Extended Life Expectancy Research Articles

Integrating Machine Learning with Multi-Omics Technologies in Geroscience: Towards Personalized Medicine.

Aging is a fundamental biological process characterized by a progressive decline in physiological functions and an increased susceptibility to diseases. Understanding aging at the molecular level is crucial for developing interventions that could delay or reverse its effects. This review explores the integration of machine learning (ML) with multi-omics technologies-including genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics-in studying the molecular hallmarks of aging to develop personalized medicine interventions. These hallmarks include genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, disabled macroautophagy, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, altered intercellular communication, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis. Using ML to analyze big and complex datasets helps uncover detailed molecular interactions and pathways that play a role in aging. The advances of ML can facilitate the discovery of biomarkers and therapeutic targets, offering insights into personalized anti-aging strategies. With these developments, the future points toward a better understanding of the aging process, aiming ultimately to promote healthy aging and extend life expectancy.

Negative perceptions toward older adults and life satisfaction among community-dwelling older citizens in Japan

Background With the rapid aging of the population, increasing life satisfaction among older adults is essential. Negative perceptions of older adults are internalized, leading to poor mental health. This study hypothesized that participants with more negative perceptions of older adults would have lower life satisfaction. Methods A cross-sectional survey of older adults was conducted across five wards and four cities in Tokyo, Japan. Participants responded to questions regarding demographics, life satisfaction, and negative perceptions of older adults. Data from 285 participants (264 women, M = 71.97 years) were analyzed. Results The intraclass correlation coefficient for life satisfaction concerning residential areas was. 03 (95% confidence interval [CI] = [-.03, .10]). Instead of multilevel models, a multiple regression model with life satisfaction as the dependent variable and negative perceptions of older adults and demographics as the independent variables yielded the best fit. Results indicated that participants with more negative perceptions of older adults reported lower life satisfaction (β = -.16, 95% CI = [-.28, -.04], p = .008), supporting our hypothesis. Conclusions This study was constrained by limited variance in residential areas and a predominantly female participant pool. Previous studies have shown that higher life satisfaction is associated with increased social participation and extended life expectancy, and interventions aimed at enhancing life satisfaction in older adults are significant. Further exploration is warranted to ascertain whether a causal relationship exists, wherein more negative perceptions of older adults diminish life satisfaction.

Integrating frontiers: a holistic, quantum and evolutionary approach to conquering cancer through systems biology and multidisciplinary synergy.

Cancer therapy is facing increasingly significant challenges, marked by a wide range of techniques and research efforts centered around somatic mutations, precision oncology, and the vast amount of big data. Despite this abundance of information, the quest to cure cancer often seems more elusive, with the "war on cancer" yet to deliver a definitive victory. A particularly pressing issue is the development of tumor treatment resistance, highlighting the urgent need for innovative approaches. Evolutionary, Quantum Biology and System Biology offer a promising framework for advancing experimental cancer research. By integrating theoretical studies, translational methods, and flexible multidisciplinary clinical research, there's potential to enhance current treatment strategies and improve outcomes for cancer patients. Establishing stronger links between evolutionary, quantum, entropy and chaos principles and oncology could lead to more effective treatments that leverage an understanding of the tumor's evolutionary dynamics, paving the way for novel methods to control and mitigate cancer. Achieving these objectives necessitates a commitment to multidisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration at the heart of both research and clinical endeavors in oncology. This entails dismantling silos between disciplines, encouraging open communication and data sharing, and integrating diverse viewpoints and expertise from the outset of research projects. Being receptive to new scientific discoveries and responsive to how patients react to treatments is also crucial. Such strategies are key to keeping the field of oncology at the forefront of effective cancer management, ensuring patients receive the most personalized and effective care. Ultimately, this approach aims to push the boundaries of cancer understanding, treating it as a manageable chronic condition, aiming to extend life expectancy and enhance patient quality of life.

Effect of Ganoderma lucidum on Cisplatin-induced Nephrotoxicity and Gastrointestinal Toxicity.

