Functional Assessment Tests Research Articles

Double-Layer Flexible Neural Probe With Closely Spaced Electrodes for High-Density in vivo Brain Recordings

Flexible polymer neural probes are an attractive emerging approach for invasive brain recordings, given that they can minimize the risks of brain damage or glial scaring. However, densely packed electrode sites, which can facilitate neuronal data analysis, are not widely available in flexible probes. Here, we present a new flexible polyimide neural probe, based on standard and low-cost lithography processes, which has 32 closely spaced 10 μm diameter gold electrode sites at two different depths from the probe surface arranged in a matrix, with inter-site distances of only 5 μm. The double-layer design and fabrication approach implemented also provides additional stiffening just sufficient to prevent probe buckling during brain insertion. This approach avoids typical laborious augmentation strategies used to increase flexible probes’ mechanical rigidity while allowing a small brain insertion footprint. Chemical composition analysis and metrology of structural, mechanical, and electrical properties demonstrated the viability of this fabrication approach. Finally, in vivo functional assessment tests in the mouse cortex were performed as well as histological assessment of the insertion footprint, validating the biological applicability of this flexible neural probe for acquiring high quality neuronal recordings with high signal to noise ratio (SNR) and reduced acute trauma.

Comparison of the prognostic significance of 5 comorbidity scores and 12 functional tests in a prospective multiple myeloma patient cohort.

Because of the various therapeutic options available for multiple myeloma (MM), remarkable interest exists today in individualized therapeutic concepts based on patients' fitness. The main objectives of this study were to compare different comorbidity scores and functional tests with respect to their impact on survival (overall survival [OS] and progression-free survival [PFS]); develop a time-efficient, MM-specific functional assessment (FA); and evaluate changes in patients' FA during treatment. The authors performed a prospective FA in 266 consecutive patients with MM at their initial diagnosis. This included 5 comorbidity scores and 12 commonly used geriatric functional tests. To evaluate changes in the course of treatment, the authors reassessed these 17 tests after ≥6 months. The entire analysis included 7327 FA tests. On the basis of univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, the authors identified 4 of the 17 evaluated scores and functional tests as most relevant: the Revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index (R-MCI), Activity of Daily Living (ADL), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the quality-of-life 12-Item Short Form Health Survey Physical Composite Scale (SF-12 PCS). These showed precise group differences for fit, (intermediate-fit), and frail patients in OS and PFS: the 3-year OS rates were 90%, 74%, and 43% via the R-MCI for fit, intermediate-fit, and frail patients, respectively (P = .0006); 80% and 66% via the ADL for fit and frail patients, respectively (P = .0159); 78% and 48% via the MMSE for fit and frail patients, respectively (P = .0001); and 86% and 66% via the SF-12 PCS for fit and frail patients, respectively (P = .0091). In follow-up analyses, 16 of 17 FA tests improved, mostly in younger patients (<70 years old) and responding patients (partial remission or better). Patients may recover from functional and physical limitations under applied MM therapy. The newly established MM-specific FA (via the R-MCI, ADL, MMSE, and SF-12 PCS) allows a precise evaluation of the prognosis and risk status in MM. Its use may improve treatment tolerability and should be validated to individualize MM treatment decisions in the future. The authors performed a prospective functional assessment (FA) in 266 consecutive patients with multiple myeloma at their initial diagnosis. On the basis of univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, the authors identified 4 of 17 initially evaluated scores and functional tests as most relevant: the Revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index, Activity of Daily Living, the Mini-Mental State Examination, and the quality-of-life 12-Item Short Form Health Survey Physical Composite Scale. The authors checked the stability of the final model by applying forward and stepwise selection. To evaluate changes in the course of treatment, they reassessed these 17 tests in 165 patients after ≥6 months: 16 of the 17 FA tests improved, mostly in younger patients (<70 years old) and responding patients (partial remission or better).

