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Italy’s demographic setting is rapidly evolving and is characterized by a substantial increase in the older population segment. This trend, driven by prolonged life expectancy and declining birth rates, positions Italy as a leader in global aging patterns. The 38th National Congress of the Società Italiana di Geriatria Ospedale e Territorio (SIGOT), held in Rome, underlined the importance of addressing the health needs of this aging population, particularly focusing on preventing sarcopenia and cardiovascular diseases. Recent data challenge the notion of functional decline as an inevitable consequence of aging, highlighting the interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors in modulating health outcomes. Sarcopenia, a prevalent condition and biological substrate of frailty, significantly impacts physical function and mortality rates, necessitating behavioral interventions to mitigate its effects. Physical exercise emerges as a key strategy for maintaining cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of arrhythmias, prevalent in older age groups. However, the complex relationship between physical activity intensity, age, and cardiovascular risk underlines the importance of tailored interventions and preliminary screenings. Looking ahead, proactive measures such as enhanced screening, promoting lifelong healthy habits, research and innovation, robust community support systems, and adaptable policies are essential to address the multifaceted challenges posed by an aging population. With this consensus paper, we aimed to summarize the key messages from the three intensive days of the SIGOT National Congress.

The accumulation of senescent cells drives inflammaging and increases morbidity of chronic inflammatory lung diseases. Immune responses are built upon dynamic changes in cell metabolism that supply energy and substrates for cell proliferation, differentiation, and activation. Metabolic changes imposed by environmental stress and inflammation on immune cells and tissue microenvironment are thus chiefly involved in the pathophysiology of allergic and other immune‐driven diseases. Altered cell metabolism is also a hallmark of cell senescence, a condition characterized by loss of proliferative activity in cells that remain metabolically active. Accelerated senescence can be triggered by acute or chronic stress and inflammatory responses. In contrast, replicative senescence occurs as part of the physiological aging process and has protective roles in cancer surveillance and wound healing. Importantly, cell senescence can also change or hamper response to diverse therapeutic treatments. Understanding the metabolic pathways of senescence in immune and structural cells is therefore critical to detect, prevent, or revert detrimental aspects of senescence‐related immunopathology, by developing specific diagnostics and targeted therapies. In this paper, we review the main changes and metabolic alterations occurring in senescent immune cells (macrophages, B cells, T cells). Subsequently, we present the metabolic footprints described in translational studies in patients with chronic asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and review the ongoing preclinical studies and clinical trials of therapeutic approaches aiming at targeting metabolic pathways to antagonize pathological senescence. Because this is a recently emerging field in allergy and clinical immunology, a better understanding of the metabolic profile of the complex landscape of cell senescence is needed. The progress achieved so far is already providing opportunities for new therapies, as well as for strategies aimed at disease prevention and supporting healthy aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing paper hydrophobicity is of key importance for many paper-based applications. Fatty acids or vegetable oils and their derivatives replace environmentally harmful conventional coating materials but still require challenging chemical reactions for covalent attachment onto paper. Here, we show that simple storage of olive oil-coated cotton linter paper at 70 °C and subsequent Soxhlet extraction is able to endow paper with hydrophobic properties, reaching water contact angles above 130°. In-depth chemical and morphological analytics show the relevance of temperature and air accessibility during the aging process compared with aging at ambient temperature and under the exclusion of oxygen, underlining the importance of assessing a coating's long-term performance and stability under diverse storage conditions. Simple storage of vegetable oil-coated paper at elevated temperatures followed by extraction proves to be an easy way to produce stable covalently attached hydrophobic paper coatings with exceptionally low coating amounts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose of Review: The aim of this review is the attempt to differentiating the pathophysiologic and clinical features of the aging-related sarcopenia from cancer-related sarcopenia. In fact, there is some controversy among the experts mainly regarding two points: is always sarcopenia, even that aging-related one, the expression of a generalized disease or may exist independently and without major alteration of the muscle function? Are always aging-related and cancer-related sarcopenia completely separated entities?, Recent Findings: Literature shows that sarcopenia, defined as simple skeletal muscle mass loss, may range from a mainly focal problem which is common in many healthy elderly people, to a component of a complex multiorgan syndrome as cancer cachexia. Disuse, malnutrition and (neuro)degenerative processes can account for most of the aging-related sarcopenias while systemic inflammation and secretion of cancer-and immune-related molecules play an additional major role in cachexia., Summary: A multimodal approach including physical exercise and optimized nutritional support are the key measures to offset sarcopenia with some contribution by the anti-inflammatory drugs in cancer patients. Results are more promising in elderly patients and are still pending for cancer patients where a more specific approach will only rely on the identification and contrast of the key mediators of the cachectic process., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Aging is the most important risk factor for prostate cancer (PC). Imaging techniques can be useful to measure age-related changes associated with the transition to diverse pathological states. However, biomarkers of aging from prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remain to be explored., Purpose: To develop an aging biomarker from prostate MRI and to examine its relationship with clinically significant PC (csPC, Gleason score ≥7) risk occurrence., Study Type: Retrospective., Population: Four hundred and sixty-eight (65.97 ± 6.91 years) biopsied males, contributing 7243 prostate MRI slices. A deep learning (DL) model was trained on 3223 MRI slices from 81 low-grade PC (Gleason score ≤6) and 131 negative patients, defined as non-csPC. The model was tested on 90 negative, 52 low-grade (142 non-csPC), and 114 csPC patients., Field Strength/sequence: 3-T, axial T2-weighted spin sequence., Assessment: Chronological age was defined as the age of the participant at the time of the visit. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, Gleason, and Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) scores were also obtained. Manually annotated prostate masks were used to crop the MRI slices, and a DL model was trained with those from non-csPC patients to estimate the age of the patients. Following, we obtained the prostate age gap (PAG) on previously unseen csPC and non-csPC cropped MRI exams. PAG was defined as the estimated model age minus the patient's age. Finally, the relationship between PAG and csPC risk occurrence was assessed through an adjusted multivariate logistic regression by PSA levels, age, prostate volume, and PI-RADS ≥ 3 score., Statistical Tests: T-test, Mann-Whitney U test, permutation test, receiver operating characteristics (ROC), area under the curve (AUC), and odds ratio (OR). A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: After adjusting, there was a significant difference in the odds of csPC (OR = 3.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.32-6.16). Further, PAG showed a significantly larger bootstrapped AUC to discriminate between csPC and non-csPC than that of adjusted PI-RADS ≥ 3 (AUC = 0.981, 95% CI: 0.975-0.987)., Data Conclusion: PAG may be associated with the risk of csPC and could outperform other PC risk factors., Level of Evidence: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.)

