PeerJ Preprints: Geriatricshttps://peerj.com/preprints/index.atom?journal=peerj&subject=4700Geriatrics articles published in PeerJ PreprintsPresumptive spontaneous brain microhemorrhages in geriatric dogs: a comparative retrospective MRI study of dogs with and without evidence of canine cognitive dysfunctionhttps://peerj.com/preprints/278682019-07-192019-07-19Curtis W DeweyMark RishniwPhilippa J JohnsonEmma S DaviesJoseph J SackmanMarissa O'Donnell
The objective of this study was to compare specific brain MRI anatomic measurements between three groups of geriatric ( > 8yrs) dogs: 1) neurologically impaired dogs with presumptive spontaneous brain microhemorrhages and no clinical evidence of canine cognitive dysfunction 2) dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction 3) dogs without clinical evidence of cognitive impairment or abnormalities on neurologic examination (control dogs). MR images from 46 geriatric dogs were reviewed and measurements were obtained of interthalamic adhesion height (thickness) and mid-sagittal interthalamic adhesion area for all dogs, in addition to total brain volume. Interthalamic adhesion measurements, either absolute or normalized to total brain volume were compared between groups. Signalment (age, breed, sex), body weight, presence and number of SBMs, as well as other abnormal MRI findings were recorded for all dogs. All interthalamic adhesion measurement parameters were significantly (p<0.05) different between control dogs and affected dogs. Both dogs with cognitive dysfunction (12/13; 92 %) and dogs with isolated brain microhemorrhages had more microhemorrhages than control dogs (3/19; 16%). Affected dogs without cognitive dysfunction had more microhemorrhages than dogs with cognitive dysfunction. In addition to signs of cognitive impairment for the CCD group, main clinical complaints for SBM and CCD dogs were referable to central vestibular dysfunction, recent-onset seizure activity, or both. Geriatric dogs with spontaneous brain microhemorrhages without cognitive dysfunction have similar MRI abnormalities as dogs with cognitive dysfunction but may represent a distinct diseasecategory.
The objective of this study was to compare specific brain MRI anatomic measurements between three groups of geriatric ( > 8yrs) dogs: 1) neurologically impaired dogs with presumptive spontaneous brain microhemorrhages and no clinical evidence of canine cognitive dysfunction 2) dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction 3) dogs without clinical evidence of cognitive impairment or abnormalities on neurologic examination (control dogs). MR images from 46 geriatric dogs were reviewed and measurements were obtained of interthalamic adhesion height (thickness) and mid-sagittal interthalamic adhesion area for all dogs, in addition to total brain volume. Interthalamic adhesion measurements, either absolute or normalized to total brain volume were compared between groups. Signalment (age, breed, sex), body weight, presence and number of SBMs, as well as other abnormal MRI findings were recorded for all dogs. All interthalamic adhesion measurement parameters were significantly (p<0.05) different between control dogs and affected dogs. Both dogs with cognitive dysfunction (12/13; 92 %) and dogs with isolated brain microhemorrhages had more microhemorrhages than control dogs (3/19; 16%). Affected dogs without cognitive dysfunction had more microhemorrhages than dogs with cognitive dysfunction. In addition to signs of cognitive impairment for the CCD group, main clinical complaints for SBM and CCD dogs were referable to central vestibular dysfunction, recent-onset seizure activity, or both. Geriatric dogs with spontaneous brain microhemorrhages without cognitive dysfunction have similar MRI abnormalities as dogs with cognitive dysfunction but may represent a distinct diseasecategory.On the biochemical associations of FoxO3a and SirT1 with the stress resistance of cells from the slow senescing Snell dwarf Mousehttps://peerj.com/preprints/277912019-06-102019-06-10Oge Arum
Tailskin fibroblasts from multiple genotypes of slow aging mice have been shown to be resistant to a broad spectrum of toxicants. The molecular determinants for this in vitro effect, as well as for the delayed/ decelerated senescence of these mice, are uncertain. Here, we have extended this phenomenon of in vitro cellular stress resistance to neurons derived from the cerebral cortex of the Snell Dwarf Mouse. We further investigated the role of the transcription factor FoxO3a and the protein deacetylase SirT1, proteins known to positively mediate cellular stress-resistance, in this paradigm. We found that Snell Dwarfs have a greater proportion of nuclear-localized FoxO3a within their cerebrums than their littermate controls and that the same is true for their unstressed fibroblasts in vitro; yet, Snell Dwarf fibroblasts did not differ in FoxO3a properties in response to the application of three different concentrations of two disparate stresses. Similar results were obtained for SirT1, although SirT1 content did increase under the mild cellular stress of serum deprivation. Taken together, these results depict stress resistance in non-fibroblast cell types of incontrovertible physiological import explanted from slow aging mice. Also, these results strongly suggest that neither FoxO3a nor SirT1 robustly regulate the stress-resistance of Snell Dwarf Mouse cells in vitro, and thus might not play a role in other slow aging mammalian in vitro models in which stress resistance has been documented. That cerebral neurons ex vivo and unstressed fibroblasts in vitro display FoxO3a concentrations suggestive of increased activity introduce the possibility that FoxO3a might partially mediate the in vivo retardation of senescence of these mice.
