Showing papers in "Progress in Health Sciences in 2017"
TL;DR: Lepidium sativum extract shows efficacy in the prevention and management of diabetes mellitus and its related complications and a significant reduction in glucose, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase levels were observed.
Abstract: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Objective: Lepidium sativum, commonly known as chandrashoor in India, has been used in the Indian traditional medicine system for the treatment of various diseases. The present study was undertaken to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of Lepidium sativum in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods: Thirty (30) adult male Wistar rats weighing 157±51g were randomly assigned to five groups of six rats each as Normal control, Diabetic control, Diabetics supplemented with Lepidium sativum extract, Diabetics treated with insulin, and Normal rats supplemented with Lepidium sativum. All rats were fed with a normal laboratory diet, nutrient rich pellets, and had free access to drinking water. The rats were injected with streptozotocin at a dose of 45 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally to induce diabetes. The extracts were then given orally to different groups of rats at a dose of 20mg/kg body weight for 16 days. Thereafter, the rats were sacrificed, and blood samples collected by cardiac puncture were used for the determination of Glucose, Creatinine, Alkaline Phosphatase, Cholesterol, Malondialdehyde level, % DPPH, and FRAP content. Results: Administration of lepidium extract showed a significant reduction in glucose, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase levels. Elevated cholesterol level was restored approximately to normal; a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels was also observed compared to diabetic controls. Conclusion: Lepidium sativum extract shows efficacy in the prevention and management of diabetes mellitus and its related complications.
10 citations
TL;DR: Results obtained in many research studies indicate intense activity of enteroendocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract in various pathological conditions, including hypertension.
Abstract: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Recent years have witnessed a progressive increase in the number of people suffering from hypertension, which is one of the most serious health problems in the world. Hypertension results in changes leading to function disorders, not only of the organs and tissues, but also changes leading to the activation of many defense mechanisms in the cells in order to prevent damage. One of them is the expression of neuroendocrine (NE) hormones and biologically active substances, which has been the focus of extensive research for a number of years. Active involvement of NE cells and the biological and therapeutic properties of various substances synthesized by them have been confirmed in clinical trials and in various experimental models. Results obtained in many research studies indicate intense activity of enteroendocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract in various pathological conditions, including hypertension. In the present review, we discuss the morphological and functional changes of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine cells under conditions of different types of hypertension.
6 citations
TL;DR: The causes and possible treatment options of irreversible pulpitis are discussed, and the causal relationship between endodontic treatment and focal diseases is explored.
Abstract: On the basis of the available literature on the subject, the causes and possible treatment options of irreversible pulpitis are discussed. The justifiability of the available treatment methods is also verified. The advantages and disadvantages of the available pulpitis treatment methods are discussed. The issue of toxicity of materials used in mortal endodontic treatment is highlighted. The causal relationship between endodontic treatment and focal diseases is explored.
6 citations
TL;DR: This paper is to present coaching as a method that makes it possible to reduce the risk related to burnout in medical professionals.
Abstract: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In their daily work, medical professionals often encounter emotionally and mentally challenging situations, such as sudden health deterioration or death of their patients. The concern to ensure the highest possible level of healthcare and meet all the standards despite the limitations that come with working under the pressure of time, the interactions with other individuals, the physical burden and stress, as well as with the (sometimes limited) support from superiors and lack of satisfaction with salary may, as a result, translate into a higher risk of burnout. Research indicates a potential effectiveness of coaching with respect to medical personnel. However, there are no publications available concerning nurse-oriented coaching, which would be intended to reduce the risk of burnout in this professional group. The objective of this paper is to present coaching as a method that makes it possible to reduce the risk related to burnout in medical professionals.
4 citations
TL;DR: The use of sensors such as BodyMedia SenseWear together with keeping daily diaries make measurement of physical activity in dancing reliable and accurate and both sexes had inadequate energy and carbohydrate intakes.
