scholarly journals Quantitation of circulating GDF-11 and β2-MG in aged patients with age-related impairment in cognitive function

2017 ◽  
Vol 131 (15) ◽  
pp. 1895-1904 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rungong Yang ◽  
Shuhong Fu ◽  
Liang Zhao ◽  
Bei Zhen ◽  
Ling Ye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Advanced Age ◽  
Ageing Process ◽  
Aged Patients ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Significant Difference

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF-11) has been implicated in reverse effects of ageing on the central nervous system of humans. β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) has been reported to negatively regulate cognition. However, there is a lot of controversy about the role of GDF-11 and β2-MG in ageing and cognitive regulation. To examine the involvement of GDF-11 and β2-MG in the ageing process and cognitive dysfunction, a total of 51 healthy subjects and 41 elderly patients with different degrees of age-related cognitive impairment participated in the study. We measured plasma GDF-11 and β2-MG levels using ELISA and immunoturbidimetry, respectively. The results were statistically analyzed to evaluate the associations between levels of GDF-11 and β2-MG, and ageing and cognitive impairments. Circulating GDF-11 levels did not decline with age or correlate with ageing in healthy Chinese males. We did not detect differences in circulating GDF-11 levels amongst the healthy advanced age and four cognitive impairment groups. β2-MG levels increased with age, but there was no significant difference between healthy elderly males and advanced age males. Increased levels of β2-MG were observed in the dementia group compared with the healthy advanced age group. Our results suggest that circulating GDF-11 may not exert a protective effect during the ageing process or on cognitive function, and β2-MG may play a role in ageing and cognitive impairment. However, it is possible that the relatively small sample size in the present study affected the quality of the statistical analysis, and future studies are needed to further validate our findings.

scholarly journals ОТДАЛЕННАЯ ПОСЛЕОПЕРАЦИОННАЯ КОГНИТИВНАЯ ДИСФУНКЦИЯ

World Science ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 50-53
Author(s):  
Дубовская С. С. ◽  
Товажнянская Е. Л. ◽  
Григоров Ю. Б. ◽  
Кудинова О. В. ◽  
Соловйова Е. Т.
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Aged Patients ◽  
Word Memory Test ◽  
Word Memory ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Complete Restoration ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Late Postoperative Period

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction develops in the early and persists in the late postoperative period. Clinically, this condition manifests itself in the form of memory impairment, violation of concentration and violation of other higher functions of the cerebral cortex. The aim of this study is to study cognitive function in patients who underwent surgery with the use of general anesthesia in a remote period in a month.According to the results of the MMSE test, in the middle-aged patients the dynamics of the deterioration of the cognitive function was observed to a lesser degree than in the young patients, which is probably related to the age-related features of the plasticity of the cognitive function. In patients of middle age, according to the results of the FAB scale, at this period of the study was at the same level as those in young patients, which is associated with the age specificity of the plasticity of the cognitive function. According to the test drawing hours, there was no significant difference in the recovery rate, it was gradual, but no complete restoration was observed. For the 10-word memory test and the Schulte trial, the recovery was gradual, with a full recovery of the indicator to the level before the operation.

A systematic review of treatments for alcohol-related cognitive impairment: lessons from the past and gaps for future interventions

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (13) ◽  
pp. 2113-2127
Author(s):  
Elsa Caballeria ◽  
Clara Oliveras ◽  
Laura Nuño ◽  
Mercedes Balcells-Oliveró ◽  
Antoni Gual ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Jadad Scale ◽  
No Gold Standard

AbstractAlcohol-related cognitive impairment (ARCI) is highly prevalent among patients with alcohol dependence. Although it negatively influences treatment outcome, this condition is underdiagnosed and undertreated. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the existing evidence regarding both cognitive and pharmacological interventions for ARCI. We systematically reviewed PubMed, Scopus and Science direct databases up to May 2019 and followed the PRISMA guidelines. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Jadad Scale. Twenty-six studies were eligible for inclusion (14 referring to neuropsychological interventions and 12 to pharmacological treatments). Among neuropsychological interventions, computerised treatments, errorless learning and component method showed positive effects on working memory, memory measures and general cognitive function. On the other hand, thiamine, memantine and methylphenidate improved working memory, long-term memory and general cognitive function. Nevertheless, these studies have several limitations, such as small sample size, lack of replication of the results or low specificity of the interventions. Therefore, no gold-standard intervention can yet be recommended for clinical practice, and further research based on promising strategies (e.g. digital interventions, thiamine) is required.

