Factor In Recovery Research Articles

Return-to-work after interlaminar endoscopic sequestrectomy: case series

BackgroundConsidering the epidemiology of single-level lumbar disc herniations (LDH) in the young and active patients, the impact on working capacity is highly relevant. The timing of return-to-work after lumbar surgery through various modalities differs greatly. This may be partly due diverse disparate surgical approaches along with differences in patient and surgeon. The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence for a return-to-work policy after endoscopic sequestrectomy and discuss possible clues to a faster recovery of patients that did not receive a sick-leave report via a case series.Case presentationThe sample comprises fourteen cases of single-level LDH that underwent endoscopic interlaminar sequestrectomy and did not receive a sick-leave report and were advised to return-to-work whenever they felt fit so. Time until return-to-work, pre- and post-operative leg VAS pain scores and amount of analgesic used post-operatively were retrospectively analyzed. Fourteen patients were operated on using the same technique and on average returned to work after 6.6 ± 1.8 days, used 3.7 ± 2.5 analgesic tablets before returning to work and had a postoperative leg VAS pain score of 1.4 ± 1.2. No patient requested a sick-leave report during the follow-up period of 1 month.ConclusionsThe patients in this case series had a remarkably short period of sick-leave and a low number of analgesic usage. These findings may be due to selection of patients who were operated on specifically for leg pain with the absence of lower back pain suggesting integrity of annulus fibrosus. We can postulate that intraoperative preservation of lamina, facet joint and annulus fibrosus along with reassurance of the surgeon suggesting to return-to-work whenever fell fit so were the key factors in the swifter recovery of the patients.

Investment Attractiveness of Agriculture in Ukraine: Factors and Prospects for the Future

The article considers the current state and prospects of the development of innovation processes in the agro-industrial complex in the context of globalisation and integration into the world economic space. The relevance is determined by the fact that agriculture in Ukraine needs innovative and investment changes that will become one of the priority factors in the post-war recovery of the industry. The purpose of the article is to analyse the current situation in the agricultural sector of Ukraine, possible problems, and ways to increase investment activity. The most favourable and effective mechanisms for incorporating innovative activities into the agricultural sector of the economy are identified. The priority steps to transform the policy of agricultural production in the innovation sphere are formulated and substantiated. The main trends and possibilities of modern support for the development of innovation processes at all stages of product creation and sales are identified. The methodology includes primary research data and analysis of statistical data for 2017–2023. The basis for the further development of the agro-industrial complex and strengthening its competitiveness in the global food market should be a targeted state policy aimed at introducing innovative development models in the agricultural sector. Reforming the agricultural sector of Ukraine should be aimed at the organisational, technical and technological restructuring of agricultural production, creating the basis for dynamic, integrated, and development of enterprises, the industry, and the country. The article concludes that ensuring favourable conditions for the sustainable development of innovation in the agricultural sector should become a priority for the development of Ukraine's agro-industrial complex in the context of the country's integration into the global economic space. The main tool for achieving this goal is the development and implementation of optimal and effective mechanisms for restructuring economic and management processes in the agricultural sector of the national economy.

Abstract HUP4: Can A Remote Telehealth-based Program Support Survivors With Varying Social Needs Post-stroke?

