Activity Levels In Patients Research Articles

Catalase Activity of IgG and κκ-IgG, λλ-IgG, and κλ-IgG Subfractions in HIV-Infected Patients and Healthy Donors.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with pronounced oxidative stress, leading to the development of various virus-associated pathologies. A wealth of evidence suggests that, along with canonical enzymes of reactive oxygen species regulation, human blood contains antibodies with peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. Here we show that the catalase activity of IgGs and their κκ-IgG, λλ-IgG, and κλ-IgG subfractions of HIV-infected individuals is significantly different compared to the healthy donors. Protein G-Sepharose sorbent was used to resolve IgG from blood of healthy donors and HIV-infected patients by affinity chromatography. Subfractions of κκ-IgG, λλ-IgG, and κλ-IgG were separated from IgGs samples of each group by affinity chromatography on sorbents containing immobilized antibodies to κ or λ light human chains. The IgG catalase activity level was measured spectrophotometrically by evaluating the decrease in optical density (A240) due to hydrogen peroxide decomposition. The relative catalase activity of antibodies from HIV-infected patients (kcat = (1.41 ± 0.92) × 103 min-1, 95% CI: [1.01-1.81]) was statistically significant, 1.6 times higher (p = 0.014) compared to apparently healthy donors ((0.86 ± 0.49) × 103, 95% CI: [0.69-1.03]). The activity level of κκ-IgG HIV-infected patients ((0.44 ± 0.04) × 103 min-1) was 1.4 times higher than that of λλ-IgGs ((0.31 ± 0.025) × 103 min-1); the opposite was observed for κκ-IgGs from apparently healthy donors, which activity ((0.17 ± 0.015) × 103 min-1) was 3.1 times lower compared to λλ-IgGs ((0.53 ± 0.045) × 103 min-1). Thus, the data obtained may indicate that IgG with increased catalase activity may prevent harmful processes arising from oxidative stress in HIV-infected patients, acting as an additional natural molecular mechanism of regulation of hydrogen peroxide level.

Evaluation of antioxidant enzyme levels, oxidative stress markers and serum prolidase activity in testicular cancer.

Testicular cancer is a significant malignancy affecting males, and understanding the underlying biochemical changes associated with the disease is essential for improved management and treatment strategies. Prolidase enzyme, has been implicated in various disease processes. The assessment of serum prolidase activity and its relationship with testicular cancer can provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of the disease. The objective of this study was to investigate serum prolidase activity, oxidative stress markers, and antioxidant enzyme levels in patients with testicular cancer and evaluate their potential associations, aiming to enhance our understanding of the biochemical alterations and potential implications for testicular cancer management. A total of 33 male patients diagnosed with testicular cancer were included, along with 35 age-matched male volunteers as the control group. Serum samples were collected and stored at -20°C until analysis. The measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and prolidase levels was performed. The findings demonstrated significantly elevated serum prolidase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in testicular cancer patients compared to the control group (all, p < 0.05). Conversely, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels were significantly lower in testicular cancer patients (p < 0.05). In this study, serum prolidase activity and biochemical markers associated with oxidative stress were investigated in testicular cancer patients. Oxidative stress markers and serum prolidase activity were found to be elevated in testicular cancer. Long-term prospective studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of antioxidant use in cancer treatment.

Comparing the Efficacy of Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS) Treatment in COPD Patients Based on Blood Eosinophilia: A Clinical Trial Study

