Is recovery enhancement after gastric cancer surgery really a safe approach for elderly patients?

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the safety of enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)in elderly patients with gastric cancer(GC).AIM To evaluate the safety of ERAS in elderly patients with GC.METHODS The PubMed,EMBASE,and Cochrane Library databases were used to search for eligible studies from inception to April 1,2023.The mean difference(MD),odds ratio(OR)and 95%confidence interval(95%CI)were pooled for analysis.The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale scores.We used Stata(V.16.0)software for data analysis.RESULTS This study consists of six studies involving 878 elderly patients.By analyzing the clinical outcomes,we found that the ERAS group had shorter postoperative hospital stays(MD=-0.51,I2=0.00%,95%CI=-0.72 to-0.30,P=0.00);earlier times to first flatus(defecation;MD=-0.30,I²=0.00%,95%CI=-0.55 to-0.06,P=0.02);less intestinal obstruction(OR=3.24,I2=0.00%,95%CI=1.07 to 9.78,P=0.04);less nausea and vomiting(OR=4.07,I2=0.00%,95%CI=1.29 to 12.84,P=0.02);and less gastric retention(OR=5.69,I2=2.46%,95%CI=2.00 to 16.20,P=0.00).Our results showed that the conventional group had a greater mortality rate than the ERAS group(OR=0.24,I2=0.00%,95%CI=0.07 to 0.84,P=0.03).However,there was no statistically significant difference in major complications between the ERAS group and the conventional group(OR=0.67,I2=0.00%,95%CI=0.38 to 1.18,P=0.16).CONCLUSION Compared to those with conventional recovery,elderly GC patients who received the ERAS protocol after surgery had a lower risk of mortality.

Subpopulations of regulatory T cells are associated with subclinical atherosclerotic plaques,levels of LDL,and cardiorespiratory fitness in the elderly

Background:Atherosclerosis forms the pathological basis for the development of cardiovascular disease.Since pathological processes initially develop without clinically relevant symptoms,the identification of early markers in the subclinical stage plays an important role for initiating early interventions.There is evidence that regulatory T cells(Tregs)are involved in the development of atherosclerosis.Therefore,the present study aimed to identify and investigate associations with Tregs and their subsets in a cohort of healthy elderly individuals with and without subclinical atherosclerotic plaques(SAP).In addition,various lifestyle and risk factors,such as cardiorespiratory fitness,were investigated as associated signatures.Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed in 79 participants(male:n=50;age=63.6±3.7 years;body mass index=24.9±3.1 kg/m2;mean±SD)who had no previous diagnosis of chronic disease and were not taking medication.Ultrasound of the carotids to identify SAP,cardiovascular function measurement for vascular assessment and a cardiorespiratory fitness test to determine peak oxygen uptake were performed.Additionally,tests were conducted to assess blood lipids and determine glucose levels.Immunophenotyping of Tregs and their subtypes(resting(rTregs)and effector/memory(mTregs))was performed by 8-chanel flow cytometry.Participants were categorized according to atherosclerotic plaque status.Linear and logistic regression models were used to analyze associations between parameters.Results:SAP was detected in a total of 29 participants.The participants with plaque were older(64.8±3.6 years vs.62.9±3.5 years)and had higher peripheral systolic blood pressure(133.8±14.7 mmHg vs.125.8±10.9 mmHg).The participants with SAP were characterized by a lower percentage of rTregs(28.8%±10.7%vs.34.6%±10.7%)and a higher percentage of mTregs(40.3%±14.7%vs.30.0%±11.9%).Multiple logistic regression identified age(odds ratio(OR)=1.20(95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.011.42))and mTregs(OR=1.05(95%CI:1.021.10))as independent risk factors for SAP.Stepwise linear regression could reveal an association of peak oxygen uptake(β=0.441),low-density lipoprotein(LDL)(β=0.096),and SAP(β=6.733)with mTregs and LDL(β=0.104)with rTregs.Conclusion:While at an early stage of SAP,the total proportion of Tregs gives no indication of vascular changes,this is indicated by a shift in the Treg subgroups.Factors such as serum LDL or cardiopulmonary fitness may be associated with this shift and may also be additional diagnostic indicators.This could be used to initiate lifestyle-based preventive measures at an early stage,which may have a protective effect against disease progression.

