bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and blood/serum bound prognostic biomarkers in advanced pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel
Authors: Blomstrand Hakon , Green Henrik , Fredriksson Mats , Gränsmark Emma , Björnsson Bergthor , Elander Nils 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background In recent years treatment options for advanced pancreatic cancer has markedly improved, and a combination regimen of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel is now considered standard of care in Sweden and elsewhere. Nevertheless, a majority of patients do not respond to treatment. In order to guide the individual patient to the most beneficial therapeutic strategy, simple and easily available prognostic and predictive markers are needed.Methods The potential prognostic value of a range of blood/serum parameters, patient-, and tumour characteristics was explored in a retrospective cohort of 75 patients treated with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (Gem/NabP) for advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) in the South Eastern Region of Sweden. Primary outcome was overall survival while progression free survival was the key secondary outcome.Result Univariable Cox regression analysis revealed that high baseline serum albumin (> 37 g/L) and high age (>65) were positive prognostic markers for OS, and in multivariable regression analysis both parameters were confirmed to be independent prognostic variables (HR 0.48, p=0.023 and HR=0.47, p=0.039,). Thrombocytopenia at any time during the treatment was an independent predictor for improved progression free survival (PFS) but not for OS (HR 0.49, p=0.029 and 0.54, p=0.073), whereas thrombocytopenia developed under cycle 1 was neither related with OS nor PFS (HR 0.87 p=0.384 and HR 1.04, p=0.771). Other parameters assessed (gender, tumour stage, ECOG performance status, myelosuppression, baseline serum CA19-9, and baseline serum bilirubin levels) were not significantly associated with survival.Conclusion Serum albumin at baseline is a prognostic factor with palliative Gem/NabP in advanced PDA, and should be further assessed as a tool for risk stratification. High age was associated with improved survival, which encourages further studies on the use of Gem/NabP in the elderly.
Impact of lignans in oilseed mix on gut microbiome composition and enterolignan production in younger healthy and premenopausal women: an in vitro study
Authors: Corona Giulia , Kreimes Anna , Barone Monica , Turroni Silvia , Brigidi Patrizia , Keleszade Enver , Costabile Adele 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BackgroundDietary lignans belong to the group of phytoestrogens together with coumestans, stilbenes and isoflavones, and themselves do not exhibit oestrogen-like properties. Nonetheless, the gut microbiota converts them into enterolignans, which show chemical similarity to the human oestrogen molecule. One of the richest dietary sources of lignans are oilseeds, including flaxseed. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of the main dietary lignans in an oilseed mix, and evaluate the gut microbiota-dependent production of enterolignans for oestrogen substitution in young and premenopausal women. The oilseed mix was fermented in a pH-controlled batch culture system inoculated with women’s faecal samples. The lignan content and enterolignan production were measured by ultra‐high-performance liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), and the gut-derived microbial communities were profiled by 16S rRNA gene-based next-generation sequencing.ResultsIn vitro batch culture fermentation of faecal samples inoculated with oilseed mix for 24 h resulted in a substantial increase in enterolactone production in younger women and an increase in enterodiol in the premenopausal group. As for the gut microbiota, different baseline profiles were observed as well as different temporal dynamics, mainly related to Clostridiaceae, and Klebsiella and Collinsella spp. ConclusionsDespite the small sample size, our results revealed that lignan-rich oilseeds have a strong influence on the faecal microbiota of both younger and premenopausal females, leading to a different enterolignan profile being produced. More studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of lignan-rich diets on the gut microbiota and find out how enterolactone-producing bacterial species could be increased. Diets rich in lignans could potentially serve as a safe supplement of oestrogen analogues to satisfy cellular needs for endogenous oestrogen and deliver numerous health benefits, provided that the premenopausal woman microbiota is capable of converting dietary precursors to enterolignans.
The role of an encapsulin nanocompartment in resisting silver ion stress
Authors: Xing Chong-Yang , Ma Teng-Fei , Guo Jinsong , Shen Yu , Yan Peng , Fang Fang , Chen You-Peng 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BackgroundCompartmentalization can protect cells from the interference of external toxic substances and sequester toxic products. We hypothesis that the proteinaceous compartments may be a candidate material with engineering feasibility suitable for adding to engineering bacteria for the sequestration of toxic environmental products, contributing to open up a new biological detoxification pathway.ResultsHere, we found a new approach of bacterial resistance to silver ion stress. We show that the self-assembled nanocompartments can help model species (E. coli) resist silver ion stress. Transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray (TEM-EDX) analysis showed that the nanocompartments stably combined with silver ions in vitro. In addition, when exposed to 30 μM AgNO3, the survival rate of engineered bacteria (with nanocompartments) was 86%, while it was just 59% in the wild-type bacteria (without nanocompartments). Moreover, label-free quantitative proteomics indicated that the nanocompartments enhanced bacterial activity by inducing the up-regulation of protein processing and secondary metabolites, and decreased intracellular silver ion concentration, increasing resistance to toxic silver ions.ConclusionsThis study of nanocompartments contributes to a deeper understanding of how bacteria respond to environmental stressors like heavy metal pollutants in water, soil, and sediment. The encapsulin nanocompartment has the potential to be applied in different environments, potentially the human body, and appears conducive to developing new anti-toxic drugs for metal ions.
