Social and Structural Determinants of Health Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Older Adults in the United States.

State-level COVID-19 vaccination rates among older adults have been uneven in the United States. Due to the immunocompromised nature of older adults, vaccine hesitancy increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to determine the association between the social determinants of health, the structural determinants of health, and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among older adults in the United States. Secondary data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) dataset were used. A descriptive analysis and multinomial multivariable logistic regression were performed to examine the association of the independent variables-gender, age, race, immigration status, marital status, broadband internet access, social security income, Medicare coverage, education, and frequency of religious service-with the dependent variable, vaccine hesitancy. Compared to the respondents with no vaccine hesitancy and without the specific predictor, the respondents who reported religious attendance at least once/week were more likely to be "somewhat hesitant", divorced respondents had higher odds of being "somewhat hesitant", and older adults aged 65-74 years were more likely to be "very hesitant" or "somewhat hesitant" about the COVID-19 vaccine. Compared to the respondents with no vaccine hesitancy and without the specific predictor, females had higher odds of being "very hesitant", "somewhat hesitant", or a "little hesitant", and African Americans were more likely to be "very hesitant", "somewhat hesitant", or a "little hesitant" about the COVID-19 vaccine. Addressing these factors may limit the barriers to vaccine uptake reported among older adults and improve herd immunity among the immunocompromised population.

Use of Advance Directives in US Veterans and Non-Veterans: Findings from the Decedents of the Health and Retirement Study 1992-2014.

Evidence shows that older patients with advance directives such as a living will, or durable power of attorney for healthcare, are more likely to receive care consistent with their preferences at the end of life. Less is known about the use of advance directives between veteran and non-veteran older Americans. Using data from the decedents of a longitudinal survey, we explore whether there is a difference in having an established advance directive between the veteran and non-veteran decedents. Data were taken from the Harmonized End of Life data sets, a linked collection of variables derived from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) Exit Interview. Only male decedents were included in the current analysis (N = 4828). The dependent variable, having an established advance directive, was measured by asking the proxy, "whether the deceased respondent ever provided written instructions about the treatment or care he/she wanted to receive during the final days of his/her life" and "whether the deceased respondent had a Durable Power of Attorney for healthcare?" A "yes" to either of the two items was counted as having an advance directive. The independent variable, veteran status, was determined by asking participants, "Have you ever served in the active military of the United States?" at their first HRS core interview. Logistic regression was used to predict the likelihood of having an established advance directive. While there was no difference in having an advance directive between male veteran and non-veteran decedents during the earlier follow-up period (from 1992 to 2003), male veterans who died during the second half of the study period (from 2004 to 2014) were more likely to have an established advance directive than their non-veteran counterparts (OR = 1.24, p < 0.05). Other factors positively associated with having an established advance directive include dying at older ages, higher educational attainment, needing assistance in activities of daily living and being bedridden three months before death, while Black decedents and those who were married were less likely to have an advance directive in place. Our findings suggest male veterans were more likely to have an established advance directive, an indicator for better end-of-life care, than their non-veteran counterparts. This observed difference coincides with a time when the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) increased its investment in end-of-life care. More studies are needed to confirm if this higher utilization of advance directives and care planning among veterans can be attributed to the improved access and quality of end-of-life care in the VHA system.

Evaluation of feasibility and acceptability of a web-based diabetes prevention program (DPP) for diabetes risk reduction in Chinese Americans in New York City.

Introduction: Intensive lifestyle intervention remains an effective modality to reduce diabetes incidence and delay the progression to type 2 diabetes. The primary aim of this study was to pilot-test the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally and linguistically tailored web-based DPP intervention among Chinese Americans with prediabetes living in New York City. Methods: Thirteen Chinese American participants with prediabetes were recruited to complete a 1-year web-based Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle intervention. Quantitative and qualitative measures such as retention rate and data collected from web-based questionnaires and focus groups were collected and analyzed to assess study feasibility and acceptability. Results and Discussion: Participants were receptive to the program through high engagement, retention and satisfaction. Retention rate was 85%. 92% of participants completed at least 16 sessions out of 22 sessions. Post-trial surveys indicated high satisfaction of 27.2/32 based on Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) score. Participants expressed the program increased their knowledge and methods to prevent onset of type 2 diabetes such as incorporating healthy eating habits and increasing physical activities. Although not a primary outcome, there was a significant weight reduction of 2.3% at the end of month 8 of the program (p < 0.05). The culturally and linguistically adapted DPP via online platform successfully demonstrated feasibility and acceptability among Chinese Americans with prediabetes. Further evaluation of the web-based Chinese Diabetes Prevention Program in a larger trial is warranted.

