Search Results (255)

Background/Objectives: Perceived physical literacy (PPL) appears to be a relevant strategy for combating the prevalent sedentary lifestyle among young people. Therefore, understanding their PPL levels will facilitate the implementation of appropriate strategies for this purpose. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the differences in PPL considering the sex dimension (i.e., males and females) and the age-group (i.e., early compulsory secondary education, late compulsory secondary education and baccalaureate). Methods: Seven-hundred-and-four Spanish students (age = 14.3 ± 1.6 years old) belonging to three different Spanish secondary schools voluntarily participated in this study. To assess adolescents’ perceptions of their physical literacy, the Spanish Adolescents’ Perceived Physical Literacy Assessment (S-PPLI) was used. This instrument consists of nine items equally distributed across three categories: self-perception and self-confidence, self-expression and communication with others, and knowledge and understanding. Results: Males obtained higher scores in all the indicators of PPL, except for items 1, 8 and 9, compared to their female counterparts (p < 0.05), while the oldest age-group reported higher scores in the indicators of knowledge and understanding category compared to students in the early years of compulsory secondary education (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Programs based on increasing the PPL should be implemented specifically for females. Also, similar programs must be included into scholar curriculums from the beginning of secondary education, with the aim of promoting improvements in the health and physical condition of Spanish adolescents. Full article

Masting, or the synchronous and intermittent production of seeds, can have profound consequences for Tropical Montane Cloud Forest (TMCF) tree populations and the trophic webs that depend on their mass flowering and seeds. Over the past 80 years, the importance of Fagus mexicana Martínez (Mexican beech) masting has become apparent in terms of conservation and management, promoting regeneration, and conserving endangered tree species, as well as the conscientious development of edible beechnuts as a non-timber forest product. The establishment of the relict-endemic Mexican beech is unknown, and several microenvironmental factors could influence natural regeneration. Thus, this study was conducted in two well-preserved Mexican beech forests to assess the influence of light incidence and soil moisture on the natural germination and seedling establishment of beeches. During two masting years (2017 and 2024), we assessed in situ beechnut germination and establishment. We tested the effect of the microenvironment of the oldest beeches on beechnut germination and seedling establishment. Our study highlights the complexity of the microenvironment of old beeches influencing the early stages of establishment and provides insights into possible conservation actions aimed at mitigating the impact of environmental change and humans. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diffuse idiopathic skeleton hyperostosis (DISH) is also known as Forestier–Rotes-Querol syndrome. The etiology of DISH is unknown. DISH is characterized by ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligaments of the spine. The area most frequently involved in the disease is the thoracic region of the spine. DISH in most cases is asymptomatic. If the cervical spine is involved, the most common symptoms are dysphagia and dyspnea. The ossifications in the cervical region of the spine are localized most frequently in its lower segments. Case presentation: The authors present the case of a 92-year-old cachectic female patient (body mass index (BMI) of 17; lost 13% of her body weight within the last 6 months). The patient underwent resection of the anterior osteophytes C2-T1. Results: At one-year follow up, the patient had gained weight (BMI—20) and regained her ability to consume solid products. To our knowledge, this is the oldest patient treated surgically for DISH. Conclusions: If dysphagia or dyspnea appears among elderly patients, cervical spine inspection should be conducted. If DISH is diagnosed safe, effective surgical treatment should be considered. Full article

Background: The ageing process is associated with a decline in cognitive functions, including eye–hand coordination, attention concentration, and psychomotor reaction time. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of virtual reality–based therapy in enhancing cognitive functions in seniors. Methods: This study was conducted on 38 cases (29 women and 9 men) with a mean age of 87.2 years, who were divided into two groups: a VR group (with a 4-week, three-time-week training program using the game “Beat Saber”) and a control group (with a standard 4-week exercise program). Assessments of eye–hand coordination and attentional concentration were conducted at the beginning (T₀) and the end (T₁) of the training. Results: Analysis of eye–hand coordination and attentional concentration showed significant improvement in both groups (T₀ vs. T₁: p = 0.0002 for the intervention group and p = 0.007 for the control group). However, the effect in the VR group was almost three times greater than in the control group (1.689 vs. 0.615 in D effect). Moreover, in the VR group, an analysis of “good cuts” indicated improvements in both parameters after 4 weeks of VR training. The percentage of correctly received stimuli increased significantly across sessions (p < 0.00001). Furthermore, 84.3% of participants experienced a twofold improvement in performance over the 12 VR sessions (42% vs. 80% accuracy in successful hits). The distribution of results also suggests a positive subjective impact of VR therapy in maintaining mental activity. Conclusions: The findings indicate that VR-related training can support elderly individuals in recovering cognitive function, potentially enhancing their independence and life quality. Full article