Predictive modeling for postoperative delirium in elderly patients with abdominal malignancies using synthetic minority oversampling technique

BACKGROUND Postoperative delirium,particularly prevalent in elderly patients after abdominal cancer surgery,presents significant challenges in clinical management.AIM To develop a synthetic minority oversampling technique(SMOTE)-based model for predicting postoperative delirium in elderly abdominal cancer patients.METHODS In this retrospective cohort study,we analyzed data from 611 elderly patients who underwent abdominal malignant tumor surgery at our hospital between September 2020 and October 2022.The incidence of postoperative delirium was recorded for 7 d post-surgery.Patients were divided into delirium and non-delirium groups based on the occurrence of postoperative delirium or not.A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors and develop a predictive model for postoperative delirium.The SMOTE technique was applied to enhance the model by oversampling the delirium cases.The model’s predictive accuracy was then validated.RESULTS In our study involving 611 elderly patients with abdominal malignant tumors,multivariate logistic regression analysis identified significant risk factors for postoperative delirium.These included the Charlson comorbidity index,American Society of Anesthesiologists classification,history of cerebrovascular disease,surgical duration,perioperative blood transfusion,and postoperative pain score.The incidence rate of postoperative delirium in our study was 22.91%.The original predictive model(P1)exhibited an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.862.In comparison,the SMOTE-based logistic early warning model(P2),which utilized the SMOTE oversampling algorithm,showed a slightly lower but comparable area under the curve of 0.856,suggesting no significant difference in performance between the two predictive approaches.CONCLUSION This study confirms that the SMOTE-enhanced predictive model for postoperative delirium in elderly abdominal tumor patients shows performance equivalent to that of traditional methods,effectively addressing data imbalance.

Prevalence and risk factors of diabetes mellitus among elderly patients in the Lugu community

BACKGROUND Age is a significant risk factor of diabetes mellitus(DM).With the develop of population aging,the incidence of DM remains increasing.Understanding the epidemiology of DM among elderly individuals in a certain area contributes to the DM interventions for the local elderly individuals with high risk of DM.AIM To explore the prevalence of DM among elderly individuals in the Lugu community and analyze the related risk factors to provide a valid scientific basis for the health management of elderly individuals.METHODS A total of 4816 elderly people who came to the community for physical examination were retrospectively analyzed.The prevalence of DM among the elderly was calculated.The individuals were divided into a DM group and a non-DM group according to the diagnosis of DM to compare the differences in diastolic blood pressure(DBP)and systolic blood pressure(SBP),fasting blood glucose,body mass index(BMI),waist-to-hip ratio(WHR)and incidence of hypertension(HT),coronary heart disease(CHD),and chronic kidney disease(CKD).RESULTS DM was diagnosed in 32.70%of the 4816 elderly people.The BMI of the DM group(25.16±3.35)was greater than that of the non-DM group(24.61±3.78).The WHR was 0.90±0.04 in the non-DM group and 0.90±0.03 in the DM group,with no significant difference.The left SBP and SBP in the DM group were 137.9 mmHg±11.92 mmHg and 69.95 mmHg±7.75 mmHg,respectively,while they were 126.6 mmHg±12.44 mmHg and 71.15 mmHg±12.55 mmHg,respectively,in the non-DM group.These findings indicate higher SBP and lower DBP in DM patients than in those without DM.In the DM group,1274 patients were diagnosed with HT,accounting for 80.89%.Among the 3241 non-DM patients,1743(53.78%)were hypertensive and 1498(46.22%)were nonhypertensive.The DM group had more cases of HT than did the non-DM group.There were more patients with CHD or CKD in the DM group than in the non-DM group.There were more patients who drank alcohol more frequently(≥3 times)in the DM group than in the non-DM group.CONCLUSION Older adults in the Lugu community are at a greater risk of DM.In elderly individuals,DM is closely related to high BMI and HT,CHD,and CKD.Physical examinations should be actively carried out for elderly people to determine their BMI,SBP,DBP,and other signs,and sufficient attention should be given to abnormalities in the above signs before further diagnosis.