Sarcopenia as a predictor of chemotherapy toxicity in patients with ovarian cancer receiving platinum and taxane-based chemotherapy.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e17035-e17035
Author(s):  
Katherine Tucker ◽  
Stuart-Allison Moffat Staley ◽  
Meredith Newton ◽  
Michelle Ertel ◽  
Yingao Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Lumbar Vertebrae ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Oncologic Outcomes ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Index ◽  
Chemotherapy Toxicity ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Significant Difference

e17035 Background: Sarcopenia (age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass) is associated with worse oncologic outcomes and adverse events in patients with solid tumors. Limited research in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has shown that sarcopenia is associated with worse patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of sarcopenia with chemotherapy toxicity in patients with EOC. Methods: EOC patients diagnosed between 6/2000 and 2/2017 who received platinum and taxane-based chemotherapy were included. Age, race, stage, grade, BMI, comorbidities, treatment, and outcomes were collected. Chemotherapy toxicities and associated grades, as well as treatment modifications were recorded. Computed tomography (CT) images within 3 months of diagnosis were evaluated for Skeletal Muscle Area (SMA) at the 3rd lumbar vertebrae. Measurements were obtained with use of TomoVision(R) radiological software (SliceOmatic – version 5.0, Quebec, Canada). Sarcopenia was defined as Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI = SMA/height2) ≤ 41. This preliminary analysis generated descriptive statistics and compared the distributions of toxicity assessments by sarcopenia, with t-tests, rank-sum, chi-square and fisher’s exact tests. Results: 144 patients were evaluated. The majority presented with Stage III /IV, HGSOC (75%, 73%). Median age was 63 yrs and median BMI was 27.2 (IQR = 23.7-32.8). 61% of patients were sarcopenic. The median SMI was 40 (IQR = 34.2-46.2). There was no significant difference between sarcopenic (S) and nonsarcopenic (NS) patients with respect to dose adjustment (p = 0.37), regimen change (p = 0.998), need for blood transfusion (p = 0.60), toxicity-related hospitalization (p = 0.84) or delay in treatment (p = 0.37). Grade 3-4 toxicity was found in 56.8% of S and 58.9% of NS patients (p = 0.992). Similarly, the distributions of grade 1-2 toxicities in S and NS patients were comparable. Conclusions: In this cohort of patients, there was no significant association between sarcopenia and chemotherapy related toxicities. However, given high prevalence of sarcopenia in ovarian cancer patients, our relatively small sample size, and challenges with retrospective collection of chemotherapy toxicity, further prospective exploration is warranted.

scholarly journals Blinding in electric current stimulation in subacute neglect patients with current densities of 0.8 A/m2: a cross-over pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Gorsler ◽  
Ulrike Grittner ◽  
Nadine Külzow ◽  
Torsten Rackoll
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Electric Fields ◽  
Standard Care ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Attentional Deficits ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Current Densities ◽  
Improve Standard

Abstract Objective Neglect after stroke is a disabling disorder and its rehabilitation is a major challenge. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) seems to be a promising adjuvant technique to improve standard care neglect therapy. Since electric fields are influenced by age-related factors, higher current densities are probably needed for effective treatment in aged stroke patients. Validation of treatment efficacy requires sham-controlled experiments, but increased current densities might comprise blinding. Therefore, a pilot study was conducted to test sham adequacy when using current density of 0.8 A/m2. Whether especially neglect patients who mainly suffer from perceptual and attentional deficits are able to differentiate beyond chance active from sham tDCS was investigated in a randomized cross-over design (active/sham stimulation) in 12 early subacute patients with left-sided hemineglect. Stimulation (0.8 A/m2) was performed simultaneous to standard care neglect therapy. Results Odds ratio of correct guessing an atDCS condition compared to wrongly judge an atDCS condition as sham was 10.00 (95%CI 0.65–154.40, p = 0.099). However, given the small sample size and high OR, although likely somewhat overestimated, results require careful interpretation and blinding success in neglect studies with current densities of 0.8 A/m2 should be further confirmed.

