Visual impairment is one of the common problems in the elderly,and regular screening should be considered for early detection as well as prevention.This article describes some of the common causes of vision loss in older adults,including cataracts,age-related macular degeneration,ametropia (presbyopia) and diabetic retinopathy.Patients with senile cataract should be offered a manifest refraction in the early stage,and surgical treatments are indicated when their vision is less than or equal to 0.4.Prevention and treatment of age-related macular degeneration may be achieved through medication or dietary adjustment.Vascular endothelial growth factor can be used in the treatment of neovascularage-related macular degeneration.Patients with presbyopia are advised to obtain a manifest refraction.Patients with diabetic retinopathy should be regularly offered an ocular fundus examination and receive early treatment when necessary,with particular attention paid to glycaemic control.

Objective To evaluate the clinical effects of two different revascularization approaches,one via percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) and the other via coronary artery bypass graft (CABG),on short-and long-term prognosis in elderly patients with diabetes and multi-vessel coronary artery disease.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 254 elderly patients with diabetes and multi-vessel coronary artery disease.Based on the revascularization approach,patients were divided into the PCI group (n=93) and the CABG group (n =161).The incidence of major cardiovascular events (MACE) were observed during hospitalization and 1-year after follow-up.Results All-cause mortality and the incidence of non-fatal myocardial infarction were higher in the CABG group than in the PCI group during hospitalization [4.9％ (8 cases) vs.1.1％ (1 cases),5.6％ (9 cases) vs.2.2％ (2 cases),each P＜0.05],while there was no significant difference in the incidence of MACE between the two groups1-year after follow-up (P＞ 0.05).The incidence of cerebrovascular events was lower in the PCI group than in the CABG group [2.2 ％ (2 cases) vs.6.2％ (10 cases),P＜0.05],while the rate of revascularization was higher in thePCI group than in the CABG group [6.5％ (6 cases) vs.1.9％ (3 cases),P＜0.05].Cox regression analysis showed that diabetes (OR =1.65,95％ CI:1.013-1.926,P =0.024) and left ventricular ejection fraction (OR =1.30,95 ％ CI:1.018-1.652,P =0.027) were independent risk factors for revascularization and cerebrovascular events.Conclusions MACEs during hospitalization are fewer in elderly patients with diabetes and multi-vessel coronary artery heart disease who received PCI than in those who received CABG.PCI has a similar mid-and long-term effect as CABG,bur PCI has a higher revascularization rate and lower risk of MACEs than CABG.

Objective To study the effectiveness and safety of the side-branch (SB) balloon preimbedding technique on coronary bifurcation lesions (CBLs) in elderly patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 111 elderly patients with CBLs in our hospital from January 2011 to January 2013,of whom 59 patients received SB balloon pre-imbedding and 52 patients received SB wire protection.The immediate blood flow of the side-branch after treatment,the performance of the stent,and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during hospitalization,6 and 12 months after treatment,and coronary angiography 6 months after treatment were compared between the two groups.Results There were no statistical differences between the two groups in clinical characteristics,lesion distribution,length and diameter of MB or SB,bifurcation angle,length and number of main branch(MB) stenting,or MACE during hospitalization and 6 months after treatment (each P＞0.05).There was no statistical difference in immediate postoperative angiography between patients with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade 3,coronary stenosis more than 25％ in the MB (P＞0.05).The percentages of patients with coronary stenosis more than 50 ％ in SB and patients who needed SB stenting were lower in the balloon pre-imbedding group than in the wire protectiongroup[8.5％ (5/59) vs.23.1％ (12/52),42.4％ (25/59) vs.61.5％ (32/52),each P＜0.05].After 6 months of treatment,there was no statistical difference in coronary angiography in TIMI grade 3 of MB and coronary stenosis more than 25％ in MB between the two groups (P＞0.05)Also,the percentage of patients with TIMI grade 3 in SB was higher in the balloon pre-imbedding group than in the wire protection group (37/41 vs.24/34,P＜0.05);the percentage of patients with coronary stenosis more than 50％ in SB was lower in the balloon pre-imbedding group than in the wire protection group (3/41 vs.8/34,P＜0.05);and the degree of stenosis,the late lumen loss and the incidence of stem restenosis in SB were lower in the balloon pre-imbedding group than in the wire protection group (P＜0.01).The incidence of MACE 12 months after PCI was lower in the balloon pre-imbedding group than in the wire protection group (7/59 vs.14/52,P＜0.05).The pre-balloon imbedding group had a lower cost than the wire protection group,but with no statistical significance [(55 113±968) RMB vs.(61 023±1 311) RMB,P＞0.05].Conclusions SB balloon preimbedding is safe for the treatment of CBLs in elderly patients,and its effectiveness in both short-and long-term is better than that of wire protection.

