Frailty assessment by two screening instruments in non-elderly patients with head and neck cancer.

PURPOSE: Frailty assessment is often overlooked in non-elderly patients with cancer, possibly due to the lack of an effective frailty screening tool. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of two modern frailty screening tools, the Flemish version of the Triage Risk Screening Tool (fTRST) and the modified 5-Item Frailty Index (mFI-5), compared to the gold standard comprehensive geriatric assessment (GA) among non-elderly patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). METHODS: We prospectively included 354 consecutive patients aged < 65 years with newly diagnosed HNC scheduled for definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) at three academic hospitals in Taiwan between January 2020 and December 2022. Frailty assessment using the GA, fTRST, and mFI-5 was performed in all patients to evaluate the relationship between frailty and treatment outcomes. RESULTS: The prevalence of frailty was 27.1%, 37.0%, and 42.4% based on GA, mFI-5, and fTRST, respectively. mFI-5 and fTRST demonstrated good predictive value in identifying frail patients compared to the GA. Patients with frailty, as defined by GA, mFI-5, and fTRST, exhibited higher risks of treatment-related complications, incomplete treatment, and poorer baseline quality of life (QoL). However, only GA showed significant prognostic value for overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty assessment using fTRST and mFI-5 is valuable for predicting treatment-related adverse events, treatment tolerance, and QoL in non-elderly patients with HNC. Incorporating frailty assessment into the management of non-elderly cancer patients can aid in the identification of high-risk individuals. However, the performance of these tools varies, highlighting the need for further validation and refinement.

Programa del Adulto Mayor y su impacto integral en el municipio Trinidad, periodo 2020-2022 / Elderly Adult Program and its integral impact in Trinidad municipality, period 2020-2022

Fundamento: Con el aumento de la esperanza de vida en Cuba se hace necesario insertar al adulto mayor en la actividad física comunitaria, que es uno de los procesos de funcionamiento del Instituto Nacional de Deportes, Educación Física y Recreación, mediante el Programa del Adulto Mayor para mejorar la calidad de vida de este grupo etario. Objetivo: Determinar los rasgos distintivos que caracterizan el impacto integral del Programa del Adulto Mayor en la calidad de vida de los practicantes del municipio Trinidad en la provincia Sancti Spíritus. Metodología: Se realizó estudio exploratorio que incluyó a 10 directivos y 65 profesores que atienden directamente el Programa del Adulto Mayor en el municipio Trinidad y 64 adultos mayores practicantes sistemáticos; a profesores y directivos se les realizaron entrevistas. Se utilizaron los métodos inductivo-deductivo, análisis de documento, medición y la entrevista. Los métodos estadísticos matemáticos se aplicaron para el procesamiento de los datos, específicamente dentro de la estadística descriptiva se utilizaron tablas de distribución empírica de frecuencias. Resultados: El Programa e Indicaciones metodológicas no ofrecen información relacionada con el impacto integral del mismo, el 100 % de los directivos considera necesario que se investigue en relación con el impacto integral de este Programa, la totalidad de los profesores entrevistados expresaron que solo se evalúa la condición física del adulto mayor. El 80 % de los adultos mayores se sienten satisfechos con su estado de salud y el 98 % consideraron que el Programa mejora su calidad de vida. Conclusiones: Se ofrecen los rasgos distintivos que caracterizan el impacto integral del Programa del Adulto Mayor; las deficiencias detectadas orientan la necesidad de evaluar de forma integral el impacto del mismo en la calidad de vida de los practicantes sistemáticos.

Background: Due to the increase in life expectation in Cuba, it becomes necessary to insert the elderly adults in community physical activity, which is one of National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation functioning processes, by means of the Elderly Adult Program to improve quality of life in this age group. Objective: To determine the distinguishing features that characterize the integral impact of the Elderly Adult Program on the quality of life of the participants of the Municipality of Trinidad in the Province of Sancti Spiritus. Methodology: An exploratory study was conducted that included 10 managers and 65 teachers who directly attend the Elderly Adult Program in the municipality of Trinidad and 64 systematically practicing elderly adults; interviews were conducted with teachers and managers. Inductive-deductive methods, document analysis, measurement and interview were used. Mathematical-statistical methods were applied to process the data, specifically, within the descriptive statistics, empirical frequency distribution tables were used. Results: The Program and Methodological Indications do not offer information relating to the integral program impact, 100% of the managers consider necessary to investigate the integral impact of the program, most of the teachers interviewed said that only the physical condition of elderly adults is evaluated. The 80% of them are satisfied with their health and 98% believe the program improves their quality of life. Conclusions: The features that characterize the integral impact of the Senior Program are offered; the deficiencies detected suggest the need for a comprehensive evaluation of its impact on the life quality of systematic practitioners.

