Effectiveness of the Functional Movement Screen for assessment of injury risk occurrence in football players.

The aim of the study was to determine whether the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test carried out among young boys practising football training identifies previous injuries. Sixty-five boys aged 12-13 years, who had regularly practised football in an academy for at least 3 years, were recruited and divided into two groups: an injured group (IG), consisting of players who had experienced at least one injury in the past (n + 25, age 12.32 ± 0.48) and a non-injured group (non-IG), a control group, made up of athletes with no injuries to the musculoskeletal system (n = 40, age 12.25 ± 0.49). Seven FMS tests were used to rate the functional fitness level as a part of the FMS tool. Significant differences between the total scores of the FMS tests (p < 0.001, r = 0.54) were documented. Higher scores in the FMS test were observed in the control group (M = 16.58, SD = 2.04) than in the study group (M = 14.20, ± SD = 1.96). The FMS test is an effective diagnostic tool to identify previous injuries among young football players.

Influence of Algae Supplementation on the Concentration of Glutathione and the Activity of Glutathione Enzymes in the Mice Liver and Kidney.

Algae are potential and natural source of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The diatom Pinnularia borealis accumulates high levels of EPA and may be considered as a source for commercial production of dietary supplements. In this study we asked the question whether diet supplementation with P. borealis may augment antioxidant defense and ameliorate risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. We fed mice (Mus musculus) with lyophilized diatom solutions of different concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%) for 7 days. Then we measured glutathione content and the activity of glutathione redox system enzymes, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations, and malondialdehyde concentration in the liver and kidney. We found that cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations in the liver and kidneys were the lowest in mice who were fed with the highest concentration of Pinnularia borealis, suggesting protective properties of algae. Additionally, the lowest concentration of Pinnularia borealis was sufficient to improve antioxidant capacity. Our results suggest that P. borealis may be used as a source for dietary supplements rich in EPA, but the amount supplied to the organism should be limited.

Activity of Lysosomal Enzymes During Protein Malnutrition and Progesterone Supplementation in the Mouse.

This study investigated the effects of protein malnutrition and progesterone supplementation on the activities of a spectrum of lysosomal enzymes in tissue fragments of mouse liver and kidney. The working hypothesis was that the known anti-stress action of progesterone could have to do with the inhibition of lysosomes which are engaged in apoptotic and oxidative stress-induced responses. The study investigated the effects of exogenous progesterone in chronically (3 weeks) protein-malnourished (10% protein) mice on the activities of lysosomal hydrolases in liver and kidney tissues. Progesterone was injected intraperitoneally in a dose of 2 µg/g body mass dissolved in a vehicle volume of 10 µL/g body mass during the final 3 days of exposure to either low 10% or standard 16% protein content in the chow. After euthanizing the animals, tissue fragments of liver and kidney assayed for the content of lysosomal enzymes. The results demonstrated the stimulating effect of protein malnutrition on lysosomal activities. We further found, contrary to our hypothesis, that progesterone supplementation during both standard and low-protein conditions enhanced lysosomal activities, particularly acting in concert with protein malnutrition in kidney tissue. The effects were selective concerning both lysosomal enzymes and tissues and of highly variable magnitude. Nonetheless, we believe we have shown that progesterone assists protein malnutrition in stimulation of lysosomal enzymes, which suggests the possibility of the hormone's engagement in cleansing the cellular milieu in disorders consisting of accumulation of toxic molecules.

Recent Advances in Degradable Hybrids of Biomolecules and NGs for Targeted Delivery.

Recently, the fast development of hybrid nanogels dedicated to various applications has been seen. In this context, nanogels incorporating biomolecules into their nanonetworks are promising innovative carriers that gain great potential in biomedical applications. Hybrid nanogels containing various types of biomolecules are exclusively designed for: improved and controlled release of drugs, targeted delivery, improvement of biocompatibility, and overcoming of immunological response and cell self-defense. This review provides recent advances in this rapidly developing field and concentrates on: (1) the key physical consequences of using hybrid nanogels and introduction of biomolecules; (2) the construction and functionalization of degradable hybrid nanogels; (3) the advantages of hybrid nanogels in controlled and targeted delivery; and (4) the analysis of the specificity of drug release mechanisms in hybrid nanogels. The limitations and future directions of hybrid nanogels in targeted specific- and real-time delivery are also discussed.

