Effect Of Age Research Articles

Age and sex effects of a validated LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of testosterone, allopregnanolone, and its isomers in human serum.

Despite the great relevance of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone and related isomers to various health conditions, quantification typically involves immunoassay, which suffers from serious issues with cross-reactivity of closely related molecules. This article describes the development and partial validation of a liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry assay for the simultaneous quantification of allopregnanolone, pregnanolone, isopregnanolone, epi-allopregnanolone, and testosterone in the human serum of healthy males and females aged 5-85 years. 1-amino-4-methylpiperazine (AMP) was used as a derivatisation reagent to enhance the ionisation signal. Linearity was calculated at 0.99 with a lower limit of quantification of 10.08 pg/mL for allopregnanolone, along with a linearity of 0.98 and a lower limit of quantification of 42.32 pg/mL for testosterone. Application of the method showed sex and age effects across the lifespan for both allopregnanolone and testosterone, whereas a comparative immunoassay for allopregnanolone was not able to detect differences in the same samples. Our partial validation of this method should provide a new tool for researchers to discover the role of allopregnanolone and its isomers in human health, and how it compares to testosterone and sex hormones.

Evaluation of Alveolar Bone Destruction Patterns in the Posterior Region of the Maxilla Through Cone Beam Computer Tomography on 361 Consecutive Patients: Effect of Age and Gender.

The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the effect of age and gender on the alveolar bone destruction pattern with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the posterior region of the maxilla. The study group included CBCT image records of 361 consecutive patients (180 males and 181 females) aged 20 years and older. Alveolar crest morphology in the maxillary right and left first and second molar teeth on retrospective images was classified as a horizontal or vertical defect (one-walled, two-walled, three-walled, and combined bone defect) on four surfaces (mesial, distal, buccal, and palatinal). Bone crater defects were defined, and furcation involvements and combined periodontal-endodontic lesions (CPELs) were placed in another category. In 361 patients, 1444 teeth were evaluated from adults between 20 and 63 years of age; 49.9% of the patients were male and 50.1% were female. Female patients had a considerably greater rate of one-walled horizontal damage in the right molar teeth than male patients (p = 0.002; p < 0.05). Patients with combined horizontal destruction in the right and left molar teeth, horizontal destruction in the palatinal, and horizontal three-walled destruction had a significantly higher mean age than patients without these periodontal destructions (p = 0.000; p < 0.05). Males were shown to have statistically higher frequencies of horizontal defects when defects were combined or distally and palatally located. Age and gender affect the alveolar bone loss pattern. Except for single-walled destructions, it has been found that the frequency of horizontal destruction increases with age. Horizontal destruction in the palatinal along with horizontal three-walled destruction increased with age.

EXPRESS: Individual control of input rate improves recall of spoken discourse by adult users of cochlear implants: An exploratory study.

Although cochlear implants (CI) successfully replace the sense of hearing, they do not restore natural hearing. Still, CI users adapt to this novel signal, reaching meaningful levels of speech recognition in clinical tests that focus on repetition of words and short sentences. However, many patients who score above average in clinical speech perception tests complain that everyday speech interactions are both difficult and cognitively draining. In part this difficulty may be due to the naturally rapid pace of everyday discourse. We report a study in which 12 CI users aged 23 to 77, recalled multi-sentence discourse presented without interruption, or in the condition of interest, when passages were paused at major linguistic boundaries, with participants given control of when to initiate the next segment. Comprehension of the discourse structure was based on a formalized representational system that organizes discourse elements hierarchically to index the relative importance of different elements to the overall understanding of the discourse. Results showed (a) better recall when CI users were allowed to control the discourse pace, (b) an overall effect of aging, with older CI users recalling discourse less accurately, (c) better recall for passages with higher average inter-word predictability, (d) a "semantic hierarchy effect" reflected by better recall of main ideas versus minor details, (e) an attenuation of the semantic hierarchy effect for low predictability passages. Results underscore the benefits of extra processing time in addressing CI listening challenges and highlight the limited ecological validity of single-word or single-sentence speech recognition tests.

The Effects of Age and Cultural Differences on the Relationship Between Aging Anxiety and Ageism: Focusing on Social Identity Theory.

