Concurrent validity and within-session reliability of gait kinematics measured using an inertial motion capture system with repeated calibration

IntroductionWearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) enable gait analysis in the clinic, but require calibrations that may affect subsequent gait measurements. This study assessed concurrent validity and within-session reliability of gait kinematics measured by a frequently calibrated IMU-based system. Calibration pose accuracy and intra-rater repeatability, and IMU orientation tracking accuracy, were additionally quantified. MethodsCalibration poses and gait were recorded in 15 women using IMUs and optical motion capture (OMC) (reference standard) simultaneously. Participants performed six consecutive trials: each comprising a calibration pose and a walk. IMU tracking was assessed separately (once-off) using technical static and dynamic tests. Differences of > 5° constituted clinical significance. ResultsConcurrent validity for gait revealed clinically significant between-system differences for sagittal angles (root-mean-square error [RMSE] 6.7°–15.0°; bias −9.3°–3.0°) and hip rotation (RMSE 7.9°; bias −4.2°). After removing modelling offsets, differences for all angles (except hip rotation) were  0.8), except hip rotation, pelvic tilt and -obliquity. Within-session reliability of IMU-measured gait angles was clinically acceptable (standard error of measurement [SEM] < 5°). Calibration poses were repeatable (SEM 0.3°–2.2°). Pose accuracy revealed mean absolute differences (MAD) < 5° for all angles except sagittal ankle, hip and pelvis. IMU tracking accuracy demonstrated RMSE ≤ 2.0°. ConclusionA frequently calibrated IMU system provides reliable gait measurements; comparing highly to OMC after removing modelling differences. Calibration poses can be implemented accurately for most angles and consistently. IMU-measured gait data are clinically useful and comparable within participants, but should not be compared to OMC-measured data

One step closer – the impact of daily step count on health and how many steps should be taken per day

Introduction: Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Walking is an open-accessed form of physical activity that requires no specialized equipment and can be performed at practically any moment of the day. In recent years, it has gained increasing interest and stands out as one of the most widely recommended forms of exercise. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the number of studies focusing on the impact of mean daily step count on health has been growing each year, with a significant surge observed since 2017. Undoubtedly, this topic is relevant to current health trends. Hitherto, there are no evidence-based recommendations regarding the number of steps that should be taken per day. Within this review, we conducted an analysis on the impact of daily step count on the risk of death and the incidence of selected diseases. Aim of the study: The aim of our study is to review of current literature on the influence of daily step count on both physical and mental health. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the literature available in PubMed, using the key words: „daily step count”, „step count mental health”, „ physical activity”, „pedometr”. Results: The daily step count can prominently impact the improvement and maintenance of human health and significant health benefits can be achieved by taking 4000-10000 steps per day. Summary: Research has shown that individuals who take more steps throughout the day are less prone to certain diseases, experience milder symptoms, exhibit better overall physical fitness, and have a lower risk of all-cause mortality. In the upcoming years, we can expect further studies aimed at identifying the most optimal daily step count

Physical activity of patients with chronic kidney disease

Introduction: The main causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are diabetic and hypertensive nephropathy. The incidence of civilization diseases is increasing, which also indirectly affects the increase in the incidence of CKD. The patient's therapy after the diagnosis should include the care of a multi-specialist therapeutic team that will remove as many restrictions as possible in everyday functioning and ensure a high quality of life. In addition to the selection of individual renal replacement therapy, i.a. physical rehabilitation. Despite the fact that in the course of chronic kidney disease physical activity is impaired by numerous pathophysiological processes, the patient should be encouraged to undertake physical activity in order to reduce the risk of death due to cardiovascular diseases, as well as to eliminate many other adverse health effects of the disease. The following paper aims to analyze the impact of physical activity on CKD patients and the pathophysiological causes of low physical activity in this group of patients and the possibility of implementing rehabilitation as an element of comprehensive therapy. Aim of the study: To review the current literature on the physical activity of patients with chronic kidney disease Materials and Methods: A review of the publications available in PubMed, using the key words „chronic kidney disease”, „psychical activity in chronic kidney disease”, physical activity”, „kidney failure”, „dialysis”, „renal rehabilitation”, „quality of life

