The Influence of Oxidation and Nitrogenation on the Physicochemical Properties and Sorption Capacity of Activated Biocarbons Prepared from the Elderberry Inflorescence.

The main objective of the study was to prepare a series of new activated biocarbons by means of physical and chemical activation of elderberry inflorescence. The influence of carbon matrix nitrogenation/oxidation on the physicochemical properties and sorption abilities of the carbonaceous materials was investigated. The impact of initial dye concentration, pH and temperature of the system on methylene blue and rhodamine B removal efficiency was checked. It was shown that activation of elderberry inflorescences with CO2 or H3PO4, and their further modification by introducing nitrogen or oxygen functional groups, allowed us obtain a wide range of materials that differ significantly in terms of the chemical nature of the surface, degree of specific surface development and the type of porous structure generated. The samples prepared by chemical activation proved to be very effective in terms of cationic dyes adsorption. The maximum sorption capacity toward methylene blue and rhodamine B reached the level of 277.8 and 98.1 mg/g, respectively. A better fit to the experimental data was achieved with a Langmuir isotherm than a Freundlich one. It was also shown that the efficiency of methylene blue and rhodamine B adsorption from aqueous solutions decreased with increasing temperature of the system.

The Spiritual Supporter Scale as a New Tool for Assessing Spiritual Care Competencies in Professionals: Design, Validation, and Psychometric Evaluation.

This study aimed to design, validate and standardize the Spiritual Supporter (SpSup) Scale, a tool designed to assess competency to provide spiritual care including knowledge, sensitivity to spiritual needs and spiritual support skills. This instrument can be used by all those engaged in or training for caregiving roles. The study was conducted in Poland in the Polish language. The SpSup Scale demonstrates high overall reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.88), a satisfactory diagnostic accuracy (0.79), and a satisfactory discriminatory power of the items. Given the psychometric properties of SpSup Scale demonstrated here, the scale is recommended for the assessment of the competency to provide spiritual care in both clinical and research settings in Poland.

Procedure Proposal for Minimising the Dynamic Error of Second-Order Sensors.

This paper proposes the procedure for minimising the dynamic error in the time and frequency domains, based on the example of a second-order sensor. Our procedure includes three main steps: modelling of the sensors using the Monte Carlo (MC) method; determination of the maximum value of the dynamic error using the integral-square criterion (ISC); and optimisation of the parameters of the sensor model by minimising the ISC. The uncertainties associated with the modelling procedure and the MC method are also considered. The mathematical formulae necessary for implementation in a given programming language (MathCad, MATLAB, C, etc.) are presented in detail. The proposed procedure was implemented in the frequency domain, using MathCad 15, and applied to the example of the Althen 731-207 accelerometer. Validation of the proposed procedure was carried out using a digital signal processor of type TMS320C6713. The proposed procedure can increase the accuracy of the signal processing obtained at the output of sensors applied to a wide range of measurements.

Central interaction between the apelinergic and vasopressinergic systems in the regulation of the haemodynamic parameters in rats maintained on a high-fat diet.

A high-fat diet can affect the central activity of the apelinergic and vasopressinergic systems, which can have a significant impact on cardiovascular regulation. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of the central interaction between apelin and vasopressin in the regulation of the cardiovascular system in Sprague Dawley rats maintained on a normal-fat diet (NFD) or on a high-fat diet (HFD). The animals were instrumented with a cannula implanted into the left cerebral ventricle for intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusions of saline (0.9% NaCl), apelin-13 (APLN-13), V1a receptor antagonist (V1aRANT) APJ receptor antagonist (F13A), vasopressin (AVP); and with a catheter placed within the femoral artery for mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate monitoring. Blood, the hypothalamus and the medulla oblongata were collected for biochemical analysis. The hypertensive effect of APLN-13 was blocked by a prior ICV infusion of V1aRANT, only in the NFD rats. However, the hypertensive effect of AVP was blocked by the prior ICV infusion of F13A in both the NFD and HFD rats. A HFD caused an increase in the protein level of APJ and V1a receptors, both in the hypothalamus and the medulla oblongata. This study confirms the presence of an interaction between both peptides in the central regulation of the cardiovascular system in rats on a NFD or a HFD.

