European Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine T.23, z. 1 (2025)

URI dla tej Kolekcjihttps://repozytorium.ur.edu.pl/handle/item/11439

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Impact of caloric restriction on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the hippocampus and cortex of a Kindled rat model
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Uribe, Eric; López-Landa, Alejandro; Serrano-García, Norma; Ochoa, Ernesto; Marin-Castañeda, Luis A.; Vázquez, David; Orozco, Sandra; Romo-Parra, Héctor; Gonzalez-Garibay, Guillermo; Rubio-Osornio, Moisés; Rubio, Carmen
Introduction and aim. Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder, and despite numerous treatment options, approximately 30% of patients have drug-resistant epilepsy. This situation prompts the exploration of alternative treatments such as caloric restriction (CR), whose mechanisms of antiepileptic action need to be fully elucidated. One of the key overactivated pathways in epilepsy is the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Material and methods. To explore the potential regulatory effects of CR on this pathway, we conducted a study using twen ty-eight male Wistar rats divided into four groups (7 animals each): Control, Sham (20% CR), kindling ad libitum (KAL), and kindling with CR (KCR). Caloric restriction rats received 80% of their daily food intake based on body weight, compared to those fed ad libitum. The kindling model was achieved by the introduction of an electrode in the basolateral nucleus of the amygda la. Immunofluorescence and Western blot techniques were used for the analysis of protein levels (Wnt, β-catenin, GSK3β, and cyclin D) in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Results. Electroencephalographically and behaviorally, the KCR group exhibited a shorter duration of seizures and an increased behavioral threshold compared to the KAL group. Protein analysis revealed an increase in Wnt pathway proteins (Wnt, β-catenin, and cyclin D) in the KAL group compared to the control group. In contrast, CR reduced protein levels in animals that were induced to kindling. Conclusion. These findings suggest that CR may exert its antiepileptic effects through the regulation of the Wnt pathway by inhibiting its activity in the hippocampus and cortex of kindled rats.
Interleukin-13 as a potential biomarker in the management of pediatric asthma – a longitudinal study
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Raju, Prasanna; Sundar, Subash; Suresh, Preethi; Vajravelu, Leela Kakithakara; Aravindhan, Vivekanandhan
Introduction and aim. Asthma is predominantly a Th2 type hypersensitive disorder, with interleukin (IL) 4 and IL-13 playing a pivotal roles. Interleukin 13 is one of several cytokines that cause persistent inflammation associated with asthma. The aim was to examine the relationship between the response to treatment in asthma and serum IL-13. Material and methods. This study, conducted at the SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Center, in Tamil Nadu, in volved 68 children aged 6 to 12 years of age diagnosed with asthma. The study included medical history, including age of onset of wheezing, history of allergic rhinitis/atopic dermatitis, food allergies, use of inhalational corticosteroids, hospital admissions, and family history. Spirometry was performed, and treatment with inhalational corticosteroids was started according to GINA guidelines. Blood was collected prior to and after 3 months of treatment. Results. A substantial positive correlation was observed between gender and IL-13 levels. An improvement in forced expirato ry volume in the first second (FEV1) was observed after treatment [(74.72% vs 95.05%) (p<0.0001)]. A negative correlation was discovered between IL-13 and FEV1. A statistical significance between IL-13 levels before and after treatment (p=0.005). Conclusion. Inhalational corticosteroids reduced serum IL-13 levels, indicating its role as a prognostic marker in pediatric asthma.
