Effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease: a prespecified secondary analysis from the empa-kidney trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. However, their effects on kidney disease progression in some patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear because few clinical kidney outcomes occurred among such patients in the completed trials. In particular, some guidelines stratify their level of recommendation about who should be treated with SGLT2 inhibitors based on diabetes status and albuminuria. We aimed to assess the effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease both overall and among specific types of participants in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA), and included individuals aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or with an eGFR of 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher. We explored the effects of 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily versus placebo on the annualised rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR slope), a tertiary outcome. We studied the acute slope (from randomisation to 2 months) and chronic slope (from 2 months onwards) separately, using shared parameter models to estimate the latter. Analyses were done in all randomly assigned participants by intention to treat. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and then followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroups of eGFR included 2282 (34·5%) participants with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, 2928 (44·3%) with an eGFR of 30 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, and 1399 (21·2%) with an eGFR 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or higher. Prespecified subgroups of uACR included 1328 (20·1%) with a uACR of less than 30 mg/g, 1864 (28·2%) with a uACR of 30 to 300 mg/g, and 3417 (51·7%) with a uACR of more than 300 mg/g. Overall, allocation to empagliflozin caused an acute 2·12 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (95% CI 1·83-2·41) reduction in eGFR, equivalent to a 6% (5-6) dip in the first 2 months. After this, it halved the chronic slope from -2·75 to -1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (relative difference 50%, 95% CI 42-58). The absolute and relative benefits of empagliflozin on the magnitude of the chronic slope varied significantly depending on diabetes status and baseline levels of eGFR and uACR. In particular, the absolute difference in chronic slopes was lower in patients with lower baseline uACR, but because this group progressed more slowly than those with higher uACR, this translated to a larger relative difference in chronic slopes in this group (86% [36-136] reduction in the chronic slope among those with baseline uACR <30 mg/g compared with a 29% [19-38] reduction for those with baseline uACR ≥2000 mg/g; ptrend<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Empagliflozin slowed the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease among all types of participant in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, including those with little albuminuria. Albuminuria alone should not be used to determine whether to treat with an SGLT2 inhibitor.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly.

Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial

BACKGROUND

The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62-0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16-1·59), representing a 50% (42-58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1).

INTERPRETATION

In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council.

Uphill Accumulation of Ionic Species into a Lipid Vesicle by the Concentration Gradient of Counter Ions

The "uphill (against the concentration gradient)" accumulation of a hydrophobic cation (rhodamine 6G, R6G⁺) into the inner phase of a giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV) was realized with the concentration gradient of the counter anion (X^- = ClO₄^-, BF₄^-, or Br^-) in the presence of phosphate buffer (P^-, pH = 7) in the inner and outer phase of the GUV and detected as the increase of the R6G⁺ fluorescence intensity in the inner phase using a confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscope. The addition of X^- in the outer phase of the GUV caused the accumulation of R6G⁺ in the inner phase. The degree and kinetics of the accumulation were dependent on the concentration and type of X^-; e.g., the inner concentration of R6G⁺ reached 2.5 times that in the outer phase of GUV after adding 10 mM ClO₄^-. The accumulation was theoretically simulated by assuming the distribution of ion pairs (R6G⁺ and X^-, R6G⁺, and P^-) between the aqueous phase and the lipid bilayer membrane (ion pair distribution model) and the transmembrane fluxes of R6G⁺, X^- and P^-. The theoretical simulation rationalized the accumulation degree and kinetics of the experimental results. The accumulation of the target cation by the concentration gradient of the counter anion demonstrated in this study can be an effective method for the preparation of liposomal drugs.

