Follow-up monitoring of physical activity after rehabilitation by means of a mobile application: Effectiveness of measurements in different age groups.

BACKGROUND: Active monitoring of the level of daily physical activity seems to be a useful element for secondary prevention in public health. Low physical activity increases the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, musculoskeletal diseases, and causes loss of the previously achieved effects of rehabilitation. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the level of physical activity in different age groups of adults with the use of the telemedical system based on a mobile application. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research covered data collected remotely from 927 individuals of both genders, aged 20-80 years (group I: 20-40 years, group II: 41-60 years, group III: 61-80 years). A monitoring system (Activity Measurement Tool) developed in the Department of General Rehabilitation at the Witold Chodzko Institute of Rural Health (Lublin, Poland) was used to measure home physical activity in the examined group. The system uses a dedicated mobile application, cellular data transmission and web data-showing software. Home physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and simultaneous processing of data from a smartphone accelerometer. RESULTS: The mean level of physical activity in the group of active application users (≥2 days, n = 494), expressed as Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET)-min/week (IPAQ-SF), was as follows: group I (female participants (F): 5,767.9, n = 73; male participants (M): 4,888.4 n = 251), group II (F: 3,468.7, n = 24; M: 4,053.5, n = 119) and in group III (M: 5,769.3, n = 27; no female participants were involved). In 72.3% of users, the registered physical activity was smaller in relation to IPAQ-assessed/7 days physical activity (sign test: n = 494; percentage of negative differences: 72.3%; Z = 9.9; p = 0.00). CONCLUSIONS: The research findings indicate a high level of self-reported physical activity among the users in all age and gender groups, although it is not reflected in the level of registered activity. Although the level of daily physical activity was evaluated, it was mainly among young and middle-aged men who gladly and regularly made use of the measurement possibilities offered by mobile technology.

Anti-inflammatory effect on genes expression after four days of Qigong training in peripheral mononuclear blood cells in healthy women.

INTRODUCTION: Some studies have shown the influence of Qigong on gene expression in different cells, but there is little data associated with the influence of this kind of therapy on genes expression in pheripheral monocellucar blood cells. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the expression of genes associated with cellular stress response in peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PMBC) in healthy women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experiment took place at the Japanese Martial Arts Centre "DOJO" in Stara Wies, Poland, conducted over the course of a 4-day qigong training session. To evaluate the genes effect of this training, blood samples were taken before and after the training period. This experiment involved 20 healthy women (aged 56.2±9.01, body height 164.8±6.5 and mass 65.5±8.2). To determine the expression of HSF-1, HSPA1A, NF-kB, IL10 and CCL2 mRNA, 3 ml of venous blood was collected. The blood samples were placed in tubes allowing for separation (BD Vacutainer CPT TM) before and after the 4 days of qigong training. Isolated PMBC were used to determine gene expression using real-time qRT-PCR (quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction). RESULTS: Significant decreases in NF-kB and CCL2 mRNA and increases in IL10, HSF1 and HSPA1A m-RNA were detected after 4 days of qigong training. The obtained findings suggest that qigong caused a reduction in the inflammatory and intensified anti-inflammatory gene expression, as well as a higher expression of HSF-1 and HSPA1A. CONCLUSIONS: The adaptive response to qigong training was similar to the adaptive response to physical activity and was detected through gene expression in PMBC. Furthermore, this kind of training is especially indicated for women because of their higher susceptibility to psychosocial stress when compared to men.

Occurrence of colorectal aberrant crypt foci depending on age and dietary patterns of patients.

BACKGROUND: Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are commonly considered the early pre-cancerous lesions that can progress to colorectal cancer (CRC). The available literature data reveal that age, dietary factors and lifestyle can affect the development of several dozen percentages of malignant tumours, including CRC. In the present study, an attempt was made to assess the incidence and growth dynamics of ACF and to determine whether the type of diet affected the development and number of AFC. METHODS: Colonoscopy combined with rectal mucosa staining with 0.25% methylene blue was performed in 131 patients. On the day of examination, each patient completed a questionnaire regarding epidemiological data. According to their numbers, colorectal ACF were divided into three groups. The findings were analysed statistically. The Student's t test and the U test were applied in order to determine the significance of differences of means and frequency of events in both groups. Statistica 7.1 and Excel 2010 were used. RESULTS: The single ACF occur in the youngest individuals (ACF < 5). Since the age of 38 years, the number of ACF gradually increases to show a decreasing tendency since the age of 60 years. The number of 5 < ACF < 10 occurs slightly later, since the age of 50 years, and dynamically increases reaching the maximum at the age of 62 years, subsequently the increase is proportional. ACF > 10 occur at a more advanced age (55 years) and their number gradually increases with age. The maximum number is observed at the age of 77 years. In individuals not using high-fibre diets and with high intake of red meat, the probability of higher numbers of ACF increases. The probability of higher numbers of ACF (5 < ACF10) was observed in patients with colon diverticula. In patients with higher BMI, the number of ACF is higher. CONCLUSION: Age significantly affects the number of colorectal ACF. The types of foods consumed can considerably increase the risk of colorectal ACF, which is particularly visible in individuals who do not regularly use high-fibre diets, those obese and with colon diverticula.

