Journals of Rzeszow University - Open Journal System
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Impact of multicomponent training on functional fitness among older adults in rural India
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. In rural India, preserving functional fitness is crucial for older adults to maintain independence and perform daily activities without assistance. This study examines the effectiveness of multicomponent training (MCT) in improving functional fitness among older adults in rural India.
Methods: Thirty participants (mean age 64.50±3.67 years) engaged in a structured low-to-moderate intensity exercise program three times per week for six weeks. Functional fitness was assessed at baseline, three weeks, and six weeks using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT).
Results. In a short period of six weeks, significant improvements were observed in lower-body strength (p<0.001), endurance (p<0.001), flexibility (p<0.01), and overall functional fitness (p<0.001), with lower-body strength and endurance surpassing minimal detectable change thresholds. Females had lower baseline performance but showed greater improvement.
Conclusion. MCT effectively enhances functional fitness in older adults. However, additional upper-body strength and balance exercises may be beneficial for comprehensive improvements
Serum leptin and glucagon-like peptide-1 levels in diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis ‒ a cross-sectional study in Iraqi patients
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus, is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study aimed to evaluate differences in serum leptin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels between diabetic ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis and healthy controls.
Material and methods. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 65 participants: 31 type 2 diabetic patients with ESRD on hemodialysis and 34 healthy controls. Serum leptin and GLP-1 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
Results. Patients with ESRD exhibited significantly higher serum leptin levels (1.7±1.0 ng/mL) compared to controls (1.4±0.7 ng/mL; p=0.001), and significantly lower GLP-1 levels (19.6±11.2 pmol/L vs. 37.0±25.7 pmol/L; p=0.001).
Conclusion. Elevated leptin levels and reduced GLP-1 concentrations in diabetic ESRD patients suggest a potential role of these biomarkers in renal injury and metabolic regulation. The findings highlight the therapeutic promise of GLP-1 receptor agonists in this population
Correlation between serum gamma glutamyl transferase with atherogenic index of plasma with angiographic severity in patients with coronary artery disease
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) has been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of CAD. The aim of the study was to study the correlation between serum GGT and the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) with angiographic severity in patients with CAD.
Material and methods. This was an analytical cross-sectional study performed in 150 CAD patients in a tertiary-care teaching hospital in Puducherry, India. The patients were categorized as ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-elevated MI (NSTEMI) and unstable angina. Routine biomarkers including troponin-I, AIP, GGT, and angiographic severity were calculated by applying a Gensini score (GS).
Results. The mean age of the study participants was 55.7±10.2 years, predominantly males. The GGT and GS was higher in STEMI group followed by NSTEMI and unstable angina groups (p<0.001 and 0.016, respectively). This indicates that GGT could be a potential biomarker for CAD, specifically in STEMI. AIP was shown to be statistically significant in unstable angina patients (p=0.029). GGT and GS showed a positive correlation with each other, and were statistically significant (r=0.1685, p=0.0387).
Conclusion. Elevated serum GGT levels were positively correlated with angiographic severity of CAD with stronger associations in patients who had STEMI
Translation and psychometric evaluation of the Diabetes Education Questionnaire (DATE-Q) from English to Marathi – assessing reliability, validity, and cross-cultural equivalence
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. The DiAbeTes Education Questionnaire (DATE-Q) is a self-administered tool created to evaluate disease-related knowledge and knowledge of five core components of rehabilitation: exercise, diet, psychological well-being, self-management and complications. The aim was to translate and adapt the DATE-Q into Marathi language and to evaluate the validity and reliability among diabetes and prediabetic patients.
Material and methods. The study was carried out following standard stepwise Beaton and COSMIN guidelines to complete the translation and psychometric validation of the questionnaire. The pre-final version was evaluated in 30 individuals with diabetes or prediabetes. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were assessed among 200 individuals with type 2 diabetes using Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients respectively.
Results. The original and translated versions did not conceptually differ from each other. DATE-Q has ten elements that were culturally adjusted. Based on suggestions from the expert group and the results of the pilot tests, cross-cultural modifications were made. The value of 0.935 for Cronbach’s alpha shows a very high level of internal consistency. For single and average measures, the intraclass correlation coefficient is 0.985 and 0.993 resp. which indicates an excellent level of reliability.
Conclusion. The DiAbeTes Education Questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating knowledge among Marathi-speaking patients
A comparative study of C-reactive protein levels in patients with major depressive disorder with and without suicidal attempts
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is closely linked to suicidal behavior, and systemic inflammation ‒ particularly elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) ‒ has been proposed as a contributing factor. However, evidence comparing CRP patterns separately in suicide attempters and non-attempters remains limited, especially in underrepresented populations. The aim of this study was to compare serum CRP levels in patients with MDD with and without a history of suicide attempts.
