The relationship between social frailty and loneliness in community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Social frailty (SF) is associated with multiple adverse health outcomes, yet there has been an inadequate focus on social frailty. The convoy model portrays the social networks through the perspective of the life course, thus providing a framework to explain the occurrence of social frailty. This study aimd to figure out the prevalence of social frailty and loneliness among community-dwelling older adults and to explore their correlations based on convoy model. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, and 295 older adults from 10 communities of Zhengzhou in Henan Province participated in the study. Social frailty and loneliness were assessed separately with the Social Frailty Scale and University of California at Los Angeles-Loneliness Scale. The scores of social frailty of the older adults in different characteristic communities were compared by independent sample t-test and single factor analysis of variance. The influencing factors of social frailty were analysed by multiple stepwise linear regression and the structural equation model. The correlation between social frailty and loneliness was analysed by Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: The total scores of social frailty and loneliness of the older adults in the community were (2.09 ± 1.53) and (43.19 ± 8.91), respectively. There was a moderate positive correlation between social frailty and loneliness (r = 0.621, P < 0.01). The results of multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that age, living styles, balance of payments, and loneliness were the main influencing factors of the social frailty of older adults in the community (F = 27.180, P < 0.001). The structural equation model of social frailty fitted well (χ2 = 47.292, df = 26, χ2/df = 1.819, P = 0.007; RMSEA = 0.053, 95%CI (0.028, 0.076), P = 0.359; GFI = 0.971; AGFI = 0.939; NFI = 0.904; IFI = 0.955; TLI = 0.918; CFI = 0.953; SRMR = 0.0466). CONCLUSIONS: The convoy model had certain applicability in explanation of the relationship between loneliness and social frailty among older adults in community. The incidence of social frailty among the older adults in the community was high, and loneliness was at a medium level. It is necessary to strengthen the intervention of social frailty and loneliness of the older adults in the community, improve the quality of life of the older adults, and promote the development of healthy aging.

Home monitoring of haemoglobin A1c in diabetes: A systematic review and narrative synthesis on accuracy, reliability and patient acceptability.

AIM: In the UK people with diabetes who do not attend annual review appointments often have higher haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c ) levels. We aim to determine the acceptability of self-collected posted capillary blood samples, and if they produce accurate and reliable HbA1c results. METHODS: We include adult studies comparing capillary blood to venous blood for measuring HbA1c . We exclude methods not suitable for postage. Electronic databases of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Google Scholar and OpenGrey were searched from inception to September 2021, as well as relevant conference abstracts. Two reviewers performed study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment independently. Narrative synthesis was performed. RESULTS: Our search retrieved 3747 records. Following de-duplication and screening 30 articles were included. The mean difference (MD) and limits of agreement (LoA) between capillary and venous HbA1c were smaller and narrower respectively when micro/capillary tubes (micro/cap) were used for capillary blood storage compared to dried blood spots (capDBS) (micro/cap MD range -0.4 to 1.4 mmol/mol vs. capDBS MD range -4.3 to 7.2 mmol/mol, micro/cap LoA width 2.4 to 6 mmol/mol vs. capDBS LoA width 11.7 to 16.8 mmol/mol). After using self-collection kits, 83%-96% of participants reported satisfaction, 87%-99% found it easy and 69%-94% reported they would use it again. CONCLUSION: Microtubes/capillary tubes look promising as a method of self-collecting and posting capillary blood samples for the measurement of HbA1c based on the accuracy and reliability findings presented. DBS samples demonstrated comparatively poorer accuracy. Data on acceptability were limited and further research is needed.

Poisson-event-based analysis of cell proliferation.