Plasma ß-Endorphin Concentration and Antipsychotic Treatment Outcome in Schizophrenia: 1-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND Increased levels of endogenous opioids have been observed in patients with schizophrenia; however, the influence of these endogenous opioids on the biology of schizophrenia remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of beta-endorphin (BE) on the course of schizophrenia and risk of relapse. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 25 patients hospitalized with schizophrenia and 47 controls. Their symptoms were evaluated using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and composite index at five points: at the onset of hospitalization; after 4, 6 and 10 weeks of treatment; and after 12 months. ß-endorphin plasma concentrations were assessed in patients at study enrollment and after 6 weeks of treatment. Data regarding rehospitalization during follow-up were also collected. RESULTS Patients had higher BE concentration than controls at study enrollment (P=0.002) and after 6 weeks (P=0.000). BE levels increased during treatment (mean 0.538ng/mL vs. mean 0.624 ng/mL; P=0.007). No correlation was found between BE concentration and PANSS subscale score at any stage of the study. A higher BE level at study enrollment was related to a predominance of negative symptoms after 1 year, measured with composite index (R=-0.404; P=0.045). Patients who were later hospitalized again were significantly more likely to demonstrate an increase in BE levels over 6 weeks (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Individuals with schizophrenia demonstrated higher BE concentrations than healthy controls; this tendency was particularly apparent in those affected by negative symptoms. The imbalance in the endogenous opioid system might adversely alter the course of disease and predispose patients to persistence of negative symptoms, despite antipsychotic treatment.

A developmentally-stable pattern of premorbid schizoid-schizotypal features predicts psychotic transition from the clinical high-risk for psychosis state.

BACKGROUND: Despite the extensive research performed on prediction of psychosis from a Clinical High Risk for Psychosis state (CHR-P), the positive predictive value of the CHR-P designation remains unsatisfactory and further models including additional clinical and biological variables are required. Existing studies indicate that schizotypy assessed at baseline in "at-risk" individuals may be considered a predictor of transition from CHR-P to psychosis. This approach, however, is burdened with bias resulting from a possible overlap between current psychopathology and schizotypal features. No studies so far have assessed schizotypy in CHR-P from a developmental perspective. AIM: The aim of the study was to identify associations between a long-standing, parent-reported premorbid level of schizoid-schizotypal traits and the probability of psychotic transition in individuals with CHR-P. METHODS: The mothers of 107 individuals diagnosed as presenting CHR-P with the use of Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental States12/2006 were interviewed with the Scale for the Assessment of Premorbid Schizoid-Schizotypal Traits (PSST). RESULTS: A high level of enduring schizotypy was found to be significantly associated with psychotic transition from CHR-P (HR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.40-2.27, p < 0.0001), as indicated by the proportional hazards model, adjusted for age, sex and clinical covariates potentially related to the outcome. PSST items comprising negative schizotypy appeared to be the strongest predictors of transition. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of parent-reported, present early in the development premorbid schizoid-schizotypal traits, which can be easily performed in clinical settings, may be of value in estimating the probability of transition from an "at risk" state to psychotic disorder.

Serum levels of interleukin 6 in schizophrenic patients during treatment augmentation with sarcosine (results of the PULSAR study).

