Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences
https://ojs.pum.edu.pl/pomjlifesci
Pomorski Uniwersytet Medyczny W Szczecinieen-USPomeranian Journal of Life Sciences2450-4637Authors retain their copyrights and related rights, and grant only a royalty-free licence to share work under Creative Commons Attribution – NonCommercial – NoDerivs <a title="CC BY NC ND " href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/" target="_blank">3.0 PL (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 PL)</a>.Analysis of the management of preterm rupture of membranes after the 37th week of gestation
https://ojs.pum.edu.pl/pomjlifesci/article/view/959
Premature rupture of membranes or synonymously prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) is defined as the outflow of amniotic fluid before the onset of uterine contractions. When it occurs after 37 weeks of gestation, it is called term PROM or tPROM, and its prevalence is as high as 8–10% of pregnancies. tPROM is a significant risk factor for intrauterine infection, which threatens both the pregnant woman and the fetus. This risk increases with the duration of amniotic fluid leakage.<br />The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the management and obstetric outcomes of preterm premature rupture of membranes in women after 37 weeks’ gestation.Wioletta Mikołajek-BednerAleksandra RajewskaMałgorzata SokołowskaAndrzej Torbé
Copyright (c) 2024 Wioletta Mikołajek-Bedner, Aleksandra Rajewska, Małgorzata Sokołowska, Andrzej Torbé
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2024-03-292024-03-2970110.21164/pomjlifesci.959Beta-lactam antibiotics in combination with novel β-lactamase inhibitors – an alternative therapy for infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria
https://ojs.pum.edu.pl/pomjlifesci/article/view/973
<strong>Introduction</strong>: New combinations of old β-lactam drugs with novel β-lactamase inhibitors, approved in recent years by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency, are a promising alternative for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains. Due to limited availability and increasing resistance to antibacterial drugs, they should be used with caution, especially in patients with limited treatment options. It should be noted that both diazobicycloctane and boron inhibitors are inactive against metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producing strains.<br />The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacilli to meropenem/vaborbactam, imipenem/relebactam and ceftazidime/avibactam in clinical samples from hospitalized patients.<br /><strong>Materials and methods</strong>: The analysis included 102 clinical strains of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales and nonfermenters from hospital centers in Łódź, Poland. A minimum inhibitory concentration test strip method was used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility.<br /><strong>Results</strong>: Seventy-one percent of Escherichia coli, 40% of Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 67% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were resistant to meropenem/vaborbactam, 57%, 66%, and 60% to imipenem/relebactam, and 71%, 74%, and 60% to ceftazidime/avibactam, respectively. Considering carbapenemase resistance mechanisms, the highest efficacy was observed in Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases (KPC) strains for each drug combination tested.<br /><strong>Conclusions</strong>: The results of our study confirm the conclusions of the studies evaluating the susceptibility of Gram-negative, fermenting, and non-fermenting bacilli to ceftazidime/avibactam, meropenem/vaborbactam and imipenem/relebactam and indicate that there are reasonable grounds for using these antibiotics in the treatment of patients hospitalized with serious infections. However, limitations in their use against MBL-producing strains are highlighted.Małgorzata BrauncajsFilip BielecAnna MaciejaDorota Pastuszak-Lewandoska
Copyright (c) 2024 Małgorzata Brauncajs, Filip Bielec, Anna Macieja, Dorota Pastuszak-Lewandoska
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2024-03-292024-03-2970110.21164/pomjlifesci.973Wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet in hand surgery: an analysis of adverse events and complications
https://ojs.pum.edu.pl/pomjlifesci/article/view/950