Abstract: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Purpose: To evaluate of the energy expenditure in 3 types of dance classes (ballet, Jazz, and contemporary), as well as of the daily energy balance depending on dance type. Materials and methods: 40 females attending dance classes with a median age of 21.0 (19.0-25.0) and 10 males with a median age of 27.0 (20.0-28.0) participated in this study. The energy cost of each dance class was measured using the BodyMedia SenseWear Sensor and total daily energy expenditure was evaluated using a 3-day recording of physical activity. The dietary intake was evaluated with a 3-day food diary recording. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software. Results: Median energy expenditure varied from 306 (277-328) Kcals/class for contemporary dance to 327 (290-355) Kcals/class for ballet and 369 (333-394) Kcals/class for jazz for females with significant differences between contemporary and jazz classes. For males, energy expenditure was 508 (447-589) Kcals/class and 564 (538-593) Kcals/class for ballet and jazz classes, respectively. Females had lower values for all anthropometric measurements, energy intake, macronutrient intakes, and energy expenditure, compared with males. The anthropometric characteristics did not differ between dance types. Both female and male dance students were in a negative energy balance. Conclusions: The use of sensors such as BodyMedia SenseWear together with keeping daily diaries make measurement of physical activity in dancing reliable and accurate. Exercise expenditure differs across types of dance in females but not in males. Both sexes had inadequate energy and carbohydrate intakes.
3 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that mobile phones are potentially vehicles for pathogenic Candida strains in a university and hospital settings.
Abstract: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Introduction: The mycological literature currently devotes much attention to the issue of reduced fungal susceptibility to commonly used antifungal drugs. Purpose: To assess drug susceptibility of Candida strains isolated from samples collected from the surfaces of mobile phones and the hands of their owners. A total of 175 mobile telephones belonging to students and lecturers of the Medical University of Bialystok and University Hospital personnel as well as 175 hands of these phone owners were included in the mycological evaluation. Results: The rate of Candida contamination of personal mobile phones was more than 70.0%. C. glabrata strains were primarily isolated from the collected material (89.1% hands; 74.9% mobile phones). C. albicans strains showed susceptibility to most antimycotics, with the highest susceptibility to 5-fluorocytosine, and the lowest to fluconazole. C. glabrata showed the lowest susceptibility to fluconazole and miconazole, and the highest to ketoconazole. C. krusei were relatively very sensitive to antibiotics, except for fluconazole. None of the isolated strains showed resistance to more than three types of drugs. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that mobile phones are potentially vehicles for pathogenic Candida strains in a university and hospital settings.
3 citations
TL;DR: The history of surrogacy is composed of cases of happy solving family problems, but also of conflicts and lawsuits concerning a child and his welfare as mentioned in this paper, and the following article is an attempt to deal with just some of the mentioned ethical problems.
Abstract: __________________________________________________________________________________________ The history of surrogacy is composed of cases of happy solving family problems, but also of conflicts and lawsuits concerning a child and his welfare. In modern times it became the next to adoptions additional possibility of ensuring infertile individuals fulfillment of their dreams of posterity. It can also be used for comfort of a woman to avoid the burdens of pregnancy and delivery, or for a comfort of a man – to be a single father without a mother of a child, wife and family ties with her. Since its beginning in late 70-ties of XX century, legality and ethical aspects of surrogacy are lively discussed, as well in the court rooms, as in the doctrine. The following article is an attempt to deal with just some of the mentioned ethical problems.
3 citations
TL;DR: Differentiation of HSE in imaging should consider limbic encephalitis, gliomatosis cerebri, cerebral ischemia, cerebral edema after seizure episodes, and MELAS syndrome, among others.
Abstract: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The phenomena of neuroinvasiveness, latency and reactivation are characteristics of the Herpes simplex virus (HSV). The Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) prevalence rate is 1 up to 3 in a million cases, which is about 10-20% of all viral encephalitis cases. The course of the disease shows the prodromal period and the symptomatic one; the clinical course is usually rapid and may lead to sudden death. As for the symptomatic period, there are usually neurological focal symptoms and seizures as well as fluctuating consciousness leading to coma. The mortality rate in the course of HSE in non-treated individuals reaches up to 70%, it is lowered to 15% with early treatment with Acyclovir. However, most patients present persistent neurological and cognitive disorders. There are usually no changes in the CT scan as far as the early stage of the disease is concerned. Thus, the imaging technique of choice is MR scan, which shows the changes already on the second day after clinical symptoms. On the basis of MR scans, more or less symmetrical hyperintense cortical and subcortical white matter lesions occur on T2-weighted images with gyral and/or leptomeningeal contrast enhancement. MR spectroscopy can be helpful in lesion diagnosis and monitoring, while diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can be used to evaluate inflammatory process activity. Differentiation of HSE in imaging should consider limbic encephalitis, gliomatosis cerebri, cerebral ischemia, cerebral edema after seizure episodes, and MELAS syndrome (Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like episodes), among others. HSV identification in cerebrospinal fluid by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method is a confirmation of the diagnosis.
