Effects of community-based fall prevention interventions for older adults using information and communication technology: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of fall prevention interventions using information and communication technology (ICT). Methods: A comprehensive search across four databases was performed. The inclusion criteria were fall prevention interventions including telehealth, computerized balance training, exergaming, mobile application education, virtual reality exercise, and cognitive-behavioral training for community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years. Results: Thirty-four studies were selected. Telehealth, smart home systems, and exergames reduced the risk of falls (RR = 0.63, 95% CI [0.54, 0.75]). Telehealth and exergame improved balance (MD = 3.30, 95% CI [1.91, 4.68]; MD = 4.40, 95% CI [3.09, 5.71]). Telehealth improved physical function (SMD = 0.69, 95% CI [0.23, 1.16]). Overall, ICT fall interventions improved fall efficacy but not cognitive function. For quality of life (QOL), mixed results were found depending on the assessment tools. Conclusion: Future investigations on telehealth, smart home systems, or exergames are needed to motivate older adults to exercise and prevent falls.

Effectiveness of the online-based comprehensive cognitive training application, Smart Brain, for community-dwelling older adults with dementia: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The fourth industrial revolution has brought about developments in information and communication technologies for interventions in older adults with dementia. Currently, most interventions focus on single interventions. However, community-dwelling older adults with dementia require comprehensive cognitive interventions, and clinical studies analyzing the effects of comprehensive interventions based on randomized controlled trials are lacking. AIM: The aim of the study was to examine the effects of an information and communication technology-based comprehensive cognitive training program, Smart Brain, on multi-domain function among community-dwelling older adults with dementia. DESIGN: This was a two-group, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: This study was conducted at participant's home. POPULATION: We analyzed older adults with dementia. METHODS: Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (N.=30) or the control group (N.=30). Older adults with dementia in the intervention group received 8 weeks of Smart Brain comprehensive cognitive training using a tablet, whereas the control group received a similar tablet but without the training. We measured the outcomes at baseline, and at 4 and 8 weeks. Cognitive function, depression, quality of life, balance confidence, physical ability, nutrition, and caregiver burden were compared between groups. RESULTS: In the intervention group, cognitive function statistically increased from baseline to both week 4 (2.03; 95% CI 1.26 to 2.81) and week 8 (2.70; 95% CI 1.76 to 3.64). Depression was statistically different from week 0 to week 8 (-1.67, 95% CI -2.85 to -0.48). Physical ability statistically increased from baseline to both week 4 (-0.85; 95% CI 1.49 to -0.20) and week 8 (-1.44; 95% CI -2.29 to -0.59). Nutrition statistically increased from baseline to both week 4 (0.67; 95% CI 0.05 to 1.28) and week 8 (1.10; 95% CI 0.36 to 1.84). CONCLUSIONS: Smart Brain significantly improved cognitive function, reduced depression, and enhanced physical and nutritional status in older adults with dementia. This demonstrates its potential as an effective non-pharmacological intervention in community-based dementia care. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Smart Brain's personalized approach, which integrates user-specific preferences and expert guidance, enhances engagement and goal achievement in dementia care. This enhances self-esteem and clinical outcomes, demonstrates the application's potential to innovate rehabilitation practices.

Information and Communication Technology-Based Application for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy among Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Insomnia: Development and Validation Study.

This study developed an information and communication technology-based mobile application to administer cognitive behavioral therapy to community-dwelling older adults with insomnia. First, the content of the application was determined through a systematic review and preference survey. Preference data on the perception, needs, and preference for non-face-to-face service content were collected from 15 July 2021 to 31 August 2021 from 100 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older. In the design stage, the structure and function of the application were determined, and an interface was designed. The application was developed in conjunction with design experts and programmers using Android Studio software (Android 9). Usability tests were conducted during the implementation stage, followed by an evaluation stage. The evaluation revealed that the application's structure and functions should comprise sleep information, sleep-habit improvement, sleep assistance, video, real-time counseling, and exercise services. These elements were finalized after receiving the results of a preference analysis and advice from an advisory panel of experts in different fields. The developed application was rated with a score of four or higher in all areas. This study successfully developed, implemented, and evaluated a new mobile application called Smart Sleep for community-dwelling older adults with insomnia.

Developmental Study on "Smart Silver Care": A Mobile Application to Alleviate Loneliness in Older Adults within the Community.

