A repeated cross-sectional study of daily activities of autistic adults.

It is crucial to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of the types of daily activities autistic adults typically engage in. However, previous research has almost exclusively focused on vocational or education activities. Further, it remains unclear how and whether specific daily activities participation rates change proportionally over time, vary by gender, or compare to nationally representative data. Utilizing eight annual data waves from the Netherlands Autism Register (NAR) this study aims to bridge this gap. Participants were 2449 autistic adults who indicated their participation in 18 daily activities. Results suggest that autistic adults engaged most frequently in vocational activities (e.g., paid employment, study) and participation rates were stable over time. Participation rates in non-vocational activities (e.g., hobbies, homemaking) fluctuated proportionally over time, with reports of no structured daytime activities reducing over time. Labor force participation amongst NAR participants was significantly lower than Dutch population data for the same time periods. Unemployment rates fluctuated, and were significantly higher than population data, but not for all time points. Females compared to males were overrepresented in unpaid daily activities (e.g., study, volunteer, housemaker) and work incapacitation, and underrepresented in paid employment. Employment differences in gender corresponded to national data. These findings characterize more clearly the daily activities of autistic adults, and highlights areas where support may have greater impact (e.g., females in employment).

Awareness and cognitive rehabilitation in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia.

INTRODUCTION: Awareness influences the evolution of neurodegenerative dementias. We gathered participants' and caregivers assessments of dependence in daily activities and we studied how each score would be related to next year participant autonomy, independently of other explicative variables. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed data from mildly demented participants with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD, n = 186) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD, n = 29) and their relatives. A research tool was used to assess participant dependence in 98 daily activities and associated caregiver burden. A discrepancy score between the patient's and relative's judgment was calculated to evaluate awareness of dependence in activities at baseline. This dependence scores, as well as sex, age, education, and 1 year difference in Mini-Mental State Examination were taken as possible explicative variables for dependence in activities adapted by therapists during a 1-year cognitive rehabilitation program. RESULTS: Patients with FTD showed less awareness for daily dependence (discrepancy 20.9% vs. 11.8% in AD). Both groups benefited from cognitive rehabilitation (25% decrease in dependence) and subjective burden of relatives was decreased in both groups. In the AD group, there was a significant positive relationship between both caregiver (P < 0.001) and participant's (P < 0.02) evaluation of dependence in daily activities at inclusion and dependence of participants in adapted activities after 1 year. DISCUSSION: Awareness of impairment in daily activities is a clinical symptom that is more important at inclusion in FTD than in AD. However, in participants with AD who, as a group, significantly benefit from a cognitive rehabilitation program, not only caregiver's but also participant's assessment of dependence at baseline is correlated to subsequent, next year greater dependence in daily activities adapted by the therapists. Although discrepant, both caregiver and participant evaluations appear to be important variables to understand the evolution and the benefit of care in participants at early stages of dementia.

Dynamics of Perceived Social Isolation, Secondary Conditions, and Daily Activity Patterns Among Individuals With Stroke: A Network Analysis of Ecological Momentary Assessment Data.

OBJECTIVE: To assess contemporaneous and temporal dynamics of perceived social isolation (PSI), secondary conditions, and daily activity patterns in individuals post-stroke. DESIGN: Longitudinal observational study using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) as a real-time assessment of an individual's lived experiences. We conducted dynamic network analyses to examine longitudinal associations among EMA variables. SETTINGS: Home and Community. PARTICIPANTS: 202 individuals with mild-to-moderate chronic stroke (median age=60 years; 45% women; 44% black; 90% ischemic stroke; median NIHSS score=2; N=202). INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: EMA questions measured PSI, secondary conditions (pain, tiredness, stress, anxiety, worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and cheerfulness), and daily activity patterns (being at home, being alone, and participating in productive activities). RESULTS: The median EMA response rate was 84%. The contemporaneous model showed that PSI was associated with being home, alone, and all symptoms except pain. The temporal model revealed a pathway indicating that feelings of worthlessness predicted PSI (regression coefficient=0.06, P=.019), followed by stress (regression coefficient=0.06, P=.024), and then by being not at home (regression coefficient=-0.04, P=.013). CONCLUSION: Implementing dynamic network analyses on EMA data can uncover dynamic connections among PSI, secondary conditions, and daily activity patterns after stroke. This study found a significant temporal association between PSI and negative emotions. Feeling isolated was followed by feeling stressed, which was followed by a tendency to be out of home, indicating adaptive behaviors in individuals with stroke. These findings highlight the importance of engaging in out-of-home or outdoor activities to mitigate PSI and negative emotions.