3 citations
3 citations
TL;DR: Inappropriate nutrition and lack of physical activity affected both girls and boys, and the abnormalities were dependent on where they lived and were age-related.
Abstract: ___________________________________________________________________________ Introduction: Proper nutrition and physical activity are very important elements in the proper functioning and development of children. The lack of daily, systematic physical effort in younger and younger age groups is a public health problem. Purpose: To evaluate the nutrition and physical activity of children attending primary school. Materials and methods: The study was conducted among 707 pupils form randomly selected elementary schools using the authors’ own questionnaire in the school year 2013/2014. The questionnaire included questions on selected dietary habits and physical activity as well as the socioeconomic conditions of the families. Results: Among the studied children, 88.6% consumed 4 or 5 meals a day. There was a statistically significant relationship between the number of meals consumed and the age of the children. Breakfast was consumed by 86.4% of children, more often residents of the city than the village (88.0% vs. 81.7%, p <0.05). Daily consumption of second breakfast was declared by 71.5% of boys and 74.2% of girls. The vast majority of the studied students (86.8%) have always taken part in physical education classes. Outdoor leisure time was declared by 75% of the surveyed children. Rural students showed greater involvement in outdoor activities than students from the city (86.1% vs. 70.2%, p <0.001). A total of 62.2% of boys and 51.8% of girls (p <0.05) participated in sports activities. Conclusions: Inappropriate nutrition and lack of physical activity affected both girls and boys, and the abnormalities were dependent on where they lived and were age-related.
3 citations
TL;DR: Western Pomerania has seen a twofold decrease in the frequency of hospitalization of burned children, while the ages and causes of burns have remained the same.
Abstract: __________________________________________________________________________________ Introduction: Burns in children are a serious public health issue all over the world. This paper aims at comparing the frequency and causes of burns in children. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records of 1230 children treated at Szczecin's burns centre in 1980s and presently was carried out. Results: We have noted that at present hospitalization frequency of burned children has declined 1.7 times. Children who undergo hospital treatment are mostly aged 1-2 (ns) and boys prevail 1.7 times. Infants constitute a high percentage of burn patients (15% and 17%). A proportion of countryside children has decreased (38% vs 28%; p<0.001) while a proportion of town children has increased. Skin burns most frequently resulted from contact with hot liquid (89% vs 83%; p=0.043). The other causes have been noted far less frequently: flame (7% vs 8%; ns), electric current (1% vs 2%; ns), chemicals (0,7% vs 1%; ns) and a few other factors such as: dry heat, sunrays and solarium (2% vs 5%; p=0.002). Conclusions: 1. Over the course of the past 25 years, Western Pomerania has seen a twofold decrease in the frequency of hospitalization of burned children, while the ages and causes of burns have remained the same. 2. Those most often treated are children aged 1-2, mainly boys; there is a high percentage of infants among them. 3. Hot liquid has remained the chief cause of burns in younger children; in the case of older ones, so is flame.
TL;DR: It is suggested that attitudes of students towards environmental problems can improve only after they are offered an effective education and Syllabi should be designed to include environmental problems to increase knowledge and awareness of students and to acquire a positive attitude.