BACKGROUND: Loneliness poses a significant threat to the quality of life of older adults. Therefore, it is essential to implement non-face-to-face services to solve the loneliness of older adults in the community. OBJECTIVES: This study used the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) model to develop mobile applications as a loneliness intervention for older adults living in the community. METHODS: A mobile application was developed using the ADDIE model to alleviate loneliness in older adults living in the community. The development process included a systematic review, a face-to-face preference survey, and an experts' evaluation. From 11 to 15 June 2021, the following six databases were used to search for related articles: Ovid-Medline, Ovid-EMBASE, Cochrane Library, KISS, Korea Med, RISS. A preference analysis was conducted on 100 adults aged 65 or older living in the community from 15 July to 31 August 2021. RESULTS: A mobile application for community-dwelling older adults was developed. Its contents included emotional support, cognition, physical activity, health data, nutrition, and motivation. They were organized through a systematic review and preference survey in the analysis stage. They were also designed as main menus and sub-content at the design stage. They also designed the structure, functionality, and interface layout. The application was developed by integrating the designed content and determining the operating system, language, access method, privacy, and server history. Then, experts evaluated the validity of the application. CONCLUSIONS: The prototype mobile application incorporates emotional support, cognition, physical activity, health data, nutrition, and motivation. It is expected to help older adults achieve their goals by promoting participation. By incorporating expert validity into the content development process of early prototypes, we have improved the usability and acceptability of our products. Future pilot trials are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this mobile application among older adults.

Effectiveness of an Integrated Mobile Application for Lifestyle Modifications in Overweight Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women, characterized by hormonal imbalances and metabolic disturbances. Lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, are crucial for the management of PCOS symptoms. Mobile applications have emerged as promising tools to support lifestyle modifications. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week integrated lifestyle modification program, which used a mobile application, among overweight women with PCOS. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 28 participants, who were assigned to either treatment group, which received a 12-week lifestyle modification program facilitated by a mobile application, or the control group, who were instructed to maintain their usual lifestyle and received an evidence-based leaflet containing information on PCOS. The primary outcome measure was a change in weight over 12 weeks. Insulin resistance, levels of sex hormones, hirsutism, acne, and depressive symptoms were measured as secondary outcomes. The results showed significant weight loss in the treatment group compared to the control group (3.19 vs. 0.79 kg; p < 0.05). Similarly, significant improvements were observed across time in postprandial insulin levels (22.25 vs. 9.29 µIU/mL), hirsutism (2.98 vs. -0.16 points), and depression (7.73 vs. 1.7 points) (p < 0.05) between the two groups. This study highlights the potential benefits of using a mobile application to support lifestyle modifications, including weight loss and improvement in depressive symptoms, in overweight women with PCOS. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and incorporation of advanced technologies to enhance PCOS management outcomes. Mobile applications for lifestyle modifications offer a promising avenue for addressing the unique challenges faced by women with PCOS and provide accessible and personalized support for their health needs.

Effectiveness of multicomponent home-based rehabilitation in older patients after hip fracture surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hip fracture is a major burden on health care systems worldwide and requires hospitalisation for a long period. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of multicomponent home-based rehabilitation compared with different control interventions (in-hospital rehabilitation, active control or usual care) in older patients after hip fracture surgery. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled studies. DATA SOURCES: We searched three electronic databases, including Ovid-MEDLINE, Ovid-Embase, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library for relevant articles up to March 2020. REVIEW METHODS: Two investigators independently extracted data and assessed study quality using the risk of bias. Data were analysed using Review Manager 5.3. The current review employs the PRISMA procedure. RESULTS: Out of 2996 studies, 22 articles were relevant for this review and meta-analysis. Among them, five compared the multicomponent home-based rehabilitation with in-hospital rehabilitation, one compared it with active control, six with usual care and ten compared the home exercise only with usual care. There was no significant difference in activities of daily living (ADL) between multicomponent home-based rehabilitation and in-hospital rehabilitation, while multicomponent home-based rehabilitation significantly increased in ADL when compared to usual care. Home exercises also had significant effects on ADL, quality of life(QoL), balance, gait and muscle strength of the knee extensor compared with usual care (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Multicomponent home-based rehabilitation is comparable to in-hospital rehabilitation regarding improvements in muscle strength, gait speed, balance, ADL and QoL. RELEVANT TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Multicomponent home-based rehabilitation is comparable to in-hospital rehabilitation regarding improvements in muscle strength, gait speed, balance, ADL and QoL. Also, high adherence to home exercise may be associated with better clinical outcomes. Therefore, more compliance-oriented multicomponent home-based rehabilitation programmes for older patients after hip fracture must be developed by health care professionals, including physical therapist, to ensure optimum home-based rehabilitation.