A protocol for the assessment of cell proliferation dynamics is presented. This is based on the measurement of cell division events and their subsequent analysis using Poisson probability statistics. Detailed analysis of proliferation dynamics in heterogeneous populations requires single cell resolution within a time series analysis and so is technically demanding to implement. Here, we show that by focusing on the events during which cells undergo division rather than directly on the cells themselves a simplified image acquisition and analysis protocol can be followed, which maintains single cell resolution and reports on the key metrics of cell proliferation. The technique is demonstrated using a microscope with 1.3 µm spatial resolution to track mitotic events within A549 and BEAS-2B cell lines, over a period of up to 48 h. Automated image processing of the bright field images using standard algorithms within the ImageJ software toolkit yielded 87% accurate recording of the manually identified, temporal, and spatial positions of the mitotic event series. Analysis of the statistics of the interevent times (i.e., times between observed mitoses in a field of view) showed that cell division conformed to a nonhomogeneous Poisson process in which the rate of occurrence of mitotic events, λ exponentially increased over time and provided values of the mean inter mitotic time of 21.1 ± 1.2 hours for the A549 cells and 25.0 ± 1.1 h for the BEAS-2B cells. Comparison of the mitotic event series for the BEAS-2B cell line to that predicted by random Poisson statistics indicated that temporal synchronisation of the cell division process was occurring within 70% of the population and that this could be increased to 85% through serum starvation of the cell culture.

Phytochemical analysis, GC-MS characterization and antioxidant activity of Hordeum vulgare seed extracts.

Barley scientifically known as Hordeum vulgare (HV) is a major grain crop. Over the course of time, great interest has been developed in the usage of barley, because of its various pharmacological activities. Current study is designed to determine the chemical constituents of Hordeum vulgare (HV) seed extract by GC-MS technique, and Invitro antioxidant assays i.e. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH) and 2-azino-bis(3-ethyl benzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) methods. GC-MS identified 16 non-polar compounds in the hexane extract of HV plant, which includes carboxylic acid (6.25%), fatty acid (37.5%), carboxylic acid amide derivative of fatty acid (6.25%), triterpinoids (18.75%), fat soluble vitamin (6.25%), phytosterol (6.25%), stigmastanes (6.25%), beta diketones (6.25%), and cycloartenol (6.25%) respectively. The major compound includes Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (6.84%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (8.58%), 9,12-Octadecanoic acid (Z,Z)-, Methyl Ester (8.04%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z) (57.01%), Lup-20(29)-en-3-one (3.57%), γ-Sitosterol (3.31%). Some constituents such as Lup-20(29)-en-3-one, campesterol and squalene were observed and were not previously reported. Total phenolic and total flavonoid content were determined using spectrophotometric technique and calculated as gallic acid equivalents GAE/g dry weight and rutin equivalent RE/g of dry weight respectively.The highest phenolic content exhibited by the acetone extract of HV seedsi.e. 0.0597 mg GAE/g while the highest flavonoid content exhibited by dichloromethane extract i.e. 0.09 mg RE/g and 0.25 mg QE/g of dry weight respectively. All the extracts showed significant antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS cation decolorization assays. Methanol and dichloromethane extract showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity i.e. 52.41% and 42.07% at the concentration of 100 mg/ml respectively. Moreover, the IC50 has been determined by the acetone and methanol extract of HV seeds. The high antioxidant activity of its seed extracts has made this plant pharmacologically important. Conclusively, there is a vast scope to further explore the active principals of barley so that more of its pharmacological properties can be identified.

Cannabidiol regulates behavioral and brain alterations induced by spontaneous alcohol withdrawal.

The main goal of this study was to evaluate if the administration of cannabidiol (CBD) regulates behavioral and gene expression alterations induced by spontaneous alcohol withdrawal (SAW) in mice. Increasing doses of ethanol were administered to C57BL/6J male mice for 15 days (2.5, 3 and 3.5 g/kg/12 h, p. o.), and SAW was studied at 6, 12, 24, and 72 h after the last ethanol administration. The efficacy of acute CBD (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, i. p.) to regulate behavioral changes induced by SAW was explored at 6 h. Gene expression analyses of cannabinoid receptors 1 (Cnr1) and 2 (Cnr2), mu-opioid receptor (Opmr1), and proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), and Pomc and tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), were carried out by real time-PCR. Pearson correlation was used to identify potential associations between the gene expression data and the anxiety-like behaviors. Biostatistical studies suggest associations between gene expression data and the anxiogenic behaviors in mice exposed to the SAW model and treated with VEH and 40 mg/kg of CBD. Mice exposed to the SAW model showed significant somatic withdrawal signs, anxiety-like behaviors, and remarkable changes in the gene expression of all brain targets at 6 h. CBD dose-dependently normalized the behavioral, somatic withdrawal signs and anxiety-like behaviors and modulated gene expression changes in the NAcc, but not in the VTA. The results of this study suggest that CBD may regulate specific alcohol withdrawal-associated alterations. However, further studies are required to explore the possible mechanisms involved.

