INTRODUCTION: The aim of In this study was to verify the relationship among clinical indicators of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and the results of modifying radiological investigation. Previous research suggests that there is a poor association between them. Therefore we have employed a technique for the functional evaluation of PFPS based on measuring the stiffness of the knee joint during passive flexion (biorheometry). METHOD: The correlation between clinical examination and a standardized Lysholm score, radiological and biorheometric measures was investigated in the 28 knee joints of 14 subjects exhibiting clinical features of PFPS. A modified axial radiological projection of the patellofemoral articulation in 90° of flexion provided the parameters quantifying the anatomical - morphological arrangement of the patellofemoral joint. The biorheometric properties of the knee were evaluated using a custom made measuring apparatus during passive flexion and extension of the knee. RESULTS: Our results confirm that the link between the clinical findings and the X-ray imaging examinations was not evident. On the contrary, the biorheometric examination proved to correlate well with the clinical symptoms of PFPS. Parameters were identified which can characterize the biorheograms of people suffering PFPS. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the relationship among the clinical, radiological and biorheometric examinations leads to the recommendation that biorheometric examination is an effective method for the objective assessment of PFPS.

• MeSH
• kolenní kloub diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• koleno MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• patelofemorální kloub * diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• patelofemorální syndrom * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: Individuals with transtibial amputation place more load on the contralateral lower extremity. A higher adduction moment at the knee joint has been shown to have an effect on the risk of osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of weight-bearing of lower-limb prosthesis on the biomechanical parameters associated with the risk of contralateral knee osteoarthritis. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: The experimental group of 14 subjects with unilateral transtibial amputation (13 males). The mean age was 52.7 ± 14.2 years, height 175.6 ± 6.3 cm, weight 82.3 ± 12.5 kg, and duration of prosthesis use 16.5 ± 9.1 years. The control group consisted of 14 healthy subjects with identical anthropometric parameters. Dual emission X-ray absorptiometry was used to determine the weight of the amputated limb. For gait analysis, 10 Qualisys infrared cameras and a motion sensing system on 3 Kistler force platforms were used. Gait was analyzed with the original, lighter, commonly used prosthesis, as well as the prosthesis loaded to the original limb weight. RESULTS: The gait cycle and kinetic parameters of the amputated and healthy limbs were more similar to those of the control group when using the weighted prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend further research to more accurately specify the weight of the lower-limb prosthesis with respect to the prosthesis design and duration of use of the heavier prosthesis during the day.

• MeSH
• artróza kolenních kloubů * chirurgie   MeSH
• biomechanika MeSH
• chůze (způsob) MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• kolenní kloub chirurgie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• umělé končetiny * MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

This study investigated changes of gait pattern induced by a 4-week robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in twelve ambulatory spastic diparesis children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 10.4+/-3.2 years old by using computerized gait analysis (CGA). Pre-post intervention CGA data of children with CP was contrasted to the normative data of typically developing children by using cross-correlation and statistically evaluated by a Wilcoxon test. Significant pre-post intervention changes (p<0.01) include: decreased muscle activity of biceps femoris, rectus femoris, and tibialis anterior; a decrease in range of internal hip joint rotation, higher cadence, step length, and increased stride time. This study suggests that RAGT can be used in muscle reeducation and improved hip joint motion range in ambulatory children with CP.

• MeSH
• analýza chůze MeSH
• biomechanika MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• chůze (způsob) * MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• dolní končetina inervace   MeSH
• fyzioterapie (techniky) přístrojové vybavení   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mozková obrna diagnóza   patofyziologie   rehabilitace   MeSH
• obnova funkce MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• robotika přístrojové vybavení   MeSH
• rozsah kloubních pohybů MeSH
• svalová síla MeSH
• věkové faktory MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• zatížení muskuloskeletálního systému MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Slovinsko MeSH

