1,721,132 research outputs found
Improving geriatric outcomes through nutritional and immunonutritional strategies: Focus on surgical setting by a comprehensive evidence review
No full textThe aging population worldwide has led to an increased request for surgical interventions in older, geriatric, and frail patients. However, all the physiological changes related to aging are associated with many challenges in the perioperative period, strongly impacting surgical outcomes. Nutritional status plays a pivotal role in determining the resilience of older adults to surgical stress and their ability to recover postoperatively. It is well known that malnutrition, a prevalent concern in geriatrics, is linked to increased adverse outcomes, including morbidity and mortality. Recognizing the significance of preoperative nutritional screening, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring is essential for optimizing surgical outcomes. In this context, immunonutrition, which involves the supplementation of specific nutrients to modulate immune responses, emerges as a promising strategy to mitigate the increased inflammatory response observed in geriatric surgical patients. This study reviews current literature on the impact of nutrition and immunonutrition on surgical outcomes in geriatrics, highlighting the potential benefits in terms of reduced complications, enhanced wound healing, and shortened hospital stays. Recognizing and addressing the specific nutritional needs of older persons undergoing surgery is essential for promoting successful surgical outcomes and improving overall quality of life in this vulnerable population
A new pleiotropic effect of statins in elderly: Modulation of telomerase activity
No full textRecent evidence suggests a link between statins and telomere biology. Whether statin treatment may modulate telomerase activity and affect telomere erosion rate is unknown. We aimed at investigating the potential impact of statin therapy on peripheral blood mononuclear cells telomerase activity, its implication on LTL variability, and its association with telomere shortening rates along with aging. The cross-sectional study was conducted in 230 subjects (age range: 30-86 y) stratified according to statins treatment. LTL was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and telomerase activity by a PCRELISA protocol. Subjects on statin treatment showed higher telomerase activity (P<0.0001) and longer LTL (P=0.028) levels compared to the nonstatin group. Statin therapy was associated with higher telomerase activity independently of multiple covariates, including age, gender, smoking habits, lipid, systemic inflammation, glucose, and blood pressure levels (P=0.019). Indeed, subjects on statin treatment showed significant lower telomere erosion along with aging. Every 1 y increment in age, LTL decreases by 0.058 Kb in no statin and 0.033 Kb in statin groups, respectively, as well as the major difference in telomere attrition between groups was found after the age of 65 yr (P<0.0001). In summary, statins, modulating telomerase activity, affect telomere erosion along with aging.-Boccardi, V., Barbieri, M., Rizzo, M. R., Marfella, R., Esposito, A., Marano, L., Paolisso, G. A new pleiotropic effect of statins in elderly: modulation of telomerase activit
The telomere connection between aging and cancer: The burden of replication stress and dysfunction
No full textAging is a complex process that affects individuals at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and systemic levels, arising from the cumulative effects of damage and reduced repair mechanisms. This process leads to the onset of age-related diseases, including cancer, which exhibits increased incidence with age. Telomeres, the protective caps at chromosome ends, play a crucial role in genome stability and are closely connected with aging and age-related disorders. Both excessively short and long telomere lengths may contribute to cancer development when their balance is disrupted. Fragile telomeres, characterized by abnormalities and replication stress, may provide novel insights into the connection between aging and cancer. The accumulation of fragile telomeres, possibly due to intense replicative stress, may represent a key factor. Given the dynamic nature of telomeres, large longitudinal studies are essential for understanding their role in aging and cancer susceptibility, which is crucial for developing effective strategies to promote healthy aging and mitigate cancer risk
Aging, Cancer, and Inflammation: The Telomerase Connection
Full text linkUnderstanding the complex dynamics of telomere biology is important in the strong link between aging and cancer. Telomeres, the protective caps at the end of chromosomes, are central players in this connection. While their gradual shortening due to replication limits tumors expansion by triggering DNA repair mechanisms, it also promotes oncogenic changes within chromosomes, thus sustaining tumorigenesis. The enzyme telomerase, responsible for maintaining telomere length, emerges as a central player in this context. Its expression in cancer cells facilitates the preservation of telomeres, allowing them to circumvent the growth-limiting effects of short telomeres. Interestingly, the influence of telomerase extends beyond telomere maintenance, as evidenced by its involvement in promoting cell growth through alternative pathways. In this context, inflammation accelerates telomere shortening, resulting in telomere dysfunction, while telomere elements also play a role in modulating the inflammatory response. The recognition of this interplay has promoted the development of novel therapeutic approaches centered around telomerase inhibition. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the field, emphasizing recent progress in knowledge and the implications in understanding of cancer biology
METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ARTICULATED AND/OR DEFORMABLE MECHANICAL SYSTEM AND ITS APPLICATIONS
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Focus on research: Nodal dissection for gastric cancer – A dilemma worthy of King Solomon!
No full textEfficacy of Human Fibrinogen-Thrombin Patch (TachoSil) Clinical Application in Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery
No full textBackground: Previous studies investigated the efficacy and applicability of tissue adhesives in gastrointestinal surgery while no evidence is available to date about a novel compound, TachoSil (Takeda, Zurich, Switzerland). The primary aim of this observational study was to assess the effect of new fibrin sealant on the incidence of postoperative complications in a homogeneous group of patients submitted to upper gastrointestinal surgery for cancer. Methods: Two cohorts of 28 and 34 patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal for surgery were compared. In the first cohort, the anastomotic site was treated with TachoSil fibrinogen-thrombin-collagen patches and in the second no collagen sponge or any other hemostatic sealant was used. Postoperative complications and outcomes as well as postoperative biochemical parameters were analyzed. Results: Postoperative complications occurred in 12 patients (35.3%) and 2 patients (7.1%) in control and collagen sponge group respectively ((2) = 3.539, p < 0.05), with no anastomotic leakage in the collagen sponge group. A binary logistic regression analysis showed that the nonuse of collagen sponge [odds ratio (OR) = 0.025, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.001-0.457, p = 0.01] was independently associated with postoperative complication occurrence. Conclusions: The addition of fibrinogen-thrombin-collagen sponge patch may reduce postoperative complication rate after upper gastrointestinal surgery for cancer. Further study to delineate the role of TachoSil in gastrointestinal surgery are also needed to demonstrate improved effectiveness and applicability
Analisi agli Elementi Finiti del Comportamento di Giunti T-stub in Alluminio (Finite Element Analysis of T-stub Aluminium Joint Behaviour)
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