Assessment of clinical outcome after sudden alteration of home parenteral nutrition program from customised to commercially premixed admixtures. Experience with short bowel syndrome treatment

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Disruptions in the home parenteral nutrition (HPN) process may lead to failure to achieve the intended treatment purposes. This study aimed to evaluate the mid-term clinical outcome in a group of patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) after a sudden change in the type of home parenteral nutrition programs from customized to commercially premixed admixtures.

METHODS

The study conducted in 2020 identified 51 patients with SBS: 27 (53%) women and 24 (47%) men. The SBS were classified as SBS with end jejunostomy 23 (45%) patients, with jejuno-colon anastomosis 23 (45%) patients, with jejuno-ileo anastomosis and total colon in continuity 5 (10%) patients. The following therapeutic program-related data were analysed: changes in nutritional status, body mass index (BMI), Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score, and biochemical assessment. For statistical analysis, the Wilcoxon rank-sum and signed-rank paired tests with continuity corrections were used to compare the results. A p-value of <0.001 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the analysed groups in total energy, amino acid concentrations, and intravenous volume supplementation. BMI and CONUT assessments of nutritional status and selected biochemical parameters were stable during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated that a sudden change in the HPN therapy program from parenteral admixtures, tailored to meet individual patients' needs, to commercially premixed admixtures had no significant impact on the mid-term clinical condition of patients with SBS.

Ambiguous genes due to aligners and their impact on RNA-seq data analysis

The main scope of the study is ambiguous genes, i.e. genes whose expression is difficult to estimate from the data produced by next-generation sequencing technologies. We focused on the RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) type of experiment performed on the Illumina platform. It is crucial to identify such genes and understand the cause of their difficulty, as these genes may be involved in some diseases. By giving misleading results, they could contribute to a misunderstanding of the cause of certain diseases, which could lead to inappropriate treatment. We thought that the ambiguous genes would be difficult to map because of their complex structure. So we looked at RNA-seq analysis using different mappers to find genes that would have different measurements from the aligners. We were able to identify such genes using a generalized linear model with two factors: mappers and groups introduced by the experiment. A large proportion of ambiguous genes are pseudogenes. High sequence similarity of pseudogenes to functional genes may indicate problems in alignment procedures. In addition, predictive analysis verified the performance of difficult genes in classification. The effectiveness of classifying samples into specific groups was compared, including the expression of difficult and not difficult genes as covariates. In almost all cases considered, ambiguous genes have less predictive power.

The Effect of Craniosacral Therapy on Blood Levels of Stress Hormones in Male Firefighter Cadets: A Randomized Clinical Trial

(1) Background: Fire department cadets preparing to become firefighters and paramedics experience high levels of stress when participating in incidents like traffic accidents and fires. Stress adversely affects health, and coping with it proves difficult. Unfortunately, there is no single method that reduces stress completely in humans. One non-invasive method for lowering stress hormone levels is craniosacral therapy. (2) Methods: Fifty-seven firefighting cadets aged 18-24 years (21.63 ± 1.41) participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to either a test group or a control group. Participants' blood levels of cortisol and CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone) were assessed before and after the study. The study group underwent 5-week craniosacral therapy (1× per week). (3) Results: The Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the therapy group's results were statistically significant for CRH values (p-value = 0.00067) and for cortisol values (p-value ≤ 0.0001). Wilxocon and Dunn tests showed statistical significance for cortisol after CS therapy between the control and study groups (p = 0.0377), and for CRH between the control and study groups before (p = 0.00634) and after the study (p = 0.000887), and in the study group before and after the study (p = 0.0101). (4) Conclusions: The application of craniosacral therapy reduced stress hormone levels in male firefighter cadets. The results indicate that craniosacral therapy (five sessions, one per week) has an effect on the reduction of stress hormones.