Background. Most studies addressing the composition and volume of an amputated limb in lower extrem- ity amputations have focused on determining the amputation stump volume. Examination of the weight of the amputated part of the limb is important for guiding the application of a definitive prosthesis. Objectives. To assess the theoretical value of the weight of the amputated part of the lower limb in patients after transtibial amputation. Study design. Cross-sectional study. Methods. 14 patients with transtibial amputation were enrolled, along with 14 matching controls. We assessed limb weight using dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and compared these values to those derived using anthropometric models (per Zatsiorsky, Osterkamp, and Mozumdar). Results. The lowest average (± standard deviation) weight determined for the hypothetical distal part of the amputated limb by DXA was –3.11±1.13 kg. Compared to DXA, anthropometric models pro- vided significantly higher values. The highest value (4.85 ± 0.77 kg) resulted from using calculations according to Osterkamp, and the model proposed by Mosumdar gave the lowest value (3.43±0.45), which was closest to that derived using DXA. Conclusion. DXA is generally considered the gold standard for measuring body composition. Our comparison of data measured with DXA to that from anthropometric models shows that calculations of amputa- tion mass using selected anthropometric models can significantly overestimate the weight of an amputated limb.

Background: Repairs to deep skin wounds continue to be a difficult issue in clinical practice. A promising approach is to fabricate full-thickness skin substitutes with functions closely similar to those of the natural tissue. For many years, a three-dimensional (3D) collagen hydrogel has been considered to provide a physiological 3D environment for co-cultivation of skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes. This collagen hydrogel is frequently used for fabricating tissue-engineered skin analogues with fibroblasts embedded inside the hydrogel and keratinocytes cultivated on its surface. Despite its unique biological properties, the collagen hydrogel has insufficient stiffness, with a tendency to collapse under the traction forces generated by the embedded cells. Methods: The aim of our study was to develop a two-layer skin construct consisting of a collagen hydrogel reinforced by a nanofibrous poly-L-lactide (PLLA) membrane pre-seeded with fibroblasts. The attractiveness of the membrane for dermal fibroblasts was enhanced by coating it with a thin nanofibrous fibrin mesh. Results: The fibrin mesh promoted the adhesion, proliferation and migration of the fibroblasts upwards into the collagen hydrogel. Moreover, the fibroblasts spontaneously migrating into the collagen hydrogel showed a lower tendency to contract and shrink the hydrogel by their traction forces. The surface of the collagen was seeded with human dermal keratinocytes. The keratinocytes were able to form a basal layer of highly mitotically-active cells, and a suprabasal layer. Conclusion: The two-layer skin construct based on collagen hydrogel with spontaneously immigrated fibroblasts and reinforced by a fibrin-coated nanofibrous membrane seems to be promising for the construction of full-thickness skin substitute.

• MeSH
• fibrin farmakologie   MeSH
• fibroblasty cytologie   účinky léků   MeSH
• hydrogely farmakologie   MeSH
• keratinocyty cytologie   účinky léků   MeSH
• kolagen farmakologie   MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• membrány umělé * MeSH
• mitochondrie účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• nanovlákna chemie   MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• pohyb buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• polyestery farmakologie   MeSH
• proliferace buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• škára cytologie   MeSH
• umělá kůže * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Front kicks are often used in combat activities that involve the use of kicks and punches, including close combat military training. To mimic real-life combative environments where soldiers execute forceful front kicks while wearing military boots, it is logical to wear these boots during close combat training. However, the effect of military footwear on front kick forces remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of military boots on front kick dynamics. Six male soldiers (23.3 ± 1.7 yr, 74.3 ± 6.2 kg, 175.5 ± 4.5 cm) performed eight individual front kicks with no military boots, in bare feet (NB) and with military boots (MB). Peak force (N), impulse (N.s) and time to reach peak force (ms), were measured during each kick. Data were analyzed using paired sample t-tests or nonparametric Wilcoxon pair test and Cohen’s d. Results. Neither peak force (3180 ± 647 N) nor impulse (367 ± 40 N.s) of MB were different than NB (3157 ± 291 N and 360 ± 48 N.s, respectively) (p = 0.85; d = 0.04 and p = 0.36; d = 0.12, respectively). Peak force was reached in a significantly shorter time during MB (39 ± 16 ms) compared to NB (56 ± 8 ms; d = −0.88). Conclusion. Peak force was reached in a shorter time using MB compared to barefoot (NB) front kicks. The use of military boots changes the time course of peak force during the front kick.

• MeSH
• biomechanika * MeSH
• bojové sporty MeSH
• kineziologie aplikovaná MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• obuv MeSH
• odporový trénink MeSH
• ozbrojené síly MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Background: Our study focuses on the fabrication of appropriate scaffolds for skin wound healing. This research brings valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of adhesion, proliferation, and control of cell behavior through the extracellular matrix represented by synthetic biodegradable nanofibrous membranes coated by biomolecules. Methods: Nanofibrous polylactic acid (PLA) membranes were prepared by a needle-less electrospinning technology. These membranes were coated with fibrin according to two preparation protocols, and additionally they were coated with fibronectin in order to increase the cell affinity for colonizing the PLA membranes. The adhesion, growth, and extracellular matrix protein production of neonatal human dermal fibroblasts were evaluated on the nanofibrous membranes. Results: Our results showed that fibrin-coated membranes improved the adhesion and proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts. The morphology of the fibrin nanocoating seems to be crucial for the adhesion of fibroblasts, and consequently for their phenotypic maturation. Fibrin either covered the individual fibers in the membrane (F1 nanocoating), or covered the individual fibers and also formed a fine homogeneous nanofibrous mesh on the surface of the membrane (F2 nanocoating), depending on the mode of fibrin preparation. The fibroblasts on the membranes with the F1 nanocoating remained in their typical spindle-like shape. However, the cells on the F2 nanocoating were spread mostly in a polygon-like shape, and their proliferation was significantly higher. Fibronectin formed an additional mesh attached to the surface of the fibrin mesh, and further enhanced the cell adhesion and growth. The relative gene expression and protein production of collagen I and fibronectin were higher on the F2 nanocoating than on the F1 nanocoating. Conclusion: A PLA membrane coated with a homogeneous fibrin mesh seems to be promising for the construction of temporary full-thickness skin tissue substitutes.

• MeSH
• buněčná adheze fyziologie   MeSH
• buněčné kultury přístrojové vybavení   metody   MeSH
• extracelulární matrix metabolismus   MeSH
• fibrin chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• fibroblasty cytologie   účinky léků   MeSH
• fibronektiny metabolismus   MeSH
• kolagen typu I metabolismus   MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• kůže cytologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• membrány umělé MeSH
• nanostruktury chemie   MeSH
• nanotechnologie metody   MeSH
• polyestery chemie   MeSH
• proliferace buněk fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

There are numerous indications for stabilization using instrumentation of the upper cervical spine. This area is comprised of sophisticated anatomy. There is no study describing bony and vascular anomalies of this area in the middle European population. The main aim of this study was to investigate prevalence of any vertebral artery (VA) variations and osseous anomalies in the region of the craniocervical junction in a large sample of Czech patients based on three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography (3D CTA). The VA has a variable course through C2 before it passes above its groove on the posterior arch of C1. The artery can course more medially, more posteriorly or more superiorly, thus limiting the diameter of the bony elements used as landmarks for the safe insertion of metalwork. This is known as a high-riding VA (HRVA). The VA was considered HRVA in this study if the thickness of the C2 isthmus was less than 5 mm and/or the C2 internal height was less than 2 mm and/or the width of the C2 pedicle was less than 4 mm. The prevalence of ponticulus posticus (PP) was also identified. Following the VA variations in the V3 segment of the artery were persistent first intersegmental artery (FIA), fenestration (FEN) of the VA, and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) branch originating from the C1/2 part of VA. Records of 511 patients from our institution were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 63.6 years. One hundred and twenty-three (24.1 %) patients were identified to have HRVA, 30 (6 %) present on both sides. The age of patient over 70 years and female sex were found to be significant risk factors for HRVA presence. The prevalence of a nearby PICA branch was 4 %, FIA was 0.4 %, and FEN was 0.2 %. The presence of PP was identified in 14.3 % of patients. The HRVA and PP are common anomalies in the Czech population, and routine preoperative high-resolution CT evaluation is mandatory to prevent the VA injury when C1-C2 instrumentation is planned. The female sex and age over 70 years were found to be the most important factors for HRVA presence. The FIA and the FEN VA were rare in our study contrary to reports published from Asia, showing as many as a 10 % the VA presence over the starting point for C1 lateral screw. On the basis of the infrequent occurrence of these anomalies, we do not recommend routine CT angiography when upper cervical spine instrumentation in the normal population is planned.