Impact of experimental diabetes and chronic hypoxia on rat fetal body weight.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to determine the impact of the experimental diabetes and the chronic hypoxia on pregnancy development and rat fetal body weight. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experiment was performed on female Wistar rats. Animals were divided into the experimen-tal groups. I - Controls, II - Untreated diabetes, III - Insulin-treated diabetes, IV - No diabetes with chronic hypoxia, V - Untreated diabetes and chronic hypoxia, VI - Insulin- treated diabetes and chronic hypoxia. Diabetes was induced in groups II, III, V and VI with intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (STZ) at a dose of 40 mg/kg. Chronic hypoxia was induced by placing dams (groups IV, V and VI) in conditions of 10.5% oxygen and 89.5%. Insulin was administered subcutaneously at the dose of 9 IU/kg. Starting from the 6th day after STZ injection and chronic hypoxia conditions animals were caged together for 12 hours for 3 consecutive days to ensure fertilization. On day 21 of gestation the animals were decapitated, the fetuses were removed and weighted. RESULTS: Mean fetal body weight in separate groups were: I - 5.38 g, II - 6.04g, III - 5.32g, IV- 5.56 g, V - 3.45 g, VI - 6.23 g. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-existing type 1 diabetes does not affect fetal body weight compared to healthy newborn control rats. Pro-longed hypoxia does not impact on fetal body weight. Chronic hypoxia during pregnancy complicated with untreated type 1 diabetes mellitus leads to significant reduction of fetal body weight. Insulin treatment reversed the detrimental effect of chronic hypoxia on fetal development.

Body Posture, Postural Stability, and Metabolic Age in Patients with Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to analyze the relationship between body posture and composition, as well as postural stability in Parkinson's disease patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 32 people were evaluated. The study was conducted in the Laboratory of Posturology at Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce (Poland). Body posture was examined using the optoelectronic body posture Formetric Diers Method III 4D. Postural stability was evaluated using the Biodex Balance System platform. Body composition was assessed with the method of bioelectrical impedance analysis using the Tanita MC 780 MA analyzer. RESULTS: 11 patients (34.37%) had hyperkyphosis, 10 (31.25%) hyperlordosis, and 3 (9.37%) hyperkyphosis-hyperlordosis posture. Scoliosis (>10°) was observed in 28 (87.5%) subjects, whereas 4 (12.5%) presented scoliotic body posture (1-9°). In the examined population, all parameters of postural stability were within normal limits. CONCLUSIONS: A significant positive correlation was observed between surface rotation (°), General Stability Index (r = 0.4075, p = 0.0206), and Anteroposterior Stability Index (r = 0.3819, p = 0.0310). There was also a significant positive correlation between surface rotation (+max) (°), General Stability Index (r = 0.3526, p = 0.0206), and Anteroposterior Stability Index (r = 0.3873, p = 0.0285). Metabolic age also presented a significant positive correlation between metabolic age and General Stability Index (r = 0.4057, p = 0.0212), as well as Anteroposterior Stability Index (r = 0.3507, p = 0.0490).