Incident edentulism and number of comorbidities among middle-aged and older Americans.

BACKGROUNDS: Certain chronic non-communicable diseases have been associated with the loss of all natural permanent teeth, referred to as edentulism. It has been suggested that edentulism, a chronic dental state, involving the loss of all teeth and poorer masticatory efficiency, could be associated with multiple chronic conditions as people age. In this study, we describe the association between the number of comorbidities and incident edentulism in a representative sample of older Americans. METHODS: We took data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Dentate participants aged 50 or older at the baseline of 2006 (N = 13 221) and 2012 (N = 13 938) were linked to their dentate and survival status at the follow-up interviews in 2012 and 2018, respectively. The association between the number of comorbidities and incident edentulism was investigated by using multinomial logistic regression models. RESULTS: Over the two observation periods, the number of selected chronic conditions was predictive of edentulism 6 years later. A 10% higher chance of becoming edentulous by 2012 (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.20) was found for every additional comorbid condition to those who remained dentate in 2012. A similar association was identified for the 2012-2018 period. CONCLUSION: Among older adults, the number of comorbidities was predictive of incident edentulism, and the same association pattern was found across two longitudinal study periods. Older adults with an increase in the number of comorbidities may experience a higher chance of tooth loss later in time.

Exploring Sources of Information and Religious Beliefs in Regard to HPV and Vaccination Among Hispanic/Latino College Students in the USA.

We identified (a) sources of and communication about HPV information and (b) factors (e.g., religious affiliations) related to information sources and communication regarding HPV among Hispanic/Latino college students attending US institutions. Applying a cross-sectional design, we recruited 209 participants from US colleges. Most participants used healthcare professionals for their sources and communication about HPV-related information. Respondents who were practicing Catholics tended to use the Internet and healthcare professionals as their sources for HPV-related information. Healthcare professionals, TV, schoolteachers, same-sex friends, and family members affected participants' HPV vaccination, knowledge, and attitudes. Religious faith may influence information-seeking behaviors and requires more research.

Adaptation of diabetes prevention program for Chinese Americans - a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated that a culturally and linguistically tailored Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) can be effective in reducing diabetes risk in Chinese Americans. The purpose of this study was to explore the cultural and linguistic acceptability of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Prevent T2 curriculum in an online format in the Chinese American community in New York City (NYC). METHODS: Three focus groups among a total of 24 Chinese Americans with prediabetes and one community advisory board (CAB) meeting with 10 key stakeholders with expertise in diabetes care and lifestyle interventions were conducted. Each focus group lasted approximately 1 to 1.5 h. All groups were moderated by a bilingual moderator in Chinese. The sessions were audiotaped, transcribed and translated to English for analysis. Using Atlas.ti software and open coding techniques, two researchers analyzed transcripts for thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five key themes were identified: barriers to behavioral changes, feedback on curriculum content and suggestions, web-based intervention acceptability, web-based intervention feasibility, and web-based intervention implementation and modifications. Participants with prediabetes were found to have high acceptability of web-based DPP interventions. Suggestions for the curriculum included incorporating Chinese American cultural foods and replacing photos of non-Asians with photos of Asians. Barriers included lack of access to the internet, different learning styles and low technology self-efficacy for older adults. CONCLUSION: Although the acceptability of web-based DPP in the Chinese American community in NYC is high, our focus group findings indicated that the major concern is lack of internet access and technical support. Providing support, such as creating an orientation manual for easy online program access for future participants, is important.

The Protective Effects of Influenza Vaccination in Elderly Patients with Breast Cancer in Taiwan: A Real-World Evidence-Based Study.

