Aging Challenges. Perceived Age – a New Predictor of Longevity?

The ageing process is accompanied by the manifestation of many characteristics, so-called biomarkers, which can be quantified and used to assess a patient's health status. One of these signs is the progressive decline of a human's facial look, which is described by the concept of 'perceived age'. Facial aging is the most important parameter of perceived age. However, over the years, researchers have identified risk factors that affect the facial skin, including smoking, systematic consumption of alcoholic beverages, overweight or underweight, environmental conditions, and psychosocial determinants. The influence of psychological state on the appearance and life prognosis is shown. The authors presented data from the international literature on the study of perceived age. The frontiers of using perceived age as a biomarker of aging were Danish scientists who developed the main methodological approaches to determine this indicator. One such methodology used in population studies has been the clinical technique of assessing perceived age through photography. The review presents this methodology in detail, with its advantages and modifications. The authors conclude that the measurement of an individual's perceived age can serve not only as a prognostic indicator,  but also over time can become a   useful marker of the effectiveness of various treatments. Until now perceived age has hardly been studied in population studies, the authors presented data from the works of V.A.  Labunskaya, G.V.  Serikov,  T.A.  Shkurko who develop the direction related to psychology of perceived age  and in their studies use social-psychological approaches of appearance assessment

Digital technologies in the system of teaching students at the university

The study aims at identifying the role of the digital technologies in the system of teaching students at the university. The following methods were used in the study: testing, questioning, analysis of performance results, mathematical methods of data processing, etc. Methods for diagnosing learning motivation and emotional attitude to learning, studying the levels of formation of students’ cognitive interests (author’s method), a questionnaire for assessing students’ knowledge in the field of research activities were applied as well. The data of the students’ final progress in subjects were also analysed. An analysis of the main results of the study allows us to conclude: students who were asked to use digital technologies in teaching showed significant differences before and after the experiment on all scales of the study (the learning motivation level, the cognitive interest level, the knowledge level in the research activities field, assessment of the final performance in subjects). The analysis of the results also showed that according to all the data obtained at the stage of the control experiment, the reliability of the differences in the conclusions of the experimental and control groups on all scales of the study is confirmed

Perilipin 2 levels are increased in patients with in-stent neoatherosclerosis: A clue to mechanisms of accelerated plaque formation after drug-eluting stent implantation

Background: Perilipin 2 (PLIN2) is a protein that potentially facilitates atherogenesis in native coronary arteries or arteries with an implanted drug-eluting stent (DES). The aim of the study was to determine PLIN2 protein levels in peripheral monocytes of enrolled subjects and compare them between patients with native coronary artery disease (CAD) and those with an in-stent restenosis (ISR) due to neoatherosclerosis occurring >1 year after DES implantation. Methods: Forty-two patients were prospectively enrolled in the study in 3:1 fashion and underwent coronary catheterization. Both groups were angiographically matched for CAD burden with respect to the number of diseased vessels. Neoatherosclerosis was determined by intracoronary optical coherence tomography (OCT) among patients with ISR. Results: Patients with ISR due to neoatherosclerosis had significantly higher PLIN2 protein levels in peripheral blood monocytes compared to patients with native CAD (342.47 ± 75.63[SE] versus 119.51 ± 20.95, p < 0.001). PLIN2 protein levels did not significantly differ between unstable and stable disease phenotype (125.59 ± 131.02 vs. 146.14 ± 111.87, p = 0.109). Conclusions: In this explorative study, PLIN2 protein levels are significantly increased in patients with neoatherosclerosis, irrespective of clinical presentation, implicating that it might play a pathogenetic role in accelerated atherosclerosis after DES implantation. Further larger clinical studies are warranted to confirm these initial findings

HEALTHCARE RESOURCES UTILIZATION AND TEMPORARY DISABILITY IN POPULATION AGED 50-64 ACCORDING TO THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ESSE-RF STUDY

