change from baseline versus placebo was 201 mL (95% CI 117–286 mL; P<0.0001) in the PIF <60 L/min group and 217 mL (95% CI 135–299 mL; P<0.0001) in the PIF ≥60 L/min group.

Conclusion

In the TRONARTO study, which included patients with moderate-to-severe COPD and varying inspiratory flow abilities, treatment with tiotropium/olodaterol resulted in significant lung function improvements versus placebo. This SMI can be used irrespective of the PIF that a patient can generate.

COVID-19 reinfection in a patient with a serious mental illness within a long-term inpatient psychiatric care hospital

There is an increasing number of case reports of COVID-19 reinfection. The mechanism of reinfection is poorly understood and evolving. Prevention of the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 for those with a serious mental illness (SMI) living in a congregate setting presents unique challenges. In this case report, we describe an individual with an SMI in a long-term inpatient psychiatric care hospital who was initially diagnosed in June 2020 with COVID-19 infection via a polymerase chain reaction test. Approximately 6 months later, the patient presented with a COVID-19 reinfection and more severe COVID-like symptoms.

Client, clinician, and administrator factors associated with the successful acceptance of a telehealth comprehensive recovery service: A mixed methods study

The coronavirus disease 2019 SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) crisis and subsequent social distancing recommendations resulted in increased use of telehealth within recovery-oriented behavioral health services (RS). Populations with serious mental illness (SMI) rely on psychosocial treatment, care coordination, and pharmacotherapy to achieve recovery goals and increase community engagement. This program evaluation of a group-based RS used mixed methods to better understand the multiple factors that contributed to successful telehealth conversion. Clients' service utilization over an 18-week period was collected to determine acceptance and the client characteristics associated with utilization (n = 72). Clients completed a treatment satisfaction questionnaire that was distributed ten weeks following telehealth conversion. Qualitative interviews explored staff perspectives on factors that impacted conversion, acceptance, and utilization. Initial staff skepticism gave way to acceptance, while the demands of resourcefulness, flexibility, and competency were emphasized. Clients' treatment utilization remained stable, while the number of missed/cancelled sessions were less frequent over time, especially for clients with a history of psychosis. Clients reported high overall satisfaction, but a preference for in-person treatment. Within this clinic serving middle to high socioeconomic status (SES) clients, clinicians and clients alike found the virtual group-based RS to be feasible and acceptable while in-person treatment was not an option.

Body Composition Changes in Gastric Cancer Patients during Preoperative FLOT Therapy: Preliminary Results of an Italian Cohort Study

Background: The impact of the new chemotherapy, fluorouracil plus leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel (FLOT) on body composition in gastric cancer (GC) patients remains unknown. We assessed body composition changes of GC patients receiving the FLOT regimen and their impact on treatment outcomes. Methods: Preoperative pre- and post-FLOT computed tomography (CT) scans of advanced GC patients were studied. Lumbar skeletal muscle index (SMI) and adipose indices were calculated before and after FLOT. Results: A total of 26 patients were identified between April 2019 and January 2020. Nineteen patients were sarcopenic at diagnosis. The mean BMI decreased (from 24.4 ± 3.7 to 22.6 ± 3.1; p < 0.0001) as well as the SMI (from 48.74 ± 9.76 to 46.52 ± 9.98; p = 0.009) and visceral adipose index (VAI) (from 49.04 ± 31.06 to 41.99 ± 23.91; p = 0.004) during preoperative FLOT therapy. BMI, SMI, and VAI variations were not associated with toxicity, Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), response, delay and completion of perioperative FLOT chemotherapy, and the execution of gastrectomy; a decrease of SMI ≥ 5% was associated with a higher Mandard tumor regression grade (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Almost three-quarters (73.1%) of GC patients were sarcopenic at diagnosis. Preoperative FLOT was associated with a further reduction in SMI, BMI, and VAI. These changes were not associated with short-term outcomes.

