Life Of Elderly Individuals Research Articles

QUALIDADE DE VIDA DE IDOSOS COM DOENÇAS CRÔNICAS

Introduction: The trend of an aging population has highlighted the increasing importance of understanding the quality of life of elderly individuals, especially those with chronic diseases. This quality of life extends far beyond the management of medical conditions and is essential for ensuring the well-being of the elderly and, consequently, their families. Objective: This review aims to explore the quality of life in elderly individuals and how chronic diseases impact it. Method: This work is an integrative bibliographic review that includes both original and review articles to select relevant information for the results of this research. Results: Chronic diseases necessitate greater medical attention, particularly when diagnosed in the elderly, as they not only affect the individual physically but also significantly impact their emotional well-being. Conclusion: To ensure the quality of life for the elderly, it is crucial to adopt healthy habits well before reaching old age, as well as to emphasize the importance of medical and psychological monitoring and family support during this life stage.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) improves outcomes in elderly patients undergoing short-level lumbar fusion surgery: a retrospective study of 333 cases

BackgroundDegenerative lumbar disease significantly impairs the quality of life in elderly individuals, with short-segment lumbar degenerative disease being particularly prevalent. When conservative treatment proves ineffective, surgical intervention becomes the optimal choice for managing lumbar disease. The implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in spinal surgery has been progressively refined, leading to greater patient benefits. However, age and the associated decline in physiological function remain critical factors influencing surgical decision-making. Currently, there is a paucity of research focused on elderly patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery to substantiate that advanced age does not diminish the benefits derived from ERAS in this demographic.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data. Patients who underwent short-segment (1 or 2 segments) transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) under the care of the same surgical team at our institution were recruited, and divided into no-ERAS-elder, ERAS-elder, and ERAS-younger groups. Subsequently, time to physiological function recovery and other outcomes were compared.ResultsThe outcomes of the ERAS-elder group (n = 113) and the no-ERAS-elder group (n = 120) were compared. The overall physiological function recovery was significantly faster (6.71 ± 2.6 days vs. 8.6 ± 2.67 days, p = 0.01) in the ERAS-elder group. Next, the outcomes of the ERAS-elder group (n = 113) were compared with those of the ERAS-younger group (n = 100), and no significant difference in total physiological function recovery was found between the two groups (6.71 ± 2.6 days vs. 6.14 ± 1.63 days, p = 0.252).ConclusionsThis study shows that the implementation of the ERAS program can effectively shorten the recovery time of physiological function in elderly patients after short-segment lumbar surgery, reduce the incidence of some complications, alleviate pain, and significantly shorten the length of hospital stay. ERAS enables elderly patients to achieve outcomes comparable to those of younger patients.

EFEITO DO TREINO DE DUPLA TAREFA NA MARCHA CONGELANTE EM IDOSOS COMDOENÇADEPARKINSON:UMAREVISÃOINTEGRATIVA.1

One of the most debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is freezing of gait (FoG), which significantly impacts the quality of life of elderly individuals. Dual-task training, which involves performing a motor task and a cognitive task simultaneously, has been explored as an effective intervention to improve these symptoms. This method is used in Parkinson’s patients because they often have difficulties performing multiple tasks at the same time. Dual- task training helps improve coordination and functionality by challenging both motor and cognitive systems, which can reduce the risk of falls and increase mobility. This study aimed to conduct a literature review to assess the effects of dual-task training on freezing of gait in elderly patients with Parkinson’s disease. It is an integrative review guided by the question, “What are the effects of dual-task training on freezing of gait in elderly patients with Parkinson’s disease?”. Searches were conducted in 2023/2024 using the Virtual Health Library (BVS), Cochrane Library, MEDLINE/PubMed, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Articles published between 2019 and 2024 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, addressing elderly individuals of both genders diagnosed with Parkinson’s and freezing of gait, and employing dual-task (DT) training, regardless of whether or not it was combined with other therapies, were included. Incomplete studies, review articles, conference proceedings, and studies without a proper description of the DT methodology were excluded. A total of 8 randomized clinical trials were selected, resulting in an analysis of the therapeutic effects on these patients’ gait. The reviewed studies indicated that dual-task training showed significant improvements in gait and balance in Parkinson’s patients, reducing the severity of freezing of gait. It is concluded that dual-task training is a promising intervention to improve gait and reduce FoG in elderly patients with Parkinson’s, highlighting the importance of multidimensional and personalized interventions for effective FoG management.

