Fall Number Research Articles

Compositional changes in fecal microbiota in a new Parkinson's disease model: C57BL/6-Tg(NSE-haSyn) mice

BackgroundThe gut–brain axis (GBA) in Parkinson's disease (PD) has only been investigated in limited mice models despite dysbiosis of the gut microbiota being considered one of the major treatment targets for neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, this study examined the compositional changes of fecal microbiota in novel transgenic (Tg) mice overexpressing human α-synuclein (hαSyn) proteins under the neuron-specific enolase (NSE) to analyze the potential as GBA model.ResultsThe expression level of the αSyn proteins was significantly higher in the substantia nigra and striatum of NSE-hαSyn Tg mice than the Non-Tg mice, while those of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were decreased in the same group. In addition, a decrease of 72.7% in the fall times and a 3.8-fold increase in the fall number was detected in NSE-hαSyn Tg mice. The villus thickness and crypt length on the histological structure of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract decreased in NSE-hαSyn Tg mice. Furthermore, the NSE-hαSyn Tg mice exhibited a significant increase in 11 genera, including Scatolibacter, Clostridium, Feifania, Lachnoclostridium, and Acetatifactor population, and a decrease in only two genera in Ligilactobacillus and Sangeribacter population during enhancement of microbiota richness and diversity.ConclusionsThe motor coordination and balance dysfunction of NSE-hαSyn Tg mice may be associated with compositional changes in gut microbiota. In addition, these mice have potential as a GBA model.

Study of variability alpha-amylase isozymes in wheat varieties of Ukrainian breeding

Aim. To investigate the variability of alpha-amylase isoenzymes in soft wheat varieties of Ukrainian selection, created by breeding institutions located in different climatic zones (Forest Steppe and Steppe). Methods. Isoenzymes of alpha-amylase were detected by electrophoretic protein separation in a polyacrylamide gel. The fall number on the «Falling Number 1700» was determined. Results. For a representative assessment of the distribution of alpha-amylase isoenzymes, we studied the zoned varieties of common wheat from two breeding centers located in different climatic zones: the Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv (Forest-steppe) and the Breeding and Genetics Institute of the National Academy of Sciences, Odessa (Steppe). The variability of wheat grain alpha-amylase was revealed. A search for associations between alpha-amylase variants and resistance to pre-harvest grain germination was conducted. Conclusions. The prevalence of alpha-amylase isoenzyme variants in Ukrainian common wheat varieties was estimated. Among Odessa varieties, the AbCd alpha-amylase variant predominates with a frequency of 50.0 %. AbCd and AbCD phenotypes with a frequency of 38.8 % predominate in the selection varieties of the IFRG of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. It was shown that the genotypes containing the AbCD and ABсD isoenzyme variant are more resistant to pre-harvest germination, and the ABCd and AbcD variants are less resistant to pre-harvest grain germination.

The temporal precision of audiovisual integration is associated with longitudinal fall incidents but not sensorimotor fall risk in older adults

Sustained multisensory integration over long inter-stimulus time delays is typically found in older adults, particularly those with a history of falls. However, the extent to which the temporal precision of audio-visual integration is associated with longitudinal fall or fall risk trajectories is unknown. A large sample of older adults (N = 2319) were grouped into longitudinal trajectories of self-reported fall incidents (i.e., decrease, stable, or increase in number) and, separately, their performance on a standard, objective measure of fall risk, Timed Up and Go (TUG; stable, moderate decline, severe decline). Multisensory integration was measured once as susceptibility to the Sound-Induced Flash Illusion (SIFI) across three stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs): 70 ms, 150 ms and 230 ms. Older adults with an increasing fall number showed a significantly different pattern of performance on the SIFI than non-fallers, depending on age: For adults with increasing incidents of falls, those aged 53–59 years showed a much smaller difference in illusion susceptibility at 70 ms versus 150 ms than those aged 70 + years. In contrast, non-fallers showed a more comparable difference between these SOA conditions across age groups. There was no association between TUG performance trajectories and SIFI susceptibility. These findings suggests that a fall event is associated with distinct temporal patterns of multisensory integration in ageing and have implications for our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning brain health in older age.

