Journals of Rzeszow University - Open Journal System
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Performance Evaluation of Selected Containerization Methods in Web Services Applications
Full text linkThis paper evaluates the performance of selected containerization methods. As part of the re-search, infrastructure was created using Google Cloud public cloud, and then load tests were con-ducted for each containerization method using Apache JMeter. The study has shown that choosing the right containerization method depends on the service to be implemented. It was demonstrated that the highest performance was achieved by combining Podman with Docker. An example imple-mentation and performance of Kubernetes technology, together with Docker and autoscaling using Google Cloud, was demonstrated. The project demonstrates high educational value by combining theory with practice through cloud-based infrastructure testing using Google Cloud and Apache JMeter. It helps learners understand container behavior under load, resource usage, and orchestration techniques. Additionally, the study emphasizes critical decision-making in selecting appropriate technologies based on specific service requirements. It serves as a practical teaching tool for IT and computer science education, offering insights into real-world DevOps workflows, scalability strate-gies, and performance optimization.This paper evaluates the performance of selected containerization methods. As part of the re-search, infrastructure was created using Google Cloud public cloud, and then load tests were con-ducted for each containerization method using Apache JMeter. The study has shown that choosing the right containerization method depends on the service to be implemented. It was demonstrated that the highest performance was achieved by combining Podman with Docker. An example imple-mentation and performance of Kubernetes technology, together with Docker and autoscaling using Google Cloud, was demonstrated. The project demonstrates high educational value by combining theory with practice through cloud-based infrastructure testing using Google Cloud and Apache JMeter. It helps learners understand container behavior under load, resource usage, and orchestration techniques. Additionally, the study emphasizes critical decision-making in selecting appropriate technologies based on specific service requirements. It serves as a practical teaching tool for IT and computer science education, offering insights into real-world DevOps workflows, scalability strate-gies, and performance optimization
Pharmacogenetic aspects of therapy for autoimmune hepatitis against the background of degenerative-dystrophic joint lesions
Full text linkIntroduction and aim. The pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and endocrine manifestations, involves the interaction of genotype and environmental factors. Pathologies demonstrate comorbidity and clinical heterogeneity even within a single family. Genetic polymorphisms of one-carbon metabolism are key regulators of cellular processes that become therapeutic targets.
Description of the case. The study describes personalized therapy for a patient with an autoimmune comorbid disease, with an emphasis on genetic and metabolic characteristics. The treatment regimen is adapted to the features of the one-carbon metabolism profile of a patient with chronic autoimmune hepatitis and degenerative-dystrophic joint disease. Family history includes autoimmune thyroiditis, vitiligo, Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular diseases. The patient’s genotype for single nucleotide polymorphisms rs1801133, rs1801131, rs1801394, rs1805087, and rs3733890 of the one-carbon metabolism genes is associated with elevated plasma homocysteine levels. After treatment, changes in biochemical parameters were observed: alanine aminotransferase (72→53 U/L), aspartate aminotransferase (53→44 U/L), gamma-glutamyltransferase (129→89 U/L), alkaline phosphatase (313→125 U/L) and homocysteine (15.1→17.0 μmol/L).
Conclusion. Positive dynamics after personalized therapy demonstrates the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to etiopathogenetic treatment, emphasizing the need to support hepatobiliary function along with muscular and skeletal therapy
A comparative study of neuropharmacological properties of Tabernaemontana divaricata (Apocynaceae) leaves extracts in a Swiss albino mouse model
Full text linkIntroduction and aim. Interest in natural products and nutraceuticals for the treatment of mental diseases such as anxiety, stress, sadness, and psychosis has increased due to their high safety index and cost. The primary objective of this work was to analyze the neuropharmacological attributes of leaf extracts of Tabernaemontana divaricata using models from Swiss albino mice.