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, with an estimated 10 million cancer-related deaths in 2020, hindering efforts to extend life expectancy. Cisplatin, an effective platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent used against various malignancies, has numerous side effects. Ganoderma lucidum is a traditional Chinese medicine with extensive historical use and proven biological activity. This study investigated the effects of G. lucidum on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and gastrointestinal toxicity. RAW264.7 cells were treated with cisplatin, G. lucidum, or both. Cytotoxicity and antioxidant capacity were measured. Slc:ICR (ICR) mice were treated with cisplatin, G. lucidum, or both. The survival rate and physiological data were measured. G. lucidum suppressed cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in RAW264.7 cells. G. lucidum suppressed cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and gastrointestinal toxicity via its antioxidant effects in ICR mice. The suppressive mechanism of G. lucidum may be mediated via its antioxidant effects. These findings indicate its potential to reduce the side effects of cisplatin.

Essential components of an effective transition from paediatric to adult neurologist care for adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; a consensus derived using the Delphi methodology in Eastern Europe, Greece and Israel

PurposeAn increasing number of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) now have access to improved standard of care and disease modifying treatments, which improve the clinical course of DMD and extend life expectancy beyond 30 years of age. A key issue for adolescent DMD patients is the transition from paediatric- to adult-oriented healthcare. Adolescents and adults with DMD have unique but highly complex healthcare needs associated with long-term steroid use, orthopaedic, respiratory, cardiac, psychological, and gastrointestinal problems meaning that a comprehensive transition process is required. A sub-optimal transition into adult care can have disruptive and deleterious consequences for a patient’s long-term care. This paper details the results of a consensus amongst clinicians on transitioning adolescent DMD patients from paediatric to adult neurologists that can act as a guide to best practice to ensure patients have continuous comprehensive care at every stage of their journey.MethodsThe consensus was derived using the Delphi methodology. Fifty-three statements were developed by a Steering Group (the authors of this paper) covering seven topics: Define the goals of transition, Preparing the patient, carers/parents and the adult centre, The transition process at the paediatric centre, The multidisciplinary transition summary – Principles, The multidisciplinary transition summary – Content, First visit in the adult centre, Evaluation of transition. The statements were shared with paediatric and adult neurologists across Central Eastern Europe (CEE) as a survey requesting their level of agreement with each statement.ResultsData from 60 responders (54 full responses and six partial responses) were included in the data set analysis. A consensus was agreed across 100% of the statements.ConclusionsIt is hoped that the findings of this survey which sets out agreed best practice statements, and the transfer template documents developed, will be widely used and so facilitate an effective transition from paediatric to adult care for adolescents with DMD.

Determination of the general toxicity of the enriching compositions of bakeries using Stylonychia mytilus cultures

In order to improve public health, it is necessary to adhere to the basic principles of a healthy lifestyle, which include maintaining physical activity, a balanced diet, giving up tobacco and alcohol consumption, as well as a number of other measures aimed at improving the quality and extending life expectancy. In particular, a regular imbalance of consumed vital nutrients contributes to the development of diseases such as vitamin deficiency and microelementosis. The most common causes of microelementosis include the quality of drinking water, the impact of anthropogenic factors on the environment and population, soil characteristics in the food production region, and others. One of the mechanisms for regulating violations of the elemental status of the population in regions with a recorded imbalance of essential elements is diet correction, which also includes the use of fortified food products. In order to optimize the technology for the production of functional products within small food enterprises and ensure the development of the market for functional bakery products, it is advisable to search for new methods for enriching basic food products with vital microelements. The purpose of the research was to assess the general toxicity of the formed enriching composition based on chitosan and zinc. To achieve this, an express method to determine the general toxicity on ciliates of the Stylonychia mytilus genus was used. The research allows us to conclude that it is safe to use a composition of chitosan and zinc in the recipes of bread made from premium wheat flour and whole grain wheat flour. The results are aimed at optimizing the technology of bread fortification by immobilizing the necessary essential microelement on the surface of a biopolymer carrier.