The effect of cranial techniques on the heart rate variability response to psychological stress test in firefighter cadets

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a simple tool to monitor cardiovascular stress. The proper function of the cardiovascular system is a problem among firefighters. Physical activity has health benefits correlated with psychological stress. Physically active people should be more resilient to psychological stress, but this has not always been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to determine whether cranial techniques would have an effect on HRV parameters. Osteopathy in the cranium reduces stress and improves cardiovascular function. Fifty-seven firefighter cadets aged 18-24 years (21.63 ± 1.41) participated in the study. All subjects had their heart rate variability measured and were randomly assigned either to the cranial techniques (CS) group, with therapy performed once a week for 5 weeks), or to the control group (CO). After 5 weeks, heart rate variability was measured again in both groups. In the Friedman test, in the CS group there was a statistically significant effect of cranial techniques on Heart Rate (HR) and Low Frequency (LF), but not on High Frequency (HF); in the CO group, a statistically significant difference was observed for HR, HF and LF. In the Nemenyi test, in the CS group there was a statistically significant difference for HR and LF and in the CO group for HR, HF and LF. After applying hierarchical clustering with Euclidean measure and the complete method, dendrograms were drawn up showing similarities for HR, HF and LF values. The cranial techniques and touch might exert a beneficial effect on HRV. Both factors can be used in stressful situations to lower HRV.

Endometriosis and the Temporomandibular Joint-Preliminary Observations

(1) Background: The complete picture of the disease is not fully recognized and extends far beyond the pelvis. The disease's impacts lead to systemic inflammation, in turn resulting in sensitization to pain. The aim of this study was to check whether statistical correlations exist in women with endometriosis with regard to their experience of pain: headache, pelvic pain, temporomandibular joint pain, along with teeth clenching and the treatment of the disease. We constructed contingency tables, followed by Pearson's chi-square test and Cramer's V coefficient values. (2) Methods: A survey was conducted among 128 women aged 33.43 ± 5.79 with a diagnosis of endometriosis (disease duration 6.40 ± 5.88 years). (3) Results: There was a correlation between the occurrence of pain on the right and left sides of the pelvis and pain on the right and left sides of the temporomandibular joint, p-value = 0.0397, V = 0.2350, and between the presence of pelvic pain and the treatment of endometriosis, p-value = 0.0104, V = 0.3709, and between the presence of pain outside the pelvis and the treatment of endometriosis, p-value = 0.0311, V = 0.4549. There was a highly significant correlation between teeth clenching and temporomandibular joint pain, p-value = 0.0005, V = 0.3695. (4) Conclusions: The study revealed a correlation between pelvic endometriosis symptoms and symptoms in the temporomandibular joint.

Complications of tunneled peripherally inserted and tunneled-cuffed central catheters in home parenteral nutrition

OBJECTIVES

We sought to compare complications associated with tunneled peripherally inserted central catheters (tPICCs) and tunneled-cuffed centrally inserted central catheters (tCICCs) in adult home parenteral nutrition (HPN).

METHODS

The study (2017-2019) identified 257 people with type III chronic intestinal failure requiring HPN. The data were analyzed for tPICC- and tCICC-related complications. The rate of catheter-related complications was recorded as the number of complications analyzed per 1000 d of catheter use, and rates were compared using the Mann-Whitney Wilcoxon test.

RESULTS

A total of 273 venous access devices were included to the analyses: 150 (55%) non-cuffed tPICCs and 123 (45%) tCICCs. In-dwelling time for tPICCs and tCICCs were 23 045 and 43 789 catheter d, respectively. Median (interquartile range) catheter days and duration of HPN, for tPICCs and tCICCs, were respectively 119 (166) and 324 (314) d and 108 (159) and 324 (322) d. The overall complication rates per 1000 catheter d for tPICCs and tCICCs were 1.52 and 0.8, respectively (P = 0.565). On analysis, there was no statistical difference between complication rates per 1000 catheter d. The removal rate and conversion ratio due to complications were similar for tPICCs and tCICCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Both tPICCs and tCICCs have similar complication rates per 1000 d. This study highlights that tCICCs, the preferred and currently used venous access devices in HPN, can be effectively and safely replaced by tPICCs, depending on the indications.

