1921. Development and preliminary validation of the scale of factors which influence decision-making of the elderly to take part in physical exercise programsTatjana Tomažič, Bojana Filej, Nadja Plazar, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Regular physical activity and exercise are beneficial for both physical and mental health. However, in the elderly, the level of physical activity they partake in is consist-ently inadequate. Recognizing the need to enhance the participation of the elderly in organized physical exercise and understanding the factors which influence their deci-sion-making becomes pivotal. The purpose of this study was to develop a measurement instrument, specifically a scale, to identify these factors and evaluate its psychometric properties. First, the statements were formulated, which was followed by content as-sessment by a panel of experts. In the process of scale validation, its internal consist-ency, stability, correlations between the variables, and factor structure were also evalu-ated. The scale was tested on a sample of 1777 participants engaged in guided physical exercise at the School of Health Association (društvo Šola zdravja), all aged 60 years or more. Theexploratory factor analysis yielded a four-factor model with 27 state-ments which explained 42.9% of variability. The results indicated weak, but statistically significant correlations between the factors and an acceptable level of internal consist-ency and stability of the entire scale. This scale, developed to establish the factors that influence the decision-making of the elderly to take part in organized physical exercise, represents a valid and reliable measurement instrument, which can be beneficial in the planning and promotion of organized physical exercise programs for the elderly. Keywords: physical exercise, quantitative methodology, elderly, social gerontology Published in DiRROS: 16.04.2024; Views: 381; Downloads: 330 Full text (610,88 KB) This document has many files! More... |
1922. Attitudes towards exercise content on social media and the choice of fitness trainerNikolina Alerić, Ana Penjak, Hrvoje Karninčič, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of this study was to: a) investigate and determine gender differences to-wards factors influencing gym-goers’ choice of fitness trainer; and b) to identify and explain gender differences in gym-goers’ attitudes towards social media exercise con-tents (SMEC). For this purpose, a questionnaire was created. The study was conducted on a sample of 50 gym-goers (N1=13 male and N2=37 female), all attending a gym in Split, Croatia. The variable sample consisted of five groups of variables. Test-retest overlap was performed to determine the reliability (88.20%) of the questionnaire. The results showed that the affirmative attitudes were statistically significant in contrast to the non-affirmative attitudes (Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Test, T=250.00, Z=3.60, p<0.001). In addition, male gym-goers generally have a significantly more affirmati-ve attitude towards SMEC than female gym-goers (Mann-Whitney U-test, U=119.50, Z=–2.68, p=0.007). Furthermore, there are gender differences in choosing a fitness trainer based on their appearance; but there are no gender differences in the attitude towards the number of fitness trainers’ followers on social media as an indicator of tru-stworthiness. As this study was specifically concerned with the attitudes of gym-goers, future studies should focus on sports professionals and their attitudes toward this topic. Keywords: social media, fitness trainer, exercise, gender Published in DiRROS: 16.04.2024; Views: 421; Downloads: 279 Full text (712,74 KB) This document has many files! More... |
1923. Health aspects of aerobic interval training in the rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular diseases : a sysematic reviewTamara Ilić, Doroteja Rančić, Stefan Stojanović, Ismail Ilbak, 2023, review article Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this study was to review the literature analyzing the effects of aerobic interval training in the rehabilitation of cardiovascular patients.Methods: Research data was collected considering the inclusion and exclusion cri-teria of the research studies published in English. In order for the study to be included in the analysis, it had to meet the following criteria: year of publication (2004–2022), respondents were people with cardiovascular disease, and the studies included in this review must contain data on disease, training programme and outcomes. Papers with-out full texts available and systematic review studies were excluded. The first search identified 71 articles. In the initial assessment carried out in accordance with the inclu-sion and exclusion criteria, 15 articles were found suitable and were included in the study, while 20 studies were excluded for being duplicates, 28 studies excluded for not having the full text available and eight for non-compliance. Results: The reviewed materials indicate that aerobic interval training has an im-pact on VO2 max, functional abilities, VO2 peak and functional capacity in the reha-bilitation of cardiovascular diseases, especially in the elderly. The duration of the pro-gramme in most studies has a similar time range from 10 to 16 weeks. The programmes that showed the best effects are related to aerobic interval training, from 2 to 3 times per week with moderate (50–60% of VO2 max) or high intensity (80–90% of VO2 max). Conclusion: Studies indicate that properly dosed physical activity contributes to a better lifestyle for people with cardiovascular diseases. All 15 studies showed positive effects of aerobic interval training in cardiovascular disease rehabilitation. Keywords: aerobic exercise, interval training, rehabilitation, cardiovascular diseases Published in DiRROS: 16.04.2024; Views: 408; Downloads: 234 Full text (522,55 KB) This document has many files! More... |
