Novel Method for Detecting the Stage of Arthrosis and Femoroacetabular Impingement Using a Gyroscopic Sensor and Neural Networks.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome is a complex, often post-traumatically developing impairment of the hip joint, characterized by ambiguous symptomatology, which makes early diagnosis diffi cult, especially in the early stages. Experimental retrospective study was carried out to evaluate the usability of a triaxial gyroscopic sensor in routine practice as an additional indication criterion for operative versus conservative treatment procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS 92 patients were included in the retrospective study, and 62 completed the investigation. All patients signed informed consent. A gyroscopic sensor was placed on the right side of the pelvis above the hip joint, and the patients walked approximately 15 steps. Furthermore, an evaluation of the data during stair climbing and a complete clinical examination of the dynamics and physiological movements in the joint was carried out. Data measured with a gyroscopic sensor were processed using differential geometry methods and then evaluated using spectral analysis and neural networks. The proposed technique of diagnosing FAI using gyroscope measurement is a fast, easy-to-perform method. RESULTS Our approach in processing gyroscopic signals used to detect the stage of arthrosis and post-traumatically developing FAI could lead to more accurate early detection and capture in the early stages. CONCLUSIONS The obtained data are easily evaluated, interpretable and benefi cial in diagnosing the early stages of FAI. The results of the conducted research showed this approach to more accurate early detection of arthrosis and post-traumatically developing FAI. Key words: wearable sensors; osteoarthritis; mathematical biophysics; telemedicine.

A decrease in serum 1,25(OH)2D after elective hip replacement and during bone healing is associated with changes in serum iron and plasma FGF23.

OBJECTIVE: Although calcitriol is essential for bone healing, its serum concentrations are low after hip surgery, and they continue to decline during bone healing. This study aimed to test the hypothesis of an association of changes in calcitriol production with the status of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and iron deficiency after elective hip replacement for coxarthrosis. METHODS: In this prospective study, we measured the biomarkers of 17 patients undergoing elective hip replacement on admission, on the first day after surgery, and at the regular check-up after 48 ± 8 days. The serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, transferrin, ferritin, parathyroid hormone, intact plasma FGF23 (iFGF23) and C-terminal FGF23 (cFGF23) were determined. RESULTS: In our patients who underwent elective hip replacement, significant correlations existed between the percent change in the conversion rate of 25(OH)D to 1,25(OH)2D, plasma intact to C-terminal FGF23 ratio, and serum iron. CONCLUSIONS: The production of calcitriol is compromised after elective hip replacement surgery, leading to reduced levels of active vitamin D in the serum. Significant correlations between the percent change in the conversion rate of 25(OH)D to 1,25(OH)2D, plasma intact to C-terminal FGF23 ratio, and serum iron on the first day as well as 7 weeks after surgery could inspire future studies to determine whether and how calcitriol deficiency should be corrected, especially in fracture cases.

Decrease in serum calcitriol (but not free 25-hydroxyvitamin D) concentration in hip fracture healing.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the decrease in serum calcitriol concentrations after hip fracture. METHODS: Serum concentrations of calcitriol, 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), directly measured free 25(OH)D, and indices of bone formation were measured in elderly patients with hip fracture (HF) and patients with elective hip replacement (EHR) at admission and after 7 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients with HF and 17 patients with EHR completed this prospective study. Baseline serum calcitriol levels were ≤ 60 pmol/l in 26% of the HF patients. After 7 weeks, they significantly decreased (p < 0.001). In patients with EHR, serum calcitriol was within the reference range in all but one patient and did not change during the 7-week recovery phase. Seven weeks after HF, a significant positive relationship was observed between the change in calcitriol and serum 25(OH)D concentration (r = 0.385, p = 0.009) and free 25(OH)D (r = 0.296, p = 0.048), and a decrease in calcitriol during recovery was associated with a decrease in serum PTH (p = 0.038). Seven weeks after HF, changes in both serum PTH and serum 25(OH)D concentrations contributed to the prediction of changes in serum calcitriol (R2 = 0.190, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Unlike patients with EHR, subjects with HF had low serum 25(OH)D and low free 25(OH)D concentrations at admission, while their serum 1,25D levels were relatively elevated. Decreases in circulating calcitriol levels in the 7 weeks following hip surgery were associated with a resolution of secondary hyperparathyroidism and low availability of free 25(OH)D.

