Index Of Functional Activity Research Articles

Alleviative Effect of Exogenous Application of Fulvic Acid on Nitrate Stress in Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)

Salt stress could be a significant factor limiting the growth and development of vegetables. In this study, Fulvic Acid (FA) (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%, 0.2%, and 0.25%) was applied under nitrate stress (150 mM), with normal Hoagland nutrient solution as a control to investigate the influence of foliar spray FA on spinach growth, photosynthesis, and oxidative stress under nitrate stress. The results showed that nitrate stress significantly inhibited spinach growth, while ROS (reactive oxygen species) accumulation caused photosystem damage, which reduced photosynthetic capacity. Different concentrations of FA alleviated the damage caused by nitrate stress in spinach to varying degrees in a concentration-dependent manner. The F3 treatment (0.15% FA + 150 mM NO3−) exhibited the most significant mitigating effect. FA application promoted the accumulation of biomass in spinach under nitrate stress and increased chlorophyll content, the net photosynthetic rate, the maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSII (Photosystem II) (Fv/Fm), the quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry [Y(II)], the electron transport rate, and the overall functional activity index of the electron transport chain between the PSII and PSI systems (PItotal); moreover, FA decreased PSII excitation pressure (1 − qP), quantum yields of regulated energy dissipation of PSII [Y(NPQ)], and the relative variable initial slope of fluorescence. FA application increased superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities and decreased malondialdehyde, H2O2, and O2− levels in spinach under nitrate stress. FA can enhance plant resistance to nitrate by accelerating the utilization of light energy in spinach to mitigate excess light energy and ROS-induced photosystem damage and increase photosynthetic efficiency.

PECULIARITIES OF THE BEHAVIOR OF BULLS-CALFS OF UKRAINIAN GRAY BREED AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH LIVE WEIGHT GAINS

PECULIARITIES OF THE BEHAVIOR OF BULLS-CALFS OF UKRAINIAN GRAY BREED AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH LIVE WEIGHT GAINS

Neutrophil functional activity indices as predictors of COVID-19 severity

Neutrophil functional activity indices as predictors of COVID-19 severity

New Morphofunctional Criteria for Resistance Profile in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Models as Adrenal Dysfunction Trigger.

For the first time in modeling posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we have described the morphofunctional state of adrenal glands in Wistar rats resistant and sensitive to predator stress (rodent fear of the predator). Despite the evident signs of adrenal dysfunction in both phenotypes, we have discovered the thickening of undifferentiated cell zone and high indices of functional activity of stem cells in resistant animals, suggesting ample adaptation. The most important data demonstrate the direct relationship between the reduction of corticosterone and testosterone levels and adrenal dysfunction in PTSD models. The study results allow considering the adrenal stem cells as potential therapeutic targets.

Importance of electrostatic massage in the rehabilitation of the patients with vibration disease and with shoulder joint diseases

The results of the use of electrostatic massage in the miners with vibration disease and with shoulder joint diseases are presented. In the all patients the rehabilitation program included electrostatic massage on the ELGOS device using a lead-out electrode according to the local-segmental method. Patients of the comparison group underwent manual massage of similar areas. Before and after the treatment, the clinical manifestations of vibration disease were evaluated by vibration sensitivity test using a Rydel-Seiffer vibrotone C 64 Hz / C 128 Hz. The dynamics of functional activity indices in the patients with shoulder joint diseases was assessed using a visual analog scale questionnaire. The work showed that the electrostatic massage contributes to a faster restoration of vibration sensitivity, the volume of movements in large joints and a reduction in the clinical manifestations of vibration disease (pain in the fingers, paresthesia, numbness, etc.), which has an advantage in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, since the direct impact of the masseur’s hands on the patient’s body is excluded.

The Role of the Hippocampus in the Neuroendocrine Response to Neurobiological Stimuli in Experiment.