scholarly journals NI-19 Use of 11C-methionine PET for decision of discontinuation of adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. ii14-ii14
Author(s):  
Takaaki Beppu ◽  
Yuichi Sato ◽  
Toshiaki Sasaki ◽  
Kazunori Terasaki ◽  
Kuniaki Ogasawara
Keyword(s):  
Adjuvant Chemotherapy ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Standardized Uptake Value ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Residual Tumor ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Tumor Type ◽  
Diffuse Astrocytoma ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Met Pet

Abstract Background: The aim was to clarify whether positron emission tomography with 11C-methyl-L-methionine (met-PET) is useful to decide on discontinuation of TMZ-adjuvant therapy in patients with residual diffuse astrocytic tumor. Methods: Subjects were 44 patients with residual tumor comprising 17 with IDH1-mutant diffuse astrocytoma (DA), 13 with IDH1-mutant anaplastic astrocytoma (AA), and 14 with IDH1-wild glioblastoma (GB). All patients received TMZ-adjuvant chemotherapy (median, 12 courses), and whether to discontinue or continue TMZ-adjuvant chemotherapy was decided on the basis of the tumor-to-normal ratio in standardized uptake value from met-PET (T/N); patients with T/N < 1.6 immediately discontinued TMZ, and patients with T/N > 1.6 were either to continued or discontinued TMZ. Progression-free survival (PFS) was compared between patients with T/N > 1.6 and T/N < 1.6 in each tumor type. Median observation period was 434 days after met-PET scanning. Results: The number of patient who underwent recurrence was 10 in DA, 7 in AA, and 11 in GB. All patients showing T/N > 1.6 underwent tumor recurrence. PFS was significantly longer in patients with T/N < 1.6 than T/N > 1.6 in DA and AA (p < 0.01 in both types), but was no significant difference between 2 groups in GB (p = 0.06). Sixteen of 17 patients (94%) in DA and AA showed recurrence from residual tumor, whereas 4 of 11 patients (36%) in GB showed recurrent tumor at remote regions which were different from residual tumor. Conclusions: The present study suggested that met-PET is beneficial to decide to discontinue adjuvant chemotherapy with TMZ in patients with residual tumors of DA and AA, but not useful for patients with GB. Reasons for unsuccessful results in GB might have been small sample size, failure of establishing the cut off value in T/N, recurrences at remote regions where not be assessed by met-PET.

scholarly journals 1611. Evaluating Clinical Outcomes and Efficacy of Daptomycin in Combination with a Beta-Lactam for the Treatment of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) Bacteremia

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S799-S800
Author(s):  
Nerea Irusta ◽  
Ana Vega ◽  
Yoichiro Natori ◽  
Lilian M Abbo ◽  
Lilian M Abbo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
Related Mortality

Abstract Background In-vitro studies have shown synergistic bactericidal activity with daptomycin (DAP) plus β-lactam antimicrobials against vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE). There is a paucity of data regarding clinical outcomes with this combination in VRE bloodstream infections (BSI). The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of DAP plus a β-lactam with in-vitro activity vs. other therapies for treatment of VRE BSI. Methods IRB-approved, single-center, retrospective study of patients with VRE BSI from 01/2018-09/2019. Patients were excluded if < 18 years old, pregnant, or incarcerated. The primary outcome was time-to-microbiological clearance. Secondary outcomes included infection-related mortality, 30-day all-cause mortality, and incidence of recurrent BSI within 30 days of index culture. Targeted DAP doses were ≥ 8mg/kg and based on MIC. Factors associated with significance for outcomes, via univariate analysis, were evaluated with multivariable logistic regression (MLR), removed in a backward-step approach. Results A total of 85 patients were included, 23 of which received DAP plus a β-lactam. The comparator arm included linezolid or DAP monotherapy. Patients with combination therapy had significantly higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (p=0.013) and numerically higher Pitt Bacteremia scores (PBS) (p=0.087) (Table 1). There was no difference seen in the primary outcome (Table 2). Secondary outcomes are provided in Table 2. The presence of polymicrobial infection and higher PBS were significantly associated with infection-related mortality (p=0.008 and p=0.005, respectively) by MLR. A Mann Whitney U test indicated that presence of infection-related mortality was greater for patients with higher MICS (U=20.5, p=0.06). The presence of an underlying source may be related to recurrence of BSI (p=0.075). Table 1: Patient Characteristics Table 2. Primary and Secondary Outcomes Conclusion We did not find a significant difference in time-to-microbiological clearance, although patients treated with DAP and a β-lactam had higher CCI and PBS. These results are limited by retrospective design, small sample size, and potential selection bias. Prospective randomized studies are needed to further validate these findings. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Perilla Seed Oil Enhances Cognitive Function and Mental Health in Healthy Elderly Japanese Individuals by Enhancing the Biological Antioxidant Potential

