A view of geriatrics through hormones. What is the relation between andropause and well-known geriatric syndromes?

Age related male hypogonadism, or “andropause”, is increasingly recognized as of frequent occurrence in older patients. Diagnosis requires both the presence of clinical symptoms and low testosterone levels. However, diagnosing andropause in this age group may be challenging since symptoms are frequently non specific and testosterone levels are influenced by a multitude of parameters such as lifestyle factors and chronic diseases. In this article we discuss the pathophysiology, definition and diagnostic difficulties of andropause in geriatric patients. Moreover, we review the relation between testosterone levels and frequent geriatric syndromes such as falls, osteoporosis, cognitive and mood disorders, anemia and cardiovascular disease. Finally, we examine the potential benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy in this age group.     

Ethical considerations in the use of brain-computer interfaces

Nervous system disorders are among the most severe disorders. Significant breakthroughs in contemporary clinical practice may provide brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and neuroprostheses (NPs). The aim of this article is to investigate the extent to which the ethical considerations in the clinical application of brain-computer interfaces and associated threats are being identified. Ethical considerations and implications may significantly influence further development of BCIs and NPs. Moreover, there is significant public interest in supervising this development. Awareness of BCIs’ and NPs’ threats and limitations allow for wise planning and management in further clinical practice, especially in the area of long-term neurorehabilitation and care.     

Prospective randomized controlled trial evaluating cap-assisted colonoscopy vs standard colonoscopy

AIM: To study the significance of cap-fitted colonoscopy in improving cecal intubation time and polyp detection rate. METHODS: This study was a prospective randomized controlled trial conducted from March 2008 to February 2009 in a tertiary referral hospital at Sydney. The primary end point was cecal intubation time and the secondary endpoint was polyp detection rate. Consecutive cases of total colonoscopy over a 1-year period were recruited. Randomization into either standard colonoscopy (SC) or cap-assist...     

Correspondence Between NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses and Outcomes as Proposed by the Nursing Outcomes Classification

The accurate identification of the nursing diagnoses and the corresponding measurement of their indicators will depend on the elements in the standardized language systems.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the correspondence between elements of four NANDA‐I nursing diagnoses and outcomes suggested by the nursing outcomes classification (NOC) for the resolution of these diagnoses.

METHOD

A methodological study consisting of cross‐mapping was performed in the first stage between definitions, defining characteristics (DCs), and related factors (RFs) of impaired oral mucous membrane, impaired tissue integrity, spiritual distress, and delayed surgical recovery and outcome definitions and indicators to measure results of diagnoses resolution and an analysis of its relevance by experts in the second stage.

RESULTS

It found partial correspondence between outcome indicators, DCs, RFs, and definitions.

CONCLUSION

The data evidence the relevance of this review for a reliable application of these taxonomies and demonstrated partial correspondence between concepts analyzed. A identificação precisa dos diagnósticos de enfermagem e a medida correspondente dos seus indicadores dependerá dos elementos nos sistemas de linguagem padronizados.

OBJETIVO

Foi analisar a correspondência entre os elementos de quatro NANDA‐I diagnósticos de enfermagem e os resultados sugeridos pelo NOC para a resolução destes diagnósticos.

MÉTODO

um estudo metodológico que consiste em cross‐mapping foi realizado em uma primeira fase entre as definições, características definidoras e fatores relacionados de Mucosa oral prejudicada, Integridade tissular prejudicada, Sofrimento espiritual e Recuperação cirúrgica retardada e as definições dos resultados indicados para a resolução destes diagnósticos; na segunda fase, foi realizada uma análise desta concordância por especialistas.

RESULTADOS

correspondência parcial entre as definições dos diagnósticos e dos resultados, características definidoras e fatores relacionados.

CONCLUSÃO

Os resultados evidenciam a relevância dessa avaliação para uma aplicação confiável destas taxonomias e demonstrou a correspondência parcial entre os conceitos analisados.     

Efectividad de una intervención educativa y de ejercicio físico sobre la capacidad funcional de los pacientes en hemodiálisis

Objective

To describe the impact of a standard hospital educational intervention including active physical exercises on personal well-being, functional capacity and knowledge of the benefits of prescribed physical activity for patients undergoing haemodialysis.