Unilateral acute cataract after facial aesthetic procedure: a case report

ABSTRACT Aging and face sagging have many causes, and various techniques are used for treatment, including noninvasive procedures, such as focused ultrasound, which uses the principle of collagen regeneration by coagulative necrosis of the dermis layers using radiofrequency, but this procedure has complications. We reported a case of a 54-year-old female patient who complained of poor visual acuity in her right eye three days after a focused ultrasound facial aesthetic procedure, with the best visual acuity of 20/60. Biomicroscopy of the right eye revealed an acute cataract with three points of fibrosis extending from the posterior to the anterior capsule. The patient underwent phacoemulsification surgery with visual rehabilitation and improved vision of 20/20. We hypothesized that the occurrence of acute cataract was related to the inappropriate use of focused ultrasound.

Influence of lipid and metabolite profiles of mitochondrial fraction on pH and color stability of longissimus lumborum muscle with different ultimate beef pH.

This study aimed to explore the differences in the lipidome and mitochondrial fraction metabolome of Nellore cattle meat in different ranges of ultimate pH (pHu) normal (≤5.79), intermediate (5.80 to 6.19) and high (≥ 6.20) after 3- and 21-d postmortem. Instrumental color, myoglobin redox state, oxygen consumption, and metmyoglobin-reducing activity were measured during storage. A total of 472 lipids and 22 mitochondrial fraction metabolites were identified. Beef with high pHu showed positive regulation of ceramides involved in apoptosis and negative regulation of lipid classes related to membrane permeability and stability. In addition, lower carnitine content was noted in high-pHu beef than in normal-pHu beef. Acylcarnitines, phosphatidylinositol, and IMP showed upregulation in beef with intermediate pHu, indicating changes mainly related to energy, purine and pyruvate metabolism. Aging time impacted on the lipid content and metabolites involved in different metabolic pathways. These results provided new insights into beef's mitochondrial fraction lipid and metabolic profile with different pHu. In addition, beef with intermediate pHu differs from beef with high pHu due to changes in energy metabolism.

Assessment of Quality of Life for Elderly Residents: A Cross Sectional Study in Nursing Home Settings / Evaluación de la calidad de vida de los residentes de edad avanzada: un estudio transversal en entornos de hogares de ancianos

Abstract Objective: We aim to assess the quality of life of older individuals living in nursing homes. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on institutionalized elderly individuals for over three months. The sample size of the study was 260 and Non-randomized convenience sampling was used. The study excluded participants with cognitive impairment, severe medical conditions, physical limitations, communication barriers, severe pain, recent surgery, acute illness, or psychiatric disorders. Ethical approval was obtained, and participants were given informed consent. The study took place in various nursing homes in Lahore in June and July 2023, for the analysis of data Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 22) was used, employing frequency distribution, mean, standard deviation, and correlation. Results: The Pearson Correlation coefficient of 0.459 suggests a significant positive correlation between these variables (p < 0.01). This correlation is evident in both directions: Quality of life (QoL) score to Mini Mental Scale and vice versa. Conclusion: While assessing the QoL in elderly inhabitants of nursing residences, cognitive impairment, and high Body mass index (BMI) appeared to influence the overall QoL.

Resumen Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo es evaluar la calidad de vida de las personas mayores que viven en residencias de ancianos. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en ancianos institucionalizados durante más de tres meses. El tamaño de la muestra del estudio fue de 260 y se utilizó un muestreo de conveniencia no aleatorizado. El estudio excluyó a los participantes con deterioro cognitivo, afecciones médicas graves, limitaciones físicas, barreras de comunicación, dolor intenso, cirugía reciente, enfermedad aguda o trastornos psiquiátricos. Se obtuvo la aprobación ética y los participantes dieron su consentimiento informado. El estudio se llevó a cabo en varias residencias de ancianos de Lahore en junio y julio de 2023. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS versión 22), empleando distribución de frecuencias, media, desviación estándar y correlación. Resultados: El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson de 0,459 sugiere una correlación positiva significativa entre estas variables (p < 0,01). Esta correlación es evidente en ambas direcciones: puntuación de calidad de vida a Escala Mini-Mental y viceversa. Conclusión: Al evaluar la calidad de vida de los ancianos que viven en residencias, el deterioro cognitivo y un índice de masa corporal (IMC) elevado parecen afectar la calidad de vida general.