Transcriptome Remodeling in Gradual Development of Inverse Resistance between Paclitaxel and Cisplatin in Ovarian Cancer Cells

Resistance to anti-cancer drugs is the main challenge in oncology. In pre-clinical studies, established cancer cell lines are primary tools in deciphering molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon. In this study, we proposed a new, transcriptome-focused approach, utilizing a model of isogenic cancer cell lines with gradually changing resistance. We analyzed trends in gene expression in the aim to find out a scaffold of resistance development process. The ovarian cancer cell line A2780 was treated with stepwise increased concentrations of paclitaxel (PTX) to generate a series of drug resistant sublines. To monitor transcriptome changes we submitted them to mRNA-sequencing, followed by the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical clustering. Functional interactions of proteins, encoded by DEGs, were analyzed by building protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. We obtained human ovarian cancer cell lines with gradually developed resistance to PTX and collateral sensitivity to cisplatin (CDDP) (inverse resistance). In their transcriptomes, we identified two groups of DEGs: (1) With fluctuations in expression in the course of resistance acquiring; and (2) with a consistently changed expression at each stage of resistance development, constituting a scaffold of the process. In the scaffold PPI network, the cell cycle regulator-polo-like kinase 2 (PLK2); proteins belonging to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand and receptor family, as well as to the ephrin receptor family were found, and moreover, proteins linked to osteo- and chondrogenesis and the nervous system development. Our cellular model of drug resistance allowed for keeping track of trends in gene expression and studying this phenomenon as a process of evolution, reflected by global transcriptome remodeling. This approach enabled us to explore novel candidate genes and surmise that abrogation of the osteomimic phenotype in ovarian cancer cells might occur during the development of inverse resistance between PTX and CDDP.

Effect of Zearalenone and Hormone Regulators on Microspore Embryogenesis in Anther Culture of Wheat

The purpose of this work was to assess the impact of zearalenone (ZEN) and selected hormone regulators on the effectiveness of microspore embryogenesis in anther culture of wheat. The plant material comprised F₁ hybrids of winter and spring wheat. Six combinations of media inducing microspore proliferation and formation of embryogenic structures were investigated: two combinations of growth regulators (D - 2,4-D + dicamba, K - 2,4-D + kinetin), each with three ZEN concentrations (0 mL/L, 0.1 mL/L, 0.2 mL/L). A significant increase in microspore embryogenesis effectiveness on media with the addition of ZEN was observed both at the stages of its induction and the formation of green plants in some genotypes. In case of both combinations of growth regulators, an increased concentration of ZEN resulted in more effective induction of microspore embryogenesis. The most effective induction medium was the D medium supplemented with 0.2 mL/L ZEN. As a result of the use of zearalenone together with two combinations of growth regulators, all genotypes tested produced androgenic structures, which indicates the breakdown of genotypic recalcitrant in the analysed hybrids. In addition, green plants were obtained from 18 out of 19 tested hybrids. The addition of ZEN to the medium did not affect the number of regenerated albino plants nor the number of spontaneous genome doublings proportion.

The Defense Response of Nicotiana benthamiana to Peanut Stunt Virus Infection in the Presence of Symptom Exacerbating Satellite RNA

Peanut stunt virus (PSV) is a widespread disease infecting legumes. The PSV strains are classified into four subgroups and some are defined by the association of satellite RNAs (satRNAs). In the case of PSV, the presence of satRNAs alters the symptoms of disease in infected plants. In this study, we elucidated the plant response to PSV-G strain, which occurs in natural conditions without satRNA. However, it was found that it might easily acquire satRNA, which exacerbated pathogenesis in Nicotiana benthamiana. To explain the mechanisms underlying PSV infection and symptoms exacerbation caused by satRNA, we carried out transcriptome profiling of N. benthamiana challenged by PSV-G and satRNA using species-specific microarrays. Co-infection of plants with PSV-G + satRNA increased the number of identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) compared with the number identified in PSV-G-infected plants. In both treatments, the majority of up-regulated DEGs were engaged in translation, ribosome biogenesis, RNA metabolism, and response to stimuli, while the down-regulated DEGs were required for photosynthesis. The presence of satRNA in PSV-G-infected plants caused different trends in expression of DEGs associated with phosphorylation, ATP binding, and plasma membrane.