Introduction: There are significant and longstanding inequities in stroke prevalence and care as well as outcomes. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are known to be a risk factor in post-stroke recovery. SDOH also put individuals at higher risk for 90-day mortality. Social determinants are a significant contributor to disparities in health and specifically addressing SDOH needs may improve the health and outcomes of stroke survivors. Methods: An app-based, virtual care model was used to impact survivor quality of life and outcomes for stroke survivors and their care partners. As a part of program onboarding, the clinical navigator utilized the CMS Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool to assess survivor needs in five core domains including housing instability, food insecurity, transportation problems, utility needs, and interpersonal safety. As needs were identified, they were cross-walked to pre-populated community resource maps to aid the survivor in their recovery and support subsequent stroke prevention. Results: Of the (n=50) stroke survivors (median age of 62) that completed the 12-week survivor-led Navigator support program, 35% had one SDOH need, 16% had 2 SDOH needs, 16% had 3 SDOH needs, 3% had 4 SDOH needs and 28% had 5 or more SDOH needs. The most regularly identified areas of social need in the cohort were mental health (20%), financial strain (15.7%), employment (13.6%) and transportation (12.9%). These SDOH were addressed throughout the 90-day program based on individual access considerations. The 30- and 90-day all-cause readmission rates for survivors were 5% and 10%, respectively, superior to recent publications reporting 30-day unplanned readmission rates after stroke ranging from 8.7%-12.5%, and 90-day readmissions ranging from 18.9% to 20.7%. Conclusion: By assessing SDOH and providing specifically tailored post-acute resources to meet those needs, a tech-enabled platform with clinical navigator support can improve outcomes for stroke survivors with a variety of SDOH needs. Additional post-acute stroke care and targeted programming are needed to address the ongoing inequalities in the healthcare system as they relate to post-stroke care and recovery in populations with high SDOH needs.

Abstract NS4: Can a Remote Telehealth-Based Program Support Survivors With Varying Social Needs Post-Stroke?

Introduction: There are significant and longstanding inequities in stroke prevalence and care as well as outcomes. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are known to be a risk factor in post-stroke recovery. SDOH also put individuals at higher risk for 90-day mortality. Social determinants are a significant contributor to disparities in health and specifically addressing SDOH needs may improve the health and outcomes of stroke survivors. Methods: An app-based, virtual care model was used to impact survivor quality of life and outcomes for stroke survivors and their care partners. As a part of program onboarding, the clinical navigator utilized the CMS Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool to assess survivor needs in five core domains including housing instability, food insecurity, transportation problems, utility needs, and interpersonal safety. As needs were identified, they were cross-walked to pre-populated community resource maps to aid the survivor in their recovery and support subsequent stroke prevention. Results: Of the (n=50) stroke survivors (median age of 62) that completed the 12-week survivor-led Navigator support program, 35% had one SDOH need, 16% had 2 SDOH needs, 16% had 3 SDOH needs, 3% had 4 SDOH needs and 28% had 5 or more SDOH needs. The most regularly identified areas of social need in the cohort were mental health (20%), financial strain (15.7%), employment (13.6%) and transportation (12.9%). These SDOH were addressed throughout the 90-day program based on individual access considerations. The 30- and 90-day all-cause readmission rates for survivors were 5% and 10%, respectively, superior to recent publications reporting 30-day unplanned readmission rates after stroke ranging from 8.7%-12.5%, and 90-day readmissions ranging from 18.9% to 20.7%. Conclusion: By assessing SDOH and providing specifically tailored post-acute resources to meet those needs, a tech-enabled platform with clinical navigator support can improve outcomes for stroke survivors with a variety of SDOH needs. Additional post-acute stroke care and targeted programming are needed to address the ongoing inequalities in the healthcare system as they relate to post-stroke care and recovery in populations with high SDOH needs.

Abstract WMP31: Lifetime Trauma Exposure Types Are Linked to Stroke Recovery: Findings From the STRONG Study

Introduction: The STRONG (Stroke, sTress, RehabilitatiON, and Genetics) study has documented the role of cumulative lifetime stress/trauma exposure (LSE) in stroke recovery. Understanding the types of trauma most closely linked with functional outcomes may identify specific risk factors for stroke recovery. We examined specific types of life stress linked with functional and cognitive disability at 1-year post-stroke. Methods: Adults with a new stroke enrolled at 28 US sites were assessed 4 times over 1 year. Assessments included LSE 90 days post-stroke, and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), & Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (tMOCA) at 1-year post-stroke. Bivariate and multivariate analyses examined relationships among LSE and outcomes. Results: The 763 enrollees had age 63.1±14.9 yrs; initial NIHSS score 4 [2-9]; 41.2% Female; 69.4% White. Controlling for age, gender, race, and 3-mo NIHSS score, lifetime exposure to being raped was associated with worse SIS-ADL, mRS, and tMOCA scores 12-mo post-stroke. Several other LSE were also independently associated with worse 12-mo SIS-ADL scores: witnessing a family member be injured or killed, divorce, and emotional abuse. Having a loved one be seriously ill was associated with better 12-mo t-MOCA scores. These findings were robust when early post-stroke acute stress levels were also included in the model. Women were significantly more likely to report being raped, experiencing emotional abuse, and having a seriously ill loved one. Demographics were not significantly associated with divorce or witnessing a family member injured or killed. Conclusions: Assessing specific types of exposure to LSE early in the post-stroke period may help identify at-risk patients who might benefit from additional post-stroke support to enhance their long-term functional and cognitive abilities.

