The blood antioxidant defence capacity during intermittent hypoxic training in elite swimmers

The main objective of this study was to examine the chronic effect of simulated intermittent normobaric hypoxia on blood antioxidant defence capacity in swimmers. The study included 14 male and 14 female competitive swimmers performing part of land training under simulated intermittent normobaric hypoxia (O₂ = 15.5%) or in normoxia. Land interval training took place twice per week, with a total of 8 training units during the study, performed with individualized intensity. The activities of blood antioxidant enzymes did not change significantly during the first and last training unit in the hypoxic and normoxic group. However, when comparing individual variables a significant effect of exercise was observed on GPx an CAT activities, whereas training units significantly differentiated GPx and GR activities. The oxygen conditions and gender had a significant influence on CAT activity. The total antioxidant capacity was not significantly affected. Only in male swimmers from the hypoxic group did the training significantly increase resting levels of MDA. In conclusion, training in normobaric hypoxia was not an adequate stimulus for the excessive response of the antioxidant defence system, despite increased oxidative stress in these conditions.

[Lipids peroxidation in platelets in patients with bladder cancer treated with Mycobacterium suspension]

Platelet is blood's morphotic element in which intense energy metabolism takes place, which makes it possible to participate in the complex processes of the organism's homeostasis. The aim of the study was to analyse aerobic metabolism in the platelets, taking into consideration lipids peroxidation in patients with bladder cancer treated with the bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Mycobacterium suspension. The determination of superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) and malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) concentration activity constituted this evaluation's parameters. A group of 12 patients (4 women and 8 men) aged 54-67 years (average age 61) in which superficial bladder cancer was diagnosed were included in the study. Electroresection was carried out and subsequently, after 14 days, BCG Mycobacterium suspension was administered in intravesical instillations, in a 6-week cycle according to Morales. The material for the study was venous blood taken from the patients in three periods (before treatment, after the last clyster and 30 days after treatment) into the tubes with the addition of 1% EDTA in the ratio of 9 blood volumes to anticoagulant's one volume. Superoxide dismutase activity (Cu Zn--SOD) was determined according to Misra and Fridovich. The values were expressed in lamellar protein U/g protein. MDA concentration in platelet's TBARS was determined according to Pansa et al. MDA concentration included in TBARS was expressed in nmol/109 platelets. The controls were healthy volunteers in the same age range. In unaided studies a significant rise in superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) activity was obtained with the 1574.606 average before treatment > 2137.03 after treatment and 2646.4 after a month observation. Whereas MDA concentration increased in non-treated patients to 1.97, after treatment it dropped down significantly to 1.55 and sustained the downward trend after 30-day observation 1.4 nmol/109 platelets. The use of BCG intravesical clysters causes lipids peroxidation inhibition (decrease in MDA concentration) and the increase of SOD-1 activity results in smaller aggregation of platelets, preventing the formation of neoplastic metastases.

Research on some parameters of cellular immune response in soldiers undergoing basic training--preliminary report

BACKGROUND

On the basis of available reports it can be stated that physical stress causes changes in distribution and activity of many components of the immune system. It is believed that psychophysical stress in soldiers can influence their immune system depressively and in consequence increase the risk of upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, it was decided to conduct studies aimed at the estimation of the influence of military training on the some parameters of cellular immune response.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 40 draft aged from 18 to 23 years. The research was conducted in the first 8 weeks of service, in the period of the most intense draft stress adaptation. The participants were divide into 2 groups, A and B respectively, 20 soldiers each. Group A derived from an assault unit. Their training induced strenuous physical stress. Group B derived from a support unit. Their training required less physical effort then one of group A. Performed examinations involved: lymphocyte percentage count, lymphocyte proliferative response to mitogen, CD69 antigen expression on T lymphocyte surface, delayed hypersensitivity reaction with CMI Multitest. All assessments were done twice at 8 weeks interval.

RESULTS

After 8 weeks of training in the A group a statistically significant increase in the percentage of lymphocytes revealing antigens of the II Class Main Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) was found. In addition, in this group a statistically significant decrease in the value of lymphocyte stimulation index, a statistically significant increase in the percentage of cells revealing CD69 antigen expression after PHA stimulation were observed. During investigated period in the B group following statistically significant changes were found: an increase in the percentage of CD3+ and CD4+ cells, a decrease in the percentage of CD16+CD56+ and an increase in the CD4+ to CD8+ ratio.

CONCLUSION

The obtained results show that military service conditions influence some parameters of the cellular immune response but do not result in the clinically significant suppression of the immune system.

The impact of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics on articular cartilage

One of the essential elements in the proper functioning of articular cartilage is the proper balance of glycosaminoglycans and collagen proteins in the extracellular matrix. Any disproportion of this balance can produce degenerative changes. Certain pharmaceutical agents can induce changes of this kind. The present article provides a review of current opinions on the impact of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics on articular cartilage.

