Impacts of depression subcase and case on all-cause mortality in older people: The findings from the multi-centre community-based cohort study in China.

OBJECTIVES: It is unclear whether and to what extent depression subcases and cases in older age were associated with all-cause mortality. Little is known about gender differences in the associations. We assess these in older Chinese. METHODS: We examined a random sample of 6124 participants aged ≥60 years across five provinces in China. They were interviewed using a standard method of the GMS-AGECAT to diagnose depression subcase and case and record sociodemographic and disease risk factors at baseline, and to follow up their vital status. We employed Cox regression models to determine all-cause mortality in relation to depression subcases and cases, with adjustment for important variables, including social support and co-morbidities. RESULTS: Over the 10-year follow-up, 928 deaths occurred. Compared to those without depression at baseline, participants with depression subcase (n = 196) and case (n = 264) had increased risk of mortality; adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.46 (95% CI 1.07-2.00) and 1.45 (1.10-1.91). The adjusted HRs in men were 1.15 (0.72-1.81) and 1.85 (1.22-2.81), and in women 1.87 (1.22-2.87) and 1.22 (0.83-1.77) respectively. In participants aged ≥65 years, the adjusted HRs were 1.12 (0.68-1.84) and 1.99 (1.28-3.10) in men, and 2.06 (1.32-2.24) and 1.41 (0.94-2.10) in women. Increased HR in depression subcases was higher in women than man (ratio of HRs was 1.84, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Older people with depression subcase could have increased all-cause mortality to a similar extent to those with depression case. More attention should be paid to subcases of depression in women to tackle gender inequalities and improve survival.

Influence of periodontal disease on risk of dementia: a systematic literature review and a meta-analysis.

Periodontal disease (PD) is common and increases cardiovascular diseases. However, it is unclear whether PD is associated with increased risk of dementia. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the influence of PD on dementia. We projected the number of dementia cases to be saved by reducing PD prevalence in the world. We searched cohort and case-control studies reporting the association of PD with all dementia (or any specific type of dementia) through PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, CINHAL, and CNKI until 7th November 2018. Five cohorts and seven case-control studies were identified for review. We pooled eligible data to calculate relative risk (RR) of dementia in relation to PD and computed the number of dementia cases saved through reducing PD prevalence. Of 12 studies, six were undertaken in Asia, four in Europe and two in America. Eleven studies showed a positive association between PD and the risk of dementia, of which 10 were significant, and one reported a non-significant inverse association. Overall their quality was good. Pooled RR of dementia in relation to PD from all high quality studies was 1.38 (95%CI 1.01-1.90); in the five cohorts was 1.18 (1.06-1.31) and in the two case-control studies 2.25 (1.48-3.42). A 50% reduction in the current prevalence of 20% of PD in the population could save 850,000 (630,000-1,420,000) patients with dementia in the world. PD could increase the risk of incident dementia. Preventing and treating PD could contribute to controlling the global epidemic of dementia.

Functional disability and death wishes in older Europeans: results from the EURODEP concerted action.

PURPOSE: Physical illness has been shown to be a risk factor for suicidal behaviour in older adults. The association between functional disability and suicidal behaviour in older adults is less clear. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between functional disability and death wishes in late life. METHODS: Data from 11 population studies on depression in persons aged 65 and above were pooled, yielding a total of 15,890 respondents. Level of functional disability was trichotomised (no, intermediate, high). A person was considered to have death wishes if the death wish/suicidal ideation item of the EURO-D scale was endorsed. Odds ratios for death wishes associated with functional disability were calculated in a multilevel logistic regression model. RESULTS: In total, 5 % of the men and 7 % of the women reported death wishes. Both intermediate (OR 1.89, 95 % CI 1.42; 2.52) and high functional disability (OR 3.22, 95 % CI 2.34; 4.42) were associated with death wishes. No sex differences could be shown. Results remained after adding depressive symptoms to the model. CONCLUSIONS: Functional disability was independently associated with death wishes in older adults. Results can help inform clinicians who care for older persons with functional impairment.