Abstract 120: CCR5 Polymorphism - A Possible Protective Factor for Post-Stroke PTSD Symptoms

Background: Current data suggest 25-30% of stroke survivors will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology. This common and disabling disorder is thought to be caused by exposure to a traumatic, life-threatening event. It is unrelated to stroke severity and is one of the barriers to successful recovery from the stroke. We have recently reported on the naturally occurring loss-of-function mutation (LOFM) in the C-C Chemokine receptor 5 gene (CCR5-Δ32) as a protective factor in post-stroke recovery and depression. We sought to examine whether it also prevents the development of PTSD symptoms after stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods: Participants were survivors of first-ever mild-moderate ischemic stroke or TIA from the TABASCO prospective cohort study, who underwent a 3T MRI, and were examined by a multi-professional team 6, 12, and 24 months after the event, using direct interviews, depression scales, neurological, neuropsychological, and functional evaluations. PTSD symptoms were assessed using the PTSD Checklist (PCL). CCR5-Δ32 status and PTSD Checklist data were available for 432 patients. Results: Forty-eight participants (11%) developed probable PTSD (PCL ≥44) during the first year after the stroke/TIA. CCR5 -Δ32 carriers presented fewer PTSD symptoms (lower PCL scores) 6, 12, and 24 months after the index event, compared with non-carriers (p=0.002, p<0.001, p=0.011, respectively). The association remained significant after adjustment for age, gender, education, depression or administration of anti-depressants during the follow-up period, ethnicity, and new infarct on MRI. Compared to baseline, CCR5 -Δ32 non-carriers tended to remain stable or develop worse PTSD symptoms over time, while CCR5 -Δ32 carriers tended to improve. Conclusions: We report that carriers of the CCR5 -Δ32 allele had a lower tendency to develop PTSD symptoms post-stroke. These findings might have clinical significance in stroke recovery. They also suggest a mechanism-based treatment target for post-stroke depression. Drugs mimicking this LOFM exist and could offer a novel treatment for this serious and underdiagnosed complication of stroke.

Functional outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with preservation of pelvic stabilized structure and early elevated retrograde liberation of neurovascular bundle

Objectives: To examine the functional outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with preservation of pelvic floor stabilized structure and early elevated retrograde liberation of the neurovascular bundle (PEEL). Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study. Between June 1, 2022, and March 20, 2023, 27 cases of RARP with PEEL and 153 cases of RARP with preservation of pelvic floor stabilized structure (PPSS) were included in this study. All patients were males, aged (62.5±5.2) years (range: 50 to 73 years). There were 18 cases of ≤T2b stage and 9 cases of T2c stage. After 1∶1 propensity score matching, the postoperative functional outcomes of 27 cases of RARP with PEEL and 27 cases of RARP with PPSS were compared. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon and included patients were clinically staged as cT1-2N0M0 without preoperative urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction. In RARP with PEEL, the prostate was cut near the midline at the front when dissecting the neurovascular bundle, dissection was performed between the visceral layer of the pelvic fascia and the prostatic fascia, preserving the parietal layer and the visceral layer of the pelvic fascia, and the neurovascular bundle was retrogradely released from the apex. The cumulative probability curve was plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Log-rank test was used to compare the differences in functional outcomes between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare postoperative urinary continence and sexual function. Results: The recovery time of continence and potency was significantly longer in the PPSS group than in the PEEL group (all P<0.05). The continence rate of the PEEL group was significantly higher than that of the PPSS group (92.59% vs. 68.10%, P=0.026) at 3 months after surgery. The potency rate of the PEEL group was also significantly higher than that of the PPSS group (40.70% vs. 15.10%, P=0.037) at 3 months after surgery. In the univariate analysis, compared to the PPSS technique, the PEEL technique was associated with a shorter recovery time of continence (HR=1.94, 95%CI: 1.08 to 3.48, P=0.027) and a shorter recovery time of potency (HR=2.06, 95%CI: 1.03 to 4.13, P=0.042). In the multivariate analysis, the PEEL technique was an independent prognosis factor for postoperative recovery of continence (HR=2.05, 95%CI: 1.01 to 4.17, P=0.047) and potency (HR=3.57, 95%CI: 1.43 to 8.92, P=0.007). All the cases of the PPSS group and the PEEL group were performed successfully with negative surgical margins. Conclusion: Compared with PPSS, PEEL may be more conducive to the recovery of urinary continence and sexual function after RARP.