Efficacy of teriparatide compared with risedronate on FRAX®-defined major osteoporotic fractures: results of the VERO clinical trial.

FRAX® calculates the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures (MOF), which are considered to have a greater clinical impact than other fractures. Our results suggest that, in postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis, those treated with teriparatide had a 60% lower risk of FRAX®-defined MOF compared with those treated with risedronate. INTRODUCTION: The VERO trial was an active-controlled fracture endpoint clinical trial that enrolled postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis. After 24 months, a 52% reduction in the hazard ratio (HR) of clinical fractures was reported in patients randomized to teriparatide compared with risedronate. We examined fracture results restricted to FRAX®-defined major osteoporotic fractures (MOF), which include clinical vertebral, hip, humerus, and forearm fractures. METHODS: In total, 1360 postmenopausal women (mean age 72.1 years) were randomized to receive subcutaneous daily teriparatide (20 µg) or oral weekly risedronate (35 mg). Patient cumulative incidence of ≥ 1 FRAX®-defined MOF and of all clinical fractures were estimated by Kaplan-Meier analyses, and the comparison between treatments was based on the stratified log-rank test. Additionally, an extended Cox model was used to estimate HRs at different time points. Incidence fracture rates were estimated at each 6-month interval. RESULTS: After 24 months, 16 (2.6%) patients in the teriparatide group had ≥ 1 low trauma FRAX®-defined MOF compared with 40 patients (6.4%) in the risedronate group (HR 0.40; 95% CI 0.23-0.68; p = 0.001). Clinical vertebral and radius fractures were the most frequent FRAX®-defined MOF sites. The largest difference in incidence rates of both FRAX®-defined MOF and all clinical fractures between treatments occurred during the 6- to 12-month period. There was a statistically significant reduction in fractures between groups as early as 7 months for both categories of clinical fractures analyzed. CONCLUSION: In postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis, treatment with teriparatide was more efficacious than risedronate, with a 60% lower risk of FRAX®-defined MOF during the 24-month treatment period. Fracture risk was statistically significantly reduced at 7 months of treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01709110 EudraCT Number: 2012-000123-41.

Prevalence of sarcopenia among hospitalized internal medicine patients: A cross-sectional single-center pilot study according to EWGSOP2 criteria.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia is associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes among hospitalized patients with chronic diseases. Currently, an unmet need lies in its low diagnostic yield. We conducted a pilot study with the aim to screen hospitalized patients for sarcopenia using the EWGSOP2 criteria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study among hospitalized patients in internal medicine was carried out, inclusion criteria: age>55, ability to stand-up from a chair. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: bed-bound, terminal stages of the disease, ICU stay. We measured hand-grip strength, fat-free mass by bioimpedance and short physical performance battery test (SPPB). Sarcopenia was diagnosed in low hand-grip strength and low muscle mass (EWGSOP2), severe sarcopenia in sarcopenic patients with low physical performance (SPPBT≤8). RESULTS: 40 patients were enrolled, sarcopenia was diagnosed in 8/20 (40%) men and 3/20 (15%) women (p=0.15), severe sarcopenia in 6/20 men (30%) and 2/20 (10%) women (p=0.24). 65% of men and 40% of women had SPPBT≤8, and 60% of men and 55% of women had gait speed≤0.8m/s. CONCLUSION: Among hospitalized internal medicine patients sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia are common, particularly in males. New diagnostic criteria provide a relatively simple and applicable tool for screening among internal medicine inpatients (Tab. 3, Ref. 25).

Teriparatide for osteoporosis: importance of the full course.

