bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurotransmitter Precursor Amino Acids in the Treatment of Multi‐Infarct Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease†
Authors: Meyer John Stirling , Welch K. M. A. , Deshmukh V. D. , Perez F. I. , Jacob R. H. , Haufrect D. B. , Mathew N. T. , Morrell R. M. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTTen patients with severe dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) or multi‐infarct dementia (MID) or both, were treated with the precursor amino acids of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. The precursor amino acids (PAA) were given orally in a preparation that included tyrosine (4 gm daily) and 5‐hydroxytryptophan (5‐HTP) (800 mg daily), plus carbidopa (100 mg daily) as an aromatic amino‐acid decarboxylase inhibitor. Diagnosis was established by an electroencephalogram, brain scan, computerized axial tomographic scan, and in one case by necropsy findings. Serial clinical evaluations and measurements of neuropsychologic function were performed. Levels of homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) were determined before and after administration of probenecid. Side effects of the PAA therapy were diarrhea, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and agitation, all of which were controlled by reducing the dosage. One patient with MID and one with AD + MID showed clinical and psychologic improvement, but the others did not improve. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid for HVA and 5‐HIAA before and after the probenecid test indicated some improvement in the metabolic turnover of these acid metabolites of serotonin and dopamine after administration of their precursor amino acids.
Idiopathic Hemochromatosis: Case Report of a Patient Presenting with Neurologic Symptoms
Authors: Sinclair William P. , Afrooz Nader 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTIdiopathic hemochromatosis is an iron‐storage disease more common in men than in women. It is characterized clinically by diabetes mellitus, cirrhosis of the liver, pigmentation of the skin and cardiac failure. The diagnosis may be overlooked when the presenting symptoms do not follow the pattern. A case is reported which was diagnosed after an onset that featured neurologic symptoms.
Physical Fitness and Age, with Emphasis on Cardiovascular Function in the Elderly†
Authors: Hodgson J. L. , Buskirk E. R. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTProgressive decline in the functional capacity of the cardiovascular system with age is a widely accepted concept. A survey of the literature of cross‐sectional studies of men aged 20 to 60 clearly indicates a decline in aerobic capacity (O2max) of about 0.45 ml · kg−1· min−1· yr−1regardless of activity level. Data from longitudinal studies of sedentary men suggest that the rate of decline inO2max is more rapid than indicated from the cross‐sectional studies which include subjects who are physically active. For sedentary women the decline inO2max with age seems to be less than that reported for men (0.30 ml · kg−1· min−1· yr−1). Excessive fatness in young men does not appear to compromise their cardiovascular function but it does limit their ability to transport their body weight over distance and reduces their heat tolerance.O2max per kg of total weight is, however, only 10 percent less than that for normal‐weight men at age 60. Of the obese subjects studied (N = 4) over the age of 40,O2max per kg fat‐free body weight was the same as for normal‐weight men (N = 17). The effect of exercise on improvement of aerobic capacity in the elderly and the optimum frequency, intensity and duration of exercise programs at specific ages requires additional investigation. The effect of regular exercise on reducing the frequency of premature ventricular contractions and on improving heat tolerance also requires clarification.
Free Radical Theory of Aging: Effect of Free‐Radical‐Reaction Inhibitors on the Immune Response†
Authors: Harman Denham , Heidrick Margaret L. , Eddy Dennis E. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTImmune responses decline with age. Endogenous free radical reactions, implicated in aging, may contribute to this decline. To evaluate this possibility, either α‐tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) or a quinoline derivative (Santoquin), both free‐radical‐reaction inhibitors, were added to the diet of C3HeB/FeJ female mice from age 6 weeks through 88 weeks at a level of 0.25 percent by weight of the diet. Both these antioxidants enhanced immune responses up to age 88 weeks, and probably also for the remainder of the lifespan; the experiment was stopped at age 88 weeks, as all the mice had been used for assay. Vitamin E had a greater effect than Santoquin on humoral responses, whereas cell‐mediated responses were enhanced more by Santoquin. Prompted by the foregoing study, levamisole or one of a number of different free radical inhibitors was added to the diet of groups of young mice for one month, after which the humoral response of spleen cells were determined. The five free radical inhibitors found to be as effective as levamisole were: 2‐mercaptoethanol, butylated hydroxytoluene, 2‐mercaptoethylamine, Santoquin, and sodium hypophosphite. These studies suggest, but do not prove, that some endogenous free radical reactions contribute to the decline of the immune response with age. This decline can be ameliorated by adding inhibitors of free radical reactions to the diet.