Objective To investigate the relationship of stress hyperglycemia,cystatin C and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with short-term prognosis in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction.Methods 242 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction were divided into two groups according to age:the elderly group (n=182),and the non elderly group (n=60).The clinical data including cystatin C (Cys C),eGFR and stress hyperglycemia levels were collected.The major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were observed during hospitalization and 30 days after discharge.Results The incidences of stress hyperglycemia,the levels of creatinine,Cys C and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP),as well as the total MACE were higher and eGFR was lower in elderly group than in non-elderly group (all P＜0.05).Cys C level was positively correlated with age,body mass index and levels of creatinine and BNP (all P＜0.05),and negatively correlated with fasting glucose and eGFR in elderly group (both P＜0.05).The eGFR was positively correlated with body mass index (P＜0.05),and negatively correlated with age,creatinine and BNP levels in elderly group (all P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis indicated that stress hyperglycemia [OR=1.871,95％CI:1.071-3.269,P=0.03],Cys C [OR=7.093,95％CI:2.261-22.249,P=0.00] were the independent risk factors for MACE.Conclusions Cys C level and eGFR can predict the early renal dysfunction and its prognosis in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction.The incidence of stress hyperglycemia is higher in the elderly,and stress hyperglycemia and Cys C level are the independent risk factors for MACE.

Objective To investigate the association between plasma Klotho protein level and lacunar cerebral infarction in the elderly.Methods Eighty eight patients with lacunar cerebral infarction aged over 60 years were selected as the observation group,and 90 age-and gender-matched elderly patients without lacunar infarction as the control group.The protein level of Klotho was tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Klotho protein level was compared between the observation and control groups.The correlation between plasma Klotho level and lacunar infarction in elderly patients was analyzed.Results Compared with the control group,lacunar infarction group showed that Klotho protein level was decreased [(689.4±40.8) ng/L vs.(848.5±38.7) ng/L,P=0.009],and the proportion of patients with hypertension was increased (83.0％ vs.66.7％,P=0.04).There was no significant difference in age,gender,body mass index (BMI),dyslipidemia,diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease between the two groups.The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the low plasma level of Klotho protein and hypertension were identified as the independent risk factors for Lacunar infarction (OR=3.325 and 2.413,P=0.003 and 0.021,respectively).Conclusions Klotho protein level may be associated with lacunar cerebral infarction in elderly people.Monitoring plasma Klotho protein level has an important clinical significance in the prevention,diagnosis and prognosis of lacunar cerebral infarction.

Objective To study the expression changes and significance of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT)-mRNA and mutant p53 protein in thyroid carcinoma tissues in the elderly.Methods The expression level of hTERT-mRNA was examined by in situ hybridization in 50 samples of thyroid carcinoma tissues from the elderly and 41 samples of thyroid carcinoma tissues from the non-elderly and 30 samples of thyroid benign lesions.The expression level of p53 was examined by immunohistochemistry in all subjects.Results The positive rate of hTERT-mRNA was 96.0％ (48/50),85.3％ (35/41) and 10.0％ (3/30) in thyroid carcinoma tissues from the elderly,the non-elderly and thyroid benign lesions respectively,and there were significant differences between the three groups (x2=73.61,P=0.000).The positive rate of p53 was 92.0％ (46/50),85.3％ (35/41) and 13.3％ (3/30) in thyroid carcinoma tissues from the elderly,the non-elderly and thyroid benign lesions respectively,and there were significant differences between the three groups (x2 =62.30,P =0.000).Conclusions The positive rates of hTERT-mRNA and p53 in thyroid carcinoma tissues are higher in the elderly than in the non-elderly,which can be used to evaluate the biological behavior and prognosis of thyroid carcinoma in the elderly,and they play the important roles for targeted therapy.

Objective To elucidate the role of the Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway in regulating the phenotypic transformation of aortic valvular myofibroblasts to osteoblast-like cells.Methods Cultured primary valvular myofibroblastes isolated from porcine aortic valve leaflets were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) for different lengths of time:24 h,48 h and 72 h.The Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor Dickkopf-1 (DDK-1) was co-incubated with ox-LDL for 72 h.After cells harvest,the expression of myofibroblastic or osteoblast-like phenotype related markers,a-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA),bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2),alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and corebinding factora-1 (Cbfα 1),was detected by Western blotting.The expression and sub cellular localization of β3-catenin was assessed by immunocytochemistry.Changes of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the transformation of aortic valvular myofibroblast to osteoblast-like cells were monitored.Results BMP2,ALP and Cbfa 1 protein expression was not or barely detectable in the control group.However,after ox-LDL treatment,the expression of α SMA,BMP2,ALP and Cbfa 1 increased significantly (each P＜0.01) in a time-dependent manner (each P＜0.05).Besides,ox-LDL was also able to up-regulate the protein expression of β-catenin in a time-dependent manner (P＜0.05) and promoted its nuclear translocation.After DKK-1 treatment,the protein expression of β3 catenin and osteogenesis related markers was down regulated (P＜0.05).Conclusions The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may play a crucial role in regulating the transformation of aortic valvular myofibroblasts to an osteoblast like phenotype.