NLRC3 delays the progression of AD in APP/PS1 mice via inhibiting PI3K activation
Authors: zha lihuang , Yu Zai-xin , Guo Shuhong , Zhou Li , Guo Wen , Zhou Jun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background/Aims: NLRC3 inhibits inflammatory responses. Epidemiological studies indicate that neuroinflammation induces and accelerates the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study was designed to determine whether NLRC3 plays a role in neuroinflammation, Aβ accumulation and neuroprotection in AD mice. Methods: Thirty 12-month-old APP/PS1 transgenic mice were randomized into three groups as model group, APP/PS1 +LVCON307 and APP/PS1 +LV-NLRC3 group. Ten 12-month-old wild-type C57 mice were chosen as control group. Mice in APP/PS1 +LVCON307 and APP/PS1 +LV-NLRC3 group were injected with LVCON307 or LV-NLRC3 through intracerebroventricular injection. Six months after LVCON307 or LV-NLRC3 injection, We carried out Morris water maze test on mice and harvested their brain tissues after the behavioral experiment. The deposition of amyloid protein and the changes of Nissle bodies were observed by ThS and Nissle staining. The expressions of NLRC3, 6E10, GFAP, Iba1, NeuN and PI3K were detected by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence. Western blot was used to analyze the expression of NLRC3, PI3K, GFAP and Iba1. Results: The expression of NLRC3 is down-regulated in brain tissues of APP/PS1 mice. Mice in APP/PS1 group had a significant attenuation of learning and memory ability compared to the control group, the ability of learning and memory was improved in APP/PS1 +LV-NLRC3 mice. The expression of 6E10, GFAP, Iba1 and PI3K in brain and hippocampus slice of APP/PS1 and APP/PS1 + LVCON307 mice were significantly higher than those of the control group, while the expression of NLRC3 and NeuN was significantly lower than that of the control group. After overexpression of NLRC3, the expression of 6e10, GFAP, Iba1 and PI3K in APP/PS1 + LV-NLRC3 group was significantly lower than that in APP/PS1 and APP/PS1 + LVCON307 group, while the expression of NLRC3 and NeuN was significantly higher than that in APP/PS1 and APP/PS1 + LVCON307 group. NLRC3 co-localized with NeuN. PI3K activation with 740YP increased the expression of GFAP and Iba-1 in hippocampus with exogenous NLRC3 protein. Conclusion: NLRC3 may play an important role in the development and progression of AD. Down-regulation of NLRC3 can lead to the activation of PI3K, resulting in abnormal plaque deposition, glial cell activation and neuron loss during AD. NLRC3 delays the progression of AD in APP/PS1 mice via inhibiting PI3K activation. Keywords: NLRC3 • inflammation • Aβ • neuron •PI3K •Alzheimer's disease
Depression and relevant influencing factors among elderly adults with different sleep quality in pension institutions in Northeastern China
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhang Yingying , Luan Zhenggang , Zhang Xiujie , Jiang Haoran , Wang Aiping 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Objective This study aimed to assess depression among elderly adults with different sleep quality in pension institutions and to clarify its factors.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using a staged sampling method in six pension institutions located in Northeastern China from May to September 2017. Our study population comprised all elderly adults willing to participate in this study, who were not suffering from dementia and had lived in these pension institutions for six months or longer. All the participants were interviewed using a questionnaire that explored cognitive function, demographic characteristics, and factors influencing depression. The questionnaire also made use of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). After screening for cognitive function, we chose 507 elderly adults without cognitive defects as our participants. We used logistic regression to analyze the factors influencing depression among elderly adults with poor or good sleep quality.Results The overall depression rate among elderly adults was 21.7%. The depression rates among elderly adults with good and poor sleep quality were 12.3% and 31.1%, respectively. The logistic regression analysis revealed that, after adjustment for age, depression was significantly associated with multiple influencing factors only among elderly adults with good sleep quality.Conclusion The prevalence of depressive symptoms among elderly adults with different sleep quality in pension institutions in Northeastern China was insignificant. However, different factors influenced depression among elderly adults depending on their sleep quality. Therefore, the risk factors of depression among elderly adults should be analyzed separately.
