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Increasing evidence has shown that physical activity is related to a lower risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), thus indicating a potential target for prevention. However, the causality is not clear; specifically, physical activity may protect against CKD, and CKD may lead to a reduction in physical activity. Our study examined the potential bidirectional relationship between physical activity and CKD by using a genetically informed method. Genome-wide association studies from the UK Biobank baseline data were used for physical activity phenotypes and included 460,376 participants. For kidney function (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) and CKD, with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), CKDGen Consortium data were used, which included 480,698 CKD participants of European ancestry. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to determine the causal relationship between physical activities and kidney function. Two-sample MR genetically predicted that heavy DIY (do it yourself) (e.g., weeding, lawn mowing, carpentry, and digging) decreased the risk of CKD (odds ratio [OR] = 0.287, 95% CI = 0.117–0.705, p = 0.0065) and improved the level of eGFR (β = 0.036, 95% CI = 0.005–0.067, p = 0.021). The bidirectional MR showed no reverse causality. It is worth noting that other physical activities, such as walking for pleasure, strenuous sports, light DIY (e.g., pruning and watering the lawn), and other exercises (e.g., swimming, cycling, keeping fit, and bowling), were not significantly correlated with CKD and eGFR. This study used genetic data to provide reliable and robust causal evidence that heavy physical activity (e.g., weeding, lawn mowing, carpentry, and digging) can protect kidney function and further lower the risk of CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the performance attenuation and mechanism of basalt-fibre-reinforced concrete (BFRC) in cold areas, the changes in the properties of BFRC were discussed under two conditions: the freeze–thaw environment and the coupling of fatigue load and freeze–thaw cycles, and the process of pore deterioration and microcrack propagation was studied quantitatively via mercury intrusion porosimetry and electron image analysis. The results showed that the frost resistance of concrete first improved and then worsened as the basalt fibre length and content increased; the optimum length and content of basalt fibre are 12 mm and 1.96 kg/m3, respectively, based on frost resistance. The performance attenuation of BFRC was lower than that of ordinary concrete under coupling conditions, and the enhancing effect of basalt fibre was more obvious with an increase in the stress level. Basalt fibre alleviated the pore deterioration, and the increase in the amplitude of more harmful pores in BFRC was reduced by 4–5%. The area density and width of cracks were reduced under coupling owing to the anti-cracking effect of the basalt fibre, accompanied by the complication of crack morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This population-based study aimed to determine the hesitancy and willingness to pay (WTP) for the booster dose of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine among patients with cancer in Taizhou, China. A self-administered online questionnaire was administered to patients with cancer in Taizhou, China. The chi-square test, binary logistic regression model were used to evaluate the WTP for the booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The minimum sample size was 218, determined by G*Power software (latest ver. 3.1.9.7). A total of 354 patients received the survey, and 256 (72.3%) patients responded. Overall, 69.9% (179/256) of respondents were willing to pay for the booster dose, and 78.8% (141/179) of these patients were willing to pay 1–99 CNY. Furthermore, 50.4% (129/256) of respondents were hesitant to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Being unhesitant was significantly associated with WTP for the booster dose (aOR: 3.040; 95% CI: 1.669–5.540). Hesitant patients with cancer had a lower WTP for the booster dose against COVID-19 than non-hesitant participants. These results imply that further health education programmes are essential to decrease the hesitancy of patients with cancer and enhance booster dose vaccination rates for public health improvements. Our research showed that 70% of patients with cancer are willing to pay for the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and most are willing to pay less than 100 CNY, and this result reflects the economic value and affordability of the third dose of vaccination. COVID-19 vaccine-hesitant patients with cancer had a lower willingness to pay for a booster dose against COVID-19 than non-hesitant participants and few patients are still unwilling to pay among patients do not hesitate to receive the third dose. Therefore, promoting willingness to pay among oncology patients and addressing vaccine hesitancy remains key. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess longitudinal relationships between social environment indicators (social connectedness, social engagement, social contribution) and mental health indicators (depression and anxiety) among community-dwelling adults age 55 years and older. Data were drawn from 3-waves of the national longitudinal survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) (N = 2,020; age range = 55-94 years). We developed multilevel growth models to ascertain the relationships of interest, controlling for sociodemographic and physical health factors. Over the 20-year period of study, lower levels of emotional social support, social integration and social contribution significantly predicted depression and anxiety, whereas social network and social engagement were not significant predictors of these mental health outcomes in older adults. The models also indicated a moderation effect of the number of chronic conditions on the slopes of depression and anxiety. Considering our findings, interventions to enhance social contribution and social connectedness could be effective to help older adults maintain positive mental health, as well as programs that facilitate older adults' connections with their families, communities and health care providers. These interventions must also account for multiple chronic conditions since functional limitations drive declining integration in the community and participation in social activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to assess the differences in mental health conditions among the general population, quarantined population and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. An online rapid assessment captured depressive and anxiety symptoms, and sleep quality data. A total of 2689 participants (n=374 general population, n=403 healthcare workers, n=1912 quarantined population) were included in the final statistical analysis. The proportion of individuals with mild and/or serious depression and anxiety were higher in the general population when compared to the quarantined population and healthcare workers (58.6% vs. 25.1%vs. 48.6%, P<0.001; 41.2% vs. 18.5% vs. 35.7%, P<0.001). The prevalence of sleep disturbance was higher among healthcare workers than the general population and quarantined population (29.8% vs. 24.1% vs. 22.7%, P=0.013). Logistic regression analysis showed that, perceived effect on daily life was associated with depression, anxiety and sleep disturbance in the general population, quarantined population and the healthcare workers. The general population had a greater risk of developing psychological problems. The healthcare workers suffered the poorest sleep quality. Future research must further explorethe targeted measures for the general population and healthcare workers while combating COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have demonstrated that blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is strongly associated with sepsis. However, no data are currently available regarding the association of BUN levels and neonatal sepsis. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of BUN in predicting the presence and severity of neonatal sepsis. In this study, we enrolled 925 neonates. Among them, 737 neonates were diagnosed with sepsis, including 426 neonates with severe sepsis. Neonates with hyperbilirubinemia (n = 188) served as controls. We collected complete clinical and laboratory data were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the potential independent risk factor for neonatal sepsis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the prediction accuracy of BUN in predicting neonatal sepsis. All statistical analyses were performed using the statistical package SPSS 24.0. Neonates with sepsis and severe sepsis had a higher level of BUN. The prevalence of neonates with severe sepsis was dramatically increased according to BUN tertiles. Correlation analysis showed that BUN levels were positively correlated with the levels of infection marker procalcitonin (PCT) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that BUN was an independent risk factor for the presence and severity of neonatal sepsis. ROC curve analysis showed that BUN had a well discriminatory power in predicting sepsis (area under curve (AUC) = 0.69, 95% CI, 0.66–0.74, p <.001) and severe sepsis (AUC = 0.72, 95% CI, 0.67–0.78, p <.001). Higher BUN level is independently linked with the presence and severity of neonatal sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing research is investigating the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on older adults, but relatively little is known about the complexities of community-dwelling older adults' lived experiences during this historical period. This study aimed to address this gap in the literature by taking a bottom-up, theory-generating, inductive approach. Older adults living in Central Texas (N = 200; age, 65–92 years, M = 73.6 ± 6.33) responded to a telephone interview during June–August 2020. