Does the Meeting Centre Support Programme decrease the experience of stigmatisation among people with cognitive deficits?

OBJECTIVES: This is the first study to focus on the role and impact of a psychosocial intervention, the Meeting Centre Support Programme (MCSP), for people living with dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) on the experience of stigmatisation across three different European countries. METHOD: A pre/post-test control group study design compared outcomes for 114 people with dementia (n=74) and MCI (n=40) in Italy, Poland and the UK who received either the MCSP or usual care (UC). The 'Stigma Impact Scale, neurological disease' (SIS) was administered at two points in time, 6 months apart. The Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) was used to assess the level of cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Although statistical analysis did not show any significant differences between MCSP and UC at pre/post-test for the 3 countries combined, there were significant results for individual countries. In Italy, the level of SIS was significantly lower (p=0.02) in the MCSP group following the intervention. The level of Social Isolation increased significantly (p=0.05) in the UC group at follow-up in Poland. The level of Social Rejection was significantly higher (p=0.03) over time for UK participants receiving MCSP compared to UC. CONCLUSION: The experience of stigma by people living with dementia and MCI is complex and there may be different country specific contexts and mechanisms. The results do not enable us to confirm or disconfirm the impact of a social support programme, such as MCSP, on this experience. Difficulties in directly measuring the level of stigma in this group also requires further research.

[The neuroprotective effect of mild therapeutic hypothermia after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with successful reanimation - a case report]. / Neuroprotekcyjne dzialanie lagodnej hipotermii terapeutycznej po pozaszpitalnym zatrzymaniu krazenia ze skuteczna reanimacja - opis przypadku.

The use of mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) in adult patients remaining in a coma following cardiac arrest, regardless of its mechanism and location, is recommended by the European Resuscitation Council. The study presents a case of a 52-year-old man in whom MTH was used following successfully resuscitated out-of- hospital sudden cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation. On the basis of this case it was indicated that the use of low temperatures may be an effective method of neuroprotective treatment since such activity is compatible with later observed great possibility of the brain to compensate and with the maintenance of brain plasticity which is crucial for neuropsychological rehabilitation.

[Well-known and new variants of pathogenic Escherichia coli as a consequence of the plastic genome]. / Znane i nowe warianty patogennych Escherichia coli jako konsekwencja plastycznego genomu.

E. coli is a diverse bacterial species encompassing commensal as well as intestinal and extraintestinal pathogenic strains. The ability to adapt to so many different niches in the host organism is determined by the extreme genomic plasticity of E. coli. The genetic diversity is due to a complex phylogenetic structure in which besides the well-known main groups A, B1, B2 and D, four new groups, C, E, F and Clad I, have been characterized recently. The mobile gene pool exchanged by horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is another important driving force in the evolution of E. coli. Pathogenicity of strains is conditioned by a specific repertoire of virulence factors located on the mobile genetic elements and transmitted by HGT. The environment changing constantly stimulates the formation of new virulence gene combinations that generate the formation, not observed so far, of new pathogenic clones of higher capacity for virulence and greater expansiveness. The presence of very similar virulence plasmids carrying conserved combinations of the virulence genes (CVP) among extraintestinal pathogenic strains in humans and birds has been observed. It indicates a real possibility of occurrence of common virulence factors. The increase in drug resistance among pathogenic E. coli is also reflected in the prevalence of highly expansive clones exhibiting both high virulence and resistance. The presented data indicate that further studies are required to determine the interdependencies of resistance and virulence at the genetic level to help improve our management of the infectious diseases caused by these bacteria.

[Acceptance of illness scale and its clinical impact]. / Skala Akceptacji Choroby i jej znaczenie w praktyce klinicznej.

The level of chronic illness acceptance is an indicator of functioning and predictor of quality of life. The greater the acceptance of disease is, the less mental discomfort and less severe negative emotions there are. This paper presents Acceptance of Illness Scale and the main results and conclusions of the recent publications dealing with this problem in patients with chronic diseases. It has been proved that the level of acceptance of illness is significantly associated with a variety of clinical and sociodemographic factors. This justifies the rightness of its assessment, which appears to be an important element in the holistic medical and nonmedical care.