Tailskin fibroblasts from multiple genotypes of slow aging mice have been shown to be resistant to a broad spectrum of toxicants. The molecular determinants for this in vitro effect, as well as for the delayed/ decelerated senescence of these mice, are uncertain. Here, we have extended this phenomenon of in vitro cellular stress resistance to neurons derived from the cerebral cortex of the Snell Dwarf Mouse. We further investigated the role of the transcription factor FoxO3a and the protein deacetylase SirT1, proteins known to positively mediate cellular stress-resistance, in this paradigm. We found that Snell Dwarfs have a greater proportion of nuclear-localized FoxO3a within their cerebrums than their littermate controls and that the same is true for their unstressed fibroblasts in vitro; yet, Snell Dwarf fibroblasts did not differ in FoxO3a properties in response to the application of three different concentrations of two disparate stresses. Similar results were obtained for SirT1, although SirT1 content did increase under the mild cellular stress of serum deprivation. Taken together, these results depict stress resistance in non-fibroblast cell types of incontrovertible physiological import explanted from slow aging mice. Also, these results strongly suggest that neither FoxO3a nor SirT1 robustly regulate the stress-resistance of Snell Dwarf Mouse cells in vitro, and thus might not play a role in other slow aging mammalian in vitro models in which stress resistance has been documented. That cerebral neurons ex vivo and unstressed fibroblasts in vitro display FoxO3a concentrations suggestive of increased activity introduce the possibility that FoxO3a might partially mediate the in vivo retardation of senescence of these mice.Aquatic training in menopause experimental model promote changes in the sarcomeres of the myotendinous junctionshttps://peerj.com/preprints/266012018-03-022018-03-02Gabriel FavaroLuan Rissattolara RochaSonia MadreIi WatanabeAdriano Ciena
Myotendinous junction (MTJ) is the largest area of force transmission between skeletal muscle and bone tissue, which is directly associated with physical exercise that possible promotes morphological changes in muscle and tendon tissues. The aim of this study is to describe the ultrastructural characteristics of myotendinous junction and morphometric alterations in length sarcomeres of the anterior tibial muscle of ovariectomized aged female Wistar rats submitted to a swimming protocol. Twenty aged rats with 1 year and 8 months old randomly divided into four groups (n=5): Sedentary (S); Exercised (E); Menopause (M) and Menopause Exercised (ME). The exercising protocol consists at 40 sessions, one hour daily for a two months period and overload 5 % body weight of animals with adjustments weekly measured. Histological images were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy to demonstrate morphometric characteristics and ultrastructural elements of the cellular components. From the results obtained by transmission electron microscopy ultrastructural adaptations were observed in the MTJ region. The S and M groups demonstrated tissue disorganization in addition to lower density and length of sarcoplasmatic invaginations. The E and ME groups showed greater density, length and tissue organization, besides presenting sub-levels and communications between the sarcoplasmatic projections. Besides, they present adaptations in the plasticity of the MTJ evidenced by increase in the length of the distal sarcomeres. We concluded that the MTJ region presented adaptations in relation to the physical exercise during aging associated with ovariectomy, increasing sarcoplasmatic invaginations and changing length sarcomere distal, by improving the resistance and the transmission of force in the main injured area.
