Diseases

Background: Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) represents a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Objectives: We aimed to analyze the relationship between cognitive impairment (CI), unhealthy weight status, and APOE genotypes in individuals of predominantly African descent aged 55 years and more. Genotyping of two single-nucleotide polymorphisms, rs7412 and rs429358, of the APOE gene was performed. Results: Among 310 individuals, the mean age was 75.64 years, the mean BMI was 25.94 kg/m², and the prevalence of CI was 18.1%. Most subjects were ε3/ε3 carriers (49%), while ε2-carriers and ε4-carriers represented 14.5% and 36.5%, respectively. Older age, the presence of undernutrition, and APOE4 carriers were more frequently found in underweight vs. non-underweight individuals and in those with CI vs. those without CI. The adjusted odds ratios for prevalent CI were nearly four times higher for underweight individuals compared to obese individuals. Those carrying two ε4 alleles exhibited three times the odds of CI (OR = 3.31 (95% CI: 1.15–9.91), p = 0.026) compared to those with no ε4 alleles. Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study, being underweight and carrying the ApoE ε4 allele were independently associated with cognitive impairment. These findings suggest that monitoring weight changes and APOE genotypes in older adults may have clinical significance.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality have declined in the United States over the past two decades, yet disparities persist by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and geography. To characterize population-level survival signals, we examined trends in age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIR), mortality rates (AAMR), and the mortality-to-incidence ratio (AAMIR) from 1999 to 2021, stratified by key subgroups. Methods: This retrospective analysis utilized de-identified data from the CDC WONDER United States Cancer Statistics database, encompassing incident CRC cases (SEER codes 21041–21052) and deaths (ICD-10 codes C18–C20) in adults aged 20 years and older. Age-adjusted rates (per 100,000, 2000 U.S. standard population) and AAMIR were calculated using Stata 17.0. Joinpoint regression identified trends (annual or average annual percent change [APC/AAPC], p < 0.05). Results: Among 3,489,881 cases and 1,225,986 deaths, AAIR decreased from 78.24 (1999) to 50.79 (2021; AAPC: −2.20%, 95% CI: −2.52 to −1.89), AAMR decreased from 29.34 to 17.92 (AAPC: −2.33%, −2.46 to −2.20), and AAMIR from 0.375 to 0.353 (AAPC: −0.08%, −0.47 to 0.30; p = 0.669). Women showed a significant AAMIR decline (AAPC: −0.29%), unlike men (AAPC: 0.07%). Young adults (20–39 years) had rising AAIR (AAPC: 2.42%) and AAMR (0.87%) but improving AAMIR (AAPC: −1.71%). Non-Hispanic Black individuals had the highest AAMIR (0.400 in 2021; AAPC: −0.54%). The Northeast had the most favorable AAMIR trend (AAPC: −0.40%), while the Midwest, South, and West were stable. States like New Jersey and Massachusetts achieved low AAMIR (0.292 and 0.304 in 2021), contrasting with Nebraska and Arizona (0.402 in both). Conclusions: Although colorectal cancer incidence and mortality have declined substantially in the United States from 1999 to 2021, the mortality-to-incidence ratio improved only marginally and remained markedly uneven across subgroups. Targeted interventions—enhancing screening and treatment access for men, racial/ethnic minorities, younger adults, and high-burden regions and states—can promote equitable outcomes.

Background/Objectives: COVID-19 infection is a respiratory illness that affects multiple body systems, including the musculoskeletal system. In August 2024, Colombia reported 6 million infections and a 2.2% mortality rate related to COVID-19. Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) is a chronic condition occurring after the acute infection, typically characterized by fatigue, weakness, pain, and sarcopenia, impacting the patient’s quality of life (QoL). This systematic review aimed to identify musculoskeletal sequelae, including peripheral muscle strength, fatigue, and QoL, in patients with PCS. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for cross-sectional, case–control, and cohort studies focusing on musculoskeletal sequelae in patients with COVID-19 infection published between 2020 and 2025. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the MINORS and the ROBINS-E scales, respectively. Results: Thirteen studies (n = 5657 patients) met the eligibility criteria. Seventy-six percent of studies indicated muscle weakness as the most common sequela, primarily in older adults and individuals with comorbidities (obesity, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). General fatigue (reported in 76% of the studies) significantly influenced patients’ daily lives, whereas 90% of patients reported some level of deterioration in their QoL, primarily regarding mental health, bodily pain, and physical performance. Conclusions: Patients with PCS who required mechanical ventilation showed reduced muscle strength and poor physical performance, especially older adults. Inactive individuals had worse musculoskeletal sequelae, while physical activity was associated with better strength levels. Although QoL improved after 12 months, the combination of aerobic exercise with adequate nutrition is essential to promote muscle recovery, reduce fatigue, and improve overall functional capacity in post-COVID-19 patients.