Head-to-Head Comparison Between 18F-FDG PET and Leukocyte Scintigraphy to Monitor Treatment Responses in Necrotizing Otitis Externa.

Necrotizing otitis externa (NOE) is a rare disease associated with high morbidity and mortality, and there is currently no available accurate biomarker to assess treatment responses. The aim of the current study was to evaluate and directly compare the diagnostic performances of 18-Fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) and labeled leukocyte scintigraphy (LS) to monitor treatment responses in NOE. Consecutive patients with NOE who underwent 18F-FDG PET at the end of antibiotic therapy and planar as well as single photon emission computed tomography-labeled leukocyte scintigraphy after completing the initial antibiotic treatment were retrospectively included. Semiquantitative analyses were performed to determine the ratios of affected/nonaffected sides for PET and 4 hour and 24 hour LS acquisitions as well as the kinetic PET ratios (at diagnosis and post-treatment) and LS (4 and 24 hours). The final treatment responses were assessed by 2 experienced ENT physicians based on clinical, otoscopic, and biological data and subsequent 3-month follow-up. Seventeen patients (74.0 ± 10.6 years old, 5 women) were included. The best diagnostic performances were obtained with the PET maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax)-lesion-to-background ratio and the tomographic LS lesion-to-background ratio at the 4-hour acquisition timepoint (thresholds of 4.1 and 1.19, yielding accuracies of 100% and 88%, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, the PET SUVmax-lesion-to-background ratio was the only predictive factor of recovery when associated with all clinical parameters (P < .001). 18F-FDG PET is the first-line imaging modality for evaluating NOE treatment responses, with excellent diagnostic performances. LS with only 4-hour acquisitions appeared to suffice to evaluate NOE treatment responses. Both biomarkers constitute early prognostic biomarkers for predicting antibiotic treatment response in patients with NOE. The institutional ethics committee (Comité d'Ethique du CHRU de Nancy) approved the evaluation of retrospective patient data, and the trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (n°2023PI003-404).

The importance of preoperative evaluation to predict the outcome of percutaneous nephrostomy

Abstract: Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) is an invasive procedure equal to a grade 4 penetrating kidney trauma. It should be carefully considered whether has a greater benefit or risk. There are currently no parameters or scores to predict the outcome of nephrostomy in our center. This study aimed to conduct a review to find out whether there were parameters or scores that could be used to predict the outcome of nephrostomy. This research used relevant studies obtained from Clinical Key, PubMed, Semantic Scholar, Dimensions, and Science Direct published in the last 10 years and written in English. Studies on children and transplant cases were excluded. Studies that met the PICO criteria were selected. The results showed that of the 141 articles collected, and filtered with inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria, and PICO criteria, finally the remaining were three studies selected. The studies discussed about classification, SFU grading system, and complication of nephrostomy; significant variables affecting recoverability of renal function; patients’ characteristics and outcomes of double J ureteral stenting (DJS) and PCN; and 12-month-post-operative creatinine level change. Most patients who failed DJS had increased creatinine level. However, one of the indications for a nephrostomy was stenting failure. In conclusion, predictor factors that can affect the renal recovery after nephrostomy include kidney shape and size, pre-nephrostomy creatinine levels, urine output, state of infection, and degree of hydronephrosis. However, the evidence is still not enough. Further research is needed on the predictor factors for renal recovery after nephrostomy. Keywords: percutaneous nephrostomy; hydronephrosis; kidney function; predictors

