The impact of EEG biofeedback training on the athletes' motivation and bench press performance.

The objective of this paper was to determine the impact of EEG-biofeedback training on the motivation and efficiency of powerlifters during the bench press exercise in relation to the external load and the level of training. The study included 18 trained powerlifters who were divided into the intermediate (IG) and the advanced (AG) groups. EEG-biofeedback training was conducted every three days, lasting 27 minutes each time (5 × 3-minute intervals with recovery periods - lying on a bench - between them 4 × 3 minutes), and ended with a final EEG measurement in the second cycle of research. The repeated measures ANOVA showed intra-group differences due to external loading for the FAI (Frontal Alpha Asymmetry) obtained in the EEG both before and after biofeedback training. In AG group analysis revealed significant differences between 65%1RM and 35%1RM. In the IG group between 35%1RM and 50, 65 and 80%1RM. One of the major variables influencing the efficiency of strength training, including bench press workouts, is the level of training. The more successfully an athlete uses motivation when exercising, the better their training, which translates into greater results and a lower chance of injury.

Immense Tumor of Maxillary Sinus with Exophthalmos-A Rare Underlying Cause.

Sinus tumors are arduous to diagnose due to often prolonging asymptomatic course until the infiltration of the adjacent structures occurs. Therefore, patients are diagnosed with advanced-stage disease, which negatively affects the treatment outcomes. A 60-year-old male was referred to our ward from an outpatient clinic. The patient presented with double vision, right-side lacrimation, and exophthalmos. He also reported significant weight loss: 15 kg in 2 months. Physical examination revealed achiness and edema of the right temporal area, and subconjunctival hemorrhage of the right eye, and surprisingly no anosmia, no nasal obstruction, and no head/neck lymphadenopathy were present. The histopathology examination identified diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (CD20+ CD3- p63- bcl-2+ CD23-/+ bcl-6+ CD 10- MUM1+ Tdt- CD38- cyclin D1- CD30- c-myc+). The patient was qualified for R-CHOP immunochemotherapy (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, and hydroxydaunorubicin hydrochloride), which was well tolerated. After 3 months of treatment, all of the symptoms reversed and a whole-body PET scan showed no abnormal metabolic activity.

Influence of Heat Treatment of Electrospun Carbon Nanofibers on Biological Response.

The main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of fragmentation of electrospun carbon nanofibers (eCNFs) obtained at different temperatures, i.e., at 750 °C, 1000 °C, 1500 °C, 1750 °C and 2000 °C on the cellular response in vitro. In order to assess the influence of nanofibers on biological response, it was necessary to conduct physicochemical, microstructural and structural studies such as SEM, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, HRTEM and surface wettability of the obtained materials. During the in vitro study, all samples made contact with the human chondrocyte CHON-001 cell lines. The key study was to assess the genotoxicity of eCNFs using the comet test after 1 h or 24 h. Special attention was paid to the degree of crystallinity of the nanofibers, the dimensions of the degradation products and the presence of functional groups on their surface. A detailed analysis showed that the key determinant of the genotoxic effect is the surface chemistry. The presence of nitrogen-containing groups as a product of the decomposition of nitrile groups has an influence on the biological response, leading to mutations in the DNA. This effect was observed only for samples carbonized at lower temperatures, i.e., 750 °C and 1000 °C. These results are important with respect to selecting the temperature of thermal treatment of eCNFs dedicated for medical and environmental functions due to the minimization of the genotoxic effect of these materials.

Inhibition of celecoxib crystallization by mesoporous silica - Molecular dynamics studies leading to the discovery of the stabilization origin.

In this article, the effect of mesoporous silica (MS) on the physical stability and molecular dynamics of the amorphous form of Celecoxib (CEL) is investigated. It has been proven that the recrystallization process of CEL slows down with increasing the MS content. Beside the elongation of stabilization time with the increase silica content leads to an increase in the amorphous drug fraction remaining after the finished crystallization. The conducted analyses show that the observed inhibition of CEL's recrystallization is associated with the formation of a monomolecular drug layer on the silica's surface. The performed non-isothermal dielectric studies of CEL + MS systems having both fully and partially amorphous CEL shows that the biggest impact of the drug's the temperature dependences of structural relaxation time τα(T) has a crystalline fraction of the API. Silica, even in high concentration, does not modify the temperature dependence of structural relaxation of CEL.