A comparative assessment of flood susceptibility modelling of GIS-based TOPSIS, VIKOR, and EDAS techniques in the Sub-Himalayan foothills region of Eastern India.

In the Sub-Himalayan foothills region of eastern India, floods are considered the most powerful annually occurring natural disaster, which cause severe losses to the socio-economic life of the inhabitants. Therefore, the present study integrated geographic information system (GIS) and three comprehensive and systematic multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques such as Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacijaik Ompromisno Resenje (VIKOR), and Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) in Koch Bihar district for comparative assessment of the flood-susceptible zones. The multi-dimensional 21 indicators were considered, and multicollinearity statistics were employed to erase the issues regarding highly correlated parameters (i.e., MFI and long-term annual rainfall). Results of MCDM models depicted that the riparian areas and riverine "chars" (islands) are the most susceptible sectors, accounting for around 40% of the total area. The microlevel assessment revealed that flooding was most susceptible in the Tufanganj-I, Tufanganj-II, and Mathabhanga-I blocks, while Haldibari, Sitalkuchi, and Sitai blocks were less susceptible. Spearman's rank (rs) tests among the three MCDM models revealed that TOPSIS-EDAS persisted in a high correlation (rs = 0.714) in contrast to the relationships between VIKOR-EDAS (rs = 0.651) and TOPSIS-VIKOR (rs = 0.639). The model's efficiency was statistically judged by applying the receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve (ROC-AUC), mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE), and root mean square error (RMSE) techniques to recognize the better-suited models for mapping the flood susceptibility. The performance of all techniques is found good enough (ROC-AUC = > 0.700 and MAE, MSE and RMSE = < 0.300). However, TOPSIS and VIKOR have manifested an excellent outcome and are highly recommended for identifying flood susceptibility in such active flood-prone areas. Thus, this kind of study addresses the role of GIS in the construction of the flood susceptibility of the region and the performance of the respective models in a very lucid manner.

Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant activity and antihypertensive evaluation of Ocimum basilicum L. in l-NAME induced hypertensive rats and its correlation analysis.

Ocimum basilicum Linn. (basil) is an aromatic culinary herb that has shown a great potential in therapeutic world. It has many promising pharmacological activities that make it centre for investigations for many researchers. Current study has been planned to determine chemical constituents of basil leaves extracts and their in-vitro and ex-vivo antioxidant and in-vivo antihypertensive potential. GC-MS studies of non-polar extracts showed presence of 75 compounds including monoterpenes, hydrocarbons, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, phyto-sterols and phthalates. Higher percentages of fatty acids were also identified. The major compounds include linalool (7.65%), terpineol (1.42%), tau-cadinol (13.55%), methyl palmitate (14.24%), palmitic acid (14.31%), linolenic acid (1.30%) and methyl linolenate (17.72%). Electron spray ionization mass spectrometry ESI-HRMS/MS of the polar extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolic acid, amino acid, coumarin, lignin, flavanoid and terpene derivative. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were determined using spectrophotometric technique and calculated as gallic acid equivalents GAE/g dry weight and rutin equivalent RE/g of dry weight respectively. The highest phenolic content and flavonoid content were found in ethyl acetate extract 9.40 mg GAE/g and 15.9 mg RE/g of dry weight. All the extracts showed significant antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS cation decolorization assays. Dichloromethane extract possess the highest DPPH scavenging activity, i.e., 64.12% ± 0.23 at concentration of 4 mg/ml. Moreover in ex-vivo studies all the extracts showed prominent effect by inhibiting AAPS induce oxidation in Human erythrocytes being 69.24% ± 0.18 in dichloromethane extract, 64.44% ± 0.04 in ethyl acetate and 53.33% ± 0.09 in acetone extract. The methanol extract of O. basilicum exhibited significant decrease in systolic blood pressure in l-Name induced hypertensive rats at the dose of 50 mg/kg for 28 days. Total phenolic content had a higher linear correlation (r = 0.678) with antihypertensive activity, with a level of significance 95% showing that phenolic compounds in the leaves of the plant has important role in inhibiting l -NAME induced hypertension while flavonoid compounds may play a key role in the antioxidant activities of the plant, through synergism. Conclusively, O. basilicum leaves with bioactive metabolites are a potential source for the development of antihypertensive drugs.