Teriparatide (TPTD) is the only currently available therapeutic agent that increases the formation of new bone tissue and can provide some remediation of the architectural defects in the osteoporotic skeleton. The use of teriparatide clinically is limited to 24 months. We review clinical findings during daily teriparatide treatment over time. Teriparatide appears to increase bone formation more than bone resorption as determined biochemically and histologically. Teriparatide exerts its positive effects on bone formation in two distinct fashions. The first is direct stimulation of bone formation that occurs within active remodeling sites (remodeling-based bone formation) and on surfaces of bone previously inactive (modeling-based bone formation). The second is an increase in the initiation of new remodeling sites. Both processes contribute to the final increase in bone density observed by non-invasive tools such as DXA. Remodeling is the repair process by which skeletal tissue is maintained in a young healthy state, and when stimulated by TPTD is associated with a positive bone balance within each remodeling cavity. It seems likely therefore that this component will contribute to the anti-fracture efficacy of TPTD. Teriparatide reduces the risk of fracture, and this effect appears to increase with longer duration of therapy. The use of novel treatment regimens, including shorter courses, should be held in abeyance until controlled clinical trials are completed to define the relative fracture benefits of such approaches in comparison to the 24-month daily use of the agent. Summary In patients with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture, the full continuous 24-month course with teriparatide results in improved skeletal health and outcomes than shorter time periods.

Adherence to oral bisphosphonates: 30 more minutes in dosing instructions matter.

OBJECTIVES: Low adherence to treatment with bisphosphonates significantly impedes its effectiveness. The objectives were: (1) to compare adherence to oral weekly and monthly bisphosphonates with emphasis on dosing instructions; and (2) to study associations between adherence and beliefs about the bisphosphonate treatment among women ≥ 55 years. METHODS: A multicenter survey was performed in secondary-care patients with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis Specific Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (OS-MMAS), questions on compliance with five dosing instructions and Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) Specific were used. RESULTS: As many as 363 questionnaires (response rate 95%) were analyzed. Respondents (mean age 69 years) were treated with weekly bisphosphonates (37%) or monthly ibandronate (63%). Based on OS-MMAS, 67% of respondents showed high adherence with no differences between the subgroups. Only 44% of respondents were compliant with all dosing instructions. Compliance with dosing instructions concerning time interval (fasting and staying upright) was 71% in weekly and 52% in monthly subgroups, respectively (p < 0.001). Compliance with dosing instructions correlated positively with education (p = 0.009). The mean BMQ necessity score of 18.4 was greater than the mean BMQ concerns score of 13.3. OS-MMAS score correlated with necessity (p = 0.010). Persistence derived from OS-MMAS correlated with both necessity (p = 0.014) and concerns (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Despite relatively high adherence to the treatment, most patients do not follow dosing instructions. Reduced bioavailability, particularly of monthly ibandronate, can be expected in clinical practice. Adherence-related outcomes are associated with beliefs about the oral treatment with bisphosphonates.

Bone quality of the newest bone formed after two years of teriparatide therapy in patients who were previously treatment-naïve or on long-term alendronate therapy.

UNLABELLED: The results of the present study, involving analysis of biopsies from patients who received teriparatide for 2 years and were previously either treatment-naïve or on long-term alendronate therapy, suggest that prior alendronate use does not blunt the favorable effects of teriparatide on bone quality. INTRODUCTION: Examine the effect of 2 years of teriparatide (TPTD) treatment on mineral and organic matrix properties of the newest formed bone in patients who were previously treatment-naïve (TN) or on long-term alendronate (ALN) therapy. METHODS: Raman and Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopic analyses were used to determine the mineral/matrix (M/M) ratio, the relative proteoglycan (PG) content, and the mineral maturity/crystallinity (MMC; determined by three methods: carbonate content, full width at half height of the v 1 PO4 band [FWHH], and wavelength at maxima of the v 1 PO4 band), as well as collagen maturity (ratio of pyridinoline/divalent cross-links), in paired iliac crest biopsies at trabecular, endosteal, and osteonal surfaces of newly formed bone in postmenopausal osteoporotic women who were previously either TN (n = 16) or receiving long-term ALN treatment (n = 24). RESULTS: Trabecular M/M ratio increased and matrix content decreased significantly in the ALN pretreated group. Collagen maturity decreased in both patient groups. Endosteal M/M ratio increased significantly in the TN group. Trabecular M/M ratio was higher at endpoint in the ALN pretreated group than in the TN group. Overall, no changes from baseline were observed in PG content, except that PG content was higher in the ALN pretreated group than in the TN group at endosteal surfaces at endpoint. The ability of TPTD treatment to reduce MMC in both patient groups and at the different bone surfaces depended on the measurement tool (relative carbonate content or wavelength at maxima of the v 1 PO4 band). None of the changes in MMC were different between the two patient groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest some favorable impact of TPTD on bone mineral and organic matrix properties of in situ forming bone in terms of increased initial mineralization and decreased MMC and collagen maturity. Moreover, prior long-term ALN administration may have only limited influence on these properties in bone newly formed after 2 years of TPTD treatment.

