Identification of Osteosarcopenia by High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography.

Osteosarcopenia is a prevalent geriatric disease with a significantly increased risk of adverse outcomes than osteoporosis or sarcopenia alone. Identification of older adults with osteosarcopenia using High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (HR-pQCT) could allow better clinical decision making. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of HR-pQCT to differentiate osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and osteosarcopenia in older adults, with a primary outcome to derive a model to distinguish older adults with osteosarcopenia from those with low bone mineral density only, and to examine important HR-pQCT parameters associated with osteosarcopenia. This was a cross-sectional study involving 628 community-dwelling Chinese adults aged ≥ 40. Subjects were assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for osteopenia/osteoporosis and sarcopenia using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia definition; then grouped into healthy, osteopenia/osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and osteosarcopenia groups. A series of regression analyses and other statistical tests were performed to derive the model. HR-pQCT showed the ability to discriminate older adults with osteosarcopenia from those with osteopenia/osteoporosis only. Cross-validation of our derived model correctly classified 77.0% of the cases with good diagnostic power and showed a sensitivity of 76.0% and specificity of 77.6% (Youden index = 0.54; AUC = 0.79, p < 0.001). Analysis showed trabecular volumetric bone density and cortical periosteal perimeter were important and sensitive parameters in discriminating osteosarcopenia from osteopenia/osteoporosis subjects. These findings demonstrated that HR-pQCT is a viable and effective screening method for differentiating osteosarcopenia from low bone mineral density alone without the need to carry out multiple assessments for osteosarcopenia, especially for case-finding purposes. This could facilitate the decision of a follow-up and the management of these frail older adults to ensure they receive timely therapeutic interventions to minimise the associated risks.

The impact of solid fuel use on major depression and the buffering effect of outdoor time in the UK adults: A 12-year cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate age- and gender-specific effects of household solid fuels for heating on major depression and buffering effects of outdoor time in a high-income country. METHODS: Data were obtained from the UK Biobank. Participants with complete information on our studied variables and no prior diagnosis of major depression at baseline were included. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the effects of household solid fuels for heating on major depression. Subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the buffering effects of outdoor time in summer and winter. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the main findings. RESULTS: Of 255,505 participants (50.2 % women), the 12-year cumulative incidence of major depression was 4.4 %. Household solid fuels for heating increased the risk of major depression only in women aged <45 years (HR (95%CI) = 1.30 (1.04, 1.63)). In this group, the solid fuel effect was moderated by outdoor time spending both in summer (HR (95%CI), ≤2 h/day: 1.61 (1.13, 2.28); >2 h/day: 1.13 (0.84, 1.52)) and winter (≤1 h/day: 1.35 (1.01, 1.08); >1 h/day: 1.24 (0.86, 1.77)). LIMITATIONS: Self-reported measures might lead to recall bias and some potential confounders, such as ventilation efficiency, were not measured and controlled in data analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Younger women are more vulnerable to the impact of domestic air pollution on major depression. Promoting outdoor activities is a cost-effective and efficient approach to mitigating the risk of major depression caused by household solid fuels.

Effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for Chinese adults with PTSD symptoms: protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Emerging evidence supports mindfulness as a potential psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals with subthreshold PTSD experience significant impairment in their daily life and functioning due to PTSD symptoms, despite not meeting the full diagnostic criteria for PTSD in DSM-5. Mindfulness skills, including non-judgmental acceptance, attentional control and openness to experiences may help alleviate PTSD symptoms by targeting characteristics such as intensified memory processing, dysregulated hyperarousal, avoidance, and thought suppression. This trial aims to test the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) when compared to an active control. METHOD AND ANALYSIS: This 1:1 randomised controlled trial will enroll 160 participants with PTSD symptoms in 2 arms (MBCT vs. Seeking Safety), with both interventions consisting of 8 weekly sessions lasting 2 h each week and led by certified instructors. Assessments will be conducted at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and 3 months post-intervention (T2), with the primary outcome being PTSD symptoms measured by the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) at T1. Secondary outcomes include depression, anxiety, attention, experimental avoidance, rumination, mindfulness, and coping skills. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses will be performed. Mediation analysis will investigate whether attention, experimental avoidance, and rumination mediate the effect of mindfulness on PTSD symptoms. DISCUSSION: The proposed study will assess the effectiveness of MBCT in improving PTSD symptoms. The findings are anticipated to have implications for various areas of healthcare and contribute to the enhancement of existing intervention guidelines for PTSD. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2200061863.

