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Abstract Background Multimodal lifestyle interventions can benefit overall health, including cognition, in populations at-risk for dementia. However, little is known about the effect of lifestyle interventions in patients with prodromal Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Even less is known about dietary intake and adherence to dietary recommendations within this population making it difficult to design tailored interventions for them. Method A 6-month MIND-ADmini pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted among 93 participants with prodromal AD in Sweden, Finland, Germany, and France. Three arms were included in the RCT: 1) multimodal lifestyle intervention (nutritional guidance, exercise, cognitive training, vascular/metabolic risk management, and social stimulation); 2) multimodal lifestyle intervention + medical food product; and 3) regular health advice (control group). Adherence to dietary advice was assessed with a brief food intake questionnaire by using the Healthy Diet Index (HDI) and Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). The intake of macro- and micronutrients were analyzed on a subsample using 3-day food records. Results The dietary quality in the intervention groups, pooled together, improved compared to that of the control group at the end of the study, as measured with by HDI (p = 0.026) and MEDAS (p = 0.008). The lifestyle-only group improved significantly more in MEDAS (p = 0.046) and almost significantly in HDI (p = 0.052) compared to the control group, while the lifestyle + medical food group improved in both HDI (p = 0.042) and MEDAS (p = 0.007) during the study. There were no changes in macro- or micronutrient intake for the intervention groups at follow-up; however, the intakes in the control group declined in several vitamins and minerals when adjusted for energy intake. Conclusion These results suggest that dietary intervention as part of multimodal lifestyle interventions is feasible and results in improved dietary quality in a population with prodromal AD. Nutrient intakes remained unchanged in the intervention groups while the control group showed a decreasing nutrient density. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03249688, 2017–07-08.

Abstract Aim Acyl ghrelin increases cardiac output (CO) in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This could impair the right ventricular‐pulmonary arterial coupling (RVPAC), both through an increased venous return and right ventricular afterload. We aim to investigate if acyl ghrelin increases CO with or without worsening the right‐sided haemodynamics in HFrEF assessed by RVPAC. Methods and results The Karolinska Acyl ghrelin Trial was a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial of acyl ghrelin versus placebo (120‐min intravenous infusion) in HFrEF. RVPAC was assessed echocardiographically at baseline and 120 min. ANOVA was used for difference in change between acyl ghrelin versus placebo, adjusted for baseline values. Of the 30 randomized patients, 22 had available RVPAC (acyl ghrelin n = 12, placebo n = 10). Despite a 15% increase in CO in the acyl ghrelin group (from 4.0 (3.5–4.6) to 4.6 (3.9–6.1) L/min, P = 0.003), RVPAC remained unchanged; 5.9 (5.3–7.6) to 6.3 (4.8–7.5) mm·(m/s)−1, P = 0.372, while RVPAC was reduced in the placebo group, 5.2 (4.3–6.4) to 4.8 (4.2–5.8) mm·(m/s)−1, P = 0.035. Comparing change between groups, CO increased in the acyl ghrelin group versus placebo (P = 0.036) while RVPAC and the right ventricular pressure gradient remained unchanged. Conclusion Treatment with acyl ghrelin increases CO while preserving or even improving RVPAC in HFrEF, possibly due to increased contractility, reduced PVR and/or reduced left sided filling pressures. These potential effects strengthen the role of acyl ghrelin therapy in HFrEF with right ventricular failure.

Background: To descriptively present data and outcomes of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantations at Karolinska University Hospital. Methods: Data were collected from consecutive patients (n = 44) who were implanted with HeartMate 3 (HM3) at Karolinska University Hospital between 2017 and 2022. The study presents baseline characteristics, clinical course during the inpatient hospital care after implantation, adverse events, and clinical outcomes. Results: Median intensive care unit stay and hospital stay after HM3 implantation was 8 (interquartile range [IQR] 6; 15) and 28 days (IQR 22; 36), respectively. In total, 73% underwent ramp test at some point after the implantation. Death from all causes within 30 days postimplantation was 5%. A total of 21 patients (48%) underwent right heart catheterization, at a median of 0.5 years (IQR 0.3; 0.7) after implantation, and all exhibited optimally unloaded left ventricles. During the study period, 34% of the patients were transplanted, 5% were explanted, and 16% died with LVAD. In total, 11% and 5% suffered from early and late right ventricle failures, respectively. Acute renal failure affected 46% and 18% had driveline infection. Spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction affected 5% and 7% of the study population, respectively. Gastrointestinal bleeding affected 16%. The median LVAD duration was 10 months (IQR 5; 22). The 1-year survival rate with LVAD was 85%, and the 2-year survival rate was 80%. Conclusions: The results of this low-volume single-center retrospective study on LVAD implantations align with the results of other studies and international registries.