<strong>Introduction</strong>: Anesthesiologist’s assistance is considered an inseparable part of most surgical procedures, except for minor operations performed under local anesthesia. In hand surgery, most of the operations can be performed under regional (brachial plexus block) or local (infiltration) anesthesia. These procedures can be carried out by the surgeons themselves, which allows them to operate without the assistance of an anesthesiologist.<br />The objective of this study was an analysis of the efficacy and safety of anesthesia to operations in hand surgery performed by surgeons, without the assistance of anesthesiologists.<br /><strong>Materials and Methods</strong>: This analysis was based on records of anesthesia protocols completed by the surgeons who performed the procedure and who operated on the patients. The following variables were considered: efficacy of anesthesia, adverse effects associated with anesthesia and complications.<br /><strong>Results</strong>: Over a 10-year period (2013–2022), a total of 16,583 procedures were performed, of which 5638 (34%) were carried out under anesthesia by surgeons, without the assistance of anesthesiologists. <br />The efficacy of these procedures (local and brachial plexus blocks) was 98%. A total of 203 (3.6%) anesthesia-related events were noted, most of which were transient, requiring emergency intervention and without serious consequences. In only 12 cases (0.02%) adverse effects led to cancellation and postponement of the planned operation.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: Anesthesia for operations in hand surgery performed by surgeons themselves and without the assistance of anesthesiologists is effective and safe and is associated with numerous benefits for patients, surgeons, and the budget of the medical care system.Andrzej Żyluk
Copyright (c) 2024 Andrzej Żyluk
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2024-03-292024-03-2970110.21164/pomjlifesci.950Fetal sex identification in early pregnancy
https://ojs.pum.edu.pl/pomjlifesci/article/view/944
The need to determine the sex of the fetus in early pregnancy is usually based on medical indications for early implementation of appropriate therapeutic procedures, and is sometimes driven by parental curiosity. Medicine has made tremendous progress in early diagnosis of fetal sex in the last decades. The diagnostic methods described in the literature are characterized by varying degrees of accuracy, cost, and potential risk to the fetus. For these reasons, there is an ongoing debate about when and in which cases a particular method should be used. This paper presents an overview of the current methods of fetal sex determination.Jacek BorowskiAgata WalaszczykAnna Szczepańska-PrzekotaMarek BulsaJulia Borowska
Copyright (c) 2024
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2024-03-292024-03-2970110.21164/pomjlifesci.944Traveller treated with renal replacement therapy
https://ojs.pum.edu.pl/pomjlifesci/article/view/972
<p>In developed countries, renal replacement therapy (RRT) is available to any patient who needs it. Renal replacement therapy patients still believe that starting therapy means being tied to their home nephrology center, which prevents them from traveling. The role of specialists is to inform their patients that they can travel. Guidelines concerning the ways in which patients should be prepared for trips are available, but they are mainly based on expert opinion. Therefore, there is a need for extensive research to evaluate the safety of long-distance travel in the discussed patient population.</p>Małgorzata Marchelek-MyśliwiecKrzysztof KorzeniewskiGrażyna Dutkiewicz
Copyright (c) 2024 Małgorzata Ewa Marchelek-Myśliwiec, Krzysztof Korzeniewski, Grażyna Dutkiewicz
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2024-03-292024-03-2970110.21164/pomjlifesci.972Compensatory mechanisms in skull construction as a result of mandibular prognathic growth
https://ojs.pum.edu.pl/pomjlifesci/article/view/952
<p>Mandibular prognathism is a gnathic defect that causes severe dysfunction of the stomatognathic system.<br />The aim of the study was to describe the compensatory mechanisms in the anatomical structure of the historical skull of a woman with severe mandibular prognathism, from the ‘Kuronia’ collection from the former 19th-century cemeteries of the Evangelical-Reformed Parish and the Evangelical-Augsburg Parish of St. Mary Magdalene in Wrocław.<br />The compensatory changes in the anatomical structure of the skull, mainly affecting the alveolar part of the mandible and the maxillary alveolar processes, were probably aimed at achieving functionally efficient interdental contacts in the upper and lower arches. Due to edentulism, it was not possible to describe the exact position of the teeth. However, from the preserved alveolar bone structures it was possible to approximate the axes of their inclination. The analysis of the defects of the stomatognathic system in historical populations can enrich the study of their biological condition, constituting a rich source of information on their lifestyle and nutrition.</p>Małgorzata TomasikWioletta NowaczewskaIwona Teul