Detection of current-sheet and bipolar ion flows in a self-generated antiparallel magnetic field of laser-produced plasmas for magnetic reconnection research

Magnetic reconnection in laser-produced magnetized plasma is investigated by using optical diagnostics. The magnetic field is generated via the Biermann battery effect, and the inversely directed magnetic field lines interact with each other. It is shown by self-emission measurement that two colliding plasmas stagnate on a midplane, forming two planar dense regions, and that they interact later in time. Laser Thomson scattering spectra are distorted in the direction of the self-generated magnetic field, indicating asymmetric ion velocity distribution and plasma acceleration. In addition, the spectra perpendicular to the magnetic field show different peak intensity, suggesting an electron current formation. These results are interpreted as magnetic field dissipation, reconnection, and outflow acceleration. Two-directional laser Thomson scattering is, as discussed here, a powerful tool for the investigation of microphysics in the reconnection region.

Successful Treatment of Fulminant Myocarditis with Intracardiac Thrombus in COVID-19

Introduction

The treatment of pediatric patients with COVID-19 associated myocardial injury and prothrombotic coagulation derangements remains to be established. We cared for an adolescent with COVID-19 and fulminant myocarditis who required veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Her course was complicated by a large intracardiac thrombus, which was successfully treated with systemic tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).

Case Report

A 17 year old unvaccinated female presented with fever and chest pain 7 days after testing positive for COVID-19. She had a peak troponin of 21.48 ng/ml, elevated brain natriuretic peptide (629 pg/ml), and severely diminished left ventricular systolic function. She progressed to cardiogenic shock and was cannulated to VA-ECMO via the neck. On ECMO day 2 while therapeutic on unfractionated heparin (UFH), a large thrombus was noted in the left ventricular apex, extending toward the aortic valve (Figure 1). Prior to this, she had no evidence of a deep vein thrombosis. Given the concern for an impending stroke upon restoration of ventricular function, a continuous systemic high-dose tPA infusion (0.1mg/kg/hr) was initiated, while she was continued on UFH. A twenty-fold increase in D-dimer levels and serial echocardiograms indicated a thrombolytic effect. After 22 hours of thrombolysis, the patient developed bleeding complications and tPA was discontinued. By ECMO day 4, the thrombus completely resolved. Once her bleeding was controlled, she was transitioned to bivalirudin. Cardiac function recovered by day 11 allowing for separation from ECMO. 25 days later, she was discharged without any neurologic deficits.

Summary

The coagulopathic derangements associated with COVID -19 pose significant challenges to the management of fulminant myocarditis. There are no guidelines regarding management of an intracardiac thrombus on ECMO. However, with careful monitoring, systemic tPA can be used to provide life-saving therapies with excellent neurological outcomes.

The influence of mechanical Circulatory support on post-transplant outcomes in pediatric patients: A multicenter study from the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) Registry

BACKGROUND

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is increasingly being used as a bridge to transplant in pediatric patients. We compare outcomes in pediatric patients bridged to transplant with MCS from an international cohort.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study of heart-transplant patients reported to the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) registry from 2005-2017 includes 5,095 patients <18 years. Pretransplant MCS exposure and anatomic diagnosis were derived. Outcomes included mortality, renal failure, and stroke.

RESULTS

26% of patients received MCS prior to transplant: 240 (4.7%) on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), 1,030 (20.2%) on ventricular assist device (VAD), and 54 (1%) both. 29% of patients were <1 year, and 43.8% had congenital heart disease (CHD). After adjusting for clinical characteristics, compared to no-MCS and VAD, ECMO had higher mortality during their transplant hospitalization [OR 3.97 & 2.55; 95% CI 2.43-6.49 & 1.42-4.60] while VAD mortality was similar [OR 1.55; CI 0.99-2.45]. Outcomes of ECMO+VAD were similar to ECMO alone, including increased mortality during transplant hospitalization compared to no-MCS [OR 4.74; CI 1.81-12.36]. Patients with CHD on ECMO had increased 1 year, and 10 year mortality [HR 2.36; CI 1.65-3.39], [HR 1.82; CI 1.33-2.49]; there was no difference in survival in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients based on pretransplant MCS status.

CONCLUSION

Survival in CHD and DCM is similar in patients with no MCS or VAD prior to transplant, while pretransplant ECMO use is strongly associated with mortality after transplant particularly in children with CHD. In children with DCM, long term survival was equivalent regardless of MCS status.

