Benefit in physical function and quality of life to nonsurgical treatment of varicose veins: Pilot study

BACKGROUND Studies on varicose veins have focused its effects on physical function;however,whether nonsurgical treatments alter muscle oxygenation or physical function remains unclear.Moreover,the differences in such functions between individuals with varicose veins and healthy individuals remain unclear.AIM To investigate changes in physical function and the quality of life(QOL)following nonsurgical treatment of patients with varicose veins and determine the changes in their muscle oxygenation during activity.METHODS We enrolled 37 participants(those with varicose veins,n=17;healthy individuals,n=20).We performed the following measurements pre-and post-nonsurgical treatment in the varicose vein patients and healthy individuals:Calf muscle oxygenation during the two-minute step test,open eyes one-leg stance,30 s sit-to-stand test,visual analog scale(VAS)for pain,Pittsburgh sleep quality index,physical activity assessment,and QOL assessment.RESULTS Varicose veins patients and healthy individuals differ in most variables(physical function,sleep quality,and QOL).Varicose veins patients showed significant differences between pre-and post-nonsurgical treatment—results in the 30 sit-to-stand test[14.41(2.45)to 16.35(4.11),P=0.018],two-minute step test[162.29(25.98)to 170.65(23.80),P=0.037],VAS for pain[5.35(1.90)to 3.88(1.73),P=0.004],and QOL[39.34(19.98)to 26.69(17.02),P=0.005];however,no significant difference was observed for muscle oxygenation.CONCLUSION Nonsurgical treatment improved lower extremity function and QOL in varicose veins patients,bringing their condition close to that of healthy individuals.Future studies should include patients with severe varicose veins requiring surgery to confirm our findings.

A Practical Regular LDPC Coded Scheme for Physical-Layer Information Security

In this paper,we aim to design a practical low complexity low-density parity-check(LDPC)coded scheme to build a secure open channel and protect information from eavesdropping.To this end,we first propose a punctured LDPC coded scheme,where the information bits in a codeword are punctured and only the parity check bits are transmitted to the receiver.We further propose a notion of check node type distribution and derive multi-edge type extrinsic information transfer functions to estimate the security performance,instead of the well-known weak metric bit error rate.We optimize the check node type distribution in terms of the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)gap and modify the progressive edge growth algorithm to design finite-length codes.Numerical results show that our proposed scheme can achieve a lower computational complexity and a smaller security gap,compared to the existing scrambling and puncturing schemes.

Application of Physical Unclonable Function for Lightweight Authentication in Internet of Things

IoT devices rely on authentication mechanisms to render secure message exchange.During data transmission,scalability,data integrity,and processing time have been considered challenging aspects for a system constituted by IoT devices.The application of physical unclonable functions(PUFs)ensures secure data transmission among the internet of things(IoT)devices in a simplified network with an efficient time-stamped agreement.This paper proposes a secure,lightweight,cost-efficient reinforcement machine learning framework(SLCR-MLF)to achieve decentralization and security,thus enabling scalability,data integrity,and optimized processing time in IoT devices.PUF has been integrated into SLCR-MLF to improve the security of the cluster head node in the IoT platform during transmission by providing the authentication service for device-to-device communication.An IoT network gathers information of interest from multiple cluster members selected by the proposed framework.In addition,the software-defined secured(SDS)technique is integrated with SLCR-MLF to improve data integrity and optimize processing time in the IoT platform.Simulation analysis shows that the proposed framework outperforms conventional methods regarding the network’s lifetime,energy,secured data retrieval rate,and performance ratio.By enabling the proposed framework,number of residual nodes is reduced to 16%,energy consumption is reduced by up to 50%,almost 30%improvement in data retrieval rate,and network lifetime is improved by up to 1000 msec.

Analysis of Winter Physical Training and Functional Reserve in College Physical Education Teaching

Physical training and functional reserve in winter physical education teaching can optimize the energy consumption of the body,regulate cardiopulmonary function,and stabilize emotions.It is essential to clarify the strategies of winter physical training and functional reserve as well as the existing issues in college physical education teaching,which subsequently improves students’physical functions and achieves comprehensive development goals.

Physical Properties of the Function and Number of Empirical Macrohardness of the Material: Universal Physical Unit of Measurement of Macro Hardness (Part 2)

Results of analytical studies of the physical properties of the function and number of empirical macrohardness based on the standard experimental force diagram of kinetic macroindentation by a sphere.An analytical comparison method and a criterion for the similarity of the physical and empirical macrohardness of a material are proposed.The physical properties of the hardness measurement process using the Calvert-Johnson method are shown.The physical reasons for the size effect when measuring macrohardness are considered.The universal physical unit and standard of macrohardness of kinetic macroindentation by a sphere is substantiated.

