Safety and immunogenicity of pentavalent rotavirus vaccine in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy elderly subjects

With increasing age, a number of physiological changes take place which are reflected in immune and bowel function. These changes may relate to the commonly assumed age-related changes in intestinal microbiota; most noticeably a reduction in bifidobacteria. The current study aimed at modifying the intestinal microbiota with a potential synbiotic on selected immune and microbiota markers. Healthy elderly subjects were randomised to consume during 2 weeks either a placebo (sucrose) or a combination of lactitol andLactobacillus acidophilusNCFM twice daily in a double-blind parallel trial. After the intervention, stool frequency was higher in the synbiotic group than in the placebo group and a significant increase in faecalL. acidophilusNCFM levels was observed in the synbiotic group, after baseline correction. In contrast to the generally held opinion, the study subjects had faecalBifidobacteriumlevels that were similar to those reported in healthy young adults. These levels were, nevertheless, significantly increased by the intervention. Levels of SCFA were not changed significantly. Of the measured immune markers, PGE2levels were different between treatments and IgA levels changed over time. These changes were modest which may relate to the fact that the volunteers were healthy. Spermidine levels changed over time which may suggest an improved mucosal integrity and intestinal motility. The results suggest that consumption of lactitol combined withL. acidophilusNCFM twice daily may improve some markers of the intestinal microbiota composition and mucosal functions.

Download Full-text

1352 FESOTERODINE IS EFFECTIVE AND WELL TOLERATED IN VULNERABLE ELDERLY SUBJECTS WITH URGENCY INCONTINENCE: A DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED STUDY

The Journal of Urology ◽

10.1016/j.juro.2012.02.1735 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 187 (4S) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Catherine DuBeau ◽

Stephen R. Kraus ◽

Tomas L. Griebling ◽

Diane Newman ◽

Jean Wyman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Controlled Study ◽

Elderly Subjects ◽

Urgency Incontinence ◽

Double Blind ◽

Double Blind Placebo ◽

Vulnerable Elderly

Download Full-text

Comparative study of the effects of two programs of physical exercises in flexibility and balance of healthy elderly individuals with and without major depression

Einstein (São Paulo) ◽

10.1590/s1679-45082011ao1780 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 307-312 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Fernanda Varkala Lanuez ◽

Wilson Jacob-Filho ◽

Mariana Varkala Lanuez ◽

Ana Cláudia Becattini de Oliveira

Keyword(s):

Major Depression ◽

The Elderly ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Elderly Subjects ◽

Research Subjects ◽

Double Blind ◽

Elderly Individuals ◽

Healthy Elderly ◽

Physical Exercises ◽

Balance Exercises

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess flexibility and balance in healthy elderly subjects with or without major depression, by means of two different programs: aerobic exercises and flexibility and balance exercises. Methods: A randomized, double-blind controlled study in which each sample was the control of itself. Research subjects were 19 healthy elderly individuals, aged between 60 and 90 years, of both genders, referred to the Department of Geriatrics of the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, with or without the diagnosis of major depression, and sedentary or that had not engaged in physical activity for at least 6 months. Results: Subjects with major depression, as well as those without depression, showed signifcant improvement in flexibility and balance, especially in the group that did aerobic exercises. Conclusion: The results of this investigation reinforce the relevance of physical exercises for the elderly with major depression, as this is an important tool for treating and following-up this group of patients.

Download Full-text