Analyzing predictors of graft survival in patients undergoing liver transplantation with donors aged 70 years and over

AIM To increase the number of available grafts.METHODS This is a single-center comparative analysis performed between April 1986 and May 2016. Two hundred and twelve liver transplantation(LT) were performed with donors ≥ 70 years old(study group). Then, we selected the first cases that were performed with donors < 70 years old immediately after the ones that were performed with donors ≥ 70 years old(control group).RESULTS Graft and patient survivals were similar between both groups without increasing the risk of complications, especially primary non-function, vascular complications and biliary complications. We identified 5 risk factors as independent predictors of graft survival: recipient hepatitis C virus(HCV)-positivity [hazard ratio(HR) = 2.35; 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.55-3.56; P = 0.00]; recipient age(HR = 1.04; 95%CI: 1.02-1.06; P = 0.00); donor age X model for end-stage liver disease(D-MELD)(HR = 1.00; 95%CI: 1.00-1.00; P = 0.00); donor value of serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase(HR = 1.00; 95%CI: 1.00-1.00; P = 0.00); and donor value of serum sodium(HR = 0.96; 95%CI: 0.94-0.99; P = 0.00). After combining D-MELD and recipient age we obtained a new scoring system that we called DR-MELD(donor age X recipient age X MELD). Graft survival significantly decreased in patients with a DR-MELD score ≥ 75000, especially in HCV patients(77% vs 63% at 5 years in HCV-negative patients, P = 0.00; and 61% vs 25% at 5 years in HCV-positive patients; P = 0.00). CONCLUSION A DR-MELD ≥ 75000 must be avoided in order to obtain the best results in LT with donors ≥ 70 years old.

Evaluation of Compatibilizers for Improving Compatibility between Waste Vegetable Oil and Aged Asphalt

Modifying agents 2,2-Bis(4-glycidyloxyphenyl)propane(2BPE)and dibutyl phthalate(DBP)were selected to enhance the compatibility.By using molecular simulation software(Materials Studio,MS),nine systems were constructed,including molecular models of aged asphalt and WVO monomers with 2BPE and/or DBP.The solubility parameters,Flory-Huggins parameters,and interaction energies of these systems were calculated to determine the impact of 2BPE and DBP on the compatibility of WVO and aged asphalt.Results showed that the addition of 2BPE and DBP reduced the difference in the solubility parameters between WVO and aged asphalt,thus improving the compatibility between WVO and aged asphalt.Additionally,using a combination of 2BPE and DBP in both aged asphalt and rejuvenator was found to be more effective than using either 2BPE or DBP alone.Finally,it was determined that evaluating the compatibility of WVO and aged asphalt using Van der Waals potential and non-bonding energy as evaluation indicators was more accurate than using electrostatic potential energy.

Laboratory Evaluation of Performance Recovery of Aged SBS-modified Asphalt Using Regenerants with Different Base Oil Components

In this study,the regenerative effects of different regenerants on aged SBS-modified asphalt from different perspectives were investigated,including their conventional properties,viscoelastic behavior,creep-related properties,and micromorphology.Base oils composed of different proportions of aromatic and saturated hydrocarbons as well as the styrene-butadiene-styrene(SBS)restorer were used to prepare the regenerants.The results showed that the components of the base oil of the regenerant played a crucial role in determining the characteristics and performance of the recycled SBSmodified asphalt.Regenerants containing a high proportion of aromatics dissolved the hard segment in the SBS restorer,thereby delaying the effect of a reduction in the regenerants on the performance of the aged asphalts at a high temperature.Regenerants containing a high proportion of saturates dissolved the soft segment in the SBS restorer to enhance the lowtemperature performance of the recycled asphalts.In addition,the stress sensitivity of the recycled asphalts increased with the fraction of aromatics in the regenerant.As the aromatic content of the base oil components of the regenerants increased and their saturate content decreased,the state of dispersion of the SBS phase in the recycled SBS-modified asphalts improved.The optimal content of aromatics in the base oil of the regenerants should be set in the range of 33%to 47%to ensure the adequate performance of the recycled asphalts and a high efficiency of the SBS restorer.