Metabolomic profiling of anaerobic and aerobic energy metabolic pathways in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

While there is no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), its progressive nature and the formidable challenge to manage its symptoms warrant a more extensive study of the pathogenesis and related mechanisms. A new emphasis on COPD study is the change of energy metabolism. For the first time, this study investigated the anaerobic and aerobic energy metabolic pathways in COPD using the metabolomic approach. Metabolomic analysis was used to investigate energy metabolites in 140 COPD patients. The significance of energy metabolism in COPD was comprehensively explored by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease-GOLD grading, acute exacerbation vs. stable phase (either clinical stability or four-week stable phase), age group, smoking index, lung function, and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score. Through comprehensive evaluation, we found that COPD patients have a significant imbalance in the aerobic and anaerobic energy metabolisms in resting state, and a high tendency of anaerobic energy supply mechanism that correlates positively with disease progression. This study highlighted the significance of anaerobic and low-efficiency energy supply pathways in lung injury and linked it to the energy-inflammation-lung ventilatory function and the motion limitation mechanism in COPD patients, which implies a novel therapeutic direction for this devastating disease.

Clinical effects of intermittent oro-esophageal tube feeding combined with Xuanqiaoliyan decotion in stroke patients with dysphagia

To investigate the clinical effects of intermittent oro-esophageal tube feeding (IOE) combined with Xuanqiaoliyan decotion in stroke patients with dysphagia. A prospective study was conducted. Stroke patients with dysphagia admitted to Yidu Central Hospital Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University from January 2018 to December 2019 were enrolled. According to the simple random sampling method, the patients were divided into control group and observation group, with 50 cases in each group. The control group was given routine swallowing function training, including low-frequency pulse electrical stimulation, swallowing function training and acupuncture treatment. The observation group was given IOE and Xuanqiaoliyan decoction (prescription composition: Rhizoma acori tatarinowii 15 g, Radix polygalae 10 g, Rhizoma gastrodiae 15 g, Arisaema cum bile 6 g, Rhizoma typhonii 6 g, Scorpio 6 g, Bombyx batryticatus 6 g, Perilla frutescens 10 g, Rhizoma pinelliae 10 g, Pericarpium citri reticulatae 10 g, Rhizoma zingiberis recens 3 tablets, decoction 200 mL, twice in the morning and evening by oral or nasal feeding) on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 14 days. The standard swallowing function assessment (SSA) and water swallow test were used to evaluate the swallowing function before and after treatment. The time required for the improvement of swallowing function, total hospitalization time and the therapeutic effects were observed and the safety assessment was conducted. There were no significant differences in the gender, age, course of disease, and location and frequency of stroke between the two groups. After treatment, both the SSA scores in the two groups were decreased, and the grading of water swallow test was improved. The SSA scores in the observation group were significantly lower than that in the control group (19.8±1.8 vs. 23.2±3.2, P < 0.05), the recovery degree of water swallow test was higher than that in the control group [complete recovery (cases): 18 vs. 13, basic recovery (cases): 23 vs. 18, effective (cases): 9 vs. 19, χ2 = -2.107, P = 0.008]. The total effective rate of swallowing function in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (94.0% vs. 80.0%, Z = 4.684, P = 0.012), the time for improvement (days: 12.8±2.6 vs. 16.9±4.3, t = 11.628, P = 0.008)and total hospitalization time (days: 20.8±4.2 vs. 33.5±5.6, t = 10.924, P = 0.015) were shorter than those in the control group. In the observation group, there was 1 case of throat discomfort during the operation of IOE, and the symptoms disappeared after the operation; there was 1 case of mild elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) respectively, which returned to normal after the treatment. No adverse symptoms and damage to the liver and kidney were observed in the control group. IOE combined with Xuanqiaoliyan decotion could significantly improve the swallowing function of stroke patients with dysphagia, shorten the hospitalization time, and improve the curative effects and lifequality.

Preclinical animal studies in ischemic stroke: Challenges and some solutions.