Prevention of age-related neuromuscular junction degeneration in sarcopenia by low-magnitude high-frequency vibration.

Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degeneration is one of pathological factors of sarcopenia. Low-magnitude high-frequency vibration (LMHFV) was reported effective in alleviating the sarcopenia progress. However, no previous study has investigated treatment effects of LMHFV targeting NMJ degeneration in sarcopenia. We first compared morphological differences of NMJ between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic subjects, as well as young and old C57BL/6 mice. We then systematically characterized the age-related degeneration of NMJ in SAMP8 against its control strain, SAMR1 mice, from 3 to 12 months old. We also investigated effects of LMHFV in SAMP8 on the maintenance of NMJ during the onset of sarcopenia with respect to the Agrin-LRP4-MuSK-Dok7 pathway and investigated the mechanism related to ERK1/2 signaling. We observed sarcopenic/old NMJ presented increased acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) cluster fragmentation and discontinuity than non-sarcopenic/young NMJ. In SAMP8, NMJ degeneration (morphologically at 6 months and functionally at 8 months) was observed associated with the sarcopenia onset (10 months). SAMR1 showed improved NMJ morphology and function compared with SAMP8 at 10 months. Skeletal muscle performance was improved at Month 4 post-LMHFV treatment. Vibration group presented improved NMJ function at Months 2 and 6 posttreatment, accompanied with alleviated morphological degeneration at Month 4 posttreatment. LMHFV increased Dok7 expression at Month 4 posttreatment. In vitro, LMHFV could promote AChRs clustering in myotubes by increasing Dok7 expression through suppressing ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In conclusion, NMJ degeneration was observed associated with the sarcopenia onset in SAMP8. LMHFV may attenuate NMJ degeneration and sarcopenia progression by increasing Dok7 expression through suppressing ERK1/2 phosphorylation.

The Effects of Mindfulness for Youth (MYmind) versus Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Improving Attention and Reducing Behavioral Problems among Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Their Parents: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of studies evaluating mindfulness-based interventions for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared with an evidence-based control. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated the effects of mindfulness for youth (MYmind) in improving children's attention, behavior, and parent-related outcomes versus cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). METHODS: A total of 138 families of children with ADHD aged 8-12 years were recruited from the community with 69 randomized to MYmind and 69 to CBT. Participants were assessed at baseline, immediately after intervention, at 3 months and 6 months. The primary outcome was the attention score of the Sky Search subtest of the Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-Ch). Secondary outcomes were child behavior and parent-related assessments. Linear mixed models were used to assess the efficacy of MYmind compared with CBT. RESULTS: Both MYmind and CBT significantly improved children's attention score at 6 months (MYmind: ß = 1.48, p = 0.013, Cohen's d = 0.32; CBT: ß = 1.46, p = 0.008, d = 0.27). There were significant within-group improvements in most secondary outcomes. No significant difference was shown for both primary or secondary outcomes between the two arms at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: Both MYmind and CBT appeared to improve children's attention and behavior outcomes, although no difference was found between these two interventions. This is the largest RCT so far comparing MYmind and CBT although there was loss of follow-up assessments during the pandemic. Further RCTs adopting a non-inferiority design are needed to validate the results.

The Effect of Social Isolation on Sarcopenia: A Longitudinal Study among the Middle-Aged and Older Population in China.

