Injectable PLGA Microscaffolds with Laser-Induced Enhanced Microporosity for Nucleus Pulposus Cell Delivery.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a leading cause of lower back pain (LBP). Current treatments primarily address symptoms without halting the degenerative process. Cell transplantation offers a promising approach for early-stage IVD degeneration, but challenges such as cell viability, retention, and harsh host environments limit its efficacy. This study aimed to compare the injectability and biocompatibility of human nucleus pulposus cells (hNPC) attached to two types of microscaffolds designed for minimally invasive delivery to IVD. Microscaffolds are developed from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) using electrospinning and femtosecond laser structuration. These microscaffolds are tested for their physical properties, injectability, and biocompatibility. This study evaluates cell adhesion, proliferation, and survival in vitro and ex vivo within a hydrogel-based nucleus pulposus model. The microscaffolds demonstrate enhanced surface architecture, facilitating cell adhesion and proliferation. Laser structuration improved porosity, supporting cell attachment and extracellular matrix deposition. Injectability tests show that microscaffolds can be delivered through small-gauge needles with minimal force, maintaining high cell viability. The findings suggest that laser-structured PLGA microscaffolds are viable for minimally invasive cell delivery. These microscaffolds enhance cell viability and retention, offering potential improvements in the therapeutic efficiency of cell-based treatments for discogenic LBP.

Magnetically sensitive fiber probe with nitrogen-vacancy center nanodiamonds integrated in a suspended core.

Efficient collection of photoluminescence arising from spin dynamics of nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond is important for practical applications involving precise magnetic field or temperature mapping. These goals may be realized by the integration of nanodiamond particles with optical fibers and volumetric doping of the particles alongside the fiber core. That approach combines the advantages of robust axial fixation of NV diamonds with a direct spatial overlap of their fluorescence with the guided mode of the fiber. We developed a suspended core silicate glass fiber with 750 nm-diameter nanodiamonds located centrally in the 1.5 µm-core cross-section along its axis. The developed fiber probe was tested for its magnetic sensing performance in optically detected magnetic resonance measurements using a 24 cm-long fiber sample, with the NV excitation and fluorescence collection from the far ends of the sample and yielding optical readout contrast of 7% resulting in 0.5 µT·Hz-1/2 magnetic field sensitivity, two orders of magnitude better than in earlier designs. Thanks to its improved fluorescence confinement, the developed probe could find application in magnetic sensing over extended fiber length, magnetic field mapping or gradiometry.

Multiscale structural characterization of the vertebral endplate in animal models.

Research in the field of spinal biomechanics, including analyses of the impact of implants on the stability of the spine, is conducted extensively in animal models. One of the basic problems in spinal implantation is the transfer and distribution of loads carried by the spine on the surfaces of the vertebral bodies. An important factor in proper cooperation of spinal implants with the vertebrae is the endplate (EP), which is why the EP in the animal model used for testing should be as similar as possible to the human EP. Therefore, this study involved multiscale structural and morphometric analyses of the animal models most commonly used in spinal biomechanics research, i.e. pig, ovine, and bovine tail. The tests were performed on 28 lumbar porcine, ovine, and bovine vertebrae. Both cranial and caudal EPs were analysed in three selected areas: anterior, middle, and posterior EPs. The conducted tests included a morphometric analysis of the trabecular bone (TB) layer of the EP as well as microscopic analysis at the mesoscale (total thickness) and microscale (thickness of the individual EP layers). The porcine EP had a characteristic increased circumferential thickness (~3 mm) with a significant narrowing in the central region (50%-60%). The convex cranial ovine EP had a constant thickness throughout the cross-section and the concave caudal EP showed ~35% narrowing in the central region. The thickest EPs were observed in the bovine tail model with negligibly small narrowing in the central region (~5%). The thickness of the cartilaginous layer in the porcine and bovine models reached up to 1 mm in the peripheral regions and decreased in the central part. The growth plate layer had a similar thickness in all the models. On the other hand, the narrowing of the total thickness of the EPs in the central region was mainly due to a decrease in the VEP thickness. In the ovine and bovine models, the central region of the EP was characterized by large isotropy and trabeculae of mixed or rod-like shape. By contrast, in the pig, this region had plate-like trabeculae of anisotropic nature. The porcine model was identified as best reflecting the shape and structure of the human EP and as the best surrogate model for the human EP model. This choice is particularly important in the context of biomechanical research.