Percepciones sobre la institucionalización de la persona adulta mayor en Barranquilla, Colombia / Perceptions about the Institutionalization of the Elderly in Barranquilla, Colombia

Resumen Introducción: El crecimiento demográfico global observado en personas adultas mayores plantea múltiples retos para el diseño de políticas de bienestar y salud pública, los cuales requieren introducir mejoras para su calidad de vida, la de la familia y la comunidad. El presente estudio resultado de investigación recoge las percepciones relacionadas con la disyuntiva entre vivir la vida en familia o la institucionalización de las personas adultas mayores en la ciudad de Barranquilla. Objetivo: Determinar la percepción que se tiene sobre la institucionalización de las personas adultas mayores desde la perspectiva del sujeto y la familia vinculados a los hogares geriátricos/gerontológicos y grupos de la tercera edad en la ciudad. Método: La investigación se realizó desde un enfoque hermenéutico, aplicando entrevistas semiestructuradas a las personas adultas mayores y las familias. Resultado: En la ciudad existe una heterogeneidad en relación con las percepciones sobre la forma de vivir esta etapa del desarrollo humano y que se encuentra estrechamente relacionada con aspectos como la salud, la economía, la funcionalidad familiar y el cuidado subrogado como un fenómeno social vinculado a la migración de las familias. Conclusión: El tema plantea desafíos que hay que enfrentar en Colombia y el mundo ante el envejecimiento, especialmente en el contexto de la pobreza, disfuncionalidad familiar y desigualdad. Se definen las causas y consecuencias de la institucionalización de las personas adultas mayores, así como las alternativas de cuidado familiar y social, explorando las características culturales y demográficas que influyen en la situación de las personas adultas mayores en el país.

Abstract Introduction: The global demographic growth observed in the segment of older adults poses multiple challenges for the design of well-being and public health policies in the countries, which requires introducing improvements that positively impact the quality of life of the older adult, the family and the community. The present study, a result of descriptive research, collects the perceptions related to the dilemma between living life as a family or the institutionalization of the elderly in the city of Barranquilla. Objective: To determine the perception of the institutionalization of the elderly from the perspective of the subject and the family linked to geriatric/gerontological homes and groups of the elderly in the city. Method: The research was carried out from a hermeneutic approach, applying semi-structured interviews to older adults and families. Result: There is heterogeneity in the city in relation to perceptions about the way of living this stage of human development and that it is closely related to aspects such as health, economy, family functionality, and the surrogate care as a social phenomenon linked to family migration. Conclusion: The topic raises challenges to be faced in Colombia and the world when it comes to aging, especially in the context of poverty, family dysfunction and inequality. The causes and consequences of the institutionalization of the elderly are defined, as well as the alternatives of family and social care, exploring the cultural and demographic characteristics that influence the situation of the elderly in the country.

Rastreamento da síndrome metabólica em participantesdo programa Universidade Aberta da Terceira Idade / Metabolic syndrome screening in the participantsat the Open University of the Third Age

Hábitos alimentares inadequados, sedentarismo e a maior expectativa de vida da população contribuem significativamente para a prevalência da síndrome metabólica. Essa doença predispõe uma pessoa a desenvolver diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e doenças cardiovasculares, as quais têm um amplo impacto na saúde pública, induzindo sobrecarga no sistema de saúde e reduzindo a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos afetados. A síndrome metabólica é uma doença multifatorial e está relacionada ao processo de envelhecimento, contudo, ainda há uma lacuna significativa, em termos de estudos, sobre a prevalência da condição em populações idosas. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo objetivou rastrear a prevalência da síndrome metabólica em participantes da Universidade Aberta da Terceira Idade (UNATI), localizada em Francisco Beltrão, Paraná. Os critérios diagnósticos de síndrome metabólica abordados nesta pesquisa incluem: circunferência abdominal ≥ 90 cm para homens e ≥ 80 cm para mulheres, triglicerídeos ≥ 150 mg/dL, HDL ≤ 40 mg/dL para homens e ≤ 50 mg/dL para mulheres, pressão arterial sistólica ≥ 130 mmHg e/ou pressão arterial diastólica ≥ 85 mmHg ou estar em farmacoterapia para hipertensão, além de glicemia de jejum ≥ 100 mg/dL ou estar em tratamento farmacológico para diabetes. Um total de 44 idosos foram avaliados, apresentando uma média de idade de 66,9 ± 7,1 anos, com uma predominância de mulheres (88%). Os resultados revelaram uma prevalência alarmante de síndrome metabólica, atingindo 36,4% da amostra estudada. Além disso, observou-se uma alta prevalência de condições associadas, como hipertensão arterial (67,2%), sobrepeso (58,6%) e obesidade visceral (31%). Esses achados ressaltam a importância da implementação de medidas preventivas direcionadas à promoção da qualidade de vida saudável e ao controle dos fatores de risco metabólicos.