Impact of frailty on outcomes of elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Frailty is a common condition in elderly patients who receive percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).However,how frailty affects clinical outcomes in this group is unclear.AIM To assess the link between frailty and the outcomes,such as in-hospital complic-ations,post-procedural complications,and mortality,in elderly patients post-PCI.METHODS The PubMed/MEDLINE,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,and Web of Science databases were screened for publications up to August 2023.The primary outcomes assessed were in-hospital and all-cause mortality,major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs),and major bleeding.The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment.RESULTS Twenty-one studies with 739693 elderly patients undergoing PCI were included.Frailty was consistently associated with adverse outcomes.Frail patients had significantly higher risks of in-hospital mortality[risk ratio:3.45,95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.90-6.25],all-cause mortality[hazard ratio(HR):2.08,95%CI:1.78-2.43],MACEs(HR:2.92,95%CI:1.85-4.60),and major bleeding(HR:4.60,95%CI:2.89-7.32)compared to non-frail patients.CONCLUSION Frailty is a pivotal determinant in the prediction of risk of mortality,development of MACEs,and major bleeding in elderly individuals undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions in elderly patients

BACKGROUND With advancements in the development of endoscopic technologies,the endo-scopic submucosal dissection(ESD)has been one of the gold-standard therapies for early gastric cancer.AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety ESD in the treatment of early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions in the elderly patients.METHODS Seventy-eight elderly patients with early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University were se-lected and classified into two groups according to the different surgical therapies they received between January 2021 and June 2022.Among them,39 patients treated with ESD were included in an experimental group,and 39 patients treated with endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)were included in a control group.We compared the basic intraoperative conditions,postoperative short-term recovery,long-term recovery effects and functional status of gastric mucosa between the two groups;the basic intraoperative conditions included lesion resection,intra-operative bleeding and operation time;the postoperative short-term recovery assessment indexes were length of hospital stay and incidence of surgical complic-ations;and the long-term recovery assessment indexes were the recurrence rate at 1 year postoperatively and the survival situation at 1 year and 3 years postoper-atively;and we compared the preoperative and predischarge serum pepsinogen I(PG I)and PG II levels and PG I/PG II ratio in the two groups before surgery and discharge.RESULTS The curative resection rate and the rate of en bloc resection were higher in the experimental group than in the control group.The intraoperative bleeding volume was higher in the experimental group than in the control group.The operation time was longer in the experimental group than that in the control group,and the rate for base residual focus was lower in the experimental group than that of the control group,and the differences were all statistically significant(all P<0.05).The length of hospital stay was longer in the experi-mental group than in the control group,and the incidence of surgical complications,1-year postoperative recu-rrence rate and 3-year postoperative survival rate were lower in the experimental group than in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).However,the difference in the 1-year postoperative survival rate was not statistically significant between the two groups(P>0.05).Before discharge,PG I and PG I/PG II ratio were elevated in both groups compared with the preoperative period,and the above indexes were higher in the experimental group than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(both P<0.05).Moreover,before discharge,PG II level was lower in both groups compared with the preoperative period,and the level was lower in the experimental group than in the control group,and the differences were all statistically significant(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION Compared with EMR,ESD surgery is more thorough.It reduces the rate of base residual focus,recurrence rate,surgical complications,and promotes the recovery of gastric cells and glandular function.It is safe and suitable for clinical application.

