Do Determinants of Quality of Life Differ in Older People Living in the Community and Nursing Homes?

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine and compare the relationship between nutritional status, physical activity (PA) level, concomitant chronic diseases, and quality of life (QoL) in community-dwelling (CD) older people and nursing home (NH) residents. Material and Methods: One hundred NH residents aged 60 years and above and one hundred sex- and age-matched CD older adults were examined. The QoL was examined with the EuroQol-5D questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment questionnaire (MNA), anthropometric measures, and bioimpedance analysis (BIA). The 7-Day Recall Questionnaire and the Stanford Usual Activity Questionnaire were performed to evaluate the PA energy expenditure level (PA-EE) and the health-related behaviours (PA-HRB), respectively. Results: CD subjects presented a significantly higher self-assessment in the VAS scale in comparison with NH residents (CD: 65.3 ± 19.4 vs. NH 58.2 ± 21.4; p < 0.05), but there were no differences within the five dimensions of QoL. In NH patients, the VAS scale was not correlated with any of the variables evaluating the nutritional status and body composition, while in the CD group correlated positively with MNA (rS = 0.36; p < 0.001), % of FFM (rS = 0.22; p< 0.05), body density (rS = 0.22; p < 0.05) and negatively with % of FM (rS = −0.22; p < 0.05). In an institutional environment, only concomitant diseases (mainly urinary incontinence) were found as independent determinants for QoL. In the community, independent determinants of QoL besides concomitant diseases (mainly ischaemic heart disease) were nutritional status or PA-HRB. Conclusions: Determinants of QoL are different depending on the living environment the older adults. Proper nutritional status and beneficial PA behaviours, are crucial for higher QoL of CD elderly, while for NH residents, the main determinants of QoL are chronic conditions

Characterisation of MHC class I genes diversity in ornate dragon Ctenophorus ornatus

MHC is a major histocompatibility complex. That defines the most polymorphic genes encoding glycoprotein in vertebrates, acting a key role in the initiation of immune responses through antigen presentation. This study investigated the variability and evolution of MHC class I.MHC class I molecule captures only the intracellular peptides. It initiates the immune response after launching and presenting viral peptides to cytotoxic lymphocytes, preventing the spread of the pathogen.Because of the their function in the organism, these genes maintain high polymorphism. The main mechanism of variation is the behaviour of balancing selection - acting through overdominance (heterozygote advantage) and negative frequency-dependent selection. A positive selection stabilizing arising mutations also impacts the level of polymorphism.Variability of the genes has been examined a third exon of MHC class I Ctenophorus ornatus lizard. Using 454 sequencing has enabled to detect 81 alleles among 50 individuals. Contribution of positive selection in shaping of the antigen binding regions has been examined, and phylogenetic relationships with other lizard species traced.MHC to główny kompleks zgodności tkankowej. Tak określa się zespół najbardziej polimorficznych genów kodujących glikoproteiny u kręgowców, spełniających kluczową rolę w inicjacji odpowiedzi immunologicznej na drodze prezentacji antygenów. W tej pracy zbadano zmienność i ewolucję MHC klasy I. Cząsteczka MHC klasy I wychwytuje jedynie peptydy wewnątrzkomórkowe. Inicjuje odpowiedź immunologiczną po wyniesieniu i zaprezentowaniu limfocytom cytotoksycznym peptydów wirusowych, zapobiegając rozprzestrzenieniu się patogenu. Ze względu na pełnioną funkcję w organizmie, geny MHC utrzymują wysoki polimorfizm. Głównym mechanizmem zachowania zmienności jest dobór równoważący – działający na drodze naddominacji (faworyzowania heterozygot) i doboru negatywnie zależnego od częstości. Wpływ na poziom polimorfizmu ma też dobór pozytywny, utrwalający pojawiające się mutacje. Zbadano zmienność genów egzonu trzeciego MHC klasy I u jaszczurki Ctenophorus ornatus. Użycie sekwencjonowania 454 pozwoliło wykryć 81 alleli wśród 50 osobników. Zbadano udział doboru pozytywnego w kształtowaniu się regionów wiążących antygeny, oraz prześledzono relacje filogenetyczne z innymi gatunkami jaszczurek

Nutritional Status Plays More Important Role in Determining Functional State in Older People Living in the Community than in Nursing Home Residents

The aim of this study was to verify whether the relationship between nutritional and functional status differs between seniors in the community and those in long-term care institutions. One hundred nursing home (NH) residents aged 60 years and above and 100 sex- and age-matched community-dwelling (CD) older adults were examined. Functional status was assessed using the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) and nutritional status using anthropometric measures, the Mini Nutritional Assessment questionnaire (MNA) and bioimpedance analysis (BIA). Significant environmental interactions were observed with resting metabolic rate (RMR), extracellular water (ECW) and intracellular water (ICW) ratio, skeletal muscle mass (SMM), skeletal muscle index (SMI) and impedance (Z) and resistance (R) to the results of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The two groups demonstrated different relationships between Z and R and handgrip strength and between Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score and fat free mass (FFM), body density, total body water (TBW) and phase angle (PhA). Nutritional status seems to be more important for functional state in CD older people than in NH residents. Therefore, to ensure the functional independence of seniors living in the community, it is crucial to maintain the correct nutritional parameters. Further studies are necessary to account for the fact that this relationship is less significant among NH residents and to identify other factors that may contribute to these discrepancies between community and institutional environments

Do Determinants of Quality of Life Differ in Older People Living in the Community and Nursing Homes?