Copyright (c) 2024 Małgorzata Tomasik, Wioletta Nowaczewska, Iwona Teul
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2024-03-292024-03-2970110.21164/pomjlifesci.952A misdiagnosed case of cancer leading to delayed HIV diagnosis and B-cell lymphoma: a lesson on the importance of timely HIV testing
https://ojs.pum.edu.pl/pomjlifesci/article/view/969
<strong>Introduction</strong>: This case report describes a serious complication of delayed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis in a patient initially misdiagnosed with palliative-stage cancer and subsequently diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma. This situation highlights the diagnostic challenges and treatment implications following HIV diagnosis, and underscores the critical importance of accurate and timely HIV detection in oncology patients.<br /><strong>Case presentation</strong>: A 39-year-old man was initially diagnosed with lung cancer based on computed tomography and histopathologic findings. He was treated with 2 lines of chemotherapy over an 8-month period, the neoplastic lung lesions progressed, and he was referred to palliative care. Two years after his initial diagnosis, during the management of an actively bleeding gastric tumor, he was diagnosed with HIV and referred to an infectious disease unit. Immediate antiretroviral treatment was initiated after diagnosis, and further evaluation confirmed the presence of B-cell lymphoma. A retrospective review suggested that the initial cancer diagnosis was likely misinterpreted and was in fact lymphoma, a malignancy commonly associated with HIV. Lymphoma treatment was initiated, and after 1 year, the patient achieved HIV-1 virologic suppression and near-complete remission of all lesions.<br /><strong>Conclusions</strong>: This case highlights the consequences of delayed HIV diagnosis, which can significantly alter treatment course and patient prognosis. The initial misdiagnosis of cancer and subsequent ineffective treatment highlights the importance of HIV testing, particularly in patients presenting with malignancy. It also highlights the role of multidisciplinary collaboration, the need for prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy, and the efficacy of targeted anticancer therapies for HIV-associated malignancies.Bogusz Jan Aksak-WąsDaniel ChoberLaura LesiewskaJagna Gordziejczyk-ŁabudaMiłosz Parczewski
Copyright (c) 2024 Bogusz Jan Aksak-Wąs, Daniel Chober, Laura Lesiewska, Jagna Gordziejczyk-Łabuda, Miłosz Parczewski
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2024-03-292024-03-2970110.21164/pomjlifesci.969Necrosis of both hands and feet in the course of streptococcal sepsis: a case report
https://ojs.pum.edu.pl/pomjlifesci/article/view/934
A case of severe streptococcal phlegmon of the right upper extremity with subsequent necrosis of both hands and feet in a young, homeless alcoholic man is reported. The disease developed after a minor injury to the hand, and it progressed rapidly, resulting in the involvement of the whole hand and sepsis over 2 days. After admission, antibiotic and anticoagulant therapy was immediately administered, followed by wide surgical incisions on the hand and forearm. Nonetheless, over the course of 3 days, ischemia of the affected hand developed, followed by ischemia of the contralateral hand and both feet the next day. The treatment employed was not effective, and the patient eventually died on the fifth day after admission.Andrzej ŻylukBernard Piotuch
Copyright (c) 2024 Andrzej Żyluk, Bernard Piotuch
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2024-03-292024-03-2970110.21164/pomjlifesci.934Treatment of external cervical resorption – a case report with 4-year follow-up
https://ojs.pum.edu.pl/pomjlifesci/article/view/949
Root resorption is a process that results in the loss of dental hard tissues as a result of odontoclastic action. One of the types of external resorption is external cervical resorption, which usually manifests itself in the cervical aspect of the teeth. Clinically, external root resorption is usually asymptomatic. When external cervical resorption occurs, cervical cavitation, gingival contour irregularity, or pink discoloration of the overlying enamel can often be observed. This case report describes the clinical and radiologic diagnosis (cone beam computed tomography) and treatment of external cervical resorption according to the current guidelines of the European Society of Endodontology. After 4 years, the tooth remained functional and the esthetic effect was satisfactory.Katarzyna Lewusz-ButkiewiczAleksandra Kulas-BałabanKinga Kaczor-WiankowskaAgnieszka WitekMonika Szmidt-Kądys
Copyright (c) 2024 Katarzyna Lewusz-Butkiewicz, Aleksandra Kulas-Bałaban, Kinga Kaczor-Wiankowska, Agnieszka Witek, Monika Szmidt-Kądys