The Optical Coherence Tomography and Raman Spectroscopy for Sensing of the Bone Demineralization Process.

The presented research was intended to seek new optical methods to investigate the demineralization process of bones. Optical examination of the bone condition could facilitate clinical trials and improve the safety of patients. The authors used a set of complementary methods: polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) and Raman spectroscopy. Chicken bone samples were used in this research. To stimulate in laboratory conditions the process of demineralization and gradual removal of the hydroxyapatite, the test samples of bones were placed into 10% acetic acid. Measurements were carried out in two series. The first one took two weeks with data acquired every day. In the second series, the measurements were made during one day at an hourly interval (after 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 24 h). The relation between the content of hydroxyapatite and images recorded using OCT was analyzed and discussed. Moreover, the polarization properties of the bones, including retardation angles of the bones, were evaluated. Raman measurement confirmed the disappearance of the hydroxyapatite and the speed of this process. This work presents the results of the preliminary study on the possibility of measuring changes in bone mineralization by means of the proposed methods and confirms their potential for practical use in the future.

The Regulation of Collagen Processing by miRNAs in Disease and Possible Implications for Bone Turnover.

This article describes several recent examples of miRNA governing the regulation of the gene expression involved in bone matrix construction. We present the impact of miRNA on the subsequent steps in the formation of collagen type I. Collagen type I is a main factor of mechanical bone stiffness because it constitutes 90-95% of the organic components of the bone. Therefore, the precise epigenetic regulation of collagen formation may have a significant influence on bone structure. We also describe miRNA involvement in the expression of genes, the protein products of which participate in collagen maturation in various tissues and cancer cells. We show how non-collagenous proteins in the extracellular matrix are epigenetically regulated by miRNA in bone and other tissues. We also delineate collagen mineralisation in bones by factors that depend on miRNA molecules. This review reveals the tissue variability of miRNA regulation at different levels of collagen maturation and mineralisation. The functionality of collagen mRNA regulation by miRNA, as proven in other tissues, has not yet been shown in osteoblasts. Several collagen-regulating miRNAs are co-expressed with collagen in bone. We suggest that collagen mRNA regulation by miRNA could also be potentially important in bone metabolism.

Kinesiophobia in pre-operative patients with cervical discopathy and coexisting degenerative changes in relation to pain-related variables, psychological state and sports activity.

BACKGROUND: No research group has ever investigated the level of kinesiophobia in a well defined group of preoperative patients treated due to cervical discopathy and degenerative spine disease, confirmed by X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. We aimed to investigate the degree of kinesiophobia and the differences in pain-related and psychosocial characteristics between patients with high and low levels of kinesiophobia, in relation to factors commonly associated with neck pain. MATERIAL/METHODS: Sixty-five consecutive patients with cervical discopathy and coexisting degenerative changes were assessed pre-surgically. The mean pain duration was 31.7 SD 34.0 months. Patients completed the Polish versions of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-PL) on 2 occasions, and the following once: Neck Disability Index (NDI-PL), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-PL), Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ-PL), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS-PL). RESULTS: A high level of kinesiophobia was indicated in 81.5% and 87.7% of patients in first and second completion, respectively. Patients with high and low kinesiophobia differ in regards to the recreation section of NDI-PL (p=0.012), gender (p=0.043), and sports activity (p=0.024). Correlations were identified between TSK-PL and marital status (p=0.023) and sports activity (p=0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Kinesiophobia levels are higher in patients with chronic cervical pain before surgical treatment. Fear of movement tends to be higher in women and among patients avoiding sports recreation before surgical treatment. Although sports activity and socio-demographic data are predictors of kinesiophobia, psychological, pain-related, and clinical data are not. These findings should be considered when planning rehabilitation after surgical treatment of cervical discopathy and coexisting degenerative changes.

Psychometric properties of the Polish language version of the chronic pain coping inventory-42 for patients treated surgically due to herniated lumbar discs and spondylotic changes.