We compared the levels of functional activity of cells in each adrenal zone with blood levels of corticosterone, testosterone, and neuropeptide Y in control and hippocampectomized F1(C57BL/6×DBA/2) mice during modeling of metabolic, motivational, and cognitive tension. The morphofunctional state of the adrenal glands was studied using a new morphometric approach. It was found that hippocampectomy changed the testosterone response to neurobiological stimuli; similar changes were observed in the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex producing dehydroepiandrosterone that is involved in the regulation of testosterone secretion. At the same time, hippocampectomy enhanced the response of the peptide hormone; the index of functional activity of chromaffin cells producing this hormone also increased. These findings allow us to put forward a hypothesis that the hippocampus is involved in the regulation of mutual influences of the studied hormones and that it modulates the sensitivity of testosterone and NPY to metabolic and cognitive factors.

Theoretical study of metal ion impact on geometric and electronic properties of terbutaline compounds

Geometric configuration, UV–Vis absorption spectra, and reactivity of the eight common metal ions (M) with the precursor (L) of terbutaline were calculated by density functional theory (B3LYP) at the level of 6−311+G(d,p) (M = Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn). The binding energy of the complex and the analysis of the natural bond orbital show that the L can bind to the M(II) ion to form a stable complex ML. The results of time-dependent density functional analysis (TD DFT) show that the UV–Vis absorption spectra of the other seven ML molecules have a larger red shift than L, except that ZnL is almost invariant. The density functional activity index (DFRT) and the energy decomposition analysis (EDA) shows that the electrostatic effect is the main contribution of the complex ML, and the stereo-effect or exchange-related energy also has certain contribution.

ELECTRIC EFFICIENCY INDEPENDENT AND STIMULATED CONTRACTION OF ABDOMINAL MUSCLES UPPER BOUND OF THE INGUINAL INTERVAL

The method of an electromyography has investigated electroefficiency caused by physical activity and electrostimulation of reduction of abdominal muscles of the upper bound of an inguinal interval at 95 (59,7 %) patients with inguinal hernias and at 64 (40,3 %) patients without hernias. The decrease of amplitude, frequency and area of electromyograms, received from the area of the destroyed hernia of the inguinal interval at self-reduction of abdominal muscles, by 14,6; 40,2 and 20,2 % in comparison with the contralateral party was found. The level of amplitude and frequency of electromyograms inguinal areas of patients without hernias was (739,75 79,77) MV and (50,38 7,62) s, which is 39,6 and 73,5 % higher than the identical indices of functional activity of the upper boundary muscles of the destroyed hernia of inguinal and 28,9 % and 55,7 % more contralateral of the inguinal hernia side. The area of electromyograms inguinal areas of patients without hernia was above the power of muscle contraction around the inguinal hernia defect by 61,3 %. Use of an electromyostimulation of abdominal muscles has allowed to improve results of an electromyography both at patients without hernias, and among patients with inguinal hernias that has allowed has specified a difference in amplitude of electromyograms between them for 41 %.

Strength or Motor Control: What Matters in High-Functioning Stroke?

Background: The two primary motor impairments that hinder function after stroke are declines in strength and motor control. The impact of motor impairments on functional capacity may vary with the severity of stroke motor impairments. In this study, we focus on high-functioning stroke individuals who experience mild to moderate motor impairments and often resume prior activities or return to work. These tasks require the ability to move independently, placing high demands on their functional mobility. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify impairments in strength and motor control and their contribution to functional mobility in high-functioning stroke.Methods:Twenty-one high-functioning stroke individuals (Fugl Meyer Lower Extremity Score = 28.67 ± 4.85; Functional Activity Index = 28.47 ± 7.04) and 21 age-matched healthy controls participated in this study. To examine motor impairments in strength and motor control, participants performed the following tasks with the paretic ankle (1) maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) and (2) visuomotor tracking of a sinusoidal trajectory. Strength was quantified as the maximum force produced during ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. Motor control was quantified as (a) the accuracy and (b) variability of ankle movement during the visuomotor tracking task. For functional mobility, participants performed (1) overground walking for 7 meters and (2) simulated driving task. Functional mobility was determined by walking speed, stride length variability, and braking reaction time.Results: Compared with the controls, the stroke group showed decreased plantarflexion strength, decreased accuracy, and increased variability of ankle movement. In addition, the stroke group demonstrated decreased walking speed, increased stride length variability, and increased braking reaction time. The multiple-linear regression model revealed that motor accuracy was a significant predictor of the walking speed and braking reaction time. Further, motor variability was a significant predictor of stride length variability. Finally, the dorsiflexion or plantarflexion strength did not predict walking speed, stride length variability or braking reaction time.Conclusions: The impairments in motor control but not strength predict functional deficits in walking and driving in high-functioning stroke individuals. Therefore, rehabilitation interventions assessing and improving motor control will potentially enhance functional outcomes in high-functioning stroke survivors.

MAJOR RISK FACTORS FOR STROKE AND THEIR CONTROL IN PATIENTS LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN OF THE MOSCOW REGION

Актуальность. Изучение распространенности и контроля ведущих факторов риска инсульта среди населения различных регионов Российской Федерации позволяет рационально планировать профилактическую работу.

Treatment efficacy of etanercept and MTX combination therapy for ankylosing spondylitis hip joint lesion in Chinese population

To investigate the efficacy of etanercept and MTX (methotrexate) combination therapy in Chinese patients with ankylosing spondylitis hip joint lesion, the possible courses and maintenance protocol, altogether 97 ankylosing spondylitis patients fulfilling the modified New York criteria with hip joint lesion were enrolled in a 12-month trial treated with combined etanercept and MTX. All these patients were required to be poor responders to SSZ (Sulfasalazine) or MTX therapy for 6 consecutive months or the longer. Etanercept was administered subcutaneously twice a week at a fixed dosage of 25 mg for the first six months, followed by 25 mg once a week in patients with good control of both symptoms and radiological progression, or twice a week for another six months in patients with BASDAI > or = 4. Combined MTX was administered intravenously once a week at the dosage of 15 mg. Demographics, clinical and laboratory features, physical function and quality of life using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Harris hip score, and radiological assessment using the BASRI-hip index were recorded. Most patients achieved pain release at the end point of assessment. Significant improvement in Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) (P < 0.05), Bath AS Functional Activity Index (BASFI) (P < 0.05), and Harris hip score (P < 0.05) was demonstrated. Radiographic progression was recorded as no exacerbation or alleviated. Larger interval between two etanercept administrations would provide similar advantages to standard method and possibly less adverse events if MTX was combined. Etanercept and MTX combination therapy was beneficial to ankylosing spondylitis patients with hip joint lesion, and staged dosage deduction in the long term proved to be effective as well as adverse event preventing.

Influence of the Anti-Plague Vaccination on the Functional Activity of Human Innate Immunity Cells

The essential index of functional activity of innate immunity cells in inflammatory reactions, induced by specific allergens, is the secretory neutrophils degranulation with the release of serine proteases from granules on the cells' surface and into the extracellular space. Using flow cytofluorimetry blood granulocytes of persons, immunized with live plague vaccine, were shown to respond to in vitro contact with allergen of plague microbe (pestin) by degranulation, in contrast to those of unvaccinated people. The degree of the innate immunity cells activation, as regards this index, depends on the time period passed after the vaccination. The received experimental data agree with modern conceptions on the leukocytic proteases` role in the development of allergic inflammation of skin. They also provide the necessary basis for further investigations, required to develop rapid instrumental test for human anti-plague immunity assessment in vitro .

Pleiotropic effects of moxonidine

Background. Imidazoline receptor agonist moxonidine besides its antihypertensive effect, can increase insulin sensitivity, reduce leptin level, improve lipid metabolism. However, the efficacy, tolerability and pleiotropic effects of moxonidine in postmenopausal women with essential hypertension (EH) and metabolic syndrome (MS) are not well established, and it was the objective of this study. Design and methods. 30 postmenopausal women with EH and MS (52,5 ± 0,4 years old) were included. Moxonidine was administered (400-600 mkg/day) for 12 weeks. Waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), WC/HC ratio, body mass index (BMI), insulin, leptin level, glucose, lipid profile of blood serum, index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and index of functional activity of pancreatic beta cells (HOMA-FB), echocardiography, intima-media thickness (IMT) of common carotid arteries (CCA). Results. Moxonidine therapy was associated with blood pressure (BP) decrease, body weight and BMI decrease, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and HOMA-FB index increase. Left atrium diameter and volume decreased, left ventricular diastolic function improved. Conclusions. Moxonidine is an effective antihypertensive drug for the treatment of postmenopausal hypertensive women with MS, which improves a range of metabolic, hemodynamic parameters and leads to the decrease of left atrium volume and diameter.

