The Association of Self-Esteem with the Level of Independent Functioning and the Primary Demographic Factors in Persons over 60 Years of Age

Self-esteem reflects the way we see ourselves. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship among self-esteem, bio-psycho-social functioning, and sociodemographic conditions in the elderly. The study included 300 individuals over 60 years of age living in their home environment. The employed research tools included the Abbreviated Mental Test Score, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and EASYCare Standard 2010 questionnaire involving the following scales: independence score, risk of breakdown in care, and risk of falls. Results: The average score achieved by the study group according to the RSES scale was 29.9 ± 5.6 points. In addition, the study group presented a low risk of independence loss (independence score 13.3 ± 18.1), risk of breakdown in care (4.4 ± 2.4), and risk of falls (1.8 ± 1.6). The conducted multivariate analysis demonstrated that a significant (p < 0.05) negative predictor of low self-esteem was education below the secondary level, a poor financial condition, and functional limitations in domain I (seeing, hearing, and communicating skills) of the EASYCare Standard 2010 questionnaire. A relationship was found between self-esteem and the level of bio-psycho-social functioning, as well as between education and the financial situation. The results demonstrate that even successfully ageing individuals require a regular assessment of their functional status and individually adapted support in order to maintain independence and to increase their self-esteem.

Clinical and Non-Clinical Determinants of the Effect of Mechanical Thrombectomy and Post-Stroke Functional Status of Patients in Short and Long-Term Follow-Up

To date, inconsistent results evaluating the effect of parameters on mechanical thrombectomy (MT) outcomes in stroke-patients have been published. This study aimed to identify the key parameters for functional status after MT in stroke-patients in short and long-term follow-up.

METHOD

The study analysis focused on the relevance of selected clinical and non-clinical parameters to the functional status of the patients after MT.

RESULTS

417 stroke-patients (mean age 67.8 ± 13.2 years) were qualified. Atrial fibrillation, and leukocytosis were significant for the neurological status on the first day of stroke (p = 0.036, and p = 0.0004, respectively). The parameters with the strongest effect on the functional status on day 10 were: age (p = 0.009), NIHSS (p = 0.002), hyperglycemia (p = 0.009), the result in TICI (p = 0.046), and first pass effect (p = 0.043). The parameters with the strongest effect on the functional status on day 365 were: age and NIHSS on the first day of stroke (p = 0.0002 and 0.002, respectively). Leukocytosis and the neurological status at baseline were key parameters associated with ICB after MT (p = 0.007 and p = 0.003, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Age and neurological status in the ultra-acute phase of stroke are crucial for the functional status in short and long-term observations of patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Atrial fibrillation, hyperglycemia, and inflammatory state are relevant to the short-term post-stroke functional status. First pass effect and the degree of post-interventional reperfusion are important technical parameters to the short-term functional status. Neurological status and white blood count during the acute phase are associated with a high rate of post-procedural intracranial bleeding.

Solid-State NMR Studies of the Succinate-Acetate Permease from Citrobacter Koseri in Liposomes and Native Nanodiscs

The succinate-acetate permease (SatP) is an anion channel with six transmembrane domains. It forms different oligomers, especially hexamers in the detergent as well as in the membrane. Solid-state NMR studies of SatP were carried out successfully on SatP complexes by reconstructing the protein into liposomes or retaining the protein in the native membrane of E. coli., where it was expressed. The comparison of ¹³C-¹³C 2D correlation spectra between the two samples showed great similarity, opening the possibility to further study the acetate transport mechanism of SatP in its native membrane environment. Solid-state NMR studies also revealed small chemical shift differences of SatP in the two different membrane systems, indicating the importance of the lipid environment in determining the membrane protein structures and dynamics. Combining different 2D SSNMR spectra, chemical shift assignments were made on some sites, consistent with the helical structures in the transmembrane domains. In the end, we pointed out the limitation in the sensitivity for membrane proteins with such a size, and also indicated possible ways to overcome it.

[The features of temperament and levels of activation of central nervous system of female students with various condition of reproductive health]

The article demonstrates the relationship between temperamental features and functional state of central nervous system in female students various regimen of reproductive system functioning. The sampling included 115 female students of Krasnoyarsk with different status of menstrual function, including 51 female students with normal gonadotropic and prolactin type of anovulation and 64 female students with ovulatory menstrual cycle. The questionnaire DOTS-R was applied to establish the temperament characteristics. The functional condition of the central nervous system was studied using method of simple and complex visual-motor reaction by means of device "Psychophysiologist". The results of the study demonstrated that girls with "calm" and "rigid" types of temperament have features of functional state of the central nervous system that can condition predisposition to menstrual cycle disorders. The particular features of functional state of the central nervous system in female students with anovulatory cycle were established: decreasing of level of activation of the central nervous system in individuals with "intense" and "unstable" types of temperament and workability of girls of "adequate" type. The application of complex reproductive health evaluation to female students to establish personalty temperamental features will input into forming of risk groups relating to development of menstrual cycle disorders in female students.