Predominantly Western-based biomedical models of successful aging have been used to research, understand, and explain successful aging among diverse populations. With an increasingly heterogeneous older adult population nationwide, scholars have been exploring Indigenous understandings of successful aging. To add to the accumulation of knowledge of diverse Alaska Native populations, this study involved semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 Unangan Elders from the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands. This community-based participatory research study explores the aging experiences and conceptualization of successful aging of these Elders from this remote and culturally distinct region of Alaska. Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes related to successful aging within this specific region, which supported our previous four themes, or characteristics, of Alaska Native successful aging: physical health, social support and emotional well-being, generativity as a traditional way of life, and community engagement and Inidgenous cultural generativity. Each of these themes or characteristics of Eldership is intertwined and together support successful aging within two remote communities in the Bering Sea. The findings of this study illuminate how Alaska Native Elders can live in geographically diverse regions of the State, yet the values and teachings they possess on successful aging possess the same cultural values and teachings. This study highlighted two new emerging constructs that influence Alaska Native Elders' successful aging based on geographical location. Findings contribute to the thematic saturation of the four main successful aging domains while outlining the importance of future research to conduct deeper investigations into the role of environment and history on Elders' perceptions and understanding of aging., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

The American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative & Comparative Physiology has issued a call for papers on the topic of cardiovascular regulation during exercise, specifically focusing on the role of biological sex and the consequences of aging. The editors are seeking original research, short reports, and reviews that explore areas such as autonomic control of circulation, skeletal muscle, cerebral and cardiac blood flow, cardiac regulation, hemodynamic regulation, and thermal challenges. The aim is to better understand the sex-specific differences in cardiovascular responses to exercise and how they change throughout the lifespan. The call also emphasizes the need to consider the effects of aging, age-related diseases, and medications commonly prescribed to older adults on cardiovascular regulation during exercise. The editors encourage researchers to refer to recently published guidelines on the use of sex and gender in cardiovascular research. [Extracted from the article]

Financial pressure on younger generation is mounting in Japan, a super-ageing society with staggering economy. The revision on the co-insurance rate for 70-74 with "Standard" category was implemented to mitigate such pressure, seeking better balance across generations in sharing the burden of healthcare cost. It raised the rate from 10% to 20% over the period of five years from 2014 to 2018. This report examined how it changed the share of cost sharing (cost sharing as percentage to total healthcare expenditure), among the 70-74 with "Standard" category in Citizens Health Insurance programme in 44 prefectures. It specifically focused on change in the population's actual share of cost sharing (ASCS) that better reflect the genuine amount of payment actually made by the patients themselves. The average ASCS increased from 7.28% (2013) to 10.78% (2019), resulting wider gap from the statutory planned share of cost sharing (i.e., the statutory co-insurance rate of 10% in 2013, and 20% in 2019). Also found was increased variance among prefectural ASCS, which may suggest a possibility of un-designed effect by the revision, of encouraging a move towards ability and willingness to pay. In terms of cost containment effect, Japan needs to consider various non-conventional options, including review of the current use of healthcare resources. First and foremost, however, the true state of cost sharing should be recognized in terms of ASCS and shared more widely as a reality. Such effort is essential in discussion of how to keep embracing the country's life line, UHC., (© 2023 The Authors. The International Journal of Health Planning and Management published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Older people's health condition is not uniform, and the components of their health are interrelated. Concepts regarding the health of older people have emerged and changed over time. However, the transition of concepts and influencing factors are not well examined through research. We have conducted a scoping review of the changes over time in the concept of health for older people and the factors influencing these changes. The public websites of international organizations and academic societies related to older people's health and research paper database were searched, and the extracted data were summarized in a chronological table. Consequently, this study revealed changing trends in health orientation after health had been defined by WHO, namely, successful aging, productive aging, active aging, and healthy aging, and their components, not the concept of health. The emergence and changes of health orientation among older people may have accompanied proposals and measures of international organizations and academic societies developed in response to changes in the demographic structure, and changes in how society perceives and supports older people. With the changing eras that bring about advances in health technology, prolongation of life expectancy, and changes in lifestyles, the needs of older people, society's perceptions of aging and older people, and how to support them will also change. Our findings may provide a valuable basis for understanding aging and older people, reconsidering their health orientation based on the health issues of older people and their significance, and formulating policies for older people in the future. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 5-17., (© 2023 Japan Geriatrics Society.)

