Effects of massage on the expression of proangiogenic markers in rat skin.

INTRODUCTION: Massage is a physiotherapeutic treatment, commonly used in both therapy and restoration of normal body functions. The aim of this work was to determine the effects of skin massage on stimulating the expression of angiogenesis-initiating factors, i.e. VEGF-A, FGF-2 (bFGF) and CD34 and on skin regeneration processes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 48 Buffalo strain rats, randomly divided into two groups. In the first group (M, the massaged group), massage was applied five times a week for 7 weeks. In the second study group (C, the control group), the massage was omitted. Massage consisted of spiral movements at the plantar surface of skin for 5 min on each rear extremity. The gene expression of proangiogenic factors, including VEGF-A, FGF-2, CD34 at the mRNA level was determined using real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin sections of rat skin to determine VEGF-A, FGF-2 CD34 and Ki-67expression. RESULTS: An increase in mRNA expression in the skin of the rat's rear extremity for VEGF-A and FGF-2 in the first week of the experiment was shown in the M group compared with the control rats. The upregulation of CD34 mRNA expression was also observed in the M group. We observed positive correlations between VEGF-A mRNA expression and the expression of mRNA for FGF-2 and CD34, as well as correlation between the expression of mRNA for FGF-2 and CD34. The immunohistochemical expression of VEGF-A, FGF-2 and CD34 was at a much lower level in the skin of control rats relative to the skin of massaged animals. Moreover, significantly higher immunoreactivity was shown for nuclear protein Ki-67 in epidermal cells in the M group compared with the C group. CONCLUSIONS: Rat skin massage increased the expression of the main angiogenesis-stimulating factors and the proliferative activity of epidermal cells, which can stimulate skin regeneration and tissue repairing processes.

Identification of Asymptomatic Prosthetic Joint Infection: Microbiologic and Operative Treatment Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study investigated the role of mechanical and biological factors in aseptic implant loosening or presumed silent prosthetic joint infection (PJI). METHODS: Thirty-seven patients were investigated. Microbiologic and molecular methods were used to detect bacteria on the surface of the failed implants removed during revision arthroplasty. Histopathologic analysis was performed. The influence of body mass index (BMI) and various co-morbidities on implant failure also was determined. RESULTS: The results of sonicated fluid cultures were positive for bacteria in 29.7% and the results of intra-operative tissue and joint liquid cultures in 18.9% and 16.2%, respectively. Molecular detection with 16S rRNA sequencing revealed a large variety of bacteria. The most frequent organism was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS). The outcomes of histopathologic tests of peri-prosthetic tissue showed evidence of the infection type in all culture-positive joints and in 41.4% of the cases with negative culture results. Overweight status or obesity was present in 82.8% of the culture-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study proved the presence of micro-organisms on the surface of implants in both aseptic and presumed PJI cases. Inclusion of the sonication procedure in the diagnostic algorithm increased the ability to identify the pathogen. The results of our study suggest the co-existing roles of BMI and the time to implant loosening as well as biological agents in causing prosthesis loosening.

Comparison of cultures and 16S rRNA sequencing for identification of bacteria in two-stage revision arthroplasties: preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: The use of a prefabricated spacer in two-stage revision arthroplasty remains one of the few surgery strategies for infected-joint arthroplasty treatment, despite the many unidentified microorganisms in the infected joint replacements reported in some recent studies. The aim of this prospective survey was to investigate if the sonication followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can improve bacterial identification on the surfaces of prefabricated spacers and if the systemic laboratory mediators of infection and positive microbiological results can take a role of predictive factors of infection and clinical failures in 2-years follow-up. METHODS: Thirteen patients with prosthetic joint infection were investigated. Bacterial culture and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing were used to detect bacteria on the surface of prefabricated spacers removed during the second stage of revision arthroplasty. The results of pre- and intraoperative culture and DNA sequencing were compared. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. RESULTS: The result of tissue cultures in second-stage revision arthroplasties revealed positive results in 15 % of patients with Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) growth. Bacterial DNA was found in over 90 % of patients with negative synovial fluid culture. Positive PCR results revealed potential pathogenic bacteria and species of human and environmental microflora with low virulence. Clinical failures at final follow-up were recorded in 2 (16.6 %) patients. CONCLUSION: The lack of clinical signs of infection, negative culture of preoperative joint aspirate, and intraoperative specimens do not exclude the presence of bacteria on the surfaces of spacers. The positive results of sonication and molecular tests should be interpreted as real pathogenicity factors in the light of the clinical and laboratory data, especially for patients with immunodeficiency. We confirmed our previous results that sonication followed by PCR and sequencing improved bacterial identification.