Prevalência de ingestão hídrica e fatores associados entre idosos não institucionalizados do Sul do Brasil / Prevalence of water intake among non-institutionalized elderly individuals in Southern Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a prevalência de idosos com uma ingestão adequada de água e seus fatores associados. Estudo transversal de base populacional realizado em 2014 com idosos (≥ 60 anos) participantes do estudo "COMO VAI?". Investigou-se o número de copos de água ingeridos/dia pelos entrevistados, considerando-se adequada a ingestão de pelo menos oito copos/dia. As variáveis independentes foram características sociodemográficas, comportamentais e de saúde. A regressão de Poisson foi utilizada para a investigação das associações. Foram entrevistados 1.451 idosos, sendo observado que uma baixa percentagem, 12,6% (IC95% 10,8; 14,7) referiu consumo adequado de água. Maior percentagem de consumo adequado de água foi observada nos idosos mais jovens, com excesso de peso, que apresentaram cinco ou mais doenças e que eram mais dependentes quanto à capacidade funcional. A tendência decrescente de ingestão de água em relação à idade torna essencial o desenvolvimento de ações voltadas para essa população de maior risco acerca da importância de uma ingestão hídrica adequada e das possíveis consequências do seu consumo inadequado.

Abstract The scope of this study was to determine the percentage of elderly individuals receiving an adequate water intake and associated factors among non-institutionalized elderly individuals in the urban area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. It involved a cross-sectional, population-based study carried out in 2014 with elderly participants (≥ 60 years) of the "COMO VAI?" survey. The amount of water ingested per day of the interviewees was investigated, considering the intake of at least eight glasses per day to be adequate. The independent variables were sociodemographic, behavioral, and health characteristics, and Poisson Regression was used to investigate associations. A total of 1,451 elderly people were interviewed, with only 12.6% (95%CI 10.8; 14.7) drinking a sufficient amount. A higher percentage of the elderly with adequate water consumption was observed in younger elderly individuals, those overweight, those with five or more diseases, and those who were more impaired. A low percentage of the elderly with an adequate water intake was observed among the elderly adults in the study. The decreasing trend of water intake in relation to age highlights the importance of developing actions for the higher risk population to stress adequate water intake and the possible consequences of the lack of adequate consumption.

The Decline of Cortical Beta Oscillation on the Function of Eye-hand Coordination in the Healthy Elderly.

BACKGROUND/AIM: There seems to be a correlation between changes in movement patterns with aging and brain activation. In the preparation and execution of movements, neural oscillations play an important role. In this study, cortical high frequency brain oscillations were analyzed in 15 healthy young adults and 15 elderly adults who participated in eye-hand coordination tasks. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The brain activities of healthy young and older adults were recorded using electroencephalography (EEG). RESULTS: Elderly participants spent significantly more time completing the task than young participants. During eye-hand coordination in elderly groups, beta power decreased significantly in the central midline and parietal brain regions. The data suggest that healthy elderly subjects had intact cognitive performance, but relatively poor eye-hand coordination associated with loss of beta brain oscillation in the central midline and parietal cortex and reduced ability to attentional movement. CONCLUSION: Beta frequency in the parietal brain sites may contribute to attentional movement. This could be an important method for monitoring cognitive brain function changes as the brain ages.

Pancreatoblastoma in Elderly Adults: Report of Two Patients.