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1925. The influence of folate pathway polymorphisms on high-dose methotrexaterelated toxicity and survival in children with non-Hodgkin malignant lymphomaNina Erčulj, Barbara Faganel Kotnik, Maruša Debeljak, Janez Jazbec, Vita Dolžan, 2014, original scientific article Abstract: Background. We evaluated the influence of folate pathway polymorphisms on high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) related toxicity in paediatric patients with T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Patients and methods. In total, 30 NHL patients were genotyped for selected folate pathway polymorphisms. Results. Carriers of at least one MTHFR 677T allele had significantly higher MTX area under the time-concentration curve levels at third MTX cycle (P = 0.003). These patients were also at higher odds of leucopoenia (P = 0.006) or thrombocytopenia (P = 0.041) and had higher number of different HD-MTX-related toxicity (P = 0.035) compared to patients with wild-type genotype. Conclusions. Our results suggest an important role of MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism in the development of HD-MTXrelated toxicity in children with NHL. Keywords: childhood, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, polymorphism Published in DiRROS: 16.04.2024; Views: 380; Downloads: 240 Full text (487,58 KB) This document has many files! More... |
1926. Identification of plasma biomarker candidates in glioblastoma using an antibody-array-based proteomic approachKlemen Zupančič, Andrej Blejec, Ana Herman, Matija Veber, Urška Verbovšek, Marjan Koršič, Miomir Knežević, Primož Rožman, Tamara Lah Turnšek, Kristina Gruden, Helena Motaln, 2014, original scientific article Abstract: Background. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a brain tumour with a very high patient mortality rate, with a median survival of 47 weeks. This might be improved by the identification of novel diagnostic, prognostic and predictive therapy-response biomarkers, preferentially through the monitoring of the patient blood. The aim of this study was to define the impact of GBM in terms of alterations of the plasma protein levels in these patients. Materials and methods. We used a commercially available antibody array that includes 656 antibodies to analyse blood plasma samples from 17 healthy volunteers in comparison with 17 blood plasma samples from patients with GBM. Results. We identified 11 plasma proteins that are statistically most strongly associated with the presence of GBM. These proteins belong to three functional signalling pathways: T-cell signalling and immune responses; cell adhesion and migration; and cell-cycle control and apoptosis. Thus, we can consider this identified set of proteins as potential diagnostic biomarker candidates for GBM. In addition, a set of 16 plasma proteins were significantly associated with the overall survival of these patients with GBM. Guanine nucleotide binding protein alpha (GNAO1) was associated with both GBM presence and survival of patients with GBM. Conclusions. Antibody array analysis represents a useful tool for the screening of plasma samples for potential cancer biomarker candidates in small-scale exploratory experiments; however, clinical validation of these candidates requires their further evaluation in a larger study on an independent cohort of patients. Keywords: glioblastoma, proteomics, biomarker Published in DiRROS: 16.04.2024; Views: 605; Downloads: 497 Full text (620,85 KB) This document has many files! More... |
1927. Polymorphisms in folate pathway and pemetrexed treatment outcome in patients with malignant pleural mesotheliomaKatja Goričar, Viljem Kovač, Vita Dolžan, 2014, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction. A combination of pemetrexed and cisplatin has been shown to improve the outcome in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), however, there is a great heterogeneity in treatment response among patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of polymorphisms in folate pathway and transporter genes on pemetrexed treatment outcome in Slovenian patients with MPM. Methods. MPM patients treated with pemetrexed in the course of a prospective randomized clinical trial were genotyped for nineteen polymorphisms in five genes of folate pathway and six transporter genes. Logistic regression was used to assess the influence of polymorphisms on treatment efficacy and toxicity, while Cox regression was used to determine their influence on progression-free and overall survival. Results. Patients with at least one polymorphic MTHFD 1 rs2236225 allele had a significantly lower response rate (p = 0.005: odds ratio [OR] = 0.