Assessment of the impact of individual therapy on upper limb function in patients diagnosed with painful shoulder syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Functional disorders of the shoulder girdle affect 1/3 of the population. The diagnosis of "painful shoulder" or shoulder impingement syndrome is vague and imprecise. It can relay to so tissue pathology as well as to limitation of mobility of the joint. In this case an appropriate diagnosis, followed by a quick and effective treatment, is crucial. A physiotherapy assessment, performed during an individual therapy session sets out a way forward for targeted rehabilitation. Objectives and purpose of the article: The aim of this publication is to assess the impact of individual therapy on the function of the shoulder girdle in patients subject to health resort treatment.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The study included 30 patients diagnosed with shoulder joint conditions before and a er individual therapy with a physical therapist. The clinical study involved basic measurements of the range of mobility and standardized functional tests. The patients were surveyed to evaluate changes in the performance of daily activities before and a er the therapy. Pain assessment was conducted using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The results were subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The use of individual health resort treatment therapy significantly improved individual functional capacity of the patients. Self-evaluation of the patients on the performance of daily activities has shown improvement of the quality of those activities. According to VAS scale, a difference between the level of perceived pain before (mean = 6.2) and a er physical therapy treatment (mean = 3.7) as well as an improvement of the range of mobility have been observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study confirmed that the treatment has significantly reduced the pain. Individual work with a physical therapist, focused on the improvement of the range of mobility of the shoulder girdle and functional tasks, clearly reduces limitations of daily activities of the patients and can improve the quality of their life.

Triclosan activates aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-dependent apoptosis and affects Cyp1a1 and Cyp1b1 expression in mouse neocortical neurons

Triclosan (TCS) is an antimicrobial agent that is used extensively in personal care and in sanitizing products, such as soaps, toothpastes, and hair products. A number of studies have revealed the presence of TCS in human tissues, such as fat, liver and brain, in addition to blood and breast milk. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of TCS on AhR and Cyp1a1/Cyp1b1 signaling in mouse neocortical neurons in primary cultures. In addition to the use of selective ligands and siRNAs, expression levels of mRNA and proteins as well as caspase-3 activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release have been measured. We also studied the involvement of the AhR in TCS-induced LDH release and caspase-3 activation as well as the effect of TCS on ROS generation. Cultures of neocortical neurons were prepared from Swiss mouse embryos on day 15/16 of gestation. The cells were cultured in phenol red-free Neurobasal medium with B27 and glutamine, and the neurons were exposed to 1 and 10µM TCS. Our experiments showed that the expression of AhR and Cyp1a1 mRNA decreased in cells exposed to 10µM TCS for 3 or 6h. In the case of Cyp1b1, mRNA expression remained unchanged compared with the control group following 3h of exposure to TCS, but after 6h, the mRNA expression of Cyp1b1 was decreased. Our results confirmed that the AhR is involved in the TCS mechanism of action, and our data demonstrated that after the cells were transfected with AhR siRNA, the cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic properties of TCS were decreased. The decrease in Cyp1a1 mRNA and protein expression levels accompanied by a decrease in its activity. The stimulation of Cyp1a1 activity produced by the application of an AhR agonist (βNF) was attenuated by TCS, whereas the addition of AhR antagonist (αNF) reversed the inhibitory effects of TCS. In our experiments, TCS diminished Cyp1b1 mRNA and enhanced its protein expression. In case of Cyp1a1 we observed paradoxical effect of TCS action, which caused the decrease in activity and protein expression of Cyp1a1 and the increase in protein level of AhR. Therefore, we determined the effects of TCS on the production of ROS. Our results revealed that TCS increased the production of ROS and that this effect of TCS was reversed by 10µM N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), the ROS scavenger. To confirm an involvement of ROS in TCS-induced neurotoxicity we measured AhR, Cyp1a1, and Cyp1b1 mRNA expression levels in cells co-treated with TCS and NAC. In the presence of NAC, TCS enhanced mRNA expression of the cytochromes and AhR at 3 and 6h, respectively. We postulate that TCS exhibits primary and secondary effects. The primary effects such as impairment of Cyp1a1 signaling are mediated by TCS-induced ROS production, whereas secondary effects of TCS are due to transcriptional activity of AhR and estrogenic properties of TCS.

In ovo administration of copper nanoparticles and copper sulfate positively influences chicken performance

BACKGROUND

Copper (Cu) is a key trace mineral involved in a variety of physiological processes, and is commonly used in poultry production. However, regardless of the inclusion level the majority of Cu is excreted with poultry faeces. We hypothesise that in ovo administration will allow for better utilisation of Cu during embryo development than when supplied post-natally with feed to growing chickens. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate effects of in ovo administration of NanoCu and copper sulfate (CuSO4 ) on broiler chicken performance.