Objective To investigate the selection of operative method and peri operative managements for osteoporotic femoral intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients aged over 75 years.Methods A total of 132 consecutive patients aged 75-91 years with osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures from July 2009 to July 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.47 patients were treated with dynamic hip screw (DHS group),44 patients with proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA group) and 41 patients with Gamma Ⅲ nail (Gamma Ⅲ group).The peri-operative managements,operation circumstance,the time for fracture union,postoperative complications and the degree of functional recovery were analyzed and compared between the 3 groups.Results The mean surgical time was shorter in Gamma Ⅲ nail and PFNA groups than in DHS group [(68.7±9.1) min,(80.5±11.3) min vs (112.2±18.4) min,both P＜0.01].The mean blood loss was less in the Gamma Ⅲ nail and PFNA groups than in DHS group[(156.9±18.5) ml,(183.4±21.3) ml vs (296.2±29.6) ml,both P＜0.01].The mean time for fracture healing was shorter in Gamma [Ⅲ nail and PFNA groups than inDHSgroup [(12.6±2.4) weeks,(13.1±2.4) weeks vs (15.3±3.2) weeks,both P＜ 0.05],and it has no obvious difference between Gamma Ⅲ nail and PFNA groups (P＞0.05).There were significant differences in postoperative complications between Gamma Ⅲ nail,PFNA groups and DHS group (2 cases,3 cases vv 11 cases,P＜0.05,respectively).The mean Harris hip score had no significantly difference among DHS,Gamma Ⅲ nail and PFNA groups (87.4±11.6,90.2±13.0 vs 88.9±12.3,both P＞0.05).Conclusions The 3 operative methods for stable intertrochanteric fracture are feasible and effective in elderly patients,but for unstable intertrochanteric fractures,the treatment with Gamma Ⅲ nail and PFNA has advantages.

Objective To analyze the efficacy and safety of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients aged 70 years and over.Methods Clinical data of 109 cases who had acute lower extremity DVT and had been treated with CDT from March 2011 to September 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.Results Inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) were implanted in 109 patients.A thrombolytic catheter was inserted from the contralateral femoral vein (21 cases),ipsilateral popliteal vein (44 cases),posterior tibial vein (28 cases) or small saphenous vein (16 cases).The duration of thrombolysis was (5.47±2.13) d.The dosage of urokinase was (3.80 ± 0.56) million units.Forty-two cases underwent balloon dilatation alone,and 67 cases combined balloon dilatation with stent implantation.Gingival bleeding occurred in 7 patients and gross hematuria occurred in 4 patients during thrombolysis,which disappeared after medication adjustment.No symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) or other serious complications were found in any patients.There were significant differences in the venous patency score and lower limb circumferences at 10 cm above and below the knee one week after treatment (t=3.874,P=0.031).Ninety-seven cases were followed up for a mean period of (20.76.5) months,and the vein patencyrate was (77.9± 10.5) ％ and (73.1±9.4) ％ at 6 and 18 months after treatment,respectively.Recurrence of deep vein thrombosis was found in 6 cases,of which 2 cases had recurrent stent thrombosis,and treatment with CDT again was successful.No severe deep venous thrombosis syndrome (PTS) was found during the follow-up.Conclusions CDT is a minimally invasive procedure and can rapidly resolve limb venous drainage disorders.CDT is safe,has few complications and usually generates satisfactory outcomes.For very-old elderly patients who have no anticoagulation and thrombolytic contraindications,CDT is a useful option for the treatment of acute lower limb DVT.

Objective To investigate the risk factors and biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment for myocardial ischemia during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients aged ≥75 years,in order to improve the effectiveness and security of ERCP.Methods A total of 82 patients undergoing ERCP in our hospital from Jan.2013 to Dec.2014 were divided into the elderly group (n =42,aged≥75 years) and the non-elderly group (n =40,aged ＜75 years).The pre-and post-operative ECG findings,laboratory serological indexes,ERCP operating parameters and post-operative complications were compared between two groups.Results ASA grade was increased in elderly patients as compared with the non-elderly group.The intraoperative hypothermia,preoperative infection and jaundice,and hypertension were risk factors for myocardial ischemia during ERCP.The biochemical indexes including myeloperoxidase,creatine kinase and cardiac troponin Ⅰ were the biomarkers for early diagnosis of myocardial ischemia in patients with non-specific changes of ST-T wave.The indications of anesthesia meeting operation,the consecutive and close anesthesia monitoring,application of nitroglycerin,thermal insulation during operation,oxygen inhalation can effectively relieve myocardial ischemia during ERCP operation.Conclusions The early discovering and effectively treating myocardial ischemia during ERCP can ensure the safe and effectiveness of ERCP in elderly patients aged ≥75 years.