Introduction. Pancreatoblastoma is a rare malignant epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas, which often shows multiple lines of differentiation, but is defined by neoplastic cells with acinar differentiation and characteristic squamoid nests. Pediatric patients are most commonly affected, and although a subset is known to occur in adults, the diagnosis is rarely considered in elderly adults. Methods. The clinicopathologic features of two cases of pancreatoblastoma in elderly patients were examined. Results. Two patients (age 80 and 81 years) presented with pancreatoblastoma, including one with early-stage pancreatic disease and one with liver metastasis. Biopsies and one pancreatic resection specimen showed characteristic histomorphologic features, including prominent acinar differentiation and abundant squamoid nests. Both cases had complete loss of SMAD4 (DPC4) immunolabeling. Next generation sequencing was performed on one case and revealed copy number loss of chromosome 11p and 9p21 (CDKN2A/B) and pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in APC, SMAD4, and PIK3CA. The APC and SMAD4 variants occurred at allele frequencies suggestive of germline mutations, raising the possibility that this patient may have an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome. Conclusions. We present two cases which extend the upper age limit for reported pancreatoblastoma, including one with genetic findings suggestive of an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome.

Investigation of COVID-19 vaccination among elderly adults in long-term care facilities and analysis of influencing factors / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To understand the status of COVID-19 vaccination among elderly adults in long-term care facilities and analyze the influencing factors so as to provide scientific basis for improving the policy of COVID-19 vaccination. 【Methods】 The socio-demographic characteristics, disease-related data, disability, and COVID-19 vaccination status of 575 elderly adults who resided in long-term care facilities in Shaanxi Province were collected via Sojumpin in January 2022. Factors that affected non-vaccinated elderly adults were analyzed by using the SPSS 25.0 software. 【Results】 Of the included 575 participants, 199 (34.6%) were not vaccinated against COVID-19. Univariate analysis showed that COVID-19 vaccination was associated with age, room type, length of stay, marital status, number of children, chronic diseases (i.e., diabetes, stroke, dementia), disability degree, and long-term medication use. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age of 90 years or above (OR=4.25), triple room (OR=6.17), moderate disability (OR=2.94), severe disability (OR=6.67), long-term medication use (OR=1.81), and stroke (OR=1.74) were independent risk factors for not injecting COVID-19 vaccine. 【Conclusion】 The COVID-19 vaccination coverage rate of elderly adults in long-term care facilities needs to be improved, and more attention should be paid to the high-risk groups (e.g., who are older, and have disability, long-term medication use, or stroke).

Immunogenicity and safety of AZD1222 (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) against SARS-CoV-2 in Japan: a double-blind, randomized controlled phase 1/2 trial.

BACKGROUND: Immunogenicity and safety of the AZD1222 (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) vaccine was evaluated in Japanese adults in an ongoing phase 1/2, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, multi-centre trial (NCT04568031). METHODS: Adults (n=256, age ≥18 years) seronegative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) were stratified by age into 18-55- (n=128), 56-69- (n=86) and ≥70-year-old cohorts (n=42), and randomized 3:1 to receive AZD1222 or placebo (two intramuscular injections 4 weeks apart). Immunogenicity and safety were coprimary endpoints. Data collected up to Day 57 are reported. RESULTS: Positive seroresponses to SARS-CoV-2 spike and receptor-binding domain antigens were seen in all 174 participants who received two doses of AZD1222. Neutralizing antibody seroresponses were seen in 67.5%, 60.3% and 50.0% of participants receiving AZD1222 aged 18-55, 56-69 and ≥70 years, respectively. Solicited adverse events (AEs) were typically mild/moderate in severity and included pain and tenderness at the injection site, malaise, fatigue, muscle pain and headache. Common unsolicited AEs included pain and tenderness at the injection site, fatigue and elevated body temperature. No vaccine-related serious AEs or deaths were reported. CONCLUSIONS: AZD1222 elicited a strong humoral immune response against SARS-CoV-2, and was well tolerated in Japanese participants, including elderly participants.

