Aging and short-term calorie restriction differently affect the cardiac and skeletal muscle expression of genes regulating energy substrate utilization in male rats

Biogerontology - Aging affects the energy metabolism differently in the cardiac and skeletal muscles. The study aim was to assess the effects of short-term calorie restriction (SCR) and refeeding...     

A discussion of the unresolved 2016/17 plans for regulating the Polish dietary supplements market

The Polish dietary supplement market is growing steadily. However, even though these products may have an impact on health they are not as strongly regulated as pharmaceuticals. In 2016/17 the introduction of new regulations covering the marketing of dietary supplements in Poland was proposed. This article briefly describes the Polish market for dietary supplements and assesses the benefits and risks associated with its development. A range of potential legislative changes, such as a total ban on dietary supplements, a ban on using the images and recommendations of authoritative entities, increased fines for breaking the law, and other measures are under consideration. We describe the advantages (e.g., better customer protection, and the limitation of inappropriate, misleading advertising) and disadvantages (e.g., a decrease in product innovation, deterioration in product offerings, and rises in product prices) of the proposed changes. As a European Union member, Poland adopts EU law, but EU directives have only harmonized some issues relating to dietary supplement marketing, other key aspects remaining within the competence of member states, but it is noted that some proposed changes in Polish law (e.g., an advertising ban) are so strict that they are unlikely to be acceptable to the EU.     

A new aspect of in vitro antimicrobial leukocyte- and platelet-rich plasma activity based on flow cytometry assessment

The current literature suggests that the antibacterial effect of leukocyte- and platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) is directly related to platelet and leukocyte concentrations. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of L-PRP against selected bacterial strains in vitro, and second, to correlate this effect with leukocyte and platelet content in the final concentration. Blood was collected from 20 healthy males, and L-PRP, acellular plasma (AP), and autologous thrombin were consecutively prepared. Flow cytometry analysis of the blood, L-PRP, and AP was performed. The L-PRP gel, liquid L-PRP, and thrombin samples were tested in vitro for their antibacterial properties against seven selected bacterial strains using the Kirby–Bauer disk-diffusion method. There was notable antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial strains. No statistically significant correlations between antimicrobial activities and the platelet concentration in L-PRP were observed. Statistically significant positive correlations between selected leukocyte subtypes and antimicrobial activity were noted. A negative correlation was found between elevated monocyte count and antimicrobial activity of L-PRP against one bacterial strain studied. L-PRP possesses antimicrobial activity and can be potentially useful in the fight against certain postoperative infections. The bactericidal effect of L-PRP is caused by leukocytes, and there exists a relationship among selected leukocyte subtypes and L-PRP antimicrobial activity.     

Adductor Canal Block or Local Infiltrate Analgesia for Pain Control After Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Total knee arthroplasty is a treatment option for debilitating arthritis. In the postoperative period, patients experience moderate to severe pain affecting the rehabilitation, hospital stay, and patient satisfaction. This study aims at utilizing current best evidence to determine whether adductor canal block (ACB) or periarticular injection (PAI) is a better modality for managing short-term postoperative pain and opioid consumption.

The Duration of the correction loss after removing cheneau brace in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the loss of truncal rotation over 54 hours after removing Chêneau brace.