Despite the impressive efficacies demonstrated in preclinical research, hundreds of potentially neuroprotective drugs have failed to provide effective neuroprotection for ischemic stroke in human clinical trials. Lack of a powerful animal model for human ischemic stroke could be a major reason for the failure to develop successful neuroprotective drugs for ischemic stroke. This review recapitulates the available cerebral ischemia animal models, provides an anatomical comparison of the circle of Willis of each species, and describes the functional assessment tests used in these ischemic stroke models. The distinct differences between human ischemic stroke and experimental stroke in available animal models is explored. Innovative animal models more closely resembling human strokes, better techniques in functional outcome assessment and better experimental designs generating clearer and stronger evidence may help realise the development of truly neuroprotective drugs that will benefit human ischemic stroke patients. This may involve use of newer molecules or revisiting earlier studies with new experimental designs. Translation of any resultant successes may then be tested in human clinical trials with greater confidence and optimism.

Functional tests for assessment of residual CFTR channel activity and personalized selection of efficacious CFTR-modulators for cystic fibrosis patients with ‘mild’ and ‘severe’ genetic variants

Intestinal current measurement (ICM) and forskolin-induced swelling (FIS) assay in human intestinal organoids from rectal biopsies of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are the new functional tests for assessment of CFTR channel activity that are widely used in the leading laboratories worldwide for scientific and clinical studies.The aim of the study was to assess the use of the new functional tests in adult CF patients with identified N1303K and R334W CFTR gene variants.Methods. Rectal suction biopsies were obtained from the two CF patients aged 36 and 27 years with N1303K/3821delT and R334W/F508del CFTR mutations, respectively. Results of the ICM and FIS assay in intestinal organoids were compared to the clinical data.Results. ICM has demonstrated that R334W is a ‘mild’ genetic variant with high residual CFTR channel activity. At the same time, N1303K is a ‘severe’ genetic variant and leads to a severe loss of CFTR channel function. These findings correlate with the clinical data. CFTR modulators compensate for the reduced activity of the R334W CFTR variant, as shown by the FIS assay. But there was a limited response of the forskolin-stimulated organoids to VX-770 potentiator and VX-809 corrector in the cells with N1303K genetic variant.Conclusion. ICM and FIS assay in human intestinal organoids are reliable methods for quantification of CFTR channel activity. They can also predict the efficacy of the targeted therapy in CF patients in vivo.

WeChat as a Platform for Baduanjin Intervention in Patients With Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in China: Retrospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundPulmonary rehabilitation is a crucial part of the nonpharmacological treatment of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but management remains problematic. WeChat could serve as a useful tool in patient management. Baduanjin is a popular exercise in China that is usually applied in pulmonary rehabilitation, which has been confirmed to be effective in improving lung function and life quality.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the efficiency of WeChat in the management of Baduanjin exercise in COPD patients.MethodsA total of 200 patients from the respiratory department of Putuo Hospital participated in the Baduanjin rehabilitation project from September 2018 to October 2019, and were randomly assigned to the WeChat and control groups and followed up using the WeChat platform or telephone for 12 weeks. The frequency of Baduanjin exercise, lung function (percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 second predicted, FEV1% predicted), and COPD assessment test (CAT) scores were collected and compared between the two groups. The number of message exchanges and a satisfaction survey on the WeChat platform were used to assess the feasibility of WeChat management outside the hospital.ResultsThe Baduanjin exercise frequency significantly differed between the control group and WeChat group (F=33.82, P<.001) and across various time points (F=214.87, P<.001). After the follow-up on WeChat, there were fewer patients not performing Baduanjin exercise. The FEV1% predicted value significantly differed before and after Baduanjin exercise in the control group (Z=−3.686, P<.001) and the WeChat group (Z=−6.985, P<.001). A significant difference in the FEV1% predicted value was observed after Baduanjin exercise between the two groups (Z=−3.679, P<.001). The CAT score significantly differed before and after Baduanjin exercise in the control group (Z=−4.937, P<.001) and the WeChat group (Z=−5.246, P<.001). A significant difference in the CAT score was observed after Baduanjin exercise between the two groups (Z=−5.246, P<.001). The number of completed Baduanjin exercises, lung function, and CAT scores in active patients were higher than those in nonactive patients. All satisfaction survey items were scored with more than 4 points. Among the items, the highest score (mean 4.54, SD 0.77) was for continued WeChat management, followed by the effective management of Baduanjin exercise (mean 4.46, SD 0.87). The patients in the WeChat group showed much higher enthusiasm for and compliance with Baduanjin exercise, resulting in better life quality and lung function. The patients were very satisfied with the WeChat management because of the obvious curative effect and home feeling.ConclusionsThe WeChat platform provided a feasible, effective, and sustainable management plan for Baduanjin rehabilitation.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900028248; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=46995