Coronary artery bypass grafting outcomes of patients with human immunodeficiency virus: a population-based study of National Inpatient Sample from 2015 to 2020

Individuals affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a growing demand for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) due to heightened risk for cardiovascular diseases and extended life expectancy. However, CABG outcomes in HIV patients are not well-established, with insights only from small case series studies. This study conducted a comprehensive, population-based examination of in-hospital CABG outcomes in HIV patients. Patients underwent CABG were identified in National Inpatient Sample from Q4 2015–2020. Patients with age < 18 years and concomitant procedures were excluded. A 1:5 propensity-score matching was used to address preoperative group differences. Among patients who underwent CABG, 613 (0.36%) had HIV and were matched to 3119 out of 167,569 non-HIV patients. For selected HIV patients, CABG is relatively safe, presenting largely similar outcomes. After matching, HIV and non-HIV patients had comparable in-hospital mortality rates (2.13% vs. 1.67%, p = 0.40). Risk factors associated with mortality among HIV patients included previous CABG (aOR = 14.32, p = 0.01), chronic pulmonary disease (aOR = 8.24, p < 0.01), advanced renal failure (aOR = 7.49, p = 0.01), and peripheral vascular disease (aOR = 6.92, p = 0.01), which can be used for preoperative risk stratification. While HIV patients had higher acute kidney injury (AKI; 26.77% vs. 21.77%, p = 0.01) and infection (8.21% vs. 4.18%, p < 0.01), other complications were comparable between the groups.

Newly Synthesized Indolylacetic Derivatives Reduce Tumor Necrosis Factor-Mediated Neuroinflammation and Prolong Survival in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mice.

The debilitating neurodegenerative disease known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons (MNs) in the brain, spinal cord, and motor cortex. The ALS neuroinflammatory component is being characterized and includes the overexpression of mediators, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Currently, there are no effective treatments for ALS. Indeed, riluzole, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor blocker, and edaravone, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, are currently the sole two medications approved for ALS treatment. However, their efficacy in extending life expectancy typically amounts to only a few months. In order to improve the medicaments for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, preferably ALS, novel substituted 2-methyl-3-indolylacetic derivatives (compounds II-IV) were developed by combining the essential parts of two small molecules, namely, the opioids containing a 4-piperidinyl ring with indomethacin, previously shown to be efficacious in different experimental models of neuroinflammation. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their potential capability of slowing down neurodegeneration associated with ALS progression in preclinical models of the disease in vitro and in vivo. Notably, we produced data to demonstrate that the treatment with the newly synthesized compound III: (1) prevented the upregulation of TNF-α observed in BV-2 microglial cells exposed to the toxin lipopolysaccharides (LPS), (2) preserved SHSY-5Y cell survival exposed to β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (L-BMAA) neurotoxin, and (3) mitigated motor symptoms and improved survival rate of SOD1G93A ALS mice. In conclusion, the findings of the present work support the potential of the synthesized indolylacetic derivatives II-IV in ALS treatment. Indeed, in the attempt to realize an association between two active molecules, we assumed that the combination of the indispensable moieties of two small molecules (the opioids containing a 4-piperidinyl ring with the FANS indomethacin) might lead to new medicaments potentially useful for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

40-60대 여성의 코스메슈티컬 소비특성이 구매만족도에 미치는 영향

Recently, the consumption of cosmetics is increasing as a way to manage the health status and appearance of women in their 40s and 60s due to women's social advancement opportunities and participation, improvement in income, and extension of life expectancy. Therefore this study attempted to investigate the purchase characteristics of women in their 40s and 60s cosmeceuticals and their influence on purchase satisfaction, and 250 middle-aged women in their 40s and 60s living in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do were studied. The data were analyzed statistically using SPSS V.25.0, and the detailed findings are as follows. First, in terms of cosmeceutical purchasing behavior, it was found that they generally purchase less than 5 to 100,000 won (31.1%) or less than 10 to 20,000 won (30.3%) per purchase, and the place of purchase for cosmeceuticals was generally through the Internet (mobile) (37.3%). Second, among women in their 40s and 60s cosmeceutical purchase characteristics, intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics were found to have a significant positive correlation with purchase satisfaction. Third, among women in their 40s and 60s purchase satisfaction of cosmeceuticals, quality satisfaction and non-quality satisfaction were significantly positively related to purchase characteristics. In conclusion, it can be seen that the intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics of cosmeceutical consumption characteristics and purchase satisfaction of women in their 40s and 60s are important factors for quality satisfaction and non-quality satisfaction of cosmeceuticals. Therefore, it is necessary to continue research on purchase characteristics as a preference factor and differentiation strategies to link purchase satisfaction of women in their 40s and 60s to repurchase.