This study aims to test the hypothesis that the association between aging anxiety and ageism will be enhanced by age differently in the United States and in Japan. Data were obtained from online surveys in the United States (Mage = 40.44, SD = 14.98; 39.7% women; n = 886) and in Japan (Mage = 50.32, SD = 16.38; 52.7% women; n = 556). Our findings illuminate that the levels of aging anxiety in the Japanese participants were positively associated with their levels of ageism regardless of their age. On the other hand, for the American participants, the level of aging anxiety was positively associated with higher ageism only among older adults, and not among younger adults. Differences in lifespan or traditional values are thought to have alleviated the strength of the association between aging anxiety and ageism.

Agreement of intraocular pressure measurement by scleral Schiotz and Goldmann applanation tonometer.

In this cross-sectional observational study, IOP was measured by GAT on the cornea and Schiotz tonometer on the temporal sclera. Axial length and central corneal thickness (CCT) were noted. IOP was then estimated from SS IOP as eGAT using a predictive formula. Agreement of IOP corrected for CCT (cGAT) with eGAT and SS IOP were assessed. The effects of age, axial length, refraction, CCT, gender, and ocular and systemic comorbidity on measured IOP were also assessed. The study included 155 patients with a mean age of 54.27 ± 10.02 years. Mean IOP measured by GAT and scleral Schiotz were 16.58 ± 2.76mm Hg and 16.10 ± 2.96mm Hg, respectively. The mean IOP by cGAT and eGAT were 16.70 ± 2.80mm Hg and 17.07 ± 3.10mm Hg, respectively. Both eGAT & SS IOP had good agreement with cGAT on the Bland-Altmann plot (p = 0.96 & 0.51, respectively). Further, SS IOP showed good agreement even with GAT IOP (p = 0.78). Age, axial length, refraction, central corneal thickness, gender, and ocular and systemic comorbidity did not show significant correlation with IOP measurement. Estimated GAT IOP showed good agreement with measured GAT values. SS IOP also agreed well with GAT IOP. Clinical significance IOP measurement on the sclera using Schiotz can be used as an alternative to GAT.

Clonal hematopoiesis in patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia: an international multicenter study.

Diagnostic boundaries between immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and other thrombocytopenic states such as thrombocytopenic myelodysplastic syndromes, may be difficult to establish, and the detection of somatic mutations by next generation sequencing (NGS) may be of aid. Here we aimed at characterizing the prevalence and clinical significance of clonal hematopoiesis in ITP. In this multicentric retrospective observational study we enrolled 167 adult ITP patients, followed at 13 centers in Italy, UK, and USA. Patients underwent NGS evaluation after a median of 3.6 years from ITP onset and 83% had received at least one therapy line, median 2 (0-9) lines; 51 out of 167 patients had at least one mutation (30%). After exclusion of germline variants and polymorphisms, 18.5% (31/167) were defined as having clonal hemopoiesis. Most commonly mutated genes were TET2, DNMT3A, SRSF2, and ASXL1 (median VAF 29%); 19 of 31 subjects (68%) had high-risk variants, and 8 multiple mutations. Mutated patients were more frequently elderly males and showed a shorter time from first to second line therapy, particularly with TPO-RA. Additionally, clonal hematopoiesis was associated with increased thrombotic risk (26% vs 8% in NGS-negative cases, p=0.01), independently from TPO-RA exposure, though with an age effect. These data demonstrated the prevalence of clonal hematopoiesis in 18% of adult ITP patients, being associated with older age, relapsed/refractory disease, and high risk of thrombotic complications.

Effect of Part Size, Displacement Rate, and Aging on Compressive Properties of Elastomeric Parts of Different Unit Cell Topologies Formed by Vat Photopolymerization Additive Manufacturing

Due to its ability to achieve geometric complexity at high resolution and low length scales, additive manufacturing (AM) has increasingly been used for fabricating cellular structures (e.g., foams and lattices) for a variety of applications. Specifically, elastomeric cellular structures offer tunability of compliance as well as energy absorption and dissipation characteristics. However, there are limited data available on compression properties for printed elastomeric cellular structures of different designs and testing parameters. In this work, the authors evaluate how unit cell topology, part size, the rate of compression, and aging affect the compressive response of polyurethane-based simple cubic, body-centered, and gyroid structures formed by vat photopolymerization AM. Finite element simulations incorporating hyperelastic and viscoelastic models were used to describe the data, and the simulated results compared well with the experimental data. Of the designs tested, only the parts with the body-centered unit cell exhibited differences in stress–strain responses at different part sizes. Of the compression rates tested, the highest displacement rate (1000 mm/min) often caused stiffer compressive behavior, indicating deviation from the quasi-static assumption and approaching the intermediate rate response. The cellular structures did not change in compression properties across five weeks of aging time, which is desirable for cushioning applications. This work advances knowledge on the structure–property relationships of printed elastomeric cellular materials, which will enable more predictable compressive properties that can be traced to specific unit cell designs.