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1130
Author(s):  
Michio Hashimoto ◽  
Kentaro Matsuzaki ◽  
Shahdat Hossain ◽  
Tomoko Ito ◽  
Harumi Wakatsuki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Seed Oil ◽  
Antioxidant Potential ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Elderly Japanese ◽  
Perilla Seed

Oxidative stress plays an important role in age-associated cognitive decline. We recently reported that dietary intake of perilla seed oil (PO), a rich source of α-linolenic acid (LNA, C18:3, ω-3), helps in maintaining good mental health in adults. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of dietary PO intake on cognitive functions and mental health in healthy, elderly Japanese individuals. Seventy-five healthy volunteers aged 64–84 years were randomly divided into two groups: a control group and a PO-administered group. At baseline and at 12 months of intervention, cognitive function, mental health condition, fatty acid profile of the red blood cell plasma membranes (RBC-PM), and serum biochemical parameters were evaluated. Results showed that serum biological antioxidant potential and LNA levels in the RBC-PM at 12 months after the trial were significantly higher in the PO group compared to the control group. Further, both the cognitive function measures, as evaluated by the Frontal Assessment Battery test and the apathy scores, tended to be improved after 12 months in the PO group. Our results demonstrate that dietary PO intake enhances the antioxidant potential and prevents the age-related cognitive and mental decline in healthy elderly individuals by enhancing the blood LNA levels.

scholarly journals Saffron for mild cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Ayati ◽  
Guoyan Yang ◽  
Mohammad Hossein Ayati ◽  
Seyed Ahmad Emami ◽  
Dennis Chang
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Randomised Clinical Trials ◽  
Disease Assessment ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Saffron (stigma of Crocus sativus L.) from Iridaceae family is a well-known traditional herbal medicine that has been used for hundreds of years to treat several diseases such as depressive mood, cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Recently, anti-dementia property of saffron has been indicated. However, the effects of saffron for the management of dementia remain controversial. The aim of the present study is to explore the effectiveness and safety of saffron in treating mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Methods An electronic database search of some major English and Chinese databases was conducted until 31st May 2019 to identify relevant randomised clinical trials (RCT). The primary outcome was cognitive function and the secondary outcomes included daily living function, global clinical assessment, quality of life (QoL), psychiatric assessment and safety. Rev-Man 5.3 software was applied to perform the meta-analyses. Results A total of four RCTs were included in this review. The analysis revealed that saffron significantly improves cognitive function measured by the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale-Sums of Boxes (CDR-SB), compared to placebo groups. In addition, there was no significant difference between saffron and conventional medicine, as measured by cognitive scales such as ADAS-cog and CDR-SB. Saffron improved daily living function, but the changes were not statistically significant. No serious adverse events were reported in the included studies. Conclusions Saffron may have the potential to improve cognitive function and activities of daily living in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, due to limited high-quality studies there is insufficient evidence to make any recommendations for clinical use. Further clinical trials on larger sample sizes are warranted to shed more light on its efficacy and safety.

scholarly journals Perioperative Outcomes Following Kidney-Pancreas Transplantation in Alberta, Canada: Research Letter