Myocarditis as a cause of neonate’s circulatory failure during delivery - case study

Myocarditis (MCI) is a heart pathology characterized by its rare occurrence and a possible fatal course. In the natural history of the disease inflammatory cell infiltrates are present. There are subtypes of MCI depending on the predominant cell type in the biopsy sampls. One of them is eosinophilic myocarditis. In eosinophilic myocarditis more that 50% of the cells are eosinophils. In the later phases of the disease the myocardium is infiltrated by fibrous tissue and the heart vessels are often affected by thrombosis. Cardiomyopathy is a common long-term complication of the MCI. &nbsp; Reported case presents a death of a male neonate. The neonate was delivered by vaginal delivery. Both prenatal development and all the prenatal tests indicated proper development of the fetus. At the delivery the neonate weight was 3900 grams and was evaluated with only 1 point on the Apgar score. Moreover, the neonate presented a complete acute cardiorespiratory failure at birth. Despite the 2 hour-long cardio-pulmonary resuscitation no return of spontaneous circulation was observed. The neonate’s remains were pathologically as well as histologically examined. The microscopic examination of the neonate’s heart samples contained many inflammatory cell infiltrations. Microabscesses with Charcot-Leyden crystals inside were also observed. Furthermore, the presence of atypical, polynuclear cells was noted. On the basis of the morphological image, it was recognized as an eosinophilic MCI

SGLT2 inhibitors - a breakthrough in treatment of heart failure and their multipotential beneficial role in cardiology, diabetology, nephrology and neurology

Inhibitors of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2 inhibitors) are relatively new andinnovative antihyperglycemic drugs which by inhibiting sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 minimalisereabsorption of glucose in nephrones. Due to this process, SGLT2 inhibitors became a first-choicedrugs in diabetology. Flozins were a turning point in many clinical trials and currently consequentlyconquer pharmacoterapy in cardiology. In the past years, clinical studies proved vast role of SGLT2inhibitors in other fields of medicine. Flosins protect heart muscle and kidneys among patients with orwithout type diabetes mellitus type 2. They have positive effect on hypertension, arteries and braintissue.Cardiological condition with the lowest long-term outcome in patients is heart failure with reducedejection fraction. Until flozins, treatment in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction was based onfour groups of drugs: β-blocker, inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAA),including angiotensin converting enzyme ACE/ARB inhibitors, angiotensin and neprilysin receptorblockers (ARNI) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA). It was an appropriate HFrEFtreatment over the last years. However thanks to large-scale researches a role of flozins in cardiologyhave been established and they became hope for a change in the course of heart failure.The following article presents aspects of using flozins in treatment of patients with HFrEF,multipotential usage, vast benefits for patients, not solely cardiologic, and side effects of thesemiraculous group of drugs

Indications of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Dermatology

Introduction: PRP is an autologous serum containing high concentrations of platelets and growth factors. It is used in dermatology for a variety of purposes, including hair growth, skin renewal, the removal of acne scars, dermal augmentation, and the treatment of striae distensae. The origins of PRP trace back to the 1970s, originating within the field of hematology as a treatment for patients grappling with thrombocytopenia. The subsequent decades, specifically the 1980s and 1990s, witnessed the integration of PRP into surgical procedures, notably in maxillofacial and plastic surgeries. The rationale underlying the employment and therapeutic potential of a concentrated platelet solution hinges upon their remarkable ability to furnish elevated levels of vital growth factors, thus instigating a regenerative impetus that facilitates repair in tissues characterized by limited innate healing capabilities. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted facets of PRP, encompassing mechanisms of action, prevailing indications, existing clinical substantiation, safety considerations, and the burgeoning spectrum of potential applications within the domain of skin condition treatments. Aim of the study: To review the current literature on the use of PRP in the field of dermatology Materials and Methods: We reviewed the literature available in PubMed, using the key words “platelet rich plasma”, “prp”, “autologous platelet rich plasma”, “alopecia”, “anti-aging” Results: PRP has a lot of potential in dermatology and its therapeutic uses are growing. Future research should standardize PRP therapy procedures for particular reasons. Summary: The versatile action of PRP has made it the subject of intense research. However, the reports in the literature to date on its use require further studies on larger groups of people to confirm its effects

