Tomasz Blicharski

Background: Physical activity during incarceration may support physical and mental health. This study aimed to assess physical activity levels, motives for engaging in physical activity, and selected health behaviors among incarcerated individuals. Material and methods: The study included 140 incarcerated men from a semi-open prison (n=90) and a closed prison (n=50). The analysis included 94 participants who reported physical activity during incarceration (58 and 36, respectively). Physical activity, health behaviors, and motivation were assessed using an author-designed questionnaire and the Inventory of Physical Activity Objectives (IPAO). Results: Gym-based strength training was the most common activity (98.9%), followed by team sports (25.5%), running (20.2%), fitness activities (12.8%), and gymnastics (10.6%). Mean monthly physical activity duration was 23 h 25 min per participant. Daily family contact was more frequent in the semi-open prison (62.1% vs. 13.9%; p0.05). Conclusions: Gym-based strength training predominated, while health, physical fitness, and well-being were the main activity objectives. Prison type differentiated selected psychosocial and health-related factors but not the IPAO motivational dimensions. These findings may inform tailored health-promotion programs.

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze outcomes in patients who underwent genicular artery embolization (GAE) with respect to pain, symptoms, physical activity, quality of life, and knee joint range of motion and muscle strength of the knee joint. The study will provide evidence of the treatment’s effectiveness using both subjective and objective measurements. In addition, the study will examine the impact of the severity of radiological changes in the knee joint and the number of embolized vessels on the extent of improvement in outcomes following the procedure. Methods: Patients eligible for GAE who exhibited symptoms of chronic exudative knee arthritis, confirmed by USG and MRI with contrast, did not have laboratory markers of inflammation, nor did they respond effectively to standard non-surgical treatments. The analysis included 34 patients. Subjective parameters were assessed using the VAS and KOOS scales. Knee range of motion and muscle strength were assessed using an electronic dynamometer and goniometer. Measurements were performed according to the same schedule before GAE, and at 1, 3 and 6 months after the procedure. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: In the analysis up to 6 months, a significant time effect was demonstrated for the VAS and all KOOS subscales. The improvement was visible after 1 month and continued after 3 and 6 months. No significant changes over time were demonstrated for objective parameters. Exploratory analysis demonstrated a relationship between increased knee extensor strength and pain reduction up to 3 months and increased range of motion up to 6 months after the GAE. There was no significant association between radiological changes and the number of embolized vessels with improved outcomes after GAE. Conclusions: GAE appears to be a promising minimally invasive treatment option for patients with chronic knee synovitis. Clinically meaningful improvements were observed in patient-reported outcomes.

Background/Objectives: To assess the clinical similarity in terms of efficacy, pharmacodynamics (PD), pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and immunogenicity between MB09 (denosumab biosimilar) and the reference product [RP, (Prolia^®)] up to 18 months in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO). Methods: Women with PMO received three doses of 60 mg of MB09 or RP subcutaneously, every 6 months [two doses in the main treatment period and one dose in the transition period (TP)]. The primary efficacy endpoint was the percent change from baseline (%CfB) in lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD). Secondary endpoints included other efficacy parameters and PD, PK, safety, and immunogenicity assessments. Results: A total of 555 subjects received MB09 (N = 278) or RP (N = 277). At month 12, %CfB in lumbar spine BMD was comparable between groups (MB09 versus Prolia) and met the predefined equivalence margins. Secondary efficacy endpoints—%CfB in lumbar spine BMD at 6 months and %CfB in hip and femoral neck BMD at 6 and 12 months—were similar between groups. PD marker (serum carboxy terminal cross linking telopeptide of type I collagen) was similarly suppressed in both groups, and the inhibition was maintained in the TP. PK results showed similar denosumab systemic exposure for MB09 and the RP. Both study treatments were well tolerated with similar safety profiles throughout the study period. The incidence of anti-denosumab antibodies was very low. Conclusions: MB09 demonstrated equivalent efficacy to the reference denosumab in women with PMO. All secondary efficacy endpoints, together with PD, PK, safety, and immunogenicity assessments, supported MB09 as a denosumab biosimilar (NCT05338086, EudraCT No. 2021-003609-24).

Introduction and objective: This study aims to compare operative and non-operative treatments for Distal Radius Fracture (DRF) in elderly patients, and to monitor the prevalence of Post-traumatic Arthritis (PA) over a period of 2 years. Despite numerous guidelines for the treatment of DRF,...

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive disease that affects bones and joint structures. Osteoarthritis is associated with joint pain, cartilage degradation, synovial inflammation, subchondral bone remodeling and osteophyte formation. It mainly impacts the knees, hips, hands, and lumbar spine. Despite its high prevalence, no current treatments can modify the course of OA, with most therapies focused on symptomatic relief. Non-pharmacological approaches such as weight management, exercise, and self-management programs are strongly recommended. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), both topical and oral, are commonly used but pose risks with long-term use. In contrast, symptomatic slow-acting drugs for OA, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), offer a safer alternative, but their effects remain controversial. Newer therapies, including intra-articular glucocorticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and centrally acting agents such as duloxetine, offer targeted relief. Emerging evidence suggests that ASU may help reduce pain and improve joint function, potentially lowering the need for NSAIDs, with minimal side effects.