Immunohistochemical evaluation of the influence of L-arginine on biomarkers of environmental (cellular) stress in the kidneys of pregnant female rats.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney damage during pregnancy constitutes a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. However, it is not entirely known whether a kidney condition recognised before the pregnancy releases an organism's response to pregnancy, or whether pregnancy itself worsens kidney function. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was immunohistochemical evaluation of cells of kidneys of pregnant rats under the influence of nitric oxide (NO), with measurement of the immunoexpression of cellular stress markers (p-53, HSP 70). The dose of administered L-arginine (NO substrate) was approximated to that applied in obstetrics in gestosis prevention and treatment in pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHOD: 60 female rats used in experiment were divided into 6 groups: 3 experimental and 3 control. The females from experimental groups were administered L-arginine (40g/kg, per os) every other day starting from the seventh day or pregnancy. The animals were decapitated on the 10th, 20th day of pregnancy, and 10 days after the delivery. Kidneys taken from decapitated rats were evaluated using the immunohistochemical three step method. HSP 70 and p-53 proteins were detected. CONCLUSIONS: L-arginine increased the expression of p-53 protein - on the 10th day of pregnancy, which increased at the end of pregnancy; however, 10 days after delivery the level dropped below that observable during physiological pregnancy. Hormonal changes in physiological pregnancy cause an increase in expression of the p-53 (cell stress marker) in the epithelial cells of renal tubules, mainly at the end of pregnancy (20th day). 10 days after the delivery, this expression decreases. The expression of HSP-70 protein increases already on the 10th day of pregnancy and maintains a similar level throughout the pregnancy, but is reduced after the puerperium.

Postural stability in Parkinson's disease patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to analyze postural stability in Parkinson's disease patients. A total of 32 subjects were tested, including 26 (81.25%) women and 6 (18.75%) men. These were patients with advanced, idiopathic Parkinson's disease. The disease duration was over 5 years. METHODS: The study was conducted in the Posturology Laboratory at the Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce (Poland). The Biodex Balance System was used for evaluation of postural stability. Postural Stability Testing was performed with both feet positioned on a stable surface with the eyes open. RESULTS: The Overall Stability Index in the whole group was 0.5°. The higher Overall Stability Index in women is indicative of slightly worse postural stability compared to men, although in both groups, it was within norms (Z = 2.0545, p = 0.0399). Anterior-Posterior Overall Stability Index (A/P) was an average of 0.35°. The Medial-Lateral Overall Stability Index (M/L) was an average of 0.27°. Both women and men were observed to have higher postural sway in the sagittal plane than the frontal plane. The vast majority of the subjects maintained in Zone A during testing (99.94%), and was slightly bent backwards to the right and in Quadrant IV (61.53%). CONCLUSIONS: Regular control of postural stability in Parkinson's disease patients is significant due to the risk of falls.

Chromoendoscopy with a Standard-Resolution Colonoscope for Evaluation of Rectal Aberrant Crypt Foci.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of death worldwide. According to the theory by Vogelstein, colorectal carcinogenesis involves a series of successive changes in the normal colonic mucosa, starting with excessive proliferation and focal disorders of intestinal crypts, followed by adenoma and its subsequent malignant transformation. The first identifiable changes in CRC carcinogenesis are aberrant crypt foci (ACF). ACF are invisible during routine colonoscopy yet are well identifiable in chromoendoscopy using methylene blue or indigo carmine. High-resolution colonoscopes are used for assessment of ACF. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of standard-resolution colonoscopy for identification of rectal ACF. The following parameters were evaluated: duration of chromoendoscopy of a given rectal segment, type of ACF, sensitivity and specificity of endoscopy combined with histopathological evaluation. The mean duration of colonoscopy and chromoendoscopy was 26.8 min. In the study population, typical ACF were found in 73 patients (p = 0.489), hyperplastic ACF in 49 (p = 0.328), and dysplastic ACF in 16 patients (p = 0.107). Mixed ACF were observed in 11 individuals (p = 0.073). The sensitivity of the method was found to be 0.96 whereas its specificity 0.99. Identification of rectal ACF using standard-resolution colonoscopy combined with rectal mucosa staining with 0.25% methylene blue is characterised by high sensitivity and specificity.

Knowledge of the Disease, Perceived Social Support, and Cognitive Appraisals in Women with Urinary Incontinence.

Social support and knowledge of the disease have been shown to facilitate adaptation to a chronic disease. However, the adaptation process is not fully understood. We hypothesized that these factors can contribute to better adaptation to the disease through their impact on disease-related cognitive appraisal. To analyze the links between social support and the knowledge of the disease, on one hand, and disease-related appraisals, on the other hand, one hundred fifty-eight women with stress UI, aged 32 to 79, took part in the study. Questionnaire measures of knowledge of UI, social support, and disease-related appraisals were used in the study. The level of knowledge correlated significantly negatively with the appraisal of the disease as Harm. The global level of social support correlated significantly positively with three disease-related appraisals: Profit, Challenge, and Value. Four subgroups of patients with different constellations of social support and knowledge of the disease were identified in cluster analysis and were demonstrated to differ significantly on four disease-related appraisals: Profit, Challenge, Harm, and Value. Different cognitive appraisals of UI may be specifically related to social support and knowledge of the disease, with social support affective positive disease-related appraisals, and the knowledge affecting the appraisal of Harm.