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2024-03-292024-03-2970110.21164/pomjlifesci.949The importance of parental attitudes for locus of control among adolescents
https://ojs.pum.edu.pl/pomjlifesci/article/view/958
<strong>Introduction</strong>: The process of personality formation is closely related to the period of adolescence. One of the dimensions of personality – locus of control (LOC) can be defined as a person’s beliefs about the locus of reinforcement control. Considering that the locus of control is formed as a result of social learning, the adolescent’s perception of the relationship between his own behavior and its consequences may depend largely on his parents’ attitudes toward him.<br />The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between parental attitudes and adolescents’ locus of control.<br /><strong>Materials and methods</strong>: The study was conducted among 386 students aged 13–16 years (M = 14.87): 208 girls and 178 boys were included. The research instruments used in the study were the Parental Attitude Scale (SPR-2) by M. Plopa and the Sense of Control Questionnaire – revised version (KBPK-R) by Krasowicz-Kupis and Wojnarska.<br /><strong>Results</strong>: According to the results of the study, parental attitudes are related to both the general level of locus of control in adolescents and the locus of control in a situation of success and failure.<br /><strong>Conclusions</strong>: The results of the study underscore the importance of parental attitudes and the role of parents in shaping adolescent personality. Research suggests that parental attitudes may be both a risk factor and a protective factor in the development of adolescent psychopathology.Magdalena ChęćKarolina RachubińskaKrystian Konieczny
Copyright (c) 2024 Magdalena Chęć, Karolina Rachubińska, Krystian Konieczny
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2024-03-292024-03-2970110.21164/pomjlifesci.958Self-image of people with mandibular prognathism before and after orthognathic surgery
https://ojs.pum.edu.pl/pomjlifesci/article/view/907
<strong>Introduction</strong>: Mandibular prognathism, also called progenia, is a type of anterior malocclusion that has negative effects on physical and mental health.<br />The aim of the study was to determine differences in the selfimage of people with mandibular prognathism before and after orthognathic surgery.<br /><strong>Materials and methods</strong>: The study included 155 people – 79 of whom had a mandibular prognathism (group A) and 76 of whom had a previous mandibular prognathism that had already been corrected by surgery (group B). The research method used was a diagnostic survey that included original questions about wellbeing, self-esteem, and self-confidence.<br /><strong>Results</strong>: Group A statistically significantly more often experienced feelings of frustration, lower self-confidence, embarrassment, concern about appearance, especially when meeting new people, and lack of comfort due to their appearance being the center of attention than group B. People in group A were statistically significantly more likely to avoid smiling or laughing in company, to hide a smile in pictures, to avoid looking at themselves in the mirror, to compare their appearance to others, and to avoid meetings due to dissatisfaction with their appearance than were people in group B. People in group A were statistically significantly less likely to preferably rate the general appearance of the face, the profile of the face, the appearance of the face from the front, and the appearance of the teeth than were people in group B. People in group A were statistically significantly less likely to preferably rate the general appearance of the face, the profile of the face, the appearance of the face from the front, and the appearance of the teeth than were people in group B.<br /><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Orthognathic surgery is a very important factor affecting the psyche of people with prognathism. People with mandibular prognathism before orthognathic surgery experience more negative feelings about their appearance, more often engage in behaviors aimed at concealing a malocclusion, and rate their appearance worse than people who have undergone orthognathic surgery. In view of this, comprehensive medical care, including psychological care, should be provided before, during, and after surgery.Justyna SzpytKacper PajorRobert KowalczykIwona RadlińskaMarta Kożybska
Copyright (c) 2024 Justyna Szpyt, Kacper Pajor, Robert Kowalczyk, Iwona Radlińska, Marta Kożybska
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2024-03-292024-03-2970110.21164/pomjlifesci.907Antioxidant potential of extracts from different parts of Cichorium intybus L.
