Journals of Rzeszow University - Open Journal System
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Zapomniany romantyk: Karol Korab-Brzozowski i jego związki z lwowskim środowiskiem kulturalnym
Get PDFThe paper is based on source materials, including those from the Jan Matejko biographical museum. Among those familiar with the artist was a remarkable yet now-forgotten figure –poet, researcher of songs, writer, forester, engineer, ethnographer, and cartographer – Karol Korab-Brzozowski (1821–1904). In 1884, Karol Brzozowski settled with his family in Lviv. He published memoirs of his stay in the Middle East in various magazines, as well as romantic poetic works. The Lviv theatre staged his drama Malek. He also wrote the libretto for the opera Jezioro Dusza [Lake Dusza], based on a Lithuanian myth, with music composed by Mieczysław Sołtys.Opracowanie powstało na podstawie materiałów źródłowych zgromadzonych m.in. w muzeum biograficznym Jana Matejki. Wśród osób zaznajomionych z artystą znalazł się Karol Korab-Brzozowski (1821–1904) – współcześnie zapomniany poeta, badacz pieśni, pisarz, leśnik, inżynier, etnograf i kartograf. Brzozowski osiadł z rodziną we Lwowie w 1884 roku. Publikował w czasopismach wspomnienia z pobytu na Bliskim Wschodzie oraz utwory poetyckie. Teatr lwowski wystawił jego dramat Malek. Był także autorem inspirowanego litewskim mitem libretta opery Jezioro Dusza Mieczysława Sołtysa
Evaluation of the Glasgow-Blatchford score in predicting clinical outcomes in upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a common cause of emergency admissions with potentially serious outcomes. Early evaluation of patients is crucial to predict morbidity, recurrence of bleeding, and mortality. The Glasgow Blatchford score (GBS) is a validated scoring system used to predict the need for medical interventions such as blood transfusion, endoscopy, and surgery. This study aimed to explore the correlation of GBS with prognostic markers in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Material and methods. This retrospective study included patients >18 years old admitted to Hitit University Corum Erol Olcok Training and Research Hospital due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding between December 2022 and May 2023. Exclusion criteria were insufficient endoscopy or data or pregnancy. GBS scores were calculated at the initial presentation for each patient and their association with prognostic markers and mortality was analyzed. Comparison of numerical measurements between independent groups was evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test and categorical variables were evaluated using the Chisquare test. Spearman coefficients were used for correlations. ROC analysis was used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of GBS to predict endpoints. The predictive factors for the endpoints were investigated using logistic regression analysis.
Results. A total of 140 patients were enrolled in the study. GBS was significant in predicting the need for blood transfusion (OR: 1.493, 95% CI: 1.297–1.719, p<0.001), need for endoscopic intervention (OR: 1.248, 95% CI: 1.089–1.430, p=0.001), and preference for ward/intensive care unit (OR: 0.869, 95% CI: 0.790–0.953, p=0.003). For predicting mortality, Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR: 1.023, CI=1.008–1.437, p=0.046) was significant. GBS was not significant for predicting mortality (p=0.582). The area under the curve (AUC) of GBS with a cut-off of 9.5 for mortality was 0.64 (95% CI 0.513–0.775, p=0.032) with a sensitivity of 68.2% and specificity of 52.5%, AUC 0.752 (95% CI 0.653–0.851, p<0.001) for the need for endoscopic intervention with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 50.8%, AUC 0.729 (95% CI 0.646–0.812, p<0.001) for admission to intensive care with a sensitivity of 70.1% and specificity of 58.9% and AUC 0.853 (95% CI 0.782–0.924, p<0.001) for the need for blood transfusion with a cut-off of 8.5 with a sensitivity of 84.9% and specificity of 75.5% for the selected.
Conclusion. The GBS did not predict mortality, but effectively predicted the need for blood transfusion, endoscopic intervention, and intensive care unit admission. The Charlson comorbidity index was predictive for mortality in this study group.
