The effect of compression therapy on quality of life in patients with chronic venous disease: a comparative 6-month study.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic venous diseases (CVD), because of its chronic and progressive nature, impairs patients' quality of life (Qol). AIM: To compare the QoL in patients with primary superficial venous insufficiency at different stages before and after compression therapy (CT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We compared the change in the QoL parameters from baseline to the end of a 6-month compression therapy. 180 subjects were enrolled. They were subdivided into 6 equal subgroups according to CEAP classes. The QoL was assessed using questionnaires, the general SF-36v2 and the disease-specific CIVIQ-20. At the beginning and after the completion of the study intervention, the severity of CVD was assessed in each patient using CEAP and VCSS. The pain intensity was assessed using the numerical rating scale. RESULTS: The CT reduced the severity of CVD, which translated into the increased size of C2 an d C5 subgroups, and reduced size of C3 and C6 subgroups. Another marker of reduced severity of CVD after CT was a significant reduction in VCSS scores in C1, and C3-C6 subgroups. A 6-month CT was associated with a significant QoL improvement in all CEAP class-based subgroups, across all individual and composite domains of SF-36v2, as well as dimensions and GIS of CIVIQ-20. Similarly, there was a significant pain reduction reported in all CEAP class-based subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Compression therapy using ready-made compression hosiery significantly affects the quality of life in patients with chronic venous disease at all its stages, CEAP classes C1-C6.

Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of active specialistic medical dressings in the treatment of decubitus.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of decubitus ulcers is a grave medical problem. In many cases, it is difficult to cure a pressure ulcer, especially when it is deep and extensive, and prognosis is usually unfavourable. Treatment of decubitus ulcers requires new specialist dressings, which play an important role in the healing process. AIM: To evaluate therapeutic efficacy of active specialist medical dressings in the treatment of decubitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Research involved 40 patients - 18 (45%) women and 22 (55%) men, suffering from decubitus ulcers of different size and depth, localized in the sacral region, lasting from 1.5 to 30 months. Patients were randomly assigned to two research groups (20 people each), were treated for 4 weeks with 2 different specialist dressings. ATRAUMAN Ag, which contains silver ions, was used in the first group, while paraffin gauze of BACTIGRAS type was used in the second group. An assessment of pressure ulcers' healing progress was done with a planimetric method, which evaluates the wound surface area. RESULTS: The analysis results showed a significant statistical decrease in an average decubitus ulcer surface area in both research groups: in the first group by 60.2% (p = 0.001), and in the second group by 32.95% (p < 0.001), which speaks in favour of dressings with silver ions as having better therapeutic effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Using specialist dressings results in a significant decrease in the decubitus ulcer surface area, depending on the type of dressing and active substances contained within, while silver ions support curative effectiveness of the dressing used.

Methods of spectral diagnostics in modern prevention of oncological diseases.

This paper contains structured information on photodynamic diagnostics. Photodynamic diagnostics is a young diagnostic modality used in the detection of pre-neoplastic and very early neoplastic lesions. A characteristic feature of the presented method is its completely non-invasive nature and thus the possibility of multiple repetitions at the same patient. This is very important in modern health care and in preventive measures. Aim of the paper: The article aims to present technical and diagnostic possibilities of a photodynamic method as one of the possible modalities of screening diagnostics in patients with ambiguous clinical picture of early neoplastic lesions.

Compression therapy in venous diseases: current forms of compression materials and techniques.

Compression therapy (CT) is an established treatment method in chronic venous disease (CVD). The paper presents information on different CT forms with indications and contraindications based on expert consensuses from recent years. A high prevalence of CVD implies continuous development of compression materials, systems and techniques as well as measurement methods. The article aims at reviewing available literature on the development of compression therapy techniques.

Compression therapy in venous diseases: physical assumptions and clinical effects.

Compression therapy (CT) is an established treatment method in chronic venous disease. Despite years of clinical experience, choosing the optimum compression therapy, including grade and pressure distribution, which determine the efficacy of treatment poses a challenge. The paper discusses CT physical assumptions (stiffness, elasticity, static and dynamic stiffness indices), clinical effects and contraindications to CT.

Modern methods of treatment in palliative care.

The palliative care patient is definitely a unique type of patient. Due to the complexity of the symptoms requires a holistic therapeutic approach. Modern methods of treatment in palliative and hospice care underline an important role of physio, kinesiotherapy and pharmacological treatment coexistence. The rehabilitation reduces clinical symptoms, accompanying the basic disease and increases the quality of life of palliative patients and their families. It becomes an inseparable element of treatment, both in outpatient care as well as in stationary care and home care. Due to the high dynamics onset of cancer in the group of geriatric patients there is a need for a broader analysis of the topic. The goal of palliative care is to achieve the best possible quality of life for patients and their families.

