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Body mass composition analysis as a predictor of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents
IntroductionBody mass composition is directly related to health and its disorders are correlated with diseases such as obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis and sarcopenia. The purpose of this study was to analyze body mass composition among traditional elementary school students and ballet school students.MethodsA total of 340 students participated in the study, 95 of whom attended ballet school and 245 elementary school students. A Tanita BC-418 MA analyzer was used to analyze body mass composition. Such body composition indices as BMI (Body Mass Index), muscle mass, fat mass, lean body mass and water content were evaluated.ResultsThe results show statistical significance for BMI between high school ballet students and elementary school ballet students, as well between high school ballet students and elementary school students. Comparisons in relation to gender and schools BMI, statistical significance was obtained for: BHSw (ballet high school women) and EBSw (elementary ballet school women), BHSw and ESw (elementary school women), BHSm (ballet high school men) and EBSm (elementary ballet school men), and between BHSm and ESw. Comparing muscle mass index (kg) between ballet high school and elementary school, between ballet high school and elementary school, and between ballet high school and elementary school - statistical significance was obtained for all comparisons. Analyzing in pairwise comparisons by gender and school achieved a statistically significant difference for: BHSw and EBSw, BHSm and EBSw, EBSw and ESm. Comparing the fat mass index (kg), no significant differences were observed between the analyzed schools and the school and gender of the children studied. The value of the lean body mass index differed significantly between groups by school and gender. Comparing the water content index, statistically significant differences were obtained for school and gender.DiscussionThe body mass composition of ballet school students differs from that of standard school students.
The Effect of Osteopathic Visceral Manipulation on Quality of Life and Postural Stability in Women with Endometriosis and Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Non-Controlled Before–After Clinical Study
Background: Visceral manipulation is a soft tissue manual work technique that originates from and is classified within the Osteopathic Manipulative Technique (OMT), focusing on the fascial tissue mobilisation of the visceral system. Manual therapy on internal organs is based on anatomy, physiology and physics. Methods: Sixty women with endometriosis and pelvic organ prolapse, aged 41.5 ± 12.02, participated in the study. The women had manipulation therapy once a week for 5 weeks. The World Health Organisation Quality of Life BREF questionnaire and a postural stability assessment were administered before and after performing visceral manipulation. Results: The p-value = 0.0093 obtained in the group with prolapses and the p-value = 0.0001 in the group with endometriosis indicated that the applied visceral manipulation improved the women’s quality of life. No effect of therapy was observed on postural stability. Conclusions: Visceral manipulation improved the quality of life of both study groups of women. A significant difference was also observed when comparing the two groups for area.
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.
Assessment of clinical outcome after sudden alteration of home parenteral nutrition program from customised to commercially premixed admixtures. Experience with short bowel syndrome treatment
Application of Craniosacral Therapy Versus Blood Levels of Corticoliberin and Oxytocin in Male Firefighters Exposed to Occupational Stress - A Randomised Control Trial
Background: Firefighters’ work exposes them to high levels of stress. Oxytocin (OXT) and corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) are hormones released in response to stress. Prolonged exposure to stress can have negative effects, such as increased blood pressure and glucose levels, and a weakened immune system. Methods: This study involved 57 fire department cadets, randomly divided into craniosacral therapy (CS) and contralateral therapy (CO) groups. This study aimed to check whether 5-week craniosacral therapy affects CRH and OXT levels, determined from blood. Results: For the CS group, CRH_1 and CRH_2 showed slight increases in median values, 1.73 vs. 2.16, and OXT_1 and OXT_2 showed significant increases in median values, 54.71 vs. 57.77. Spearman’s correlation coefficient for CRH_1 vs. OXT_1 was r = 0.26, p = 0.124; similarly, for CRH_2 vs. OXT_2 was r = −0.02, p = 0.920; for CRH_ 1 vs. CRH_2 was r = 0.25, p = 0.173; and for OXT_1 vs. OXT_2 was r = 0.77, p < 0.00001. The values of the point statistics for CRH were similar in CO_1 and CS_1. After the end of therapy, in the CS_2 group, the values of the point statistics were greater than those for the CO_2 group. The median values for oxytocin in the CO_1 group were greater than those in the CS_1 group. After the end of therapy, in the CO_2 group, the values of the scoring statistics were smaller than those for the CS_2 group. The effect of the intervention in the CS group and the CO group showed a significance of p = 0.0003 and p = 0.023. Conclusions: After the end of therapy, a significant increase in OXT levels was observed, as well as a slight increase in CRH levels.