Mapping the landscape of gynecological cancer – analyzing presenting features by social network analysis
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Sambasivam, Indra; Jennifer, H. Gladius
Introduction and aim. The term ‘gynecological cancers’ refers to a wide range of malignancies that affect the female reproduc tive system. These types of cancer include ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. This study aims to employ SNA techniques to map the landscape of gynecological cancer by systematically analyzing the presenting features associated with different types of gynecological malignancies. Material and methods. In this study, a total of 60 women diagnosed with gynecological cancer were included. An exploratory study design was used. A pre-tested questionnaire was used which includes basic demographic details, type of cancer and symptoms presented at the time of diagnosis. Results. Nearly 44% of the women diagnosed with cancer were between the age of 51 to 60 years. Symptoms such as abdom inal pain, lumps, mild and moderate symptoms that appeared to be highly connected and influential among the cancer patients. Abdominal pain, lumps, abdominal distension/bloating, and mild symptoms had a stronger connection with all other symptoms among the cancer patients. Conclusion. Educating patients about the significance of symptoms such as abdominal pain, lumps, and abdominal disten sion/bloating in the context of ovarian cancer can empower them to seek timely medical attention. Increased awareness of the potential implications of these symptoms may prompt patients to undergo screening and diagnostic tests earlier, leading to improved detection rates and treatment outcomes.
Effect of web-based pediatric pain management education on nursing student knowledge levels
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Aydın, Bahise; Bektaş, Murat
Introduction and aim. Pain is a common symptom in children. Studies indicate that nurses and student nurses lack knowledge about pediatric pain. This study was designed to determine the level of knowledge of pediatric pain management for nursing students and to evaluate the effectiveness of the web-based pediatric pain management education (PPME) program. Material and methods. This study used a pre/post-test quasi-experimental design before/after the test. It was carried out with 84 pediatric nursing internship students (39 control, 45 intervention) in a nursing school. The control group received routine training, and the intervention group received web-based modules. Data were collected using the questionnaire developed by the researchers and evaluated using the paired sample t-test, independent samples t-test, Spearman’s correlation and regression analysis. A structural equation model (SEM) was used. Results. The level of knowledge of the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group in terms of the total score and sub-dimension scores of awareness, physiopathology and ‘control’ (p<0.05). A moderate, positive and significant correlation was observed between PPME and knowledge levels. Web-based education accounted for 56.6% of the in crease in knowledge level, resulting in an improvement of 11.062 points. A notable positive correlation was observed between PPME and control scores in SEM. Conclusion. The conclusion drawn is that the web-based PPME effectively increased student knowledge scores.
Neuroendocrine and metabolic predictors of the effects of balneotherapy at the Truskavets Spa on physical working capacity in men with maladaptation
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Popovych, Igor L.; Zukow, Walery; Melnyk, Oksana I.; Fil, Vitalii M.; Kovalchuk, Halyna Y.; Bryndzia, Iryna V.; Voloshyn, Olena R.; Kopko, Iryna Y.; Lupak, Oksana M.; Skrobach, Taras B.; Kravtsiv, Mariana М.; Musiyenko, Olena V.; Popovych, Dariya V. Popovych
Introduction and aim. The effect of balneotherapy in the Truskavets Spa on physical working capacity is complex and individ ualized. This study aims to identify an optimal constellation of predictors for the actotropic effects of balneotherapy. Material and methods. We observed 34 men with maladaptation against the background of chronic pyelonephritis in remis sion. We recorded physical working capacity, heart rate variability, electroencephalography, adaptation hormones, and blood and urine metabolites before and after a standardized balneotherapy regimen. Results. Standard balneotherapy resulted in various effects on physical working capacity150 : an increase in 9 patients (26.5%), no significant change in 16 patients (47.1%), and a decrease in 9 patients (26.5%). Through discriminant analysis, we identified a constellation of 25 initial parameters that could predict the nature of the actotropic effect with 100% accuracy. These parameters included measures of physical working capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness, electroencephalography, heart rate variability, hormones, and metabolism. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis allowed us to predict quantitative changes in physical work capacity150 with a standard error of 0.28 W/kg. This predictive model incorporated hemodynamic and Electroen cephalography parameters, achieving an adjusted R2 of 0.555. Conclusion. The directionality and magnitude of physical working capacity150 changes under the influence of balneofactors at the Truskavets Spa are determined by a complex constellation of initial physiological parameters, which forms the body’s reactivity. This finding has significant implications for personalizing balneotherapy treatments.