The Application of Tensegrity Massage in a Professionally Active Musician - Case Report.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to present options for the application of tensegrity massage to manage pain caused by the overload of soft tissues in musicians. DESIGN: Tensegrity massage was applied to a 34-year-old male violinist. METHODS: The methodology included a correct positioning and tensegrity massage with individually designed procedure. FINDINGS: After therapy, the patient achieved complete pain relief, and relaxation of muscles in the shoulder girdle and free part of the upper arm. The analgesic effect lasted for 6 months after the end of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Massage is an effective method in eliminating pain caused by the overload of soft tissues. If used regularly before physical effort, it can prevent muscle overload. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The presented massage procedure is an effective therapy in pain caused by the overload of soft tissues in musicians and it can be one of the elements of complex physiotherapy in active musicians.

The effectiveness of massage based on the tensegrity principle compared with classical abdominal massage performed on patients with constipation.

PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH: The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of massage based on the tensegrity principle and classical abdominal massage performed on patients with constipation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 29 subjects with a pre-existing diagnosis of constipation based on the Rome III criteria. The patients were divided into two groups: the first group was made up of 15 patients who underwent tensegrity massage (average age: 59.8 years), and the second was made up of 14 patients who were given classical abdominal massage (average age: 55.7 years). The study consisted of six massage sessions in both groups, with two sessions per week performed over 21 days. The assessment was based on a patient questionnaire, the Rome III questionnaire and a diary of bowel movements. The results were analyzed before therapy, after one week of therapy and after the third (final) week of therapy. RESULTS: Changes in the number of defecations were compared between the two groups; the biggest changes occurred in the first and third week of therapy (P<0.01, calculated by the Mann-Whitey test). As a result of the therapy, tension during defecation dropped from 60% to 20% in Group I, and from 42.8% to 35.7% in Group II. The influence of the applied therapy was evaluated positively by 80% of the tensegrity massage group and 29% of the classical abdominal massage group. CONCLUSIONS: Massage based on the tensegrity principle may have a greater positive influence on the quality and quantity of bowel movements than classical abdominal massage.

Application of Tensegrity Massage to Relive Complications After Mastectomy--Case Report.

PURPOSE: The case study was to determine the effectiveness of tensegrity massage in a patient after mastectomy. DESIGN: Tensegrity massage was performed in a 50-year-old woman after mastectomy. The purpose of the massage was to normalize the tension of musculo-ligamento-fascial system in the chest, shoulder girdle, and back. METHODS: The patient was subjected to a series of six massage sessions, 45 minutes each, twice a week. FINDINGS: The applied massage therapy contributed to the reduction of the postoperative scar tenderness and painfulness, to the relaxation of the muscular tone within the shoulder girdle, and to the improvement of the patient's general feeling. CONCLUSIONS: Tensegrity massage is an effective therapy in the elimination of pain and abnormal tissue tension induced by extensive scarring after mastectomy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The presented massage procedure had a positive effect immediately after the therapy and after 1-month follow-up.

The effectiveness of massage in therapy for obturator nerve dysfunction as complication of hip joint alloplasty-case report.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of our case presentation was to reveal effectiveness of medical massage in the therapy for obturator nerve dysfunction as a complication of hip joint alloplasty. DESIGN: Medical massage was carried out in a 58-year-old man after hip joint alloplasty. The aim was to normalize tension of muscle-ligament-fascia apparatus within pelvic girdle and reconstruct correct structural conditions in the course of obturator nerve. METHODS: The methodology included correct positioning and medical massage with individually designed procedures. FINDINGS: Full normalization of muscular tone and subsidence of pain complaints were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Massage has a positive influence on subsidence of pain complaints; however, effectiveness of the procedure depends on an appropriate methodology. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The presented massage procedure is an effective therapy in obturator nerve dysfunction as complication after alloplasty and it can be one of elements of complex improvement after surgical joint procedures within the scope of nursing rehabilitation.