Aim. To analyze health care resource utilization and temporary disability in people of pre-retirement age in the Russian population.Material and methods. The analysis was carried out on the basis of the ESSE-RF study materials (13 regions of the RF). Standard epidemiological survey methods and evaluation criteria were used. The analysis included results of a survey of the ESSE-RF study participants about health care resource utilization and temporary disability (TD) during 12 months before the survey. The following characteristics were ascertained: a number and reasons of outpatient visits for medical assistance, hospital admissions (including duration of in-hospital treatment), emergency calls and temporary disability (a number of days and cases), their mean number per one study participant, mean number of cases and days of TD per 100 working participants, associations with social-demographic parameters, risk factors, chronic non-communicable diseases, stress and anxiety levels by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).Results. A total of 8334 people aged 50-64 years were examined: men – 2784 (33%) and women – 5550 (67%). A share of the hospitalized (at least one time) was 11% in the age group of 50-54 years, 12% – in the age group of 55-59 years and by the age of 60-64 this indicator increased to 15%. 20% of the participants at least one time were admitted to hospital and/or called an ambulance. A share of people who had utilized health care resources at least one time was increasing with age. Unemployed people were hospitalized more frequently than employed ones. Number of chronic non-communicable diseases correlated with the probability of hospitalization and/or emergency call. Categories 2 and 3 of disability, presence of diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease and hypertension were statistically significantly associated with the probability of hospitalization and/or emergency call. Smoking did not increase the probability of hospitalization and/or emergency call in comparison with absence of this risk factor, at that, people who had given up smoking were 1.3 times more likely to be hospitalized than non-smokers. People with low and moderate alcohol consumption were hospitalized and called an ambulance significantly less often than those who abstained from alcohol. Clinically significant anxiety increased the probability of hospital admission and/or emergency call as compared to people without this factor by the HADS. Subclinical and clinically significant anxiety, mean and high levels of stress were associated with the probability of hospitalization and/or emergency call. Number of TD days turned out to be rather low - 0.3 day per 1 working man and 0.4 day - per 1 working woman, this index did not significantly differ with age.Conclusion. So, pre-retirement age (50-64 years) is characterized by increase in health care resource utilization due to health state worsening. At the same time significant share of people of this age (40%) did not seek medical help. These 40% of pre-retirement age people can be possible reserve for health state improvement by means of their active involvement in preventive activity of primary health care system (the study had been conducted before the preventive medical examination program starting)

Availability and Affordability of Medicines for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases in Pharmacies in Six Regions of the Russian Federation

Aim. To evaluate the availability and affordability of medicines used to treat of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in several regions of the Russian Federation with different climatic, geographic, economic and demographic characteristics. Material and methods. The study was conducted in 6 regional capitals, chosen to differ in geographically, economically, and demographically. In each city, 5 pharmacies providing free medicines to certain categories of citizens (beneficiaries) and 5 private pharmacies serving anyone were selected at random. Medicine availability was assessed in all pharmacies, along with price only in the private pharmacies. Data were obtained for both original drug and appropriate generics. A list of 25 of the most frequently prescribed medicines for cardiovascular diseases was compiled. Results. Some general findings emerged. With the existence of a generic drug, the original drug was not available in the pharmacy supplying beneficiaries. Diuretics, as well as some ACE inhibitors, are not available in a number of pharmacies for beneficiaries. Enalapril in most licensed pharmacies is represented by generics, lisinopril in a number of cities is represented by both the original drug and generics. The presence of sartans was much lower than ACE inhibitors. Bisoprolol was most common beta-blocker. Calcium antagonists: if amlodipine was present in all licensed pharmacies, at list as generic, then nifedipine was not available in many licensed pharmacies. Among antiplatelet agents, aspirin was available in most pharmacies, and clopidogrel was mostly represented by generics. As for statins, only simvastatin could be found in almost all pharmacies. When analyzing the cost of drugs in licensed pharmacies, it was found that drugs containing furosemide are the cheapest among generics – about 17 rubles. The most expensive treatment with generics of rosuvastatin – about 4,374 rubles a month. The most expensive original medicine was also rosuvastatin – about 4,500 rubles for 30 tablets, the cheapest – the original drug of furosemide – about 35 rubles. On average, the cost of CVD treatment with major classes of drugs, including ACE inhibitor, beta-blocker, antiplatelet drug and statin, is 1,921.9 rubles per month. Conclusion. The basic cardiovascular medicines were characterized by a relatively high availability in 6 regions of the Russian Federation included in the analysis both by the criterion of the availability of drugs and by the criterion of the minimum price.</jats:p