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) have been widely used in the maintenance therapy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Eosinophilic airway inflammation is a recognized inflammatory endotype in COPD. Nevertheless, the benefits and risks of ICS treatment remain controversial. Objectives: Therefore, in this study, we determine the frequency of eosinophilia in COPD patients and compare the effects of ICSs in patients with and without eosinophilia referring to the lung clinics of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: In this study, 58 COPD patients were examined. Peripheral blood smears (PBS) were collected from all patients, and they were randomly divided into 2 groups. First, a 6-minute walking test (6MWT) was performed on all patients. Thereafter, two groups of patients received standard treatment with the Symbicort spray for 3 months. They were followed for this period, and the 6MWT was performed again at the end of the 3 months. Results: The mean results of the 6MWT test before and after intervention in the eosinophilia-positive group were 164.02 meters and 192.11 meters, respectively. Therefore, there was a significant difference in patient activity levels before and after ICSs (P = 0.017). In the eosinophilia-negative group, there was a significant difference in patient activity levels based on the 6MWT test before and after taking ICSs (P &lt; 0.001). However, there was no difference in activity levels between the two groups before and after the intervention (P = 0.68 and P = 0.36). Conclusions: Our finding showed that treatment with inhaled β2-agonists plus corticosteroids did not affect the response to this treatment in subjects' groups with and without eosinophilia compared to the pre-treatment conditions.

Evaluating pelvic floor muscle activity in chronic functional constipation: A transabdominal ultrasound study

IntroductionChronic functional constipation (CFC) is one of the most challenging types of constipation which negatively influences patients’ quality of life. Recently, investigators mentioned pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) as an influential factor in the symptoms of patients with CFC, while its underlying mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the PFMs function in people with and without CFC using transabdominal ultrasound. MethodIn this cross-sectional and prospective study, we utilized a convenience sample of 200 individuals (100 CFC and 100 non-CFC) aged between 20 and 50 years old. The data collection included the measurement of the bladder base diameters displacement between rest and contraction using transabdominal ultrasound in all subjects. Also, individuals’ diet and physical activity were assessed as contributing factors using International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Food Frequency Questionnaire. ResultsThe result of MANCOVA revealed no significant group by physical activity level interaction for bladder base diameter at rest and bladder base displacement. Moreover, the Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant difference in physical activity level of patients with CFC in comparison with healthy individuals. Independent T-test results revealed that there is a significant difference in the consumption of fat and dairy subgroups between two groups. Discussion and conclusionsThe results indicated that there is no significant association between the bladder base displacement and the development of CFC. Moreover, our data revealed that people with CFC experience a more sedentary life and consume more fat and dairy products in comparison with individuals without CFC.

Association between patient activation level and functional outcomes in older adults with hip fractures

BackgroundHip fractures can significantly impact older adults' mobility and function. Effective rehabilitation is crucial to help them regain independence and quality of life. However, little is known about the association between patient activation and hip fracture rehabilitation. This study aims to assess the association between the PAM-13 scores and the level of physical function, mobility, and activities of daily living in older adults following a hip fracture rehabilitation program. MethodAn exploratory outcome study from a cluster-randomized stepped-wedge clinical controlled trial. Two hundred thirty-nine patients were classified into four Patient Activation Measure-Levels (PAM-13) according to their PAM-13 scores, reflecting their confidence and preparedness to manage their health. Level 1 represents the lowest level of confidence. The patient's mobility, function, and daily activities were evaluated at discharge and after 12 and 24 weeks. ResultsThe cohort had a median age of 78; 67% were female, and 50% lived alone. There were no significant differences in demographics between the PAM-Levels. PAM-Level 1 patients had longer hospital stays and lower mobility scores than PAM-Level 4 patients. However, all patients improved over time, and higher initial PAM levels resulted in better outcomes. PAM-Level 1 patients improved in Time Up and Go score from a median score of 54 seconds to 14 seconds at 24 weeks, while PAM-Level 4 patients improved from 26 to 9 seconds. ConclusionOur study found an association between PAM levels and functional outcomes in hip fracture rehabilitation. Patients with higher activation levels had better mobility and functional outcomes.

Relationship Among Falls, Fear of Falling, and Physical Activity Level in Patients on Hemodialysis.