Microbiomics and metabolomics insights into the microbial regulation on the formation of flavor components in the traditional fermentation process of Chinese Hongqu aged vinegar

This study aimed to investigate microbial succession and metabolic dynamics during the traditional fermentation of Hongqu aged vinegar,and explore the core functional microbes closely related to the formation of flavor components.Microbiome analysis demonstrated that Lactobacillus,Acetobacter,Bacillus,Enterobacter,Lactococcus,Leuconostoc and Weissella were the predominant bacterial genera,while Aspergillus piperis,Aspergillus oryzae,Monascus purpureus,Candida athensensis,C.xylopsoci,Penicillium ochrosalmoneum and Simplicillium aogashimaense were the predominant fungal species.Correlation analysis revealed that Acetobacter was positively correlated with the production of tetramethylpyrazine,acetoin and acetic acid,Lactococcus showed positive correlation with the production of 2-nonanone,2-heptanone,ethyl caprylate,ethyl caprate,1-hexanol,1-octanol and 1-octen-3-ol,C.xylopsoci and C.rugosa were positively associated with the production of diethyl malonate,2,3-butanediyl diacetate,acetoin,benzaldehyde and tetramethylpyrazine.Correspondingly,non-volatile metabolites were also detected through ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.A variety of amino acids and functional dipeptides were identified during the traditional brewing of Hongqu aged vinegar.Correlation analysis revealed that Lactobacillus was significantly associated with DL-lactate,indolelactic acid,D-(+)-3-phenyllactic acid,pimelic acid,pregabalin and 3-aminobutanoic acid.This study is useful for understanding flavor formation mechanism and developing effective strategies for the suitable strains selection to improve the flavor quality of Hongqu aged vinegar.

Metformin promotes angiogenesis and functional recovery in aged mice after spinal cord injury by adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway

Treatment with metformin can lead to the recovery of pleiotropic biological activities after spinal cord injury.However,its effect on spinal cord injury in aged mice remains unclear.Considering the essential role of angiogenesis during the regeneration process,we hypothesized that metformin activates the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway in endothelial cells,thereby promoting microvascular regeneration in aged mice after spinal cord injury.In this study,we established young and aged mouse models of contusive spinal cord injury using a modified Allen method.We found that aging hindered the recovery of neurological function and the formation of blood vessels in the spinal cord.Treatment with metformin promoted spinal cord microvascular endothelial cell migration and blood vessel formation in vitro.Furthermore,intraperitoneal injection of metformin in an in vivo model promoted endothelial cell proliferation and increased the density of new blood vessels in the spinal cord,thereby improving neurological function.The role of metformin was reversed by compound C,an adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor,both in vivo and in vitro,suggesting that the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway likely regulates metformin-mediated angiogenesis after spinal cord injury.These findings suggest that metformin promotes vascular regeneration in the injured spinal cord by activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway,thereby improving the neurological function of aged mice after spinal cord injury.

World Population Aged 60 and Over by Region

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The Aging Situation in Asian and the Pacific Region and Sub-regional Differences in the Percentage of Population Aged 60 and Over

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One Hundred and Seven Middle-Aged and Senile Cases of Coronary Heart Disease with Ventricular Premature Beat Treated by Qing Xin An Shen Fang

The therapeutic principle of clearing away the heart-heat to induce tranquilization was adopted in 107 middle-aged and senile patients with ventricular premature beat of coronary heart disease on the basis of pathogenic features of phlegm, heat, blood stasis and deficiency in this condition. Qing Xin An Shen Fang ([symbol: see text] a formula for clearing away the heart-heat to induce tranquilization) was used in the treatment group and compared with mexiletine and Fu Fang Dan Shen Tablets ([symbol: see text] Compound Salvia Tablets) used in the control group. The results turned to be that the markedly effective rate was 85.1% and the total effective rate 96.3% in the treated group, better than that in the control group, with the former having a good antihypertensive and antihyperlipemic effect and an effect of improving microcirculation and clinical symptoms.