Palliative treatment - still unsolved problem.

In a modern approach to palliative and hospice care, apart from pharmacological treatment, physio- and kinesiotherapy also play an important role. It affects the reduction of clinical symptoms, accompanying the basic disease and also significantly increase of the quality of life for palliative patients and their families. It becomes an inseparable element of treatment, both in outpatient care as well as in stationary care and home care. Thanks to modern forms of physio- and kinesiotherapy, it is possible to adapt therapeutic methods to the individual needs and clinical condition of the patient. Such individualization of treatment in physiotherapy is the main goal of the above methods in palliative and hospice treatment. Due to the dynamics onset of cancer in the group of geriatric patients there is a need for a broader analysis of the topic. The work presents available information of physiotherapy in palliative and hospice care. The problem of relative and absolute indications and contraindications for physiotherapy was discussed. Based analysis of the above topic can lead to the conclusion that there is a necessity undertaking further research on the impact of rehabilitation treatments on reducing patients complaints and improvement of patients life quality.

Whole-Body Cryotherapy Decreases the Levels of Inflammatory, Oxidative Stress, and Atherosclerosis Plaque Markers in Male Patients with Active-Phase Ankylosing Spondylitis in the Absence of Classical Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We investigated the effect of WBC with subsequent kinesiotherapy on markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid profile, and atherosclerosis plaque in male AS patients (WBC group). To assess the disease activity, the BASDAI and BASFI were also calculated. The results from the WBC group were compared with results from the kinesiotherapy (KT) group. RESULTS: The results showed that in the WBC group, the plasma hsCRP level decreased without change to the IL-6 level. The ICAM-1 level showed a decreasing tendency. The CER concentration, as well as the BASDAI and BASFI, decreased in both groups, but the index changes of disease activity were higher in the WBC than KT patients. Additionally, in the WBC group, we observed a decrease in oxidative stress markers, changes in the activity of some antioxidant enzymes and nonenzymatic antioxidant parameters. In both groups, the total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, sCD40L, PAPP-A, and PLGF levels decreased, but the parameter changes were higher in the WBC group. CONCLUSION: WBC appears to be a useful method of atherosclerosis prevention in AS patients.

Nutrients Composition in Fit Snacks Made from Ostrich, Beef and Chicken Dried Meat.

The aim of the study was to compare three types of meat snacks made from ostrich, beef, and chicken meat in relation to their nutrients content including fat, fatty acids, heme iron, and peptides, like anserine and carnosine, from which human health may potentially benefit. Dry meat samples were produced, from one type of muscle, obtained from ostrich (m.ambiens), beef (m. semimembranosus), and broiler chicken meat (m. pectoralis major). The composition of dried ostrich, beef, and chicken meat, with and without spices was compared. We show that meat snacks made from ostrich, beef, and chicken meat were characterized by high concentration of nutrients including proteins, minerals (heme iron especially in ostrich, than in beef), biologically active peptides (carnosine-in beef, anserine-in ostrich then in chicken meat). The, beneficial to human health, n-3 fatty acids levels differed significantly between species. Moreover, ostrich jerky contained four times less fat as compared to beef and half of that in chicken. In conclusion we can say that dried ostrich, beef, and chicken meat could be a good source of nutritional components.

[Application of physical therapy procedures in the treatment of chronic wounds of palm fingers - a case report]. / Wykorzystanie zabiegów medycyny fizykalnej w leczeniu przewleklych ran palców dloni ­ opis przypadku.

For many years the increasing number of patients who indulge different accidents and injuries during executing buildings works was observed. The medical help offered to those patients - the most often surgical or orthopedic - in form of surgical debridement of wound should enable its complete healing. However in many cases the healing process of wounds does not run in correct way and chronic wounds come into being, which need complex treatment. Contemporary physical medicine systematically broadens the healing possibilities by introducing to clinical practice new procedures and the therapeutic devices which in many cases accelerate the healing processes of chronic wounds. It this paper the results of the treatment of 44-years old man who experienced the injury of right palm - the cut of two finger tips by the angle grinder, were presented. In the treatment two physical methods were applied: magnetostimulation and local hyperbaric oxygen therapy, with good results resulting in complete healing of wounds, enabling the independent patient's existence, return to professional activity and improvement of quality of his life (Quality of Life).