Myotendinous junction (MTJ) is the largest area of force transmission between skeletal muscle and bone tissue, which is directly associated with physical exercise that possible promotes morphological changes in muscle and tendon tissues. The aim of this study is to describe the ultrastructural characteristics of myotendinous junction and morphometric alterations in length sarcomeres of the anterior tibial muscle of ovariectomized aged female Wistar rats submitted to a swimming protocol. Twenty aged rats with 1 year and 8 months old randomly divided into four groups (n=5): Sedentary (S); Exercised (E); Menopause (M) and Menopause Exercised (ME). The exercising protocol consists at 40 sessions, one hour daily for a two months period and overload 5 % body weight of animals with adjustments weekly measured. Histological images were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy to demonstrate morphometric characteristics and ultrastructural elements of the cellular components. From the results obtained by transmission electron microscopy ultrastructural adaptations were observed in the MTJ region. The S and M groups demonstrated tissue disorganization in addition to lower density and length of sarcoplasmatic invaginations. The E and ME groups showed greater density, length and tissue organization, besides presenting sub-levels and communications between the sarcoplasmatic projections. Besides, they present adaptations in the plasticity of the MTJ evidenced by increase in the length of the distal sarcomeres. We concluded that the MTJ region presented adaptations in relation to the physical exercise during aging associated with ovariectomy, increasing sarcoplasmatic invaginations and changing length sarcomere distal, by improving the resistance and the transmission of force in the main injured area.Accelerated decline in javelin throwing performance in master athletes 70 years and older – does change in technique play a role?https://peerj.com/preprints/34942017-12-282017-12-28Bergita GanseHans Degens
Background: Wile many older adults are immobile, frail and inactive, others still participate in competitive sports. As in sprinting and endurance running, the world records of javelin throwing decrease with increasing age. It is, however, not clear 1)whether this ageing-related decline is linear or, as in sprint performance, accelerates beyond the age of 69, and 2) to what extent frailty-related changes in throwing technique contribute to the decreasing performance in old javelin throwers.
Methods: We plotted the current world records against age and assessed the performance of 27 male javelin throwers 70 years and older during three master athletics championships. Three to six throws were filmed, and the best throw of each athlete selected. A step-wise linear regression was applied to assess the contribution of age, angle of release, angle of attitude , angle of attack, elbow angle just before the pull and the number of steps in the approach run, to performance.
Results: The ageing-related decline in javelin-throw performance accelerated after the age of 69 years. Age was the main predictor of performance (adjusted R 2 =0.68), with a small contribution of elbow angle (adjusted R 2 increased to 0.76) and angle of attack (R 2 =0.82; all P<0.001) in the older athletes. None of the technique-related parameters correlated with age.
Discussion: The ageing-related decline in javelin throwing performance was accelerated after the age of 69 years. Although the technique had some influence on javelin throwing performance, the accelerated decline in 70 + -year-old athletes was not associated with an ageing-related change in throwing technique.
Background: Wile many older adults are immobile, frail and inactive, others still participate in competitive sports. As in sprinting and endurance running, the world records of javelin throwing decrease with increasing age. It is, however, not clear 1)whether this ageing-related decline is linear or, as in sprint performance, accelerates beyond the age of 69, and 2) to what extent frailty-related changes in throwing technique contribute to the decreasing performance in old javelin throwers. Methods: We plotted the current world records against age and assessed the performance of 27 male javelin throwers 70 years and older during three master athletics championships. Three to six throws were filmed, and the best throw of each athlete selected. A step-wise linear regression was applied to assess the contribution of age, angle of release, angle of attitude , angle of attack, elbow angle just before the pull and the number of steps in the approach run, to performance. Results: The ageing-related decline in javelin-throw performance accelerated after the age of 69 years. Age was the main predictor of performance (adjusted R 2 =0.68), with a small contribution of elbow angle (adjusted R 2 increased to 0.76) and angle of attack (R 2 =0.82; all P<0.001) in the older athletes. None of the technique-related parameters correlated with age. Discussion: The ageing-related decline in javelin throwing performance was accelerated after the age of 69 years. Although the technique had some influence on javelin throwing performance, the accelerated decline in 70 + -year-old athletes was not associated with an ageing-related change in throwing technique.Effect of achievement motive on purpose in life, social participation, role expectation, self-efficacy, and physical function by a longitudinal research study in Japan: using multilevel structural equation modelinghttps://peerj.com/preprints/28012017-02-122017-02-12Nobuyuki SanoMakoto Kyougoku
Objective: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effects of the achievement motive on important variables such as the purpose in life and social participation with objective physical functions in predicting within-person fluctuations and between-person differences using longitudinal research in community-dwelling Japanese elderly people.
