Hip fracture is a leading cause of abrupt functional impairment in individuals aged 65 years and older. Skeletal muscle involvement seems to be a key factor in the functional recovery of older patients with hip fractures. However, it has been minimally studied under this specific situation.

The aim was to evaluate and compare muscle function in older adults without hip fractures (e.g., those undergoing hip arthroplasty) with muscle function in individuals with hip fractures.

Muscle biopsies were collected from the gluteus maximus derived from patients over 65 years (mean age: 77.92±6.62 years; 83.33% female) during elective orthopedic interventions for hip arthroplasty (coxarthrosis, N=7) or urgent interventions for hip fractures (N=5). Muscle function was assessed using DMT 820M muscle myograph chambers. Frequency–response curves were generated at stimulation frequencies of 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 Hz, measuring the maximum contraction force for each 5-second stimulus. Additionally, contractile responses to increasing caffeine concentrations (0.3 mM–30 mM) were evaluated. Complete stimulation- and concentration response-curves were analyzed by using two-factor ANOVA.

No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age (mean age: 76.86± 7.33 for coxarthrosis vs. 79.40±5.94 for hip fracture; p>0.05). Muscle strips from the gluteus maximus of patients undergoing hip fracture surgery exhibited significantly lower neurogenic contraction in response to electrical stimulation compared to those from patients undergoing coxarthrosis surgery (p= 0.0104). However, the contractile response to increasing caffeine concentrations showed no significant differences between the two patient groups (p= 0.1775). Elderly patients with hip fractures experience substantial skeletal muscle function impairments compared to those with coxarthrosis. This muscle dysfunction appears to be more closely related to the deterioration in neuromuscular function rather than damage to muscle receptors. These findings may help explain in part the poor functional recovery observed in older adults following hip fractures.

Introduction: Growing evidence supports the role of healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet (MED), in preserving cognitive function during aging. Characterized by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, and olive oil, and a low consumption of red meat and processed foods, the MED diet may offer neuroprotective benefits. However, longitudinal data examining this association in community-dwelling older adults remain limited. This study aimed to explore both cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between adherence to the MED diet and cognitive performance in a large sample of older adults.

Methods: Data were drawn from the TOLEDO Study of Ageing, involving 963 community-dwelling older adults, without mobility limitations or dementia. Adherence to the MED diet was assessed using the PREDIMED questionnaire. Cognitive performance was evaluated at baseline and after 3 years through a comprehensive neuropsychological battery includingthe Mini-Mental State Examination, Short and Long-Term Memory Recalling Test, Boston Naming Test, Verbal Fluency Test, Digit Span Forward, Go/No-go Test, Edinburgh Handedness Inventory, Luria Orders Test, Clock Drawing Test, and Serial Word Learning Test.

Results: Cross-sectionally, higher adherence to the MED diet was significantly associated with better performance on tests of executive function (e.g., Luria), attention/working memory (Digit Span), and cognitive laterality (Edinburgh Handedness Inventory). Longitudinally, these associations remained significant. Additionally, a positive association with delayed free recall performance (short-term memory) emerged over time

Conclusion: Greater adherence to the MED diet is associated with better cognitive performance, particularly in executive, attentional, and memory domains, both cross-sectionally and over time. These findings underscore the cognitive benefits of the MED diet in aging populations.

Introduction: Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a multifactorial condition prevalent in older adults, with estimates ranging from 15% to 30.5% among community-dwellers. Causes include neurological disorders, dementia, and certain medications. Dysphagia can lead to reduced nutrient intake, malnutrition, muscle loss, and, ultimately, sarcopenia, increasing the risk of frailty, falls, hospitalization, and mortality. Additionally, swallowing dysfunction may be linked to cognitive decline, as both share overlapping neural pathways. Despite these risks, few studies have examined the broader health impacts of dysphagia in community settings. Hence, the present study examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between dysphagia and a variety of health-related parameters, including physical performance, cognitive function, malnutrition, sarcopenia, disability, frailty, falls, hospitalization, and mortality in a cohort of octogenarians living in the mountainous Sirente region of Central Italy.