Development of a personalized fall rate prediction model in community-dwelling older adults: a negative binomial regression modelling approach

BackgroundAround a third of adults aged 65 and older fall every year, resulting in unintentional injuries in 30% of the cases. Fractures are a frequent consequence of falls, primarily caused in individuals with decreased bone strength who are unable to cushion their falls. Accordingly, an individual’s number of experienced falls has a direct influence on fracture risk. The aim of this study was the development of a statistical model to predict future fall rates using personalized risk predictors.MethodsIn the prospective cohort GERICO, several fall risk factor variables were collected in community-dwelling older adults at two time-points four years apart (T1 and T2). Participants were asked how many falls they experienced during 12 months prior to the examinations. Rate ratios for the number of reported falls at T2 were computed for age, sex, reported fall number at T1, physical performance tests, physical activity level, comorbidity and medication number with negative binomial regression models.ResultsThe analysis included 604 participants (male: 122, female: 482) with a median age of 67.90 years at T1. The mean number of falls per person was 1.04 and 0.70 at T1 and T2. The number of reported falls at T1 as a factor variable was the strongest risk factor with an unadjusted rate ratio [RR] of 2.60 for 3 falls (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.54 to 4.37), RR of 2.63 (95% CI 1.06 to 6.54) for 4 falls, and RR of 10.19 (95% CI 6.25 to 16.60) for 5 and more falls, when compared to 0 falls. The cross-validated prediction error was comparable for the global model including all candidate variables and the univariable model including prior fall numbers at T1 as the only predictor.ConclusionIn the GERICO cohort, the prior fall number as single predictor information for a personalized fall rate is as good as when including further available fall risk factors. Specifically, individuals who have experienced three and more falls are expected to fall multiple times again.Trial registrationISRCTN11865958, 13/07/2016, retrospectively registered.

Adjusting conventional FRAX estimates of fracture probability according to the number of prior falls in the preceding year.

Prior falls increase subsequent fracture risk but are not currently directly included in the FRAX tool. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of the number of prior falls on the 10-year probability of fracture determined with FRAX®. We studied 21,116 women and men age 40years or older (mean age 65.7 ± 10.1years) with fracture probability assessment (FRAX®), self-reported falls for the previous year, and subsequent fracture outcomes in a registry-based cohort. The risks of death, hip fracture, and non-hip major osteoporotic fracture (MOF-NH) were determined by Cox proportional hazards regression for fall number category versus the whole population (i.e., an average number of falls). Ten-year probabilities of hip fracture and major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) were determined according to the number of falls from the hazards of death and fracture incorporated into the FRAX model for the UK. The probability ratios (number of falls vs. average number of falls) provided adjustments to conventional FRAX estimates of fracture probability according to the number of falls. Compared with the average number of falls, the hazard ratios for hip fracture, MOF-NH and death were lower than unity in the absence of a fall history. Hazard ratios increased progressively with an increasing number of reported falls. The probability ratio rose progressively as the number of reported falls increased. Probability ratios decreased with age, an effect that was more marked the greater the number of prior falls. The probability ratios provide adjustments to conventional FRAX estimates of fracture probability according to the number of prior falls.