Left Fascicular Hemiblocks in the Elderly
Authors: Tammaro Aldo E. , Forin Giorgio 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTA three‐year follow‐up study was made of 45 elderly subjects with left anterior hemiblock, either alone or associated with right bundle‐branch block. In the LAH + RBBB group, there was a higher mortality rate and frequent evolution toward complete A‐V block. The prognostic significance of left fascicular hemiblocks is discussed.
Precordialgia As a Manifestation of Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency
Authors: Guido Ernesto M. , Rivera Victor M. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTIn 6 patients with vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI), precordialgia and autonomic‐nervous‐system manifestations such as diaphoresis and tachycardia were associated with the symptoms of VBI. Investigation ruled out cardiac and gastrointestinal causes. Possible mechanisms are discussed on the basis of intermittent ischemia of the central autonomic centers supplied by the posterior circulation.
Fractures of the Radial Head in the Geriatric Patient: Case Report†
Authors: Pick Robert Y. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTFractures of the radial head and neck occur frequently. Although reports in the literature advocate both operative and nonoperative modes of treatment, the trend is toward the nonoperative approach. In many instances this yields results that are comparable, if not superior, to those obtained by surgical intervention—as in the 62‐year‐old man who is the subject of the case report.
The Systemic Use of Procaine in the Treatment of the Elderly: A Review†
Authors: Ostfeld Adrian , Smith Cedric M. , Stotsky Bernard A. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTThis article is a review and evaluation of the world literature on the systemic use of procaine in the treatment of the aging process and the common chronic diseases of later life. Included are data from 285 articles and books, describing treatment in more than 100,000 patients in the past 25 years. Except for a possible antidepressant effect, there is no convincing evidence that procaine (or Gerovital, of which procaine is the major component) has any value in the treatment of disease in older patients. If procaine has an antidepressant effect, there is some likelihood that this accounts for the reports of decreased complaints referable to the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine, sexual, gastrointestinal and respiratory systems.
The Biologic Aspects of Cancer of the Breast: A Challenge*
Authors: Copeland Murray M. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTThe crude incidence rate for cancer of the breast far exceeds that for any other type of cancer found in either sex. In women it is nearly twice the rate for the next most common malignant disease found in both men and women. The percentage of patients with localized disease has gradually increased but now is approaching a plateau. There is a definite increase in the incidence of breast cancer in premenopausal women which counterbalances the better results with reference to age‐specific death rates. The absolute survival rate indicates that mortality rates continue to be “above normal” for a considerable period beyond the five‐year point. It is important, therefore, to study the challenge which confronts us, to keep in mind the natural history of the disease, to review the known high‐risk factors and tumor‐host relationships, and to evaluate continually all available diagnostic and therapeutic measures. These measures include those not used in routine practice, and especially those involving new concepts.
Counselling the Elderly on Nutrition in a Community Health Care System
Authors: Rae Jessie , Burke Anne Louise 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTA study was made of the effects of community nutrition services on 234 noninstitutional elderly aged 65 or older. Many of the problems were related to overweight and longstanding inappropriate food habits. The results indicated that counselling can stimulate an increased awareness of nutrition and improvement in the knowledge of nutrition and food selection. These elderly persons seemed to have a definite desire to achieve good health and were receptive to the nutritionist's recommendations. However, economic and physical limitations often influenced their ability to adhere to the recommendations. In counselling the elderly, the nutritionist should be able to make a quick assessment of the elderly person's physical capabilities.