Inadequate dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle, and increased life expectancy significantly contribute to the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. This condition predisposes an individual to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, which have a broad impact on public health, inducing a burden on the healthcare system and reducing the quality of life of affected individuals. Metabolic syndrome is a multifactorial disease and is related to the aging process; however, there is still a significant gap in terms of studies on the prevalence of the condition in elderly populations. In this context, this study aimed to screen the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in participants of the Open University for the Third Age (UNATI), located in Francisco Beltrão, Paraná. The diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome addressed in this research include: abdominal circumference ≥ 90 cm for men and ≥ 80 cm for women, triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL, HDL ≤ 40 mg/dL for men and ≤ 50 mg/dL for women, systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 85 mmHg or being on pharmacotherapy for hypertension, in addition to fasting glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL or being on pharmacological treatment for diabetes. A total of 44 elderly individuals were evaluated, with a mean age of 66.9 ± 7.1 years, predominantly women (88%). The results revealed an alarming prevalence of metabolic syndrome, affecting 36.4% of the studied sample. Furthermore, a high prevalence of associated conditions was observed, such as arterial hypertension (67.2%), overweight (58.6%), and visceral obesity (31%). These findings underscore the importance of implementing preventive measures aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and controlling metabolic risk factors.

Instrumentos de avaliação multidimensional de fragilidade para uso no cuidado de idosos com doença cardiovascular / Multidimensional frailty assessment tools for use in the care of older adults with cardiovascular disease / Instrumentos de evaluación multidimensional de la fragilidad en la atención de adultos mayores con enfermedad cardiovascular

Objetivo: identificar quais os instrumentos disponíveis para avaliação multidimensional da fragilidade em idosos com doença cardiovascular, potencialmente aplicáveis durante a realização do Processo de Enfermagem. Método: revisão sistemática conduzida em oito bases de dados/portais, para identificação de estudos que apresentassem instrumentos multidimensionais de avaliação de fragilidade em idosos com doença cardiovascular e que fossem aplicáveis ao processo de enfermagem. Resultados: foram incluídos 19 instrumentos multidimensionais. O Brief Frailty Index for Coronary Artery Disease foi desenvolvido para uso no cuidado cardiovascular de idosos. O Frailty Index for Adults e o Maastricht Frailty Screening Tool for Hospitalized Patients foram desenvolvidos para uso no Processo de Enfermagem. Conclusão: apesar de apenas um instrumento ter sido desenvolvido para o idosos com doença cardiovascular e apenas dois serem aplicáveis ao processo de enfermagem, a maioria deles tem potencial de adaptação e validação para uso nesta população durante a avaliação de enfermagem.

Objective: to identify which tools are available for multidimensional frailty assessment of older adult with cardiovascular disease and which are potentially applicable during the Nursing Process. Method: a systematic review conducted in eight databases/portals to identify studies that presented multidimensional frailty assessment tools for older adult with cardiovascular disease and that were applicable to the nursing process. Results: a total of 19 multidimensional tools were included. The Brief Frailty Index for Coronary Artery Disease was developed for use in the cardiovascular care of older adult. The Frailty Index for Adults and the Maastricht Frailty Screening Tool for Hospitalized Patients were developed for use in the Nursing Process. Conclusion: although only one tool was developed for older adults with cardiovascular disease and only two are applicable to the nursing process, most of them have the potential to be adapted and validated for use in this population during nursing assessment.