OBJECTIVE: Augmentation of sarcosine, a natural inhibitor of the glycine transporter type I, normalizes glutamatergic neurotransmission, having beneficial impact on primary negative symptoms in schizophrenia and may also influence immune system and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels. AIM: Finding a relationship between initial IL-6 serum concentrations or its changes and severity of symptoms as a result of sarcosine addition to stable antipsychotic treatment. METHOD: Fifity-eight individuals with schizophrenia with predominantly negative symptoms completed a 6-month randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled prospective study. Patients received 2 g of sarcosine (n = 29) or placebo (n = 30) daily per os. We measured IL-6 levels and severity of symptoms at the beginning, after 6 weeks and 6 months. As main clinical tools, we used Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Calgary depression scale for schizophrenia (CDSS). RESULTS: Augmentation with sarcosine had no effect on IL-6 serum levels in all time points. We noted significant improvements in negative symptoms, general psychopathology, and total PANSS score in the sarcosine group. We found correlation of initial serum IL-6 with severity of positive symptoms and negative association between IL-6 levels reduction and positive symptoms reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcosine does not significantly affect IL-6 concentrations but IL-6 may be involved in mechanisms related to the presence of positive symptoms.

Polymorphic Variants of TNFR2 Gene in Schizophrenia and Its Interaction with -308G/A TNF-α Gene Polymorphism.

AIM: Many data showed a role of inflammation and dysfunction of immune system as important factors in the risk of schizophrenia. The TNFR2 receptor is a molecule that adapts to both areas. Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) is a receptor for the TNF-α cytokine which is a strong candidate gene for schizophrenia. The serum level of TNFR2 was significantly increased in schizophrenia and associated with more severe symptoms of schizophrenia. METHODS: We examined the association of the three single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs3397, rs1061622, and rs1061624) in TNFR2 gene with a predisposition to and psychopathology of paranoid schizophrenia in Caucasian population. The psychopathology was measured by a five-factor model of the PANSS scale. We also assessed a haplotype analysis with the -308G/A of TNF-α gene. RESULTS: Our case-control study (401 patients and 657 controls) revealed that the genetic variants of rs3397, rs1061622, and rs1061624 in the TNFR2 gene are associated with a higher risk of developing schizophrenia and more severe course in men. However, the genotypes with polymorphic allele for rs3397 SNP are protective for women. The rs1061624 SNP might modulate the appearance of the disease in relatives of people with schizophrenia. The CTGG haplotype build with tested SNPs of TNFR2 and SNP -308G/A of TNF-α has an association with a risk of schizophrenia in Caucasian population depending on sex. Our finding is especially true for the paranoid subtypes of schizophrenia.

Association Study of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 (TNFR1) Gene Polymorphisms with Schizophrenia in the Polish Population.

Schizophrenia is a devastating mental disorder with undetermined aetiology. Previous research has suggested that dysregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and their receptors plays a role in developing schizophrenia. We examined the association of the three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs4149576, rs4149577, and rs1860545) in the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) gene with the development and psychopathology of paranoid schizophrenia in the Polish Caucasian sample consisting of 388 patients and 657 control subjects. The psychopathology was assessed using a five-factor model of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). SNPs were genotyped using the TaqMan 5'-exonuclease allelic discrimination assay. The SNPs tested were not associated with a predisposition to paranoid schizophrenia in either the entire sample or after stratification according to gender. However, rs4149577 and rs1860545 SNPs were associated with the intensity of the PANSS excitement symptoms in men, which may contribute to the risk of violent behavior. Polymorphisms in the TNFR1 gene may have an impact on the symptomatology of schizophrenia in men.

The influence of TSA and VPA on the in vitro differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into neuronal lineage cells: Gene expression studies.

INTRODUCTION: Epigenetic mechanisms regulate the transcription of genes, which can affect the differentiation of MSCs. The aim of the current work is to determine how the histone deacetylase inhibitors TSA and VPA affect the expression of neuronal lineage genes in a culture of rat MSCs (rMSCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the expression of early neuron marker gene (Tubb3), mature neuron markers genes (Vacht, Th, Htr2a) and the oligodendrocyte progenitor marker gene (GalC). Moreover, changes in the gene expression after three different periods of exposure to TSA and VPA were investigated for the first time. RESULTS: After six days of exposition to TSA and VPA, the expression of Tubb3 and GalC decreased, while the expression of Th increased. The highest increase of VAChT expression was observed after three days of TSA and VPA treatment. A decrease in Htr2a gene expression was observed after TSA treatment and an increase was observed after VPA treatment. We also observed that TSA and VPA inhibited cell proliferation and the formation of neurospheres in the rMSCs culture. DISCUSSION: The central findings of our study are that TSA and VPA affect the expression of neuronal lineage genes in an rMSCs culture. After exposure to TSA or VPA, the expression of early neuronal gene decreases but equally the expression of mature neuron genes increases. After TSA and VPA treatment ER of the oligodendrocyte progenitor marker decreased. TSA and VPA inhibit cell proliferation and the formation of neurospheres in rMSCs culture.