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.03-0.54) and shorter progression-free survival (p = 0.032: hazard ratio [HR) = 3.10: 95% CI = 1.10-8.74) than non-carriers. Polymorphisms in transporter genes did not influence survival; however, several were associated with toxicity. Liver toxicity was significantly lower in carriers of polymorphic ABCC2 rs2273697 (p = 0.028: OR = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.06-0.85). SLC01Bl rs4149056 (p = 0.028: OR = 0.23: 95% CI = 0.06-0.85) and rsll045879 (p = 0.014: OR = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.05-0.71) alleles compared to non-carriers, as well as in patients with SLC01Bl GCAC haplotype (p = 0.048; OR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.03-0.98). Gastrointestinal toxicity was much more common in patients with polymorphic ABCC2 rs717620 allele (p = 0.004: OR = 10.67; 95% CI = 2.15-52.85) and ABCC2 CAG haplotype (p = 0.006: OR = 5.67: 95% CI = 1.64-19.66). Conclusions. MTHFD 1 polymorphism affected treatment response and survival. while polymorphisms in ABCC2 and SLC01Bl transporter genes influenced the risk for toxicity. These polymorphisms could serve as potential markers of pemetrexed treatment outcome in patients with MPM. Keywords: polymorphisms, folate pathway, mesothelioma Published in DiRROS: 16.04.2024; Views: 451; Downloads: 140 Full text (605,70 KB) |
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1929. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) as a bridge to aortic valve replacement in cancer patients who require urgent non-cardiac surgeryPolonca Kogoj, Rok Devjak, Matjaž Bunc, 2014, original scientific article Abstract: Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) is a percutaneous treatment option for severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis. Due to early restenosis and failure to improve long term survival, BAV is considered a palliative measure in patients who are not suitable for open heart surgery due to increased perioperative risk. BAV can be used also as a bridge to surgical or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in hemodinamically unstable patients or in patients who require urgent major non-cardiac surgery.We reported 6 oncologic patients with severe aortic stenosis that required a major abdominal and gynecological surgery. In 5 cases we performed BAV procedure alone, in one patients with concomitant coronary artery disease we combined BAV and PCI. With angioplasty and BAV we achieved a good coronary artery flow and an increase in aortic valve area without any periprocedural complications. After the successful procedure, we observed a hemodynamic and symptomatic improvement. As a consequence the operative risk for non-cardiac surgery decreased and the surgical treatment was done without complications in all the 6 cases.We conclude that BAV can be utilized as a part of a complex therapy in severe aortic stenosis aimed to improve the quality of life, decrease the surgical risk for major non-cardiac surgery or as a bridge to surgical or transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Keywords: aortic valve stenosis, elderly comorbidities, coronary artery disease Published in DiRROS: 16.04.2024; Views: 424; Downloads: 200 Full text (390,58 KB) This document has many files! More... |
1930. Circulating serum sVCAM-1 concentration inadvanced ovarian cancer patients : correlation with concentration in ascitesMarina Jakimovska, Katarina Černe, Ivan Verdenik, Borut Kobal, 2014, original scientific article Abstract: Background. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is associated with ovarian cancer progression but theorigin of its soluble form (sVCAM-1) in serum is not well investigated. The purpose of this study was to elucidate whetherthe concentration of sVCAM-1 in serum correlates with the concentration in ascites, that represents local tumour environment,and with systemic inflammation, various clinicopathological characteristics, and patient outcome.Patients and methods. Thirty-six patients with advanced ovarian cancer were included in the study. Serum forsVCAM-1 analysis was obtained prior to surgery. Ascites samples were collected at the beginning of the operation.Clinical data were collected from patients medical records. sVCAM-1 in samples was analysed by flow cytometricbead-based assay. The mean follow-up period was 11 months (range 0-23) from the time of surgery.Results. Serum sVCAM-1 concentrations are positively correlated to ascites sVCAM-1 concentrations. There was aweakly positive correlation of serum sVCAM-1 with tumour size and no correlation with inflammatory tumour markers,FIGO stage or grade. Higher concentrations of sVCAM-1 were associated with poor disease outcome (death fromovarian cancer) in almost all cases before chemotherapy was started.Conclusion. This is the first study demonstrating that serum concentrations of sVCAM-1 in advanced ovarian cancerpatients correlate with sVCAM-1 concentrations in ascites, thus expressing the biologic potential of malignant diseaseto metastasis, rather than systemic inflammation. Higher serum and ascites sVCAM-1 concentrations might have predictivepotential for different biologic behaviour. Published in DiRROS: 16.04.2024; Views: 643; Downloads: 315 Full text (491,78 KB) |