Exploring Women Entrepreneurs’ Knowledge and Participation in Entrepreneurial Schemes

As a nation, Indian women are rising to the occasion and establishing themselves as potential business owners. It is critical for women to take the lead in non-traditional business fields if we want to dismantle the idea of gender-specific industry. The expansion of female-owned businesses is a key factor in the global economic recovery. The underrepresentation of women in business began to change as our understanding of the for-profit sector grew. Being careful, adaptive, and resistive to wastefulness is a key quality for women to have in business. Women are making waves in the business world, bringing fresh perspectives to SMBs. Entrepreneurial women are those who come up with a business idea, put it into words, plan and execute it, take calculated risks, reap the rewards of uncertainty, and aren’t afraid to fail. Due to difficulties in obtaining a suitable job and a need for social approval, many women choose to work remotely.

Novel Artificial Intelligence-Based Assessment of Imaging Biomarkers in Full-Thickness Macular Holes: Preliminary Data from a Pivotal Trial.

Artificial intelligence (AI)- and deep learning (DL)-based systems have shown significant progress in the field of macular disorders, demonstrating high performance in detecting retinal fluid and assessing anatomical changes during disease progression. This study aimed to validate an AI algorithm for identifying and quantifying prognostic factors in visual recovery after macular hole (MH) surgery by analyzing major optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers. This study included 20 patients who underwent vitrectomy for a full-thickness macular hole (FTMH). The mean diameter of the FTMH was measured at 285.36 ± 97.4 μm. The preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.76 ± 0.06 logMAR, improving to 0.38 ± 0.16 postoperatively, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). AI software was utilized to assess biomarkers, such as intraretinal fluid (IRF) and subretinal fluid (SRF) volume, external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) integrity, and retinal hyperreflective foci (HRF). The AI analysis showed a significant decrease in IRF volume, from 0.08 ± 0.12 mm3 preoperatively to 0.01 ± 0.01 mm3 postoperatively. ELM interruption improved from 79% ± 18% to 34% ± 37% after surgery (p = 0.006), whereas EZ interruption improved from 80% ± 22% to 40% ± 36% (p = 0.007) postoperatively. Additionally, the study revealed a negative correlation between preoperative IRF volume and postoperative BCVA recovery, suggesting that greater preoperative fluid volumes may hinder visual improvement. The integrity of the ELM and EZ was found to be essential for postoperative visual acuity improvement, with their disruption negatively impacting visual recovery. The study highlights the potential of AI in quantifying OCT biomarkers for managing MHs and improving patient care.

The impact of perceived injustice on pain and psychological outcomes after traumatic injury: a longitudinal analysis.

Individuals' appraisals regarding the injustice of their pain or physical injury have emerged as a significant risk factor for worse physical and psychological outcomes. Injustice appraisals are defined by perceptions of external blame for pain or injury and viewing pain or injury as a source of irreparable loss. To date, research on the impact of injustice appraisal has been primarily cross sectional, and existing longitudinal studies have examined injustice appraisals at only 2 time points in the context of rehabilitation treatment. This study examined the trajectory of injustice appraisals in 171 patients admitted for traumatic injury at admission, as well as 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge and examined injustice appraisals as a potential moderator of recovery after injury. Findings can be summarized as follows: First, injustice perception was largely stable in the 12 months after hospital discharge. Second, elevated injustice perception was associated with decreased recovery in pain intensity and depressive symptomatology over the study period but did not moderate changes in pain catastrophizing or posttraumatic stress symptomatology over time. This study is the first naturalistic prospective analysis of injustice appraisal following trauma admission within the American healthcare system. Findings indicate that injustice appraisals do not naturally decrease in the aftermath of traumatic injury and may be a risk factor for poorer physical and psychological recovery. Future research should examine additional sociodemographic and psychosocial factors that may contribute to elevated injustice appraisal, as well as ways of addressing the potential deleterious impact of injustice appraisals in treatment settings.