Acute, long-term or non-vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy among non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivors: Symptoms, daily activities, functional status, and quality of life.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the incidence and severity of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) survivors (primary aim) and its impact on daily life by comparing common cancer symptoms, functional status, and quality of life (QoL) among survivors with acute, long-term, and non-VIPN (secondary aim). METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined 144 NHL survivors. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess common cancer symptoms, functional status, and QoL with the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer - Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30). VIPN (Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy) status was classified using EORTC-QLQ-CIPN20. A self-designed interference scale was developed to determine the impact of the VIPN on daily activities. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman rank correlation were used in this study. RESULTS: Among the survivors of acute and long-term VIPN, the highest incidences and most severe symptoms were found for hand numbness and foot cramps. A significant moderate correlation was found between disturbances in daily activities and acute or long-term VIPN, including gait changes, going up or down the stairs, and imbalance-related falls. Acute and long-term VIPN survivors showed worse symptoms (fatigue, insomnia, and constipation) and lower QoL than non-VIPN survivors did. In acute VIPN, social function was significantly affected, whereas in long-term VIPN, emotional and cognitive functions were affected. CONCLUSION: Numbness and cramps should be addressed in survivors of acute and long-term VIPN. Preventing falls is recommended for NHL survivors with VIPN, and psychological support is suggested for long-term VIPN survivors.

Ocular injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents: long term effects on quality of life.

PURPOSE: To describe the prevalence and outcome of motor vehicle accidents-associated ocular injuries. METHODS: A survey of patients who presented to the emergency room at a level 1 trauma center with motor vehicle accidents-associated ocular injuries. A patient questionnaire and review of clinical notes were conducted for all patients. RESULTS: Of 274 motor vehicle accident victims with ocular injuries who presented to the emergency room, 40 (15%) responded to the survey. Over half of them were driving a vehicle, and most reported wearing a seat belt or a helmet. Most ocular injuries were mild. The most common injuries were bone fractures, subconjunctival hemorrhage, eyelid involvement and corneal injury. Most respondents had no change in vision and perceived their ocular involvement as a minor part of their injury. Most respondents returned to work and to driving within a year. CONCLUSION: Our study sheds light on the details and extent of ocular involvement and the visual ability to perform daily activities following motor vehicle accidents.

Five Functional Classes Identified Among Patients Hospitalized for Pneumonia Characterized by Activity Limitations With Mobility and Self-Care Tasks.

Objective: Latent class analysis was used to identify functional classes among patients hospitalized for pneumonia. Then, we determined predictors of class membership and examined variation in distal outcomes among the functional classes. Design: An observational, cross-sectional study design was used with retrospectively collected data between 2014 and 2018. Setting: The study setting was a single health system including 5 acute care hospitals. Participants: A total of 969 individuals hospitalized with the primary diagnosis of pneumonia and receipt of an occupational and/or physical therapy evaluation were included in the study. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcomes: The following 5 distal outcomes were examined: (1) occupational therapy treatment use, (2) physical therapy treatment use, (3) discharge to home with no services, (4) discharge to home with home health, and (5) institutional discharge. Results: Five functional classes were identified and labeled as follows: Globally impaired, Independent with low-level self-care, Independent low-level mobility, Independent self-care, and Independent. Probability of occupational therapy treatment use (χ2[4]=50.26, P<.001) and physical therapy treatment use (χ2[4]=50.86, P<.001) varied significantly across classes. The Independent with low-level self-care class had the greatest probability of occupational therapy treatment use and physical therapy treatment use. Probability of discharging to home without services (yes/no; χ2[4]=88.861, P<.001), home with home health (yes/no; χ2[4]=15.895, P=.003), and an institution (yes/no; χ2[4]=102.013, P<.001) varied significantly across the 5 classes. The Independent class had the greatest probability of discharging to home without services. Conclusions: Five functional classes were identified among individuals hospitalized for pneumonia. Functional classes could be used by the multidisciplinary team in the hospital as a framework to organize the heterogeneity of functional deficits after pneumonia, improve efficiency of care processes, and help deliver targeted rehabilitation treatment.

A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Psychological Impact of Traditional Cold Steel Adenoidectomy and Endoscopic-Assisted Cold Steel Adenoidectomy.