• Latino adults are disproportionately impacted by dementia due to high exposure to adverse social determinants of health (SDOH). • "Brain health literacy" in middle adulthood may be a modifiable factor that could help mitigate later life risk of cognitive decline. • The proposed Brain Health Literacy framework can guide health promotion efforts, with the ultimate goal of increasing brain health equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Remote dried blood spot (DBS) self-collection in older adults is highly feasible. • Remote DBS yields high-quality spots, sufficient for assaying multiple biomarkers, with high participant adherence. • Inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) from self-collected DBS are reliable and valid. Dried blood spots (DBS) provide a minimally invasive method to assess inflammatory markers and can be collected remotely at-home or in-person in the lab. However, there is a lack of methodological information comparing these different collection methods and in older adults. We investigated the feasibility (including adherence, yield, quality, and participant preferences) and measurement properties (reliability, validity) of remotely collected DBS inflammatory markers in older adults. Participants (N = 167, mean age = 72, range: 60–96 years) collected their own DBS (finger prick on filter paper) during three remote interviews over ∼ 6 months. Within 4–5 days on average of their last remote interview, a subset of 41 participants also attended an in-person lab visit that included a researcher-collected DBS sample, venous blood draw, and survey to assess participant preferences of DBS collection. DBS and venous blood were assayed for CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α. Adherence: 98% of expected DBS samples (493 out of 501) were completed and mailed back to the lab. Yield: 97% of DBS samples were sufficient for all assays. Quality: On average, 0.80 fewer optimal spots (60uL of blood that filled the entire circle) were obtained remotely vs. in-person (p = 0.013), but the number of useable or better spots (at least 30-40uL of blood) did not differ (p = 0.89). Preference: A slight majority of participants (54%) preferred in-person DBS collection. Reliability: DBS test–retest reliabilities were good: CRP (ICC = 0.74), IL-6 (ICC = 0.76), and TNF-α (ICC = 0.70). Validity: Inflammatory levels from DBS correlated strongly with levels from venous blood (r = 0.60-0.99) and correlated as expected with sociodemographic and physical health and function variables. Older adults can remotely collect their own DBS to acquire reliable and valid inflammatory data. Remote DBS collection is highly feasible and may allow for inflammatory markers to be assessed in larger, more representative samples than are possible with lab- or clinic-based research designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nursing Journal / Sestrinski Glasnik is the property of Croatian Nurses Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Due to their lack of periodontal ligaments (PLs) and the differences between dental implants and natural teeth, it is necessary to improve and generate a new occlusal scheme to prolong the life of implants and prostheses. The age and the sex of patients must be considered because of their effects on the stomatognathic system's physiology. Operators must manage all the changes to obtain good sensations during mastication and a better occlusal scheme for implanting fixed partial prostheses. Dentists should try to protect this type of prosthesis using adjacent teeth and the PL. This is why new digital systems were created. The combination of T-Scan® (digital software for occlusal analysis) and electromyography (EMG) could allow doctors to find areas where it is necessary to act and to find suitable solutions for the problems generated by using conventional methods of occlusal analysis (such as articulating paper). In this study, a new method for establishing occlusion on fixed partial implant prostheses has been created, combining digital systems with conventional articulating paper. This method consists of asking the patient to bite down with different forces and situations in an attempt to achieve Implant-Protected Occlusion (IPO). The use of digital systems has been shown to be more effective than using only conventional systems. This new method allows a safer mode of occlusion which protects implants and prostheses, saving all the differences between them and natural teeth, and increasing the satisfaction of patients. This method also helps to overcome the changes in the stomatognathic system as age increases, adjusting the occlusion to changes in PLs with age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) was introduced in mid-2000 to increase participation in private health insurance that includes hospital cover (PHI-HC) and improve the risk profile of PHI-HC participants. It initially achieved both objectives, but since 2001 the PHI-HC population has aged faster than the general population. The aim of this study was to determine if the excess ageing of the PHI-HC risk pool has been due to passive age-based adverse selection, an inherent risk of LHC. This study has potential implications for the retention of LHC. Methods: A descriptive population-level analysis of publicly available administrative datasets was performed. Data relating to PHI-HC were obtained from the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority. National population data were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Trends in demography, PHI-HC participation rates and LHC loading payments were analysed. Results: By 2021, age-based adverse selection had returned to the pre-LHC level. Based on the available data, this was due to passive age-based adverse selection not active age-based adverse selection. Specifically, it reflected the combination of an avoidable unintended consequence of the introduction of LHC (the over-representation, in 2001, of individuals aged 45–59) and one of LHC's intended effects (incentivisation of insured individuals to retain PHI-HC). Conclusions: This study supports the retention of LHC. Nonetheless, it highlights the risk of passive age-based adverse selection created by incentivising insured individuals to retain PHI-HC in the presence of distortions in the age distribution of the PHI-HC risk pool. Early targeted interventions are required when such distortions arise. What is known about the topic? Since the introduction of Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) in mid-2000, the participation rate for private health insurance that includes hospital cover (PHI-HC) has remained relatively stable, but the PHI-HC population has aged faster than the general population. What does this paper add? This paper makes a novel distinction between 'active' and 'passive' age-based adverse selection to explain LHC's role in the excess ageing of the PHI-HC risk pool. What are the implications for practitioners? Governments need to be vigilant for the emergence of distortions in the age distribution of the PHI-HC risk pool and respond with targeted interventions to normalise the age distribution, or risk problematic passive age-based adverse selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aging has been implicated in many chronic inflammatory diseases, including periodontitis. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease caused by longterm irritation of the periodontal tissues by the plaque biofilm on the surface of the teeth. However, only a few bibliometric analyses have systematically studied this field to date. This work sought to visualize research hot spots and trends in aging associated with periodontitis from 2002 to 2023 through bibliometric approaches. Methods: Graphpad prism v8.0.2 was used to analyse and plot annual papers, national publication trends and national publication heat maps. In addition, CtieSpace (6.1.6R (64-bit) Advanced Edition) and VOSviewer (version 1.6.18) were used to analyse these data and visualize the scientific knowledge graph. Results: The number of documents related to aging associated with periodontitis has steadily increased over 21 years. With six of the top ten institutions in terms of publications coming from the US, the US is a major driver of research in this area. journal of periodontology is the most published journal in the field. Tonetti MS is the most prolific authors and co-cited authors in the field. Journal of Periodontology and Journal of Clinical Periodontology are the most popular journals in the field with the largest literature. Periodontitis, Alzheimer's disease, and peri-implantitis are current hot topics and trends in the field. Inflammation, biomarkers, oxidative stress cytokines are current research hotspots in this field. Conclusion: Our research found that global publications regarding research on aging associated with periodontitis increased dramatically and were expected to continue increasing. Inflammation and aging, and the relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases, are topics worthy of attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adults are at increased risk of pressure injuries (PIs) due to age‐related changes. Traditionally, PI knowledge and education have been delivered in hospitals and residential aged care facilities, however, there remains a critical gap in understanding how PI knowledge on prevention and management is shared with older adults and their carers living in the community. We aimed to describe the nature and characteristics of structured and unstructured PI education programs available to community‐dwelling older adults and their carers. As coping review was undertaken. We searched five databases: CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library and ProQuest from 2009 to August 2023. The review was guided by Arksey and O'Malley's six‐step framework and adhered to the PRISMA‐ScR guidelines. It included primary peer‐reviewed papers published in English, which focus on PI education for older adults and/or their carers living in community settings. Data extraction was organised in a table, and findings presented as a narrative summary. One‐hundred and thirty‐six papers were screened and four included in the review. Results indicate that consideration was placed on literacy levels and cognitive status of older adults and their carers when designing PI education materials. Educational materials such as leaflets/brochures, in‐person training sessions or a combination of both were used. However, duration of these interventions varied, lasting for 1–4 weeks while others were completed over 12 months. Some improvements in PI knowledge such as how to treat PI, dietary requirements and importance of mobility were noted. However, information retention and its translation into effective long‐term behaviour change remained unclear. In conclusion, adopting a multifaceted educational approach increases the effectiveness of PI knowledge translation. Continuous education, support and reinforcement on PIs over time are necessary when interacting with older adults and caregivers to ensure long‐term management and prevention success. Conversations on PIs should start at the primary care levels when older adults and carers are visiting their GP clinics and accessing support services for other healthcare needs. Understanding older adults' and carers' literacy levels, cognitive status and cultural background can assist clinicians in designing and delivering fit‐for‐purpose PI educational interventions that are accessible, relatable and effective in promoting knowledge transfer and behaviour change. Carers are vital conduits in the care continuum. These factors will lead to a more informed, collaborative and person‐centred approaches to PI management and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proportion of aged populations is increasing worldwide. Exercise has a palliating effect on some adverse implications of aging. Multicomponent training (MCT) is a recommended form of exercise for the aged population. The aims of this research were to (1) study the number of publications regarding MCT in the aged population following an exponential growth rate; (2) identify the journals, authors, and countries that stand out the most in this area; and (3) describe the most common themes and used keywords in this field. The analysis was performed through the traditional laws of bibliometrics, including, Price's, Lotka's, Bradford's, and Zipf's law. All documents published in journals indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection from 2001 to November 2023 that met the inclusion criteria were included. The 485 documents included in this review revealed that the number of annual publications experienced an exponential growth phase, 15 journals with six or more publications formed the core journals on this topic, and the author Mikel Izquierdo and his collaborative network topped the lists of prominent and prolific co-authors. Spain was the leading country in number of publications. Various thematic lines and keywords regarding strength, sarcopenia, quality of life, falls, balance, dual-task exercise, and cognitive and physical functioning were identified. In conclusion, this work confirmed that research on this topic is going through an exponential growth phase and provided detailed information about the journals, authors, and countries involved in the subject, as well as the keywords most frequently used in the subject matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of 'energy shortage', developing a novel energy-based power system is essential for advancing the current power system towards low-carbon solutions. As the usage duration of lithium-ion batteries for energy storage increases, the nonlinear changes in their aging process pose challenges to accurately assess their performance. This paper focuses on the study LiFeO4(LFP), used for energy storage, and explores their performance degradation mechanisms. Furthermore, it introduces common battery models and data structures and algorithms, which used for predicting the correlation between electrode materials and physical parameters, applying to state of health assessment and thermal warning. This paper also discusses the establishment of digital management system. Compared to conventional battery networks, dynamically reconfigurable battery networks can realize real-time monitoring of lithium-ion batteries, and reduce the probability of fault occurrence to an acceptably low level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims at estimating the life of extruded HVDC cable insulation subjected to fast and slow voltage polarity