Loneliness and its Association with Health Behaviors in People with a Lived Experience of a Serious Mental Illness

To explore the association between loneliness and efficacy to engage in health behaviors that are known to reduce the risk of early mortality in people with serious mental illness (SMI). This secondary data analysis was based on a cross-sectional study of 113 participants with SMI residing in New Hampshire. Ordinary Least Squares regressions were used to examine bivariate relationships between variables of interest. Participants had a primary mental health diagnosis of major depressive disorder (37.2%), schizophrenia spectrum disorder (28.3%), bipolar disorder (29.2%), or posttraumatic stress disorder (5.3%). High levels of loneliness were associated with low levels of self-efficacy to manage chronic diseases (p = 0.0001), as well as low levels of self-efficacy to manage psychological well-being (R² = .31; F = 9.49, p = 0.0001; RMSE = 1.66). Loneliness may serve as a barrier to healthy behaviors, and thus, contribute to early mortality among people with SMI. The growing body of literature that demonstrates the importance of addressing loneliness in people with SMI should stimulate policymakers and researchers to target loneliness as a mechanism to address early mortality in people with SMI.

Healthcare Resource Utilization, Exacerbations, and Readmissions Among Medicare Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease After Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist Therapy Initiation with Soft Mist versus Dry Powder Inhalers

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often managed with inhaled long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs), yet real-world data on healthcare resource utilization (HRU) by inhaler type are lacking. This study compared HRU after LAMA initiation with a soft mist inhaler (SMI) versus a dry powder inhaler (DPI).

Patients and Methods

Inclusion criteria were COPD diagnosis, age ≥40 years, LAMA initiation (index date = first LAMA SMI or DPI claim 9/1/14—6/30/18), and Medicare Advantage enrollment 1 year pre-index (baseline) to ≥30 days post-index (follow-up). Patients were followed to the earliest of discontinuation, switch, disenrollment, 1 year, or study end (7/31/18). Exclusion criteria were asthma, cystic fibrosis, or lung cancer diagnoses, unavailable demographics, multiple index LAMAs, or baseline LAMA use. Cohorts (SMI or DPI) were balanced on baseline characteristics using inverse probability of treatment weighting. Outcomes included per patient per month (PPPM) COPD-related HRU encounters, and exacerbations (defined as moderate [ambulatory visit with corticosteroid or antibiotic within ±7 days] or severe [emergency visit or inpatient admission]); and 30-day readmissions following COPD-related hospitalizations.

Results

After weighting, cohorts (SMI [n=5360] and DPI [n=22,880]) were similar in age (72 and 73 years, respectively), gender (both 52% female), and COPD severity score (31.3 and 31.5, respectively). Cohorts had similar counts of follow-up HRU encounters. However, the SMI cohort had fewer (mean ± standard deviation) COPD-related exacerbations (0.054±0.082 vs DPI cohort 0.059±0.088 PPPM, p<0.001) overall. Moreover, the SMI cohort had fewer severe exacerbations (0.030±0.058 vs DPI: 0.034±0.065 PPPM, p<0.001). Hospitalizations among SMI patients had a lower adjusted odds of readmission versus hospitalizations among DPI patients (odds ratio: 0.656, 95% confidence interval= 0.460, 0.937; p=0.020).

Conclusion

SMI initiators had significantly fewer COPD-related exacerbations than DPI initiators. In addition, lower odds of readmissions were observed following COPD-related hospitalizations among the SMI cohort, as compared with the DPI cohort.

The Research Protocol of SENIOR Project-Psychiatric Services and Support System for Serious Mental Illness in Old Age, Kerala, India

BACKGROUND

India has the second-largest population of elderly in the world. Serious mental illness (SMI) is a subset of the mental disorders that result in significant functional impairment and is usually long term. Persons with SMI face several challenges in their old age that are different from the issues faced by younger people with SMI. Understanding the problems faced by elderly individuals suffering from SMI is fundamental for planning programs to address them. The SENIOR (Support Systems Evaluation of Neuropsychiatric Illness in Old age) project is a study aimed at evaluating the problems faced in obtaining mental health care by elderly persons having SMI in the Kerala state of India.