Analysis and Evaluation of the Chocolate Market in Poland Between 2005-2012 With a Particular Emphasis on Consumers Aged 60 and over

The aim of this paper was to analyze and evaluate the chocolate market in Poland in years 2005-2012 with particular emphasis on older consumer purchasing and consumption behavior. In the study a secondary and primary data were used. Secondary data source was the literature, trade press, Internet publications, and the results of household budget. Primary data were obtained through a survey conducted among the participants of the University of the Third Age. The work turned out to increase the production of chocolate in Poland and increased competition in the sector as a result of changes in ownership. These changes were accompanied by increased consumption of chocolate. It was found that older consumers in their purchasing decisions are guided chiefly by the taste of chocolate, then a habit, brand/manufacturer, and price. Most of them prefer dark chocolate. Nearly half of respondents describe themselves as a reasonable consumer. Having this in mind the traditional assortment of chocolate next to innovative should be on market.

Epidemiologic surve of Overweight and obesity among residents aged≥60 years in ronggui community

Objectives To investigate prevalence of overweight and obesity among residents aged 3≥60 years in ronggui community.Methods 1372 ones(570 males,802 females,68.03±6.62 years) Of total 1503 residents aged≥60 years in the 2 villages which were randomly exampled in rong-gui community were investigated.857 ones aged among 60-69 years(62.5%),416 ones aged among 70-79 years (30.3%),99 ones aged≥60 years(7.2%).Investigative items included age,sex,body height,body weight,waist circumference(WC),hip circumference(HC)、fasting plasma glucose(FG),total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),blood pressure,history of past illness,body mass index(BMI),waist hip ratio(WHR) and waist height ratio(WHtR).Results (1)Of total 1372 residents,the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 39.4%.Prevalence of overweight, obesity were 29.4%,10.0%respectively.Prevalence of overweight, obesity of male were 30.8%,6.0%,and female, 28.5%,12.8%respectively.Prevalence of overweight,obesity of residents aged 60-69 years were 31.2%,11.3%,70-79 years were 27.0%,9.1%and≥80 years were 25.2%,2.0% respectively.The difference between male and female、among three age groups were not significant.(2)Of total 1372 residents, prevalence of central adiposity were 34.6%,male was 15.9%and female was 52.4%,female signifleanfly higher than male(P【0.01).(3)The FG^TG.SBP^DBP of residents with overweight、obesity or central adiposity were higher than residents with normal weight or WC(P【0.01).(4)By Pearson correlation analysis,we found that overweight、obesity and central adiposity were obviously correlated with FG、TG、SBP、DBP(P【0.01),were not correlated with TC(P】0.05). Conclusions(1)Of total 1372 residents,the combined preva- lence of overweight and obesity was 39.4%,prevalence of overweight,obesity were 29.4%,10.0%respectively,prevalence of central adiposity were 34.6%,female was 52.4%, female signifleanfly higher than male.(2)overweight.obesity and central adiposity were obviously correlated with FG,TG, SBP,DBP.

Characteristics of different aged plantations of Ormosia hosiei with regards to soil microbial biomass and enzymatic activities

Stand age is an important indicator of tree growth and life cycle,and has implications for ecological and biological processes.This study examined changes in soil microbial biomass(SMB)as well as enzyme activities of different aged plantations and revealed their relationship to soil properties.SMB,microbial biomass carbon(MBC),microbial biomass nitrogen(MBN),microbial biomass phos-phorous(MBP)and enzyme activities(β-1,4-glucosidase(β-G),β-1,4-xylosidase(β-X),cellobiohydrolase(CBH),leucine aminopeptidase(LAP),β-1,4-n-acetylglucosamine(NAG)and acid phosphatase(ACP))were measured in Oro-mosia hosiei plantations of different ages.The soil qual-ity index(SQI)model assessed soil quality.SMB contents significantly decreased in young(7-year-old)and mature plantations(45-year-old)compared to middle-aged(20-year-old)plantations.Activity of soilβ-G,β-X,CBH and NAG in the 20-year-old plantations was markedly higher than in the other plantations except forβ-G,CBH and NAG in the 45-year-old plantations.Soil organic carbon(SOC),total potassium(TK),total porosity,dissolved organic carbon,nitrate nitrogen(NO_(3)--N)and non-capillary porosity were key factors affecting SMB,while soil bulk density,pH,SOC,NO_(3)--N,TK and forest litter(FL)were the main factors affecting soil enzyme activities.SQI decreased in the order:middle-aged>mature>young.The efficiency of soil organic matter conversion,the effect of nitrogen min-eralization and fixation by microorganisms,and the better efficiency of phosphorus utilization in mid-age plantations,which improves soil physical properties,better facilitates tree growth,and further improves the buffering of the soil against acidity and alkalinity.FL quality was the only soil biological factor affecting soil enzyme activity.Our findings demonstrate that different aged plantations affect soil micro-bial biomass,enzyme activity,and soil quality.