Objetivo: identificar qué instrumentos están disponibles para la evaluación multidimensional de la fragilidad en personas mayores con enfermedad cardiovascular, que se puedan aplicar en el Proceso de Enfermería. Método: revisión sistemática realizada en ocho bases de datos/portales, para identificar estudios que presentaran instrumentos multidimensionales para la evaluación de la fragilidad en adultos mayores con enfermedad cardiovascular y que fueran aplicables al proceso de enfermería. Resultados: se incluyeron 19 instrumentos multidimensionales. El Brief Frailty Index for Coronary Artery Disease se desarrolló para usarlo en el cuidado cardiovascular de las personas mayores. El Frailty Index for Adults y la Maastricht Frailty Screening Tool for Hospitalized Patients se elaboraron para ser usados en el Proceso de Enfermería. Conclusión: aunque sólo se elaboró un instrumento para adultos mayores con enfermedad cardiovascular y sólo dos son aplicables al proceso de enfermería, la mayoría de ellos tienen el potencial para ser adaptados y validados para ser usados en esa población en la evaluación de enfermería.

Deciphering Osteosarcopenia through the hallmarks of aging.

Osteosarcopenia is a major driver of functional loss and a risk factor for falls, fractures, disability and mortality in older adults, urgently requiring the development of effective interventions to address it. The hallmarks of aging provide a theoretical and practical framework that allows for the structured organization of current knowledge and the planning of new development lines. This article comprehensively reviews the currently available literature on the role of the hallmarks of aging in the development of osteosarcopenia, thereby offering a panoramic view of the state of the art and knowledge gaps in this field.

The ROSMAP project: aging and neurodegenerative diseases through omic sciences.

The Religious Order Study and Memory and Aging Project (ROSMAP) is an initiative that integrates two longitudinal cohort studies, which have been collecting clinicopathological and molecular data since the early 1990s. This extensive dataset includes a wide array of omic data, revealing the complex interactions between molecular levels in neurodegenerative diseases (ND) and aging. Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are frequently associated with morbidity and cognitive decline in older adults. Omics research, in conjunction with clinical variables, is crucial for advancing our understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This summary reviews the extensive omics research-encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, and multiomics-conducted through the ROSMAP study. It highlights the significant advancements in understanding the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on Alzheimer's disease.

Dopaminergic neuron metabolism: relevance for understanding Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Dopaminergic neurons from the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) have a higher susceptibility to aging-related degeneration, compared to midbrain dopaminergic cells present in the ventral tegmental area (VTA); the death of dopamine neurons in the SNc results in Parkinson´s disease (PD). In addition to increased loss by aging, dopaminergic neurons from the SNc are more prone to cell death when exposed to genetic or environmental factors, that either interfere with mitochondrial function, or cause an increase of oxidative stress. The oxidation of dopamine is a contributing source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but this production is not enough to explain the differences in susceptibility to degeneration between SNc and VTA neurons. AIM OF REVIEW: In this review we aim to highlight the intrinsic differences between SNc and VTA dopamine neurons, in terms of gene expression, calcium oscillations, bioenergetics, and ROS responses. Also, to describe the changes in the pentose phosphate pathway and the induction of apoptosis in SNc neurons during aging, as related to the development of PD. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW: Recent work showed that neurons from the SNc possess intrinsic characteristics that result in metabolic differences, related to their intricate morphology, that render them more susceptible to degeneration. In particular, these neurons have an elevated basal energy metabolism, that is required to fulfill the demands of the constant firing of action potentials, but at the same time, is associated to higher ROS production, compared to VTA cells. Finally, we discuss how mutations related to PD affect metabolic pathways, and the related mechanisms, as revealed by metabolomics.

