Low anthocyanin plum nectar does not impact cognition,blood pressure and gut microbiota in healthy older adults: A randomized crossover trial

Queen Garnet plum (QGP), known for its high levels of anthocyanins, is a hybrid of the Japanese plum developed in Queensland, Australia. Anthocyanins provide the red, blue, and purple pigments in plants with demonstrated beneficial health effects. This study hypothesized that low-dose anthocyanin QGP intake will have a significant positive effect on cognition, blood pressure, and gut microbiota in healthy older adults. A randomized crossover trial was conducted to determine the effect and within subject variance on cognition and 24 hr. ambulatory blood pressure in older adults without cognitive impairment following daily consumption of 200 mL low-dose anthocyanin (5 mg/100 g) QGP nectar (intervention) or raspberry cordial (control). Secondary outcomes included inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein), nerve growth factor (BDNF), and gut microbiota (16S rRNA gene sequencing). Twenty-eight participants (55+ years) were recruited. Each randomized treatment arm lasted for 8 weeks with a 4-week washout period. Cognition, blood pressure, and urine samples were measured at each visit (5 total) while blood and fecal samples were collected at baseline, 8 weeks, and 20 weeks. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data. Across the treatments, no significant difference was observed for the different domains of cognition, blood pressure, or anti-inflammatory biomarkers. No intervention effect was found for genera or class of gut microbes. Low anthocyanin nectar derived from the QGP did not have any significant effects on cognition, blood pressure, or gut microbiota in healthy older adults.     

To What Extent Do Local Nursing Home Prescribing Patterns Relate to Psychotropic Prescribing in Assisted Living?

ObjectiveIn nursing homes (NHs), psychoactive medication use has received notable attention, but less is known about prescribing in assisted living (AL). This study examined how antipsychotic and antianxiety medication prescribing in AL compares with NHs.DesignObservational, cross-sectional AL data linked to publicly reported NH measures.Setting and ParticipantsRandom sample of 250 AL communities and the full sample of 3371 NHs in 7 states.MethodsWe calculated the percentage of residents receiving antipsychotics and antianxiety medications. For each AL community, we calculated the distance to NHs in the state. Linear models estimated the relationship between AL prescribing and that of the closest and farthest 5 NHs, adjusting for AL characteristics and state fixed effects.ResultsThe prescribing rate of potentially inappropriate antipsychotics (i.e., excluding for persons with recorded schizophrenia and Tourette syndrome) and of antianxiety medications (excluding for those on hospice) in AL was 15% and 21%, respectively. Unadjusted mean antipsychotic prescribing rates were nominally higher in AL than NHs (14.8% vs 14.6%; P = .056), whereas mean antianxiety prescribing was nominally lower in AL (21.2% vs 22.6%; P = .032). In adjusted analyses, AL rates of antipsychotic use were not associated with NH rates. However, being affiliated with an NH was associated with a lower rate of antipsychotic use [b = −0.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.50 to −0.001; P = .043], whereas antianxiety rates were associated with neighboring NHs’ prescribing rates (b = 0.43; 95% CI 0.16–0.70; P = .002).Conclusions and ImplicationsThis study suggests reducing antipsychotic medication use in NHs may influence AL practices in a way not accounted for by local NH patterns. And, because antianxiety medications have not been the focus of national campaigns, they may be more subject to local prescribing behaviors. It seems advantageous to consider prescribing in AL when efforts are implemented to change NH prescribing, as there seems to be related influence whether by affiliation or region.     

Defining the Core Skills and Activities of the Attending Physician in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care