The effect of population size of paternal groups and herds on optimal estimation of the heritability index for gestation length in cattle

Estimation of genetic parameters is a crucial element in the process of population improvement. In the case of farm animals this process is based on a sample which is a subset of the whole population. For this reason it is important to know the effect of the size of paternal groups and of the herd on the accuracy of estimations of these parameters, particularly heritability. The aim of this study was to show the effect of the population size of paternal groups and herds on the accuracy of estimation of the heritability index (h2). The material for the analyses comprised data of Holstein-Friesian cattle born in 2005-2010 and subject to use value assessment in Poland. The trait analysed was gestation length. Calculations using a linear mixed model were performed using the R 3.1.3 platform. The analyses showed that calculations concerning daughters in paternal groups are more accurate when the daughters are in a smaller number of herds, but of greater size. An increase in the size of paternal groups at the expense of their number does not have such a negative effect on the accuracy of the estimate as in the case of a reduced number of small herds. Limiting the estimate to only the largest herds reduces its accuracy.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of Serratulae quinquefoliae folium, a new source of β-arbutin, in selected skin hyperpigmentations

BACKGROUND

Arbutin is one of the most effective lightening substances. Serratula quinquefolia is a new source of its β-anomer. The HPLC method showed that the solid content of this compound in the dried plant raw material accounts for 6.86%. The leaves of Serratula quinquefolia do not contain hydroquinone.

AIMS

To assess the efficacy of the aqueous extract from' leaf of five-leaf serratula as a skin-lightening agent.

PATIENTS/METHODS

We did a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. The study involved 102 women aged 26-55, with two kinds of hyperpigmentary diseases: melasma and lentigo solaris. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups: a study group (N = 54) or a control group (N = 48). The study group applied the cream with the aqueous extract from leaf of five-leaf serratula containing 2.51% of arbutin. The cream was applied twice a day on the discolored side for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

The experimental data showed that the cream with the extract causes decreased level of melanin in the skin pigmentation spot. Clinical effect in the form of lightening and evening skin tone on the discolored side was observed in 75.86% of the female patients with melasma and 56.00 % of the female patients with lentigo solaris.

CONCLUSIONS

The cream with the aqueous extract from leaf of five-leaf serratula proved to be an effective and safe preparation for lightening skin discolorations (66.67 % of the female patients in the study group).

Assessment of spine pain presence in children and young persons studying in ballet schools

[Purpose] Spine disorders affect various sections of the spine and have a variety of causes. Most pain occurs in the lumbo-sacral and cervical regions. Dance is associated with exercise. High levels of physical activity predispose to back pain occurrence. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 237 ballet learners; 80 children (primary school level), mean age 11.24±0.77, mean of years of training ballet 2.14±0.74; 93 students (junior high school level), mean age 14.01±0.84, mean of years of learning ballet 4.64±1.24; 64 students (high school) mean age 17.01±0.77, mean of years of learning ballet 7.47±1.54. Numeric rating scale was used to determine spine pain. [Results] Feelings of pain were analyzed on the basis of "now" and "before" between levels education by using point statistics and statistical tests to compare groups. "Now" exhibited weaker back pain feelings than "before" at all the education levels. There were statistically significant differences in pain feeling for "before" (at any time of learning) and "now" (the day of survey). [Conclusion] All patients reported pain "before" and "now" in cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. At all levels of education there were statistically significant differences in feelings of pain between "before" and "now".

The c.470 T > C CHEK2 missense variant increases the risk of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in the Great Poland population

BACKGROUND

Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) originates from thyroid follicular epithelial cells and belongs to a group of slowly progressing tumors with a relatively good prognosis. However, recurrences and metastases are a serious problem in advanced stages. Furthermore, progression from a well differentiated thyroid carcinoma to an aggressive anaplastic one is possible. The majority of differentiated thyroid carcinomas are sporadic but a few alleles increasing the cancer risk are known. One of them is the c.470 T > C (p.I157T, rs17879961) missense substitution in the CHEK2 gene.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate whether this specific CHEK2 alteration, c.470 T > C, predisposes the Great Poland (Wielkopolska) population to thyroid cancer.

METHODS

602 differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients and 829 controls randomly selected from population were genotyped for the presence of the c.470C allele using pyrosequencing. Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) was tested for both groups by chi-square distribution and Fisher's exact test. The odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and p-values were calculated using the R software.