Serum KIBRA mRNA and Protein Expression and Cognitive Functions in Depression.

BACKGROUND: Genes participating in synaptic signalling or plasticity in brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the hippocampus have been implicated in cognition. Recently, a new gene (KIBRA, WWC1) has been added to this group due to its impact on memory performance. Recurrent depressive disorder (rDD) is a multifactorial disease, that one of the typical features is cognitive impairment. The main objective of this study was to perform an analysis of the KIBRA gene on both mRNA and protein levels in patients suffering from rDD and to investigate the relationship between KIBRA expression and cognitive performance. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study comprised 236 subjects: patients with rDD (n=131) and healthy subjects (n=105, HS). Cognitive function assessment was based on: Trail Making Test, The Stroop Test, Verbal Fluency Test and Auditory Verbal Learning Test. RESULTS: Both mRNA and protein expression levels of KIBRA gene were significantly higher in healthy subjects when compared to rDD. The presented relationship is clear even after taking age, education and sex of the examined subjects into consideration. No statistically significant relationship was found in the experiments between any of the conducted tests and KIBRA gene expression on mRNA level for both the rDD and HS groups. The presented study has limitations related to the fact that patients were being treated with antidepressant. This is relevant due to the fact that some antidepressants may affect mRNA expression. Number of patients and healthy subjects may result in the lack of statistical significance in some cases. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The results of our study show decreased expression of the KIBRA gene on both mRNA and protein levels in depression. 2. We did not find any significant relationship between KIBRA gene expression and cognitive functions in case of both the healthy subjects and the patients affected by rDD.

Knockdown of the AKT3 (PKBγ), PI3KCA, and VEGFR2 genes by RNA interference suppresses glioblastoma multiforme T98G cells invasiveness in vitro.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain malignancy, having a very poor prognosis and is characterized by extensive brain invasion as well as resistance to the therapy. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/PTEN signaling pathway is deregulated in GBM. Besides, florid vascularization and aberrantly elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) occur very often. The present study was designed to examine the inhibitory effect of AKT3, PI3KCA, and VEGFR2 small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) on GBM cell invasiveness. T98G cells were transfected with AKT3, PI3KCA, and/or VEGFR2 siRNAs. VEGFR2 protein-positive cells were identified by flow cytometry using specific monoclonal anti-VEGFR2 antibodies. Alterations in messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) (MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, MMP-14), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) (TIMP-1, TIMP-3), c-Fos, c-Jun, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), ObRa, and cathepsin D genes were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Cells treated with specific siRNA were also analyzed for invasion using the Matrigel invasion assay. We have found significantly lower mRNA levels of MMPs, cathepsin D, VEGF, VEGFR2, HIF-1α, and c-Fos/c-Jun ratio, as well as significantly higher mRNA level of TIMPs in AKT3 and PI3KCA siRNA transfected cells compared to untransfected cells, while significantly lower mRNA levels of MMPs (MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-14) and TIMP-1, as well as significantly higher mRNA level of TIMP-3, were shown only in cells transfected with VEGFR2 siRNA. The positive correlation between MMP-13 and ObRa mRNA copy number has been found. Summarizing, transfection of T98G cells with AKT3, PI3KCA, or VEGFR2 siRNAs leads to a significant reduction in cell invasiveness. The siRNA-induced AKT3, PI3KCA, and VEGFR2 mRNA knockdown may offer a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce the invasiveness of GBM cells.

