scholarly journals Letter to the Editor: Microbiota in the Respiratory System—A Possible Explanation to Age and Sex Variability in Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 117863612098860
Author(s):  
Vishal Shah
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory System ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Adult ◽  
Human Respiratory Tract ◽  
System A ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Children And Young Adults ◽  
Age And Sex

The Human respiratory tract is colonized by a variety of microbes and the microbiota change as we age. In this perspective, literature support is presented for the hypothesis that the respiratory system microbiota could explain the differential age and sex breakdown amongst COVID-19 patients. The number of patients in the older and elderly adult group is higher than the other age groups. The perspective presents the possibility that certain genera of bacteria present in the respiratory system microbiota in children and young adults could be directly or through eliciting an immune response from the host, prevent full-fledged infection of SARS-CoV-2. The possibility also exists that the microbiota in older adults and the elderly population have bacteria that make it easier for the virus to cause infection. I call upon the scientific community to investigate the link between human microbiota and SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility to further understand the viral pathogenesis.

Acceptance and use of communication technology by the elderly (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm Clarke ◽  
Precious Onyeachu
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Population ◽  
Population Aging ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Smart Phone ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Target Groups ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Working Age

BACKGROUND Population aging is a global phenomenon, with the proportion of the population over the age of 60 increasingly rapidly. However ownership and use of technology by people in this age group remains low, which impacts on introduction of and the assumptions made for, technology-based activities such as telehealth and telemedicine. It is essential to gain accurate information on the level of technology ownership in target groups. However, many studies on levels of technology ownership and use report using electronic methods for their survey, which introduces bias and may result in a higher value. OBJECTIVE To determine the level of ownership of technology in the elderly population using an unbiased data collection methodology. METHODS Our study collects data from patients invited to attend a clinic for their annual flu vaccination, and thereby captures a cross section of the population that is unbiased by the collection method. 309 patients completed a questionnaire, and were considered in three (3) age groups; young adults (25 to 45) (n=72), working-age (46 to 59) (n=80) and older adults (60 and above) (n=157). RESULTS In the older adult group (60+), 50 people (32%) out of 157 respondents had a mobile or smart phone and 107 (68%) did not; 38 people (24%) out of 157 respondents owned and used a computer and 119 (76%) had never used or owned a computer or tablet CONCLUSIONS Our results show a significantly lower ownership of technology in the elderly than found in other similar studies, which we attribute to the method of collection of the data, and consider to be a true reflection of the ownership in the general population.

Worldwide Experiences with Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 503-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Giuliani ◽  
Akash Nayak Karopadi ◽  
Mario Prieto-Velasco ◽  
Sabrina Milan Manani ◽  
Carlo Crepaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peritoneal Dialysis ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Social Barriers ◽  
Stage Renal Disease ◽  
End Stage ◽  
Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is common in the elderly population, and renal replacement therapy (RRT) is often required. However, in this particular subgroup of patients, the choice between hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) is often not an easy decision to make. Published literature has adequately demonstrated that PD prevalence is significantly less than HD across all patient age groups despite several advantages. We also know that elderly patients are less likely to complete a PD assessment, due to both medical and social barriers. Additionally, elderly patients are often reluctant to go ahead with PD despite being eligible PD candidates, mainly due to the fear of performing self-therapy. Recently, many new assisted PD (asPD) programs have cropped up in several countries. The main aim of these programs is to overcome barriers to PD and to promote PD utilization among elderly and non-self-sufficient patients. Although asPD has proven to be associated with good clinical results, there still remain concerns about its greater use. In this review, we will first describe an ideal asPD model and then enumerate examples of strategies and outcomes associated with successful asPD programs worldwide.

scholarly journals Electrocardiographic parameters of the American Miniature Horse: influence of age and sex

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 551-558
Author(s):  
Bianca P. Santarosa ◽  
Maria L.G. Lourenço ◽  
Gabriela N. Dantas ◽  
Carla M.V. Ulian ◽  
Marta C.T. Heckler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Frontal Plane ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Sinus Arrhythmia ◽  
T Wave ◽  
St Segment ◽  
Electrocardiographic Parameters ◽  
Electrocardiogram Ecg ◽  
Age And Sex