INTRODUCTION: Although social isolation is associated with premature death and somatic and mental diseases, evidence of its long-term effect on sarcopenia is scarce. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal association between social isolation and possible sarcopenia. METHODS: We extracted baseline and 4-year follow-up data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and included participants aged 45 years or above. Social isolation was measured by factors including living alone, marital status, frequency of contact with adult children and friends, and participation in social activity. The change in social isolation from baseline to follow-up was classified into stable, progressive, and regressive groups. Possible sarcopenia was detected using the handgrip strength and five-time chair-stand test. Using mixed-effects logistic regression, we studied the effect of baseline isolation and the change in isolation status on possible sarcopenia at a 4-year follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 5,289 participants aged 45-90 years and without possible sarcopenia at baseline were included. After 4 years, possible sarcopenia was detected in 21.7% (1,146/5,289) of the participants. Compared with the low social isolation group, the middle (OR = 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16-2.04, p = 0.003) and high social isolation groups (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.26-2.18, p < 0.001) were associated with a higher risk of possible sarcopenia. Being not married/cohabiting (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.19-2.10, p = 0.002), lack of contact with children (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.21-2.85, p = 0.004), and lack of social activities (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.04-1.53, p = 0.019) were associated with an increased risk of possible sarcopenia. Compared with the stable social isolation group, the progressive group was associated with a greater risk of possible sarcopenia (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.17-1.95, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Social isolation is associated with an increased risk of possible sarcopenia. Progressive social isolation further elevates the risk. The most vulnerable groups are middle-aged and older people who live alone, are not socially active, and lack contact with their children.

A protocol for a randomized clinical trial assessing the efficacy of hypertonic dextrose injection (prolotherapy) in chronic ankle instability.

BACKGROUND: Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is a common injury. Conservative care is not uniformly effective. Chronic ankle instability (CAI) results in up to 70% of patients with LAS in the physically active population. LAS, together with subsequent osteochondral lesions and pain in many patients, leads to the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis, resulting in a substantial direct and indirect personal and societal health burden. Dextrose prolotherapy (DPT) is an injection-based therapy for many chronic musculoskeletal conditions but has not been tested for CAI. This protocol describes a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of DPT versus normal saline (NS) injections for chronic ankle instability (CAI). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A single-center, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial will be conducted at a university-based primary care clinic in Hong Kong. A total of 114 patients with CAI will be randomly allocated (1:1) to DPT and NS groups. The primary outcome will be the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool scores at 1 year. The secondary outcomes will be the number of re-sprains in 1 year, the Star Excursion Balance Test, the 5-level of EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure. All outcomes will be evaluated at baseline and at 16, 26, and 52 weeks using a linear mixed model. DISCUSSION: We hypothesized the DPT is a safe, easily accessible, and effective treatment for patients with CAI. This RCT study will inform whether DPT could be a primary non-surgical treatment for CAI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000040213 . Registered on 25 November 2020.

Which interventions may improve bracing compliance in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This review aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of interventions in improving bracing compliance among adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. Eight databases were searched from their inception to April 2022. The eligibility criteria included controlled studies that used any type of intervention to enhance bracing compliance in braced AIS patients. Two researchers independently screened articles and extracted data based on the PICO (participant, intervention, comparator, and outcome) framework. Quality appraisal of included studies was performed using GRADE (overall assessment), and the risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane RoB Tool 2 for randomized controlled trials (RCT) and ROBINS-I for non-RCT studies. The primary outcome was bracing compliance and secondary outcomes included Cobb Angle and measurements for quality of life. Six eligible studies involving 523 participants were included. All studies were evaluated as low or very low quality with a high risk of bias. Four types of interventions were identified, including sensor monitoring (n = 2, RCTs), auto-adjusted brace (n = 1, RCT), more intensive or collaborated medical care (n = 2), and psychosocial intervention (n = 1). A meta-analysis of 215 patients from the three RCTs suggested that the compliance-enhancing intervention group had 2.92 more bracing hours per day than the usual care control (95%CI [1.12, 4.72], P = 0.001). In subgroup analysis, sensor monitoring significantly improved bracing wearing quantity compared to usual care (3.47 hours/day, 95%CI [1.48, 5.47], P = 0.001), while other aforementioned interventions did not show a significant superiority. Compliance-enhancing interventions may be favorable in preventing curve progression and promoting quality of life, but the improvements cannot be clarified according to limited evidence. In conclusion, although the results of this study suggested that sensor monitoring may be the most promising approach, limited high-quality evidence precludes reliable conclusions. Future well-designed RCTs are required to confirm the actual benefit of compliance-improving interventions in clinical practice.

