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The aim of this study is to investigate whether physical activity and the level of body fat are factors reducing the level of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in people with T1DM. Twenty‐five men (27.8 ± 9.4 years old; 178.9 ± 6.9 cm; 80.6 ± 12 kg) and 18 women (28.1 ± 12.5 years old; 162.4 ± 5.5; 63.1 ± 9.9 kg) were divided into four groups based on body fat percentage and level of physical activity (AN—active people with normal body fat; IAN—inactive people with normal body fat; AO—active people with excessive body fat, IAO—inactive people with excessive body fat). The level of cytokines in the blood serum was assessed. The level of IL‐8 was higher (measurable) in inactive men, regardless of adiposity degree and in women, only in the inactive group with normal body fat. IL‐6 was found only in active men with excessive adiposity. In conclusion, the findings from this study allow to indicate that moderate level of physical activity may contribute to a reduction in the development of systemic low‐grade inflammation in patients with T1DM, and thus, may reduce the risk of CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For several decades, there has been growing interest in the influence of low-frequency magnetic fields (LFMFs) and red LED light on the healing process. Keratinocytes are cells that play a significant role in the process of wound healing and tissue regeneration. A human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) was exposed to an LFMF with low induction (180–195 Hz; 60 µT, magnetostimulation), red LED light (630 nm; 300 mW, LED therapy), and their combined action (magneto-LED therapy) in in vitro culture conditions. On day 4 and 8 of the experiment, the following parameters were determined: adhesion/proliferation, adenylate kinase (AK), nitric oxide (NO), cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, TNF-α), metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9), and collagen IV. It was shown that magnetostimulation caused an increase in keratinocyte adhesion/proliferation and IL-8 secretion and a decrease in IL-12 secretion. The LED therapy resulted in a transient increase in the secretion of NO and cytokines IL-1, IL-12, and IL-6 in keratinocytes. The use of magneto-LED therapy resulted in an increase in keratinocyte adhesion/proliferation, the secretion of cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, and NO with a simultaneous decrease in MMP-9 secretion. The results of our studies showed that the action of an LFMF with low-induction and LED light on keratinocytes can modulate the biological activity of keratinocytes towards improving the skin healing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The available literature lacks studies using the KinesioTaping (KT) method and the hold-relax (HR) technique in working with advanced cancer patients. Patients and methods: The study involved 72 patients (38 women and 34 men), diagnosed with advanced cancer. Patients were randomly assigned either to the KT group (exercise programme and KT), HR group [exercise programme and the HR technique of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) method] or C group (a control group, exercise programme). To assess selected parameters the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scale and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System — revised (ESAS-r) were used. The physiotherapeutic programme lasted three weeks and took place 5 days a week for 30 minutes within each group. Additionally, in the KT group, kinesio tapes were applied on the paraspinal muscles of the lumbar spine. In the HR group the therapy with the hold-relax technique was applied. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in pain in all groups and an improvement in the quality of life in patients from both experimental groups. Those changes were significantly greater in the KT group than in both the C group and the HR group. Conclusions: Both KT and HR techniques of the PNF method are effective in reducing pain and improving the quality of life in the examined advanced cancer patients, however, KT has a stronger impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of substrate - polycaprolactone (PCL)-based porous membrane modified with rosmarinic acid (RA), (PCL-RA) and to determine the optimal values of low field laser irradiation (LLLT) as stimulators of biological response of RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods: The porous polymer membrane was obtained by the phase inversion method, the addition of rosmarinic acid was 1%wt. The reference material was pure polymer membrane. RAW 264.7 were deposited on the material and then irradiated with a laser with a wavelength of 808 nm, a power of 100 mW, an irradiation dose of 2 J/cm²/cell well, applied continuously (C), (100/2/C) or pulsed (I), (100/2/I). Results: Macrophage irradiation resulted in an increase in their adhesion. Modifying the PCL membranes with rosmarinic acid had no effect on cell viability on day 3 of the cell culture. Irradiation