325 DISTINCT INTEGRATION OF RAPIDLY PRESENTED AUDIO-VISUAL EVENTS IN OLDER ADULT RECURRENT FALLERS

Abstract Background The ability to precisely integrate sensory information is critical to everyday functions, including balance/postural control and navigation. Older adults typically integrate sensory information over longer time delays than younger adults, which can reduce the precision of their perceptual judgments. This is particularly evident in older adults with a recent history of falls. However, the extent to which longitudinal patterns of falling or fall risk are associated with the precision of multisensory integration in older adults remains uncertain. Methods A sample of 2,321 older adults were grouped into longitudinal trajectories via self-report fall number (decreasing, stable, increasing) and, separately, sensorimotor fall risk via Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) performance (stable, moderately declining, severely declining). Multisensory integration was measured once with the Sound Induced Flash Illusion, which examines how sound influences vision. A single ‘flash’ and two ‘beeps’ were presented over short (70ms) and longer (150ms and 230ms) temporal delays and older adults were asked to report only the number of ‘flashes’ they perceived. Accuracy on this task was the main outcome measure. Results Our results showed that the likelihood of incorrectly perceiving two ‘flashes’ at longer temporal delays increased with age and this was particularly evident for those with an increasing fall number trajectory. Furthermore, the likelihood of incorrectly perceiving two ‘flashes’ at the short temporal delay decreased with age but only for those same recurrent fallers. There was no association between longitudinal TUG trajectories and task performance. Conclusion Experiencing increasing incidents of falling over ten years is associated with distinct patterns of audio-visual integration in ageing. In contrast, long-term functional mobility is not. This may reflect links between multisensory integration and perturbed balance function and/or compromised cognitive functions (e.g. inhibitory control). Our findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning brain health in older age.

СОРТОВА ПРОДУКТИВНІСТЬ І ЯКІСТЬ ЗЕРНА ПШЕНИЦІ М’ЯКОЇ ЯРОЇ В УМОВАХ ПРАВОБЕРЕЖНОГО ЛІСОСТЕПУ УКРАЇНИ

Variety productivity and grain quality of soft spring wheat depending on the variety are identified, namely the varieties of spring wheat Struna Myronivska (yield 5.19 t/ha, weight of 1000 grains – 35 g, grain-unit – 800 g/l, hardness – 98%), falling number – 331 s, protein content – 4.8%, gluten – 32%) and Panianka (yield - 4.14 ha, fall number - 286 s, gluten quality – 67 units, flour strength – 300 units, volume yield of bread – 1030 cm3, bread porosity – 5 points) best combine high yields and good grain quality. The rheological properties of the dough (flour strength, its elasticity and extensibility) characterize the varieties of soft spring wheat as varieties with high technological properties. The best baking properties are observed in Panianka variety, with porosity and color of bread crumbs 5.0 and 4.8 points, respectively. It is found that Panianka variety has the greatest value as improvers in terms of rheological and baking properties of flour, Struna Myronivska and Simkoda Myronivska are middle filler varieties.

New variety of winter triticale Zubr

The purpose of the work is to create a drought-resistant, highly productive variety of winter triticale for the arid conditions of the Volga region. The article presents the main methods of creating and studying a new variety of winter hexaploid triticale Zubr. Breeding work on the creation of variety Zubr was carried out at the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Organization “Federal Center of Agriculture Research of South-East Region”. The variety was selected by the method of intervarietal hybridization within the genus Triticale, followed by a single individual selection from hybrid population F7 Strelez /Student. The characteristics of the variety according to the most important economically valuable traits are given in comparison with the varieties Student and Valentin 90, approved for the use in the 8th region of the Russian Federation of the state register of breeding achievements. Grain can be used for animal feed in the form of fodder. The increase in grain yield to the standard variety Student on average over the years of study was 9.6 c/ha and to the Valentin 90 – 2.0 c/ha. The high yield of the variety is formed due to the high mass of 1000 grains, the number and weight of grain per spike as main characteristics in the breeding for drought resistance. The laboratory study also confirmed the high drought resistance of the Zubr variety. Cell membrane permeability, as an indirect indicator of drought resistance, had the lowest value in the new cultivar among 70 samples of the world collection. The new variety forms the completed grain (actual weight is 722g/l). The new cultivar and standards did not differ in the crude protein content in the grain (13.3-13.4%). In terms of the fall number, as an indirect indicator of resistance to pre-harvest grain germination, the new variety is inferior to standard varieties.