Surface interactions of C and C(3) polyols with γ-Al2O3 and the role of coadsorbed water.

The formation of surface species from two- and three-carbon polyols on γ-Al(2)O(3) in the presence and absence of coadsorbed water is investigated. Aqueous-phase adsorption isotherms indicate that competitive adsorption between water and polyol inhibits the uptake of the polyol molecules on γ-Al(2)O(3) and that the polyol with the most hydroxyl groups, glycerol, experienced the greatest uptake. Deuterium solid echo pulse NMR measurements support the fact that glycerol strongly interacts with γ-Al(2)O(3) in the presence of physisorbed water and that ethylene glycol interacts with γ-Al(2)O(3) only after the physisorbed water has been removed. In situ high-vacuum FT-IR analysis combined with DFT simulations demonstrate that glycerol readily forms a multidentate alkoxy species through its primary hydroxyl groups with coordinatively unsaturated Al atoms of γ-Al(2)O(3) in the presence of physisorbed water. This surface species exhibits a bridging alkoxy bond from one of its primary hydroxyl groups and a strong interaction with the remaining primary hydroxyl group. FT-IR analysis of 1,3-propanediol on γ-Al(2)O(3) also demonstrates the formation of a multidentate alkoxy species in the presence of coadsorbed water. In contrast, polyols with hydroxyl groups only on the one- and two-carbon atoms, ethylene glycol, and 1,2-propanediol do not form alkoxy bonds with the γ-Al(2)O(3) surface when coadsorbed water is present. These polyols will form alkoxy bonds to γ-Al(2)O(3) when coadsorbed water is removed, and these alkoxy species are removed when water is readsorbed on the sample. The formation of strongly bound, stable multidentate alkoxy species by ethylene glycol and 1,2-propanediol on γ-Al(2)O(3) is prevented by steric limitations of vicinal alcohol groups.

Paranoid symptoms and hallucinations among the older people in Western Europe.

OBJECTIVE: It is not clear whether the prevalence of psychosis increases with age. We studied the age-specific prevalence of psychotic symptoms in older people in Western Europe. METHODS: Older people without dementia (age 65-104 years, N = 8762) from the western part of Europe in the EURODEP concerted action took part in psychiatric examinations. RESULTS: In total, 2.4% of the men and 2.9% of the women had psychotic symptoms. Using a multilevel logistic regression model that included gender and age as a continuous variable, we found that a 5-year increase in age increased the prevalence of psychotic symptoms (odds ratio 1.2 95% confidence interval 1.06-1.3, p = 0.001). A second multilevel regression model showed that wishing to be dead, depressed mood, functional disability, not being married and cognitive impairment measured with Mini mental state examination were all associated with psychotic symptoms whereas gender was not. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of psychotic symptoms in non-demented older people increases with age, and these symptoms are associated with other psychopathology, social isolation and problems with daily living.

Association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and dementia syndromes.

OBJECTIVES: Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has a range of adverse health effects, but its association with dementia remains unclear and with dementia syndromes unknown. We examined the dose-response relationship between ETS exposure and dementia syndromes. METHODS: Using a standard method of GMS, we interviewed 5921 people aged ≥60 years in five provinces in China in 2007-2009 and characterised their ETS exposure. Five levels of dementia syndrome were diagnosed using the Automated Geriatric Examination for Computer Assisted Taxonomy instrument. The relative risk (RR) of moderate (levels 1-2) and severe (levels 3-5) dementia syndromes among participants exposed to ETS was calculated in multivariate adjusted regression models. RESULTS: 626 participants (10.6%) had severe dementia syndromes and 869 (14.7%) moderate syndromes. Participants exposed to ETS had a significantly increased risk of severe syndromes (adjusted RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.59). This was dose-dependently related to exposure level and duration. The cumulative exposure dose data showed an adjusted RR of 0.99 (95% CI 0.76 to 1.28) for >0-24 level years of exposure, 1.15 (95% CI 0.93 to 1.42) for 25-49 level years, 1.18 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.59) for 59-74 level years, 1.39 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.84) for 75-99 level years and 1.95 (95% CI 1.34 to 2.83) for ≥100 level years. Significant associations with severe syndromes were found in never smokers and in former/current smokers. There were no positive associations between ETS and moderate dementia syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: ETS should be considered an important risk factor for severe dementia syndromes. Avoidance of ETS may reduce the rates of severe dementia syndromes worldwide.

