Predictors of pain severity among community-dwelling older adults with pain in the United States: Findings from a cross-sectional,retrospective study using 2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey

The purpose of this study was to determine predictors of pain severity among older United States (US) adults with pain.This cross-sectional, retrospective study utilized 2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data. Eligible participants were alive for the calendar year, aged ≥50 years, and reported pain in the past 4 weeks. Hierarchical logistic regression models, adjusting for the survey design, were used to identify significant predictors of pain severity (i.e., extreme/quite a bit or moderate/little pain).An estimated 14,250,534 adults aged ≥50 with pain reported extreme/quite a bit of pain. Many variables were associated with extreme/quite a bit of pain, including: age 50 to 64 vs ≥65 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.49, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.22–1.82); males vs females (AOR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.67–0.95); white race vs others (AOR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.61–0.92); married vs other marital status (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.08–1.57); income <200% vs ≥200% federal poverty level (AOR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.06–1.60); employed vs unemployed (AOR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.37–0.60); limitation vs no limitation (AOR = 2.64, 95% CI = 2.09–3.33); 0, 1, 3, or 4 vs ≥5 chronic conditions (AOR ranged from 0.39 for 0 conditions to 0.77 for 4 conditions); excellent/very good or good vs fair/poor perceived physical health status (AOR ranged from 0.28 for excellent/very good to 0.40 for good); smokers vs non-smokers (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.27–1.93); exercise versus no exercise (AOR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.62–0.88); and South vs West census region (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.04–1.74).This study found several characteristics could predict pain severity among older US adults who reported extreme/quite a bit of pain. These characteristics may guide specific areas of focus to improve patients’ pain management.     

Factors associated with glycemic control among South African adult residents of Mkhondo municipality living with diabetes mellitus

This study examines the rate and the influencing factors of glycemic control among adult residents living with DM in Mkhondo Municipality of South Africa.In this cross-sectional study, 157 individuals attending care for DM were recruited. Glycemic control status was categorized as poor if glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) > 7% and very poor if HbA1c ≥ 9%. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify the significant determinants of poor and very poor glycemic control.The majority of the study participants were females (84.71%) and above 45 years old (88.55%). The overall prevalence of poor glycemic control was 77.71% (n = 122), while very poor glycemic control occurred in 50.6% (n = 80) of the study cohort. In the multivariate logistic regression model analysis, African traditional [AOR = 0.15; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.04–0.57], fast food consumption (AOR = 5.89; 95% CI 2.09–16.81), elevated total cholesterol (TC) [odds ratio (OR) = 2.33; 95% CI 1.50–5.17], elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (AOR = 5.28; 95% CI 1.89–14.69), and triglyceride (TG) (AOR = 4.39; 95% CI 1.48–13.00) were the independent and significant determinants of poor glycemic control. Age (AOR = 0.46; 95% CI 0.23–0.92) was the only independent and significant determinant of very poor glycemic control.We found a high rate of poor glycemic control (77.71%) possibly attributed to religious affiliation, fast food consumption, and dyslipidemia. On the contrary, about half of the study sample had very poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥9%), which was predominant among younger cohort with diabetes mellitus. Interventions aimed at improving glycemic control in this population must also target religious practice, dietary patterns and dyslipidemia as well as tailored-approach for young people.     