The American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (ABPLM) contracted with a psychometric firm to perform a 3-phase Job Analysis following best practices. Literature was reviewed, a task force of subject matter experts was convened, a survey was developed and sent via Survey Monkey to attending physicians practicing in post-acute and long-term care settings (PALTC). The task force refined a comprehensive list of the tasks, knowledge, and medical knowledge needed in the role of attending physician in PALTC. These items were written as statements and edited until consensus was reached on their accuracy, conciseness, and lack of overlap. Task statements described distinct, identifiable, and specific practice-related activities relevant across multiple care settings. Knowledge statements described previously acquired information considered necessary to effectively perform such tasks. The survey consisted of 260 items, including 21 demographic questions, 115 task statements, 73 knowledge statements, and 72 medical knowledge statements. The survey was disseminated via e-mail invitations to Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (AMDA) members and through an online link available through ABPLM’s website. A total of 389 respondents participated. Survey data were analyzed with statistical analysis software SPSS. For each task and knowledge statement, an Overall Task Rating and Knowledge Rating were developed by combining the importance rating weighted at 65% and (for task) the frequency rating or (for knowledge) the cognitive level weighted at 35%. One task statement and 1 medical knowledge statement had a mean importance rating lower than 2.5 and were dropped from further review, resulting in a final count of 114 task, 73 knowledge, and 71 medical knowledge statements (258 total). The results of this Job Analysis highlight the unique and specific nature of medical care provided by attending physicians across a range of PALTC settings. These findings lay a foundation for Focused Practice Designation or Subspecialty in PALTC and changes in practice and policy.     

Association of dietary isoflavone consumption with subclinical cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and elderly Chinese people

Background and aimsThe association between isoflavone (ISF) consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains controversial because of limited evidence. Carotid atherosclerosis is an established indicator of subclinical CVD. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary ISF intake and subclinical CVD in middle-aged and elderly adults.Methods and resultsA total of 873 subjects aged 40–70 years without CVD were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. A restricted cubic spline was used to investigate the association between ISF intake and subclinical CVD risk. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval of the risk of subclinical CVD for ISF were estimated by two-segmented logistic regression analysis. In Model 2, there was a non-linear association between ISF intake and the risk of subclinical CVD among women (P_non-linear = 0.002), with an inverse association below the change point. The nadir for the risk of subclinical CVD among women was 7.26 mg/day (energy-adjusted). Below the change point, an increase of 1 mg ISF/day reduced the risk of subclinical CVD by 15%. There was no significant association between ISF intake and subclinical CVD risk above the change point (OR = 1.01 [0.99, 1.04]). ISF intake was not associated with subclinical CVD risk in men (Model 2: P_non-linear = 0.224).ConclusionsBelow the change point (7.26 mg/day), women with a higher intake of ISF had a significantly lower risk of subclinical CVD. Encouraging the consumption of ISF-rich foods may help to lower CVD risk in middle-aged and elderly women.Trial registrationThis study is registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR 1900022445).     

Potential Overtreatment and Undertreatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Systematic Review

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence, outcomes, and factors associated with potential glycemic overtreatment and undertreatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in long-term care facilities (LTCFs).DesignSystematic review.Setting and ParticipantsResidents with T2DM and aged ≥60 years living in LTCFs.MeasuresArticles published between January 2000 and September 2020 were retrieved following a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL plus, and gray literature. Inclusion criteria were the reporting of (1) potential overtreatment and undertreatment quantitatively defined (implicitly or explicitly) based on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and/or blood glucose; (2) prevalence, outcomes, and associated factors of potential glycemic overtreatment and undertreatment; and (3) the study involved residents of LTCFs.ResultsFifteen studies were included. Prevalence of potential overtreatment (5%–86%, n = 15 studies) and undertreatment (1.4%–35%, n = 8 studies) varied widely among facilities and geographical locations, and according to definitions used. Prevalence of potential overtreatment was 16%–74% when defined as treatment with a glucose-lowering medication in a resident with ≥1 hypoglycemia risk factor or serious comorbidity, together with a HbA1c <7% (n = 10 studies). Potential undertreatment was commonly defined as residents on glucose-lowering medication having HbA1c >8.5% and the prevalence 1.4%–14.8% (n = 6 studies). No studies prospectively measured resident health outcomes from overtreatment and undertreatment. Potential overtreatment was positively associated with use of oral glucose-lowering medications, dementia diagnosis or dementia severity, and/or need for assistance with activities of daily living (n = 2 studies). Negative association was found between potential overtreatment and use of insulin/combined insulin and oral glucose-lowering medication. No studies reported factors associated with potential undertreatment.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe prevalence of potential glycemic overtreatment and undertreatment varied widely among residents with T2DM depending on the definition(s) used in each study. Longitudinal studies examining associations between glycemic management and health outcomes, and the use of consensus definitions of overtreatment and undertreatment are required to establish findings about actual glycemic overtreatment and undertreatment in LTCFs.     

