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.

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.

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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Risk Factors for Geo-Helminthiasis in Children Aged 6 - 36 Months in a Rural Health District in Cameroon

Introduction and Objectives: Soil-Transmitted-Helminthiasis (STH) is a public health problem in Cameroon. The control strategies currently in place, particularly chemoprevention, has shortcomings linked to the target population, which are school-age children. The objective was to determine the prevalence and the risk factors associated with geo-helminthiasis in children aged 0 to 3 years in a rural health district. Method: From December 2020 to May 2021, a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of 376 children between 6 and 36 months was carried out in the Akonolinga health district. This was a cluster sampling in 4 health areas. Stool samples were collected and analysed using the mini-FLOTAC method. The results expressed as the number of eggs per gram of stool. A questionnaire on socio-demographic and lifestyle data was administered to the parents. The Chi-squared test was used to measure the association between geo-helminth infection and the data collected. A multivariate analysis using logistic regression was performed (p 0.05). Results: The prevalence of STH was 19.4% (Ascaris lumbricoides: 16% and Trichuris trichiura: 8%). Risk factors were: consumption of contaminated water (AOR = 1.93 [1.03 - 3.6];p = 0.040), early contact of the child with the ground (before age of 4 months) (AOR = 4.9 [2.1 - 11.37];p .001), habit of walking barefoot (AOR = 2.91 [1.1 - 7.97];p = 0.038), and living in a habitat with unpaved ground (AOR = 7.4 [1.55 - 35.7];p = 0.012). Conclusion: The prevalence of STHs in infants was high. Preventive chemotherapy should be extended to this age-group, and other measures intensified.

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.

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.

Tibolone modulates neuronal plasticity through regulating Tau, GSK3β/Akt/PI3K pathway and CDK5 p35/p25 complexes in the hippocampus of aged male mice

Aging is a key risk factor for cognitive decline and age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Also, an age-related decrease in sex steroid hormones may have a negative impact on the formation of neurofibrillary tangles(NFTs); these hormones can regulate Tau phosphorylation and the principal kinase GSK3β involved in this process. Hormone replacement therapy decreases NFTs, but it increases the risk of some types of cancer. However, other synthetic hormones such as tibolone(TIB) have been used for hormone replacement therapy. The aim of this work was to evaluate the long-term effects of TIB(0.01 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg, intragastrically for 12 weeks) on the content of total and hyperphosphorylated Tau(PHF-1) proteins and the regulation of GSK3β/Akt/PI3 K pathway and CDK5/p35/p25 complexes in the hippocampus of aged male mice. We observed that the content of PHF-1 decreased with TIB administration. In contrast, no changes were observed in the active form of GSK3β or PI3 K. TIB decreased the expression of the total and phosphorylated form of Akt while increased that of p110 and p85. The content of CDK5 was differentially modified with TIB: it was increased at low doses and decreased at high doses. When we analyzed the content of CDK5 activators, an increase was found on p35; however, the content of p25 decreased with administration of low dose of TIB. Our results suggest a possible mechanism of action of TIB in the hippocampus of aged male mice. Through the regulation of Tau and GSK3β/Akt/PI3 K pathway, and CDK5/p35/p25 complexes, TIB may modulate neuronal plasticity and regulate learning and memory processes.

Emergency department use among patients from residential aged care facilities under a Hospital in the Nursing Home scheme in public hospitals in Queensland Australia

BACKGROUND: Hospital emergency department(ED) use by patients from residential aged care facilities(RACFs) is not always appropriate, and this calls for interventions to avoid some unnecessary uses. This study aims to compare patterns of ED use by RACF patients with and without a Hospital in the Nursing Home(Hi NH) program.METHODS: RACF patients presenting to EDs of a hospital with and a hospital without this program during pre- and post-intervention periods were included. Data on patient demographics and ED presentation characteristics were obtained from the Emergency Department Information System database, and were analysed by descriptive and comparative statistics.RESULTS: In both hospitals, most RACF residents presenting to EDs were aged between 75–94 years, female, triaged at scale 3 to 5, and transferred on weekdays and during working hours. Almost half of them were subsequently admitted to hospitals. In accordance with the ICD-10-AM diagnostic coding system, diagnoses that consistently ranked among the top three reasons for visiting the two hospitals before and after intervention included Chapter XIX: injury and poisoning and Chapter X: respiratory diseases. Associated with the intervention, significant decreases in the numbers of presentations per 1 000 RACF beds were identified among patients diagnosed with Chapter XI: digestive diseases [rate ratio(95%CI): 0.09(0.04, 0.22); P<0.0001] and Chapter XXI: factors influencing health status and contact with health services [rate ratio(95%CI): 0.22(0.07, 0.66); P=0.007].CONCLUSION: The Hi NH program may reduce the incidence of RACF residents visiting EDs for diagnoses of Chapter XI and Chapter XXI.

