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Improving muscle mass and intramuscular fat in the mid-thigh increases the muscle strength of the paretic and non-paretic limbs in ambulatory chronic stroke survivors. There is a remarkable decrease in muscle mass and muscle strength and an increase in intramuscular fat in the quadriceps of both limbs of non-ambulatory compared with ambulatory survivors. Therefore, given that paretic lower extremity function does not recover sufficiently in the chronic phase, it may be helpful to improve muscle mass and intramuscular fat to increase muscle strength in the quadriceps of non-ambulatory chronic stroke survivors. However, these relationships remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationships between muscle strength, muscle mass, and intramuscular fat of the quadriceps in non-ambulatory chronic stroke survivors. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Participants: Fifty non-ambulatory chronic stroke survivors. Main outcome measures: Quadriceps muscle strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer. Transverse ultrasound images were acquired using B-mode ultrasound imaging. Muscle mass and intramuscular fat of the quadriceps were assessed based on muscle thickness and echo intensity, respectively. Data analysis: Stepwise multiple regression analyses were used to identify the factors independently associated with the quadriceps muscle strength of the paretic and non-paretic limbs. To avoid multicollinearity, muscle thickness and echo intensity were entered into separate multiple regression models. Muscle thickness or echo intensity of the paretic or non-paretic limbs and other confounding factors were set as the independent variables. Muscle thickness was positively related and echo intensity was negatively related to the quadriceps muscle strength of the paretic and non-paretic limbs. Muscle mass and intramuscular fat of the quadriceps are related to muscle strength in non-ambulatory chronic stroke survivors. Increasing muscle mass and decreasing intramuscular fat of the quadriceps of both limbs may improve muscle strength.

Diagnosis using artificial intelligence (AI) with deep learning could be useful in endoscopic examinations. We investigated the ability of AI to detect superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) from esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) videos. We retrospectively collected 8428 EGD images of esophageal cancer to develop a convolutional neural network through deep learning. We evaluated the detection accuracy of the AI diagnosing system compared with that of 18 endoscopists. We used 144 EGD videos for the two validation sets. First, we used 64 EGD observation videos of ESCCs using both white light imaging (WLI) and narrow-band imaging (NBI). We then evaluated the system using 80 EGD videos from 40 patients (20 with superficial ESCC and 20 with non-ESCC). In the first set, the AI system correctly diagnosed 100% ESCCs. In the second set, it correctly detected 85% (17/20) ESCCs. Of these, 75% (15/20) and 55% (11/22) were detected by WLI and NBI, respectively, and the positive predictive value was 36.7%. The endoscopists correctly detected 45% (25–70%) ESCCs. With AI real-time assistance, the sensitivities of the endoscopists were significantly improved without AI assistance (p < 0.05). AI can detect superficial ESCCs from EGD videos with high sensitivity and the sensitivity of the endoscopist was improved with AI real-time support.

In 2021, the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM) special interest group on sarcopenia included the quadriceps thickness assessed with ultrasound image as an indicator of muscle mass in the diagnosis criteria of sarcopenia. If quadriceps echo intensity of older inpatients is to be a strong predictor of quadriceps thickness, muscle quality of the quadriceps may be estimated by the muscle mass when diagnosing sarcopenia using the criteria of ISPRM. This study aimed to examine the association between muscle mass and fraction of intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps in older inpatients. This cross-sectional study included 399 inpatients aged ≥ 65 years. Primary outcomes were muscle mass and fraction of intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps. Images were acquired using a B-mode ultrasound. Muscle mass and fraction of intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps were assessed based on the muscle thickness and echo intensity, respectively. A multiple regression analysis (forced entry method) was performed to confirm whether quadriceps echo intensity was related to quadriceps thickness even after adjusting for other factors. In the multiple regression analyses for both male and female models, quadriceps echo intensity (male: β = - 0.537, p < 0.001; female: β = - 0.438, p < 0.001), Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (male: β = 0.236, p < 0.001; female: β = 0.213, p < 0.001), and subcutaneous fat thickness of the thigh (male: β = 0.197, p < 0.001; female: β = 0.248, p < 0.001) were independently and significantly associated with quadriceps thickness. Our results show that there is a negative and significant association between muscle mass and fraction of intramuscular adipose tissue in older inpatients. Muscle quality of the quadriceps in older inpatients may be estimated to some extent by the muscle mass.