Effect of remimazolam vs. propofol on hemodynamics during general anesthesia induction in elderly patients: Single-center, randomized controlled trial

The current study aimed to compare the effects between remimazolam and propofol on hemodynamic stability during the induction of general anesthesia in elderly patients.We used propofol at a rate of 60 mg/(kg·h)in the propofol group(group P)or remimazolam at a rate of 6 mg/(kg·h)in the remimazolam group(group R)for the induction.A processed electroencephalogram was used to determine whether the induction was successful and when to stop the infusion of the study drug.We measured when patients entered the operating room(T_(0)),when the induction was successful(T_(1)),and when before(T_(2))and 5 min after successful endotracheal intubation(T_(3)).We found that mean arterial pressure(MAP)was lower at T_(1–3),compared with T_(0) in both groups,but higher at T_(2) in the group R,whileΔMAP_(T0–T2) andΔMAP_(max) were smaller in the group R(ΔMAP_(T0–T2):the difference between MAP at time point T_(0) and T_(2),ΔMAP_(max):the difference between MAP at time point T_(0) and the lowest value from T_(0) to T_(3)).Cardiac index and stroke volume index did not differ between groups,whereas systemic vascular resistance index was higher at T_(1–3) in the group R.These findings show that remimazolam,compared with propofol,better maintains hemodynamic stability during the induction,which may be attributed to its ability to better maintain systemic vascular resistance levels.

Effect of infarct location and volume on cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients with acute insular cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND The aging of the population has become increasingly obvious in recent years,and the incidence of cerebral infarction has shown an increasing trend annually,with high death and disability rates.AIM To analyze the effects of infarct location and volume on cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients with acute insular cerebral infarction.METHODS Between January 2020 and December 2023,we treated 98 cases of elderly acute insula,patients with cerebral infarction in the cerebral infarction acute phase(3-4 weeks)and for the course of 6 months in Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale(MoCA)for screening of cognition.Notably,58 and 40 patients were placed in the cognitive impairment group and without-cognitive impairment group,respec-tively.In patients with cerebral infarction,magnetic resonance imaging was used to screen and clearly analyze the MoCA scores of two groups of patients with different infarctions,the relationship between the parts of the infarction volume,and analysis of acute insula cognitive disorder in elderly patients with cerebral RESULTS The number of patients with cognitive impairment in the basal ganglia and thalamus was significantly higher than that without cognitive impairment(P<0.05).The total infarct volume in the cognitive impairment group was higher than that in the non-cognitive impairment group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The infarct volumes at different sites in the cognitive impairment group was higher than in the non-cognitive impairment group(P<0.05).In the cognitive impairment group,the infarct volumes in the basal ganglia,thalamus,and mixed lesions were negatively correlated with the total MoCA score,with correlation coefficients of-0.67,-0.73,and-0.77,respectively.CONCLUSION In elderly patients with acute insular infarction,infarction in the basal ganglia,thalamus,and mixed lesions were more likely to lead to cognitive dysfunction than in other areas,and patients with large infarct volumes were more likely to develop cognitive dysfunction.The infarct volume in the basal ganglia,thalamus,and mixed lesions was significantly negatively correlated with the MoCA score.

Clinical significance of preoperative nutritional status in elderly gastric cancer patients undergoing radical gastrectomy:A singlecenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND The population of elderly patients with gastric cancer is increasing,which is a major public health issue in China.Malnutrition is one of the greatest risk factors for adverse clinical outcomes in elderly patients with gastric cancer.AIM To investigate the preoperative nutritional status and its association with delayed discharge of elderly gastric cancer patients following radical gastrectomy.METHODS A total of 783 patients aged 65 years and older harboring gastric adenocarcinoma and following radical gastrectomy were retrospectively analyzed from the prospectively collected database of Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University between January 2018 and May 2020.RESULTS The overall rate of malnutrition was 31.8%.The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly higher in the malnourished group compared to the well-nourished group(P<0.001).Nutritional characteristics in the malnourished group,including body mass index,prognostic nutritional index(PNI),albumin,prealbumin,and hemoglobin,were all significantly lower than those in the well-nourished group.The percentage of patients who received postoperative total nutrient admixture was lower in the malnourished group compared to the wellnourished group(22.1%vs 33.5%,P=0.001).Age≥70 years(HR=1.216,95%CI:1.048-1.411),PNI<44.5(HR=1.792,95%CI:1.058-3.032),operation time≥160 minutes(HR=1.431,95%CI:1.237-1.656),and postoperative complications grade III or higher(HR=2.191,95%CI:1.604-2.991)were all recognized as independent risk factors associated with delayed discharge.CONCLUSION Malnutrition is relatively common in elderly patients undergoing gastrectomy.Low PNI is an independent risk factor associated with delay discharge.More strategies are needed to improve the clinical outcome of these patients.