[Efficacy and safety of symphytum herb extract cream in the treatment of pressure ulcers]. / Therapieergebnisse und Anwendungssicherheit von Symphytum-Herba-Extrakt-Creme in der Behandlung von Dekubitus.

In an open, prospective use study, 161 patients with 198 decubitus ulcers (pressure ulcers, ITT population) in stages II and III were treated with the topical preparation symphytum herb extract cream. The bandages with the cream were changed every 2-3 days. The primary parameters evaluated were the area of the sore and the depth of the wound (planimetrically in mm). In all, 151 patients with a total of 184 pressure sores (PP population) were included and received treatment over a period of 4 weeks in order to evaluate the treatment results. Complete healing of the pressure sores within 4 weeks was observed in 85.9 % (PP population)/79.8 % (ITT population) of the treated ulcers. Over a treatment duration of 25-30 days, a 89.2 % reduction of the total decubitus area was observed. The same result was found for the depth of the pressure ulcer with a reduction of 88 %. The overall treatment success was from both the perspective of the physician and the patient considered successful in 90.4 % (5-point scale) of cases and 87.9% (100 mm VAS, PP population). Two cases of local irritation were observed after 25/30 days (1.2 % of the patients with exposure), thus showing very good skin compatibility. The efficacy of symphytum herb extract cream is surprisingly good in the treatment of pressure ulcers.

[Role of fatty acids in sperm membrane]. / Úloha mastných kyselin v membráne spermií

One of causes of male infertility is reduced sperm motility. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play significant role for physiological sperm function. Oxidative stress occurs when the production of potentially destructive ROS exceeds the natural antioxidant defences, resulting in cell damage. Sperm phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acids are particularly susceptible to peroxidative damage by free radicals. Detrimental effects of lipid peroxidation should decrease sperm quality and be responsible of fertility problems. The review deals with sperm membrane composition, importance of fatty acids and prevention possibilities of oxidative cell damage.

[Effect of resilience in women on the outcome of her first IVF/ICSI]. / Vliv psychické odolnosti zeny na úspesnost prvního IVF/ICSI.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether women´s well-being and coping strategies are associated with IVF outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Centre of assisted reproduction Sanus, Pardubice; PPCHC s.r.o. Hradec KrálovéMethods: Study included these methods of data collection; Psychological well-being was mesured by Dotazník zivotní spokojenosti (Questionnaire of well-being,n = 103) and coping strategies were mesured by COPE Invetory (n = 82). In the years 2010-2013 women attending their first cycle IVF/ICSI (younger than 35 years) were asked to fill in the psychological questionnaires prior to collection of oocytes. Then the result of IVF/ICSI was observed - a clinically recognized pregnancy. We compared general well-being, satisfaction with their own health, marital satisfaction and emotion focused coping strategies: Acceptance, Positive reinterpretation and Seeking of emotional social support, between pregnant and non-pregnant women. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between women who became pregnant and those who did not in general well-being (t = -0.9,p = 0.37), satisfaction with their own health (t = -0.6, p = 0.52), marital satisfaction (t = -0.8, p = 0.44), use of Acceptance (t = 0.9 , p = 0.36) and Positive reinterpretation (t = -0.8, p = 0.43). The only factor that was significantly associated with pregnancy outcome was Seeking of emotional social support (t = 2.3, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: We found no evidence that psychological well-being had any influence on the outcome of IVF/ICSI treatment. In case of emotion focused coping we found that women who became pregnant used significantly more often strategy called Seeking of emotional social support than women who remained nonpregnant.