Experimental modeling of pulmonary barotrauma.

The main causes of pulmonary barotrauma include loss of consciousness or panic attack of a diver and emergence from underwater with a constricted glottis. However, numerous publications and our observations indicate that the majority of fully symptomatic cases of pulmonary barotrauma develop without any evident errors in the ascending technique. Therefore, an attempt was made to examine such cases using the experimental model of pulmonary barotrauma designed by the authors. The experiment was conducted on 32 rabbits divided into three groups: Group C--not subjected to any treatment; Group E--with induced pulmonary barotrauma; and Group CT--subjected only to compression followed by quick decompression. In Groups E and CT, the same morphological markers of pulmonary barotrauma were detected in the lungs, although their severity varied. Morphological markers of pulmonary barotrauma were observed both in the group where the tube was not ob-structed (E) and in animals exposed only to rapid decompression (CT)

Influence of L-arginine on expression of HSP70 and p-53 proteins - early biomarkers of cellular danger in renal tubular cells. Immunohistochemical assessment.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to investigate expression of HSP70 and p-53 proteins as mechanisms of protection of the renal tubular epithelial cells from l-arginine that induces cellular stress. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study material consisted of 16 white Wistar female rats. The rats were divided into 2 equal groups. The rats in the experimental group received L-arginine 40 mg/kg body weight per capita every other day for 2 weeks and were decapitated after 3 weeks of the experiment. After decapitation, specimens from the kidney were collected, fixed in 10% formalin, and then embedded in paraffin blocks. Proteins HSP70 and p-53 on slides were detected using the standard three-step immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: The quantitative evaluation of HSP70 and p-53 expression showed that the area occupied with positive HSP70 and p-53 reaction in the rat renal tubular cells of the experimental group (p-53: 2835.44 ±254.72 µm(2); HSP70: 24111.42 ±4290.88 µm(2)) was more statistically significant than the control group (p-53: 1882.05 ±466.43 µm(2); HSP70: 11388.63 ±1455.24 µm(2)). In the present study, the dose of L-arginine was similar to the one that was used in the gestosis treatment of pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: The renal epithelial cells responded to L-arginine therapy, increasing expression of HSP70 and p-53 proteins. The study showed that L-arginine as a donor of exogenous nitric oxide has a disruptive effect on the renal tubular cells of rat kidneys. Thus it is going to be a subject of the author's future investigations.

Immunohistochemical study of proteins linked to apoptosis in rat fetal kidney cells following prepregnancy adriamycin administration in the mother.

Adriamycin is an antibiotic of the anthracycline group. In a previous study, we showed that administration of a single dose of adriamycin (i.p. injection, 5mg/kg body weight) 4 weeks before pregnancy in female Wistar rats induced histological changes in the fetal renal cells typical of apoptosis and also over-expression of heat shock proteins (HSP70). Using a similar experimental model, we have now examined renal cells in fetuses (gestation day 20) to investigate the pathways of the transduction signal of apoptosis in these cells that is induced by prepregnancy maternal administration of adriamycin. Immunolocalization of several proteins - p53, Bax, Apaf-1 and caspase 9 - which take part in the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis and caspase 12, which takes part in the endoplasmic reticulum pathway of apoptosis, was determined. The results showed that adriamycin administered to the mother rat before pregnancy subsequently induced changes in fetal kidneys involving both the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, with increased labeling of the proteins p53, Bax, Apaf-1 and caspase 9, and the endoplasmic reticulum pathway of apoptosis, with increased labeling of caspase 12. Immunolabeling of these proteins was quantified using an image analysis program.

L-arginine decreases heat shock protein 70 (marker of environmental stress) expression in kidney cells of rat fetuses during apoptosis--Late effect of Adriamycin action.