Abstract: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Purpose: The study was directed towards examination of nursing students’ attitudes towards environmental problems. Materials and methods: This descriptive study was performed from June to August 2014 with 296 first-fourth year nursing students from one nursing faculty located in Izmir. The data of the study were collected through conducting face-to-face interviews by using Socio-Demographic Characteristics Form and Environmental Problems Attitude Scale. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Cronbach alpha, t-test and Mann Whitney U test were used in the data analysis. Results: Mean age of the students was 21.16±2.28 years. The fourth year students had higher scores for their attitudes to environmental problems. Female students, students taking a course about the environment before university, students becoming a member of environmental organizations had significantly higher scores for their attitudes to environmental issues. Conclusions: This study suggests that attitudes of students towards environmental problems can improve only after they are offered an effective education. Therefore, Syllabi should be designed to include environmental problems to increase knowledge and awareness of students and to acquire a positive attitude.
TL;DR: It was found that precarity phenomena occur in the Polish health care system, although none of the professions met all the criteria attributed to the precariat.
Abstract: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Introduction: The authors analyze aspects of social stratification proposed by Guy Standing with respect to key medical professions performing work in Polish publicly funded medical entities. Purpose: The aim of the paper was to assess how health care providers can be assigned to particular classes and if the precarity phenomenon occurs in their work environment. Materials and methods: An overview of statistical data was made on how health care providers performed their work in the years 20052014 and pay rates in 2014. Results: The vast majority of medical staff employed on the basis of civil law contracts were doctors. A smaller number of civil law contracts had been concluded by nurses and midwives. The number of nurses performing work on these kinds of contracts has increased considerably since 2005, and in 2014 there were 10.27% of them. A senior nurse earned PLN 2,600.00. This was very small in comparision with the average gross remuneration in 2014, which amounted to PLN 3,783.46. Unemployment existed in the population of nurses, and was 2.3–2.8%. This is called natural unemployment. Conclusions: It was found that precarity phenomena occur in the Polish health care system, although none of the professions met all the criteria attributed to the precariat.
TL;DR: Postural stress and cardiac strain beyond the safe limit indicates the heavy nature of the job and load limit optimization, ergonomic lifting technique, and rescheduled work-rest cycle are essential to reducing physiological and perceived work load.
Abstract: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Purpose: In India, the cost of manpower is very low; hence Manual Material Handling (MMH) is the cheapest solution. This study aimed to quantify the cardiac strain and postural stress of male building construction workers associated with MMH tasks. Materials and methods: Mean (SD) age (years) and job experience (years) of the workers were 31.0(4.65) and 8.8 (3.23), respectively (n=35). Working peak heart rate was recorded by polar heart rate monitor, posture analysis was done by the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, body part discomfort was assessed by the Nordic questionnaire, and perceived exertion was evaluated by the Borg scale. Two-tailed unpaired Student’s t test was performed between peak heart rate of workers associated with MMH tasks and upper extremity intensive tasks (n=31). Results: Results revealed that mean peak heart rate of the workers was significantly different (higher) compared with that of the upper extremity intensive workers (p<0.05). This study showed that most of the working postures were hazardous. The magnitude of risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) was much higher as per REBA compared with OWAS. Most of the workers suffered from pain in the head, neck, shoulder, lower back, and arm region. As per the Borg scale, the rate of perceived exertion was ‘hard and heavy’ among most of the workers (68.57%). Conclusions: Postural stress and cardiac strain beyond the safe limit indicates the heavy nature of the job. Load limit optimization, ergonomic lifting technique, and rescheduled work-rest cycle are essential to reducing physiological and perceived work load.
TL;DR: A 65-year-old patient with multiple lipomas of various body regions presented to the Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic in Bialystok to treat a giant lipoma of the face and neck to be qualified and prepared for planned surgery.
Abstract: __________________________________________________________________________________________ A 65-year-old patient with multiple lipomas of various body regions presented to the Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic in Bialystok to treat a giant lipoma of the face and neck. After undergoing in-depth diagnostics (CT of this area), the patient was qualified and prepared for planned surgery in the clinic. The treatment of choice was a complete surgical excision of the lipoma. The intraand postoperative course was uneventful. Postoperative histopathological examination confirmed the tentative diagnosis established on the basis of the fine-needle aspiration biopsy and clinical examination.
TL;DR: The preliminary report suggests that G-CSF treatment improves motor and mental function in patients with CP and further studies are needed to confirm these observations.