Integrated Approach of Retrofitting an Existing Residential Building to a Nearly Zero Energy Building with Simultaneous Seismic Upgrading

Introduction The current study's goal is to apply an integrated approach of retrofitting a typical building in Cyprus that was designed and constructed for the refugee settlements in the period 1975-1985. The existing building is retrofitted to a nearly zero-energy building. Methods This typical type of building examined represents approximately 15,347 houses and stands for 3.57% of households in Cyprus. This percentage is considered significant with regards to energy consumption, as this type of structure has an estimated energy consumption of 1000 kWh/m2/y and CO2 emissions of 293.74kg CO2/m2/y. This corresponds to 0.293 Mt CO2/y, which stands for 4.18% of total CO2 emissions in Cyprus for 2011, based on the latest IEA (International Energy Agency) data. An integrated approach is followed for the retrofitting of the existing building, which involves both energy and structural upgrades, taking into account the earthquake resistance upgrade. Since Cyprus is in a highly seismic region, an important factor in this approach is the ability of the structure to survive a strong earthquake during its remaining lifetime, according to the design criteria. The study presents and discusses three possible coalitions with multiple scenarios of approaching the upgrade of the existing building. In each coalition, various criteria and implementation actions are considered based on the energy consumption, the CO2 footprint, and the seismic resistance. Results The study also investigates whether the extension of life expectancy of the existing structure through earthquake resistance upgrade will have a positive or negative effect on the CO2 life cycle footprint and cost of the building. Results show that for the examined typical building, simultaneous energy and earthquake resistance upgrade is more efficient in terms of cost and environmental impact. The building with the smallest construction age had the smallest Decision-Making Index (DMI) from the A, B and C coalitions. Conclusion It is important that for an existing building, the option to remain in its original state (coalition A) without any upgrading intervention is not the most favorable option. Therefore, the need to evaluate the existing building stock and plan the upgrade of the buildings in question is of utmost importance.

Response rate specific to bone metastasis of various cancers for immune checkpoint inhibitors: a systematic review.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved the prognosis of patients with cancer, such as melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, head and neck cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and urothelial carcinoma. The extension of life expectancy has led to an increased incidence of bone metastases (BM) among patients with cancer. BM result in skeletal-related events, including severe pain, pathological fractures, and nerve palsy. Surgery is typically required for the treatment of BM in patients with an impending fracture; however, it may be avoided in those who respond to ICIs. We systematically reviewed studies analyzing BM responses to treatment with ICIs. This study was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses 2020 statement and registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (ID: UMIN000053707). Studies reporting response rates based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) or the MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDA) criteria specific for BM in patients treated with ICIs were included; reports of fewer than five cases and review articles were excluded. Studies involving humans, published in English and Japanese, were searched. The PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched. Ultimately, nine studies were analyzed. The Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Studies was used to assess the quality of studies. Based on the MDA criteria, complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) was observed in 44-78% and 62% patients treated with ICIs plus denosumab for NSCLC and melanoma, respectively. According to the RECIST, CR or PR was recorded in 5% and 7-28% of patients treated with ICIs for renal cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma, respectively. Although response rates to ICIs for BM are poor, patients treated with ICI plus denosumab for bone metastases with impending fractures from NSCLC and melanoma are likely to avoid surgery to prevent fractures.