RESULTS

The study showed the positive influences of Cu nanoparticles and CuSO4 on broiler chickens performance. Body weight, at the end of the rearing period (day 42) was significantly higher in NanoCu (2206 g) and CuSO4 (2402 g) groups compared to the control group (2000 g). Both treatment groups had significantly lower feed conversion rate and mortality, and higher percentage of breast and leg muscles in the carcass versus control.

CONCLUSION

The in ovo application of Cu colloids may ensure an efficient penetration of Cu into the embryonic tissue with long lasting effects on postnatal growth. The method may provide a successful alternative to using Cu as a feed additive. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

RXRα, PXR and CAR xenobiotic receptors mediate the apoptotic and neurotoxic actions of nonylphenol in mouse hippocampal cells

In the present study, we investigated the role of the retinoid X receptor (RXR), the pregnane X receptor (PXR) and the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), in the apoptotic and toxic effects of nonylphenol in mouse primary neuronal cell cultures. Our study demonstrated that nonylphenol activated caspase-3 and induced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release in hippocampal cells, which was accompanied by an increase in the mRNA expression and protein levels of RXRα, PXR and CAR. Nonylphenol stimulated Rxra, Pxr, and Car mRNA expression. These effects were followed by increase in the protein levels of particular receptors. Immunofluorescence labeling revealed the cellular distribution of RXRα, PXR and CAR in hippocampal neurons in response to nonylphenol, shortening of neurites and cytoplasmic shrinking, as indicated by MAP2 staining. It also showed NP-induced translocation of receptor-specific immunofluorescence from cytoplasm to the nucleus. The use of specific siRNAs demonstrated that Rxra-, Pxr-, and Car-siRNA-transfected cells were less vulnerable to nonylphenol-induced activation of caspase-3 and LDH, thus confirming the key involvement of RXRα/PXR/CAR signaling pathways in the apoptotic and neurotoxic actions of nonylphenol. These new data give prospects for the targeting xenobiotic nuclear receptors to protect the developing nervous system against endocrine disrupting chemicals.

Selective Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Modulator 3,3'-Diindolylmethane Impairs AhR and ARNT Signaling and Protects Mouse Neuronal Cells Against Hypoxia

The neuroprotective potential of 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), which is a selective aryl hydrocarbon receptor modulator, has recently been shown in cellular and animal models of Parkinson's disease and lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation. However, there are no data concerning the protective capacity and mechanisms of DIM action in neuronal cells exposed to hypoxia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective potential of DIM against the hypoxia-induced damage in mouse hippocampal cells in primary cultures, with a particular focus on DIM interactions with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), its nuclear translocator ARNT, and estrogen receptor β (ERβ). In the present study, 18 h of hypoxia induced apoptotic processes, in terms of the mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspase-3, and fragmentation of cell nuclei. These effects were accompanied by substantial lactate dehydrogenase release and neuronal cell death. The results of the present study demonstrated strong neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic actions of DIM in hippocampal cells exposed to hypoxia. In addition, DIM decreased the Ahr and Arnt mRNA expression and stimulated Erβ mRNA expression level. DIM-induced mRNA alterations were mirrored by changes in protein levels, except for ERβ, as detected by ELISA, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence labeling. We also demonstrated that DIM decreased the expression of AhR-regulated CYP1A1. Using specific siRNAs, we provided evidence that impairment of AhR and ARNT, but not ERβ plays a key role in the neuroprotective action of DIM against hypoxia-induced cell damage. This study may have implication for identifying new agents that could protect neurons against hypoxia by targeting AhR/ARNT signaling.

Meat quality and the histological structure of breast and leg muscles in Ayam Cemani chickens, Ayam Cemani × Sussex hybrids and slow-growing Hubbard JA 957 chickens

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of meat and the histological structure of muscles of Ayam Cemani chickens, Ayam Cemani × Sussex hybrids and slow-growing Hubbard JA 957 chickens and to examine whether crossing generally available Sussex chickens with little available Ayam Cemani gives a good quality product of interest to the poultry industry and in food technology.

RESULTS

The size of breast and leg muscle fibers varied among genotypes. The breast and leg muscles of slow-growing Hubbard JA 957 chickens had the largest fiber diameter. The histological and biochemical properties of muscles, including the type, number, proportions, diameter and metabolic profile of fibers, had a significant effect on the pH and water-binding capacity of meat, thus affecting its quality. The muscle fibers of Ayam Cemani chickens were approximately half the size of the muscle fibers of Hubbard JA 957 chickens. Ayam Cemani and Ayam Cemani × Sussex gave a product of as good quality as Hubbard JA 957 chickens.