Abstract: The veterinary cardiology has growing importance in equine medicine. There are studies of standardization of electrocardiographic parameters of many races, according to their stature and ability. However, no studies are in the literature with the American Miniature Horse. To evaluate the electrocardiogram (ECG) tracing configuration of this breed at rest and to verify the influence of age and sex on ECG parameters, 203 horses including 143 females and 60 males were divided into four age groups (foals, yearlings, adults and elderly). Electrocardiographic parameters were performed by computerized electrocardiogram (TEB), and the parameters were evaluated in six leads of frontal plane (Lead I, II, III, aVR, aVL and aVF) and base-apex (BA). Heart rates (HR) decreased with increasing age were higher in males than in females. Sinus tachycardia followed by sinus arrhythmia was dominant in both sexes. The cardiac axis was higher in males and ranged between 120° and 150° for foals, 30° and 60° for yearlings and adults, and 60° and 90° for the elderly. The P wave was bifid in several animals. The P-wave amplitude and T-wave duration from lead II and BA were larger in males than in females. The majority of the animals exhibited ST segment depression and a negative T-wave. The most common QRS complex morphology was Qr. Differences were observed between the electrocardiographic tracings of males and females, and age influenced the ECG parameters. Therefore, this study established the ECG patterns for the American Miniature Horse breed and could be used to determine the influence of age and sex on several of the studied variables.

Intergenerational Transfers and Public Expenditure on the Elderly in Modern Britain

1988 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Johnson ◽  
Jane Falkingham
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Public Expenditure ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The United States ◽  
Generational Conflict ◽  
The Us ◽  
Families With Children ◽  
Poor Children

ABSTRACTIn the United States, much attention has recently been directed to the issue of whether the welfare system has become over-generous to the retired population, at the expense of families with children. The proportion of the US elderly population living in poverty has fallen significantly in the last fifteen years while the number of poor children has increased rapidly, and it has been suggested that this lack of investment in the next generation of workers may have disastrous longterm consequences for the U.S. economy. This paper considers whether similar trends are evident in Britain. It reviews data on the poverty and income of the elderly population, and finds little unequivocal evidence of relative economic gain over the last two decades, although it is clear that many children have suffered from the recent rise in unemployment-induced poverty. It also looks at direct public expenditure on the elderly through both the pension and the health and personal social services systems, and finds no evidence of a transfer of public resources away from children and towards the elderly population. The paper concludes that the British welfare state has been remarkably neutral in its allocation of resources between generations, and that, in the British context, any discussion of inter-generational conflict for welfare resources establishes a false dichotomy, because economic inequality within broad age groups is much greater than inequality between age groups.

Description of the Elderly Psychiatric Admissions in Recent Years

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
P. Rico-Villademoros ◽  
R. Touzon ◽  
E. Garnica
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Population ◽  
Average Length ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Assistive Devices ◽  
Psychiatric Unit ◽  
Average Length Of Stay ◽  
Psychiatric Admissions ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Stay Time ◽  
Acute Patients

Aims:To analyze the characteristics of the admissions of elderly patients in an acute psychiatric unit in recent years, to see if there have been any changes in the number, the average stay or in their referral from the hospital.Method:Details of all admissions in a psychiatric unit for acute patients aged over 65 since 1999 are collected by means of a computer system. the number of admissions, the average length of stay and where they go when discharged are taken into account.Results:In recent years the number of patients over 65 entering our unit has remained relatively stable. the average stay time remains high over all the studied years. It is proved that a large number of patients need to be moved to residences or other assistive devices when discharged.Conclusions:Despite the increase in elderly population, the number of patients over 65 who enter this unit has not significantly increased. their average stay remains always high over the years. It is striking the number of patients who can no longer go home when discharged, once they have been admitted.

Description of the Elderly Psychiatric Admissions in Recent Years

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
P. Rico-Villademoros ◽  
R. Touzon ◽  
E. Garnica
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Population ◽  
Average Length ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Assistive Devices ◽  
Psychiatric Unit ◽  
Average Length Of Stay ◽  
Psychiatric Admissions ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Stay Time ◽  
Acute Patients

Aims:To analyze the characteristics of the admissions of elderly patients in an acute psychiatric unit in recent years, to see if there have been any changes in the number, the average stay or in their referral from the hospital.Method:Details of all admissions in a psychiatric unit for acute patients aged over 65 since 1999 are collected by means of a computer system. The number of admissions, the average length of stay and where they go when discharged are taken into account.Results:In recent years the number of patients over 65 entering our unit has remained relatively stable. The average stay time remains high over all the studied years. It is proved that a large number of patients need to be moved to residences or other assistive devices when discharged.Conclusions:Despite the increase in elderly population, the number of patients over 65 who enter this unit has not significantly increased. Their average stay remains always high over the years. It is striking the number of patients who can no longer go home when discharged, once they have been admitted.

scholarly journals Trend of fall-related mortality among the elderly

2021 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yara Cristina Martins Monteiro ◽  
Maria Aparecida da Silva Vieira ◽  
Priscila Valverde de Oliveira Vitorino ◽  
Silvio José de Queiroz ◽  
Gabriela Moreira Policena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Information System ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Temporal Trend ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Death Rates ◽  
Variation Rate ◽  
Related Mortality