The SARC-F Score on Admission Predicts Falls during Hospitalization in Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

Community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia are likely to fall. However, few studies have investigated whether sarcopenia is associated with falls during hospitalization in older adults. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the SARC-F when used as a simple screening tool for sarcopenia at the time of admission, predicts in-hospital falls.

DESIGN

A retrospective, observational study.

SETTING

A 900-bed university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 9,927 patients aged 65 years and older were hospitalized at the hospital between April 2019 and March 2020.

MEASUREMENTS

The SARC-F contains five items: strength, assistance in walking, rise from a chair, climb stairs, and falls were evaluated at hospital admission. To investigate the relationship between the SARC-F score and falls, a ROC curve analysis was performed. Multivariate analysis adjusted for fall-related confounding factors such as age, gender, ADL, and disease were performed.

RESULTS

Mean age: 75.9±6.7 years; male: 56.2% were analyzed, and 159 patients (1.6%) fell during hospitalization. SARC-F scores at admission were significantly higher in the fall group than in the control group (3 [1-6] points vs. 0 [¬0-2] point, p<0.001). Statistical association was observed between the SARC-F and in-hospital fall (area under the curve = 0.721 [0.678-0.764], p < 0.001). The cut-off value for the highest sensitivity and specificity of the SARC-F score for in-hospital falls was two (sensitivity = 0.679, specificity = 0.715). Among the subitem of the SARC-F, the hazard ratios for climbing stairs were significantly higher (HR = 1.52 [1.10-2.09], p = 0.011) and for a history of fall was significantly higher (HR = 1.41 [1.02-1.95], p = 0.036). A SARC-F score ≥ 2 had a significantly higher incidence of in-hospital falls compared to a SARC-F score <2 (3.7% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.001). Also, a SARC-F score ≥ 2 had a significantly higher hazard ratio for falls (2.11 [1.37-3.26], p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

SARC-F can help predict falls among hospitalized older adults.

Sarcopenic Dysphagia with Low Tongue Pressure Is Associated with Worsening of Swallowing, Nutritional Status, and Activities of Daily Living

OBJECTIVES

According to the recently proposed diagnostic criteria for sarcopenic dysphagia, sarcopenic dysphagia can be classified as probable or possible based on tongue pressure. However, it is unclear whether patients with probable and possible sarcopenic dysphagia have different characteristics. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether patients with possible and probable sarcopenic dysphagia have different clinical characteristics.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SETTING

A rehabilitation hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

In total, 129 patients aged ≥65 years with sarcopenic dysphagia were included.

METHODS

A tongue pressure of <20 kPa was indicative of probable sarcopenic dysphagia, and a tongue pressure of ≥20 kPa was indicative of possible sarcopenic dysphagia. Kuchi-Kara Taberu (KT) index scores were compared between the probable or possible sarcopenic dysphagia groups.

RESULTS

According to the tongue pressure, 76 and 53 patients were classified into the probable and possible sarcopenic dysphagia groups, respectively. In multiple linear regression analysis, the presence of probable sarcopenic dysphagia was independently associated with the total KT index score (standardized coefficient: -0.313, regression coefficient: -4.500, 95% confidence interval [CI], -6.920 to -2.080, P < 0.001). The presence of probable sarcopenic dysphagia was independently associated with some subitems of the KT index (willingness to eat, cognitive function while eating, oral preparatory and propulsive phase, severity of pharyngeal dysphagia, eating behavior, and daily living activities).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with probable sarcopenic dysphagia were characterized by poor overall eating-related conditions, especially poor swallowing ability, ability to perform activities of daily living, and nutritional status.