Cost-effectiveness of Morse Fall Scale assessment in fall prevention care in hospitalized patients.

To analyze the cost-effectiveness of the Morse Fall Scale by clinical big data for nurses in the prevention of falls in hospitalized patients. A total of 59 358 hospitalized patients, who came from the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in 1 year before nurses were trained by the Morse Fall Scale, served as a control, including 26 862 males and 32 496 females. While the 66 203 hospitalized patients served as an observation group in 1 year after nurses were trained by the Morse Fall Scale, including 29 881 males and 36 322 females. The time spent by clinical nurses in the fall-risk assessment and the fall number were recorded in the 2 groups, and the relationship was analyzed between the Morse Fall Scale assessment and the clinical ending along with the labor cost of nursing. The cost-effectiveness was analyzed. In addition, the incidence of fall in the observation group was compared between the falling high-risk patients and the non-high-risk patients. The Morse Fall Scale showed that the incidences of fall in the observation group and the control group were 3.39/100 000 and 3.82/100 000,respectively, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (U=0.807, P>0.05); the injury rates of falls of Grade 2 and above in the observation group and the control group were 27.30% and 20.00%, respectively, with no significant difference (χ2=0.345, P>0.05); but the labor cost was increased by 130 641.82 Chinses Yuan, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 43 547.27. However, the incidence of fall was significant higher in the falling high-risk patients by the assessment of the Morse Fall Scale than that in the non-high-risk patients (U=2.941, P<0.05). The evaluation of the Morse Fall Scale has a certain effect, but it is limited in the prevention of falls in adult hospitalized patients, and the cost-effectiveness analysis is not good. It is recommended to implement the intervention measures for high-risk patients after the assessment, which may improve the management level and efficiency of fall prevention.

Differentiation of corn samples by the interaction of its spare polymers with wheat protein and carbohydrate complexes

The research objectives were to determine the fall number for 24 samples of corn, as well as for wheat samples with the replacement of 20% of the sample with corn material. An assessment of the attackability of maize starch through the change in the falling number upon provocation with an amylase-active material of wheat was carried out. The state of the carbohydrate-amylase complex was assessed by the value of the falling number, by its change when exposed to active amylases, by the change in the falling number of wheat material when it is partially replaced with corn material. The state of the protein-proteinase complex was assessed by the degree and nature of the integration of biopolymers of corn grain with wheat gluten from grain from industrial crops, through washing gluten with the addition of ground corn grain and changing the rheological properties of gluten. In the experiment with high-grade flour with strong gluten, there was a tendency to increase the content of wet gluten in the blended samples. The increase was proved in a significant number of samples: RNIISK-1, Raduga, Zarya, Zabava, No. 515, 554, 592, 638, 797, 876, 891. At the same time, in terms of elastic-viscous properties, the tendency to strengthen gluten remained, although not as large as in the experiment with weak wheat. The strengthening of gluten in mixed samples with varieties Klinok, Stimul, Zukerka was mathematically proved. A number of samples tended to have a moderate weakening of gluten (maximum in No. 515), which was not proven. An increase in elongation was proved in Nos. 513, 515, 638, 891, while significantly decreasing only in the Stimul variety. Thus, varietal diversity was manifested. Extreme gluten strengthening, especially manifested in the experiment with weak wheat, accompanied by the formation of short-growing gluten with a minimum IDC value of up to 27.4 conventional units (unsatisfactory strong), can be called rather a destructive process. Thus, for mixtures with weak wheat, samples with minimal fortification should be considered, for example, the Raduga variety, which can be considered as an improver. Most corn samples are suitable for mixing with strong wheat, however, single samples can impair the rheology of the gluten and, as a result, the dough.

A Timosaponin B-II containing scalp care solution for improvement of scalp hydration, dandruff reduction, and hair loss prevention: A comparative study on healthy volunteers before and after application.