A Pharmacovigilance Study on Psychotropic Agent-Induced Urinary Retention Using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report Database.

Psychotropic drugs have been reported to cause urinary retention (UR) via anticholinergic and other mechanisms. However, UR has not received much attention because of its non-fatal symptoms. We investigated the occurrence of UR associated with psychotropic drugs using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) database. Using the JADER database, we calculated reporting odds ratios for UR for 74 psychotropic drugs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for the effects of sex, underlying disease, and age on UR. Variable selection included forced entry for sex, age, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), depression, and backward-forward stepwise selection for each drug. A total of 887,704 cases were reported, of which 4653 (0.52%) had UR. In terms of sex, 0.79% (3401/429,372 cases) and 0.43% (1797/415,358 cases) of male and female patients had UR. In terms of age, 0.31% (892/288,676 cases) and 0.68% (3463/506,907 cases) of patients aged < 60 years and 60 years or older had UR. Among the underlying diseases, 8.22% (930/11,316 cases) and 0.43% (3723/876,388 cases) of patients with BPH and without BPH had UR, respectively. Further, 1.99% (337/16,959 cases) and 0.50% (4316/870,745 cases) of patients with depression and without depression had UR, respectively. Overall, 38 psychotropic drugs met the criteria for signal detection. In logistic regression, a total of 783,083 patients of discernible age and sex were included. The selected variables were sex, age, BPH, depression, and 23 drugs, including quetiapine [adjusted reporting odds ratio (ROR) 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.46-2.81], chlorpromazine (adjusted ROR 95%CI: 1.29-3.13), etizolam (adjusted ROR 95%CI: 1.47-3.09), maprotiline (adjusted ROR 95%CI: 1.99-8.34), mirtazapine (adjusted ROR 95%CI: 1.37-2.88), and duloxetine (adjusted ROR 95%CI: 2.15-4.21). Many psychotropic drugs induce UR, which may be owing to their pharmacological effects. Appropriate monitoring is needed, especially in patients with other risk factors for UR.

The role of anti-aging approaches in managing hypogonadism in sedentary older males

IntroductionWith thirty percent of the world’s population not getting enough exercise, Worldwide, physical inactivity ranks as one of the most common causes of premature mortality. Rapid drops in physical activity, decreased mobility, and early morbidity are aging characteristics. As the population over 80 continues to rise, aging raises the danger of age-related illnesses and changes in hormone release.AimUnderstanding the aging process is useful in developing pharmacological therapies and identifying therapeutic targets for age-related testosterone deficiency. Therefore, this study’s purpose is to present a thorough evaluation of the effects of anti-aging strategies on testosterone levels in older, inactive men.MethodsA literature search was completed for clinical and preclinical studies published in English between 2014 and 2024 related to age, sedentary life, testosterone, and anti-aging strategies.ResultsA sedentary lifestyle and low testosterone are linked to a vicious cycle. A sedentary lifestyle lowers testosterone levels, which leads to depression, exhaustion, low energy, and weakened bone and muscle strength. These effects exacerbate the detrimental consequences of aging and physical inactivity. Anti-aging techniques can prevent and treat age-related diseases, including calorie restriction, a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight control, diabetes management, and quitting smoking. Regular exercise raises total testosterone, free testosterone, and muscle steroidogenesis. In older men, testosterone replacement treatment increases bone density, cholesterol, protein synthesis, strength, erectile function, sexual desire, and general cognitive performance. However, some studies suggest dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation may provide health improvements without negative effects, potentially reversing arterial aging and reducing cardiovascular disease risk.ConclusionThis article evaluates the prospects for anti-aging procedures to assist in reducing the adverse effects of aging and physical inactivity in men.

Trends in the practice environment of Chinese healthcare professionals from 2008 to 2023: an age period cohort analysis.