Dramatic enhancement of CO2 uptake by poly(ethyleneimine) using zirconosilicate supports.

The CO(2) adsorption characteristics of prototypical poly(ethyleneimine)/silica composite adsorbents can be drastically enhanced by altering the acid/base properties of the oxide support via incorporation of Zr into the silica support. Introduction of an optimal amount of Zr resulted in a significant improvement in the CO(2) capacity and amine efficiency under dilute (simulated flue gas) and ultradilute (simulated ambient air) conditions. Adsorption experiments combined with detailed characterization by thermogravimetric analysis, temperature-programmed desorption, and in situ FT-IR spectroscopy clearly demonstrate a stabilizing effect of amphoteric Zr sites that enhances the adsorbent capacity, regenerability, and stability over continued recycling. It is suggested that the important role of the surface properties of the oxide support in these polymer/oxide composite adsorbents has been largely overlooked and that the properties may be even further enhanced in the future by tuning the acid/base properties of the support.

A United Nations General Assembly Special Session for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders: the time has come.

Mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorders are leading causes of the global burden of disease and profoundly impact the social and economic well-being of individuals and communities. The majority of people affected by MNS disorders globally do not have access to evidence-based interventions and many experience discrimination and abuses of their human rights. A United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) is needed to focus global attention on MNS disorders as a core development issue requiring commitments to improve access to care, promote human rights, and strengthen the evidence on effective prevention and treatment.

Enhanced CO2 adsorption over polymeric amines supported on heteroatom-incorporated SBA-15 silica: impact of heteroatom type and loading on sorbent structure and adsorption performance.

Silica supported amine materials are promising compositions that can be used to effectively remove CO(2) from large stationary sources, such as flue gas generated from coal-fired power plants (ca. 10 % CO(2)) and potentially from ambient air (ca. 400 ppm CO(2)). The CO(2) adsorption characteristics of prototypical poly(ethyleneimine)-silica composite adsorbents can be significantly enhanced by altering the acid/base properties of the silica support by heteroatom incorporation into the silica matrix. In this study, an array of poly(ethyleneimine)-impregnated mesoporous silica SBA-15 materials containing heteroatoms (Al, Ti, Zr, and Ce) in their silica matrices are prepared and examined in adsorption experiments under conditions simulating flue gas (10 % CO(2) in Ar) and ambient air (400 ppm CO(2) in Ar) to assess the effects of heteroatom incorporation on the CO(2) adsorption properties. The structure of the composite adsorbents, including local information concerning the state of the incorporated heteroatoms and the overall surface properties of the silicate supports, are investigated in detail to draw a relationship between the adsorbent structure and CO(2) adsorption/desorption performance. The CO(2) adsorption/desorption kinetics are assessed by thermogravimetric analysis and in situ FT-IR measurements. These combined results, coupled with data on adsorbent regenerability, demonstrate a stabilizing effect of the heteroatoms on the poly(ethyleneimine), enhancing adsorbent capacity, adsorption kinetics, regenerability, and stability of the supported aminopolymers over continued cycling. It is suggested that the CO(2) adsorption performance of silica-aminopolymer composites may be further enhanced in the future by more precisely tuning the acid/base properties of the support.

