Erratum: Microglial reactivity in brainstem chemosensory nuclei in response to hypercapnia.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1332355.].

Microglial reactivity in brainstem chemosensory nuclei in response to hypercapnia.

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the CNS, surveil, detect, and respond to various extracellular signals. Depending on the nature of these signals, an integrative microglial response can be triggered, resulting in a phenotypic transformation. Here, we evaluate whether hypercapnia modifies microglia phenotype in brainstem respiratory-related nuclei. Adult C57BL/6 inbred mice were exposed to 10% CO2 enriched air (hypercapnia), or pure air (control), for 10 or 30 min and immediately processed for immunohistochemistry to detect the ubiquitous microglia marker, ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1). Hypercapnia for thirty, but not 10 min reduced the Iba1 labeling percent coverage in the ventral respiratory column (VRC), raphe nucleus (RN), and nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and the number of primary branches in VRC. The morphological changes persisted, at least, for 60 min breathing air after the hypercapnic challenge. No significant changes were observed in Iba1+ cells in the spinal trigeminal nucleus (Sp5) and the hippocampus. In CF-1 outbred mice, 10% CO2 followed by 60 min of breathing air, resulted in the reduction of Iba1 labeling percent coverage and the number and length of primary branches in VRC, RN, and NTS. No morphological change was observed in Iba1+ cells in Sp5 and hippocampus. Double immunofluorescence revealed that prolonged hypercapnia increased the expression of CD86, an inflammatory marker for reactive state microglia, in Iba1+ cells in VRC, RN, and NTS, but not in Sp5 and hippocampus in CF-1 mice. By contrast, the expression of CD206, a marker of regulatory state microglia, persisted unmodified. In brainstem, but not in hippocampal microglia cultures, hypercapnia increased the level of IL1ß, but not that of TGFß measured by ELISA. Our results show that microglia from respiratory-related chemosensory nuclei, are reactive to prolonged hypercapnia acquiring an inflammatory-like phenotype.

Combination of EEG-Guided Adaptive Neurostimulation with Resonance Scanning in Correction of Stress-Induced States and Cognitive Rehabilitation of University Students.

The correction of stress-induced states and cognitive rehabilitation were carried out during the examination session in three university student groups comparable in the number, sex, and age. In the experimental group, a combination of EEG-guided adaptive neurostimulation with preliminary resonance scanning was used. In control group 1, only EEG-guided adaptive neurostimulation was used. In control group 2, musical-acoustic stimuli were presented without feedback from the subject's EEG. Experiments with preliminary resonance scanning revealed the maximum positive effects compared to the two control types of stimulation. A significant increase in the power of EEG rhythms, especially in the alpha range, was accompanied by a significant increase in subjective indicators of the functional state and cognitive activity. These results can be explained from the standpoint of the progressive involvement of the resonant, integrative, and neuroplasticity mechanisms of the brain into the processes of normalization the functional state of the body under the influence of combined stimulation procedures.

Assessment of the activities physiological cost of the defense forces officers in Ukraine using miniature ECG device.

Introduction: In the principles of the organization of armed struggle of the defense forces of most developed countries of the world, considerable attention is paid to the evaluation of combat readiness of the military personnel. This procedure is conditioned by such interconnected goals of the armed struggle as the maximum realization of the combat potential and the minimization of personnel losses. The purpose of the work is to determine the physiological cost of the activities of the soldiers of the Defense Forces of Ukraine with the help of miniature electrocardiographic hardware and software complexes. Methods: In the research, ultra-miniature ECG devices worn on the body for a long time, so-called wearable "on-body" ECG patch devices, were used in various combat conditions. When analyzing the data, the principle of multi-faceted ECG analysis was implemented, which allows you to obtain complete and physiologically based information, which includes 4 blocks: heart rate variability (HRV), amplitude-time indicators of the ECG, heart rhythm disorders, and psycho- emotional state. Results: In this study, a complex index of the functional state formed based on estimates of generally accepted and original indicators of heart rhythm variability, the shape of the teeth and complexes of the electrocardiogram, as well as an index of the psycho-emotional state formed according to the same principles based on the analysis of heart rhythm variability according to the modified McCraty algorithm (USA) was evaluated. Examination with the help of the complex is carried out in a state of rest, sitting or lying down. Discussion: The sensitivity of the developed monitoring system is good enough to detect the changes in the functional state both in the case of short-term (for hours) intense physical or psycho-emotional stress and more chronic (for days and weeks) stress depending on the nature of the task being done. The proposed methods and means can be considered an important tool to support the commander's decision-making regarding the ability of personnel from the point of view of their functional state to perform combat tasks.

FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM OF PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE WITH OBESITY.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To determine the features of the functional characteristics of the cardiovascular system of patients with ischemic heart disease with obesity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Examined 130 persons (mostly military personnel and persons who were in the zone of active hostilities): 65 patients (the main group, 62,67±8,93 years) with coronary heart disease and obesity and 45 people of the control group (virtually healthy people, randomized by age and sex, 58,76±14,6 years). RESULTS: Results: Coronary heart disease and obesity compared to healthy individuals probably the exceed all values of the functional state of the cardiovascular system: systolic blood pressure (152.72±14.61 and 119.03±7.94 mmHg; p<0.001); diastolic blood pressure (90.74±7.36 and 80.36±6.74 mmHg; p<0.001); end-diastolic volume (103.17±40.84 and 52.48±8.58 mm3; р<0.001); end-systolic volume (47.98±29.92 and 31.47±8.42 mm3; р=0.001); end-diastolic size (4.74±0.81 and 4.12 ± 0.27 cm; р<0.001); end-systolic size (3.34±0.76 and 3.17±0.59 cm; р=0.014). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The identified functional disorders of the heart in the comorbid course of coronary heart disease and obesity can be used for early diagnosis of cardiovascular complications in such patients and for the development of adequate therapeutic schemes.

The Functional States of the Participants of a Marine Arctic Expedition with Different Levels of Vitamin D in Blood.

(1) Background: The vitamin D level in blood is one of the markers of the functional reserves of the human body and can contribute to more successful adaptation in the Arctic. (2) Methods: The study involved 38 participants in the project "Arctic Floating University-2021". The determination of vitamin D content was carried out at the beginning of the expedition. A dynamic study was carried out for 20 days in the morning and in the evening. The functional state parameters of the participants were assessed using psychophysiological and questionnaire methods. Statistical methods: Mann-Whitney U-test and correlation analysis. (3) Results: It was found that at the beginning of the expedition, the functional state of participants with more severe vitamin D deficiency is characterized by a shorter average duration of RR intervals (p = 0.050) and reduced SDNN values (p = 0.015). The higher the content of vitamin D, the greater increase in speed (r = 0.510), the higher the increase in projective performance (r = 0.485), and the smaller the increase in projective stress (r = -0.334). Significant relationships between the subjective characteristics of functional states and the vitamin D of participants have not been established. (4) Conclusion: With an increase in the severity of vitamin D deficiency in the blood, the adaptive capabilities of participants decrease during an expedition to the Arctic.

Classification of cognitive impairment in older adults based on brain functional state measurement data via hierarchical clustering analysis.