In elderly patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer, clarity is lacking regarding the effects of influenza vaccines, particularly on clinical outcomes. This study conducted two nationwide, population-based, and propensity score-matched cohorts to estimate and compare the protective effects of influenza vaccine in elderly women and elderly patients with breast cancer. Data were derived from the National Health Insurance Research Database and Cancer Registry Database. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to compare outcomes between the vaccinated and unvaccinated cohorts. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were used to estimate the relative risks, and stratified analyses in the breast cancer cohort were performed to further evaluate elderly breast cancer patients undergoing a variety of adjuvant therapies. The GEE analysis showed that the aORs of death and hospitalization, including for influenza and pneumonia, respiratory diseases, respiratory failure, and heart disease, did not significantly decrease in vaccinated elderly patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Conversely, the aORs of all influenza-related clinical outcomes were significantly decreased in elderly women. No protective effects of influenza vaccination were found in the elderly patients with a newly diagnosed breast cancer. More studies focusing on identifying strategies to improve the real-world effectiveness of influenza vaccination to the immunocompromised are needed. Our clinical outcomes will be valuable for future public health policy establishment and shared decision making for influenza vaccine use in elderly patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer. According to our findings, regular influenza vaccine administration for elderly patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer may be reconsidered, with potential contraindications for vaccination. On the other hand, implementing the vaccination of close contacts of patients with breast cancer may be a more important strategy for enhancing protection of those fragile patients.

Development of a Web-Based Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) for Chinese Americans: A Formative Evaluation Approach.

Increasing evidence demonstrates that an online Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) can delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. However, little has been done for Chinese Americans. This study, using Community-Based Participatory Research and Intervention Mapping approaches, describes a formative research process in the development of a culturally and linguistically tailored online DPP program among Chinese Americans with prediabetes living in New York City. Using a triangulation approach, data were collected to inform the development of an online DPP curriculum through (1) a literature review, (2) three focus groups (n = 24), and (3) a community advisory board meeting among 10 key informants knowledgeable in community needs, diabetes care, and lifestyle interventions. Participants indicated online DPPs would be very useful and easily accessible. However, key barriers including low computer skills/literacy and technology self-efficacy were identified. In addition, taking meal photos and tracking pedometer steps daily were found to be acceptable self-motoring tools for sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, the integration of features such as text message reminders and the creation of social support groups into the online DPP curriculum was proposed to minimize attrition. This theory-based formative research to develop a culturally and linguistically appropriate web-based DPP curriculum was well-received by Chinese Americans and warrants testing in future intervention studies.

Protective Effect of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in Elderly Individuals with Disability in Taiwan: A Propensity Score-Matched, Nationwide, Population-Based Cohort Study.

This is the first and largest population-based cohort study to demonstrate that influenza vaccination reduced all-cause mortality and influenza-related hospitalization in elderly individuals with a disability. PURPOSE: To estimate the protective effect of influenza vaccination in elderly individuals with a disability by conducting a propensity score-matched (PSM), nationwide, population-based cohort study. METHODS: Data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database were used in this study. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to compare outcomes between the vaccinated and unvaccinated cohorts. The GEE logit was used to estimate the relative risks of death and hospitalization after influenza vaccination. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were used to estimate relative risk. RESULTS: The matching process yielded a final cohort of 272 896 elderly individuals with a disability (136 448 individuals in each cohort). In multivariate GEE analyses, aOR (vaccinated vs. unvaccinated) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of death were 0.70 (0.68-0.72). The aORs (95% CIs) of hospitalization for influenza and pneumonia, respiratory diseases, respiratory failure, heart disease, hemorrhagic stroke, and ischemic stroke were 0.98 (0.95-1.01), 0.96 (0.94-0.99), 0.85 (0.82-0.89), 0.96 (0.93-0.99), 0.85 (0.75-0.97), and 0.89 (0.84-0.95), respectively. The length of stay and medical expenditure exhibited greater reduction in vaccinated elderly individuals with a severe and very severe disability than in unvaccinated elderly individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccination reduced all-cause mortality, influenza-related hospitalization, length of stay, and medical expenditure in elderly individuals with a disability. The decrease in the length of stay and medical expenditure because of influenza vaccination was proportional to the severity of disability.

Effect of Influenza Vaccination on Mortality and Risk of Hospitalization in Elderly Individuals with and without Disabilities: A Nationwide, Population-Based Cohort Study.