The effect of cranial techniques on the heart rate variability response to psychological stress test in firefighter cadets
AbstractHeart 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.
Effects of a single tDCS with mirror therapy stimulation on hand function in healthy individuals
IntroductionTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulatory technique that has garnered significant interest for its ability to modulate cortical excitability and brain function. The technique involves the application of a weak electrical current through electrodes placed on the scalp, which influences neuronal membrane potential and alters synaptic plasticity.MethodsThe following research hypotheses were defined: (1) a single tDCS stimulation of the motor cortex on the left side in combination with mirror therapy (MT) improves the function of the right hand which is dominant; and (2) a single stimulation in combination with MT for the dominant hand (right hand) also improves the function of the non-dominant hand (left hand). A total of 106 subjects aged 51.5 ± 12.02 participated in the study, including 63 women and 43 men. We used tests for assessment before and after tDCS stimulation: Tapping Tablet, Reaction Test on a tablet, Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT), exercises for dominant hands, tDCS stimulation with MT.ResultsThe obtained results of this conducted study, although preliminary, seem to indicate that in each of the analyzed age groups in men and women, a single tDCS stimulation in combination with MT directly improved the function of the dominant hand and indirectly improved the function of the non-dominant hand.DiscussionThe use of tDCS stimulation appears promising to improve hand function.
Parasitoids of the subfamilies Pimplinae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) and Aphidiinae (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) occurring in urban greenery of the Poznań city
The study aimed to determine the species composition and abundance of parasitoids from the subfamilies Pimplinae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) and Aphidiinae (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) found in various habitats in urban greenery and to demonstrate the rela¬tionship between plant species diversity and the species structure of parasitoid assemblages. It was found that only for the subfamily Aphidiinae was there a significant effect of habitats on the abundance of individual assemblages and the effect of years on the total abundance of assemblages. A positive relationship was observed between vegetation diversity and the abundance and species diversity of parasitoids of the subfamily Aphidiinae, as well as similarity in the qualitative-quantitative structure of Pimplinae assemblages present in a given habitat. Positive effects of trees: Betula pendula, Tilia tomentosa, Salix alba and Salix caprea, shrubs: Berberis julianae, Ber¬beris vulgaris and Spiraea japonica, and herbaceous plants: Elymus repens, Festuca rubra and Hypochoeris radicata on the qualitative¬-quantitative structure of parasitoid assemblages of the subfamily Pimplinae by creating a suitable food base for these entomophagous imagines were noted.
The parasitisation of the rose tortrix [Archips rosana (L.)] Population in the apple orchard in the Wielkopolska region, Poland
The rose tortrix is a polyphagous species, which is dominant in the leafroller complex (Tortricidae) in orchards, including apple orchards and fruit-bearing shrubs in western and southeastern Poland. Rose tortrixes massively feed on leaf rosettes, developing leaves, buds, flowers and fruit buds in orchards. The population of this phytophage is regulated by environmental factors such as its natural enemies, e.g. parasitoids. The aim of the study was to determine the degree of parasitisation of rose tortrix pupae and to determine the role of individual families of parasitoids in reducing their population. The study showed that parasitoids from the Ichneumonidae, Chalcididae, Tachinidae, Euliphidae and Pteromalidae families reduced the rose tortrix population. The parasitoids of the Ichneumonidae family were the most effective entomophages. The degree of total parasitisation of rose tortrixes in individual years of the research was similar. The effectiveness of these entomophagous parasitoids is influenced by environmental factors – above all by weather conditions, the number of crop protection treatments and the ecological infrastructure of orchards.