Comparison of massage based on the tensegrity principle and classic massage in treating chronic shoulder pain.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of classic massage to massage based on the tensegrity principle for patients with chronic idiopathic shoulder pain. METHODS: Thirty subjects with chronic shoulder pain symptoms were divided into 2 groups, 15 subjects received classic (Swedish) massage to tissues surrounding the glenohumeral joint and 15 subjects received the massage using techniques based on the tensegrity principle. The tensegrity principle is based on directing treatment to the painful area and the tissues (muscles, fascia, and ligaments) that structurally support the painful area, thus treating tissues that have direct and indirect influence on the motion segment. Both treatment groups received 10 sessions over 2 weeks, each session lasted 20 minutes. The McGill Pain Questionnaire and glenohumeral ranges of motion were measured immediately before the first massage session, on the day the therapy ended 2 weeks after therapy started, and 1 month after the last massage. RESULTS: Subjects receiving massage based on the tensegrity principle demonstrated statistically significance improvement in the passive and active ranges of flexion and abduction of the glenohumeral joint. Pain decreased in both massage groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed increases in passive and active ranges of motion for flexion and abduction in patients who had massage based on the tensegrity principle. For pain outcomes, both classic and tensegrity massage groups demonstrated improvement.

Identification of silent prosthetic joint infection: preliminary report of a prospective controlled study.

PURPOSE: We will test the hypothesis that ultrasound supported by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) could improve bacterial identification in non-infected prosthetic joint loosening. The aim was to detect bacterial species in non-infected prosthetic joint loosening using ultrasound and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. METHODS: A total of 16 patients (11 women and five men) aged 46-80 years (mean age 65.7) with diagnosed knee or hip implant loosening (mean implant survival of 102.1 months) were investigated. Bacterial culture and DNA sequencing were used to detect bacteria on the surface of failed implants removed during revision arthroplasty. The results of pre- and intraoperative culture and DNA sequencing were compared. Histopathological analysis was also performed. RESULTS: The number of positive cultures rises with a higher level of C-reactive protein (CRP). The results of the cultures from synovial fluid obtained through joint aspiration were consistent with sonicates from components of prostheses in 12 cases (75%). Bacterial DNA was found in 90% of patients with negative synovial fluid culture. PCR revealed two or more bacterial species, often of the same genus: Ralstonia pickettii, Pseudomonas spp., Brevibacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Propionibacterium spp. and Staphylococcus spp.These are micro-organisms present in the environment or on the human body and often associated with compromised immunity. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasound procedure followed by PCR and sequencing improve bacterial identification in silent prosthetic joint infection. The lack of clinical signs of infection and negative preoperative and intraoperative cultures do not exclude the presence of micro-organisms on the implants.

The effectiveness of massage in stress urinary incontinence-case study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the case study was to determine the effectiveness of massage in the management of stress urinary incontinence. DESIGN: A 50-year-old woman with many years' history of stress incontinence was treated with massage. METHODS: The methodology involved positioning of the patient and massage according to an original method including the initial, main, and final parts. FINDINGS: The applied therapy contributed to a decreased amount of urine leakage (immediately following the therapy-by 21%, a month later-by 100%) and improved the quality of patient's life. CONCLUSIONS: A decrease in the amount of urinary leakage was observed immediately after therapy. One month after termination of massage therapy, a complete remission of symptoms was observed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The presented massage procedure had a positive effect on the amount of urinary leakage on effort immediately after therapy and on few-month follow-up produced complete relief from the distress.

Microbial air contamination in indoor environment of a university library.