Evaluation of the Effect of a Mobile Application on Glycated Hemoglobin in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-Protocol of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Digital educational technologies in health have been an important instrument for promoting learning, self-care, self-esteem, and security regarding prevention and health promotion actions that lead to changes in behavior, mainly for non-communicable disease patients, such as type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM 2). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe a protocol for evaluating the effect of an app for cell phones and tablets on the blood glucose of older adults with DM 2. METHODS: The protocol will be used to compare the effectiveness of an application for mobile devices concerning the educational booklet in reducing Glycated Hemoglobin in older adults with DM 2 in Primary Health Care. This protocol is part of a Randomized Clinical Trial project entitled Effectiveness of a Mobile Device Application on Glycated Hemoglobin in Elderly People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Randomized Clinical Trial. RESULTS: The protocol was structured in the following phases: (i) sample calculation, (ii) invitation to participate in the study according to the eligibility criteria; (iii) participant registration; (iv) randomization and allocation of participants into groups (double blinding); (v) application of the intervention; (vi) post-intervention procedures (post-test); (vii) data analysis. CONCLUSION: It is expected that encouraging studies on the impact of a mobile application will improve and enhance health education focused on self-care for older adults with DM 2, potentially influencing the local health system by reducing hospitalizations due to conditions that are sensitive to primary care, since health promotion and prevention of DM-related illnesses will be the main focus of the application and booklet developed.

Frailty or sarcopenia: which is a better indicator of mortality risk in older adults?

BACKGROUND: Despite the different conditions, frailty and sarcopenia overlap regarding their common link: the assessment of walking speed and muscle strength. This study aimed to compare the frailty phenotype to the sarcopenia using different cut-off points for low grip strength to determine which better identifies mortality risk over a 14-year follow-up period. METHODS: 4597 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Frailty was measured using the Fried phenotype. Sarcopenia (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2) was defined using different cut-off points for low grip strength (<36, <32, <30, <27 and <26 kg for men and <23, <21, <20 and <16 kg for women), low skeletal muscle mass index (<9.36 kg/m² for men and<6.73 kg/m² for women) and slowness (gait speed: ≤0.8 m/s). Cox models were run and adjusted for sociodemographic, behavioural and clinical factors. RESULTS: When the coexistence of frailty and sarcopenia is considered, only the cut-off points <36 kg for men and <23 kg for women to define low grip strength identified the risk of mortality among individuals classified as having probable sarcopenia (HR=1.17, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.34), sarcopenia (HR=1.31, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.60) and severe sarcopenia (HR=1.62, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.96). In this situation, frailty identified the mortality risk (HR=1.49, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.81), whereas pre-frailty did not. Sarcopenia using other cut-off points for defining low grip strength did not identify mortality risk. CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia using <36 kg for men and <23 kg for women as cut-off points seems to be better than the frailty phenotype for identifying the risk of mortality in older adults.

Synaptic mitochondria: A crucial factor in the aged hippocampus.

Aging is a multifaceted biological process characterized by progressive molecular and cellular damage accumulation. The brain hippocampus undergoes functional deterioration with age, caused by cellular deficits, decreased synaptic communication, and neuronal death, ultimately leading to memory impairment. One of the factors contributing to this dysfunction is the loss of mitochondrial function. In neurons, mitochondria are categorized into synaptic and non-synaptic pools based on their location. Synaptic mitochondria, situated at the synapses, play a crucial role in maintaining neuronal function and synaptic plasticity, whereas non-synaptic mitochondria are distributed throughout other neuronal compartments, supporting overall cellular metabolism and energy supply. The proper function of synaptic mitochondria is essential for synaptic transmission as they provide the energy required and regulate calcium homeostasis at the communication sites between neurons. Maintaining the structure and functionality of synaptic mitochondria involves intricate processes, including mitochondrial dynamics such as fission, fusion, transport, and quality control mechanisms. These processes ensure that mitochondria remain functional, replace damaged organelles, and sustain cellular homeostasis at synapses. Notably, deficiencies in these mechanisms have been increasingly associated with aging and the onset of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Synaptic mitochondria from the hippocampus are particularly vulnerable to age-related changes, including alterations in morphology and a decline in functionality, which significantly contribute to decreased synaptic activity during aging. This review comprehensively explores the critical roles that mitochondrial dynamics and quality control mechanisms play in preserving synaptic activity and neuronal function. It emphasizes the emerging evidence linking the deterioration of synaptic mitochondria to the aging process and the development of neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the importance of these organelles from hippocampal neurons as potential therapeutic targets for mitigating cognitive decline and synaptic degeneration associated with aging. The novelty of this review lies in its focus on the unique vulnerability of hippocampal synaptic mitochondria to aging, underscoring their importance in maintaining brain function across the lifespan.