Prevalence of sarcopenia in multi ethnics adults and the association with cognitive impairment: findings from West-China Health and Aging Trend Study
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Hou Lisha , Xia Xin , Liu Yang , Zuo Zhiliang , Zhang Yan , Zhao Wanyu , Hao Qiukui , Yue Jirong , dong birong 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Sarcopenia is a condition that is characterized by loss of muscle mass, muscle strength and muscle functional impairment with ageing. It is associated with poor health outcomes, premature death and a significant burden on the global health economy. The prevalence of sarcopenia in China is unknown since most of the studies are lack of uniform standard. The study was undertaken to study the prevalence of sarcopenia and the association with cognitive impairment among multi-ethnic adults aged 50 years old or older in western China. Methods We measured gait speed, handgrip strength and muscle mass by using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for all eligible participants and 4500 participants were eligible for the analysis. We defined sarcopenia using the diagnostic algorithm recommended by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) . We assessed the participants' cognitive functions using the 10-item Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) . Relationships between sarcopenia and cognitive impairment were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Of 4500 participants (mean age 62.4 ± 8.3 years), 869 (19.31%) adults were sarcopenia. 446 (9.9%) participants were identified as having mild cognitive impairment, 144 (3.2%) adults were identified as having moderate/severe cognitive impairment. After adjusting for age, gender, ethnics and other potential cofounders, cognitive impairment was found to be independently associated with sarcopenia with a dosage effect (mild cognitive impairment: odds ratio [OR] : 1.52, 95% CI 1.18–1.95; moderate/severe cognitive impairment: OR: 3.26, 95% CI 2.23–4.76). After gender stratification, the association between mild cognitive impairment with sarcopenia in male is not significant, while is still significant in female. While the association between moderate/severe cognitive impairment is independently associated with sarcopenia in both male and female. Conclusions The prevalence rates of sarcopenia, mild cognitive impairment, moderate/severe cognitive impairment among the communities aged 50 or older in western China were 19.31%, 9.9% and 3.2%, respectively. Cognitive impairment was significantly associated with sarcopenia with a dosage effect, especially in female.
UK Validation of Two Measures of Awareness of Age-Related Change (AARC)
Authors: sabatini serena , Ukoumunne Obioha , Ballard Clive , Brothers Allyson , Kaspar Roman , Collins Rachel , Kim Sarang , Corbett Anne , Aarsland Dag , Hampshire Adam , Brooker Helen , Clare Linda 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: A questionnaire assessing awareness of positive and negative age-related changes (AARC gains and losses) was developed in the US and Germany. We validated the short form of the measure (AARC-10 SF) and the cognitive functioning subscale from the 50-item version of the AARC (AARC-50) questionnaire in the UK population aged 50 and over. Methods: Data from 14,797 participants in the PROTECT cohort were used to explore and confirm the psychometric properties of the AARC measures including: validity of the factor structure; reliability; measurement invariance across males and females and across individuals with and without a university degree; and convergent validity with measures of self-perception of aging and mental, physical, and cognitive health. We also explored the relationship between demographic variables and AARC. Results: We confirmed the two-factor structure (gains and losses) of the AARC-10 SF and the AARC-50 cognitive functioning subscale. Both scales showed good reliability and convergent validity. The meaning of AARC gains and losses was the same across males and females and across individuals with and without a university degree. Items composing AARC scales had the same meaning across individuals with and without a university degree. Items composing the AARC-50 cognitive functioning subscale had the same meaning across males and females. Two items in the AARC-10 SF had different meaning across males and females. Demographic variables significantly predicted AARC gains and losses. Conclusions: The AARC-10 SF and AARC-50 cognitive functioning subscale can help to identify UK individuals who perceive age-related changes in their mental, physical, and cognitive health.
Unmet health care needs of elderly residing on urban areas of Sunsari District, Nepal. A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Poudel Mukesh , Ojha Asmita , Yadav Deepak Kumar , Sah Ram Bilakshan , Chakravartty Avaniendra , Ghimire Anup 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background : Global ageing population is in increasing trend. Morbidity increases with age and enhances the burden of health problems that results in new challenges to meet the additional demands. There can be various types of issues such as health problems, health care utilization, physical and social care which should be carefully assessed and addressed.Objective : This study aimed to assess the unmet health care needs among elderly.Methodology : A Community based, House to House, Cross sectional study was conducted in urban areas of sunsari district using face to face interview. Sample size of 530 elderly were selected by Systematic proportionate random sampling technique.Results : This study unfurled the prevalence of unmet need for consultation for Near vision 52.3%, Far vision 53.7%%, Hearing 79.7%, Dental 79.4%, Hypertension 6.7%, Diabetes 3.9%, CVD 5.3 %, and of at least one Unmet Health care need to be 64.9%. At least one unmet health need was significantly associated with higher odds among elderly of age more than 70, of dalit and janajati ethnicity, illiterate, poor, those with difficulty leaving home, distance of health facility > 30 mins, and those with depressive symptoms.Conclusion : The study highlighted higher prevalence and associated factors related to unmet health care needs among elderly. There is an urgent need to promote geriatric health services and make it available at the primary health care level.