AIM

To describe the scientific methodology of the SENIOR project.

METHODS

This study employs mixed-methods cross-sectional design among a minimum sample of 768 SMI patients identified through cluster sampling from three districts, and Focus Group Discussion among mental health program officials.

DISCUSSION

This paper presents a methodological model to assist researchers in future field epidemiological studies on mental illness. Assessing service needs and barriers to access for the most vulnerable among the mentally ill will help the policymakers make evidence-based decisions to improve their quality of life.

Neighborhood environment and muscle mass and function among rural older adults: a 3-year longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia, resulting from loss of muscle mass and function, is highly prevalent in the ageing societies and is associated with risk of falls, frailty, loss of independence, and mortality. It is important to identify environmental risk factors, so that evidence-based interventions to prevent sarcopenia can be implemented at the population level. This study aimed to examine the potential effect of several objectively measured neighborhood environmental factors on longitudinal change of muscle mass and function among older adults living in rural Japanese towns where the population is ageing.

METHODS

This study was based on data from the Shimane CoHRE Study conducted by the Center for Community-based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE) at Shimane University in 3 rural towns in the Shimane Prefecture, Japan. Subjects older than 60 years, who participated in an annual health examination in 2016 and any follow-up years until 2019, i.e., 4 possible time points in total, were included (n = 2526). The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and grip strength were assessed objectively for each year as a measure of muscle mass and function, respectively. Neighborhood environmental factors, i.e., hilliness, bus stop density, intersection density, residential density, and distance to a community center were measured by geographic information systems (GIS). Linear mixed models were applied to examine the potential effect of each neighborhood environmental factor on the change of SMI and grip strength over time.

RESULTS

Males living far from community centers had a less pronounced decline in SMI compared to those living close to community centers. Females living in areas with higher residential density had a less pronounced decline in grip strength compared to those living in areas with lower residential density.

CONCLUSIONS

Neighborhood environmental factors had limited effects on change of SMI and grip strength among rural older adults within the 3 years follow up. Further long-term follow up studies are necessary by also taking into account other modifiable neighborhood environmental factors.

The relationship between attachment and functioning for people with serious mental illness: a systematic review

AIMS

Functional impairment is a hallmark feature of severe mental health problems (SMI). Attachment theory is a key psychological theory of interpersonal functioning and difficulties in attachment are common in SMI and may help explain functioning problems in SMI. This systematic review aimed to synthesise and critically appraise existing literature exploring associations between adult attachment style and functioning in SMI samples.

METHOD

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines we systematically searched five databases using strings of terms relating to both attachment and social functioning. Inclusion criteria were samples diagnosed with SMI and validated measure tools.

RESULTS

Ten studies met inclusion criteria. Considerable heterogeneity was found across studies in relation to construct measurement, sample size, and gender distribution. However, as predicted there was some evidence to suggest that secure attachment is associated with better functioning, and insecure attachment (specifically anxious style) is associated with impairments in functioning.

CONCLUSION

Findings highlight the importance of considering attachment in relation to functional outcome when working with people with SMI, particularly when assessing, formulating, and delivering psychological interventions.

Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disturbance in Remitted Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances in schizophrenia are common, but incompletely characterized. We aimed to describe and compare the magnitude and heterogeneity of sleep-circadian alterations in remitted schizophrenia and compare them with those in interepisode bipolar disorder.

METHODS

EMBASE, Medline, and PsycINFO were searched for case-control studies reporting actigraphic parameters in remitted schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Standardized and absolute mean differences between patients and controls were quantified using Hedges' g, and patient-control differences in variability were quantified using the mean-scaled coefficient of variation ratio (CVR). A wald-type test compared effect sizes between disorders.