[Biofeed back therapy and Cytoflavin in the system of medical support of the training process of elderly hockey players.]

One of the ways to improve the condition of the elderly body is the method of auto-training with biofeedback, as a means of correcting deviations in the functioning of the regulatory apparatus, as well as improving antioxidant protection and eliminating the effects of oxidative stress using Cytoflavin therapy. These methods seem to be a simple and effective means of correcting negative changes in the FS of elderly hockey players after a training cycle and ensuring the possibility of a more complete recovery of their body. The difference in the points of application made it possible to combine the intake of Cytoflavin and biofeedback training into a single complex correctional and restorative technique. Purpose of the research: to consider the organizational and methodological aspects of introducing a comprehensive methodology for correcting the functional state of elderly hockey players into the system of support of their training process. Based on the results of the study, we have obtained convincing data on the positive effect of the inclusion of Cytoflavin and biofeedback training in the system of medical support for the training process of elderly hockey players. The organizational and methodological aspects of introducing a comprehensive methodology for correcting the functional state of older hockey players into the system of support for their training process considered in this article make it possible to solve a number of problems facing medical workers regarding continuous monitoring of the functional state of older hockey players, proactive diagnosis of their negative deviations, as well as a system of reabilitation.

[Effects of application of transcranial electrical stimulation in the training process at elite athletes of various sports]

Restoring and optimizing the psychofunctional state of the athlete's body is an important area of sports medicine. Methods that allow you to quickly level psychoemotional and physical stress by influencing regulatory systems are interesting. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) refers to such methods. Its use in sports requires testing and scientific justification.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To study the tDCS influence, used in the training process, on the psychofunctional state of highly qualified athletes of various sports.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

86 athletes aged 16 to 30 years old were examined. Their qualifications ranged from candidate master of sports to international master of sports of cyclic (track and field - 7 athletes, triathlon - 12), acyclic (weightlifting - 18) and opponent (karate - 22, rugby - 27) sports. The EEG study of electroencephalogram, heart rate variability and psychophysiological testing, ergospirometric stress testing on a treadmill were carried out to substantiate the tDCS effects.

RESULTS

The positive effect of the tDCS use is shown, which is substantiated by a significant change in physiological and psychophysiological parameters. An increase in the heart work economization, adaptive and mobilization body reserves, psychophysiological indicators was noted in triathletes after a course of 7 tDCS procedures. One tDCS in track and field athletes (according to stress testing data) helped to optimize the performance and increase the functional capabilities of the myocardium, reduce energy consumption during work. During the period of urgent recovery, tDCS contributed to the heart rate restoring acceleration, increase of the bringing in oxygen and flushing out carbon dioxide rate, and hemodynamics. The use of one procedure among acyclic sports athletes was effective for optimizing the psycho-functional state, reducing the tension of regulatory processes. After maximum muscle-strengthening exercises, the recovery processes accelerated and the CNS performance increased. In athletes of opponent sports (rugby, karate), the tDCS use helped to reduce the time of sensorimotor reactions and increase mental stability, optimize the brain functional state, and economize the heart work.

CONCLUSION

The positive effect of tDCS is expressed in improving the psycho-functional state and working capacity, accelerating the recovery processes of athletes after physical exertion. In this connection, this method can be widely recommended for use as a regenerating and stimulating effect in medical and biological support in elite sports.

[Approaches to psychopharmacological correction of the functional state of elderly people in playing with game sports.]

The observed increase number of elderly actively employed persons. This indicates the need to study both classical geriatric aspects and new ways to maintain the proper level of their functional states. The current level of knowledge about the methods of adjusting functional states provides ample opportunity to correct violations in systems that are the most susceptible to factors of intense sports activity. According to the results of a comprehensive survey of a group of elderly ice hockey players, the most pronounced changes in the functioning of the central nervous system and antioxidant defense were determined. In this target group it is rationally to combine the use of the complex metabolic drug Cytoflavin with neurotropic antioxidant activity and the biological feedback method, as one of the most effective and safe ways to increase efficiency, having an extensive evidence base.

[Study of the most significant for the correction components of the functional condition of elderly hockey players.]

Presents the results of a dynamic integrated study of the vegetative, metabolic and psycho-physiological components of the functional state of elderly hockey players before and after participating in competitions. The study involved 42 male hockey players aged 55-64 years. It has been established that the indicators of the vegetative regulation of cardiac activity are the most stable component of the functional state in the group of elderly athletes. At the same time, after participating in competitions, a statistically significant decrease in the simple sensorimotor response and an increase in lipid peroxidation processes were revealed. It is proved that the use of therapeutic regulators of the functional state (in particular, pharmaco-, psycho- and physiotherapeutic) should be directed to the components of the central nervous system and the antioxidant defense system, as the most sensitive and susceptible to suffering.