Combined therapy of hypertensive nephropathy with ginkgo leaf extract and dipyridamole injection and antihypertensive drugs: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:In recent years, the incidence rate of hypertensive nephropathy has been increasing quickly, which has been a major threat to people''s health. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers have certain curative effects. However, there are some patients having serious adverse reactions, and the benefit population is limited, so the treatment of hypertensive renal damage is necessary to have beneficial supplement. More and more clinical studies have shown that ginkgo leaf extract and dipyridamole injection (GDI) combined with antihypertensive drugs has achieved good results in the treatment of hypertensive renal damage. It is supposed to be a supplementary treatment in hypertensive nephropathy.Objectives:To systematically assess the efficacy and safety of GDI combined with antihypertensive drugs on hypertensive renal injury.Methods:Seven databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Wanfang database, China biomedical literature service system (Sino Med), VIP Chinese Sci-tech journal database (VIP), and China national knowledge internet (CNKI) were retrieved to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the experimental group containing combined therapy of hypertensive nephropathy with GDI and antihypertensive drugs. The retrieval time was from the establishment of database to July 8, 2020. Two researchers independently selected literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias in the study. The methodological quality was evaluated with Cochrane handbook and meta-analysis was performed with Stata 14.0 software.Results:Eight studies were included in this study which involved 556 patients. The meta-analyses indicated that, compared with using antihypertensive drugs alone, combined treatment of GDI with antihypertensive drugs can decrease 24-hour urinary total protein (weighted mean difference [WMD] –0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.82, –0.39; k = 6, P ≤ .001), blood urea nitrogen (WMD –1.27, 95% CI: –2.45, –0.10; k = 6, P = .033, serum creatinine (WMD –29.50, 95% CI: –56.44, –2.56; number of estimates [k] = 6, P = .032).Conclusions:Our meta-analyses showed that GDI combined with antihypertensive drugs can improve the renal function of hypertensive patients with renal injury.     

Determinants of Bowel Preparation Quality and Its Association With Adenoma Detection: A Prospective Colonoscopy Study

The predictors of poor bowel preparation in colorectal cancer screening participants have not been adequately studied, and the association between the quality of bowel preparation and adenoma detection has not been firmly established. This study examined the determinants of poor bowel preparation, and evaluated its relationship with adenoma detection.We included subjects aged between 50 and 70 years who received colonoscopy between 2008 and 2014 in a colorectal cancer screening program in Hong Kong. The quality of the bowel preparation was assessed by colonoscopists, and the factors associated with poor bowel cleansing were evaluated by a binary logistic regression analysis. A multivariate regression model was constructed to evaluate if poor bowel preparation was associated with detection of colorectal neoplasia.From 5470 screening participants (average age 57.7 years, SD 4.9), 1891 (34.6%) had poor or fair bowel preparation. The average cecal intubation time was 7.0 minutes (SD 5.4; range 1.22–36.9 minutes) and the average colonoscopy withdrawal time was 10.8 minutes (SD 6.9; range 6.0–107.0 minutes). Among all, 26.5% had colorectal neoplasia and 5.5% had advanced neoplasia. Older age (≥60 years; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.19–1.38, P = 0.02–0.04), male sex (AOR = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19–1.60, P < 0.001), and current smoking (AOR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.14–1.75, P = 0.002) were significantly associated with poor/fair bowel preparation. Poorer cleansing resulted in significantly lower detection rate of neoplasia (AOR = 0.35–0.62) and advanced neoplasia (AOR = 0.36–0.50) irrespective of polyp size.Steps to improve proper procedures of bowel preparation are warranted, especially among subjects at risk of poor bowel preparation. Strategies should be implemented to improve bowel cleansing, which is now demonstrated as a definite quality indicator.     

Fixed-Dose Combinations of Renin–Angiotensin System Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers in the Treatment of Hypertension: A Comparison of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of different regimens are recommended in guidelines for the treatment of hypertension. However, clinical studies comparing FDCs of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)/calcium channel blocker (CCB) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor)/CCB in hypertensive patients are lacking.Using a propensity score matching of 4:1 ratio, this retrospective claims database study compared 2 FDC regimens, ARB/CCB and ACE inhibitor/CCB, in treating hypertensive patients with no known atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. All patients were followed for at least 3 years or until the development of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) during the study period. In addition, the effect of medication adherence on clinical outcomes was evaluated in subgroup analysis based on different portions of days covered.There was no significant difference in MACE-free survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98–1.50; P = 0.08) and survival free from hospitalization for heart failure (HR: 1.15; 95% CI: 082–1.61; P = 0.431), new diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (HR: 0.98; 95% CI: 071–1.36; P = 0.906), and initiation of dialysis (HR: 0.99; 95% CI: 050–1.92; P = 0.965) between the 2 study groups. The results remained the same within each subgroup of patients with different adherence statuses.ARBs in FDC regimens with CCBs in the present study were shown to be as effective as ACE inhibitors at reducing the risks of MACEs, hospitalization for heart failure, new diagnosis of chronic kidney disease, and new initiation of dialysis in hypertensive patients, regardless of the medication adherence status.     