Sleep quality in middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients:Impact of a structured nursing intervention program

BACKGROUND Poor sleep quality is common among hemodialysis patients and can significantly impact their well-being.This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured nursing intervention program in improving sleep quality in middleaged and elderly hemodialysis patients.AIM To evaluate the impact of nursing intervention on sleep quality in hemodialysis patients.METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital,the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University,in 2023.This study included 105 middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients aged≥45 years who underwent maintenance hemodialysis for at least 3 mo,utilizing the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)to identify poor sleepers.Those identified underwent a 12-wk nursing intervention program focusing on education,relaxation techniques,and counseling.Post-intervention,sleep quality was reassessed using the PSQI.RESULTS The study found that 68.6%of hemodialysis patients were poor sleepers.Following the 12-wk nursing intervention program,there was a significant decrease in the mean global PSQI score from 8.9±3.2 to 5.1±2.7(P<0.001),indicating improved sleep quality.This demonstrated the effectiveness of the structured nursing intervention in enhancing sleep quality for middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients.CONCLUSION The structured nursing intervention program focusing on sleep hygiene education,relaxation techniques,and counseling effectively improved sleep quality among middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients.The significant decrease in the mean global PSQI score post-intervention indicates the positive impact of tailored nursing interventions in addressing poor sleep quality in this patient population.These findings emphasize the importance of implementing targeted nursing interventions to enhance the quality of life for hemodialysis patients by addressing the prevalent issue of poor sleep quality.

Application value of dexmedetomidine in anesthesia for elderly patients undergoing radical colon cancer surgery

BACKGROUND Colon cancer presents a substantial risk to the well-being of elderly people worldwide.With advancements in medical technology,surgical treatment has become the primary approach for managing colon cancer patients.However,due to age-related physiological changes,especially a decline in cognitive function,older patients are more susceptible to the effects of surgery and anesthesia,increasing the relative risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD).There-fore,in the surgical treatment of elderly patients with colon cancer,it is of pa-ramount importance to select an appropriate anesthetic approach to reduce the occurrence of POCD,protect brain function,and improve surgical success rates.METHODS One hundred and seventeen patients with colon cancer who underwent elective surgery under general anesthesia were selected and divided into two groups:A and B.Group A received Dex before anesthesia induction,and B group received an equivalent amount of normal saline.Changes in the mini-mental state exami-nation,regional cerebral oxygen saturation(rSO2),bispectral index,glucose uptake rate(GluER),lactate production rate(LacPR),serum S100βand neuron-specific enolase(NSE),POCD,and adverse anesthesia reactions were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Surgical duration,duration of anesthesia,and intraoperative blood loss were comparable between the two groups(P>0.05).The overall dosage of anesthetic drugs used in group A,including propofol and remifentanil,was significantly lower than that used in group B(P<0.05).Group A exhibited higher rSO2 values at the time of endotracheal intubation,30 min after the start of surgery,and immediately after extubation,higher GluER values and lower LacPR values at the time of endotra-cheal intubation,30 min after the start of surgery,immediately after extubation,and 5 min after extubation(P<0.05).Group A exhibited lower levels of serum S100βand NSE 24 h postoperatively and a lower incidence of cognitive dysfunction on the 1st and 5th postoperative days(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The use of Dex in elderly patients undergoing radical colon cancer surgery helps maintain rSO2 Levels and reduce cerebral metabolic levels and the incidence of anesthesia-and surgery-induced cognitive dysfunction.