Suicide Pact in a Depressed Elderly Couple: Case Report
Authors: Mehta Dinesh , Mathew Poyanil , Mehta Shobhana 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTAn elderly depressed couple with multiple physical problems decided that death was preferable to their present lifestyle, and made a suicide pact. At the last minute the wife felt unable to go through with it and the couple entered a psychiatric hospital. During their 3‐week stay they were treated appropriately with amitriptyline and psychotherapy. Since discharge they have been followed closely for two years. Some psycho‐ and socio‐dynamic and therapeutic aspects are discussed.
Nutritional Hypovitaminosis‐D and the Genesis of Osteomalacia in the Elderly
Authors: ANWAR MASUD 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTA review is presented of the genesis of osteomalacia due to dietary lack of vitamin D in the elderly in the United Kingdom. Subjects at high risk are identified and the diagnostic difficulties discussed. The importance of dietary vitamin D and exposure to sunlight in relation to vitamin status is stressed. The role of vitamin D in calcium metabolism is now much more clearly defined; the final active form of the vitamin is 1,25‐dihydroxy‐vitamin D, which acts like a hormone after the vitamin molecule has undergone two chemical modifications in the liver and kidney. A correlation between lack of vitamin D and femoral neck fractures has been established. Six illustrative cases of osteomalacia in the elderly due to dietary lack of vitamin D are reported.
Renin and the Juxtaglomerular Apparatus in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: NAKAMURA RYUICHI , SARUTA TAKAO , YAMAGAMI KEIICHI , SAITO IKUO , KONDO KAZUOKI , MATSUKI SHUN 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT:In order to study the role of the renin‐angiotensin system in patients with diabetic nephropathy, renin release and the juxtaglomerular apparatus were studied in 17 diabetic patients with proteinuria and in 23 without proteinuria; 8 normal subjects were used for controls. Despite hypertension and marked arteriosclerosis, plasma renin activity (supine posture) was normal; however, the renin response to salt restriction and upright posture was less in the diabetic patients with proteinuria than in the controls. Renal renin content, determined at autopsy, was also normal. Examination of the juxtaglomerular apparatus in the diabetic patients with proteinuria revealed hyalinization of the afferent and efferent arterioles in most of the glomeruli and various degrees of destruction of the juxtaglomerular cells. The findings suggest that renin production is not increased in diabetic patients with proteinuria plus marked vascular damage, and that the renin‐angiotensin system in patients with diabetic nephropathy apparently does not play an important role in the exacerbation of hypertension or the degree of vascular damage.
Optimism in the Management of Hip Fracture in Elderly Patients
Authors: MIKHAIL S. F. , SONN M. , LAWTON A. H. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT:The present generation of those past age 70 grew up with the idea that a fractured hip meant “the beginning of the end” for the elderly. The results reported here on the treatment of 50 consecutive patients over 70 years of age who had sustained a fractured hip indicate that in this situation the orthopedic surgeon can be an important partner in geriatric medicine. He can improve the functioning and health of this special group of elderly trauma victims through reassuring them that the fracture usually can be successfully treated without undue risk to life. The present improved state of the art of anesthesiology, surgery, and pre‐ and postoperative medical care makes the surgical risk tolerable, and helps to prevent many of the complications that used to occur in elderly patients confined to bed for long periods following hip fracture.
Logical Bases for Action in Nutrition and Aging*
Authors: WATKIN DONALD M. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT:Logical bases (five of which are outlined) underlie action in nutrition and aging. First, nutrition, health, and aging form an integral triad affecting all. This basis has been applied to the conceptualization of the Nutrition Program for Older Americans (NPOA). Second, in North America, malnutrition is a sequitur of disease, whether physical, metabolic, emotional, or attitudinal. This basis is being applied by NPOA and other programs in an effort to cope with the pathologic conditions that bar proper nutrition. Third, since aging is a lifelong process, good nutrition and health practices must be applied throughout life. This basis will become effective only when the present image of the aged improves to the point that younger persons will strive for effective longevity. Fourth, changes in lifestyle to avoid risks have positive value. This basis requires professional and political leadership if it is to become widely adopted. Fifth, acute illnesses and accidents require immediate attention to nutritional and other factors if needless morbidity and mortality are to be avoided. This basis requires far more education of health professionals and lay persons to obviate such tragedies. All these bases are the infrastructure for other actions directed at improving the image of today's aged and thereby diminishing the fatalism of younger persons and augmenting their determination to adopt lifestyles compatible with long, active, happy and productive lives.