Purpose: The effects of influenza vaccines are unclear for elderly individuals with disabilities. We use a population-based cohort study to estimate the effects of influenza vaccines in elderly individuals with and without disabilities. Methods: Data were taken from the National Health Insurance Research Database and Disabled Population Profile of Taiwan. A total of 2,741,403 adults aged 65 or older were identified and 394,490 were people with a disability. These two groups were further divided into those who had or had not received an influenza vaccine. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to compare the relative risks (RRs) of death and hospitalization across the four groups. Results: 30.78% elderly individuals without a disability and 34.59% elderly individuals with a disability had vaccinated for influenza. Compared to the unvaccinated elderly without a disability, the vaccinated elderly without a disability had significantly lower risks in all-cause mortality (RR = 0.64) and hospitalization for any of the influenza-related diseases (RR = 0.91). Both the unvaccinated and vaccinated elderly with a disability had significantly higher risks in all-cause mortality (RR = 1.81 and 1.18, respectively) and hospitalization for any of the influenza-related diseases (RR = 1.73 and 1.59, respectively). Conclusions: The elderly with a disability had higher risks in mortality and hospitalization than those without a disability; however, receiving influenza vaccinations could still generate more protection to the disabled elderly.

Associations among knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward palliative care consultation service in healthcare staffs: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The palliative care consultation service (PCCS) of the National Health Insurance payments has been promoted in Taiwan since 2011, although few studies have been conducted on healthcare staffs' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding PCCS in Taiwan; consequently, the main objective of this study was to explore any correlations regarding the above by cross-sectional design using convenience sampling. METHODS: A total of 210 healthcare staff members were enrolled from a regional hospital from June 1, 2018, to September 30, 2018. Questionnaire items on the Palliative Care Consultation Service Inventory (KAP-PCCSI) were used to measure healthcare staff's knowledge, attitudes, and practices of PCCS. The collected data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The results revealed that the mean scores for knowledge of and attitudes of KAP-PCCSI were 58.7 ± 8.9 (perfect score: 75) and 42.7 ± 4.7 (perfect score: 50) respectively, while the mean score for practices of KAP-PCCSI was 36.3 ± 8.1 (perfect score: 50); moreover, the healthcare staff's knowledge and attitudes were positively correlated with their practices (p < 0.01). The results also showed that knowledge, attitudes, experience of having a family member(s) or friend(s) passing away, and being a medical personnel constituted the major predictors of practices (p < 0.001). These factors explained 43.2% of the overall variance for practices of KAP-PCCSI. CONCLUSIONS: The findings can help healthcare staff understand factors influencing practices of KAP-PCCSI and can serve as a reference for the development of strategies for palliative care education and training while improving the care quality of patients undergoing such palliative care with terminal life considerations in the hospitals, thereby fulfilling the goal of achieving holistic care.

Evaluation of a successful aging promotion intervention program for middle-aged adults in Taiwan.

PURPOSE: This study was to implement and evaluate a successful aging intervention program for middle-aged private insurance beneficiaries. METHODS: The participants were recruited from the staff and middle-aged clients for the experimental and control groups of a private insurance company. The two client (experimental and control) groups were matched by comparable age groups, gender, education, and purchased insurance types. The intervention program provided for the staff and the experimental group consisted of a series of educational courses on the topics about successful aging and preparation for 4 months. In total, there were 40 staff members, in addition to the 74 members of the experimental group and 60 members of the control group participating in the study. RESULTS: After the intervention, the rate of physical activity and exercise significantly improved for the staff and for the intervention group. There were significant improvements in behaviors associated with doing exercise and living a less sedentary lifestyle and in the utilization of health examinations, and improvements in fitness and blood pressure. CONCLUSION: The successful aging intervention program significantly improved awareness of successful aging, exercise behavior and fitness.

Combined effect of eating alone and a poor nutritional status on cognitive decline among older adults in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nutritional status is not only associated with older individuals' physical health but also has an impact on their cognitive functioning. Evidence indicates that a socially integrated lifestyle in the later stages of life protects against cognitive decline and dementia. This study tested the combined effect of two hazards, the risk of malnutrition and eating meals alone, on the cognitive changes among a representative sample of older Taiwanese individuals over an 8-year period. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Data were taken from the Taiwan Longitudinal Survey on Aging. In 1999, 2584 respondents aged >=65 years were surveyed, and follow-up surveys were performed in 2003 and 2007. The Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) and Mini Nutritional Assessment were used to evaluate participants' cognitive functioning and nutritional status, respectively. Nutritional status and eating alone data assessed at baseline were combined to predict changes in SPMSQ scores longitudinally. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the longitudinal changes from baseline to 2007. RESULTS: Findings suggest that nutritional status was a salient predictor for cognitive decline among the older Taiwanese adults over the 8-year period. Female respondents who had a compromised nutritional status at baseline and who were eating their meals alone exhibited a greater decrease in SPMSQ scores compared with those who had a normal nutritional status and who were eating their meals with others. CONCLUSION: Nutritional programs for the elderly should focus on what they eat as well as who they eat their meals with to prevent social isolation, especially among older women.