Claudin 4 in pancreatic β cells is involved in regulating the functional state of adult islets

The functional state (FS) of adult pancreatic islets is regulated by a large array of regulatory molecules including numerous transcription factors. Whether any islet structural molecules play such a role has not been well understood. Here, multiple technologies including bioinformatics analyses were used to explore such molecules. The tight junction family molecule claudin 4 (Cldn4) was the highest enriched amongst over 140 structural genes analysed. Cldn4 expression was ~75-fold higher in adult islets than in exocrine tissues and was mostly up-regulated during functional maturation of developing islet cells. Cldn4 was progressively down-regulated in functionally compromised, dedifferentiating insulin-secreting β cells and in db/db type 2 diabetic islets. Furthermore, the genetic deletion of Cldn4 impaired significantly the FS without apparently affecting pancreas morphology, islet architectural structure and cellular distribution, and secretion of enteroendocrine hormones. Thus, we suggest a previously unidentified role for Cldn4 in regulating the FS of islets, with implications in translational research for better diabetes therapies.

The Effectiveness Of Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy In Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blinded Pilot Study

Purpose

This prospective, randomized and single-blinded study assesses the influence of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) in patients with low back pain (LBP).

Methods

A total of 52 patients with LBP were enrolled in the study, out of which a homogeneous group of 40 patients with mean age of 53.45±4.9 years was included. Patients were randomized into group A (n=20) treated with rESWT (2000 pulses; 2.5 bars; 5 Hz, 7 mins) performed twice a week for five weeks (10 sessions) and stabilization training, as well as group B (n=20) treated with sham rESWT and stabilization training. To analyze the therapeutic progress, the following tests were performed (before and after therapy; 1 and 3 months follow-up) to assess pain and functional efficiency: (1) Visual Analog Scale (VAS), (2) Laitinen Pain Scale (LPS), and (3) Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

Results

The control group had a statistically significant advantage over the rESWT group (4.4 vs. 3.1 points on the VAS; p=0.039). However, in long-term observations, group A gradually experienced more pain relief than group B (2.7 vs. 3.5 points, p>0.05, at one month and 2.0 vs. 4.4 points at three months after treatment; p<0.0001). Similar findings can be seen in the analysis of changes in pain sensations measured with the LPS. The functional state (ODI) was better in rESWT group, especially in follow-up observation (9.3 vs. 14.6 points, p=0.033, at one month and 9.3 vs. 17.8 points, p=0.004, at three months after treatment).

Conclusion

The rESWT combined with stabilization training is particularly effective in the long-term and achieves a stable beneficial effect for patients with LBP. The use of rESWT has a significant long-term influence on the reduction of pain and the improvement of the general functional state in relation to the conventional motor improvement program.

Long-range molecular dynamics show that inactive forms of Protein Kinase A are more dynamic than active forms

Many protein kinases are characterized by at least two structural forms corresponding to the highest level of activity (active) and low or no activity, (inactive). Further, protein dynamics is an important consideration in understanding the molecular and mechanistic basis of enzyme function. In this work, we use protein kinase A (PKA) as the model system and perform microsecond range molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on six variants which differ from one another in terms of active and inactive form, with or without bound ligands, C-terminal tail and phosphorylation at the activation loop. We find that the root mean square fluctuations in the MD simulations are generally higher for the inactive forms than the active forms. This difference is statistically significant. The higher dynamics of inactive states has significant contributions from ATP binding loop, catalytic loop, and αG helix. Simulations with and without C-terminal tail show this differential dynamics as well, with lower dynamics both in the active and inactive forms if C-terminal tail is present. Similarly, the dynamics associated with the inactive form is higher irrespective of the phosphorylation status of Thr 197. A relatively stable stature of active kinases may be better suited for binding of substrates and detachment of the product. Also, phosphoryl group transfer from ATP to the phosphosite on the substrate requires precise transient coordination of chemical entities from three different molecules, which may be facilitated by the higher stability of the active state.

[Dynamics of indicators of the functional state of the central nervous system in Navy operators treated with cytoflavin after a long working cycle]

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of cytoflavin in the correction of functional state and working ability of Navy operators after a long working cycle.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Results of the examination of 25 Navy operators, aged from 27 to 42 years, were analyzed at baseline and after treatment with cytoflavin. The Rusalov questionnaire for Individuality Formal Dynamic Properties and EEG were used to evaluate the state of participants.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate the ability of cytoflavin to exert the positive effect on the energetic component of the functional state of Navy operators after a long working cycle, increasing the psychomotor activity and optimizing the spontaneous electrical activity of the brain. The activation of energetic potential, physical activity and emotional reactions by cytoflavin is correlated with the growth of the central nervous system reserves in Navy operators treated after a long working cycle.