BACKGROUND: The development of a pain-management program tailored to the specific needs of patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) requires the proper assessment of psychosocial factors affecting each individual. The Chronic Pain Coping Inventory-42 (CPCI-42) refers to coping strategies, which are commonly defined as the cognitive and behavioral techniques an individual may resort to in stressful or demanding situations. Evidence from a number of sources suggests that differences in pain coping strategies may significantly affect how an individual deals with chronic pain. We aimed to adapt the CPCI-42 to Polish cultural conditions (PL-CPCI-42) and then verify its psychometric properties based on a group of patients treated surgically due to herniated lumbar discs and coexisting spondylotic changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The average age of the study participants (n=90) was 43.47 years (SD 10.21). The average duration of chronic low back pain (CLBP) was 49.37 months (SD 64.71). Lumbosacral spine X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed and all patients completed the PL-CPCI-42 and the Polish versions of the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS-PL) twice. Internal consistency of the PL-CPCI-42, floor and ceiling effects, test-retest reliability, and criterion validity were analyzed. RESULTS: Resting, guarding, and coping self-statements were frequently used as coping strategies both in the test and in the retest, in contrast to relaxation and exercise/stretch. The NPRS-PL result was 5.70 cm in the test and 5.66 in the retest. Cronbach's alpha values were recorded for the asking for assistance, coping self-statements, and seeking social support domains (0.83, 0.80, 0.83, respectively). Test-retest reliability of the PL-CPCI-42 varied from 0.53 (relaxation domain) to 0.84 (asking for assistance and coping self-statements domains). CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides evidence of the validity of the PL-CPCI-42 and supports its usefulness in assessing chronic pain coping strategies, which are especially important to pain adjustment and in the creation of multidisciplinary pain management programs for patients with severe CLBP.

Multimodal analysis of traction forces and the temperature dynamics of living cells with a diamond-embedded substrate.

Cells and tissues are constantly exposed to chemical and physical signals that regulate physiological and pathological processes. This study explores the integration of two biophysical methods: traction force microscopy (TFM) and optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) to concurrently assess cellular traction forces and the local relative temperature. We present a novel elastic substrate with embedded nitrogen-vacancy microdiamonds that facilitate ODMR-TFM measurements. Optimization efforts focused on minimizing sample illumination and experiment duration to mitigate biological perturbations. Our hybrid ODMR-TFM technique yields TFM maps and achieves approximately 1 K precision in relative temperature measurements. Our setup employs a simple wide-field fluorescence microscope with standard components, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed technique in life science laboratories. By elucidating the physical aspects of cellular behavior beyond the existing methods, this approach opens avenues for a deeper understanding of cellular processes and may inspire the development of diverse biomedical applications.

Enhancing colloidal stability of nanodiamond via surface modification with dendritic molecules for optical sensing in physiological environments.

Pre-treatment of diamond surface in low-temperature plasma for oxygenation and in acids for carboxylation was hypothesized to promote the branching density of the hyperbranched glycidol polymer. This was expected to increase the homogeneity of the branching level and suppress interactions with proteins. As a result, composite nanodiamonds with reduced hydrodynamic diameters that are maintained in physiological environments were anticipated. Surfaces of 140-nm-sized nanodiamonds were functionalized with oxygen and carboxyl groups for grafting of hyperbranched dendritic polyglycerol via anionic ring-opening polymerization of glycidol. The modification was verified with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Dynamic light scattering investigated colloidal stability in pH-diverse (2-12) solutions, concentrated phosphate-buffered saline, and cell culture media. Thermogravimetric analysis of nanodiamonds-protein incubations examined non-specific binding. Fluorescence emission was tested across pH conditions. Molecular dynamics simulations modeled interparticle interactions in ionic solutions. The hyperbranched polyglycerol grafting increased colloidal stability of nanodiamonds across diverse pH, high ionic media like 10 × concentrated phosphate-buffered saline, and physiological media like serum and cell culture medium. The hyperbranched polyglycerol suppressed non-specific protein adsorption while maintaining intensive fluorescence of nanodiamonds regardless of pH. Molecular modelling indicated reduced interparticle interactions in ionic solutions correlating with the improved colloidal stability.

Perception of stress level, trunk appearance, body function and mental health in females with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated conservatively: a longitudinal analysis.