The aim of this study was to examine whether differences in muscle mass and intramuscular adipose tissue are present between patients with a moderately and severely low body mass index (BMI) as discriminated by the cutoff value for a low BMI among patients ≥70 y of age in Asian populations according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. This cross-sectional study included 345 inpatients ≥70 y of age. The participants were placed into one of the following three groups: severely low BMI (<17.8 kg/m2; n = 96), moderately low BMI (≥17.8 to <20 kg/m2; n = 81), and normal BMI (≥20 kg/m2; n = 168). Ultrasound images were obtained with B-mode ultrasound imaging. Muscle mass and intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps were assessed based on the muscle thickness and echo intensity, respectively. Analysis of covariance was used to examine the differences in the quadriceps thickness and echo intensity among the three groups. The quadriceps thickness and echo intensity in the severely low, moderately low, and normal BMI groups were 0.9 ± 0.3, 1.1 ± 0.4, and 1.4 ± 0.5 cm and 93.3 ± 20.8, 91.3 ± 19.3, 80.1 ± 21.6, respectively. The quadriceps thickness in the severely low BMI group was statistically significantly lower than that in the moderately low BMI (P < 0.001) and normal BMI (P < 0.001) groups, and the quadriceps thickness in the moderately low BMI group was also statistically significantly lower than that in the normal BMI group (P < 0.001). The quadriceps echo intensity showed no significant differences among the three groups. The cutoff value for a low BMI discriminates high or low muscle mass. Results of this study supported the validity of 17.8 kg/m2 as the cutoff value for a low BMI with which to grade the severity of malnutrition in Asian populations ≥70 y of age according to the GLIM criteria from the perspective of muscle mass. •In this study, we examined the validity of the cutoff value for low body mass index in the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria.•The cutoff value for low body mass index in Asians discriminated high or low muscle mass.•Our results supported the validity of the cutoff value for low body mass index in Asians.

A recent study reported that the increase in intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps in older inpatients is related to a decreasing degree of recovery in swallowing ability compared to the loss of muscle mass. However, whether the association remains true in case of aspiration pneumonia is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between the degree of recovery in swallowing ability and intramuscular adipose tissue in the quadriceps of older inpatients with aspiration pneumonia. This prospective study included 39 older patients with aspiration pneumonia. Swallowing ability was assessed using the Food Intake Level Scale (FILS). The indicators for the degree of recovery in swallowing ability were FILS at discharge and change in FILS. A greater change in FILS indicates a greater improvement in swallowing ability. Intramuscular adipose tissue and muscle mass of the quadriceps were evaluated at admission using echo intensity and muscle thickness on ultrasound images, respectively. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine whether the echo intensity of the quadriceps was independently and significantly related to FILS at discharge and the change in FILS. Independent variables were age, sex, days from disease onset, echo intensity and muscle thickness of the quadriceps, subcutaneous fat thickness of the thigh, FILS at admission, and number of units of rehabilitation therapy. Echo intensity of the quadriceps ([beta] = -0.363, p = 0.012) and FILS at admission ([beta] = 0.556, p < 0.001) were independently and significantly associated with FILS at discharge (R.sup.2 = 0.760, f.sup.2 = 3.167, statistical power = 1.000). Similar variables (echo intensity of the quadriceps [[beta] = -0.498, p = 0.012] and FILS at admission [[beta] = -0.635, p < 0.001]) were independently and significantly related to change in FILS (R.sup.2 = 0.547, f.sup.2 = 1.208, statistical power = 0.998). Quadriceps muscle thickness was not independently and significantly related to FILS at discharge and change in FILS. Our results indicate that intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps in older inpatients with aspiration pneumonia is more strongly related to the degree of recovery in swallowing ability (that is, swallowing ability at discharge and change in swallowing ability) than muscle mass, and patients who have high intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps at admission have a lower degree of recovery in swallowing ability.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between muscle mass, intramuscular adipose tissue, and body mass index (BMI) in older inpatients. Cross-sectional study. Hospital-based study. This study included 413 inpatients aged ≥ 65 years (186 men and 227 women). Muscle mass and intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps were assessed by measuring the muscle thickness and echo intensity on ultrasound images. To examine the relationship between quadriceps thickness and echo intensity and BMI in total participants and each sex, the Kendall rank correlation coefficient was used. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine whether BMI was independently and significantly related to the quadriceps thickness and echo intensity, even after adjusting for other variables for total participants and each sex. The independent variables in multiple regression analyses were BMI, age, disease, days from onset disease. The results of the correlation analyses showed that BMI was significantly related to the quadriceps thickness (total participants, τ = 0.431; men, τ = 0.491; women, τ = 0.388) and echo intensity (total participants, τ = −0.239; men, τ = −0.318; women, τ = −0.188). In the multiple regression analysis, BMI was independently and significantly associated with the quadriceps thickness (total participants, β = 0.535; men, β = 0.548; women, β = 0.519) and echo intensity (total participants, β = −0.287; men, β = −0.398; women, β = −0.210). This study indicated that older inpatients with a higher BMI have greater muscle mass and less intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps. These results suggested that a higher BMI in older inpatients is related to higher quadriceps muscle quality.