Impact of the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Program Maturity Status on the Nursing Home Resident’s Place of Death
Authors: Tark Aluem , Agarwal Mansi , Dick Andrew , Song Jiyoun , Stone Patricia 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment program was developed to enhance quality of care delivered at end-of-life. Although positive impacts of the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment Program use have been identified, the association between a state’s program maturity status and nursing home resident’s likelihood of dying in their current care settings, nursing homes, remain unanswered. Objective: Examine the impact of the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Program maturity status on nursing home residents’ odds of dying in nursing homes.Methods: Program maturity status data were linked with multiple datasets: Minimum Data Set, Vital Statistics Data, Master Beneficiary Summary File, Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports, and Area Health Resource File. Stratifying residents on long-stay and short-stay, we used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models for total 595,152 individuals.Results: Controlling for individual and contextual variables, long-stay nursing home residents living in states where the program was mature status had 20% increased odds of dying in nursing homes (OR: 1.20; CI 1.02-1.43) compared to those who resided in states with non-conforming status. Individuals residing in states with developing program status showed 11% increase in odds of dying in nursing homes (OR: 1.12; CI 1.02-1.24) compared to non-conforming status. No significant difference was noted for short-stay nursing home residents.Conclusion: Mature and developing maturity status were associated with greater likelihood of dying in nursing homes among long-stay residents. Our findings inform that a well-structured advance care planning program such as Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Program enhances care outcomes among older adults living in nursing homes.
Comprehensive geriatric assessment in older patients with cancer: an external validation of the Multidimensional Prognostic Index in a French prospective cohort study
Authors: Hu Chunyun , Paccalin Marc , Valero Simon , Jamet Amelie , Brunet Thomas , Bureau Marie-Laure , Pilotto Alberto , Liuu Evelyne 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Older patients with cancer require specific and individualized management. The Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI) based on the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) has shown a predictive interest in terms of mortality.Methods: From 2015 to 2017, consecutive patients ≥75 years old with cancer in Poitiers University Hospital referred to an oncogeriatric consultation. Patients underwent CGA with MPI that is categorized into three risk groups of mortality at one year.Results: Overall, 433 patients were included (women 42%; mean age 82.8±4.8 years). Most common tumor sites were prostate (23%), skin (17%), colorectum (15%) and breast (12%); 29% patients had a metastatic disease; 231 patients (53%) belonged to "MPI-1" group, 172 (40%) to "MPI-2" group and 30 patients (7%) were classified in "MPI-3" group. One-year mortality rate was 32% (23% in MPI-1, 41% in MPI-2 and 53% in MPI-3, p=0.024). All domains of MPI except cognition and living status were significantly associated with mortality at one-year, as well as tumor sites and metastatic status. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, adjusted on age, gender, tumor sites and metastatic status, validated MPI as being associated with a higher mortality risk (p<0.0001). The prognostic value of MPI was confirmed by the area under the ROC curve at 0.826 (P <0.0001).Conclusion: Our study confirmed the predictive value of MPI for one-year mortality in older patients with cancer. This practical prognostic tool may help to optimize the management of these vulnerable patients.
Negative childhood experiences and health inequalities among adults over 45: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Yiwei , Diao Li , Xu Ling 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Growing health inequalities have become an important challenge for Chinese society. This study analyses the impact of negative childhood experiences on health among Chinese adults over 45.Methods This study utilized data from the 2014 Life Course Survey under the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, with a total sample of 5,842 adults over the age of 45. This paper used a linear regression model to analyse the factors affecting the self-rated health of respondents. The concentration index was then used to measure the degree of health inequality, and finally, we decomposed the concentration index.Results The regression results showed that negative childhood experiences had a significant negative impact on the health of adults over 45 (β = -0.021, p < .000). The concentration index decomposition found that negative childhood experiences was associated with more health inequalities. The elasticity coefficient for negative childhood experiences was -0.119, the concentration index of negative childhood experiences was -0.019, and the contribution to health inequalities was 12.86%. The mechanism test and analysis found that negative childhood experiences have a greater negative impact on the health of the low-income group than on that of the high-income group. In fact, negative childhood experiences have reduced the socioeconomic status of respondents, leading to a decline in healthcare utilization, which has increased health inequalities in China.Conclusion This study found that negative childhood experiences was associated with health inequalities among adults over 45 in China. To improve the health of residents and to reduce health inequalities, more help and health interventions should be offered to groups with negative childhood experiences.