RESULTS

Thirty studies reporting on 967 patients and 803 controls were included. Compared with controls, both schizophrenia and bipolar groups had significantly longer total sleep time (mean difference [minutes] [95% confidence interval {CI}] = 99.9 [66.8, 133.1] and 31.1 [19.3, 42.9], respectively), time in bed (mean difference = 77.8 [13.7, 142.0] and 50.3 [20.3, 80.3]), but also greater sleep latency (16.5 [6.1, 27.0] and 2.6 [0.5, 4.6]) and reduced motor activity (standardized mean difference [95% CI] = -0.86 [-1.22, -0.51] and -0.75 [-1.20, -0.29]). Effect sizes were significantly greater in schizophrenia compared with the bipolar disorder group for total sleep time, sleep latency, and wake after sleep onset. CVR was significantly elevated in both diagnoses for total sleep time, time in bed, and relative amplitude.

CONCLUSIONS

In both disorders, longer overall sleep duration, but also disturbed initiation, continuity, and reduced motor activity were found. Common, modifiable factors may be associated with these sleep-circadian phenotypes and advocate for further development of transdiagnostic interventions that target them.

Plasma free amino acids are associated with sarcopenia in the course of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence

OBJECTIVE

Sarcopenia worsens the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to elucidate the plasma free amino acids (PFAAs) associated with sarcopenia or myosteatosis in the course of HCC recurrence.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 187 patients were enrolled retrospectively. All patients experienced more than one hospitalization (mean times, 2.65) owing to HCC recurrence. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) and muscle attenuation (MA) were measured by a transverse computed tomography (CT) scan image at the third lumbar vertebra (L3). The changes in the concentration of 24 PFAAs, SMI, and MA in the same patient between recurrences were defined as Δ. The associations between sarcopenia, myosteatosis, and PFAAs were evaluated by a logistic regression model. The ΔSMI and ΔMA were compared between the patients who received branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) formulation and those who did not.

RESULTS

Patients with sarcopenia showed lower survival rate; the 1-, 3-, and 5-y survival rates were 85%, 42%, and 9%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the level of total BCAAs was significantly associated with sarcopenia. The correlation coefficient value between the change of leucine (ΔLeu) and ΔSMI was highest (R = 0.256; P < 0.001) among the PFAAs. In the Child-Pugh grade B or C, the decrease of SMI was significantly more suppressed in the patients with the BCAAs formulation than in those without BCAAs formulation (ΔSMI: mean change -0.98 versus -3.45 cm²/m²; P = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

Among the PFAAs, the level of BCAAs was associated with sarcopenia in the course of HCC recurrence.

Are diabetes self-management programmes for the general diabetes population effective for people with severe mental illness?: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Diabetes self-management education programmes are effective in improving health outcomes in the general population with diabetes. However, it is not known if these programmes include people who also have a severe mental illness (SMI) and, if so, what their outcomes are. The aim of this review was to examine if evaluations of diabetes self-management education programmes included people with SMI, and if so, whether the interventions were beneficial for this population.

METHODS

The inclusion criteria for this systematic review, defined by PICOS criteria, were: Population - Adults with type 2 diabetes; Intervention - self-management education programme; Comparator - another active intervention or usual care; Outcomes of interest - inclusion of people with SMI and the clinical, behavioural and psychosocial outcomes in this population; Study design - randomised controlled trials. The following bibliographic databases were searched from January 2004 to April 2018: Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, Allied and Complimentary Medicine Database, Health Technology Assessment, NHS Economic Evaluations Database and CINAHL. Data were extracted on study characteristics, inclusion and exclusion criteria, participant and intervention characteristics, number of participants with SMI, and outcomes for people with SMI, if reported. Authors were contacted by email for missing data.

RESULTS

A total of 410 trials were included. At least 42% of trials did not recruit any participants with SMI. Only nine confirmed inclusion of participants with SMI, of which six provided data on the number recruited. These six trials recruited a total of 1009 participants, of whom 31 (3.1%) had SMI. It was not possible to assess intervention effectiveness for people with SMI as none of the trials reported outcomes for these participants.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review confirms that people with SMI are often excluded from trials of diabetes self-management education, resulting in a lack of an evidence base on which to base treatment paths for this vulnerable population. It cannot be assumed that programmes developed for the general diabetes population meet the needs of people with SMI. Future research needs to examine if and how these programmes could be adapted for people with SMI or if new programmes are required.