Abstract: __________________________________________________________________________ Introduction: Recent reports have revealed that neuroinflammation and apoptosis in brains affected by cerebral palsy could be therapeutic targets. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) exerts anti-inflammatory and antiapoptosis effects and stimulates the proliferation of neural stem and progenitor cells in the brain. Purpose: To assess the efficacy and safety of GCSF treatment in children and adolescents with CP. Materials and methods: Six patients with spastic tetraplegia CP aged 3-15 years were enrolled in this study. Five patients had GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System) level at V, three children had epilepsy, and three had severe mental retardation. We used the gross motor function measure-66 (GMFM-66) to assess motor function. GCSF (5μg/kg/body/day) was administered subcutaneously for five consecutive days during the four months. The parents also evaluated the physical and mental development of their children. Results: We observed improvement in motor function in patients with CP on the GMFM-66 scale. Parents reported improvement in behavior, speech development, and a decrease in spasticity in children with CP. G-CSF therapy was welltolerated. No side effects were observed during the study. Conclusions: Our preliminary report suggests that G-CSF treatment improves motor and mental function in patients with CP. Further studies are needed to confirm these observations.
TL;DR: Assessment of types and levels of support that parents receive from specific social groups found that parents received average social support; however, it was below the average for the Polish adult population.
Abstract: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Introduction: Besides family sources of support (husband, wife, children, parents, siblings, relatives), the literature on the problem of social support emphasizes the role of friends, acquaintances, and neighbors. Purpose: assessment of types and levels of support that parents receive from specific social groups. Materials and methods: The study included 108 mothers and 108 fathers of intellectually disabled children. The following were used: the authors’ questionnaire and the standardized scale of Social Support by Kmiecik-Baran. Results: There were marked differences between parents in terms of emotional support (standard deviation 3.519), the lowest in informative support (deviation 2.744). General support was poor in the opinion of 34.6% of parents. Strong informative support was enjoyed by 29.5% of respondents. Average institutional support related to 42.9% of parents, strong evaluative support 37.1%, and strong emotional support 41%. Parents received the strongest informative, institutional, evaluative, and emotional support from nurses and physicians. Spouses of the examined gave them poor informative, emotional and institutional support, and average evaluative support. Statistically, fathers received significantly stronger evaluative and emotional support – by more than one point and by more than 3 points in the case of general support – than mothers. Conclusions: Parents received average social support; however, it was below the average for the Polish adult population. Spouses provided them poor informative, emotional and institutional support and average evaluative support; teachers, physicians and nurses average support in all categories, however, in the case of the latter two – institutional and evaluative support – were close to above-average values. Fathers enjoyed moderately stronger evaluative, emotional and general support from teachers, physicians, and nurses than mothers.
TL;DR: Prevention and treatment of MetS should be based first of all on a change in modifiable lifestyle factors, among which proper diet is of essential importance.
Abstract: __________________________________________________________________________________________ The term metabolic syndrome (MetS) defines the cooccurrence of the related risk factors of metabolic origin that promote the development of cardiovascular diseases with atherosclerotic background and type 2 diabetes. The diagnostic criteria of MetS have undergone modifications for years. Until now no clear definition of MetS has been established. The latest diagnostic criteria of MetS published in 2009 by a group of IDF (International Diabetes Federation) and AHA/NHLBI (American Heart Association/ National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute) experts discern three out of five risk factors: abdominal obesity (taking into consideration population differences), elevated level of triglycerides, reduced HDL cholesterol, hypertension and fasting hyperglycemia. Genetic predispositions and environmental factors, such as lack of physical activity and improper diet are considered to be responsible for MetS development. Therefore, prevention and treatment of MetS should be based first of all on a change in modifiable lifestyle factors, among which proper diet is of essential importance.
TL;DR: The results of the epidemiological research indicate that the nutrition model based on the assumptions of the Mediterranean diet is a crucial component of primary and secondary prevention of 25-35% of energy.
