Phthalates exposure indicators determined by urinary phthalate metabolites in healthy non-obese Czech adults: FANTOM study.

It is assumed that human exposure to phthalates may be associated with adverse health effects. The indicators of urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations in healthy adults are limited. In this study, the phthalate metabolites concentrations were detected from 24-h urine collection in non-obese Czech adults (n = 201). Each participant filled in an 80-item questionnaire (FANTOM-SQ 2013) regarding the outdoor and indoor sources of phthalates, the use of personal care products and food intake sources. The concentrations of 15 phthalates metabolites were analysed following enzymatic cleavage of the glucuronide using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The indicators of chronic or acute exposure phthalate-containing materials were identified. It is shown that higher fruit consumption was positively and significantly associated with a higher level of total 15 urinary phthalates biomarkers (p < 0.001). Regular meat consumption showed a negative significant association with total 15 phthalates metabolites (p < 0.01). The use of personal care products was significantly and positively correlated with monoethyl phthalate urine concentrations (p < 0.05). The analysis of the dietary behaviour and personal care products use in the Czech non-obese population showed it to be a predictable tool in the level of phthalates exposure when high fruit consumption and personal care products use are linked to higher phthalate metabolite contents in the urine. However, this topic deserves more research.

The influence of an ankle-foot orthosis on the spatiotemporal gait parameters and functional balance in chronic stroke patients.

[Purpose] Observational study investigating the influence of various ankle-foot orthoses on the spatiotemporal gait parameters and functional balance in chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen chronic stroke patients participated in this study after providing informed consent. Two groups of patients were differentiated based on the Timed Up and Go Test. Patients were tested in three different conditions: with standard prefabricated ankle-foot orthosis (Maramed), with individualized ankle-foot orthosis (Y-tech), and without any ankle-foot orthrosis. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were obtained by walking on an instrumented walkway (GAITRite(®)) at usual and fastest speed. Balance was assessed with Timed Up and Go Test, Step Test, and Four Square Step Test. [Results] Maramed and Y-tech significantly improved the spatiotemporal parameters while walking at usual and maximal speed (single support time affected side; double support time affected side and step length unaffected side). The Y-tech in addition improved velocity and cadence. Among the balance tests, only the Timed Up and Go test showed improvements in favor of Maramed and Y-tech. [Conclusion] Patients benefited from wearing orthosis at both usual and maximal speed, irrespective of whether they wore Maramed or Y-tech. Only severe stroke patients benefited from wearing an orthoses compared to mild impaired group.