Diagnosis and Risk Factors for Delirium in Elderly Patients in the Emergency Rooms and Intensive Care Unit of the National Geriatric Hospital Emergency Department: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

PURPOSE: To diagnose delirium and identify risk factors for its development in elderly patients in the emergency department (ED) and intensive care units (ICU) at the National Geriatric Hospital (Vietnam). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with a convenience sample of non-surgical patients admitted to ED and ICU at Hanoi National Geriatric Hospital in Vietnam. In total, 163 patients met the selection criteria and were included in the study. Screening involved using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU). The diagnosis was established according to the DSM-5 and ICD-10 codes. RESULTS: Delirium was found in a total of 106 (63.1%) patients. The factors significantly affecting its development were vision impairment (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.5 to 7.4, P=0.003), hearing impairment (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.77 to 7.36, P=0.0001), acute or chronic kidney failure (OR, 7.1; 95% CI, 2.05 to 6.39, P<0.001), respiratory disorders (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4 to 5.2, P=0.004), and malnutrition (OR, 9.17; 95% CI, 3.43-24.5, P=0.0001). The list also include the fall risk factors (OR, 12.2; 95% CI, 4.1-36.3, P=0.0001), frailty (OR, 8.35; 95% CI, 3.4-20.6, P=0.0001), activities of daily living (OR, 8.35; 95% CI, 3.4-20.6, P=0.0001), hyponatremia (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.07 to 5.75, P=0.001), hypernatremia (OR, 13.1; 95% CI, 1.67 to 2.5, P=0.001), and treatment interventions. In addition, delirium was linked to the duration of ICU admission (OR, 6.53; 95% CI, 4.5-25.5, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The CAM/CAM-ICU diagnostic algorithm makes it possible to diagnose delirium successfully. The present study confirmed the role of several premorbid and triggering factors in the occurrence of delirium in elderly patients in ED and ICU. There is a need for further research into risk factors for delirium in elderly patients.

Prognostic Factors in Elderly Patients With Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Does Age Matter?

INTRODUCTION: Twenty to 40% of Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS) patients will not be able to walk independently despite effective treatment. Older patients carry additional risks for worse outcomes. METHODS: A single center, ambispective cohort study was performed. Only subjects ≥18 years with a 3-month follow-up were included. Elderly patients were considered as a whole if ≥ 60 years. Demographics, CSF and nerve conduction studies were compared. A binomial logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were carried out to estimate good prognosis (Hugues ≤2) at 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: From 130 patients recruited, 27.6% were elderly adults. They had a more severe disease, higher mEGOS and more cranial nerve involvement. Age ≥70 years, invasive mechanical ventilation and axonal subtype, portrayed an unfavorable 3-month outcome. Further analysis demonstrated an earlier recovery in independent walk at 3 months for patients <70 years. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with GBS have a more severe disease at admission and encounter worse prognosis at 3-month follow-up, especially those above 70 years.

Vertebral Compression Fractures-The First Manifestations in the Elderly Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is reported to be the most common malignancy in children, but is less common in adults. Though vertebral compression fractures have been reported as initial signs of ALL in children, to the best of our knowledge, there have not been any previous reports of vertebral compression fractures as an initial manifestation of ALL in elderly people. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we reported a 65-year-old man who was admitted with a 1-month history of progressive chest and back pain and worsening pain after heavy lifting. Considering the histories of osteoporosis, minor trauma and normal peripheral blood counts, it was firstly misdiagnosed as spinal osteoporotic compression fractures which were caused by low-energy injuries. The patient was definitely diagnosed as ALL after bone marrow biopsy. CONCLUSION: ALL must be considered in the differential diagnosis with acute vertebral compression fracture. Considering that bony lesions may precede clinical findings, knowledge of radiographic and orthopedic appearances of leukemia are important in order to initiate earlier treatment to avoid the progressive damage and improve their survival rates. we recommend bone marrow biopsy in vertebroplasty to avoid misdiagnosis.