Glucose Fluctuations in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

The Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project denotes four subtypes of ischemic stroke (total and partial anterior infarct, posterior, and lacunar). Hyperglycemia has been associated with a larger infarct size and poor prognosis. The purpose of the study was to investigate the correlation of glucose fluctuations with the Oxford sub-categories and patient outcomes using a blinded continuous glucose monitoring system. This is a non-interventional prospective observational study. Stroke patients with symptoms onset in the last 24h, participated in the study.A glucose sensor was placed for 72 hours. Disability was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale. Stroke subtypes were compared withtotal mean glucose and time in rangeusing ANOVA analysis. Multiple ordinal logistic regression was employed to analyze outcomes and survival. The sample consisted of 105 diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The overall mean glucose was 127.06 mg/dL and the time in range (70-140 mg/dL) was 70.98%. There was no significant difference between the stroke sub-categories and the total mean glucose. For every one-point increase in the time in range, we expect a 1.5%reduction in the odds of having a worse outcome. Patients with total anterior infarct are 2.31 times more likely to have a worse outcome than lacunar patients. The utilization of the Oxford classification may not be necessary for managing acute ischemic stroke glucose levels. Achieving glucose regulation and an increase in time in rangecan be attained through meticulous control, potentially extending life expectancy. Continuous glucose monitors may aid in achieving this objective.

경찰공무원의 퇴직준비역량과 교육참여도가 경제활동의지에 미치는 영향

Today's aging population and extension of life expectancy are increasing the economic activities intention after retirement through partial retirement. This is because the age of physical health has been extended by 20 to 30 years compared to the past, due to advancements in medical technology and self-management. This study analyzes the influence of the retirement competencies and educational experience of police officiers on economic activity intention. Additionally, it analyzes the moderated effect of role models. For this study, an online survey was conducted using a questionnaire among 348 police officer.The statistical analysis software used was SPSS 24.0. It involved factor analysis, reliability testing and multiple regression analysis to verify the hypotheses. The research results were as follows. First, as a result of examining the effect of retire competencies on economic activity intention, it was found that among the retire competencies factors, financial management and digital competencies had a significantly positive effect on economic activity intention. Second, educational experience had a significantly positive effect on economic activity intention. Third, financial management and educational experience had a significantly positive effect on economic activity intention according to roll model.

Enhanced cervical cancer and HIV interventions reduce the disproportionate burden of cervical cancer cases among women living with HIV: A modeling analysis.

Women living with HIV experience heightened risk of cervical cancer, and over 50% of cases in Southern Africa are attributed to HIV co-infection. Cervical cancer interventions tailored by HIV status delivered with HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) for treatment can decrease cancer incidence, but impact on HIV-related disparities remains understudied. Using a dynamic model calibrated to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, we projected HIV prevalence, cervical cancer incidence, and proportion of cancer cases among women living with HIV between 2021-2071. Relative to the status quo of moderate intervention coverage, we modeled three additive scenarios: 1) ART scale-up only; 2) expanded human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, screening, and treatment; and 3) catch-up HPV vaccination and enhanced screening for women living with HIV. Under the status quo, HIV prevalence among women aged 15+ decreased from a median of 35% [Uncertainty Range (UR): 26-42%] in 2021 to 25% [19-34%] in 2071. The proportion of cervical cancer cases that were women living with HIV declined from 73% [63-86%] to 58% [47-74%], but incidence remained 4.3-fold [3.3-5.7] that of women without HIV. ART scale-up reduced HIV prevalence in 2071, but increased the incidence rate ratio to 5.2 [3.7-7.3]. Disparities remained after expanding cancer interventions for all women (incidence rate ratio: 4.8 [3.6-7.6]), while additional catch-up HPV vaccination and screening for women living with HIV decreased the incidence rate ratio to 2.7 [1.9-3.4] in 2071. Tailored cervical cancer interventions for women living with HIV can counteract rising cancer incidence incurred by extended life expectancy on ART and reduce disparate cancer burden.