Impact of blood pressure on the outcomes of inpatients with Subarachnoid hemorrhage: A retrospective cross-sectional study

It is unclear whether antihypertensive treatment should be indicated after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Hence, we investigated the impact of blood pressure on inpatient outcomes after SAH rehabilitation.This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed data of SAH inpatients, as obtained from the Japan Association of Rehabilitation Database for inpatients undergoing SAH rehabilitation. Inpatients admitted to a conventional ward with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease were voluntarily registered in this database between January 2006 and December 2013 from hospitals in Japan. Patients were categorized into hypertensive and non-hypertensive populations and assessed using the Barthel Index (BI) and the total BI score at hospital discharge. We compared the independent population (patients with the highest score for each activity) with its non-independent counterpart. Data on the patients’ age, BI score on admission, total BI score, BI score increase, daily BI score increase, hospitalization duration, BI activities, patients’ sex, and Brunnstrom recovery stage were compared.Eighty-eight patients with SAH were analyzed; 43 were hypertensive and 45 non-hypertensive. Hypertension was associated with increased non-independence levels (hypertensive versus non-hypertensive patients, transfers [bed to chair and back]: 15 versus 24, P = .03, odds ratio (OR) = 2.532 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.065–6.024); toilet use: 15 versus 24, P = .03, OR = 2.532 (95% CI, 1.065–6.024); bathing: 23 versus 34, P = .0061, OR = 3.623 (95% CI, 1.414–9.259); stair climbing: 22 versus 31, P = .03, OR = 2.703 (95% CI, 1.114–6.579); and bladder control: 14 versus 24, P = .02, OR = 2.801 (95% CI, 1.170–6.711)). The total BI score of the hypertensive inpatients at discharge was lower than that of their non-hypertensive counterparts (0–75 versus 80–100, 30 versus 19, P = .03). Moreover, the BI score increase per day was significantly lower in the hypertensive group than in the non-hypertensive group (.67 versus 1.8, P = .02). The hypertensive group also had a significantly longer duration of hospitalization than the hypertensive group (52 versus 30 days, P = .02).Hypertension was associated with longer hospitalization and poorer outcomes post-discharge, suggesting the importance of strict blood pressure control in patients who have experienced SAH.     

Physical Activity,Study Sitting Time,Leisure Sitting Time,and Sleep Time Are Differently Associated With Obesity in Korean Adolescents: A Population-Based Study

Low physical activity, long leisure sitting time, and short sleep time are risk factors for obesity, but the association with study sitting time is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between these factors and obesity.We analyzed the association between physical activity, study sitting time, leisure sitting time, and sleep time and subject weight (underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obese), using data from a large population-based survey, the 2013 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. Data from 53,769 participants were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression analyses with complex sampling. Age, sex, region of residence, economic level, smoking, stress level, physical activity, sitting time for study, sitting time for leisure, and sleep time were adjusted as the confounders.Low physical activity (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] = 1.03, 1.12) and long leisure sitting time (AORs = 1.15, 1.32) were positively associated with overweight and obese. Low physical activity (AOR = 1.33) and long leisure sitting time (AOR = 1.12) were also associated with underweight. Study sitting time was negatively associated with underweight (AOR = 0.86) but was unrelated to overweight (AOR = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.91–1.03) and obese (AOR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.84–1.04). Sleep time (<6 hours; ≥6 hours, <7 hours; ≥7 hours, <8 hours) was adversely associated with underweight (AORs = 0.67, 0.79, and 0.88) but positively associated with overweight (AORs = 1.19, 1.17, and 1.08) and obese (AORs = 1.33, 1.36, and 1.30) in a dose–response relationship.In adolescents, increasing physical activity, decreasing leisure sitting time, and obtaining sufficient sleep would be beneficial in maintaining a healthy weight. However, study sitting time was not associated with overweight or obese.     

