Journals of Rzeszow University - Open Journal System
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Neuroprotective effects of Vernonia amygdalina and Moringa oleifera in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats
Full text linkIntroduction and aim. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that affects multiple organs, including the hippocampus, a key region involved in memory. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective and antidiabetic effects of Vernonia amygdalina and Moringa oleifera in an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model.
Materials and methods. Thirty-five adult Wistar rats were randomized into seven groups and treated with aqueous extracts of V. amygdalina, M. oleifera, their combination, or glibenclamide for 30 days following alloxan-induced diabetes. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), hippocampal acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, cognitive performance (Morris Water Maze test) and histopathological changes in the hippocampus were evaluated.
Results. Alloxan significantly increased FBG (20.68±1.04 mmol/L), AChE activity (40.40±0.40 nmol/mL), and escape latency (51.75±4.39 sec), and reduced hippocampal cell density. Treatment with V. amygdalina and M. oleifera reduced FBG (8.29±0.93 mmol/L), AChE activity (34.50±0.30 nmol/mL), and escape latency (3.39±0.45 sec), and improved hippocampal histoarchitecture.
Conclusion. V. amygdalina and M. oleifera demonstrated neuroprotective and antidiabetic effects in diabetic rats. These results support their potential as adjunct agents to prevent diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction
Self-injection of kerosene with chemical pneumonitis and abscess formation ‒ a case report and literature review
Full text linkIntroduction and aim. Kerosene, a widely available household fuel in Sri Lanka, is a common cause of accidental poisoning, especially in children, and is occasionally used for self-harm, which can cause complications such as chemical pneumonitis, abscesses, and thrombosis. Its unsafe storage practices increase the risk of accidental exposure.
Description of the case. A 16-year-old Sri Lankan male self-injected kerosene into the left cubital fossa. Although initially stable, he later developed chemical pneumonitis, left cephalic vein thrombosis, and a sterile abscess at the injection site.
Conclusion. Early multidisciplinary intervention and close clinical monitoring led to a favorable outcome. A review of the literature reveals that intravenous hydrocarbon injection, although rare, can lead to significant local and systemic toxicities
Radiological evaluation of the normal patella position using the Insall-Salvati ratio
Full text linkIntroduction and aim. Normal patellofemoral relationship relies on the patella’s location which is vital in the knee’s stability and biomechanics. This research aimed to determine the normal Insall Salvati Ratio (ISR) and the cut-off values that will be useful for diagnosing patella alta and baja in Delta State in Nigeria.
Material and methods. This retrospective cross-sectional study assessed the Insall-Salvati Ratio by dividing the patella tendon length by the patella length. These lengths were measured on lateral knee radiographs of 300 patients (149 males, 151 females) aged 20 years and older using digital calipers calibrated in cm.
Results. With exception to the ISR, the measured variables showed sexual dimorphism and a significant weak negative association with age (p<0.05). Based on the international ISR cut-off values (<0.8 and >1.2), the prevalence of patella baja and alta was 15 (5%) and 64 (21.3%) respectively using the calculated cut-off values (<0.73 and >1.41). A lower prevalence of 6 (2%) and 9 (3%) were recorded correspondingly.
Conclusion. The normal ISR cut-offs provided by this study will aid radiologists and orthopedic specialists in Delta State, Nigeria to precisely diagnose patella alta and baja and ensure proper restoration of the knee’s stability and biomechanics as well as minimizing complications
A comparative study on the utility of biomarkers – serum interleukin-13 against serum immunoglobulin E in assessing the severity of asthma
Full text linkIntroduction and aim. Asthma is a complex respiratory condition with fluctuating symptoms, airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation. Interleukin (IL)-13 induces various biological responses, including B-cell immunoglobulin E (IgE), eosinophil chemo-attractants, and mucus-secreting goblet cell maturation. B-cell immunoglobulin E antibodies are essential for the onset and propagation of the inflammatory cascade, triggering the allergic response. The aim was to compare the utility of biomarkers – serum IL-13 against serum IgE in assessing the severity of asthma.
Material and methods. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 68 asthmatic children aged 6–12 years and 68 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Asthma severity was assessed using spirometry and categorized as mild, moderate, or severe based on GINA guidelines. Serum IL-13 and IgE levels were measured using validated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results. The study confirmed elevated levels of serum IL-13 and IgE in children with asthma compared to the control group, suggesting their involvement in the development of asthma (p<0.001). The threshold values for identifying the existence of asthma were 1.86 pg/mL for IL-13 and 314 ng/ml for IgE. The IL-13 level could accurately classify asthmatic children as having either moderate or severe asthma, using a cut-off value of ≥2.66 pg/mL, with a statistically significant p=0.001. However, no such results were observed with IgE.