The estrous cycle involves hormonal fluctuations that influence serotonin (5-HT) concentrations and immune cell activity. During the follicular phase, estrogen increases 5-HT synthesis, enhancing cellular responses to inflammation. In contrast, in the luteal phase, progesterone suppresses immune function, reducing 5-HT availability. Age-related changes in hormone concentrations can affect these processes, potentially altering cellular responses and 5-HT dynamics in the oldest females. This study hypothesizes the relationship between 5-HT and blood cells in healthy cyclic mares, considering age as an influencing factor. Understanding these interactions offers insights into reproductive health and immune regulation in equine species. The aim was to describe the interaction between 5-HT and blood cells in twenty-five healthy cyclic Spanish Purebred mares, evaluating the effect of aging. For this purpose, the mares were classified into two age groups as follows: from 4 to 9 years (n = 12 younger mares) and from 10 to 15 years (n = 13 older mares). Younger and older mares showed an opposite 5-HT trend at +5 and +16 day of cycle (d), with greater concentrations in younger mares (p < 0.05) and lower values in older mares (p < 0.05) than at −5 and 0 d. Older mares showed a lower 5-HT concentration at +5 and +16 d (p < 0.05) than younger mares. Mares of both ages showed a superimposed WBC trend, with the greatest number both at −5 and 0 d (p < 0.05). Older mares showed a lower WBC number at −5 d (p < 0.05), and lower NFS and LYMPH numbers both at +5 and +16 d (p < 0.05) than younger mares; the latter showed the lowest NFS number at +16 d, and LYMPH number at +5 and +16 d. Mares of both ages showed a similar trend for the N/L ratio. Older mares showed a lower MON number at +5 d (p < 0.05), greater PLTs at +5 and +16 d (p < 0.05) than younger mares, and a greater PLT number at −5 and 0 d than at +5 and +16 d (p < 0.05). The activity of 5-HT is regulated by its rate of synthesis, release, and metabolism according to age. Aging reduced the 5-HT concentrations and the number of WBCs, NFSs, LYMPHs, and MONs, inducing correlations among these and 5-HT in healthy young and old cyclic mares. Full article

Background: Assessing nutrition-related health risks in older individuals is often overlooked in clinical practice due to the lack of appropriate methods of evaluation. While anthropometric measurements and body composition analyses are mainly used, these tools are not standardized for the oldest old and fail to account for age-related changes. This underscores the need for improved assessment techniques that accurately capture the progressive and non-linear shifts in nutritional status throughout the aging process. Accordingly, the primary aim of our paper is to identify the most effective tools to use for evaluating nutritional status in the oldest population. Methods: To address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional study, investigating the nutritional status of a cohort of Sicilian individuals aged between 65 and 111, using methods commonly applied to adult and older adult populations. These included the BIoimpedance Analysis (BIA), the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) evaluation, and nutritional risk indices such as the COntrolling NUTritional Status (CONUT) score and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI). Results: Despite the oldest population being classified as “at risk” of malnutrition by the MNA or “cachetic” by BIA, our results indicated a “normal” or “low risk” of malnutrition when assessments were performed using tools (GNRI and CONUT) that were not reliant on body composition parameters. These findings align with clinical history assessments conducted during their recruitment. Conclusions: This pilot study highlights the need for future research aimed at developing standardized, multidimensional assessment models tailored to the heterogeneity of each age group, to improve risk stratification, clinical outcomes, and personalized nutritional care. Full article