Use of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination and Its Associated Factors among Elderly People with Disabilities in Taiwan: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Influenza immunization among elderly people with disabilities is a critical public health concern; however, few studies have examined the factors associated with vaccination rates in non-Western societies. METHODS: By linking the National Disability Registration System and health service claims dataset from the National Health Insurance program, this population-based study investigated the seasonal influenza vaccination rate among elderly people with disabilities in Taiwan (N = 283,172) in 2008. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to adjust for covariates. RESULTS: Nationally, only 32.7% of Taiwanese elderly people with disabilities received influenza vaccination. The strongest predictor for getting vaccinated among older Taiwanese people with disabilities was their experience of receiving an influenza vaccination in the previous year (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 6.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.67-6.93). Frequent OPD use (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.81-1.89) and undergoing health examinations in the previous year (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.62-1.69) also showed a moderate and significant association with receiving an influenza vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Although free influenza vaccination has been provided in Taiwan since 2001, influenza immunization rates among elderly people with disabilities remain low. Policy initiatives are required to address the identified factors for improving influenza immunization rates among elderly people with disabilities.

Prognostic potential of initial CT changes for progression-free survival in gefitinib-treated patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the lung: a preliminary analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine whether initial tumour responses measured during short-term follow-up computed tomography (CT) examinations after baseline examinations would correlate with clinical outcomes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy. METHODS: A total of 86 gefitinib-treated patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the lung were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent baseline and short-term follow-up CT examinations. The new response criteria (NRC) by Lee et al. were used for the response evaluations. A Cox proportional hazards multiple regression model and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to evaluate correlations between the initial tumour changes and progression-free and overall survival (PFS, OS). RESULTS: Better separation and smaller p values were observed for both PFS and OS when good and poor disease responses (as defined by NRC) were compared after excluding tumours with characteristic morphologies. Early tumour changes correlated with PFS in a size-dependent manner. Moreover, a stronger association was observed between size changes and PFS when characteristic morphology was also considered. CONCLUSIONS: Initial changes in tumour size during short-term post-treatment CT examinations could act as a potential prognostic imaging surrogate for PFS in gefitinib-treated patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the lung. KEY POINTS: • Initial responses to gefitinib on computed tomography significantly correlate with clinical outcomes. • Regardless of morphology, size decrease greater than 30 % predicts prolonged progression-free and overall survival. • Combination of size and morphological changes yields prognostic independence regarding progression-free survival.

Non-mass-like breast lesions at ultrasonography: feature analysis and BI-RADS assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the features of non-mass-like (NML) breast lesions on ultrasound (US) and determine their corresponding malignancy rate and to stratify these lesion patterns according to US BI-RADS categories. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred sixty-four consecutive lesions were retrospectively classified into four types according to the US features, the corresponding positive predictive values (PPVs) were obtained. Clinical, imaging, and histopathological findings were reviewed. RESULTS: Among the 164 lesions, 39 (24%) were classified as type Ia, 14 (8%) as type Ib, 39 (24%) as type IIa, 19 (12%) as type IIb, 19 (12%) as type III, and 34 (21%) as type IV. The PPVs for malignancy were 21% for type Ia, 79% for type Ib, 10% for type IIa, 58% for type IIb, 16% for type III, and 21% for type IV. All NML lesions were classified as BI-RADS category 4a (type IIa), 4b (type Ia, III and IV) and 4c (type Ib and IIb) according to their PPVs. There was a significantly higher frequency of malignancy among lesions of type Ib and type IIb compared with the other types (P<0.01 for each). Lesions with associated calcifications, presence of abnormal axillary nodes, or a mammographic finding of suspected malignancy had a higher probability of malignancy (P<0.05 for each). CONCLUSION: US is useful in clarifying the indication for biopsy of NML lesions. The types of US classifications used in our study establish reliable references for the NML patterns when stratified according to the BI-RADS categories.