Methods: The final dataset consisted of 227 persons (men: 109, women: 118) from day-service centers through testing at three time points. The tests comprised a questionnaire on the achievement motive, purpose in life and so on and the measurement of physical functions. We verified the following hypothesis model; 1) achievement motive works on improvement of the purpose in life, social participation, self-efficacy, and role expectation, 2) social participation and role expectation improve the purpose in life, 3) hobbies and going out affect the purpose in life, 4) social participation and physical function affect the increase in going out, 5) achievement motive and social participation improve physical function and increase role expectation and hobbies, and 6) self-efficacy improves social participation and the purpose in life. Our hypothesized model was based on previous research and was analyzed using a multilevel structural equation modeling approach.
Results: The modified hypothesis model without hobby, grip strength, and gait speed exhibited an adequate model fit: comparative fit index = 0.904, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.775, root mean square error of approximation = 0.064, Akaike’s information criterion = 25201.17, Bayesian information criterion = 25389.59, and adjusted BIC = 25256.24. Within level, the achievement motive had significant direct effects on the purpose in life, social participation, and self-efficacy. In addition, there were significant indirect effects of the achievement motive on the purpose in life through social participation and on social participation through self-efficacy. Between level, the achievement motive had significant direct effects on all variables and significant indirect effects on the purpose in life, social participation, and going out.
Conclusion: Our findings highlight the implications of achievement motive for the purpose in life, social participation and self-efficacy of the participation at the within person and between people levels. Consequently, we understood that the achievement motive could strongly affect between-person differences more than within-person fluctuations during a short period of six months.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effects of the achievement motive on important variables such as the purpose in life and social participation with objective physical functions in predicting within-person fluctuations and between-person differences using longitudinal research in community-dwelling Japanese elderly people.Methods: The final dataset consisted of 227 persons (men: 109, women: 118) from day-service centers through testing at three time points. The tests comprised a questionnaire on the achievement motive, purpose in life and so on and the measurement of physical functions. We verified the following hypothesis model; 1) achievement motive works on improvement of the purpose in life, social participation, self-efficacy, and role expectation, 2) social participation and role expectation improve the purpose in life, 3) hobbies and going out affect the purpose in life, 4) social participation and physical function affect the increase in going out, 5) achievement motive and social participation improve physical function and increase role expectation and hobbies, and 6) self-efficacy improves social participation and the purpose in life. Our hypothesized model was based on previous research and was analyzed using a multilevel structural equation modeling approach.Results: The modified hypothesis model without hobby, grip strength, and gait speed exhibited an adequate model fit: comparative fit index = 0.904, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.775, root mean square error of approximation = 0.064, Akaike’s information criterion = 25201.17, Bayesian information criterion = 25389.59, and adjusted BIC = 25256.24. Within level, the achievement motive had significant direct effects on the purpose in life, social participation, and self-efficacy. In addition, there were significant indirect effects of the achievement motive on the purpose in life through social participation and on social participation through self-efficacy. Between level, the achievement motive had significant direct effects on all variables and significant indirect effects on the purpose in life, social participation, and going out.Conclusion: Our findings highlight the implications of achievement motive for the purpose in life, social participation and self-efficacy of the participation at the within person and between people levels. Consequently, we understood that the achievement motive could strongly affect between-person differences more than within-person fluctuations during a short period of six months.The psychometric properties of a Scale for Achievement Motive in Rehabilitation, and the effects of achievement motive on self-efficacy, hopelessness, and economic poverty for community-dwelling elderly people using rehabilitation serviceshttps://peerj.com/preprints/24592016-09-202016-09-20Nobuyuki SanoMakoto Kyougoku
Background: Achievement motive is expected to prevent lack of self-efficacy and hope, which negatively impact rehabilitation support, health, and psychological well-being. It has been indicated that the factor structure of the Scale for Achievement Motive in Rehabilitation (SAMR), which was developed to evaluate the state of achievement motive in clients, is affected by gender, age, and type of disorder; however, the item responses for the SAMR have not been fully elucidated.