Association of nursing hours with cognitive function, balance, and dependency level of stroke patients.

AIMS: To examine the association of nursing hours given to patients with stroke with clinical characteristics to predict the nursing care needs. DESIGN: Twenty-four-hour observational study METHODS: Nursing hours per patient day (NHPPD) of 171 stroke patients were measured by 146 nursing personnel who worked on the day of the observation. Cognitive function, balance ability and dependency level were assessed using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), the Korean version of the Berg Balance Scale (K-BBS) and the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), respectively. RESULTS: The NHPPD were moderately correlated with K-MMSE (r = -.450), K-BBS (r = -.529) and K-MBI (r = -.549). The worse the cognitive function, balance ability and dependency level, the more were the nursing hours given to the patients. Therefore, these factors can be considered to be factors that predict nursing care needs for patients with stroke.

Effectiveness of Multicomponent Home-Based Rehabilitation in Elderly Patients after Hip Fracture Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This randomized controlled study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of an 8-week personalized multicomponent home-based rehabilitation (MHR) program by comparing it with a home exercise program after discharge. Forty patients (≥60 years old) who underwent hip surgery were randomly assigned to multicomponent home-based rehabilitation (MHR) and home exercise groups. The MHR program included strength, endurance, balance, and breathing exercises; modifications to the home environment; education on assistive device use; pressure ulcer care; nutrition management; and motivational counseling. The MHR group received 24 visits from rehabilitation staff for 8 weeks (3 times a week), while the home exercise group received home exercises focusing on strengthening described in the leaflet. The rehabilitation staff prescribed the intensity of exercise at the first visit, and the home exercise group exercised without supervision after that for 8 weeks. Both groups received a 10-min phone call once a week for overall counseling to ensure high adherence to home exercises. Among the 40 participants, 29 (72.5%) completed the trial. The primary outcomes were balance and mobility. Balance was assessed using the functional reach test (FRT), and the timed up-and-go test (TUG) was used to assess balance and mobility. Data were analyzed using the intention-to-treat principle. The MHR group showed significant improvement compared to the home exercise group for FRT (mean difference (MD) 4.4 cm; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0 to 7.8) and TUG (MD: -4.2 s; 95% CI -8.0 to -0.3) after 8 weeks of intervention. Subjective pain and physical components of general health-related quality of life also improved significantly in the MHR group. No serious adverse events related to the interventions were observed. The eight-week of MHR program can effectively improve balance and mobility.

Effectiveness of Lifestyle Modification in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients with Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility and endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age. Previous studies have employed lifestyle interventions to manage anovulatory infertility and endocrine disorders. However, the effect of lifestyle interventions on the metabolic index remains ambiguous; (2) Methods: Data were obtained through a systematic search of the Ovid-Medline, Ovid-EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Two reviewers independently reviewed the literature in two stages. A consensus was achieved through discussions regarding the final selection of the literature; (3) Results: This study observed that the group that underwent lifestyle modifications displayed significant improvement in reproductive function compared to the control group. Combination therapy with diet and exercise resulted in improved fasting insulin levels, compared to monotherapy with diet or exercise. Moreover, moderate weight loss (a minimum of 5%) resulted in an improved metabolic index. The subgroup analysis revealed that the group that underwent lifestyle modifications had a significantly higher number of patients with improved menstrual cycles, compared to the control groups; (4) Conclusions: Lifestyle modification using combination therapy is a promising therapeutic approach that can be employed in the management of PCOS patients with obesity. This scenario warrants further studies with larger sample sizes to develop ideal treatment protocols.