Evaluating the potential of relapse-free survival as a surrogate for overall survival in the adjuvant therapy of melanoma with checkpoint inhibitors.

INTRODUCTION: Recent changes in the adjuvant treatment of melanoma have raised interest in confirming relapse-free survival (RFS) as a surrogate for overall survival (OS). METHODS: We explore this issue with the meta-analytic framework, using individual patient data from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) 18071 trial of ipilimumab and published results from other adjuvant trials. RESULTS: The individual patient data analysis results at a median follow-up of 5.3 years showed a strong association between RFS and OS at the patient level (ρ = 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82-0.87) and a moderate association at the trial level (R2 = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.08-1.00). CONCLUSIONS: The trial-level association previously observed in interferon-based trials appeared to be maintained when the EORTC 18071 results were added to a regression analysis using published results from other trials. More data from adjuvant trials are required to confirm the strength of association between RFS and OS in this setting.

MetaPhat: Detecting and Decomposing Multivariate Associations From Univariate Genome-Wide Association Statistics.

BACKGROUND: Multivariate testing tools that integrate multiple genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have become important as the number of phenotypes gathered from study cohorts and biobanks has increased. While these tools have been shown to boost statistical power considerably over univariate tests, an important remaining challenge is to interpret which traits are driving the multivariate association and which traits are just passengers with minor contributions to the genotype-phenotypes association statistic. RESULTS: We introduce MetaPhat, a novel bioinformatics tool to conduct GWAS of multiple correlated traits using univariate GWAS results and to decompose multivariate associations into sets of central traits based on intuitive trace plots that visualize Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and P-value statistics of multivariate association models. We validate MetaPhat with Global Lipids Genetics Consortium GWAS results, and we apply MetaPhat to univariate GWAS results for 21 heritable and correlated polyunsaturated lipid species from 2,045 Finnish samples, detecting seven independent loci associated with a cluster of lipid species. In most cases, we are able to decompose these multivariate associations to only three to five central traits out of all 21 traits included in the analyses. We release MetaPhat as an open source tool written in Python with built-in support for multi-processing, quality control, clumping and intuitive visualizations using the R software. CONCLUSION: MetaPhat efficiently decomposes associations between multivariate phenotypes and genetic variants into smaller sets of central traits and improves the interpretation and specificity of genome-phenome associations. MetaPhat is freely available under the MIT license at: https://sourceforge.net/projects/meta-pheno-association-tracer.

Exploring Uncertainty in Canine Cancer Data Sources Through Dasymetric Refinement.

In spite of the potentially groundbreaking environmental sentinel applications, studies of canine cancer data sources are often limited due to undercounting of cancer cases. This source of uncertainty might be further amplified through the process of spatial data aggregation, manifested as part of the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP). In this study, we explore potential explanatory factors for canine cancer incidence retrieved from the Swiss Canine Cancer Registry (SCCR) in a regression modeling framework. In doing so, we also evaluate differences in statistical performance and associations resulting from a dasymetric refinement of municipal units to their portion of residential land. Our findings document severe underascertainment of cancer cases in the SCCR, which we linked to specific demographic characteristics and reduced use of veterinary care. These explanatory factors result in improved statistical performance when computed using dasymetrically refined units. This suggests that dasymetric mapping should be further tested in geographic correlation studies of canine cancer incidence and in future comparative studies involving human cancers.

Retinal microvasculature: population epidemiology and concordance in Australian children aged 11-12 years and their parents.