Traditional Cold Steel Adenoidectomy (TCSA) and Endoscopic-Assisted Cold Steel Adenoidectomy (EACSA) frequently employ surgical adenoid removal methods. While these techniques effectively treat adenoid- related conditions, their influence on patients' psychological well-being still needs to be more adequately explored. With the increasing focus on the significance of mental well-being in surgical results, this study sought to explore and differentiate the psychological impacts of TCSA and EACSA. The primary objective was to examine and compare anxiety levels between TCSA and EACSA groups. Secondary objectives included evaluating surgical apprehension, post- surgery psychological well-being, procedural satisfaction, postoperative pain, duration until return to daily activities, and occurrence of postoperative complications. In a prospective, randomized controlled trial, 100 patients undergoing adenoidectomy were randomly allocated to the TCSA or EACSA group. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was employed to evaluate anxiety levels at one week, one month, and three months following the surgery. Additional outcomes included surgical apprehension, post-surgery psychological well-being, procedural satisfaction, postoperative pain, time until return to daily activities, and postoperative complications. The EACSA group exhibited significantly lower HADS scores, surgical apprehension scores, and postoperative pain, alongside higher post-surgery psychological well-being scores and procedural satisfaction compared to the TCSA group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the EACSA group had a significantly shorter duration until the return to daily activities (p < 0.05). There were no significant variations found between the groups in terms of either the amount of bleeding during the procedure or the length of the operation. However, the EACSA group demonstrated a lower occurrence of postoperative complications, such as bleeding and infection. The results indicate that EACSA may provide benefits over TCSA in terms of reduced anxiety levels, surgical apprehension, postoperative pain, time until return to daily activities, and enhanced post-surgery psychological well-being and patient satisfaction. These findings could support clinicians in making informed decisions and offering patient counselling when choosing the most appropriate surgical technique based on patients' psychological health. Nevertheless, additional research is required to assess the enduring psychological consequences of these methods.

Changes in self-perceived performance and satisfaction with performance of daily activities following interdisciplinary rehabilitation in people with late effects of polio.

BACKGROUND: People with late effects of polio (LEoP) may need rehabilitation to manage everyday life but knowledge of the benefits of interdisciplinary rehabilitation is limited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in performance and satisfaction with performance of activities among people with LEoP following interdisciplinary rehabilitation. METHODS: A pre-post retrospective study based on data on 102 participants with LEoP from a rehabilitation clinic. Changes in performance and satisfaction with performance of daily activities before and after interdisciplinary rehabilitation were assessed with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). RESULTS: There were statistically significant increases in the mean performance and mean satisfaction with performance COPM scores from admission to discharge. Twenty-three percent and 19% of the participants, respectively, had improved their performance and satisfaction with performance, 25% and 26% of the participants had no changes, and 19% and 22% of the participants, respectively, rated their performance and satisfaction lower at discharge compared to admission. CONCLUSION: Interdisciplinary rehabilitation can enhance self-rated performance and satisfaction with performance of daily activities among people with LEoP. Future studies of rehabilitation for people with LEoP should use a prospective design and capture the participants' process of change related to their rehabilitation period.

Monitoring changes in locomotion-related daily life activities in post-stroke patients: the responsiveness of ABILOCO-Benin questionnaire.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal study involving 81 stroke patients (mean (SD) age: 54.6 (10.8) years; 58% male, mean (SD) time after stroke onset: 4.3 (2.5) weeks). Participants were assessed at baseline (T1), two-month later (T2), and on average of 1.5 (0.5) years after stroke (T3), with the ABILOCO-Benin questionnaire, functional ambulation classification (FAC), six-minute walking test, ACTIVLIM-Stroke questionnaire, modified Rankin Scale, and Stroke Impairment Assessment Scale. Global-, sub-group- (stable and improved based on FAC scores), and individual-based analysis of changes were performed. RESULTS: Participants showed significantly larger improvement for all outcomes during the acute phase (T1-T2). Changes in the ABILOCO-Benin measures were significantly correlated with changes in other outcome measures. ABILOCO-Benin questionnaire detected a significant improvement in both the stable and improved groups at both T2 and T3 in the sub-group approach. Individual-based analysis with ABILOCO-Benin measures showed a significantly higher proportion of stable patients (n = 55) and lower proportion of improved ones (n = 23) between T2 and T3 (LR(df) = 15.52(4), p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: ABILOCO-Benin is responsive to changes in adult stroke patients within both acute and chronic phases. Implications for rehabilitationABILOCO-Benin questionnaire is highly responsive to changes in locomotion abilities of stroke patients within both acute (<6 months) and chronic (≥6 months) phases.It can be used in clinical and research practice to track changes in stroke patients after interventions in African settings and beyond.