Factors Affecting Compliance With Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Households Residing in the Largely Haitian Community of Little Haiti,Miami-Dade County,Florida: An Observational Study

The United States Black population is disproportionately affected by colorectal cancer (CRC) in terms of incidence and mortality. Studies suggest that screening rates are lower among Blacks compared with non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs). However, studies on CRC screening within Black subgroups are lacking. This study examined disparities in blood stool test (BST) compliance and colonoscopy use by race/ethnicity (Haitian, NHW, non-Hispanic Black [NHB], and Hispanic) among randomly selected households in Little Haiti, Miami-Dade County, Florida.This study used cross-sectional, health and wellness data from a random-sample, population-based survey conducted within 951 households in Little Haiti between November 2011 and December 2012. BST compliance and colonoscopy use were self-reported and defined, conservatively, as the use of BST within the past 2 years and the ever use of colonoscopy by any household member. Factors associated with BST compliance and colonoscopy use were identified using logistic regression models. Analyses were restricted to households containing at least 1 member ≥50 years (n = 666).Nearly half of the households were compliant with BST (rate [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 45% [41%–49%]) and completed colonoscopy (rate [95% CI] = 53% [49%–58%]). Compliance with BST was not associated with race/ethnicity (P = 0.76). Factors independently associated with BST compliance included low educational attainment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.63, P = 0.03), being single (AOR = 0.47, P = 0.004), retirement (AOR = 1.96, P = 0.01), and the presence of diagnosed health problems (AOR = 1.24, P = 0.01). Colonoscopy use was lower among Haitian households (46%) compared with NHW (63%), NHB (62%), and Hispanic households (54%) (P = 0.002). Factors independently associated with colonoscopy use included identifying as NHB (compared with Haitian) (AOR = 1.80, P = 0.05), being single (AOR = 0.44, P = 0.001), retirement (AOR = 1.86, P = 0.02), lack of continuous insurance (AOR = 0.45, P < 0.001), and the presence of diagnosed health problems (AOR = 1.44, P < 0.001) and physical limitations/disabilities (AOR = 1.88, P = 0.05).Compliance with BST and use of colonoscopy are low within households in the Little Haiti community. Significant disparities in the use of colonoscopy exist between Haitian and NHB households. Barriers and facilitators of colonoscopy within each racial/ethnic group need to be identified as the next step to developing culturally appropriate, community-based interventions aimed at increasing colonoscopy use in this large minority population.     

Pulmonary Toxicities of Gefitinib in Patients With Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Gefitinib is a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) used to treat adults with EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Clinical benefits of gefitinib administration in NSCLC patients have been observed in clinical practice, but the extent of the pulmonary toxicity of gefitinib in patients with advanced NSCLC remains unclear.The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the overall incidence and risk of gefitinib-related pulmonary toxicity in advanced NSCLC patients.Relevant trials were identified from the databases of Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and the clinicaltrials.gov of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The outcomes included the overall incidence, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Fixed-effects models were used in the statistical analyses according to the heterogeneity of the included studies.According to the data from the included trials, the overall incidence of high-grade hemoptysis, pneumonia, pneumonitis, and interstitial lung disease (ILD) was 0.49% (95% CI: 0.24%–0.99%), 2.33% (95% CI: 1.47%–3.66%), 2.24% (95% CI: 1.34%–3.72%), and 1.43% (95% CI: 0.98%–2.09%), respectively. The pooled ORs of high-grade hemoptysis, pneumonia, pneumonitis, and ILD were 1.73 (95% CI: 0.46–6.52; P = 0.42), 0.99 (95% CI: 0.66–1.49; P = 0.95), 4.70 (95% CI: 1.48–14.95; P = 0.0087), and 2.64 (95% CI: 1.22–5.69; P = 0.01), respectively.Gefitinib was associated with a significantly increased risk of high-grade/fatal ILD and pneumonitis compared with the controls, whereas the risk of other high-grade pulmonary events (pneumonia and hemoptysis) was not significant. Careful surveillance of gefitinib-related pulmonary toxicity is critical for the safe use of this drug.     