OBJECTIVES: To describe distributions and concordance of retinal microvasculature measurements in a population-based sample of Australian parent-child dyads at child age 11-12 years. DESIGN: Cross-sectional Child Health CheckPoint study, between waves 6 and 7 of the national population-based Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). SETTING: Assessment centres in seven Australian cities, February 2015-March 2016. PARTICIPANTS: Of the 1874 participating families, 1288 children (51% girls) and 1264 parents (87% mothers, mean age 43.7) were analysed. Diabetic participants and non-biological pairs were excluded from concordance analyses. OUTCOME MEASURES: Retinal photographs were taken by non-mydriatic fundus camera. Trained graders scored vascular calibre using semi-automated software, yielding estimates of central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) and arteriolar-venular ratio (AVR). Pearson's correlation coefficients and multivariable linear regression models assessed parent-child concordance. Survey weights and methods accounted for LSAC's complex sampling, stratification and clustering within postcodes. RESULTS: Mean (SD) of CRAE and CRVE were larger in children (159.5 (11.8) and 231.1 (16.5) µm, respectively) than parents (151.5 (14.0) and 220.6 (19.0) µm), yielding similar AVR (children 0.69 (0.05), parents 0.69 (0.06)). Correlation coefficients for parent-child pairs were 0.22 (95% CI 0.16 to 0.27) for CRAE, 0.23 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.28) for CRVE and 0.18 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.24) for AVR. Mother-child and father-child values were similar (0.20 and 0.32 for CRAE, 0.22 and 0.29 for CRVE, respectively). Relationships attenuated slightly on adjustment for age, sex, blood pressure, diabetes and body mass index. Percentiles and concordance are presented for the whole sample and by sex. CONCLUSIONS: Arteriolar and venular calibre were similar to previously documented measures in midlife adult and late childhood populations. Population parent-child concordance values align with moderate polygenic heritability reported in smaller studies.

Metabolomics: population epidemiology and concordance in Australian children aged 11-12 years and their parents.

OBJECTIVES: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics is high throughput and cost-effective, with the potential to improve the understanding of disease and risk. We examine the circulating metabolic profile by quantitative NMR metabolomics of a sample of Australian 11-12 year olds children and their parents, describe differences by age and sex, and explore the correlation of metabolites in parent-child dyads. DESIGN: The population-based cross-sectional Child Health CheckPoint study nested within the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. SETTING: Blood samples collected from CheckPoint participants at assessment centres in seven Australian cities and eight regional towns; February 2015-March 2016. PARTICIPANTS: 1180 children and 1325 parents provided a blood sample and had metabolomics data available. This included 1133 parent-child dyads (518 mother-daughter, 469 mother-son, 68 father-daughter and 78 father-son). OUTCOME MEASURES: 228 metabolic measures were obtained for each participant. We focused on 74 biomarkers including amino acid species, lipoprotein subclass measures, lipids, fatty acids, measures related to fatty acid saturation, and composite markers of inflammation and energy homeostasis. RESULTS: We identified differences in the concentration of specific metabolites between childhood and adulthood and in metabolic profiles in children and adults by sex. In general, metabolite concentrations were higher in adults than children and sex differences were larger in adults than in children. Positive correlations were observed for the majority of metabolites including isoleucine (CC 0.33, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.38), total cholesterol (CC 0.30, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.35) and omega 6 fatty acids (CC 0.28, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.34) in parent-child comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the serum metabolite profiles from mid-childhood and adulthood in a population-based sample, together with a parent-child concordance. Differences in profiles by age and sex were observed. These data will be informative for investigation of the childhood origins of adult non-communicable diseases and for comparative studies in other populations.

Health-related quality of life: population epidemiology and concordance in Australian children aged 11-12 years and their parents.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the distribution of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in a national sample of Australian children aged 11-12 years and their parents, and examine associations within parent-child dyads. DESIGN: The Child Health CheckPoint, a population-based cross-sectional study nested between waves 6 and 7 of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). SETTING: Assessment centres in seven Australian cities and eight regional towns, or home visit; February 2015 to March 2016. PARTICIPANTS: Of all participating CheckPoint families (n=1874), 1853 children (49.0% girls) and 1863 parents (87.7% mothers) with HRQL data were included (1786 pairs). OUTCOME MEASURES: HRQL was self-reported using preference-based (Child Health Utility 9Dimension, CHU9D) and non-preference-based (Pediatric Quality of Life, PedsQL V.4.0) measures for children and preference-based measures for parents (CHU9D; Assessment of Quality of Life 8 Dimension, AQoL-8D). Utility scores from preference-based measures were calculated using existing Australian algorithms to present a score on a 0-1 scale, where 1 represents full health. Parent-child concordance was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficients and adjusted linear regression models. Survey weights and methods were applied to account for LSAC's complex sample design, stratification and clustering within postcodes. RESULTS: Children's means and SD were 0.81 (SD 0.16) for CHU9D and 78.3 (SD 13.03) for PedsQL. In adults, mean HRQL for AQoL-8D and CHU9D were 0.78 (SD 0.16) and 0.89 (SD 0.10), respectively. Mean HRQL was similar for boys and girls, but slightly higher for fathers than mothers. The Pearson correlation coefficient for parent-child CHU9D values was 0.13 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.18). Percentiles and concordance are presented for both samples for males and females separately and together. CONCLUSIONS: We provide Australian paediatric population values for HRQL measures, and the first national CHU9D values for mid-life adults. At age 11-12 years in this relatively healthy sample, parent-child concordance in HRQL was small.

