Maintaining body posture in the modified Matthias test depending on sex and the physical activity level in the population of young people — preliminary research

Wstęp.Niska aktywność fizyczna obserwowana u osób młodych może być przyczyną zmian w postawie ciała co niekorzystnie oddziałuje na układ kostno-stawowy kręgosłupa. Optyczno-świetlna metoda skanowania oparta na Video Raster-Stereography (VRS)pozwala na obiektywizację zmodyfikowanego testu Matthiassa (mMT) w warunkach dynamicznych.Celem badań jest ocena zdolności utrzymania postawy ciała w zmodyfikowanym teście Matthiasa w zależności od poziomu aktywności fizycznej i płci w populacji osób młodych. Materiał i metody. Badanie przeprowadzono w grupie 24 osób (10 mężczyzn , 14 kobiet) w wieku 19-25 lat Badane osoby podzielono na grupę mężczyzn i kobiet gdzie przeprowadzone rejestrację wydatku energetycznego i pomiar parametrów zmodyfikowanego testu Matthias ( mMT ). Wyniki. W zmodyfikowanym teście Matthiasa (mMT) istotność statystyczna występuje w przypadku kąta nachylenia TI (od pionu, mMT) -pomiar pierwszy (p=0,050); kifozy KA (mMT)-pomiar pierwszy (p=0,037); kifozy KA (mMT)-pomiar drugi (p=0,050). Płeć jest czynnikiem różnicującym dla tych zmiennych gdzie kobiety uzyskały wyższe wartości. Wnioski. Analizowana istotność różnic w badanych parametrach może być związana cechami biomechanicznymi, mięśniowo-szkieletowymi i fizjologicznymi kobiet i mężczyzn co ma wpływ na siłę mięśniową potrzebną do utrzymania statycznej wymuszonej pozycji ciała.Background: Low physical activity observed in young people may cause changes in body posture, which adversely affects the osteoarticular system of the spine. The light-optical scanning method based on Video Raster-Stereography (VRS) allows the objectification of the modified Matthias test (mMT) in dynamic conditions. This study aims to assess the ability to maintain body posture in the mMT depending on sex and physical activity level in the young population. Material and methods: The study was conducted in a group of 24 people (10 men, 14 women) aged 19–25. The subjects were divided into a group of men and women where energy expenditure was recorded and the parameters of the mMT were measured. Results: In the mMT, there is a statistical significance in the trunk inclination angle (TI) (from the vertical, mMT) — first measurement (p = 0.050); kyphosis angle (KA) (mMT) — first measurement (p = 0.037); KA (mMT) — second measurement (p = 0.050). Sex is a differentiating factor for those variables where women scored higher. Conclusions: The analysed significance of differences in the examined parameters may be related to the biomechanical, musculoskeletal, and physiological characteristics of men and women, which affects the muscle strength needed to maintain a static forced body posture

DIFFERENCES IN THE DYNAMICS OF CHANGES IN THE CONCENTRATION OF KYNURENIC ACID IN THE BLOOD SERUM OF DEPRESSED PATIENTS TREATED WITH ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY

Background: Nowadays, depression is a serious clinical problem, as the prevalence of its various forms increases and there are growing numbers of patients with severe forms of depression and treatment-refractory depression. Depressed patients have been observed to have decreased levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA), which is the only endogenous antagonist of ionotropic N-methyl-Daspartate (NMDA) receptors. The aim of this study was to identify subgroups of patients differing in the dynamics of changes in KYNA concentration during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Subjects and methods: The study included 32 patients with an ICD-10 diagnosis of a major depressive episode receiving ECT treatment and 48 healthy volunteers. Blood serum KYNA concentrations were determined using HPLC-based methods, and clinical assessment was performed using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) Scale. Results: Three subgroups of patients with depression were identified which differed in baseline KYNA levels and in the dynamics of changes in blood serum KYNA concentrations during and after ECT. Conclusions: The largest number of patients with clinical improvement (83%) was observed in the subgroup with significantly lower pre-treatment, treatment and post-treatment KYNA concentrations than those determined in the control group. This subgroup of patients also showed the lowest dynamics of changes in KYNA concentrations during ECT. Clinical improvement was observed in 75% of depressed patients who had insignificantly lower pre-treatment levels of KYNA and slightly higher levels of this acid after 6 and 12 ECT sessions than controls. The smallest number of patients with clinical improvement (50%) was observed in the subgroup of patients who had similar pre-treatment and treatment concentrations of KYNA to controls and whose post-treatment concentrations of KYNA were significantly lower than those of healthy individuals

Everything you always wanted to know about systemic sclerosis but were afraid to ask: Part 4. Evaluation of the effectiveness of kinesitherapy conducted in a group of patients with systemic sclerosis based on a literature review.

Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. Physical training as a planned activity can delay the process of disease changes. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of kinesitherapy conducted in a group of patients with systemic sclerosis based on a literature review. Material and methods The PubMed and Pedro databases were analyzed using the following keywords: "systemic sclerosis and physiotherapy or physical training" The university multi-search engine was also used, including the database of periodicals of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. Results Nine works out of 23 articles presenting the impact of various forms of training and physiotherapy methods in the treatment of people with systemic sclerosis were qualified for the analysis. Conclusion The conducted analysis of the literature on physical training in people with systemic sclerosis confirms the advisability of its use with the use of interval training and resistance training. These forms of training have a positive effect on the functions of the respiratory, circulatory and muscular systems. Physical training can be a valuable supplement to pharmacotherapy to support the treatment of this group of patients.Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. Physical training as a planned activity can delay the process of disease changes. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of kinesitherapy conducted in a group of patients with systemic sclerosis based on a literature review. Material and methods The PubMed and Pedro databases were analyzed using the following keywords: "systemic sclerosis and physiotherapy or physical training" The university multi-search engine was also used, including the database of periodicals of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. Results Nine works out of 23 articles presenting the impact of various forms of training and physiotherapy methods in the treatment of people with systemic sclerosis were qualified for the analysis. Conclusion The conducted analysis of the literature on physical training in people with systemic sclerosis confirms the advisability of its use with the use of interval training and resistance training. These forms of training have a positive effect on the functions of the respiratory, circulatory and muscular systems. Physical training can be a valuable supplement to pharmacotherapy to support the treatment of this group of patients

Mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke – Five years of experience in Poland

Objectives Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is not reimbursed by the Polish public health system. We present a description of 5 years of experience with MT in acute stroke in Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs) in Poland. Methods and results We retrospectively analyzed the results of a structured questionnaire from 23 out of 25 identified CSCs and 22 data sets that include 61 clinical, radiological and outcome measures. Results Most of the CSCs (74%) were founded at University Hospitals and most (65.2%) work round the clock. In 78.3% of them, the working teams are composed of neurologists and neuro-radiologists. All CSCs perform CT and angio-CT before MT. In total 586 patients were subjected to MT and data from 531 of them were analyzed. Mean time laps from stroke onset to groin puncture was 250±99min. 90.3% of the studied patients had MT within 6h from stroke onset; 59.3% of them were treated with IV rt-PA prior to MT; 15.1% had IA rt-PA during MT and 4.7% – emergent stenting of a large vessel. M1 of MCA was occluded in 47.8% of cases. The Solitaire device was used in 53% of cases. Successful recanalization (TICI2b–TICI3) was achieved in 64.6% of cases and 53.4% of patients did not experience hemorrhagic transformation. Clinical improvement on discharge was noticed in 53.7% of cases, futile recanalization – in 30.7%, mRS of 0–2 – in 31.4% and mRS of 6 in 22% of cases. Conclusion Our results can help harmonize standards for MT in Poland according to international guidelines

Atrial fibrillation genetic risk differentiates cardioembolic stroke from other stroke subtypes

AbstractObjectiveWe sought to assess whether genetic risk factors for atrial fibrillation can explain cardioembolic stroke risk.MethodsWe evaluated genetic correlations between a prior genetic study of AF and AF in the presence of cardioembolic stroke using genome-wide genotypes from the Stroke Genetics Network (N = 3,190 AF cases, 3,000 cardioembolic stroke cases, and 28,026 referents). We tested whether a previously-validated AF polygenic risk score (PRS) associated with cardioembolic and other stroke subtypes after accounting for AF clinical risk factors.ResultsWe observed strong correlation between previously reported genetic risk for AF, AF in the presence of stroke, and cardioembolic stroke (Pearson’s r=0.77 and 0.76, respectively, across SNPs with p &lt; 4.4 × 10−4 in the prior AF meta-analysis). An AF PRS, adjusted for clinical AF risk factors, was associated with cardioembolic stroke (odds ratio (OR) per standard deviation (sd) = 1.40, p = 1.45×10−48), explaining ∼20% of the heritable component of cardioembolic stroke risk. The AF PRS was also associated with stroke of undetermined cause (OR per sd = 1.07, p = 0.004), but no other primary stroke subtypes (all p &gt; 0.1).ConclusionsGenetic risk for AF is associated with cardioembolic stroke, independent of clinical risk factors. Studies are warranted to determine whether AF genetic risk can serve as a biomarker for strokes caused by AF.</jats:sec

Effect of exercise by Emile Jaques-Dalcroze on formation of motor coordination in preschool children