• MeSH
• arteria vertebralis diagnostické zobrazování   chirurgie   MeSH
• atlas (obratel) diagnostické zobrazování   chirurgie   MeSH
• CT angiografie MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• kosti a kostní tkáň diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mozková angiografie MeSH
• neurochirurgické výkony MeSH
• počítačové zpracování obrazu MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• zobrazování trojrozměrné MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

OBJECTIVE: More parameters have been used for more detailed description of mechanical properties of human hair as a fibre than in analogous studies. All measured samples were taken from five different locations on the heads of 60 women of varied age. METHODS: For each hair, the diameter was determined optically and then the test in the Deform Type 2 testing machine was carried out. Deformation curves were obtained by testing 10 mm long samples up to the rupture point at constant temperature, humidity and constant crossbar speed of 2 mm/min. The curves were processed with software for the calculation of mechanical parameters of the hairs. This specialized software has been designed by us for that purpose. Resulting values were arranged into tables and figures. RESULTS: As far as hair cross-section is concerned, it has been found that for the European population it appears to be rather higher - 86 μm - than indicated in formerly published texts. The 56 μm mentioned in the work of other authors has been observed only utterly exceptionally, in 0.3 % of the population. All quantities studied (except extensibility) display moderate to strong positive skewness in comparison to Gauss distribution. The most marked skewness is seen in the resilience. At the same time, this quantity displays the highest value of non-Gaussian distribution. The elasticity module of 2.3±0.6 GPa is three times lower than the one reported by other authors, yet according to the fact published in our work - which shows unambiguously that the thinner the hair, the higher elasticity module it displays - the value of 7.2 GPa for the 56 µm thick hairs is comparable and it confirms the hypothesis that the cortex, which is responsible for the mechanical strength of the hair, is contained in a higher ratio in thinner hairs. This similarly applies to the ultimate strength; the linearity limit is hard to compare with literature, as it almost does not appear there. CONCLUSION: By measuring 886 samples from the heads of 60 adult women of European type, it was possible to ascertain the current norm for a larger number of mechanical parameters of the hairs. Further merit of this work is the fact that the hairs were taken systematically from five well-defined places of the studied heads in equal count, which is an aspect formerly published works do not respect and they do not present the location of sampling.

• MeSH
• běloši MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mechanický stres * MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• pevnost v tahu fyziologie   MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• vlasy, chlupy fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of increasing load on changes in the muscle activity ratio and onset of vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) during load-carrying walking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen strength-trained men performed an isometric test for knee flexion/extension using a dynamometer followed by walking with progressively increasing loads of up to 75% of their body mass (BM). During the isometric tests and load-carrying walking, electromyography (EMG) data were collected from the VM, VL and BF in both legs together with 3D kinematics. RESULTS: Significant changes in the activity ratio were found for the VM/VL (F3,93=5.92, p=0.0001) and VL onset (F3,81=6.8, p=0.0004). Other parameters showed no significant differences. VM/VL was significantly reduced between the 50BM (mean±SD: 0.89±0.4) and the 75BM condition (0.81±0.3). VL onset was significantly accelerated between the BM (26.11±8) compare and the 25% BM (19.47±9), 50% BM (21.21±10) and 75% BM (15.45±6) conditions. CONCLUSION: Load-carrying walking is an exercise and movement activity that increases the activity of VL more than the activity of VM and accelerates the VL action together with the increased load, which can negatively influence knee stability. The VM/VL ratio and onset is equal when walking under weight-bearing conditions. The inter-muscular coordination is changed due to the increased load in complex movements even in individuals with high level of neuromuscular adaptation.

• MeSH
• biomechanika MeSH
• chůze fyziologie   MeSH
• čtyřhlavý sval stehenní inervace   fyziologie   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• elektromyografie MeSH
• koleno inervace   fyziologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• odporový trénink MeSH
• svalová síla fyziologie   MeSH
• zatížení muskuloskeletálního systému fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH