: The aim of this study was to measure blood and blood mimicking fluids viscosity at different shear rates (on the interval of 0.1-5000 1/s and 0.1-10000 1/s) while taking into consideration the measuring device's capability and blood's characteristics. We also provided the measurement results of the most accurate measuring program. : We measured blood samples from five donors, and four different blood mimicking fluid compositions. The measurements were done on an Anton Paar Physica MCR301 rotational rheometer with two measuring programs varying in the shear rate intervals, the number of measuring points and the measuring point durations. : The results confirmed the significant shear thinning and thixotropic effects of blood. Blood mimicking fluids also had these characteristics. The measured blood viscosity values are in agreement with those of the literature. : It can be concluded that the step test program was able to give more stable results as the measured torque was over the nominal limit of 0.05 ìNm over 0.1 1/s and over the selected torque limit of 0.5 ìNm over 31.6 1/s. Blood mimicking fluid measurement results were different from that of the literature due to different measuring conditions. The sample consisting of water, glycerol and starch mimicked well blood's behaviour and viscosity values at 37 degrees Celsius.

: The aim of this study is to investigate the dynamic and biomechanical response of the pelvis and thoracolumbar spine in simulated under-body blast (UBB) impacts and design of protective seat cushion for thoracolumbar spine injuries. : A whole-body FE (finite element) human body model in the anthropometry of Chinese 50th% adult male (named as C-HBM) was validated against existing PHMS (Postmortem Human Subjects) test data and employed to understand the dynamic and biomechanical response of the pelvis and thoracolumbar spine from FE simulations of UBB impacts. Then, the protective capability of different seat cushion designs for UBB pelvis and thoracolumbar injury risk was compared based on the predictions of the C-HBM. : The predicted spinal accelerations from the C-HUM are almost within the PHMS corridors. UBB impact combined with the effects from physiological curve of the human thoracolumbar spine and torso inertia leads to thoracolumbar spine anterior bending and axial compression, which results in stress concentration in the segments of T4-T8, T12-L1 and L4-L5. Foam seat cushion can effectively reduce the risk of thoracolumbar spine injury of armored vehicle occupants in UBB impacts, and the DO3 foam has better protective performance than ordinary foam, the 60 mm thick DO3 foam could reduce pelvic acceleration peak and DRIz value by 52.8% and 17.2%, respectively. : UBB spinal injury risk is sensitive to the input load level, but reducing the pelvic acceleration peak only is not enough for protection of spinal UBB injury risk, control of torso inertia effect would be much helpful.

: There is a need to create objective and reproducible tool for assessing the quality of infant movements. It's substantially important to detect movement disorders in infants as early as possible. The study aimed to evaluate the reproducibility of kinesiological measurements of spontaneous movements performed by 51 infants (aged 6 to 15 weeks) recorded three times for two consecutive days using OSESEC computer analysis algorithms by determining numerical values of parameters, i.e., speed, acceleration, direction, and movement trajectory. : The study group consisted of 51 infants. The diagnostic method of Prechtl was used for qualitative assessment. The quantitative assessment was based on the use of a OSESEC system. Numerical values for all movement parameters were determined, and the data obtained in the study were used for statistical analysis. : Analysis including movement parameter values on three consecutive recordings for the same infant revealed no statistically significant differences in location ( = 0.073), range ( = 0.557), shape ( = 0.289), mean acceleration ( = 0.124) and mean speed ( = 0.767). This confirms the reproducibility of measurements of the proposed parameters of the objectification of spontaneous infant movements. : The interpretability and accuracy of the presented parameters were proved. All parameters estimation is fully automated. Further research and testing requires a larger study group to create an objective diagnostic device for infants.