Identifying biological markers and sociodemographic factors that influence the gap between phenotypic and chronological ages

ABSTRACT Introduction The world’s population is aging rapidly, leading to increased public health and economic burdens due to age-related cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Early risk detection is essential for prevention and to improve the quality of life in elderly individuals. Plus, health risks associated with aging are not directly tied to chronological age, but are also influenced by a combination of environmental exposures. Past research has introduced the concept of “Phenotypic Age,” which combines age with biomarkers to estimate an individual’s health risk. Methods This study explores which factors contribute most to the gap between chronological and phenotypic ages. We combined ten machine learning regression techniques applied to the NHANES dataset, containing demographic, laboratory and socioeconomic data from 41,474 patients, to identify the most important features. We then used clustering analysis and a mixed-effects model to stratify by sex, ethnicity, and education. Results We identified 28 demographic, biological and environmental factors related to a significant gap between phenotypic and chronological ages. Stratifying for sex, education and ethnicity, we found statistically significant differences in the outcome distributions. Conclusion By showing that health risk prevention should consider both biological and sociodemographic factors, we offer a new approach to predict aging rates and potentially improve targeted prevention strategies for age-related conditions.

Comparison of Dietary Behaviors and Health-Related Quality of Life of the Elderly Based on Their Household Type in Korea

This study analyzed the raw data from the 2021 National Health and Nutrition Survey conducted annually in Korea to investigate the dietary behavior, nutrient intake, and health-related quality of life of the elderly in the community based on their household type: single-person, couple, or non-couple family household. As a result of the study, based on the household type, significant differences were found in the frequency of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as in the frequency of consuming vegetables and fruits (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001). After analyzing the impact of household type on the depression and happiness levels of the surveyed elderly, it was found that the depression levels of elderly individuals in single-person households were significantly 1.279 times higher, while their feelings of happiness were 0.561 times lower compared to elderly individuals living with their family, including a spouse (P<0.05, P<0.001). In order to enhance the health-related quality of life for elderly individuals living alone with low income and education levels, it is essential to provide systematic management and support activities.

Effect of Sensory Integrity and Cognitive Functions on Fall History, Balance and Quality of Life in Elderly Individuals

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study is to examine the effects of sensory integrity and cognitive functions on fall history, balance and quality of life in elderly individuals. Materials and Methods After obtaining the sociodemographic information of the elderly individuals included in the study; Pattern Copying, Kinesthesia and Right-Left Discrimination, which is a subtest of the Ayres Southern California Sensory Integrity Test to evaluate sensory integrity, the Standing Balance Test for balance abilities, the Hodkinson Mental Test for cognitive abilities, the history of falling in the last year for fall situations, and the EuroQol General Quality of Life Scale (EQ-5D-3L) were used to assess the quality of life and life satisfaction. Results The study involved 44 volunteers with a mean age of 69.52±4.25 years. Cognitive ability, standing balance, and life satisfaction of elderly individuals with a fall history were worse than those without a fall history. The study also found that cognition and life satisfaction were affected by fall history. Older individuals who were more successful in pattern copying had better balance. A moderate correlation was found between cognitive ability and pattern copying (r=0.591), balance (rdominant=0.385; rnondominant=0.403), and quality of life (r=−0.399) (p<0.05). Conclusion The results suggest that elderly individuals need sensory integration and cognitively supportive treatment approaches to improve balance functions and reduce fall risk.

SP1 regulates BMSC osteogenic differentiation through the miR-133a-3p/MAPK3 axis

BackgroundThe progression of osteoporosis (OP) can dramatically increase the risk of fractures, which seriously disturb the life of elderly individuals. Specific protein 1 (SP1) is involved in OP progression. However, the mechanism by which SP1 regulates OP progression remains unclear.ObjectiveThis study investigated the mechanism underlying the function of SP1 in OP.MethodsSAMP6 mice were used to establish an in vivo model of age-dependent OP, and BALB/c mice were used as controls. BMSCs were extracted from two subtypes of mice. Hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to mark the intramedullary trabecular bone structure to evaluate histological changes. ChIP assay was used to assess the targeted regulation between SP1 and miR-133a-3p. The binding sites between MAPK3 and miR-133a-3p were verified using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The mRNA levels of miR-133a-3p and MAPK3 were detected using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The protein expression of SP1, MAPK3, Colla1, OCN, and Runx2 was examined using Western blotting. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) kit and Alizarin Red S staining were used to investigate ALP activity and mineralized nodules, respectively.ResultsThe levels of SP1 and miR-133a-3p were upregulated, whereas the expression of MAPK3 was downregulated in BMSCs from SAMP6 mice, and miR-133a-3p inhibitor accelerated osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs. SP1 directly targeted miR-133a-3p, and MAPK3 was the downstream mRNA of miR-133a-3p. Mechanically, SP1 accelerated osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs via transcriptional mediation of the miR-133a-3p/MAPK3 axis.ConclusionSP1 regulates osteogenic differentiation by mediating the miR-133a-3p/MAPK3 axis, which would shed new light on strategies for treating senile OP.