Quality of life in women with normal pregnancy
AbstractPregnancy affects a woman’s physiological and psychological state. One of the most important aspects that requires attention is the quality of life of pregnant women. The quality of life of women during this period is influenced by a number of factors, such as back and pelvic pain, physiotherapy and physical activity, and also sexual satisfaction. Eighty-five women aged 21–40 years (30.80 ± 5.05) in pregnancy trimesters participated in the study: 17 women were in the first trimester, 32 women were in the second, and 36 women in the third trimester. The World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women SSS-W-R15 were used to answer the research hypotheses. Respondents also provided information on questions regarding physiotherapy treatments and physical activity. Quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) and disability due to back pain (ODI) showed a statistical association and relationship (p-value = 0.045, rho = − 0.22). Quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) has an association with sexual satisfaction in pregnant women (SSS-W-R15) (p-value = 0.003, rho = 0.32). The trimester of pregnancy has an effect on ODI (p-value = 0.027). A significant effect occurred in a detailed comparison between the first and third trimesters of pregnancy (p-value = 0.026). The trimester also has an impact on quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) (p-value = 0.002). In a detailed analysis, a significant effect occurred between the first and third trimesters of pregnancy (p-value = 0.001). Moreover, the trimester of pregnancy has an impact on sexual satisfaction (SSS-W-R15) (p-value = 0.027). After detailed statistical analysis, a significant effect occurred between trimesters one and three of pregnancy (p-value = 0.046). On the other hand, the number of days of physical activity performed by pregnant women per month and the type of physical activity had no effect on the ODI (p-value = 0.071). The type of physical activity performed by pregnant women also has no effect on ODI (p-value = 0.023). The number of physiotherapy treatments used has no effect on the ODI (p-value = 0.156). Type of physiotherapy treatment has no effect on ODI (p-value = 0.620). Normal pregnancy quality of life (WHOQOL) is related to ODI and sexual satisfaction (SSS-W-R15), while the trimester of pregnancy also has an impact on quality of life, disability due to back pain and sexual satisfaction.
Model komórkowy ludzkiego raka jajnika w hodowli o zaindukowanej paklitakselem odwrotnej oporności na paklitaksel i cisplatynę oraz zastosowanie tego modelu
Ambiguous genes due to aligners and their impact on RNA-seq data analysis
AbstractThe 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.
Evaluation of the effect of postural muscle strengthening exercises on static and dynamic balance in preschool children
Introduction. Preschool age is a key period in terms of physical and motor development. Balance is essential for improving all motor skills and learning more complex forms of movement. Objective. The research hypothesis predicts that strengthening postural muscles during a two-week exercise cycle, three times a week, has an impact on improving static and dynamic balance in preschool children. Materials and Methods. The study included n = 33 children aged five years. Static and dynamic balance were assessed. Five-year-olds in the study group performed exercises for five weeks, after which they were re-evaluated using the same tests. Results. A statistically significant improvement was noted in tests assessing static balance. For the Left Lower Limb Standing Test with eyes closed, the time to complete the test differed (p = 0.0412) between the study group after the exercise cycle and the control group. Differences were also noted between the groups in the Tandem Stance Test with the right and left lower limb in front: for the right lower limb p = 0.0038, and for the left p = 0.0104. Conclusions. Performing postural exercises for two weeks improved the time of functional tests: the tandem stance test and standing on the left lower limb with eyes closed.
An original exercise programme reduced stress urinary incontinence in pre- and postmenopausal women
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 impact of suboccipital muscle inhibition on postural stability in young individuals
Introduction. Postural stability is the result of cooperation between the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. The stability of standing posture ensures the spatial arrangement of the body, where the center of gravity falls within the center of the support base. FHT (Forward Head Posture) increases the extension in the occipito-cervical joint and upper cervical spine, deepening the flexion of the lower cervical segment, causing improper contraction of the suboccipital muscles. Disorders in the tone of the suboccipital muscles may affect the balance. Objective. The research hypothesis was made that a single 4-minute suboccipital muscle inhibition procedure influences the change in postural stability values with open and closed eyes in individuals with cranio vertebral angle (CVA) within the normal range and below. Materials and Methods. Healthy participants (10 women and 8 men) with an age of 22.7 ± 0.58. The participants took part in the study. They were classified into research groups based on the CVA angle assessment. Postural stability analysis used the Koordynacja stabilometric platform. Measurements were taken with open and closed eyes, before and immediately after suboccipital muscle inhibition. Results. The suboccipital muscle inhibition was observed to affect anterior-posterior (A-P) displacements in group A (CVA < 50) p-value = 0.0168, with no significant impact in group B (CVA ≥ 50), p-value = 0.3695. Conclusion. A single 4-minute suboccipital muscle inhibition procedure does not significantly influence postural stability parameters in the examined groups, except for A-P displacements with open eyes in the CVA < 50 group.