RESULTS

The results of genotyping showed the presence of the c.470C allele in 51 patients with a frequency of 4.49%, while in a controls in 42 patients with a frequency of 2.53%. We demonstrated that in the Great Poland population the c.470C CHEK2 variant increases the risk of developing differentiated thyroid cancer almost twice (OR = 1.81, p = 0.004). The risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma in female patients homozygous for the c.470C allele was shown to increase almost 13-fold (OR = 12.81, p = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

Identification of c.470C CHEK2 gene variant ought to be taken into account by healthcare policymakers. Future well-designed and larger population studies are of great value in confirming these findings. Moreover, a combination of genetic factors together with environmental exposures should also be considered.

THE COMBINATION OF α-LIPOIC ACID INTAKE WITH ECCENTRIC EXERCISE MODULATES ERYTHROPOIETIN RELEASE

The generation of reactive nitrogen/oxygen species (RN/OS) represents an important mechanism in erythropoietin (EPO) expression and skeletal muscle adaptation to physical and metabolic stress. RN/OS generation can be modulated by intense exercise and nutrition supplements such as α-lipoic acid, which demonstrates both anti- and pro-oxidative action. The study was designed to show the changes in the haematological response through the combination of α-lipoic acid intake with running eccentric exercise. Sixteen healthy young males participated in the randomised and placebo-controlled study. The exercise trial involved a 90-min run followed by a 15-min eccentric phase at 65% VO₂max (-10% gradient). It significantly increased serum concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and pro-oxidative products such as 8-isoprostanes (8-iso), lipid peroxides (LPO) and protein carbonyls (PC). α-Lipoic acid intake (Thiogamma: 1200 mg daily for 10 days prior to exercise) resulted in a 2-fold elevation of serum H₂O₂ concentration before exercise, but it prevented the generation of NO, 8-iso, LPO and PC at 20 min, 24 h, and 48 h after exercise. α-Lipoic acid also elevated serum EPO level, which highly correlated with NO/H₂O₂ ratio (r = 0.718, P < 0.01). Serum total creatine kinase (CK) activity, as a marker of muscle damage, reached a peak at 24 h after exercise (placebo 732 ± 207 IU · L^-1, α-lipoic acid 481 ± 103 IU · L^-1), and correlated with EPO (r = 0.478, P < 0.01) in the α-lipoic acid group. In conclusion, the intake of high α-lipoic acid modulates RN/OS generation, enhances EPO release and reduces muscle damage after running eccentric exercise.

The usefulness of performance matrix tests in locomotor system evaluation of girls attending a ballet school - preliminary observation

[Purpose] Learning ballet is connected with continuous use of the locomotor system while subjecting it to high loads. Therefore, we conducted some research defining the appearance of weak links in the motor system, in order to eliminate the risk of injury. [Methods] Fifty-two female students of a ballet school were examined. To identify weak links, low-threshold Performance Matrix tests were performed. An analysis of weak link occurrence in the locomotor system was carried out, using two way analysis of variance ANOVA Tukey's HSD test, clustering methods and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). [Results] The average age of the subjects was 11.64±0.53 years (mean ± standard deviation), their average body height was 151.1±7.5 cm, their average body weight was 35.92±5.41 kg, and their average time of learning at ballet school was 2.17±0.65 years. We found that there were significant differences in weak links occurrence in the motor system of every girl examined. [Conclusions] Weak links were found in every location of the motor system. Our results show that the influence of weak link location is essentially different from their occurrence, and that learning ballet has a significantly different impact on the number of weak links in different locations.

Analysis of boutique arrays: a universal method for the selection of the optimal data normalization procedure

DNA microarrays, which are among the most popular genomic tools, are widely applied in biology and medicine. Boutique arrays, which are small, spotted, dedicated microarrays, constitute an inexpensive alternative to whole-genome screening methods. The data extracted from each microarray-based experiment must be transformed and processed prior to further analysis to eliminate any technical bias. The normalization of the data is the most crucial step of microarray data pre-processing and this process must be carefully considered as it has a profound effect on the results of the analysis. Several normalization algorithms have been developed and implemented in data analysis software packages. However, most of these methods were designed for whole-genome analysis. In this study, we tested 13 normalization strategies (ten for double-channel data and three for single-channel data) available on R Bioconductor and compared their effectiveness in the normalization of four boutique array datasets. The results revealed that boutique arrays can be successfully normalized using standard methods, but not every method is suitable for each dataset. We also suggest a universal seven-step workflow that can be applied for the selection of the optimal normalization procedure for any boutique array dataset. The described workflow enables the evaluation of the investigated normalization methods based on the bias and variance values for the control probes, a differential expression analysis and a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The analysis of each component results in a separate ranking of the normalization methods. A combination of the ranks obtained from all the normalization procedures facilitates the selection of the most appropriate normalization method for the studied dataset and determines which methods can be used interchangeably.