Respiratory Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Respiratory Disability: Concepts, Diagnosis, and Treatment

The condition of muscle fiber atrophy and weakness that occurs in respiratory muscles along with systemic skeletal muscle with age is known as respiratory sarcopenia. The Japanese Working Group of Respiratory Sarcopenia of the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Nutrition narratively reviews these areas, and proposes the concept and diagnostic criteria. We have defined respiratory sarcopenia as "whole-body sarcopenia and low respiratory muscle mass followed by low respiratory muscle strength and/or low respiratory function." Respiratory sarcopenia can be caused by various factors such as aging, decreased activity, undernutrition, disease, cachexia, and iatrogenic causes. We have also created an algorithm for diagnosing respiratory sarcopenia. Respiratory function decreases with age in healthy older people, along with low respiratory muscle mass and strength. We have created a new term, "Presbypnea," meaning a decline in respiratory function with aging. Minor functional respiratory disability due to aging, such as that indicated by a modified Medical Research Council level 1 (troubled by shortness of breath when hurrying or walking straight up hill), is an indicator of presbypnea. We also define sarcopenic respiratory disability as "a disability with deteriorated respiratory function that results from respiratory sarcopenia." Sarcopenic respiratory disability is diagnosed if respiratory sarcopenia is present with functional disability. Cases of respiratory sarcopenia without functional disability are diagnosed as "at risk of sarcopenic respiratory disability." Functional disability is defined as a modified Medical Research Council grade of 2 or more. Rehabilitation nutrition, treatment that combines rehabilitation and nutritional management, may be adequate to prevent and treat respiratory sarcopenia and sarcopenic respiratory disability.

SARC-F Predicts Mortality Risk of Older Adults during Hospitalization

OBJECTIVES

To determine the association between SARC-F scores and the in-hospital mortality risk among older patients admitted to acute care hospitals.

DESIGN

Single-center retrospective study.

SETTING

A university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

All consecutive patients aged older than 65 were admitted and discharged from the study hospital between July 2019 and September 2019.

MEASUREMENTS

Relevant patient data included age, sex, body mass index, nutritional status, fat-free mass, disease, activities of daily living (ADL), duration of hospital stay, SARC-F, and occurrence of death within 30 days of hospitalization. The diseases that caused hospitalization and comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index; CCI) were obtained from medical records. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-performance status (PS) was used to determine ADL, and the in-hospital mortality rate within 30 days of hospitalization as the outcome.

RESULTS

We analyzed 2,424 patients. The mean age was 75.9±6.9 and 55.5% were male. Fifty-three in-hospital mortalities occurred among the participants within the first 30 days of hospitalization. Patients who died in-hospital were older, had poorer nutritional status and severer PS scores, and more comorbidities than those who did not. A SARC-F score of ≥4 predicted a higher mortality risk within those 30 days with the following precision: sensitivity 0.792 and specificity 0.805. There were significantly more deaths in Kaplan-Meier curves regarding a score of SARC-F≥4 than a score of SARC-F<4 (p<0.001). Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to identify the clinical indicators most associated with in-hospital mortality. SARC-F≥4 (Hazard Ratio: HR 5.65, p<0.001), CCI scores (HR1.11, p=0.004), and infectious and parasitic diseases (HR3.13, p=0.031) were associated with in-hospital mortality. The SARC-F items with significant in-hospital mortality effects were assistance with walking (HR 2.55, p<0.001) and climbing stairs (HR 2.46, p=0.002).

CONCLUSION

The SARC-F questionnaire is a useful prognostic indicator for older adults because a SARC-F ≥4 score during admission to an acute care hospital predicts in-hospital mortality within 30 days of hospitalization.

Impact of Energy intake at One Week after Hospitalization on Prognosis for Older Adults with Pneumonia

OBJECTIVES

This study objectives to investigate the influence of average energy intake at 1 week of hospitalization on prognosis for older adults with pneumonia.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

The Japan Rehabilitation Nutrition Database comprise those with pneumonia in acute care hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

The study included 329 pneumonia patients (aged over 65 years) who entered into the Japan Rehabilitation Nutrition Database (JRND) from November 2015 to March 2018.

MEASUREMENTS

Logistic regression analysis was performed to confirm the relationship of energy intake with the rate of mortality, discharge home, and pneumonia recurrence during hospitalization. Variables included in the multiple regression analysis model were age, sex, Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form score (MNA-SF) at hospitalization, A-DROP, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and presence or absence of rehabilitation.