reversals (VPRs). An ad hoc MATLAB code is used for the transient electric field simulation in the cable insulation thickness by solving numerically Gauss, ohm, and current continuity equations beside a macroscopic conductivity equation. A transient temperature is also considered during slow VPR transients. The results show a significant localized reduction in the life of the inner insulation, making the life distribution non-monotonous inside the insulation thickness. The results show that fast VPRs are the most stressing transients in this study. The longer the duration of the zero-voltage period in slow VPR, the less stressed the insulation, hence, the longer the local life in the inner insulation of the cable. The latter is justified by the charge relaxation during slow VPRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the influence of consumers' gender and age on the relationship between their attitudes and purchase intentions for choosing a sustainable retirement village, drawing on the Ecological Theory of Aging and the Theory of Reasoned Goal Pursuit. About 931 research participants were collected in China through an online research firm, which distributed questionnaires to its sampling database. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling was employed to test the proposed hypotheses. The study reveals that (1) consumers' attitudes toward sustainable retirement villages mediate the relationship between social and environmental sustainability and purchase intentions; (2) The link between the attributes of sustainable retirement villages and consumers' purchase intentions is mediated by their attitudes, which are not influenced by the consumers' gender or age. This research demonstrates that neither the gender nor age of consumers significantly impact their attitudes and purchase intentions regarding sustainable retirement villages. The scope of this study is constrained by its sample and variables, as the research subject focuses specifically on Chinese consumers' attitudes and intentions toward sustainable retirement villages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to share how the Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research co-designs research within a national programme of work to improve the lives of older adults and those affected by dementia. Through examples of this work, the authors identify the barriers and enablers to participatory approaches and lessons to inform future involvement activities. Design/methodology/approach: This study reflects on implementing the UK National Standards for Public Involvement into practice. Of international relevance, the observations span the research process from research prioritisation and design to research implementation and knowledge exchange. Findings: This study demonstrates the importance of using a relational approach, working toward a common purpose and engaging in meaningful dialogue. Only through offering choice and flexibility and actively learning from one another can co-design lead to synergistic relationships that benefit everyone. Research limitations/implications: Key implications for researchers engaged in patient and public involvement are be receptive to other people's views and acknowledge expertise of those with lived experience alongside those with academic expertise. Training, resources and time are required to effectively support involvement and meaningful relationships. A nominated contact person enables trust and mutual understanding to develop. This is an ongoing collective learning experience that should be embedded throughout the entire research process. Originality/value: This paper demonstrates how the standards are implemented with people who are often excluded from research to influence a national programme of work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aging prediction of railway catenary is of profound significance for ensuring the regular operation of electrified trains. However, in real-world scenarios, accurate predictions are challenging due to various interferences. This paper addresses this challenge by proposing a novel method for predicting the aging of railway catenary based on an improved Kalman filter (KF). The proposed method focuses on modifying the priori state estimate covariance and measurement error covariance of the KF to enhance accuracy in complex environments. By comparing the optimal displacement value with the theoretically calculated value based on the thermal expansion effect of metals, it becomes possible to ascertain the aging status of the catenary. To improve prediction accuracy, a railway catenary aging prediction model is constructed by integrating the Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy neural network (FNN) and KF. In this model, an adaptive training method is introduced, allowing the FNN to use fewer fuzzy rules. The inputs of the model include time, temperature, and historical displacement, while the output is the predicted displacement. Furthermore, the KF is enhanced by modifying its prior state estimate covariance and measurement error covariance. These modifications contribute to more accurate predictions. Lastly, a low-power experimental platform based on FPGA is implemented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The test results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the compared method, showcasing its superior performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This opinion paper addresses the challenges and future directions for preventing aspiration pneumonia in Japan's rapidly aging population. It highlights the increasing proportion of elderly individuals and the associated rise in health issues like decreased swallowing function, a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia. The paper emphasizes the effectiveness of dentist-provided oral care in preventing this condition but notes the lack of collaboration between dentists and physicians in Japan's clinical practice. Key challenges identified include the scarcity of full-time hospital dentists, insufficient communication between physicians and dentists, limited patient understanding and motivation regarding oral care, and a lack of training in geriatric dentistry. The paper advocates for enhanced awareness among healthcare professionals and patients, increased hospital dentists, and improved collaboration mechanisms, particularly in light of recent positive changes in insurance reimbursement policies for elderly oral care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engagement of patients and the public in health research is crucial for ensuring research relevance and alignment with community needs. However, there is a lack of nuanced evaluations and examples that promote collaborative and reflective learning about partnerships with partners. The aim of this paper is to provide a case example of a participatory evaluation of the engagement of older adult partners in an aging-focused research centre. We outline our process of co-planning and implementing an evaluation of the McMaster Collaborative for Health and Aging's engagement strategy through the use of multiple methods, including a standardized tool and qualitative approaches. The team chose to explore and capture the engagement experiences and perspectives of the older adult partners within the