The Impact of 45S5-Bioactive Glass on Synovial Cells in Knee Osteoarthritis-An In Vitro Study.

Synovial inflammation in osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by the release of cartilage-degrading enzymes and inflammatory cytokines. 45S5-bioactive glass (45S5-BG) can modulate inflammation processes; however, its influence on OA-associated inflammation has hardly been investigated. In this study, the effects of 45S5-BG on the release of cartilage-degrading metalloproteinases and cytokines from synovial membrane cells (SM) isolated from patients with knee OA was assessed in vitro.

[Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) : Compositional analysis with different dietary habits and timing of blood sampling].

The variability of PRP is a major contributor to the lack of evidence regarding the therapeutic effect of PRP in musculoskeletal diseases. In a large study, we are currently investigating factors that may influence PRP variability. Interim results showed that concentrations of IL‑6, but not IGF‑1 or cellular constituents, were significantly decreased in PRP samples from vegans compared with omnivores and tended to be decreased compared to samples from vegetarians.

Staphylococcus aureus extracellular adherence protein (Eap) reduces immune cell phenotype in developing but not in established atherosclerotic lesions.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the vessel wall where triggered immune cells bind to inflamed endothelium, extravasate and sustain local inflammation. Leukocyte adhesion and extravasation are mediated by adhesion molecules expressed by activated endothelial cells, like intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). Extracellular adherence protein (Eap) from Staphylococcus aureus binds to a plethora of extracellular matrix proteins, including ICAM-1 and its ligands macrophage-1 antigen (Mac-1, αβ) and lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1, αβ), thereby disrupting the interaction between leukocytes and endothelial cells.

Infiltration Profile of Regulatory T Cells in Osteoarthritis-Related Pain and Disability.

Emerging evidence indicates that regulatory T cells (Treg) intervene in the inflammatory processes that drive osteoarthritis (OA). However, whether polarized Tregs affect clinical features of the disease in the short- or long-term, and if so, what their role in OA-related pain and functional disability really is, remains elusive. Thus, the aim of the current study was to characterize the infiltration profile of Tregs in systemic (peripheral blood) and joint-derived (synovial fluid and synovial membrane) samples from patients with knee OA in relation to OA-induced symptoms.

CD8 T Cells in OA Knee Joints Are Differentiated into Subsets Depending on OA Stage and Compartment.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is no longer considered a purely degenerative disease. OA is defined as a disease of the entire joint, in which inflammation occurs in various joint tissues. The overall aim of this study was to analyze the presence and polarization of CD8 T cell subsets in OA knee joints, in relation to the OA stage and compartment (synovial fluid (SF), synovial membrane (SM,) peripheral blood (PB)).

Recurrence of Equinus Foot in Cerebral Palsy following Its Correction-A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Recurrence in cerebral palsy (CP) patients who have undergone operative or non-operative correction varies greatly from one study to another. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to determine the pooled rate of equinus recurrence following its correction either surgically or non-surgically. Methods: Nine electronic databases were searched from inception to 6 May 2021, and the search was updated on 13 August 2021.

In-Competition Severe Injury Events in Elite Alpine Ski Racing from 1997 to 2020: The Case of the Austrian Ski Team.

Background: To increase safety in elite alpine ski racing Injury Surveillance Systems were implemented and preventive measures introduced. However, studies analysing the change in athletes' injury risk by controlling for their exposure are still scarce.

Objectives: This study aimed to describe and analyse the risk of in-competition severe injury events (SIE) in elite alpine ski racing.

Radiological Outcomes of Femoral Head Resection in Patients with Cerebral Palsy: A Retrospective Comparative Study of Two Surgical Procedures.

Background: We conducted this study to compare postoperative radiological outcomes of two surgical procedures (femoral head resection (FHR) and femoral head cap plastic surgery (FCP)) in patients with CP and hip dislocation.