: The paper shows a preliminary study of the basic strength parameters of printed parts made of biocompatible polymers with ceramic layers applied to increase the strength of the tool cutting surface. : The specimens were made from different materials and using different 3D printing technologies and the working surfaces that will eventually form the cutting element of the tool were coated with AlO. Gloss tests were conducted, properties of the coating, a scratch test of the coated surface, also evaluated surface to-pography. : Based on the conducted research, it was found that polymeric materials are characterized by sufficient strength and can be used for disposable tools, however, the use of thin layers of AlO significantly increases the surface strength parameters, which may have a significant impact on the reliability and durability of the tools. The polymer surface covered with an AlO layer is characterised by increased scratch resistance ranging from 24% to 75% depending on the core material and printing technology. The gloss of the surfaces is disproportionately low compared to currently used metal tools, which indicates that they can be used in endoscopic procedures. : Based on the conducted research, it was found that the use of thin layers of AlO covering polymer 3D prints is an excellent way to increase strength parameters such as scratch resistance, tribological parameters and light reflections arising on the surface as a result of endoscopic lighting are disproportionately small compared to metallic biomaterials. This gives great hope for using polymer 3D prints for personalised neurosurgical tools.

: The primary objective of the conducted research was to develop an urological stent design for the treatment of male ure-thral stenosis. Given the variable loading conditions inside the urethra, the proposed stent should maintain normal tissue kinetics and obstruct the narrowed lumen. The suitable selection for the stent material significantly influences the regeneration and proper remodeling of the urethral tissues. : In this work, the mechanical characteristics of some polymer materials were studied, including: polydi-oxanone (PDO) and poly(L-lactide) (PLLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) composite. The obtained mechanical properties for static tensile testing of the materials, allowed the determination of such parameters as Young's modulus (), tensile strength ( ) and yield strength ( ). Subsequently, the design of a urological stent was developed, for which a numerical analysis was carried out to check the behaviour of the stent during varying loads prevailing in the urethra. : The research indicated that PDO has better mechanical properties than the proposed PLLA/PCL composite. The numerical analysis results suggested that the developed stent design can be successfully used in the treatment of male urethral stenosis. The obtained stress and strain distributions in the numerical analysis confirm that the PDO material can be used as a material for an urological stent. : The biodegradable polymers can be successfully used in urology. Their advantages over solid materials are their physicochemical properties, the ability to manipulate the rate and time of degradation and the easy availability of materials and manufacturing technology.

: Microwave ablation is a minimally invasive thermal modality for cancer treatment with high survival and low recurrence rates. Despite the unquestionable benefits of microwave ablation, the interaction between the medical instruments and the tissue may cause damage to the healthy tissue around the tumor. Such damages can be removed by clarifying the conditions for their development. In addition to clinical methods, computer simulations have become very effective tools for optimizing microwave ablation performance. : The study was focused on the determination of the optimal input power for complete microwave tumor ablation with an ade-quate safety margin avoiding injury to the surrounding healthy tissue. In three-dimensional simulations, the liver tumor model was based on a real tumor (1.74 cm × 2.40 cm × 1.43 cm) from the 3D-IRCADb-01 database. Calculations were performed for a 10-slot antenna proven to achieve a higher degree of ablation zone localization than a standard single-slot antenna. The temperature-dependent dielectric and thermal properties of healthy and tumoral liver tissue, blood perfusion, and water content were included in the model. : The obtained simulation results revealed that the proper choice of input power ensures that necrotic tissue is mainly located in the tumor with minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. : This study may represent a step forward in the planning of individual microwave ablation treatment for each patient.

The purpose of this work is to present a multivariate analysis of the kinematics of an upper limb rehabilitation robot. Comparing multiple concepts of kinematic chains makes it possible to identify advantages and disadvantages and, as a consequence, choosing the optimal solution to create a physical device. Such actions shall contribute towards automation of the rehabilitation process, bringing benefits to both therapists and patients in comparison with conventional rehabilitation. Multivariate analysis of kinematics was performed on the basis of three concepts of the kinematic chain of an exoskeleton, enabling the rehabilitation of both right and left upper limb within the area of the shoulder joint, elbow joint and wrist. The kinematic chain allows the performance of simple and complex movements. The results of the conducted multivariate kinematic analysis define specific movements and angular ranges, which may be performed while applying one of the proposed concepts of the robot design. The results made it possible to determine the optimum solution to the kinematic diagram and construction design, which best satisfy the expectations for effective rehabilitation. The analysis of the kinematic diagram concept of the exoskeleton should be done in relation to its design (construction form). Considering the obtained parameters, it is necessary to find an optimum concept and wisely manoeuvre the values, in order to avoid a situation in which one significant parameter influences another, equally important one. It is noteworthy that the introduction of changes into particular segments of the kinematic chain often has a significant impact on other segments.