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. We identified three key themes: positive, mixed, and negative experiences, with a total of 11 subthemes. A thematic map was developed, illustrating potential connections to mental health. These findings reveal the complexities of older adults' lived experiences during COVID-19 and have implications for developing aging-related policies and community-based interventions during future public health crises. Recognizing the complexities of older adults' lived experiences, tailored policies and interventions can be developed to effectively leverage older adults' effective coping and resilience while at the same time helping overcome negative effects among specific subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In sonodynamic therapy (SDT), when Chlorin e6 (Ce6) accumulates in tumor tissues, its anti-tumor effect can be achieved by ultrasound activation. To increase the local drug concentration of Ce6 in tumor cells, we had established a novel drug delivery system, Ce6-loaded sonosensitive magnetic nanoliposome (Ce6/SML), which realized the targeting delivery by the external magnetic field. It was worth mentioning that the targeting release of Ce6/SML and the activation on Ce6 could be achieved simultaneously by ultrasound of SDT. In our study, after Ce6 was loaded into the sonosensitive magnetic nanoliposome (SML), the values of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in vitro and in vivo were determined, indicating the activation on Ce6 of ultrasound. The delivery system also displayed the tumor-targeting ability and anti-tumor activity, which associated with the determined tumor growth and expression levels of angiogenin (ANG), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). In conclusion, the Ce6/SML-SDT-Targeted delivery system could effectively enhance the anti-tumor activity of SDT and had a great potential application for the treatment of malignant tumors located in deep tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adults are in triple jeopardy during COVID-19: compared with younger people, older adults are (1) more likely to develop serious conditions and experience higher mortality; (2) less likely to obtain high quality information or services online; and (3) more likely to experience social isolation and loneliness. Hybrid solutions, coupling online and offline strategies, are invaluable in ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable populations. Most of these solutions require no new inventions. Finding the financial resources for a rapid, well-coordinated implementation is the biggest challenge. Setting up the requisite support systems and digital infrastructure is important for the present and future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common post-cardiac surgery complication. It leads to increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study is to identify the prevalence and risk factors of AKI and to demonstrate if early postoperative serum cystatin C (sCyC) could accurately predict the development of AKI. Methods: We prospectively studied 628 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Pre-morbid and operative variables known to be or potentially associated with AKI or other adverse outcomes were examined. AKI was defined according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) creatinine criteria. Blood samples for biomarker measurement were collected at baseline, within 10 h of surgical completion and daily for three days. Logistic regression was used to assess predictive factors for AKI including 10 h sCyC. Model discrimination was assessed using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: AKI occurred in 178 (28.3%) patients, Stage 1 in 17.5%, Stage 2 in 8.6% and Stage 3 in 2.2%. Mortality rose progressively with increased AKI stage (non-AKI 0.2%, Stage 1 1.8%, Stage 2 11.1% and Stage 3 35.7%). Age > 75 years, baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), proteinuria, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperuricaemia, NYHA classification >2, recent myocardial infarction were associated with AKI in univariate analysis. A multivariate logistic model with clinical factors (age, eGFR, hypertension, NYHA classification >2, combined surgery and operation time) demonstrated moderate discrimination for AKI (area under ROC curve [AUC] 0.75). The 10 h postoperative sCyC levels strongly associated with AKI. After multivariable adjustment, the highest quartile of sCyC was associated with 13.1 – higher odds of AKI, compared with the lowest quartile. Elevated 10 h sCyC levels associated with longer hospital stay, longer intensive care unit stay and duration of mechanical ventilation. The addition of 10 h sCyC improved model discrimination for AKI (AUC 0.81). Conclusions: AKI following cardiac surgery was identified using KDIGO criteria in around one fourth of the patients. These patients had significantly increased morbidity and mortality. When added to prediction model, 10 h sCyC may enhance the identification of patients at higher risk of AKI, providing a readily available prognostic marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing tendency to create an accelerated judicial approach to business