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

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

Non-High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: A Modern Benchmark for Assessing Lipid Metabolism Disorders

Aim. To perform a population analysis of Non-High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol level (non-HDL-c) in Russian population and to evaluate its association with cardiovascular events.Material and Methods. The material consisted of results obtained from 11 regions of the ESSE-RF1 Study and from 4 regions of the ESSE-RF2 Study. Study protocols were identical. The studies were performed in 2012-2014 and 2017, respectively. Endpoints were assessed in 19041 people aged 35-64 years. The median follow-up was 6.5 years in ESSE RF (1) and 3.8 years in ESSE RF(2). Analysis was performed for three lipid variables: total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-HDLC in two samples: the general population sample and the same sample without individuals with coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial infarction (MI) and/or stroke history and not taking statins (the population sample of "without a history of cardiovascular diseases [CVD]". The analysis of nonlinear associations was performed using the generalized additive Cox model. The combined cardiovascular endpoint was represented by cardiovascular death and nonfatal MI and stroke. Traditional and laboratory FRs, socio-demographic parameters were analyzed. The significance level for all tested hypotheses was set to be 0.05.Results. The prevalence of elevated non-HDL-C level (>3.7 mmol/l) was found to be 74.6%. No gender differences were found: there was 74.6% for men and 74.5% for women. Both mean values and prevalence of elevated non-HDL-C were increased with age in women, and its level was slightly decreased in men after 55 years old. Almost all analyzed RFs were significantly associated with elevated non-HDL-C in these two population samples. In both samples elevated total CH and elevated LDL-C were associated with all-cause mortality after correction for all RFs. On the contrary, the non-HDL-C was associated with CVD combined end pints. It has been shown that the risk of these end points increases uniformly with increase in levels of non HDL cholesterol, no nonlinear associations were found.Conclusion. The results of a population-based analysis of non-HDL-C performed in the Russian population for the first time confirmed that elevated non-HDL-C levels contribute significantly to determining the risk of cardiovascular events in the medium term. It can be assumed that the new risk scales (SCORE2 and SCORE OP) proposed by the European Society of Cardiology and the European Society of Preventive Cardiology, which include non-HDL C instead of TC, will allow adequate assessment of 10-year cardiovascular risk for Russians. However, continued monitoring of endpoints in order to obtain stable associations is required

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

Microcirculation disturbances in various skin ageing types

According to modern views, microcirculation (MC) disturbances are an obligatory component of most inflammatory, dystrophic and involutive processes affecting skin cell function and structure.Aim. To study MC in ageing skin, according to different ageing types.Material and methods. The study included 135 patients with involutive skin changes - women aged 35-60 years (mean age 46,3?9,1 years). MC was studied by laser Doppler fiowmetry (LDF).Results. Comparing LDF and visual skin ageing assessment results, the following associations were observed: spastic MC was typical for small-wrinkle middle ageing type; MC disturbances affected arterioles and venules: increased arteriole tonus and venular stasis resulted in reduced MC index. In patients with deformation middle ageing type, atonic MC affected arterioles and capillaries: decreased arteriole tonus, increased blood volume in arterioles, resistant and nutritive vessel stasis. MC index was twice as high as in small-wrinkle ageing type (p<0,01). Late ageing type was characterised by spastico-congestive MC at all levels: increased myogenic tonus of arterioles, capillary and venular stasis.Conclusion. Skin ageing was characterized not only by skin dryness, increased transepidermal water loss and decreased skin elasticity, but also by substantial MC disturbances, specific for each skin ageing type

DETAILED AIRBORNE GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY OF COMPLEXLY DISLOCATED STRATA IN THE SUTAM TERRANE (ALDAN SHIELD) DURING STUDIES OF IRON-ORE DEPOSITS

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

Coronary heart disease and risk factors in elderly population

The treatment and prevention events against cardiovascular diseases have changed the age population structure. As by forecast, in RF the part of population older than economically active age will increase to 29,1% by the year 2030, hence increasing prevalence of ischemic heart disease (CHD). Therefore, one of the main currents is assessment of risk factors impact on morbidity and mortality from CHD among elderly. One of specifics of elderly population is simultaneous presence of several factors that enhance each other. Nevertheless, the prevalence of arterial hypertension and obesity increase with the age, and part of smokers and those with hypercholesterolemia increases, and relation of mortality with some risk factors does weaken with the age. That is a “survival effect” — earlier mortality of persons with adverse prognosis. Therefore, the specifics of CHD course in elderly dictates for necessity of an approach development to complex and methodic healthcare management

ECONOMIC BURDEN OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN 2016

Aim. To evaluate the economic burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the Russian Federation (RF) in 2016, including the direct costs and the economic losses caused by reduced productivity.Material and methods. Main data sources: data of the Federal state statistics service, data of state statistical reporting (forms №14, №141, №12 and №16-VN), and data of State Guarantee Program of Free Medical Care to the Citizens of the RF, statistical data of CVD, ischemic heart disease (IHD), myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular diseases, stroke. The direct medical costs were calculated based on the number of hospitalizations, including daycare center, emergency calls and outpatient visits due to CVD using the costs of the State Guarantee Program. The amount of disability benefits payments was calculated based on the number of disabled persons from each group and by the amount of the disability allowance. Indirect costs (economic losses) included a shortage of gross domestic product (GDP) due to premature mortality and disability in economically active age and loss of earnings due to temporary incapacity for work. The potential years of life lost (PYLL) were calculated using the number of life years not reached in economically active age due to premature death. Losses associated with premature mortality in the economically active age included unproduced GDP due to lost life years in the corresponding age group due to deaths from CVD, meaning the population’ employment rate. Statistical analysis was performed by Microsoft Excel 10.0.Results. PYLL due to premature death from CVD – 4.5 million years of potential life in economically active age, mostly men (3.3 million PYLL). Among almost 50% of men PYLL were due to ischemic heart disease. Economic burden because of CVD in 2016 in the RF reached 2.7 trillion ₽, which is equivalent of 3.2% of GDP for this year. In the structure of burden among all blood circulatory system diseases, IHD was in the first place (over 1 trillion ₽). In the burden structure, direct costs were only 8.1%, losses in the economics – 91.9% of the total burden. In the cumulative burden of CVD, IHD determined as 39.8% (over a trillion ₽), cerebrovascular diseases – fifth part (560 billion ₽), strokes and heart attacks – 424 billion ₽ and 213.1 billion ₽, respectively.Conclusion. The economic burden because of CVD in the RF in 2016 was 2.7 trillion ₽ (3.2% of GDP). Economic losses caused by premature mortality of people in economically active age prevailed in the structure of the burden (over 90%). Such the significant economic burden is a weighty argument for increasing investments in the prevention and treatment of CVD