Інструменти оцінки функції верхньої кінцівки у хворих що перенесли інсульт: прогностична роль екстензії пальців кисті

The purpose of the study was to determine the prognostic role of finger extension and to assess the function of the upper extremity in patients with stroke. Materials and methods. The study was performed on the basis of the Medical Center "Expert Health" and clinical units of Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University, Mykolaiv, Ukraine during 2020-2021. 89 patients who underwent acute cerebrovascular accident by ischemic type with paresis of the upper extremity were examined. All patients were examined in accordance with current clinical protocols in 3 and 6 months after undergoing stroke. Additionally, patients underwent a standard hand function test – Action Research Arm Test, as well as an extended test – Action Research Arm Test +in its own modification (IsoTren LTD). Statistical processing was performed by methods of analysis of variance and correlation using Statisica 13.0 software (TIBCO, USA). Results and discussion. When assessing the functional status of patients, the average values of Barthel Index were 65.4±1.4 points, which corresponded to 2.7±0.3 points by modified Rankin Scale. The main difficulties were observed in such skills as writing (d170), use of means of communication (landline and mobile phone, computer, gadgets – d360), fine motor movements (d440), cooking (d630), eating (d550), washing (d510), personal hygiene (d520) and toilet use (d530), etc. When evaluated according to the standard Action Research Arm Test 3 months after the stroke, the average score was 39.9±1.5, according to the subtest of the Extensors’ Function Assessment Test – 8.3±0.4 points, which corresponds to the overall score for Action Research Arm Test +of 48.1±1.4 points. After 6 months, the score of the Action Research Arm Test 3 months after the stroke, the average score was 43.4±1.2 points ( = +8.8%), according to the subtest of the Extensors’ Function Assessment Test – 9.9±0.4 points ( = +19.3%), which corresponds to the overall score on Action Research Arm Test +of 53.2±1.3 points ( = +10.6%). Correlation analysis showed that the results of the subtest of the Extensors’ Function Assessment Test and Action Research Arm Test significantly correlate with each other (r = 0.72 p &lt;0.01). The developed original test to assess the function of extensors has a specificity of 95.6% with a sensitivity of 98.5% (J = 0.95). This estimate corresponds to LR += 24.75, which allows us to assess the prognostic value of finger extension as very high. When assessing the internal consistency of the standard test Action Research Arm Test and Action Research Arm Test +, it was found that Cronbach = 0.87, which indicates a high degree of consistency of the tests. Conclusion. It is advisable to use the extensor function assessment test together with the standard Action Research Arm Test (modified Action Research Arm Test +)

Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of Gait Training Assisted by Multichannel Functional Electrical Stimulation in Early Stroke Rehabilitation: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background. Many stroke survivors suffer from leg muscle paresis, resulting in asymmetrical gait patterns, negatively affecting balance control and energy cost. Interventions targeting asymmetry early after stroke may enhance recovery of walking. Objective. To determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of up to 10 weeks of gait training assisted by multichannel functional electrical stimulation (MFES gait training) applied to the peroneal nerve and knee flexor or extensor muscle on the recovery of gait symmetry and walking capacity in patients starting in the subacute phase after stroke. Methods. Forty inpatient participants (≤31 days after stroke) were randomized to MFES gait training (experimental group) or conventional gait training (control group). Gait training was delivered in 30-minute sessions each workday. Feasibility was determined by adherence (≥75% sessions) and satisfaction with gait training (score ≥7 out of 10). Primary outcome for efficacy was step length symmetry. Secondary outcomes included other spatiotemporal gait parameters and walking capacity (Functional Gait Assessment and 10-Meter Walk Test). Linear mixed models estimated treatment effect postintervention and at 3-month follow-up. Results. Thirty-seven participants completed the study protocol (19 experimental group participants). Feasibility was confirmed by good adherence (90% of the participants) and participant satisfaction (median score 8). Both groups improved on all outcomes over time. No significant group differences in recovery were found for any outcome. Conclusions. MFES gait training is feasible early after stroke, but MFES efficacy for improving step length symmetry, other spatiotemporal gait parameters, or walking capacity could not be demonstrated. Trial Registration. Netherlands Trial Register (NTR4762).

The relationship between physical performance and quality of life and the level of physical activity among the elderly.

BACKGROUND:Loss of physical function during the process of aging might affect the quality of life. Physical function assessment tests predicts outcomes such as falls, institutionalization, and death. Studies assessing the association of physical function with quality of life and physical activity level of elderly population in India is scarce. Hence we aimed to assess the physical function of community dwelling older adults and to determine its association with physical activity levels and quality of life.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This was a cross-sectional analytical study. 89 community dwelling older adults between 60 and 80 years of age were recruited. Physical function was assessed by standing balance, walking speed, and grip strength. Quality of life was assessed by WHO QOL BREF questionnaire and physical activity level was assessed by International Physical activity Questionnaire.RESULTS:Standing balance was reduced in 24% and walking speed was decreased in 33% of the participants. Males had higher walking speed, and grip strength. Quality of life was better among males. Standing balance, walking speed and grip strength was significantly higher in moderate – heavy activity levels. There was positive correlation between physical function and quality of life. There was also positive correlation between physical activity level and quality of life.CONCLUSION:Physical function, quality of life and physical activity level were decreased. Males had better physical function and quality of life. Physically active individuals had better physical function and quality of life. Early detection of decreased physical function and increase in physical activity level could result in better quality of life among elderly.

Clinical analysis of selective laryngeal reinnervation using upper root of phrenic nerve and hypoglossal nerve branch in the treatment of bilateral vocal fold paralysis

Objective: To evaluate the airway and voice quality improvement in patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) who underwent selective laryngeal reinnervation surgery. Methods: From January 2012 to December 2016, a retrospective study was conducted in 39 patients with BVFP who underwent selective laryngeal reinnervation surgery in Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Navy Medical University. All patients were examined by videostroboscopy, vocal function assessment, laryngeal electromyography and pulmonary function test before and after the surgery, and followed up for at least 2 years to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the surgery.Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to analyze the G score and VHI-10 score data. Paired t-test was used to analyze acoustic parameters, MPT values and pulmonary function parameters. Results: Postoperative infection and hemorrhage occurred in one patient separately.Videostroboscopic videos showed that at 4-8 months postoperatively, vocal folds in 35 patients achieved moderate or severe abduction during inspiration, 2 patients only achieved mild abduction, 2 patients showed no abduction,while all patients achieved adduction in bilateral vocal cords during phonation. The recovery rate of moderate-to-severe abduction was 89.7% (35/39), and these patients were decannulated successfully. At 12 months after operation, G score and VHI-10 score were significantly lower than those before operation (P<0.05), and the acoustic parameters jitter, shimmer, HNR and MPT were significantly improved (P<0.05). Most of the parameters of the pulmonary function test at 3 months postoperatively returned to the normal reference level, while the maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax) at 12 months after operation was still slightly lower than the normal level, but it was significantly improved compared with preoperative value (P<0.05). The EMG data at 12 months postoperatively showed full interference potentials in 37 patients in bilateral posterior cricoarytenoid muscles during inspiration, and full interference potentials in bilateralthyroarytenoid muscles during phonation. Obvious misdirected regeneration electric activitieswere found in two of them. Potentials in posterior cricoarytenoid muscle were weak in 2 cases with poor abduction. During long-term follow-up, only one case showed decreased abduction, but did not affect respiratory function. Conclusions: The selective laryngeal reinnervation procedure applied in the present study can restore physiological motion of vocal cords. The success rate was high, the curative effect was stable, and the complications were rare. It is worth of promotion.