Practice Environment, Work Characteristics and Levels of Burnout as Predictors of Nurse Reported Job Outcomes, Quality of Care and Patient Adverse Events: A Study across Residential Aged Care Services

To understand how to create a stabile workforce achieving excellent quality of care and patient safety, associations between practice environments and nurse and patient outcomes have been widely studied in acute and psychiatric care hospitals. Knowing residential aged care services are challenged to tackle complex patients’ needs within certain working conditions, to what extent do nurses perceive their practice environment in geriatric care? In a cross-sectional survey, a sample of 709 registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse aides employed in 25 residential aged care services completed a structured questionnaire composed of various validated instruments measuring nurse practice environment factors, nurse work characteristics, burnout, nurse reported job outcomes, quality and patient adverse events. Associations between variables across residential aged care services were examined using multilevel modelling techniques. Associations were identified between practice environment factors, work characteristics, burnout dimensions, and reported outcome variables across residential aged care services. Multiple multilevel models showed independent variables (nursing management at the unit level, workload, decision latitude, social capital, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization) as important predictors of nurse reported outcome (job satisfaction, turnover intensions), quality of care (at the unit, the last shift, and in the service within the last year) and patient adverse events (patient and family complaints, patient falls, pulmonary and urinary tract infections, and medications errors). Results suggested the importance of nurse practice environment factors, nurse work characteristics and perception of burnout on nurse and patient outcomes across their nurse practice environment. Challenging the complex care of a vulnerable and frail population executives, physicians, nursing leaders as well as nurses in their nurse practice environment shared responsibility to create working conditions achieving excellent quality and patient safety.

Aged Garlic Extract and One of the Constituent, (+)-(2S,3R)-Dehydrodiconiferyl Alcohol, Inhibits Alkaline Phosphatase Activity Induced by Inflammation Factors in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Previous clinical study showed that aged garlic extract (AGE) has a preventive effect of vascular calcification in patients with coronary artery diseases. It has been reported that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and inflammatory cells including macrophages and lymphocytes migrate to sub-intimal region where atherosclerotic plaques are formed, and VSMC can differentiate into osteoblast-like cells, which are represented by the induction of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). We found that primary human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMC) showed the increased ALP activity, when cultured in the medium containing ascorbic acid, β-glycerophosphate, dexamethasone (IM), and supplemented with conditioned medium from macrophages (MCM). Then we tested the effect of AGE subdivided fractions and several compounds found in AGE, and then found that ((+)-(2S,3R)-Dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol, a dilignol compound existed in hydrophobic fraction of AGE, inhibited ALP activity in HCASMC.

Aged Garlic Extract Reduces ROS Production and Cell Death Induced by 6-Hydroxydopamine through Activation of the Nrf2-ARE Pathway in SH-SY5Y Cells

Many degenerative or pathological processes, such as aging, cancer and coronary heart disease, are related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and radical-mediated reactions. We examined the effectiveness of aged garlic extract (AGE), a garlic preparation rich in water-soluble cysteinyl moieties, for protection of cells from ROS produced by 6-hydroxy-dopamine (6-OHDA) using human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Concomitant treatment of cells with AGE (2 and 4 mg/ml) showed the dose-dependent protective effect on the cell death induced by 6-OHDA. In addition, the AGE treatment significantly suppressed the increase of ROS generation by 6-OHDA. Furthermore, the protective effect of AGE was accompanied by activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway and the increase of mRNAs of heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1. These two enzymes are important in the cellular antioxidant system. These results indicated that AGE protected cells from ROS damage by not only capturing ROS directly but also activating the cellular antioxidant system by stimulating antioxidant gene expression via the Nrf2-ARE pathway. The present study suggested that AGE may be useful for prevention and treatment of cell damage caused by ROS.

Analysis of the Variations of Body Build of Middle-and Old-aged and Research on the Prototype

The characteristics of body build of middle - and old -aged women and its rule of variations as well as the basic sizes of various parts are discussed. All these are based on the body measurements of this age group, and also on the statistical studies of the measurement data. By setting the regression equation, the calculating formulae of various control parts are obtained, thus establishing the prototype of this age group for women.