Material and methods. Methanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate extracts were prepared from authenticated T. divaricata leaves. Experiments were conducted on 170 mice to evaluate the effects of thiopental sodium on sleeping time, hole cross, hole board, and open field behaviors. The duration of sleep caused by thiopental sodium was assessed at several doses, including 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg of body weight. Additionally, doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of body weight were used in the remaining tests.
Results. All extracts significantly increased thiopental-induced sleeping time in a dose-dependent manner, with maximum effects observed at 200 mg/kg (methanol: 684.77%, acetone: 655.63%, ethyl acetate: 666.89%). Locomotor and exploratory behaviors were reduced in all behavioral models, including a significant decrease in head dips and square crossings (p<0.01), supporting central nervous system depressant activity.
Conclusion. The study reveals that extracts of T. divaricata exhibit depressive and hypnotic effects on the central nervous sys tem, indicating the need for further research
Baicalein's neuroprotective effects in a lansoprazole-induced Alzheimer's model in Wistar rats
Full text linkIntroduction and aim. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder and the most frequently diagnosed type of dementia. Baicalein, a flavonoid found in the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis, was useful in preventing neuronal injury in various neurodegenerative models. The present study was designed to determine the neuroprotective effect of baicalein in lansoprazole-induced AD in Wistar rats.
Material and methods. We used male Wistar rats randomly divided into six groups: control, vehicle, lansoprazole-induced, and baicalein+lansoprazole or baicalein treated. The lowest dose, lansoprazole (30 mg/kg), was administered orally for 28 weeks to induce AD-like pathology. Baicalein (10 mg/kg) was coadministered with lansoprazole in the treatment group. Cognitive functions were evaluated using a Morris water maze (MWM) and a novel object recognition test. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, determination of oxidative stress, including malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutas, and reduced glutathione levels, and inflammation-related cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α were biochemically analyzed. We collected hippocampal sections to assess amyloid beta deposition and neuronal integrity histochemically.
Results. Lansoprazole-induced rats showed marked cognitive decline accompanied by enhanced AChE activity, increased oxidative stress, and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to controls (p<0.01). Co-administration of Baicalein significantly improved cognitive performance, AChE activity was reduced to control levels, oxidative stress markers decreased to near-normal values in the brain and blood, and inflammatory cytokines were significantly lower compared to rats treated with the lansoprazole-treated rats (p<0.01). Baicalein treatment attenuated plaque deposition and neuronal injury, as revealed by histopathological analysis in vivo.
Conclusion. Baicalein has a protective effect on lansoprazole-induced AD in Wistar rats. These appear to be due to the flavonoid's antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and enzyme-inhibiting activities on AChE. These results propose baicalein as a potential therapeutic agent for further study with respect to prevention and treatment, especially in patients under long-term administration of proton pump inhibitors
Association between handgrip strength and cognitive function in older adults living with cancer
Full text linkIntroduction and aim. Handgrip strength (HGS) serves as a key indicator of muscle performance and may reflect cognitive status in older cancer patients. We examined whether handgrip strength was associated with cognitive function in this group of patients.
Material and methods. For this study, a cross-sectional design was used, analyzing data from patients aged 60 years and older diagnosed with cancer, collected through Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments (CGAs). The information included demographics, HGS levels, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores.
Results. Among 352 participants (average age 75.7 years), HGS showed a moderate positive correlation with cognitive function, stronger in females (r=0.36, p<0.001) than in men (r=0.22, p=0.005). Each 1 kg increase in HGS was associated with a 0.29-point increase in MMSE scores in women and 0.13 points in males.
Conclusion. Higher HGS appears to better cognitive outcomes in older adults with cancer. As muscle strength is potentially modifiable, future research should explore whether HGS-targeted interventions could preserve or enhance cognitive health. Implementing regular handgrip strength assessments in geriatric oncology could help to detect patients who are vulnerable to cognitive decline
Sotagliflozin prevents acute kidney injury by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in renal ischemia/reperfusion rat model
Full text linkIntroduction and aim. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a life-threatening condition with limited effective pharmacological options. Although sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have shown renal protective effects, the potential role of the dual SGLT1/2 inhibitor sotagliflozin in ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) has not been previously investigated. We aimed to evaluate its nephroprotective properties in a rat model of renal IRI.