Validity of the GAITRite Walkway Compared to Functional Balance Tests for Fall Risk Assessment in Geriatric Outpatients.

This study examined the concurrent validity between gait parameters from the GAITRite walkway and functional balance test commonly used in fall risk assessment. Patients were sampled from one geriatric outpatient clinic. One physiotherapist evaluated the patients on the GAITRite walkway with three repetitions in both single- and dual-task conditions. Patients were further evaluated with Bergs Balance scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait index (DGI), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Sit To Stand test (STS). Correlations between quantitative gait parameters and functional balance test were analyzed with Spearman’s rank correlations. Correlations strength was considered as follows: negligible <0.1, weak 0.10–0.39, moderate 0.40–0.69, and strong ≥0.70. We included 24 geriatric outpatients in the study with a mean age of 80.6 years (SD: 5.9). Patients received eight (SD: 4.5) different medications on average, and seven (29.2%) patients used walkers during ambulation. Correlations between quantitative gait parameters and functional balance test ranged from weak to moderate in both single- and dual-task conditions. Moderate correlations were observed for DGI, TUG, and BBS, while STS showed weak correlations with all GAITRite parameters. For outpatients analyzed on the GAITRite while using walkers, correlations showed no clear pattern across parameters with large variation within balance tests.

Balance and muscle strength tests in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures to develop tailored rehabilitation programs.

Authors perform a cross-sectional study of functional abilities of the patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures (VFs). Trunk muscle isometric strength and postural balance impairments were estimated. The development of osteoporotic VFs is associated with a significant decrease in strength of all the body muscles, especially the deep spinal stabilization system, i.e trunk extensor (TE), trunk flexsor (TF), where the VFs contribute to inappropriate distribution of back muscle strength with TE:TF ration of 1:1 instead of 3:2, observed both normally and in patients with uncomplicated osteoporosis. There is also a deterioration of stabilometry and functional coordination assessment tests in patients with pathological VFs, that indicate abnormalities of both static and dynamic postural balance. The obtained data should be taken into account when developing rehabilitation programmes for osteoporosis patients who have suffered compression VFs.

Balance and muscle strength tests in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures to develop tailored rehabilitation programs

Authors perform a cross-sectional study of functional abilities of the patients with osteoporotic VF. Trunk muscle isometric strength and balance impairments were estimated. The development of osteoporotic VFs is associated with a significant decrease in strength of all the body muscles, especially the deep spinal stabilization system (TE, TF), where the VFs contribute to inappropriate distribution of back muscle strength with TE:TF ration of 1:1 instead of 3:2, observed both normally and in patients with uncomplicated osteoporosis. There is also a deterioration of stabilometry and functional balance assessment tests in patients with pathological VFs, which indicates abnormalities of both static and dynamic balance. The obtained data should be taken into account when developing rehabilitation programmes for patients with osteoporosis who have suffered compression VFs.

Psychometric Properties of Strength and Cardiovascular Endurance Items of The Persian Version of Functional Fitness Assessment Test in the Iranian Elderly