The Association Between Daily Physical Activity and Risk of Hypertension in Middle-Aged and Older Adults:A Nationwide Cohort Study in China

Physical activity (PA) plays a key role in the treatment of hypertension, and moderate to vigorous PA has been documented to lower the risk of developing hypertension. However, dose-response relationships between PA and hypertension are not consistent, and little is known about this relationship within the Chinese middle-aged and older people. We investigated the relationship between PA and hypertension within this population using China Health and Nutrition Survey 1991-2015 data. Physical activity was expressed in terms of the metabolic equivalent task (MET) and participants were divided into groups according to quartiles, namely, Q1 (< 32.97 METs-h/w), Q2 (32.97-60.38 METs-h/ w), Q3 (60.38-98.95 METs-h/w), and Q4 (> 98.95 METs-h/w). Compared with the Q1 group, the odds ratio of risk with hypertension (95% CIs) after adjusting for confounding factors were 0.63 (0.35, 1.12), 0.49 (0.28, 0.86), and 0.62 (0.35, 1.09) for those in Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. Restricted cubic spline functions were used and a U-shaped relationship between physical activity and hypertension risk was found, indicative of an optimal level of physical activity, which was found to be 112 METs-h/w. Our data suggest maintenance of optimal levels of total daily physical activity may be important for preventing hypertension in Chinese adults over the age of 40.

Effects of Warm Needling at Zusanli(ST 36)on NO and IL-2 Levels in the Middle-Aged and Old People

42 middle-aged and old people at the age between 55-70 years were selected and given the warm needling at Zusanli (ST 36), and their IL-2 and NO contents of peripheral blood before and after acupuncture were determined. The results showed that IL-2 and NO contents increased significantly after the warm needling (P<0.01).

Comparison of the Effects of H_2O_2 and Salicylic Acid on Alternative Respiratory Pathway in Aged Potato Tuber Slices

The influences of exogenous H 2O 2 and salicylic acid (SA) treatments on the alternative respiratory pathway (ARP) in aged potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tuber slices were compared. The results showed that both H 2O 2(5.0 mmol/L) and SA (0.1 mmol/L) treatments had a significant inducing effect on ARP capacity (V alt ) and its ratio to total respiration (V alt /V t) in potato slices aged for 24 h. With a monoclonal antibody against the alternative oxidase (AOX), Western blotting results showed that both H 2O 2 and SA treatments increased the AOX expression levels in aged potato tuber slices. However, the results of oxygen isotope discrimination experiments showed that H 2O 2 had no influence on the in vivo ARP activity (ρV alt ) and its contribution to V t(expressed as ρV alt /V t) in potato slices aged for 24 h, but SA had a significant influence on the ρV alt and ρV alt /V t values of the aged potato tuber slices. These results indicate that there are differences between the effects of H 2O 2 and SA on ARP in plant tissues. Both of them possess the ability to induce ARP capacity through inducing AOX expression. However, SA can simultaneously stimulate the operation of ARP, but H 2O 2 can not.

Effects of Ving Tsun sticking-hand training on upper-limb sensorimotor performance in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults: A randomized controlled trial

Objective:To evaluate the effects of Ving Tsun(VT)sticking-hand training on upper-limb joint position sense and muscular performance in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults.Methods:Thirty-three adults were randomly allocated to either a VT group or a control group.The VT group received VT sticking-hand training twice per week for 3 months.Measurements were taken before and after the intervention period.The primary outcome was elbow-joint repositioning error,which was measured by an elbow-joint passive positioning and active repositioning test using a universal goniometer.Secondary outcomes were upper-limb muscles'peak force and time taken to reach peak force as measured by a hand-held dynamometer.Results:No significant time,group or time-by-group interaction effects were found for elbow-joint repositioning error or upper-limb muscle peak force outcomes.Shoulder flexor time to peak force decreased by 33.8%from pre-test to post-test in the VT group(P=0.007).Shoulder abductor,internal and external rotator,and elbow extensor times to peak force decreased by 30.0%-35.9%in the VT%roup(P<0.05)and by 30.4%-37.1%in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:VT sticking-hand training does not improve elbow-joint position sense or the maximum strength of upper-limb muscles in middle-aged and older adults.However,VT can improve shoulder flexor muscles'time to reach peak force in these populations.VT had no obvious effect on the time required to reach peak force in other shoulder muscles and elbow extensors.