Surface Modification of Carbon Nanofibers to Improve Their Biocompatibility in Contact with Osteoblast and Chondrocytes Cell Lines.

The goal of this study is to investigate the influence of different types of modifiers, such as sodium hyaluronate (NaH), graphene oxide (GO), silica oxycarbide (SiOC) and oxidation process (ox) on physicochemical, morphological, and biological properties of electrospun carbon nanofibers (eCNFs). Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to evaluate the microstructure and chemistry of as-prepared and modified CNFs. The electrical properties of CNFs scaffolds were examined using a four-point probe method to evaluate the influence of modifiers on the volume conductivity and surface resistivity of the obtained samples. The wettability of the surfaces of modified and unmodified CNFs scaffolds was also tested by contact angle measurement. During the in vitro study all samples were put into direct contact with human chondrocyte CHON-001 cells and human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. Their viability was analysed after 72 h in culture. Moreover, the cell morphology and cell area in contact with CNFs was observed by means of fluorescence microscopy. The obtained results show great potential for the modification of CNFs with polymer, ceramic and carbon modifiers, which do not change the fiber form of the substrate but significantly affect their surface and volume properties. Preliminary biological studies have shown that the type of modification of CNFs affects either the rate of increase in the number of cells or the degree of spreading in relation to the unmodified sample. More hydrophilic and low electrically conductive samples such as CNF_ox and CNF_NaH significantly increase cell proliferation, while other GO and SiOC modified samples have an effect on cell adhesion and thus cell spreading. From the point of view of further research and the possibility of combining the electrical properties of modified CNF scaffolds with electrical stimulation, where these scaffolds would be able to transport electrical signals to cells and thus affect cell adhesion, spreading, and consequently tissue regeneration, samples CNF_GO and CNF_SiOC would be the most desirable.

The efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: Vestibular rehabilitation leads to a gradual diminution of the subjective and objective symptoms that accompany the vestibular disorders. The aim of the study was to compare the impact of 2 different types of vestibular rehabilitation on vestibular compensation in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on a group of 58 subjects (43 females and 15 males) aged 40-64 years, who presented with chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction and were hospitalized. The patients were randomly assigned to either of the 2 groups established. The study was conducted in a 6-week period. Group 1 consisted of patients who underwent customized group vestibular rehabilitation in an outpatient setting. The program was performed once a week for 1 h 30 min, under the supervision of a physiotherapist and a physiatrist. Group 2 was instructed to perform Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises and simple balance exercises twice a day for 15 min. RESULTS: An improvement in the outcomes of the Dynamic Gait Index as well as the Berg Balance Scale was statistically significant for group 1. The time for fulfilling the task in the Timed Up and Go Test improved in both groups (p < 0.05). The subjective estimation of the symptoms evaluated with the use of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and the Visual Analogue Scale revealed a statistically significant improvement in both groups, yet it was higher in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: The compensation achieved after 6 weeks of the customized, supervised outpatient rehabilitation program in group 1 was superior to the results of the home-based unsupervised Cawthorne-Cooksey and balance exercises. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(3):273-82.

Genetic Markers Associated with Power Athlete Status.

Athletic performance is a multifactorial phenotype influenced by environmental factors as well as multiple genetic variants. Different genetic elements have a great influence over components of athletic performance such as endurance, strength, power, flexibility, neuromuscular coordination, psychological traits and other features important in sport. The current literature review revealed that to date more than 69 genetic markers have been associated with power athlete status. For the purpose of the present review we have assigned all genetic markers described with reference to power athletes status to seven main groups: 1) markers associated with skeletal muscle structure and function, 2) markers involved in the inflammatory and repair reactions in skeletal muscle during and after exercise, 3) markers involved in blood pressure control, 4) markers involved in modulation of oxygen uptake, 5) markers that are regulators of energy metabolism and cellular homeostasis, 6) markers encoding factors that control gene expression by rearrangement of chromatin fibers and mRNA stability, and 7) markers modulating cellular signaling pathways. All data presented in the current review provide evidence to support the notion that human physical performance may be influenced by genetic profiles, especially in power sports. The current studies still represent only the first steps towards a better understanding of the genetic factors that influence power-related traits, so further analyses are necessary before implementation of research findings into practice.