https://ojs.pum.edu.pl/pomjlifesci/article/view/1042
<strong>Introduction</strong>: Free radicals are formed mainly as a result of environmental pollution, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and stress. These factors contribute to the formation of oxidative stress, which is involved in the aging process of the skin, among other things. Antioxidants are compounds found naturally in plant products that have beneficial effects on human health. Natural antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, and other plants have a positive antiaging effect. Therefore, in recent years there has been an increased interest in plant raw materials to obtain antioxidants useful not only in cosmetology. One of these plants that is commonly grown in our country is chicory (Cichorium intybus L.). The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of alcoholic extracts obtained from 3 parts of C. intybus L. The influence of extraction time and solvent selection on the antioxidant activity of various parts of chicory was also investigated.<br /><strong>Materials and methods</strong>: The research material consisted of dried herb, stem, and root of Cichorium intybus L. Low molecular weight alcohols, i.e. methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and n-propanol at concentrations of 40%(v/v), 70%(v/v) and undiluted were used to obtain extracts using ultrasonic-assisted extraction. The antioxidant properties of the extracts were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azinobis[3-ethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzothiazole-6-sulfonate] diammonium salt (ABTS) methods.<br /><strong>Results</strong>: Extracts from all parts of chicory showed antioxidant potential, but it varied depending on the part of chicory to be ,used. The highest activity was observed for herb extracts and the lowest for root extracts. Methanol seemed to be the best solvent for extraction to obtain the extracts characterized by high antioxidant capacity.<br /><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that due to their antioxidant activity, C. intybus L. extracts, especially those obtained from the herb, can be suggested as components of natural cosmetics.Monika KęsikAdam Klimowicz
Copyright (c) 2024 Monika Kęsik, Adam Klimowicz
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2024-03-292024-03-2970110.21164/pomjlifesci.1042Vascular endothelial growth factor, stromal growth factor 1α and endothelial progenitor cells in essential thrombocythemia – is there a link between angiogenesis and vasculogenesis?
https://ojs.pum.edu.pl/pomjlifesci/article/view/968
<p><strong>Introduction</strong>: Angiogenesis and vasculogenesis contribute to the development of cancer.<br />The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and stromal cellderived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and the count of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET).<br /><strong>Materials and methods</strong>: The study included a group of 62 patients diagnosed with ET and 25 healthy volunteers. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A and SDF-1α levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Endothelial progenitor cells were evaluated by flow cytometry.<br /><strong>Results</strong>: The study showed significantly higher levels of both VEGF-A and SDF-1α in ET patients compared to controls (Me = 65.22 pg/mL vs Me = 25.34 pg/mL; Me = 2351.17 pg/mL vs Me = 1742.50 pg/mL, respectively). However, we could not demonstrate a different count of EPCs in ET patients compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, in 40 ET patients with JAK2 V617F mutation (65%), only VEGF-A levels were significantly higher compared to JAK2 V617F negative patients (Me = 72.00 pg/mL vs Me = 53.38 pg/mL). SDF-1α levels were significantly elevated in patients over 60 years of age (Me = 2635.00 pg/mL vs Me = 2395.02 pg/mL). We found positive correlations between VEGFA and SDF-1α and between VEGF-A and EPCs.<br /><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Clinical features such as age over 60 years and Janus 2 kinase (JAK2) mutation may increase angiogenesis in patients with essential thrombocythemia. Despite a positive correlation between VEGF-A and EPCs, the present study suggests weak cooperation between proangiogenic factors and vasculogenesis.</p>Joanna BoinskaGrażyna GadomskaKatarzyna Regus
Copyright (c) 2024 Joanna Boinska, Grażyna Gadomska, Katarzyna Regus
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2024-03-292024-03-2970110.21164/pomjlifesci.968