A multicentre community-based study of dementia cases and subcases in older people in China--the GMS-AGECAT prevalence and socio-economic correlates.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicated overall relatively low prevalence of dementia in older people in China, which may be biased by studied samples or methods. We determined the prevalence of dementia cases and subcases in China and examined their socio-economic correlates. METHODS: Using the Geriatric Mental State interview, we examined random samples of 2917 participants aged ≥ 65 years in urban and rural Anhui, China in 2001-2003, and 3327 in four other provinces in 2008-2009. Dementia cases and subcases were diagnosed by Geriatric Mental State-Automated Geriatric Examination for Computer Assisted Taxonomy. RESULTS: Age-standardised prevalence for cases and subcases of dementia in the Anhui elders was 7.20% (95%CI 6.29%-8.20%) and 10.5% (9.38%-11.6%), and in the four provinces, 9.86% (8.80%-10.9%) and 8.51% (7.51%-9.52%). The matched figures among the participants who were literate were 3.05% (2.08%-4.02%) and 10.0% (8.38%-11.6%), and 4.92% (3.89%-5.96%) and 6.76% (5.55%-7.96%), respectively. There were higher prevalence rates of dementia cases and subcases in the rural elders than in the urban. Both the Anhui and four-province studies showed an obvious association of dementia with higher and lower incomes among elders who had lower educational levels or had the lowest occupational class. The highest risk of dementia was found in those who were illiterate but had the highest income or had the job of business/nonmanual labouring. CONCLUSIONS: People in China have a higher prevalence of dementia than previously reported. Its U-shaped relationship with income and the excess subcases prevalence predicates a significant burden of disease, both now and for the future, suggesting preventive strategy for dementia in China.

Depression and parkinsonism in older Europeans: results from the EURODEP concerted action.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence rate of depression among patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) has been estimated at 25%, although prevalence figures range between 7-76%. Relatively few studies on PD and depression are based on random samples in the general population. Some depressive symptoms can also be understood as symptoms of parkinsonism, and the current study aims to describe which 'overlap' symptoms can be identified in a community sample. METHODS: Data are employed from the EURODEP collaboration. Nine study centres, from eight western European countries, provided data on depression (most GMS-AGECAT), depressive symptoms (EURO-D items and anxiety), parkinsonism (self-report of PD or clinical signs of PD), functional disability and dementia diagnosis. RESULTS: Data were complete for 16 313 respondents, aged 65 and older; 306 (1.9%) reported or had signs of parkinsonism. The rate of depression was about twice as high among respondents with parkinsonism (unadjusted Odds Ratio 2.44, 95% Confidence Interval 1.88-3.17), also among those without functional disability. 'Overlap' symptoms between parkinsonism and depression, were represented by motivation and concentration problems, appetite problems and especially the symptom of fatigue (energy loss). However, principal component analysis showed that these 'overlap' symptoms loaded on different factors of the EURO-D scale. CONCLUSIONS: As among clinical patients with PD, depression is highly common in community dwelling older people with parkinsonism, even among those without functional disability. Although fatigue did not strongly relate to motivational symptoms, both types of 'overlap' symptoms possibly trigger a final common pathway towards a full depressive syndrome.

Severity of depression and risk for subsequent dementia: cohort studies in China and the UK.

BACKGROUND: Depression and dementia often exist concurrently. The associations of depressive syndromes and severity of depression with incident dementia have been little studied. AIMS: To determine the effects of depressive syndromes and cases of depression on the risk of incident dementia. METHOD: Participants in China and the UK aged > or =65 years without dementia were interviewed using the Geriatric Mental State interview and re-interviewed 1 year later in 1254 Chinese, and 2 and 4 years later in 3341 and 2157 British participants respectively (Ageing in Liverpool Project Health Aspects: part of the Medical Research Council - Cognitive Function and Ageing study). RESULTS: Incident dementia was associated with only the most severe depressive syndromes in both Chinese and British participants. The risk of dementia increased, not in the less severe cases of depression but in the most severe cases. The multiple adjusted hazard ratio (HR)=5.44 (95% CI 1.67-17.8) for Chinese participants at 1-year follow-up, and HR=2.47 (95% CI 1.25-4.89) and HR=2.62 (95% CI 1.18-5.80) for British participants at 2- and 4-year follow-up respectively. The effect was greater in younger participants. CONCLUSIONS: Only the most severe syndromes and cases of depression are a risk factor for dementia.