Material and methods. This cross-sectional analytical study included 60 adults diagnosed with MDD according to ICD-10 criteria. Participants were divided into two groups: those with a history of suicide attempts (n=30) and those without such a history (n=30). Depression severity was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Serum CRP levels were measured using a turbidimetric method. Statistical analyses included Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Pearson’s correlation.
Results. CRP levels were significantly higher among suicide attempters compared with non-attempters (4.47±3.53 mg/L vs 2.50±3.59 mg/L; p=0.03). A significant positive correlation between HAM-D scores and CRP levels was observed in the suicide-attempt group (R=0.52; p=0.003), whereas no such correlation was found in non-attempters (R=0.12; p=0.52). Severe depression was more common among suicide attempters (30/44 cases).
Conclusion. This study provides novel evidence that the association between inflammation and depressive symptom severity is present only in patients with a history of suicidal behavior. Elevated CRP may therefore represent a potential marker for identifying MDD patients at increased risk of suicide
Interleukin-13 as a potential biomarker in the management of pediatric asthma – a longitudinal study
Get PDFAbstract
Introduction and aim. Asthma is predominantly a Th2 type hypersensitive disorder, with interleukin (IL) 4 and IL-13 playing a pivotal roles. Interleukin 13 is one of several cytokines that cause persistent inflammation associated with asthma. The aim was to examine the relationship between the response to treatment in asthma and serum IL-13.
Material and methods. This study, conducted at the SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Center, in Tamil Nadu, in volved 68 children aged 6 to 12 years of age diagnosed with asthma. The study included medical history, including age of onset of wheezing, history of allergic rhinitis/atopic dermatitis, food allergies, use of inhalational corticosteroids, hospital admissions, and family history. Spirometry was performed, and treatment with inhalational corticosteroids was started according to GINA guidelines. Blood was collected prior to and after 3 months of treatment.
Results. A substantial positive correlation was observed between gender and IL-13 levels. An improvement in forced expirato ry volume in the first second (FEV1) was observed after treatment [(74.72% vs 95.05%) (p<0.0001)]. A negative correlation was discovered between IL-13 and FEV1. A statistical significance between IL-13 levels before and after treatment (p=0.005).
Conclusion. Inhalational corticosteroids reduced serum IL-13 levels, indicating its role as a prognostic marker in pediatric asthma
A systemic review and meta-analysis of the effect of virtual reality training on balance in the elderly to prevent falls
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Virtual reality (VR) is used in various healthcare treatments. This review evaluates virtual reality therapy (VRT) for balance rehabilitation to prevent falls in older adults.
Material and methods. Randomised control trials from January 2013 to May 2024 were searched in databases like PubMed and Web of Science. Data were extracted and analysed using RevMan 5.4 software.
Analysis of the literature. The review included 12 studies with an average of 56 participants aged 50-80 years. Treatments last ed 4–10 weeks with 2-5 sessions per week, each 30-60 minutes. Meta-analyses of five studies using the berg balance scale (BBS) showed a weak impact on balance (Z=2.07, p=0.04; SMD=1.05, 95% CI [0.06, 2.05], p<0.0001). Conversely, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test showed a more positive impact (Z=2.25, p=0.02; SMD=-0.74, 95% CI [-1.39, -0.09], p<0.001), with a difference of 4.4 higher in the experimental group than the control group.
Conclusion. VRT shows promising effects in balance and gait training for older adults, but further clinical trials are needed to compare its impact with other therapies
Metoda inwestycyjna w systemie emerytalnym Meksyku: konsekwencje dla wzrostu gospodarczego i nierówności społecznych
No full textThe aim of the article is to present and analyze the application of the investment method in Mexico’s pension system and to assess its impact on economic growth, financial stability, social inequalities, and the level of pension benefits. Specifically, the article discusses how the diversity and efficiency of investment strategies implemented within the investment method by AFORE pension funds influence economic outcomes and social disparities. By comparing the investment performance of Mexican pension funds with international benchmarks, the study explores how effective asset management contributes to economic growth through capital accumulation and impacts inequalities by affecting retirement income distribution. The pension reform in Mexico, introduced in 1997, shifted the system from a pay-as-you-go to a defined contribution model managed by private funds (AFORE). While high investment returns can promote economic growth and reduce social inequalities by enhancing pension adequacy, poor investment decisions pose risks of financial instability, potentially exacerbating income disparities among retirees. Using empirical data, the article evaluates the effectiveness of the investment method used by AFORE in achieving balanced economic and social outcomes.Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie i analiza zastosowania metody inwestycyjnej w systemie emerytalnym Meksyku oraz ocena jej wpływu na wzrost gospodarczy, stabilność finansową, nierówności społeczne oraz poziom świadczeń emerytalnych. W szczególności omówiono, w jaki sposób różnorodność i efektywność strategii inwestycyjnych realizowanych w ramach metody inwestycyjnej przez fundusze emerytalne AFORE wpływa na wyniki gospodarcze i nierówności społeczne. Dokonując porównania wyników inwestycyjnych meksykańskich funduszy emerytalnych z międzynarodowymi punktami odniesienia, w artykule przeanalizowano, jak efektywne zarządzanie aktywami może przyczyniać się do wzrostu gospodarczego poprzez akumulację kapitału oraz wpływać na nierówności społeczne poprzez oddziaływanie na dystrybucję dochodów emerytalnych. Reforma emerytalna w Meksyku, wprowadzona w 1997 roku, przekształciła system repartycyjny w system zdefiniowanej składki zarządzany przez prywatne fundusze (AFORE). Wysokie stopy zwrotu z inwestycji mogą wspierać wzrost gospodarczy oraz zmniejszać nierówności społeczne poprzez poprawę adekwatności świadczeń emerytalnych, jednak błędne decyzje inwestycyjne grożą destabilizacją finansową, mogąc nasilać dysproporcje dochodowe wśród emerytów. Na podstawie danych empirycznych dokonano oceny skuteczności metody inwestycyjnej stosowanej przez fundusze AFORE w osiąganiu zrównoważonych rezultatów ekonomicznych i społecznych
Prawo zatrzymania z perspektywy niemożliwości dalszego wykonania umowy kredytu waloryzowanego. Glosa do postanowienia Sądu Najwyższego z dnia 17 marca 2023 r., sygn. II CSKP 1486/22
Get PDFThe doubts resolved by the Supreme Court in this ruling arose in connection with the defendant's (bank) application of the right of retention in cases involving loans denominated/indexed to foreign currency. This issue became a contribution to answering the question of whether the right of retention is vested in the party that can set off its claim against the claim of the other party. This text is based on the presentation of the decision of the lower courts and, further, the Supreme Court. In principle, the author expressed his approval of the position presented by the Supreme Court, and additionally referred to other arguments supporting the thesis.
Wątpliwości rozstrzygnięte przez Sąd Najwyższy w analizowanym orzeczeniu powstały w związku ze stosowaniem przez pozwanego (bank) prawa zatrzymania w sprawach dotyczących kredytów denominowanych/indeksowanych do waluty obcej. Kwestia ta stała się przyczynkiem do udzielenia odpowiedzi na pytanie, czy prawo zatrzymania przysługuje stronie, która może potrącić swoją wierzytelność z wierzytelnością drugiej strony. Niniejszy tekst opiera się na przedstawieniu orzecznictwa sądów niższej instancji, a w dalszej kolejności Sądu Najwyższego. Zasadniczo Autor wyraził aprobatę dla stanowiska zaprezentowanego przez Sąd Najwyższy, a dodatkowo odniósł się do innych argumentów wspierających tę tezę.
Referendum ogólnokrajowe z 2015 r. w świetle prawa i praktyki
Get PDFThis article analyses the background, administration, and outcomes of the nationwide referendum held in Poland on 6 September 2015. The initiative announced by then President Bronisław Komorowski immediately after his defeat in the first round of the presidential election was widely regarded as an attempt to use the referendum for personal political gain. Addressing this issue is well-justified, because nationwide referendums in Poland are exceptionally rare, and previous experience most notably the 2015 vote reveals a clear tendency to treat this tool primarily as an instrument of political rivalry rather than as a genuine mechanism of civic participation. Even years later, the referendum remains a key point of reference in research on direct-democracy mechanisms and prompts reflection on the role referendums should play in a democratic system.Niniejszy artykuł podejmuje analizę kontekstu, przebiegu oraz wyników ogólnokrajowego referendum, które odbyło się w Polsce 6 września 2015 roku. Inicjatywa ówczesnego Prezydenta Bronisława Komorowskiego została ogłoszona tuż po jego przegranej w pierwszej turze wyborów prezydenckich, co powszechnie uznano za próbę instrumentalnego wykorzystania tej instytucji do realizacji osobistych celów.
Podjęcie tej problematyki wydaje się uzasadnione ze względu na fakt, że w Polsce referenda ogólnokrajowe organizowane są niezwykle rzadko, a dotychczasowe doświadczenia, w tym głosowanie z 2015 roku wskazują na wyraźną tendencję do postrzegania tego narzędzia, przede wszystkim jako instrumentu rywalizacji politycznej, a nie rzeczywistego mechanizmu partycypacji obywatelskiej. Mimo upływu lat wydarzenie to nadal stanowi istotny punkt odniesienia w badaniach nad mechanizmami demokracji bezpośredniej i skłania do refleksji nad rolą, jaką referendum powinno odgrywać w systemie demokratycznym