Comparing effect of definition of diurnal periods by diary, fixed periods, and actigraphy on ambulatory blood pressure parameters in a Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Reliable measurement of daytime and night-time blood pressure (BP), and degree of BP dipping during sleep during ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) requires an accurate definition of sleep time (diurnal definition). However, superiority of any diurnal definition on ABPM remains unclear. The present study compared mean daytime and night-time SBP and DBP using different methods for diurnal definition: patient's diary, wide-defined and narrow-defined fixed periods, and actigraphy, in a Chinese population with diagnosed essential hypertension. We hypothesize that BP values from actigraphy are different from BP obtained by other methods and associated with end-organ damage (i.e. impaired renal function, proteinuria, left ventricular hypertrophy). METHODS: From April 2017 to October 2019, 203 Chinese patients diagnosed with hypertension were recruited prospectively from Lek Yuen Clinic and 179 completed a 48-h ABPM study, wearing a validated actigraph and completed a sleep diary. Presence of end-organ damage was retrieved from the computerized clinical management system. The differences in the mean BP values provided by different diurnal definition were compared using paired t tests and Bland-Altman plots. The prevalence of elevated BP, dipping status categories, overall percentage agreement and the Kappa statistic were calculated by pairwise comparisons between different diurnal definitions. The reproducibility was also estimated and logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between BP values from different diurnal definitions and end-organ damage. RESULTS: Mean daytime and night-time BP values were similar regardless of the definition used (mean difference <2 mmHg). Kappa statistics and overall percentage agreement found excellent agreement between different definitions to diagnose elevated daytime BP (Kappa ranged from 0.80 to 0.91) and night-time BP (Kappa ranged from 0.74 to 0.89). Good agreement to diagnose nondipping was also detected (Kappa ranged from 0.65 to 0.78). Furthermore, ABPM values were most reproducible when diurnal periods were defined by patient's diary (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.82-0.93). Daytime and night-time BP values obtained using different diurnal definitions did not differ in their association to end-organ damage. CONCLUSION: Differing definitions of diurnal periods provide similar mean BP values among a Chinese hypertensive population and have good agreement for diagnosis of elevated BP and dipping status. In individual patients, clinicians should be aware that different definitions of diurnal periods can lead to a 3-5 mmHg difference in patient's BP values and may affect the diagnosis of elevated BP in patients with BP close to diagnostic thresholds. The current study supports using the patient's diary to define diurnal periods, which provided the best reproducibility.

Handgrip strength but not SARC-F score predicts cognitive impairment in older adults with multimorbidity in primary care: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Assessing motor function is a simple way to track cognitive impairment. We analysed the associations between cognitive and motor function and assessed the predictive value of two motor function measuring tools for cognitive impairment in older adults with multimorbidity in primary care settings. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study with a 1 year follow-up. Patients aged ≥60 years with ≥2 morbidities were recruited from four primary care clinics. Motor function was assessed using handgrip strength and a sarcopenia screening scale (SARC-F). Cognitive function was measured using the Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK-MoCA). We defined cognitive impairment as an HK-MoCA score < 22. The associations between cognitive and motor functions were examined from a bidirectional perspective. RESULTS: We included 477 participants (mean age 69.4, 68.6% female) with a mean (SD) HK-MoCA score of 25.5 (3.38), SARC-F score of 1.1 (1.36), and handgrip strength of 21.2 (6.99) kg at baseline. Multivariable linear regression models showed bidirectional cross-sectional associations of the HK-MoCA score and cognitive impairment with SARC-F score and handgrip strength at baseline and 1 year. Cox regression revealed a longitudinal association between baseline handgrip strength and cognitive impairment at 1 year (hazard ratio: 0.48, 95% CI 0.33-0.69) but no longitudinal association between SARC-F and cognitive impairment. Variation in the SARC-F score increased with decreasing HK-MoCA score (Brown-Forsythe test F statistic = 17.9, p < 0.001), while variability in the handgrip strength remained small (modified signed-likelihood ratio test, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Primary healthcare providers may use handgrip strength to track cognitive function decline in older adults with multimorbidity. However, the SARC-F scale may not have the same predictive value. Further research is needed to evaluate the performance and variability of the SARC-F score in individuals with poor cognitive function.

