Bohdan Gworys

Increased skeletal muscle expression of VEGF induced by massage and exercise

INTRODUCTION Numerous investigations have been carried out to describe the role of massage in preparing for and restoring efficiency after physical exercise. Furthermore, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) enhances blood vessel growth, and in effect contributes to the regeneration of tissues. Since its expression in active skeletal muscles has not been yet determined, the aim of this study was to investigate whether muscle massage performed before and during running exercise affects the expression of VEGF-A in muscles. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was carried out on 75 adult Buffalo rats subjected to running exercise training for 10 weeks. Rats were massaged prior (group PM) or during exercise (group M) or were not massaged (group C). The massage consisted of spiral movements along the plantar surface of flexor digitorum brevis muscle. After 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 week of training, five rats from every group were anesthetized and immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and PCR analyses were performed on obtained muscle tissue to determine VEGF-A expression. RESULTS After the first week of training, a significant increase of VEGF-A gene expression analyzed by qPCR in muscle tissue was observed in the PM group, whereas in the third week, the predominant growth of studied marker was seen in the M group. Increased VEGF-A expression on the protein level was observed in both massaged groups following the first week. A moderate positive correlation was found between the expression of the VEGF-A gene and protein in all experimental groups (r = 0.389). CONCLUSION Short-term repeated massage may contribute to processes of creation of new and development of already existing vascular networks in the skeletal muscle tissue during increased exercise.

Massage-induced morphological changes of dense connective tissue in rat’s tendon

The aim of the experiment was to determine if possible changes in connective tissue induced by massage could have a positive effect justifing the use of massage in all post-traumatic connective tissue conditions, e.g. tendon injuries. The investigations were performed in a group of 18 Buffalo rats. The rats were divided into two groups (experimental and control). To standardize the massage procedure, it was performed with an algometer probe of 0.5 cm2 with constant pressure force of 1 kG (9,81 N). To analyse the number and diameter of collagen fibrils, two electron micrographs were performed for each rat of the collected segments of tendons of rat tail lateral extensor muscle. After image digitalization and calibration, the measurements were carried out using iTEM 5.0 software. The number of fibrils, their diameter and area were measured in a cross-sectional area. An increase of the number of collagen fibrils was observed in the tendons of massaged animals compared to the control group. Our study demonstrated that massage may cause a beneficial effect on metabolic activity of tendons fibroblasts and, in consequence, may be applied for more effective use of massage for the prevention of tendon injury as well as after the injury has occurred. (Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2013, Vol. 51, No. 1, 103-106).

Dangerous anatomic varieties of recurrent motor branch of median nerve.

UNLABELLED Carpal tunnel release became one of the most common operations in the field of hand surgery. Many controversies has been made about frequency of the so-called dangerous variations of motor branch of the median nerve. Knowledge of all the anatomical variations motor branches is the duty of every surgeon dealing with the subject. The aim of the study was to present the incidence of dangerous variants of median nerve motor branch in the carpal tunnel based on both clinical experience and anatomical studies performed on 20 cadaver wrists. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between 2006-2012 during minimally open carpal tunnel release we made photographic documentation of all visible dangerous varieties of recurrent motor branches of the median nerve. We also studied 20 cadaver wrists in the Department of Anatomy Medical University in Wrocław. RESULTS Dangerous varieties of the motor branch of median nerve was found in three clinical cases and in one cadaver wrist. Also In one wrist we found one regular branche, which, however, has atypical two separate branches supplying the thenar muscles. CONCLUSIONS Dangerous varieties of the motor branch of median nerve occur very rare in the population, but does not release from the fact that in each case special attention must be given.We also conclude that, at the minimally open carpal tunnel release procedure, the transverse carpal ligament should be released rather from the line of radial border of the 4th finger to minimize the risk of injury to the recurrent motor branch of median nerve.