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine and compare the relationship between nutritional status, physical activity (PA) level, concomitant chronic diseases, and quality of life (QoL) in community-dwelling (CD) older people and nursing home (NH) residents. Material and Methods: One hundred NH residents aged 60 years and above and one hundred sex- and age-matched CD older adults were examined. The QoL was examined with the EuroQol-5D questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment questionnaire (MNA), anthropometric measures, and bioimpedance analysis (BIA). The 7-Day Recall Questionnaire and the Stanford Usual Activity Questionnaire were performed to evaluate the PA energy expenditure level (PA-EE) and the health-related behaviours (PA-HRB), respectively. Results: CD subjects presented a significantly higher self-assessment in the VAS scale in comparison with NH residents (CD: 65.3 ± 19.4 vs. NH 58.2 ± 21.4; p p pp p < 0.05). In an institutional environment, only concomitant diseases (mainly urinary incontinence) were found as independent determinants for QoL. In the community, independent determinants of QoL besides concomitant diseases (mainly ischaemic heart disease) were nutritional status or PA-HRB. Conclusions: Determinants of QoL are different depending on the living environment the older adults. Proper nutritional status and beneficial PA behaviours, are crucial for higher QoL of CD elderly, while for NH residents, the main determinants of QoL are chronic conditions

The Electrochemical Stability of Starch Carbon as an Important Property in the Construction of a Lithium-Ion Cell

This paper shows use of starch-based carbon (CSC) and graphene as the anode electrode for lithium-ion cell. To describe electrochemical stability of the half-cell system and kinetic parameters of charging process in different temperatures, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurement was adopted. It has been shown that smaller resistances are observed for CSC. Additionally, Bode plots show high electrochemical stability at higher temperatures. The activation energy for the SEI (solid–electrolyte interface) layer, charge transfer, and electrolyte were in the ranges of 24.06–25.33, 68.18–118.55, and 13.84–15.22 kJ mol−1, respectively. Moreover, the activation energy of most processes is smaller for CSC, which means that this electrode could serve as an eco-friendly biodegradable lithium-ion cell element

Fuel Cells Based on Natural Polysaccharides for Rail Vehicle Application

This manuscript shows the use of natural polysaccharides such as starch and cellulose as a carbon source for fuel cells. To achieve this, two innovative methods of obtaining hydrogen have been shown: by adsorption and by enzyme. The carbonization path of the material results in excellent sorption properties and allows gas with high efficiency to be obtained. The enzymatic method for the degradation of the compound is more expensive because specific enzymes (such as laccase, tyrosinase) must be used, but it allows greater control of the properties of the obtained material. A scientific novelty is the use of natural raw materials, the use of which increases the biodegradability of the electrochemical system and also reduces the cost of raw materials and increases the range of their acquisition. Energy should be generated where it is used. Another goal is decentralization, and thanks to the proposed solutions, hydrogen cells represent an innovative alternative to today’s energy giants—also for independent power supply to households. The proposed harvesting paths are intended to drive rail vehicles in order to reduce emissions and secondary pollution of the environment. The goals of both methods were easy recycling, high efficiency, increased environmental friendliness, low cost and a short hydrogen production path

Modern Nanocomposites and Hybrids as Electrode Materials Used in Energy Carriers

Over the past decades, the application of new hybrid materials in energy storage systems has seen significant development. The efforts have been made to improve electrochemical performance, cyclic stability, and cell life. To achieve this, attempts have been made to modify existing electrode materials. This was achieved by using nano-scale materials. A reduction of size enabled an obtainment of changes of conductivity, efficient energy storage and/or conversion (better kinetics), emergence of superparamagnetism, and the enhancement of optical properties, resulting in better electrochemical performance. The design of hybrid heterostructures enabled taking full advantage of each component, synergistic effect, and interaction between components, resulting in better cycle stability and conductivity. Nowadays, nanocomposite has ended up one of the foremost prevalent materials with potential applications in batteries, flexible cells, fuel cells, photovoltaic cells, and photocatalysis. The main goal of this review is to highlight a new progress of different hybrid materials, nanocomposites (also polymeric) used in lithium-ion (LIBs) and sodium-ion (NIBs) cells, solar cells, supercapacitors, and fuel cells and their electrochemical performance

Skuteczność terapii poznawczo-behawioralnej u pacjentów z reumatoidalnym zapaleniem stawów. Przegląd badań

Na temat skuteczności terapii poznawczo-behawioralnej (TPB) prowadzonej z osobami chorującymi na reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów (RZS) ukazało się od 1981 do 2017 roku kilkadziesiąt publikacji. Autorzy dotarli do metaanaliz oraz najnowszych badań, które zostały opublikowane po ukazaniu się przeglądów systematycznych. Konsekwentnie powtarzają się wyniki świadczące o małym do średniego efekcie oddziaływania TPB na najczęstsze problemy, z którymi zmagają się chorujący na gościec stawowy. Celem pracy było uzasadnienie proponowania pacjentom z RZS, na podstawie dostępnej literatury oraz przeglądu danych dotyczących skuteczności terapii w chorobach przewlekłych, psychoterapii poznawczo-behawioralnej, jako interwencji wzmagającej efekty terapii medycznej. psychoterapia poznawczo--behawioralna; reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów;skuteczność psychoterapi