RESULTS

Of 315 patients with pneumonia (median age 85 years), 63.8% were men. 57.7% were assigned to the lack of energy intake (LEI) at 1 week after admission. Patients in the LEI group were older (p = 0.033), had higher A-DROP score (p < 0.001), and showed higher malnutrition rate in MNA-SF at hospitalization (p < 0.001) than those in the control group. Mortality, pneumonia recurrence (p = 0.001), median body mass index (p = 0.012), and low malnutrition in MNA-SF (p < 0.001) at discharge were significantly higher in the LEI group than in the control group. Logistic regression analysis showed that LEI was an independent risk factor for mortality (Odds ratio: 5.07, p = 0.002), discharge home (Odds ratio: 0.33, p = 0.007), and pneumonia recurrence (Odds ratio: 3.26, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

LEI at 1 week after hospitalization in older adults with pneumonia was an independent risk factor for mortality, difficult at-home recovery, and pneumonia recurrence. These findings suggest the importance of adequate energy intake from the early days of hospitalization.

Assignment of Dental Hygienists Improves Outcomes in Japanese Rehabilitation Wards: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

To clarify the effectiveness of ward-assigned dental hygienists (DHs) on rehabilitation outcomes in rehabilitation wards.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

The registry data from the Japanese Rehabilitation Nutrition Database.

PARTICIPANTS

656 patients with hip fracture or stroke admitted to convalescent rehabilitation wards.

MEASUREMENTS

The main outcome measures were the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the Food Intake Level Scale (FILS), and the home discharge rate. Patients were divided into two groups based on the ward setting: with an assigned DH (DH group) and without an assigned DH (NDH group). Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compered between the groups. Between-facility differences were adjusted by generalized estimating equation. We performed post-hoc power analysis to confirm that there were enough samples included in this study to detect a significant difference.

RESULTS

Of 656 patients (mean age, 77 years; 57.1% female; 65.5% stroke) from 10 facilities, 454 patients (69.2%) from 4 facilities were in the DH group. FIM score at discharge (107 vs 90, P<0.001), percentage improvement in FILS score from admission to discharge (44.5% vs 22.8%, P<0.001) and home discharge rate (72.5% vs 61.4%, P<0.001) were significantly higher in the DH group than in the NDH group. After multivariate analysis, the FIM score at discharge (P=0.007), FILS score at discharge (P=0.024), and home discharge rate (P=0.007) were significantly higher in the DH group than in the NDH group.

CONCLUSIONS

ADL and swallowing function were significantly improved at discharge and the home discharge rate was higher among patients in rehabilitation wards with DHs. Having a ward-assigned DH may lead to better rehabilitation outcomes in rehabilitation wards.

Enhancing the thermoelectric power factor of nanostructured ZnCo2O4 by Bi substitution

Bi_xZnCo_2−xO₄ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) nanoparticles with different x values have been prepared by the sol–gel method; the structural, morphological, thermal and thermoelectric properties of the prepared nanomaterials are investigated. XRD analysis confirms that Bi is completely dissolved in the ZnCo₂O₄ lattice till the x values of ≤0.1 and the secondary phase of Bi₂O₃ is formed at higher x value (x > 0.1). The synthesized nanomaterials are densified and the thermoelectric properties are studied as a function of temperature. The electrical resistivity of the Bi_xZnCo_2−xO₄ decreased with x value and it fell to 4 × 10⁻² Ω m for the sample with x value ≤ 0.1. The Seebeck coefficient value increased with the increase of Bi substitution till the x value of 0.1 and decreased for the sample with higher Bi content (x ≤ 0.2) as the resistivity of the sample increased due to secondary phase formation. With the optimum Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity, Bi_0.1ZnCo_1.9O₄ shows the high-power factor (α²σ_{550 K}) of 2.3 μW K⁻² m⁻¹ and figure of merit of 9.5 × 10⁻⁴ at 668 K respectively, compared with other samples. The experimental results reveal that Bi substitution at the Co site is a promising approach to improve the thermoelectric properties of ZnCo₂O₄.