Mental health diagnosis by nurses using the Global Mental Health Assessment Tool: a validity and feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: The Global Mental Health Assessment Tool-Primary Care Version (GMHAT/PC) has been developed to assist health professionals to make a quick and comprehensive standardised mental health assessment. It has proved to be a reliable and valid tool in a previous study involving GPs. Its use by other health professionals may help in detecting and managing mental disorders in primary care and general health settings. AIM: To assess the feasibility of using a computer-assisted diagnostic interview by nurses and to examine the level of agreement between the GMHAT/PC diagnosis and psychiatrists' clinical diagnosis. DESIGN OF STUDY: Cross-sectional validation study. SETTING: Primary care, general healthcare (cardiac rehabilitation clinic), and community mental healthcare settings. METHOD: A total of 215 patients between the ages of 16 and 75 years were assessed by nurses and psychiatrists in various settings: primary care centre (n = 54), cardiac rehabilitation centre (n = 98), and community mental health clinic (n = 63). The time taken for the interview, and feedback from patients and interviewers were indicators of feasibility, and the kappa coefficient (kappa), sensitivity, and specificity of the GMHAT/PC diagnosis were measures of validity. RESULTS: Mean duration of interview was under 15 minutes. The agreement between nurses' GMHAT/PC interview-based diagnosis and psychiatrists' International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 criteria-based clinical diagnosis was 80% (kappa = 0.76, sensitivity = 0.84, specificity = 0.92). CONCLUSION: The GMHAT/PC can assist nurses to make accurate mental health assessment and diagnosis in various healthcare settings and it is acceptable to patients.

The 10/66 Dementia Research Group's fully operationalised DSM-IV dementia computerized diagnostic algorithm, compared with the 10/66 dementia algorithm and a clinician diagnosis: a population validation study.

BACKGROUND: The criterion for dementia implicit in DSM-IV is widely used in research but not fully operationalised. The 10/66 Dementia Research Group sought to do this using assessments from their one phase dementia diagnostic research interview, and to validate the resulting algorithm in a population-based study in Cuba. METHODS: The criterion was operationalised as a computerised algorithm, applying clinical principles, based upon the 10/66 cognitive tests, clinical interview and informant reports; the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia, the CERAD 10 word list learning and animal naming tests, the Geriatric Mental State, and the History and Aetiology Schedule - Dementia Diagnosis and Subtype. This was validated in Cuba against a local clinician DSM-IV diagnosis and the 10/66 dementia diagnosis (originally calibrated probabilistically against clinician DSM-IV diagnoses in the 10/66 pilot study). RESULTS: The DSM-IV sub-criteria were plausibly distributed among clinically diagnosed dementia cases and controls. The clinician diagnoses agreed better with 10/66 dementia diagnosis than with the more conservative computerized DSM-IV algorithm. The DSM-IV algorithm was particularly likely to miss less severe dementia cases. Those with a 10/66 dementia diagnosis who did not meet the DSM-IV criterion were less cognitively and functionally impaired compared with the DSMIV confirmed cases, but still grossly impaired compared with those free of dementia. CONCLUSION: The DSM-IV criterion, strictly applied, defines a narrow category of unambiguous dementia characterized by marked impairment. It may be specific but incompletely sensitive to clinically relevant cases. The 10/66 dementia diagnosis defines a broader category that may be more sensitive, identifying genuine cases beyond those defined by our DSM-IV algorithm, with relevance to the estimation of the population burden of this disorder.