BACKGROUND The main goal of the research program was to evaluate the infl uence of Emile Jaques-Dalcroze method on the formation of coordination of motor skills with children aged 6 according to the balance, rhythmicity, rapid response and space orientation. MATERIAL AND METHODS The content of the paper are the results of 40 healthy children of six years old, randomly divided into two groups – control (gymnastics) and test (Emile Jaques-Dalcroze method). In the course of study in both groups were measured motor abilities of coordination based on the following motor tests : test of spatial orientation “March to the point” balance test “Get Up and Go”, rhythmicity test” rhythmic drumming of hands, “a rapid response test” Stop falling sticks”. RESULTS The results obtained in the study group compared to the control group show an acceleration of the motor development of children with skills: balance, rapid response, and rhythmicity. CONCLUSION Comparison of the eff ect of standard exercise gym with classes consistent with the method of Emile Jaques-Dalcroze in the development of coordination of motor skills in children aged 6 years showed that the best results in preschool children is achieved through a combination of rhythmic elements of exercise gym.WSTĘP Głównym założeniem programu badawczego była ocena wpływu metody Emila Jaques-Dalcroze’a na kształtowanie koordynacyjnych zdolności motorycznych z zakresu zachowania równowagi, rytmizacji, szybkiej reakcji oraz orientacji w przestrzeni u dzieci 6-letnich. MATERIAŁ I METODY Materiał opracowania stanowią wyniki badań 40 zdrowych 6-letnich dzieci, podzielonych losowo na dwie grupy – kontrolną (dzieci uczęszczające na gimnastykę korekcyjną) i badaną (dzieci uczestniczące w ćwiczeniach prowadzonych metodą Emila Jaques-Dalcroze’a). W trakcie badań w obu grupach dokonano pomiarów koordynacyjnych zdolności motorycznych opartych na następujących testach motorycznych: test orientacji w przestrzeni „Marsz do celu”, test równowagi „Wstań i idź”, test rytmizacji „Rytmiczne bębnienie rękami”, test szybkiej reakcji „Zatrzymanie opadającej laski”. WYNIKI Wyniki uzyskane w grupie badanej w porównaniu z wynikami grupy kontrolnej wskazują na przyspieszenie rozwoju motorycznego dzieci z zakresu umiejętności: równowagi, szybkiej reakcji oraz rytmizacji. WNIOSKI Porównanie wpływu standardowych ćwiczeń gimnastycznych z ćwiczeniami zgodnymi z metodą Emila Jaques-Dalcroze’a na rozwój koordynacyjnych zdolności motorycznych u dzieci 6-letnich wykazało, że najlepsze rezultaty osiąga się u nich poprzez połączenie rytmiki z elementami ćwiczeń gimnastycznych

Jak Inhibitors for Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases: Lessons from Systemic Sclerosis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus represent two distinct autoimmune diseases belonging to the group of connective tissue disorders. Despite the great progress in the basic science, this progress has not been translated to the development of novel therapeutic approaches that can radically change the face of these diseases. The discovery of JAK kinases, which are tyrosine kinases coupled with cytokine receptors, may open a new chapter in the treatment of so far untreatable diseases. Small synthetic compounds that can block Janus kinases and interact directly with cytokine signalling may provide therapeutic potential in these diseases. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic potential of Jak kinases in light of the cytokine network that JAK kinases are able to interact with. We also provide the theoretical background for the rationale of blocking cytokines with specific JAK inhibitors

Sprawność fizyczna osób po operacji tętniaka aorty brzusznej

INTRODUCTION. The study evaluated the effect of walking training on the physical training of people with a surgically treated abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in a short-term observation. MATERIAL AND METHODS. In a group of 60 patients, divided randomly into two groups with different models of physiotherapy, blood count parameters, 6-minute walk test variables, spirometry variables and quadriceps torque of the lower limbs were measured before and after the operation. RESULTS. The statistical analysis of the studied variables indicates a physical reduction in both groups after surgery. Only a few parameters, such as energy expenditure MET, forced vital capacity FVC, quadriceps torque of the right lower extremity, support the physiotherapy model, extended by march training. CONCLUSIONS. In patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, regardless of the type of physiotherapy carried out, there is a reduction in physical function after surgery. The results indicate the need to continue walking training after discharge from the hospital in the second stage of physiotherapy.WSTĘP. W pracy oceniano wpływ trening marszowego na sprawność fizyczną osób z tętniakiem aorty brzusznej, leczonych chirurgicznie w obserwacji krótkoterminowej. MATERIAŁ I METODY. W grupie 60 osób podzielonych losowo na dwie grupy o różnych modelach fizjoterapii dokonano pomiaru przed i po operacji parametrów morfologii krwi, zmiennych testu 6-minutowego, zmiennych badania spirometrycznego oraz momentu sił mięśni czworogłowych kończyn dolnych. WYNIKI. Przeprowadzona analiza statystyczna badanych zmiennych wskazuje na obniżenie sprawności fizycznej w obu grupach po operacji. Jedynie kilka parametrów, takich jak wydatek energetyczny MET, natężona pojemność życiowa płuc, moment siły mięśni czworogłowych kończyny dolnej prawej, wspiera model fizjoterapii rozszerzonej o trening marszowy. WNIOSKI. U pacjentów z tętniakiem aorty brzusznej, niezależnie od rodzaju przeprowadzonej fizjoterapii, dochodzi do obniżenia sprawności fizycznej po leczeniu chirurgicznym. Wyniki badań wskazują na potrzebę kontynuacji treningu marszowego po wypisie ze szpitala w ramach II etapu fizjoterapii