This study aimed to examine whether intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps at admission is related to the recovery of swallowing ability during a hospital stay in older inpatients. This prospective study included 344 inpatients ages ≥ 65 y. Those who had stroke that was the obvious cause of dysphagia were excluded. Recovery of swallowing ability was assessed using Food Intake Level Scale (FILS) score at discharge and FILS change. Ultrasound images were acquired at admission. Intramuscular adipose tissue and muscle mass of the quadriceps were assessed based on echo intensity and muscle thickness, respectively. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine whether quadriceps echo intensity is independently associated with FILS score at discharge and FILS change. The independent variables were quadriceps echo intensity and thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness of the thigh, Barthel Index score at admission, age, sex, number of medications, C-reactive protein, updated Charlson Comorbidity Index, FILS score at admission, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, days from disease onset, length of hospital stay, and units of rehabilitation therapy. Quadriceps echo intensity was independently and significantly associated with FILS score at discharge (β = −0.15, P < 0.01) and FILS change (β = −0.19, P < 0.01). Quadriceps thickness was not independently and significantly associated with FILS score at discharge or FILS change. The present study revealed that intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps in older inpatients is more strongly related to recovery of swallowing ability than is muscle mass. •We examined the relationship between intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps at admission and recovery of swallowing ability in older inpatients.•Increased intramuscular adipose tissue was more strongly related to worse recovery of swallowing ability than was loss of muscle mass.•Assessing intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps is important for predicting recovery of swallowing ability.•Intervention for intramuscular adipose tissue may be important for improving swallowing ability in older inpatients.

Background The relationship between intramuscular adipose tissue at admission and recovery of activities of daily living (ADL) remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between intramuscular adipose tissue in the quadriceps at admission and recovery of ADL in older inpatients. Methods This prospective study included 404 inpatients aged ≥65 years (54.7% female). Recovery of ADL during hospital stay was assessed using the Barthel Index (BI) score at discharge, BI score change, and BI efficiency. Higher BI at discharge, BI score change, and BI efficiency indicate more improvement in ADL. Intramuscular adipose tissue and muscle mass of the quadriceps were assessed using echo intensity and muscle thickness on ultrasound images, respectively. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with BI score at discharge, BI score change, and BI efficiency. The independent variables were BI score at admission, echo intensity and muscle thickness of the quadriceps, age, sex, number of medications, C‐reactive protein concentration, updated Charlson Comorbidity Index score, Food Intake Level Scale, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index score, days from onset disease, length of hospital stay, number of units of rehabilitation therapy, and subcutaneous fat thickness of the thigh. Results The medians (inter‐quartile range) of the BI score at discharge, BI score change, and BI efficiency were 60.0 (35.0–80.0), 10.0 (0.0–25.0), and 0.11 (0.00–0.37), respectively. The median (inter‐quartile range) of the length of hospital stay (days) and days from onset disease were 58.0 (39.0–92.0) and 79.0 (49.0–112.0), respectively. Quadriceps echo intensity was independently and significantly associated with the BI score at discharge (β = −0.13, P < 0.01), BI score change (β = −0.23, P < 0.01), and BI efficiency (β = −0.21, P < 0.01). Quadriceps thickness was not independently and significantly associated with the BI score at discharge (β = −0.02, P = 0.68), BI score change (β = −0.02, P = 0.79), and BI efficiency (β = 0.03, P = 0.67). Conclusions Our study indicates that greater intramuscular adipose tissue in the quadriceps at admission is more strongly related to worse recovery of ADL than less muscle mass in older inpatients. Greater intramuscular adipose tissue in the quadriceps in older inpatients is considered to be a predictor of worse recovery of ADL, and intervening for greater intramuscular adipose tissue may be important for improving ADL in older inpatients.