Rehabilitación diaria de personas con secuela neurológica post-covid-19: scoping review / Rehabilitation in the day-to-day of people with post-covid-19 neurological sequelae: scoping review

Objetivo: Mapear las evidencias científicas disponibles sobre rehabilitación en el cotidiano de personas con secuela neurológica post covid-19. Metodología: Se trata de una scoping review según las directrices del Joanna Briggs Institute. Los estudios incluidos se basaron en la estrategia mnemónica participants/ problem (personas adultas con secuela neurológica), concept (rehabilitación en lo cotidiano) y context (pandemia covid-19), con espacio temporal de 2020 a 2022, disponibles en las siete bases de datos seleccionadas, en los idiomas portugués, inglés y español, recogidos y analizados según PRISMA-ScR. Resultados: Fueron recuperados 1.027 estudios, siendo que la muestra fue compuesta por 11 artículos que presentaron programas de rehabilitación para las secuelas: fatiga, anosmia, trastornos cognitivos y neuropsicológicos. Entre los principales programas de rehabilitación encontrados, destacan: caminata de progresión, ejercicios respiratorios; entrenamiento olfativo usando aceites esenciales y abordajes cognitivos. A partir de los hallazgos, el proceso de rehabilitación ha demostrado ser eficaz para el manejo de las secuelas neurológicas post-covid-19, debiendo ser iniciado precozmente. Conclusiones: Se recomienda que los programas de rehabilitación cuenten con la participación de un equipo multiprofesional, ya que la enfermedad presenta síntomas persistentes multisistémicos, que implican un enfoque holístico y abarcan aspectos de comportamiento relacionados con el autocuidado, rehabilitación física, apoyo emocional y educación en salud, promoviendo la recuperación y mejora de la calidad de vida de los individuos afectados por la enfermedad (AU)

Objetivo: Mapear as evidências científicas disponíveis sobre reabilitação no quotidiano de pessoas com sequela neurológica pós-COVID-19. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma scoping review segundo as diretrizes do Joanna Briggs Institute. Os estudos incluídos basearam-se na estratégia mnemônica participants/ problem (pessoas adultas com sequela neurológica), concept (reabilitação no quotidiano) e context (pandemia covid-19), com espaço temporal de 2020 a 2022, disponíveis nas sete bases de dados selecionadas, nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol, coletados e analisados segundo o PRISMA-ScR. Resultados: Foram recuperados 1.027 estudos, sendo que a amostra foi composta por 11 artigos que apresentaram programas de reabilitação para as sequelas: fadiga, anosmia, distúrbios cognitivos e neuropsicológicos. Dentre os principais programas de reabilitação encontrados, destacam-se: caminhada de progressão, exercícios respiratórios; treinamento olfativo usando óleos essenciais e abordagens cognitivas. A partir dos achados, o processo de reabilitação tem se mostrado eficaz para o manejo das sequelas neurológicas pós-covid-19, devendo ser iniciado precocemente. Conclusões: Recomenda-se que os programas de reabilitação envolvam uma equipe multiprofissional, já que a doença apresenta sintomas persistentes multissistêmicos, envolvendo uma abordagem holística, que englobe aspectos comportamentais relacionados ao autocuidado, reabilitação física, suporte emocional e educação em saúde, promovendo a recuperação e melhora da qualidade de vida dos indivíduos afetados pela doença (AU)

Objective: To map available scientific evidence on rehabilitation in the daily lives of people with post-covid-19 neurological sequelae. Methodology: This is a scoping review according to the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The included studies were based on the mnemonic strategy participants/ problem (adult people with neurological sequelae), concept (rehabilitation in everyday life) and context (covid-19 pandemic), with timeframe from 2020 to 2022, available in the seven selected databases, in Portuguese, English and Spanish, collected and analyzed according to PRISMA-ScR. Results: A total of 1,027 studies were recovered, and the sample consisted of 11 articles that presented rehabilitation programs for sequelae: fatigue, anosmia, cognitive and neuropsychological disorders. Among the main rehabilitation programs found, the following stand out: progression walking, breathing exercises; olfactory training using essential oils and cognitive approaches. From the findings, the rehabilitation process has been shown to be effective for the management of post-covid-19 neurological sequelae, and should be started early. Conclusions: Rehabilitation programs should involve a multidisciplinary team, since the disease presents persistent multisystemic symptoms, involving a holistic approach, which encompasses behavioral aspects related to self-care, physical rehabilitation, emotional support and health education, promoting recovery and improving the quality of life of individuals affected by the diseas (AU)

Self-perceived problems in daily activities and strategy building in people with different stages of dementia.

BACKGROUND: People with dementia experience severe problems in their daily lives. However, little is known about self-perceived problems in the course of dementia. The aim of our study was to assess self-perceived problems with daily activities as well as individually developed strategies of older people of different cognitive status. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 participants (mean age 67.6 years, 56% female, 24% healthy, 28% mild dementia, 48% severe dementia). Questions addressed problems in daily activities, their occurrence and the behaviour toward them, and their developed strategies. Information was summarized quantitatively and evaluated using the chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: Self-perceived problems included awareness of physical and cognitive deficits in managing daily life, disturbing factors, and lost autonomy. Increased cognitive impairment was associated with more problems in daily life, even though people with severe dementia seemed not to recognize them. The most frequently reported strategies included orderliness, doing things immediately, and the use of external aids. While healthy people and those with mild dementia developed strategies, those with severe dementia reported only few strategies. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that self-perceived problems in daily life and strategy development are strongest in mild dementia, while people with more severe dementia tend to perceive no problems at all while correctly reflecting their current state of dependency. Importantly, despite memory loss during early stages of dementia, strategies are still being developed. Accordingly, strategies for daily living should be taught in early dementia to sustain an independent lifestyle.