Objectives: The present research was conducted to evaluate the psychometric properties (validity and reliability) of Persian version of strength and cardiovascular endurance items of functional fitness assessment test in Iranian elderly. Methods &amp; Materials: The statistical sample consisted of 200 elderly (100 males and 100 females) with mean aged 68.05±5.21 years old that were selected by random cluster sampling in Tehran city. The tools used included strength and cardiovascular endurance items of Functional Fitness Assessment test for adults over 60 years (FFAA). Content, structure and concurrent methods was used to evaluate validity. For evaluation of concurrent validity, the hand grip and treadmill tools were used. In order to assess the reliability, the temporal and internal consistency methods were used. Results: The results showed that the content validity of strength and cardiovascular endurance items were confirmed (90%-95%). Results of construct validity showed that the Pearson correlation coefficient between age with strength and cardiovascular endurance items is meaningful significant (0.71-0.75). Results of Pearson correlation coefficient test showed that the correlation between strength and cardiovascular endurance items and laboratory tests related to each of them were obtained for high levels (0.90-0.96). Therefore, the correlation obtained indicates the concurrent validity of this test items. Also, results showed that the test-retest interclass correlation test with a one-week interval, indicate that the temporal stability is acceptable (0.81-0.85). Furthermore, the results of Cronbach's alpha coefficient showed that the internal consistency of each item was acceptable (α&gt;0.75). Conclusion: Results indicate that the strength and cardiovascular endurance items in elderly sample are valid and reliable, and the Persian version of these items can be used to assess the functional fitness among Iranian elderly people.

Optical coherence tomography for the investigation of skin adaptation to mechanical stress.

Skin breakdown due to limb-socket interface stress is a significant problem for lower limb prosthesis users. While it is known that skin can adapt to stress to become more resistant to breakdown, little is understood about skin adaptation and few methods exist to noninvasively investigate it. In this study, we present novel, noninvasive imaging methods using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to assess key features of the cutaneous microvasculature that may be involved in skin adaptation. Eight able-bodied participants wore a modified below-knee prosthetic socket for two weeks to stress the skin of their lower limb. Two OCT-based imaging tests were used to assess the function and structure, respectively, of the cutaneous microvasculature at multiple time points throughout the socket wear protocol. A measurable reactive hyperemia response was reliably induced in the skin of study participants in the vascular function assessment test. The vascular structure assessment demonstrated excellent field-of-view repeatability, providing rich data sets of vessel structure. No statistically significant differences were found in any of the measurements when compared between time points of the adaptation protocol. The participants' limbs were likely not stressed enough by the able-bodied socket to induce measurable skin adaptation. This study introduced new techniques to investigate skin adaptation to mechanical stress. If the key limitations are addressed, these methods have the potential to provide insight into the function and structure of the cutaneous microvasculature that previously could not be attained noninvasively.

Indicators of physical activity and fitness of male students at Russian universities

Purpose: A significant volume of data on the level of physical activity and health of male students presents at the literature. Scientists use the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to collect data. Scientists point to the need to use objective practical tests that complement the IPAQ data. The purpose of the research is to search for objective data on the level of physical activity of undergraduate male students receiving education in Russian Federation. Material: Participants – male students (n=205, age-19-20 years). The period of research is March-April 2019. Students were divided into groups: G-1 – students (n=127) who did not have proof of their physical activity in sports and fitness, G-2 – students (n=78) who had provided confirmation. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in its extended version assessing four domains of activity, which was supplemented with original questions regarding perceived physical fitness (high, moderate, low) and favorite physical activity in sports and fitness was used in research. Students' physical fitness profile testing is performed using Functional fitness assessment tests. The collected data were analysed using SPSS20. Physical fitness test results were compared by using Mann-Whitney U–test. Results: The IPAQ data indicate a significant (P&lt;0.001) advantage of students (G-2) in total physical activity. Students (G-1) have a significant (P&lt;0.01) advantage in the volume of physical activity at work. The volume of physical activity in sports and fitness is significantly higher (P&lt;0.001) for students (G-2). Functional fitness tests showed a insufficient level of physical fitness of students (G-1 and G-2). The results indicate a significant (P&lt;0.01) advantage of students (G-2) in physical profile. Conclusions: Russian male students have more total physical activity than male students from African countries, Turkey, Iran, and Ukraine, but have a significantly low total physical activity level than students from some European countries. The total physical activity volume of Russian university male students is slightly less than the recommended by experts (6000 minutes per week or more). The volume of validated physical activity in sports and fitness of Russian students is about 39 minutes per day. The level of physical fitness of Russian male students does not fully comply with the Functional fitness assessment tests targets. A large proportion of sports and fitness physical activity has a significant impact on the results of functional fitness tests. Data on favorite types of physical activity of Russian male students show a preference for young men to physically dominate their peers. Health preservation and health care are not the main aim of students.