One of the key aspects of new advanced biomaterial development is to understand and design new compositions of selected components. The important idea for bioapatite-based materials is the substitution of Ca by other elements, such as strontium. Here, we evaluated the inorganic part of a network of mouse bone apatite. The effects of administration of Sr into mouse bones do not depend on the form of the supplied compound. Sr addition to mouse bones results in the formation of narrow pipe-like structures including additional sulphates in the periosteum and endosteum and somewhere in the middle of the cortical bone. Sr administration clearly entails meaningful regrouping in the sulphate distribution in bone samples. Supposedly, sulphur is absorbed as the sulphates, and this mechanism resembles the involvement of carbonates. After the consideration of several possible ones, new complicated mechanisms of strontium and sulphate intake into bones were derived, which were not the simple ion-exchanges. Also, an alternate mechanism of attraction of Sr and sulphated glycosaminoglycans was considered. This study is the next step in achieving better knowledge of bioapatite structures and role of additional components, together with their interaction with other elements.

Background: Thoracolumbar and lumbar spine injuries account for 30–60% of spinal fractures, especially at the thoracolumbar junction. Conservative treatment is recommended for stable fractures without neurological symptoms, but studies suggest surgical intervention may offer better outcomes. However, there is no consensus on the best stabilization method. Methods: This non-randomized, prospective study was conducted on 114 patients divided into groups based on the surgical technique selected: pedicle stabilization using Schanz screw constructs (Group One, n = 37) stabilization above and below the fractured vertebra using pedicle screws (Group Two, n = 32), and intermediate fixation with a pedicle screw additionally inserted into the fractured vertebra (Group Three, n = 45). Outcomes were assessed using the Cobb angle, anterior and posterior vertebral wall height, and patient quality of life via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). X-ray imaging was performed before, during, and after surgery in the control group. Results: This statistical study showed that the location and type of injury significantly influenced the choice of short-segment stabilization method. In the case of measuring the Cobb angle and the high anterior wall, the statistical analysis showed that the best result was observed in the Schanz Group. Patients from this study group had the lowest pain and the highest efficiency. Conclusions: Schanz screw stabilization may offer superior outcomes for thoracolumbar spine injuries, providing better clinical and quality of life results compared to other methods.

This study primarily focused on the acid erosion of enamel and dentin. A detailed examination of the X-ray diffraction data proves that the products of the acid-caused decay of enamel belong to the family of isomorphic bioapatites, especially calcium-deficient hydroxyapatites. They are on a trajectory towards less and less crystallized substances. The increase in Bragg’s parameter d and the decrease in the energy necessary for the changes were coupled with variability in the pH. This was valid for the corrosive action of acid solutions with a pH greater than 3.5. When the processes of natural tooth aging were studied by X-ray diffraction, a clear similarity to the processes of the erosion of teeth was revealed. Scarce data on osteoporotic bones seemed to confirm the conclusions derived for teeth. The data concerning the bioapatite decays were confronted with the cycles of apatite synthesis/decay. The chemical studies, mainly concerning the Ca/P ratio in relation to the pH range of durability of popular compounds engaged in the synthesis/decay of apatites, suggested that the process of the formation of erosion under the influence of acids was much inverted in relation to the process of the formation of apatites, starting from brushite up to apatite, in an alkaline environment. Our simulations showed the shift between the family of bioapatites versus the family of apatites concerning the pH of the reaction environment. The detailed model stoichiometric equations associated with the particular stages of relevant processes were derived. The synthesis processes were alkalization reactions coupled with dehydration. The erosion processes were acid hydrolysis reactions. Formally, the alkalization of the environment during apatite synthesis is presented by introducing Ca(OH)₂ to stoichiometric equations.

Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) aims to restore intestinal microbiota balance with the objective of normalising its composition and achieve therapeutic benefits. The procedure involves the administration of fresh or frozen faecal microbes from a healthy donor into the recipient’s gastrointestinal tract with the intent to restore the proper structure and functionality of the recipient’s intestinal microbial community. Evidence showing the positive effects of FMT is abundant, however, less attention has been devoted to FMT-associated adverse events, especially in relation to liver diseases. Based on literature review, studies and reports regarding FMT-associated adverse events since the beginning of FMT use, have been analysed. The review covering the period 2010-2022 was undertaken in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Studies conducted on the patient population suffering from various types and forms of liver disease have proven the possible effectiveness of the FMT method and reported moderate adverse events (nausea, constipation, flatulence). Severe adverse events occurring in relation to FMT were also noted. No safety issues or infection signals associated with FMT were observed in studies performed within the population suffering from cirrhosis. The present review of scientific reports, publications and literature reviews describes the adverse events reported in the literature. Faecal microbiota transplants are associated with adverse events classified as mild, moderate and severe, among others, diarrhoea, fever, infections or death. There is a need to implement a donor screening programme and personalised transplantation methods. Further research is recommended to assess and monitor FMT efficacy, benefits and risks.