Journals of Rzeszow University - Open Journal System
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Antibacterial, DNA photocleavage and molecular docking studies of newly prepared Schiff-based macrocyclic complexes
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. At present, several microbial diseases are prominent and of concern worldwide. The intent of this study was to examine the antibacterial potential of newly synthesized tetradentate macrocyclic complexes against different bacte rial strains. The macrocyclic scaffold has gained attention as a biologically active class of supramolecular chemistry due to its unique properties and ability to target various microorganisms. Thus, the goal of the present study was to develop a series of biologically active transition metal-based macrocycles.
Material and methods. All macrocyclic compounds were synthesized by a template method and validated by molar conductiv ity, elemental studies, and spectral and magnetic studies. Antibacterial activities of all metal complexes were evaluated against Escherichia coli (MTCC 739) and Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 731) bacterial strains by taking ampicillin as a standard reference drug. DNA photocleavage potential was explored using agarose gel electrophoresis.
Results. Results revealed the formation of novel macrocyclic complexes via tetra nitrogen bond trapping of metals. Copper complexes have strong potential against S. aureus bacteria as copper and nickel both show good DNA photocleavage potential.
Conclusion. The findings endorse the biomedical relevance of these macrocyclic scaffolds, suggesting avenues for further exploration in targeted drug delivery and potential clinical applications. The proposed octahedral geometry for the complexes enhances our understanding of their structural aspects. This research contributes substantively to the field, laying the foundation for future investigations in advanced antimicrobial design and application
Water-related diseases following flooding in South Asian countries – a healthcare crisis
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Industrialization and elevated greenhouse gas emissions pose significant threats to the environment, raising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and leading to climate change. Climate change may impact human health either directly via increasing extreme weather frequency and altering disease patterns or indirectly via social institutions and disrupted global supply chain resulting in consequences like undernutrition
Material and methods. This review conducted a comprehensive literature search on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library, from inception to September 2022, using relevant keywords.
Analysis of the literature. Massive flooding in South Asia is leading to a surge in water-related diseases. Cholera outbreaks have occurred in countries like Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh following floods, and waterborne diseases like typhoid, rota virus, hepatitis A, and leptospirosis are prevalent in flood-affected regions. Additionally, Cryptosporidium, Campylobacter, Shigella, and Polio outbreaks are reported. Water-scarce diseases, including scabies, impetigo, and cellulitis, are also on the rise in flood-affected areas. Water-based diseases, such as dracunculiasis, schistosomiasis, and Leishmaniasis, pose significant risks. Vector-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue, and Leishmaniasis, are becoming more prevalent due to flooded areas providing breeding grounds for disease vectors like mosquitoes and sandflies. These diseases are now more common in flood-af fected regions, affecting millions of people.
Conclusion. Urgent measures are needed, including early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, drainage maintenance, and stricter land-use regulations, to reduce the impact of these natural disasters. International cooperation and immediate action at national and global levels are essential to mitigate the health crises caused by flooding and other natural disasters
Survival outcome and prognostic factors in patients with chemotherapy-naive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with abiraterone acetate – real-world experience in Vietnam
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. In real life, metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients (mCRPC) had more complex clinical presentation than patients in the COU-AA-302 trial. This study primarily aimed to describe the overall survival of chemotherapy-naive mCRPC treated with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (AAP). Other relevant outcomes and baseline characteristics of these patients were also evaluated.
Material and methods. This retrospective, observational study collected data from chemotherapy-naive mCRPC patients treated with AAP in Vietnam. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate time to treatment failure (TTF), and overall survival (OS). The impact of baseline characteristics on OS was explored using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models.
Results. Data from 65 eligible patients were analyzed. The rate of PSA response was 73.8%, median PSA PFS was 10.5 months (95% CI: 7.4–13.6), median TTF was 15 months (95% CI: 11.1–18.9), and median OS was 24.9 months (95% CI: 18.9–30.9). Shorter OS was significantly associated with a higher Gleason score (≥8), shorter time from ADT start to mCRPC (<12 months), visceral metastases, and <50% PSA decline (p<0.05).
Conclusion. Abiraterone acetate plus prednisone is well tolerated and effective for chemotherapy-naive mCRPC patients in clinical practice. Moreover, Gleason score, visceral metastasis, time from ADT start to mCRPC, and PSA response are the independent indicators for predicting the OS of mCRPC patients in both univariate and multivariate analyses
Novaluron and indoxacarb induced methemoglobinemia – unveiling a rare poisoning
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. In India, the utilization of agricultural pesticides for intentional self-poisoning is a prevalent method, and it is associated with substantially higher fatality rates compared to other self-poisoning approaches. Plethora, an agricultural insecticide containing novaluron (5.25%) and indoxacarb (4.5%), has recently been introduced and widely used in India and various other regions for its broad-spectrum lepidopteran control. While there have been documented cases of isolated self-poisoning involving indoxacarb, there is currently no literature reporting incidents of human poisoning specifically related to novaluron.