Neurofeedback for the enhancement of dynamic balance of judokas.

Physical balance is an important factor in sport. Neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback) can be used to improve concentration and focus. The present study investigated and determined the impact of neurofeedback training on dynamic balance in judo. Eighteen judokas voluntarily participated in this study. The participants were divided into two groups: experimental (EG) and control (CG). In the experimental group subjects were trained to inhibit 3-8 Hz while they were also trained to reinforce 14-19 Hz brainwave activities at points O1 and O2 for ten sessions and 25 minutes per session. The participants in the control group were exposed to the same conditions but instead were provided with sham feedback. EEG and dynamic balance tests were executed before and at the end of the fifteenth session of training. The one-way ANOVA with repeated measures revealed that dynamic balance scores significantly improved at the post-test (F=12.4, p=0.001) in the EG group. The findings demonstrate that neurofeedback training can enhance dynamic balance of judokas.

Impact of the Polymorphism Near MC4R (rs17782313) on Obesity- and Metabolic-Related Traits in Women Participating in an Aerobic Training Program.

The C/T polymorphism (rs17782313) mapped 188 kb downstream of the melanocortin-4 receptor gene (MC4R) shows a strong relationship with an increased body mass index (BMI) and the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, the information on polymorphism's potential modifying effect on obesity- and metabolic-related traits achieved through training is still unknown. Therefore, we decided to check if selected body measurements observed in physically active participants would be modulated by the genotype. The genotype distribution was examined in a group of 201 Polish women measured for chosen traits before and after the completion of a 12 week moderate-intensive aerobic training program. A statistically significant relationship between the glucose level and the genotype was identified (p = 0.046). Participants with CC and CT genotypes had a higher glucose level during the entire study period compared with the TT genotype. However, our results did not confirm the relationship between the C allele and an increased BMI or other obesity-related traits. Additionally, we did not observe a near MC4R C/T polymorphism x physical activity interaction. However, our results revealed that majority of obesity-related variables changed significantly during the 12 week training program. The effect sizes (d) of these changes ranged from small to medium (d = 0.11-0.80), whereas the largest effect (d = 0.80; i.e. medium) was reported for the fat mass content (FM). We found a relationship between the near MC4R C/T polymorphism and an increased glucose level, and it is thus a candidate to influence type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, after the 12 week training program, participants with the C (risk) allele with fasting hyperglycemia had a normal glucose level. Although, this change was not statistically significant, it shows an important trend which needs further investigation.

Performance and Kinematic Differences in Putting between Healthy and Disabled Elite Golfers.

Golfers with disability are limited in the execution of the full golf swing, but their performance in putting may be comparable because this stroke does not demand significant strength, balance and range of motion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare putting performance, kinetic and kinematic consistency between golfers with different disabilities and healthy athletes. The participants consisted of three disabled athletes (perinatal cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, below knee lower limb amputee) and three healthy golfers (age 34 ± 4.5 years, body height 178 ± 3.3 cm, body mass 83 ± 6.2 kg). The golfers' movements were recorded by active 3D markers for kinematic analyses; the subjects performed 10 trials of a 6 m putting task while standing on separate force platforms placed under each lower limb. Putting performance was measured by the distance of the final ball position to the centre of the hole. ANOVA analyses did not show any differences in clubhead speed and total ball distance from the hole. The consistency of those two parameters expressed by the coefficient of variation (CV) was CV = 0.5% or better in both groups for clubhead speed and ranged from CV = 0.40 to 0.61% in healthy and CV = 0.21 to 0.55% in disabled athletes for total error distance. The main effect ANOVA showed differences in weight shift, hip and shoulder kinematics (p < 0.05) between healthy players and all players with disability. All disabled athletes shifted their weight toward the healthy side (towards the healthy lower limb) and alternated the end of the swing. The player with below knee amputation had the lowest range of motion in the shoulder joint during the putting stroke. The players with perinatal cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis had the largest range of motion in the hips. Putting performance of disabled golfers was similar to healthy athletes. During training of disabled players, coaches should pay attention to the specificity of a particular disability when focused on putting performance. However, individual technique should achieve the same consistency as observed in healthy players.