Health Risks Associated with Tobacco Consumption in Humans: An Overview

Tobacco use remains a significant public health concern globally, with over 8 million anticipated deaths annually by 2030, despite declining rates in some high-income nations. Smoking is prevalent worldwide, particularly in developing and middle-income countries, where over 80% of smokers reside. The inhalation of tobacco substances leads to various diseases, including cancer and respiratory ailments, resulting in more deaths than AIDS, tuberculosis, and other major causes combined. Secondhand smoke exposure also poses significant health risks. The economic burden of tobacco-related deaths and diseases is substantial, especially in low- and middle-income economies, where almost 80% of tobacco-related deaths occur. Lack of awareness, societal influence, and ineffective enforcement of anti-tobacco laws contribute to widespread tobacco use. Although anti-tobacco campaigns and policies have shown some success, challenges persist, particularly in rural areas where tobacco dependence is high. In India, despite declining tobacco use attributed to awareness campaigns and increased taxes on cigarettes, certain demographics, such as middle-aged individuals, illiterates, and rural residents, continue to have high tobacco consumption rates due to inadequate implementation of anti-tobacco norms and limited access to information. Quitting smoking can significantly extend life expectancy and reduce the risk of smoking-related diseases. However, nicotine addiction poses a challenge, with only a small percentage of users successfully quitting without assistance. Professional support and cessation drugs can double the likelihood of successful quitting, and nicotine replacement therapy has shown effectiveness. Overall, there is no safe level of cigarette use, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive tobacco control efforts to mitigate the global health and economic impacts of tobacco use. This review deals with the health risks associated with tobacco consumption in humans. Keywords: Tobacco, Nicotine, Carcinogens, Cancer, Cardiovascular diseases.

Negative perceptions of older adults and life satisfaction among community-dwelling older citizens in Japan

Background With the rapid aging of the population, increasing life satisfaction among older adults is essential. Negative perceptions of older adults are internalized, leading to poor mental health. This study hypothesized that participants with more negative perceptions of older adults would have lower life satisfaction. Methods A cross-sectional survey of older adults was conducted across five wards and four cities in Tokyo, Japan. Participants responded to questions regarding demographics, life satisfaction, and negative perceptions of older adults. Data from 285 participants (264 women, M = 71.97 years) were analyzed. Results The intraclass correlation coefficient for life satisfaction concerning residential areas was. 03 (95% confidence interval [CI] = [-.03, .10]). Instead of multilevel models, a multiple regression model with life satisfaction as the dependent variable and negative perceptions of older adults and demographics as the independent variables yielded the best fit. Results indicated that participants with more negative perceptions of older adults reported lower life satisfaction (β = -.16, 95% CI = [-.28, -.04], p = .008), supporting our hypothesis. Conclusions This study was constrained by limited variance in residential areas and a predominantly female participant pool. Previous studies have shown that higher life satisfaction is associated with increased social participation and extended life expectancy, and interventions aimed at enhancing life satisfaction in older adults are significant. Further exploration is warranted to ascertain whether a causal relationship exists, wherein more negative perceptions of older adults diminish life satisfaction.

Genotype-phenotype association and functional analysis of hnRNPA1 mutations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Background Pathogenic variants in hnRNPA1 have been reported in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. However, studies on hnRNPA1 mutant spectrum and pathogenicity of variants were rare. Methods We performed whole exome sequencing of ALS-associated genes and subsequent verification of rare variants in hnRNPA1 in our ALS patients. The hnRNPA1 mutations reported in literature were reviewed and combined with our results to determine the genotype-phenotype relationship. Functional analysis of the novel variant p.G195A was performed in vitro by transfection of mutant hnRNPA1 into 293T cell. Results Among 207 ALS patients recruited, 3 rare hnRNPA1 variants were identified (mutant frequency 1.45%), including two recurrent mutations (p.P340S and p.G283R), and a novel rare variant p.G195A. In combination with previous reports, there are 27 ALS patients with 15 hnRNPA1 mutations identified. Disease onset age was 47.90 ± 1.52 years with predominant limb onset. The p.P340S mutation caused flail arm syndrome (FAS) in two independent families with extended life expectancy. The newly identified p.G195A mutation, lying at the start of the PrLD (“prion-like” domain)/LCD (low-complexity domain), causes local structural changes in 3D protein prediction. Upon sodium arsenite exposure, mutant hnRNPA1 retained in the nucleus but deficit of cytoplasmic G3BP1-positive stress granule clearance was observed. This is different from the p.P340S mutation which caused both cytoplasmic translocation and stress granule formation. No cytoplasmic TDP-43 translocation was observed. Conclusion Mutations in hnRNPA1 are overall minor in ALS patients. The p.P340S mutation is associated with manifestation of FAS. Mutations in LCD of hnRNPA1 cause stress granule misprocessing.

The current paradigm of cardiac troponin increase among athletes.