Dietary cooking oils and cardiometabolic measurements in an elderly Chinese population

OBJECTIVE To investigate three features of dietary cooking oil intake,namely,the consumption,cooking style,and composition of fatty acids in relation to several cardiometabolic measurements in an elderly Chinese population.METHODS The elderly(≥65 years)participants for this study were recruited from two community health centers in the urban area of Shanghai.A questionnaire was administered to collect information on dietary oil consumption(low,medium and high)and cooking styles(fry or stir-fry vs.others)and the composition of fatty acids(poly-unsaturated vs.mono-unsaturated).The cardiometabolic measurements included anthropometry,blood pressure,fasting plasma glucose and serum lipids.RESULTS The 1186 study participants had a mean age of 70.9±5.4 years.The mean dietary oil consumption was 35.0 g/d,being low(<25 g/d),medium(25-49 g/d)and high(≥50 g/d)in 485,467 and 234 participants,respectively.The proportion of the fry or stir-fry cooking style and oils rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids was 30.4%and 27.4%,respectively.Both before and after adjustment for sex,age,current smoking and alcohol intake,dietary oil consumption was significantly(P≤0.02)and positively associated with the prevalence of treated hypertension and fasting plasma glucose concentration.With similar adjustments as above and additional adjustment for dietary oil consumption,the fry or stir-fry cooking style was significantly(P≤0.048)and positively associated with body mass index,but inversely with systolic and diastolic blood pressure and serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,and the dietary intake of oils rich in mono-unsaturated fat acids was significantly(P≤0.02)and positively associated with diastolic blood pressure,serum triglycerides,total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,and the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia.CONCLUSIONS This study showed that both the consumption and composition of fatty acids of the dietary oils mattered with regard to several cardiometabolic measurements in an elderly Chinese population.

Cellular Senescence and SENEX Gene on the Peripheral CD4+CD25+ Treg Cells Enhancement in Elderly

Cellular senescence is a signal transduction process which maintained genomic stability and stopped mammalian cell growth. Furthermore, cellular senescence induces a protective response to a variety of DNA damage. However, this process is also associated with apoptosis, upregulated secretion of inflammatory cytokine, and promoted surrounding tissue damage. When cellular senescence accumulates to a certain extent, it triggers geriatric diseases, such as chronic inflammation, immune senescence-associated tumors and incontrollable infections. Cellular senescence gene SENEX, which was cloned in 2004, has been demonstrated to play a unique gatekeeper function in human endothelial cells when stress-induced pre-mature senescence and apoptosis occurr. The phenomenon that CD4+CD25+ Treg cells accumulated in the aged population has been well studied in recent years. Now Treg accumulation related to immune-pathology has attracted more interest. CD4+CD25+ Treg did not decline and age, but accumulated and suppressed immunoreaction. The enhanced Treg number and function may be associated with stress-induced premature senescence-mediated unique cellular senescence protection mechanisms, and SENEX may play a critical role in this process. In this article, we summarize the cellular senescence and SENEX gene in the accumulation and functional activity of CD4+CD25+ Treg in the elderly.

Anesthesia,Anesthetics,and Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD)remains a major issue that worsens the prognosis of elderly surgery patients.This article reviews the current research on the effect of different anesthesia methods and commonly utilized anesthetics on the incidence of POCD in elderly patients,aiming to provide an understanding of the underlying mechanisms contributing to this condition and facilitate the development of more reasonable anesthesia protocols,ultimately reducing the incidence of POCD in elderly surgery patients.