RESISTANCE TRAINING IMPROVES THE BLOOD PRESSURE AND FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE OF INDIVIDUALS WITH T2DM

ABSTRACT Introduction: Studies presenting the benefits in people with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) undergoing resistance training with one exercise for each muscle group, with three sets at the same intensity. Objective: To compare functional capacity and blood pressure before and after weight training. Methods: Twenty-three patients participated in a weight training program. Maximum strength and functional assessment tests were performed for the lower and upper limbs. The intervention time was 16 weeks, 12 of which consisted of training and four of evaluations. There was an increase in volume with the number of exercises and an increase in intensity with incremental weights. Results: There was significant improvement in most of the functional tests. In the 5x sit-to-stand test in the pre-training period, nine patients recorded times greater than 13.6 seconds. In the post-training period, four maintained the above time, but two reduced the time from 16.1 and 19.6 to 13.9 seconds. In the maximum load strength test there are a significant increase in both upper and lower limbs with 20.8% and 23.4%, respectively. After the training period, there was a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure both at rest and after exercise. Conclusion: The weight training program improved muscle strength, functional capacity and blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Level of evidence IV; Therapeutic study - Investigation of treatment outcomes.

Randomised clinical trial to determine the safety of quercetin supplementation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

IntroductionQuercetin is a plant flavonoid and has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In a preclinical model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), quercetin reduced markers of both oxidative stress and...

Study on Frailty and Functionality on Routine Clinical Assessment in Allogeneichematopoietic Cell Transplantation to Predict Outcomes

<h3>Introduction</h3> Frailty can adversely affect the outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) but is difficult to measure in busy transplant clinics. We aim to share a preliminary analysis of the applicability and correlation between our selected frailty assessment with transplant outcomes and complications. <h3>Methods</h3> The present study is a single center prospective observational study. Patients referred for transplant underwent the following assessments conducted by different providers. Frailty and function assessment tests by clinician evaluating (a) Clinical Frailty scale (CFS) with 9 points based on clinical judgement (Rockwood 2005) (b) Lawton's Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Objective physical performance by nursing BMT coordinator using (a) TUGT and (b) Grip strength using hydraulic "Jamar" hand dynamometer conducted in clinic room at time of documentation. Self assessment by patient completing (a) Self-rated health (SRH) question and (b) a question on falls. Blood tests (a) CRP (b) Albumin. The parameters were individually correlated with overall survival (OS), non-relapse mortality (NRM), cumulative incidence (cum.Inc) of acute (a)GVHD, median time of transplant hospitalization and readmissions. Multivariate analysis was not performed due to limited sample size and low frequency of adverse events. Ninety-six consecutive adult patients were included. All ages were included. Last follow-up was July 2019. <h3>Results</h3> Baseline characteristics and post-transplant information are noted in the Table 1 (Figure 1). Median follow up of cohort was 5 months. Overall, median OS at 6 months was 73.9% (range 61.7-82.8), NRM at day+100 was 8.7% (range 2.6-14.7), Cum.Inc of aGVHD 41.1% (range 30.1-52.1), Cum.Inc gr II-IV aGVHD was 25.7% (range 15.6-35.9). Relapse occurred in 8 cases (8.3%) and deaths in 23 (23.9%). Results provided by the univariate analysis are summarized in the Table 2 (Figure 1). <h3>Conclusions</h3> With selected brief tools, frailty and functionality can be assessed as part of routine clinical practice in alloHSCT in all age groups without extra waiting time for patients or additional human resources. TUGT is a useful prognostic tool which can be conducted in a clinic room and correlates with OS, NRM, and duration of hospitalization. Larger number of patients and longer follow-up will help to evaluate the different assessment modalities as prognostic tools in allo-HSCT and their wider applicability.