sales by plaiting the informal approach and the state-supplied statutory approach when dealing with corporate distress. This article investigates the extent to which formal insolvency procedures in the UK and the USA can be customised through pre-planning to achieve business sales and critically evaluates the challenges brought about by the plaiting. It is argued that the accelerated approach to business sales in insolvency tends to shift the key properties of the statutory procedure from creditor coordination and plan formulation towards verification of pre-arranged transactions. In this way it creates a vacuum of control over the quality of business decision-making and eliminates the inclusiveness of the statutory procedure leaving ample room for rent-seeking by insiders. To mitigate these deficiencies the article suggests a more responsive approach with increased accountability and better-equipped evaluation to control abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the absence of lactone form of hydroxycamptothecin, the commercially available hydroxycamptothecin injection exhibits inefficient therapeutic effects. In this study, we constructed a novel delivery system (thermosensitive magnetic liposomes) that protects lactone form of hydroxycamptothecin from blood or water. After hydroxycamptothecin was loaded into the thermosensitive magnetic liposome (HCPT/TML), itsin vitroandin vivoantitumor activity and microdialysis-based tumour pharmacokinetics were determined. The results demonstrated that HCPT/TMLs possessed favourable physicochemical features and significant cytotoxicity against the Huh-7 cellsin vitro. In thein vivoantitumor study and tumour pharmacokinetics, HCPT/TMLs displayed effective targeting delivery and antitumor effects, which corresponded to the determined hydroxycamptothecin concentration in tumour tissue. In conclusion, this thermal and magnetic dual-responsive system can efficiently deliver hydroxycamptothecin to tumour tissue and has great potential application in cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Growth factors and cytokines control cell growth, proliferation and differentiation via a network of inter- and intracellular signalling pathways, and are involved in skin self-renewing and wound healing. In recent years, topical and injectable growth factors and cytokines have emerged as an intriguing therapeutic modality that can be harnessed for aesthetic purposes. However, very little data are available on their long-term safety and tolerability. In this report, we describe two cases of patients, who developed intramuscular lipoma of the chin following topical injection with a mixture of basic fibroblast growth factor as the main ingredients for chin augmentation. Biopsies in the two cases were performed at our department, and revealed intramuscular lipoma. Our report indicates that the topical injection of growth factors can lead to tumorigenesis, so health care providers need to be aware of its potential consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:: To evaluate the characteristics of atherosclerotic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) and determine the relationship between wall characteristics and infarction patterns. Methods:: Thirty-six patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to MCA stenosis underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) and HR MRI. Wall characteristics of MCA, including irregular surface, superior location, T2-hyperintense of plaques and positive remodelling (PR), were analysed. Characteristics of acute infarct on DWI were categorised according to the number (single or multiple infarcts) and the pattern of cerebral infarcts (cortical, border zone or perforating artery territory infarcts). The relationship between wall characteristics and infarction patterns was evaluated. Results:: PR was observed in 20 patients, irregular surface plaque in 18 patients, superior location of plaques in 14 patients and T2-hyperintense foci in 13 patients. Seventeen patients had multiple acute cerebral infarcts and 13 showed single acute cerebral infarcts. Border zone infarcts were the most common (76.5%) among multiple acute infarcts. Penetrating artery infarcts (PAI) accounted for 76.9% of all single infarcts. Multiple infarcts were more frequently observed in patients with PR (P = 0.007) or plaque surface irregularity (P = 0.035). Single infarcts, especially PAI, were more prevalent in patients with superior plaque (P = 0.030). No statistically significant differences were observed between multiple and single infarcts in patients with T2-hyperintense lesions (P = 0.638). Conclusions:: PR or irregular surface plaques were associated with artery-to-artery embolism. Superior location of plaques was associated with PAI. HR-MRI provides insights into intracranial atherosclerosis in vivo, predictive of infarction patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the statistics of the fifth and sixth censuses in China, this paper, which focuses on the spatial distribution characteristics of aging population in China's mega cities, examines