The plant species Anemarrhena asphodeloides has commonly been used for health and therapeutic purposes. Timosaponin B-II, which is present at a high concentration in Aasphodeloides, was found to enhance the immune and anti-inflammatory responses of human bodies. To evaluate benefits of a timosaponin B-II containing scalp care solution on hair loss prevention and scalp healthiness in multiple physiological and biological profiles. Prior the study, 90 subjects applied scalp care solution base without timosaponin B-II for two weeks followed by application of the scalp care solution containing 0.5% timosaponin B-II for 28days. The subject's hair follicle hydrocortisone level, hair fall number, hair luster level, dandruff level, sensation score, hydration level, lipid level, redness as well as the pH level of scalps were quantitatively assessed every 7days. Multiple parameters on hair and scalp conditions were promoted by application of the timosaponin B-II containing scalp care solution. Compared to baseline values, significant improvements in hair luster, scalp hydration, hair fall number, and scalp redness level could be observed. Timosaponin B-II promotes multiple physiological factors on hair and scalps. The scalp care solution containing Aasphodeloides extracts may benefit the scalp healthiness and hair loss prevention.

Varietal differences of grain sorghum in the quality of spare grain polymers

It is determined the number of drops in 34 samples of grain sorghum, as well as in wheat samples with 20% of the sample weight replaced by sorghum material. The attack capacity of grain sorghum starch was assessed by changing the number of drops when provoked by wheat amylase-active material. The state of the carbohydrate-amylase complex was evaluated by the value of the fall number, by its change when exposed to active amylases, and by the change in the fall number of wheat material when it was partially replaced with sorghum material. The state of the protein-proteinase complex was evaluated by the degree and nature of integration of biopolymers of sorghum grain with wheat gluten from grain from industrial sowing, through washing of gluten with the addition of ground sorghum grain and changes in the rheological properties of gluten. On the varietal material of grain sorghum, significant differences in the properties of spare grain polymers were revealed. Sorghum varieties with the potential to improve the properties of wheat flour in mixtures were identified. According to the complex of features, the most universal variety of grain sorghum for mixing with wheat material can be recognized as Cream. Its material did not respond to amylase provocation, moderately improved the low quality of wheat, demonstrated integration with gluten of various qualities, moderately strengthened weak and weakened strong gluten.

Reactive Stepping Responses Mediated by Predictable Manual Waist-Pull Perturbations are Associated with Fall History in Older Adults

Background and Purpose The ability to respond effectively to perturbations is a key element of reactive postural control and is a crucial mediator of falls. Several studies exist in the literature that determine older adults’ responses to perturbations, however those studies typically involve procedures that lack objectivity or applicability outside a laboratory. A study involving waist-pull perturbations with a spring-scale (SS) is an exception. In that study, fall history was most accurately differentiated by a reactive stepping response to a perturbing force of 10% total body weight. Using data from that study, we retrospectively examined the association between fall history and the number of steps accompanying a SS perturbing force of 10% total body weight in older adults. For perspective, the association of fall history with Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) and single limb stance (SLS) times was also determined. Methods Fifty-eight healthy older adults (mean age = 80.7 years) participated in the study. Their 2-year fall history (yes, no) was recorded. All participants underwent SS testing with one-pound incremental, horizontal sagittal plane manual waist-pull perturbations. The number of steps in response to perturbation with 10% total body weight was recorded; TUG and SLS tests were performed. Associations between variables were examined using Spearman (rank-biserial) correlations. Results The median number of steps for fallers was 5 in both anterior and posterior directions. For non-fallers, the median number of steps was 1 and 2 in the anterior and posterior directions, respectively. The significant correlations between fall status and number of steps were 0.772 and 0.813 for the anterior and posterior directions, respectively. Similarly, the significant correlations between fall status and balance tests were 0.722 and -0.456 for the TUG and the SLS, respectively. Conclusions The number of steps accompanying waist-pull perturbations with forces of 10% of body weight were highly explanatory of experiencing a fall during the preceding 2 years.