Patients on hemodialysis are highly susceptible to falls and fractures. Amplified apprehension regarding the fear of falling (FOF) constitutes a risk factor that restricts physical activity and escalates the probability of falls among the elderly population. This study aimed to elucidate the association between falls and FOF and physical activity in patients on hemodialysis. A prospective cohort study was conducted across 9 centers. FOF was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Physical activity was assessed using the Japanese version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form. Subsequently, falls were monitored over a duration of 1year. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between falls and FOF and physical activity. In addition, in the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the cutoff value of FES-I that predicts falls was determined using the Youden Index. A restricted cubic spline curve was utilized to analyze the nonlinear association between falls and the FES-I. A total of 253 patients on hemodialysis (70.0 [59.0-77.0] years old; 105 female [41.5%]) were included in the analysis. During the 1-year observation period, 90 (35.6%) patients experienced accidental falls. The median FES-I score was 36.0 (24.0-47.0) points, and patients with higher FES-I scores had more falls. Following adjusted logistic regression analysis, FES-I exhibited an independent association with falls (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.01-1.06), but physical activity was not. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.70 (95% CI = 0.64-0.77), and the FES-I threshold value for distinguishing fallers from non-fallers was determined as 37.5 points (sensitivity 65.6%, specificity 35.0%). A nonlinear relationship between falls and FES-I was observed. FOF was associated with the incidence of falls in patients on hemodialysis. The evaluation and implementation of interventions targeting the FOF may mitigate the risk of falls.

Determinants associated with activation in patients with oral anticoagulant treatment: A cross-sectional study

AimsThe terms “patient activation” and “patient empowerment” are used to describe the extent to which individuals are able to manage their own healthcare. Health outcomes and quality of life improve in patients who are more active in health care. The aim of this study was to identify sociodemographic, clinical, sociological and psychological determinants associated with activation in a group of chronically anticoagulated patients. MethodsCross-sectional study of patients treated with oral antivitamin-k drugs attended at a specialized outpatient anticoagulant unit between November 2021 and June 2022. The main dependent variable was the level of patient activation according to the 13-item Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13). Simple and multiple linear regression models were conducted to identify the determinants associated with PAM-13 score. ResultsA total of 137 patients who met all the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. The mean age was 59.6 years (SD 13.8; range 22–86) and 60.6% were male. Sixty per cent presented a level IV of activation according to the PAM-13 scale. Mean patient activation score was 73.9 (SD 15.4). The factors independently associated with significantly lower activation were: emergency department visits in the past 12 months, intermediate social risk, anxiety symptoms, stress symptoms and low self-efficacy. ConclusionsFive determinants were found to be associated with activation. Knowing the factors that modify the level of activation can help to identify subgroups of chronic anticoagulated patients who are less likely to engage in self-management and are therefore candidates for tailored educational interventions.

Evaluation of creatine kinase-MB activity and cortisol level in hypertensive Mycobacterium tuberculosis patients receiving treatment in Nnewi

Evaluation of creatine kinase-MB activity and cortisol level in hypertensive Mycobacterium tuberculosis patients receiving treatment in Nnewi

Combating With COPD by QiGong Physical and Mental Exercise.

Physical activity levels of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are low due to the symptoms of COPD. The patients diagnosed with COPD are headed for complementary and alternative treatments to reduce the COPD symptoms, facilitate the treatment, and increase their physical activity. One of these treatments is QiGong, which is not yet common in our country. QiGong is a type of exercise based on ancient Chinese medicine, and mainly consists of active and passive exercises. These exercises open energy channels in the body, and thus prevent and/or heal diseases by establishing energy balance in the body through meditation, breath control, and bodily exercises. According to a literature review abroad, there are a small number of scientific studies related the therapeutic effect of QiGong exercises on symptom control, anxiety, reduction of stress and depression, increase in physical activity and quality of life, and the development of lung function of patients with COPD. By considering the educative role of nurses, it is important that the nurse has adequate knowledge of the treatment and care of patients with COPD. Therefore, this review is compiled to be informative about the effects of QiGong in the treatment of COPD, and assistance to subsequent studies.

Trends in Preoperative Outcome Measures From 2013 to 2021 in Patients Undergoing Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.

