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Background: A common problem in pediatric orthopedics is leg length discrepancy (LLD). In adulthood, this may result in overload and degenerative changes in the lumbar spine, hip, and knee joints of the longer limb, and the fixed equinus position of the foot of the shorter limb. Surgical treatment using temporary epiphysiodesis with eight-plate implants is a minimally invasive, safe, and patient-tolerated procedure in LLD. However, publications mainly describe the effects of treatment in the form of achieved equalization and there is little information about the occurrence of secondary deformations. Our study aimed to determine the effect of temporary growth plate blocking on the final axis after treatment. Methods: The study was based on an analysis of radiographs recorded from 2010 to 2019 and an assessment of parameters such as MAD (mechanical axis deviation), mMPTA (mechanical medial proximal tibial angle), and M/at (mechanical axis of the tibia). Results: Twenty-four girls and thirty-six boys treated with eight-plate implants were included in the investigation. The duration of the treatment was 18 months (group I), 30 months (group II), and 42 months (group III). Our study revealed that the most significant differences were observed in the MAD parameter. MAD changed in a statistically significant manner across all investigated groups, for both girls and boys, regardless of the treatment duration. Conclusions: The treatment of LLD with epiphysiodesis using eight-plate implants influences both the anatomical axis of the bones and the mechanical axis of the limb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoflavones are found in numerous plant species within the Leguminosae family; however, soy isoflavones are particularly significant in practice and have been extensively studied in recent years. The health-promoting potential of orally administered soy isoflavones is widely documented in the scientific literature, and many review articles have been developed to highlight their significance. However, it should be noted that soy-isoflavone-rich extracts and isolated soy isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein, are also often applied topically as ingredients in many formulations, including face creams, tonics, and emulsions. New delivery systems are continuously being developed to enhance the skin permeability of isoflavones, thus improving their efficacy. In this context, their direct activity on skin cells is an important aspect of scientific research. The anti-inflammatory, protective, and antioxidant properties of isoflavones and soy extracts make them promising cosmetic ingredients with anti-aging potential because inflammation and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to structural and functional changes in skin cells, accelerating the aging process. This review provides an overview of research on the impact of the application of soy isoflavone extract and soy-derived isoflavones on skin cells, with a focus on the documented molecular mechanisms underlying their effects. This study aims to offer essential insights to aid in the development of functional cosmetics and future clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The growing population of the elderly is accompanied by an increase in the number of people with frailty syndrome. Apart from advanced age, the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases is also one of the agents favorable to frailty that is a factor aggravating the disease prognosis. However, it is worth noting that this is an agent changeable by, i.a., movement rehabilitation. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) based on comprehensiveness, early implementation, and multiplicity is standard intervention in patients with cardiovascular diseases. In cardiac patients with accompanying frailty or pre-frailty syndrome, it is worth making efforts to upgrade the CR program. Methods: Studies on the effect of cardiac rehabilitation or its modifications on the level of frailty of patients with cardiovascular disease were analyzed. Results: Training programs based on endurance training should be supplemented by resistance, balance, mobility, and respiratory exercises. Furthermore, it is important to educate patients about the need to increase daily physical activity. This review presents different approaches to CR (traditional CR, multicomponent training, training with a HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb), and prehabilitation) and their impact on frailty score. Summary: Early implemented and comprehensive rehabilitation allows for the improvement of the clinical state and for a decrease in overall frailty. It also guarantees safety during everyday activities. It is crucial for the fitness of the elderly to encourage them to increase daily physical activity and to exercises at home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocimum basilicum is a valuable plant widely consumed worldwide and considered a rich source of polyphenols. This study examined the impact of the polyphenolic fraction isolated from basil (ObF) on human normal colon epithelial cells and human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, evaluating its anti-inflammatory and protective activity against oxidative stress. The phytochemical characterization of the fraction was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with a photodiode detector (DAD) and mass spectrometry (MS). UPLC-DAD-MS revealed that ObF predominantly contains caffeic acid derivatives, with rosmarinic acid and chicoric acid being the most abundant. The fraction demonstrated high antioxidant potential, as shown by DPPH assays, along with significant reducing power (FRAP). Furthermore, it prevented the depletion of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and catalase, and decreased malonylodialdehyde (MDA) in induced oxidative stress condition. Additionally, it exhibited a significant protective effect against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in human normal colon epithelial cells. Although it had no impact on the viability of adenocarcinoma cells, it significantly reduced IL-1β levels in the neoplastic microenvironment. Our study demonstrated that basil polyphenols provide significant health benefits due to their antioxidant and protective activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urtica dioica L. is one of the most widely utilized medicinal plants commonly applied in the form of tea, juice, and dietary supplements. This study aimed to assess the effect of the U. dioica ethanol–water extract (UdE) and polyphenolic fraction isolated from the extract (UdF) on normal human colon epithelial cells and to evaluate their protective activity against induced oxidative stress. The cytotoxic potential against human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT29) and the anti-inflammatory effects were also investigated. UPLC-MS-DAD analysis revealed that both extracts were abundant in caffeic acid derivatives, specifically chlorogenic and caffeoylmalic acids, and therefore, they showed significant protective and ROS scavenging effects in normal human colon epithelial cells. Moreover, they had no negative impact on cell viability and morphology in normal cells and the extracts, particularly UdF, moderately suppressed adenocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, UdF significantly decreased IL-1β levels in HT29 cells. Our research indicates that U. dioica may provide significant health advantages because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of UV radiation on skin discoloration, skin aging and the development of skin cancer is widely known. As a part of this study, the effect of extracts from three varieties of Cornus mas L. (C. mas L.) on skin cells exposed to UVA radiation was assessed. The analyses were performed on both normal and cancer skin cells. For this purpose, the potential photoprotective effects of the obtained extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) was assessed by performing two cytotoxicity tests (Alamar blue and Neutral red). Additionally, the antioxidant capacity was compared using three different assays. The 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) probe was used to evaluate the intracellular level of free radicals in cells exposed to the simultaneous action of UVA radiation and dogwood extracts. Additionally, the ability to inhibit excessive pigmentation was determined by assessing the inhibition of melanin formation and tyrosinase activity. The obtained results confirmed the strong antioxidant properties of dogwood extracts and their photoprotective effect on normal skin cells. The ability to inhibit the viability of melanoma cells was also observed. Additionally, a reduction in oxidative stress in skin cells exposed to UVA radiation and a strong inhibition of melanin formation and tyrosinase activity have been demonstrated. This study shows that dogwood extract could be a valuable cosmetic raw material that can play both a photoprotective and antihyperpigmentation role in cosmetic preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The voltammetric acyclovir (ACV) trace-level determination procedure has been introduced. This is the first time that a commercially available boron-doped diamond electrode (BDDE) coupled with differential-pulse voltammetry (DPV) has been used for this purpose. The commercially available BDDE is characterized by a short response time, low background current, and very good analytical parameters of ACV determination. Ultimately, DPV measurements using the BDDE in 0.075 mol L−1 PBS with a pH of 7.2 under optimized conditions achieved the lowest detection limit (LOD = 0.0299 nmol L−1) reported in the literature for voltammetric procedures. Moreover, it is highly resistant to the presence of various interfering agents and has been used to analyze pharmaceutical and municipal wastewater samples. The obtained results are consistent with measurements made using chromatographic reference methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim. (ES) has gained popularity for its adaptogenic, immunostimulant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of overexploitation of the roots, the species is considered to be endangered and has been put on the Red List in some countries (e.g., the Republic of Korea). Therefore, the fruits of E. senticosus might be explored as a new sustainable source of compounds with adaptogenic activity. This study aimed to assess the chemical composition and the safety profile (hepatotoxicity, blood morphology, biochemical parameters of blood plasma) of E. senticosus fruit intractum in Balb/c mice after oral administration of 750 and 1500 mg/kg b.w. UHPLC analysis coupled with DAD and MS detectors was used to quantify the metabolites. For the first time, oleanolic and ursolic acids were quantified in the intractum (16.01 ± 1.3 and 2.21 ± 0.17 µg/g of oleanolic and ursolic acids, respectively). Regarding polyphenols, chlorogenic acid (0.92 mg/g of dried extract), caffeic acid (0.43 mg/g), dicaffeoylquinic acids (in total: 1.27 mg/g), and an unidentified caffeic acid ester (0.81 mg/g) were identified. The results in Balb/c mice revealed that the intractum does not cause significant variations in red blood cells parameters. In turn, a significant decrease in the total number of leukocytes was observed (5.8 × 103 µL), with a percentage increase in lymphocytes among the groups (80.2, 81.8, and 82.6). The ability of the intractum to decrease alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels may indicate its anti-inflammatory activity. Our observations justify that the fruits of E. senticosus are safe in the doses used and do not cause significant changes in the activity of the liver enzymes or in blood parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleutherococcus divaricatus (Siebold and Zucc.) S. Y. Hu. has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) due to its anticancer, immunostimulant, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its mechanism of action and chemical composition are still insufficiently understood and require more advanced research, especially for cases in which anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of E. divaricatus root extracts and fractions on proinflammatory serum hyaluronidase and tyrosinase in children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Antioxidant and anti-melanoma activities were also examined and correlated with metabolomic data. For the first time, we discovered that the ethyl acetate fraction significantly inhibits hyaluronidase activity, with mean group values of 55.82% and 63.8% for aescin used as a control. However, interestingly, the fraction showed no activity against human tyrosinase, and in A375 melanoma cells treated with a doxorubicin fraction, doxorubicin activity decreased. This fraction exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity, which can be attributed to high contents of polyphenols, especially caffeic acid (24 mg/g). The findings suggest an important role of the ethyl acetate fraction in hyaluronidase inhibition, which may additionally indicate its anti-inflammatory property. The results suggest that this fraction can be used in inflammatory-related diseases, although with precautions in cases of patients undergoing chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tiliroside is a natural polyphenolic compound with a wide range of biological activity, and defatted strawberry seeds are its rich source. The goal of this study was to optimize accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) conditions, including temperature, solvent composition, and the number of extraction cycles, using Box–Behnken design to maximize the yield of tiliroside. UPLC-DAD-MS was applied to investigate the polyphenolic composition of the extracts, and preparative liquid chromatography (pLC) was used for isolation. All obtained mathematical models generally showed an increase in the efficiency of isolating polyphenolic compounds with an increase in temperature, ethanol content, and the number of extraction cycles. The optimal established ASE conditions for tiliroside were as follows: a temperature of 65 ◦C, 63% ethanol in water, and four extraction cycles. This allowed for the obtainment of a tiliroside-rich fraction, and the recovery of isolated tiliroside from plant material reached 243.2 mg from 100 g. Our study showed that ASE ensures the isolation of a tiliroside-rich fraction with high effectiveness. Furthermore, defatted strawberry seeds proved to be a convenient source of tiliroside because the matrix of accompanying components is relatively poor, which facilitates separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heart failure (HF) patients experience reduced functional fitness level (determining the performance of routine, daily activities) and diminished exercise capacity (linked to more effortful activities). Aim: The aim of the study is to assess this relationship using functional fitness tests compared to peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope in the context of exercise capacity and ventilatory response to exercise. Methods: A total of 382 men with stable HFrEF (age: 61 ± 10, NYHA class I/II/III/IV: 16/50/32/2%, LVEF: 30.5 ± 8.3%) underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) and a Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Afterwards, the patients were divided according to the 2capacity with peak VO2 ≥ 18 mL/kg/min, those with higher or lower ventilatory responses (VE/VCO2 slope ≥ 35 vs. <35) to the exercise were compared. Results: Patients who covered shorter distances in the 6 min walking