Effectiveness of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Interventions in Elderly's Sleep Disturbances: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Sleep is a crucial factor for human health and is closely related to quality of life. Sleep disturbances constitute a health problem that should be solved, especially when it affects the elderly. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of information and communication technologies (ICT) interventions in managing sleep disturbances in the elderly. The study used a systematic review of three databases: Ovid-Medline, Ovid-EMBASE, and the Cochrane library database for papers published till 15 April 2021. Two authors independently selected and screened relevant studies based on predefined inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was carried out using Review Manager 5.4. Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of 4297 studies considering both inclusion and exclusion criteria. The complete texts of 47 articles were then evaluated, 31 articles were excluded, and finally, 16 articles were selected. Our meta-analysis showed that the cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) group had a significantly reduced Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) compared to the control group (-4.81 [-5.56, -4.06], p < 0.00001, I2 = 83%) in RCTs, with a significant reduction in ISI (3.47 [1.58, 5.35], p = 0.0003) found in quasi-experimental studies. A significant improvement was found in total sleep time in the CBT-I group compared to the control group (29.24 [15.41, 43.07], p <0.0001) in RCTs, while the CBT-I group showed significantly reduced wake time after sleep onset compared to the control group (-20.50 [-26.60, -14.41], p < 0.00001). In addition, a significant reduction in depression was found in the CBT-I group compared to the control group (-2.11 [-2.85, -1.37], p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%) in RCTs. The quality of life-mental component score (5.75 [1.64, 9.87], p = 0.006, I2 = 0%) and the quality of life-physical component score (5.19 [0.76, 9.62], p = 0.02, I2 = 0%) showed significant improvement in the CBT-I group compared to the control group. ICT interventions showed positive effects on sleep disturbances of the elderly, specifically confirming the positive effect on depression and quality of life as well as the indicators directly related to sleep such as ISI and quality of sleep. Thus, the application of ICT in the healthcare sector will be greater in the future, with changes in the nursing education and practice guidelines so that nurses can play a pivotal role in promoting health behaviors such as sleep-related quality of life and daily activities of the elderly.

Analysis of Home-Based Rehabilitation Awareness, Needs and Preferred Components of Elderly Patients with Hip Fracture Surgery in South Korea.

The importance and necessity of home-based rehabilitation with professional and systematic interventions should be considered since home-based rehabilitation has been institutionalized as it is more feasible, cost effective, and even safer than in-hospital rehabilitation in most countries-though not in South Korea. In addition, the need for home-based rehabilitation is increasing due to the increasing number of hip fracture patients and limited capacity of acute hospital rehabilitation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the awareness, needs, and preferred components of home-based rehabilitation services after discharge for elderly patients with hip fracture surgery in South Korea. A survey of 98 elderly patients who recently underwent hip fracture surgery was performed using a questionnaire. More than 75% of patients agreed on the need for home-based rehabilitation, even though most had never heard of it. The reason for the need for home-based rehabilitation was that it is possible to receive continuously ongoing treatment (53.0%), and it alleviates the inconvenience of visiting hospitals (27.7%). In addition to this, about 15.7% of patients responded that they could achieve mental comfort. In other words, patients can recover in an emotionally stable environment without the psychological anxiety they might experience in hospital. Thus, in order to maximize the effectiveness of home-based rehabilitation and provide comprehensive guidance including exercise, education, motivational support, and environmental modification, to patients undergoing hip fracture surgery, the component of the rehabilitation program must be developed based upon rehabilitation experts' knowledge and patients' value. Additionally, corresponding policies should be established.

Measuring of quality of care in patients with stroke and acute myocardial infarction: An application of algebra effectiveness model.

Ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are diseases with golden hour. This study aimed to identify and compare factors that affect in-hospital mortality in patients with stroke and AMI who admitted via the emergency department.This study used the Korean National Health Insurance claims data from 2002 to 2013. The study sample included 7693 patients who had an ischemic stroke, 2828 patients who had a hemorrhagic stroke, and 4916 patients with AMI who were admitted via the emergency departments of a superior general hospital and general hospital, did not transfer to another hospital or come from another hospital, and were aged ≥20 years. This study was analyzed by using Cox's proportional hazards frailty model.Five hundred (6.5%) of 7693 patients with ischemic stroke, 569 (20.1%) of 2828 patients with hemorrhagic stroke, and 399 (8.1%) of 4916 patients with AMI were dead. The clinical factors were associated with in-hospital mortality such as age, CCI, hypertension, and diabetes of patient characteristics. In treatment characteristics, performing PCI and weekday admission was associated with in-hospital mortality (aHR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.27-0.67; aHR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.14-1.77, respectively). In hospital characteristics, the volume, the proportion of transferred patient to other hospital and ratio of beds per one nurse was associated with in-hospital mortality.Clinical factors of patient characteristics, intervention such as performing PCI and reducing ICP of treatment characteristics, and the volume, transferred rate, and the number of nurse of hospital characteristics were associated with in-hospital mortality.