Welfare for the Aged in Nigeria,a Sustenance for the Declining Older Population and Aged Male in Nigeria

A buttress on the need for welfare program in Nigeria and the important obligation to consider the Economics’and CIA’s contextual position for the dependency ratios,both total and elderly dependency ratio alongside the consideration of the age structure and demography statistics of Nigeria relatively to other economies,particularly as an elixir for the declining older population in Nigeria and the aged male contraction in the nation.Although,older female population is higher in every country as obtainable globally,the Nigerian case is that of drastic contraction in both aged male and older population generally.Therefore,the submission is that the government has to consider the total dependency ratio to the elderly dependency ratio,which is all-encompassing in order to cater for the declining older population and to appropriate the requisite welfare cum benefits programs in the nation.

Effects of process parameters on mechanical properties and microstructures of creep aged 2124 aluminum alloy

A series of tests were carried microstructures of 2124 aluminum alloy in increase of aging time, temperature and low-to-peak-to-low manner. No significant out to investigate the effects of process parameters on mechanical properties and creep aging process. The results show that creep strain and creep rate increase with the applied stress. The hardness of specimen varies with aging time and stress in a effect of temperature on hardness of material is seen in the range of 185-195 ℃. The optimum mechanical properties are obtained at the conditions of （200 MPa, 185 ℃, 8 h） as the result of the coexistence of strengthening S＂ and S＇ phases in the matrix by transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. TEM observation shows that applied stress promotes the formation and growth of precioitates and no obvious stress orientation effect is observed in the matrix.

The Relationship between Glucose Excursion and Cognitive Function in Aged Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Objective Evidence suggests that type 2 diabetes （T2DM） is associated with an increased risk of dementia and that glucose variability is an independent risk factor for diabetic complications. This study investigated the relationship between glucose excursion and cognitive function in aged T2DM patients. Methods A total of 248 aged T2DM patients wore a continuous glucose monitoring system （CGMS） for 3 days in order to evaluate glucose excursion, including mean amplitude of glycemic excursions （MAGE） and mean of daily difference （MODD）. All subjects were evaluated with a number of accepted cognitive function tests, including the mini-mental status examination （MMSE）. The relationship between MAGE and MODD and performance on these cognitive tests was assessed. Results The MAGE and MMSE score were negatively correlated, likewise with the correlation between MODD and MMSE. Liner multivariate regression analysis showed that MAGE and MODD were also negatively related to MMSE independent of age, sex, glycemic control, hypertension, smoking, or coronary heart disease history. Conclusion Glucose excursion is related to cognitive function in aged T2DM patients. Elevated glucose excursion decreased the MMSE score, which reflects general cognitive function. Thus, therapy aimed at controlling glucose excursion may be beneficial for maintaining cognitive function in aged T2DM patients.

Three-stage aged refuse biofilter for the treatment of landfill leachate

A field-scale aged refuse （AR） biofilter constructed in Shanghai Refuse Landfill, containing about 7000 m^3 aged refuse inside, was evaluated for its performance in the treatment of landfill leachate. This AR biofilter can be divided into three stages and can manage 50 m^3 landfill leachate per day. The physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of AR were analyzed for evaluating the AR biofilter as leachate treatment host. The results revealed that over 87.8%-96.2% of COD and 96.9%-99.4% of ammonia nitrogen were removed by the three-stage AR biofilter when the infiuent leachate COD and ammonia nitrogen concentration were in the range 5478-10842 mg/L and 811-1582 mg/L, respectively. The final effluent was inodorous and pale yellow with COD and ammonia nitrogen below 267-1020 mg/L and 6-45 mg/L, respectively. The three-stage AR biofilter had efficient nitrification but relative poor denitrification capacity with a total nitrogen （TN） removal of 58%-73%. The external temperature of AR biofilter did not influence the total ammonia nitrogen removal significantly. It was concluded that the scale-up AR biofilter can work very well and can be a promising technology for the treatment of landfill leachate.