Circulating levels of adipokines and IGF-1 are associated with skeletal muscle strength of young and old healthy subjects

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Investigations into skin strength in potatoes: factors affecting skin adhesion strength

Background: Low lumbar skeletal muscle mass and density have been associated with adverse outcomes in different populations with colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to determine whether skeletal muscle mass, density, and physical performance are associated with postoperative complications and overall survival (OS) in older CRC patients. Methods: We analysed consecutive patients (≥70 years) undergoing elective surgery for non-metastatic CRC (stage I-III). Lumbar skeletal muscle mass and muscle density were measured using abdominal CT-images obtained prior to surgery. Low skeletal muscle mass and low muscle density were defined using commonly used thresholds and by gender-specific quartiles (Q). The preoperative use of a mobility aid served as a marker for physical performance. Cox regression proportional hazard models were used to investigate the association between the independent variables and OS. Results: 174 Patients were included (mean age 78.0), with median follow-up 2.6 years. 36 Patients (21%) used a mobility aid preoperatively. Low muscle density (Q1 vs Q4) and not muscle mass was associated with worse postoperative outcomes, including severe complications (p < 0.05). Use of a mobility aid was associated with more complications, including severe complications (39% vs 17%, p = 0.004) and OS (HR 2.65, CI 1.29–5.44, p = 0.01). However, patients with mobility aid use and low skeletal muscle mass had worse OS (HR 5.68, p = 0.003). Conclusion: Low skeletal muscle density and not muscle mass was associated with more complications after colorectal surgery in older patients. Physical performance has the strongest association for poor surgical outcomes and should be investigated when measuring skeletal muscle mass and density

Ability to maintain balance in several standing positions with eyes open and eyes closed.

<p>A) all elderly patients (n = 197) and for B) subgroup who underwent additional continuous blood pressure measurements (n = 58).</p

Percentage of elderly patients able to maintain balance during side-by-side and semi-tandem stance with eyes closed.

<p>Data is given for tertiles of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) decrease, continuously measured, during the time period in seconds after postural change. *P values derived from logistic regression analyses with adjustments for age and sex.</p

Forest plots of the association between blood pressure and A) reported impaired standing balance and B) history of falls.

<p>Blood pressure measures were determined with continuous measurements in subgroup who underwent additional continuous blood pressure measurements (n = 58). Orthostatic hypotension: 0  =  absent, 1  =  present; defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure of ≥ 40 mmHg or in diastolic blood pressure of ≥ 20 mmHg during 15 seconds after postural change or a decrease in systolic blood pressure of ≥ 20 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of ≥ 10 mmHg between 15 and 180 seconds after postural change. Reported impaired balance: 0  =  never or sometimes, 1  =  regularly or always. History of falls: 0  =  no falls, 1  =  falls. Results are presented in odds ratios per 10 mmHg blood pressure decrease and 95% confidence intervals with adjustments for age and sex. No overlap with 1.0 indicates a significant difference.</p

Association between intermittent blood pressure measures and the ability to maintain standing balance in all elderly patients (n = 197).

<p>Association between intermittent blood pressure measures and the ability to maintain standing balance in all elderly patients (n = 197).</p

Physiological and functional evaluation of healthy young and older men and women: design of the European MyoAge study.

Within the European multi-centre MyoAge project, one workpackage was designed to investigate the contribution of age-related changes to muscle mass, contractile characteristics and neural control in relation to reductions in mobility in older age. The methodology has been described here. Test centres were located in Manchester, UK; Paris, France; Leiden, The Netherlands; Tartu, Estonia and Jyväskylä, Finland. In total, 182 young (18-30 years old, 52.2 % female) and 322 older adults (69-81 years old, 50 % female) have been examined. The participants were independent living, socially active and free from disease that impaired mobility levels. The older participants were selected based on physical activity levels, such that half exceeded current recommended physical activity levels and the other half had lower physical activity levels than is recommended to maintain health. Measurements consisted of blood pressure; anthropometry and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging); lung function; standing balance and cognitive function (CANTAB). Mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go, a 6 min walk, activity questionnaires and accelerometers to monitor habitual daily activities. Muscle strength, power, fatigue and neural activation were assessed using a combination of voluntary and electrically stimulated contractions. Fasting blood samples and skeletal muscle biopsies were collected for detailed examination of cell and molecular differences between young and older individuals. The results from this study will provide a detailed insight into "normal, healthy" ageing, linking whole-body function to the structure and function of the neuromuscular system and the molecular characteristics of skeletal muscle