Methods: Dysphagia was operationalized as the need to modify the diet to facilitate swallowing and/or the exclusive consumption of specific food consistencies due to swallowing difficulties according to self-report and physician examination. Physical performance, cognitive function, malnutrition, disability, falls, and hospitalizations were assessed via the Minimum Data Set for Home Care. Sarcopenia was defined as the coexistence of low muscle mass and dynapenia according to the cutoff points described by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia, while frailty was operationalized according to the Fried’s phenotype. Falls history and incident falls, as well as disability, were tracked over two years, while survival status was followed for up to ten years.

Results: Data of 362 older adults were analyzed. Our results indicated that dysphagia was significantly and cross-sectionally associated with poor physical performance and reduced cognitive function. In contrast, no longitudinal associations were observed.

Conclusions: Dysphagia appears to be linked to deficits in physical and cognitive domains, underscoring the value of comprehensive geriatric assessment and the development of multidomain intervention strategies.

Introduction: Sarcopenia affects over 20% of adults aged 65+, increasing the risk of falls, disability, and death. While current definitions rely on muscle strength loss, evidence suggests that muscle power declines earlier and is a stronger predictor of adverse outcomes, warranting its consideration as a key diagnostic criterion. Hence, the present study compared sex-specific associations between sarcopenia indexes operationalized according to lower-limb muscle strength and power and the occurrence of negative events in older adults with mobility limitations.

Methods: This is a prospective study. Data on older adults (70+ years) with mobility limitations (SPPB scores ranging from 3 to 9) from 11 European countries were analyzed. Sarcopenia was operationalized according to the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Muscle power measures were estimated according to the results of the 5-time sit-to-stand (5STS) test using validated equations. Then, four sarcopenia indexes were created by replacing the 5STS test results with muscle power measures. The outcomes were assessed after 24 months of randomization and included mobility disability, hospitalization, and death.

Results: Data from 1,422 participants were analyzed. Cox regression models revealed sex-specific associations between sarcopenia indexes and adverse outcomes. Sarcopenia indexes incorporating muscle strength or power were significantly associated with mobility disability in both sexes, and with hospitalization and death in women. According to Akaike’s Information Criterion, sarcopenia indexes based on muscle power showed the strongest associations with negative outcomes.

Conclusions: Sex-specific associations exist between modified sarcopenia indexes and adverse outcomes in older adults with mobility limitations. Notably, sarcopenia operationalizations incorporating muscle power measures demonstrated stronger associations with adverse outcomes in comparison to traditional diagnosis methods.

Introduction:
The aging population presents a growing challenge for global health systems. The Sense of Coherence (SOC) is a psychological resource that enables individuals to perceive life as comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful. Strengthening SOC in older adults is essential to enhance their well-being and reduce the risk of disease. Understanding the personal factors associated with SOC is crucial for developing effective health promotion strategies tailored to this demographic.

Methods:

This quantitative, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted between March and June 2025. A total of 166 older adults participated in the study. All participants were enrolled in the "Más Adultos Mayores Autovalentes" program at primary health care centers in Talcahuano, Chile. Data collection involved a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13), and the Self-Transcendence Scale (STS), both validated in Spanish-speaking populations.

Expected Results:

The study aims to provide significant evidence on the relationship between personal factors and Sense of Coherence (SOC) among older adults. It is expected that a significant relationship will be found between personal factors (biological, psychological, social, and spiritual) and SOC in this population. The findings are anticipated to inform nursing professionals in designing more effective interventions focused on strengthening SOC, thereby improving quality of life and preventing diseases in older adults.

Conclusions:
Identifying personal factors associated with SOC in older adults will contribute to optimizing health promotion and disease prevention strategies, tailored to the specific needs of the elderly population. This study will offer a solid foundation for the development of public policies and clinical practices aimed at enhancing geriatric care.