of macrophages cultured on PCL-RA material increased their viability. Irradiation of macrophages cultured on PCL-RA material decreased macrophage secretion of NO and protein and the increase in TNF and MCP-1 secretion was only transient on day 3 of culture. Conclusions: Macrophage irradiation had a positive effect on macrophage attachment. Modification of PCL membranes with rosmarinic acid influenced the biological activity of macrophages. Culture of macrophages on rosmarinic acid-modified PCL membranes and simultaneous irradiation of LLLT cells resulted in anti-inflammatory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flat foot pain is a common complaint that requires therapeutic intervention. Currently, myofascial release techniques are often used in the therapy of musculoskeletal disorders. A group of 60 people suffering from flat feet with associated pain. Patients were assigned to four groups (15 people each): MF—myofascial release, E—the exercise program, MFE—myofascial release and the exercise program, C—no intervention. The rehabilitation program lasted 4 weeks. The NRS scale was used to examine pain intensity and FreeMed ground reaction force platform was used to examine selected static and dynamic foot indicators. Statistically significant pain reduction was obtained in all research. A static test of foot load distribution produced statistically significant changes only for selected indicators. In the dynamic test, statistically significant changes were observed for selected indicators, only in the groups subjected to therapeutic intervention. Most such changes were observed in the MF group. In the dynamic test which assessed the support phase of the foot, statistically significant changes were observed only for selected subphases. Most such changes were observed in the MFE group. Both exercise and exercise combined with myofascial release techniques, and especially myofascial release techniques alone, significantly reduce pain in a flat foot. This study shows a limited influence of both exercises and myofascial release techniques on selected static and dynamic indicators of a flat foot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Application of peptides based on tryptophan, tyrosine and cysteine improves UV barrier properties through increased UV absorption (up to 80 % UVB and 40 % UVA) and antioxidant activity (>79 % for cysteine-based peptides). • UV irradiation increase the surface zeta potential of core–shell fibers (from −20 mV to −2mV) and stabilise thermal properties (stable Tm), indicating PVP crosslinking. • Presence of the hydrogel layer decrease the contact angle (from 134° to 55°) and thus, increase the light transmission (from 50% to 90%) through the nonwoven comparing to the pure PCL nonwoven. • The impact of UVR on the material should be considered in design process of the ophthalmology implants (i.e. cornea) exposed to solar radiation. Effective UV protection is a key aspect of substrates directly exposed to UV radiation. Therefore, in the present study, fibrous substrates of core–shell morphology (PCL-core, PVP-shell) containing peptides based on tryptophan, tyrosine and cysteine (W6, YYC2 and YYC3) were prepared. Spectrophotometric studies showed UV absorption by peptides containing tyrosine and tryptophan in the UVB (up to 80%) and UVA (up to 40%) ranges. Cysteine, in turn, contributed to high antioxidant properties, confirmed by DPPH assay. The presence of peptides contributed to a nonwoven fabric characterized by the ability to absorb UV radiation and prevent the occurrence of oxidative stress (caused by the presence of free radicals). In turn, the increase in the surface zeta potential of the nonwoven after UV irradiation and higher thermal stability (demonstrated by DSC studies) indicated the crosslinking of the PVP layer under UVR, which further contributes to the increased protection of the nonwoven against its effects. In summary, obtained nonwoven exhibited functional similarity to the native cornea, providing a potential solution for enhancing corneal tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • the study was to explain differences in the biological behaviour of two boron carbide powders, prepared by different synthesis methods i.e. commercial powder HD and powder synthesized in laboratory SP , • on the basis of structural analyses (XRD, Raman spectroscopy) it can be stated that the total boron content of SP powder is higher than that of HD powder, • according to the XPS particle surface analysis of both powders, the surface of SP powder is enriched in boron and there is an oxide passivation layer on the surface of HD powder particles, • in addition, the SP powder particles are isometrical, non-sharp-edged, in contrast to the HD powder, • the mentioned features of the SP powder may facilitate its interaction with the aqueous/biological environment. The SP powder shows a greater tendency to interact with proteins and amino acids in in vitro conditions. Such behavior confirms its high biocompatibility in relation to somatic cells: fibroblasts and cells of the immune