the distribution of aging in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Wuhan. In this paper, an Aging Degree Index and an Aging Population Mean Center have been used to analyze the spatial distribution characteristics and spatial variation trends of aging population in mega cities. According to the research, the spatial distribution of aging population shows a faster development tendency of suburbanization from two different perspectives: one tendency is centrifugal spread associated with seniors who are moving from the city center to outer suburb areas, and the other is center concentration where the seniors who lived in the outer suburb areas are moving towards the city center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common following cardiac surgery and is associated with poor outcomes. However, the detection of those preoperative patients who will develop AKI is still difficult. In this study, we compared serum cystatin C combined with dipstick proteinuria as early markers to predict AKI available before surgery. Methods: We prospectively followed 616 patients undergoing cardiac surgery and identified 179 that developed AKI, defined as an increase in serum creatinine (SCr) of ≥ 0.3 mg/dL or ≥ 50% increase in creatinine level. Preoperative values for cystatin C were categorized into quartiles. We defined proteinuria, measured with a dipstick, as mild (trace to 1+) or heavy (2 + to 4+). Univariate as well as multivariate regression was performed. Cystatin C combined with dipstick proteinuria before surgery was assessed for its' predictive value of AKI using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: The final cohort consisted of 616 patients aged 60.7 ± 13.2 years, and baseline SCr was 75.8 ± 26.4 μmol/L, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 96.3 ± 29.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 and cystatin C 1.05 ± 0.33 mg/L. Patients in higher cystatin C quartiles were older ( p < 0.001), more often to have heavy proteinuria ( p = 0.021), hyperuricemia ( p < 0.001), heart failure ( p < 0.001) and recent myocardial infarction ( p = 0.002). Those with heavy proteinuria were more often to have diabetes mellitus ( p = 0.010), hyperuricemia ( p = 0.043), worse cardiac function ( p < 0.05), higher creatinine levels ( p < 0.001) and lower eGFR levels ( p < 0.001). In a multiple logistic regression model, preoperative heavy proteinuria [OR: 3.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26-7.77] and preoperative cystatin C quartiles (Q2:OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 0.72-3.60; Q3:OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 0.85-4.14; Q4:OR: 3.10, 95% CI: 1.37-7.02) each associated with an increased odds of AKI, independent of advanced age (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.06), hypertension (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.13-3.12) and combined surgery (OR: 3.47, 95% CI: 1.35-8.89). The risk for adverse outcomes such as postoperative AKI, persistent AKI, severe AKI, dialysis and mortality were highest in patients with highest quartile of cystatin C ( p < 0.05, respectively) and heavy proteinuria ( p < 0.05, respectively). The area under the ROC curve for preoperative cystatin C combined with proteinuria to detect AKI, persistent AKI and severe AKI were 0.695 ( p < 0.001; 95% CI = 0.637-0.754), 0.753 ( p < 0.001; 95% CI = 0.693-0.812) and 0.718 ( p < 0.001; 95% CI = 0.642-0.795), respectively. Conclusion: These data suggest that preoperative serum cystatin C combined with dipstick proteinuria may improve prediction of AKI among patients undergoing cardiac surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of fruits and vegetables for older adults include reducing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Tablets like the iPad can promote healthy behaviors, but usability issues for older adults remain unclear. Three experts evaluated five iPad apps related to fruit and vegetable intake using heuristics adapted from existing heuristics. Eight problems emerged: 1) icons use symbols and text with little connection to functionality; 2) unfamiliar symbols; 3) unnecessary steps required to complete tasks; 4) few accessibility features; 5) small text; 6) insufficient color contrast; 7) insufficient instructional features; and 8) unlabeled advertising. Design recommendations are presented for each problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Except for EGFR gene mutation, there is still lack of predictive factors for gefitinib activity as the second-line treatments for advanced NSCLC with wild-type (WT) EGFR or patients with mutant EGFR but showed poor response. Our purpose was to assess the predictive value of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and IGF-1R for gefitinib efficacy as the second-line treatment for NSCLC. Methods: 53 advanced NSCLC patients who accepted gefitinib as the second-line treatment were enrolled in this study. Expression of E-cadherin, vimentin, and IGF-1R was determined by immunohistochemistry. EGFR gene mutation was determined by liquidchip technique. Results: The positive rate of EMT, IGF-1R, and EGFR gene mutation was 54.7%, 58.5%, and 39.6%, respectively. EMT (−) was positively correlated with EGFR gene mutation ( p = .034) and EMT (+) was associated with IGF-1R (+) ( p = .000). EMT (−) was associated with a significantly higher objective response rate (ORR) for all the 53 patients (41.7% vs. 6.9%, p = .024) and showed a higher ORR tendency than EMT (+) in EGFR mutation patients (50.0% vs. 28.6%) and WT EGFR patients (20.0% vs. 4.5%) ( p > .05). EMT (−) showed a significant longer median survival time (MST) than EMT (+) for all 53 patients (8 months vs. 4 months) and WT EGFR patients (6 months vs. 3 months) ( p < .05). IGF-1R (−) showed a higher ORR tendency than IGF-1R (+) in EGFR mutation patients (54% vs. 30%) and WT EGFR patients (18.2% vs. 4.8%) ( p > .05). Conclusion: EMT is correlated with efficacy of gefitinib as the second-line treatment for NSCLC, and combined detection of EMT and IGF-1R may be used as new predictors besides EGFR mutation, especially for patients with WT EGFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: The early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) may be become possible by several promising early biomarkers which may facilitate the early detection, differentiation and prognosis prediction of AKI. In this study, we investigated the value of urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and their combination in predicting the occurrence and the severity of AKI following cardiac surgery. Methods: We prospectively followed 109 patients undergoing open heart surgery and identified 26 that developed AKI, defined as an increase in serum creatinine of ≥0.3 mg/dl or ≥150% of baseline creatinine. Serum creatinine (SCr), urinary L-FABP, and NGAL corrected by urine creatinine were tested pre-operation, at 0 hour and 2 hours post-operation. Each marker was assessed at each time point between patients with and without AKI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under curves (AUC) were used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of urinary L-FABP, NGAL and their combination for predicting AKI. Results: Patients were aged 63.0 ± 11.3 years, 66.1% were male and baseline SCr was 70.5 ± 19.1 umol/L. Of 109 patients, 26(23.9%) developed AKI (AKIN stage I, II and III were 46.2%, 34.6% and 19.2% separately). The levels of urinary L-FABP and NGAL were significantly higher in AKI patients than non-AKI patients at 0 hour and 2 hours postoperative. AUCs for L-FABP was 0.844 (sensitivity (ST) 0.846, specificity (SP) 0.819, cut-off (CO) 2226.50 μg/g Ucr) at 0 hours and 0.832 at 2 hours (ST 0.808, SP 0.747, CO 673.09 μg/g Ucr) while 0.866 for NGAL at 0 hours (ST 0.769, SP 0.819, CO 131.12 μg/g Ucr) and 0.871 at 2 hours (ST 0.808, SP 0.831, CO 33.73 μg/g Ucr) to predict AKI occurrence. Using a combination of L-FABP and NGAL analyzed at the same timepoint as above, we were able to obtain an AUC of 0.911-0.927, p < 0.001. Similar AUCs of 0.81-0.87 were found to predict AKI stage II-III. Conclusions: Urinary L-FABP and NGAL increased at an early stage after cardiac surgery. The combination of the two biomarkers enhanced the accuracy of the early detection of postoperative AKI after cardiac surgery before a rise in SCr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of fruits and vegetables for older adults include reducing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Tablets like the iPad can promote healthy behaviors, but usability issues for older adults remain unclear. Three experts evaluated five iPad apps related to fruit and vegetable intake using heuristics adapted from existing heuristics. Eight problems emerged: 1) icons use symbols and text with little connection to functionality; 2) unfamiliar symbols; 3) unnecessary steps required to complete tasks; 4) few accessibility features; 5) small text; 6) insufficient color contrast; 7) insufficient instructional features; and 8) unlabeled advertising. Design recommendations are presented for each problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relative effectiveness of using gain- versus loss-framed messages to promote H1N1 vaccination among older adults, focusing on the moderating roles of perceived vaccine safety and efficacy. An experiment was conducted with older adults recruited from senior centers in the state of Maryland. Results show that older adults who perceived low vaccine efficacy developed greater intentions to receive the vaccine when presented with a loss-framed message (versus a gain-framed message). For those who perceived high vaccine efficacy, message framing did not make a difference in postexposure intentions. Evidence regarding the interaction between message framing and perceived vaccine safety is limited. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An exploratory study was conducted to answer the following questions: What are older adults’ perceptions of social media? What educational strategies can facilitate their learning of social media? A thematic map was developed to illustrate changing perceptions from the initial unanimous, strong negative to the more positive but cautious, and to the eventual willingness to actually contribute content. Privacy was the primary concern and key perceptual barrier to adoption. Effective educational strategies were developed to overcome privacy concerns, including (a) introducing the concepts before introducing the functions; (b) responding to privacy concerns; and (c) making social media personally relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As new technologies emerge that can bring older adults together with children, little has been discussed by researchers concerning the design methods used to create these new technologies. Giving both children and older adults a voice in a shared design process comes with many challenges. This paper details an exploratory study focusing on connecting generations through cooperative design (co-design) methods that can enable idea construction and elaboration to flourish. Design techniques were adapted that ranged from low-tech prototyping and sticky-note feedback to distributed collaboration. The critical finding in this research was that children and older adults need not only time together to start the collaboration but also time apart to further the collaboration at a distance. This case study research reports on how our methods evolved and how others can apply these methods for their own work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted in the summer of 2007 to investigate older adults' preferences for health information and participation in decision making. The study involved in-depth individual and focus group interviewing with a total of 20 older Internet users and nonusers. Grounded theory was used to conduct the data analysis and construct the theory that best explains the data. The concept of health information wants (HIW), or health information that one would like to have and use to make important health decisions that may or may not be directly related to diagnosis or standard treatment, emerged from the data analysis and led to the development of the HIW framework. This framework encompasses four types of HIW that have varying properties and positions on the decision-making spectrum. While Internet use has not changed these older adults' reliance on medical professionals for diagnostic or standard treatment decisions (and reliance on professionals for information needed to make those decisions), it has opened up new venues for obtaining information to make decisions in broader scopes. Thus, both the Internet and the perpetuating influence of the provider-dependent model are at play in the patient-provider relationships of these older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new sesquiterpenoids, vernobockolides A (1) and B (2), along with five known ones, piptocarphin C (3), piptocarphin F (4), piptocarphin A (5), hirsutolide (6), and β-d-glucopyranosyl taraxinic ester (7), were isolated from the aerial part of Vernonia bockiana. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis, especially 2D NMR. Among them, compounds 2-6 showed strong cytotoxic activities against mouse lymphoid tumor cell line P388 with the IC50 values of 1.81, 1.32, 0.77, and 0.73 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This methodological paper addresses practical strategies, implications, benefits and drawbacks of collecting qualitative semi-structured interview data about Internet-based research topics using four different interaction systems: face to face; telephone; email; and instant messaging. The discussion presented here is based on a review of the literature and reflection on the experiences of the authors in performing completed research that used those four interaction systems. The focus is on functional effects (e.g. scheduling and other logistics, data transcription and data management), as well as methodological effects (e.g. ability to probe, collecting affective data, and data representation). The authors found that all four methods of data collection produced viable data for the projects they completed, but that some additional issues arose. Five themes emerged that form the organization of the paper: (1) interview scheduling and participant retention; (2) recording and transcribing; (3) data cleaning and organizing; (4) presentation and representation of data; and (5) the detection/presentation of affective data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines older Chinese's learning and use of computers and the Internet, focusing on the major barriers encountered and strategies employed to overcome those barriers. A total of 33 interviews were conducted in 2004 in Shanghai. Data analysis was guided by grounded theory. The following are the major findings : (a) lack of technical support is a major barrier to information technology (IT) learning, yet it is difficult to get support from younger people; (b) learning from age peers is an effective way to learn about IT; and (c) short-term computer classes are only the beginning, while computer clubs that may last for years can provide much-needed continuing training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]