Cross-sectional study of the association of 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms with enalapril treatment response among South African adults with hypertension

This study investigates the association of 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in selected genes (ABO, VEGFA, BDKRB2, NOS3, and ADRB2) with blood pressure (BP) response to enalapril. The study further assessed genetic interactions that exist within these genes and their implications in enalapril treatment response among South African adults with hypertension.A total of 284 participants belonging to the Nguni tribe of South Africa on continuous treatment for hypertension were recruited. Five SNPs in enalapril pharmacogenes were selected and genotyped using MassArray. Uncontrolled hypertension was defined as BP ≥140/90 mm Hg. The association between genotypes, alleles, and BP response to treatment was determined by fitting multivariate logistic regression model analysis, and genetic interactions between SNPs were assessed by multifactor dimensionality reduction.Majority of the study participants were female (75.00%), Xhosa (78.87%), and had uncontrolled hypertension (69.37%). All 5 SNPs were exclusively detected among Swati and Zulu participants. In the multivariate (adjusted) logistic model analysis, ADRB2 rs1042714 GC (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–5.23; P = .044) and BDKRB2 rs1799722 CT (AOR = 2.74; 95% CI 1.19–6.28; P = .017) were independently associated with controlled hypertension in response to enalapril. While the C allele of VEGFA rs699947 (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI 0.15–0.94; P = .037) was significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension. A significant interaction between rs699947, rs495828, and rs2070744 (cross-validation consistency = 10/10; P = .0005) in response to enalapril was observed.We confirmed the association of rs1042714 (ADRB2) and rs1799722 (BDKRB2) with controlled hypertension and established an interaction between rs699947 (VEGFA), rs495828 (ABO), and rs2070744 (NOS3) with BP response to enalapril. Our findings have provided substantial evidence for the use of SNPs as predictors for enalapril response among South Africans adults with hypertension.     

The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the hospital-acquired influenza infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:The hospital-acquired influenza (HAI) were usually contributed to severe outcomes among the inpatients. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to summarize and quantify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of HAI.Methods:We performed a literature search thorough PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases for observational studies. Random/fix-effects models were used to obtain pooled proportion, odds ratio (OR), and weighted mean difference (WMD).Results:A total of 14 studies involving 1483 HAI and 71849 non-hospital-acquired influenza infections (NHAI) cases were included.The proportion of the HAI among the influenza cases was 11.38% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.19%–19.55%) and it was increased after 2012 (6.15% vs 12.72%). The HAI cases were significantly older (WMD = 9.51, 95% CI: 0.04–18.98) and the patients with chronic medical diseases were at increased risk of HAI (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.57–2.19). Among them, metabolic disorders (OR = 8.10, 95% CI: 2.46–26.64) ranked the highest danger, followed by malignancy (OR = 3.18, 95% CI: 2.12–4.76), any chronic diseases (OR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.08–9.31), immunosuppression (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.25–3.64), renal diseases (OR = 1.72, 95% CI:1.40–2.10), heart diseases (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.03–1.44), and diabetes (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03–1.44). The HAI cases were more likely to experience longer hospital stay (WMD = 10.23, 95% CI: 4.60–15.85) and longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay (WMD = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.50–4.48). In the outcomes within 30 days, those population was still more likely to receive hospitalization (OR = 6.55, 95% CI: 5.19–8.27), death in hospital (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.65–2.40) but less likely to discharged (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.16–0.24).Conclusion:The proportion of the HAI among the influenza cases was relatively high. Reinforcement of the surveillance systems and vaccination of the high-risk patients and their contacts are necessary for the HAI control.     

A comparative study of propofol alone and propofol combined with midazolam for dental treatments in special needs patients

Although dental treatment with sedation is performed increasingly in special needs patients, data on adding midazolam to intravenous propofol sedation are very limited for this group. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors and procedure time associated with the use of intravenous sedation with propofol alone or propofol combined with midazolam in dental patients with special needs.This was a retrospective data analysis. The sedation medications and relevant covariates, including demographic parameters, disability levels, oral health conditions, dental procedures, treatment time, and side effects, of 718 patients with special needs were collected between April 2013 and September 2014. The unfavorable side effects by sedation types were reported. Factors associated with procedure time and the sedation medications were assessed with multiple logistic regression analyses.Of 718 patients, 8 patients experienced unfavorable side effects (vomiting, sleepiness, or emotional disturbance) after the dental procedures; the rate was 0.6% in the 509 patients who received propofol only. In 209 patients who received propofol and midazolam, 2.4% experienced the side effects. Sedation time was associated with body mass index (BMI) < 25 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–2.04) and the performance of multiple dental procedures (aOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.06–1.97) but not associated with the sedation types. A significant odds ratio for the combined use of propofol and midazolam was shown for adolescents (aOR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.28–3.86), men (aOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.41–2.98), patients with cognitive impairment (aOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.21–3.29), and patients undergoing scaling procedures (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.13–2.39).With the acceptable side effects of the use of propofol alone and propofol combined with midazolam, multiple dental procedures increase the sedation time and the factors associated with the combined use of propofol and midazolam are younger age, male sex, recognition problems, and the type dental procedure in the dental treatment of patients with special needs.     