[Dynamics of occupational and relational functioning of outpatients with mental disorders in two-year observation]. / Zmiany funkcjonowania zawodowego i w zwiazkach osób z zaburzeniami psychicznymi leczonych ambulatoryjnie w obserwacji dwuletniej.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the project was to assess changes of occupational and relational functioning within 2 years period of ambulatory treatment of persons suffering from different mental disorders. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Outpatients (n = 184) at the age of 18-54 from five diagnostic groups - according to ICD-10: psychotic disorders (F2), affective disorders (F3), anxiety disorders (F4), eating disorders (F5) and personality disorders (F6) were enrolled in the prospective study with 6, 12 and 24 months follow-up assessments. Functioning was evaluated by the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) and the Global Assessment of Relational Functioning (GARF). RESULTS: In the whole group occupational and relational functioning improved during the two-year follow-up. At the time of recruitment to study the worst occupational functioning (SOFAS) was observed within the group schizophrenic patients and the best within neurotic group. In each diagnostic group SOFAS scores have improved over time. However, the groups F2 and F6 difference between the baseline and 24.months follow-up measurements was irrelevant statistically, whereas in the case of the other groups (F3, F4, F5) a significant increase were observed. In all diagnostic groups except F6 the relational functioning has improved. Taking into account the results of the entire cohort, there was no association between occupational functioning and relationships and age, sex. The occupational and relational functioning was, however, strongly associated with the presence of negative and depressive symptoms, number of days on sick leave and level of education. CONCLUSIONS: The results warrant further research, in-depth discussion on the recognition of occupational dysfunction, disability of social coping in relationships among people with mental disorders. The next step will be the introduction of appropriate after-effect in this regard.

Is It Possible to Train the Endothelium?-A Narrative Literature Review.

This review provides an overview of current knowledge regarding the adaptive effects of physical training on the endothelium. The endothelium plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of vessel walls and regulating vascular tone, structure, and homeostasis. Regular exercise, known for its promotion of cardiovascular health, can enhance endothelial function through various mechanisms. The specific health benefits derived from exercise are contingent upon the type and intensity of physical training. The review examines current clinical evidence supporting exercise's protective effects on the vascular endothelium and identifies potential therapeutic targets for endothelial dysfunction. There is an urgent need to develop preventive strategies and gain a deeper understanding of the distinct impacts of exercise on the endothelium.

Level and limitations of physical activity in patients with excess body weight or diabetes.

Physical activity (PA) is recommended to prevent or treat many diseases, but various factors may limit it. We analyse the level of PA and the barriers to undertaking it. Patients aged 18-64 with diabetes or at least overweight completed the following questionnaires: International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Accompanying Survey (AS). For statistical analysis, non-parametric Mann-Whitney U, χ2-Pearson, correspondence analysis and meta-analysis (OR with ±95% CI) were used, and α=0.05 was assumed. Of 191 sets of questionnaires were analysed (67% from women). The median (MD) age for the group was 50.5 years, MD for metabolic equivalents (METs): 2079 (MET-min/week); 16.23% of subjects scored insufficient, 46.07% sufficient and 37.7% high PA according to the IPAQ scale. A relationship between the IPAQ and PA level results from the AS was confirmed (χ2; p=0.00047). The most common reasons indicated for not taking up PA were lack of time due to professional work (49%) and additional duties (32%) as well as fatigue from daily duties (44%). Participants <45 years were more likely to indicate additional duties (p=0.013), participants >45 years illnesses (p=0.04) and people with BMI (body mass index) ≥30 kg/m2, 'fatigue from daily duties' (p=0.019) as an obstacle to undertaking PA. 'Lack of suitable conditions to undertake PA' was indicated more often by patients with primary education (p<0.01), diabetes (p=0.037), after myocardial infarction (p=0.039) and those under psychiatric treatment (p=0.039). Women more often declared a lack of motivation (p=0.018). Residents of big cities and those with BMI ≥30 were more likely to assess their PA as 'insufficient' (p=0.0260 and p=0.0081, respectively). The overwhelming number of respondents who were in the age of professional activity had a sufficient level of PA. The most common barriers to undertaking PA were lack of time and fatigue, related to both work and non-work activities, but specific barriers were also found for women and patients with various diseases.

Age as a factor influencing diversity of commensal E. coli microflora in pigs.