The psychosocial impact of haemophilia from patients' and caregivers' point of view: The results of an Italian survey.

BACKGROUD: A huge amount of data about psychosocial issues of people with haemophilia (PwH) are available; however, these materials are fragmentary and largely outdated, failing to reflect the impact of current treatment strategies. AIM: Describing the influence of illness on psychosocial aspects of adult PwH (≥18 years) and caregivers of children with haemophilia (CPwH) without inhibitors, in Italy. METHODS: Surveys (for adult PwH, CPwH and haemophilia specialists) were developed by a multidisciplinary working group and conducted from November 2019 to June 2020. RESULTS: A total of 120 PwH without inhibitors and 79 CPwH completed the survey. Adult patients reported a significant impairment in many psychosocial aspects, including working activities, relations with family members and social relations. Caregivers generally reported better scores in all aspects of the survey. Mobility, Pain and Mental health domains of EQ-5D were the most frequently impaired in both patients and caregivers, reducing the perceived quality of life. Genetic counselling was an important issue, 53% of CPwH declaring unawareness of their carrier status, as well as the psychological support offered by the reference center, 67.0% of respondents reporting that no psychological support was provided at the time of diagnosis communication. CONCLUSION: This study provides information about PwH's and CPwH's point of view in the current scenario of continuous innovations in haemophilia treatment and management furthermore, updated insights on psychosocial problems faced by patients and caregivers are reported.

The effect of the nutritional status and dietary inflammatory index on frailty and activities of daily living in geriatric outpatients.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that the inflammatory process plays a role in the pathophysiology of frailty in elderly individuals and that diet is effective in regulating chronic inflammation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effects of nutritional status and dietary inflammatory index on frailty and activities of daily living in the elderly. METHOD: A cross-sectional study in a hospital in Turkey has been carried out with 187 over the age of 65 who presented to the geriatric outpatient clinic participants. Anthropometric measurements of the patients were recorded, and the dietary inflammatory index (DII) was calculated using the 24-h dietary recall method. Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used to determine the malnutrition risk, the FRAIL scale was used for frailty assessment, and Katz and Lawton & Brody scales were used for daily living activities. RESULTS: The mean age of the elderly is 70.83 ± 4.98 years. The frailty rate was determined to be 28.3%. The DII score was determined as 4.41 ± 5.16 in frail patients and 1.62 ± 4.39 in non-frail patients (p < 0.05). While DII showed a negative correlation with the Lawton & Brody scale score (r = - 0.353), MNA was positively correlated to the Katz score (r = 0.386, p = 0.000) and the Lawton & Brody score (r = 0.475). In addition, one-unit increase in the MNA score was associated with a 29% decrease in the risk of frailty. CONCLUSIONS: The dietary inflammatory index was found to be high in frail and malnourished individuals. It was determined that the quality of life of individuals with malnutrition decreased.

Relación entre el índice CPOD y la limitación para socializar en escolares de Ecuador / Relationship between the DMFT index and the limitation to socialize in schoolchildren from Ecuador

Introducción: La Organización Mundial de la Salud define a la caries dental como un problema de salud mundial que afecta entre el 60 al 90% de la población. Se considera una enfermedad transmisible de origen multifactorial, que evoluciona de manera progresiva hasta ocasionar la destrucción de los tejidos duros. Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre dientes cariados, perdidos y obturados, y la limitación para socializar en escolares de Ecuador. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de tipo correlacional sobre una población de 154 escolares de 12 años de la parroquia el Batán, de Cuenca-Ecuador (2016); para el análisis estadístico los datos fueron ingresados al programa SPSS, donde se efectuó estadística descriptiva para cada una de las variables y la limitación para socializar. Resultados: Se logró constatar que la población objeto presentó un índice de CPOD muy bajo (32,5 %), de igual forma se evidenció que el 62,7% no presentó limitación a la hora de socializar. En cuanto a la correlación entre ambas variables, se mostró una asociación positiva con un nivel de significancia de p=0,002. Una de las principales limitaciones del estudio fue el escaso contacto con los participantes. Se recomienda, efectuar investigaciones epidemiológicas longitudinales con la finalidad de observar la variación del coeficiente de correlación de las variables en fases de pretratamiento y de postratamiento. Conclusión: Al finalizar el estudio, se demostró que existe correlación estadística entre el índice CPOD y la limitación en el desempeño socializar en los escolares de 12 años de la parroquia el Batán.