Antidepressant adherence and its predictors in immigrants with depression: A population-based study

Immigrants in Korea are relatively vulnerable in terms of medication self-management and have low levels of medication adherence. We aimed to evaluate antidepressant adherence and its patterns in immigrants and to identify predictors of nonadherence.In this matched cohort study using the National Health Insurance claims database, immigrants who were newly prescribed antidepressants were identified (n = 2,398). The immigrants were matched with native-born Koreans in a 1:1 ratio. Antidepressant adherence was measured by the medication possession ratio at monthly intervals. Logistic regression was performed to compare antidepressant nonadherence between immigrants and native-born Koreans, and to identify factors affecting immigrants’ nonadherence.The average medication possession ratio of immigrants was 27.1%, which was lower than that of native-born Koreans (30.9%) (P = .038). Immigrants had a lower likelihood of adherence than native-born Koreans (odds ratio [OR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3–0.92). Older age, visiting a psychiatrist for the first diagnosis of depression (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.60–3.13), achieving appropriateness of care (OR 3.54, 95% CI 2.51–4.98), and having a usual source of care (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.25–2.27) were associated with a higher likelihood of adherence in immigrants.This study showed that antidepressant adherence of immigrants was lower than that of native-born Koreans. However, it appears that visiting a psychiatrist, achieving appropriateness of care, and having a usual source of care might increase antidepressant adherence among immigrants. Further research that focuses on cultural and/or linguistic factors affecting immigrants’ adherence and healthcare utilization is suggested as a way to increase adherence.     

Beliefs about medication and their association with adherence in Chinese patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease stages 3–5

There is a scarcity of research into the impact of medication beliefs on adherence in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study is to determine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ)-Specific among patients with non-dialysis CKD stages 3–5, and to assess the beliefs of CKD patients and their association with medication adherence.A cross-sectional study was conducted in CKD patients who recruited at the nephrology clinics of Xi’an Central Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China. The original BMQ-Specific was translated into Chinese. The internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the Chinese version of the BMQ-Specific scale were assessed, while exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were also applied to determine its reliability and validity. The Kruskal–Wallis test and multiple ordered logistic regression were performed to identify the relationship between beliefs about and adherence to medication among CKD patients.This study recruited 248 patients. Cronbach''s α values of the BMQ-Specific necessity and concern subscales were 0.826 and 0.820, respectively, with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.784 and 0.732. Factor analysis showed that BMQ-Specific provided a good fit to the two-factor model. The adherence of patients was positively correlated with perceived necessity (r = 0.264, P < .001) and negatively correlated with concern (r = –0.294, P < .001). Medication adherence was significantly higher for the accepting group (high necessity and low concern scores) than for the ambivalent group (high necessity and concern scores; β = –0.880, 95% confidence interval [CI] = –1.475 to –0.285), skeptical group (low necessity and high concern scores; β = –2.620, 95% CI = –4.209 to –1.031) and indifferent group (low necessity and concern scores; β = –0.918, 95% CI = –1.724 to –0.112).The Chinese version of BMQ-Specific exhibited satisfactory reliability and validity for use in patients with non-dialysis CKD stages 3–5 and has been demonstrated to be a reliable screening tool for clinicians to use to predict and identify the non-adherence behaviors of patients.     