CONCLUSION

Meat from Ayam Cemani chickens is a rich source of protein and could be highly valued by gourmet consumers, connoisseurs and dieticians for its rarity and originality. The results of this study show that genotype (Ayam Cemani, Ayam Cemani × Sussex, Hubbard JA 957) affected the quality and color of meat and the histological profile of chicken breast and leg muscles.

Neuroprotective action of raloxifene against hypoxia-induced damage in mouse hippocampal cells depends on ERα but not ERβ or GPR30 signalling

Raloxifene is the selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) currently used in clinical practice to activate estrogen receptors (ERs) in bone tissue and to antagonise ERs in breast and uterine cancers. Little is known, however, about mechanisms of action of raloxifene on hypoxia-induced neuronal cell damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective potential of raloxifene against hypoxia-induced damage of mouse hippocampal cells in primary cultures, with a particular focus on raloxifene interactions with the classical nuclear ERs (ERα, ERβ) and the recently identified membrane ER G-protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30). In this study, 18 h of hypoxia increased hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (Hif1α) mRNA expression and induced apoptotic processes, such as loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspase-3 and fragmentation of cell nuclei based on Hoechst 33342 staining. These effects were accompanied by reduced ATPase and intracellular esterase activities as well as substantial lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from cells exposed to hypoxia. Our study demonstrated strong neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic caspase-3-independent actions of raloxifene in hippocampal cells exposed to hypoxia. Raloxifene also inhibited the hypoxia-induced decrease in Erα mRNA expression and attenuated the hypoxia-induced rise in Erβ and Gpr30 mRNA expression levels. Impact of raloxifene on hypoxia-affected Erα mRNA was mirrored by fluctuations in the protein level of the receptor as demonstrated by Western blot and immunofluorescent labelling. Raloxifene-induced changes in Erβ mRNA expression level were in parallel with ERβ immunofluorescent labeling. However, changes in Gpr30 mRNA level were not reflected by changes in the protein levels measured either by ELISA, Western blot or immunofluorescent staining at 24h post-treatment. Using specific siRNAs, we provided evidence for a key involvement of ERα, but not ERβ or GPR30 in neuroprotective action of raloxifene against hypoxia-induced cell damage. This study may have implications for the treatment or prevention of hypoxic brain injury and the administration of current or new generations of SERMs specific to ERα. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Sex steroids and brain disorders".

Apoptotic and neurotoxic actions of 4-para-nonylphenol are accompanied by activation of retinoid X receptor and impairment of classical estrogen receptor signaling

4-para-Nonylphenol (NP) is a non-ionic surfactant that has widespread and uncontrolled distribution in the environment. Little is known, however, about its actions on neuronal cells during critical developmental periods. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the apoptotic and toxic actions of NP on mouse embryonic neuronal cells and the possible interactions of NP with estrogen receptor (ER)- and retinoid X receptor (RXR)-mediated intracellular signaling. Treatment of mouse hippocampal neuronal cell cultures with NP (5 and 10μM) induced apoptotic and neurotoxic effects. The 2 and 7 day-old mouse hippocampal cultures were vulnerable to 5 and 10μM NP, whereas 12 day-old cultures responded only to the highest concentration of NP, thus suggesting an age-dependent action of the chemical on neuronal cells. The use of specific inhibitors did not support the involvement of calpains in NP-induced apoptosis, but indicated caspase-8- and caspase-9-dependent effects of NP. Specific ER antagonists MPP and PHTPP potentiated the NP-induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release whereas, ER agonists PPT and DPN inhibited these effects. RXR antagonist HX531 diminished the NP-evoked loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, the activity of caspase-3 and LDH release. In addition, exposure to NP inhibited ERα- and ERβ-specific immunofluorescence but stimulated RXR-specific immunolabeling in mouse hippocampal cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the apoptotic and toxic actions of NP on neuronal cells in early development is accompanied by an impairment of ER- and stimulation of RXR-mediated signaling pathways. Taking into account NP-induced alterations in mRNA expression levels of particular types of RXRs, we suggest that NP affected mainly RXRα and RXRβ, but not RXRγ signaling.