Purpose: This study demonstrates the effects of achievement motive on self-efficacy, hopelessness, and economic poverty. The secondary purpose was to test the psychometric properties for the robustness of factor analysis and the item responses for the SAMR.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess achievement motive, self-efficacy, hopelessness, and economic poverty in 581 community-dwelling elderly people. Data from a self-administered questionnaire were analyzed for structural relationship, using a structural equation modeling approach, multi-group confirmatory factor analysis, and multidimensional item response theory.
Results: For structural relationship, the modified model indicated an adequate model fit level {Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.914, Tucker Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.906, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.062, 90% Confidence Interval (CI) [0.058, 0.066]}, with significant effects among achievement motive, self-efficacy, and hopelessness; i.e., the direct and indirect effects of achievement motive on self-efficacy and hopelessness were accepted. For multi-group confirmatory factor analysis, the SAMR factor structure displayed strong measurement invariance across the group for gender, care level, and age. For multidimensional item response theory, the results showed enough item discrimination and difficulty intensity for each SAMR item.
Discussion: This study suggests that achievement motive is important to prevent clients from missing and giving up their goals and to execute support in rehabilitation smoothly. In addition, we suggest that SAMR is a structurally valid scale to measure two-factor structures across different groups, and the item characteristics and total score enable proper understanding of achievement motive.
Background: Achievement motive is expected to prevent lack of self-efficacy and hope, which negatively impact rehabilitation support, health, and psychological well-being. It has been indicated that the factor structure of the Scale for Achievement Motive in Rehabilitation (SAMR), which was developed to evaluate the state of achievement motive in clients, is affected by gender, age, and type of disorder; however, the item responses for the SAMR have not been fully elucidated.Purpose: This study demonstrates the effects of achievement motive on self-efficacy, hopelessness, and economic poverty. The secondary purpose was to test the psychometric properties for the robustness of factor analysis and the item responses for the SAMR.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess achievement motive, self-efficacy, hopelessness, and economic poverty in 581 community-dwelling elderly people. Data from a self-administered questionnaire were analyzed for structural relationship, using a structural equation modeling approach, multi-group confirmatory factor analysis, and multidimensional item response theory.Results: For structural relationship, the modified model indicated an adequate model fit level {Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.914, Tucker Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.906, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.062, 90% Confidence Interval (CI) [0.058, 0.066]}, with significant effects among achievement motive, self-efficacy, and hopelessness; i.e., the direct and indirect effects of achievement motive on self-efficacy and hopelessness were accepted. For multi-group confirmatory factor analysis, the SAMR factor structure displayed strong measurement invariance across the group for gender, care level, and age. For multidimensional item response theory, the results showed enough item discrimination and difficulty intensity for each SAMR item.Discussion: This study suggests that achievement motive is important to prevent clients from missing and giving up their goals and to execute support in rehabilitation smoothly. In addition, we suggest that SAMR is a structurally valid scale to measure two-factor structures across different groups, and the item characteristics and total score enable proper understanding of achievement motive.The influence of physical exercise and sports on telomere length - A model for telomere length and telomerase activity regulation based on a comparative assessment of literaturehttps://peerj.com/preprints/19652016-04-192016-04-19Paul F LangKai-Uwe Fröhlich
Based upon a comprehensive analysis of current literature and by combining a molecular biology and a sports science perspective, this review examines (1) if a correlation between physical activity load and telomere length (TL) exists, and (2) comprehensively analyses and integrates molecular pathways regulating exercise dependent TL dynamics. The focus is on TL in leukocytes and muscle tissue in middle to advanced aged subjects. Regarding item (1), a strong tendency for an increase in mean leukocyte TL was found for exercise energy expenditures up to about 2∙103 kcal/week, while for higher activity levels no conclusive statement can be made. Conversely, research on skeletal muscle TL so far is quite limited but suggests that physical exercise with prolonged eccentric muscle contractions rather acts to shorten telomeres, while sports with little eccentric contractions might rather act to lengthen telomeres. As to item (2), a model for hypothetical pathways for exercise dependent telomerase activity regulation is proposed by consolidating findings of different studies in different cells. Consistent with this pathway model, various studies report increased telomerase transcription or activation by exercise. Moreover, a qualitative overall model for endurance exercise related TL dynamics is presented. It considers telomeres as dynamic structures in equilibrium between telomere shortening (e.g., cellular turnover, oxidative stress, inflammation) and telomere lengthening (e.g., telomerase activity, telomerase recruitment) effects. A negative feedback-loop mediated by enhanced telomerase recruitment to short telomeres is assumed to counteract too excessive TL alterations. Finally, a proposal is put forth for future research on exercise dependent telomere dynamics by adopting a systems biology approach to develop mathematical models that properly integrate the complexity of the interacting variables.