Comparison of Functional Capability,Flexibility,Strength and Quality of Life in Aged Women Engaged in Resistance Exercise,Weight-Bearing Training or Hydro-Gymnastics

Although any type or amount of physical exercise may reverse the cellular processes that lead to the aging,regular physical exercise can attenuate the decline in physical and functional abilities observed in elderly.Currently,the most encouraged activities in gyms and clubs are resistance training,functional training,and hydrogymnastics.The main objective of this study was to compare the effects of the aforementioned exercises regarding muscle strength,flexibility,functional capability and quality of life of elderly women.We divided 36 elderly women in four groups:Sedentary(S);Hydro-gymnastics(H);Functional Training(F);or Resistance Training(RT).The results reveal that the groups engaged in physical exercise showed a significant difference(p<0.05)in relation to S in all evaluations.The results also show that between the different exercises evaluated,resistance training practitioners have greater strength and better functional capability.

Influence of Polyphenolic Contents on the Antioxidant Properties of Hibiscus sabdariffa Extract (HSE), Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) and Garlic Tablet (GT) in Vitro

This study compared the antioxidant properties of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract (HSE), commercial aged garlic extract (AGE, Kyolic) and garlic tablet (GT). The results indicate that HSE, AGE and GT are effective antioxidant as xanthine/xanthine oxidase generated superoxide ions are significantly inhibited in the presence of 20% (v/v) diethyl ether extract of HSE, AGE and GT by 100%, 66.39% and 18.61% respectively, while uric acid production is not affected byAGEand GT. However, at 2.5% and 5.0% (v/v) reaction volumes,HSEsignificantly inhibits uric acid production by 9.5% and 33.0% respectively, and this suggests that components ofHSEinhibit xanthine oxidase activity while AGE and GT scavenge superoxide. In addition, it is also found that the three extracts scavenge ABTS radical cations in dose-dependent manner. In all cell free assays, HSE is found to be more effective as an antioxidant when compared with AGE and GT under the same experimental conditions. Chromatographic and colorimetric analyses suggest thatHSEhas numerous different types of phenolic compounds with higher amount of phenolic compounds (14.9 mg/g) when compared withAGE(2.8 mg/g) and GT (3.6 mg/g) catechin equivalent respectively. Therefore, the effectiveness of antioxidant activities of these three extracts may be related to their phenolic content.

Correlation Analysis Between BDNF and Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Aged Rats

Objective:To investigate the relationship between BDNF and postoperative cognitive dysfunction among aged rats.Methods:36 SPF healthy aged male SD rats were randomly assigned to a control group and a model group,respectively,with 18 rats in each group.Abdominal exploration was performed on the rats in the model group after anesthesia,while the rats in the control group were not operated on after anesthesia.The escape latency and swimming distance of the two groups were analyzed on a day prior to surgery as well as on the first day,third day,and seventh day following surgery;the expression levels of BDNF protein in the hippocampus of rats in the two groups were compared on the first day,third day,and seventh day following surgery;the correlation between BDNF and escape latency and swimming distance was analyzed.Results:The escape latency and swimming distance of the rats in the control group on a day prior to surgery,the first day,third day,and seventh day following surgery did not differ significantly(p>0.05),but those in the model group had significant behavioral difference(p<0.05).On a day prior to surgery,the rats in both groups showed no significant behavioral difference in escape latency and swimming distance(p>0.05),but on the first day,third day,and seventh day following surgery,the escape latency and swimming distance of the rats in the model group were significantly longer than those in the control group(p<0.05).In the control group,there was no significant difference in the protein expression of BDNF in the hippocampus of rats on the first day,third day,and seventh day following surgery,but there was significant difference in the model group.On the first day,third day,and seventh day following surgery,the BDNF protein expression level in the rats’hippocampus of the control group was significantly higher than that of the model group(p<0.05).The data from Pearson correlation analysis confirmed that BDNF protein expression is negatively correlated with escape latency(r=-0.567,p<0.001)and swimming distance(r=-0.623,p<0.001).Conclusion:In aged rats,the BDNF protein expression level decreases,and the degree of cognitive dysfunction increases after surgery.

Surgical results and prognosis of patients with primary bronchogenic carcinoma aged less than 30 years

Objective To investigate and analyze the clinical and pathological features of surgical treatment for primary bronchogenic carcinoma in adolescent patients. Methods A retrospective review is presented of patients less than 30 years with surgical treatment of bronchogenic

The effects of decompressive craniectomy on cerebral blood flow volume and brain metabolism in different aged patients with severe traumatic brain injury

Objective To explore effects of decompressive craniectomy on cerebral blood flow volume and brain metabolism in different aged patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Methods 71 cases were divided into three groups according age: group A( 【 30 years) ,group B ( 30 ～ 50 years) 。