ПРОВЕДЕНИЕ ДЕТАЛЬНЫХ АЭРОГЕОФИЗИЧЕСКИХ РАБОТ В СЛОЖНОДИСЛОЦИРОВАННЫХ КОМПЛЕКСАХ СУТАМСКОГО ТЕРРЕЙНА (АЛДАНСКИЙ ЩИТ) ПРИ ИЗУЧЕНИИ ЖЕЛЕЗОРУДНЫХ МЕСТОРОЖДЕНИЙ

Magnetic exploration is the most informational and economical method of prospecting and exploration of iron-ore deposits. In rough-terrain and remote areas without any infrastructure, problems associated with ground-based methods can be avoided by using modern unmanned technologies that allow conducting geophysical surveys in a more efficient way. An unmanned aeromagnetic survey complex (aerial vehicle, UAV) Geoscan 401 was used to assess the possibility of using UAVs for aeromagnetic surveying of iron-ore deposits. Our experimental study was conducted in the well-studied area of the largest iron-ore deposit of South Yakutia. The UAV capacities were confirmed by comparing the aeromagnetic survey data with the available data obtained by ground magnetic exploration of the study area. By analysing magnetic fields, we established that the anomalies detected by the ground and aeromagnetic surveys were fully identical. Furthermore, a weak anomaly was discovered in the northeastern part of the study area (it was not reflected in the magnetic field from the ground survey data). Recalculation of the vertical gradient of the magnetic field shows that the anomaly is caused by a blind ore body. Its upper edge is located at a depth of 200–250 m from the day surface. In calculations for a data array without gradient intervals, a mean square error (MSE) amounts to 1.01 nT. An absolute error in the heights of the working and control flights did not exceed 1.5 m. Both the preliminary and control measurements were performed very efficiently. Profiles for UAV surveys were spaced by 100 m. A 1.0 km2 site was covered by one flight within approximately 20 minutes. The Geoskan-401 UAV is useful for obtaining orthophotos, topographic maps and 3D models of the surveyed territory as required for further studies consistent with the magnetic surveys. The aeromagnetic surveys were followed by trenching to verify the newly discovered anomalies. Based on the results of this experimental study, the forecast resources of the Sutam deposit should be increased by almost 250–350 million tons, i.e. plus 15 % to the previously explored and approved reserves of the Sutam field.Магниторазведка представляет собой наиболее информационный и экономичный метод при поиске и разведке железорудных месторождений. Избежать проблем с постановкой наземных методов на труднопроходимых и удаленных от инфраструктуры территориях, повысить скорость их изучения позволяют беспилотные технологии. Для оценки возможности применения беспилотной аэромагнитной съемки на железорудных объектах Якутии были выполнены опытно-методические работы на уже хорошо изученном ранее крупнейшем железорудном месторождении Южной Якутии с использованием беспилотного комплекса «Геоскан 401». Данный подход позволил установить работоспособность полетного комплекса, сопоставив имеющиеся данные наземных магниторазведочных работ с данными аэромагниторазведочных работ. Анализ магнитных полей показал полную идентичность полученных аномалий наземной и аэромагнитной съемки. Более того, на северо-востоке участка была выделена слабая аномалия, которая не отражена в магнитном поле наземной съемки. Пересчет вертикального градиента магнитного поля позволил определить, что аномалия обусловлена слепым рудным телом, верхняя кромка которого располагается на глубине 200–250 м от дневной поверхности. Среднеквадратическая погрешность, вычисленная для массива данных без градиентных интервалов, составила 1.01 нТл. Абсолютная погрешность высоты основного и контрольного полетов не превышает 1.5 м. По результатам рабочих и контрольных замеров отмечается высокая воспроизводимость измерений. За один полет по сети профилей с шагом 100 м был изучен участок площадью 1 км2. Полетное время составило немногим более 20 мин. Дополнением работы с полетным комплексом «Геоскан-401» стала возможность съемки ортофотопланов, топопланов, трехмерных моделей местности – в зависимости от потребностей – последовательно с выполнением магниторазведочных работ. Согласно результатам аэромагниторазведочных работ и последующей заверки полученных новых аномалий горно-вскрышными работами в виде канав и траншей, прирост прогнозных ресурсов Сутамской площади составил примерно 250–350 млн т – 15 % от уже опоискованных ранее и утвержденных запасов Сутамского месторождения