Based upon a comprehensive analysis of current literature and by combining a molecular biology and a sports science perspective, this review examines (1) if a correlation between physical activity load and telomere length (TL) exists, and (2) comprehensively analyses and integrates molecular pathways regulating exercise dependent TL dynamics. The focus is on TL in leukocytes and muscle tissue in middle to advanced aged subjects. Regarding item (1), a strong tendency for an increase in mean leukocyte TL was found for exercise energy expenditures up to about 2∙103 kcal/week, while for higher activity levels no conclusive statement can be made. Conversely, research on skeletal muscle TL so far is quite limited but suggests that physical exercise with prolonged eccentric muscle contractions rather acts to shorten telomeres, while sports with little eccentric contractions might rather act to lengthen telomeres. As to item (2), a model for hypothetical pathways for exercise dependent telomerase activity regulation is proposed by consolidating findings of different studies in different cells. Consistent with this pathway model, various studies report increased telomerase transcription or activation by exercise. Moreover, a qualitative overall model for endurance exercise related TL dynamics is presented. It considers telomeres as dynamic structures in equilibrium between telomere shortening (e.g., cellular turnover, oxidative stress, inflammation) and telomere lengthening (e.g., telomerase activity, telomerase recruitment) effects. A negative feedback-loop mediated by enhanced telomerase recruitment to short telomeres is assumed to counteract too excessive TL alterations. Finally, a proposal is put forth for future research on exercise dependent telomere dynamics by adopting a systems biology approach to develop mathematical models that properly integrate the complexity of the interacting variables.Guideline compliance related to indwelling urinary catheters in 34 Norwegian nursing homes - findings and implicationshttps://peerj.com/preprints/18202016-03-072016-03-07Laila AarnesKarin HarrisÅse I SkareJohn R Andersen
Background For patients in health institutions urinary tract infections often have significant negative health consequences. Indwelling urinary catheters and inappropriate practice related to this is a strong risk factor for urinary tract infections. Thus, a national guideline promotes best practice for handling indwelling urinary catheters. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of patients with indwelling urinary catheters in 34 Norwegian nursing homes. Furthermore, we wanted to study whether health professionals followed the national guidelines related to indwelling urinary catheters. If the study reveals room for improvements, it may indicate interventions which can contribute to improvements in the health care institutions. Methods We conducted a quantitative survey in health care professionals who worked in nursing homes in from Sogn og Fjordane county (Norway), and asked them to which extent guidelines related to indwelling urinary catheters were used at their work place. The study also included data on the prevalence of indwelling urinary catheters in 830 patients (565 women and 265 men) in the 34 nursing homes. We also conducted a clinical audit in these nursing homes in order to study the how the guidelines were implemented. An overall assessment was made (satisfactory or not satisfactory) on whether 11 dimensions of the guidelines were followed (Table 2). When ≥ 80% of the nursing homes had a score = yes/usually to the items above it was considered satisfactory. The evaluations from the clinical audits were based on an overall judgment of the finding at the nursing homes. The study was approved by the Western Norway Hospital Trust as part of a quality assessment strategy. An approval from the regional ethical committee was not needed as the study was a quality assessment project and did not include any individual patient data. Results Our findings shows that 92 of 830 patients had a indwelling urinary catheter the day of prevalence assessment, and significantly more men (21.1%) than women (6.7%) had a indwelling urinary catheter (Fisher's exact test; P <0.001. Overall, the survey showed that compliance with the guidelines was unsatisfactory with one exception; the doctor prescribed the posting of indwelling urinary catheters (Table 2 and 3). Conclusions In conclusion, most areas we investigated need improvements. The survey itself may be a key to change the nursing staff`s attitudes and culture and to gain increased competence. In addition, it seems necessary to have good data solutions as well as leadership anchoring in further work on implementing best practice in handling indwelling urinary catheters.