Collaborative using a survey (the Public and Patient Engagement Evaluation Tool (PPEET)), an art-based method (photovoice), and a focus group. We present a brief summary of the findings but primarily focus this paper on the experiences of using each methodology and tool, with an emphasis on promoting dialogue on the benefits, limitations, and challenges. We reflect on the process of co-planning and the integration of both standardized tools and qualitative approaches to adopt a holistic approach to evaluating partnership within the Collaborative. Ultimately, this case example aims to provide practical guidance for other research groups navigating the complexities of partnership engagement and evaluation, thereby promoting meaningful partnerships in research. Plain English Summary: Engaging older adults in research is important to match research study goals with older adult needs and interests and can lead to better health outcomes and a more equitable healthcare system. Yet, older adults are often excluded from research due to the idea that they can be a challenging group with whom to work. The McMaster Collaborative for Health and Aging is a provincial research centre established to engage patients, researchers, and other key partners to improve the health of and the healthcare system for older adults. The Collaborative partners with older adults and caregivers in all its activities and projects. For example, older adults mentor students and advise on patient-partnered research projects and co-facilitate workshops. There are many frameworks and models to support research partnerships with people with lived experience. Yet, evaluating the quality and impacts of these partnerships is less common. This paper presents a case example of a participatory evaluation of older adult partners' engagement in the Collaborative. Together, older adult partners and researchers decided on the project goals and methods. The evaluation used multiple methods to capture partners' experiences and perspectives on the process and impact of their engagement in research. First, a survey called the Public and Patient Engagement Evaluation Tool (PPEET) was completed. Second, photovoice was used (a method involving photography for self-expression). Finally, a focus group was conducted (discussions with partners facilitated by researchers). We reflect on the benefits and limitations of each method and make recommendations for future evaluations. The paper underscores considering partner preferences and abilities when choosing evaluation methods for patient-partnered research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large proportion of hospital inpatients are affected by cognitive impairment, posing challenges in the provision of their care in busy, fast-paced acute wards. Signs and symbols, known as visual identifiers, are employed in many U.K. hospitals with the intention of helping healthcare professionals identify and respond to the needs of these patients. Although widely considered useful, these tools are used inconsistently, have not been subject to full evaluation, and attract criticism for acting as a shorthand for a routinized response. In order for visual identifiers to be used effectively in acute care settings, thorough consideration must be given to the ethical and legal issues that are engaged in this context, and their potential benefits and harms must be weighed and balanced. This paper proposes a set of legal and ethical principles that can be used to guide the implementation of visual identifiers. Together, these principles provide a framework applicable in the design and implementation phases to systematically identify relevant considerations arising from the use of these tools. We outline some tensions that arise between principles and conclude that selecting a preferred moral framework could help to guide decision-making, as does clarity around the purpose and objectives of the identifier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Findings from the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA) in this issue of Aging Cell show that several biological pathways in skeletal muscle cells play an important role in determining mobility in older adults. These are based on assays in skeletal muscle biopsies obtained from participants, aged 70 years and older in SOMMA tested for association with assessments related to mobility, including muscle mass, strength, power, cardiopulmonary fitness, and 400 m walking speed. The papers show that, using mass spectrometry, oxidative modifications of proteins essential to myocellular function are associated with poorer mobility. Using RNA‐seq to quantify gene expression, lower levels of expression of antioxidant enzymes located in mitochondria, autophagy, patterns of expression of genes involved in autophagy, and higher levels of RNA transcripts that increase with denervation were associated with poorer performance on tests of mobility. These results extend previous research from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging and recent studies from SOMMA showing the importance of mitochondrial energetics in mobility. Together, these findings are painting a picture of how fundamental cellular processes influence the loss of mobility with aging. They may also be a window on aging in other cells, tissues, and systems. The data collected in SOMMA are publicly available and SOMMA welcomes collaborations with scientists who are interested in research about human aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory skin diseases, atopic dermatitis (AD) increasingly affects the aging population. Amid the ongoing global aging trend, it's essential to recognize the intricate relationship between AD and aging. This paper reviews existing knowledge, summarizing clinical observations of associations between AD and aging-related diseases in various systems, including endocrine, cardiovascular, and neurological. Additionally, it discusses major theories explaining the correlation, encompassing skin-mucosal barriers, systemic inflammation and stress, genes, signal transduction, and environmental and behavioral factors. The association between AD and aging holds significant importance, both in population and basic perspectives. While further research is warranted, this paper aims to inspire deeper exploration of inflammation/allergy-aging dynamics and the timely management of elderly patients with AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Income increase is an important way to achieve comprehensive human development and to escape from poverty, and the growing aging problem in rural China poses a challenge to farm household income increase. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of China's rural old-age burden on farm household income, this paper empirically examines the impact and mechanism of household old-age burden on farm household income based on the data from the 2023 micro-farm field survey of China's Henan Province, utilizing linear regression modeling and mediation effect modeling, filling the research gaps in the related fields. The results of the study found that, firstly, family old-age burden has a significant impact on the income of farm households, and that the heavier the family old-age burden, the lower the total income of farm households. Secondly, from the results of the heterogeneity of the impact, the poorer the health condition, the greater the negative impact of family old-age burden on farm household income. Old-age burden has a greater impact on high-income farm households than on low-income farm households, and old-age burden has a significant impact on the income of part-time farm households, while the impact is not significant on purely farm and non-farm households. Thirdly, the heavier the household old-age burden, the more unfavorable it is to the non-farm employment of farm households, thus affecting the income capacity of farm households. Finally, corresponding countermeasures and recommendations are put forward in three areas, namely, the continuous improvement of the social old-age security system, the realization of the function of the social old-age mechanism as an old-age pocket for key special groups, and the improvement of the social flexible employment mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to critically examine the effects of COVID-19 social discourses and policy decisions specifically on older adult volunteers in the UK, comparing the responses and their effects in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, providing perspectives on effects of policy changes designed to reduce risk of infection as a result of COVID-19, specifically on volunteer involvement of and for older adults, and understand, from the perspectives of volunteer managers, how COVID-19 restrictions had impacted older people's volunteering and situating this within statutory public health policies. Design/methodology/approach: The study uses a critical discourse approach to explore, compare and contrast accounts of volunteering of and for older people in policy, and then compare the discourses within policy documents with the discourses in personal accounts of volunteering in health and social care settings in the four nations of the UK. This paper is co-produced in collaboration with co-authors who have direct experience with volunteer involvement responses and their impact on older people. Findings: The prevailing overall policy approach during the pandemic was that risk of morbidity and mortality to older people was too high to permit them to participate in volunteering activities. Disenfranchising of older people, as exemplified in volunteer involvement, was remarkably uniform across the four nations of the UK. However, the authors find that despite, rather than because of policy changes, older volunteers, as part of, or with the help of, volunteer involving organisations, are taking time to think and to reconsider their involvement and are renewing their volunteer involvement with associated health benefits. Research limitations/implications: Working with participants as co-authors helps to ensure the credibility of results in that there was agreement in the themes identified and the conclusions. A limitation of this study lies in the sampling method, as a convenience sample was used and there is only representation from one organisation in each of the four nations. Originality/value: The paper combines existing knowledge about volunteer involvement of and for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its excellent performance, polyurethane rubber is often used as a protective baffle for the automatic passing neutral section sensor to protect the sensor from the impact of silt and stones, while the high-speed train is operating. However, this paper conducts case analysis of abnormal cracking of the sensor baffle used in high-speed trains. In fact, this kind of problem has happened several times, and the previous solution method was to replace the failed baffle. But such kind of method mainly treats the faults instead the root cause analysis, so it still brings the safety issue to the normal operation of the train. In order to avoid such potential accidents, this paper adopted a variety of material analysis methods to detect the properties of materials and analyzed the damaged area in detail by combining macroscopic and microscopic methods. Finally, the root cause of the failure was further confirmed by confirmatory experiment. Based on the above comprehensive analysis, a reasonable solution is proposed to avoid the recurrence of the accidents and provide an important basis for solving the complicated polyurethane rubber failure problem quickly, correctly and effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart failure (HF) remains a huge medical burden worldwide, with aging representing a major risk factor. Here, we report the effects of sacubitril/valsartan, an approved drug for HF with reduced EF, in an experimental model of aging-related HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Eighteen-month-old female Fisher 344 rats were treated for 12 weeks with sacubitril/valsartan (60 mg/kg/day) or with valsartan (30 mg/kg/day). Three-month-old rats were used as control. No differential action of sacubitril/valsartan versus valsartan alone, either positive or negative, was observed. The positive effects of both sacubitril/valsartan and valsartan on cardiac hypertrophy was evidenced by a significant reduction of wall thickness and myocyte cross-sectional area. Contrarily, myocardial fibrosis in aging heart was not reduced by any treatment. Doppler echocardiography and left ventricular catheterization evidenced diastolic dysfunction in untreated and treated old rats. In aging rats, both classical and non-classical renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) were modulated. In particular, with respect to untreated animals, both sacubitril/valsartan and valsartan showed a partial restoration of cardioprotective non-classical RAAS. In conclusion, this study evidenced the favorable effects, by both treatments, on age-related cardiac hypertrophy. The attenuation of cardiomyocyte size and hypertrophic response may be linked to a shift towards cardioprotective RAAS signaling. However, diastolic dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis persisted despite of treatment and were accompanied by myocardial inflammation, endothelial activation, and oxidative stress., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aging is characterized as the process of functional decline in an organism from adulthood, often marked by a progressive loss of cellular function and systemic deterioration of multiple tissues. Among the numerous molecular, cellular, and systemic hallmarks associated with aging, mitochondrial dysfunction is considered one of the pivotal factors that initiates the aging process. During aging, mitochondria undergo varying degrees of damage, resulting in impaired energy production and disruption of the homeostatic regulation of mitochondrial quality control systems, which in turn affects cellular energy metabolism and results in cellular dysfunction, accelerating the aging process. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) are two central kinase complexes responsible for sensing intracellular nutrient levels, regulating metabolic homeostasis, modulating aging and play a crucial role in maintaining the homeostatic balance of mitochondria. Our previous studies found that the novel compound tetramethylpyrazine nitrone (TBN) can protect mitochondria via the AMPK/mTOR pathway in many animal models, extending healthy lifespan through the Nrf2 signaling pathway in nematodes. Building upon this foundation, we have posited a reasonable hypothesis, TBN can improve mitochondrial function to delay aging by regulating the AMPK/mTORC1 signaling pathway. This study focuses on the C. elegans, exploring the impact and underlying mechanisms of TBN on aging and mitochondrial function (especially the mitochondrial quality control system) during the aging process. The present studies demonstrated that TBN extends lifespan of wild-type nematodes and is associated with the AMPK/mTORC1 signaling pathway. TBN elevated ATP and NAD + levels in aging nematodes while orchestrating mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy. Moreover, TBN was observed to significantly enhance normal activities during aging in C. elegans, such as mobility and pharyngeal pumping, concurrently impeding lipofuscin accumulation that were closely associated with AMPK and mTORC1. This study not only highlights the delayed effects of TBN on aging but also underscores its potential application in strategies aimed at improving mitochondrial function via the AMPK/mTOR pathway in C. elegans., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

At any moment in time, evolution is faced with a formidable challenge: refining the already highly optimised design of biological species, a feat accomplished through all preceding generations. In such a scenario, the impact of random changes (the method employed by evolution) is much more likely to be harmful than advantageous, potentially lowering the reproductive fitness of the affected individuals. Our hypothesis is that ageing is, at least in part, caused by the cumulative effect of all the experiments carried out by evolution to improve a species' design. These experiments are almost always unsuccessful, as expected given their pseudorandom nature, cause harm to the body and ultimately lead to death. This hypothesis is consistent with the concept of "terminal addition", by which nature is biased towards adding innovations at the end of development. From the perspective of evolution as an optimisation algorithm, ageing is advantageous as it allows to test innovations during a phase when their impact on fitness is present but less pronounced. Our inference suggests that ageing has a key biological role, as it contributes to the system's evolvability by exerting a regularisation effect on the fitness landscape of evolution., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The author of this paper certifies that he has NO affiliations with or involvement in any organisation or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Healthy aging results in cardiac structural and electrical remodeling that increase susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. Relaxin has shown broad cardioprotective effects including anti-fibrotic, anti-arrhythmic and anti-inflammatory outcomes in multiple models. This paper focuses on the cardioprotective effects of Relaxin in a rat model of aging. Sustained atrial or ventricular fibrillation are readily induced in the hearts of aged but not young control animals. Treatment with Relaxin suppressed this arrhythmogenic response by increasing conduction velocity, decreasing fibrosis and promoting substantial cardiac remodeling. Relaxin treatment resulted in a significant increase in the levels of: Nav1.5, Cx43, βcatenin and Wnt1 in rat hearts. In isolated cardiomyocytes, Relaxin increased Nav1.5 expression. These effects were mimicked by CHIR 99021, a pharmacological activator of canonical Wnt signaling, but blocked by the canonical Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf1. Relaxin prevented TGF-β-dependent differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts while increasing the expression of Wnt1; the effects of Relaxin on cardiac fibroblast differentiation were blocked by Dickkopf1. RNASeq studies demonstrated reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in the expression of α- and β-globin in Relaxin-treated aged males. Relaxin reduces arrhythmogenicity in the hearts of aged rats by reduction of fibrosis and increased conduction velocity. These changes are accompanied by substantial remodeling of the cardiac tissue and appear to be mediated by increased canonical Wnt signaling. Relaxin also exerts significant anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects in the hearts of aged rodents. The mechanisms by which Relaxin increases the expression of Wnt ligands, promotes Wnt signaling and reprograms gene expression remain to be determined., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Recently, scholars have highlighted the detrimental consequences of technology-based ageism. Digital technology (DT) is commonly discoursed as an opportunity to promote Successful Aging. Nevertheless, the theoretical implications of ageism, DT, and Successful Aging are underexplored. This paper presents a new theoretical model of Digital Engagement and Ageism (D-EngAge), which elaborates on the potential impacts of ageism on digital engagement and participation in later life and explains how ageism may pose a threat to realizing the potential of DT to promote Successful Aging. The D-EngAge model was developed based on a synthesis of findings from 12 recent studies we conducted on the intersection of ageism and DT. Findings were synthesized through Iversen's clasification of four dimensions of ageism, demonstrating how ageism as a multifaceted construct has a reciprocal relationship with digital engagement on the micro- (individual), meso- (social interaction), and macro-levels (discourses and societal practices). Consequently, digital engagement on these levels may exacerbate or reduce technology-based ageism. This forum paper identifies ageism as a barrier to utilizing DT, critically discusses power imbalances, and deconstructs Successful Aging discourses regarding digital engagement. Theoretical implications and recommendations for future interventions and policy measures to mitigate ageism and promote digital engagement and participation in later life are presented., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America.)

We examined how brain reserve in midlife, measured by brain-predicted age difference scores (Brain-PADs), predicted executive function concurrently and longitudinally into early old age, and whether these associations were moderated by young adult cognitive reserve or APOE genotype. 508 men in the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging (VETSA) completed neuroimaging assessments at mean age 56 and six executive function tasks at mean ages 56, 62, and 68 years. Results indicated that greater brain reserve at age 56 was associated with better concurrent executive function (r=.10, p=.040) and less decline in executive function over 12 years (r=.34, p=.001). These associations were not moderated by cognitive reserve or APOE genotype. Twin analysis suggested associations with executive function slopes were driven by genetic influences. Our findings suggest that greater brain reserve allowed for better cognitive maintenance from middle- to old age, driven by a genetic association. The results are consistent with differential preservation of executive function based on brain reserve that is independent of young adult cognitive reserve or APOE genotype., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)