Perceptions and factors influencing exercise interventions in elderly patients with debilitating spinal surgery and healthcare professionals:A qualitative study

BACKGROUND Older spine surgery patients have a high incidence of debilitation,which can be managed with certain exercises.AIM To investigate the current status and influencing factors related to the knowledge of exercise intervention among patients and professionals.METHODS Descriptive research methods were used to classify and summarize patients and professionals’perceptions and factors affecting exercise interventions.Data were analysed using the Colaizzi seven-step analysis method to distill and refine themes.RESULTS A total of 7 themes were identified:(1)The current status of patients'exercise is unsatisfactory;(2)patients'health literacy is low,coupled with a lack of social and family support;(3)there are numerous challenges with systematic exercise interventions;(4)healthcare professionals acknowledge the importance and need for exercise interventions;(5)there's a pronounced willingness among patients to participate in exercise intervention programs;(6)healthcare professionals believe that exercise interventions are beneficial;and(7)participants offered invaluable insights and suggestions on perioperative exercise during spinal surgery.CONCLUSION To investigate the current status and influencing factors related to the knowledge of exercise intervention among patients and the related healthcare professionals to provide a reference for the construction of exercise management programs for these patients.

Characteristics and demographic factors of traditional Chinese medicine constitution types among elderly individuals in China:A national multistage cluster random study Author links open overlay panel

Objective:To reveal the distribution characteristics and demographic factors of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution among elderly individuals in China.Methods: Elderly individuals from seven regions in China were selected as samples in this study using a multistage cluster random sampling method.The basic information questionnaire and Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire(Elderly Edition)were used.Descriptive statistical analysis,chi-squared tests,and binary logistic regression analysis were used.Results: The single balanced constitution(BC)accounted for 23.9%.The results of the major TCM constitution types showed that BC(43.2%)accounted for the largest proportion and unbalanced constitutions ranged from 0.9%to 15.7%.East China region(odds ratio[OR]=2.097;95%confidence interval[CI],1.912 to 2.301),married status(OR=1.341;95%CI,1.235 to 1.457),and managers(OR=1.254;95%CI,1.044 to 1.505)were significantly associated with BC.Age>70 years was associated with qi-deficiency constitution and blood stasis constitution(BSC).Female sex was significantly associated with yang-deficiency constitution(OR=1.646;95%CI,1.52 to 1.782).Southwest region was significantly associated with phlegm-dampness constitution(OR=1.809;95%CI,1.569 to 2.086).North China region was significantly associated with inherited special constitution(OR=2.521;95%CI,1.569 to 4.05).South China region(OR=2.741;95%CI,1.997 to 1.3.763),Central China region(OR=8.889;95%CI,6.676 to 11.835),senior middle school education(OR=2.442;95%CI,1.932 to 3.088),and managers(OR=1.804;95%CI,1.21 to 2.69)were significantly associated with BSC.Conclusions: This study defined the distribution characteristics and demographic factors of TCM constitution in the elderly population.Adjusting and improving unbalanced constitutions,which are correlated with diseases,can help promote healthy aging through the scientific management of these demographic factors.

Influence of sarcopenia and frailty in the management of elderly patients with acute appendicitis

In developed countries,the average life expectancy has been increasing and is now well over 80 years.Increased life expectancy is associated with an increased number of emergency surgical procedures performed in later age groups.Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical diseases,with a lifetime risk of 8%.A growing incidence of acute appendicitis has been registered in the elderly population and in the oldest groups(>80 years).Among patients>50-year-old who present to the emergency department for acute abdominal pain,15%have acute appendicitis.In these patients,emergency surgery for acute appendicitis is challenging,and some important aspects must be considered.In the elderly,surgical treatment outcomes are influenced by sarcopenia.Sarcopenia must be considered a precursor of frailty,a risk factor for physical function decline.Sarcopenia has a negative impact on both elective and emergency surgery regarding mortality and morbidity.Aside from morbidity and mortality,the most crucial outcomes for older patients requiring emergency surgery are reduction in function decline and preoperative physical function maintenance.Therefore,prediction of function decline is critical.In emergency surgery,preoperative interventions are difficult to implement because of the narrow time window before surgery.In this editorial,we highlight the unique aspects of acute appendicitis in elderly patients and the influence of sarcopenia and frailty on the results of surgical treatment.