Healthcare practice environment plays a vital role in evaluation and the development of health sector in China. However, there are few comprehensive reviews and studies focusing on its state and changing trends. This study aimed to examine the dynamic trends in Chinese healthcare professionals' perceptions of their practice environment from 2008 to 2023 using age period cohort (APC) analysis. Four national cross-sectional surveys of healthcare professionals were conducted in 2008, 2013, 2018, and 2023. APC analysis was performed to distinguish effects of age, period and cohort. Covariates like gender, department, job satisfaction, and doctor-patient relationships were also analyzed. Between 2008 and 2023, healthcare professionals' perceptions of their practice environment first declined and then improved. Those aged 28-38 during 2013-2018 and born between 1978 and 1988 had the most negative perceptions. After 2018, perceptions improved, peaking in 2023. Those under 23 and over 43 exhibited larger age effects. Birth cohorts after 1993 also had more positive effects. Controlling for covariates attenuated APC effects. Females, those in obstetrics and emergency medicine, nurses, technicians, and administrators perceived better environments. Higher job satisfaction and doctor-patient relationship harmony are also associated with more positive perceptions. Income matching efforts and perceptions of promotion fairness had positive impacts, while increasing severity of physical fatigue and psychological anxiety negatively influenced perceptions of the practice environment. The APC analysis provided nuanced insights into evolving practitioner perceptions amid healthcare reforms in China. Tailored policies focused on career stage and generation are needed to address disruptions and sustain improvements. Monitoring feedback on reforms and changes is essential for optimizing the practice environment over time.

The Anti-Elixir Triad: Non-Synced Circadian Rhythm, Gut Dysbiosis and Telomeric Damage.

Aging is an inevitable life process which is accelerated by lifestyle and environmental factors. It is an irreversible accretion of molecular and cellular damage associated with changes in the body composition and deterioration in physiological functions. Each cell (other than stem cells), reaches the limit of its ability to replicate, known as cellular or replicative senescence and consequently, the organs lose their physiological functions resulting in overall impairment. Other factors that promote aging include smoking, alcohol, UV rays, sleep habits, food, stress, sedentary life style and genetic abnormalities. These stress factors, can alter our endogenous clock (the circadian rhythm) and the microbial commensals. As a result of effect of these stressors, the microorganisms that generally support human physiological processes become baleful. The disturbance of natural physiology instigates many age-related pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, cerebrovascular diseases, opportunistic infections, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, kidney diseases, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. The present review covers the three most essential processes of the circadian clock; the circadian gene mechanism and regulation, the mitotic clock (which plays a vital role in the telomere's attrition) and gut microbiota and their metabolome that drive aging and lead to age-related pathologies. In conclusion, maintaining a synchronized circadian rhythm, a healthy gut microbiome and telomere integrity is essential for mitigating the effects of aging and promoting longevity. The interplay among these factors underscores the importance of lifestyle choices in enhancing overall health and lifespan.

Value of transabdominal ultrasonography for diagnosing functional constipation in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Transabdominal ultrasonography is increasingly used as a novel modality for detecting pediatric functional constipation (FC). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the diagnostic parameters of FC including rectal diameter (RD) and anterior rectal wall thickness. A systematic search was conducted of the Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and PubMed databases through September 29, 2023, to identify studies comparing RD and anterior wall thickness using transabdominal ultrasonography in children with versus without FC. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models to calculate the weighted mean differences in RD and anterior wall thickness. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis ver. 3, R, and Review Manager ver. 5.4.1 software were used to assess the optimal cutoff, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC). Fourteen studies involving 1,255 children (mean age, 6.21  2.3 years) were included. The mean RD was significantly larger in constipated children versus controls (mean difference [MD] = 10.35 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.97-13.74; P < 0.001; I2 = 94%). A meta-regression showed no significant effects of age, weight, or height on RD. An optimal RD cutoff point of 31 mm was suggested by a pooled analysis with an AUC of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.8-0.91; P < 0.001), sensitivity of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.59-0.86), and specificity of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.68-0.93). The mean anterior rectal wall thickness was greater among constipated children than among controls (MD = 0.44; 95% CI, -0.26 to 1.13; P = 0.22), but this difference was not statistically significant. RD measured using transabdominal ultrasonography with a cutoff point of 31 mm exhibited good diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing FC in children.

Age-related loss of large dendritic spines in the precuneus is statistically mediated by proteins which are predicted targets of existing drugs.