Introduction: Cognitive impairment (CI) is a common degenerative condition in the older population. However, the current methods for assessing CI are not based on brain functional state, which leads to delayed diagnosis, limiting the initiatives towards achieving early interventions. Methods: A total of one hundred and forty-nine community-dwelling older adults were recruited. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) were used to screen for CI, while brain functional was assessed by brain functional state measurement (BFSM) based on electroencephalogram. Bain functional state indicators associated with CI were selected by lasso and logistic regression models (LRM). We then classified the CI participants based on the selected variables using hierarchical clustering analysis. Results: Eighty-one participants with CI detected by MoCA were divided into five groups. Cluster 1 had relatively lower brain functional states. Cluster 2 had highest mental task-switching index (MTSi, 13.7 ± 3.4), Cluster 3 had the highest sensory threshold index (STi, 29.9 ± 7.7), Cluster 4 had high mental fatigue index (MFi) and cluster 5 had the highest mental refractory period index (MRPi), and external apprehension index (EAi) (21.6 ± 4.4, 35.4 ± 17.7, respectively). Thirty-three participants with CI detected by MMSE were divided into 3 categories. Cluster 1 had the highest introspective intensity index (IIi, 63.4 ± 20.0), anxiety tendency index (ATi, 67.2 ± 13.6), emotional resistance index (ERi, 50.2 ± 11.9), and hypoxia index (Hi, 41.8 ± 8.3). Cluster 2 had the highest implicit cognitive threshold index (ICTi, 87.2 ± 12.7), and cognitive efficiency index (CEi, 213.8 ± 72.0). Cluster 3 had higher STi. The classifications both showed well intra-group consistency and inter-group variability. Conclusion: In our study, BFSM-based classification can be used to identify clinically and brain-functionally relevant CI subtypes, by which clinicians can perform personalized early rehabilitation.

Saúde bucal e condição funcional de idosos que vivem em instituições de longa permanência / Oral health and functional condition of older people living in long-stay institutions

Esta pesquisa foi conduzida entre idosos que viviam em Instituições de Longa Permanência (ILPI) filantrópicas de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais e incluiu um estudo transversal e uma pesquisa qualitativa para avaliar a percepção dos pesquisadores sobre o trabalho de campo. O estudo transversal investigou a relação entre indicadores de saúde bucal (perda dentária e performance mastigatória), de higiene bucal (saburra lingual e nível de dependência para higiene bucal) com a condição nutricional e estado funcional de idosos de 60 anos ou mais que viviam nas ILPI. A coleta de dados foi por consulta ao prontuário e entrevista com os idosos ou seus proxies, exames físico e bucal, conduzidos por 6 pesquisadores treinados (kappa: 0,73-0,95). A variável dependente foi o estado funcional dos idosos, analisado como uma variável latente (fragilidade, incapacidade em atividades e participação, nível de dependência funcional e sarcopenia). A circunferência da panturrilha indicou a condição nutricional. Entre as variáveis de saúde bucal estavam número de dentes naturais, higiene (saburra lingual), performance mastigatória (grau de mistura de cores de chiclete) e dependência para higiene bucal. Sexo, idade e número de comorbidades foram covariáveis. Relações entre variáveis foi avaliada por modelo de equações estruturais. Dos 307 idosos identificados, 295 tiveram a condição funcional avaliada e 194 passaram por exame bucal. A maioria dos idosos era frágil ou préfrágil, com alto grau de incapacidade e dependência, e quase metade apresentava baixa força muscular. A dependência na escovação e o acúmulo de biofilme foram relacionados a pior estado funcional, enquanto uma circunferência maior da panturrilha se associou a menor declínio funcional. Embora a performance mastigatória e o número de dentes não mostraram relação direta com o estado funcional, um maior número de dentes naturais se relacionou positivamente com melhor performance mastigatória que, por sua vez, relacionou-se com maior circunferência de panturrilha. Houve relação significativa indireta entre número de dentes naturais e circunferência de panturrilha mediada pela performance mastigatória. Conclui-se que pior condição de saúde bucal está associada a pior condição funcional em idosos que vivem em ILPI. Os seis pesquisadores realizaram registros sobre as impressões pessoais e a percepção sobre o trabalho de campo em um diário, que compôs o corpus da análise do estudo qualitativo. Pesquisadores preencheram também um formulário com perguntas abertas relatando suas experiências significativas no último mês de coleta. O material obtido foi organizado, lido exaustivamente e submetido à análise de conteúdo por dois pesquisadores. Os temas identificados foram: adesão das ILPI à pesquisa; rotina institucional no andamento da pesquisa; abordagem orientada pelo perfil clínico-funcional; papel central do cuidador; habilidades do pesquisador e cuidados bucais nas ILPI. Na percepção dos pesquisadores, os coordenadores das ILPI preocupam-se com os benefícios da pesquisa para os idosos e que seja conduzida sem comprometer a rotina institucional. O cuidador constitui-se em fonte central de informação e orienta o melhor manejo do idoso, que, frequentemente, apresenta problemas físicos, mentais/emocionais que dificultam a comunicação e a abordagem, demandando conhecimento e múltiplas habilidades do pesquisador (empatia, sensibilidade, escuta). A organização dos materiais, registro e fluxo da coleta é fundamental para torná-la mais eficiente em relação ao tempo e menos desgastante para os idosos e pesquisadores. A pesquisa no contexto de ILPI entre idosos com comprometimento clínico-funcional apresenta desafios metodológicos e operacionais específicos, demandando múltiplas habilidades do pesquisador.