Charlson comorbidity index predicts outcomes of elderly after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) remains the curative therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), but advanced age with multiple comorbidities limits the eligibility for allo-HSCT. We conducted a retrospective study to investigate the comorbidities assessments and prognostic factors that predict outcomes for these patients. METHODS: Clinical data of patients older than 50 years who had received diagnoses of AML or MDS and underwent allo-HSCT were obtained. Information on patient characteristics, including age, gender, allogeneic transplant type, conditioning regimens, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and presence of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or chronic GVHD, were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-five elderly patients with a median age at allo-HSCT of 57 years were included. The significant prognostic factors associated with worse overall survival (OS) were CCI ≥3 (hazard ratio: 1.88) and grade III-IV acute GVHD (3.18). Similar findings were noted in the non-relapse mortality analysis. To investigate the effects of chronic GVHD on patient outcomes, OS analysis was performed for those with survival >100 days after transplantation. The results revealed CCI ≥3 (1.88) and grade III-IV acute GVHD (2.73) remained poor prognostic factors for OS, whereas mild chronic GVHD (0.43) was associated with better OS. CONCLUSION: This cohort study suggests that CCI ≥3 predicts poor outcomes, primarily due to a higher NRM risk. Careful management of GVHD after transplantation could improve outcomes in elderly patients with AML or MDS after allo-HSCT.

Sedentary behavior as a potential risk factor for depression among 70-year-olds.

BACKGROUND: Sedentary behavior has previously been associated with the risk of depression. In addition, older adults have been proven to be more sedentary and more depressed than other age groups. However, studies using objective measures of sedentary behavior and taking physical activity into account are lacking. Thus, the purpose of this population-based study was to examine how total sedentary time and length of sedentary bouts were associated with the risk of depression among 70-year-olds. METHODS: The present study used data from the Healthy Ageing Initiative (n = 3,633), an ongoing cross-sectional research project in Umeå, Sweden. Sedentary behavior was measured objectively with the ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer, and depression was measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale. Several covariates, including physical activity, were included in logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Results from two hierarchical logistic regression models showed that a greater percentage of the day spent sedentary [odds ratio (OR) = 1.031, p = 0.010] and longer average length of sedentary bouts (OR = 1.116, p = 0.045) increased the risk of depression. LIMITATIONS: Limitations include of possible underrepresentation of severely depressed participants, and possible observer effects. CONCLUSIONS: The present study verified the relationship between sedentary behavior and depression and provides new information about the risks associated with increased length of sedentary bouts.  These findings may be important to consider in the development of future recommendations for the prevention of depression among older adults.

A Short-Duration Combined Exercise and Education Program to Improve Physical Function and Social Engagement in Community-Dwelling Elderly Adults.

Exercise is a key intervention for improving older adults' physical function and life expectancy. Here, we investigated a short-term intervention program designed to improve the physical functioning of elderly adults in a community-dwelling setting. We examined the effect of a 5-week combined exercise and education program on the physical function, social engagement, mobility performance, and fear of falling in 42 subjects older than 65 years. Eleven subjects dropped out. There was significant improvement in the 30-second chair stand test (p < .001) and timed up-and-go test (p < .001) between the baseline and the last session. At the end of the intervention, the subjects' social engagement was significantly higher than at baseline (p = .022), but this improvement was not maintained in the follow-up assessment. These results suggest that a combined exercise and education program can improve the physical function and social engagement of elderly individuals living in a community dwelling.

Association between social health status and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling elderly adults in Zhejiang Province, China.

OBJECTIVE: Mental disorders of the elderly population in China deserve attention. Social health is significantly associated with depression. This study aimed to evaluate the rate of depressive symptoms and to test the relationships between social health and depressive symptoms among a large sample of community-dwelling elderly adults. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or above in Zhejiang Province, China. Face-to-face interviews were used to complete a structured questionnaire for all participants. We used the Social Health Scale for the Elderly (SHSE) to evaluate social health status and used the short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale to evaluate depressive symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between social health status and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Of the total of 3757 participants included, 1887 (50.23%) were female, and the mean±standard deviation (SD) age was (70.0±8.3) years. The rate of depressive symptoms was 25.92%. The social health score was higher in non-depressed participants than in depressed participants (raw score 50.7 vs. 48.3, P<0.001). Participants with "moderate" or "good" social health had a significantly lower risk of depressive symptoms than those with "poor" social health (odds ratio (OR)=0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46-0.66 for moderate social health; OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.35-0.60 for good social health). The association between social health and depressive symptoms was consistent across several subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Social health is significantly inversely associated with depressive symptoms. The SHSE may serve as an efficient screener to identify those elderly adults with social health deficits, but systematic assessment to guide intervention merits further investigation.

De Novo Pineal Region Germinoma in the Seventh Decade of Life: A Case Report.