Updated overview on interplay between physical exercise,neurotrophins,and cognitive function in humans

The many important benefits of physical exercise also encompass maintenance or improvement of cognitive functions. Among the variousmechanisms underlying the association between physical exercise and brain health, recent evidence attests that neurotrophin receptor signalingmay have an important role, because the activation of this pathway leads to growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses, supportsaxonal and dendritic growth, fosters synaptic plasticity, and preserves survival of existing neurons. In this review of published evidence, we highlightthat a positive relationship exists between physical exercise and circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and that the postexercisevariation of this molecule is associated with improvement of neurocognitive functioning. Less clear evidence has instead been published forother neurotrophins, such as nerve growth factor, neurotrophin-3, and neurotrophin-4. Overall, promotion of adequate volumes and intensities ofphysical exercise (i.e., approximately 3 months of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, with 2—3 sessions/week lasting not less than 30 min)may hence be regarded as an inexpensive and safe strategy for boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor release, thus preserving or restoringcognitive functions.

The functional significance of dentin sialoprotein-phosphophoryn and dentin sialoprotein

Phosphophoryn (PP) and dentin sialoprotein (DSP) are the most dominant non-collagenous proteins in dentin. PP is an extremely acidic protein that can function as a mineral nucleator for dentin mineralization. DSP was first identified in 1981, yet its functional significance is still controversial. Historically, these two proteins were considered to be independently synthesized and secreted by dental pulp cells into the developing dentin matrix. However, with the identification of the DSP coding sequence in 1994, followed2 years later by the finding that the PP coding sequence was located immediately downstream from the DSP sequence, it became immediately clear that DSP and PP proteins were derived from a single DSP-PP (i.e., dentin sialophosphoprotein, DSPP) transcript.Since DSPP cDNA became available, tremendous progress has been made in studying DSP-PP mRNA distribution and DSP generation from the DSP-PP precursor protein at specific cleavage sites by protease tolloid-related-1 (TLR1) or bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1). The functions of DSP-PP and DSP were investigated via DSP-PP knockout (KO) and DSP knockin in DSP-PP KO mice. In addition, a number of in vitro studies aimed to elucidate DSPP and DSP function in dental pulp cells.

Establishing minimum clinically important difference values for the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function, hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint reconstruction, and knee injury and osteoarthritis out

AIM To establish minimum clinically important difference(MCID) for measurements in an orthopaedic patient population with joint disorders.METHODS Adult patients aged 18 years and older seeking care for joint conditions at an orthopaedic clinic took the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function(PROMIS~? PF) computerized adaptive test(CAT), hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint reconstruction(HOOS JR), and the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint reconstruction(KOOS JR) from February 2014 to April 2017. MCIDs were calculated using anchorbased and distribution-based methods. Patient reports of meaningful change in function since their first clinic encounter were used as an anchor.RESULTS There were 2226 patients who participated with a mean age of 61.16(SD = 12.84) years, 41.6% male, and 89.7% Caucasian. Mean change ranged from 7.29 to 8.41 for the PROMIS~? PF CAT, from 14.81 to 19.68 for the HOOS JR, and from 14.51 to 18.85 for the KOOS JR. ROC cut-offs ranged from 1.97-8.18 for the PF CAT, 6.33-43.36 for the HOOS JR, and 2.21-8.16 for the KOOS JR. Distribution-based methods estimated MCID values ranging from 2.45 to 21.55 for the PROMIS~? PF CAT; from 3.90 to 43.61 for the HOOS JR, and from 3.98 to 40.67 for the KOOS JR. The median MCID value in the range was similar to the mean change score for each measure and was 7.9 for the PF CAT, 18.0 for the HOOS JR, and 15.1 for the KOOS JR.CONCLUSION This is the first comprehensive study providing a wide range of MCIDs for the PROMIS? PF, HOOS JR, and KOOS JR in orthopaedic patients with joint ailments.