Individual Responsiveness to Physical Exercise Intervention in Acutely Hospitalized Older Adults.

We analyzed inter-individual variability in response to exercise among acutely hospitalized oldest-old adults. In this ancillary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, 268 patients (mean age 88 years) were assigned to a control (n = 125, usual care) or intervention group (n = 143, supervised exercise, i.e., walking and rising from a chair [1–3 sessions/day]). Intervention group patients were categorized as responders, non-responders, or adverse responders (improved, no change, or impaired function in activities of daily living [ADL, Katz index] from hospital admission to discharge, respectively). We analyzed the association between responsiveness to exercise and variables assessed at baseline (2 weeks pre-admission), admission, during hospitalization, at discharge, and during a subsequent 3-month follow-up. An impaired ADL function and worse nutritional status at admission were associated to a greater responsiveness, whereas a better ADL function at admission, longer hospitalization and lower comorbidity index were associated with a poorer response (p < 0.05). Adverse responders had worse outcomes at discharge and during the follow-up (e.g., impaired physical performance and greater fall number) (p < 0.05). Although exercise intervention helps to prevent ADL function decline in hospitalized oldest-old people, a number of them—particularly those with a better functional/health status at admission and longer hospitalization—are at higher risk of being adverse responders, which can have negative short/middle-term consequences.

Izozyme polymorphism of alpha-amylase in soft wheat

Aim. Study of alpha amylase polymorphism in winter wheat varieties. Methods. Isoenzymes of alpha-amylase were detected by electrophoretic protein separation in a polyacrylamide gel. The fall number on the Falling Number 1700 was determined. Results. Strains from various collections were explored: Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kiev, The Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute – National Center of Seed and Cultivar Investigation of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Ukraine, Odesa and german strains. The polymorphism of wheat grain alpha-amylase was detected by the method of electrophoretic protein separation. We searched associations between variants of alpha-amylase and resistance to pre-harvest germination, the falling number in the examined samples was determined. Conclusions. The frequency of the prevalence of variants for isoenzymes of alpha-amylase in soft wheat varieties was estimated. It was shown that genotypes containing the variant of the isoenzymes АbC are more resistant to pre-harvest germination. Among the studied varieties of PBGI NAAS and IPPG NAS of Ukraine, the variant of alpha-amylase AbC.&#x0D; Keywords: α-amylase, isoenzymes, soft wheat, electrophoresis, falling number.

The influence of body weight loss on gait and stability functioning in obese patients

In our research, we studied changes of gait and balance parameters and the falls frequency in obese patients during weight loss We examined 37 patients aged 23 to 69 years (average age 53.6 ± 11.1 years) with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m 2 (average BMI 40.9 ± 9.3 kg/m 2 ). All patients received recommendations to adhere low-calorie diet and to do physical exercises in order to reduce body weight. We evaluated body weight, the number of falls for 3 months, 10 meters walk test along a flat surface and stabilometry in Romberg test at baseline and after 3 months of weight loss program's start. The average body weight decreased from 124.1 ± 26.6 to 118.1 ± 23.4 kg ( P = 0.022; 95% CI: 2.78, 9.22) in the study group in 3 months. The body weight loss was accompanied by the reduction of the fall's number for last 3 months from 0.14 ± 0.34 to 0,0 ( P = 0.023; 95% CI: 0.02; 0.25) and the speed of 10 m walk from 113.0 ± 8.82 to 105.5 ± 3.03 s ( P = 0.005; 95% CI: 2.86, 12.14). According to the stabilometry data, the coefficient of stability improved from 113.5 ± 9.11 to 104.0 ± 2.16% ( P = 0.012; 95% CI: 3.035, 16.10) and the movement speed of the pressure center - from 113.4 ± 8.9 to 104.0 ± 2.2 mm/s ( P = 0.01; 95% CI: 3.04; 15.81). Deviation of the pressure center in the sagittal and frontal plane decreased from 113.6 ± 9.1 to 104.0 ± 2.2 mm ( P = 0.01; 95% CI: 3.03, 16.1), speed index changed from 113.0 ± 9.1 to 104.0 ± 2.2 ( P = 0.01, 95% CI: 3.0, 16.1) and overall rating movement reduced from 109.9 ± 6.8 to 104.0 ± 2.0 ( P = 0.0037, 95% CI: 0.5; 11.2) after 3 months of weight loss program's start. The weight loss in obese patients is associated with the decline of falls frequency, improvement of gait speed, static and balance functioning.