Electroconvulsive therapy in patient with psychotic depression and multiple sclerosis.

Safety of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in depressive patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is still discussed and based solely on case reports. This kind of therapy was used in both unipolar depression and depression in bipolar disorder. It was suggested that ECT might cause the deterioration of neurological state (new MS lesions in magnetic resonance imaging). Moreover, there were also data indicating some anesthesiological complications and difficulties in patients with MS. We have presented a case of a patient who was treated with ECT and developed grand mal seizure after 14th electroconvulsive treatment.

Analysis of Cutting Forces and Geometric Surface Structures in the Milling of NiTi Alloy.

This paper presents a study of the total cutting force used and selected parameters of the geometric structure of the surface (e.g., Sa, Sz) during the end milling process of NiTi alloy. The input parameters included are cutting speed (vc), feed per tooth (fz), and radial depth of cut (ae). A Box-Behnken experimental design was employed to conduct the research. The obtained experimental results were utilized within the framework of a response surface methodology (RSM) to develop mathematical and statistical models capable of predicting cutting force components and selected 3D surface parameters. These models provide valuable insights into the relationships between the cutting parameters and the output variables, facilitating the optimization of the NiTi alloy milling process. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the behavior of NiTi alloy during the milling process and offer information for process optimization. By employing a Box-Behnken experimental design, it was possible to investigate the effects of different parameter combinations on the components of total cutting force and selected 3D surface parameters according to ISO 25178, thus aiding in the identification of optimal milling conditions to achieve desired outcomes in the machining of NiTi alloy.

The utility of novel STE parameters in echocardiographic assessment of single ventricle after Fontan palliation.

Background and aims of the study A functionally single ventricle (FSV) refers to a group of congenital heart defects that are not amenable for biventricular correction. The Fontan operation is utilized as surgical treatment for most of FSV patients. The evaluation of FSV function is extremely difficult due to its unique pathophysiology. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) parameters measured at rest and during exercise for comprehensive assessment of univentricular heart. METHODS: We enrolled 37 patients with a functionally single ventricle after the Fontan operation, hospitalized in the Department of Congenital Heart Defects between years 2019 and 2021.The echocardiographic stress tests were performed in the Echocardiography Laboratory of the Congenital Heart Defects Department. The study was conducted on a bicycle ergometer in a semi-recumbent position. The parameters obtained by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE): the longitudinal strain of the FSV free wall (Ɛ) and the longitudinal strain of myocardial layers: subendocardial, medial and subepicardial were analyzed. A transmural longitudinal strain gradient (TG) was calculated as the difference between longitudinal deformation of the subendocardial and subepicardial layers. Current results of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and cardio-pulmonary test (CPET) were also incorporated. Demographic data, past interventions, pharmacological treatment and comorbidities were extracted from medical records. RESULTS: Ɛ at rest and during exercise were not related to the parameters of physical capacity obtained on CPET nor to the CMR results. The transmural strain gradient was dependent on physical performance parameter- peak oxygen uptake- and related to the FSV ejection fraction calculated by magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSIONS: The transmural strain gradient and FSV free wall strain are readily measurable and suitable for evaluating single ventricle function. The TG is positively correlated with peak oxygen uptake during the cardiopulmonary test and with the ejection fraction derived from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The applicability of these findings in patients undergoing the Fontan procedure warrants further exploration.

Green Synthesis of Iron Nanoparticles Using an Aqueous Extract of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne) Leaf Waste.