: The objective of this research was to develop a sensor device to control and evaluate the jumping ability of elite volleyball athletes and to test its efficacy in a pedagogical experiment. : The study involved determining the pulsometric and respiratory parameters during test loads, indicative of the endurance and speed-strength aspects essential for volleyball performance. Additionally, the necessity for post-training and post-competition jump performance restoration via short-term relaxation exercises was identified. : Through the developed computer program, a method for storing maximal vertical jumps in computer memory was established. Furthermore, a technique was developed to determine the functional significance of maximum vertical jump performance among elite volleyball players. Notably, participants in the experimental group, who performed specialized exercises developed within the experimental framework, exhibited discernible progressive improvements compared to the control group participants. Before the experiment, the maximum number of jumps in the experimental group was 29.2 ± 2.73, with a jump time of 31.7 ± 3.08. : The equipment developed for monitoring and assessing volleyball players' jumping ability has proven effective, warranting its incorporation into training regimens.

: This study aimed to evaluate professional footwear comfort, functionality and style as well as their relationships with the foot structure among nurses. : We examined 120 clinical nurses aged 40-50 years, occupationally active, wearing specific type of foot-wear at work for a minimum of 7 h a day, for 5 days prior to the research. The study relied on the CQ-ST podoscope for measurements of foot. Perception of footwear comfort, functionality and style scales were also used in the research. The results were analysed with the use of Mann-Whitney -test and Spearman's rank correlation. : Statistically significant negative associations were found between right and left foot length and overall comfort of footwear ( = 0.045, = 0.045) as well as between right and left foot width and arch height ( = 0.015, = 0.028). Heel angle positively correlated with safety ( = 0.008, = 0.050), ease of donning and doffing ( = 0.001, = 0.004), as well as shoe style ratings ( = 0.047). Variables determining shoe comfort were positively correlated with most shoe functionality characteristics as well as with shoe style ( < 0.05). : Tested medical footwear meets the requirements of nurses in terms of comfort, functionality and aesthetics, and the studied features of footwear can be a useful guideline for the selection of shoes for representatives of this professional group. These footwear can be an element of workwear, and even, in the case of women with transverse flat feet - an alternative to ordinary utility shoes. There is a need to consider different widths for the same length size in medical footwear designs.

: Titanium alloys are among the most widely used materials in medicine, especially in orthopedics. However, their use requires the application of an appropriate surface modification method to improve their properties. Such methods include anodic oxidation and the application of polymer coatings, which limit the release of alloying element ions. In addition, biodegradable polymer coatings can serve as a carrier for drugs and other substances. The paper presents the results of research on the physical properties of biodegradable polymer coatings containing nanoparticle hydroxyapatite on a titanium alloy substrate. : A PLGA coating was used in the tests. The coatings on the substrate of the anodized Ti6Al7Nb alloy were applied by ultrasonic spray coating. The tests were carried out for coatings with various hydroxyapatite content (5, 10, 15, 20%) and thickness resulting from the number of layers applied (5, 10, 15 layers). The scope of the research included microscopic observations using scanning electron microscopy, topography tests with optical profilometry, structural studies using X-ray diffraction, as well as wettability and adhesion tests. : The results shows that with the use of ultrasonic spray coating system is possible to obtain the continuous coatings containing hydroxyapaptite. : The properties of the coating can be controlled by changing the percentage of hydroxyapatite and the number of layers of which the coating is composed.

: Manual therapy is used as a conservative treatment for people with low back pain (LBP). The scale of the problem encourages the search for the most effective methods to assess of manual treatment. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate magnitude of changes in muscle endurance using the Biering-Sorensen test (BST) and to analyse balance in patients with LBP treated with ERS and FRS muscle energy techniques (MET). : The study included fifteen men with LBP (mean age: 42 years) working as automotive assemblers. Endurance of the biceps femoris (BF), gluteus maximus (GM) and erector spinae (ES) muscles were analysed using sEMG during the BST. The level of experienced pain, degree of disability and postural stability were also examined. Results before and after a three-week treatment cycle using MET were compared. : The MET therapy resulted in a reduction in pain ( = 0.001), an improvement in the degree of disability ( < 0.001) and an increase in the duration of the BST ( < 0.001). After therapy, the values of the NMFs parameter indicating the degree of fatigue increased, i.e., ES muscle endurance increased, both right ( = 0.004) and left ( < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant decrease in the centre of pressure (COP) movement velocity in balance tests. : The use of MET in patients with LBP increases muscle endurance, improves postural balance, and reduces pain levels on the VAS and disability levels according to the ODI. MET appears to be a good tool for preventing LBP.