Background For patients in health institutions urinary tract infections often have significant negative health consequences. Indwelling urinary catheters and inappropriate practice related to this is a strong risk factor for urinary tract infections. Thus, a national guideline promotes best practice for handling indwelling urinary catheters. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of patients with indwelling urinary catheters in 34 Norwegian nursing homes. Furthermore, we wanted to study whether health professionals followed the national guidelines related to indwelling urinary catheters. If the study reveals room for improvements, it may indicate interventions which can contribute to improvements in the health care institutions. Methods We conducted a quantitative survey in health care professionals who worked in nursing homes in from Sogn og Fjordane county (Norway), and asked them to which extent guidelines related to indwelling urinary catheters were used at their work place. The study also included data on the prevalence of indwelling urinary catheters in 830 patients (565 women and 265 men) in the 34 nursing homes. We also conducted a clinical audit in these nursing homes in order to study the how the guidelines were implemented. An overall assessment was made (satisfactory or not satisfactory) on whether 11 dimensions of the guidelines were followed (Table 2). When ≥ 80% of the nursing homes had a score = yes/usually to the items above it was considered satisfactory. The evaluations from the clinical audits were based on an overall judgment of the finding at the nursing homes. The study was approved by the Western Norway Hospital Trust as part of a quality assessment strategy. An approval from the regional ethical committee was not needed as the study was a quality assessment project and did not include any individual patient data. Results Our findings shows that 92 of 830 patients had a indwelling urinary catheter the day of prevalence assessment, and significantly more men (21.1%) than women (6.7%) had a indwelling urinary catheter (Fisher's exact test; P <0.001. Overall, the survey showed that compliance with the guidelines was unsatisfactory with one exception; the doctor prescribed the posting of indwelling urinary catheters (Table 2 and 3). Conclusions In conclusion, most areas we investigated need improvements. The survey itself may be a key to change the nursing staff`s attitudes and culture and to gain increased competence. In addition, it seems necessary to have good data solutions as well as leadership anchoring in further work on implementing best practice in handling indwelling urinary catheters.Aging and serum MCP-1 are associated with gut microbiome composition in a murine modelhttps://peerj.com/preprints/17542016-02-182016-02-18Melissa N. ConleyCarmen P. WongKyle M. DuyckNorman HordEmily HoThomas J. Sharpton
Introduction Age is the primary risk factor for major human chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic, low-grade, systemic inflammation is associated with aging and the progression of immunosenescence. Immunosenescence may play an important role in the development of age-related chronic disease and the widely observed phenomenon of increased production of inflammatory mediators that accompany this process, referred to as “inflammaging”. While it has been demonstrated that the gut microbiome and immune system interact, the relationship between the gut microbiome and age remains to be clearly defined, particularly in the context of inflammation. The aim of the study was to clarify the associations between age, the gut microbiome, and pro-inflammatory marker serum MCP-1 in a C57BL/6 murine model. Results We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to profile the composition of fecal microbiota associated with young and aged mice. Our analysis identified an association between microbiome structure and mouse age, and revealed specific groups of taxa whose abundances stratify young and aged mice. This includes the Ruminococcaceae, Clostridiaceae, and Enterobacteriaceae. We also profiled pro-inflammatory serum MCP-1 levels of each mouse and found that aged mice exhibited elevated serum MCP-1, a phenotype consistent with inflammaging. Robust correlation tests identified several taxa whose abundance in the microbiome associates with serum MCP-1 status, indicating that they may interact with the mouse immune system. We find that taxonomically similar organisms can exhibit differing, even opposite, patterns of association with the host immune system. We also find that many of the OTUs that associate with serum MCP-1 also stratify individuals by age. Discussion Our results demonstrate that gut microbiome composition is associated with age and the pro-inflammatory marker, serum MCP-1. The correlation between age, relative abundance of specific taxa in the gut microbiome, and serum MCP-1 status in mice indicates that the gut microbiome may play a modulating role in age-related inflammatory processes. These findings warrant further investigation of taxa associated with the inflammaging phenotype and the role of gut microbiome in the health status and immune function of aged individuals.