Epidemiological Aspects of Low Back Pain.

Low back pain (LBP) is a major health problem, particularly in the contemporary societies of highly developed countries. This study seeks to define the influence of basic demographic and social factors, such as gender, body mass, physical activity, and the type of work, on the occurrence of lumbosacral spine pain in the early and middle-late adulthood. The study was based on a self-reported survey, using the revised Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire to evaluate pain symptoms, and managing everyday tasks. Physical activity was evaluated on the Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. We found that patients in the early adulthood had a significantly lower level of disability. The older patients had a greater low back pain and motion, sleeping, and social life problems. Neither did gender nor the type of work, leisure time physical activity, or body mass appreciably affect the level of disability due to low back pain in both younger and older patient groups. We conclude that, all else unchanged from the epidemiological standpoint, wear and tear of the spine structure naturally progressing with age seems a major determinant of the appearance of low back pain.

Switchable conformational changes of DNA nanogel shells containing disulfide-DNA hybrids for controlled drug release and efficient anticancer action.

Oligonucleotide strands containing dithiol (-SS-) groups were used as the co-crosslinkers in PNIPA-AAc based nanogels (NGs). They hybridized with PEG-oligonucleotides introduced into the gels. The specific DNA hybrid formed in the nanogel/nanocarrier was involved in highly efficient accumulation of intercalators. The presence of -SS- groups/bridges improved the storing efficiency of doxorubicin (Dox) in DNA hybrids by 53, 40 and 20% compared to regular, single stranded and regular double stranded DNA crosslinkers, respectively. The explicit arrangement of the hybrids in the carrier enabled their reduction by glutathione and an effective cancer treatment while the side toxicity could be reduced. Compared to the NGs with traditional crosslinkers and those containing typical dsDNA-based hybrids, an improved, switchable and controlled drug release occurred in the novel NGs. Since the novel NGs can release the oligonucleotide strands during their degradation, this gives an opportunity for a combined drug-gene therapy.

Effects of Glutathione on Hydrolytic Enzyme Activity in the Mouse Hepatocytes.

In this study, the effect of glutathione (GSH) on the activity of hydrolytic enzymes of lysosomal, microsomal, and cytosolic fractions was studied in the mouse hepatocytes. The experiments involved 30 Swiss male mice, divided into the experimental and control groups of 15 mice each. The former group received injections of 12 µL/g of GSH solution at a dose of 100 µg/g body weight, whereas the latter received 12 µL/g of physiological saline, all given intraperitoneally daily for 7 days. Then, fragments of liver tissue were collected from the euthanized animals and processed to obtain lysosomal, microsomal, and cytosolic fractions of hepatocytes. The activity of the following enzymes was investigated in vitro: ß-glucuronidase, ß-galactosidase, ß-glucosidase, N-acetyl-hexosaminidase, lysosomal esterase and lipase, acid phosphatase, cathepsin D and L, leucine aminopeptidase, and alanine aminopeptidase. We found that GSH, administered in vivo in the mouse, in the main (73% cases), increased the in vitro activity of the majority enzymes abovementioned, although the effect was somehow variable, depending on the fraction of hepatocytes and the type of enzyme. The findings imply that GSH supplementation may intensify the rate of cellular hydrolytic degradation, i.e., the rate of disposal by the cell of unwanted materials.

Perception of the role of physical and rehabilitation medicine among physiotherapy students.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how the role of physical and rehabilitation medicine specialists in healthcare is perceived by physiotherapy students. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SUBJECTS: A total of 677 physiotherapy students and 519 final year medical students at the largest university-level educational institutions in Warsaw, Poland. METHODS: Questionnaire about knowledge of the role of physical and rehabilitation medicine specialists in the healthcare system. RESULTS: The definition of physical and rehabilitation medicine specialists was known to 32.9% of medical students and 19.9% of physiotherapy students. Misconceptions most frequently resulted from an inability to distinguish physical and rehabilitation medicine from physiotherapy. The leading role of physical and rehabilitation medicine specialists in team management of persons with disabilities was identified by 25.4-55.5% of medical and 5.8-9.0% of physiotherapy students. DISCUSSION: Inadequate perception of the role of physical and rehabilitation medicine specialists in healthcare may result from recent changes in the management of rehabilitation services, tendencies towards professional independence among health professionals, and insufficient formative education. CONCLUSION: Perception of the role of physical and rehabilitation medicine specialists in healthcare was found to be inadequate among physiotherapy students. Changes in health professional education are warranted to maintain an effective patient-centred collaborative practice. Further research is needed at national and international levels to address the mutual perception of competencies and roles among students of health professions.