This research was conducted among older people living in philanthropic Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF) in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. The cross-sectional study investigated the association between oral health indicators, oral hygiene, and the level of dependence on oral hygiene with the nutritional condition and functional status of older peoples aged 60 years or more living in LTCF. Data collection involved reviewing medical records, conducting interviews with the elderly residents or their proxies, and performing physical and oral examinations. These examinations were carried out by six trained researchers (kappa: 0.73-0.95). The dependent variable was the functional condition of the elderly, which was determined through the assessment of frailty, impairment in activities and participation, level of functional dependence, and sarcopenia. The functional status served as the dependent variable, evaluated as a latent construct resulting from frailty, disability, functional dependence, and sarcopenia. Meanwhile, calf circumference indicated the nutritional condition. The oral health variables included the number of natural teeth, oral hygiene, chewing performance, and dependence on oral hygiene. Gender, age, and the number of comorbidities were considered as covariates. The relationships between these variables were assessed using structural equation modeling. Out of the 307 identified older people, 295 had their functional condition assessed, and 194 underwent oral examinations. The majority of the older people were either frail or pre-frail, with a high degree of disability and dependence, and half of them exhibited low muscle strength. The analysis revealed that dependence on brushing and the accumulation of biofilm were associated with greater functional impairment. Additionally, a larger calf circumference was linked to less functional decline. A higher number of natural teeth was positively related to better chewing performance, which, in turn, was associated with a larger calf circumference. There was a significant indirect relationship between the number of natural teeth and calf circumference, mediated by chewing performance. It can be concluded that a poor oral health condition is associated with worse functional status in older peolpe living in LTCF. Six researchers documented their personal impressions about the fieldwork in a diary, which was used as the corpus for the qualitative study analysis. Researchers filled out a questionnaire with open-ended questions, reporting their significant experiences during the last month of data collection. The material was subjected to content analysis by two researchers. The identified themes included: LTCF adherence to the research; institutional routine in the research process; an approach guided by clinical-functional profiles; the central role of caregivers; researcher skills, and oral care in LTCF. Research in the context of LTCF among elderly individuals with clinical-functional impairments presents specific methodological and operational challenges, requiring a diverse skill set from the researche.

ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY REDUCTION - AS A CRITERION FOR DETERMINING DISABILITY IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To analyze the assessment of the decrease in working capacity degree in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in accordance with modern diagnostic disease criteria and social approaches to disability definition in the world (the decline degree of vital activity). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: We analyzed the dynamics of primary disability caused by musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases (the main disease - RA) in Ukraine in 2016-2020. We analyzed the data of medical and social cases of 433 patients with RA (referral for medical and social examination, Form 088/o). We studied the degree of reduction of their efficiency. Statistical processing was performed using descriptive and variational statistics methods. The results were calculated on a personal computer using the licensed programs STATISTICA 6.1 (StatoftInc., Serial № AGAR909E415822FA). RESULTS: Results: It is shown that in Ukraine in 2016-2020 the primary disability had a tendency to increase. The article defines the approaches to medical and social examination of patients with rheumatoid arthritis to determine the ability to work and signs of disability. The article emphasizes the importance of a thorough study of medical data, data on the functional state of the affected joints using functional tests, determining the state of the patient's social activity according to the assessments of questionnaires based on the principles of evidence-based medicine. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The problem of RA is a relevant in the world and in Ukraine. The dynamics of primary disability caused by musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases (the main disease - RA) in Ukraine in 2016-2020 shows a growth trend: from 5.8 to 7.1 per 10 thousand population. Carrying out medical and social examination of RA patients to determine the state of working capacity and signs of disability requires careful study of medical data, data on the functional state of the affected joints with functional tests and determining the state of social activity of the patient according to questionnaires. In patients with RA, the most important data for determining violations of vital signs and the presence of functional disability are: disease activity, its course, the presence of lesions of internal organs and the completeness and quality of treatment methods recommended from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine.

Effective connectivity of the left-ventral occipito-temporal cortex during visual word processing: Direct causal evidence from TMS-EEG co-registration.

As an interface between the visual and language system, the left ventral occipito-temporal cortex (left-vOT) plays a key role in reading. This functional role is supported by anatomical and functional connections between the area and other brain regions within and outside the language network. Nevertheless, only a few studies have investigated how the functional state of this area, which is dependent upon the nature of the task demand and the stimulus being processed, could influence the activity of the connected brain regions. In the present combined TMS-EEG study, we studied the left-vOT effective connectivity by adopting a direct, causal intervention approach. Using TMS, we probed left-vOT activation in different processing contexts and measured the neural propagation of activity from this area to other brain regions. A comparison of neural propagation measured during low-level visual detection of language versus non-language stimuli showed that processing language stimuli reduced neural propagation from the left-vOT to the right occipital cortex. Additionally, compared to the low-level visual detection of language stimuli, performing semantic judgments on the same stimuli further reduced neural propagation to the posterior part of the corpus callosum, right superior parietal lobule and the right anterior temporal lobe. This reduction of cross-hemispheric neural propagation was accompanied by an increase in the collaboration between areas within the left-hemisphere language network. Together, this first evidence from a direct causal intervention approach suggests that processing language stimuli and performing a high-level language task reduce effective connectivity from the left-vOT to the right hemisphere, and may contribute to the left-hemisphere lateralization typically observed during language processing.

The Molten Globule State of a Globular Protein in a Cell Is More or Less Frequent Case Rather than an Exception.

Quite a long time ago, Oleg B. Ptitsyn put forward a hypothesis about the possible functional significance of the molten globule (MG) state for the functioning of proteins. MG is an intermediate between the unfolded and the native state of a protein. Its experimental detection and investigation in a cell are extremely difficult. In the last decades, intensive studies have demonstrated that the MG-like state of some globular proteins arises from either their modifications or interactions with protein partners or other cell components. This review summarizes such reports. In many cases, MG was evidenced to be functionally important. Thus, the MG state is quite common for functional cellular proteins. This supports Ptitsyn's hypothesis that some globular proteins may switch between two active states, rigid (N) and soft (MG), to work in solution or interact with partners.

Investigation on the Association of Cardiovascular Markers with Severity of Chronic Pyelonephritis.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an established independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is caused by chronic pyelonephritis (CP). This study aimed to investigate the effect of the association of cardiovascular markers with the course of CP on the comorbidity of CP with ischemic heart disease. The study participants included 125 patients with CP without symptoms of urinary tract obstruction who were divided into three groups. The first group (n=45) consisted of patients with recurrent CP (CPr) three or more times per year. The second group (n=42) included patients with active phase pyelonephritis (CPa), with a frequency of two times or less per year, with concomitant pathology (stable coronary artery disease, functional class I - II), and the third group (n=38) included patients with an inactive phase of the disease (CPi), with a history of pyelonephritis of at least five years. The patients' carotid artery augmentation index (AI %) and the change in the diameter of the brachial artery (D %) in CPi, CPa, and CPr groups were 8.44±1.76, 15.47±4.00, 11.71±1.70, 13.81±3.06, 12.75±2.55 and 6.54±3.27, respectively. The left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) index in the three study groups was estimated to be 68.92±3.76, 64.76±2.75, and 66.28±3.45%, respectively. An analysis of the results showed the most significant changes in the parameters of the cardiovascular system in patients with a comorbid and relapsing course of CP. The results showed a significant increase in pulmonary artery diameter, EF, left ventricular pressure and volume, pulse wave velocity in the aorta, and vascular resistance index.