Prevalence and determinants of undetected dementia in the community: a systematic literature review and a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Detection of dementia is essential for improving the lives of patients but the extent of underdetection worldwide and its causes are not known. This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of undetected dementia and to examine its correlates. METHODS/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: A systematic search was conducted until October 2016 for studies reporting the proportion of undetected dementia and/or its determinants in either the community or in residential care settings worldwide. Random-effects models calculated the pooled rate of undetected dementia and subgroup analyses were conducted to identify determinants of the variation. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome measures of interest were the prevalence and determinants of undetected dementia. RESULTS: 23 studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. The pooled rate of undetected dementia was 61.7% (95% CI 55.0% to 68.0%). The rate of underdetection was higher in China and India (vs Europe and North America), in the community setting (vs residential/nursing care), age of <70 years, male gender and diagnosis by general practitioner. However, it was lower in the studies using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) diagnosis criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of undetected dementia is high globally. Wide variations in detecting dementia need to be urgently examined, particularly in populations with low socioeconomic status. Efforts are required to reduce diagnostic inequality and to improve early diagnosis in the community.

Birth size, risk factors across life and cognition in late life: protocol of prospective longitudinal follow-up of the MYNAH (MYsore studies of Natal effects on Ageing and Health) cohort.

INTRODUCTION: For late-life neurocognitive disorders, as for other late-life chronic diseases, much recent interest has focused on the possible relevance of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). Programming by undernutrition in utero, followed by overnutrition in adult life may lead to an increased risk, possibly mediated through cardiovascular and metabolic pathways. This study will specifically examine, if lower birth weight is associated with poorer cognitive functioning in late life in a south Indian population. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: From 1934 onwards, the birth weight, length and head circumference of all babies born in the CSI Holdsworth Memorial Hospital, Mysore, India, were recorded in obstetric notes. Approximately 800 men and women from the Mysore Birth Records Cohort aged above 55 years, and a reliable informant for each, will be asked to participate in a single cross-sectional baseline assessment for cognitive function, mental health and cardiometabolic disorders. Participants will be assessed for hypertension, type-2 diabetes and coronary heart disease, nutritional status, health behaviours and lifestyles, family living arrangements, economic status, social support and social networks. Additional investigations include blood tests (for diabetes, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, anaemia, vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, hyperhomocysteinemia, renal impairment, thyroid disease and Apolipoprotein E genotype), anthropometry, ECG, blood pressure, spirometry and body composition (bioimpedance). We will develop an analysis plan, first using traditional univariate and multivariable analytical paradigms with independent, dependent and mediating/confounding/interacting variables to test the main hypotheses. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by the research ethics committee of CSI Holdsworth Memorial Hospital. The findings will be disseminated locally and at international meetings, and will be published in open access peer reviewed journals.

Depression in older people in rural China.

BACKGROUND: In Western countries depression is the most common psychiatric condition in older persons and related to low socioeconomic status and low social supports. Along with social deprivation, the rural communities in China retain many Chinese traditions that involve high levels of social supports. Studying such a population might offer insights into the cause and prevention of depression that may be applicable in developing and developed countries. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional, household-based, community survey in rural China, we aimed to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for depression among older people who had a low income (mean annual per capita income of about 280 US dollars) and high social support in 16 villages in Anhui Province. Participants included 754 men and 846 women aged 60 years or older. Depression was diagnosed using the Geriatric Mental State and the Automated Geriatric Examination for Computer Assisted Taxonomy. Risk factors, collected from the standard questionnaire and physical measurements, were examined in a stepwise multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression (world age standardized) was 6.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.8%-7.3%). Of all persons, 1374 older persons (85.9%) living with family members. Depression was significantly and independently associated with female gender, low family income, lack of social support, relationship problems, poor health status, and adverse life events in the past 2 years. The risk of depression increased in those eating meat less than once a week (multiple-adjusted odds ratio, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.20-4.03), not watching television (odds ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-3.00), and having undetected hypertension (odds ratio, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.05-3.01). CONCLUSIONS: Older people in rural China have a lower risk of depression than those in Western countries. Low socioeconomic status showed a "dose-response" relationship with depression, and social supports were much more common, which were protective for depression. Further exploration of Chinese culture and tradition may yield universal insights into preventive factors for depression in older people.