Integrated Care for Multimorbidity Population in Asian Countries: A Scoping Review.

Background: The complex needs of patients with multiple chronic diseases call for integrated care (IC). This scoping review examines several published Asian IC programmes and their relevant components and elements in managing multimorbidity patients. Method: A scoping review was conducted by searching electronic databases encompassing Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. Three key concepts - 1) integrated care, 2) multimorbidity, and 3) Asian countries - were used to define searching strategies. Studies were included if an IC programme in Asia for multimorbidity was described or evaluated. Data extraction for IC components and elements was carried out by adopting the SELFIE framework. Results: This review yielded 1,112 articles, of which 156 remained after the title and abstract screening and 27 studies after the full-text screening - with 23 IC programmes identified from seven Asian countries. The top 5 mentioned IC components were service delivery (n = 23), workforce (n = 23), leadership and governance (n = 23), monitoring (n = 15), and environment (n = 14); whist financing (n = 9) was least mentioned. Compared to EU/US countries, technology and medical products (Asia: 40%, EU/US: 43%-100%) and multidisciplinary teams (Asia: 26%, EU/US: 50%-81%) were reported less in Asia. Most programmes involved more micro-level elements that coordinate services at the individual level (n = 20) than meso- and macro-level elements, and programmes generally incorporated horizontal and vertical integration (n = 14). Conclusion: In the IC programmes for patients with multimorbidity in Asia, service delivery, leadership, and workforce were most frequently mentioned, while the financing component was least mentioned. There appears to be considerable scope for development. Highlights: First scoping review to synthesise the key components and elements of integrated care programmes for multimorbidity in Asia.All programmes emphasized 'distinctive service delivery', 'leadership', and 'workforce' components.'Financing' component was least mentioned in identified integrated care programmes.

The Association of Choroidal Thickening by Atropine With Treatment Effects for Myopia: Two-Year Clinical Trial of the Low-concentration Atropine for Myopia Progression (LAMP) Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate longitudinal changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFChT) among children receiving atropine 0.05%, 0.025%, or 0.01% over 2 years and their associations with treatment outcomes in myopia control. DESIGN: Double-blinded randomized controlled trial. METHODS: SFChT was measured at 4-month intervals using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE), axial length (AL), best-corrected visual acuity, parental SE, outdoor time, near work diopter hours, and treatment compliance were also measured. RESULTS: 314 children were included with qualified choroidal data. The 2-year changes in SFChT from baseline were 21.15 ± 32.99 µm, 3.34 ± 25.30 µm, and -0.30 ± 27.15 µm for the atropine 0.05%, 0.025%, and 0.01% groups, respectively (P < .001). A concentration-dependent response was observed, with thicker choroids at higher atropine concentrations (ß = 0.89, P < .001). Mean SFChT thickness significantly increased at 4 months in the atropine 0.025% (P = .001) and 0.05% groups (P < .001) and then remained stable until the end of the second year (P > .05 for all groups). Over 2 years, an increase in SFChT was associated with slower SE progression (ß = 0.074, P < .001) and reduced AL elongation (ß = -0.045, P < .001). In the mediation analysis, 18.45% of the effect on SE progression from atropine 0.05% was mediated via its choroidal thickening. CONCLUSIONS: Low concentration atropine induced a choroidal thickening effect along a concentration-dependent response throughout the treatment period. The choroidal thickening was associated with a slower SE progression and AL elongation among all the treatment groups. Choroidal response can be used for assessment of long-term treatment outcomes and as a guide for concentration titrations of atropine.