Fall history and associated factors among adults living with HIV-1 in the Cape Winelands, South Africa : an exploratory investigation

CITATION: Berner, K., et al. 2019. Fall history and associated factors among adults living with HIV-1 in the Cape Winelands, South Africa : an exploratory investigation. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 6(10):ofz401, doi:10.1093/ofid/ofz401.The original publication is available at https://academic.oup.com/ofidPublication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.Background. People with HIV-1 (PWH) exhibit a high fall incidence and increased fracture risk. As little is known about fall frequency and associated factors in PWH residing in lower-middle-income countries (LMIC), we investigated fall frequency, bone quality, and factors associated with fall history in a South African cohort. Methods. Fifty PWH without obvious predisposing factors for mobility impairments attending 2 public primary care clinics in the Western Cape region participated. Demographic, clinical, and physical performance data were collected. Falls were assessed retrospectively over 12 months. Mobility and balance were evaluated using a physical performance battery. Bone mineral density was screened using quantitative ultrasound (QUS). Associations between variables and falls grouping were analyzed using chi-square tests, t tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests, and effect sizes (ES) were calculated. Results. Thirty-four percent of PWH (median age, 36.6 years) reported falling during the past year, and 41.2% of fallers reported multiple falls. Fallers had more mobility problems (P = .013), higher fear of falling (P = .007), higher fracture history (P = .003), worse balance performance (P < .001), higher proportions of detectable viral loads (P = .021), and poorer bone quality (P = .040). Differences were of medium to large ES. Conclusions. This exploratory study is the first to show that relatively young South African PWH without obvious predisposing factors for gait and balance impairments experience falls. The observed fall-associated factors warrant further research using larger samples and longitudinal designs to ascertain fall predictors within this population.https://academic.oup.com/ofid/article/6/10/ofz401/5584296Publisher's versio

Etiology, Epidemiology, and Therapeutic Approaches for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis in the Context of Concurrent Non-specific Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Introduction: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, idiopathic disease characterized by persistent and progressive inflammation of the intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic bile ducts. This leads to fibrosis, cholestatic complications, and liver failure. In over 70% of patients, non-specific intestinal inflammations coexist, particularly ulcerative colitis, and sporadically Crohn's disease. Aim: Our study aimed to assess current literature on primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), covering its causes, symptoms, treatment methods, and the connection between PSC and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) co-occurrence. Materials and methods: We conducted a PubMed literature review using keywords like "primary sclerosing cholangitis pathogenesis," "primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease," and "primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis.” Results: Our research extensively covered PSC epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment options. Emphasis was placed on the heightened prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis, among PSC patients. Summary: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a disease causing gradual damage to bile ducts within or outside the liver. Over 70% of patients also experience inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mainly ulcerative colitis. The exact causes of PSC and its connection to IBD remain unclear. The theories involve hyperactive "intestinal" T cells or the impact of gut microbiome on their growth. Presently, a liver transplant stands as the sole remedy

Collaborative capacity development to complement stroke rehabilitation in Africa

This scholarly book focuses on stroke in Africa. Stroke is a leading cause of disability among adults of all ages, contributing significantly to health care costs related to long term implications, particularly if rehabilitation is sub-optimal. Given the burden of stroke in Africa, there is a need for a book that focuses on functioning African stroke survivors and the implications for rehabilitation within the African context. In addition, there is a need to progress with contextualised, person-centred, evidence-based guidance for the rehabilitation of people with stroke in Africa, thereby enabling them to lead socially and economically meaningful lives. The research incorporated in the book used a range of primary and secondary methodological approaches (scoping reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, descriptive studies, surveys, health economics, and clinical practice guideline methodology) to shed new insights into African-centred issues and strategies to optimise function post-stroke