[Systemic enzyme therapy in the treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis]. / Systémová enzymoterapie v lécbe recidivující vulvovaginální kandidózy.

OBJECTIVE: Phase I: A prospective evaluation of long-term systemic enzyme therapy (Wobenzym; WE) effects on the frequency of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) episodes. Phase II: A retrospective analysis of possible positive effects remaining in the next 3 years. TRIAL DESIGN: Original work - pilot project consisting of prospective phase I and retrospective phase II trials. METHODS: Composition of animal and plant proteo-lytic enzymes (WE) is a common component in the treatment of chronic or recurrent inflammatory diseases and has been also shown to have immunomodulatory effects. Project involving 7 gynecology practices has been started in 2005 - 2007 to evaluate the effectiveness of WE in the complex treatment of RVVC. The trial involved 62 women with at least 4 microscopically confirmed episodes of RVVC in the last 12 months (year 1; 4-9 episodes, mean 4.4 episodes per patient-year). From the beginning of the trial, participants took WE in the dose of 2× 8 tbl/day for 10 weeks and were monitored for 12 months (year +1). All infections of RVVC were treated according to usual practice of the particular gynecologist. The number of RVVC episodes during the year -1 was compared to the number of RVVC during the year +1. To evaluate possible long-term effects of the WE treatment, retrospective analysis of the data from 3 years following the phase I (year +2, +3, +4) was performed. Complete data for 54 women were collected (87.1% of the former group of patients). All data were processed with regular statistics methods. RESULTS: Mean number of RVVC in the year +1 has decreased from 4.4 to 0.5 per patient-year (i.e. by 88.5%; p < 0.001). All women experienced an improvement, 63% of them experienced no recurrence. The lower incidence of RVVC remained also for the phase II (year +2: 0.91; year +3: 0.57; year +4: 0.52 episodes of RVVC per patient-year). The difference, as compared to the mean incidence of RVVC before the treatment (year -1), remains significant (p < 0.001) although women, who became pregnant during the trial, were not excluded from the observed population. If only non-pregnant women were analyzed (41 women), the mean incidence of RVVC was even lower (year +2: 0.69; year +3: 0.39; year +4: 0.44 episodes of RVVC per patient-year). CONCLUSION: 10 weeks of systemic enzyme therapy (WE) in women with RVVC significantly reduced recurrence of this disease not only for the first year following the treatment, but also for the next 3 years. An explanation of the basis for this effect needs further research.

[Current issues of assisted reproduction in the Czech Republic]. / Aktuální otázky asistované reprodukce v Ceské republice.

INTRODUCTION: Participants of the lunch table discussion held during the 22nd symposium of assisted reproduction in Brno discussed some current topics of assisted reproduction. DISCUSSED TOPICS: More than 150 participants at round tables discussed 10 topics: 1. IVF in native AR cycle,2. observation of the embryo development dynamics, 3. evaluation and support of endometrial receptivity,4. increased number of elective single embryo transfers (eSET), 5. transport of gametes and embryos in the Czech Republic and between the Czech Republic and abroad, 6. National registry of assisted reproduction,7. new view on sperm pathology, 8. problems with the SAR membership records, 9. surogacy motherhood and 10. preimplantation genetic diagnosis and preimplantation genetic screening. CONCLUSIONS: All findings were presented in the afternoon session. Some of the topics brought concrete results. Some topics could not be clearly concluded and will be the subject of further discussions. A brief summary of those discussion conclusions presents this paper.