Delayed Diagnosis of Amblyopia in Children of Lower Socioeconomic Families: The Hong Kong Children Eye Study.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence of amblyopia and the factors associated with delayed diagnosis among school-aged children in Hong Kong. METHODS: Completed comprehensive ophthalmoscopic examinations were conducted among 4.273 children aged 6-8 years in the population-based Hong Kong Children Eye Study. New and previous diagnoses of amblyopia were identified. Socioeconomic status was surveyed through questionnaires. RESULTS: According to criteria from the Multi-Ethnic Pediatric Eye Disease Study (MEPEDS), amblyopia was present in 43 out of 4,273 children (1.01%; 95% CI, 0.71-1.31). Among them, 33 (0.77%) were newly detected cases that were more likely from families living in Public Rental Housing or subdivided flats (OR, 4.22; P = .012), with lower paternal (OR 6.68, P = .008) and maternal education levels (OR, 4.38; P = .039). Multivariate analysis revealed associations of amblyopia with hyperopia (≥+2.00D; OR, 6.23; 95% CI, 2.86-13.56, P < .001), astigmatism (≥+2.00D; OR, 24.88; 95% CI, 10.69-57.91, P < .001) and anisometropia (≥2.00D; OR, 14.49; 95% CI, 5.93-37.63, P < .001). CONCLUSION: These children with delayed diagnoses of amblyopia were more likely to come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Public education aimed at increasing awareness and utilization of child vision screening among such families is needed.

Loneliness, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder among Chinese adults during COVID-19: A cross-sectional online survey.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the potential factors associated with mental health outcomes among Chinese adults during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic. METHODS: This is an online cross-sectional survey conducted among Chinese adults in February 2020. Outcome measurements included the three-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA-3), two-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), two-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-2), and two items from the Clinician-Administered Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Scale. COVID-19 related factors, physical health, lifestyle, and self-efficacy were also measured. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS: This study included 1456 participants (age: 33.8±10.5 years; female: 59.1%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, loneliness, and PTSD symptoms were 11.3%, 7.6%, 38.7%, and 33.9%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, loneliness was associated with being single, separated/divorced/widowed, low level of education, current location, medication, more somatic symptoms, lower self-efficacy, and going out frequently. Depression was associated with fear of infection, binge drinking, more somatic symptoms, lower self-efficacy, and longer screen time. Anxiety was associated with more somatic symptoms and lower self-efficacy. PTSD symptoms were associated with more somatic symptoms, lower self-efficacy, higher perceived risk of infection, fear of infection, and self-rated more negative influence due to the epidemic (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mental health problems during the COVID-19 epidemic were associated with various biopsychosocial and COVID-19 related factors. Psychological interventions should be aware of these influencing factors and prioritize support for those people at higher risk.

Measuring health-related social deprivation in small areas: development of an index and examination of its association with cancer mortality.

BACKGROUND: The small-area deprivation indices are varied across countries due to different social context and data availability. Due to lack of chronic disease-related social deprivation index (SDI) in Hong Kong, China, this study aimed to develop a new SDI and examine its association with cancer mortality. METHODS: A total of 14 socio-economic variables of 154 large Tertiary Planning Unit groups (LTPUGs) in Hong Kong were obtained from 2016 population by-census. LTPUG-specific all-cause and chronic condition-related mortality and chronic condition inpatient episodes were calculated as health outcomes. Association of socio-economic variables with health outcomes was estimated for variable selection. Candidates for SDI were constructed with selected socio-economic variables and tested for criterion validity using health outcomes. Ecological association between the selected SDI and cancer mortality were examined using zero-inflated negative binomial regression. RESULTS: A chronic disease-related SDI constructed by six area-level socio-economic variables was selected based on its criterion validity with health outcomes in Hong Kong. It was found that social deprivation was associated with higher cancer mortality during 2011-2016 (most deprived areas: incidence relative risk [IRR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27-1.55; second most deprived areas: IRR = 1.34, 95%CI: 1.21-1.48; least deprived areas as reference), and the cancer mortality gap became larger in more recent years. Excess cancer death related to social deprivation was found to have increased through 2011-2016. CONCLUSIONS: Our newly developed SDI is a valid and routinely available measurement of social deprivation in small areas and is useful in resource allocation and policy-making for public health purpose in communities. There is a potential large improvement in cancer mortality by offering relevant policies and interventions to reduce health-related deprivation. Further studies can be done to design strategies to reduce the expanding health inequalities between more and less deprived areas.