The prevalence of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) continues to increase exponentially. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used to define clinical and quality-of-life improvement and for reimbursement. Temporal trends of preoperative PROMs and specifically how COVID-19 has affected these PROMs is lacking. This study evaluated preoperative PROMs over time, whether medical factors affected preoperative PROMs, and what correlations the COVID-19 pandemic had with these trends in PROMs. A total of 3,014 patients who underwent primary total hip total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty from 2013 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed for covariates and preoperative PROMs. Commonly reported preoperative PROMs were evaluated in univariate and multivariate models. Preoperative activity level steadily increased from 2015 to 2021 for THAs and steadily increased from 2015 to 2019 for TKAs, followed by a decrease in 2020. Preoperative KOOS JR scores increased from 2016 to 2019 and then decreased in 2020 and 2021. Preoperative knee pain with level walking and climbing stairs steadily increased from 2013 to 2019, with additional increases in 2020. The COVID-19 era was significantly associated with higher activity levels for THAs, higher levels of pain with level walking, and lower KOOS JR scores. Preoperative PROM scores demonstrated correlations with postoperative PROM scores, which differed from that during the COVID era (rho range 0.105 to 0.391) at a mean of 2.0 years postoperatively. Surgical delays because of COVID-19 were associated with increased preoperative disability as evidenced by lower activity levels. Aside from this pandemic era, patient activity levels increased over time, indicating that modern TJA patients are more active preoperatively and likely to demand higher levels of function after surgery. Additional studies should evaluate the clinical effect of these statistically significant findings. Providers should consider the trends in preoperative PROMs over time when counseling patients on expectations after TJA.

Effectiveness of Yijinjing on cognitive and motor functions in patients with Parkinson's disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor and non-motor functions, significantly reducing patients' quality of life. No effective drug-based treatments are known to solve this problem. Non-drug therapies such as Yijinjing exercise have shown potential in improving cognitive and motor functions in PD patients. However, solid evidence must still be provided to support their clinical efficacy. This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Yijinjing exercise interventions in PD patients and explore the underlying mechanisms between the cognitive and motor functions in PD. This is a single-center randomized controlled trial in which 96 eligible PD patients will be randomly assigned to receive either Yijinjing exercise group or brisk walking group or control group in a ratio of 1:1:1. Interventions (Yijinjing exercise or brisk walking training, 40 min per session) will be provided in 3 sessions per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) for 12 weeks, with a total of 36 sessions. After the treatment, there will be a 1-month follow-up period. The primary outcomes will be measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor section (UPDRS-III). Secondary outcomes include balance function, executive function, walking function, sleep quality, and quality of life. Additionally, the prefrontal cerebral and sensorimotor cortex blood oxygen signal level will be collected to explore the underlying mechanisms. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline, at the end of 12 weeks of treatment and after an additional 1-month follow-up period. The results of the study protocol will provide high-quality evidence for the potential of intervention measures based on the Yijinjing exercise to improve the cognitive and activity levels of Parkinson's disease patients. We envision the Yijinjing exercise as a non-pharmacological family activity that can provide a new and more effective method for the treatment of Parkinson's disease patients or those at risk. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai (2020-05-01). The trial has been registered in the China Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2200055636).

Patient activation and health literacy in Dutch patients with multiple involved specialties

Abstract Aim To examine the association between having a higher number of involved specialties, patient activation (PA), and health literacy (HL) in patients visiting a general hospital. Subject and methods Patients ≥ 18 years of age who had an appointment with the medical specialist or physician assistant were asked to participate in this study. Patients completed the Patient Activation Measure-13 (PAM) questionnaire and the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q). They were stratified into having &lt; 3 or ≥ 3 involved medical specialties in the past 12 months. Two association models were built to examine the association. Results This study included 200 patients with 52% males (n = 104), a median age of 65 years, and low levels of education (67%). Patients with ≥ 3 involved medical specialties (58%) had lower total PAM scores (p = 0.03) and had lower HLS-EU-Q index scores (p = 0.23). The multivariable regression analysis showed that having ≥ 3 involved medical specialties was not associated with low PAM scores (OR = 1.59, p = 0.13) when adjusted for low education, low HLS-EU-Q scores, and higher age (&gt; 65 years). In addition, having ≥ 3 involved medical specialties was not associated with low HLS-EU-Q scores (OR = 1.10, p = 0.76) when adjusted for low PAM scores and low education. Conclusion Patients with ≥ 3 involved medical specialties visiting the internal medicine department of a general (non-academic) hospital had variable levels of PA and HL. Moreover, having ≥ 3 involved medical specialties was not significantly associated with lower PA and HL. Importantly, the number of involved specialties may not be a proxy for recognizing low PA and HL. Organizations aiming to improve PA and HL could measure these constructs directly.