First-time handling of different inhalers by chronic obstructive lung disease patients

Background: There is a lack of guidance on inhaler device selection and how to individualize inhaler choice when prescribed for the first-time.Aim of the work: To compare different inhalers regarding ease of use and number of counseling attempts needed for correct handling in subjects with a first experience to such inhalers; also, to investigate if there is a correlation between total correct steps achievements and patient demographics/clinical variables.Method: An open-label, non-drug interventional, cross-over study was conducted including 180 Egyptian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study evaluated handling of the most common inhalers in subjects with a first experience with them before hospital discharge. Subjects were randomized to handle 10 placebo inhalers including: [metered dose inhaler (pMDI), Aerolizer, Handihaler, Turbohaler, Diskus, Breezhaler, Ellipta, Easyhaler, Diskhaler, and Respimat] without receiving verbal or demonstrative instruction with allowable access to the patient information leaflets in native language supported by figures with enough time to read (baseline assessment). Subjects were then crossed-over to other inhalers with a first experience randomly. Inhalers with a reported past-experience were excluded. Inhaler-technique was assessed by using previously defined checklists, including essential steps and critical errors. The whole handling of the inhaler was demonstrated and the number of counseling attempts needed to correct handling was recorded. Patient demographics and clinical variables were recorded and correlated with correct handling steps.Results: The baseline percentages of total correct steps achievements as mean ± SD were 50 ± 19, 52 ± 16, 58 ± 14, 60 ± 17, 64 ± 10, 67 ± 16, 72 ± 17, 73 ± 11, 77 ± 14 and 86 ± 11% for Respimat, pMDI, Diskhaler, Diskus, Aerolizer, Handihaler, Easyhaler, Turbohaler, Breezhaler, and Ellipta respectively with p < 0.001. Baseline percentages of participants with at least 1 critical error significantly differed between inhalers (p < 0.05) with Ellipta showing the lowest percentage (37%). pMDI, Diskhaler, and Respimat showed the highest percentages (100%, 97% and 94% respectively). The number of counseling attempts needed to reach correct handling showed a significant difference among inhalers (p < 0.05). Ellipta showed the highest percentage of participants with correct handling with no counseling (20%) and the highest percentage of participants achieved with one counseling attempt (78%). Diskhaler, pMDI, and Respimat were the only inhalers included in a fourth counseling attempt (15%, 9%, and 6% respectively). Weak and very weak correlations were found between patient demographics/clinical variables and percentages of total correct steps achievements.Conclusion: Inhalers techniques greatly vary in their ease of use (self-explaining) ranging from easy inhalers (Ellipta) to intermediate inhalers (breezhaler, Easyhaler, Turbohaler, Aerolizer, Handihaler, and Diskus) followed by the most difficult inhalers (pMDI, Diskhaler, and Respimat). That must be considered when prescribing inhalers for the first time; choice of the inhaler should, in part, be based on ease of use and to be accompanied by repeated counseling.

The Higher-Order Structure of Schema Modes

In schema therapy, modes are proposed as a key concept and main target for treatment of personality disorders. The present study aimed to assess a comprehensive set of 20 modes, to explore their higher-order structure, and to link the mode factors to the generic schema factor and basic personality traits. The sample consisted of N = 533 inpatients. Earlier versions of the Schema Mode Inventory (SMI, SMI-2) were merged into the German Extended SMI (GE-SMI). Item-level confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the structure of 16 out of 20 GE-SMI scales might be unidimensional. Scale-level exploratory factor analysis revealed three hierarchically structured mode factors: internalization, externalization, and compulsivity. Regressing mode factor scores on the Big Five factors and the generic schema factor supported the validity of the mode factors. The hierarchical structure of modes will be linked to the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology, and implications for case conceptualization and treatment will be discussed.