Health-Related Quality of Life for the Insured and Non-Insured Elderly in Rural Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction The growing number of elderlies in low—and middle-income countries is straining healthcare systems. Affordable health services are essential to prevent poor health outcomes and low quality of life. Health insurance can improve access to care and enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals. This study compares the quality of life of elderly individuals with and without health insurance. Methods A household survey was conducted in the Nzega and Igunga districts in the Tabora region of Tanzania from 2017 to 2022. The survey used a multistage sampling method to select wards, villages in each district, and households with elderly residents. The European Quality of Life 5-dimension 3-level (EQ-5D-3L) instrument was used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL), including the EQ-5D descriptive system and the EQ visual analog scale (EQ VAS). Value sets from Zimbabwe were used to calculate HRQoL. The survey used crude and adjusted linear regression analyses to assess the relationship between HRQoL and HI by accounting for confounding factors. Results A total of 1,899 elderly individuals aged 60 years and above participated in the study, with the majority (58%) falling in the 60-69 age group. Among the participants, 45% were married, and only 44% had insurance coverage. The overall mean EQ-5D and EQ-VAS scores were slightly higher for the uninsured elderly (0.75 and 61.20) compared to the insured elderly (0.73 and 60.31). According to the linear crude model, there is a decrease in HRQoL among the uninsured compared to the insured. This trend was also observed in the adjusted model, although it was not statistically significant (p=0.052). Conclusion Access to health insurance can significantly improve the HRQoL for elderly populations in Tanzania. These findings are crucial for policymakers. Extending health insurance coverage to vulnerable sub-populations like the elderly should be a priority, with targeted financial subsidies for HI premiums. This initiative would be a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage in Tanzania, ensuring a higher quality of life for all citizens.

Impact of Mind-Body Interventions on Psychosocial and Bio Physiological Markers among Elderly

ABSTRACT Background: The global demographic shift toward an older population is witnessing an increase in age-related psychological disorders and chronic illnesses, particularly among those residing in old age homes. Mind-body interventions (MBIs) have shown promise in enhancing mental and physical health without the adverse effects associated with pharmaceuticals. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 42 elderly participants from two old age homes in South India. Participants were divided into an experimental group, which received interventions including Benson’s Relaxation Technique, Guided Imagery, and various mindfulness exercises, and a control group, which received routine care. Assessments of stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life were conducted at baseline and post-intervention using standardized scales. Results: The experimental group exhibited significant improvements, with reductions in stress scores from an average of 23.71 to 10.86, anxiety scores from 27.62 to 12.71, and depression scores from 10.05 to 5.24. The quality of life scores improved from an average of 37.81 to 54.24. In contrast, the control group showed minimal changes in these psychological parameters, with only slight modifications in quality of life scores from 37.24 to 38.38. Physiological and biochemical markers remained largely unchanged across both groups. Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of nurses in implementing MBIs to enhance the psychological health and overall well-being of the elderly. Integrating these interventions into regular nursing care can significantly improve the quality of life for elderly individuals, suggesting the adaptation of MBIs as primary non-pharmacological interventions in elderly care practices.

Nutritional Practices, Quality of Life and, Health Status of Elderly in Rural Communities in Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria

The study investigates the nutrition practices, health status, and quality of life of elderly individuals in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. It involves a descriptive cross-sectional design with 346 elderly participants aged 60-90, systematically sampled from six rural communities. Data were collected via structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires on demographics, medical and lifestyle histories, daily activities, health-seeking behaviors, food consumption, and nutritional care practices. Nutritional status and high blood pressure were assessed using anthropometric indices and a digital sphygmomanometer. Key findings indicate that 37.6% of participants were aged 60-64. Significant differences were noted between sexes in socio-demographic variables. Alcohol consumption, tobacco sniffing, and cigarette smoking were reported by 15.3%, 11.0%, and 4.6% respectively. Additionally, 23.1% were on hypertensive drugs and 20.1% were confirmed diabetics. Meal frequency varied, with 16.5% eating less than three times daily and 59.2% eating three times daily. Lunch (58.0%) and breakfast (36.6%) were the most skipped meals, and 15% ate outside the home. Dietary diversity scores revealed 66.5% with medium and 27.5% with good diversity. Significant gender differences were observed in dietary diversity and consumption patterns of cereals, roots, tubers, and fruits. Nutritional care practices and daily living activities scores showed 90.2% and 80.6% with fair practices and good activity scores, respectively, while 46.2% demonstrated good health-seeking behavior. Common health complaints included body and joint pain. Central obesity rates were 33.8% (WC), 30.3% (WHtR), and 30.6% (WHR). Elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found in 36.7% and 23% of participants, respectively. Only 31.2% reported a good quality of life. Significant positive correlations were found between nutritional status, quality of life, nutritional care practices, and functionality. Malnutrition, poor quality of life, and inadequate care practices among the elderly in rural areas highlight a public health challenge requiring targeted interventions.

Impact of a supervised exercise program on the quality of life of elderly individuals

The study aimed to assess the impact of a supervised strength exercise program on the quality of life (QoL) of elderly individuals. The experimental group consisted of 92 elderly people of both genders (mean age = 67 ± 6.07 years), who participated in a supervised physical exercise program. All participants completed a medical history questionnaire, the Revised Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (rPAR-Q) to ensure the physical well-being of the participants, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-OLD) before (pre-training) and after (post-training) the exercise program. The results showed that the QoL of the study participants was characterized as "High" (mean = 17.81 ± 2.17) in the pre-training assessment, increasing by 4.8% (p = 0.003) in the post-training assessment (mean = 18.66 ± 1.67). The outcome of this study allows us to conclude that participating in a supervised strength exercise program has a positive impact on the quality of life of elderly individuals.

The Role of Recreational Activities in Enhancing Quality of Life among the Elderly

Purpose: The general aim of this study was to explore the role of recreational activities in enhancing the quality of life among the elderly. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the role of recreational activities in enhancing the quality of life among the elderly. Preliminary empirical review revealed that regular participation in recreational activities was crucial for improving various aspects of well-being for older adults. Physical activities improved physical health and mobility, social activities reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation, and cognitive and creative activities stimulated the brain and enhanced psychological well-being. The study identified gaps in understanding and access to recreational activities for the elderly, highlighting the need for more research and inclusive programming. Overall, the findings underscored the importance of tailored recreational programs in promoting a better quality of life for elderly individuals. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of Planned Behavior, Activity Theory and Socioemotional Selectivity Theory may be used to anchor future studies on recreational activities on the quality of life among the elderly. The study made significant contributions to theory, practice, and policy in gerontology and public health. It provided empirical support for existing theories, such as the Theory of Planned Behavior and Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, while offering actionable recommendations for healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers. By validating theoretical frameworks, offering practical insights, and informing policy initiatives, the study advanced understanding of how recreational interventions can promote well-being and quality of life in aging populations. Through continued research, practice, and policy efforts, stakeholders could work collaboratively to create supportive environments

Study on plasma metabolomics profiling of depression in Chinese community-dwelling older adults based on untargeted LC/GC‒MS

Depression is a serious psychiatric illness that causes great inconvenience to the lives of elderly individuals. However, the diagnosis of depression is somewhat subjective. Nontargeted gas chromatography (GC)/liquid chromatography (LC)–mass spectrometry (MS) was used to study the plasma metabolic profile and identify objective markers for depression and metabolic pathway variation. We recruited 379 Chinese community-dwelling individuals aged ≥ 65. Plasma samples were collected and detected by GC/LC‒MS. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis and a heatmap were utilized to distinguish the metabolites. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to evaluate the diagnostic value of these differential metabolites. Additionally, metabolic pathway enrichment was performed to reveal metabolic pathway variation. According to our standard, 49 people were included in the depression cohort (DC), and 49 people age- and sex-matched individuals were included in the non-depression cohort (NDC). 64 metabolites identified via GC‒MS and 73 metabolites identified via LC‒MS had significant contributions to the differentiation between the DC and NDC, with VIP values > 1 and p values < 0.05. Three substances were detected by both methods: hypoxanthine, phytosphingosine, and xanthine. Furthermore, 1-(sn-glycero-3-phospho)-1D-myo-inositol had the largest area under the curve (AUC) value (AUC = 0.842). The purine metabolic pathway is the most important change in metabolic pathways. These findings show that there were differences in plasma metabolites between the depression cohort and the non-depression cohort. These identified differential metabolites may be markers of depression and can be used to study the changes in depression metabolic pathways.