Introduction: the World Health Organization defines dental caries as a global health problem that affects between 60 and 90% of the population. It is considered a communicable disease of multifactorial origin, which evolves progressively until it causes the destruction of hard tissues. Objective: to determine the relationship between decayed, missing and filled teeth and the limitation to socialize in schoolchildren from Ecuador. Methods: a descriptive correlational study was carried out on a population of 154 schoolchildren aged 12 years from the El Batán parish, Cuenca-Ecuador (2016); data was entered into the SPSS program for the statistical analysis, where descriptive statistics were performed for each of the variables and for the limitation to socialize. Results: it was possible to verify that the target population had a very low DMFT index (32.5%); in the same way it was evidenced that 62.7% did not have limitations when socializing. A positive association, with a significance level of p=0.002, was shown regarding the correlation between both variables. One of the main limitations of the study was the limited contact with the participants. We recommend to carry out longitudinal epidemiological investigations in order to observe the variation of the correlation coefficient of the variables in the pre-treatment and post-treatment phases. Conclusion: we showed, at the end of the study, that there is a statistical correlation between the DMFT index and the limitation in socializing performance in 12-year-old schoolchildren from the El Batán parish.

Employing Deep-Learning Approach for the Early Detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment Transitions through the Analysis of Digital Biomarkers.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the precursor to the advanced stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and it is important to detect the transition to the MCI condition as early as possible. Trends in daily routines/activities provide a measurement of cognitive/functional status, particularly in older adults. In this study, activity data from longitudinal monitoring through in-home ambient sensors are leveraged in predicting the transition to the MCI stage at a future time point. The activity dataset from the Oregon Center for Aging and Technology (ORCATECH) includes measures representing various domains such as walk, sleep, etc. Each sensor-captured activity measure is constructed as a time series, and a variety of summary statistics is computed. The similarity between one individual's activity time series and that of the remaining individuals is also computed as distance measures. The long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network is trained with time series statistics and distance measures for the prediction modeling, and performance is evaluated by classification accuracy. The model outcomes are explained using the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) framework. LSTM model trained using the time series statistics and distance measures outperforms other modeling scenarios, including baseline classifiers, with an overall prediction accuracy of 83.84%. SHAP values reveal that sleep-related features contribute the most to the prediction of the cognitive stage at the future time point, and this aligns with the findings in the literature. Findings from this study not only demonstrate that a practical, less expensive, longitudinal monitoring of older adults' activity routines can benefit immensely in modeling AD progression but also unveil the most contributing features that are medically applicable and meaningful.

Association of difficulties in daily physical activities and handgrip strength with cancer diagnoses in 65,980 European older adults.

BACKGROUND: People with cancer usually report physical deconditioning, which can limit daily activities. AIMS: Our aim was to analyze associations between daily physical activities and handgrip strength with cancer diagnoses among European older adults. METHODS: We used data from SHARE (a representative survey of individuals aged 50 years or older) wave 7, residing in 27 European countries and Israel. Participants self-reported difficulties in daily physical activities and cancer diagnoses, and handgrip strength was objectively assessed using a handheld dynamometer. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall, 65,980 participants (average age 67.6 years (SD = 9.4)) were analyzed. Having difficulties in any daily physical activity was significantly associated with higher odds of cancer diagnoses. Lower handgrip strength was significantly associated with cancer diagnoses among participants included in the first (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.27 [95%CI = 1.11-1.45]) and the second third (AOR = 1.15 [95%CI = 1.03-1.28]) when compared with participants from the last third in the final adjusted model. DISCUSSION: Having difficulties in daily physical activities as well as lower levels of handgrip strength is positively associated with cancer diagnoses. CONCLUSION: Adults with difficulties lifting or carrying weights over 5 kilos or having difficulties in two or more activities showed critical associations with cancer diagnosis.

Minimal-Resource Home Exercise Program Improves Activities of Daily Living, Perceived Health Status, and Shortness of Breath in Individuals with COPD Stages GOLD II to IV.