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 205435812110293
Author(s):  
Danielle E. Fox ◽  
Robert R. Quinn ◽  
Paul E. Ronksley ◽  
Tyrone G. Harrison ◽  
Hude Quan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Postoperative Care ◽  
Pancreas Transplantation ◽  
Type I Diabetes ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Perioperative Outcomes ◽  
Type I ◽  
Patient Safety Indicators ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation (SPK) has benefits for patients with kidney failure and type I diabetes mellitus, but is associated with greater perioperative risk compared with kidney-alone transplantation. Postoperative care settings for SPK recipients vary across Canada and may have implications for patient outcomes and hospital resource use. Objective: To compare outcomes following SPK transplantation between patients receiving postoperative care in the intensive care unit (ICU) compared with the ward. Design: Retrospective cohort study using administrative health data. Setting: In Alberta, the 2 transplant centers (Calgary and Edmonton) have different protocols for routine postoperative care of SPK recipients. In Edmonton, SPK recipients are routinely transferred to the ICU, whereas in Calgary, SPK recipients are transferred to the ward. Patients: 129 adult SPK recipients (2002-2019). Measurements: Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information Discharge Abstract Database (CIHI-DAD) were used to identify SPK recipients (procedure codes) and the outcomes of inpatient mortality, length of initial hospital stay (LOS), and the occurrence of 16 different patient safety indicators (PSIs). Methods: We followed SPK recipients from the admission date of their transplant hospitalization until the first of hospital discharge or death. Unadjusted quantile regression was used to determine differences in LOS, and age- and sex-adjusted marginal probabilities were used to determine differences in PSIs between centers. Results: There were no perioperative deaths and no major differences in the demographic characteristics between the centers. The majority of the SPK transplants were performed in Edmonton (n = 82, 64%). All SPK recipients in Edmonton were admitted to the ICU postoperatively, compared with only 11% in Calgary. There was no statistically significant difference in the LOS or probability of a PSI between the 2 centers (LOS for Edmonton vs Calgary:16 vs 13 days, P = .12; PSIs for Edmonton vs Calgary: 60%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.50-0.71 vs 44%, 95% CI = 0.29-0.59, P = .08). Limitations: This study was conducted using administrative data and is limited by variable availability. The small sample size limited precision of estimated differences between type of postoperative care. Conclusions: Following SPK transplantation, we found no difference in inpatient outcomes for recipients who received routine postoperative ICU care compared with ward care. Further research using larger data sets and interventional study designs is needed to better understand the implications of postoperative care settings on patient outcomes and health care resource utilization.

scholarly journals Effects of Age and Serum 25-OH-Vitamin D on Serum Parathyroid Hormone Levels

2012 ◽  
Vol 97 (11) ◽  
pp. 3989-3995 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Valcour ◽  
F. Blocki ◽  
D. M. Hawkins ◽  
Sudhaker D. Rao
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Calcium Absorption ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
International Workshop ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Population Database ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Serum Pth

Context: Several studies define optimal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels based on serum PTH level reaching an asymptote. However, results differ widely, ranging from 25-OHD levels of 12–44 ng/ml: many studies are constrained by small sample size. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between serum PTH and 25-OHD levels and age in a very large reference laboratory database. Design: This was a detailed cross-sectional analysis of 312,962 paired serum PTH and 25-OHD levels measured from July 2010 to June 2011. Results: Median PTH levels and the proportion of patients (PTH > 65 pg/ml), from 63 successive 25-OHD frequency classes of 5000 patients, provide smooth, exceptionally well-fitted curves (R2 = 0.994 and R2 = 0.995, respectively) without discernible inflection points or asymptotes but with striking age dependencies. Serum 25-OHD was below the recent Institute of Medicine sufficiency guidance of 20 ng/ml in 27% (85,000) of the subjects. More importantly, 40 and 51% of subjects (serum 25-OHD <20 and 10 ng/ml, respectively) had biochemical hyperparathyroidism (PTH > 65 pg/ml). Conclusions: This analysis, despite inevitable inherent limitations, introduces several clinical implications. First, median 25-OHD-dependent PTH levels revealed no threshold above which increasing 25-OHD fails to further suppress PTH. Second, the large number of subjects with 25-OHD deficiency and hyperparathyroidism reinforces the Third International Workshop on Asymptomatic Primary Hyper parathyroidism's recommendations to test for, and replete, vitamin D depletion before considering parathyroidectomy. Third, strong age dependency of the PTH-25-OHD relationship likely reflects the composite effects of age-related decline in calcium absorption and renal function. Finally, this unselected large population database study could guide clinical management of patients based on an age-dependent, PTH-25-OHD continuum.

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