Blood Pressure Reduction in the Acute Phase of an Ischemic Stroke Does Not Improve Short- or Long-Term Dependency or Mortality: A Meta-Analysis of Current Literature

The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of current literature to determine whether lowering blood pressure (BP) during the acute phase of an ischemic stroke improves short- and long-term outcomes.PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase were searched until September 5, 2014 using combinations of the search terms: blood pressure reduction, reduced blood pressure, lowering blood pressure, ischemic stroke, acute stroke, and intra-cerebral hemorrhage. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trial and patients with acute stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) treated with an antihypertensive agent or placebo. Outcome measures were change in systolic and diastolic BP (SBP, DBP) after treatment, and short- and long-term dependency and mortality rates.A total of 459 studies were identified, and ultimately 22 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The total number of participants in the treatment groups was 5672 (range, 6–2308), and in the control groups was 5416 (range, 6–2033). In most studies, more than 50% of the participants were males and the mean age was more than 60 years. The mean follow-up time ranged from 5 days to 12 months. As expected, treatment groups had a greater decrease in BP than control groups, and this effect was seen with different classes of antihypertensive drugs. Short-term and long-term dependency rates were similar between treatment and control groups (short-term dependency: pooled odds ratio [OR] = 1.041, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.936–1.159, P = 0.457; long-term dependency: pooled OR = 1.013, 95% CI: 0.915–1.120, P = 0.806). Short-term or long-term mortality was similar between the treatment and control groups (short-term mortality: pooled OR = 1.020, 95% CI: 0.749–1.388, P = .902; long-term mortality: pooled OR = 1.039, 95% CI: 0.883–1.222, P = 0.644).Antihypertensive agents effectively reduce BP during the acute phase of an ischemic stroke, but provide no benefit with respect to short- and long-term dependency and mortality.     

Blood Pressure Reverse-Dipping is Associated With Early Formation of Carotid Plaque in Senior Hypertensive Patients

Nocturnal variations in blood pressure (BP) were associated with carotid intima-media thickness. However, the precise relationship between circadian variations of BP and carotid plaques remains unknown. Therefore, the prognostic value of reverse-dipper pattern of BP for carotid plaque was investigated.In this cross-sectional study, a total of 524 hypertensive patients were recruited and evaluated with ambulatory BP monitoring between April 2012 and June 2013. Carotid plaque was classified into Grade 0 (normal or no observable plaque), Grade 1 (mild stenosis, 1%–24% narrowing), and Grade 2 (moderate stenosis, ≥25% narrowing). Multinomial logistic regression was applied to analyze the relationship between different degrees of carotid plaque and ambulatory BP monitoring results.Reverse-dipper pattern of BP was more common in older patients, smokers, and those with elevated fasting glucose. The incidences of coronary artery disease, lacunar infarction, and diabetes were also higher among hypertensive with reverse-dipper pattern. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that reverse dipper (odds ratio [OR] 2.500; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.320–4.736; P = 0.005), age (OR 1.089; 95% CI 1.067–1.111; P < 0.001), smoke (OR 1.625; 95% CI 1.009–2.617; P = 0.046), and diabetes (OR 1.759; 95% CI 1.093–2.830; P = 0.020) were significantly different between mild carotid plaque and normal. Our results also suggested that mild carotid plaque was closely related to reverse-dipper pattern of BP (2.308; 95% CI 1.223–4.355; P = 0.010).Reverse-dipper pattern of BP may be a risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis and play a crucial role in the early formation of carotid plaque.     