Home exercises (HE) with minimal resources seem to be useful in individuals with COPD. The objective was to evaluate the effects of HE, on activities of daily living (ADL), dyspnea, on the health status(CAT) and quality of life (HRQoL) of individuals with COPD GOLD II to IV. Quasi-experimental study of the effects of HE, for 2 months, 3 times a week. Individuals with COPD(n = 45) were recruited, 37 started the protocol(9 did not complete it). 28 individuals (mean age 62.04 ± 5.8 years, FEV1: 44.7 ± 2.25%, FEV1/FVC 59.8 ± 6.9%) were evaluated before and after training. We observed improvements in the ADL-Glittre (4.9 ± 1.4 vs 3.9 ± 1.1 min; mean difference: -0.9 ± 0.2 min [95%CI: -1.3 to -0.2]; p = 0.008), as well as the mMRC score(2.8 ± 1.1 vs 2.07 ± 0.81; mean difference: 0.7 ± 0.3 [95%CI: -1.20.18 to -0.2]; p = 0.009), and in the CAT (25.6 ± 4.8 vs 18.9 ± 3.1; mean difference: -6.6 ± 3.4 [95%CI: -10.6 to -1.6]; p = 0.042). Analyzing the mean change before and after the intervention, a weak correlation was observed between ADL-Glittre and mMRC (r = 0.35; [95% CI 0.09; 0.56]; p = 0.009); moderate between ADL-Glittre and CAT (r = 0.52; [95% CI 0.30; 0.69]; p < 0.001) and between ADL-Glittre and SGRQ (r = 0.50; [95% CI 0 .27; 0.67]; p < 0.001). Individuals with COPD can benefit from HE performed autonomously and with minimal resources, as this proposal improves functional capacity for ADL, health perception and dyspnea.

Differences in Life Space Activity Patterns Between Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment Living Alone or as a Couple: Cohort Study Using Passive Activity Sensing.

BACKGROUND: Measuring function with passive in-home sensors has the advantages of real-world, objective, continuous, and unobtrusive measurement. However, previous studies have focused on 1-person homes only, which limits their generalizability. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the life space activity patterns of participants living alone with those of participants living as a couple and to compare people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with cognitively normal participants in both 1- and 2-person homes. METHODS: Passive infrared motion sensors and door contact sensors were installed in 1- and 2-person homes with cognitively normal residents or residents with MCI. A home was classified as an MCI home if at least 1 person in the home had MCI. Time out of home (TOOH), independent life space activity (ILSA), and use of the living room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom were calculated. Data were analyzed using the following methods: (1) daily averages over 4 weeks, (2) hourly averages (time of day) over 4 weeks, or (3) longitudinal day-to-day changes. RESULTS: In total, 129 homes with people living alone (n=27, 20.9%, MCI and n=102, 79.1%, no-MCI homes) and 52 homes with people living as a couple (n=24, 46.2%, MCI and n=28, 53.8%, no-MCI homes) were included with a mean follow-up of 719 (SD 308) days. Using all 3 analysis methods, we found that 2-person homes showed a shorter TOOH, a longer ILSA, and shorter living room and kitchen use. In MCI homes, ILSA was higher in 2-person homes but lower in 1-person homes. The effects of MCI status on other outcomes were only found when using the hourly averages or longitudinal day-to-day changes over time, and they depended on the household type (alone vs residing as a couple). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that in-home behavior is different when a participant is living alone compared to when they are living as a couple, meaning that the household type should be considered when studying in-home behavior. The effects of MCI status can be detected with in-home sensors, even in 2-person homes, but data should be analyzed on an hour-to-hour basis or longitudinally.

Dependência funcional dentro e fora de casa em pessoas idosas com 75 anos ou mais: diferenças entre os sexos / Functional disability inside and outside of home of older adults aged 75 years and older: differences between males and females / Dependencia funcional dentro y fuera del hogar en ancianos de 75 años o más: diferencias entre sexos

O sexo é um importante fator a ser considerado na compreensão da dependência de cuidados na velhice. Objetivo:Verificar fatores associados à dependência, dentro e fora de casa, em pessoas idosas com 75 anos ou mais, com ênfase na diferença entre os sexos. Metodologia:Pesquisa transversal com dados do estudo FIBRA. A capacidade funcional nas Atividades Instrumentais de Vida Diária (AIVD) foi dividida em atividades realizadas dentro de casa (uso do telefone, manejo da medicação, tarefas domésticas e preparo da refeição) e atividades realizadas fora de casa (fazer compras, utilizar transporte e manejo do dinheiro). As variáveis independentes incluíram aspectos sociodemográficas e de saúde. Foram estimadas razões de prevalência por meio de modelos de regressão múltipla de Poisson a fim de verificar as variáveis associadas com dependência dentro e fora de casa. Resultados:A amostra foi composta por 804 idosos. Dentro de casa, não houve fatores associados à dependência para o sexo masculino. Enquanto para o sexo feminino, os fatores associados foram fragilidade (RP = 1,99; 95%IC: 1,26-3,15) e 80 anos e mais (RP = 1,41; 95%IC: 1,05-1,89). Quanto à dependência fora de casa, a fragilidade destacou-se como um fator associado a ambos os sexos, masculino (RP = 2,80 95%IC: 1,17-6,64) e feminino (RP = 1,98 95%IC: 1,24-3,17). Conclusões:Para o sexo feminino, a idade avançada e a fragilidade foram os fatores de maior associação com dependência, tanto para o ambiente dentro quanto fora de casa. Para o sexo masculino, a fragilidade foi o único e grande determinante de dependência nas atividades fora de casa, apresentando prevalência maior do que a encontrada na amostra do sexo feminino (AU).