system i.e. macrophages, • an in-depth analysis of the powder surface structural or physicochemical state does not give a clear answer as which factor of biocompatibility is the most important. On the one hand, surface chemistry: the possibility to generate hydrophilic groups (B-OH, B-O), favouring faster protein adsorption. On the other hand, the size and morphology of the powder have a combined effect proving that both macrophages which are present during the identification of a foreign body (which may be a ceramic powder), and fibroblasts (cells that are present in every tissue and are carriers of cellular information by secreting growth factors) favourably respond to the SP powder. The aim of this study was to explain differences in the biological behaviour of two boron carbide powders prepared by different synthesis methods. The commercial powder HD had a lower boron content in comparison to the synthesized powder SP. The analysis both powders surface confirmed the higher content of B-C bonds but the presence of heteroatomic B-C-O bonds indicating the oxide passivation of the surface of particles of only HD powder. On the other hand, the SP powder contains more boron in the volume as well as on the surface of particles. These differences facilitated the interaction between the carbide particles with the proteins in the culture medium. Proteins from the culture medium and active collagen peptides were more easily adsorbed to the surface of the synthesized powder particles, which was evidenced by new bands appearing in the spectrum. This translated into an increasing hydrophilicity of the synthesized boron carbide powder. The presence of proteins on the surface of the powder facilitated the cells adhesion of macrophages and fibroblasts. The synthesized boron carbide powder improved the macrophage functional status; the cells were characterized by high viability and low cytotoxicity as well as the correct morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emulsion electrospinning is a method of modifying a fibers' surface and functional properties by encapsulation of the bioactive molecules. In our studies, bovine serum albumin (BSA) played the role of the modifier, and to protect the protein during the electrospinning process, the W/O (water-in-oil) emulsions were prepared, consisting of polymer and micelles formed from BSA and anionic (sodium dodecyl sulfate–S) or nonionic (Tween 80–T) surfactant. It was found that the micelle size distribution was strongly dependent on the nature and the amount of the surfactant, indicating that a higher concentration of the surfactant results in a higher tendency to form smaller micelles (4–9 µm for S and 8–13 µm for T). The appearance of anionic surfactant micelles reduced the diameter of the fiber (100–700 nm) and the wettability of the nonwoven surface (up to 77°) compared to un-modified PCL polymer fibers (100–900 nm and 130°). The use of a non-ionic surfactant resulted in better loading efficiency of micelles with albumin (about 90%), lower wettability of the nonwoven fabric (about 25°) and the formation of larger fibers (100–1100 nm). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to detect the presence of the protein, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry was used to determine the loading efficiency and the nature of the release. The results showed that the location of the micelles influenced the release profiles of the protein, and the materials modified with micelles with the nonionic surfactant showed no burst release. The release kinetics was characteristic of the zero-order release model compared to anionic surfactants. The selected surfactant concentrations did not adversely affect the biological properties of fibrous substrates, such as high viability and low cytotoxicity of RAW macrophages 264.7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flat foot pain is a common complaint that requires therapeutic intervention. Currently, myofascial release techniques are often used in the therapy of musculoskeletal disorders. A group of 60 people suffering from flat feet with associated pain. Patients were assigned to four groups (15 people each): MF—myofascial release, E—the exercise program, MFE—myofascial release and the exercise program, C—no intervention. The rehabilitation program lasted 4 weeks. The NRS scale was used to examine pain intensity and FreeMed ground reaction force platform was used to examine selected static and dynamic foot indicators. Statistically significant pain reduction was obtained in all research. A static test of foot load distribution produced statistically significant changes only for selected indicators. In the dynamic test, statistically significant changes were observed for selected indicators, only in the groups subjected to therapeutic intervention. Most such changes were observed in the MF group. In the dynamic test which assessed the support phase of the foot, statistically significant changes were observed only for selected subphases. Most such changes were observed in the MFE group. Both exercise and exercise combined