: Previous studies have proven that modifications in the natural walking technique alter muscle activation and energy consumption. This research aimed to determine the differences in muscle activation, energy consumption, kinematic characteristics, perceived muscular exertion and perceived cardio-respiratory fatigue between natural and modified walking techniques with altered pelvic height and rotation. : Nine physically active, non-injured males walked on a treadmill. Modified walking techniques assumed maintenance of constant pelvic height and application of maximal pelvic rotation. Walking speed was subtransit - 0.4 km/h less than the transit. Sampled variables were: average normalized maximal activation during contact and swing phase relativized to maximal voluntary activation, average submaximal oxygen consumption relativized to body mass and subtransit speed, average step length and frequency, rating of perceived muscular exertion and perceived cardio-respiratory fatigue. Muscle activation, energy consumption and kinematic characteristics were assessed throughout each walking session. Perceived muscular exertion and perceived cardio-respiratory fatigue were evaluated post-session. Electromyographic activity was assessed for rectus femoris, gluteus maximus, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius lateralis. : The most significant changes in muscle activation were observed during the contact phase. A decrease in pelvic height increased muscle activation of rectus femoris, vastus medialis and gastrocnemius lateralis. An increase in pelvic rotation increased muscle activation of all monitored muscles except for gluteus maximus. Both modifications increased energy consumption, perceived muscular exertion and perceived cardio-respiratory fatigue, and altered kinematic characteristics. : Modifications in pelvic height and rotation at the same walking speed alter muscle activation, energy consumption, kinematic characteristics, perceived exertion and fatigue.

: Iliac vein stenting is the primary treatment for patients with iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS). However, post-stent placement, patients often experience in-stent restenosis and thrombosis. Despite this, the role of lower limb movements in the functioning of stents and veins in IVCS patients remains unclear. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap by developing a computational model using medical imaging techniques to simulate IVCS after stent placement. : This research used a patient-specific model to analyze the effects of lower extremity exercises on hemodynamics post-stent placement. We conducted a comprehensive analysis to evaluate the impact of specific lower limb movements, including hip flexion, ankle movement and pneumatic compression on the hemo-dynamic characteristics within the treated vein. The analysis assessed parameters such as wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and residence time (RRT). : The results demonstrated that hip flexion significantly disrupts blood flow dynamics at the iliac vein bifurcation after stenting. Bilateral and left hip flexion were associated with pronounced regions of low WSS and high OSI at the iliac-vena junction and the stent segment. Additionally, active ankle exercise (AAE) and intermittent pump compression (IPC) therapy were found to enhance the occurrence of low WSS regions along the venous wall, potentially reducing the risk of thrombosis post-stent placement. Consequently, both active joint movements (hip and ankle) and passive movements have the potential to influence the local blood flow environment within the iliac vein after stenting. : The exploration of the impact of lower limb movements on hemodynamics provides valuable insights for mitigating adverse effects associated with lower limb movements post iliac-stenting. Bilateral and left hip flexions negatively impacted blood flow, increasing thrombosis risk. However, active ankle exercise and intermittent pump compression therapies effectively improve the patency.