Validation of PARADISE 24 and Development of PARADISE-EDEN 36 in Patients with Dementia.

Dementia was one of the conditions focused on in an EU (European Union) project called "PARADISE" (Psychosocial fActors Relevant to brAin DISorders in Europe) that later produced a measure called PARADISE 24, developed within the biopsychosocial model proposed in the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF). The aims of this study are to validate PARADISE 24 on a wider sample of patients with mild to moderate dementia to expand PARADISE 24 by defining a more specific scale for dementia, by adding 18 questions specifically selected for dementia, which eventually should be reduced to 12. We enrolled 123 persons with dementia, recruited between July 2017 and July 2019 in home care and long-term care facilities, in Italy, and 80 participants were recruited in Warsaw between January and July 2012 as part of a previous cross-sectional study. The interviews with the patient and/or family were conducted by health professionals alone or as a team by using the Paradise data collection protocol. The psychometric analysis with the Rasch analysis has shown that PARADISE 24 and the selection of 18 additional condition-specific items can be expected to have good measurement properties to assess the functional state in persons with dementia.

Determining the optimal areas of effort in terms of force and force-velocity based on the functional state of the neuromuscular system in the training of elite female judokas.

Background: The evaluation of the functional state of the neuromuscular system (NMS) in elite female judokas according to the muscular activity indices is influenced by the force (F) and force-velocity (F-V) efforts. The implementation of the individual correction plan in the elite female judokas' process of instruction and training must be based on the accurate determination of the force and force-velocity effort areas throughout the training and competitive periods. Methods: The research involved 44 elite female judokas, divided in to two experimental groups (A, C) and two control groups (B, D). To diagnose the NMS, 21 elite female judokas were evaluated, belonging to different classification categories, divided into three groups: group I-category I (Cat. I), group II-candidates for Masters of Sports (CMS) and group III-Masters of Sports (MS).The evaluation of NMS was performed at the end of each two-week cycle, using 3 tests: Tmax-time to reach the maximum muscle contraction, (msec); Fy -examination of elasticity indices in different muscles, (Hz); J-explosive muscular strength, (kg/s). Measurements were made for six muscle groups and 9 indices of fitness tests: 5 force tests (F) and 4 force-velocity tests (F-V). The research was carried out during 24 cycles, each one lasting two weeks: 12 training cycles and 12 competitive ones. Each cycle lasted two weeks. During the research, the model plan of training for F and F-V was used, determining the optimal areas of F and F-V training efforts in the preparation and competitive periods. In the experimental groups (A and C), according to the data of judokas' NMS functional state evaluation, the individual correction of the F and F-V efforts was performed every two weeks. As for the control groups (B, D), traditional methods of training were used. Results: The NMS evaluation of the female judokas was made every two weeks and the level of correlation of Tmax, Fy and J indices was determined. The value of the Fy index at F effort is 32% in group I, 30% - in group II, 27% - in group III, 28-30% at the effort of F-V. The total number of corrections in group A: 79 negative corrections and 59 positive corrections, while in group C: 65 negative corrections and 89 positive ones. Within the F-V effort, the number of effort corrections in group A was: 68 negative corrections and 92 positive; in group C - 81 positive and 78 negative corrections. The female judokas' results in the final stage of EG-A were significantly improved in F indices by 52.15%, F-V by 6.22% and 6.18%. In the EG-C, the F increased considerably by 7.52%, F-V by 5.67% and 7.20%. These results characterize the level of physical training. Conclusion: The functional state of the NMS in elite judokas, determined according to the temporal indices of reaching the maximal muscular contraction, the muscle explosive strength and the muscles elasticity, is subjected to dynamics under the influence of force effort and force-velocity effort.