Abstract: __________________________________________________________________________________________ The Mediterranean diet is characterized by abundance of plant foods, such as vegetables, fruit, bread and cereal products, legumes, nuts and seeds, as well as olive oil, herbs and spices. Moreover, moderate intakes of dairy products, fish, poultry and wine, and low consumption of red meat are recommended. This diet is low in saturated fat (<7% of energy) with total fat within the range of diet a variety of indicators are used, of which the most common are: 9-point scale of alternate Mediterranean Diet Score (aMED) and 14-item Questionnaire of Mediterranean diet adherence (MDA). The results of the epidemiological research indicate that the nutrition model based on the assumptions of the Mediterranean diet is a crucial component of primary and secondary prevention of 25-35% of energy. To assess dietary compliance cardiovascular diseases. with the recommendations of the Mediterranean
TL;DR: The results showed that NVC is a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of dynamic microvascular involvement in RP patients and the tendency of normalization of NO concentration in the serum of patients with primary and secondary RP may suggest a favorable effect of laser biostimulation on the regulation of processes taking part in microcirculation disorders.
Abstract: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Purpose: The aim of the study was the assessment of the influence of MLS laser therapy on morphological changes in nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC), clinical features, and the serum NO level in patients with primary and secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP). Materials and methods: The analysis was performed on a group of 78 patients with RP and 30 healthy volunteers, who underwent NVC examination. NO concentration was assayed using the Griess method in blood serum before and after 3-weeks of laser biostimulation. MLS was performed with a Laser-M6 ASA Company device, for 3 weeks with weekend breaks, using the following parameters: a frequency of 1500 Hz, a dose of 25 J/cm2, and a time of 2.5 minutes on one hand. Results: After 3 weeks of MLS laser therapy, the beneficial clinical effects manifested by a decrease of duration and number of RP attacks and degree of pain score on the visual analogue scale (VAS) in patients with primary and secondary RP. Clinical improvement after MLS laser therapy was reflected in the assessment of microcirculation disorders in NVC examination. Moreover, the tendency of normalization of NO concentration in the serum of patients with primary and secondary RP may suggest a favorable effect of laser biostimulation on the regulation of processes taking part in microcirculation disorders. Conclusions: The results showed that NVC is a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of dynamic microvascular involvement in RP patients. MLS laser therapy has a beneficial effect in patients with primary and secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon
TL;DR: Stem cells are the hope of modern stomatology according to Z. Dąbrowska, K. Gabiec and the future of stem cell research in medicine is in doubt.
Abstract: Dąbrowska, Z. Stem cells are the hope of modern stomatology [Электронный ресурс] / Z. Dąbrowska, K. Gabiec // Актуальные проблемы современной медицины и фармации - 2017 : сб. тезисов докладов XXI Междунар. науч.-практ. конф. студентов и молодых ученых , Минск, 17-19 апр. 2017 г. / под ред. А. В. Сикорского, О. К. Дорониной. - Минск : БГМУ, 2017. - C. 1333.
TL;DR: Patients more often reported that religion may have some effects on choice of profession, and most respondents did not consider religious beliefs an obstacle in making new acquaintances or performing work-related tasks.
Abstract: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Introduction: Religious orientation is associated with psychological well-being resulting from treating negative life events as opportunities for personal and spiritual development. Purpose: To assess the impact of religious beliefs on the evaluation of nurses' work in the perception of patients, nursing students, and nurses. Materials and methods: the study included 150 patients, 150 nurses, and 150 nursing students, using our questionnaire. Results: 56.7% of patients, 46.7% of students, and 47.7% of nurses assessed the religious sphere of life as very important. Respondents identified good family life as the most important value in life (82.7% of patients, 76% of students, and 92% of nurses). Emotional needs were the greatest motivation for students (70.7%) and nurses (72.7%) to increase religious activities; for patients, it was an illness in the family (42.7%). Patients (62.4%), students (48.7%), and nurses (61.1%) were of the opinion that religion could affect performing work-related tasks. Blood transfusion was the most likely procedure to be affected by patients’ religious beliefs (50% of patients, 44.7% of students, 58% of nurses) or nurses’ religious beliefs (29.3% of patients and 18.7% of nurses). Conclusions: Patients more often reported that religion may have some effects on choice of profession, and most respondents did not consider religious beliefs an obstacle in making new acquaintances or performing work-related tasks. In the case of a conflict between a nurse’s therapeutic activities and a patient’s or nurse’s religious beliefs, the nurse should assign the patient to another nurse.