Although it is known that exercise improves cardiovascular health and extends life expectancy, a significant number of people may also experience an elevation in cardiac troponin levels as a result of exercise. For many years, researchers have argued whether exercise-induced cardiac troponin rises are a consequence of a physiological or pathological reaction and whether they are clinically significant. Differences in cardiac troponin elevation and cardiac remodeling can be seen between athletes participating in different types of sports. When forecasting the exercise-induced cardiac troponin rise, there are many additional parameters to consider, as there is a large amount of interindividual heterogeneity in the degree of cardiac troponin elevation. Although it was previously believed that cardiac troponin increases in athletes represented a benign phenomenon, numerous recent studies disproved this notion by demonstrating that, in specific individuals, cardiac troponin increases may have clinical and prognostic repercussions. This review aims to examine the role of cardiac troponin in athletes and its role in various sporting contexts. This review also discusses potential prognostic and clinical implications, as well as future research methods, and provides a straightforward step-by-step algorithm to help clinicians interpret cardiac troponin rise in athletes in both ischemic and non-ischemic circumstances.

Community-level group sports participation and all-cause, cardiovascular disease, and cancer mortality: a 7-year longitudinal study

BackgroundCommunity-level group sports participation is a structural aspect of social capital that can potentially impact individual health in a contextual manner. This study aimed to investigate contextual relationship between the community-level prevalence of group sports participation and the risk of all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality in older adults.MethodsIn this 7-year longitudinal cohort study, data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study, a nationwide survey encompassing 43,088 functionally independent older adults residing in 311 communities, were used. Cause of death data were derived from the Japanese governmental agency, The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, for secondary use. “Participation” was defined as engaging in group sports for one or more days per month. To analyze the data, a two-level survival analysis was employed, and hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.ResultsAmong the participants, 5,711 (13.3%) deaths were identified, with 1,311 related to CVD and 2,349 to cancer. The average group sports participation rate was 28.3% (range, 10.0–52.7%). After adjusting for individual-level group sports participation and potential confounders, a higher community-level group sports participation rate was found to be significantly associated with a lower risk of both all-cause mortality (HR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.83–0.95) and cancer mortality (HR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81–0.98) for every 10% point increase in the participation rate. For CVD mortality, the association became less significant in the model adjusted for all covariates (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.82–1.09).ConclusionsOur findings support the existence of a preventive relationship between community-level group sports participation and the occurrence of all-cause and cancer mortality among older individuals. Promoting group sports within communities holds promise as an effective population-based strategy for extending life expectancy, regardless of individual participation in these groups.

What about the Use of Ice Cream as a Supplementary Diet in Chronic Kidney Disease? A Case-Control Study.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can extend life expectancy and improve a person's health status. In addition to physical activity and bad habits related to smoking and alcohol, diet is also a determining factor. Following a healthy diet pattern over time and supporting a healthy body weight contributes to reducing the risk of developing more severe complications associated with very common diseases such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans promote the adoption of fat-free or low-fat diets and discourage the consumption of foods with added sugar and solid fats, such as ice creams and other frozen desserts. On the other hand, ice cream, from a nutritional and healthy point of view, can be considered a possible food choice, due to its greater palatability and high nutritional content, but its consumption must be scheduled in a balanced diet. In this retrospective study, 36 patients with chronic renal failure were enrolled. Two different diets were proposed (A and B). In Diet B, lemon sorbet was added twice a week as an alternative food to replace fruit or snacks making the diet more varied and palatable. Nutritional status and biohumoral, immunological, and blood parameters were evaluated after 6 months. A statistical analysis shows a significant inter-group difference in creatinine and azotemia between T0 and T1. Intra-group significant differences were found in lymphocytes (p = 0.005) and azotemia (p < 0.001) in Diet A, and in azotemia (p < 0.001) and transferrin (p < 0.001) in Diet B. The results indicated that ice cream represented a good alternative food in both groups of patients regarding nutritional values and patient satisfaction. Furthermore, the treatment with ice cream allowed for better control of azotemia, maintaining stable levels even in patients with advanced CKD. This study concludes that ice cream could exert beneficial effects in addition to CKD patients' dietary regimens.