[Analysis of the most common reasons for patient visits to the primary care physician during a 6-month follow-up]. / Analiza najczestszych przyczyn wizyt chorych u lekarza podstawowej opieki zdrowotnej podczas 6-miesiecznej obserwacji.

The health benefits in Primary Health Care (PHC) are given to patients who have made a declaration to the unit having signed a contract with the National Health Fund. Benefits hall be provided in an outpatient clinic, and in cases of medically justified also in the patient's home. The accuracy and rapidity of a diagnosis in the doctor's office often depends on the life and health treated patients. AIM: The aim of the study was to analyze the causes of advice provided at the PHC in particular age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 450 adults patients (228 women and 222 men) who have used the advice of the family doctor with in primary care. The research was carried out by diagnostic survey, using a single questionnaire, by evaluating the percentage reporting concerning sex and age of patients and the reasons for which they signed up to the doctor. The study was conducted over a period of 6 months (from 12-III-2016 to 17-VII-2016) in the clinic working hours (from 8:00 until 18:00). RESULTS: The study included 450 adults patients (228 women and 222 men) who have used the advice of the family doctor with in primary care. The research was carried out by diagnostic survey, using a single questionnaire, by evaluating the percentage reporting concerning sex and age of patients and the reasons for which they signed up to the doctor. The study was conducted over a period of 6 months (from 12-III-2016 to 17-VII-2016) in the clinic working hours (from 8:00 until 18:00). CONCLUSIONS: The largest group of patients presenting to a primary care physician were young people and the age and pre-retirement and the most common reason for reporting patients to the doctor in the clinic POZ visits were associated with prescribing prescription and discharge referrals, as well as infections of various etiology and localization.

On the use of speech acts in medical practice.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: The history of philosophy testifies to the applicability of rhetorical techniques to the content of therapeutic interlocution. Our methods of influencing people through processes of verbal interaction have developed over several hundred years, and this has also delivered a fruitful framework for evaluating these processes. The aim: To carry out an analysis of contemporary philosophical speech-act theories - viewed as elements of a form of therapeutic interlocution - and to interpret their efficiency in this regard. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: We examine the well-known speech-act theories of J.L. Austin and John Searle, but also - albeit indirectly - ideas stemming from Ludwig Wittgenstein. The conception of language they propose is similar to that of rhetoric: namely, viewing language as a tool for accomplishing something. In our case, the relevant goal is that of healing, or helping to heal, patients. RESULTS: Preview: First of all, we outline what it could mean to "create reality" through making use of the power of words. Thus, we initially seek to outline the main points of Greek rhetoric, before then presenting the "speech act" theory of language: a model of language analogous to rhetoric that makes reference to Wittgenstein's conception of language games. After that, we illustrate the possibility of using speech-act utterances in doctor-patient interactions and, so to speak, in a kind of mode contrary to speech acts themselves, wherein the unintended expressing of something via words or sentences resembles the effects brought on by a placebo. Finally, in the last part of this article, we anatomize Plato's model of rhetorical utterance as something employed for the transmission of truth between doctor and patient. We will concentrate there, above all, on the question of what it means to be engaged in telling the patient the truth about his or her state of health. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: On the one hand, the reference to speech-act theories provides a philosophical background for the use of words in some specific doctor-patient scenarios, while on the other it serves to exhibit the complex structures of our language itself: e.g. its interwovenness with actions such as touching, or its possible efficacy as a placebo, as in some instances of unintentional expressive utterance. Furthermore, using examples of different kinds of speech act, we can specify a number of truth-related and other conditions in force during doctor-patient interlocution.

Notch signaling pathway and gene expression profiles during early in vitro differentiation of liver-derived mesenchymal stromal cells to osteoblasts.

Notch signaling is a key signaling pathway for cell proliferation and differentiation. Therefore, we formulated a working hypothesis that Notch signaling can be used to detect early osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells. Changes in expression and distribution of Notch 1, 2, 3, and Delta1 in the cytoplasm and nuclei of rat liver-derived mesenchymal stromal cells differentiating into osteoblasts were investigated, together with the displacement of intracellular domains (ICDs) of the receptors. In addition, an oligonucleotide microarray was used to determine the expression of genes known to be linked to selected signaling pathways. Statistically significant changes in the number of cells expressing Notch1, Notch2, and Delta1, but not Notch3, and their activated forms were detected within 24 h of culture under osteogenic conditions. Although the number of cells expressing Notch3 remained unchanged, the number of cells with the activated receptor was significantly elevated. The number of cells positive for Notch3 was higher than that for the other Notch receptors even after 48 h of differentiation; however, a smaller fraction of cells contained activated Notch3. Culture mineralization was detected on day 4 of differentiation, and all analyzed receptors were present in the cells at that time, but only Delta1 was activated in twice as many cells than that before differentiation. Thus, the three analyzed receptors and ligand can serve as markers of very early stages of osteogenesis in stromal cells. These early changes in activation of the Notch signaling pathway were correlated with the transcription of several genes linked to osteogenesis, such as Bmps, Mmps, and Egfr, and with the regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis.