Nanostructuring and Bi substitution have considerably increased the thermoelectric power factor and ZT of Bi_xZnCo_2−xO₄; Bi_1.9ZnCo_1.9O₄ shows a higher power factor than that of other Bi substituted samples.

SARC-F as a Screening Tool for Sarcopenia and Possible Sarcopenia Proposed by AWGS 2019 in Hospitalized Older Adults

OBJECT

The SARC-F questionnaire is a sarcopenia screening tool. However, the validity of the SARC-F score ≥4 (SARC-F≥4) for the evaluation of sarcopenia in the hospital setting has not been investigated. This study investigated the validity of SARC-F≥4 as a screening tool for sarcopenia among hospitalized older adults.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional retrospective study.

SETTING

A university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

This study included older adult patients (age ≥65 years) who were hospitalized at, and subsequently discharged from, the hospital between April and September 2019 and underwent a nutritional assessment by the nutrition support team during their hospitalization.

MEASUREMENTS

SARC-F was recorded at the time of admission, and the criteria specified by the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia in 2019 (AWGS 2019) were applied to diagnose sarcopenia and possible sarcopenia. Appendicular muscle mass was estimated through validated equations, and three different models were developed for sarcopenia diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative likelihood ratios were calculated to analyze the accuracy of the SARC-F≥4 for sarcopenia and possible sarcopenia. Receiver-operating characteristic analyses were conducted to calculate the area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

In total, 1,689 patients (mean age: 77.2±7.3 years; male: 54.4%) were analyzed, and 636 patients (37.7%) had SARC-F≥4. Patients with SARC-F≥4 had a statistically significant higher prevalence of AWGS 2019-defined sarcopenia than patients with SARC-F <4 in the models (65.4-78.9% vs 40.9-45.2%, p<0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative likelihood ratios of SARC-F≥4 for sarcopenia and possible sarcopenia were 49.1-51.3%, 73.9-81.2%, and 1.88-2.72/0.60-0.69 and 48.0%, 84.5%, and 3.11/0.62, respectively. The AUC for sarcopenia and possible sarcopenia were 0.644-0.695 and 0.708, respectively. The AUC of SARC-F for possible sarcopenia was equivalent to or larger than that for sarcopenia (DeLong test p=0.438, 0.088, and <0.001 vs the three models).

CONCLUSIONS

SARC-F≥4 is suitable as a screening tool for sarcopenia in hospitalized older adults. SARC-F assessment could facilitate the detection and exclusion of sarcopenia at hospitalization and may lead to early adoption of a therapeutic and preventive approach.

Dynamic behavior analysis of ion transport through a bilayer lipid membrane by an electrochemical method combined with fluorometry

The ion transport through a bilayer lipid membrane was analyzed by an electrochemical method combined with fluorometry. The distribution of a cation and an anion predominantly determines membrane conductivity.

Signatures of a jet cocoon in early spectra of a supernova associated with a γ-ray burst

Long γ-ray bursts are associated with energetic, broad-lined, stripped-envelope supernovae^1,2 and as such mark the death of massive stars. The scarcity of such events nearby and the brightness of the γ-ray burst afterglow, which dominates the emission in the first few days after the burst, have so far prevented the study of the very early evolution of supernovae associated with γ-ray bursts³. In hydrogen-stripped supernovae that are not associated with γ-ray bursts, an excess of high-velocity (roughly 30,000 kilometres per second) material has been interpreted as a signature of a choked jet, which did not emerge from the progenitor star and instead deposited all of its energy in a thermal cocoon⁴. Here we report multi-epoch spectroscopic observations of the supernova SN 2017iuk, which is associated with the γ-ray burst GRB 171205A. Our spectra display features at extremely high expansion velocities (around 115,000 kilometres per second) within the first day after the burst^5,6. Using spectral synthesis models developed for SN 2017iuk, we show that these features are characterized by chemical abundances that differ from those observed in the ejecta of SN 2017iuk at later times. We further show that the high-velocity features originate from the mildly relativistic hot cocoon that is generated by an ultra-relativistic jet within the γ-ray burst expanding and decelerating into the medium that surrounds the progenitor star^7,8. This cocoon rapidly becomes transparent⁹ and is outshone by the supernova emission, which starts to dominate the emission three days after the burst.