Description of the case. An 83-Year-old male was presented to the emergency department (ED) with a history of consumption of 50 mL of an insecticide suspension concentrate called ‘PLETHORA’ to commit suicide. He had one episode of vomiting and dizziness after the ingestion. There was associated cyanosis, and the patient was put on high-flow oxygen at 10 L/min through a face mask. The patient was diagnosed to have methemoglobinemia and was successfully treated with methylene blue and ascorbic acid. One hour post methylene blue injection showed a methemoglobin level of 1%, and the patient gradually improved. Patients presenting with novaluron and indoxacarb poisoning require supportive treatment as there is no specific antidote. There should be a high index of suspicion for methemoglobinemia in such patients, and timely management is necessary to prevent further complications. The patient was successfully managed and discharged after the 3rd day of admission.
Conclusion. The management of patients with novaluron and indoxacarb poisoning primarily involves supportive care, as there is currently no specific antidote available for these substances. Maintaining a high suspicion index for the development of methemoglobinemia and timely management of other complications is crucial for the best possible patient outcomes
The risk of developing alcohol addiction – what coping strategies do Ukrainian military personnel use after participating in intense hostilities?
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Since February 24, 2022, military personnel of the Ukrainian Defense Forces have been resisting the military aggression of the Russian Federation. After participating in combat operations, military personnel accumulated combat stress. Drinking alcohol was one of the ways to overcome it. The purpose of the article is to identify the types of coping strategies for the risk of developing alcohol addiction among Ukrainian military personnel who participated in intense hostilities.
Material and methods. Ukrainian Defense Forces military personnel (n=162 males, between 20 and 60 years of age) took part in this study. To determine coping strategies and the risk of developing alcohol addiction the AUDIT and the COPE Inventory were used.
Results. Cluster analysis made it possible to identify 4 types of coping strategies with different prevalence and levels of risk of developing alcohol addiction among participants.
Conclusion. Productive coping has been associated with a reduced risk of alcohol use in military personnel, but the ability to be situational flexible in the use of coping is important. Compulsive alcohol use was preceded by a period of intensive use of social support coping by military personnel. This period is sensitive to the risk of developing alcohol addiction
The impact of interpersonal support on quality of life in traumatic brain injury patients – a one-month post-treatment analysis
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Traumatic brain injuries often result in serious consequences affecting the quality of life of patients, necessitating a profound understanding of influencing factors. This study aims to explore the relationship between interpersonal support and the quality of life in traumatic brain injury patients one month after treatment. The research seeks to identify the extent to which interpersonal support influences the quality of life in traumatic brain injury patients and whether this relationship remains significant one month after hospital treatment.
Material and methods. The research method employed is quantitative, involving sampling of traumatic brain injury patients aged 18-50 years without complications or disabilities who are willing to participate. Data is collected one month post-treatment through questionnaires encompassing scales measuring interpersonal support (ISEL) and post-TBI quality of life (QOLIBRI). Data analysis is conducted using Pearson’s correlation test in SPSS version 26 software.
Results. Statistical analysis revealed that traumatic brain injury patients with good interpersonal support exhibited significantly higher quality of life (p=0.002), with a strong correlation between the two variables (r=0.663). These findings indicate the crucial role of interpersonal support in enhancing the quality of life in patients.
Conclusion. The study confirms a positive relationship between interpersonal support and the quality of life in traumatic brain injury patients
Incidental vs. non-incidental gallbladder cancer – a hospital-based clinicopathological study
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Most gallbladder cancers (GBCs) are discovered incidentally after routine cholecystectomy. The clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic implications of incidental gallbladder cancer (IGBC) versus non-incidental gallbladder cancer (NIGBC) is not known.
Material and methods. During this study, clinicopathological details compared between incidental and non-incidental GBC groups included age, sex, clinical presentation, preoperative radiological diagnosis, surgical management, and macroscopic and microscopic features. The primary outcome of the study was difference in overall survival (OS) between IGBC and NIGBC.