Elucidation of the mechanism that forms breadbaking properties of the spelt grain

The technology of making dough from spelt flour differs from that known for flour of soft wheat in which starch grains are firmly bound to the protein matrix. It has been established that the content of protein in spelt grain varied from 15.0 % to 22.5 % for varieties and from 14.0 % to 19.8 % for lines. The content of gluten does not depend on the origin of varieties and lines. It amounted to 31.6‒44.9 % in the grain of varieties and 29.2‒43.6 % in the grain of lines. Technological properties of grain of introgressive lines are similar to those of grain of interspecies spelt lines. Index of gluten deformation of grain of spelt varieties and lines varied from 97 to 116 points and the fall number varied from 389 to 416 s. The spelt baking properties differ from those of soft wheat since the maximum gas-holding capacity of dough prepared of spelt flour comes after 60‒90 min of fermentation and then rapidly decreases. The highest stability during fermentation had dough prepared of flour of Zoria Ukrainy variety and NSS 6/01 and NAK34/12-2 lines. Volume of the bread baked of prime flour was from 303 to 523 cm3, which corresponded to 1.0‒7.6 points. The corresponding figure for dark flour was from 270 to 470 cm3 depending on spelt variety and line. Its quality was high in all samples: 7.2‒8.4 points or 80‒93 % of the maximum value. The bread baked of flour of Zoria Ukrainy variety and LPP 3132, NAK34/12-2 and TV 1100 lines was of the highest quality. The overall estimate of quality of the bread baked of dark flour was very high (8.3‒9.0 points) while the bread baked of flour of Swedish 1 variety and LPP 3117, LPP 3122/2, P 3, LPP 3132, NAK34/12-2 lines had the highest quality (9.0 points). Glossiness of the bread surface and its overall estimate were influenced by the content of protein in grain. Gluten content affected bread quality somewhat less. Gluten deformation index also affected crust surface, pore size and the overall estimate of bread. The bread baked of flour of Zoria Ukrainy variety and LPP 3132, NAK34/12-2 and TV 1100 lines had the highest overall culinary estimate. Technological properties of grain of 16 spelt varieties and lines have been theoretically substantiated and experimentally confirmed. Differences between quality of the bread baked of prime and dark flour were analyzed. Relevance of the differentiated approach to the technological properties of flour for its production was shown. Based on the study of physical-chemical and organoleptic characteristics of bread, promising possibility of its use in the baking technology has been confirmed for expanding assortment of products and improving their quality.

Development and evaluation of the Medication-based Index of physical Function (MedIP)

the development of an objective and comprehensive drug-based index of physical function for older adults has the potential to more accurately predict fall risk. the index was developed using 862 adults (ages 57-85) from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) Wave 1 study. The index was evaluated in 70 adults (ages 51-88) from a rehabilitation study of dizziness and balance. the prevalence among 601 drugs for 1,694 side effects was used with fall history to determine the magnitude of each side effect's contribution towards physical function. This information was used to calculate a Medication-based Index of Physical function (MedIP) score for each individual based on his or her medication profile. The MedIP was compared to the timed up and go (TUG) test as well as drug counts using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The associations between various indices of physical function and MedIP were calculated. within the NSHAP data set, the MedIP was better than drug counts or TUG at predicting falls based on ROC analysis. Using scores above and below the cutpoint, the MedIP was a significant predictor of falls (OR = 2.61 [95% CI 1.83, 3.64]; P < 0.001). Using an external data set, it was shown that the MedIP was significantly correlated with fall number (P = 0.044), composite physical function (P = 0.026) and preferred gait speed (P = 0.043). the MedIP has the potential to become a useful tool in the healthcare and fall prevention of older individuals.