Impact of Body Mass Index on Activities of Daily Living in Inpatients with Acute Heart Failure

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the impact of body mass index on activities of daily living in inpatients with acute heart failure.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

A hospital-based database contains Diagnosis Procedure Combination survey data from 100 participating acute-care hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

11,301 inpatients aged 20 year or older who were admitted to the participating hospitals with a diagnosis of acute heart failure.

MEASUREMENTS

The Barthel Index score at discharge and hospital death.

RESULTS

The number of patients with a body mass index of <18.5 kg/m2 (underweight), 18.5-22.9 kg/m2 (low-normal weight), 23.0-24.9 kg/m2 (high-normal weight), 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 (overweight), and ≥30.0 kg/m2 (obesity) were 1689 (15%), 4715 (42%), 1809 (16%), 2306 (20%), and 782 (7%), respectively. Median Barthel Index scores at admission and discharge were 65 and 100, respectively. Hospital death occurred in 101 (0.9%) patients. Lower body mass index was associated with lower Barthel Index score at discharge and higher mortality. Multivariable analysis adjusted for body mass index, age, sex, New York Heart Association classification, Barthel Index score at admission, the updated Charlson Comorbidity Index, length of hospital stay, number of drugs administered, and rehabilitation during hospitalization revealed that body mass index was independently associated with Barthel Index score at discharge (beta: 0.354; 95% confidence interval: 0.248-0.461) and hospital death (odds ratio: 0.926, 95% confidence interval: 0.877-0.978).

CONCLUSION

Overweight and obese inpatients showed greater independence in activities of daily living at discharge and lower rates of mortality, indicating the obesity paradox. A combination of rehabilitation and improved nutrition seems to be important in underweight patients with acute heart failure.

Burden of Premorbid Consumption of Texture Modified Diets in Daily Life on Nutritional Status and Outcomes of Hospitalization

OBJECTIVES

Due to the water-rich cooking process required to soften texture modified diets (TMDs), TMDs may have poorer nutrition. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between daily premorbid TMD consumption and nutritional status at the time of hospitalization, and its burden on hospitalization outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

An academic hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

The cohort comprised 3,594 older adult patients aged ≥65 years admitted to the hospital.

MEASUREMENTS

Patients were interviewed on admission using a premorbid daily consumption meal form to determine whether the patient ate a TMD. Nutritional status was examined using nutritional screening tools (Mini-Nutritional Assessment Short Form [MNA-SF], Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool [MUST], Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index [GNRI]) and the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN)-defined criteria of malnutrition at admission. Length of hospital stay (LOS) and in-hospital mortality were considered outcomes of hospitalization. Multivariate analyses were performed to detect associations between premorbid TMD consumption and nutritional status and outcomes.

RESULTS

The mean age of the subjects was 75.9±7.0 years, including 58% males. Overall, 110 (3.1%) patients consuming a premorbid TMD were identified. They were older (p<0.001), had poor nutritional status (lower MNA-SF score [p<0.001] and GNRI value [p<0.001], higher MUST score [p<0.001], and more prevalent ESPEN-defined malnutrition [61.8% vs. 14.0%, p<0.001] than did patients without a TMD. The mortality rate and LOS of patients with TMD was higher (7.3% vs. 2.9%, p=0.017) and longer (19 days vs. 8 days, p<0.001) than those without TMD. Multivariate analyses showed that TMD consumption was independently associated with poor nutritional status and prolonged LOS after adjusting confounders.

CONCLUSION

Daily consumption of a TMD during the premorbid period affects nutritional status at the time of hospitalization and outcomes. Further studies are necessary to investigate whether nutritional intervention can improve outcomes for people on a TMD.