A recent study reported that the increase in intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps in older inpatients is related to a decreasing degree of recovery in swallowing ability compared to the loss of muscle mass. However, whether the association remains true in case of aspiration pneumonia is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between the degree of recovery in swallowing ability and intramuscular adipose tissue in the quadriceps of older inpatients with aspiration pneumonia. This prospective study included 39 older patients with aspiration pneumonia. Swallowing ability was assessed using the Food Intake Level Scale (FILS). The indicators for the degree of recovery in swallowing ability were FILS at discharge and change in FILS. A greater change in FILS indicates a greater improvement in swallowing ability. Intramuscular adipose tissue and muscle mass of the quadriceps were evaluated at admission using echo intensity and muscle thickness on ultrasound images, respectively. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine whether the echo intensity of the quadriceps was independently and significantly related to FILS at discharge and the change in FILS. Independent variables were age, sex, days from disease onset, echo intensity and muscle thickness of the quadriceps, subcutaneous fat thickness of the thigh, FILS at admission, and number of units of rehabilitation therapy. Echo intensity of the quadriceps ([beta] = -0.363, p = 0.012) and FILS at admission ([beta] = 0.556, p < 0.001) were independently and significantly associated with FILS at discharge (R.sup.2 = 0.760, f.sup.2 = 3.167, statistical power = 1.000). Similar variables (echo intensity of the quadriceps [[beta] = -0.498, p = 0.012] and FILS at admission [[beta] = -0.635, p < 0.001]) were independently and significantly related to change in FILS (R.sup.2 = 0.547, f.sup.2 = 1.208, statistical power = 0.998). Quadriceps muscle thickness was not independently and significantly related to FILS at discharge and change in FILS. Our results indicate that intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps in older inpatients with aspiration pneumonia is more strongly related to the degree of recovery in swallowing ability (that is, swallowing ability at discharge and change in swallowing ability) than muscle mass, and patients who have high intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps at admission have a lower degree of recovery in swallowing ability.

Relationship between secondary changes in skeletal muscle and body weight in chronic stroke survivors has not yet been carefully examined. The objective of this study was to clarify the relationships between muscle mass, intramuscular fat, and body weight in chronic stroke survivors. Seventy-two chronic stroke survivors participated in this study. Transverse ultrasound images were acquired using B-mode ultrasound imaging. Quadriceps muscle mass and intramuscular fat were assessed based on muscle thickness and echo intensity, respectively. We used a stepwise multiple regression analysis to identify the factors that were independently associated with the body mass index. We entered quadriceps thickness and echo intensity of the paretic and non-paretic sides into another stepwise multiple regression model to avoid multicollinearity. Age, sex, type of stroke, time since stroke, thigh length, number of medications, and an updated Charlson comorbidity index were included as the independent variables. The quadriceps thickness and echo intensity of the paretic and non-paretic sides were significantly independently associated with the body mass index: quadriceps thickness of the paretic side, β = 0.52; quadriceps thickness of the non-paretic side, β = 0.55; quadriceps echo intensity of the paretic side, β = -0.35; quadriceps echo intensity of the non-paretic side, β = -0.27). Our results suggest that low body mass index is associated with loss of muscle mass and increased intramuscular fat on both the paretic and non-paretic sides of chronic stroke survivors. Further studies examining whether appropriate weight management, along with targeted rehabilitation programs aimed at increasing muscle mass and decreasing intramuscular fat, achieves good outcomes in chronic stroke survivors are warranted.