Material and methods. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups (sham, control, dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO], sotagliflozin). Renal IRI was induced by 40 min ischemia followed by 2 h reperfusion. Rats received either DMSO or sotagliflozin (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) 24 h and 1 h before surgery. Kidney function (urea, creatinine, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [NGAL]), oxidative stress (8-iso-prostaglandin F2α [8-iso-PGF2α]), inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]), apoptosis (caspase-3), and histopathology were assessed.
Results. In the control group, serum urea (106.5±2.9 mg/dL), creatinine (1.52±0.09 mg/dL), and NGAL (64.5±3.6 ng/mL) were significantly higher than in the sham group (32.6±5.3, 0.89±0.06, 49.5±3.8, respectively; p<0.0001). Tissue 8-iso-PGF2α (63.8±5.9 pg/mL), TNF-α (186±7 pg/mL), and caspase 3 (120.3±6.5 pmol/L) were also elevated vs. sham (35.6±3.6, 137±7, 92.3±4.9; p<0.0001). Sotagliflozin pretreatment reduced urea (53.8±2.8 mg/dL), creatinine (1.04±0.07 mg/dL), NGAL (49.6±6.4 ng/mL), 8-iso-PGF2α (41.3±3.9 pg/mL), TNF-α (140±6.6 pg/mL), and caspase 3 (89.7±2.4 pmol/L; all p<0.0001 vs. control). Histological injury scores improved from 4.0 in control to 1.0 in the sotagliflozin group (p<0.05).
Conclusion. Sotagliflozin significantly improved renal function and histopathological damage in rats with renal IRI by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. These findings support its potential as a candidate for further investigation in the prevention of AKI
Evaluation of endothelin 1 and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Full text linkIntroduction and aim. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease characterized by synovial inflammation and joint destruction. This study evaluated the novel biomarkers vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) for RA diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first study to simultaneously assess these biomarkers across different treatment stages in RA, linking systemic inflammation with subclinical cardiovascular involvement.
Material and methods. A case-control study enrolled 61 RA patients [G1 (newly diagnosed, untreated, n=10)], G2 [3 months csDMARDs, n=22], G3 [≥6 months biologic+csDMARDs, n =29]), 27 age/sex-matched healthy controls. The serum levels of VDBP, RBP-4, CRP, NT-proBNP, and ET-1 measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results. All evaluated biomarkers were significantly elevated in RA patients compared to controls (p<0.0001): RBP-4 (49.172±21.935 vs. 14.006±3.988 ng/mL), VDBP (12.091±3.334 vs. 2.882±1.136 ng/mL), NT-proBNP (1341.787±626.068 vs. 11.452±3.260 pg/mL), ET-1 (14.246±4.031 vs. 3.932±1.422 pg/mL). Subgroup analysis revealed a significantly higher VDBP in newly diagnosed untreated patients (G1:14.455±4.126 ng/mL) than in treated groups (G2:11.379±2.632; G3:11.816±3.269 ng/mL; p<0.05). NT-proBNP peaked in G1 (1789.2±710.81 pg/mL), decreased in csDMARD-treated (G2: 1154.0±537.58 pg/mL), biologic-treated (G3: 1329.96±601.18 pg/mL) group.