 
An overview of the diagnostic and prognostic values of biochemical markers in patients with COVID-19
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global pandemic that disrupts both public health operations and financial structures throughout the world. This article aims to evaluate the relationship between the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its alterations in specific biomarkers such as D-dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP) together with alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).
Material and methods. Participants in this study were split into two groups consisting of 200 COVID-19 patients and 200 healthy controls ranging from 18 to 80 years old. Polymerase chain reaction and chest radiograph examinations were used to officially verify the participant’s diagnosis. This study used Mann-Whitney U tests combined with logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to identify and determine their value as diagnostic tools and prognostic indicators.
Results. D-dimer and CRP along with ALT, AST, and LDH demonstrated significant and elevated levels in COVID-19 infected participants when analyzed against control participants (p<0.0001). D-dimer emerged as a diagnostic biomarker according to ROC analysis with an AUC value of 0.96 and a p-value<0.001 which signified its quality for the evaluation of the severity of the disease. The additional biomarkers AST and LDH received AUC scores of 0.79 and 0.76, respectively,,with ALT reaching an AUC value of 0.74.
Conclusion. The combination of the biochemical markers D-dimer, AST, and LDH significantly improves risk assessment while enhancing predictions about disease outcomes. These biomarkers provide vital data for early disease detection in combination with disease progression through tracking patient outcomes and therapeutic planning assessments
A cross-sectional study of psychosocial variables associated with medication burden among type 2 diabetes mellitus with multiple comorbidities in geriatric patients
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. As the population ages, the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in older adults with multiple comorbidities becomes more complex. Geriatric patients often face a medication burden, impacting their quality of life and adherence. Psychosocial variables such as depression, anxiety, social support, and health literacy may influence how patients cope with their medications. This study explores the relationship between these variables and the burden in geriatric patients with type 2 diabetes and comorbidities, offering insight into improving care and outcomes.
Material and methods. The cross-sectional survey was carried out from April to September 2024. 250 patients were included. The demographics of the participants, the burden of the disease, polypharmacy, the burden of the medication, and the psychosocial variables were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyzes assessed the variables associated with the burden of medications.
Results. There was a positive correlation between the belief in medication, depression, disease burden, number of medications, number of comorbidities, and medication burden (p<0.05). Knowledge about medications was not significantly correlated with the burden (p>0.05).
Conclusion. Low self-efficacy, depression, polypharmacy, high disease burden, and decreased medication satisfaction can all contribute to medication burden. Comprehending these factors helps identify patients with geriatric diabetes and enables personalized treatment to ease their burden
Impact of melatonin on platelets during oxidative stress – an in vitro approach
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Platelets are susceptible to oxidative damage due to metabolic pathways and oxygen-rich environments. Antioxidants combat oxidative stress (OS) and are currently employed in therapeutics. Melatonin has potent antioxidant properties; however, it has not been explored in platelet OS models. This study investigates the effect of melatonin on platelets during 2,2’-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced OS.
Material and methods. Platelets from Wistar rats (n=5) were grouped into controls (untreated), free radical-inducer (FRI: AAPH-treated), melatonin-treated (AO), and preincubated with melatonin and AAPH-treated (FRI+AO). OS and platelet markers were analyzed.
Results. Antioxidant defenses decreased in FRI, whereas increased in AO and FRI+AO. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) increased in FRI, whereas advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and metabolism increased in AO compared to controls. Superoxides, AOPP, and ATP secretion increased, whereas LPO decreased in FRI+AO compared to FRI. However, aggregation increased in FRI and AO compared to Controls, whereas decreased in FRI+AO compared to FRI.