Conclusion. Bronchial asthma patients had markedly higher levels of total IgE and IL-13 compared to the healthy controls included in the study. Furthermore, it has been shown that IL-13 plays a role in discerning the extent of asthma severity
The role of ABCA12 in neurodegenerative diseases – a review of molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic implications
Full text linkIntroduction and aim. ABCA12 a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter superfamily, is known to be involved in lipid transport and in the formation of the skin barrier. However, recent evidence also suggests its implication in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms that could link ABCA12 to neurodegenerative processes and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Material and methods. A literature review search was conducted between 200 and 2024 via the databases, which included PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. There, pertinent studies with relevance to ABCA12 involvement in neurodegenerative diseases were searched. This study reviewed pertinent articles on the expression patterns of ABCA12 and its molecular inter actions, as well as its contribution to cellular processes, such as lipid homeostasis, inflammation, and neuronal integrity. The analysis further included studies on ABCA12 mutations and their associations with neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease.
Analysis of literature. The results from the analysis showed that ABCA12 dysfunction led to disturbances in lipid metabolism, accompanied by increased oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and compromised integrity of the neuronal membrane. The results imply that mutations or dysregulation of ABCA12 exaggerates amyloid-beta aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease and dopaminergic neuron loss in Parkinson’s disease. Finally, pathways of ABCA12 functionally interact with other core neurodegenerative mechanisms, which include autophagy dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Preliminary preclinical data indicate that altering ABCA12 expression or function diminishes neuroinflammation and restores cellular homeostasis.
Conclusion. ABCA12 plays an important role in maintaining neuronal health and its dysfunction contributes to neurodegenerative processes. Targeting pathways related to ABCA12 seems promising to mitigate disease progression in neurodegenerative diseases. More research is still required to elucidate its precise molecular mechanisms and identify specific interventions
The effects of breathing and coughing exercises on respiratory parameters in COVID-19 patients
Full text linkIntroduction and aim. COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, often resulting in pneumonia and dyspnea that may persist after recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of deep breathing and coughing exercises using a Triflow device on respiratory parameters in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.
Material and methods. This single-blinded randomized controlled study was conducted with 326 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=163) or a control group (n=163). The experimental group performed exercises for 10 consecutive days. The control group received routine hospital care, which included routine nurse-led monitoring of vital signs, peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) assessment, medical treatment per clinical guidelines, and supportive care, but no structured breathing-exercise education. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, chi-square, and post hoc tests.
Results. After 10 days of intervention, Dyspnea-12 scores decreased more markedly in the experimental group than in the control group (mean change −15 vs. −8 points; p<0.001). Arterial oxygen and SpO₂ levels also improved significantly in the experimental group compared to controls (p<0.001), while respiratory rate decreased to a greater extent (p<0.001). No adverse effects were observed.
Conclusion. Deep breathing and coughing exercises with the Trilow device significantly reduced the severity of dyspnea and improved oxygenation in COVID-19 pneumonia patients. These findings suggest that incorporating structured respiratory exercises into standard care may enhance clinical outcomes and support recovery in this population
Prevalence and pattern of abnormalities of cervical smear examination in women attending the fertility clinic at Uniosun Teaching Hospital, Osun state, Nigeria
Full text linkIntroduction and aim. Infertility is described as the failure to conceive after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse. One of the causes of female infertility is cervical abnormalities that may be due to bacterial, parasitological, and hormonal imbal ances. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and Pattern of Abnormalities of cervical smear examination in women attending fertility clinic at the University of Osun Teaching Hospital, Osun State, Nigeria.
Material and methods. This study was conducted in the fertility clinic of University of Osun Teaching Hospital, Osun State. The study population consisted of 50 infertile (case group) and 50 fertile participants (control group) who are attending the gyne cology clinic of the University of Osun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo. A questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic infor mation and other relevant data. Cervical samples were collected using Ayre’s spatula, two smears were made from each subject and stained with Papanicolaou, hematoxylin, and eosin staining techniques. The results were analyzed using a frequency table.
