Comparison of quality of human serum albumin preparations in two pharmaceutical products

AimHuman serum albumin (HSA) is known for its multiple functions, such as maintenance of colloid osmotic pressure, transport of endogenous and exogenous substances, and antioxidation. The aim of this study was to measure the redox state and concentrations of β-d-glucan and endotoxin to compare the quality of 5% HSA preparations from two different manufacturers.MethodsThe quality of 5% HSA preparations in two different pharmaceutical products (groups A and B) was compared in terms of the percentage of reduced and oxidized albumin and the contaminant level of β-d-glucan and endotoxin.ResultsThe percentage of human mercaptoalbumin in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (P < 0.01), whereas that of human non-mercaptoalbumin-2 in group A was significantly lower (P < 0.01). The concentration of β-d-glucan in group A was significantly lower than in group B (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe present findings indicate the need for quality control of HSA preparations in applications involving the use of large volumes

Simplified Decision-Tree Algorithm to Predict Falls for Community-Dwelling Older Adults

The present study developed a simplified decision-tree algorithm for fall prediction with easily measurable predictors using data from a longitudinal cohort study: 2520 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years or older participated. Fall history, age, sex, fear of falling, prescribed medication, knee osteoarthritis, lower limb pain, gait speed, and timed up and go test were assessed in the baseline survey as fall predictors. Moreover, recent falls were assessed in the follow-up survey. We created a fall-prediction algorithm using decision-tree analysis (C5.0) that included 14 nodes with six predictors, and the model could stratify the probabilities of fall incidence ranging from 30.4% to 71.9%. Additionally, the decision-tree model outperformed a logistic regression model with respect to the area under the curve (0.70 vs. 0.64), accuracy (0.65 vs. 0.62), sensitivity (0.62 vs. 0.50), positive predictive value (0.66 vs. 0.65), and negative predictive value (0.64 vs. 0.59). Our decision-tree model consists of common and easily measurable fall predictors, and its white-box algorithm can explain the reasons for risk stratification; therefore, it can be implemented in clinical practices. Our findings provide useful information for the early screening of fall risk and the promotion of timely strategies for fall prevention in community and clinical settings

Association between the perceived value of adopting new behaviors and depressive symptoms among older adults

Abstract Early preventive measures against depression have become important with unprecedented global aging. Increase in one’s perceived value (PV) may correspond to better mental health outcomes. This cross-sectional observation study aimed to clarify whether the PV of adopting new behaviors is associated with depressive symptoms. The participants were 5266 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 65 years. We developed a questionnaire to measure the PV of adopting new behaviors, specifically activities beneficial for preventing depressive symptoms (physical, cognitive, and social activities) in older adults. The questionnaire asked whether adopting the ten selected behaviors was valuable. The scores were added, and the total score ranged from − 20 to 20. The odds ratios (OR) of depressive symptoms were calculated using binomial logistic regression according to the PV score quartiles. Depressive symptoms were reported by 595 (11.3%) participants. After adjusting for potential confounders, higher quartiles of PV scores were significantly associated with lower prevalence of depressive symptoms: vs Q1; Q2 OR 0.76 (95% confidence interval: 0.59–0.97); Q3 0.67 (0.51–0.87); Q4 0.54 (0.40–0.73) (P for trend < .001). Having a higher PV of adopting new behaviors may prevent depressive symptoms among older adults. Healthcare professionals need to pay attention to poor value orientation among older adults