Remembrance of Professor Tadeusz Marciniak – Lviv Tradition in Wrocław

After the seizure of Lviv by the Soviets, in the years 1944-1946, Tadeusz Marciniak worked in the Descriptive Anatomy Department in the State-Medical Institute of Lviv and also performed the function of the dean of the Medical Faculty. On receiving a proposal to assume the Chair of the Anatomy Department in Wrocław, he made the decision to leave Lviv. By July 2nd, 1946, prof. Tadeusz Marciniak had taken over the duties of full professor of the Descriptive Anatomy Department of the Medical Faculty of the University and the Technical College of Wrocław. On taking his job in Wrocław, prof. Marciniak undertook attempts to restore the worn out parts of the Anatomy Department building. Due to the lack of Polish manuals, he also took to the preparation of scripts for medical students. Professor Marciniak was a member of the Wrocław Section of the Polish Anthropological Association and a regular member of the Wroclaw Association of Science. His main scientific interests referred to the morphogenesis of the central nervous system and urinary system. He concentrated on circulatory system and muscular system tetralogies. Professor Marciniak also actively participated in administrative work at the university. In the years 1947-1948, he held the office of associate dean of the Medical Faculty, and till 1950 was a member of the Senate of the University and Technical College of Wrocław. In the years 1959-1962, he was a vice rector of the Medical University of Wrocław.

Measured versus self-reported body height and body mass in patients after an acute coronary syndrome

Abstract The basic anthropometric data describing a person in the broadest context are body weight and height, two of the most frequently analyzed somatometric parameters. The same is true I in relation to clinical patients. The aim of the present study was to compare the self-reported and actual body weight, height and BMI in patients suffering from coronary artery disease and undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. The study sample consisted of 100 patients treated for coronary artery disease. The patients were asked to state their body weight and height. At the same time a three-person study team took measurements, which were later the basis for verification and objective assessment of the data provided by the patients. Statistical analysis was performed with Statistics 11.0 PL software. The analysis of mean results for the assessed group of patients has shown the presence of statistically significant differences between declared and actual data. The differences were observed for both male and female study population. It has been proven that the subjects declare greater body height (mean value 1.697 m vs. 1.666 m) and lower body weight (80.643 kg vs. 82.051 kg). Based on the data from surveys and direct measurements, the body mass index for the self-reported and actual data was calculated. A comparison of these values has shown considerable statistically significant differences. The differences between declared and actual data point to highly subjective self-assessment, which disqualifies the declared data in the context of monitoring of treatment and rehabilitation processes. The authors believe that actual data should be used in direct trial examination of patients suffering from coronary artery disease who presented with acute coronary syndrome.

The sequence of lanugo pattern development on the trunk wall in human fetuses

BACKGROUND Due to a growing interest in developmental disorders, and in the long-term skin appendage diseases, both in the cosmetic industry and among specialists in dermatology (broadly defined), there is an increasing number of papers on hair development. The publications by the present team of authors are part of this trend. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to describe the topography and typology of skin pilosity patterns in human fetuses. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 278 fetuses (141 male and 137 female) were qualified for the study. The gestational age ranged from 69 to 226 days after conception. All fetuses were taken from a local collection. RESULTS The study revealed that the first single hairs occur on the posterior wall of the trunk in the 17th week of fetal life, and on the anterior wall between the 18th and 19th week. It was found that in human fetuses lanugo appears statistically significantly later on the skin of the anterior of the trunk than on its posterior. The difference in absolute time is almost 2 weeks of fetal life. No other differences were found in the development cycle of lanugo on the anterior and posterior walls of the trunk. A full pattern was first observed on the posterior wall of the trunk in a fetus in the 19th week, and on the anterior wall in the 21st week. It was found that the process of lanugo development was completed on the posterior wall in the 23rd week, and on the surface of the abdomen in the 26th week. CONCLUSIONS The lanugo developmental cycle, consisting in the appearance of the first single hairs, then partial hair and subsequently the formation of final patterns, is the same on both walls of the trunk.

The Application of Tensegrity Massage in a Professionally Active Musician – Case Report

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to present options for the application of tensegrity massage to manage pain caused by the overload of soft tissues in musicians. Design: Tensegrity massage was applied to a 34‐year‐old male violinist. Methods: The methodology included a correct positioning and tensegrity massage with individually designed procedure. Findings: After therapy, the patient achieved complete pain relief, and relaxation of muscles in the shoulder girdle and free part of the upper arm. The analgesic effect lasted for 6 months after the end of therapy. Conclusions: Massage is an effective method in eliminating pain caused by the overload of soft tissues. If used regularly before physical effort, it can prevent muscle overload. Clinical Relevance: The presented massage procedure is an effective therapy in pain caused by the overload of soft tissues in musicians and it can be one of the elements of complex physiotherapy in active musicians.