[Constipation - natural methods of the treatment with regard to physiotherapeutic procedures].

The constipations belong to the most frequent intestinal dyspepsia ailments in the industrialized populations. Alimentary canal answers for the correct admission and digesting foods, their absorption and dismissing. In case of disorders relating dismissing the names a constipation, discomfort in everyday life constrain ill's to modification style of life and nourishing, as well as the frequent contact with a doctor or the specialist medical care. The etiology of constipations stool is multifactorial, what requires multidirectional therapeutic conduction. The name of constipation is dismissing of stool defines (seldom than 3 days), be unusually the made difficult of act defecation connected with the presence sale hard and compact stool. Not infrequently the dismissing of incomplete evacuation lace-up by ill with feeling of dysfunction. The constipations most often step out in relationship with excessive contractibility of intestine - spastic constipations, be with reason of excessive atony of intestine - atonic constipations where sale weak peristalsis is the creature of constipations. In this work was the selected non - pharmacological methods in the treatment of constipation with regard a physiotherapeutic conduct introduced.

[The influence of pain aliments and vertebral mobility in patients after whole body cryotherapy].

INTRODUCTION: The motive efficiency depends from many factors, in this currently also form the state of health. The change in grounds of vertebral column causing the limitations of mobility and pain can significance worsen the functional state, motive efficiency and quality of patient's life. The leadership of active mode of life complying to recommendations the preventive style of life as well as the using with interventions of physical medicine influences on improvement significance the state of health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It the examination groups were 42 patients (21 women and 21 men) in age from 45-65 years with low back pain about different etiology. All studied were thirty interventions of whole body cryotherapy and then practices kinesitherapy exercises by 30 minutes subjected on gymnastic room. To evaluation of stepping pain ailments was the scale VAS executed, mobility of lumbar spine with help of Schober test as well as was executed. All results were statistical analysis subjected. RESULTS: After whole body cryotherapy the pain ailments in scale VAS were statistical significant in men group. The decrease of pain ailments influenced on improvement column mobility vertebral spine with use a Schober test (p<0,05). The statistical analysis were not significant in women group of pain ailments and the opinion of mobility of vertebral column spine (p > 0,05). CONCLUSIONS: Whole body cryotherapy reduced significance pain ailments and mobility of lumbar spine in men group. In women group the got results were not statistical significant.

Plasma Levels of Leptin and Adiponectin in Fragile X Syndrome.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of familial mental retardation and one of the leading known causes of autism. The mutation responsible for FXS is a large expansion of the CGG repeats in the promoter region of the FMR1 gene, resulting in the transcriptional silencing of the gene. Leptin may be considered a cytokine-like hormone with pleiotropic actions since it may be involved in the regulation of neuroendocrine functions and the immune system response, in addition to playing a role in development. Leptin and adiponectin may act in parallel as opposing metabolic counterparts. The involvement of leptin and adiponectin in the pathophysiology of FXS was hypothesized. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three male patients affected by FXS (full mutation in the FMR1 gene) and 24 controls were included in the study. Plasma leptin and adiponectin levels were measured by the ELISA method using commercially available kits. RESULTS: Adiponectin levels in FXS patients were significantly lower than those found in controls (p < 0.04). Leptin levels in FXS patients were significantly higher than those found in controls (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Adipokines may be involved in the psychiatric features observed in FXS patients. Further investigations are necessary to evaluate the role of adiponectin and leptin in FXS.