The present study was aimed at evaluating the number of bacteria and mould fungi in the indoor and outdoor environment of Torun University Library. The sampling sites were located in the rooms serving the functions typical of libraries (i.e. in the Main Reading Room, Current Periodicals Reading Room, Collections Conservation Laboratory, Old Prints Storeroom, in rooms serving other (non-library) functions (i.e. main hall, cafeteria, and toilet) as well as outside the library building. The analyses reveal that the concentrations of bacterial as well as fungal aerosols estimated with the use of the impaction method ranged between 10(1)-10(3) CFU·m(-3), which corresponds to the concentrations normally observed in areas of this kind. Evaluation of the hygienic condition of the studied areas was based on the criteria for microbiological cleanliness in interiors submitted by the European Commission in 1993. According to this classification, the air was considered to be heavily or moderately contaminated with bacteria, while the air contamination with mould fungi was described as low or moderate. The air in the Old Prints Storeroom was considered the least contaminated with microbial aerosol.

Neustonic versus epiphytic bacteria of eutrophic lake and their biodegradation ability on deltamethrin.

This study evaluated biodegradation of the insecticide deltamethrin (1 µg l(-1)) by pure cultures of neustonic (n = 25) and epiphytic (n = 25) bacteria and by mixed cultures (n = 1), which consisted of a mixture of 25 bacterial strains isolated from the surface microlayer (SM ≈ 250 µm) and epidermis of the Common Reed (Phragmites australis, (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.) growing in the littoral zone of eutrophic lake Chelmzynskie. Results indicate that neustonic and epiphytic bacteria are characterized by a similar average capacity to degrade deltamethrin. After a 15-day incubation, bacteria isolated from the surface microlayer reduced the initial concentration of deltamethrin by 60%, while the average effectiveness of the bacteria found on the Common Reed equaled 47%.

[Intestinal microflora of autistic children]. / Mikroflora jelitowa dzieci autystycznych.

Autistic behavior is often accompanied by numerous disturbing symptoms on the part of gastrointestinal system, such as abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea. These problems are often connected with deregulation of physiological microflora in intestine. The aim of this study was to determine differences in intestinal microflora of autistic and healthy children. Strains of Clostridium spp. and enterococci were isolated more frequently from stool samples of autistic children and rarely lactobacilli. Quantitative differences were observed maliny among staphylococci, Candida spp. and Clostridium perfringens. Monitoring and stabilization of intestinal microflora and knowledge about role of particular strains in etiology of autistic disorders can increase the chances for appropriate therapy.

[The influence of AMPs from HaCaT keratinocytes on some bacteria strains derived from skin changes]. / Ocena dzialania peptydów antydrobnoustrojowych z hodowli keratynocytów HaCaT na wybrane szczepy bakterii pochodzace ze zmian skórnych.

The aim of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial activity of protein extracts from HaCaT cell line against bacterial strains, isolated from clinical materials, obtained from patients with clinical symptoms of acne (Propionibacterium acnes) and gas gangrene (Clostridium perfringens and Sterptococcus pyogenes). Reference strain of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 also was used. Protein extracts from cultured HaCaT cells were obtained by 3-fold freezing/defreezing cells in dry ice following by centrifugation and incubated with appropriate bacterial suspension (0.5 McFarland scale) during 6 and 24 hours. We observed time-depending and strain-depending activity of HaCaT--protein extract. Interestingly, high activity was demonstrated against strains of S. pyogenes and C. perfringens. Because of increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics further studies in the field of antimicrobial peptides are required.

Characterization of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from cases of ostitis and osteomyelitis.