Individual Psychotherapy with the Depressed Elderly Outpatient: An Overview
Authors: WILLNER MARCIA 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT:A review is presented of the status of geriatric psychotherapy with the depressed elderly community resident, over the past 20 years. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness accompanying or following a significant loss are often chief features of the depressive syndrome in elderly persons who seek help. The experiences of those involved in treating this disorder in the elderly can be most rewarding to both therapist and patient.
Brain Function, Intellectual Impairment and Education in the Aged
Authors: Zarit Steven H. , Miller Nancy E. , Kahn Robert L. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTIn assessing behavioral problems of the elderly there is a need for procedures which reliably indicate the presence and extent of impaired brain function. In this study, the relation of two mental status measures [the Mental Status Questionnaire (MSQ) and the Face‐Hand test] to intellectual performance and education was evaluated. The sample consisted of 153 consecutive inpatients and outpatients referred to a gerontology clinic. Intellectual performance was assessed with 8 tests of learning and memory, such as Paired Associates and Babcock Story Recall. The findings indicate that positive ratings for impaired brain function on either mental status test were related to lower intellectual performance at each of three levels of education — grade school, high school, and college. Subjects with more education and mental status scores indicating mild impairment performed better on intellectual tests than did less educated persons with no brain dysfunction, but they showed significant deficits compared to other subjects with similar education and intact brain function. Larger intellectual deficits were found when the patient made more test errors and when both tests gave positive ratings. These results confirm the importance of the MSQ and Face‐Hand tests as screening devices for the intellectual deficits associated with impaired brain function in a clinically heterogeneous population.
Prevention of Psychiatric Recidivism: A Model Service*
Authors: LEVENSON ALVIN J. , FELKINS BARBARA J. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTThis article describes the patient‐care activities of a medical school multidisciplinary section on geriatric psychiatry. The main treatment goal is the prevention of psychiatric recidivism. An index of this prevention is the re‐admission rate, since the risks of institutionalization and recidivism tend to rise with each successive admission. The Section reported a re‐admission rate of 4 percent for the first year of operation, a rate significantly less than that reported in the literature. The Section's achievement is predicated upon compliance with the requirements for optimal mental health care of the elderly. The protocol is presented in the hope that it may help others who wish to start such a service.
Insomnia in the Elderly: Treatment with Flurazepam Hydrochloride
Authors: FROST JAMES D. , DeLUCCHI MILTON R. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTUnder sleep‐laboratory control, the efficacy of flurazepam hydrochloride (15 mg) was evaluated in 6 women (age range, 67–82 years) with objectively verified insomnia. A 15‐night, single‐blind, crossover procedure was followed. Sleep records obtained during 3 placebo‐baseline nights, 7 consecutive flurazepam nights, and 3 placebo‐withdrawal nights were evaluated by means of electroencephalographic, electro‐oculographic, and electromyographic criteria. A statistically significant reduction in sleep latency and total awake time and a corresponding increase in total sleep time (P < 0.05) were demonstrated during the active drug period. No evidence of diminishing effectiveness was observed during the 7 days of drug administration. For the rapid‐eye‐movement (REM) stage, a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in mean REM percent was noted during the drug period despite an increase in mean absolute REM time. No REM rebound occurred upon drug withdrawal. There were no significant changes in mean percentages for stages 3 and 4 during the drug period and the withdrawal period. Adverse reactions were rare (chiefly some daytime drowsiness in 2 subjects).