Use of wearable devices to monitor post-operative activity following cardiac surgery: a systematic scoping review.

There is an emerging trend of using wearable digital technology to monitor patient activity levels in acute care contexts. However, the overall extent and quality of evidence for their use in acute cardiac surgery care are unclear. The purpose of this systematic scoping review was to evaluate current literature regarding the use of wearable activity trackers/accelerometers to monitor patient activity levels in the first 30 days following cardiac surgery. A systematic scoping review was conducted. A search of CINAHL and MEDLINE Complete databases identified all peer reviewed research evidence published in English between 2010 and 2023. Studies evaluating the use of wearable technology in adults who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery and valve replacement were included. Study data were summarized thematically. A total of 853 citations were identified. Once duplicates were removed, 816 studies were screened by title and abstract, 54 full-text studies were assessed for eligibility, and 11 studies were included. Accelerometers were able to capture changing exercise and physical activity levels over an acute care admission. Device use was acceptable to clinicians and patients. Low activity levels in the early post-operative period were associated with longer length of stay and higher 30-day readmissions. Wearable devices are acceptable and feasible to use in acute care. The use of wearable activity trackers by acute cardiac patients may increase patient participation in exercise and identify more sedentary patients who are a greater risk of increased length of stay and hospital readmission.

Anti-PD-1 antibody in combination with radiotherapy as first-line therapy for unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BackgroundUnresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) has a poor prognosis despite treatment with standard combination chemotherapy. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiotherapy in combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody in unresectable iCCA without distant metastases.MethodsIn this phase II study, patients with histopathologically confirmed unresectable primary or postoperative recurrent iCCA without distant metastases were enrolled. Patients received external radiotherapy with a dose of ≥45 Gy (2-2.5 Gy per fraction), followed by anti-PD-1 immunotherapy (camrelizumab 200 mg once, every 3 weeks) initiated within 7 days after completion of radiotherapy as first-line therapy. The primary endpoint was 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate. The secondary end points included safety, objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and overall survival (OS).ResultsFrom December 2019 to March 2021, 36 patients completed radiotherapy and at least one cycle of immunotherapy and were included in efficacy and safety analyses. The median follow-up was 19.0 months (IQR 12.0-24.0), and the one-year PFS rate was 44.4% (95% CI, 30.8-64.0). The median PFS was 12.0 months (95% CI, 7.5-not estimable); the median OS was 22.0 months (95% CI, 15.0-not estimable). The ORR was 61.1% and the DCR was 86.1%. Seventeen of 36 (47.2%) patients experienced treatment-related adverse effects (AEs) of any grade. The most common AE was reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation (25.0%). Five (13.9%) patients experienced grade ≥3 treatment-related AEs, including decreased lymphocyte (5.6%), bullous dermatitis (2.8%), decreased platelet count (2.8%), and deep-vein thrombosis (2.8%).ConclusionsExternal radiotherapy plus camrelizumab, as first-line therapy, met its primary endpoint and showed antitumor activity and low toxicity levels in patients with unresectable iCCA without distant metastases, warranting further investigation.Trial registrationNCT03898895. Registered 2 April 2019.

Impact of Effectiveness of Physical Activity in a Virtual Environment on the Regulation of Sclerostin and Interleukin 6 Levels in Haemodialysis Patients.

Background: Chronic kidney disease is a significant public health issue associated with reduced physical activity. This can lead to mineral and bone disorders and increased levels of inflammatory markers. One innovative solution that can significantly contribute to increasing patient motivation is the combination of physical training with virtual reality technology during haemodialysis sessions. The aim of this study is to comprehensively assess the impact of regular virtual reality-based physical activity on plasma sclerostin and interleukin 6 levels, as well as on physical performance and the level of physical activity in patients undergoing renal replacement therapy through haemodialysis. Methods: This study is a prospective cohort study. Patients included in the study were randomly assigned to two groups: the study group and the control group. The study group consisted of patients who were entrusted with the task of conducting training using the prototype of the NefroVR system. The duration of the study period for both the study and control groups was 3 months. Results: One hundred and two (102) patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease who underwent haemodialysis as a renal replacement therapy participated in the study. Patients from the study group were characterized by higher physical activity compared to the control group. There was a significant difference in the level of IL-6 and SOST between the study and control groups in the second measurement. Conclusions: Regular physical activity, especially using approaches such as virtual reality, contributes to improving physical fitness and overall activity levels in patients undergoing haemodialysis. The study demonstrated that regular exercise may be associated with a reduction in inflammatory parameters and positive effects on bone metabolism in patients undergoing haemodialysis.

Three once-weekly intra-articular injections of Hylan G-F 20 significantly improve pain relief compared with placebo in patients with chronic idiopathic knee osteoarthritis: a single-centre, evaluator-blinded and patient-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

Clinical trials on the use of viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid (HA) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) are inconsistent, making it challenging to determine its value in clinical practice. One issue is the availability of various HA products on the market; differences in their chemical features can impact patient outcomes. Herein, we assess the efficacy and safety of three once-weekly intra-articular (IA) injections of Hylan G-F 20, a high-molecular-weight and highly crosslinked HA product, in patients with KOA. We hypothesized that Hylan G-F 20 would provide significant pain relief with no increased safety risk compared with IA saline (placebo). This was a 26-week, patient-blinded and evaluator-blinded, single-centre, randomized placebo- controlled trial. Men or women ≥18 years of age with Larsen grade II or III KOA were included. Patients received IA injections of either Hylan G-F 20 or placebo once a week for 3 weeks. The primary endpoints were the week 12 and 26 visits. Primary efficacy outcomes included visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, patient activity level and an overall assessment of clinical condition. Secondary outcomes included adverse events (AEs) that emerged during treatment. The primary analysis included the intention-to-treat population. An alpha level of 0.05 was used in the statistical analysis. Thirty patients were included in the intention-to-treat population (15 per group). All efficacy outcomes were statistically significant in favour of Hylan G-F 20, except night pain and inactivity stiffness, for both patient- assessed (all p=0.0001 at week 12) and evaluator-assessed (all p=0.0001 at week 12 and p=0.0004-0.0180 at week 26) measurements. There was also a greater proportion of symptom-free patients and those with a >50% improvement in their VAS scores, except night pain, in the Hylan G-F 20 group (p=0.001-0.003 in patient-assessed scores and p<0.0001 to 0.002 in evaluator-assessed scores at week 12). Two patients, one in each group, experienced an AE; no sequelae occurred, and no special treatment was required for either AE. No patients withdrew from the study prematurely due to an AE. In patients with chronic idiopathic KOA, Hylan G-F 20 provides significant improvements in pain relief compared with placebo with no added safety concerns.

Exploring Physical Activity Levels in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease-A Preliminary Study.

Increased physical activity may prevent disease onset and severity in individuals with cardiovascular disease. However, studies evaluating physical activity in people with cardiovascular disease are limited. This prospective observational study aimed to objectively assess the level of physical activity in patients with cardiovascular disease and determine the actual extent of physical activity in their daily lives. Participants aged 20 years or older with cardiovascular disease at a cardiology clinic were included. Physical activity was measured using an activity meter with a three-axis acceleration sensor. Overall, 58 patients were included in the study. Household activities were found to be more frequent sources of physical activity. The step count was related to age and housework, while total physical activity and household activity were related to age and work. Locomotive activity was related to sex and housework. Total physical and household activities tended to decrease with age. These findings indicate the influence of work and household chores on physical activity and suggest that physical activity may be underestimated if household activity is not also assessed. These fundamental findings may provide clinical evidence to underpin physical activity for patients with cardiovascular disease.