with myofascial release techniques, and especially myofascial release techniques alone, significantly reduce pain in a flat foot. This study shows a limited influence of both exercises and myofascial release techniques on selected static and dynamic indicators of a flat foot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Skin substitutes are heterogeneous group of scaffolds (natural or synthetic) and cells. We hypothesize that nanofibers with layer composition made of polylactide (PLA) and sodium hyaluronate (HA) obtained using electrospinning method are a good matrix for cell adhesion and proliferation. Methods: Optimal conditions of electrospinning of PLA and HA nanofibers to create layered compositions (PLA membrane covered with HA nonwovens) were determined by modifying parameters such as the appropriate amount of solvents, polymer concentration, mixing temperature and electrospinning process conditions. By changing the parameters, it was possible to control the diameter and properties of both polymer fibers. The spinning solution were characterized by surface tension and rheology. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to determine the morphology and fiber diameters: PLA and HA. Structure of the PLA/HA nonwoven was analyzed using spectroscopy (FTIR/ATR). Biocompatibility of the nonwoven with fibroblasts (ECM producers) was assessed in the in vitro conditions. Results: The results showed that stable conditions for the formation of submicron PLA fibers were obtained using a 13% wt. solution of the polymer, dissolved in a 3:1 mixture of DCM:DMF at 45 °C. The hyaluronic fibers were prepared from a 12% wt. solution of the polymer dissolved in a 2:1 mixture of ammonia water and ethyl alcohol. All materials were biocompatible but to a different degree. Conclusions: The proposed laminate scaffold was characterized by a hydrophobic-hydrophilic domain surface with a maintained fiber size of both layers. The material positively underwent biocompatibility testing in contact with fibroblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the presented study was an analysis of two apatite coatings: hydroxyapatite (HA) and octacalcium phosphate (OCP) as coatings materials for metallic implants. Both layers were deposited by means of the PLD method. As a target material, synthetic, powdered and pressed hydroxyapatite was used. HA was deposited on 316L steel substrate in two temperature ranges for obtaining different coatings: 150±30°C and 430±30°C for OCP and HA, respectively. As an intermediate layer, the nanocrystalline diamond layer (NCD) was deposited. Examined calcium phosphate layers were tested for adhesion of osteoblast cell culture (MG-63). Analytical methods (AFM, FTIR) showed the usefulness of the PLD method for deposition of the apatite layers on metallic implants. Both examined layers showed biocompatibility with human osteoblast cells and presented favorable conditions for their proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hydroxyapatite and magnesium modified hydroxyapatite were deposited on nitrited Ti6Al4V substrates by use of pulsed laser deposition technique. Three target materials consisting of non-modified and magnesium modified hydroxyapatite with Mg content of 0.6wt.% and 1.8wt.% were ablated using an ArF excimer laser. The obtained coatings were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, FTIR and AFM methods in order to determine the influence of magnesium on their phase and chemical composition, crystallinity, surface morphology and biological properties. Doping with low concentration of Mg does not significantly influence the HA morphology but improves osteoblast adhesion as compared to pure HA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The assessment of the six-week influence of Kinesio Taping combined with a rehabilitation on selected ultrasonography measurements, the level of disability, and the quality of life in patients with rotator cuff lesions. 60 participants were randomly assigned into a taping group (KT combined with a six-week rehabilitating protocol) and a control group (only rehabilitation protocol). In all patients the following assessments were performed twice: USG, UEFI and NHP questionnaires. In the examination of the subacromial space and the subacromial bursa in the taping group, no statistical significance was observed. A statistically significant change in the thickness of the muscles was obtained only for the thickness of the infraspinatus in the taping group. A statistically significant change was obtained in the assessment of tendinopathy only for the supraspinatus muscle in both groups. Within both groups a statistically significant difference was observed in the average UEFI and NHP scores; however, the differences in the scores obtained between the groups were not statistically significant. The use of KT with a rehabilitation program did not yield statistically significantly better results in the improvement of selected shoulder region indicators, the function of the upper limb and the quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]