PURPOSE: In the presented study, we aimed to assess changes over time in the perception of trunk deformity, body function, stress level and mental health in females with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who were treated conservatively with a Cheneau brace, taking the Trunk Appearance Perception Scale (TAPS), Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) and Bad Sobberheim Stress Questionnaires (BSSQ) criteria of evaluation into consideration. METHODS: The study design was comprised of three questionnaire assessments, with the second and the third evaluation taking place 6 and 12 months after the beginning of the study, respectively. Thirty-six females treated conservatively were asked to fill in the TAPS, SRS-22 and BSSQ forms. RESULTS: In regards to TAPS, the results differed between the 1st and the 2nd assessment in Figure 2 only (p = 0.013). The difference between the 1st and the 3rd evaluation concerned Figure 3 and the total score (p = 0.011 and p = 0.005, respectively). The SRS-22 and BSSQ results of study participants did not differ significantly between the 1st and the 2nd, between the 2nd and the 3rd and between the 1st and the 3rd evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicated that the assessment of girls with AIS concerning body function and mental health did not deteriorate in the course of orthosis treatment. Furthermore, they showed improvement in perceptions particularly in regards to trunk shape. We pointed out that the negative perceptions of mental health, self-image and low level of activity held by females with AIS coexisted with severe emotional distress. Moreover, factors that improved functioning or subjective physical appearance ratings in particular, such as level of activity, were indicated.

Chronic pain coping styles in patients with herniated lumbar discs and coexisting spondylotic changes treated surgically: Considering clinical pain characteristics, degenerative changes, disability, mood disturbances, and beliefs about pain control.

BACKGROUND: Pain catastrophizing, appraisals of pain control, styles of coping, and social support have been suggested to affect functioning in patients with low back pain. We investigated the relation of chronic pain coping strategies to psychological variables and clinical data, in patients treated surgically due to lumbar disc herniation and coexisting spondylotic changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The average age of study participants (n=90) was 43.47 years (SD 10.21). Patients completed the Polish versions of the Chronic Pain Coping Inventory-42 (PL-CPCI-42), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-PL), Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ-PL), Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ-PL), and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ-PL). RESULTS: In the PL-CPCI-42 results, resting, guarding and coping self-statements were frequently used as coping strategies (3.96 SD 1.97; 3.72 SD 1.72; 3.47 SD 2.02, respectively). In the CSQ-PL domains, catastrophizing and praying/hoping were frequently used as coping strategies (3.62 SD 1.19). The mean score obtained from the BDI-PL was 11.86 SD 7.23, and 12.70 SD 5.49 from the RMDQ-PL. BPCQ-PL results indicate that the highest score was in the subscale measuring beliefs that powerful others can control pain (4.36 SD 0.97). Exercise correlated significantly with beliefs about internal control of pain (rs=0.22). We identified associations between radiating pain and guarding (p=0.038) and between sports recreation and guarding (p=0.013) and task persistence (p=0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Back pain characteristics, depressive mood, disability, and beliefs about personal control of pain are related to chronic LBP coping styles. Most of the variables related to advancement of degenerative changes were not associated with coping efforts.

Patient satisfaction with nursing after surgery due to cervical or lumbar discopathy.

BACKGROUND: Relationships between patient satisfaction with nursing and patient clinical data have not been fully resolved in a Polish sample. Our objectives were to determine clinical factors associated with patient satisfaction with nursing and investigate differences between patients treated surgically for cervical or lumbar discopathy and degenerative changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective and cross-sectional study included 63 consecutively selected patients treated surgically for lumbar discopathy and degenerative spine disease and 41 patients undergoing surgery for cervical discopathy and degenerative spine disease from 1st June 2009 to 31st September 2010 in the Department of Neurosurgery and Neurotraumatology of Poznan University of Medical Sciences. In the first stage of this study, socio-demographic data, medical history, and clinical patient characteristics were collected. A minimum 12-month follow-up formed the second part. Nineteen patients with lumbar discopathy were excluded because they were unable to answer the questionnaire. Finally, 44 consecutively selected patients treated surgically for lumbar discopathy and 41 patients undergoing surgery due to cervical discopathy were evaluated with the Polish version of the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scale (NSNS-PL). RESULTS: In patients with cervical and lumbar discopathy, the average Experiences of Nursing Care Subscale (ENCS) scores were 82.0 (SD 15.1) and 79.0 (SD 13.5), respectively, whereas the average Satisfaction with Nursing Care Subscale (SNCS) scores were 75.6 (SD 18.1) and 74.4 (SD 16.8), respectively. The study groups did not differ in regards to NSNS subscales. Associations between ENCS and SNCS scores were confirmed in both patient groups (rS=.73, p<0.001 and rS=.73, p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the importance of assessing the association between patient characteristics and patient perception of quality of nursing care. Satisfaction with treatment outcome and conviction about undergoing the same treatment affected experiences and satisfaction with nursing in the cervical group only.

Gene Expression in MC3T3-E1 Cells Treated with Diclofenac and Methylprednisolone.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticoids (GCs) are often used to treat articular-skeletal disorders. The extended use of NSAIDs and GCs have adverse effects on bone metabolism, reducing bone quality and impairing fracture healing. In the present study, we used mouse pre-osteoblast cells MC3T3-E1 to demonstrate the effects of diclofenac (DF) and methylprednisolone (MP) on cell proliferation and gene expression. Cells were incubated with three doses of DF or MP: 0.5 µM, 5 µM, and 50 µM. MP decreased cell viability even after 24 h, but DF inhibited cell viability after only seven days of treatment. The cells were lysed after one, two, three, and seven days of treatment, and gene expression was analyzed by reverse transcription and quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays. DF did not significantly affect the expression of the osteogenic marker genes. MP modified the expression of Osx, Runx, and Col1a1. We concluded that MP is a more potent inhibitor of mouse pre-osteoblast differentiation and viability than is DF. Our results suggest that prolonged DF treatment could be less harmful to osteoblasts than MP treatment.

Potential applications of using tissue-specific EVs in targeted therapy and vaccinology.

Many cell types secrete spherical membrane bodies classified as extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs participate in intercellular communication and are present in body fluids, including blood, lymph, and cerebrospinal fluid. The time of EVs survival in the body varies depending on the body's localisation. Once the EVs reach cells, they trigger a cellular response. Three main modes of direct interaction of EVs with a target cell were described: receptor-ligand interaction mode, a direct fusion of EVs with the cellular membrane and EVs internalisation. Studies focused on the medical application of EVs. Medical application of EVs may require modification of their surface and interior. EVs surface was modified by affecting the parental cells or by the direct amendment of isolated EVs. The interior modification involved introducing materials into the cells or direct administrating isolated EVs. EVs carry proteins, lipids, fragments of DNA, mRNA, microRNA (miRNA) and long non-coding RNA. Because of EVs availability in liquid biopsy, they are potential diagnostic markers. Modified EVs could enhance the treatment of diseases such as colorectal cancer, Parkinson's disease, leukaemia or liver fibrosis. EVs have specific tissue tropisms, which makes them convenient organ-directed carriers of nucleic acids, drugs and vaccines. In conclusion, recently published works have shown that EVs could become biomarkers and modern vehicles of advanced drug forms.

Effects of living environment on the postoperative Scoliosis Research Society-24 results in females with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: There are many factors influencing postoperative health-related quality of life of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients, including the degree of the deformity, culture, differences in geography, rural versus urban living environments, and social factors. The objective of this study was to analyze the significance of geographic factors and their differences influencing the postoperative quality of life in females with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis residing in urban and rural environments, by use of the Polish version of the SRS-24 questionnaire. MATERIAL/METHODS: Forty urban and 20 rural postoperative patients with adolescent scoliosis with a minimum 2-year follow-up period after surgery were included in the study. The process of cross-cultural adaptation was performed according to the IQOLA Project. RESULTS: General results of the Polish SRS-24 equalled 4.1 (SD 0.5) and 4.0 (SD.0.5) in the rural and urban groups of patients, respectively. The 2 groups do not differ in incidence of floor and ceiling effects. The Cronbach's alpha values are excellent for the general result of SRS-24 in urban and rural groups (0.85 and 0.85, respectively). The sub-groups differed significantly in the self-image after surgery domain (p=0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Patients from the rural group scored higher in the self-image after surgery domain but reported higher pain levels when compared to urban patients. The associations between SRS-24 results and radiographic parameters in the rural group of patients were strong, compared with moderate relations reported in the urban group.

Fluorescence of nanodiamond cocktails: pH-induced effects through interactions with comestible liquids.

Fluorescent nanodiamonds with nitrogen-vacancy centers have become important nanoscale probes for sensing and imaging. The surface chemistry of the nanodiamonds influences their emission, interactions, and quantum properties. In this work, we propose to utilize fluorescent nanodiamonds as photostable markers for investigation of comestible liquids. We prepared nanodiamond/comestibles suspensions/cocktails with a wide range of pH levels and studied the samples via fluorescence, wettability, and zeta potential. The composition of the created cocktails revealed a strong impact on the properties of the nanodiamond and its surface chemistry, mainly induced by pH but also tuned by specific quenching compounds. Moreover, the stability of the nanodiamonds in the cocktail media was studied, along with various nature-originated compounds influencing their surface termination, polarity, and charge states. Thanks to the stability and biocompatibility of the nanodiamond, it can be applied in monitoring the condition of foodstuffs, and in the detection of toxins and pathogens in them.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Polish Version of the Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD).