The efficiency and safety of tocilizumab in rheumatoid arthritis(intermediate results of a Russian multicenter study)

Система комплексной поддержки и сопровождения научного журнала Elpub позволяет запустить двуязычный сайт журнала со встроенной системой электронной редакции в соответствии с лучшими издательскими практиками, а так же предусматривает техническую и методическую поддержку со стороны специалистов НЭИКОН.

YРА therapy by a background resonance radiation in chronorehabilitation of patients with chronic cholecystitis in combination with chronic opisthorchosis

The chronobiological approach was used to improve indices of functional activity of the biliary excretion system and enhance the general efficiency of treatment at chronic cholecystitis in combination with chronic opistorhcosis. For this purpose, transverse galvanization of the eigatric area was carried out against the background of general health-improving procedures and the YРА therapy by the background resonance radiator after intake of herbal remedy (hepatosol). The treatment was carried out with allowance for the individual phase of the rhythm of activity of the biliary excretion system or with the use of a group approach with procedures prescribed in the rising (from 10:00 to 11:00) or declining (from 13:00 to 14.00) phase of the rhythm. The results obtained indicated that the chronophysiotherapy in patients chronic cholecystitis in combination with chronic opistorhcosis increase the efficiency of treatment, while the accessibility of this approach confirms its practical significance.

Validation of a single point flow cytometric assay for determining P-glycoprotein activity in multidrug resistant cell lines.

P-glycoprotein, a transmembrane protein which acts as an energy dependent efflux pump, has been implicated as one mechanism of multidrug resistance (MDR) in human tumours. Commonly employed assays measure P-glycoprotein immunohistochemically or mdr1 messenger RNA. In this study we compared a single point flow cytometric assay for determining activity of P-glycoprotein with cellular expression of P-glycoprotein determined by Western blot. Five cell lines, with varying levels of multiple drug resistance, were incubated with daunorubicin (DNR) in the presence (treated) and absence (control) of cyclosporine or verapamil, agents known to inhibit the activity of P-glycoprotein. The treated cell lines, along with non-treated controls were examined for intracellular concentrations of DNR measured by fluorescence intensity using a flow cytometer. The ratio of fluorescence intensity expressed in the treated/control was used as an index of functional activity of P-glycoprotein. Functional activity of the P-glycoprotein as determined by flow cytometry correlates highly with cellular content of P-glycoprotein measured by western blot (correlation coefficients of r = 0.90-0.98 for the various cell line combinations). This method represents a rapid single point flow cytometric assay which may be suitable for screening clinical samples for P-glycoprotein activity.

Safety and Clinical Responses in Ankylosing Spondylitis after Three Months of Etanercept Therapy

We aimed to evaluate the safety and clinical responses in Korean ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients after three months of etanercept therapy. AS patients satisfying the Modified New York Criteria were enrolled. They were assessed for safety and clinical responses at enrollment and after three months of etanercept therapy. A total of 124 patients completed the study. After three months, the rate of ASsessment in AS International Working Group 20% improvement (ASAS 20) response was 79.8%. The rates of ASAS 40 and ASAS 5/6 responses were 58.5 and 62.8%, respectively. Significant improvement of Korean version of Bath AS Disease Activity Index (KBASDAI) (p<0.0001), Bath AS Functional Activity Index (BASFI) (p<0.0001), and Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI) (p=0.0009) were achieved after three months. Quality of life was also significantly improved after three months, as demonstrated by scores for SF-36 (p<0.0001) and EQ-5D (p<0.0001). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were significantly decreased (p<0.0001, p<0.0001, respectively). None of the patients developed tuberculosis and there were no serious adverse event. AS patients with inadequate response to conventional therapy showed significant clinical improvement without serious adverse events after three months of etanercept therapy.