TL;DR: The aim of this second part of the review is to describe the urinary system structure and function, and to highlight the contribution of matrix metalloproteinases to the development of urinary bladder tumors.
Abstract: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), also referred to as matrixines, provide a group of proteolytic enzymes. They belong to the family of endopeptidases that break down elements of the extracellular matrix, resulting in its continuous remodeling. Their activity is regulated at multiple levels, while tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases play a major role in this process. Metalloproteinases play a significant part in neoplastic processes due to their contribution to local tumor invasion, the formation of distant metastases, as well as to angiogenesis Urinary tract tumors pose a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge and their incidence tends to grow every year. The aim of this second part of the review is to describe the urinary system structure and function, and to highlight the contribution of matrix metalloproteinases to the development of urinary bladder tumors.
TL;DR: The regularity of eating in the study group decreased with the studied students’ age, and the most popular products in the group of younger students were salty snacks and sweets, while healthy snacking was observed more frequently in thegroup of high school students.
Abstract: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Introduction: One of the major nutritional mistakes committed by children and adolescents is snacking between meals. Sweet or salty snacks are rich in simple sugars, fats, preservatives and dyes, and poor in minerals and vitamins. Their excessive consumption can lead to the development of dietrelated diseases in the future. Purpose: To evaluate the nutrition of children and adolescents with a focus on snacking between meals. Materials and methods: The study included 162 students from Bialystok schools, of which primary school students accounted for 30.2%, junior high school 38.3%, high school 31.5%. The questionnaire used by the authors contained 27 questions. Results: Regular meals were consumed by only 55.1% of primary school students, 35.5% of junior high school, and 37.3% of high school students. Two and fewer meals a day were consumed by 1.6% to 5.8% of the students studied. First breakfast was omitted by 18.4% of the students in elementary school, 16.1% of junior high school, and 15.7% of high school. Second breakfast was omitted by 12.9% to 17.6% of the respondents. Sweet products instead of a second breakfast were consumed by 44.9% of primary school students, 61.3% of junior high school, and 64.7% of high school students. Snacking most often occurred in the respondents' home (69.4% of elementary school students, 43.5% of secondary level students, and 52.9% of high school students). Water in school was drunk by 85.7% of primary level students, 56.5% of junior high school, and 51.0% of high school. The main source of knowledge about nutrition for 61.2% of primary level students was the family, while television, radio, and the Internet were the main sources of knowledge for 62.7% of high school students. Conclusions: The regularity of eating in the study group decreased with the studied students’ age. The most popular products in the group of younger students were salty snacks and sweets. Healthy snacking was observed more frequently in the group of high school students. The main place of snacking was the home. The primary source of knowledge about nutrition for primary school students was the family and for high school students the mass media.
TL;DR: Maintaining a good nutritional status has a significant impact on the functioning of the immune system and the overall health of people living with HIV / AIDS.
Abstract: __________________________________________________________________________________ Introduction: AIDS is a viral infection that particularly affects the nutritional status of patients by complicating the absorption of nutrients and their metabolism. Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study is to highlight the contribution of nutrition to the wellness of people with HIV in all stages of the disease. Review Methods: The methodology used to select the information used in this study includes review studies and research in leading databases such as PUBMED, MEDLINE, and IATROTEK. The selection criterion of the articles was the Greek and English language. Results: The real goal of the nutritional assessment of patients with AIDS is to improve their ability to consume a sufficient quantity and variety of foods in order to meet their nutritional needs. The evaluation of dietary intake assesses the adequacy of food and nutrients consumed. It includes assessing the dietary patterns, frequency of meals, and the factors that affect food choice. Conclusions: Maintaining a good nutritional status has a significant impact on the functioning of the immune system and the overall health of people living with HIV / AIDS.
TL;DR: The analysis of Magdalena Sokołowska’s “socio-thanatological” achievements allows us to notice a clear evolution of her conception: from the “epidemiological-demographic” approach, oriented towards analysis of mortality, to a preference for “qualitative” interpretations based on the investigation of “subjective emotions” that accompany dying persons.
