Loneliness and global cognitive functioning in racially and ethnically diverse US midlife and older adults.

Introduction: Few studies have examined the association of loneliness and cognitive functioning in the US. We used two common measures of loneliness and examined their association in a large sample of US Black, Latino, and White adults (ages ≥ 50). Methods: We analyzed Wave 3 of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (N = 2,757). We examined loneliness using one item from the CES-D and the Felt Loneliness Measure (NFLM); cognitive functioning was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tool, where higher scores indicated better functioning. We used weighted ordinary least squares regressions to examine the effects of loneliness (CES-D loneliness and NFLM in separate models) on MoCA scores. In exploratory analyses, we examined if these relationships varied by race and ethnicity. We adjusted all models for sociodemographic and other salient factors (e.g., chronic disease, depressive symptoms, living alone). Results: Mean age was 63.49 years, 52% were female, and 9% were Black and 6% Latino persons. Approximately 54% endorsed feeling lonely on at least one measure; 31% (CES-D) and 46% (NFLM). The relationship between loneliness measures was positive and significant, X 2 (1, N = 2,757) = 435.493 p < 0.001. However, only 40% of lonely individuals were identified as lonely on both assessments. CES-D loneliness was inversely (߈ = -0.274, p = 0.032) associated with MoCA scores and this association did not vary by race and ethnicity. Greater NFLM loneliness was positively associated (߈ = 0.445, p < 0.001) with higher MoCA scores for Latino participants only. Discussion: Loneliness appears to be an important predictor of cognitive functioning. However, the association of loneliness and cognitive functioning varied when using the CES-D loneliness item or the NFLM. Future work is needed to understand how loneliness and its clinically relevant dimensions (social, emotional, existential, chronicity) relate to global and individual cognitive domains. Research is needed with racially and ethnically diverse midlife and older adults, particularly to understand our counterintuitive finding for Latino participants. Finally, findings also support the need for research on interventions to prevent cognitive decline targeting loneliness.

Expectativas sobre a sobrevivência ao câncer de pacientes internados em unidades de clínica / Cancer survival expectations of patients admitted to inpatient clinical units / Expectativas sobre la supervivencia al cáncer de pacientes ingresados en unidades de hospitalización

Objetivo: analisar as expectativas de pacientes internados devido ao diagnóstico de câncer sobre o término do tratamento e a sobrevivência à doença. Método: estudo qualitativo e descritivo realizado com 32 pacientes internados em um hospital universitário. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre abril e junho de 2019 por meio de entrevista semiestruturada e a técnica para tratamento dos dados foi a análise de conteúdo. Resultados: observou-se predomínio de expectativas sobre de autonomia para realizar atividades do cotidiano, relacionando à retomada dos papéis sociais e às mudanças de hábitos após o tratamento. Conclusões: é necessário reconhecer as expectativas do sobrevivente ao câncer para auxiliá-lo em direção ao protagonismo acerca de suas decisões sobre sua vida futura e tratamento, incentivando a autonomia na construção do seu processo de saúde.

Objective: to analyze the expectations of hospital inpatients diagnosed with cancer as to the end of treatment and their surviving the disease. Method: in this qualitative, descriptive study of 32 inpatients at a university hospital, data were collected by semi-structured interview between April and June 2019 and treated by content analysis. Results: expectations for autonomy in performing daily activities predominated, i.e., for resuming social roles and changing habits after treatment. Conclusions: cancer survivors' expectations must be acknowledged in order to assist them towards taking the lead in decisions about their future life and treatment and to encourage autonomy in constructing their health process.

Objetivo: analizar las expectativas de los pacientes hospitalizados debido al diagnóstico de cáncer en cuanto al término del tratamiento y la supervivencia a la enfermedad. Método: estudio cualitativo y descriptivo realizado junto a 32 pacientes ingresados en un hospital universitario. La recolección de datos se realizó entre abril y junio de 2019 a través de entrevista semiestructurada y la técnica para el tratamiento de los datos fue el análisis de contenido. Resultados: Se observó que predominan expectativas sobre tener autonomía para realizar las actividades diarias, relacionado a la reanudación de los roles sociales y a los cambios de hábitos tras el tratamiento. Conclusiones: Es necesario reconocer las expectativas del superviviente al cáncer para asistirlo en el protagonismo sobre sus decisiones en cuanto a su vida futura y su tratamiento, incentivando la autonomía en la construcción de su proceso de salud.

Bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance in aquaculture: a classic method of protein precipitation for a new aplicability / Substância inibidora tipo bacteriocina na aquicultura: método clássico de precipitação de proteínas para novas aplicações

Techniques to decrease losses from bacterial diseases are always important to improve the fish production. The use of antagonistic substances (bacteriocins) has been proven to be a viable option. The aim of this study was to evaluate different methods of purification for bacteriocin like inhibitory substances (BLIS). For the purification process, we isolated and used two Gram-positive bacilli that produce antagonistic substances for pathogens in aquaculture. Tests for detection of interfering factors were also performed. After the confirmation that the antagonistic action was due the BLIS activity, we carried out the purification methods. The methods tested were: cell free supernatant, acid extraction and ammonium sulfate precipitation at two concentrations (20 and 50%). Salmonella Tiphy CFP/IAL1472 and Aeromonas hydrophila (isolated in a tilapia production environment) were used as indicators of the efficiency of extracts in controlling pathogenic potentials. Ammonium sulfate precipitation at 50% was the most appropriate for purifying the antagonistic substance for both indicators. The extracts of the two isolates remained active for 22 days at 25ºC. These are promising results regarding the water and fish health without the use of antibiotics, in this manner being a safer environmental practice.

Técnicas para diminuir as perdas causadas por doenças bacterianas são importantes para melhorar continuamente a produção de pescado. O uso de substâncias antagônicas (bacteriocinas) tem-se mostrado uma opção viável. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar diferentes métodos de purificação de bacteriocinas como substâncias inibidoras (BLIS). Dois bacilos Gram-positivos, produtores de substâncias antagonistas para agentes patogênicos da aquicultura, foram utilizados em processos de purificação. Depois de confirmada a ação antagônica pela atividade de BLIS, os métodos de purificação foram realizados. Os métodos testados foram: células livres de sobrenadante, extração ácida e precipitação por sulfato de amônia em duas concentrações (20 e 50%). Salmonella Typhi PCP/IAL1472 e Aeromonas hydrophila (isolada de um ambiente de tilapicultura) foram utilizadas como indicadores de eficiência dos extratos. O precipitado por sulfato de amônio a 50% foi o mais adequado para purificar a substância antagonista para ambos os isolados indicadores. Os extratos dos dois isolados permaneceram ativos por 22 dias em 25ºC. Estes resultados são promissores do ponto de vista da manutenção da sanidade da água e dos peixes, sem uso de antibióticos, constituindo uma prática ambientalmente mais segura.