Conclusion. VDBP, RBP-4, CRP are effective diagnostic biomarkers of RA. Significant elevations in NT-proBNP and ET-1 levels associated with cardiac complications, correlated with disease activity, and improved with therapy
Silica nanoparticles from melon seed husk improves atherogenic, hematologic and oxidative stress indices in male Sprague Dawley rats exposed to Ni, Al and Ni/Al mixtures
Full text linkIntroduction and aim. With the increased awareness from circular bioeconomy that focuses on ‘no waste’ generation mantra, various technologies have been developed to valorize these wastes into useful products, including melon seed husk. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of silica nanoparticles from melon seed husk (SiNPs MSH) against Ni, Al, and Ni/Al mixture-induced hematotoxicity and lipotoxicity in Sprague Dawley rats.
Material and methods. Fifty-six male Sprague Dawley, 6 to 8 weeks and weighing 220 to 250 g, were randomly allocated to eight groups (n=7). Group 1 received deionized water only (control), groups 2, 3 and 4 (exposed groups) received the Ni/Al mixture, 0.2 mg/kg Ni and 1.0 mg/kg Al, while groups 5 to 8 received the Ni/Al mixture, Ni, and Al plus 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of SiNPs respectively for 90 days. Blood samples were collected for biochemical investigation.
Results. Ni, Al and Ni/Al groups showed significant (p<0.05) alteration (p <0.05) in the classic lipid profile, hematological and oxidative stress markers compared to the control. Co-administration with SiNPs did not show significant (p>0.05) difference in these parameters compared to the control.
Conclusion. MSH SiNPs reversed Ni, Al, and Ni/Al mixture mediated hemotoxicity and elevated superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione probably via metal chelation
The role of vitamin D and its supplementation in sarcoidosis – current status
Full text linkIntroduction and aim. Sarcoidosis is a chronic autoimmune-related inflammatory disease characterized by non-caseating granuloma formation. The macrophages accumulating in granulomas express increased 1alpha hydroxylase activity. Increased extrarenal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D synthesis can lead to hypercalcemia and its complications. However, 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are virtually universal among sarcoidosis patients. The aim of this study was to explain the complex role of vitamin D and to its metabolites and discuss the possible benefits and risks associated with the administration of exogenous vitamin D to patients with sarcoidosis.
Material and methods. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for reviews about The role of vitamin D and its supplementation in sarcoidosis. The authors have analyzed a total of 107 full-text articles published between January 2000 and November 2024, with additional articles identified by bibliography analysis.
Analysis of literature. The potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in sarcoidosis are promising in terms of reducing the inflammatory response, counteracting disease progression, reducing bone fracture risk, and minimizing the pharmacotherapy needed for disease control. However, the risk of hypercalcemia should not be neglected.
Conclusion. Despite the increased risk of hypercalcemia, vitamin D supplementation in patients with sarcoidosis should be considered. Each patient’s benefits-to-risks ratio of vitamin D supplementation should be assessed individually and the inter vention should be closely monitored both before and during implementation
Endogenous and exogenous factors influencing anti-Müllerian hormone levels in women of reproductive age
Full text linkIntroduction and aim. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a key marker of ovarian reserve (OR), which declines with advancing reproductive age. Certain pathological conditions can reduce OR or lower AMH levels independently of age, potentially impair ing fertility. This study aims to review the scientific literature on factors influencing AMH levels and the causes of diminished OR, including lifestyle, diet, supplementation, pathogenic factors, environmental influences, and genetic predispositions.
Material and methods. This review was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar. A comprehensive search was carried out across these databases, covering the period from 2007 to 2024. The inclusion criteria encom pass studies on AMH and factors influencing ovarian reserve, that present either quantitative or qualitative data.
Analysis of the literature. The most important factor determining the level of AMH is age. In addition, factors that may influ ence hormone levels include genetic background, autoimmune diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), environmental toxins, diet, supplementation, oral contraception, physical activity, and smoking.
Conclusion. The causes of reduced OR and abnormal AMH levels remain unclear in many cases. Recommendations for the pre vention of pathologically reduced OR include lifestyle modifications, a diet rich in antioxidants, avoiding toxins, refraining from smoking, appropriate supplementation, genetic testing, and regular blood tests