: The aim of this work was to investigate and compare back and lower extremity joint moments and muscle excitation during stoop and squat postures by incorporating gender-based differences and analyzing lifting phases. : 18 healthy adults (9 males and 9 females; age: 24.44 ± 4.96 years, body mass: 66.00 ± 12.10 kg, height: 170.11 ± 9.20 cm, lean body mass: 48.46 ± 7.66 kg) lifted an object 30% of their lean body mass using squat and stoop postures. Marker-based motion capture, force plate, and surface electromyography were synchronously used to acquire joint moments and muscle excitation. A 3-way mixed model analysis was performed to determine the effect of gender, posture, and phase on internal joint moments and muscle excitation of the lower back and extremities. : Significant differences were observed in the interaction of lifting posture and phase on lower extremity moments and excitation of rectus femoris and medial gastrocnemius. Individual effects of posture were significant for peak internal joint moments of the lower extremities only. Anterior lower extremity muscles showed significantly increased excitation during squat, whereas medial gastrocnemius was higher in stoop. Joint moments and muscle excitations were all higher during the lifting than the bending phase. Gender differences were found only in the peak lumbosacral sagittal plane moment and rectus femoris muscle excitation. : The study identified significant variations in the joint moments and muscle excitation in lifting, influenced by gender, posture, and phase, highlighting its complex nature. Overall interactions were lacking, however individual effects were evident, necessitating larger future studies.

: This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical response or load transfer on the osteoporotic L1 vertebra under torsional loading. : To achieve this goal, a numerical model of osteoporotic vertebra in various trabecular bone degenerations was developed and tested. The mechanical behavior of the model was represented taking into account the anisotropic properties of the cancellous bone, which provided a more realistic mechanical picture of the biological subsystem. To ensure the reliability of osteoporotic degradation, the thinning of cortical bone and the appearance of gaps between trabecular bone and cortical bone were also taken into account when creating the models. : Finite element (FE) analysis showed that the deformations of cortical bone thinning and detachment of the cortical bone from the trabecular tissue lead to local instability of the vertebra. As a result, the cortical bone of a vertebra loses its load-bearing capacity, even if the strength limit is not reached. : The results obtained allow us to state that taking into account the thinning of the trabeculae, which creates voids, is extremely important for load-bearing capacity of osteoporotic vertebrae. However, a limitation of this study is the lack of experimental data to ensure consistency with the computer simulation results.

: Tendons adapt to loads applied to them, by changing their own mechanical properties. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of practicing sport in the form of weightlifting/strength training by individuals of various age groups upon the mechanical properties of the patellar tendon. : 200 people participated in the study. Group 1 ( = 109) comprised individuals training strength sports as amateurs, group 2 ( = 91) consisted of people who were not physically active. The patellar tendon was examined in various positions of the knee joint: 0, 30, 60, 90, 120° respectively. The following mechanical parameters were measured with the use of a device for myoto-nometric measurements, MyotonPRO: frequency [Hz], stiffness [N/m], decrement [log], relaxation time [ms] and creep [De]. The results were compared as regards physical activity, training history, BMI value, and gender. : Stiffness and tone increased while elasticity decreased with patellar tendon stretching degree. In the group of individuals in training, greater stiffness and tone and lower elasticity were noted. Moreover, stiffness and tone appeared to be higher in elderly people and individuals with longer training experience. : Mechanical loads connected with strength training result in development of adaptive changes in the patellar tendon, in the form of higher stiffness and tone, as well as lower elasticity. The MyotonPRO device is useful for quantitative assessment of the mechanical properties of patellar tendon.

Peripheral nerve damages take place as a result of trauma, compression or disease, resulting in sensory loss, impaired motor function and subsequent challenges. In the current study, ginkgo biloba extract was loaded into PCL/gelatin scaffolds through electrospinning method. The scaffolds were characterized using various studies. The prepared nanofibrous scaffolds were rolled up to make neural guidance channels. Then, the conduits were seeded with adipose-derived stem cells and transplanted into a rat model of sciatic nerve injury. The scaffolds were not toxic and had optimal tensile and suturability. The animals treated with the conduits that delivered adipose-derived stem cells and ginkgo biloba extract, and received the treadmill exercise, had significantly higher motor and sensory functions recovery. In addition, histopathological examinations showed beneficial role of the exercise plan on the nervous system repair.