Compositional Analysis of Non-Polar and Polar Metabolites in 14 Soybeans Using Spectroscopy and Chromatography Tools.

There has been significant interest in soybean oil, fatty acid, and sugar composition to develop new value-added soybean products. Thus, compositional analysis is critical for developing value-added soybeans. In the present study, we showed simple screening tools (near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC)) coupled with multivariate analysis for the sample classification of 14 soybeans as a proof-of-concept. We further determined major non-polar and polar metabolites responsible for differences between different soybeans using gas and ion chromatography. These differences in soybean profiles were attributed to lower levels of total oil content in wild soybeans (~9%) versus cultivated soybeans (16%-22%). In addition, higher levels of linolenic acid (~17%) and stachyose (~53%) were determined in wild type, whereas higher levels of oleic acid (~19%) and sucrose (~59%) were detected in cultivated soybeans. Interestingly, one cultivated soybean had a desirable sugar profile with a high amount of sucrose (86%) and a low abundance of stachyose (9%). The correlation studies showed a positive correlation between oil and soluble sugars (R2 = 0.80) and negative correlations between methyl linolenate and soluble sugars (R2 = -0.79), oil (R2 = -0.94), and methyl oleate (R2 = -0.94) content. Both polar and non-polar metabolites showed significant differences in wild and cultivated soybeans.

A retrospective study of correlation between serum levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and post-stroke cognitive impairment / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To quantify any correlation between serum levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-PUFAs) and post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).Methods:The clinical data of 77 patients hospitalized after a first stroke were analyzed. The Minimum Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to divide them into impaired (PSCI) and unimpaired (non-PSCI) cohorts. The serum levels of ω3-PUFAs, α-linolenic acid (ALA), eieosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and dueosahexenoie acid (DHA) were compared between the two groups and correlated with the individuals′ MMSE scores.Results:The average ALA, EPA, DHA and total ω3-PUFAs levels of PSCI group were in most cases significantly lower than those of the non-PSCI group. Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum DHA level was a weak positive predictor of the MMSE scores (R=0.32, P≤0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that low serum DHA level was an independent risk factor for PSCI ( P≤0.01). Conclusions:Cognitively impaired stroke survivors tend to have lower serum ω3-PUFAs levels than those without cognitive impairment. There is a weak positive correlation between serum DHA levels and MMSE scores. Low serum DHA level is an independent risk factor for PSCI. The serum level of ω3-PUFAs is of high value in the auxiliary diagnosis and evaluation of PSCI.

The associations between quality of life and clinical symptoms in individuals with an at-risk mental state and first-episode psychosis.

Quality of life (QOL) is strongly associated with severity of clinical symptoms and is often compromised in patients with chronic or first-episode psychosis (FEP). However, it remains unclear whether baseline QOL in individuals with an at-risk mental state (ARMS) for psychosis is higher or lower than that in patients with FEP, or what specific clinical symptoms relate to a decreased QOL in individuals with ARMS and FEP. The World Health Organization's WHOQOL-BREF, an instrument assessing QOL, was administered to 104 individuals with ARMS and 53 with FEP. Clinical symptoms were assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. We compared the four domain scores of the WHOQOL-BREF between the two groups, and calculated Pearson correlations between each WHOQOL-BREF domain score and the clinical symptoms and compared these correlations between the groups. We observed significant correlations between poor QOL and severity of depressive symptoms in both the FEP and ARMS group. No between-group differences were found in any correlation coefficients between WHOQOL-BREF domains and clinical symptoms. Thus, depressive symptoms should be investigated as a key factor relating to poor QOL in both individuals with ARMS and those with FEP.