Preservation of dendritic spines is a putative mechanism of protection against cognitive impairment despite development of Alzheimer Disease (AD)-related pathologies. Aging, the chief late-onset AD risk factor, is associated with dendritic spine loss in select brain areas. However, no study to our knowledge has observed this effect in precuneus, an area selectively vulnerable to early accumulation of AD-related pathology. We therefore quantified dendritic spine density in precuneus from 98 subjects without evidence of neurocognitive decline, spanning ages 20-96, and found a significant negative correlation between age and large dendritic spine density. In these same subjects, we conducted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry of >5000 proteins and identified 203 proteins which statistically mediate the effect of age on large dendritic spine density. Using computational pharmacology, we identified ten drugs which are predicted to target these mediators, informing future studies designed to test their effects on age-related dendritic spine loss and cognitive decline.

Radiological assessment of Sella Turcica morphology correlates with skeletal classes in an Austrian population: an observational study.

This study aimed to analyze variations in the sella turcica (ST) concerning its size, shape, and bridging, providing first reference values in Austrian individuals. Additionally, it assessed associations between these morphological and demographic parameters and their correlation with patients' skeletal class. 208 lateral cephalometric radiographs (154 female, 54 male; age 8-58 years) from DPU Dental Clinic (Austria) were included. Size, skeletal class, shape, age, and gender of ST were tested for significance in correlation using, (M)ANOVA, and chi-square. Linear dimensions of ST ranged from 11.1 to 12.9mm across readers, with a standard deviation of 2.0-2.2mm. Normal ST (49.76%) and round ST (58.77%) were the most frequent. ST bridging was detected in 6.97%. Skeletal class I appeared most frequently (54.8%). Statistical significance was observed between age, gender, and ST length, with further significant age effects on ST shape. Moreover, age showed significant modification of ST shape, while skeletal parameters appeared unaffected by other ST parameters. These preliminary findings define normal ST dimensions in an Austrian population, offering reference values for clinical interpretation and broadening the available European data. Clear associations between morphological and demographic parameters were detected. Additionally, these findings may contribute to diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in orthodontics and craniofacial pathology. Future studies employing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) along a larger sample size could enhance the generalizability of these findings.

Abstract 4136180: Sex Differences in Cognition Related to Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Associated with Younger Age ofHypertension Diagnosis

Background: There are sex differences in the effect of age at onset (AO) of hypertension onbrain structural changes later in life. This may differentially affect long-term cognition through cerebral smallvessel disease (CSVD) in females and males. However, whether and how the association between age ofhypertension diagnosis contributes to sex differences in cognitive decline related to CVSD later in life remainsunclear. Objective: Our objective was to examine sex differences in cognition in relation to brain structural changesexacerbated by CSVD caused by younger AO of hypertension. Methods: We used data from the UK Biobank to select participants with a known age of hypertensiondiagnosis who also had neuropsychological test scores for cognitive functions affected by CSVD i.e., memoryand executive function (n= 6095). We stratified data by sex and AO at baseline (2006-2010). Controlparticipants who did not have hypertension were chosen at random using propensity score matching. Principalcomponents analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the number of CSVD related cognitive function tests(measured at 2014 follow-up). We selected participants &gt;65 years of age at the time of cognitive function teststo determine cognitive function later in life. This was followed by a sex disaggregated regression analysis totest for the effect of AO on cognitive functions identified from the PCA in females and males. Results: Our main outcomes were cognitive function tests in the domains of memory (working and visual-spatial) and executive function/processing speed. When compared to normotensive controls, cognitiveoutcomes differed by sex and age of hypertension diagnosis. Whereas females diagnosed at middle age (45-54 years) had worse outcomes in the working memory domain compared to controls, males diagnosed at olderage (&gt;65 years) had worse outcomes compared to controls. Only females diagnosed with hypertension ateither younger age (&lt; 35 years) or older age (&gt;65 years) had worse outcomes in the executive visualdeclarative memory domain. We did not see any differences in the processing speed/executive functiondomain in either males or females. Conclusions: This study demonstrates distinctive characteristics of CSVD-related cognitive decline in malesand females based on the age of hypertension onset. Therefore, CSVD is a critical pathophysiologicalmechanism for sex differences in cognitive decline and may aid in identification of novel sex-specific therapy.