Abstract: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ One of the many research passions of Magdalena Sokołowska, regarded as the founder of Polish and cofounder of European medical sociology, was sociothanatological problems in the broad sense. Magdalena Sokołowska’s version of “socio-thanatology” presented at the end of the nineteen-seventies and the early eighties consisted first of all in sociodemographic considerations. The deontological and ethical-moral problems, as well as individual existential experiences associated with the process of dying, being disregarded during the period in question, appeared in M. Sokołowska’s research conceptions and papers in the nineteen-eighties. She was particularly concerned with the patterns of dying in medical institutions, conceptions of dying trajectories, processes of “waiting for death”, mechanisms of the institutionalization, commercialization and medicalization of dying, differences between the conditions and context of dying at home and in the hospital, consequences of “slow dying” for the range of social roles performed by the doctor and the nurse, the scope and character of changes in the function and structure of the family in the course of the process of dying and as a result of the death of one of its members, analysis of social behaviors after death in the institutional and noninstitutional context (hospital, hospice, home), etc. The analysis of Magdalena Sokołowska’s “socio-thanatological” achievements allows us to notice a clear evolution of her conception: from the “epidemiological-demographic” approach, oriented towards analysis of mortality, to a preference for “qualitative” interpretations based on the investigation of “subjective emotions” that accompany dying persons.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess the effect of nurses' religious beliefs on their empathy and life satisfaction and find that nurses showed relatively high levels of empathy and average levels of life satisfaction.
Abstract: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Introduction: Nursing is one of those medical professions that are inseparably associated with being in continuous contact with other people, and it is worth noting that there are things that cannot be acquired in the course of an education. These include conscience and empathy as subjective and ultimate standards of morality, which help nurses make morally good decisions and that represent criteria for assessing their behavior. Purpose: To assess the effect of nurses' religious beliefs on their empathy and life satisfaction. Materials and methods: The study included 150 nurses and 150 nursing, using our own questionnaire, the Empathy Understanding Questionnaire (KRE) by Węgliński, and The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Results: The mean level of KRE-based empathic understanding was 65.7 9.4 points, which indicates that it was relatively high. The lowest level was 39, and the highest was 92 points. Mean SWLS score was about 20 points, which indicates that the studied nurses were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with their life. Respondents with the highest level of empathy would discontinue treatment due to their beliefs or they would choose another unspecified solution. No significant correlations were found between the levels of empathy and life satisfaction and the opinion on the role of religious beliefs in the choice of nursing profession, and regarding religion as an obstacle in performing work-related tasks. Conclusions: Nurses showed relatively high levels of empathy and average levels of life satisfaction. The importance of nurses’ religiousness in making therapeutic decisions did not correspond with life satisfaction nor their level of empathy.
TL;DR: Analysis of the susceptibility of isolated fungi as well as the type and activity of enzymes they release allows determining their pathogenicity and varying correlations between enzymatic activity and drug resistance depending on the site of isolation and the species/genus of fungi are found.
Abstract: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Introduction: Evaluation of the susceptibility of isolated fungi as well as the type and activity of enzymes they release allows determining their pathogenicity. Purpose: To assess potential correlations between drug susceptibility and enzymatic activity of strains isolated from mobile phone and hand surfaces Materials and methods: The mycological evaluation included 175 mobile phones and 175 hands of the phone owners. Drug susceptibility was assessed using the FUNGITEST; enzymatic activity was evaluated using the API ZYM test. Results: We found significant correlations between increased resistance to 5-fluorocytosine, ketoconazole, fluconazole and higher activity of six selected enzymes for Candida glabrata strains isolated from hand surfaces. We also found significant correlations between increased resistance to 5-fluorocytosine, ketoconazole, miconazole, itraconazole and higher activity of six selected enzymes for Candida albicans strains isolated from hand surfaces. We found significant correlations between increased resistance to 5fluorocytosine, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole and higher activity of six selected enzymes for Candida krusei strains isolated from hand surfaces as well as an increased resistance to 5-fluorocytosine, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole and higher activity of five selected enzymes for strains isolated from phone surfaces. Conclusions: We found varying correlations between enzymatic activity and drug resistance depending on the site of isolation and the species/genus of fungi. The drugs to which the evaluated strains showed resistance were the same for hand and mobile phone isolates.