Aging clinical and experimental research
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Frailty is a frequent condition in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, there are different constructs on how to define it. Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe-Frailty Instrument (SHARE-FI) is one of them. ⋯ SHARE-FI can represent an useful tool to define frailty in symptomatic KOA.
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In the current literature, there is no consensus on the best surgical approach in hip replacement for femoral neck fractures (FNFs). ⋯ Level IV, retrospective cohort study.
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As the world continues to cautiously navigate its way through the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several breakthroughs in therapies and vaccines are currently being developed and scrutinized. Consequently, alternative therapies for severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) prevention, such as vitamin D supplementation, while hypothetically promising, require substantial evidence from countries affected by COVID-19. The present retrospective case-control study aims to identify differences in vitamin D status and clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients screened for SARS-CoV-2, and determine associations of vitamin D levels with increased COVID-19 risk and mortality. ⋯ In hospital settings, 25(OH)D deficiency is not associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, but may increase risk for mortality in severely deficient cases. Clinical trials are warranted to determine whether vitamin D status correction provides protective effects against worse COVID-19 outcomes.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Can cognitive-motor training improve physical functioning and psychosocial wellbeing in nursing home residents? A randomized controlled feasibility study as part of the PROCARE project.
A multi-component training program holds promises for the elderly, but still has to be tested on its feasibility and effect in nursing homes. ⋯ A multi-component training seems (1) to lead to clinically relevant improvements in physical functioning as well as in psychosocial wellbeing and (2) to be feasible and well accepted in nursing home residents. Nevertheless, the complexity and progression of the program as well as the testing protocol have to be adapted. Further research should test the effectiveness of this adapted program in a larger sample size.