Conclusion. OS models can give insights into the underlying redox status of the cells and modulations of antioxidants in platelets. The findings indicate that melatonin can modulate antioxidant defenses and alleviate OS in platelets. This study lays the foundation for further in vivo studies on platelet pathophysiology
Sex differences in hypertension prevalence and risk factors in India ‒ a comparative study based on National Family Health Survey IV and V
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Hypertension is increasing universally, mainly in developing countries like India. This study analyzed sex differences in hypertension using data from National Family Health Survey (NFHS) rounds IV and V, with a focus on prevalence trends and associated risk factors.
Material and methods. This study utilized data from NFHS rounds IV and V, focusing on males and females aged 15–49 years. The samples included 103,525 males and 667,258 females in NFHS-IV, and 93,267 males and 695,707 females in NFHS-V. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analytical techniques were employed to address the study’s objectives.
Results. The NFHS-IV and V data revealed a notable increase in hypertension prevalence across India, with significantly higher odds observed among individuals in the older reproductive age group (45–49 years) for both sexes. Hypertension occurred 4.85 times higher among male in the age group 45‒49 compared to 15-24 age group, which rose to 5.23 in NFHS-V. Among female, the odds increased from 5.39 in NFHS-IV to 6.40 in NFHS-V. Remarkably, illiterate male showed lower odds of hypertension linked to their educated peers in both survey rounds, while female with only primary education showed higher odds. Regional disparities were also evident, with both male and female from the Northeast showing elevated odds ‒ particularly female, who had an odds ratio of 1.47 in NFHS-IV.
Conclusion. The observed sex-specific variations in hypertension and its risk factors indicate a need for public health strategies to designed for each gender. Tailored interventions addressing education, lifestyle behaviors, and regional disparities are essential to effectively manage and prevent hypertension in India’s diverse population
Exploring the diagnostic potential of micro-RNA-320 and anti-Müllerian hormone in women with polycystic ovary syndrome ‒ a case-control study
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine disorder characterized by hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, and reproductive dysfunction. Due to its heterogeneous clinical presentation, diagnosis remains challenging. MicroRNA-320a-3p and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) have recently emerged as promising biomarkers. This study aimed to assess their diagnostic potential in women with PCOS.
Material and methods. A case-control study was performed in 90 women aged 18–40 years, including 45 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and 45 age- and body mass index-matched healthy controls. Hormonal and metabolic markers were measured using standard immunoassays, and the expression of microRNA-320a-3p was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction.
Results. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome demonstrated significantly higher levels of luteinizing hormone (9.45±6.0 vs 5.09±2.2 mIU/mL), increased luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone ratio (1.64±0.87 vs 0.76±0.3), and elevated fasting blood glucose (105.5±14.7 vs 94.3±13.5 mg/dL), all with p<0.001. Contrary to expectations, insulin and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance values were lower in the polycystic ovary syndrome group, possibly reflecting a predominance of non-obese phenotypes. AMH levels were also reduced (2.27±1.0 vs 3.34±1.1 ng/mL, p<0.001). Expression of microRNA-320a-3p was significantly downregulated (0.61±1.27 vs 2.81±5.03-fold, p=0.0009). MicroRNA-320a-3p expression correlated positively with luteinizing hormone levels and the luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone ratio, while AMH was associated with insulin resistance. The combined use of both markers improved diagnostic differentiation between groups.
Conclusion. MicroRNA-320a-3p and AMH show promise as diagnostic biomarkers in polycystic ovary syndrome. Their integration with traditional clinical markers may enhance diagnostic accuracy and provide deeper insight into the pathophysiological complexity of the disorder
The comparative efficacy of FDA-approved drugs for management of alcohol use disorder ‒ a network meta-analysis
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) represents a significant and lasting public health challenge affecting millions of people around the world. Currently, the US FDA has approved naltrexone, disulfiram, and acamprosate for AUD; however, their comparative effectiveness remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the comparative efficacy of FDA-approved medications for AUD.
Material and methods. A comprehensive search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase was performed up to January 2025. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials of at least 12 weeks in duration, enrolling adults with AUD and investigating one or more FDA-approved medications, individually or in combination. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (ROB 2) tool was used to assess study quality. A frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed. The primary and secondary outcomes were the return to any level of drinking and the return to heavy drinking, respectively.