Qigong for Hypertension: A Systematic Review

The purpose of this review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of qigong for hypertension.A systematic literature search was performed in 7 databases from their respective inceptions until April 2014, including the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang database, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure. Randomized controlled trials of qigong as either monotherapy or adjunctive therapy with antihypertensive drugs versus no intervention, exercise, or antihypertensive drugs for hypertension were identified. The risk of bias was assessed using the tool described in Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review of Interventions, version 5.1.0.Twenty trials containing 2349 hypertensive patients were included in the meta-analysis. The risk of bias was generally high. Compared with no intervention, qigong significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) (weighted mean difference [WMD] = −17.40 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval [CI] −21.06 to −13.74, P < 0.00001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD = −10.15 mm Hg, 95% CI −13.99 to −6.30, P < 0.00001). Qigong was inferior to exercise in decreasing SBP (WMD = 6.51 mm Hg, 95% CI 2.81 to 10.21, P = 0.0006), but no significant difference between the effects of qigong and exercise on DBP (WMD = 0.67 mm Hg, 95% CI −1.39 to 2.73, P = 0.52) was identified. Compared with antihypertensive drugs, qigong produced a clinically meaningful but not statistically significant reduction in SBP (WMD = −7.91 mm Hg, 95% CI −16.81 to 1.00, P = 0.08), but appeared to be more effective in lowering DBP (WMD = −6.08 mm Hg, 95% CI −9.58 to −2.58, P = 0.0007). Qigong plus antihypertensive drugs significantly lowered both SBP (WMD = −11.99 mm Hg, 95% CI −15.59 to −8.39, P < 0.00001) and DBP (WMD = −5.28 mm Hg, 95% CI, −8.13 to −2.42, P = 0.0003) compared with antihypertensive drugs alone. No serious adverse events were reported.The meta-analysis suggests that qigong is an effective therapy for hypertension. However, more rigorously designed randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up focusing on hard clinical outcomes are required to confirm the results.     

Efficacy and safety of nitrate supplementation on exercise tolerance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Exercise intolerance was prevalent in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and had a detrimental effect on the quality of life. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nitrate supplementation in exercise tolerance of people with COPD.Methods:We searched medical databases including Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and PubMed from inception to October 2020 for randomized control trials in treating COPD with nitrate supplementation.Results:Nine trials were identified. Compared with placebo, nitrate supplementation has no significant effect on the following variables: exercise endurance time (standard mean difference [SMD]: 0.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.39 to 0.52; P = .79), exercise capacity (SMD: 0.30; 95% CI: –0.21 to 0.80; P = .25), oxygen consumption (SMD: –0.04; 95% CI: –0.33 to 0.25; P = .80), resting systolic blood pressure (MD: –2.84; 95% CI: –8.46 to 2.78; P = .32), systolic blood pressure after exercise (MD: –4.66; 95% CI –15.66 to 6.34; P = .41), resting diastolic blood pressure (MD: 0.89; 95% CI: –4.41 to 6.19; P = .74), diastolic blood pressure after exercise (MD: –0.21; 95% CI: –5.51 to 5.10; P = .94), heart rate (MD: –2.52; 95% CI: –7.76 to 2.73; P = .35), and arterial oxygen saturation (MD: –0.44; 95% CI: –2.38 to 1.49; P = .65). No severe adverse effects from nitrate supplementation were reported in the included trails.Conclusion:Current evidence suggests that nitrate supplementation may be safe but ineffective for improving exercise tolerance in people with COPD.     

Immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with solid tumors and poor performance status: A prospective data from the real-world settings

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are rapidly being incorporated as treatment option either alone or in combination with chemotherapy in most of the solid tumors. Since there is very limited data of ICI in patients with poor performance status (PS) from the real world settings, we performed a retrospective audit of patients who received ICI and report the analysis based on ECOG PS of these patients.This study is a retrospective audit of a prospectively collected database of patients receiving ICIs for advanced solid tumors in any line between August 2015 and November 2018 at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India. All statistical calculations were performed using SPSS statistical software for windows version 20.0.A total of 155 patients who received ICIs during the specified period were evaluated for this study. Baseline ECOG PS 0–1 (n = 103, 66.4%) patients was associated with median OS 9.1 (95% CI [confidence interval], 4.4-NR) months when compared to ECOG 2–4 (n = 52, 33.5%) which had a median OS of 2.9 (95% CI; 1.8–5.5) months (HR, 1.7, 95% CI, 1.1–2.7, log rank P = .017). The disease control rate for the poor PS group was 34.6%. However, 27.3% patients (95% CI: 20.3–34.3) were still alive at 1 year. Median OS in patients with PS 2 was 3.7 months (95% CI: 0–11.6) as compared to 1.8 months (95% CI: 0.2–3.4) for those with PS 3–4 (HR-2.0; 95% CI: 1.0–3.9, P = .041). The tolerance to ICIs was good with no grade 3/4 toxicities in 44 (84.6%) patients.Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a safe and effective therapeutic option even in solid tumor patients with poor performance status.