The association of telomere length with body mass index and immunological factors differs according to physical activity practice among children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to verify the relationship between screen and sleep time, body mass index (BMI) and immunological factors with telomere length according to leisure-time physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving a sample of 476 schoolchildren of both sexes, aged seven to 17 years, from a community in southern Brazil. Behavioral variables (PA, sleep time, and screen time) were self-reported using a questionnaire. PA was classified as inactive and any PA (doing some physical activity). The associations of screen time, sleep time, BMI, and immunologic factors with telomere length were tested using multiple linear regression models, with the sample divided according to the schoolchildren's leisure-time physical activity practices. RESULTS: An inverse association between BMI and telomere length (ß: -0.239; 95% CI: -0.468; -0.010) and a direct association of leukocytes (ß: 0.151; 95% CI: 0.029; 0.278) and neutrophils (ß: 0.131; 95% CI: 0.008; 0.254) with telomeres were found in the inactive students. No association was found between screen time and sleep time and telomeres. No association was found among students who engaged in any PA. CONCLUSION: The associations between telomeres, BMI, and immunologic factors were found only in inactive students. These results suggest that the association between BMI and immunological factors and telomere length may be influenced by physical activity.

Effects of a 12-week training program in outdoor gym equipment in morphological and functional parameters, quality of life, and physical activity levels in older adults.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a supervised physical training program with controlled cadence on functional fitness parameters, quality of life perception, and physical activity level in older adults. Methods: Sixty physically independent older adults were randomly divided into three groups: Supervised Training (ST, n = 20), Unsupervised Training (UT, n = 20), and a Control Group (C, n = 20). The ST and UT groups participated in a 12-week program, performing exercises three times a week for 30 min. The ST group had structured weekly sessions consisting of a 5-minute warm-up (walking at 60% of max heart rate), 20 sets of 30 s at a moderate pace controlled by a metronome with 30 s of passive recovery, and a 5-minute cool-down on non-consecutive days. The UT group trained spontaneously using senior gym equipment, including elliptical machines, rowing machines, air skiers, and leg press machines. The control group maintained their usual daily routines throughout the study. Parameters evaluated included body mass, body mass index (BMI), muscle thickness (biceps brachii, triceps brachii, and vastus lateralis), and functional capacity tests (walking 10 m [W10 m], rising from a sitting position [RSP], rising from the prone position [RVDP], sitting and rising from a chair and moving around the house [SRCW]). Quality of life was assessed across physical, psychological, environmental, and social domains, and physical activity levels were also measured. Results: No significant changes (p > 0.05) in body mass, BMI, or muscle thickness were observed between groups before and after the intervention. However, significant time effects in functional fitness tests were found only in the ST group for W10 m (p = 0.0469), RVDP (p < 0.0004), RSP (p < 0.0001), and SRCW (p < 0.0001). Quality of life improved significantly over time in the ST and UT groups across all domains (p < 0.0001). Both ST and UT groups also showed significant increases in weekly physical activity time (p > 0.0001). Conclusion: 12 weeks of training improved quality of life perception and physical activity levels in older adults.

Immunocompetent Brain Organoids with Microglia Allow Advanced Aging Research.

Aging is a complex and multifactorial process that significantly affects brain function and health, since it is commonly associated with the emergence of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent advances in stem cell technology have facilitated the development of brain organoids, three-dimensional structures that mimic key aspects of brain architecture and functionality. By incorporating microglia, the resident monocyte-derived immune cells of the central nervous system, immunocompetent brain organoids can provide a more physiologically relevant model for studying brain aging. This chapter explores the methodology of immunocompetent brain organoids for advanced aging research, detailing protocols for their generation from a co-culture of neural stem cells and primitive macrophage progenitors.

Tubular Aggregates as a Marker of Aging in Skeletal Muscle.