阻断血吸虫病传播策略与措施专家共识

2015年全国达到血吸虫病传播控制标准后,进入以全面阻断血吸虫病传播为新目标、开展监测预警为主要干预措施的新时期。“十三五”时期,四川、江苏、云南、湖北等4个血吸虫病防治重点省份先后达到血吸虫病传播阻断标准或通过国家血吸虫病传播阻断技术评估,我国血吸虫病疫情处于历史最低水平,流行程度进一步降低,《“十三五”全国血吸虫病防治规划》既定目标基本实现。但日本血吸虫唯一中间宿主钉螺依然广泛存在且孳生环境复杂、血吸虫病传染源种类多且牛羊等主要传染源管控困难、现有防治技术与当前防治需求不相适应、防治成果基础不牢等是我国血吸虫病消除进程中面临的主要困难和挑战。“十四五”时期是巩固我国血吸虫病防治成果、逐步解决上述困难的重要时期,也是为实现消除血吸虫病最终目标奠定基础的关键阶段。我们在认真总结前期血吸虫病防治经验和当前面临挑战基础上,遵循依法防治、科学防治和精准防治原则,就《“十四五”全国血吸虫病防治规划》中防治目标、防治策略、防治措施等方面达成专家共识,旨在为制定《“十四五”全国血吸虫病防治规划》提供参考,更好地发挥该规划对现场防治工作的政策指导和引领作用。     

中东呼吸综合征流行现状与防控新理念

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a respiratory disease with high mortality caused by a novel coronavirus. It was reported for the first time in 2012. The number of MERS increased significantly and the epidemic region expanded in recent years. Now it has caused extensive attention. On May 26th, 2015, a case of MERS was diagnosed in China. It is the first reported case in China, so it is necessary and urgent to establish a corresponding system for MERS. In this article we summarize the current epidemic situation and provides a strategy for prevention and control of MERS. It is a new concept based on One Health and it may be applied to the control of emerging infectious diseases.     

Meeting 24-hour movement guidelines: Their relationships with overweight and obesity among Chinese children with autism spectrum disorder

BackgroundCanada's and Australia's 24-hour movement guidelines for children and youth provide daily recommendations for physical activity (PA), screen time (ST), and sleep for optimal health. Previous studies have examined the associations between meeting these 24-hour movement guidelines and overweight and obesity among children without disabilities. Less is known about potential associations between the 24-hour movement behaviors and the weight status of children with disabilities.Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether meeting movement behavior recommendations (i.e. ≥ 60 min of Moderate-to-vigorous activity [MVPA] per day, ≤ 2 h of recreational ST per day, and 9–11 h of sleep for those aged 5–13 years [or 8–10 h for children aged 14–17 years]), and combinations of these recommendations, are associated with overweight and obesity in Chinese children with ASD.MethodParticipants were 99 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 7–17 years old recruited from one Chinese special school. MVPA and nightly sleep duration were measured using 24-hour wrist-worn accelerometer. ST was reported by parents by using reliable and valid items derived from the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (Chinese version). A series of binary logical regression analyses were performed for analysis.ResultsOnly 16.2% met all the three movement behavior recommendations. The proportions of children with ASD who met the recommendation for PA, ST, and sleep were 32.3%, 52.5%, and 65.7%, respectively. The children with ASD who met the MVPA (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.15–0.94), MVPA + Sleep (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09–0.81), and all three 24-hour movement guidelines (OR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03–0.77), had significantly lower odds ratios for overweight/obesity than those who did not meet the respective recommendations.ConclusionsMeeting the MVPA, MVPA + Sleep, and all three of the guidelines was associated with lower odds ratios for overweight and obesity in children with ASD, and MVPA was the single most important activity for weight control among this population. Therefore, meeting the 24-hour movement guidelines, especially the MVPA guideline should be considered an effective intervention and can inform the design of strategies and policies for the prevention of overweight and obesity in children with ASD.