Serum 1, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D: A Useful Index of Cognitive and Physical Functional Impairment in Healthy Older Adults in Japan: A Pilot Study

We enrolled 23 Japanese men (age: 76.0 ± 8.7) and 17 women (age: 78.3 ± 9.3) in this study. The physical function of even a person getting on a wheelchair could be tested in all subjects. Blood was collected by venipuncture and the serum 1, 25-hydroxy vitamin D (1, 25OHD) concentration was measured. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Japanese version (MoCA-J) was used for the cognitive function test. Physical function was measured objectively using the Timed UP and Go (TUG) and 4-m walking test (4MWS). A significant positive correlation was found between serum 1, 25OHD and MMSE or MoCA-J. It is expected that an elderly person can maintain a mean serum 1, 25OHD level of about 100 pg/mL for preventing early cognitive disorder. In the present study, a significant positive correlation was found between urinary 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD)/creatinine and MMSE or MoCA-J. Our results showed that urinary 25OHD might be a useful biomarker for predicting cognitive disorder. There was a significant negative correlation between serum 1, 25OHD and TUG or 4MWS. These findings suggest that serum 1, 25OHD levels might serve as a useful index to improve cognitive and physical functional impairment.

Development of Nursing Protocol for Preventing Discontinuation of Treatments by Methods Other than Physical Restraint during Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Heart Failure in Patients with Impaired Cognitive Function

The purpose of this study is to prepare a nursing protocol for preventing discontinuation of treatments using a method other than physical restraint during acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure in patients with impaired cognitive function. For the first stage of the study, we prepared a draft of the nursing protocol based on a basic survey. For the second stage, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 5 nurses specialized in chronic heart failure and 10 nurses in dementia case to ensure content validity of the draft protocol. For the third stage, we examined the possibility of clinical application of the revised version of the protocol draft prepared in the second stage of the study. For assessment items, significant points of nursing care, and specific nursing care practice in this revised version, 154 subjects (93.9%) considered effective for patients, in terms of prevention of treatment discontinuation using a method other than physical restraint. All items and contents were considered useful by more than 60% of the nurses. Considering that the nurses working in the clinical setting reported 93.9% of usefulness, we concluded that this nursing protocol remained valid at a certain level. We also received a comment from the certified nurses that we should include the basic contents for newly graduated nurses. We consider that this nursing protocol will be also useful for newly graduated nurses to acquire knowledge. It helped to standardize nursing care in order to predict potential risks for patients with impaired cognitive function.

Effects of Physical Exercise and Music Therapy on Cognitive Aspects in Tunisian Patients with Mild Alzheimer’s Type Dementia

Aim: The objective of this research is to highlight the effectiveness of physical exercise and music therapy in older patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: Patients with a mild level of AD were included in this study, divided into the therapy group (TG;N = 30, aged 68 ± 3.2 years) and the control group (CG;N=30, aged 65 ± 2.6 years). The therapy group was enrolled in an exercise-training program (walking, resistance and balance exercises) combined with musical therapy for 10 weeks (three sessions of 60 minutes per week). The Control group was instructed to follow their daily rhythm of life (e.g., rest, reading) under the same conditions. The intervention program was enrolled under the supervision of;one psychologist;a neurologist;two music therapists, and two physiotherapists, all belonging to the same hospital unit. After 10 weeks of participation in the combined program, cognitive parameters were improved in the therapy group measured with the Behavior Pathology in Alzheimer Disease (BEHAVE-AD), (p < 0.05) for activity disturbance, diurnal rhythm disturbances, anxieties and phobias, affective disturbance. The percentage range of improvements is 1.07% to 2.96%. Results: Our results demonstrate that physical exercise combined with music therapy improves cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Conclusions: Physical exercise and music therapy are beneficial combined treatments for improving life quality in older patients. This approach may be useful to help patients with a mild level of Alzheimer’s disease improve their behavioral and psychological parameters.

Muscle capacity and physical function in older women:What are the impacts of resistance training?

The number of older adults （individuals ≥65 years）, particularly women, in our society is increasing and understanding the impact of exercise on muscle capacity （e.g., strength and power） and subsequently physical function is of utmost importance to prevent disability and maintain independence. Muscle capacity declines with age and this change negatively impacts physical function in older women. Exercise, specifically resistance training, is recommended to counteract these declines; however, the synergistic relationships between exercise, muscle capacity, and physical function are poorly understood. This review will summarize the literature regarding age-related changes in the aforementioned variables and review the research on the impact of resistance training interventions on muscle capacity and physical function in older women. Recommendations for future research in this area will be discussed.