Driving factors analysis of spatial-temporal evolution of vegetation ecosystem in rocky desertification restoration area of Guizhou Province, China.

The investigation of the temporal-spatial characteristics and driving factors of vegetation ecosystem (VE) alterations held significant practical implications for the evaluation of the efficacy of rocky desertification management initiatives and safeguarding the ecological environment in the rocky desertification restoration region of Guizhou. We computed the comprehensive ecological quality index (Q) of vegetation based on the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and net primary productivity (NPP). Combined with temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, rocky desertification grade, land use, and the time series of various regions being included in national ecological functional zones, we analyzed the spatial-temporal distribution characteristics of VE changes and their response to climate change (CC) and ecological engineering (EE) by using partial derivative analysis method and scenario setting method in rocky desertification restoration areas in Guizhou. Results demonstrated that (1) the average values of NDVI, NPP, and Q all showed a fluctuating upward trend since 2000. Although the VE status of rocky desertification area was obviously worse than that of no rocky desertification area, it has a higher growth rate, especially the growth rates of NDVI, NPP, and Q in severe rocky desertification area were as high as 0.0050 year-1, 9.0733 g C m-2 year-1, and 0.7829 year-1, and the area with high recovery degree accounted for 93.19%, followed by the middle rocky desertification area. (2) CC was the main driving factor for NDVI and Q recovery, and EE was the main driving factor for NPP recovery. The contribution of EE to NPP and Q recovery increased with the increase of rocky desertification, as high as 82.13% and 30.31% in severe rocky desertification area. (3) The more serious the rocky desertification was, the more dependent the vegetation restoration was on ecological engineering, and the more difficult the restoration was. It was urgent to solve the ecological environmental problems. (4) EE played a greater role in the restoration of VE in the early stage of implementation. Its role gradually decreased in the later stages of implementation, while the role of CC increased. We provide a scientific basis for the follow-up treatment of rocky desertification, ecological environment restoration, and ecological protection effectiveness evaluation in Guizhou.

Early Identification of Correlated Risk Factors can Improve the Prognosis of Patients with Postoperative Intracranial Infection.

In this retrospective study, we explore the clinical risk factors correlated to the prognosis of patients who suffered from central nervous system infection after a neurosurgical procedure. The study included 113 patients diagnosed with a postoperative intracranial infection. Several factors with clinical relevance were identified and analyzed by univariate analyses. The risk factors that showed any significant difference between the cases were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analyses. Here we show that the duration of the drainage before infection (measured in days; Beta [B]: -0.113; odds ratio [OR]: 0.893; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.805-0.991; p = 0.033), the number of antibiotics used for the treatment (B: -1.470; OR: 0.230; 95% CI: 0.072-0.738; p = 0.013), and the number of leucocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; B: -0.016; OR: 0.984; 95% CI: 0.970-0.998; p = 0.027) are risk factors for the prognosis of patients with an intracranial infection. In contrast, the duration of antibiotic treatment (measured in days; B: 0.176; OR: 1.193; 95% CI: 1.063-1.339; p = 0.003) turned out to be a positive factor for recovery from infection. Our results suggest that early identification of the correlated risk factors can improve the prognosis of patients with intracranial infection after neurosurgery.