Isomer-nonspecific action of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane on aryl hydrocarbon receptor and G-protein-coupled receptor 30 intracellular signaling in apoptotic neuronal cells

Extended residual persistence of the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) raises concerns about its long-term neurotoxic effects. Little is known, however, about DDT toxicity during the early stages of neural development. This study demonstrated that DDT-induced apoptosis of mouse embryonic neuronal cells is a caspase-9-, caspase-3-, and GSK-3β-dependent process, which involves p,p'-DDT-specific impairment of classical ERs. It also provided evidence for DDT-isomer-nonspecific alterations of AhR- and GPR30-mediated intracellular signaling, including changes in the levels of the receptor and receptor-regulated mRNAs, and also changes in the protein levels of the receptors. DDT-induced stimulation of AhR-signaling and reduction of GPR30-signaling were verified using selective ligands and specific siRNAs. Co-localization of the receptors was demonstrated with confocal microscopy, and the presence of functional GPR30 was detected by electrophysiology. This study demonstrates that stimulation of AhR-signaling and impairment of GPR30-signaling play important roles in the propagation of DDT-induced apoptosis during the early stages of neural development.

Key variables come first! How best to design a correlation table when there is one key variable

In many sciences, the relationships among the variables in multivariate data sets are often explored by means of correlation tables. In such studies there is often only one key variable of interest, for example, grain yield for cereals in agriculture, and class-size and academic performance in education. However, in such instances, there are no particular rules concerning how best to present the order of the variables in the resulting correlation matrices, even though it might be sensible to order them so that the focus is on the key variable. In this note, we show how this can be done.

An activated by cobalt alkaline aminopeptidase from Bacillus mycoides

An intracellular arginine--specific aminopeptidase synthesized by Bacillus mycoides was purified and characterized. The purification procedure for studied aminopeptidase consisted of ammonium sulphate precipitation and three chromatographic steps: anion exchange chromatography and gel permeation chromatography. A molecular weight of -50 kDa was estimated for the aminopeptidase by gel permeation chromatography and SDS-PAGE. The optimal activity of the enzyme on arginyl-beta-naphthylamide as a substrate was at 37 degrees C and pH 9.0. The enzyme showed maximum specificity for basic amino acids: such as Arg and Lys but was also able to hydrolyze aromatic amino acids: Trp, Tyr, and Phe. Co2+ ions activated the enzyme, while Zn2+, Cu2+, Hg2+ and Mn2+ inhibited it. The enzyme is a metalloaminopeptidase whose activity is inhibited by typical metalloaminopeptidase inhibitors: EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline. Analysis of fragments of the amino acid sequence of the purified enzyme demonstrated high similarity to AmpS of Bacillus cereus and AP II of B. thuringensis.

Introduction of pharmacogenetic screening for the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) B*5701 variant in Polish HIV-infected patients

OBJECTIVE

Prospective pharmacogenetic screening for the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) B*5701 allele can significantly reduce the number of cases of abacavir-related hypersensitivity among HIV-infected patients treated with this drug. The aim of this study was to establish the frequency of the HLA B*5701 variant in HIV-infected Poles.

METHODS

The sequence-specific primer (SSP) test was used to assess the feasibility of the introduction of such testing in clinical practice. For this purpose, 234 randomly selected HIV-positive patients were screened using a low-resolution SSP assay, with HLA B*5701-positive results confirmed using a high-resolution test.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The HLA B*5701 variant was found in 11 of 234 subjects (4.7%). Testing with the selected method proved quick and reliable.

[Clinical characteristics of osteosarcomas and cell aneuploidy in children and adolescents -- retrospective studies]

The relationship between the clinical status skeletal involvement, frequency of metastases and histopathological grading of osteosarcomas 18 children and adolescents and abnormal DNA content (aneuploidy) was analysed. Our findings demonstrate a correlation between Index DNA (DI), percentage of aneuploidy population to histopathological grading and prognosis. No significant correlation was found between aneuploidy and the site of skeletal involvement.

[Flow cytometry estimate of s phase cell cycle and prognosis of osteosarcoma in children and adolescents]

Flow cytometry analysis has been used to measure the S phase in paraffin embedded osteosarcoma tissues of 22 children and adolescents who were surgically treated. The aim of this study was the assessment of S phase cell cycle in relation to survival, localization of tumour and histopathological grading. Our findings demonstrate the usefulness of flow cytometry determination of S phase cell cycle as a prognostic factor. Higher percentage of S phase cells predict worse prognosis.

[Aneuploidy and histopathological classification, according to the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society and WHO, of osteosarcoma in children and adolescents]

A flow cytometry analysis in children and adolescents with osteosarcoma was carried out. Investigation concerned 32 fresh surgical specimens (from patients after preoperative chemotherapy) and 18 paraffin-embedded tumour tissues (archive material). The correlation of aneuploidy population parameters to malignancy grading acc. to WHO (GI-GIII) and MSC histopathological classification, was investigated. It was shown that all specimens with aneuploid populations correlated with the histophatological diagnosis of osteosarcoma. Thus cytometry analysis can be a useful and rapid complementary method to conventional histophtatological diagnosis. On the contrary, no correlation was found between the aneuploid parameters and the low grade and high-grade osteosarcoma acc. to WHO and MSC classification. The Multicycle computer system is useful in retrospective analysis of paraffin-embedded tumour tissues. It is suggested that for this kind of investigation fresh diagnostic specimens (before preoperative chemotherapy) would be more adequate.

[Value of comparing flow cytometry examination and histopathology in prognosing of osteogenic sarcoma - preliminary report]

Our preliminary report presents two cases of osteogenic sarcoma examined after initial chemotherapy. In both cases histological maps with morphological effects of chemotherapy and flow cytometry of DNA content in tumour cells were made. Results of flow cytometric DNA histograms were linked with an estimation of the proliferative potential of tumours. The correlations between histological grade, proliferative potential of tumours with the morphological effects of chemotherapy were confirmed in the presented cases. Flow cytometry results were ready in a few hours after surgery, when full histopathological analysis was available in 2-4 weeks. Analysis of the two methods of estimation of osteogenic sarcoma suggests that flow cytometry may be a complementary method to histological examination and estimation of proliferating rate, especially aneuploid cell population and this information can be helpful in clinical management.

[Pneumonia in HIV-infected patients: clinical observations]

OBJECTIVES

To determine the occurrence of pneumonias in HIV-infected patients in our hospital during 1990-1999; to evaluate the clinical significance of pneumonias in HIV-seropositive patients; to estimate the ethiology of pulmonary infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and two HIV-infected patients, 17 (16.6%) female and 85 (83.3%) male with mean age of 29 +/- 4.5 yrs, were retrospectively analysed. All patients had a physical examination particularly concerning the clinical symptoms of pulmonary infection, X-ray exam and tuberculin skin test (PPD). The stage of HIV infection according to the 1993 CDC classification was determined. All patients had the microbiology test of sputum (Pc, TB, fungi, other pathogen). In some cases the bronchofiberoskopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed.

RESULTS

One hundred and two HIV-positive patients had 129 episodes of pneumonia. We determine the bacterial ethiology in 94/129 (72.9%) cases--TB in 11/129 (8.5%) cases. Fourteen patients had 23 episodes of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PcP). Three patients had CMV--pneumonitis, detected post mortem. In seven cases the ethiology of pulmonary infection was unknown. In summary the ethiology of pneumonia was determined in 58/129 (44.9%) cases. Thirty three patients were died. The pulmonary infections were main cause of death in 23 (67.7%) persons.

CONCLUSIONS

In the era of high active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) the pulmonary infections in HIV-positive patients are the main cause of death as before. The PPD test is useless in HIV-positive patients. We make a note the increase cases of TB in HIV-infected patients during the time of observations.

[Analysis of DNA histograms and histopathologic assessment of necrosis after preoperative chemotherapy of osteosarcoma in children and youth]

Analysis of nucler DNA content (DNA histograms by flow cytometry) in 26 children and youth with osteosarcoma treated at the National Research Institute of Mother and Child, was carried out. The relationship between aneuploid populations, index DNA and phases of cell cycle and the clinical course, histopathologic grading and histopathologic assessment of preoperative chemotherapy effect (% of tumour necrosis) were analysed. Osteosarcomas in children with changed schedules of chemotherapy (therapy complications) in relation to the above parameters were also examined. The results show, that increased aneuploid population and index DNA (less distinct for S phase of anueptoid population) are linked with weaker chemotherapy effect. It can indicate a bigger proliferative potential in this kind of tumours - it often occurs with a more dramatic course of disease. According to the authors flow cytometry studies are helpful and complementary to histopathologic diagnosis.

[The effect of tobacco smoking on the human immune system]

The influence of tobacco smoking in development of respiratory, cardiovascular diseases and impairment of foetal development is well documented. Recent studies have shown adverse effects of tobacco smoke on the immune system. Particular place of impact of tobacco smoke is BALT (bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue). Tobacco smoking increases the inflammatory processes and also has an immunosuppressive effect. It is very important in relation to more frequent youth and children diseases linked with the immune system. In school education programmes to prevent tobacco smoking carried out by the Institute of Mother and Child it is also very important to include this aspect.