Does the MTHFR A1298C Polymorphism Modulate the Cardiorespiratory Response to Training?

The 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) A1298C polymorphic variant is a candidate to explain the individual differences in trainability and response to exercise training. Therefore, the aim of the study was to verify whether the A1298C polymorphism influenced the aerobic and anaerobic performance as well as body and mass composition in young Polish women following low-high impact aerobic exercise training. Two hundred and one women aged 21 ± 1 years (range 19-24) were included in the study. All of them completed a 12-week exercise training program and were measured for selected somatic features, aerobic capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness indices as well as peak anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity, before and after the intervention. A mixed 2 x 2 ANOVA for 20 dependent variables grouped in three categories was conducted. No significant interaction of the genotype with training for body mass and body composition variables was observed. Although, there were three significant genotype x training interactions for maximal oxygen uptake variables, regardless of body mass i.e.: for VO2max (p < 0.05), HRmax (p < 0.0001) and HRAT/HRmax (p < 0.0001). Significantly greater improvement in VO2max was gained by the CC+AC group compared to the AA genotype group. The present results support the hypothesis that individual differences in trainability are at least in part determined by the genetic component and MTHFR A1298C seems to be one of the many polymorphisms involved.

Neuroendocrine Responses and Body Composition Changes Following Resistance Training Under Normobaric Hypoxia.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a 6 week resistance training protocol under hypoxic conditions (FiO2 = 12.9%, 4000 m) on muscle hypertrophy. The project included 12 resistance trained male subjects, randomly divided into two experimental groups. Group 1 (n = 6; age 21 ± 2.4 years; body height [BH] 178.8 ± 7.3 cm; body mass [BM] 80.6 ± 12.3 kg) and group 2 (n = 6; age 22 ± 1.5 years; BH 177.8 ± 3.7cm; BM 81.1 ± 7.5 kg). Each group performed resistance exercises alternately under normoxic and hypoxic conditions (4000 m) for 6 weeks. All subjects followed a training protocol that comprised two training sessions per week at an exercise intensity of 70% of 1RM; each training session consisted of eight sets of 10 repetitions of the bench press and barbell squat, with 3 min rest periods. The results indicated that strength training in normobaric hypoxia caused a significant increase in BM (p < 0.01) and fat free mass (FFM) (p < 0.05) in both groups. Additionally, a significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed in IGF-1 concentrations at rest after 6 weeks of hypoxic resistance training in both groups. The results of this study allow to conclude that resistance training (6 weeks) under normobaric hypoxic conditions induces greater muscle hypertrophy compared to training in normoxic conditions.

Upper Respiratory Tract Diseases in Athletes in Different Sports Disciplines.

Upper respiratory tract diseases in athletes are a very common medical problem. Training conditions in different sports disciplines increase the risk of upper respiratory disease. Epidemiological evidence suggests that heavy acute or chronic exercise is related to an increased incidence of upper respiratory tract infections in athletes. Regular physical exercise at high intensity may lead to transient immunosuppression due to high prevalence of allergic diseases in athletes. Regardless of the cause they can exclude athletes from the training program and significantly impair their performance. In the present work, the most common upper respiratory tract diseases in athletes taking into account the disciplines in which they most often occur were presented. The focus was laid on symptoms, diagnostic methods and pharmacotherapy. Moreover, preventive procedures which can help reduce the occurrence of upper respiratory tract disease in athletes were presented. Management according to anti-doping rules, criteria for return to training and competition as an important issues of athlete's health were discussed.

[Chondrosarcomas of the larynx and sinus maxillaris--review of literature and report of three cases]. / Chrzestniakomiesaki krtani i zatoki szczekowej - przeglad literatury i opis trzech przypadków.