Children’s exposure to television advertising of unhealthy foods and beverages across four countries of WHO European Region

Abstract Objective: To compare the frequency and healthfulness of foods being advertised to children and adolescents in four countries of WHO European region. Design: Cross-sectional quantitative study, guided by an adapted version of the WHO protocol. All recorded food advertisements were categorised by categories and as either ‘permitted’ or ‘not permitted’ for advertising to children in accordance with WHO Regional Office for Europe Nutrient Profile Model. Settings: Four countries: Russia, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Participants: TV channels most popular among children and adolescents Results: Analysis included 70 d of TV broadcasting for all channels, during which time there were 28 399 advertisements. The mean number of advertisements per hour varied from eleven in Turkey and Kazakhstan to eight and two in Russia and Kyrgyzstan. In all countries, the majority of the food and beverages advertised should not be permitted for advertising to children according to the WHO Nutrient Profile Model. The mean number of non-permitted food and beverage advertisements per hour was high in Turkey and Kazakhstan (8·8 and 8·5 ads) compared with Russia (5·1) and Kyrgyzstan (1·9). Turkey was the only country where nutritional information was fully available, and no values were missing that prevented coding for some product categories. Conclusions: Results revealed that children and adolescents in four countries are exposed to a considerable volume of food and beverage advertisements, including sugary products on broadcast television. As such, policymakers should consider protecting youth by developing regulations to restrict these marketing activities within media popular with children

Children’s exposure to television advertising of unhealthy foods and beverages across four countries of WHO European Region

Abstract Objective: To compare the frequency and healthfulness of foods being advertised to children and adolescents in four countries of WHO European region. Design: Cross-sectional quantitative study, guided by an adapted version of the WHO protocol. All recorded food advertisements were categorised by categories and as either ‘permitted’ or ‘not permitted’ for advertising to children in accordance with WHO Regional Office for Europe Nutrient Profile Model. Settings: Four countries: Russia, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Participants: TV channels most popular among children and adolescents Results: Analysis included 70 d of TV broadcasting for all channels, during which time there were 28 399 advertisements. The mean number of advertisements per hour varied from eleven in Turkey and Kazakhstan to eight and two in Russia and Kyrgyzstan. In all countries, the majority of the food and beverages advertised should not be permitted for advertising to children according to the WHO Nutrient Profile Model. The mean number of non-permitted food and beverage advertisements per hour was high in Turkey and Kazakhstan (8·8 and 8·5 ads) compared with Russia (5·1) and Kyrgyzstan (1·9). Turkey was the only country where nutritional information was fully available, and no values were missing that prevented coding for some product categories. Conclusions: Results revealed that children and adolescents in four countries are exposed to a considerable volume of food and beverage advertisements, including sugary products on broadcast television. As such, policymakers should consider protecting youth by developing regulations to restrict these marketing activities within media popular with children. </jats:sec