Estrogen profiles in young women: effect of maternal history of breast cancer.

To examine the hypothesis that familial breast cancer risk is related to estrogen metabolism, we analyzed urines of daughters of breast cancer patients and their matched controls for estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). From this, we computed estriol proportions (E3/E1 + E2 + E3). "Patient-daughters" and the matched controls showed no differences in estriol proportions. Our results failed to support the hypothesis that high-risk women (those with a family history of breast cancer) have relatively lower estriol proportions, and we concluded that whatever family history contributes to breast cancer risk, that risk is not likely to be transmitted by the estrogen profile.

PIP: A study designed to test the hypothesis that daughters of breast cancer patients would have "less favorable" estriol proportions than would a group of otherwise similar controls is reported. Urinary estrogen profiles of 46 daughters born to 45 women who later developed breast cancer and of 46 controls were examined. Computed estriol proportions (estriol/estrone plus estradiol plus estriol) revealed no differences in "patient-daughters" and the matched controls. It is concluded that whatever family history contributes to breast cancer risk, that risk is not likely transmitted by the estrogen profile.

Vasectomy and prostate cancer: results from a multiethnic case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Vasectomy, a widely used form of contraception, has been associated in some studies with increased prostate cancer risk. PURPOSE: We assessed this association on the basis of data collected in a large multiethnic case-control study of prostate cancer that was conducted in the United States (Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Hawaii) and Canada (Toronto and Vancouver). METHODS: In home interviews conducted with newly diagnosed prostate cancer case patients and population control subjects, we obtained information on the participants' medical history, including a history of vasectomy and the age at which the procedure was performed, as well as other potential risk factors. Blood samples were collected from control subjects only and were assayed for concentration of sex hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin. RESULTS: The present analysis was based on 1642 prostate cancer patients and 1636 control subjects. A history of vasectomy was not significantly associated with prostate cancer risk among all racial/ethnic groups combined (odds ratio [OR] = 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.83-1.3), whites (OR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.69-1.3), blacks (OR = 1.0; 95% CI = 0.59-1.8), or Chinese-Americans (OR = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.42-2.2). Among Japanese-Americans, the OR was 1.8 (95% CI = 0.97-3.4), but the statistically nonsignificant elevation in risk was limited to more educated men and those with localized cancers. ORs did not vary significantly by age at vasectomy or years since vasectomy. We found a lower serum concentration of sex hormone-binding globulin and a higher ratio of dihydrotestosterone to testosterone among vasectomized control subjects than among nonvasectomized control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study do not support previous reports of increased prostate cancer risk associated with vasectomy. However, the altered endocrine profiles of vasectomized control subjects seen in this cross-sectional comparison warrant further evaluation in longitudinal studies.

PIP: Vasectomy has been associated in some studies with increased prostate cancer risk. This association was assessed on the basis of data collected in a large multiethnic case control study of prostate cancer that was conducted in the United States (Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Hawaii) and Canada (Toronto and Vancouver). In home interviews conducted with newly diagnosed prostate cancer case patients (diagnosed between January 1, 1989 and December 31, 1991 as well as January 1, 1987 and December 31, 1988) and control subjects, information was obtained on the participants' medical history, including a history of vasectomy and the age at which the procedure was performed as well as other potential risk factors. Blood samples were collected from control subjects only and were assayed for concentration of total testosterone, percent of free testosterone, percent of bioavailable testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) using an automated, polyclonal-monoclonal immunochemiluminometric prostate-specific antigen (PSA) assay. The analysis was based on 1642 prostate cancer patients and 1636 control subjects. The analysis of PSA, androgens, and SHBG by vasectomy status was based on 850 control subjects with normal PSA concentrations. A history of vasectomy was not significantly associated with prostate cancer risk among all racial/ethnic groups combined (odds ratio [OR] = 1.1; Whites OR = 0.94; Blacks OR = 1.0; or Chinese-Americans OR = 0.96). Among Japanese-Americans, the OR was 1.8, but the statistically significant elevation in risk (OR = 4.1) was limited to more educated men with a history of vasectomy and those with localized cancers (OR = 5.3). ORs did not vary significantly by age at vasectomy or years since vasectomy. Lower serum concentration of SHBG and a higher ratio of DHT to testosterone was found among vasectomized control subjects than among nonvasectomized control subjects. The findings do not support previous reports of increased prostate cancer risk associated with vasectomy. However, the altered endocrine profiles of vasectomized control subjects warrant further evaluation in longitudinal studies.