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the temporal trend of fall-related mortality in elderly in Brazil from 2008 to 2016. Method: Study of time series of rates of fall-related mortality according to CID-10 from 2008 to 2016. Data from the Mortality Information System on death registers of people ≥ 60 living in Brazil were used. The specific rates of fall-related mortality among the elderly were calculated through the ratio between the number of deaths and the elderly population of that year and region. The populational information was obtained from the 2000 and 2010 censuses. The variation rate and temporal trend were obtained through linear regression (p < 0.05). Results: The fall-related deaths among the elderly aged ≥ 60 amounted to 72,234 (31.2%). Falls from the same level were the most frequent (53.8%) and death rates in all ages ranged from 29.7 to 44.7 per 100,000 elders. Fall-related deaths increased with age. Conclusion: There was a growing trend of fall-related deaths among elderly in all age groups, an event which is avoidable through the adoption of preventive measures. The high rates and growing trend of fall-related deaths, as well as the aging of the Brazilian population, suggest that public policies for protecting the elderly must be prioritized.

scholarly journals The Effect of Gender on Covid-19 Infections and Mortality in Germany: Insights From Age- and Sex-Specific Modelling of Contact Rates, Infections, and Deaths

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Achim Dörre ◽  
Gabriele Doblhammer
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Compartment Model ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Death Rates ◽  
Contact Rates ◽  
Age And Sex

BackgroundRecent research points towards age- and sex-specific transmission of COVID-19 infections and their outcomes. The effect of sex, however, has been overlooked in past modelling approaches of COVID-19 infections.AimThe aim of our study is to develop an age- and sex-specific model of COVID-19 transmission and to explore how contact changes effect COVID-19 infection and death rates.MethodWe consider a compartment model to establish forecasts of the COVID-19 epidemic, in which the compartments are subdivided into different age groups and genders. Estimated contact patterns, based on other studies, are incorporated to account for age- and sex-specific social behaviour. The model is fitted to real data and used for assessing hypothetical scenarios with regard to lockdown measures.ResultsUnder current mitigation measures as of mid-August, active COVID-19 cases will double by the end of October 2020. Infection rates will be highest among the young and working ages, but will also rise among the old. Sex ratios reveal higher infection risks among women than men at working ages; the opposite holds true at old age. Death rates in all age groups are twice as high among men as women. Small changes in contact rates at working and young ages may have a considerable effect on infections and mortality at old age, with elderly men being always at higher risk of infection and mortality.DiscussionOur results underline the high importance of the non-pharmaceutical mitigation measures in low-infection phases of the pandemic to prevent that an increase in contact rates leads to higher mortality among the elderly. Gender differences in contact rates, in addition to biological mechanisms related to the immune system, may contribute to sex-specific infection rates and their mortality outcome. To further explore possible pathways, more data on COVID-19 transmission is needed which includes socio-demographic information.

Efficacy and safety of pemetrexed (P) in elderly cancer patients (pts)

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 8544-8544
Author(s):  
P. M. Kulkarni ◽  
R. Chen ◽  
M. Monberg ◽  
C. K. Obasaju
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Population ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Safety Data ◽  
Advanced Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Similar Treatment ◽  
Younger Patients ◽  
Two Age Groups

8544 Background: P, a novel multitargeted antifolate, has demonstrated antitumor activity in a broad range of tumor types. Approximately 60% of all new cases of cancer and 70% of all cancer-related deaths occur in the elderly population. However, few studies have specifically analyzed the utility of chemotherapy in this population. The objective of this posthoc analysis was to understand the efficacy and tolerability of pemetrexed (alone or in combination) when used in the elderly cancer population. Methods: Data from three pemetrexed registration trials conducted between April 1999 and February 2003 were pooled together. Pts in these studies were diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma, NSCLC, or advanced pancreatic cancer. Pts receiving P as monotherapy or in combination with another drug (gemcitabine or cisplatin) who received at least one cycle of therapy were included in this analysis (n=764). In all studies, P 500 mg/m2 was administered every 21 days. Demographics, efficacy, and safety data from pts receiving P were stratified by age ± 65 years. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival and time to PD. Cox regression model was also used to test the survival effect of pemetrexed on age after adjusting for disease stage, performance status, gender, and type of tumors, the prognostic factors considered to influence survival. Results: * P<.05 from fisher’s exact test. The adjusted hazard ratio of elderly patients over younger patients was 1.074 with p-value 0.42. Conclusions: P produced similar treatment effects in older and younger patients and appeared to be well tolerated in the elderly population. CTC grade 3/4 Lab and Non-Lab toxicity between two age groups were similar except, as expected, the elderly group had modestly higher myelosuppression. Non-hematologic toxicities were similar between the two age groups. [Table: see text] [Table: see text]

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