The influence of platelet-rich plasma lysates on fibroblast proliferation was studied in culture. Cells were exposed to platelet lysates that had been preincubated at different pHs (5.0, 7.1, and 7.6). Proliferation was evaluated with the MTT assay and incorporation of [3H]thymidine into macromolecules, while type I collagen production was assayed by Western blotting. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta concentrations. Platelets preincubated in an acidic environment (pH 5.0) induced the highest degree of fibroblast proliferation, and the concentration of platelet-derived growth factor in the different treated lysates was the highest at that particular pH. The concentration of transforming growth factor-beta, however, was lower after incubation at pH 5.0 than at either pH 7.1 or 7.6. These findings may be relevant to normal wound healing in vivo and useful in the treatment of wounds and delayed healing processes.

An overall low injury rate makes soccer a suitable sport for inclusion in programmes that promote physical activity among children. When organizing soccer leagues for boys, injury prevention programmes should be provided to adolescent players when they begin playing in competitive divisions.

Objectives: To evaluate the outcome of the World Health Organization (WHO) Safe Community model with respect to child injuries. Study design: A population based quasiexperimental design was used. Cross sectional pre-implementation and post-implementation data were collected in intervention (Motala municipality) and control (Mjölby municipality) areas, both in Östergötland county, Sweden. Results: The total relative risk of child injury in the intervention community decreased more (odds ratio 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68 to 0.81) than in a control community exposed only to national level injury prevention programs (0.93; 95% CI 0.82 to 1.05). The relative risk of moderately (abbreviated injury scale (AIS) 2) severe injury in the study area was reduced to almost a half (odds ratio 0.49; 95% CI 0.41 to 0.57), whereas the risk of minor (AIS 1) injuries decreased only slightly (odds ratio 0.89; 95% CI 0.80 to 0.99). The risk of severe or fatal (AIS 3-6) injuries remained constant. Conclusions: After introduction of an injury prevention program based on the WHO Safe Community model, the relative risk for child injury in the intervention community decreased significantly more than in a control community exposed only to national injury prevention programs.

PurposeHip dislocation in cerebral palsy (CP) is a serious complication. By radiographic screening and prophylactic surgery of children at risk most dislocations can be prevented. CPUP, the Swedish CP registry and follow-up program, includes annual radiographic examinations of children at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III–V. Data from CPUP were analysed to assess the risk of hip displacement in relation to GMFCS levels and age.MethodsAll children at GMFCS levels III–V (N = 353) whose first radiographic screening occurred before 3 years of age were followed between the ages 2–7 years. Migration percentages (MPs) were recorded annually (1,664 pelvic radiographs) and analysed using discrete time survival analysis.ResultsThe risk of hip displacement between 2 years and 7 years of age was significantly (p < 0.05) higher for children at GMFCS level V during the entire study period. The risk was highest at 2–3 years of age and decreased significantly (p < 0.001) with each year of age (OR = 0.71, 95 % CI 0.60–0.83). The cumulative risk at age 7 years for those at GMFCS V for MP ≥ 40 % was 47 % (95 % CI 37–58). The corresponding risk at GMFCS IV was 24 % (16–34) and at GMFCS III 23 % (12–42).ConclusionsChildren at GMFCS V have a significantly higher risk of hip displacement compared with children at GMFCS III–IV. The risk is highest at 2–3 years of age. The results support a surveillance program including radiographic hip examinations as soon as the diagnosis of severe CP is suspected.

Self-reported walking ability improved after multilevel surgery and intensive rehabilitation. This result was partly supported by lower energy cost and improved HRQOL. Expectations and satisfaction were fulfilled for the majority of children.