test showed worse results in the functional tests ('stand up and go', 'chair stand' and 'arm curl') and CPX (lower peak VO2, shorter exercise time and higher VE/VCO2 slope). Subjects classified into Class D demonstrated the worst results in all elements of SFT; those in Class A demonstrated the best results. Significant differences that were analogous occurred also between classes B and C. Among the participants who reached peak VO2 ≥ 18 mL/kg/min (n = 170), those with VE/VCO2 slope ≥ 35 were characterized by worse physical fitness as compared to those with VE/VCO2 < 35. Conclusion: Reduced exercise tolerance led to worsening physical function in patients with HFrEF. Moreover, limitations in physical fitness seem to be distinctive for those patients showing excessive ventilatory response to exercise slope VE/VCO2 (≥35). The Senior Fitness Test may be considered as a useful tool for assessing comprehensive functional and clinical status and risk stratification in patients with HFrEF, especially those with extremely low exercise capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cornus mas L. is a rich source of vitamin C and polyphenols. Due to their health-benefit properties, C. mas L. extracts have been used in, e.g., dermatology and cosmetology, and as a food supplement. Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and its co-activator (PGC-1α) are now suspected to be the main target of active substances from C. mass extracts, especially polyphenols. Moreover, the PPARγ pathway is involved in the development of different diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), cancers, skin irritation, and inflammation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the PPARγ pathway activation by the most popular water and ethanol extracts from specific C. mas L. cultivars in an in vitro model of the human normal fibroblast (BJ) cell line. We analyzed the content of biologically active compounds in the extracts using the UPLC-DAD-MS technique and revealed the presence of many polyphenols, including gallic, quinic, protocatechuic, chlorogenic, and ellagic acids as well as iridoids, with loganic acid being the predominant component. In addition, the extracts contained cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, and quercetin 3-glucuronide. The water–ethanol dark red extract (DRE) showed the strongest antioxidant activity. Cytotoxicity was assessed in a normal skin cell line, and positive effects of all the extracts with concentrations ranging from 10 to 1000 µg/mL on the cells were shown. Our data show that the studied extracts activate the PPARγ/PGC-1α molecular pathway in BJ cells and, through this mechanism, initiate antioxidant response. Moreover, the activation of this molecular pathway may increase insulin sensitivity in DM2 and reduce skin irritation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant extracts can be a valuable source of biologically active compounds in many cosmetic preparations. Their effect depends on the phytochemicals they contain and their ability to penetrate the skin. Therefore, in this study, the possibility of skin penetration by phenolic acids contained in dogwood extracts of different fruit colors (yellow, red, and dark ruby red) prepared using different extractants was investigated. These analyses were performed using a Franz chamber and HPLC-UV chromatography. Moreover, the antioxidant properties of the tested extracts were compared and their impact on the intracellular level of free radicals in skin cells was assessed. The cytotoxicity of these extracts towards keratinocytes and fibroblasts was also analyzed and their anti-inflammatory properties were assessed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The analyses showed differences in the penetration of individual phenolic acids into the skin and different biological activities of the tested extracts. None of the extracts had cytotoxic effects on skin cells in vitro, and the strongest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were found in dogwood extracts with dark ruby red fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis stands out as a prevalent skeletal ailment, prompting exploration into potential treatments, including dietary strontium ion supplements. This study assessed the efficacy of supplementation of three strontium forms—strontium citrate (SrC), strontium ranelate (SrR), and strontium chloride (SrCl)—for enhancing bone structure in 50 female SWISS mice, aged seven weeks. In total, 40 mice underwent ovariectomy, while 10 underwent sham ovariectomy. Ovariectomized (OVX) mice were randomly assigned to the following groups: OVX (no supplementation), OVX + SrR, OVX + SrC, and OVX + SrCl, at concentrations equivalent to the molar amount of strontium. After 16 weeks, micro-CT examined trabeculae and cortical bones, and whole-bone strontium content was determined. Results confirm strontium administration increased bone tissue mineral density (TMD) and Sr content, with SrC exhibiting the weakest effect. Femur morphometry showed limited Sr impact, especially in the OVX + SrC group. This research highlights strontium's potential in bone health, emphasizing variations in efficacy among its forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]