Background/Objectives: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in March 2020. May 2023 was the month that ended the global pandemic. Pregnant females with COVID-19 are less likely to be symptomatic than non-pregnant patients, with nearly three-quarters being without symptoms. According to previous studies, even if somebody develops symptoms, they are usually mild, most commonly coughing (41%), fever (40%), and dyspnea (21%). Our study aims to search the literature systematically, especially case series and case reports published in Europe, and to summarize results about the kind of COVID-19 therapy in pregnant women and about outcomes in mothers and newborns. Methods: Our systematic review was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with CRD42024566838. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Serbian Citation Index (SCIndeks). In this study, case reports or case series with open, complete text that included full clinical records of the individuals identified with infection in pregnancy, thought to be caused by COVID-19, were used. Case series or case reports were eliminated if they (1) did not contain a full clinical report for every patient, or (2) included an individual who suffered from another viral infection other than COVID-19, so the clinical course and the outcome could not be precisely defined. We evaluated reporting bias and attrition bias. Results: Our study included 32 published studies (eight case series and 24 case reports) that included 56 individual cases. The oldest patient was 50 years old, and the youngest was 19 years old. The most common symptom initially was dry cough (n = 23; 41%), followed by fever (n = 21; 37%) and dyspnea (n = 10; 17%). In three patients, a lower level of thrombocytes was reported, with the lowest level of 86 × 10⁹. The most frequently used drugs in pregnant women with COVID-19 infection were azithromycin, lopinavir/ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine, as well as corticosteroids. Twenty-two patients were on mechanical ventilation. After all this reported therapy, ten women died, as well as seven newborns. Conclusions: From our results, we can conclude that mechanical ventilation correlates with cesarean section performed more frequently, as well as with a higher mortality rate of neonates. There are no significant data related to transplacental transmission of the virus. Generally, mortality in our group of patients (mothers) was 17%, which is similar to the general population death from COVID-19 infection. Full article

Background: Diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) constitutes a serious clinical challenge in the treatment of diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess social support and acceptance of the disease in patients with diabetic foot syndrome and their relationship with the metabolic control of diabetes. Methods: This was an observational, single-center study, conducted in 80 people hospitalized in the general and vascular surgery department. This study included adult patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, diagnosed with DFS. The mean age of the patients was 65.63 years, with the median age of 62 years. The youngest patient was 27, and the oldest was 94 years old. Men constituted 71.25% of the study group, women 28.75%. The following data were collected: the results of laboratory tests and measurements, the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), and the Social Support Scale (S4-MAD) scores. Results: Abnormal values of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean (M) = 120.76 mg/dL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (M = 144.56) were shown in all the patients. Abnormal low-density lipoprotein values occurred in 98.75% of the patients (M = 148.21 mg/dL), and 83.75% of the participants had abnormal values of the systolic pressure (M = 145 mmHg) and total cholesterol. Glycated hemoglobin was abnormal in 61.25% of the subjects (M = 8.95%). The average score on the Acceptance of Illness Scale was 18.4 points in the study group. Out of the 100 possible points in the subscales of social support, the patients obtained an average of 46.5 points in the nutrition dimension, 40 for physical activity, 47.1 for glycemic self-control, 27.4 for foot care, and 68.9 for smoking. Conclusions: Patients with diabetic foot syndrome are characterized by poor acceptance of the disease and receive moderate social support. Patients receive the highest support in terms of cigarette smoking and glycemic self-control, with the lowest in foot care. The patient’s acceptance of the disease and the social support received are unrelated to the patient’s goals of disease control. Higher social support received by the DFS patients is associated with a greater acceptance of the disease. Full article

The Old Assyrian archive from Kanesh, dated to ca. 1950–1850 BCE, has yielded a letter that refers to the consultation of the spirits of the dead (eṭemmū), thus making it the world’s oldest actual attestation of necromancy. However, whereas the immediate context mentions the šā’ilātum, ‘the women dream interpreters’, and the bāriātum, ‘the women omen interpreters’, a necromantic professional is lacking in relation to the questioning of the eṭemmū. Earlier studies have explained this discrepancy by suggesting that necromancy was part of the skill set of the aforementioned female professionals, or that the communication with the spirits happened directly, without the immediate involvement of a skilled specialist. The present article rather argues that the term eṭemmu, ‘spirit of the dead’, had a wider semantic range than hitherto held. In rare cases, it could also designate a necromancer. This proposal is supported by an identical semantic phenomenon in another ancient Semitic language. The biblical Hebrew terms ʼōbôt and yidd^e‘ōnîm not only refer to the spirits of the dead but also to necromancers. The same might be argued for the apparent Hebrew cognate of Akkadian eṭemmū, the hapax legomenon ’iṭṭîm in Isaiah 19:3. On the strength of the findings presented in this study, it is concluded that the fleeting blending of the spirit with the necromancer lies at the heart of this semantic merger. Full article