Abstract Aims In heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), regional heterogeneity of clinical phenotypes is increasingly recognized, with coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) potentially being a common shared feature. We sought to determine the regional differences in clinical characteristics and prevalence of CMD in HFpEF. Methods and results We analysed clinical characteristics and CMD in 202 patients with stable HFpEF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40%) in Finland, Singapore, Sweden, and United States in the multicentre PROMIS‐HFpEF study. Patients with unrevascularized macrovascular coronary artery disease were excluded. CMD was assessed using Doppler echocardiography and defined as coronary flow reserve (adenosine‐induced vs. resting flow)

Persistent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in immunocompromised patients remains a major medical challenge. Diagnosing the syndrome is difficult as symptoms may mimic other diseases and treatment guidelines are lacking. We describe a case series of four patients with persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection that all had an underlying B-cell deficiency due to rituximab treatment (in one case in combination with epcoritamab). In all four patients, it was initially difficult to recognize the persistent disease, leading to a duration of illness between 45 and 242 days. Two patients were only positive for SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the nasopharynx at the beginning of the disease but were later repeatedly negative. However, when bronchoalveolar lavage was performed, a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR was revealed from the lower airways in both patients. The difficulties establishing diagnosis contributed to these two patients’ long disease course. The longest disease duration was in the patient treated with rituximab and epcoritamab, who also responded poorly to single standard antiviral treatment. This patient ultimately cleared the infection after administering a combination treatment with remdesivir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. After a confirmed diagnosis, the other three patients cleared the infection when they were finally treated with antivirals. Increasing clinicians’ awareness of this condition is important as it might be treatable once diagnosed. Further studies are warranted to define the condition and treatment strategy with greater precision.

Anne-Marie Boström,1 Tommy Cederholm,2 Gerd Faxén-Irving,3 Erika Franzén,4 Helena Grönstedt,5 Åke Seiger,3 Sofia Vikström,6 Anders Wimo7 1Division of Nursing, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Medical Unit Aging, Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm and R&D Unit, Stockholms Sjukhem, Stockholm, Sweden; 2Medical Unit Aging, Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm and Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; 3Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; 4Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Medical Unit Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Theme Women’s Health and Allied Health Professionals, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm and Stockholms Sjukhem R&D Unit, Stockholm, Sweden; 5Medical Unit Occupational therapy and Physiotherapy, Women´s Health and Allied Health Professionals Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; 6Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; 7Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SwedenCorrespondence: Anne-Marie Boström, Division of Nursing, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Alfred Nobels allé 23, Huddinge, Stockholm, S 141 83, Sweden, Tel +468524 839 19, Email anne-marie.bostrom@ki.sePurpose: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important patient-related outcome for the assessment of interventions and treatments in older people. Understanding underlying mechanisms for HRQoL is crucial for improving care, rehabilitation and symptom relief. This study examined the associations between HRQoL and frailty, sarcopenia, dependence of ADL, physical function and nutritional status in older nursing home (NH) residents.Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study employing baseline data from the Older Person’s Exercise and Nutrition (OPEN) study. Residents ≥ 75 years and able to stand up from seated position, residing in eight nursing homes in Sweden, were recruited. The EuroQoL 5-dimension Questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L, 0– 1) was used to assess HRQoL. For exposure, the FRAIL and SARC-F questionnaires, Bergs Balance Scale, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) were used, including chair-stand test, walking speed and some biochemical markers. Descriptive and inferential statistics including linear regression models were applied.Results: Data from 113 residents (59% women, mean age 85 years) revealed a mean EQ-5D index of 0.76. After relevant adjustments, factors associated with low HRQoL were sarcopenia (p< 0.001), cognitive function (p< 0.001), dependence in ADL (p=0.002), low plasma-albumin (p=0.002) and impaired nutritional status (p=0.038).Conclusion: This study displays evidence that modifiable conditions like sarcopenia and malnutrition are related to HRQoL in older NH residents. Such findings indicate a potential for physical exercise, including muscle training, and improved nutritional routines, including protein supplementation, to enhance nursing home care. Future studies, in larger NH populations, on exercise and nutrition for effects on HRQoL are needed.Keywords: quality of life, EQ5D-5L, sarcopenia, physical function, nutritional status