Exercise Frequency, Health Risk Factors, and Diseases of the Elderly

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of exercise frequency on various diseases and risk factors of the elderly. DesignRetrospective analysis of a randomized controlled 18-month exercise trial. SettingUniversity ambulatory group setting. ParticipantsCommunity-dwelling women aged ≥65 years (N=162) in the area of Northern Bavaria. InterventionMixed, intense aerobic, resistance, and balance protocol for 18 months. Subjects were retrospectively subdivided into 2 groups according to their effective attendance over 18 months (>1–<2 vs ≥2–4 sessions/wk). Main Outcome MeasuresBone mineral density (BMD), lean body mass, appendicular skeletal muscle mass by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, Framingham study-based 10-year coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, and number of falls by calendar method. ResultsSignificant differences between the low-frequency exercise group (LF-EG) and the high-frequency exercise group (HF-EG) were observed for lumbar spine BMD (HF-EG, 2.4%±2.8% vs LF-EG, 0.3%±2.2%; P<.001) and proximal femur BMD (HF-EG, 2.4%±2.8% vs LF-EG, −0.5%±1.6%; P=.014), lean body mass (1.6%±3.4% vs 0.3%±2.6%, P=.053), and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (0.9%±4.5% vs −1.3%±3.2%, P=.011). No differences between both exercise groups were observed for 10-year CHD risk (−1.94%±4.14% vs −2.00%±3.13%; P=.943) and number of falls (0.95±1.36 vs 1.03±1.21 falls/person). Comparing the LF-EG with the less active control group (n=47), only nonsignificant effects for fall number (P=.065) and 10-year CHD risk (P=.178) were evaluated. ConclusionsAlthough this result might not be generalizable across all exercise types and cohorts, it indicates that an overall exercise frequency of at least 2 sessions/wk may be crucial for impacting bone and muscle mass of elderly subjects.

Six-Minute Walk Distance in Persons With Parkinson Disease: A Hierarchical Regression Model

Falvo MJ, Earhart GM. Six-minute walk distance in persons with Parkinson disease: a hierarchical regression model. Objectives To determine the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) in subjects with Parkinson disease (PD) and to determine the impairments that contribute to walking capacity. Design Descriptive cross-sectional study of subjects with PD. Setting University laboratory. Participants Subjects with PD (N=75; 65.0±9.5y) of mild to moderate severity, as defined by an average Hoehn and Yahr (HY) rating of 2.0±0.4 and Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score of 27±8.9, were tested on medication. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Subjects were administered the motor subsection of the UPDRS and completed the following tests: Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up & Go (TUG), and six-minute walk test. In addition, they also provided self-reports of freezing of gait and number of falls in the past 6 months. Results The average 6MWD was 391.6±99.9m. All of the aforementioned tests, with the exception of fall number ( P=.07), correlated significantly with 6MWD ( r range, −.64 to .55). By using a hierarchical regression model, we entered age, HY, and UPDRS motor score into the first block (ie, set of independent variables) to represent parkinsonian characteristics, which explained a significant amount of variability in 6MWD ( R 2=.196, P<.001). The second block entered (eg, functional measures scores, self-reports) explained a significant amount of additional variability ( R 2 change=.355, P<.001). The TUG, BBS, and number of falls contributed independently in the presence of all independent variables. Conclusions The 6MWD in subjects with PD is explained in part by disease-specific characteristics and perhaps to a greater extent by impaired balance and predisposition to falling. Training targeted at improving balance and reducing falling risk factors may increase 6MWD (ie, walking capacity) in subjects with PD.