Restricting food intake before consuming alcohol due to weight concerns or to increase alcohol’s intoxicating effects (food and alcohol disturbance, FAD) is a recognised problem in young American college students, but there is less evidence about whether middle-aged and older adults are also engaging in FAD behaviours. A cross-sectional survey of FAD and potential alcohol problems using validated measures (Compensatory Eating and Behaviours in Response to Alcohol Consumption, CEBRACS; Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, AUDIT-C) was administered online and in two universities in the north of England to adults aged ≥ 18 years old who had consumed ≥ one alcoholic beverage within the previous month. Most of the 488 participants were ≥25 years (73%) and not university students (72%). Overall, 69% of participants engaged in at least one FAD behaviour in the previous 3 months. The youngest age group (18–24 years) was significantly less likely than the oldest age group (53+ years) to never engage in FAD behaviours: alcohol effects OR (CI) 0.05 (0.02, 0.13); bulimia 0.08 (0.01, 0.67); and restriction 0.21 (0.08, 0.52). Nevertheless, 47% of the oldest age group engaged in at least one FAD-related behaviour, and student status was not associated with FAD behaviours, except for alcohol effects. FAD behaviours were engaged in by most alcohol consumers in this study, including middle- and older-aged adults, and non-students. Full article

Background/Objectives: In recent years, inflammatory markers have been increasingly utilized to predict disease prognosis. The neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) has emerged as a novel biomarker reflecting inflammation and systemic response. This study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic value of NPAR in pneumonia patients aged 80 years and older hospitalized in intensive care. Methods: Patients aged 80 years and older who were followed up in the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of pneumonia between 1 October 2022, and 31 May 2024, were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic characteristics, laboratory data, disease severity scores (APACHE II, SOFA), intensive care interventions, and variables associated with mortality were analyzed. NPAR was calculated by dividing the neutrophil percentage by the serum albumin level. The prognostic value of NPAR was assessed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and Cox regression analysis. Results: A total of 135 patients were included in the study. Patients with NPAR > 0.286 had significantly higher SOFA (p = 0.002) and APACHE II (p = 0.007) scores. The high NPAR group was at significantly greater risk for requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (p = 0.003), vasopressor support (p = 0.042), and developing sepsis (p = 0.035). Elevated NPAR was strongly associated with mortality (p < 0.001) and was identified as an independent predictor of mortality in the Cox regression analysis (HR = 2.488, 95% CI: 1.167–5.302, p = 0.018). Conclusions: NPAR may serve as an effective biomarker for predicting disease severity and mortality risk in pneumonia patients aged 80 years and older. Due to its simplicity and accessibility, it can be considered a practical parameter for integration into clinical practice. However, large-scale, multicenter, and prospective studies are needed to validate these findings. Full article

Divergent mid-Silurian (late Wenlock) and latest Silurian–earliest Devonian (Pridoli–Lochkovian) ages have been proposed for the strata bearing the millipede Pneumodesmus newmani, the oldest known undoubted air-breathing land animal, marking a significant event in the evolution of the first land biota. The late Wenlock age is based on physically correlating a non-marine section dated with spores and detrital zircon dates, across a fault, with a distinctly different non-marine section bearing the millipede. The Pridoli–Lochkovian ages are based on vertebrate fossils and detrital zircon dates from this latter section. A review of the available lithostratigraphic, petrological, and biostratigraphic data, plus detrital zircon dating of the basal Old Red Sandstone around Stonehaven, shows that the two dated sections have strata that are of different depositional environments, sources, and ages and that the totality of the evidence firmly dates the millipede-bearing strata as Pridoli–Lochkovian. Full article