Analysis of the literature. Fifty-two trials were included. Compared to placebo, acamprosate (risk ratio, RR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.82-0.92]), naltrexone (0.93 [0.88-0.99]) and a combination of acamprosate and naltrexone (NAAC) (0.52 [0.35-0.76]) all statistically significantly reduced the risk of return to any type of drinking. Based on SUCRA rankings, NAAC (SUCRA = 0.99) was ranked first for efficacy. For the secondary outcome, only naltrexone (RR, 0.87 [0.80-0.95]) was found to be effective.
Conclusion. When combined with psychosocial interventions, naltrexone and acamprosate demonstrated superior efficacy compared to placebo. Furthermore, the combination of the two medications led to significantly better results
Review of the therapeutic effect of alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and folic acid against ovarian toxicity induced by drugs and heavy metals
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. The ovaries are almond-shaped organs that produce the female gametes and reproductive hormones. They also play a critical role of ovulation under well-coordinated hormonal regulation. However, chemotherapy involving the application of drugs to combat chronic diseases (like cancer) results in toxicity to tissues like ovaries. Similarly, exposure to heavy metals has a toxic effect on the ovaries. Hence, potential therapeutic agents including vitamin antioxidants have been explored to combat ovarian toxicity caused by drugs or heavy metals.
Material and methods. This review was based on previous articles archived on Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. After initial assessment, the relevant articles were selected for further critical assessment.
Analysis of the literature. Induction of oxidative stress and activation of inflammo-apoptotic signaling were indicated as the major mechanisms of ovarian toxicity due to exposure to drugs and heavy metals. Moreover, vitamins such as alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid and folic acid demonstrated therapeutic effects against drug and heavy metal-induced ovarian toxicity based on their modulatory effect on the downstream mechanisms of the toxicity.
Conclusion. Vitamins exert a therapeutic effect against ovarian toxicity caused by drugs or heavy metal exposure due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties
The effect of hypnotic suggestion on labor market attachment, functioning, and cognition after brain injury – a randomized controlled trial
Get PDFAbstract
Introduction and aim. Cognitive impairments after acquired brain injury (ABI) or concussion significantly affect work capacity. While hypnotic suggestion has shown promise in improving working memory and work ability, studies on its long-term effects on labor market attachment and cognition are lacking. The aim of this study was to estimate the long-term effect of hypnotic suggestion on labor market attachment, cognition, and functioning following acquired brain injury or concussion.
Material and methods. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted at a municipal vocational rehabilitation center in Denmark, among 87 patients aged 18 to 62 years who experienced ABI or concussion at least 6 months prior to the first therapy session. The study group were randomized according to the applied intervention: usual care (n=28), hypnosis (n=30) or mindfulness (n=29). Participants underwent baseline and 6-month follow-up assessments involving The Danish Register for Evaluation of Marginalization (DREAM), The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV), Impact on Participation and Autonomy questionnaire (IPA), The Working Memory Questionnaire and Trial Making Test related to working memory and functioning, assessing three dimensions: short-term storage, attention, and executive control.
Results. The primary outcome was the average number of weeks employed during the 12–24-month period post-inclusion. The mean number of weeks employed was 32.71 (SD: 22.31) in the usual care group, 35.97 (SD: 21.58) in the hypnosis group, and 32.90 (SD: 22.44) in the mindfulness group. All intervention groups had exhibited a working memory score of around 90, which improved to a range of 91 to 95 at the 6-month follow-up. No significant differences were found between the groups.
Conclusion. Brief hypnotic treatment at a municipal vocational rehabilitation center for people with ABI and concussion showed no significant advantage over mindfulness or usual care in labor market attachment, cognition, or family functioning. However, participants in the hypnosis group demonstrated improved social functioning at the 6-month follow-up compared to usual care