Purpose: The assessment of the quality of life is an important element of the clinical examination of the patient. The aim of this study was translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the "Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities" (CPCHILD) questionnaire into Polish language, and testing of reliability and validity of the CPCHILD-PL for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Material and Methods: A Polish version of CPCHILD was created according to internationally accepted guidelines. Parents (n=77) of 51 boys/26 girls between 3 and 17 years with CP with Gross Motor Function Classification System I-V (GMFCS I-V) participated. To assess the reliability each domain and the total measure was tested for internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Convergent validity was evaluated by correlating the CPCHILD-PL with the CHAQ (Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire) questionnaire. Results: Test-retest reliability assessed by Spearman correlation coefficient for the final result of CPCHILD-PL and for most of domains were above 0.90. The values of Cronbach's-α coefficient (measuring internal consistency) were high for all domains (except for domain 5: Health) and the entire CPCHILD-PL, with the range 0.88-0.96. The comparison between CPCHILD-PL and the Disability Index (DI) of the CHAQ showed a negative correlation. The higher the DI, the lower the CPCHILD result. The Spearman's rank coefficient was -0.75. Conclusion: The Polish version for the CPCHILD for children with CP seems to be reliable and valid tool for assessing health-related quality of life from the caregiver perspective. It can be used in research and clinical practice for evaluation and comparison of health-related quality of life in children with CP in different countries.

Wide-field magnetometry using nitrogen-vacancy color centers with randomly oriented micro-diamonds.

Magnetometry with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond has gained significant interest among researchers in recent years. Absolute knowledge of the three-dimensional orientation of the magnetic field is necessary for many applications. Conventional magnetometry measurements are usually performed with NV ensembles in a bulk diamond with a thin NV layer or a scanning probe in the form of a diamond tip, which requires a smooth sample surface and proximity of the probing device, often limiting the sensing capabilities. Our approach is to use micro- and nano-diamonds for wide-field detection and mapping of the magnetic field. In this study, we show that NV color centers in randomly oriented submicrometer-sized diamond powder deposited in a thin layer on a planar surface can be used to detect the magnetic field. Our work can be extended to irregular surfaces, which shows a promising path for nanodiamond-based photonic sensors.

Mechanical properties of the mouse femur after treatment with diclofenac and running exercises.

PURPOSE: The flexible properties of the bone are essential for the movement and protection of vital organs. The ability of a bone to resist fractures under the influence of large muscles and physical activity depends on its established mechanical properties. This article discusses how exercise such as treadmill running and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac, affect the musculoskeletal system by modifying the elastic and thermal properties of the left femur of a mouse. METHODS: The research was conducted using 9-week-old C57BL/6J female mice. In order to investigate the elastic and thermal properties of bones, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were performed. RESULTS: The study of elastic properties, followed by in-depth statistical analysis, shows that taking diclofenac slightly reduces the elastic parameters of the bones under study. These changes are more pronounced in DSC studies, the shift of the observed endothermic peaks is on the order of several degrees with a simultaneous increase in the enthalpy of this process. CONCLUSIONS: The opposite effect of the applied factors - diclofenac and running - on the elastic properties of the bones of the examined mice was found. The external factors - running and diclofenac - modify the basic parameters of the endothermic process associated with the release of water.

Brace and deformity-related stress level in females with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis based on the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaires.

BACKGROUND: Psychopathological symptoms occur more often in chronically ill patients than in healthy populations. The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between different types of treatment and stress levels. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study group consisted of 69 females, of whom 35 were treated conservatively with a Cheneau brace; the other 34 subjects were treated operatively and, after correction of scoliosis with thoracoplasty, wore a brace for 12 weeks during the postoperative period. Patients completed the Polish versions of the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire-Deformity and the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire-Brace. RESULTS: Patients who were treated surgically felt a moderate level of stress connected with wearing the brace and with body deformation. The group treated conservatively felt moderate stress connected with wearing the brace, but a low level of stress in relation to body deformation. The groups differed significantly statistically in the level of stress felt regarding body deformation (p=0.004). In the group treated conservatively, the correlation between the level of stress, the age at which treatment was initiated, and degree of apical translation proved to be significant. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated surgically in comparison with patients treated conservatively report higher stress levels connected with body deformation. A higher level of stress depends on the degree of trunk deformation on the frontal plane; stress is also higher in patients who begin conservative treatment at a later age.