Effects of Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Protocols on Physical Function in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: An Experience from a Resource Constraint Nation

Objective: This study investigated the effects of cardiac rehabilitation exercise protocols on physical function (PF) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Study Design and Setting: This randomized controlled trial recruited 70 patients who are in stage II CHF with ejection fraction (≤40%) from a Nigerian university teaching hospital. They were randomly assigned into Exercise Group (EG: n = 35) or Control Group (CG: n = 35). Physical function, activity of daily living (ADL), distance walked in six minutes and grip strength were assessed using a validated ADL questionnaire, six minute walk test and a hand dynamometer respectively. In addition to medication, EG underwent aerobic and upper extremity resistance exercises thrice weekly for eight weeks while CG used medications only. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was at p p > 0.05). Significant improvements were noticed at fourth week among participants’ ADL (30.0% ± 6.0%), 6MWD (321.7 ± 26.3 m) and VO2 max (8.9 ± 0.4 mL/kg/min) variables within the exercise EG but no significant changes were observed in the CG (p > 0.05). Participants in EG demonstrated more significant improvements in ADL (15.0% ± 5.0%), 6MWD (406.0 ± 29.7 m) and VO2 max (10.3 ± 0.5 mL/kg/min) (p p > 0.05). Conclusions: Cardiac rehabilitation exercise protocols involving self-paced walking, sit-to-stand and upper extremity dynamic strength training improved activity of daily living, walking and functional capacity in patients with stable chronic heart failure.

A Probing Model of Secret Key Generation Based on Channel Autocorrelation Function

Secret key generation(SKG)is a promising solution to the problem of wireless communications security.As the first step of SKG,channel probing affects it significantly.Although there have been some probing schemes,there is a lack of research on the optimization of the probing process.This study investigates how to optimize correlated parameters to maximize the SKG rate(SKGR)in the time-division duplex(TDD)mode.First,we build a probing model which includes the effects of transmitting power,the probing period,and the dimension of sample vectors.Based on the model,the analytical expression of the SKGR is given.Next,we formulate an optimization problem for maximizing the SKGR and give an algorithm to solve it.We conclude the SKGR monotonically increases as the transmitting power increases.Relevant mathematical proofs are given in this study.From the simulation results,increasing appropriately the probing period and the dimension of the sample vector could increase the SKGR dramatically compared to a yardstick,which indicates the importance of optimizing the parameters related to the channel probing phase.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF TESTING PREOPERATIVE VISUAL FUNCTION IN CATARACT USING LASER INTERFEROMETRIC VISUAL ACUITY AND ERG

Tests of preoperative visual function and prediction of postoperative E chart visual acuity(ECVA) using laser interferometric visual acuity(LIVA) and electroretinogram(ERG) were performed in 16 cases(19 eyes) of cataract. The results showed that the coincident rate between preoperative LIVA and postoperative ECVA was 63.2%, and there was a parallel correlation between preoperative amplitude of photopic ERG b-wave and postoperative ECVA in 79.0% of the eyes. Comparing these two methods, the test of LIVA ...

Effective of exercise therapy on functional balance, physical performance and quality of life among patients undergoing hemodialysis: randomized controlled trial

Background:Patients undergoing hemodialysis suffer from deteriorating physical health,impaired physical function,and have a low quality of life,that explained by insufficient metabolic clearance.To overcome these obstacles,cost-effective strategies must be developed,including exercise as a complement to hemodialysis therapy.Objective:To determine the effectiveness of exercise therapy on functional balance,physical performance,and quality of life among patients undergoing hemodialysis:a randomized controlled trial.Methods:This randomized controlled trial study was carried out on 68 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis for at least six months and had a medically stable condition who were randomly divided into training(n=32)exercise therapy and(n=31)control,groups.The training group participated in 8-week(3 sessions per week)resistance exercise therapy in three sets of 10 repetitions of knee extension,hip flexion,and hip abduction with the use of an elastic band under the supervision of a training physiotherapist and researcher during the first hour of the three routine hemodialysis treatment session per week.But the control group did not experience any intervention.To analyze the data,two-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni statistical tests were used at the significant level of(P=0.05).Results:6 Minute-Walk Test(6MWT)(0.013),and in the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly(PASE)(0.014),and Short Survey Form 36(SF-36)questionnaires and health-related quality of life(HRQOL)(0.001)had significant improvements in the training group in comparison to the control group from pre to post-test,also physical performance(0.001)was improving as compared with control group(0.89)at(P=0.05).Conclusion:Resistance exercise therapy interventions for eight weeks effectively improve the physical function and performance,activity levels,and health-related quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease and undergoing regular hemodialysis compared with a control group.