Introduction: Patients over the age of 65 are more likely to develop aggressive and variable forms of lymphoma. A nursing assessment of the information provided at the initial diagnostic visit helps identify relevant clinical factors and plan personalised care. The aim of this study is to equip nursing professionals with the ability to identify clinically relevant risk patterns from the initial diagnostic consultation.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study including patients aged 65-90 years with lymphoma selected by consecutive sampling between January 2020 and December 2022 in the Hematology and Hemotherapy Department of a tertiary hospital in Valencia. Demographic variables, functional status, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, and disease clinical indicators were recorded. The statistical programme used was R Studio®.

Results: A total of 61 patients were included, with a median age of 76 years (p25-p75=69.50- 82.50), high comorbidity (Charlson Index ≥3 in 100%), and a performance status ≤2 (ECOG) in 85.20% (n=52). At the first visit, 54.10% (n=33) presented Lugano stadification IV, 44.30% (n=27) presented B symptoms, and 37.70% (n=23) reported recent weight loss. Extranodal involvement occurred in 50.80% (n=31) of cases. Diabetes and hypertension were present in 27.90% (n=17) and 62.30% (n=38), respectively. Central nervous system infiltration was infrequent (n=5; 8.20%). Analytical findings reflected moderate systemic inflammation (CRP= 18.40 mg/L (p25-p75=7.10-66.87); LDH=457 U/L (p25-p75=347.50-778.50)) and mild anemia (Hb=11.80 g/dL (p25-p75=10.25-12.85)). Nutritional markers showed a median albumin of 3.5 g/dL (p25-p75=3.20-4.00). Kidney and liver functions were generally preserved (urea=41.00 mg/dL (p25-p75=31.00–55.50); creatinine=0.87 mg/dL (p25-p75=0.665–1.065); GPT=19.00 U/L (p25-p75= 12.50–27.50) and GGT= 42.00 U/L (p25-p75=21.00–64.50)).

Conclusions: Nursing care plays a key role in the early identification of key clinical parameters. Older adults diagnosed with lymphoma exhibit a distinct clinical profile, characterised by a higher burden of comorbidities, more advanced disease at diagnosis, greater functional impairment, systemic inflammation, and signs of nutritional vulnerability.

Introduction: The Mediterranean diet and the Japanese diet, listed as the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO, are healthy diets consumed worldwide. This research compares the two diets, finds the differences and similarities, and thinks about healthy diets with regard to anti-aging.

Methodology: This research follows the Cochrane guidelines and uses Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The keywords used in this systematic review include Mediterranean diet, Japanese diet, and anti-aging with the PubMed search engine.

Results: Mediterranean countries including Italy and Greece have one-third the mortality ratio with cardiovascular diseases compared to America and North European countries. Since diets are deeply associated with this outcome, the Mediterranean diet is regarded as healthy. A typical Western diet is high in fat, sugar, and calories, causing chronic inflammation-related diseases including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and obesity, which shorten the life span. However, Mediterranean and Japanese diets are usually low in these, with the mass consumption of vegetables, beans, and fish, and the daily consumption of cereals. Differences include a greater consumption of polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil, dairy products, and a lower amount of meat consumption in the Mediterranean diet, and less use of oil, the abundant consumption of fermented foods, and the consumption of seaweeds in the Japanese diet. In addition, Sirtuin genes activated by these diets are associated with anti-aging. Since Japan has the longest lifespan in the world, people are familiar with the idea of “Me-Byo”, finding non-disease conditions and curing them before they manifest.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the Mediterranean-style Japanese diet, a well-balanced diet, reduces the risk of a variety of diseases by preventing chronic inflammation. This dietary method prevents the manifestation of “Me-Byo” and has anti-aging properties, and it might contribute to healthy and long lives not only for Japanese people but also for people around the world.

Introduction: Aging is associated with chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, contributing to functional and cognitive decline, especially in institutionalized older adults. Klotho, a longevity-associated protein with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, may serve as a biomarker of healthy aging. Exercise programs integrating physical and cognitive components, such as dual-task resistance training (DTRT), may improve immunometabolic regulation, yet their effects in institutional settings remain underexplored.

Objectives: To investigate the effects of 12 weeks of DTRT followed by detraining on circulating Klotho levels in institutionalized older adults.