Methods: CP patients with Gross Motor Function Classification Score (GMFCS) IV or V, who underwent either FHR or FCP between 2007 and 2018 at Heidelberg University Hospital in Germany, were included. Most participants underwent postoperative traction in an attempt to prevent telescoping.

Is the Prevalence of Equinus Foot in Cerebral Palsy Overestimated? Results from a Meta-Analysis of 4814 Feet.

Background: Equinus is a common foot deformity in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). However, its prevalence is scarcely reported in the literature. Therefore, we conducted this review to estimate the prevalence of equinus foot in CP.

Proinflammatory T cell polarization is already present in patients with early knee osteoarthritis.

Background: Investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms of early osteoarthritis (OA) is of utmost interest since this stage holds the strongest promise for therapeutic interventions. The aims of this study were to analyze if synovial inflammation is already present in early OA and to characterize the involved cell populations, by investigating synovial fluid (SF) and synovial membrane (SM) of early OA patients for the presence and polarization status of CD4 T cells.

Methods: A quantitative analysis of CD4 T cell infiltration in SF and SM compared to peripheral blood (PB) was performed in patients with early stages of OA.

Acute on-snow severe injury events in elite alpine ski racing from 1997 to 2019: the Injury Surveillance System of the Austrian Ski Federation.

Objectives: The study aimed to (1) determine the incidence and gender-specific risk ratio of acute on-snow severe injury events (SIE) in elite alpine ski racing, (2) examine the development of SIE over 22 seasons, and (3) analyse SIE with respect to the severely injured body parts and structures.

Methods: Data recorded in the Austrian Ski Federation's Injury Surveillance System over 22 seasons were analysed. The Austrian Ski Team consists of four groups: Team National (n=477), Team A (n=444), Team B (n=696) and Team C (n=608).

Did injury incidence in alpine ski racing change after equipment regulations? An evaluation based on the injury surveillance system of the Austrian Ski Federation.

Objectives: To assess the effects of alpine competition equipment regulations from 2003, 2007 and 2012 on severe injury incidence.

Design: Case study METHOD: Data originated from records of the injury surveillance system of the Austrian Ski Federation. Injuries from the seasons 2001-2017 were divided in four periods between the equipment regulations.

T Helper Cell Infiltration in Osteoarthritis-Related Knee Pain and Disability.

Despite the growing body of literature demonstrating a crucial role of T helper cell (Th) responses in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA), only few clinical studies have assessed interactions between Th cells and OA-related symptoms. Yet, the inclusion of clinical data in the interpretation of cellular analyses of Th cell infiltration is essential to reveal the mechanisms underlying the complex pathophysiology of OA pain and disability. Thus, the aim of the study was to analyze the infiltration pattern of Th cells in systemic (peripheral blood) and joint-derived (synovial membrane and fluid) samples from patients with knee OA in relation to OA-induced pain and disability.

Impact of Mononuclear Cell Infiltration on Chondrodestructive MMP/ADAMTS Production in Osteoarthritic Knee Joints-An Ex Vivo Study.

Progressive loss of joint function in osteoarthritis (OA) is driven by degenerative and inflammatory processes and their complex interaction. Decoding the link between degeneration and inflammation is one of the most exciting approaches in understanding OA pathophysiology and holds the promise to open new therapeutic avenues. The overarching goal of this project was to analyze the impact of mononuclear cells (MNC) on enzymatic chondrodestructive processes (MMP/ADAMTS) in OA.

The 2 Minute Loaded Repeated Jump Test: Longitudinal Anaerobic Testing in Elite Alpine Ski Racers.

This study investigated the 4-year development of anaerobic power and capacity in Austrian elite female alpine ski racers and examined the relationship between the 2-minute loaded repeated jump test (LRJT) results and ski racing performance (International Ski Federation (FIS) points). Ten Austrian elite female ski racers were tested prior to four racing seasons. The LRJT consisted of 48 loaded countermovement jumps (LCMJs) with barbell load equivalent to 20% bodyweight.