Features on MDCT that predict surgery in patients with adhesive-related small bowel obstruction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in the management of adhesion-related small bowel obstruction (SBO) and to identify its predictive value for surgery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 151 patients over a 5-year period with the diagnosis of SBO caused by adhesion. These patients were divided into two groups: surgery (n =  63) and observation group (n =  88). Two radiologists blinded to the outcome of the patients evaluated MDCT images retrospectively, recording the bowel diameter, bowel wall thickness, degree of obstruction, air-fluid level, mesenteric fatty stranding, transitional zone, intraperitoneal fluid, close loop, whirl sign, and faeces sign. Statistical analyses were performed using univariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Multivariable analysis showed that MDCT demonstrated presence of intraperitoneal fluid (Odds ratio, OR, 4.38), high-grade or complete obstruction (OR, 3.19) and mesenteric fatty stranding (OR, 2.81), and absence of faeces sign (OR, 2.11) were the most significant predictors. When all of the four criteria were used in combination, high sensitivity of 98.4% and specificity of 90.9% were achieved for the prediction for surgery. CONCLUSION: MDCT is useful to evaluate adhesion-related SBO and to predict accurately patients who require surgery. Use of the four MDCT features in combination is highly suggestive of the need for early surgical intervention.

Underestimation of invasive lesions in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast diagnosed by ultrasound-guided biopsy: a comparison between patients with and without HER2/neu overexpression.

PURPOSE: To determine the rate of underestimation of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosed at imaging-guided biopsy and to analyze its association with HER2/neu oncogene, an important biomarker in assessing the tumour aggressiveness and guiding hormone therapy for breast cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 162 patients with DCIS diagnosed by imaging-guided core needle biopsy between January 2008 and March 2013. All of these patients received surgical excision, and in 25, the diagnosis was upgraded to invasive breast cancer. In this study, we examined the ultrasound, mammographic features and histopathological results for each patient, and compared these parameters between those with and without HER2/neu overexpression. RESULTS: Of the 162 DCIS lesions, 110 (67.9%) overexpressed HER2/neu. Nineteen patients with HER2/neu overexpressing DCIS (n=19/110, 17.3%) were upgraded after surgery to a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer. In this group, the upgrade rate was highest in patients with a dilated mammary duct pattern (42.1%, n=8/19, p=0.02) and the presence of abnormal axillary nodes (40.0%, n=12/30, p<0.01) at ultrasound and was significantly associated with comedo tumour type on pathology. CONCLUSIONS: Biopsy may underestimate the invasive component in DCIS patients. Sonographic findings of dilated mammary ducts and presence of abnormal axillary lymph nodes may help predicting the invasive components and possibly driving more targeted biopsy procedures.

The association of haemoglobin A1C levels with the clinical and CT characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscesses in patients with diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscesses (KPLA) in diabetic patients with different levels of glycaemic control. METHODS: The institutional review board approved this retrospective study. A total of 221 patients with KPLA were included. Clinical features of KPLA were compared. We divided the 120 diabetic patients with KPLA into three subgroups based on haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) concentration (good, HbA1C ≤ 7.0 %; suboptimal, 7.0 % < HbA1C ≤ 9.0 %; poor, HbA1C > 9.0 %). In this study, we used a semiautomated quantitative method to assess the gas and total abscess volumes in KPLA. Statistical analysis was performed with the chi-squared test and one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: The mortality rate did not significantly differ between the nondiabetic and diabetic groups. However, patients with poor glycaemic control had significantly more complications and therefore a longer hospital stay (P < 0.05). In our study, CT and quantitative analyses found that patients in the group with poor glycaemic control had a significantly higher incidence of gas formation and hepatic venous thrombophlebitis and a higher gas-to-abscess volume ratio than patients with suboptimal and good glycaemic control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic patients with a high HbA1C concentration (>9.0 %) have an association with hepatic venous thrombophlebitis, gas formation and metastatic infection complications associated with KPLA. KEY POINTS: • Poorly controlled diabetes is associated with complications in Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscesses. • Hepatic venous thrombosis and gas are important signs of metastatic infection. • Hepatic venous thrombophlebitis is associated with 72.7 % of metastatic infections.