Germ cell tumors typically occur in children and adolescents. We here report a rare case of de novo pineal region germinoma in the seventh decade of life. A 62-year-old man presented with double vision. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified a heterogeneously enhanced tumor with calcification in the pineal region with ventricular dilatation due to aqueduct stenosis. The tumor had not been observed at all on MRI obtained 2 years previously. The patient underwent endoscopic biopsy and third ventriculostomy for the obstructive hydrocephalus. The tumor was histopathologically diagnosed as a pure germinoma. The patient underwent radiomonotherapy, resulting in his complete remission, which was confirmed by a series of follow-up MRI studies and hematological examinations. Intracranial germinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pineal region tumors regardless of age, even though the tumor was undetectable on the previous neuroimaging.

Improvements in lower-limb muscle strength and foot pressure distribution with foot care in frail elderly adults: a randomized controlled trial from Japan.

BACKGROUND: Abnormalities in the feet and toenails are common among the elderly and may increase the risk of falls. This study aimed to investigate the changes in toe-gap force, knee-gap force, foot pressure distribution, the ability to perform activities of daily living, subjects' feelings and behaviors, and physical function resulting from daily lifestyle modification and foot care. METHODS: The study participants included 74 elderly adults (mean age 80.3 ± 7.5 years) with foot problems who had been divided into three groups based on Japan's nursing care insurance system levels: certified ineligible for support, eligible for support, or eligible for long-term care. Additionally, a control group of 106 elderly adults in good health was recruited. The differences between the intervention and control groups was examined using the Student's t-test, and differences between the three intervention subgroups and the control group were examined using one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: After intervention, abnormalities in the participants' feet and toenails improved. Significant increases in lower-limb muscle strength were observed, and foot pressure distribution had improved. The foot-care intervention significantly improved lower-limb muscle strength and decreased the risk of falling, even in elderly adults whose physical function had deteriorated. CONCLUSION: In frail elderly adults, care of the feet and toenails can improve lower-limb muscle strength and foot pressure distribution. In addition, the individuals' social participation increased, and their behavior improved. TRIAL REGISTRATION: University hospital Medical Information Network- Clinical Trials (UMIN-CTR) with the number: UMIN000034742 . Registration date: 11/01/2018.

Risk Factors Associated With Hip Fractures among Adult People in Babylon City, Iraq.

BACKGROUND: The fractures of hip joint considered as a serious problem in public health in the medical and socioeconomic issues, the incidence of the fracture neck femur is significantly increased with the increment of general population life span. AIM: The goal of this study is to highlight and focus on the most important risk factor for the hip fractures in our Babylon society, and to improve our understanding of the medical and social aspects of these predisposing factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A case-control study of older adults (above 60 years old). The study was done on tow samples. First, one consisting of 75 cases those having fracture neck femur considered as cases, and second sample as a control group, consisting of 150 people as a healthy control group having no fracture. A pre-tested questionnaire was prepared to collect data from both samples; the questionnaire included demographic data and information about potential risk factors of hip fracture. RESULTS: Most of the people in the study samples in both groups were, married women, housekeepers, illiterate and from urban dwellers. There was highly significant association between case-control groups regarding, Continuous using of medication such as cortisone which was found to be a potential risk factor of hip fracture (Unadjusted OR = 3.636), low income was positively associated risk factor of hip fracture in this study (OR = 2.377), low milk intake, low sun exposure, tobacco smoking were positively associated with this health problem (OR = 1.794), while physical exercise was protective factor (OR = 0.489). CONCLUSION: The highest risk factors associated with increased occurrence of hip fracture were using cortisone, Osteoporosis, tobacco smoking, consuming soft drinks, and less exposure to sunlight.