Results. Cervical smears revealed atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance in 15 cases (30%), while only 3 (6%) were observed among controls. Cervical cervicitis 19 (38%), Candida spp. (10%), Trichomonas vaginalis (16%), Gardnerella vaginalis (8%), inflammatory cell infiltrate (72%) and increased nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio (26%) were observed between cases and were significantly higher compared with the controls.
Conclusion. Abnormal pap smears in this study was significantly more often found in the case group when compared with the controls
The X-ray repair cross-completing gene 1 (XRCC1) polymorphisms and lung cancer incidence – a confirmatory umbrella review of observational evidence
Full text linkIntroduction and aim. Lung cancer (LC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with X-ray repair cross-comple menting gene 1 (XRCC1) playing a crucial role in DNA repair and influencing LC risk through genetic mutations. Despite nu merous meta-analyses, results have been inconsistent. This study systematically evaluated existing meta-analyses to clarify the association between XRCC1 gene variations and LC.
Material and methods. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Co chrane databases. The present Umbrella review followed PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. The AMSTAR tool assessed the meth odological quality of the included studies.
Analysis of the literature. A total of 28 data sets were analyzed: 9 for the rs25487 (codon 399), 11 for the rs1799782 (codon 194), and 8 for the rs25489 (codon 280) polymorphisms. Significant associations were found with odds ratios ranging from 0.93 to 1.92 (p<0.05) in 16 data sets. XRCC1 rs25487/codon 399 and rs1799782/codon 194 were strongly linked to LC risk, while rs25489 (codon 280) was not. Twelve datasets showed significant heterogeneity, and publication bias was not detected in 24 datasets. Most meta-analyses demonstrated high methodological quality.
Conclusion. These findings suggest that XRCC1 (rs25487/codon 399 and rs1799782/codon 194) gene polymorphisms have the potential to serve as biomarkers for the early identification and management of LC risk
Recent Perspectives on Parthian History: Research Approaches and Methodological Concerns
No full textHistorians specializing in antiquity face significant challenges when studying Parthian history. This difficulty primarily stems from the wide variety of sources available, which makes them complex to utilize effectively. Furthermore, Parthian history encompasses a vast territory, including numerous distinct regions that stretch from the Persian Gulf to Afghanistan. Consequently, comprehensive, multifaceted monographs on Parthian history are scarce. Recently, three monographs on early Parthia have been published: Balakhvantsev (2017), Olbrycht (2021), and Overtoom (2020). Overtoom’s work employs a theoretical model that distorts historical reality in certain aspects, resulting in inaccuracies and misleading conclusions. The author supports the neo-realist theory in international relations. Historians of this period and scholars in Oriental studies should approach this model and methodological concept with caution, utilizing a broader research spectrum
Seleucid History: New Perspectives and Current Challenges
No full textThis comprehensive review article examines the recent transformation in Seleucid historiography, analyzing fourteen contributions from the third Payravi Conference on Ancient Iranian History held at UC Irvine in 2020. The work addresses a fundamental shift in scholarly perspective from viewing the Seleucid Empire as a fragmented, declining successor state to understanding it as an ideologically coherent, adaptable empire that successfully integrated central authority with local negotiation across diverse territories from Asia Minor to Central Asia. The article traces the evolution of Seleucid studies over the past two decades, highlighting key theoretical developments
including Kosmin’s spatial analysis of territorial conception, Chrubasik’s examination of usurpation as normal political practice, and systematic administrative studies by Aperghis and Capdetrey. The authors introduce the concept of “Irano-Hellenica” to transcend traditional East-West dichotomies, though they acknowledge the limitations of applying globalization theories like “glocalism” to ancient contexts.
The fourteen contributions span diverse methodological approaches and geographical regions. Methodologically, the contributions demonstrate the field’s increasing sophistication in combining textual analysis with archaeological evidence, numismatic studies, and comparative imperial analysis. The work particularly emphasizes the importance of Babylonian sources and the complex dynamics of center-periphery relationships in imperial administration.
The review identifies persistent challenges in Seleucid studies, including the continued focus on elite perspectives, limited integration of intercultural dynamics, and insufficient attention to the empire’s later periods. Despite these limitations, the volume represents a significant advancement in understanding the Seleucid Empire as neither purely “Eastern” nor “Western” but distinctly “Seleucid” in its foundation, ideology, and identity, while simultaneously becoming integral to Iranian history during its first 150 years. This work contributes substantially to Hellenistic and Near Eastern historiography by providing new theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and empirical evidence that will inform future research on ancient Iranian history, imperial studies, and cultural transformation in the post-Achaemenid period