Chondrosarcoma is a very rare neoplasm in the head and neck region. This region is associated with favourable prognosis. Only 340 cases of chondrosarcoma of the larynx and nearly 300 of sinus maxillaris have been reported in this localization. The most reasonable treatment is radical surgery. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are of little value. Without metastasis the long term prognosis is excellent. Clinical, pathologic and radiologic characterities of these tumors are described and review of the literature is presented. The authors present two cases chondrosarcoma of the larynx and one case chondrosarcoma of sinus maxillaries.

[The evaluation of distortion product otoacoustic emissions after stapedotomy]. / Ocena pomiarów otoemisji akustycznej produktów znieksztalcen nieliniowych slimaka (DPOAE) po stapedotomii.

34 patients with otosclerosis operated at the ENT Clinic, were enrolled in this study. Prior and 4 months after stapedotomy the signal of DPOAE and the threshold levels for air and bone conduction were evaluated. No signal of otoacoustic emissions was registered in any of the patients prior stapedotomy. After operation DPOAE was registered in 23 out of 34 examined patients (67.6%).

[30 years of stapes surgery]. / 30 lat chirurgii strzemiaczka.

This study reports the results of otosclerosis surgery performed during the past thirty years (1973-2002) in the ENT Clinic in Katowice. The authors present difficult anatomic relationships in the tympanic cavity which might have an influence on stapes surgery. Audiometric evaluation of 100 bilateral stapedotomies performed in 50 patients revealed that a small--hole stapedotomy is a safe technique and could be performed bilaterally. The group of 55 stapedotomies with stapedial tendon preserved was compared to the group of 55 stapedotomies with dissected tendon. SRT was better in the group where the tendon was preserved. In the group of 32 patients ABR before and after stapedotomy was recorded. The latency of V wave after the operation was reduced to the normal values what indicated a correct function of the ossicular chain postoperatively. In the group of 60 patients DPOAE prior and after stapedotomy was evaluated. Prior to the operation no signal of otoacoustic emission was registered, in 37 patients out of 60 the signal was present after the operation. DPOAE obtained postoperatively indicated successful ossicular chain restoration and inner ear function. Audiometric evaluation in reference to the group of 905 stapedotomies performed in years 1992-2001 showed that most of the patients were in group B--443/905 and C--402/905 according, in A group--60/905 according to Shambaugh. A-B gap < or = 10 dB was obtained in 469/905 (51.8%), the mean of the hearing threshold at 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz was 24.3 dB (+/- 8.3, med. 25.0) in A group and 32.0 dB in B and C group. The result of stapedotomy in reference to tinnitus based on the patients' subjective opinion. We may conclude that the key to the stapes surgery lies in the training and skillfulness of the surgeon using save small hole technique with stapedial tendon preservation to obtain the optimal physiologic function of the middle ear and to gain the best hearing results.

[Hidradenoma of external ear]. / Hidradenoma przewodu sluchowego zewnetrznego.

The authors present a rare case of hidradenoma of the external ear and discussed the clinical picture, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

[Granular cell tumor (Abrikosov's tumor) of the larynx--literature review and 2 case reports]. / Guz ziarnistokomórkowy (guz Abrikosowa) krtani--przeglad literatury i opis 2 przypadków.

Granular cell tumors are uncommon neoplasms of the head and neck and they are rare in the larynx. About 200 cases had a laryngeal setting. The origin of these tumors is still unknown, but most authors believe it to be neural in origin. Authors described two laryngeal sites of granular cell myoblastoma. In the first case (44 year old man) tumor was located at the vocal fold. It was removed by laryngofissurae. In the second case (56 year old woman) tumor was located at the arytenoid cartilage and was removed radically during Kleinssaser directoscopy.

[Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the larynx]. / Rak sluzowo-naskórkowy w krtani.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is classified among the salivary gland tumors and is commonly found in the parotid gland. In the larynx it is an uncommon tumor that occurs mostly in men. There have been only about 100 cases of laryngeal mucoepidermoid carcinoma reported in the literature. Three cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the larynx are reported. First case--tumor T1N0 localised on the vocal cord was removed using Kleinsasser method. Second and third case--tumor T3N0 was removed by total laryngectomy. The inherent difficulties in histologic diagnosis are noted and treatment of mucoepidermoid carcinoma is discussed. The available literature is reviewed.