Analysis of Distribution of Public Toilets within Walking Range around Communities of the Elderly under the Model of Community Home-based Care for the Elderly: A Case Study of Changxindian, Fengtai District, Beijing

In recent years,under the influence of multiple factors such as traditional ideas and living economic conditions,the aging population in China continues to increase.Most of the elderly are more inclined to aged at home,and the first places for elderly activities are communities and the surrounding environment,which greatly affects the convenience of life and happiness of the elderly.In this paper,Changxindian area in Fengtai District of Beijing was as the research object,and detailed calculation and analysis were carried out by using POI data and arcGIS software.The relative location of residential areas and surrounding public toilets was explored,and the best location of public toilets in the daily walking area under the model of community home-based care for the elderly was further studied.

Prognosis of radiotherapy for esophageal cancer in elderly patients exceeding seventy-five years old

BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer(EC)often occurs in the elderly,with approximately 33%of patients aged≥75 years at the time of diagnosis.AIM To evaluate the prognostic factors for radiotherapy(RT)in elderly patients with unresectable EC.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics,toxic reactions,and survival information of EC patients aged≥75 years who underwent intensity-modulated RT at Lu’an Hospital of Anhui Medical University between January 2016 and September 2023.Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to draw the overall survival(OS)curves,and Cox regression analysis was employed to evaluate the influence of various clinical factors on the prognosis.RESULTS A total of 139 patients were enrolled.The median follow-up time was 52.0 months.The median OS was 20.0 months.The 1-year,2-year,3-year,and 5-year OS rates were 69.8%,38.7%,28.2%,and 17.5%,respectively.Univariate analysis showed that age,radiation dose,and chemotherapy had no significant impact on prognosis.Multivariate analysis indicated that clinical stage[Ⅲ-Ⅳa vsⅠ-Ⅱ,hazard ratio(HR)=2.421,95%confidence interval(CI):1.242-4.718,P=0.009;IVb vsⅠ-Ⅱ,HR=4.222,95%CI:1.888-9.438,P<0.001),Charlson comorbidity index(CCI)(0 vs≥1,HR=1.539,95%CI:1.015-2.332,P=0.042),and nutritional risk screening 2002(NRS2002)(<3 vs≥3,HR=2.491,95%CI:1.601-3.875,P<0.001)were independent prognostic factors for OS.CONCLUSION Our results suggest that CCI and NRS2002 were independent prognostic factors of OS for unresectable elderly EC patients undergoing RT.For elderly patients with EC,full attention should be given to biological age-related indicators,such as comorbidities and nutrition,when formulating treatment protocols.These factors should be considered in future clinical practice.

Nutritional and Clinical Profiles of Elderly People with Diabetes and Hypertension at Conakry University Hospitals

Introduction: In Guinea, there is few data on dietary practices socio-economic and clinical characteristics of elderly diabetics and hypertensives. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of people aged 60 years and over, seen in consultation or hospitalised in Conakry University hospitals during the period from 5 September to 15 December 2023 inclusively. Results: Among the 320 subjects included in the study, there were more men (50.6%). The average age was 67 ± 7.69 years;53.43% had hypertension and 46.57% had diabetes. Sex was significantly associated with diabetes (p = 0.035). Women in the study were more affected by diabetes (55.7%), 64.4% of diabetic subjects were married and more than 64% of them had dependent children. 26.2% of diabetics were not employed;85.9% had an income;34.9% had an income of less than one million Guinean francs per month and 74.5% of them had 3 meals a day. Physical activity, 24-hour recall for lunch (p Conclusion: Effective management of diabetes and hypertension in the elderly should necessarily involve nutrition education in hospitals.