Comparison of cultures and 16S rRNA sequencing for identification of bacteria in two-stage revision arthroplasties: preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: The use of a prefabricated spacer in two-stage revision arthroplasty remains one of the few surgery strategies for infected-joint arthroplasty treatment, despite the many unidentified microorganisms in the infected joint replacements reported in some recent studies. The aim of this prospective survey was to investigate if the sonication followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can improve bacterial identification on the surfaces of prefabricated spacers and if the systemic laboratory mediators of infection and positive microbiological results can take a role of predictive factors of infection and clinical failures in 2-years follow-up. METHODS: Thirteen patients with prosthetic joint infection were investigated. Bacterial culture and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing were used to detect bacteria on the surface of prefabricated spacers removed during the second stage of revision arthroplasty. The results of pre- and intraoperative culture and DNA sequencing were compared. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. RESULTS: The result of tissue cultures in second-stage revision arthroplasties revealed positive results in 15 % of patients with Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) growth. Bacterial DNA was found in over 90 % of patients with negative synovial fluid culture. Positive PCR results revealed potential pathogenic bacteria and species of human and environmental microflora with low virulence. Clinical failures at final follow-up were recorded in 2 (16.6 %) patients. CONCLUSION: The lack of clinical signs of infection, negative culture of preoperative joint aspirate, and intraoperative specimens do not exclude the presence of bacteria on the surfaces of spacers. The positive results of sonication and molecular tests should be interpreted as real pathogenicity factors in the light of the clinical and laboratory data, especially for patients with immunodeficiency. We confirmed our previous results that sonication followed by PCR and sequencing improved bacterial identification.

Transfer of fibroblast sheets cultured on thermoresponsive dishes with membranes.

In cell or tissue engineering, it is essential to develop a support for cell-to-cell adhesion, which leads to the generation of cell sheets connected by extracellular matrix. Such supports must be hydrophobic and should result in a detachable cell sheet. A thermoresponsive support that enables the cultured cell sheet to detach using only a change in temperature could be an interesting alternative in regenerative medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate plates covered with thermoresponsive polymers as supports for the formation of fibroblast sheets and to develop a damage-free procedure for cell sheet transfer with the use of membranes as transfer tools. Human skin fibroblasts were seeded on supports coated with a thermoresponsive polymer: commercial UpCell™ dishes (NUNC™) coated with thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and dishes coated with thermoresponsive poly(tri(ethylene glycol) monoethyl ether methacrylate) (P(TEGMA-EE)). Confluent fibroblast sheets were effectively cultured and harvested from both commercial PNIPAM-coated dishes and laboratory P(TEGMA-EE)-coated dishes. To transfer a detached cell sheet, two membranes, Immobilon-P(®) and SUPRATHEL(®), were examined. The use of SUPRATHEL for relocating the cell sheets opens a new possibility for the clinical treatment of wounds. This study established the background for implementing thermoresponsive supports for transplanting in vitro cultured fibroblasts.

Effect of low frequency pulsed magnetic field on gravitropic response and cell elongation in coleoptiles of maize seedlings.

The effect of pulsed magnetic field (PMF) on gravitropic response, endogenous growth and growth in the presence of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was studied in coleoptiles of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings. Medium pH changes, measured simultaneously with growth of coleoptile segments, were also determined. In seedlings grown in the presence of PMF, elongation growth of coleoptiles was inhibited by 16%, while growth of roots and mesocotyls did not depend on PMF. Magnetic field also inhibited (by 36%) the gravitropic response of maize seedlings. However, when PMF was applied only during gravistimulation (within 6 h), it suppressed the gravitropic reaction only by 8% at 6 h. It was also found that endogenous growth and IAA-induced growth of maize coleoptile segments excised from seedlings treated with the PMF was stimulated by 52% and 30%, respectively, as compared to control (segments untreated with the PMF). Values of medium pH, measured simultaneously with growth, indicated that PMF-treated coleoptile segments extruded much more protons than untreated segments. In contrast, coleoptile segments treated with the PMF and subsequently incubated in the presence of IAA extruded 2.5-fold less protons as compared to segments treated with IAA only. The data presented here have been discussed with consideration of mechanisms by which auxin (IAA) regulates plant cell growth.

Electromagnetic fields in medicine - The state of art.

INTRODUCTION: Intense development of methods belonging to physical medicine has been noted recently. There are treatment methods, which in many cases lead to reduction treatment time and positively influence on quality of life treatment patients. RESEARCH IMPLICATIONS: The present physical medicine systematically extends their therapeutic possibilities. This above applies to illnesses and injuries of locomotor system, diseases affecting of soft tissues, as well as chronic wounds. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The evidence on this are the results of basic and clinical examinations relating the practical use of electromagnetic fields in medicine. ORIGINALITY: In this work the authors introduced the procedure using the current knowledge relating to physical characteristic and biological effects of the magnetic fields. In the work the following methods were used: static magnetic fields, spatial magnetic fields, the variable magnetic fields both with laser therapy (magnetolaserotherapy) and variable magnetic fields both with light optical non-laser (magnetoledtherapy) talked.