Methodology: This quasi-experimental, longitudinal study spanned 42 weeks and was divided into four phases: baseline (week 1), control (weeks 2–13), DTRT intervention (weeks 16–27), and detraining (weeks 29–41). Eleven older adults (5 men, 6 women) with a mean age of 81.9 ± 3.0 years, BMI of 23.8 ± 4.1 kg/m², and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 21.5 ± 5.8 were included. Serum Klotho levels were measured by ELISA. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc and Holm correction.

Results and Discussion: Post-intervention, a significant increase in serum Klotho levels was observed (p < 0.001), which remained elevated after detraining (p < 0.05), suggesting sustained immunometabolic adaptations induced by DTRT. Improvements were also observed in adiponectin, irisin, and sestrin-2 levels, alongside reduced IL-18, indicating an anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefit. These results highlight DTRT as a viable strategy to enhance biological resilience in institutionalized older adults, even after exercise cessation. Conclusion: DTRT proved effective in increasing and maintaining Klotho levels, supporting its use as an intervention to improve the health of institutionalized elderly individuals. Exercise strategies are essential for promoting metabolic resilience and addressing the challenges of aging.

INTRODUCTION Anle 138b, a novel drug for geriatric application in Parkinson's disease (PD), suffers from low water solubility and, hence, low bioavailability (1-2). Therefore, the research on novel water-soluble products as a vehicle for Anle 138b still represents a challenge for the neurological disorder of PD. The current study focused on some formulations consisting of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) allowing the administration of Anle 138b combined with nutraceutical components, evaluated in vitro for their stability under storage in different conditions (3).

METHODS Via dynamic light scattering apparatus, the particle size evolution of the SLNs over 2 months was monitored during the storage time. Furthermore, via spectrophotometric quantification, drug content analysis allowed us to monitor the changes in the Anle 138b concentrations in order to identify the most promising formulation among the tested ones. For cytocompatibility assessment, by using the MTT test, differentiated SH-SY5Y cells were treated for 24 hours with SLN-Anle 138b in the presence of a multicomponent nutraceutical formulation.

RESULTS Viscous vegetal extract combined with SLN-Anle 138b was difficult to handle after seven days, whereas a less dense tested formulation was flocculated after one month of storage at 4 °C. In differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, a multicomponent nutraceutical formulation was well tolerated for 24 h, when combined with SLN-Anle 138b in the range of 1 and 10 µM.

CONCLUSIONS Candidate industrial products combining nutraceuticals and SLN-Anle 138b were evaluated for administration via the nasal route in PD patients, indicating the potential of a multicomponent preparation for non-invasive treatments.

REFERENCES

• Antonschmidt, L., et al., (2022). Nat. Commun. 13, 5385

• Jia, C.Y., et al (2020). Drug Discov. Today 25, 248

• Mallamaci R., Castellani S., et al., (2025). Int J Pharm, 673, 125399

Background: Smartphone use is rapidly increasing, enhancing both communication and computing capabilities while offering additional services to users. This study aimed to explore potential sex-related differences in nurse–patient interactions and problematic smartphone use among oncology nurses in Italy.

Methods: An online nationwide investigation was carried out among Italian oncology nurses. The “Caring Nurse-Patient Interactions Scale” (CNPI) and the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS) were proposed. The CNPI investigated a further 4 sub-dimensions, specifically clinical, relational, humanistic, and comforting care. The MPPUS assessed 2 sub-dimensions, specifically the “Withdrawal and social aspects” and the “Craving and escape from other problems” dimensions.

Results: There were no significant sex-related differences in both patient–nurse interaction sub-dimensions (CNPI _clinical: p=0.973; CNPI_relational: p=0.051; CNPI_humanistic: p=0.683; CNPI_comforting care: p=0.875) and in the MPPUS ones (MPPUS_total_score: p=0.525; MPPUS_Withdrawal and social aspects: p=0.446; MPPUS_Craving and escape from other problems: p=0.840).

Conclusions: Our findings suggested no sex-related differences in nurse–patient interaction and mobile phone problematic use sub-dimensions, despite the literature suggesting that females tend to display more empathy, whereas males are often described as more assertive and technically oriented. However, further researchers reported differences in male and female preferences in smartphone use and its related apps.