Optimization of process parameters for microwave-vacuum puffing of black radish slices using the response surface method

BACKGROUND

Due to the health-promoting value of black radish, authors decided to investigate the feasibility of forming - from its roots - chips, using the process of microwave-vacuum puffing. In order to produce desirable quality of chips, there is a need to determine the most advantageous values of process parameters. The main goal of the paper is to investigate the possibility of determining the best processing conditions for microwave-vacuum formation of black radish chips that can maximize the chips expansion ratio while maintaining consumer acceptability of sensory quality of chips.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The raw material for analyses comprised fresh roots of black radish {raphanns sativus linne varietas niger). A three-level, one-factor central composite experimental design (DOE) was applied. The response surface method (RSM) was used as a part of the Statistica software and the R computer program for optimization. Response surfaces were built using the second degree polynomial that includes principal effects of processing parameters values and their interactions.

RESULTS

A regression model was derived, based on results of natural experiments, that give a satisfactory prediction level (R² = 0.96) of the expansion ratio of black radish chips as a function of processing conditions. Then, the best values of process parameters were found using the RSM. The best processing parameters values were determined to be 0.39 kg kg⁻¹ wb (wet basis) moisture content of pre-dehydrated radish slices, 14.5 kPa vacuum absolute pressure and 80 s of microwave heating time during puffing (for the 650 W power output of the microwave generator).

CONCLUSION

Optimized process of puffing of black radish slices using the RSM provided a satisfactory high value of the sensory quality index of chips. In this paper we do not analyze the physical structure of chips. In the future more research needs to be done in this area.

Effect of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) extract on antioxidant and inflammatory response to prolonged eccentric exercise

The shiitake (Lentinus edodes) extract is purported to have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties due to presence of many bioactive compounds such as ergothioneine. This study was designed to assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of shiitake extract in healthy men exposed to exercise-induced skeletal muscles damage. Subjects ingested shiitake mushroom extract (700 mg, two times per day) or placebo for 10 days prior to two separate exercise trials (crossover study). The exercise session involved 90 min run at 65% VO2max (0% gradient) and 15-min eccentric phase at 65% VO2max (-10% gradient). Subjects experienced creatine kinase (peak 461±206 IU/L) and leukocytes (peak 9.82 x 103/μL) elevations indicating muscle damage and inflammation. Exercise altered plasma IL-6 (peak 5.29±0.78 pg/mL), IL-10 (peak 24.75±6.22 pg/mL) and IL-1β (peak 0.54±0.09 pg/mL) levels but did not affect tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) level relative to baseline. Shiitake extract did not demonstrate any effect on immune cells number and inflammatory mediators level, with the exception of IL-10. Thiol redox status (GSHtotal-2GSSG/GSSG) and niric oxide (NO) concentration increased after shiitake extract whereas H2O2 and 8-isoprostanes did not change. In conclusion, shiitake mushroom extract had no effect on markers of inflammation following prolonged eccentric exercise but demonstrated an antioxidant activity through the regulation of nitric oxide concentration and thiol redox status.

Impact of DNA microarray data transformation on gene expression analysis - comparison of two normalization methods

Two-color DNA microarrays are commonly used for the analysis of global gene expression. They provide information on relative abundance of thousands of mRNAs. However, the generated data need to be normalized to minimize systematic variations so that biologically significant differences can be more easily identified. A large number of normalization procedures have been proposed and many softwares for microarray data analysis are available. Here, we have applied two normalization methods (median and loess) from two packages of microarray data analysis softwares. They were examined using a sample data set. We found that the number of genes identified as differentially expressed varied significantly depending on the method applied. The obtained results, i.e. lists of differentially expressed genes, were consistent only when we used median normalization methods. Loess normalization implemented in the two software packages provided less coherent and for some probes even contradictory results. In general, our results provide an additional piece of evidence that the normalization method can profoundly influence final results of DNA microarray-based analysis. The impact of the normalization method depends greatly on the algorithm employed. Consequently, the normalization procedure must be carefully considered and optimized for each individual data set.