Aims Methods and results Conclusion Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) improve outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) but are underused. Point prevalent use has been described, but the kinetics of discontinuation and the extent of reinitiation have not been studied.Patients with HFrEF enrolled in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry between 2006 and 2021 were linked to the Prescribed Drug Register. The rate of discontinuation during the first year of treatment and reinitiation the year after discontinuation were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the predictors of discontinuation. Of 11 474 MRA new users, 71% remained on therapy at 1 year. Baseline characteristics independently associated with discontinuation were: estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 ml/min/1.73 m2 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34–2.27), hyperkalaemia (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.25–2.40), eGFR 30–60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.37–1.66), age ≥80 years (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.10–1.43), enrolment as inpatient (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.14–1.38), a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10–1.39), living alone (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.13–1.34), ischaemic heart disease (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.09–1.31), anaemia (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07–1.29), diabetes mellitus (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04–1.27) and New York Heart Association class III–IV (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.24). Reinitiation within a year occurred in 46% of cases, mostly within 3 months after discontinuation.Among patients with HFrEF initiated on MRA, 71% remained on therapy at 1 year. Discontinuation occurred early and was more common in patients with advanced kidney disease, hyperkalaemia, lack of follow‐up in specialty care, more severe heart failure, comorbidities, and markers of sociodemographic frailty. Among those who discontinued, almost half reinitiated treatment the year following discontinuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A low-protein diet (LPD) is recommended to patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), whereas geriatric guidelines recommend a higher amount of protein. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of LPD treatment in older adults with advanced CKD. Methods The EQUAL study is a prospective, observational study including patients ≥65 years of age with an incident estimated glomerular filtration rate <20 ml/min/1.73 m2 in six European countries with follow-up through 6 years. Nutritional status was assessed by a 7-point subjective global assessment (SGA) every 3–6 months. Prescribed diet (g protein/kg of bodyweight) was recorded on every study visit; measured protein intake was available in three countries. Time to death and decline in nutritional status (SGA decrease of ≥2 points) were analysed using marginal structural models with dynamic inverse probability of treatment and censoring weights. Results Of 1738 adults (631 prescribed LPD at any point during follow-up), there were 1319 with repeated SGA measurements, of which 267 (20%) decreased in SGA ≥2 points and 565 (32.5%) who died. There was no difference in survival or decrease in nutritional status for patients prescribed a LPD ≤0.8 g/kg ideal bodyweight {odds ratio [OR] for mortality 1.15 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86–1.55)] and OR for decrease in SGA 1.11 [95% CI 0.74–1.66]} in the adjusted models. In patients prescribed a LPD <0.6 g/kg ideal bodyweight, the results were similar. There was a significant interaction with LPD and older age >75 years, lower SGA and higher comorbidity burden for both mortality and nutritional status decline. Conclusions In older adults with CKD approaching end-stage kidney disease, a traditional LPD prescribed and monitored according to routine clinical practice in Europe appears to be safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims A variety of maternal heart conditions are associated with abnormal placentation and reduced foetal growth. However, their impact on offspring's long-term cardiovascular health is poorly studied. This study aims to investigate the association between intrauterine exposure to pre-existing maternal cardiovascular disease (CVD) and offspring CVD occurring from infancy to early adulthood, using paternal CVD as a negative control. Methods This nationwide cohort study used register data of live singletons without major malformations or congenital heart disease born between 1992 and 2019 in Sweden. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for essential maternal characteristics. Paternal CVD served as a negative control for assessment of unmeasured genetic and environmental confounding. Results Of the 2 597 786 offspring analysed (49.1% female), 26 471 (1.0%) were born to mothers with pre-existing CVD. During a median follow-up of 14 years (range 1–29 years), 17 382 offspring were diagnosed with CVD. Offspring of mothers with CVD had 2.09 times higher adjusted HR of CVD (95% CI 1.83, 2.39) compared with offspring of mothers without CVD. Compared with maternal CVD, paternal CVD showed an association of smaller magnitude (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.32, 1.68). Increased hazards of offspring CVD were also found when stratifying maternal CVD into maternal arrhythmia (HR 2.94, 95% CI 2.41, 3.58), vascular (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.21, 2.10), and structural heart diseases (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.08, 2.02). Conclusions Maternal CVD was associated with an increased risk of CVD in offspring during childhood and young adulthood. Paternal comparison suggests that genetic or shared familial factors may not fully explain this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The progression of keratoconus is commonly determined by comparing the results of corneal tomographic measurements on different occasions. However, investigations on the repeatability of measurements are commonly performed within the same day, thus not taking the inter-day variation into account. The effect of keratoconus disease severity on the measurement error is also seldom considered. In this post hoc investigation, the parameters A, B and C in the Belin ABCD Progression Display were evaluated in relation to disease severity in intra-day and inter-day measurements. Four consecutive measurements were performed on 61 patients with keratoconus on the same day (intra-day). In another cohort, four consecutive measurements were obtained and then repeated 3 days later in 25 patients with keratoconus and 25 healthy controls (inter-day). The results suggest that the diagnosis of disease progression would benefit from inter-day measurements, and the stratification of the parameters A and C according to disease severity. It is also recommended that tomographic systems such as the Pentacam HR be modified to allow the comparison of both single measurements and the mean of replicate measurements of the parameters used in the assessment of progression of keratoconus.