Abstract 4139176: SUMOylation of TP53INP1 Is Involved in miR-30a-5p-Regulated Heart Senescence

Introduction: During natural aging, physiological remodeling of the heart is a critical for the cardiovascular disease and heart failure. miR-30a-5p is related to kidney injury, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. However, whether miR-30a-5p has an effect in cardiac aging has yet to be explored. Hypothesis: This study aimed to characterize the role and mechanism of action of miR-30a-5p in cardiac senescence. Methods: We established miR-30a-5p knockout/overexpressing mouse model. Natural heart aging (18-months-old) and D-galactose-induced aging mouse model were established. The mechanism was explored in D-galactose- or 10-days-cultured cardiomyocytes. Results: miR-30a-5p was downregulated in aged mouse hearts and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs). In vivo, using a combination of echocardiography and different molecular biological approaches, we investigated the role of miR-30a-5p knockout or overexpressed mice on natural- or D-galactose-induced heart aging. In vitro, using RNA-sequence and a series of molecular biology, the mechanism of miR-30a-5p-regulated cardiac senescence was explored in cardiomyocytes. miR-30a-5p knockout mice showed aggravated natural- or D-galactose-induced heart aging compared to wild-type littermate mice, with significantly decreased heart function, increased number of γH2AX-positive cells, reduced telomere length, and upregulated p21 and p53 expression. Cardiac-specific knockdown of miR-30a-5p using adeno-associated virus 9 in D-galactose-induced senescent wild-type mice showed effects similar to those observed in knockout mice. Notably, overexpression of miR-30a-5p in wild-type murine hearts alleviated D-galactose-induced heart senescence by improving heart function, increasing telomere length, decreasing the number of γH2AX-positive cells, and downregulating p53 and p21 expression. This was confirmed in D-galactose-treated or naturally aged NRCMs. Mechanistically, TP53INP1 was identified as a target of miR-30a-5p by mediating the SUMOylation of TP53INP1 and its translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus to interact with p53. Further evidence demonstrated that cardiac-specific TP53INP1 deficiency ameliorates miR-30a-5p knockout-aggravated cardiac dysfunction and heart senescence. Conclusions: This study identified miR-30a-5p as a crucial modulator of heart senescence and revealed that the miR-30a-5p–TP53INP1–p53 axis is essential for heart and cardiomyocyte aging.

Abstract 4116708: Variations in Patients’ Perceptions of Continuity of Care After Hospitalization Due to Cardiac Condition

Background: Continuity of care is crucial to enabling a seamless chain of care after hospitalization due to cardiac conditions. Most measurements (e.g., continuity indexes) neglect the patient's perception of continuity. Inequality in medication and treatment is well known within cardiac care, but there is a lack of knowledge about whether there are inequalities in how patients perceive continuity of care after hospital discharge. Aims: Describe perceptions of continuity of care after hospitalization in patients with cardiac conditions and variations in age, gender, and diagnosis. Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients hospitalized at 4 hospitals in Sweden due to cardiac conditions. Data were collected using the Patient Continuity of Care Questionnaire, a 27-item questionnaire with 6-subscales. A sub-scale score &lt;4 indicates an area of concern. Factorial ANOVA was used to analyze interactions or main effects of sex, age (&lt;65 or ≥65), and diagnosis (angina, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, myocardial infarction) on perceived continuity of care. Independent t-tests or post-hoc analysis with LSD correction compared group differences. Results: A total of 1,000 patients were included, with a mean age of 72 (SD 10) years, 661 (66%) males. For the sub-scales, no significant 3- or 2-way effects were found. In the sub-scale: Information to patient (mean 4.1), significant differences were found in sex, age, and diagnosis. For the sub-scales Relations in hospital (mean 4.3) and Relations in community (mean 4.1), significant differences were found in sex and diagnosis. There were significant differences between the diagnosis groups in the sub-scale: Management of follow-up (mean 3.9). In the sub-scale: Management of communication (mean 3.7), significant differences were found in sex and age. For the sub-scale: Management of forms (mean 3.8), significant differences were found based on age. See Figure 1a-1c for details. Conclusion: Overall, patients hospitalized due to cardiac conditions reported a quite high level of continuity of care. However, statistically significant differences were found, and men, younger patients and those hospitalized due to myocardial infarction perceived higher levels of continuity or care. This indicates that patients who are more dependent on continuity of care, who might be more fragile and have a diagnosis with a complex clinical pathway, are experiencing lower levels of continuity of care

Abstract 4147633: Structural and Electrophysiological Cardiac Changes in Children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)