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are often responsible for cases of chronic ostitis and osteomyelitis, especially in patients with orthopedic prosthesis/implants. The aim of this study was to characterize CoNS isolated from ambulatory patients with chronic ostitis/osteomyelitis and to compare them by PFGE (pulsed-field gel electrophoresis). Out of 263 bacterial strains isolated from wounds/sinuses of patients with chronic ostitis/osteomylitis, 41 were identified as CoNS. Twenty methicillin-resistant strains were selected for this study. Our results confirm the superior performance of cefoxitin disk test to detect methicillin resistance in heterogenous population of CoNS. High level of antibiotic resistance was observed among the studied strains: majority of CoNS were resistant to tetracycline and erythromycin and also to clindamycin and ciprofloxacin. Importantly, in 15 out of 20 studied CoNS different phenotypes of macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramin--MLS resistance was suggested. Eight strains demonstrated resistance to both erythromycin and clindamycin, suggesting constitutive MLS(B) phenotype. Seven remaining strains presented resistance to erythromycin and susceptibility to clindamycin with negative D-test results, suggesting the presence of macrolides and streptogramines type A efflux pump. All studied strains were sensitive to vancomycin (MIC 0.75-2.0 microg/ml), teicoplanin (MIC 0.125-8.0 microg/ml), and quinupristin/dalfopristin (MIC 0.19-1.0 microg/ml). No clonal relatedness was observed in PFGE patterns.

Inhibition of cell differentiation by quinolones in micromass cultures of rat embryonic limb bud and midbrain cells.

Micromass cultures (MMC) of rat embryonic limb bud (LB) and midbrain (CNS) cells were applied to compare the developmental toxicity of three quinolone antimicrobials: norfloxacin (Nor), enrofloxacin (Enr) and ciprofloxacin (Cip). Cultures were exposed for 5 days to seven concentrations of drugs. Cytotoxicity was assessed by quantifying neutral red uptake; differentiation-by quantifying alcian blue uptake (LB) or by image analysis of Gill's haematoxylin stained foci (CNS). Both, LB and CNS cultures showed dose-dependent reduction in total cell number and differentiation. To distinguish specific effect on differentiation, IC(50) for proliferation (P) and differentiation (D) were calculated and P/D ratios were compared. In LB cultures all three drugs were cytotoxic (P/D ratios were 1). In CNS cultures P/D ratios were 1 (up to 2.7 for Nor, up to 4.4 for Enr and up to 16 for Cip) what can suggest specific action on differentiation. Ciprofloxacin was the most toxic and CNS cells were more sensitive than LB. The ranges of IC(50)-D values (microg/ml) were as follows: Nor (79-14), Enr (127-179), Cip (91-101) in LB cultures; Nor (22-52), Enr (38-91), Cip (3-17) in CNS cultures. With one exception (Cip in CNS culture) all drugs were classified as weak embryotoxic.

Co-occurrence of urogenital mycoplasmas and group B streptococci with chlamydial cervicitis.

The aim of our study was to evaluate whether in women with chlamydial cervicitis urogenital mycoplasmas and group B streptococci (GBS) colonization is found more often than among women with non-chlamydial cervicitis. This study included 351 (mean age 31.7 +/- 6.82) not pregnant, menstruating, sexually active women. We confirmed a high frequency (49.3%) of C. trachomatis infection among women with cervicitis. Cervical ectopia was confirmed in 26.5% of examined women, in half of them ectopia was associated with chlamydial infection. We did not notice differences in frequency of colonization by urogenital mycoplasmas and GBS among women with chlamydial and non-chlamydial cervicitis.

[Nanobacteria--microbiological characteristics]. / Nanobakterie--charakterystyka mikrobiologiczna.

We have reviewed recent publications regarding the microbiological characteristic and pathogenicity of a novel infectious agent, the mineral-forming, sterile-filterable, slow-growing Gram-negative Nanobacteria, detected in bovine/human blood, kidney cyst fluid, urine and kidney stones. According to their 16S rDNA structure, nanobacteria belong to the alpha-2 Proteobacteria, subgroup, which includes the Brucella and Bartonella species. Their cell diameter is 0.2-0.5 microm (the smallest known cell-walled bacteria). Their most remarkable characteristic is the formation of carbonate apatite crystals of neutral pH and at physiologic phosphate and calcium concentrations. The extracellular mineralization forms a hard protective shelter for these hardy microorganisms, and enables them to survive conditions of physical stress that would be lethal to most other bacterial species. The Olavi Kajander group (Finland) suggests that the apatite produced by nanobacteria may play a key role in the formation of all kidney stones, by providing a central calcium phosphate deposit around which other crystalline components can collect. Nanobacteria seems to be a causative agent of diseases related to biomineralization processes.