Labour market flexibility as a factor in economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has largely undermined most economies in the world. To a significant extent the reasons behind this economic nosedive are rooted in the sphere of labour market. The imposed restriction measures made many workers stay at home, and part of them even lost their jobs. The speed of economic recovery in different countries varied depending on how quarantine restrictions were eased. One crucial factor in this process is labour market flexibility and its ability to adapt to changing economic conditions. The purpose of the paper is to explore the relationship between the labour market flexibility and the speed of GDP recovery when the pandemic was waning and the quarantine restrictions were being removed. Methodologically, the study relies on labour economics. The methods are multivariate and logistic regression analysis. The data for the study is sourced from the World Bank and Eurostat and comprises statistics for assessing labour market flexibility and GDP in various countries for 2020–2021. The findings indicate a reverse relationship between the speed of GDP growth recovery during the post-COVID period and the share of part-time employment. Yet taking into account that part-time employment is not only an indicator of the labour market flexibility, but also reflects a general slowdown in production and unemployment, we can attach low speed of recovery to a greater weakness of an economy. The obtained results are insufficient to reject the hypothesis that a more flexible labour market accelerates the recovery of a national economy. At the same time, the study demonstrates that the West European countries generally got over the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis faster than other EU countries. The research contributes to understanding the transformation processes in the labour market under the pandemic as well as provides support for labour market policy development and implementation.

Impaired oligodendrogenesis in the white matter of aged mice following diffuse traumatic brain injury.

Senescence is a negative prognostic factor for outcome and recovery following traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI-induced white matter injury may be partially due to oligodendrocyte demise. We hypothesized that the regenerative capacity of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) declines with age. To test this hypothesis, the regenerative capability of OPCs in young [(10 weeks ±2 (SD)] and aged [(62 weeks ±10 (SD)] mice was studied in mice subjected to central fluid percussion injury (cFPI), a TBI model causing widespread white matter injury. Proliferating OPCs were assessed by immunohistochemistry for the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) marker and labeled by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) administered daily through intraperitoneal injections (50 mg/kg) from day 2 to day 6 after cFPI. Proliferating OPCs were quantified in the corpus callosum and external capsule on day 2 and 7 post-injury (dpi). The number of PCNA/Olig2-positive and EdU/Olig2-positive cells were increased at 2dpi (p < .01) and 7dpi (p < .01), respectively, in young mice subjected to cFPI, changes not observed in aged mice. Proliferating Olig2+/Nestin+ cells were less common (p < .05) in the white matter of brain-injured aged mice, without difference in proliferating Olig2+/PDGFRα+ cells, indicating a diminished proliferation of progenitors with different spatial origin. Following TBI, co-staining for EdU/CC1/Olig2 revealed a reduced number of newly generated mature oligodendrocytes in the white matter of aged mice when compared to the young, brain-injured mice (p < .05). We observed an age-related decline of oligodendrogenesis following experimental TBI that may contribute to the worse outcome of elderly patients following TBI.

Toward the study of the relationship between psychological defenses and psychosocial stress factors in modern foreign science

The phenomenon of psychological defenses is considered from the standpoint of various approaches (cognitive, psychodynamic, behavioral, etc.), to understanding this phenomenon. The novelty in the research of foreign authors of the first quarter of the 21st century is traced. Empirical studies of psychological defenses within the framework of the theory of “stress vaccination”, “minority stress” in connection with “distorted perception”, social control and psychological well-being are presented. The impact of social factors (stress, depression, etc.) on the development of immature psychological defenses in a person, which reduce the level of psychological well-being, the ability to cope with mental conditions and disorders, and the level of self-esteem, is relevant. In cases of gender discrimination, alienation (avoidance) is more often chosen, while stigmatization on some other grounds leads to self-condemnation, self-doubt, and depression. Separate studies are devoted to the negative consequences of the use of immature and neurotic psychological defenses, as a result of which positive results are devalued, and the task is perceived subjectively as more difficult, while the use of mature protective mechanisms increases the mental stability of the individual. A number of modern foreign studies are devoted to understanding psychological defenses as factors of recovery or degradation, for example, the interpretation of the mechanisms underlying depression as protective (“smoke detector”), and sleepwalking and night terrors as a causes of “failure” of more mature and adaptive psychological defenses. The latest research on the trigger of time and place in its relationship with the cognitive processes of a person experiencing a psychotic episode can provide a more favorable outcome on the path of recovery. The purpose of this work was to study the current directions of research on the problem of psychological protection in foreign publications of the late 20th — first quarter of the 21st century. The research methods were the analysis and structured presentation of literary sources of foreign authors on the problem of the phenomenon of psychological defenses in modern foreign science.

ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ РОЗВИТКУ АВІАЦІЙНОЇ ГАЛУЗІ В ПОСТКОНФЛІКТНІЙ УКРАЇНІ

The article deals with the aviation industry, as a symbol of the dynamic development of society. The aviation industry is a multifaceted sector of the economy that plays a key role in international and domestic airspace, stimulating the development of socio-economic, political and cultural ties. Prior to the military aggression, Ukraine had a fairly strong potential, but military actions against our country caused huge losses for the national aviation industry. With the outbreak of hostilities, the airspace over Ukraine was immediately closed. The article examines the extent of the destruction of the aviation industry by military aggression, which led to huge losses for the Ukrainian aviation industry. Examples of national companies that have managed to continue to operate in the airspace of neighboring countries are given. We believe that today, an effective way to utilize the existing fleet and retain the qualifications of aviation industry employees in the closed skies is to work abroad. Unfortunately, this is a very difficult process, given the mobilization measures in our country. The strategic importance of the aviation industry for Ukraine's economy has been proven. But as long as military operations are ongoing, it is extremely difficult to talk about air transportation. We believe that their resumption will depend on the security situation, established infrastructure and trained professionals. The factors that can stimulate the economic growth of the aviation industry in our country and ensure its sustainable and long-term development in the post-conflict period are proposed, namely: support from the Government, restoration of infrastructure, stimulation of demand, development of human resources, innovation and technology. With the right approach, the development of the aviation industry can become one of the key factors in the economic recovery of our country after the conflict. Taking into account all these factors will allow Ukraine to create a competitive and safe aviation industry that will stimulate economic growth and development of our country in the post-conflict period.

Life meanings and values of drug addicts with different durations of remission as components of the psychology of sustainable behavior

The relevance of this study lies in the fact that it draws attention to some factors of successful recovery of drug addicts, those resources that help to maintain stable remission, namely the peculiarities of the value-sense sphere of addictive personality both at the initial stages of recovery and in stable remission. The aim of the study is to investigate the value-sense sphere of drug addicts with different durations of remission in the determination of possible positive changes.The object of the study was 150 drug addicts at different stages of remission. As psychological tools we used the test of life-meaning orientations, adapted by D. A. Leontiev, “Methodology for the study of the system of life meanings” developed by V. Y. Kotlyakov; the method “Value orientations” (M. Rokich). The average data were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis H-criterion. Significant differences in the peculiarities of the value-sense sphere of drug addicts at different stages of remission were revealed. The revealed features should be taken into account when conducting psychological and preventive measures among persons with addictive behavior.

Significance of prothrombin, activated partial thromboplastin, and thrombin times in early rehabilitation after tibial fracture surgery.

To assess the role of prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT) in guiding early rehabilitation following tibial fracture surgery. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 168 patients treated for tibial fractures from May 2020 to May 2022. Patients were divided into good and poor rehabilitation groups based on treatment outcomes. Data on age, gender, BMI, Schatzker classification, operation time, blood loss, PT, APTT, and TT were collected for univariate analysis. ROC curve analysis determined optimal cut-off values, followed by multivariable logistic regression to identify independent risk factors. A nomogram prediction model was then constructed. Independent risk factors for early recovery included age ≥45 years, Schatzker type III, operation time ≥99.5 minutes, APTT≥28.5 seconds, and TT≥13.5 seconds. The nomogram model demonstrated high prediction accuracy with a C-index of 0.980. Prolonged APTT, extended TT, longer operation time, and higher Schatzker classification were identified as independent risk factors influencing early recovery post-surgery. A logistic regression-based prediction model was developed, facilitating the design of personalized rehabilitation training programs to improve patient outcomes.