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.

Adaptation to university studies affects on functional state of freshmen

According to different researches, 30% of university graduates have a low level of health, and studying at university is one of the factors of its deterioration, besides the first year is considered critical. The purpose of research is to study the dynamics of physical development, physical fitness and functional state of young men during the first year of university studies. For the survey we used standard measurements and index calculations for 11 indicators of physical development, 9 indicators of physical fitness and 15 indicators of functional status. We calculated the arithmetic mean (M), the standard error of the mean (m), then evaluated differences by the Student criterion (t) for independent samples and considered them as reliable atр < 0.05. It is shown that during the first year of studies, young men have an increase in the Erismann index, the corpulence (Rohrer's) index, the body mass index and a decrease in the Pignet index. There is also an increase in the coefficient of endurance, adaptive capacity and diastolic pressure, while vital capacity of the lungs, the vital index, time of hanging on the bar and the speed of running 1000 m decrease. The dynamics of physical development is expressed in a change in mass-growth indices and indicates an increase in body weight. The dynamics of physical fitness is expressed in a decrease of the time of hanging on the bar and the speed of running 1000 m. The dynamics of the functional state is expressed in a decrease of vital capacity of the lungs, vital index, increase in the coefficient of endurance, adaptive capacity and diastolic blood pressure.

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.

The Influence of Selected Meteorological Factors on the Prevalence and Course of Stroke.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of weather factors on stroke parameters. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the records of stroke patients concerning the influence of meteorological conditions and moon phases on stroke parameters. Results: The study group consisted of 402 patients aged between 20 and 102; women constituted 49.8% of the subjects. Ischaemic stroke was diagnosed in 90.5% of patients and hemorrhagic stroke was diagnosed in 9.5% of patients. The highest number of hospitalizations due to stroke was observed in January (48 events); the lowest number was observed in July (23 events). There was no statistically significant correlation between the meteorological parameters on the day of onset and the preceding day of stroke and the neurological status (NIHSS) of patients. Mean air temperature on the day of stroke and the day preceding stroke was significantly lower in the group of patients discharged with a very good functional status (≤2 points in modified Rankin scale (mRS)) compared to the patients with a bad functional status (>2 points in mRS); respectively: 7.98 ± 8.01 vs. 9.63 ± 7.78; p = 0.041 and 8.13 ± 7.72 vs. 9.70 ± 7.50; p = 0.048). Humidity above 75% on the day of stroke was found to be a factor for excellent functional state (RR 1.61; p = 0.016). The total anterior circulation infarcts (in comparison with stroke in the other localization) were more frequent (70%) during a third quarter moon (p = 0.011). The following parameters had a significant influence on the number of stroke cases in relation to autumn having the lowest number of onsets: mean temperature (OR 1.019 95% CI 1.014-1.024, p < 0.000), humidity (OR 1.028, CI 1.023-1.034, p < 0.0001), wind speed (OR 0.923, 95% CI 0.909-0.937, p < 0.0001), insolation (OR 0.885, 95% CI 0.869-0.902, p < 0.0001), precipitation (OR 0.914, 95% CI 0.884-0.946, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Air humidity and air temperature on the day of stroke onset as well as air temperature on the day preceding stroke are important for the functional status of patients in the acute disease period. A combination of the following meteorological parameters: lowered mean temperature and low sunshine, high humidity and high wind speed all increase the risk of stroke during the winter period. High humidity combined with high precipitation, low wind speed and low sunshine in the autumn period are associated with the lowest stroke incidence risk. A possible relationship between phases of the moon and the incidence requires further investigation.

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.