In this study, we analysed the potential use of dried strawberry leaves and calyces for the production of nanoparticles using inorganic iron compounds. We used the following iron precursors FeCl3 × 6H2O, FeCl2 × 4H2O, Fe(NO3)3 × 9H2O, Fe2(SO4)3 × H2O, FeSO4 × 7H2O, FeCl3 anhydrous. It was discovered that the content of polyphenols and flavonoids in dried strawberries and their antioxidant activity in DPPH and FRAP were 346.81 µM TE/1 g and 331.71 µM TE/1 g, respectively, and were similar to these of green tea extracts. Microimages made using TEM techniques allowed for the isolation of a few nanoparticles with dimensions ranging from tens of nanometres to several micrometres. The value of the electrokinetic potential in all samples was negative and ranged from -21,300 mV to -11,183 mV. XRF analyses confirmed the presence of iron ranging from 0.13% to 0.92% in the samples with a concentration of 0.01 mol/dm3. FT-IR spectra analyses showed bands characteristic of nanoparticles. In calorimetric measurements, no increase in temperature was observed in any of the tests during exposure to the electromagnetic field. In summary, using the extract from dried strawberry leaves and calyxes as a reagent, we can obtain iron nanoparticles with sizes dependent on the concentration of the precursor.

BDNF val66met polymorphism is associated with age at onset and intensity of symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia in a Polish population.

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the candidate genes for schizophrenia. There is evidence that val66met polymorphism may be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The authors genotyped val66met (rs6265) polymorphism of the BDNF gene in 208 inpatients with paranoid schizophrenia and 254 control subjects in a Polish population. There was no association between val66met polymorphism and development of paranoid schizophrenia in either men or women. However, an association was found between this polymorphism and age at onset and psychopathology of paranoid schizophrenia. Men with the val/met genotype had an earlier age at onset, and the val/val genotype predisposed to more severe symptoms, particularly on the General Psychopathology Scale of the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS-G). The analysis of PANSS single items has shown that patients with the val/met genotype had higher scores on a hallucinatory behavior item than those with other genotypes.

Association of interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and TNF-alpha (TNFα) gene polymorphisms with paranoid schizophrenia in a Polish population.

Numerous reports have brought attention to the potential role of cytokines in schizophrenia. The aim of the study was to determine whether polymorphisms of IL-2, IL-6, and TNFα genes are risk factors for development of paranoid schizophrenia in a Polish population. Promoter polymorphisms of IL-6 (rs1800795), TNFα (rs1800629), and IL-2 (rs2069762) genes in patients (N=115) and controls (N=135) were genotyped by PCR-RFLP and AS-PCR methods, respectively. Genotype TT and allele T for IL-2 polymorphism, and genotype AA and allele A for TNFα polymorphism were found to be significantly associated with paranoid schizophrenia. Similarly, haplotypes CTA and GTA increased the risk (4.4 times and 5.9 times, respectively) of schizophrenia. To reveal associations between Positive and Negative Symptom Scale subscales and age at onset of schizophrenia, the authors used a novel method called Grade Correspondence Analysis. This analysis revealed that patients with early age at onset have higher scores on the Negative and General subscales of PANSS, and, in that group of patients, haplotype CTA was the most represented. As far as is known, this analysis was used for the first time with reference to genetic data.

The impact of fatigue on static balance in people with chronic ankle instability.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess static postural stability under fatigue in subjects with chronic ankle instability - "copers" in comparison with healthy controls. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study on a group of 60 young, physically active subjects, divided into 3 groups: I - 14 subjects with unilateral ankle instability, II - 15 subjects with bilateral ankle instability, III - 31 healthy subjects, without ankle instability. The fatigue trial was based on modified Short-Term Fatigue Protocol. Static stabilography was performed with the use of HUR platform. RESULTS: showed an increase in the value of COP trace length after fatigue test in study population I. The level of COP trace length Z before fatigue was significantly lower than after fatigue. Subjects from study population I had higher levels of COP trace length Z in comparison with the control group. The main effect for the group also proved to be significant. Study population I had higher levels of COP trace length Z in comparison with the control group. For the measurement after fatigue, there was significant difference only between the study population I and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of structural ankle instability was not correlated with functional instability. Subjects with ankle instability, or "copers", had good functional levels, enabling them to perform sports activities. "Copers" had weakened proprioception in static stabilography tests. Short and intense fatigue protocol weakened the ability to maintain balance in static stabilography test with eyes closed.