[Use of the Dynastab-K (knee) external fixator technique for functional treatment of intra- and peri-articular fractures of the knee joint]

The aim of this study was to validate the results of treatment of articular fractures using a Dynastab-K (knee) external fixator, which gives a good stabilisation, while retaining motion in the knee joint. A group of 6 patients with articular fractures of the knee joint was evaluated. Two fractures were located within the distal femur and 4 within the tibial plateau. After anatomical reposition of the bone fragments primary stabilisation was achieved by means of the Dynastab-K fixator and maintained for a period of 8-10 weeks. Passive motion of the knee was implemented in the first post-op day and active motion was implemented in the third post-op day. In all cases proper healing of the fractures, full extension and a minimally limited flexion (100 degrees) were achieved. Flexion limitation was corrected by means of an intensive rehabilitation programme. Use of the presented technique allows proper stabilisation of the bone fragments with maintenance of joint motion throughout treatment. Basing on our observations we concluded that implementation of an articulated external fixator in articular fractures of the knee leads to proper fracture healing with minimal loss of motion, which can be resolved by rehabilitation procedures.

[Impact of chronic psychophysical stress on some neutrophil functions]

It is known, that psychophysical stress causes some changes in distribution and activity of many components of the immune system. The research was aimed at examination the influence of different military service conditions on some neutrophil functions. In this study granulocyte chemiluminescence both without stimulation and after stimulation with fMLP, PMA and zymosan was evaluated. In addition, the expression of surface adhesion molecules--CD11b on circulating granulocytes was examined. The studied group consisted of 20 soldiers from an assault unit (group A) and 20 soldiers from a support unit (group B), the age ranged from 18 to 23 years. The examinations were conducted at the beginning of the basic training and after the 8 weeks period. In group A the following results were obtained: a significant increase (p < 0.001) in granulocyte chemiluminescence without stimulation and after stimulation with fMLP, PMA and zymosan, as well as, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in CD11b expression on granulocytes. And in group B: a significant increase (p < 0.05) in granulocyte chemiluminescence without stimulation but a significant decrease (p < 0.05) after cells stimulation with fMLP and PMA were observed. In this group CD11b expression on granulocytes was significantly (p < 0.001) decreased. The results of the present examination indicate, that military service conditions influence some parameters of the innate immunity.

The structure and functioning of Dynastab DK - K fixator (knee joint) and its usefullness in clinical use

The autor describes following stages of research on external fixator Dynastab DK - K (knee joint) with in - built artificial joint enabling physiological range of movement of the knee and the use of the device in functional treatment of articular fractures of the knee. The final clinical prototype of the device was developed according to the results of the experiments with anatomical preparations of knee joints in which the trajectory of the physiological movement of the knee was stated. These observations were used to construct mechanical joint with the range of movement adequate to this of the healthy knee. The positive and negative aspects in DK - K fixator are also described. The fixator was appled in 6 difficult cases of articular fractures of knee with good results.

Computer analysis of the spatial arrangement of bone screws and their influence on the stability of the connected bone fragments

Authors discuss current trends in research and techniques of external fixation. Using computer software IKAR they performed stimulation evaluating optimization of screw configuration and it's influence on stability of fracture fixation.<br /> Three alimentional screw configuration appeared, more stiff and lead degendent fixator-bone system than linear. Optimal (asymmetric) screw placement was calculated by computer simulation.

[The significance of radioisotopic methods in internal diseases diagnosis]

The present article is an attempt to show the best diagnostic radioisotopic methods which are practically applied in the internal diseases diagnostics. It was shown both the most important indications for performing these examinations and expected advantages. In particular, it was paid attention to achieved progress in the diagnostics of some diseases owing to radioisotopic methods application. In addition, a general availability and non-invasity of these methods advocates in support of using them.

[The structure of distracting-compressing stabilizers Dynastab DK intended for functional treatment of articular fractures]

The structure of the distracting-compressing stabilizers Dynastab DK intended for functional treatment of transarticular fractures is described. The stabilizers realize the idea of functional treatment of fractures outside the hospital bed making possible free moving around of the patient during the treatment. This has been made possible owing to building-in of a mechanical articulation imitating the physiological movement in the injured joint. The articulation in the stabilizer reduces also the load on the joint. In the stabilizers for the treatment of such fractures of the elbow joint and ankle joint the articulations are monoaxial (hinge-like). In the stabilizer for the treatment of the radiocarpal joint this is a hinge articulation making possible flexion in sagittal plane. In the stabilizer for knee fractures the movements in the injured joint are taken over by a mechanical articulation of special structure. The distracting-compressing action of the Dynastab DK stabilizers for the treatment of transarticular fractures is realized by the tension screw mechanism e.g. in the stabilizer for the treatment of knee joint fractures. In the case of stabilizers for ankle joint, radiocarpal joint and elbow joint this tension is provided by calibrated compressing springs.