Research on variation and significance of immune cells, inflammatory factors and coagulation functions in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Objective:To investigate variation of T lymphocyte subsets, inflammatory factors and coagulation functional indexes at different stages for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and significance of discussion and treatment on mechanism of pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods:48 cases of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis at progressive stage treated in our hospital were selected as the progression group, and 50 cases of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis at remission stage were selected as the remission group. Meanwhile, 48 cases of healthy population in our hospital were selected as the control group. Variations and significances of T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+), inflammatory factors [interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)] and coagulation function [Fg (fibrinogen), TT (thrombin time), PLT (platelet) and D-D (D-dimer)] were analyzed.Results: Coagulation function (Fg, TT, PLT and D-D), T lymphocyte subsets CD8+ and inflammatory factors (IL-2, IL-10 and TNF-α) in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in progression group were significantly higher than in healthy population of control group (P<0.05). T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+ andCD4+/CD8+) and IFN-γ were significantly lower than in healthy population of control group (P<0.05). Coagulation function (Fg, TT, PLT and D-D), T lymphocyte subsets CD8+ and inflammatory factors (IL-2, IL-10 and TNF-α) in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in remission group were significantly lower than in patients of progression group (P<0.05), but significantly higher than in healthy population of control group (P<0.05). T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+) and IFN-γ in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in remission group were significantly higher than in patients of progression group (P<0.05), but significantly lower than in healthy population of control group (P<0.05).Conclusions:Significant variations appeared on T lymphocyte subsets, inflammatory factors and coagulation functional indexes at different stages for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, which had important significance on discussion and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis mechanism.

Direction-dependent functions of physical properties for crystals and polycrystals

Some physical properties of crystals differ in direction n because crystal lattices are often anisotropic. A polycrystal is an aggregate of numerous tiny crystallites. Unless the polycrystal is an isotropic aggregate of crystallites, the physical properties of the polycrystal vary with n. The direction-dependent functions （DDF） for crystals and polycrystals are introduced to describe the variations of the physical properties in direction n. Until now there are few papers dealing systematically with relations between the DDF and the crystalline orientation distribution. Herein we give general expressions of the DDF for crystals and polycrystals. We discuss the applications of the DDF in describing the physical properties of crystals and polycrystals.

Center of gravity transfer velocity during sit-to-stand is closely related to physical functions regarding fall experience of the elderly living in community dwelling

This study examines the difference of the center of gravity (CG) velocity during sit-to-stand (STS) movement between the elderly with and without fall experience. Fifteen elderly without fall experience (age: 75.7 ± 4.8 yr), with one fall experience (age: 75.7 ± 5.0 yr), and two or more fall experiences (age: 75.7 ± 4.8 yr) participated in the measurement of 10m maximal walking speed, functional reach, one-legged standing duration with vision, maximal isometric knee extension, hip flexion, ankle extension and toe flexion muscle strengths, fall risk assessment and ADL questionnaire, and CG velocity during STS movement. No significant differences were found in muscle strength, walking and balance tests (F 0.078). The group with two or more fall experiences was significantly higher than the other groups in the fall risk assessment, and lower than the group without fall experience in ADL (F = 8.5 and 6.1, p = 0.001 and 0.005). Meanwhile, significant differences were found in the maximal and mean CG velocity during STS movement among all groups. The group without fall experience was the greatest, and the group with fall experience was less than half (F = 9.0 and 11.1, p = 0.001

Age and Gender-Related Differences in Physical Functions of the Elderly Following One-Year Regular Exercise Therapy

Reports on physical functions during maintenance period of the elderly with cardiac and other serious diseases are limited. This study aims to clarify age and gender-related differences in their physical functions. Participants included 167 elderly individuals (males, 78;mean age, 76.5 years;SD = 6.0 years;females, 89;mean age, 75.5 years;SD = 4.5 years) who participated in a 1-year regular exercise therapy twice a week. The following eight physical function tests were selected: grip strength, 10-m obstacle walking time, one-legged balance with eyes open, sit-ups, sitting trunk flexion, 6-min walk, stepping by sitting position, and a timed up & go (TUG). Two-way analysis of variance was used to examine mean differences by gender and age: young elderly group (aged 65 - 74 years) and old elderly group (aged ≥ 75 years). In the grip strength, sit-ups, 6-min walk, 10-m obstacle walking time, stepping by sitting position, and sitting trunk flexion tests, males were superior in the former four tests, and females were superior in the latter two tests. The young elderly group was superior in all tests except for sit-ups compared with the old elderly group. The balance during one-legged with eyes open test was superior in males compared with females in the young elderly group, but decreased in males in the old elderly group. In conclusion, physical functions of the elderly during maintenance period are different between genders. Muscle strength, muscle endurance, whole-body endurance, and walking ability are superior in males, whereas flexibility and agility are superior in females. The old elderly group was inferior in all the elements of physical function except muscle endurance.