Prognostic Value of Echocardiography for Left Ventricular Dysfunction After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac dysfunction may worsen outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study quantitatively assessed the prognostic value of left ventricular dysfunction with respect to functional outcomes and mortality in patients with aneurysmal SAH. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to retrieve relevant studies evaluating echocardiographic left ventricular dysfunction following aneurysmal SAH. Fourteen relevant observational studies evaluating 2234 patients were finally included in this study. RESULTS: Echocardiographic regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) and neurogenic cardiomyopathy (NCM) of the left ventricle occurring after SAH were significantly related to an increase of in-hospital mortality (in 8 studies for RWMA, odds ratio [OR] 2.37; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.74-3.25 and in 5 studies for NCM, OR 2.82; 95% CI 1.2-6.6). Decreased ejection fraction on echocardiography was not associated with the increase of in-hospital mortality (in 4 studies, OR 1.76; 95% CI 0.86-3.61). The heterogeneities of decreased ejection fraction and NCM were significantly resolved by analyzing only the studies based on echocardiogram measurements obtained within 72 hours after admission. CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis suggests that the identification of echocardiographic left ventricular dysfunction identified by RWMA and NCM after SAH could provide better prognostic information for in-hospital mortality.

Intra-Articular Injection of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Leading to Better Clinical Outcomes without Difference in MRI Outcomes from Baseline in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: Bone marrow (BM) is frequently used as a source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) because they have a high potential for differentiation. However, it is unclear whether BM-derived MSCs lead to better clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes postoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This meta-analysis compared the clinical and MRI outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) treated with BM-derived MSCs. Eight studies comparing the clinical and MRI outcomes assessed with various measurement tools in patients with knee OA treated with BM-derived MSCs were included. RESULTS: The range of motion (95% confidence interval [CI], -13.05 to 4.24; p=0.32) and MRI outcomes (95% CI, -0.16 to 1.40; p=0.12) did not differ significantly between the baseline and final follow-up. In contrast, pain (95% CI, 0.89 to 1.87; p＜0.001) and functional outcomes (95% CI, 0.70 to 2.07; p＜0.001) were significantly improved at the final follow-up when compared to the baseline. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis found no significant difference in the tested range of motion and MRI outcomes between the baseline and the final follow-up in patients treated with BM-derived MSCs, whereas significant functional improvement and pain relief were noted when compared with the baseline. Thus, BM-derived MSCs appear to be a viable alternative for patients with knee OA, although long-term and high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the clinical benefits.

Dose-related effect of statins in patients with endovascular coiling or microsurgical clipping for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: updated study-level meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to quantitatively assess the effects of short-term statin use on delayed ischemic neurologic deficits (DINDs) and clinical outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) through a meta-analysis of the available evidence. METHODS: We searched the electronic databases up to April 8, 2016 to retrieve relevant studies comparing the outcomes between immediate statin-treated in statin-naïve patients and untreated patients following aneurysmal SAH. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: Eight randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and 5 observational studies involving 2148 patients met the eligibility criteria. In the RCTs, statins were found to significantly reduce the occurrence of DINDs (relative risk (RR), 0.76; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.61-0.94; P = 0.01), but did not significantly reduce poor functional outcomes (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.87-1.16; P = 0.93) or mortality (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.58-1.11; P = 0.18). In observational studies, statin use was not associated with any reduction in DINDs, poor outcome, or mortality. Meta-analysis of RCTs indicated a significant reduction in DINDs and mortality in patients with high-dose statin use (RR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.42-0.95; P = 0.03; I 2 = 0%; and RR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.15-0.86; P = 0.02; I 2 = 0%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis suggests that statin use may prevent DINDs in patients with aneurysmal SAH. Based on our findings, the role of statins in improving neurological outcome was limited. However, the risk of DINDs and mortality decreased with higher statin doses in a dose-dependent manner. Hence, further well-designed RCTs with modified protocols in specific patients are required.

A new molecular prognostic score for predicting the risk of distant metastasis in patients with HR+/HER2- early breast cancer.

To make an optimal treatment decision for early stage breast cancer, it is important to identify risk of recurrence. Here, we developed and validated a new prognostic model for predicting the risk of distant metastasis in patients with pN0-N1, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-) breast cancer treated with hormone therapy alone. RNA was extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissues and gene expression was measured by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR. The relative expression of six novel prognostic genes was combined with two clinical variables (nodal status and tumor size) to calculate a risk score (BCT score). In the validation cohort treated with hormone therapy alone, the 10 year rate of distant metastasis in the high-risk group (26.3%) according to BCT score was significantly higher than that in the low-risk group (3.8%) (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis adjusted for clinical variables revealed that BCT score is an independent predictor of distant metastasis. Moreover, the C-index estimate revealed that BCT score has a prognostic power superior to that of prognostic models based on clinicopathological parameters. The BCT score outperforms prognostic models based on traditional clinicopathological factors and predicts the risk of distant metastasis in patients with HR+/HER2- early breast cancer.