Branching patterns of the foetal popliteal artery

BACKGROUND The objective of the study is to evaluate the popliteal artery topography and the origin variability of its branches in human foetuses at the gestational age of from 4 to 9 months. The basis for the analysis are direct observations of classic anatomic dissections of the popliteal fossa. Possible dimorphic and bilateral differences, as well as the gestational age variability at the foetal period, were considered. Atypology of popliteal artery branches will be made on the basis of the studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS The research material of this study comprises 231 foetuses (including 116 males and 115 females). The foetuses were divided into five 28-day age classes. The vessels of the lower extremity were injected with LBSK 5545 latex through the femoral artery. The bilateral dissection of the popliteal artery along with its branches was performed. No visible malformations were found in the research material, and the foetuses came from spontaneous abortions and premature births. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS 10% of the cases featured the variations of popliteal artery terminal branches. Three most commonly seen variations are the trifurcation, anterior tibial-peroneal trunk, and high terminal division of the popliteal artery. The most common course of the superior muscular branches is that there are two large branches which are distributed from the popliteal artery at the height of the knee joint cavity and they do not distribute cutaneous branches. Sural branches are also present as two large vessels without cutaneous branches. The genicular anastomosis branches that run on their own are a typical topographic system of these branches.

Typology of the antegonial notch in the human mandible.

BACKGROUND Surgical treatment for serious malocclusions and fractures of the organ of mastication is a golden standard in medicine. Procedures performed on the mandible require detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the organ. Antegonial notching constitutes a serious technical challenge for surgeons. Therefore, a detailed anatomical description of this structure, which is the subject of this paper, is essential. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analysed 251 human Caucasian mandibles of identified sex and took measurements of all sections describing the mandibular antegonial notch. Depending on the proportion between sections we classified the shape of the antegonial notch into three types. The surface area of the notch was calculated. We analysed the dimorphic and bilateral differences for each of the three types of notch. We used variance analysis for the assessment of statistical difference. RESULTS The analysis revealed that in both men and women, regardless of body side, the type 3 antegonial notch was the most frequent. Type 3 occurred with a frequency of between 38% in men on the right side and 55.9% in women on the left side of the body. Type 1 was the least frequent. Dimorphic differences in the presence of individual types of antegonial notch were statistically significant only for the left side of the body. The symmetrical type (type 2) occurred more frequently in men (by 11%) than in women. Type 3 was found more frequently in women (by 10%) than in men. Bilateral differences in men were revealed for the frequencies of types 1 and 3. On the right side type 1 was more frequent (by 8%), and on the left side type 3 was also more frequent (by 8%). The greatest surface area was found for the asymmetrical posterior type (type 1). The smallest surface area was found for the asymmetrical anterior type 3. This difference was statistically significant with respect to the surface area of types 1 and type 2 and found for both sexes for both sides of the body. However, no statistically significant differences were found between the surface areas of types 1 or 2. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of the preangular notch anatomy can be useful for surgeons during reconstructive and plastic procedures on the body of the mandible.

Is the secular trend reflected in early stages of human ontogenesis

Abstract There are a limited number of studies on secular changes in the neonatal period, and the majority of them concern research related to childhood and puberty The objective of our study was to carry out a comparative analysis of body weight and length at birth in neonates born in Wrocław in subsequent decades since 1950 to find out if these parameters are subject to secular trend, and what values they attained during the studied period of 50 years. The study was carried out in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and in 2000 to analyse changes in body length, body weight and Rohrer index over time. The sample studied consisted of 7510 neonates, 3882 males and 3628 females, born in Wroclaw. Secular changes were tested using one-way variance analysis. The values of F statistics were compared to the critical values of the F Snedecor distribution. Changes in the features of neonates in subsequent study years were analysed using the modified z-score. Data were normalised for standard deviation in decade increments. Results demonstrated very slight, though statistically insignificant increase in body weight at birth. Over the 50-year period the mean body weight of neonates was in the range of 3.3-3.4 kg, regardless of sex. Results demonstrated very slight, though statistically insignificant increase in body weight at birth. Over the 50-year period the mean body weight of neonates was in the range of 3.3-3.4 kg, regardless of sex. The acceleration in the body length of neonates caused a gradual decrease in the mean values of the Rohrer index. No secular trend in body weight was found in Wrocław neonates over the 50-year period between 1950 and 2000 With regard to body length at birth, four waves of deceleration and acceleration were found: period 1 (1950s): deceleration in the increase of the analysed body parameters of neonates; period 2 (1960s): acceleration in neonates’ growth; period 3 (1970s and 1980s): economic crisis and political transformations in Poland; this is reflected by the stable mean values of body dimensions in neonates. The secular trend clearly decelerated, and period 4 (1990s and 2000) - very intense acceleration in both body weight and length and the Rohrer index.