Effects of morning vs. evening teriparatide injection on bone mineral density and bone turnover markers in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

UNLABELLED: A 12-month morning teriparatide (TPTD) administration resulted in a larger increase in the lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) than the evening application. The results indicate that the response of bone cells to teriparatide treatment depends on dosing time. INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effects of the morning vs. the evening teriparatide administration on BMD and bone turnover markers (BTMs) in postmenopausal osteoporosis. METHODS: Fifty women with established postmenopausal osteoporosis were randomized to 12-month treatment with 20 µg of TPTD, administered daily in the morning or in the evening. The BMD and serum concentrations of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRAP 5b) were measured at baseline, after 6 and 12 months. General linear model-repeated measurements were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: After 12 months, the lumbar spine BMD grew markedly (p < 0.001) with a significantly greater increase in the morning arm compared to the evening arm (9.1% vs. 4.8%, respectively, p < 0.05). The BMD at the distal radius significantly decreased (p < 0.001), with no differences between the arms. The BMD at proximal femur did not change significantly. After 6 months, the BTMs were significantly increased compared with baseline (p < 0.001). The increases in the evening arm vs. the morning arm, however, were more pronounced in PINP (+358% vs. +215%, respectively) and in TRAP 5b (+70% vs. +37%, respectively) (both p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: 12-month morning administration of TPTD resulted in a larger increase in the lumbar spine BMD than the evening application. The timing of TPTD administration may be important for its efficacy.

Osteoporosis in young adults: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is mainly caused by increased bone remodeling resulting from estrogen deficiency. Indications for treatment are based on low areal bone mineral density (aBMD, T-score ≤ -2.5), typical fragility fractures (spine or hip), and more recently, an elevated 10-year fracture probability (by FRAX®). In contrast, there is no clear definition of osteoporosis nor intervention thresholds in younger individuals. Low aBMD in a young adult may reflect a physiologically low peak bone mass, such as in lean but otherwise healthy persons, whereas fractures commonly occur with high-impact trauma, i.e., without bone fragility. Furthermore, low aBMD associated with vitamin D deficiency may be highly prevalent in some regions of the world. Nevertheless, true osteoporosis in the young can occur, which we define as a T-score below -2.5 at spine or hip in association with a chronic disease known to affect bone metabolism. In the absence of secondary causes, the presence of fragility fractures, such as in vertebrae, may point towards genetic or idiopathic osteoporosis. In turn, treatment of the underlying condition may improve bone mass as well. In rare cases, a bone-specific treatment may be indicated, although evidence is scarce for a true benefit on fracture risk. The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) convened a working group to review pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of osteoporosis in the young, excluding children and adolescents, and provide a screening strategy including laboratory exams for a systematic approach of this condition.

A framework for the development of guidelines for the management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

UNLABELLED: This paper provides a framework for the development of national guidelines for the management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women aged 18 years and over in whom oral glucocorticoid therapy is considered for 3 months or longer. INTRODUCTION: The need for updated guidelines for Europe and other parts of the world was recognised by the International Osteoporosis Foundation and the European Calcified Tissue Society, which set up a joint Guideline Working Group at the end of 2010. METHODS AND RESULTS: The epidemiology of GIO is reviewed. Assessment of risk used a fracture probability-based approach, and intervention thresholds were based on 10-year probabilities using FRAX. The efficacy of intervention was assessed by a systematic review. CONCLUSIONS: Guidance for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is updated in the light of new treatments and methods of assessment. National guidelines derived from this resource need to be tailored within the national healthcare framework of each country.

[Impact of oxidative stress on male infertility]. / Vliv oxidacního stresu na muzskou plodnost.

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are necessary for the physiological function of sperm. Its concentration has to be kept on a level without the damage of cells. If this level is overdrawn sperm has pathological effect on many biological structures in the form of oxidative stress. Antioxidants have a key role for keeping of this balance. Oxidative stress is an important factor which causes problems with male fertility. The survey article is complexly concerned with the influence of RONS and antioxidants on male fertility. It outlines some possibilities of treatment and research on this actual issue of assisted reproduction.

Histomorphometric changes by teriparatide in alendronate-pretreated women with osteoporosis.