회상요법을 활용한 집단미술치료가 독거노인의 노화태도와 삶의 질에 미치는 영향

This study examines the effects of reminiscence-based group art therapy on the attitudes toward aging and the quality of life of elderly individuals living alone. The study participants were 24 elderly individuals living alone, aged 65 and older, who use a senior care facility in K City. They were divided into two groups: an exp. group of 12 and a control group of 12. The experimental group underwent 12 sessions of group art therapy once a week from September 5, 2023, to December 12, 2023. The Aging Attitudes Questionnaire(AAQ-21) and the Quality of Life in Ageing Scale(CASP-19) were used as research tools. Differences between groups were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance. The results are as follows. First, the experimental group showed significant improvements in their attitudes towards aging, particularly in aspects related to social loss, physical and psychological changes, and growth. Second, the quality of life in terms of autonomy, pleasure, and self-realization also significantly improved in the experimental group. These findings suggest that reminiscence-based group art therapy can be an effective intervention for enhancing aging attitudes and quality of life among elderly living alone.

Assessing the quality of life priorities in the elderly: Application of the Turkish-Adapted Mayers’ Lifestyle Questionnaire (3)

Introduction: The growing aging population requires the development of new policies and programs to meet the needs and expectations of the elderly. Identifying priorities for the elderly’s quality of life can be the foundation for rehabilitation services provided to the elderly. This study aims to assess the quality of life priorities in the elderly using the Turkish-adapted Mayers’ Lifestyle Questionnaire (3). Method: The study included 171 elderly with a mean age of 74.72 ± 4.36 years. Participants completed a sociodemographic information form and the Turkish-Adapted Mayers’ Lifestyle Questionnaire (3). Results: Quality of life priorities for elderly people were independence in reading and writing, participation in paid and/or voluntary work, spiritual, and satisfying activities, and the ability to make choices about their lives. Conclusion: The study results showed that Mayers’ Lifestyle Questionnaire (3) supports setting priorities by examining the quality of life of elderly people from a multidimensional perspective. The use of Mayers’ Lifestyle Questionnaire (3) can contribute to the development of effective strategies aimed at improving the quality of life for elderly individuals. A holistic approach to each factor affecting quality of life will enable occupational therapists and other professionals involved with elderly people to consider person-centered factors in their interventions.

Age-dependent loss of Crls1 causes myopathy and skeletal muscle regeneration failure

Skeletal muscle aging results in the gradual suppression of myogenesis, leading to muscle mass loss. However, the specific role of cardiolipin in myogenesis has not been determined. This study investigated the crucial role of mitochondrial cardiolipin and cardiolipin synthase 1 (Crls1) in age-related muscle deterioration and myogenesis. Our findings demonstrated that cardiolipin and Crls1 are downregulated in aged skeletal muscle. Moreover, the knockdown of Crls1 in myoblasts reduced mitochondrial mass, activity, and OXPHOS complex IV expression and disrupted the structure of the mitochondrial cristae. AAV9-shCrls1-mediated downregulation of Crls1 impaired muscle regeneration in a mouse model of cardiotoxin (CTX)-induced muscle damage, whereas AAV9-mCrls1-mediated Crls1 overexpression improved regeneration. Overall, our results highlight that the age-dependent decrease in CRLS1 expression contributes to muscle loss by diminishing mitochondrial quality in skeletal muscle myoblasts. Hence, modulating CRLS1 expression is a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating muscle deterioration associated with aging, suggesting potential avenues for developing interventions to improve overall muscle health and quality of life in elderly individuals.

Joyful Aging: Helping Senior Citizens Embrace Life's Golden Years with Vitality and Comfort