Background: Multimodal lifestyle interventions can benefit overall health, including cognition, in populations at-risk for dementia. However, little is known about the effect of lifestyle interventions in patients with prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD). Even less is known about dietary intake and adherence to dietary recommendations within this population making it difficult to design tailored interventions for them. Method: A 6-month MIND-ADmini pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted among 93 participants with prodromal AD in Sweden, Finland, Germany, and France. Three arms were included in the RCT: 1) multimodal lifestyle intervention (nutritional guidance, exercise, cognitive training, vascular/metabolic risk management, and social stimulation); 2) multimodal lifestyle intervention + medical food product; and 3) regular health advice (control group). Adherence to dietary advice was assessed with a brief food intake questionnaire by using the Healthy Diet Index (HDI) and Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). The intake of macro- and micronutrients were analyzed on a subsample using 3-day food records. Results: The dietary quality in the intervention groups, pooled together, improved compared to that of the control group at the end of the study, as measured with by HDI (p = 0.026) and MEDAS (p = 0.008). The lifestyle-only group improved significantly more in MEDAS (p = 0.046) and almost significantly in HDI (p = 0.052) compared to the control group, while the lifestyle + medical food group improved in both HDI (p = 0.042) and MEDAS (p = 0.007) during the study. There were no changes in macro- or micronutrient intake for the intervention groups at follow-up; however, the intakes in the control group declined in several vitamins and minerals when adjusted for energy intake. Conclusion: These results suggest that dietary intervention as part of multimodal lifestyle interventions is feasible and results in improved dietary quality in a population with prodromal AD. Nutrient intakes remained unchanged in the intervention groups while the control group showed a decreasing nutrient density. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03249688, 2017–07-08. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Impaired left atrial (LA) function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is associated with adverse outcomes. A subgroup of HFpEF may have LA myopathy out of proportion to left ventricular (LV) dysfunction; therefore, we sought to characterize HFpEF patients with disproportionate LA myopathy. In the prospective, multicenter, Prevalence of Microvascular Dysfunction in HFpEF study, we defined disproportionate LA myopathy based on degree of LA reservoir strain abnormality in relation to LV myopathy (LV global longitudinal strain [GLS]) by calculating the residuals from a linear regression of LA reservoir strain and LV GLS. We evaluated associations of disproportionate LA myopathy with hemodynamics and performed a plasma proteomic analysis to identify proteins associated with disproportionate LA myopathy; proteins were validated in an independent sample. Disproportionate LA myopathy correlated with better LV diastolic function but was associated with lower stroke volume reserve after passive leg raise independent of atrial fibrillation (AF). Additionally, disproportionate LA myopathy was associated with higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure, higher pulmonary vascular resistance, and lower coronary flow reserve. Of 248 proteins, we identified and validated 5 proteins (involved in cardiomyocyte stretch, extracellular matrix remodeling, and inflammation) that were associated with disproportionate LA myopathy independent of AF. In HFpEF, LA myopathy may exist out of proportion to LV myopathy. Disproportionate LA myopathy is a distinct HFpEF subtype associated with worse hemodynamics and a distinct proteomic signature, independent of AF.

Abstract Background The interactions between nursing home (NH) staff and their residents are crucial not only for the atmosphere at the NH but also for achieving care goals. In order to test the potential effects of daily physical activities (sit-to-stand (STS) exercises) combined with oral nutritional supplementation (ONS), a randomized intervention trial (the Older Person’s Exercise and Nutrition (OPEN) Study) was performed in NH residents. One aspect of the study was to interview and report the NH staff’s experiences of supporting the residents in fulfilling the intervention. Methods In this qualitative study, individual and focus group interviews were performed in eight NH facilities with NH staff who had assisted residents in performing the 12-week ONS/STS intervention. An interview guide developed for this study was used to assess staff experiences of the intervention and its feasibility. The transcribed interviews were analyzed inductively following a constant comparative method and with input from experts in the area, described in Grounded Theory as a reliable technique for researchers to form theory and hypothesis in unexplored areas. Results Three main themes relating to the health-promoting intervention emerged. These included: 1) insights into attitudes towards health in general and NH care specifically; 2) intervention-related challenges, frustrations and needs, and 3) aspects of collaboration and opportunities. The overarching hypothesis derived from the analysis reads: A health-promoting intervention such as the OPEN-concept has great potential for integration into NH life if a combined empathic and encouraging attitude, and a structure to keep it sustainable, are in place. Conclusions NH staff experienced the health-promoting intervention as a potentially positive concept, although it was suggested that it works best if introduced as a general routine in the unit and is integrated into the daily planning of care. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier: NCT02702037 . Date of trial registration February 26, 2016. The trial was registered prospectively