Oral contraceptives and breast cancer risk among younger women.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have suggested a link between oral contraceptive use and breast cancer in younger women, but it is possible that chance or bias, including selective screening of contraceptive users, contributed to the putative association. PURPOSE: Given that oral contraceptives were first marketed in the United States in the early 1960s, we conducted a population-based case-control study to examine the relationship between use of oral contraceptives and breast cancer among women in a recently assembled cohort, focusing on women younger than 45 years of age who had the opportunity for exposure throughout their entire reproductive years. METHODS: Breast cancer patients and healthy control subjects were identified, the latter group by random-digit dialing, in Atlanta, Ga., Seattle/Puget Sound, Wash., and central New Jersey. In Seattle and New Jersey, the study was confined to women 20 through 44 years of age; in Atlanta the age range was extended through 54 years. Patients included women with in situ or invasive breast cancer newly diagnosed during the period of May 1, 1990, through December 31, 1992. In-person interviews were completed by 2203 (86.4%) of 2551 eligible patients and 2009 (78.1%) of 2571 eligible control subjects. Analyses focused on women younger than 45 years of age (1648 patients and 1505 control subjects) to maximize opportunities for extended exposure. Logistic regression analyses were used to obtain maximum likelihood estimates of relative risks (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Among women younger than 45 years, oral contraceptive use for 6 months or longer was associated with an RR for breast cancer of 1.3 (95% CI = 1.1-1.5). Risks were enhanced for breast cancers occurring prior to age 35 years (RR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.2-2.6), with the RR rising to 2.2 (95% CI = 1.2-4.1) for users of 10 or more years. The RR for breast cancer for those whose oral contraceptive use began early (before age 18 years) and continued long-term (> 10 years) was even higher (RR = 3.1; 95% CI = 1.4-6.7). The RRs observed for those who used oral contraceptives within 5 years of cancer diagnosis were higher than for those who had not, with the effect most marked for women younger than age 35 years (RR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.3-3.1). Oral contraceptive associations were also strongest for cancers diagnosed at advanced stages. Evaluation of screening histories and methods of diagnosis failed to support the speculation that associations could be due to selective screening. Among women 45 years of age and older, no associations of risk with use of oral contraceptives were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between oral contraceptives and breast cancer in young women appears to have a biologic basis rather than to be an artifact or the result of bias.

PIP: A population-based case control study examined the relationship between use of oral contraceptives and breast cancer among women in a cohort, focusing on women younger than 45 years old who had the opportunity for exposure throughout their entire reproductive years. Breast cancer patients and healthy control subjects were identified, the latter group by random-digit dialing, in Atlanta, Georgia, Seattle/Puget Sound, Washington, and central New Jersey. In Seattle and New Jersey, the study was confined to women 20-44 years old; in Atlanta the age range was extended through 54 years. Patients included women with in situ or invasive breast cancer newly diagnosed during the period of May 1, 1990, through December 31, 1992. In-person interviews were completed by 2203 (86.4%) of 2551 eligible patients and 2009 (78.1%) of 2571 eligible control subjects. Analyses focused on women younger than 45 years old (1648 patients and 1505 control subjects) to maximize opportunities for extended exposure. Logistic regression analyses were used to obtain maximum likelihood estimates of relative risks (RRs). Among women under 45, oral contraceptive use for 6 months or longer was associated with an RR for breast cancer of 1.3. Risks were enhanced for breast cancers occurring prior to age 35 years (RR = 1.7) with the RR rising to 2.2 for users of 10 or more years. The RR for breast cancer for those whose oral contraceptive use began before age 18 years and continued long-term ( 10 years) was even higher (RR = 3.1). The RRs observed for those who used oral contraceptives within 5 years of cancer diagnosis were higher than for those who had not, with the effect most marked for women younger than 35 years (RR = 2.0). Oral contraceptive associations were also strongest for cancers diagnosed at advanced stages. The relationship between oral contraceptives and breast cancer in young women appears to have a biologic basis rather than to be an artifact or the result of bias.