Impact of continuity of care on preventable hospitalization of patients with type 2 diabetes: a nationwide Korean cohort study, 2002-10.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether patients with greater continuity of care (COC) have fewer preventable hospitalizations. DESIGN: We conducted a cohort study using a stratified random sample of Korean National Health Insurance enrollees from 2002 to 2010. The COC index was calculated for each year post-diagnosis based on ambulatory care visits. We performed a recurrent event survival analysis via Cox proportional hazard regression analysis of preventable hospitalizations. STUDY PARTICIPANTS: A total of 5163 patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus in 2003-6 and receiving oral hypoglycemic medication. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Preventable hospitalization. RESULTS: Of 5163 eligible participants, 6.4% (n = 328) experienced a preventable hospitalization during the study period. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 8.69 (95% CI, 2.62-28.83) for subjects with a COC score of 0.00-0.19, 7.03 (95% CI, 4.50-10.96) for those with a score of 0.20-0.39, 3.01 (95% CI, 2.06-4.40) for those with a score of 0.40-059, 4.42 (95% CI, 3.04-6.42) for those with a score of 0.60-0.79 and 5.82 (95% CI, 3.87-8.75) for those with a score of 0.80-0.99. The difference in cumulative incidence of preventable hospitalizations in patients with COC scores of 0.00-0.19 relative to those with COC scores of 1.00 was the greatest, at 0.97% points. CONCLUSIONS: Greater COC was associated with fewer preventable hospitalizations in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Asian Sand Dust Enhances the Inflammatory Response and Mucin Gene Expression in the Middle Ear.

OBJECTIVES: Asia sand dust (ASD) is known to cause various human diseases including respiratory infection. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of ASD on inflammatory response in human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs) in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 assay. The mRNA levels of various genes including COX-2, TNF-a, MUC 5AC, MUC 5B, TP53, BAX, BCL-2, NOX4, and SOD1 were analyzed using semiquantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction. COX-2 protein levels were determined by western blot analysis. Sprague Dawley rats were used for in vivo investigations of inflammatory reactions in the middle ear epithelium as a result of ASD injection. RESULTS: We observed dose-dependent decrease in HMEEC viability. ASD exposure significantly increased COX-2, TNF-a, MUC5AC, and MUC5B mRNA expression. Also, ASD affected the mRNA levels of apoptosis- and oxidative stress-related genes. Western blot analysis revealed a dose-dependent increase in COX-2 production. Animal studies also demonstrated an ASD-induced inflammatory response in the middle ear epithelium. CONCLUSION: Environmental ASD exposure can result in the development of otitis media.

Effects of individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status on the risk of all-cause mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A nationwide population-based cohort study, 2002-2013.

BACKGROUND: Numerous previous studies have shown that individual socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but few empirical studies have evaluated the effects of individual SES and neighborhood deprivation on mortality in COPD patients. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study to examine the effect of socioeconomic disparity on all-cause mortality in newly diagnosed COPD patients in a setting with universal health care coverage. We used representative population-based nationwide cohort data from the Korean National Health Insurance claims database (2002-2013). We included patients who were at least 40 years old and newly diagnosed with COPD (N = 9275). To analyze the data, we utilized a frailty model and Cox's proportional hazard regression. RESULTS: A total of 1849 (19.9%) of the 9275 eligible participants died during the study period. Compared to high-income patients from advantaged neighborhoods, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for middle-income COPD patients who lived in advantaged and disadvantaged neighborhoods was 1.22 (95% CI, 1.03-1.43) and 1.36 (95% CI, 1.15-1.60), respectively. For low-income patients, the adjusted HR for patients who lived in disadvantaged neighborhoods was higher than for patients who lived in advantaged neighborhoods (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.17-1.74 vs. HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.11-1.66). There was no difference in the adjusted HRs for high-income patients who lived in advantaged and disadvantaged neighborhoods (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.84-1.22). CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic disparity contributes to all-cause mortality in COPD patients and neighborhood deprivation exacerbates the effect of individual SES on all-cause mortality in COPD patients.