Using Ultrasound to Screen for Scoliosis to Reduce Unnecessary Radiographic Radiation: A Prospective Diagnostic Accuracy Study on 442 Schoolchildren.

Scoliosis screening is important for timely initiation of brace treatment to mitigate curve progression in skeletally immature children and adolescents. School scoliosis screening programs in Hong Kong follow the protocol of referring children screened positive with a scoliometer and Moiré topography for confirmatory standard radiography. Despite being highly sensitive (88%) in detecting those who require specialist referral, the screening program was found to have a false-positive rate >50%, which could lead to unnecessary X-ray radiation. Radiation-free ultrasound has been reported to be valid and reliable for quantitative assessment of curve severity in scoliosis patients. The aim of this prospective diagnostic accuracy study was to determine the accuracy of ultrasound in determining the threshold of referral that requires X-ray for children screened positive with the scoliometer and Moiré topography. Our study recruited 442 schoolchildren with a mean Cobb angle of 14.0 ± 6.6°. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound in predicting the correct referral status, confirmed by X-ray, were 92.3% and 51.6%, with positive and negative predictive values of 29.0% and 96.9%, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed area under the curve values of 0.735 for ultrasound alone and 0.832 for ultrasound in combination with measurement of angle of trunk rotation. The finding supports the accuracy of using ultrasound to determine referral status, which could result in a >50% reduction of unnecessary radiation for children undergoing scoliosis screening.

The effect of different measurement modalities in the association of lean mass with mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Lean mass is commonly measured by 3 modalities, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and computerized tomography (CT). CT is considered the most accurate, while lean mass measured by DXA and BIA often consists of non-muscle compartment, and hence considered less accurate when compared with CT. It remains unclear if the association of lean mass with mortality would differ using different measurement modalities. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of lean mass and mortality was conducted. The analysis was stratified by different measurement modalities and health conditions. Pooled hazard ratios were estimated using a random effects model. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 188 studies with 98 468 participants. Reduced lean mass measured by BIA, DXA, and CT, was associated with increased risk of mortality with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.35 (95% CI, 1.21-1.49), 1.18 (95% CI, 1.06-1.30), and 1.44 (95% CI, 1.32-1.57), respectively. Similarly, low lean mass defined by BIA-, DXA-, and CT-measurement was associated with increased risk of mortality, with an HR of 1.81 (95% CI, 1.56-2.10), 1.44 (95% CI, 1.29-1.60), and 1.78 (95% CI, 1.64-1.93). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced and low lean mass were robustly associated with increased mortality in studies using different measurement modalities.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of lean mass and mortality: Rationale and study description.

OBJECTIVES: Muscle mass is one of the key components in defining sarcopenia and is known to be important for locomotion and body homeostasis. Lean mass is commonly used as a surrogate of muscle mass and has been shown to be associated with increased mortality. However, the relationship of lean mass with mortality may be affected by different clinical conditions, modalities used, cut-off point to define low or normal lean mass, and even types of cancer among cancer patients. Thus, we aim to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis of lean mass with mortality by considering all these factors. METHODS: Systematic search was done in PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase for articles related to lean mass and mortality. Lean mass measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and computerized tomography were included. RESULTS: The number of relevant studies has increased continuously since 2002. A total of 188 studies with 98 468 people were included in the meta-analysis. The association of lean mass with mortality was most studied in cancer patients, followed by people with renal diseases, liver diseases, elderly, people with cardiovascular disease, lung diseases, and other diseases. The meta-analysis can be further conducted in subgroups based on measurement modalities, site of measurements, definition of low lean mass adopted, and types of cancer for studies conducted in cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: This series of meta-analysis provided insight and evidence on the relationship between lean mass and mortality in all directions, which may be useful for further study and guideline development.