Antibody response to postexposure prophylaxis in infants born to hepatitis B surface antigen-positive women.

BACKGROUND: Annually 20,000 infants are born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive US women. Without prophylaxis 30% risk chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and 25% of those risk dying from resulting liver cirrhosis or liver cancer as adults. METHODS: We attempted to interview each HBsAg-positive pregnant woman reported to the health department between 1992 and 1997, to provide their infants with immunoprophylaxis at birth and in the clinic or home and to serotest at 9 to 15 months of age. RESULTS: Of 879 women reported, 92% enrolled; 787 delivered 796 live infants; 91% of infants received hepatitis B immunoglobulin; 98, 95 and 89% received hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) Doses 1, 2 and 3, respectively; and 80% were serotested. Of these 2.2% were HBsAg-positive and 97% had antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) of > or =10 mIU/ml. Anti-HBs concentrations measured in 504 infants were 10 to 99 mIU/ml (25%), 100 to 999 mIU/ml (43%) and > or =1000 mIU/ml (29%). Serotesting was less likely among infants of mothers <20 years of age [odds ratio (OR) 2.5]; white, non-Hispanic (OR 2.8); or with a household income of <$15,000/year (OR 2.0). Lower antibody titers were found when serotesting at 4 to 12 months than at <4 months after HepB-3 (OR 1.8 to 4.4), with HepB-3 receipt <6 months after HepB-2 (OR 2.5) and when household income was <$15,000/year (OR 2.1). CONCLUSIONS: Centralized case management with home visits resulted in high rates of complete immunoprophylaxis and postvaccination testing among infants born to HBsAg-positive women. Perinatal immunoprophylaxis was immunogenic under routine public health use, with higher anti-HBs titers occurring in infants tested <4 months postvaccination. Because infants in households with low income had higher rates of nonprotective antibody responses, they may benefit from extra efforts to ensure that serotesting is conducted postvaccination.

Depression, subthreshold depression and comorbid anxiety symptoms in older Europeans: results from the EURODEP concerted action.

BACKGROUND: In the epidemiology of late life depression, few insights are available on the co-occurrence of subthreshold depression and comorbid symptoms of anxiety. The current study aims to describe prevalence patterns of comorbid anxiety symptoms across different levels of depression in old age, and to describe the burden of depressive symptoms and functional disability across patterns of comorbidity. METHODS: Respondents were older adults in the community, age 65-104 (N=14,200), from seven European countries, with in total nine study centres, collaborating in the EURODEP concerted action. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Geriatric Mental State examination (GMS-AGECAT package), providing subthreshold level and case-level diagnoses. Presence of anxiety symptoms was defined as at least three distinct symptoms of anxiety. Number of depressive symptoms was assessed with the EURO-D scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of anxiety symptoms amounts to 32% for respondents without depression, 67% for those with subthreshold depression, and 87% for those with case-level depression. The number of depressive symptoms is similar for those with subthreshold-level depression with comorbid anxiety, compared to case-level depression without symptoms of anxiety. In turn, at case level, comorbid symptoms of anxiety are associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and more functional disability. LIMITATIONS: GMS-AGECAT is insufficiently equipped with diagnostic procedures to identify specific types of anxiety disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety symptoms in late life depression are highly prevalent, and are likely to contribute to the burden of symptoms of the depression, even at subthreshold level.