Tubular aggregates (TA) are skeletal muscle structures that arise from the progressive accumulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins, mainly with aging. Muscle regeneration plays a role in TA formation. TA quantification may aid in the evaluation of muscle aging and genetic muscle degeneration. TA form over time, appears in aging in normal murine muscles. TA reduction in injured conditions may be due to the degeneration-regeneration process in muscles, with loss of damaged muscle fibers and formation of new fibers that do not present protein aggregation. These new regenerated fibers do not improve the function capacity of the aged muscle. Here, we present a methodology for labeling and identifying tubular aggregates in muscle fibers and also the standardization of its quantification.

Impact of Gut Microbiota on Aging and Frailty: A Narrative Review of the Literature.

Aging is a natural, complex, and individual process that focuses on the progressive decay of the body and a decrease in cell function that begins in approximately the sixth decade of life and ends with death. Current scientific evidence shows that the aging process is mostly related to genetic load and varies because of the environment. Therefore, aging can be adjusted through the intervention of factors that control homeostasis in genetic, biochemical, and immunological processes, including those involving the gut microbiota. Indeed, the diversity of the gut microbiota decreases during aging, based on the presence of modifications in the hormonal, immunological, and operational processes of the gastrointestinal tract. These modifications lead to a state of dysbiosis. However, altering bacterial communities remains complicated due to the great diversity of factors that influence their modification. Alterations caused by the aging process are known to foster dysbiosis and correspond to conditions that determine the degree of frailty in senior citizens. Consequently, the microbial structure can be used as a biomarker for geriatric care in the promotion of healthy aging.

Association between hypercholesterolemia and isolated and simultaneous consumption of ultra-processed foods in older adults.

Background: Consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is a risk factor for several cardiovascular diseases and mortality, with potential physiological mechanisms including elevated serum cholesterol levels. Objectives: To analyze the association between hypercholesterolemia and the isolated and simultaneous consumption of UPFs in older adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted with 1322 Brazilian older adults (mean age of 70.4 years; 55.0% females) from the state of Roraima. The data was obtained from the Department of Epidemiological Surveillance of the State of Roraima. Hypercholesterolemia was diagnosed based on nosology criteria. Food consumption patterns were assessed using a nationally standardized instrument comprising four categories of UPFs. Binary logistic regression models were employed to explore potential associations. Results: The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was high (54.4%, 95% CI 51.7-56.6). While the simultaneous consumption of all UPFs types was lower (15.2%), over half of the older adults reported consuming at least one type of UPFs (71.8%). Isolated consumption of UPFs was associated with approximately twice the odds of hypercholesterolemia. Older adults who consumed two (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.26-2.43), three (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.58-3.29), or all four types of UPF (OR 6.65, 95% CI 4.35-9.44) had a higher likelihood of having hypercholesterolemia. Conclusions: Isolated consumption of UPFs is a risk factor for hypercholesterolemia, which can increase up to sixfold when older adults consume multiple UPFs simultaneously. Prioritizing nutritional education and raising awareness regarding the reduction of UPFs consumption is crucial.

Telomere length as a biomarker in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) shortens with age and may be related to multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that chronologically young people with MS (pwMS) with short LTL behave similarly to older MS subjects. METHODS: Prospective 2-year study including two cohorts of young (18-35 years) and elderly (⩾50 years) pwMS with similar disease duration. Physical and cognitive evaluation, 3 T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurement by optical coherence tomography were performed. LTL was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS: Around 105 patients were included, 57 young and 48 elderly. LTL was shorter in older patients (0.61 versus 0.57, p = 0.0081) and in males (female, 0.60; male, 0.59; p = 0.01335). For every 10-year increase in age, LTL was 0.02 U shorter. In elderly, LTL correlated with disease duration (p = 0.05), smoking (p = 0.03), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS; p = 0.004), 9HPT (p = 0.00007), high-efficacy therapies (p = 0.001), brain lesion volume (BLV) (p = 0.011), and number of T2 lesions (p = 0.01). In young patients, LTL did not correlate with clinical or radiological variables. For every 0.1 U shorter LTL, gray matter volume decreased 1.75 cm3 and white matter volume 1.78 cm3. CONCLUSION: LTL correlated with disability and BLV in elderly. Besides LTL shortening, other variables should be considered as mechanisms of neurodegeneration that might be involved in aging pwMS.