Both Adriamycin and nitric oxide (NO) cause apoptosis acting through or as free radicals inciting oxidative stress in the cell. However, in some tissues the anti-apoptotic action of NO was described, thereby the impact of NO on cell apoptosis is not finally recognized. In this study, a trial of the evaluation of exogenous NO (L-arginine) impact on apoptosis induced by Adriamycin in fetal kidney cells was undertaken. For this reason, the expression of Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP 70), environmental stress marker, as a sensitive biomarker of oxidative stress induced in fetal kidney cells with Adriamycin given to mothers prior to pregnancy was studied using immunohistochemical method. The expression of HSP 70 in fetal kidney cells, whose mothers received apart from Adriamycin, L-arginine (as NO substrate) was also evaluated. The results of the study pointed to the fact that the exogenous NO (L-arginine) could be helpful in inhibition of intensified apoptosis in fetal cells as a late effect of Adriamycin action.

Histological and histochemical assessment of the effects of a single dose adriamycin on fetal rat kidney.

Adriamycin (ADR) induces nephritic syndrome (NS) in adult rats. Therefore, effects of ADR in a single dose of 5mg/kg body weight given intraperitoneally to the mothers at 4 weeks before pregnancy were assessed on fetal rat kidneys in the present study. It induces increased amounts of PAS(+)-positive mesangial matrix, glomerulosclerosis, dilatation of the urinary space and thickening of basement membranes in glomeruli. In tubules, it damages or completely destroys epithelial cells, it induces dilatation of the tubular lumen and disintegration of the brush border. Changes in fetal rat kidney as observed light microscopically appeared to be similar to those described in kidneys of adult rats with NS induced by adriamycin, but were less distinct.

Secondary preeclampsia in rats with nephrotic syndrome -- experimental model.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence that pregnancy has on the progression of primary nephrotic syndrome (NS). We investigated in pregnant rats the clinical characteristics of NS, including urinary protein concentration, serum albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine and electrolytes (potassium, sodium, calcium). Proteinuria and edema increasing during pregnancy, hyponatremia, and also exudates to body cavities were signs of secondary preeclampsia. Hypertension appeared in the second half of pregnancy (from the 10th day) and increased during the perinatal period. All signs of preeclampsia disappeared after puerperium, leaving only the signs of NS existing before pregnancy. Primary, idiopathic gestosis occurs only in humans; therefore, research on that type of gestosis should be confirmed clinically.

Late effects of adriamycin single dose on fetal rat kidney-ultrastructural assessment.

The purpose of the study was ultrastructural evaluation of long-lasting activity of an antibiotic from anthracycline group-adriamycin (ADR), on fetal kidneys from rat females which 4 weeks before fertilization were given a single dose of adriamycin intraperitoneally. The results showed the damage of glomerular filtration barrier (fusion of podocytes' foot processes) and degenerative lesions in tubular epithelial cells (EC). Those changes were described in literature in the case of adriamycin induced nephrotic syndrome in adult rats. If those lesions are due to increased glomerular permeability for proteins or cytotoxic activity of adriamycin can be decided after further biochemical tests of fetal urine and blood.

Glomerulosclerosis 4 weeks after administration of adriamycin in a single dose.

The purpose of this study was the histological assessment of kidney glomerules in light microscopy after a single dose of adriamycin. Results of lab investigation showed that as soon as 4 weeks after adriamycin administration given peritoneally appears focal, segmental glomerulosclerosis.

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) and pregnancy in rat--evaluation of kidney in electron microscopy.

The purpose of this study was the histological evaluation of kidneys on the ultrastructural level. In the experiment there were used pregnant female rats in which gestation coexisted with adriamycin-induced NS. Results showed numerous focal changes in kidney glomerules and tubules which were the evidence of increased protein loss and filtration barrier damage as the main cause of increased permeability for proteins.

The pregnancy coexisting with experimentally induced nephrotic syndrome (NS) in rats--the histological assessment of kidneys in light microscopy.

The purpose of this study was histological evaluation in light microscopy of kidneys of pregnant female rats, which before pregnancy suffered from adriamycin-induced NS. The result show numerous changes in glomerules and renal convoluted tubules, which were the evidence of increased protein loss with urine.

Increased apoptosis in the adult rat liver after a single dose of adriamycin administration.

The purpose of this study was the evaluation of hepatocytes in the adult rat's liver after adriamycin administration in a single dose. The presented above morphological changes, on tissue, cell and ultrastructural level are the evidence of persistent and irreversible damage of liver tissue via adriamycin. Cells damaged in that way waste away. In the present study cell death touched mainly single cells and necrosis was not observed. It is the evidence of apoptosis--the natural death of cells.