Immunological predictors of rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) efficiency in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia

IntroductionModel and clinical studies demonstrate the efficiency of rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in diseases associated with neuroinflammation. The therapeutic potential of rTMS is related to modulation of neuroplasticity in the CNS, activation of neurogenesis and reduction of neuroinflammatory processes. Presumably, one of the factors that determines the efficiency of rTMS can be the features of the immune status of patients.ObjectivesTo reveal the features of the spectrum of inflammatory markers in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia with different efficiency of rTMS.Methods 31 male patients aged 16 to 47 years (mean age 29.9 ± 8.4 years) with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who developed a first psychotic episode in adolescence (19-25 years) were examined. The course of rTMS was conducted for 3 weeks (15 sessions). Depending on the dynamics of clinical and psychometric parameters after the course of rTMS, the patients were divided into three groups: group 1 - with worsening of clinical condition (n=8); group 2 - without therapeutic effect (n=12); group 3 - with good therapeutic response (n=11). Before rTMS, leukocyte elastase (LE) and α1-proteinase inhibitor (α1-PI) activity, and the levels of autoantibodies to S-100B protein and myelin basic protein (MBP) in the plasma of patients were determined. The parameters of 18 healthy male donors without clinical signs of psychiatric and somatic pathology were used as controls.ResultsAll groups of patients were characterised by moderate and high levels of immune system activation, determined by a complex of inflammatory and autoimmune markers. At the same time, the high level of immune system activation in patients with low MTR efficiency was associated with low LE activity in plasma (within the reference range or below the lower limit - 200.6 (168.5- 220.3) nmol/min·mL), which was not consistent with the overall level of inflammation. This group of patients also showed high levels of antibodies to MBP compared to control values (p&lt;0.05). The low LE activity can be explained by the transmigration of neutrophils from the blood to the brain due to a critical increase in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, which is largely controlled by LE.ConclusionsThe study confirmed the participation of immune mechanisms in the formation of therapeutic resistance in schizophrenia and revealed the characteristics of the spectrum of immune markers in patients with low efficiency of rTMS.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Effects of core stabilization exercises in patients with non-specific low back pain: Huber Motion Lab versus conventional

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the effects of core stabilization exercises with Huber® Motion Lab on pain, depression, and activity levels in patients with non-specific low back pain (LBP). Materials and methods: In this study, 30 patients with non-specific LBP were allocated either to an experimental or to a control group. Both groups received a conventional physiotherapy program for 15 sessions. In addition, the control group performed 30 minutes of core stabilization exercises on the floor, whereas the experimental group used the Huber® Motion Lab device. The main outcome measures were pain severity (Visual Analogue Scale VAS), depression (Beck Depression Inventory BDI), and disability level (Oswestry Disability Index ODI) that were performed on the first and the last day of the program. Results: At the end of the program, all outcome measures improved significantly in both groups (p &lt; 0.001). Between-group comparison of mean change score revealed significantly greater improvements regarding VAS (7.40vs4.23), BDI (29.52vs13.81), and ODI score (51.78vs25.29) for the experimental group compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: For patients in this study with non-specific LBP, both with and without Huber® Motion Lab, core stabilization exercises in addition to a physiotherapy program were beneficial in terms of pain severity, depression, and disability level in favor of Huber® Motion Lab.

Measurement of Arginase Activity in Sera of Iraqi Acromegaly Patients with Diabetes

The goal of this study was to measure arginase enzyme activity in diabetic acromegaly Iraqi patients and compare it to a control group. This study included 80 participants, whose ages ranged from 25 to 65, and was conducted on forty diabetic acromegaly Iraqi patients attending the national diabetes center of Mustansiriyah University in Baghdad and forty healthy individuals (as a control group). The results showed a highly significant reduction in arginase activity and High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), Urea levels were reduced not significantly, whereas a highly significant increase in levels of Growth Hormone (GH), Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), Fasting Serum glucose (FSG), Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and Very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C)) compared to control. A significant positive correlation was revealed between arginase activity and FSG levels in diabetic acromegaly patients. In conclusion, diabetic acromegaly patients had a significant decreased in serum arginase activity with no significant decrease urea levels, which indicates that their bodies store more nitrogen compounds to be utilized in constructing processes.