Introduction: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an inherited type 1 collagen disorder leading to bone fragility and increased fractures. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of adults with OI, but studies on cardiac changes from this collagen defect in children are sparse. We aim to fill this gap by assessing changes in EKG and echocardiogram (ECHO) variables in children with OI. Hypothesis: Children with OI will exhibit arrhythmogenic EKG changes and/or ECHO abnormalities which will precede changes that are documented in adults. Methods: 53 children with OI receiving care at Children’s Mercy-Kansas City were identified via ICD-10 codes. 64 with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD, expected cardiac abnormalities) and 55 with non-accidental trauma (NAT, no expected cardiac abnormalities) served as controls. We specifically compared the most recent EKG and ECHO metrics extracted from medical charts by Kruskal-Wallis testing. Results: EKG: Children with OI differed from both NAT and DMD. OI had shorter median PR intervals (p&lt;0.001) plus longer median QRS (p&lt;0.001) and QTc intervals (p=0.002) than NAT. DMD had the shortest PR and longest QRS and QTc (see Table). Echo: The three groups showed no difference in systolic/diastolic BP or LV thickness. However, OI differed from NAT and/or DMD in other metrics. OI had higher end diastolic volume (p&lt;0.001), end systolic volume (p&lt;0.001) and stroke volume (p&lt;0.05) than NAT, but lower values than the DMD group. Similarly, OI children had higher LV mass and LV internal diastolic and systolic diameters than NAT, but lower than DMD (p&lt;0.001). OI LVOT diameter and Aortic root diameter were lower than NAT, but not as low as DMD (p&lt;0.05 and p&lt;0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Children with OI exhibit EKG and ECHO abnormalities that are similar to but less severe than for DMD, a group in which cardiovascular abnormalities are well documented. These abnormalities may be predictive of arrythmia/sudden cardiac death and/or functional decline in heart function. Our data suggest that OI children could benefit from ongoing routine cardiology studies along with orthopedic/metabolic management. Future studies would assess effects of age and OI treatments on cardiac abnormalities.

The short-term aging effects of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Nano Silica (NS) as modifiers on asphalt binders

Many studies have shown that for a pavement paved with an asphalt-aggregate mixture, to achieve its design life, the asphalt mustn’t age too hard during storage, during the production process, or while on the road. The short-term aging effects of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Nano silica (NS) as modifiers on asphalt binders were investigated. The physical properties, penetration, softening points, viscosity measurements, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR), under the aging conditions of unmodified and modified asphalt were determined for various PVC and NS contents. To simulate the aging in a short term in the laboratory, the rolling thin film oven test was conducted. Obtained results indicated that adding 5% PVC and 1% NS had a significant positive effect on the aging resistance of asphalt binder through increasing 59.49% penetration aging ratio (PAR) values. It was also observed that adding PVC and NS reinforced the aging resistance of the asphalt binder. Nevertheless, adding PVC and NS reduced softening point increment (SPI), viscosity aging index (VAI), as well as rutting factor aging index (AIR). The asphalt binder modified with PVC/NS demonstrated better performance compared to the asphalt binders only modified with PVC or NS. The results of this study demontrate the feasibility of applying the PVC/NS combination treatment to asphalt in practical applications.

Air pollution and skin aging

Air pollution is a leading environmental health risk worldwide, with detrimental effects not only on human health but also on skin aging. This review explores the link between air pollution and skin aging, focusing on the harmful effects of particulate matter (PM) and other pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrogen oxides (NO2), and ozone (O3). These pollutants penetrate the skin, inducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which accelerates the degradation of collagen and elastin in the extracellular matrix. This contributes to premature aging, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and inflammatory skin conditions. The smallest fractions of PM, particularly PM2.5, are the most harmful, causing significant cellular damage. Long-term exposure to these pollutants also disrupts the skin's microbiome, leading to dysbiosis and further weakening the skin's protective barrier. Current therapeutic strategies focus on protecting the skin using antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E, as well as probiotics and moisturizers that support the skin's natural defenses. Sunscreens also play a vital role in protecting the skin from UV-induced oxidative stress, further mitigating pollution-related damage. This review highlights the importance of developing comprehensive skincare regimens that target both pollution-induced oxidative stress and the maintenance of a healthy skin barrier. It also emphasizes the need for further research into personalized approaches to counteract the aging effects of air pollution on the skin.