Background: The optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer (PCa) in patients aged ≥75 years (mild-old and oldest-old) are still contentious. Resource allocation and ideal treatment for older patients are challenges, mainly due to their comorbidities and reduced life expectancy. This survey aims to assess current clinical practices and the experiences of healthcare providers in the diagnosis and management of elderly patients with PCa. Materials and Methods: In Northeast Italy, members of the Gruppo Uro-Oncologico del Nord-Est (GUONE) conducted a survey involving 104 physicians of different specialties (Nuclear Medicine, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Radiology, Urology) between 1 November 2024 and 30 November 2024. The survey encompassed 51 questions, evaluating various diagnostic and therapeutic scenarios. Results: Digital rectal exam (DRE) was recommended by 35.9% of physicians for patients aged 75 or older at risk of PCa. PSA testing was continued in 76.3% of these patients. For 36.5% of the physicians, there should be no age limit for prostate biopsy. Moreover, 42.6% of physicians recommended a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided prostate biopsy regardless of age. A prostate biopsy was deemed mandatory before initiating any form of hormonal therapy by 57.7% of the participants. For 22.3% and 34.7% of physicians, there should be no age limit for prostate MRI and PET/CT for staging purposes. Interestingly, PET/CT was not recommended in 52% of cases as a staging tool for patients older than 85 years. For patients without comorbidities, the age limit to consider radical prostatectomy (RP) was 75, with 58.6% of physicians in favor. There were no definitive limits for radiotherapy (RT). Chemotherapy had an age limit for 81.6% of the respondents; for 18.4%, 22.5%, and 26.5% of physicians, age limits were 75, 80, and 85 years, respectively. The use of androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) had no definitive age limits for 46.5% of respondents. For patients with no comorbidities and low-volume metastatic PCa, the preferred option was androgen deprivation therapy + ARPIs + RT. The follow-up schedule after RP or RT exhibited heterogeneity with no consensus regarding the frequency of PSA testing or the age at which it should be discontinued. Conclusions: This survey highlights the need for consensus guidelines in diagnosing and managing mild-old and oldest-old elderly PCa patients. With the aging population, standardized protocols are essential to ensure optimal care. Full article

The age, growth and otolith morphometry of Lepidopus caudatus were studied by investigating the sagittal otoliths of specimens collected in the eastern Adriatic. A total of 295 specimens, ranging from 20.7 to 123.0 cm in total length (TL), were analysed. Ground otoliths displayed a typical pattern of opaque and translucent alternated zones. The whole population was dominated by 0⁺-year-old fish, and the maximum observed age was four years. The oldest individuals in the sample were males. The total length-at-age was described by the von Bertalanffy growth model: TL = 134.98[1 − exp (−0.32(t + 1.01))]. Based on the model, we estimated the longevity of the fish, which was 8.35 years. Otolith length, width, thickness and mass were linear with fish TL and age. The most accurate age estimate for the analysed population was derived from the otolith length. Comparisons with available studies from the Mediterranean and other areas are discussed. Full article

Social innovation has emerged as a prominent strategy in development practice, attracting substantial scholarly attention. In Ethiopia’s pastoral and agro-pastoral areas, characterized by vulnerability and persistent development challenges, non-governmental organizations have begun implementing social innovations as alternatives to traditional interventions. However, the empirical understanding of the uptake of these innovations and the degree to which communities perceive ownership is limited. This study aims to investigate the adoption patterns of social innovations and evaluate community ownership of these innovations towards sustainability in specific Ethiopian contexts. Methods included partial participant observation, 12 case studies, 33 key informant interviews, and a sample survey of 392 respondents. The findings indicate that the average age of respondents is approximately 41 years old, with the youngest being 15 and the oldest being 94. Descriptive and inferential statistics showed that social innovations improved the management of the water system in Meda Wollabu and the enhanced goat market in Dasenech, with a developed sense of ownership benefitting and improving communities’ livelihood and sustainable development. The study concludes that developed sense of community ownership effective information dissemination, relative advantage and participation in training, highlighting the importance of tailored social innovation strategies that enhance community resilience and sustainability. Full article