Importance of a Regular Source of Medical Care Among the Elderly
Authors: KLEIMAN MICHAEL B. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTIn recent years health services researchers have become increasingly aware of the importance of a regular doctor to whom the patient usually goes when sick or in need of advice about health, as a means of providing a point of entry to needed medical care. For example, persons who have a regular source of care seem more likely to receive an annual physical examination, to experience continuity of care when needed, and to be satisfied with the care received. Yet, despite the importance of an established tie to a regular treatment source, evidence is scanty with respect to the aged. To address the issue, this study employs data from a national probability sample of 11,619 persons, of whom 1,506 were aged 65 or older. The findings indicate that several factors (e.g., sex, race, education, and community size) which traditionally have served as important indicators of the use of health services fail to emerge as strong determinants regarding the regular source of care among the aged. The consequences of these findings and implications for future research are discussed.
Mitral Valve Prolapse in the Elderly
Authors: Tresch Donald D. , Siegel Ronald , Keelan Michael H. , Gross Charles M. , Brooks Harold L. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTThis study included 40 patients over 60 years of age with echocardiographic findings of mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Most of these patients were unaware of any cardiac disorder until the time of echocardiography. In the majority, the clinical manifestations were benign, and the duration of symptoms variable. Congestive heart failure (CHF) was noted in 10 patients (25 percent) who were unaware of having any cardiac disorders until the onset of their symptoms. In 5 patients (4 with CHF and 1 with endocarditis), surgical replacement of the prolapsed mitral valve was necessary. Endocarditis was present in 4 patients (10 percent), none of whom had been instructed in the prophylactic use of antibiotics. The physician's awareness of mitral valve prolapse in the elderly patient is important, since the disorder may not be as benign in aged patients as in younger ones, and life‐threatening complications may occur.
Appropriateness of Vitamin and Mineral Prescription Orders for Residents of Health Related Facilities*
Authors: Sorensen Andrew A. , Sorensen Donna I. , Zimmer James G. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTA study was made of the medical charts of 433 elderly patients admitted to four Health Related Facilities in upper New York State, to determine whether the respective prescription orders for vitamins and minerals were appropriate to the given diagnoses and, if not, to identify the variables correlated with inappropriateness. For 11.1 percent of the patients, vitamins or minerals were prescribed when there was no specific diagnostic indication, or they were not prescribed when the medical diagnosis indicated that they should have been. Women and Medicaid patients were more likely than men and self‐paying patients to be treated inappropriately with respect to vitamins and minerals, but the differences were not statistically significant.
Treatment of Chronic Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly, Assessed by Ambulatory Electrocardiographic Monitoring
Authors: Wang R. , Camm J. , Ward D. , Washington H. , Martin A. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTThis study concerns 8 elderly patients with age‐related chronic atrial fibrillation that required control of the ventricular response. The effects of oral administration of placebo, pindolol, verapamil, digoxin and digoxin + pindolol were assessed (each for a week) during three daily activity and sleep sessions, over a six‐week period. Cardiac rhythm was monitored by taped electrocardiograms. Either digoxin or pindolol was effective, but digoxin was the best tolerated of all the drugs. A combination of pindolol and digoxin reduced the maximum ventricular rate without further depression of the minimum ventricular rate. Digoxin seems to be well tolerated in the control of atrial fibrillation in the elderly, and beta blockade may be a useful therapeutic adjunct.
Aspirin Absorption from a Feeding Jejunostomy
Authors: Nelson Edward B. , Levitt Jacqueline R. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTIn a 67‐year‐old man who had a feeding jejunostomy because of dysphagia paralytica, the absorption of aspirin was measured in terms of serum salicylate concentration. A 975‐mg dose of aspirin was given as a slurry in water directly into the feeding tube. Peak serum levels of salicylate were well correlated with those in previous studies of aspirin absorption by the oral route in a geriatric population. However, unexpectedly, the half‐life of the drug in this patient was twice as long (7.5 hours) as that found in six previous studies (3.7 hours) of elderly patients given similar doses.