The Timing of Rehabilitation Commencement After Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament.

One of the most common injuries of the knee joint is a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Most authors believe that early rehabilitation of patients after ACL reconstruction promotes better treatment outcomes. Less is known about the influence of the time that passes from injury to surgical reconstruction. Therefore, the goal of this study was to assess the dependence of treatment outcomes of ACL on injury-to-reconstruction and reconstruction-to-rehabilitation time lags. The study included 30 patients of the mean age 34 ± 7 years with trauma-related rupture of ACL and its surgical reconstruction. The time range from ligament rupture to its reconstruction was 120-180 days and from reconstruction to rehabilitation was 1-120 days. Postsurgical rehabilitation outcomes were assessed with the Lysholm knee scale and the IKDC 2000 subjective knee evaluation form. The scales were applied before and after rehabilitation. We found distinct improvements in all physical symptoms in the damaged knee joint, regardless of the time elapsed from trauma to ACL reconstruction and from ACL reconstruction to rehabilitation. The beneficial outcomes of rehabilitation were significantly inversely associated with the time elapsing from reconstruction to rehabilitation commencement but failed to depend on the time from ACL rupture to reconstruction. We conclude that rehabilitation should start as early as possible after ACL reconstruction to optimize the beneficial outcomes in terms of functional physical recovery, whereas the injury-to-reconstruction delay is less meaningful to this end.

Robot-Assisted Body-Weight-Supported Treadmill Training in Gait Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Pilot Study.

This study deals with the use of a robot-assisted body-weight-supported treadmill training in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with gait dysfunction. Twenty MS patients (10 men and 10 women) of the mean of 46.3 ± 8.5 years were assigned to a six-week-long training period with the use of robot-assisted treadmill training of increasing intensity of the Lokomat type. The outcome measure consisted of the difference in motion-dependent torque of lower extremity joint muscles after training compared with baseline before training. We found that the training uniformly and significantly augmented the torque of both extensors and flexors of the hip and knee joints. The muscle power in the lower limbs of SM patients was improved, leading to corrective changes of disordered walking movements, which enabled the patients to walk with less effort and less assistance of care givers. The torque augmentation could have its role in affecting the function of the lower extremity muscle groups during walking. The results of this pilot study suggest that the robot-assisted body-weight-supported treadmill training may be a potential adjunct measure in the rehabilitation paradigm of 'gait reeducation' in peripheral neuropathies.

Activities of Lysosomal Enzymes in Alloxan-Induced Diabetes in the Mouse.

The study investigated a panel of lysosomal enzymes in the liver and kidney tissues in alloxan-induced diabetes in the mouse. The mice were divided into six experimental groups receiving 10% alloxan at a dose of 50 and 75 mg/kg over a period of four, eight, and twelve days; each group was compared with controls receiving 0.9% NaCl. The findings were that diabetes induced by both doses of alloxan was accompanied by significant increases in the lysosomal activities of acid phosphatase and the glycosidases investigated: ß-glucuronidase, ß-galactosidase, ß-glucosidase, and N-acetyl-hexosaminidase. The lysosomal enzyme activity in both liver and kidney cells peaked 12 days after onset of diabetes for most enzymes, at the time when hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia already started abating after their peak at 8 days into the course of diabetes. The enzyme activity was in most cases higher with the higher dose of alloxan and thus higher level of glycemia. Lysosomal enzymes degrade glycoconjugates, the molecules that are present in the basement membrane of endothelial cells where they contribute to capillary wall stability. Thus, enhanced activity of these enzymes could presage the progression of diabetic microangiopathy, atherosclerosis, and the development of microvascular complications.

[Scientific research results commercialization as an opportunity for the physiotherapy development].

Physiotherapy is under the very intensive development. The research carried out around the world result in implementing new forms of therapy. For several years higher education institutions are trying to support scientists in an attempt to commercialize the results of research, although the process is complex. The practice in the world shows that the cooperation of science and business is possible and results in the implementation of modern solutions as real applications. It is important to scientists and people planning a career in science knew the rules and limitations of the above process.