: Curcumin and icariin have multiple pharmacological effects and are widely used in various fields, but their short half-life, poor bioavailability and low water solubility greatly limit their application in clinical medicine. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) loaded microspheres not only solve these problems, but also have no toxicity in degradation. : To verify whether PLGA drugloaded microspheres have good biocompatibility, the present experiments used the emulsification-solvent evaporation method to prepare PLGA drug-loaded microspheres and successfully performed the loading of curcumin and icariin. : The scanning electron microscopy showed that the particle sizes of the PLGA microspheres were 2-15 μm, icariin/PLGA microspheres were 3-22 μm and curcumin/PLGA microspheres were 5-30 μm. Moreover, the surface of the microspheres was smooth and spherical. Furthermore, the drug loading and encapsulation rate were good. experiments revealed that the prepared PLGA microspheres were safe and nontoxic, and that they could release drugs stably and slowly. Moreover, their proliferation ability was unaffected after inoculation into bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and Alcian blue Staining was performed at last, demonstrating their biocompatibility and important applications in tissue engineering.

: The aim of the presented work was to characterize the new obtained bioglasses and assess their biological performance . Bioglasses were produced using the sol-gel method in the SiO-PO-CaO system, for the purpose as composite ingredients. Their chemical composition was enriched with ZnO to introduce antibacterial properties and SrO with osteoinductive effect. The properties of bioglasses were compared and the effect of chemical composition and particle size on their biological properties was assessed. : The bioglasses were evaluated via TG-DTA, FTIR, SEM-EDS analyses before and after incubation in SBF solution. LDH and WST-1 tests were used to determine the level of cytotoxicity of the tested bioglasses on hFOB1.19 osteoblasts. : The results show that the developed bioglasses release Ca, are bioactive in SBF solution, not cytotoxic and show antibacterial activity in contact with and strains. Bioglasses enriched with ZnO show the highest bactericidal activity. All tested bioglasses enhanced hFOB 1.19 cells proliferation. Particle size has a lower effect on biological performance of the bioglasses than their chemical composition. : The conducted research showed that bioglass modification with SrO and ZnO can be considered particularly for the development of biomaterials supporting bone regeneration and the treatment of infected bone defects.

: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of Core Foot System muscle training vs. traditional rehabilitation methods in female patients after a hallux valgus correction surgery. : The project will involve 60 women who have undergone a Scarf osteotomy to correct the deformity. Participants will be divided into a control and experimental group. The experimental group will follow the Core Foot System protocol, whereas the control group will perform standard lower-limb exercises. Outcome measures will be collected twice: before the intervention and after eight weeks. Gait will be assessed using the Zebris FDM-2 platform, measuring ground reaction forces during walking. : The effects of the exercises on the cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis muscle and the flexor digitorum brevis muscle will be measured. Foot architecture and arch height will be measured using a podoscope. In addition, the participants will complete the Short Form Health Survey and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society questionnaires. : The study is expected to provide evidence of the effectiveness of foot muscle training using the protocol. The findings may lead to an improved protocol of rehabilitation in patients after a correction surgery that may result in improved gait parameters and quality of daily life. In the future, an improved therapeutic method should make it possible to boost the effectiveness of physiotherapy in patients after a corrective surgery in the forefoot area. The study has been registered with clinicaltrials.org (NCT05210127; 13 January 2022).

Stress shielding and the need for secondary surgery are the two major challenges faced by permanent metallic implants, and the emerging Ca-Mg-Zn calcium-based bulk amorphous alloys, with Young's modulus comparable to that of human bone, good biocompatibility, and in vivo degradation, are highly promising materials for bioimplants. Few studies have been reported on the glass formation ability (GFA) and corrosion degradation behavior of Ca-Mg-Zn amorphous alloys in the human body. In this work, we discuss a study on Ca MgZn ( = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) alloys, focusing on changes in Zn content near eutectic points and their impact on microstructure and biological corrosion behavior. A copper mold spray casting method has been developed to prepare amorphous bar alloys and amorphous crystalline composite bar alloys with a diameter of 3 mm, which has been verified by X-ray diffraction, electrochemical treatment, and immersion tests. The experimental results demonstrated that the CaZn and CaZn phases were precipitated in the 3 mm bar material Ca MgZn ( = 0, 2, 4), and Ca MgZn ( = 6, 8, 10) was completely amorphous. The CaMgZn alloy showed the best glass-forming ability, while the CaMgZn alloy exhibited superior corrosion resistance. Cytotoxicity experiments showed that Ca-Mg-Zn alloys have good biocompatibility and can be used as biomedical materials.