Angina de ludwig: reporte de un caso en tolima, colombia / Ludwig's angina: case report in tolima, colombia

La angina de Ludwig es una patología de origen infecciosa que afecta principalmente el suelo de la boca, avanzando hacia los espacios submandibulares, sublinguales y submentonianos, progresando hacia la vía aérea, pudiendo causar su colapso, falla ventilatoria y muerte. Se realiza una revisión corta actual de la más reciente literatura acerca de esta patología. Se presenta paciente femenina adulta mayor que ingresa al servicio de urgencias con diagnóstico de celulitis en región facial. Es valorada por el médico internista de turno, quien rápidamente diagnostica la Angina de Ludwig, instaura tratamiento antibiótico de amplio espectro e interconsulta con cirugía general por posible falla ventiladora con vía aérea de difícil acceso. Gracias al rápido y oportuno diagnóstico se instauró el manejo adecuado y fue posible contener la patología sin complicaciones graves.

Ludwig's Angina is an infectious disease that affects mainly the floor of the mouth, progressing through submandibular, sublingual and submentonian spaces, making its way to the airway, being able to cause its collapse, thus causing ventilatory failure and death. First of all, we begin with a short review of the latest literature regarding this illness. Its presented an elderly female adult, who is brought into the emergency service with a face cellulitis diagnose. She is examined by the internist specialist on shift, who rapidly diagnoses Ludwig's Angina, establishes broad spectrum antibiotic treatment and interconsults with the general surgery service due to possible ventilatory failure with and a hard to access air way.Thanks to the rapid and timely diagnose an adequate treatment is established and it is possible to contain this pathology without grave complications.

Association between social health status and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling elderly adults in Zhejiang Province, China / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Objective: Mental disorders of the elderly population in China deserve attention. Social health is significantly associated with depression. This study aimed to evaluate the rate of depressive symptoms and to test the relationships between social health and depressive symptoms among a large sample of community-dwelling elderly adults. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or above in Zhejiang Province, China. Face-to-face interviews were used to complete a structured questionnaire for all participants. We used the Social Health Scale for the Elderly (SHSE) to evaluate social health status and used the short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale to evaluate depressive symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between social health status and depressive symptoms. Results: Of the total of 3757 participants included, 1887 (50.23%) were female, and the mean±standard deviation (SD) age was (70.0±8.3) years. The rate of depressive symptoms was 25.92%. The social health score was higher in non-depressed participants than in depressed participants (raw score 50.7 vs. 48.3, P < 0.001). Participants with “moderate” or “good” social health had a significantly lower risk of depressive symptoms than those with “poor” social health (odds ratio (OR)=0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46-0.66 for moderate social health; OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.35-0.60 for good social health). The association between social health and depressive symptoms was consistent across several subgroups. Conclusions: Social health is significantly inversely associated with depressive symptoms. The SHSE may serve as an efficient screener to identify those elderly adults with social health deficits, but systematic assessment to guide intervention merits further investigation.

Educación terapéutica sobre diabetes a adultos mayores / Therapeutic Diabetes Education to Elderly

La educación terapéutica constituye uno de los aspectos fundamentales del tratamiento de las personas con diabetes mellitus. En el caso del adulto mayor con la enfermedad, esta actividad tiene sus peculiaridades. Se recomienda, en un primer momento, realizar una evaluación integral del paciente, con el propósito de identificar algún problema físico, mental o social, que pueda interferir en el proceso educativo-terapéutico. Después, debe adaptarse la educación al sujeto, teniendo en cuenta el precepto de que esta no consiste en una educación para el tratamiento, sino en la educación como tratamiento. Esto demanda capacitación de parte de los profesionales de la salud encargados de afrontar esta tarea, en lo cual debe jugar un papel fundamental en Cuba el médico de la familia. El objetivo cimero de la educación terapéutica consiste en fomentar el autocuidado y garantizar la adherencia terapéutica sin que se deteriore la calidad de vida, a la vez que se enseña al paciente a vivir con la condición crónica(AU)

Therapeutic education is one of the fundamental aspects in the treatment of people with diabetes mellitus. In the case of the elderly with this disease, this activity has peculiarities. At first, a comprehensive evaluation of the patient is recommended to identify physical, mental or social problem that may interfere with the educational-therapeutic process. Then, education must be adapted to the subject, taking into account the precept that it is not education for treatment, but education as treatment. This demands training the health professionals in charge of this task, in which the family doctor must play a fundamental role in Cuba. The main goal of therapeutic education is to promote self-care and ensure therapeutic adherence without deteriorating the quality of life, while teaching the patient to live with the chronic condition(AU)