Preventive Chair Massage with Algometry to Maintain Psychosomatic Balance in White-Collar Workers.

People working at computers often suffer from overload-related muscle pain, and physical and mental discomfort. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of chair massage, conducted in the workplace among white-collar workers, in relieving symptoms of musculoskeletal strain related to prolonged sitting posture. The study was conducted in 124 white-collar workers, 55 women and 69 men, aged 33.7 ± 7.6 years. Subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: chair massage program, relaxing music sessions, and a control group, each of four-week duration. Each group was evaluated before and after the program completion. Pain perception was assessed algometrically as a threshold for compression pain of neck muscles, measured in kg/cm2. The relaxation level was assessed from the heart rate variability. We found that the chair massage increased both the pain threshold in all tested muscles (p < 0.001) and the relaxation level from 31.9% to 41.6% (p < 0.05). In the group with music sessions, muscle pain threshold remained unchanged, except for the trapezoid muscle where it decreased (p < 0.05), while the relaxation level increased from 26.0% to 33.3% (p < 0.05). In both massage and relaxing music groups, there was a significant decrease in muscle tension (p < 0.01). Changes in the control group were inappreciable. We conclude that the chair massage performed in the workplace is an effective method for prevention of musculoskeletal overstrain related to prolonged sitting posture. The program seems worth implementing in various occupational environments.

A degradable nanogel drug carrier crosslinked with three-oligonucleotide hybrids for two-way drug release in mild and high hyperthermia treatment.

Three-segment oligonucleotide hybrids were introduced as crosslinkers to a PNIPA-AAc nanonetwork. The obtained nanogels could be specifically transformed and degraded. The specific architecture of the presented carrier aims at achieving effective cancer treatment with reduced side toxicity. As a result, compared to the gels with regular crosslinkers, the drug release could be independently realized by (a) changing the structure of the gel net and conformation of DNA hybrids in an oscillating way and (b) degradation of DNA crosslinkers by denaturation. The hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential of the nanogels were examined as a function of T and pH. The presence of a DNA helix in the nanogels led to a substantial increase, of nearly three times, in the storing efficiency of the selected anticancer drug compared to the nanogels with regular crosslinkers. Moreover, the nanogels allowed 98% drug release efficiency at high hyperthermic and 70% at mild hyperthermic conditions. The effectiveness of cytotoxicity of insulinoma cells was better compared to free doxorubicin. Since in the proposed approach, in addition to the drug, the third DNA strand can be also liberated, this opens new possibilities in development of gene therapies. This novel biocompatible carrier exhibits enhanced drug loading, possesses tunable and degradable properties under hyperthermic conditions and offers controlled release of the drug.

A Water Rehabilitation Program in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis Before and After Total Hip Replacement.

BACKGROUND Pain associated with coxarthrosis, typically occurring in middle-aged and elderly patients, very commonly causes considerable limitation of motor fitness and dependence on pharmacotherapy. This article provides an assessment of a rehabilitation program with tailored water exercises in patients with osteoarthritis before and after total hip replacement. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 192 patients (the mean age 61.03±10.89) suffering from hip osteoarthritis (OA) were evaluated before and after total hip replacement (THR). The clinical study covered measurements of hip active ranges of motion (HAROM) and the forces generated by pelvis stabilizer muscles. Pain intensity was assessed according to analogue-visual scale of pain (VAS) and according to the Modified Laitinen Questionnaire. The patients were divided into 6 groups (4 treatment and 2 control). We compared 2 rehabilitation programs using kinesitherapy and low-frequency magnetic field. One of them also had specially designed exercises in the water. Statistical analysis was carried out at the significance level α=0.05. This was a cross-sectional study. RESULTS A positive effect of water exercises on a number of parameters was found in patients with OA both before and after total hip replacement surgery. We noted a significant reduction of pain (p<0.001), increased ranges of motion and muscle strength, and reduced use of medicines (NASAIDs) (p<0.001). A correlation was found between the degree of degenerative deforming lesions and the effects of the treatment process (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS 1. The rehabilitation program including water exercises most significantly reduced pain in patients with OA before and after total hip replacement surgery. 2. Inclusion of water exercises in a rehabilitation program can reduce the use of medicines in patient with OA and after THR.

Electrochemical examination of ability of dsDNA/PAM composites for storing and releasing of doxorubicin.

Composites consisting of ss- and ds-DNA strands and polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel have been synthesized. DNA was entrapped non-covalently. The obtained DNA biomaterial exhibited a strong increase in guanine and adenine anodic currents when temperature reached the physiological level. This increase was related to the unique oligonucleotide structural changes in the composite. The structural alterations in the PAM lattices were employed for the release of the drug accumulated in the composite. Doxorubicin (Dox) was selected as the drug; it was accumulated by intercalation to dsDNA and was slowly released from the dsDNA/PAM system by using a minor temperature increase (up to 40÷45 °C) as it is routinely done in hyperthermia. The applied release temperature was either constant or oscillating. The binding strength, the rate of Dox release and the properties of the composite were examined using voltammetry, SEM and ICP-MS.

Selected Aspects of Mental Health of Elderly Patients with Chronic Back Pain Treated in Primary Care Centers.

BACKGROUND: Improvement of the effectiveness and efficiency of chronic back pain therapy is a continuing challenge on an international scale. The aim of the present study was to tentatively assess mental health of patients with chronic back pain treated in primary care centers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study enrolled 100 persons over 50 years of age. The back pain group consisted of 53 patients with chronic back pain and the control group consisted of 47 pain-free persons. The assessment of mental health used a Polish version of the international Goldberger's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). ANOVA (1- and 2-factor) analysis of variance, Tukey's test, and Pearson's simple correlation were used to analyze the significance of differences, with the significance level set at α=0.05. RESULTS: All patients with chronic back pain, regardless of their age and gender, displayed poorer mental well-being compared to the control group: their overall score was higher by over 7 points than in persons without back pain (F1.96=14.8; p<0.001). Men with back pain were significantly more susceptible to depression than women (F2.96=5.5; p<0.05), compared to the control group. The duration of back pain also showed a significant (p<0.05) direct correlation with the overall mental health score from the questionnaire. Mental health was considerably poorer among patients occasionally (p<0.001) and regularly (p<0.05) consuming analgesics than among persons who did not do so. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that mental health was markedly poorer in patients with chronic back pain than in healthy controls. A preliminary assessment of aspects of mental health should be given more attention in the rehabilitation of patients with chronic back pain treated in primary care center outpatient clinics.

The correlation of selected physical examination findings and the efficacy of physiotherapy for chronic lumbosacral pain.

BACKGROUND: Lumbosacral pain is a significant social problem. Effective treatment of this ailment should be based on thorough diagnostic work-up. The goal of the present study was to determine which physical examination findings can help predict a positive outcome of physiotherapy, including kinesitherapy and physical therapy, aimed at symptomatic improvement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 50 patients with lumbosacral pain syndromes presenting as lumbalgia and ischialgia. RESULTS: Statistically significant correlations were ascertained between certain physical examination findings before the therapy and after the therapy. CONCLUSION: The crossed Lasegue sign was the only component of the physical examination that correlated with the dynamic efficacy of the rehabilitation treatment.

The effectiveness of phonophoresis with ketoprofen in the treatment of epicondylopathy.

Background. This article examines the therapeutic effects of phonophoresis with ketoprofen in gel form in patients with enthesopathy of the elbow. Ultrasonic therapy and phonophoresis have their primary application in the physical therapy of this disorder. The main aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of phonophoresis. Material and methods. The research group consisted of 19 patients diagnosed with enthesopathy of the lateral and medial epicondyle. In the statistical analysis we included 28 elbow joints treated with phonophoresis. The effects of therapy were compared with a control group of 20 patients who were treated with only ultrasound therapy. The therapeutic series consisted of 10 treatments, using the pulse mode of ultrasound and an intensity of 0.8 W/cm2 in both groups. The clinical examination (objective assessment) and interview (subjective assessment) consisted of specific tests, and were separately collected. Reasults. The positive effects of phonophoresis using a pharmacologically active gel with ketoprofen were shown to be highly significant in both assessments, objective and subjective. The pain symptoms in the elbow resolved in most of the patients. There were statistically significant differences between phonophoresis and ultrasound therapy. Conclusions. Our results support the application of phonophoresis with ketoprofen in the treatment of epicondylitis.