Abstract Background A qualitative, interview-based study was embedded in a randomized intervention trial, the Older People Exercise and Nutrition (OPEN) study. Participants in the OPEN study were encouraged to conduct sessions of sit-to-stand (STS) exercises combined with Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) intake. The aim was to describe the older persons’ perceptions and experiences of being given the daily opportunity to perform the STS exercise and drink ONS. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted in six nursing homes with the participants using a semi-structured interview guide. One or two individual interviews were performed with each included participant. Twenty-three NH residents (16 women and 7 men) participated in the qualitative study. Their ages ranged between 76 and 96 years, and their Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scored between 8 and 29. The transcribed interviews and field notes written during the visits were analyzed inductively following a constant comparative method described in Grounded Theory. Results The exercise and nutritional intervention was described as highly practical by the NH residents, who claimed it also had a social aspect as they felt acknowledged and empowered to engage others in the combined intervention. Experiences of the intervention ranged from neutral to mainly positive and could be sorted into 5 categories: 1. Perceived hopes and expectations, 2. Health-related driving forces, 3. Appreciated daily activities, 4. A concept easy to perform and integrate into daily life, 5. A beneficial health concept for all. The intervention created perceived benefits on various health aspects due to participants feeling energized and stronger. An overall theme was identified as A health concept with a social potential, as participants feel acknowledged and strong enough to help others. Conclusions The intervention was described by participants as a health concept that could potentially be beneficial for a broader spectrum of NH residents. The findings indicate that health concepts, such as STS/ONS, might contribute to a more meaningful day for older people, even vulnerable NH residents approaching the end of life. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier: NCT02702037 . Date of trial registration February 26, 2016.

Abstract Background Poor nutrition and age per see add to the development of sarcopenia, i.e. loss of muscle mass and strength, which contributes to increased risk of impaired activities of daily living (ADL) and reduced independence. Protein deficiency plays an important role in the development of sarcopenia. In order to increase the muscle mass protein intake should be combined with physical exercise. A daily physical activity, the sit-to-stand exercise, has been proven to decrease older persons’ dependence in ADL. Our study aims to evaluate the effects of the sit-to-stand exercise in combination with a protein-rich nutritional supplement, on physical function and independence in frail nursing home residents. The resident’s perceptions and experiences of the intervention and the staff’s experiences of supporting the resident to complete the intervention will also be explored. Methods The study is a two-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial which will be performed in nursing homes at two municipalities in Sweden. We will recruit 120 residents, age 75 or older and able to stand up from a seated position. Residents (n = 60) randomized to the intervention group will perform the sit-to-stand exercise at four occasions daily and will be offered a protein-rich oral supplement, twice a day. The intervention period will last for 12 weeks and measures of physical function, nutritional status, quality of life and health economy will be performed at baseline and at 12-weeks follow-up. The primary outcome will be the number of chair rises performed in 30 s. The control group will receive standard care. Data will be analysed by intention-to-treat analysis and with mixed effect models. During the last part of the intervention period individual interviews with the residents, on the topic of feasibility with the OPEN concept will be held. Likewise, focus-group-interviews with staff will be performed. Discussion The residents’ physical and mental health could be expected to improve. Even the work situation for staff could be positively affected. One innovative feature of the OPEN study is the simple intervention consisting of a basic daily activity that can be performed by several nursing home residents with the support of existing staff and available resources. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02702037.

Many studies have been conducted to identify therapeutic strategies to modulate inflammation and oxidative stress, complications that contribute to the increased morbidity and cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Among several non-pharmacological strategies, the use of bioactive compounds has emerged as a potential approach to reduce these complications in CKD patients. In this context, turmeric/curcumin may have positive consequences in terms of cardiovascular and nephroprotection because of its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. The aim of this review is to discuss the role of curcumin as a nutritional strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk factors as inflammation and oxidative stress in CKD patients.