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Introduction: Intradialytic exercise is essential for improving physical function for older patients. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the effects of exercise therapy and aging. Methods: This multicenter cohort study included 1176 patients aged 40–89 years, who participated in an intradialytic exercise program, comprising stretching and resistance training, three times per week for 12 months. Isometric knee extension strength (IKES), 10‐m walking speed, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) were measured at baseline and after 12 months. The patients were divided according to age as follows: 40–59, 60–69, 70–79, and 80–89 years. A linear mixed‐effects model examined the improvement within‐group and between‐control differences, as the 40–59 age group was the control group. Findings: The 40–59, 60–69, 70–79, and 80–89 age groups comprised 180, 317, 466, and 213 participants, respectively. Within‐group differences, all the age groups significantly improved IKES and SPPB. The 10‐m walking speed [0.02 (0.02) m/s] and GNRI [0.38 (0.33)] did not improved only in the 80–89 age group despite other age groups significantly improved. Between‐control differences, IKES of the 70–79 age group [−0.24 (−0.42 to −0.06) %] was significantly lower improvement than control. GNRI of all the older groups were significantly smaller improvement than control (p < 0.05). Discussion: The older group demonstrated difficulty in improving walking ability and nutritional status compared with the younger groups. Clinicians need to consider the difference in effectiveness due to age and prescribe intradialytic exercises accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Continuation of an intradialytic exercise program is necessary to improve and maintain physical function in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Factors associated with dropout must be identified to ensure program continuation. This study aimed to investigate the dropout rates from an intradialytic exercise program at 6 and 12 months in patients undergoing hemodialysis and to identify dropout predictors. Methods This was a multicenter, retrospective observational study. Overall, 980 patients were enrolled in this study. Grip strength, 10-m walking speed, physical function, demographics and blood sampling data were measured at baseline, and dropouts were observed. Patients were classified as either continued or dropped out of the program at 6 and 12 months. The dropout rate was calculated for each time point. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of dropout. Results The dropout rate was 26.4% (n  = 259) after 6 months, 24.1% (n  = 172) between 6 and 12 months, and 44.3% (n  = 424) overall at 1 year. Significant predictors of dropout after 6 months were slower 10-m walking speed, older age and high C-reactive protein level. Predictors of dropout after 12 months were slower 10-m walking speed and lower standardized dialysis volume. Conclusions Walking capacity, age, inflammation and hemodialysis volume were determinants of dropout from the exercise program. Our findings provide new and important insights into the potential risk factors for dropout from long-term intradialytic exercise programs in patients undergoing hemodialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe our recent experimental results on the fabrication of quantum-dot devices in a graphene-based two-dimensional system. Graphene samples were prepared by micromechanical cleavage of graphite crystals on a SiO2/Si substrate. We performed micro-Raman spectroscopy measurements to determine the number of layers of graphene flakes during the device fabrication process. By applying a nanofabrication process to the identified graphene flakes, we prepared a double-quantum-dot device structure comprising two lateral quantum dots coupled in series. Measurements of low-temperature electrical transport show the device to be a series-coupled double-dot system with varied interdot tunnel coupling, the strength of which changes continuously and non-monotonically as a function of gate voltage.

Background: Physical impairment or frailty due to sarcopaenia is common in patients with chronic kidney disease and those receiving dialysis. This study examined the association between muscle weakness and kidney function in Japanese patients with chronic kidney disease., Methods: A total of 23 stable outpatients were enrolled in the study. Several indices were used to assess muscle function; hand grip strength, isometric knee extension strength, Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and the short physical performance battery. The relationships between these indices and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as a measure of kidney function were analysed statistically., Results: Patients' characteristics were as follows: mean age 73.9 years (standard deviation (SD) 13); 12 males, 11 females; body mass index (BMI) 22.5 kg/m 2 (SD 3.2); serum creatinine (sCr) 4.6 mg/ dl (SD 3.7); estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 19.1 ml/min (SD 16). Their physical performance indices were: hand grip strength 20.8 kg (SD 7.9); isometric knee extension strength 19.1 kgf/kg (SD 10.6); TUG 14.9 s (SD 6.0); and short physical performance battery score 7.0 (SD 4.3). Multiple regression analysis adjusted for age revealed significant associations between isometric knee extension strength/body weight and eGFR (F [2,19] = 8.38, p = 0.002) and TUG and eGFR (F=4.98 [2,18], p = 0.02)., Conclusion: Deterioration in muscle function or maintenance of posture is associated with chronic kidney disease., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (Journal Compilation © 2019 Foundation of Rehabilitation Information.)