Validation of functional activity index in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RAS)

Objective. To evaluate psychometric properties of Patient Activity Scale (PAS) index and possibility of its application for assessment of pt functional activity (PFA) and therapy efficacy in pts with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Materia l and methods . Validity assessment was performed on 454 pts with definite RA,mainly female (85,2%) with mean age 51,3±11,3 years, mean disease duration was 9,1±8,5 years, 59,7% of pts were seropositive on rheumatoid factor, most pts had moderate or high inflammatory activity of the disease (95,6%), II or III radiological stage ( 44,7% and 27,8% respectively, II (53,5%) or III (31,8%) functional class. Constructive validity of the index was assessed by calculation of coefficients of correlation with “external criteria”. Sensitivity was assessed with ACR criteria in 285 pts after 6 months of standard therapy. Reliability (reproducibility and internal constancy) were assessed in 92 pts in 3 days after admission. Results. Assessment of PAS reliability with test-retest analysis did not reveal differences between first and repeat examination of pts whose state had not change after 3 days (mean scores 5,07±1,27 and 5,17±1,34 respectively, p=0,45). Intra-class Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0,95 (p<0,000001). Constructive validity assessment revealed moderate relationship of PFA with disease inflammatory activity measures: morning stiffness duration (r= 0,33, p<0,0000001), DAS 28 value (r=46, p<0,001), tender joint count (r=0,39, p<0,0000001), swollen joint count (r=0,28, p<0,0002) and weak relationship with ESR and radiological stage of the disease (r=0,17, p<0,00001). PAS correlation relationships with quality of life measures assessed on all SF-36 scales varied from -0,37 to -0,58. Index sensitivity to changes assessment showed that PAS change exceeding 0,22 corresponded to at least 20% health improvement according to ACR criteria. Conclusion . PAS is a reliable, valid and sensitive instrument of pt functional state self assessment and can be used for dynamic evaluation of pts state and treatment efficacy in outpatient practice

Cytochrome oxidase activity in extraocular muscles.

Cytochrome oxidase activity in extraocular muscles was examined by the diaminobenzidine method and analyzed with a computed image analyzer. Two types of mitochondria, described by Noda and Kuwahara, were found in muscles incubated for 30, 60 and 120 min. The reactivity and proportion of the two types of mitochondria showed time-dependent changes between 30 and 60 min of incubation. However, no changes were found between 60 and 120 min of incubation. It was suspected that potential cytochrome oxidase activity was present during 60 to 120 min of incubation. Quantitative analysis showed that type 1 mitochondria had more cytochrome oxidase activity than type 2 mitochondria. These findings suggest that the activity and proportion of the two types of mitochondria might be useful as an index of functional activity in extraocular muscles.

Medial basal hypothalamic monoamine activity associated with intracerebroventricular p-chlorophenylalanine-induced hyperphagia

There is evidence for reciprocal interactions between the brain monoamine neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenaline which may play a critical role in homeostasis. The aim of the present study was to establish the effect of drug-induced damage to the serotoninergic system on noradrenergic activity in the hypothalamus. Bilateral intracerebroventricular injections of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA; 3 mg/kg in 2 × 6 μl) were made to induce destruction in the serotoninergic system. Relative to saline-injected controls, PCPA-injected rats began overeating by 3 days postinjection. On day 10, when the experimental rats were consuming approximately 120% that of controls, animals were 4-h food deprived, sacrificed and the medial basal hypothalamus was removed for later analysis (by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) of noradrenaline (NA), serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) and their principal metabolites dihydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (DHPG), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-IAAA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), respectively. The ratio of metabolite to monoamine provided an index of functional activity. Trunk blood was collected for analysis of serum insulin and glucose. PCPA-injected animals had higher levels of DHPG ( P < 0.05), an increase in the DHPG/NA ratio ( P <0.02), lower serum insulin ( P < 0.05) and increased serum glucose ( P < 0.05). There were significant correlations between noradrenergic activity (DHPG/NA ratio) and: (1) food intake (day 9 and 10 average; r = 0.62, P < 0.05); and (2) serum glucose ( r = 0.59, P < 0.05). In contrast, PCPA treatment only marginally lowered levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA with no change in the 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio and no changes in DA or DOPAC or the DOPAC/DA ratio. Neither serotoninergic nor dopaminergic activity was related to any of the intake, body weight, insulin or glucose measures. We conclude that intracerebroventricular PCPA chronically elevates hypothalamic noradrenergic activity and this, rather than decreased serotoninergic activity, may lead to the observed hyperphagia, hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia.