Comparison of DNA damage in fresh and frozen blood samples: implications for the comet assay in human biomonitoring studies.

The use of the comet assay in large biomonitoring studies may present logistical and technical challenges because of the processing of numerous samples. Proper sample preservation becomes imperative to prevent spurious DNA breakage. Previous research has shown the feasibility of conducting the comet assay on frozen blood samples, highlighting the potential of freezing at - 80 °C in preserving DNA integrity. Nonetheless, this approach presents challenges, including potential DNA damage during freezing and thawing, variability in processing, and the need for standardized protocols. Our objective was to evaluate whether there are comparable results in DNA migration assessed by the comet assay between fresh and frozen blood samples on a larger scale (N = 373). In our findings, elevated DNA migration was evident in frozen samples relative to fresh ones. Additionally, smoking, alcohol consumption, and season were linked to increased DNA damage levels in whole blood cells. Based on our results and available literature, conducting the comet assay on frozen blood samples emerges as a practical and efficient approach for biomonitoring and epidemiological research. This method enables the assessment of DNA damage in large populations over time, with samples, if properly cryopreserved, that may be used for years, possibly even decades. These observations hold significant implications for large-scale human biomonitoring and long-term epidemiological studies, particularly when samples are collected during fieldwork or obtained from biobanks. Continued method optimization and validation efforts are essential to enhance the utility of this approach in environmental and occupational health studies, emphasizing caution when comparing data obtained between fresh and frozen blood samples.

Effects of Electromyographic Biofeedback-Assisted Exercise on Functional Recovery and Quality of Life in Patients after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The goal of the trial was to examine the effects of adding electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BF) to the conventional program of physiotherapy after total hip arthroplasty (THA) on functional recovery and quality of life. The trial was designed as a prospective, interventional, single-blinded randomized controlled study. Ninety patients were randomized into an experimental group (EG) (n = 45; mean age 63.9 ± 8.8) and control group (CG) (n = 45; mean age 63.9 ± 9). All patients received 21 days of physiotherapy which consisted of therapeutic exercise (land-based and aquatic), electrotherapy, and education. Electromyographic biofeedback was added to a portion of the land-based exercise in EG. The Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36), use of a walking aid, 30 s chair stand test (CST) as well as the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test were used for outcome measurement. A higher proportion of the participants in both groups did not need a walking aid after the intervention (p < 0.05). All participants improved their 30 s CST and TUG results (p < 0.001), as well as their NRS and HOOS scores (p < 0.05). No significant differences between the groups were found. There were no additional benefits from adding EMG-BF to the conventional physiotherapy protocol.

Early Childhood Fat Tissue Changes-Adipocyte Morphometry, Collagen Deposition, and Expression of CD163+ Cells in Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose Tissue of Male Children.

Childhood obesity is a complex health problem, and not many studies have been done on adipose tissue remodeling in early childhood. The aim of this study was to examine extracellular matrix remodeling in the adipose tissue of healthy male children depending on their weight status. Subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue was obtained from 45 otherwise healthy male children who underwent elective surgery for hernia repairs or orchidopexy. The children were divided into overweight/obese (n = 17) or normal weight groups (n = 28) depending on their body mass index (BMI) z-score. Serum was obtained for glucose, testosterone, triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) measurements. Sections of adipose tissue were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to determine the adipocytes' surface area, and Masson's trichrome stain was used to detect the adipocytes' collagen content. Immunohistochemistry for CD163+ cells was also performed. The results showed that male children in the overweight group had higher serum triglyceride levels, greater adipocyte surface area and collagen content in their subcutaneous adipose tissue, more crown-like structures in fat tissues, and more CD163+ cells in their visceral adipose tissue than males in the normal weight group. In conclusion, in male children, obesity can lead to the hypertrophy of adipocytes, increased collagen deposition in subcutaneous adipose tissues, and changes in the polarization and accumulation of macrophages.

Y sign: new landmark for anteromedial portal placement in knee arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: During arthroscopy training process, determination of anteromedial portal is more difficult in contrast with anterolateral portal and frequently results in suboptimal position, and longer operating times. The aim of our study was to identify an anatomical landmark which could facilitate anteromedial portal placement. METHODS: The relationship of the cutaneous veins at the anteromedial side of the knee was analysed regarding the optimally placed anteromedial portal and anatomical landmarks of the anteromedial part of the knee in 70 patients undergoing knee arthroscopy. The study was designed as case series. RESULTS: In 70% of the patients, the joining of the cutaneous veins was seen after transillumination resembling Y letter. In the remaining 30% of patients, a solitary vein with a curve which corresponds to the joining point was observed. The curve and the joining was located adjacent to optimally placed anteromedial portal measured 2 cm ± 0.3 from the medial patellar tendon border, and 1.1 cm ± 0.1 from the palpable edge of the medial tibial plateau. CONCLUSIONS: The "Y sign" can assist knee arthroscopy trainees in anteromedial portal placement, with the resulting avoidance of multiple puncturing of the skin with the needle, shorter operating room times to find the optimal portal placement, and potential reduction of damage to intraarticular structures.

Basic cognitive functions across the menstrual cycle in a controlled female cohort.

AIM: To investigate the role of sex hormones in the modulation of specific cognitive functions across the menstrual cycle of young healthy women, and to apply improved study design by addressing limitations recognized in previous studies. METHODS: A homogenous group of 16 young healthy women, with no history of health problems related to menstrual cycle, major psychiatric and neurological disorders or addictions was included in study. All participants were medical students of similar age (21.56 ± 0.15 year). They were subjected to various cognitive tasks at three different phases of the menstrual cycle: early follicular phase, proven ovulatory phase and mid-luteal phase. Special concern was taken to validate blood hormone levels and to determine preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH)-peak. RESULTS: Analysis of blood hormone levels confirmed that the test sessions were performed at appropriate time points. Most women were presented with the above average results on utilized cognitive tasks, with no significant changes in immediate memory, working memory, delayed recall, verbal learning, delayed verbal learning or verbal fluency in any phase of the menstrual cycle. In addition, test results did not correlate to measured hormone levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that changes in estrogen and progesterone levels during each menstrual cycle did not affect women's everyday functioning to any significant extent.