SUMMARY: The level of increased bone formation after 24 months of treatment with teriparatide (rhPTH (1-34), TPTD) is similar in patients who were either treatment-naïve (TN) or had lower bone turnover initially due to previous alendronate (ALN) therapy. INTRODUCTION: Bone anabolic effects of TPTD in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis may be blunted during the initial phase after switching from ALN to TPTD. To explore the long-term implications, we examined histomorphometric and biochemical markers of bone turnover of patients on TPTD therapy after long-term ALN treatment. METHODS: Paired biopsies were obtained after tetracycline double labeling at baseline and after 24 months of TPTD treatment from 29 ALN-pretreated (64.5 ± 16.4 months) and 16 TN patients. Biochemical markers were measured at baseline, during the treatment, or at study end. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, after 24-month TPTD, activation frequency (Ac.F.) and osteoid surface (OS) increased in both groups: 0.11-0.34 cycles per year, 3.96-9.8% in the ALN-pretreated group and 0.19-0.33 cycles per year, 6.2-11.3% (p < 0.05) in the TN group, respectively. Biochemical and histomorphometric markers correlated positively both at baseline and endpoint. Serum amino terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) correlated with Ac.F. (r = 0.57, p < 0.001 and r = 0.48, p < 0.01) and OS (r = 0.51, p < 0.01 and r = 0.56, p < 0.01) at baseline and endpoint, respectively. Following 3 months of treatment, increases in biochemical markers like PINP predicted the increase in Ac.F. (r = 0.52, p < 0.01) and OS (r = 0.54, p < 0.01) after 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: The increased level of formation is similar in patients who were either TN or had lower bone turnover initially due to previous ALN therapy. Elevated bone formation in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis was sustained over a 24-month period by TPTD. Biochemical markers of bone formation are a good surrogate for the assessment of TPTD effects.

Validation of the IOF quality of life questionnaire for patients with wrist fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Wrist fracture causes pain and decreased physical, social and emotional function. The International Osteoporosis Foundation has developed a specific questionnaire to assess quality of life in patients with wrist fracture. This questionnaire, including 12 questions, was validated in a multicentre study and compared with an osteoporosis-specific questionnaire (Qualeffo-41) and a generic questionnaire (EQ-5D). METHODS: The study included 105 patients with a recent wrist fracture and 74 sex- and age-matched control subjects. The questionnaire was administered as soon as possible after the fracture, at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after the fracture. Test-retest reproducibility, internal consistency and sensitivity to change were assessed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results showed adequate repeatability and internal consistency of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) wrist fracture questionnaire. The discriminatory capacity between patients and control subjects was very high, with significant odds ratios for each question and domain. The IOF-wrist fracture questionnaire domain scores showed significant improvement after 3 and 6 months and some improvement from 6 months up to 1 year. The sensitivity to change was much higher for the IOF-wrist fracture total score than for Qualeffo-41 and EQ-5D. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the IOF-wrist fracture questionnaire appears to be a reliable and responsive quality of life questionnaire.

[Repair of the 3rd and 4th degree obstetric perineal tear]. / Sutura ruptury perinea 3. a 4.stupne.

OBJECTIVE: Summary of the current knowledge of repair of obstetric anal sphincter trauma. DESIGN: Review. SETTING: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Charles University and University Hospital Pilsen. SUMMARY: Review of the current international literature covering the given problem. RCOG classification of obstetrics perineal trauma should always be used as it respects the anatomic structures together with the physiological functions of tissue involved in ano-rectal continence. Two types of procedure: end-to-end approximation and overlapping of torn ends of the anal sphincter are both referred to and they are discussed with regards to the functional outcome of the repair. OPERATING CONDITIONS: Experience of the surgeon, operating theatre and its equipment, asepsis, lighting, operating instruments, anesthesia, material and type of suture, medication is described to increase the effectiveness of the repair. A delay in primary repair of up to 8-12 hours does not seem to be detrimental to the functional outcome of the procedure. Uncommon types of injury mentioned: segmented tear of internal anal sphincter, lateral tear of external anal sphincter.