Prevalence and pattern of abnormalities of cervical smear examination in women attending the fertility clinic at Uniosun Teaching Hospital, Osun state, Nigeria
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Ajileye, Ayodeji Blessing; Oseni, Bashiru Shola; Adeniyi, Adesanmi Oladipo
Introduction 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.
Analysis of cervical mucosal epithelium proliferation during the postmenopausal period
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Shcheglov, Bogdan О.; Reva, Ivan V.; Shcheglova, Svetlana N.; Puga, Dmitry P.; Khamoshina, Marina B.; Koval, Irina P.; Usov, Viktor V.; Stegniy, Kirill V.; Reva, Galina V.
Introduction and aim. This study explores the proliferative growth of cervical mucosal epithelial cells during the postmeno pausal period, offering new insights on age-related changes in cervical tissues, a topic previously under-examined in post menopausal health research. By employing histologic analysis, immunostaining techniques, and Ki-67 mitotic index assess ment, this research provides novel data on the alterations in cervical epithelial cells during and after menopause. The findings enhance our understanding of the biological processes affecting cervical health in the postmenopausal phase, which is increas ingly significant as the global population ages and emphasizes the need for tailored healthcare approaches. The primary goal was to investigate the proliferative growth of cervical mucosal epithelial cells in postmenopausal women by assessment of Ki 67 gene activity in progesterone-positive cells in normal and pathological postmenopausal periods (PMPs) in the presence or absence of autonomic symptoms, manifested by mood instability, headaches and dizziness. Material and methods. This research involved analyzing tissue samples from 149 postmenopausal women with suspicion of malignancy using histologic and immunostaining methods to evaluate epithelial cell proliferation markers, with the Ki-67 mi totic index as a key measure. The average activity of the Ki-67 gene was evaluated using the global scoring method, with Ki-67 percentages below 2.5% considered low. Statistical analysis included both parametric and non-parametric methods, specifi cally Student’s t and Wilcoxon’s tests. Results. The study found a reduction in the proliferative activity of cervical mucosal epithelial cells during the normal post menopausal period, indicated by a significant decrease in Ki-67 expression in the exocervical zone and during the first year in the transformation zone and the endocervix (p<0.01). Conclusion. Understanding the proliferative growth of cervical mucosal epithelial cells during the postmenopausal period helps to understand the dynamics of age-related cervical tissue. These results can lead to better prevention and monitoring strategies for cervical health in postmenopausal women.
Comparative evaluation of morphological and chemical characteristics of bone after performing osteotomy with a piezoelectric device, hard tissue laser, and low-speed handpiece
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Krishnaswamy, Vignesh; Dorairaj, Jayachandran; Gunasekaran, Srilekha; Ganesh, Sayee; Priya, Kesavan; Ramalingam, Kurinchichelvan
Introduction and aim. Osteotomy procedures play a crucial role in achieving the desired osseous contour and elimination of the pocket. Traditional instruments such as chisels, files, and rotating burs have limitations including heat generation and tissue dam age. Novel instruments like piezoelectric and hard tissue lasers offer potential advantages in terms of precision and reduced tissue trauma. The aim of this study was to compare the chemical and morphological characteristics of bone surfaces after osteotomy procedures performed with three different instruments: piezoelectric, hard tissue laser, and low-speed handpiece. Material and methods. Fifteen fresh cadaver bone specimens were randomly assigned to three groups: group A (piezoelectric), group B (hard tissue laser) and group C (low-speed handpiece). Osteotomy procedures were performed according to standard ized protocols. The specimens were determined under an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results. Analysis of morphological and chemical characteristics revealed significant differences in bone surface characteristics between groups. Groups A and B exhibited the smoothest surface with minimal tissue damage and microfractures. Group C showed the roughest surface with prominent microfractures and tissue damage. Conclusion. Hard tissue laser and piezosurgery have shown better results due to greater precision as they preserved the bone mor phology, with less microfracture and chemical demineralization after osteotomy preparation compared with low-speed handpiece.