In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements and shifting demographics, the issue of elderly care has emerged as a critical concern globally. With aging populations on the rise, ensuring the well-being and independence of elderly individuals has become a paramount goal for societies worldwide. Many elderly individuals encounter challenges in performing daily tasks independently, such as grocery shopping, transportation, medical appointments, and companionship. Factors like mobility limitations, social isolation, and lack of immediate support networks further compound these challenges, impacting the quality of life for elderly individuals. In response to these pressing needs, this research introduces Joyful aging, a mobile application designed to provide accessible assistance and support to elderly individuals. The app aims to bridge the gap between elderly individuals in need of assistance and reliable helpers who can offer support with various daily tasks. By harnessing the power of technology, Joyful aging seeks to empower elderly individuals to maintain their independence, enhance their quality of life, and remain actively engaged in their communities. Developed with a user-centric approach, the app prioritizes usability, accessibility, and safety to ensure a seamless and enriching experience for both elderly users and helpers. By facilitating real-time connections between users and helpers, Joyful aging offers a convenient and reliable solution to address the diverse needs of elderly individuals, from basic errands to social interactions. This research paper provides a comprehensive overview of Joyful aging, including its development process, key features and functionalities, usability considerations, user testing and feedback, potential impact, challenges, and future directions. By examining the development and implementation of Joyful aging, this research contributes to the growing body of literature on technology-based solutions for elderly care, highlighting the transformative potential of mobile applications in enhancing the well-being of elderly individuals.

Pulmonary Diseases in Older Patients: Understanding and Addressing the Challenges.

As the global population ages, pulmonary diseases among older people have emerged as a significant and growing public health concern. The increasing incidence of these conditions has led to higher rates of morbidity and mortality among older adults. This perspective study offers a thorough overview of the prevalent pulmonary diseases affecting the elderly demographic. It delves into the challenges encountered during the diagnosis and management of these conditions in older individuals, considering factors such as comorbidities, functional limitations, and medication complexities. Furthermore, innovative strategies and personalized interventions such as precision medicine, advanced therapies, telemedicine solutions, and patient-centered support systems aimed at enhancing the care provided to older individuals grappling with pulmonary disorders are thoroughly explored. By addressing the unique needs and complexities of this vulnerable population, healthcare systems can strive towards improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for elderly individuals affected by pulmonary diseases.

Endomysium-permeable muscle extracellular matrix composite hydrogel for promoting functional muscle recovery in muscle atrophy

Sarcopenia is an age-related muscle atrophy that has recently been considered a significant factor in deteriorating the quality of life in elderly individuals. However, currently, there are no clinically-approved drugs available for the treatment of sarcopenia due to its complex etiology. Although cell therapies have been attempted to treat muscle atrophy, including sarcopenia, several problems still remain, including the cost and time for cell production, potential immunogenicity, and insufficient efficacy. In this sense, we suggest a cell-free therapeutic approach using a muscle extracellular matrix (MEM)-based composite hydrogel to boost proliferation and differentiation of endogenous cell populations by reconstituting the muscle-specific microenvironment. Here, we combine two components: (1) aldehyde-modified hyaluronic acid conjugated with the pyrogallol group (AH-PG), which enables permeation into the gaps among muscle fibers and in situ self-crosslinking of the hydrogel, and (2) decellularized muscle-derived MEM to provide muscle-specific components and growth factors for muscle restoration. The resultant composite hydrogel can be facilely injected via intramuscular route and stably maintained in the endomysial area where muscle stem cells reside, which changes the impaired atrophic and sarcopenic states to the muscle-regenerative microenvironment. As a result, the composite hydrogel promotes not only muscle mass recovery in disuse and age-induced muscle atrophies, but also muscle maturation accompanying vascularization and innervation, thereby significantly improving muscular function in sarcopenic animals. Together, our hybrid hydrogel can serve as a promising biomaterial for cell-free therapy of muscle atrophy.

Unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: A clinical efficacy evaluation.

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, often resulting from low-energy trauma, markedly impair the quality of life of elderly individuals. The present retrospective study focused on the clinical efficacy of unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in the treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures. A total of 68 patients, representing 92 vertebral bodies, who underwent the unilateral PVP technique from March 2020 to January 2023 were evaluated. Key parameters such as visual analogue scale (VAS) values, Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, Cobb angle measurements, and anterior vertebral height (AVH) were documented pre- and post-surgery. The mean follow-up period was 15.41±3.74 months. The mean pre-operative VAS score was 8.08±0.79, which was significantly reduced to 2.25±0.71 by 24 h post-surgery and stabilized at 1.58±0.51 by the final follow-up. The ODI showed a significant improvement from a pre-operative average of 67.75±7.91 to 19.74±2.90 post-surgery, and was maintained at a low level of 28.00±4.89 at the last assessment. Radiological evaluations revealed significant alterations in Cobb angle and AVH post-operation. Notably, during the follow-up, eight patients developed new compression fractures in different vertebral segments. In conclusion, the unilateral PVP method is safe and efficient for the management of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.