Effect of administration of β-hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate-enriched formula after liver transplantation: A pilot randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Most patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) have decreased skeletal muscle mass, malnutrition, and decreased physical activity levels. These comorbidities may prevent early recovery after surgery. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of oral nutritional formula-enriched β-hydroxy-β-methyl-butyrate (HMB), a leucine metabolite that promotes muscle synthesis and suppresses proteolysis, on postoperative sarcopenia and other outcomes after adult-to-adult living donor LT (LDLT).

METHODS

Thirty-three consecutive patients who underwent adult LDLT between March 2017 and October 2018 and who met inclusion criteria were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the HMB or control group. Patients in the HMB group received two packs of HMB-rich nutrients per day, which contained calcium-HMB (1500 mg), l-arginine (7000 mg), and l -glutamine (7000 mg) per pack orally or enterally from postoperative day 1 to 30 with postoperative rehabilitation. The primary endpoint was grip strength (GS) at 2 mo after LDLT. Secondary endpoints included GS at 1 mo after LDLT, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) at 1 and 2 mo after LDLT, laboratory findings, incidence of postoperative bacteremia, and postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

Twelve patients in the HMB group and 11 in the control group were included in the final analysis. GS at 1 and 2 mo and SMI values at 2 mo were significantly higher in the HMB group than in the control group (GS: both P < 0.001, SMI: P = 0.04). In the HMB group, white blood cell count 3 wk after LDLT was significantly lower (P = 0.005), and postoperative hospital LOS was significantly shorter (P = 0.028) compared with the control group. The incidence of postoperative bacteremia was lower in the HMB group.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative administration of HMB-enriched formula with rehabilitation significantly increased GS at 1 and 2 mo and SMI at 2 mo and shortened postoperative hospital LOS after LDLT.

Glycogen synthase 3 (GSK-3) regulation of PD-1 expression and and its therapeutic implications

The past few years have witnessed exciting progress in the application of immune check-point blockade (ICB) for the treatment of various human cancers. ICB was first used against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) to demonstrate durable anti-tumor responses followed by ICB against programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) or its ligand, PD-L1. Present approaches involve the use of combinations of blocking antibodies against CTLA-4, PD-1 and other inhibitory receptors (IRs) such as TIM3, TIGIT and LAG3. Despite this success, most patients are not cured by ICB therapy and there are limitations to the use of antibodies including cost, tumor penetration, the accessibility of receptors, and clearance from the cell surface as well as inflammatory and autoimmune complications. Recently, we demonstrated that the down-regulation or inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) down-regulates PD-1 expression in infectious diseases and cancer (Taylor et al., 2016 Immunity 44, 274-86; 2018 Cancer Research 78, 706-717; Krueger and Rudd 2018 Immunity 46, 529-531). In this Review, we outline the use of small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) that target intracellular pathways for co-receptor blockade in cancer immunotherapy.

Superb Microvascular Imaging in Low-Grade Inflammation of Knee Osteoarthritis Compared With Power Doppler: Clinical, Radiographic and MRI Relationship

We compared the assessment of active synovitis in knee osteoarthritis (OA) by utilising superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and conventional power Doppler (cPD) techniques, and then correlated each technique with paients' symptoms, radiographic features and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected synovitis. A subgroup of participants with symptomatic knee OA underwent dynamic ultrasound assessment for semi-quantitative scores for SMI and cPD in the suprapatellar, medial and lateral parapatellar knee recesses. Knee pain and other symptoms were evaluated with the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS). OA severity was assessed using the Kellgren and Lawrence grade (KLG) on radiograph and effusion-synovitis and Hoffa's synovitis score of MRI osteoarthritis knee score on non-contrast-enhanced MRI sequences. The χ² test and κ statistics were conducted to compare detectability of SMI and cPD for low-grade inflammation, and the Spearman's correlation and Fisher's r to z transformation were conducted to compare correlations of both techniques with symptoms and imaging severity. A total of 89 participants were included in the analyses. SMI increased the detection rate by 25.5% for grade 0 cPD, by 35.4% for grade 1 cPD and by 9% for grade 2 cPD. SMI showed significant correlations with KOOS symptoms, KLG, MRI effusion-synovitis and Hoffa's synovitis scores (r = -0.24 [-0.45, -0.01]; r = 0.31 [0.10, 0.50]; r = 0.49 [0.33, 0.63]; and r = 0.54 [0.37, 0.68]). The cPD was significantly correlated with KOOS pain, other symptoms, MRI effusion-synovitis and Hoffa's synovitis (r = -0.23 [-0.44, -0.01]; r = -0.29 [-0.49, -0.06]; r = 0.46 [0.28, 61], r = 0.46 [0.25, 0.63]). However, no significant differences were detected in their extent of correlations. SMI can detect low-grade inflammation implicated in OA disease better than cPD and reveal a significant correlation with symptoms, radiographic features and MRI synovitis. The added clinical value of SMI over cPD is still not clear.

