ObjectivesRheumatic diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis constitute the most frequent pathological states leading to the development of foot deformities, which reduce quality of life and cause disability. The aim of the present study was to compare the results of plantoconturographic examinations, obtained by means of a computer podoscope, in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients. Special attention was paid to the differences in the values of each parameter determining the level of foot function.Material and methodsThe study was performed in 94 female patients divided into two groups according to the type of disease. There were 54 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 40 with osteoarthritis. The control group consisted of 34 healthy women. The plantographic assessment of static foot structure was carried out by means of a device for computer-aided foot examination.ResultsA fallen transverse arch of the right foot was statistically much more frequent in the rheumatoid arthritis patients than in osteoarthritis patients or the control group (p < 0.005 and p < 0.05, respectively). Significant differences in the values of the Wejsflog index were observed in the case of left foot between rheumatoid arthritis patients and the control group (p < 0.05). Similarly, there were statistically significant differences in the values of the hallux valgus angle (α) for the right foot between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients or control group (in both cases p < 0.05).ConclusionsRheumatic diseases predispose patients to disturbances of static foot function. The obtained results highlight the importance of diagnosing foot static disturbances in the prevention of destructive changes affecting the functioning of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients.

LncRNAs have arisen as new players in the world of non-coding RNA. Disrupted expression of these molecules can be tightly linked to the onset, promotion and progression of cancer. The present study estimated the usefulness of 14 lncRNAs (HAGLR, ADAMTS9-AS2, LINC00261, MCM3AP-AS1, TP53TG1, C14orf132, LINC00968, LINC00312, TP73-AS1, LOC344887, LINC00673, SOX2-OT, AFAP1-AS1, LOC730101) for early detection of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The total RNA was isolated from paired fresh-frozen cancerous and noncancerous lung tissue from 92 NSCLC patients diagnosed with either adenocarcinoma (LUAD) or lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). The expression level of lncRNAs was evaluated by a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Based on Ct and delta Ct values, logistic regression and gradient boosting decision tree classifiers were built. The latter is a novel, advanced machine learning algorithm with great potential in medical science. The established predictive models showed that a set of 14 lncRNAs accurately discriminates cancerous from noncancerous lung tissues (AUC value of 0.98 ± 0.01) and NSCLC subtypes (AUC value of 0.84 ± 0.09), although the expression of a few molecules was statistically insignificant (SOX2-OT, AFAP1-AS1 and LOC730101 for tumor vs. normal tissue; and TP53TG1, C14orf132, LINC00968 and LOC730101 for LUAD vs. LUSC). However for subtypes discrimination, the simplified logistic regression model based on the four variables (delta Ct AFAP1-AS1, Ct SOX2-OT, Ct LINC00261, and delta Ct LINC00673) had even stronger diagnostic potential than the original one (AUC value of 0.88 ± 0.07). Our results demonstrate that the 14 lncRNA signature can be an auxiliary tool to endorse and complement the histological diagnosis of non-small-cell lung cancer.

IntroductionRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory, connective tissue disease, leading to foot deformities, impairment of locomotive functions, and reducing patients’ quality of life. Obesity prevalence is rising in early RA and is associated with worse disease activity, function and health-related quality of life, with a significant negative impact on achieving a low Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28). The aim of the study was to evaluate foot deformities in overweight RA patients according to the severity of the disease.Material and methodsThe study was performed on 50 overweight women with RA. The control group consisted of 50 overweight women free of any disorders. Plantography examination was carried out by means of a CQ ST 2K podoscope. Rheumatoid arthritis disease activity was assessed by DAS28. Activity limitation was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and foot posture by the Foot Posture Index (FPI-6). Body composition analysis was performed using In Body 220.ResultsHallux valgus was the most frequent deformation in RA patients with overweight. Longitudinal flat foot was much more frequent in RA patients than transverse flat foot. A relationship between fat tissue mass and presence of transverse flat foot in RA patients with overweight was found. In this group DAS28, VAS, and Clarke’s angle were correlated with increased value of HAQ.ConclusionsPlantar contourography showed a trend of an increase of α angle values and the Sztriter-Godunow index (KY) in overweight RA patients with increasing severity of radiological changes and DAS28, requiring use of proper prevention and therapeutic strategies of destructive changes.

IntroductionRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammation resulting in the involvement of all the structures constituting a joint. We determined the type and severity of foot deformities, determined the impact of the degree of disturbances of foot statics and the disease activity on the duration of the particular phases of gait, determined the impact of the maximum foot load and the percentage distribution of loads between the forefoot and hindfoot on the duration of the particular phases of gait, and established the link between observed disorders and the stage of rheumatoid arthritis.Material and methodsThe control group consisted of 41 healthy women. Rheumatoid arthritis patients, whose disease had been diagnosed based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, were divided into three groups. Group I consisted of 56 women, Group II of 28 patients in the first and second stage of RA, Group III of 28 patients in the third and fourth stage of the disease. We calculated the disease activity score (DAS28 index) and body mass index, and we conducted a pedobarographic examination.ResultsThe results obtained in our study revealed the disturbances of the parameters of foot statics in RA patients. We also detected a prolongation of gait phases, resulting from the disturbances of statics and the displacement of the maximum foot load both in static and dynamic conditions. Increased activity of the disease constituted an additional factor affecting the prolongation of gait phases.ConclusionsOur results confirm the usefulness of baropodometric examination as an important diagnostic tool in the evaluation of the locomotor system of RA patients.

