Clinical interventions in aging
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To investigate the incidences of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) before and after operation in inpatients with hip fractures in both lower extremities. ⋯ The actual incidence of DVT after hip fracture may be underestimated. The incidences of preoperative and postoperative DVTs and the incidence of DVT on the uninjured limb were high.
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Observational Study
Frailty and nutritional status in older people: the Mini Nutritional Assessment as a screening tool for the identification of frail subjects.
Frailty is a condition characterized by reduced resistance to low-level stress events, resulting from the progressive decline of multiple physiological systems observed with aging. Many factors can contribute to the pathogenesis of frailty, and nutritional status appears to play a key role. The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between nutritional status, evaluated using Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and frailty among older people. ⋯ Malnutrition contributes to the development of frailty. MNA can generate vital information to help identify a substantial part of both frail and pre-frail patients at low cost and care.
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Historically, Blacks have been disproportionately underrepresented in clinical trials. Outcomes associated with low Blacks' participation in research include poor understanding of the predictors and treatment of the disease, increasing health disparities, poor health equity, and suboptimal wellness of the nation as a whole. To address this gap in research participation, we analyzed our recruitment data to identify the most effective strategies for enrolling older Blacks in clinical trials. ⋯ Our findings indicate Black men and women in our sample were predominantly recruited from health fairs and through advertisements tailored to their health needs and interests. Conversely, we mostly engaged Black men through family referrals and persons known to them, indicating a need for trust in their decision to engage study personnel and/or participate in clinical trials.
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The purpose of this study was to identify a method for assessing physical fitness age that is easy to use with both frail and healthy elderly women and to examine its validity. ⋯ These findings confirm that physical fitness age scores are applicable to frail and healthy elderly women. Physical fitness age is a valid measure of motor function in elderly women.
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We studied the efficacy of zoledronic acid (ZOL) infusion on radiographic and clinical outcomes after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures (osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures [OVCFs]). ⋯ Once-yearly 5 mg ZOL infusion combined with PKP could provide beneficial effects in elderly osteoporotic patients with OVCF.