No abstract

IntroductionMany physiological changes of breast elasticity depend on the age, hormonal status, menstrual cycle and many others. The aim of this study was to evaluate viscoelastic properties of normal breast tissues in a large group of women and to search for factors which play a role in its mechanical properties.Material and methods101 women aged 18-74 years who underwent B-mode sonography and additionally sonoelastography. We measured viscoelasticity in 8 quadrants by a share wave ultrasonic device estimating Young modules in regions of interest.ResultsMean elasticity measured in all 8 scans in glandular and fatty tissue were 11.28 ±5.79 kPa (0.1-46.26 kPa) and 9.24 ±4.48 kPa (0.1-29.78 kPa), respectively. The correlation between age and mean elasticity of glandular tissue was Rs = 0.27 (p = 0.007). The correlation between glandular tissue elasticity heterogeneity and breast mastalgia measured by VAS was Rs = –0.23 (p = 0.241). Fat tissue elasticity correlated with duration of lactation was Rs = 0.21 (p = 0.01).ConclusionsThere are several parameters influencing breast viscoelasticity measured by share wave sonoelastography. Glandular tissue elasticity correlates positively with age, fatty tissue elasticity correlates positively with duration of lactation and heterogeneity of the elasticity map of glandular tissue correlates with breast pain and fat tissue with BMI.

The findings of this study are important in understanding the presence and role of metals in the female reproductive system and its pathology.

No abstract

Urinary incontinence in the general population occurs in 7% of non-pregnant women under 39 years old, 17% of those 40 to 59 years old, and 23–32% of those over 60 years old. In athletes the prevalence is higher, especially in high-impact training and gravity sports. Pelvic floor muscles (PFM) have two important roles; they serve as the support for abdominal organs and are crucial for closure of the urethra, vagina and rectum. We present the proper mechanisms of PFM caudal contractions with proper abdominal muscle control to avoid excessive intra-abdominal pressure. Pelvic floor sonography is discussed as the only objective method for pelvic floor examination among sportswomen and a tool which should be used routinely by urophysiotherapists and urogynecologists. A multidisciplinary individualized approach to stress urinary incontinence among athletes is presented including: physiotherapy, diagnostic imaging, use of a pessary, tampons, pharmacologic and surgical treatment. We present guidelines for stress urinary incontinence treatment in sportswomen of different age.

The market of food supplements (FS) in European Union (EU) is on the rise. The present study investigated the content of essential (Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Zn) and toxic elements (Cd, Cr(VI), Ni and Pb) in 168 FS produced in the EU and designed to support various health aspects (nutrition, neurological function, reproduction, weight loss, cosmetic appearance). The majority of FS did not exceed a dissolution time of 60 min in hydrochloric acid (89.8%) and phosphate buffer (85.7%). Cd and Cr(VI) were not detected in any FS, Ni and Pb were present sporadically (in 10.1 and 6.5%, respectively) at mean concentrations of 0.06 and 0.07 mg/single unit dose, respectively. All FS containing detectable Pb levels had exceeded a maximum allowance level (3.0 mg kg -1 ) set by the European Commission. Generally, the determined concentrations of essential elements fall greatly below recommended safety upper limits, except Fe in selected FS (mainly for pregnant women). Compared to the value declared on the product label, the majority of tested FS displayed mineral content below the accepted margin (70-130%). In general, the majority of the studied FS can be considered safe although discrepancies between declared and determined mineral content are worrisome. These findings are important in view of FS consumer safety.

IntroductionFormation of a capsule is a natural inflammatory response to a foreign body such as a breast implant. Breast capsular contracture is the most severe complication of implant surgery.AimTo evaluate breast tissues and the periprosthetic reaction with sonoelastography.Material and methodsNineteen patients aged 20-41 underwent breast augmentation with silicone-filled implants. Their 38 breasts were evaluated before surgery, and 7 and 14 days after surgery. Whole breast stiffness was measured by applanation tonometry. Patients underwent shear wave elastography and Young's moduli of breast tissues and the periprosthetic capsule were estimated. During surgery patients underwent standard anaesthesia and were released home 2 days later after removal of drainage. Each day, patients completed the pain visual analogue scale questionnaire separately for left and right breasts.ResultsApplanation tonometry did not correlate with any parameter. In shear wave elastography we observed statistically significant changes in elasticity of all breast tissues with the highest values on day 7 after surgery and decreasing on day 14. The correlations between pain and capsule elasticity in lower quadrants measured were significant between days 4 and 10, whereas correlations of pain with applanation tonometry were insignificant. Glandular tissue elasticity in lower quadrants did not correlate with pain, whereas in upper quadrants there was a significant correlation on days 6-10. Fatty tissue, muscle and thoracic fascia elasticity did not correlate with breast pain. Breast implant volume correlated with pain only shortly after surgery, but did not correlate with any sonoelastographic parameters.ConclusionsBreast pain correlates strongly with periprosthetic stiffness in elastography 4 to 10 days after breast augmentation, suggesting the possible role of an inflammatory reaction.

No abstract