ГЕОДИНАМИЧЕСКАЯ АКТИВНОСТЬ НОВЕЙШИХ СТРУКТУР И ПОЛЯ ТЕКТОНИЧЕСКИХ НАПРЯЖЕНИЙ СЕВЕРО-ВОСТОКА АЗИИ

Based on the analysis of changes in the stress-strain state of the crust at the boundary of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, we develop a dynamic model of the main seismogenerating structures inNortheast Asia. We have established a regularity in changes of geodynamic regimes within the interplate boundary between the Kolyma-Chukotka crustal plate and the Eurasian, North American and Pacific tectonic plates: spreading in the Gakkel Ridge area; rifting in the Laptev Sea shelf; a mixture of tectonic stress types in the Kharaulakh segment; transpression in the Chersky seismotectonic zone, in the segment from the Komandor to the Aleutian Islands, and in the Koryak segment; and crustal stretching in the Chukotka segment.Анализ изменений напряженно-деформированного состояния земной коры, проведенный вдоль границы Евразийской и Североамериканской литосферных плит, позволил обосновать динамическую модель главных сейсмогенерирующих структур территории северо-востока Азии. В пределах единой межплитной границы, отделяющей Колымо-Чукотскую коровую плиту от Евразийской, Североамериканской и Тихоокеанской литосферных плит, наблюдается закономерная смена геодинамических режимов: спрединг хребта Гаккеля; рифтогенез на шельфе моря Лаптевых; смешанное поле тектонических напряжений в Хараулахском сегменте; транспрессия в сейсмотектонической зоне Черского, на участке от Командорских до Алеутских островов и в Корякском сегменте; растяжение в Чукотском сегменте

Myocardial infarction in the population of some Russian regions and its prognostic value

Aim. To study the prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI) in the population of Russian regions and its contribution to cardiovascular events.Material and methods. The analysis material was representative samples of the population aged 35-64 years from 11 Russian regions,  examined within the multicenter study “Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and their Risk Factors in Regions  of Russian Federation”. The response rate was about 80%. The study used a community-based  systematic stratified multiply random sample. During the study, information on prior MI was obtained using a standard questionnaire. Anthropometry and measurement of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) with an automatic BP monitor were performed. Resting electrocardiography (ECG) was performed, followed by Minnesota coding. Major and minor QQS waves and STT segments were considered as ischemic  ECG abnormalities. Biochemical parameters were determined using an Arkhitect 000 Clinical Chemistry Analyzer. The median prospective  follow-up was 6,21 [5,25; 6,75] years. A composite endpoint (CE) was analyzed, including cardiovascular death and non-fatal MI. During the follow-up period, 363 all-cause deaths were detected,  of which 134 were from cardiovascular diseases, while 196 — CEs. Statistical analysis was carried out in R 3.6.1 environment.Results. The MI prevalence among the Russian population was 2,9%; 5,2% for men and 1,5% for women,  increasing  with age. Men with prior MI were  more likely to take statins and beta-blockers  than women as follows: 39,0% vs 25,6% and 29,3% vs 27,1%, respectively. MI newly diagnosed within the follow-up  period was associated with the following risk factors (RFs): smoking, increased BP, HR, triglycerides and glucose.  For individuals with prior MI, a significant relationship was found only with smoking.  Multiple comparison  of the contribution of RFs, ECG abnormalities,  and prior MI showed  that the inclusion of ischemic ECG abnormalities in the analysis significantly increases  the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals without prior MI compared with individuals without both MI and ECG changes.  A high CE risk was noted in patients with prior MI: relative risk (RR), 4,73 (2,92-7,65); the addition of ischemic ECG abnormalities increased the RR to 5,75 (3,76-8,8).Conclusion. The RR of CEs in patients  with prior MI without or with ischemic ECG changes  is 4,73 and 5,75 times higher than in patients without MI and ECG abnormalities. The risk factors  identified  in this case cannot explain such an increase  in CEs. It is obvious  that people  with prior MI need  rehabilitation. The presence of RFs in patients with newly diagnosed  MI indicates insufficient primary prevention, which suggests  that strengthening preventive measures to eliminate conventional risk factors in patients with newly diagnosed  MI will help reduce the risk of recurrent MI or cardiovascular  mortality