Commensal, intestinal E. coli microflora plays a role in maintenance of intestinal balance of the host, is responsible for defending against pathogenic E. coli. This study encompasses the analysis of BOX-PCR fingerprinting patterns, phylogenetic grouping and virulence genes prevalence among commensal E. coli isolates derived from healthy pigs. Altogether, 274 unique E. coli isolates were identified, 110 from weaned piglets (Piglets I and Piglets II) and 164 from adult sows (Sows I and Sows II). BOX-PCR analysis distinguished isolates from pigs in different age and indicated that during maturation the changes in E. coli microflora occurred. Phylogenetic grouping revealed significant differences between distribution of four phylogenetic groups among isolates derived from piglets and sows. In phylogenetic structure of isolates from the piglets group B1 prevailed significantly, while among isolates derived from the sows the majority of them were classified into phylogenetic group A. The identification of 17 virulence factors in E. coli isolates derived from healthy pigs was performed. Three of 13 intestinal (escV, ehxA, estII) and four extra-intestinal virulence genes (VGs) (hlyA, fimH, papA, sfaS) were detected in the porcine isolates. The percentage of VGs positive isolates among piglets is higher than among sows, moreover, the VGs occurring in E. coli isolates from piglets revealed greater diversity than that detected among isolates from sows.

The phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli populations isolated from farm animals with different exposure to antimicrobial agents.

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the presence or the absence of antibiotic input on the emergence and maintenance of resistance in commensal bacteria from food producing animals. The research material constituted E. coli isolates from two animal species: swine at different age from one conventional pig farm with antibiotic input in young pigs and from beef and dairy cattle originated from organic breeding farm. The sensitivity to 16 antimicrobial agents was tested, and the presence of 15 resistance genes was examined. In E. coli from swine, the most prevalent resistance was resistance to streptomycin (88.3%), co-trimoxazole (78.8%), tetracycline (57.3%) ampicillin (49.3%) and doxycycline (44.9%) with multiple resistance in the majority. The most commonly observed resistance genes were: bla(TEM) (45.2%), tetA (35.8%), aadA1 (35.0%), sul3 (29.5%), dfrA1 (20.4%). Differences in phenotypes and genotypes of E. coli between young swine undergoing prevention program and the older ones without the antibiotic pressure occurred. A disparate resistance was found in E. coli from cattle: cephalothin (36.9%), cefuroxime (18.9%), doxycycline (8.2%), nitrofurantoin (7.7%), and concerned mainly dairy cows. Among isolates from cattle, multidrug resistance was outnumbered by resistance to one or two antibiotics and the only found gene markers were: bla(SHV), (3.4%), tetA (1.29%), bla(TEM) (0.43%) and tetC (0.43%). The presented outcomes provide evidence that antimicrobial pressure contributes to resistance development, and enteric microflora constitutes an essential reservoir of resistance genes.

The effectiveness of rehabilitation of patients with injuries as part of the Social Insurance Institution's disability prevention.

BACKGROUND: Injuries are the cause of professional and social deactivation. The rehabilitation program provided under Social Security prevention pension enables earlier rehabilitation measures. OBJECTIVE: The study's aim was to determine the efficiency of the rehabilitation as a part of Social Security prevention pension in the group of patients after limb injuries depending on the time when rehabilitation was undertaken. METHODS: The study was a retrospective data analysis, based on medical histories of 93 patients after injuries, rehabilitated as part of Social Security prevention pension from January 2016 until July 2017. The effects of rehabilitation were assessed in 2 groups: early (up to 6 months from the injury) and late rehabilitation (over 6 months). Medical effects are based on measurements of the motion range in extremities' joints, functional test results and final evaluation of the rehabilitation. RESULTS: For both groups, the motion range of most joints improved. Improvement among the group of early rehabilitated patients concerned everyday activities (p = 0.035), the results of medical rehabilitation (p = 0.046) and also the results of the functional tests. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive rehabilitation of patients after the injuries in Social Security prevention pension leads to better medical effects. The results are better for earlier rehabilitated patients.

Immersive Virtual Reality Therapy Is Supportive for Orthopedic Rehabilitation among the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to determine the efficacy of VR therapy in mitigating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among older adults following arthroplasty surgery and to comprehend the influence of psychological improvement on changes in functional outcomes. METHODS: Utilizing a parallel-group randomized controlled trial design, the study involved 68 osteoarthritis patients who had recently undergone either total hip or knee arthroplasty. Subjects were split into two groups. The experimental group underwent eight VR therapy sessions during their rehabilitation, while the control group was given standard care. Assessments encompassed both psychological and functional outcomes, with tools like the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and the Barthel Index, among others. The experimental group showcased notable enhancements in both psychological and functional areas compared to the control group. RESULTS: A significant (p value of < 0.001) relationship was found between psychological progress and functional recovery, indicating that psychological factors can serve as predictors for functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings emphasize the promising role of VR therapy as a beneficial addition to the rehabilitation process for older adults' post-hip and knee arthroplasty. The integration of psychological interventions in standard rehabilitation practices appears valuable, but further studies are needed to ascertain the long-term advantages of such an approach.

Examining technology-assisted rehabilitation for older adults' functional mobility: a network meta-analysis on efficacy and acceptability.

Technological advancements facilitate feedback adaptation in rehabilitation through virtual reality (VR) exergaming, serious gaming, wearables, and telerehabilitation for older adults fall prevention. Although studies have evaluated these technologies, no comparisons of their effectiveness have been conducted to date. Thus, this study aims to assess the differences in effectiveness of these interventions on balance and functional mobility in the older adults. A systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) were conducted to identify the most effective interventions for improving balance and functional mobility in adults aged 60 and over. The search was conducted in five databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Web of Science) up to June 10, 2023. The eligibility criteria were: (1) older adults, (2) functional mobility, balance, or gait as the primary outcome, (3) new technology intervention, and (4) randomized study design. New technology interventions were classified into five categories: exergaming with balance platforms or motion capture technologies, other serious gaming, interventions with wearables, and telerehabilitation. Additionally, two categories of control interventions (conventional exercises and no treatment) were extracted. The NMA was performed for the aggregated results of all outcomes, and separately for clinical functional scales, functional mobility, and gait speed results. Fifty-two RCTs with 3081 participants were included. Exergaming with motion capture was found to be statistically significant in producing a better effect than no treatment in the analysis of the functional mobility with an SMD of -0.70 (P < 0.01). The network meta-analysis revealed that exergaming with motion capture offers greater therapeutic benefits for functional mobility and balance compared to no treatment control. The effectiveness of this approach is similar to that of conventional exercises. Further RCTs are needed to provide a more definitive conclusion, particularly with respect to the effectiveness of serious games, telerehabilitation, and interventions with wearables.

Validity and reliability of the Polish version of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy is an important risk factor for foot ulceration and amputation. Thus, patients with diabetes should be screened for this disorder according to local guidelines. An obstacle to the diagnosis of this disease may be the lack of unified diagnostic criteria due to the lack of properly validated scales used for assessment. AIM: To validate both sections (A and B) of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) in Polish (PL) patients with diabetes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a test (A1, B1) and re-test (A2, B2) formula was performed in 80 patients with diabetes. The gold standard used for neuropathy detection was a nerve conduction study (NCS) which was performed in all participants. Reliability of the MNSI-PL was assessed using the Cronbach's alpha, Kuder-Richardson formula 20 (KR-20), split-half reliability, the Gottman split-half tests, and correlation between first and second half was accessed. Stability was assessed using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). For external validation, we used simple linear correlation, binomial regression, and agreement between two different tools using a Bland-Altman plot analysis. RESULTS: The scale was internally consistent (Cronbach's alpha for the full scale: 0.81 for A and 0.87 for B). MNSI-PL scores in test/retest showed high stability (ICC = 0.73 for A and ICC = 0.97 for B). The statistically important correlations between MNSI-PL and NCS were found for B1, B2, and A1 (P < 0.005). The cut-off points of ≥ 3 for section A (sensitivity of 90%-100%; specificity of 33%-40%) and ≥ 2 for section B (sensitivity of 81%-84%; specificity of 60%-70%) were obtained during neuropathy detection. CONCLUSION: The MNSI-PL is a reliable and valid instrument in screening for diabetic neuropathy.

Physical Activity Modifies the Severity of COVID-19 in Hospitalized Patients-Observational Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Physical activity (PA) can modulate the immune response, but its impact on infectious disease severity is unknown. We assess if the PA level impacts the severity of COVID-19. METHODS: Prospective, cohort study for adults hospitalized due to COVID-19, who filled out the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Disease severity was expressed as death, transfer to intensive care unit (ICU), oxygen therapy (OxTh), hospitalization length, complications, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin level. RESULTS: Out of 326 individuals, 131 (57; 43.51% women) were analyzed: age: median-70; range: 20-95; BMI: mean-27.18 kg/m²; and SD: ±4.77. During hospitalization: 117 (83.31%) individuals recovered, nine (6.87%) were transferred to ICU, five (3.82%) died, and 83 (63.36%) needed OxTh. The median for the hospital stay was 11 (range: 3-49) for discharged patients, and mean hospitalization length was 14 (SD: ±5.8312) for deaths and 14.22 days (SD: ±6.92) for ICU-transferred patients. The median for MET-min/week was 660 (range: 0-19,200). Sufficient or high PA was found in recovered patients but insufficient PA was observed in dead or ICU-transferred patients (p = 0.03). The individuals with poor PA had a higher risk of death (HR = 2.63; ±95%CI 0.58-11.93; p = 0.037). OxTh was used more often in the less active individuals (p = 0.03). The principal component analysis confirmed a relationship between insufficient PA and an unfavorable course of the disease. CONCLUSION: A higher level of PA is associated with a milder course of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in Pregnant and Lactating Women and Mothers of Young Children in Poland.

Purpose: The World Health Organization indicated vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health. The success of a vaccine depends not only on its efficacy but also on its acceptance. Our study aims to define COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in a sample of pregnant and lactating women in Poland. Since mothers are often key decision-makers for whether their children will receive vaccination, it is vital to measure vaccine confidence among this group. Patients and Methods: An anonymous online survey was distributed to assess the level of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant and lactating women for themselves and their children in Poland. Results: The trust of pregnant and breastfeeding women and women who have offspring in government, in healthcare professionals, in scientific authorities, and sound scientific data is strongly associated with vaccine acceptance and may influence an individual's decision to perceive recommended actions as beneficial to the society as a whole. Conclusion: Acceptance and confidence in receiving the COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant and lactating women and mothers with young children is strongly associated with feelings of trust in government, health professionals, scientific authorities, and sound scientific data. The dissemination of professional and reliable information regarding the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine uptake by qualified health care personnel can significantly increase the level of trust and public awareness regarding the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and mothers with young children.

Analysis of a Trichinellosis Outbreak in Poland after Consumption of Sausage Made of Wild Boar Meat.

An outbreak of trichinellosis due to the consumption of sausage made from wild boar meat unexamined for the presence of Trichinella spp. was reported in Poland in December 2020. The outbreak affected eight people. Examination of the sausages made of wild boar meat collected during epidemiological investigation indicated a high level of Trichinella spp. Larvae per gram (>30 lpg) and therefore the threat of an infection in humans after consumption of such product was significant. Over the years, the main source of trichinellosis in Poland has been wild boar meat, and the majority of trichinellosis cases were related to the consumption of traditional raw meat products such as Polish sausage. Taking this into account, there is the need for better education of consumers in the Trichinella spp. endemic regions and among cultures consuming traditional raw meat products.

The impact of lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on glycemic control in patients with diabetes.

PURPOSE: The aim the study was to assess the impact of the lockdown due to COVID-19 on diabetes control. METHODS: The HbA1c value from a pre-lockdown visit (V1) from patients with diabetes was compared to the lockdown visit one (V2) after 3-5 months of its duration. Additional information on how the HbA1c changed and which variables can modify HbA1c during lockdown was also studied. RESULTS: Records from 65 patients (type 2 diabetes -96,9%) were eligible and revealed that: HbA1c was at the target in 60% of the patients at V2 compared to 40% at V1; HbA1c decreased and normalized in 19, but worsened in 4 participants during the lockdown. No impact on HbA1c of: sex, age, diabetes duration, therapy type and modification before the pandemic, abandonment of the treatment, previous problems with glycemic control, or change in body weight and physical activity during the lockdown, was found. The previous macrovascular complications were the only variable that affected the increase in HbA1c (p = 0.0072), OR = 5.33. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has not revealed worsened glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, in general. The patients with macrovascular complications turned out to be at risk of the harmful impact of the restrictions on the HbA1c.

Association of Acute Headache of COVID-19 and Anxiety/Depression Symptoms in Adults Undergoing Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation.

As a common non-respiratory symptom of COVID-19, headache should not be overlooked, and its characteristics should be recorded with scrutiny. Identifying risk factors associated with post-COVID headache will ensure immediate action and counseling for this population of patients. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the relationship between headache and psychological state (stress level, depression, and anxiety symptoms) in adults undergoing post-COVID-19 rehabilitation. In addition, we used mediation analysis to evaluate the mediation effect of psychological variables in the relationship between headache and quality of life. This cross-sectional study included 147 patients undergoing post-COVID-19 rehabilitation at the Public Hospital in Poland (64 males, 83 females, with mean age of 56.97 years). Psychological parameters were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the brief World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BRIEF). Additionally, all participants completed a questionnaire related to COVID-19 symptoms and their severity, the place of COVID-19 treatment, and the need for oxygen therapy during hospitalization. Of all participants, 65% experienced headache during COVID-19. Of the participants with headache, there were significantly more females in this group (69% vs. 31%), and they were significantly younger (mean age 55.47 vs. 59.78 years). Participants with headache had a 27% higher HADS-D score, a 21% higher HADS-A score, and a 13% higher PSS-10 score. Moreover, gender and headache were found to be important predictor variables for total HADS and HADS-D, accounting for 11% and 7%, respectively. Mediation analysis has shown that the tested psychological variables mediated 39-68% of the total effect of headache influence on WHOQOL domains. In conclusion, our study demonstrated several relationships between headache that occurred during COVID-19 and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress level during post-COVID rehabilitation also in the context of quality of life. Our results show that patients who experienced headaches during COVID-19 are at high risk of developing anxiety-depressive symptoms later. Female gender is associated with a higher prevalence of headache during COVID-19.

Long-Term Consequences of COVID-19 Disease Specific to Women: Exploratory Research.

This study was designed to explore COVID-19 in a biopsychosocial model, taking into account the different mental and social consequences of the disease in women and men. A sociodemographic questionnaire containing anthropometric data, socioeconomic data, lifestyle data, health status before COVID-19, course of COVID-19, symptoms, and complications after COVID-19 was administered to 83 women and 64 men to investigate their mental health (MH) and quality of life (QoL). The Hospital Anxiety (HADS-A) and Depression (HADS-D) Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) were adopted. Abnormal results in HADS-D and HADS-A were obtained in 33 (39.8%) women and 10 (15.6%) men and in 26 (31.3%) women and 14 (21.9%) men, respectively. Women experienced a lower level of QoL than men. The prolonged duration of COVID-19 symptoms was associated with increased anxiety in women during recovery. Good self-reported health before COVID-19 in women was associated with reduced QoL. Women had more symptoms of COVID-19 than men, and they experienced neurological complications more often. The presence of neurological complications in women appears to be associated with increased perceived anxiety and reduced QoL. This is an exploratory study whose results can influence future research with larger and more diverse samples.

Hydroalcoholic Leaf Extract of Isatis tinctoria L. via Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects Reduces Stress-Induced Behavioral and Cellular Disorders in Mice.

Stress that can occur at different levels of a person's life can cause and exacerbate various diseases. Oxidative stress and inflammation underlie this process at the cellular level. There is an urgent need to identify new and more effective therapeutic targets for the treatment of stress-induced behavioral disorders and specific drugs that affect these targets. Isatis tinctoria L. is a herbaceous species in the Brassicaceae family. Due to its potential antioxidant, nitric oxide- (NO-) inhibiting, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, I. tinctoria could be used to treat depression, anxiety, and stress resistance. Hence, the present study is aimed at delineating whether administration of I. tinctoria leaf extract may improve stress-induced disorders in mice. A set of four behavioral tests was selected that together are suitable for phenotyping acute restraint stress-associated behaviors in mice, namely locomotor activity, social integration, dark/light box, and splash tests. The plasma and brains were collected. A brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein, corticosterone, NO, reactive oxygen species levels, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power were measured. In mice stressed by immobilization, decreased locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior, and contact with other individuals were observed, as well as increased oxidative stress and increased levels of nitric oxide in the brain and plasma C-reactive protein. A single administration of I. tinctoria leaf extract was able to reverse the behavioral response to restraint by a mechanism partially dependent on the modulation of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and NO reduction. In conclusion, Isatis tinctoria hydroalcoholic leaf extract can reduce stress-induced behavioral disturbances by regulating neurooxidative, neuronitrosative, and neuroimmune pathways. Therefore, it could be recommended for further research on clinical efficacy in depression and anxiety disorder treatment.