Results. Among 348 surgically treated patients, 56.6% weren’t preoperatively suspected of GBC. Macroscopic examination showed characteristic thickened gallbladder wall without mass lesion (IGBC) vs. clear mass lesion (NIGBC) on imaging. Interestingly, NIGBC had higher LVI (27% vs. 14%) and T stage (68% T2b/T3 vs. 47% T1b/T2a) despite lower margin involvement (p < 0.001). The OS for all patients was 12.2 months (median). Among patients who underwent surgery with curative intent, the median survival time was 21.4 months. However, within this group, NIGBC cases had a worse median survival (17 months) compared to IGBC cases (21 months).
Conclusion. Rising incidental GBC necessitates routine microscopic examination of all gallbladder specimens. Surgeons in high-risk areas should remain vigilant for GBC in patients with atypical clinical and ultrasound findings. Early detection and curative resection are paramount for long-term survival in gallbladder carcinoma, with IGBC potentially offering a survival benefit regardless of stage or tumor characteristics. Prospective studies including detailed pathology and molecular analysis are needed to confirm this observation
Vitamin D – a key player in diabetes management – a review
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Diabetes mellitus is a major health concern around the world and requires new management strategies. Several investigations have shown the connection between a lack of vitamin D and diabetes and its complexities. The objective of this review was to investigate the impact of vitamin D on maintaining glucose levels.
Material and methods. The material and methods section of this review involved conducting a literature review. This process included searching databases such as PubMed Crossref, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies examining the relationship between vitamin D levels and complications of diabetes. These databases were selected to ensure a comprehensive exploration of the existing literature to provide a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between vitamin D status and diabetic complications.
Analysis of the literature. Vitamin D plays an important role in preventing macrovascular and microvascular complications such as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic kidney disease, and diabetic foot ulcer in people with diabetes mellitus. Correcting vitamin D deficiency through optimal dosages of vitamin D supplements is an effective way to address the management and prevention of macrovascular and microvascular complications in diabetic individuals. This review emphasizes the critical importance of vitamin D supplementation for individuals with diabetes mellitus as it significantly maintains optimal blood glucose levels and reduces diabetes-associated risks.
Conclusion. Vitamin D is vital for managing and preventing diabetes complications. It stabilizes blood glucose levels and reduces risks of complications like retinopathy, neuropathy, kidney disease, and foot ulcers. Including it in diabetes management is crucial for better health outcomes
Lung abscess with pneumonia after SARS-CoV-2 infection – a case report
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Some patients after the SARS-CoV-2 infection may be at higher risk of consequent bacterial or fungal infections even if they have no risk factors (advanced age, obesity, metabolic diseases). A possible complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection is lung abscess with pneumonia what requires further examination and specialized treatment as well as the pulmonary rehabilitation.
Description of the case. This report presents all stages of the diagnosis and treatment of lung abscess with pneumonia of male patient, aged 42 years in course of COVID-19. The article emphasizes the role of pulmonary rehabilitation in decreasing the number of postoperative pulmonary complications. Presented case report includes a description of a rehabilitation program conducted during the patient’s hospitalization.
Conclusion. Lung abscess is a serious disease with an often unpredictable course, complications and an uncertain prognosis. However, most patients can be treated conservatively, and the priority in treatment is antibiotic therapy and physiotherapy treatments
Assessment of behavior and barriers of post-exposure prophylaxis for prevention of rabies in patients attending a tertiary care center in eastern India – a mixed method approach
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Rabies from animal bites, although preventable, is almost 100% fatal, with the dog being the most common infected animal. Several factors influence the timely initiation of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) which needs to be explored. This study aimed to determine the facilitating and inhibiting factors in initiating PEP among animal bite victims attending a tertiary care center in Eastern India.
Material and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 consenting animal bite victims attending casualty and medicine as out-patients in a tertiary care hospital. A mixed-method study approach was undertaken to explore the facilitating and inhibiting factors for the timely initiation of PEP using a pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20.
Results. The most common biting animal were dogs (96.2%). Around 102 patients (68%) were males and 48 (32%) were females. Timely initiation of PEP was seen in 112 (74.7%) of the study sample while delay was seen in 38 (25.3%). The inhibiting factors were the absence of an accompanying person (54.67%), the absence of vaccines and immunoglobulins in the nearest health facility (50.67%), referral from other health facilities (44%) and preferred other modalities of treatment (24.67%). Delays in initiation of PEP was significantly associated with gender (p=0.018), place of residence (p<0.001), those living more than 20 km from a health facility (p=0.014), educational status (p<0.001), and those with monthly income <10000 INR (p<0.01).
Conclusion. Lower economic status, education, and accessibility to health facilities were major inhibiting factors causing a delay in the initiation of PEP. Further, community-based studies are warranted