Safety recommendations of winter terrain park jumps into airbags.

Objectives: In winter terrain parks special airbags are used for skiers and snowboarders to practice jumps and achieve safe landings. However, in 2010 two skiers landed at the end of oval airbags. One suffered fatal, the other severe, injuries.

The 2.5-minute loaded repeated jump test: evaluating anaerobic capacity in alpine ski racers with loaded countermovement jumps.

The purposes of this study were to test the reproducibility of the 2.5-minute loaded repeated jump test (LRJT) and to test the effectiveness of general preparation period (GPP) training on anaerobic fitness of elite alpine ski racers with the LRJT. Thirteen male volunteers completed 2 LRJTs to examine reliability.

The relationship between ACL injuries and physical fitness in young competitive ski racers: a 10-year longitudinal study.

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown a high incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among competitive alpine skiers. Little is known regarding modifiable risk factors in young skiers. There are still uncertainties in gender-related risk factors.

Physical characteristics of experienced and junior open-wheel car drivers.

Despite the popularity of open-wheel car racing, scientific literature about the physical characteristics of competitive race car drivers is scarce. The purpose of this study was to compare selected fitness parameters of experienced and junior open-wheel race car drivers. The experienced drivers consisted of five Formula One, two GP2 and two Formula 3 drivers, and the nine junior drivers drove in the Formula Master, Koenig, BMW and Renault series.

The effect of gender on force, muscle activity, and frontal plane knee alignment during maximum eccentric leg-press exercise.

Purpose: To investigate for gender differences during eccentric leg-press exercise. Tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are considered to be related to eccentric tasks, altered neuromuscular control (e.g.

An isometric hand tester: quantifying motor function in the hand.

The aim of this study was to develop and assess an isometric hand tester to measure multiple strength parameters of the muscles of the hand. Nineteen men and 22 women took part in a first study and 17 men were tested in a second one. Five different tests were developed: wrist flexion, wrist extension, metacarpophalangeal joint flexion, thumb adduction and proximal and distal interphalangeal joint flexion.

Comparison of physical characteristics and performance among elite snowboarders.

There are little scientific data regarding snowboarding and the physiological demands on snowboarders. The aim of this study was to assemble and evaluate a battery of tests for the snowboard disciplines parallel, snowboard cross (SBX), big air, and half-pipe (HP). Thirty-seven competitive snowboarders participated in the study and completed a test battery that comprised tests for aerobic capacity, balance, jumping, isokinetic core power, isokinetic leg power, isometric bench press, isometric bench pull, and a snowboard start simulator.

Power variables and bilateral force differences during unloaded and loaded squat jumps in high performance alpine ski racers.

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the power-load relationship and to compare power variables and bilateral force imbalances between sexes with squat jumps. Twenty men and 17 women, all members of the Austrian alpine ski team (junior and European Cup), performed unloaded and loaded (barbell loads equal to 25, 50, 75, and 100% body weight [BW]) squat jumps with free weights using a specially designed spotting system. Ground reaction force records from 2 force platforms were used to calculate relative average power (P), relative average power in the first 100 ms of the jump (P01), relative average power in the first 200 ms of the jump (P02), jump height, percentage of best jump height (%Jump), and maximal force difference between dominant and nondominant leg (Fmaxdiff).

Performance-determining physiological factors in the luge start.

In luge, the start is a performance-determining factor. Athletes spend several months in the off-season training to improve starting performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different physiological factors on the luge start and identify an appropriate physiological test battery.

[S3-Check--evaluation and generation of normal values of a test for balance ability and postural stability].

Introduction: Balance is very important in daily living, but there are practically no balance evaluation methods which fulfill scientific criteria and are available to the fitness community and other groups. The aims of this paper are to determine if the MFT-S3-Check, a system to measure balance, is scientifically objective, valid and reliable; and to establish norms for the MFT S 3-Check system.

Methods: Reliability was evaluated with 30 subjects in two testing sessions on two different days.