Sexis an important factor to be considered tocomprehendoldage care dependencyObjective:Verify associated factors to dependency, in and out of home, in persons with 75 years or more, with emphasis on sexdifferences. Methodology:Cross-sectional research with data from the FIBRA Study. The functional dependence in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) was divided in activities performed inside home (using telephone, managing medicine, housework and meal preparation) and activities performed outside home (shopping, transportation and managing finances).The independent variable included health and sociodemographic aspects. Estimates on prevalence ratios were made using multiple Poisson regression models to verify the many variables associated with dependency inside and outside home. Results:The sample was composed of 804 older people. Inside home there were not any factors associated with dependency in the males. However, in the females the associated factors were frailty (PR = 1.99; 95%CI: 1.26-3.15) and 80 and older (PR = 1.41; 95%CI: 1.05-1.89). As to dependency outside home, frailty was a factor that stood out in both sexes, male (PR = 2.80 95%CI: 1.17-6.64) and female (PR = 1.98 95%CI: 1.24-3.17). Conclusions:To women, older age and frailty were the strongest factors of dependency, to both inside and outside home. To men, frailty was the strongest and single dependency factor for dependency in outside activities, showing a higher prevalence than that of the female sex (AU).

El sexo es un factor importante queconsiderar en la comprensión de la dependencia del cuidado en la vejez. Objetivo:Verificar los factores vinculados a la dependencia, dentro y fuera del hogar, en ancianos de 75 años o más, con énfasis en la diferencia entre los sexos. Metodología:Investigación transversal con datos del estudio FIBRA. La capacidad funcional en las Actividades Instrumentales de la Vida Diaria (AIVD) se dividió en actividades realizadas dentro del hogar (uso del teléfono, administración de medicamentos, tareas domésticas y preparación de comidas) y actividades realizadas fuera del hogar (hacer compras, uso del transporte y manejo del dinero). Las variables independientes incluyeron aspectos sociodemográficos y de salud. Las razones de prevalencia se estimaron utilizando modelos de regresión múltiple de Poisson con el fin de verificarlas variables vinculadas con la dependencia dentro y fuera del hogar. Resultados:El muestreofue constituidopor 804 ancianos. Dentro del hogar, no hubo factores asociados con la dependencia de los hombres. Mientras que, para las mujeres, los factores asociados fueron fragilidad (RP = 1,99; IC95%: 1,26-3,15) y 80 años y más (RP = 1,41; IC95%: 1,05-1,89). En cuanto a la dependencia fuera del hogar, la fragilidad se destacó como un factor asociado a ambos sexos, masculino (RP = 2,80 IC95%: 1,17-6,64) y femenino (RP = 1,98 IC95%: 1,24-3,17). Conclusiones: Para el sexo femenino, la edad avanzada y la fragilidad fueron los factores más vinculados a la dependencia, tanto para el ambiente dentro como fuera del hogar. Para los varones, la fragilidad fue el único determinante importante de dependencia en actividades fuera del hogar, con una prevalencia mayor que la encontrada en elmuestreofemenino (AU).

Shear stress in the medial meniscus posterior root during daily activities.

BACKGROUND: Medial meniscus posterior root (MMPR) tears have been reported to occur in middle-aged patients with minor trauma. However, the injury mechanism of MMPR tears remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear stress in the MMPR during daily activities using a finite-element analysis. METHODS: Subject-specific finite-element models of the knee joint of a healthy middle-aged subject were developed from computed tomographic and magnetic resonance images. A three-dimensional motion capture system "VICON" was used to capture four daily activities: walking, jogging, descending stairs, and landing. The knee joint reaction force was estimated using the AnyBody modeling system. Based on these procedures, the shear stress in the MMPR was calculated during each motion. The shear stress in the lateral meniscus posterior root (LMPR) was also measured to compare the stress between the MMPR and LMPR. RESULTS: The shear stress in the MMPR increased as the knee flexion angle increased during each motion. Descending stairs caused more than two-fold greater stress in the MMPR than walking and a similar or greater amount of stress than jogging. The LMPR tended to receive more shear stress than the MMPR throughout each motion. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that descending stairs confers almost the same amount of shear stress to the MMPR as jogging. The results of the present study may suggest that descending motion of the knee is an important cause of MMPR tear, and the initiation of descending stairs should be delayed after MMPR repair.