Impact of cancer rehabilitation on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Sarcopenia is a prognostic factor for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cancer rehabilitation (CR) improves patients' physical function and muscle mass. We investigated the effects of CR on the prognosis of patients with HCC. The present study was a prospective observational study, which analyzed 152 patients with HCC who underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) between 2013 and 2016. Patients were classified into the CR (n=85) and control (n=67) groups. The effects of CR on muscle mass were evaluated by changes in the skeletal muscle index (SMI) before and after TACE. Independent factors associated with survival were evaluated by Cox regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the survival rate between the CR and control groups. The difference in survival rate between the two groups was also examined after propensity score matching. SMI was significantly increased in the CR group compared with the control group. In Cox regression analysis, independent factors associated with survival were CR and Child-Pugh class A (estimate 1.760, 95% CI 0.914–3.226, P=0.001; estimate 1.602, 95% CI 0.426–2.998, P=0.0129). The survival rate was significantly higher in the CR group than in the control group (median 552 vs. 424 days; P=0.0359). The survival rate was also significantly higher in the CR group than that in the control group after propensity score matching (median 529 vs. 369 days; P=0.0332). CR was associated with prolonged survival in patients with HCC who underwent TACE. Patients with cancer are recommended to maintain physical activity even during cancer treatment.

The Favorable Effects of a High-Intensity Resistance Training on Sarcopenia in Older Community-Dwelling Men with Osteosarcopenia: The Randomized Controlled FrOST Study

Purpose

Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass combined with the loss of muscle function, has become a public health issue. There is an urgent need for interventions. The study aimed to determine the effect of high-intensity resistance training (HI-RT), a time- and cost-efficient training modality, on sarcopenia in osteosarcopenic (OS) older men.

Methods

Forty-three community-dwelling men aged ≥72 years from Northern Bavaria, Germany, with OS were randomly assigned to either an active HI-RT group (HI-RT) or an inactive control group (CG). Both received dietary protein (up to 1.5 g/kg/day in HI-RT and 1.2 g/kg/day in CG) and Vitamin-D (up to 800 IE/d) supplements. The HI-RT was applied as a consistently supervised single-set training on resistance exercise machines using intensifying strategies, with two training sessions/week, structured into three phases (ranging from 8 to 12 weeks) totaling 28 weeks. The primary study endpoint was the Sarcopenia Z-score; secondary endpoints were changes in the underlying physiological parameters, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), handgrip-strength and gait velocity.

Results

The results show a significant effect of the exercise intervention on the sarcopenia Z-score in the HI-RT (p<0.001) and a significant worsening of it in the CG (p=0.012) in the intention-to-treat analysis, as well as a significant intergroup change (p<0.001). Analysis upon the underlying parameters showed a significant increase of skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) in the HI-RT group (p<0.001) and a significant intergroup difference of SMI (p<0.001) and handgrip strength (p<0.001). There were no adverse effects related to dietary supplementation or training.

Conclusion

The results clearly confirm the favorable effects of HI-RT on sarcopenia. We conclude that HI-RT is a feasible, highly efficient and safe training modality for combating sarcopenia, also in the elderly.