Introduction. Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is a complication in Graves' disease (GD) that causes disfigurement and sometimes blindness. The pathogenesis of GO remains unknown, while its symptoms demonstrate dependence between the thyroid gland and the orbit. The ongoing inflammatory process in retrobulbar tissue results in its remodeling characterized by increased volume of the orbital contents involving adipose tissue, with fibrosis and adipogenesis as predominant features. This study was aimed at the immunohistochemical verification of potential contribution and correlation between orbital expressions of IGF-1R, CD34, Foxp-3, PPAR-g and CD4, CD68, TGF-b, FGF-b in severe and mild (long-lasting) GO. Material and methods. Forty-one orbital tissue specimens -22 patients with severe GO, 9 patients with mild GO and 10 patients undergoing blepharoplasty as a control group -were processed by routine immunohistochemistry. Results. Increased IGF-1R, CD34 and Foxp-3 expression was found in both severe and mild GO, yet a significant correlation between CD34 and CD4, CD68, TGF-b, FGF-b expressions was observed in long-lasting GO. Conclusions. CD34 expression is proposed to be the marker of orbital tissue remodeling in the course of mild GO.

Disturbed static foot function is one of the main causes of impaired quality of life, which may be related to the frailty syndrome of older adult patients with Rheumatoid Arthitis (RA). The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between parameters of static foot function disturbances and quality of life of older adult patients with RA. The study was performed among 102 patients with RA diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and EULAR 2010 criteria. Patients were divided into four subgroups depending on radiological evaluation according to the Steinbrocker classification. Plantoconturography examination was conducted using a podoscope with a 3D scanner and software for computer foot examination CQ ST2K. Quality of life of patients with RA was evaluated using the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales-2 (AIMS-2). A statistically significant relationship between AIMS-2 and parameters of static foot function disturbances was observed. The study revealed correlations between parameters of disturbed static foot function and RA severity in comparison to disease duration. Our results indicate a relationship between static foot function disturbances and quality of life of patients with RA, not only in the area of physical activity, but also in the social an emotional domain. Study results indicate that plantoconturography and assessment of quality of life using AIMS-2 could be useful as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in RA.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic and progressive disorder with a poor prognosis associated with non-specific symptoms, including general weakness, shortness of breath on exertion, and decreased muscle strength and endurance. Despite recent significant progress in the field of PAH therapy, many patients are still characterized by a dynamic course of the disease, a significant reduction in physical performance, a constantly deteriorating quality of life, and limited activity in everyday life. Thus, the main goal of PAH therapy is to ensure an acceptable level of quality of life as early as possible in the course of the disease, reduce the progression of symptoms and, if possible, improve the prognosis, which is still poor. The perception of the importance of activity and exercise has changed significantly in recent years, and rehabilitation dedicated to PAH patients is now considered to be one of the new adjuvant treatment options. Currently, there is insufficient data on what form, frequency, and intensity of exercise are required for the best results. Nevertheless, exercise training (ET) is necessary in order to reverse the accompanying PAH impairment of exercise capacity and, without additional clinical risk, to maximize the benefits of pharmacotherapy. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the rehabilitation of PAH patients and presents the available rehabilitation models. In addition, it includes a ready-to-use, illustrated, safe home rehabilitation program with recommendations for its use. Utilizing ET as an adjuvant treatment option to improve the functional capacity and quality of life of patients may enhance the clinical effectiveness of therapeutic management and contribute to the improvement of the quality of care for patients suffering from PAH. The beneficial effect of exercise training on the development of symptoms improves the clinical course of the disease, and a lower incidence of adverse events can lead to a reduction in health care expenditure.

Streszczenie Wprowadzenie. Choroba zwyrodnieniowa stawów jest wypadkową nakładających się schorzeń, które mimo odmiennych etiologii prowadzą do podobnych efektów biologicznych, morfologicznych i klinicznych. Klinicznie choroba zwyrodnieniowa objawia się bólem stawów, bolesnością uciskową, ograniczeniem ruchomości, trzeszczeniami, czasem wysiękami i zapaleniem o różnym nasileniu bez objawów ogólnoustrojowych. Cel pracy. Ocena stanu funkcjonalnego pacjentów, u których rozpoznano chorobę zwyrodnieniową stawów kolanowych. Materiał i metody. Badania przeprowadzono w okresie od września 2015 do stycznia 2016 r. w Poradni Rehabilitacji Leczniczej i Pracowni Fizjoterapii Samodzielnego Szpitala Miejskiego im. PCK w Białymstoku wśród 50 pacjentów, u których rozpoznano chorobę zwyrodnieniową stawów kolanowych. Zastosowaną metodą badawczą był sondaż diagnostyczny z wykorzystaniem autorskiego kwestionariusza ankiety. Wyniki. W analizowanej grupie znaczną większość stanowiły kobiety (88%). Biorąc pod uwagę wszystkich ankietowanych, najwięcej osób było w wieku 61-70 lat. Największa liczba pacjentów (n = 19) charakteryzowała się wskaźnikiem BMI wynoszącym 25-30, a tylko 6 osób miało prawidłowe wartości tego wskaźnika. Ból stawu kolanowego u respondentów występował najczęściej w ciągu dnia lub przez całą dobę i był oceniany na 4-6 punktów w 10-punktowej skali. Najwięcej pacjentów oceniło własny poziom aktywności fizycznej jako umiarkowany, duża liczba badanych spędzała jednak swój wolny czas w sposób mało aktywny. Wnioski. Choroba zwyrodnieniowa stawów częściej była rozpoznawana u kobiet. Występowanie choroby zwyrodnieniowej było związane z wiekiem. Badani pacjenci nie prowadzili aktywnego stylu życia, o czym świadczyły wartości wskaźnika BMI oraz preferowane formy spędzania wolnego czasu. Ból nie miał wpływu na dotychczasową aktywność fizyczną pacjentów, u których rozpoznano chorobę zwyrodnieniową stawów kolanowych.