Impact of DNA microarray data transformation on gene expression analysis - comparison of two normalization methods

Two-color DNA microarrays are commonly used for the analysis of global gene expression. They provide information on relative abundance of thousands of mRNAs. However, the generated data need to be normalized to minimize systematic variations so that biologically significant differences can be more easily identified. A large number of normalization procedures have been proposed and many softwares for microarray data analysis are available. Here, we have applied two normalization methods (median and loess) from two packages of microarray data analysis softwares. They were examined using a sample data set. We found that the number of genes identified as differentially expressed varied significantly depending on the method applied. The obtained results, i.e. lists of differentially expressed genes, were consistent only when we used median normalization methods. Loess normalization implemented in the two software packages provided less coherent and for some probes even contradictory results. In general, our results provide an additional piece of evidence that the normalization method can profoundly influence final results of DNA microarray-based analysis. The impact of the normalization method depends greatly on the algorithm employed. Consequently, the normalization procedure must be carefully considered and optimized for each individual data set.

[Kayakers' length of training period lumbar segment mobility and weak links occurrence in biokinematics chain]

INTRODUCTION

Strength shaping in canoeists can cause limitation of spine movement and pain symptoms. Because of the problem's importance the following study has been undertaken: in order to: 1) determine the relationship between the range of lumbar spine mobility and training experience in kayaking; 2) estimate of the relationship between the occurrence of weak links and symptoms of pain and range of motion in the lumbar spine.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

25 Wałcz SMS players were examined, including 8 female kayakers, 8 canoeists and 9 canadians. Age (M +/- SD) 15.60 +/- 1.04 years; training period 5.64 +/- 1.78 years. Low threshold Performance Matrix. tests were used. to assess the presence of a weak connection The participants determined the sensation of pain in the lumbar spine (LBP) on a numeric scale. Mobility in the lumbar spine was rated by electrogoniametrics method. The results were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance ANOVA, Tukey's t tests and linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

In all examined players weak connection in the lumbar spine were found in the direction of flexion, rotation and lateral flexion, and there were no weak links in the direction of extension. Only 10 players did not suffer from LBP. The other declared the existence of these symptoms. It has been found that the length of training period in kayaking is associated with reduced mobility in the lumbar spine and the occurrence of weak links. As a result pain symptoms have often occurred. Gender and specialization have no influence on the frequency and Range of LBP symptoms in kayaking.

CONCLUSIONS

1) Sports training in kayaking causes reduced mobility of the lumbar spine and may cause weak links in the chain of biokinenatics connections and symptoms of LBP. 2) Gender and sports specialization does not differentiate canoeists because of LBP symptoms. The reasons for their occurrence can be ascribed to the use of weight training.

[Suffering pain in segment lumbar spine and occurrence of weak links of biokinematics chain in kayakers and rowers]

INTRODUCTION

Spine pain is a serious clinical problem of physically active people and sportplayers . The pain may have different nature, related to different segments of the spine. Its intensity and frequency may impair the functionality of man. Most back pain is connected with the lumbo-sacral and cervical part of a spine. MAIN AIM: The hypothesis was: 1) That there were not any weak links of biokinematics chain. 2) Pain feeling in young players in the lumbar spine (LBP). The aim of this study was to determine in which direction and location the most weak links would occur in biokinematics chain and whether it was correlated with gender. In addition, it was examined whether a correlation between the weak links' presence in the lumbar spine and the occurrence of LBP existed and if it was connected with gender of the player.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study involved 40 players from Walcz School Sports Championships, including the twenty kayakers (8 women and 12 men), 13 canoeists and 7 rowers. The average age of players was 16.00 +/- 0.99, mean of training years was 4.92 +/- 2.20. Low threshold Performance Matrix tests were used for assessing the presence of weak links. Through analysis and identification of performed movement the weakest links in the biokinetics chain were found. Numeric scale was used for the evaluation of lumbar pain (LBP). The results were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The main characteristics of statistical and graphical presentations were performed for the received values of weak links. The hypothesis of variances equality was verified, and all the hypotheses mentioned above were also verified using ANOVA analysis of variations and Tukey test for low threshold of weak links.

CONCLUSION

1) The presence of weak links of biokinematics chain was found in all players especially in the lumbar spine, the presence is not associated with gender. Most weak links in the lumbar part occurred in the direction of rotation. 2) There is a correlation of the weak links of the lumbar spine and LBP, but it is not connected with gender. 3) The relationship between pain suffering in the lumbar spine (LBP) and the number of weak links of biokinematics chain was defined.

[The influence of segmental stabilization training upon the reduction of motor system weak connections in hockey players]

AIM

Two hypothesis were lunched: 1) three month segmental stabilization training (TSS) has the influence on reducing the number of weak connections in biokinematics chain in hockey players; 2) three month training has influence on reducing the pain perception in low back of a spine (LBP) in players. This work has been undertaken to estimate the usefulness of the low Performance Matrix threshold tests.Furthermore, the correlationbetween segmental stabilization training and the number of weak connections in biokinematics chain in hockey players has been tested.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

12 players-hockey champions of Poland and vice-champions of Europe took part in the conducted research. An average age of a group is 30 +/- 5.03 years, an average training period 20.83 +/- 5.65 months. The low Performance Matrix threshold tests were used for weak connection assessment. Through analysis and identification of a performed motion the weakest connections of biokinematics chain have been found. The test were undertaken at the beginning of the research and it was repeated after 3 month. The players were advised to continue the segmental stabilization training for 3 months. Assessment of Low Back Pain (LBP) was undertaken by using the numerical scale. LBP was tested at the beginning of the project and after 3 months. The results were tested by using statistic analysis.

RESULTS

For obtained weak links based statistical characteristics were gained before and after the TSS training. Two hypothesis have been tested: the first is about variance equality, the second has been settled to confirm that weak links before TSS training have the bigger values than weak links after TSS training. Next the correlation between weak connections before TSS training and after TSS training was determined. Variance analysis was done for regression.

CONCLUSIONS

1) Three month segmental stabilization training (TSS) has the influence on reducing the number weak connections in biokinematics chain in hockey players. 2) Three month training has influence on reducing the pain perception in lower back of a spine (LBP) in players. 3) Performance Matrix low threshold tests have occurred to be a diagnostic tool due to which the quality of motor control can be assessed successfully in hockey players. 4) The correlation between segmental stabilization training and reducing of motor system's weak connection was found for hockey players.

[Performance Matrix tests usage for diagnosing weak links of musculoskeletal system occurred in fencers]

AIM

The aim of this study is to find weak link or links of musculoskeletal system (locoutor system) occurred in fencers' body diagnosed by Performance Matrix Tests.

ANALYSIS

The particular aim of this research is to estimate: if some weak links occur in a fencers' group, if all fencers in a group have the same weak links, if there is a correlation between weak links and training period length and if there is a connection between weak links and fencers' age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our research covered 14 f female and 14 male fencers from the Fencing Section at the Warta Club from Poznań. An average age of fencers was 13.81 +/- 2.84.Performance Matrix Test was used there as a research tool, due to which the presence of musculoskeletal system's weak links was measured.

CONCLUSION

The obtained results allow us to formulate the following conclusions: weak links of musculoskeletal system occur in a fencers' group, but it can not be given the exact answer if all fencers suffer from the same weak links. The research has not shown any evidences that there is a correlation between training period length and a number of weak links. Fencers' examination has not confirmed any correlations between fencers' age and the number of weak links. The tests have indicated that the most weak links appeared in a group of 12 years old fencers. Performance Matrix Tests are an easy and cheap tool for diagnosis of musculoskeletal system's weak link appearance. The early diagnosis of weak link/links can protect the fencer from musculoskeletal system's injuries. A lot of weak links found in fencers point out the need for undertaking work on local and global stabilization within a trunk and distal joints.