Introduction Age is the primary risk factor for major human chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic, low-grade, systemic inflammation is associated with aging and the progression of immunosenescence. Immunosenescence may play an important role in the development of age-related chronic disease and the widely observed phenomenon of increased production of inflammatory mediators that accompany this process, referred to as “inflammaging”. While it has been demonstrated that the gut microbiome and immune system interact, the relationship between the gut microbiome and age remains to be clearly defined, particularly in the context of inflammation. The aim of the study was to clarify the associations between age, the gut microbiome, and pro-inflammatory marker serum MCP-1 in a C57BL/6 murine model. Results We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to profile the composition of fecal microbiota associated with young and aged mice. Our analysis identified an association between microbiome structure and mouse age, and revealed specific groups of taxa whose abundances stratify young and aged mice. This includes the Ruminococcaceae, Clostridiaceae, and Enterobacteriaceae. We also profiled pro-inflammatory serum MCP-1 levels of each mouse and found that aged mice exhibited elevated serum MCP-1, a phenotype consistent with inflammaging. Robust correlation tests identified several taxa whose abundance in the microbiome associates with serum MCP-1 status, indicating that they may interact with the mouse immune system. We find that taxonomically similar organisms can exhibit differing, even opposite, patterns of association with the host immune system. We also find that many of the OTUs that associate with serum MCP-1 also stratify individuals by age. Discussion Our results demonstrate that gut microbiome composition is associated with age and the pro-inflammatory marker, serum MCP-1. The correlation between age, relative abundance of specific taxa in the gut microbiome, and serum MCP-1 status in mice indicates that the gut microbiome may play a modulating role in age-related inflammatory processes. These findings warrant further investigation of taxa associated with the inflammaging phenotype and the role of gut microbiome in the health status and immune function of aged individuals.The effect of achievement motive on social participation, ikigai, and role expectations in community-dwelling elderly people by using cross-sectional researchhttps://peerj.com/preprints/12002015-06-262015-06-26Nobuyuki SanoMakoto Kyougoku
Background: Achievement motive is defined as the intention to achieve one's goals. It is an important consideration in rehabilitation. However, previous studies have not demonstrated the causal relationship between achievement motive and a more enhanced quality of life such as the concept of ikigai and role expectation. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of achievement motive on ikigai, social participation, and role expectations of community-dwelling elderly people. Method: Participants were community-dwelling elderly people in day-service centers. A total of 281 participants (male: 127, female: 154) answered the self-administered questionnaire in cross-sectional research. The questionnaire comprised demographic data and scales that evaluated achievement motive, social participation, ikigai, and role expectation. We studied the causal relationship established on our hypothesized model by a structural equation modeling approach. Results: We checked the standardized path coefficients and the modification indices, and the modified model were good fit statistics: CFI = .984, TLI = .983, RMSEA = .050, 90% CI [.044, 055]. Achievement motive had a significant direct effect on ikigai (direct effect = .455, p value = .000), a significant indirect effect on ikigai via social participation or role expectation (indirect effect = .170, p value = .000) and a total effect on ikigai (total effect = .615). Discussion: This result suggested that enhancing the intention to achieve one's goals enables participants to feel a spirit of challenge with a purpose and a sense of fulfillment in daily living. At the same time, engaging in important activities for oneself as well as recognizing one's role in society enables participants to experience a willingness to help others. We recommend that rehabilitation therapists collaborate with their clients to form new goals based on the client's achievement motive.
Background: Achievement motive is defined as the intention to achieve one's goals. It is an important consideration in rehabilitation. However, previous studies have not demonstrated the causal relationship between achievement motive and a more enhanced quality of life such as the concept of ikigai and role expectation. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of achievement motive on ikigai, social participation, and role expectations of community-dwelling elderly people. Method: Participants were community-dwelling elderly people in day-service centers. A total of 281 participants (male: 127, female: 154) answered the self-administered questionnaire in cross-sectional research. The questionnaire comprised demographic data and scales that evaluated achievement motive, social participation, ikigai, and role expectation. We studied the causal relationship established on our hypothesized model by a structural equation modeling approach. Results: We checked the standardized path coefficients and the modification indices, and the modified model were good fit statistics: CFI = .984, TLI = .983, RMSEA = .050, 90% CI [.044, 055]. Achievement motive had a significant direct effect on ikigai (direct effect = .455, p value = .000), a significant indirect effect on ikigai via social participation or role expectation (indirect effect = .170, p value = .000) and a total effect on ikigai (total effect = .615). Discussion: This result suggested that enhancing the intention to achieve one's goals enables participants to feel a spirit of challenge with a purpose and a sense of fulfillment in daily living. At the same time, engaging in important activities for oneself as well as recognizing one's role in society enables participants to experience a willingness to help others. We recommend that rehabilitation therapists collaborate with their clients to form new goals based on the client's achievement motive.