Fall risk and avoidance behavior due to fear of falling in elderly nursing home residents
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Turen, Sevda; Ozcalik, Cennet Kara; Yildiz, Gülisan; Tekir, Meryem Irem
Introduction and aim. Falls in the elderly affect their daily activities, causing a decrease in their quality of life and may even lead to death. This study aims to examine the risk of falling and the relationship between fear of falling and avoidance behaviors in elderly nursing home residents. Material and methods. Data were obtained using the “Fall Risk Assessment Scale (FRAS)” and the “Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire (FFABQ)”. Results. The average age of the participants was 70.70±5.23 years. Total mean scores of FRAS and FFABQ were significantly higher in participants who could partially meet their daily needs on their own, had chronic diseases, used continuous medication, had problems with walking or balance, had vision or hearing problems, used walking aids, had fear of falling, and had experienced falls in the last three months. It was found that their average was significantly higher. It was determined that there was a strong and significant positive relationship between the FRAS and FFABQ total score averages. Conclusion. It was determined that elderly residents of nursing homes have a high risk of falling and that increased risk is as sociated with an increase in avoidance behaviors due to fear of falling.
Predictors of family burden in parents of children with intellectual disabilities and their children’s sexual development characteristics
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Kurt, Aylin; Dinç, Fatma; Güneş Şan, Emine ; Uzun, İsmail Berat
Introduction and aim. Although the existing literature includes both quantitative and qualitative studies that examine the sexual characteristics of children with intellectual disabilities and the challenges they face, these studies have not addressed the impact of these characteristics on the burden of the family. Our objective was to examine the predictors of sexual development of family burden among parents of children with intellectual disability in this cross-sectional study. Material and methods. We collected data from 815 parents with children aged 10–18 years with intellectual disabilities between May 2021 and March 2022. Data collection tools were ‘Descriptive Characteristics Form”, “Family Burden Rating Scale for families with Mentally Handicapped Children” and ‘Sexual Development Characteristics scale of Adolescents with Intellectual Disability”. A logistic regression analysis was performed. Results. The predictive model for the burden of the family explained 60% of the variance in this sample of parents (p<0.001). The sexual predictors with the strongest effect on the model were previous sexual development education (β=0.74; SE=0.16, p≤0.001), followed by sexual harassment (β=-0.56, SE=0.26, p≤0.001). Conclusion. Education on sexual development in children with intellectual disability can facilitate management of challenges in adolescence.
The management and clinical outcomes of electrothermal burn injury patients over a ten-year period
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Hlutkin, Aliaksandr V.; Patel, Grishma Rajendrakumar; Liyanage, L. R. Sathisha Deshan; Hnedava, Anastasiya V.
Introduction and aim. This study investigates electrothermal burns in children, including their incidence, causes, associated systemic changes, and treatments. Electrothermal burns are unique and can be caused by factors such as moisture, leading to heat conduction from the contact site. The study aims to determine the frequency of these burns in children, identify their causes, and evaluate various treatment methods. The outcomes of interest include wound healing, scarring, and long-term complications. The results of this study will help develop better treatment strategies and reduce the incidence of such injuries. Material and methods. The Grodno Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital, Belarus treated 666 children for burn injuries between 2014 and 2023, 35 of them diagnosed with electrothermal skin burns. Results. According to our analysis, electrothermal burns make up approximately 5.3% of all burn injuries. Upon reviewing hos pitalization records, it was observed that the number of hospital visits related to this type of injury ranged from 3 to 5 annually, except for 2022, when there were nine recorded cases. Conclusion. Our study shows that electrothermal burns are usually caused by household appliances. There is a gender imbal ance in those affected. Early detection and appropriate medical intervention are crucial in the management of these burns.
In vitro and in vivo models of immunomodulatory activity of a hydroalcoholic fraction of Turnera ulmifolia Linn
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Sruthi, Vuppula; Garige, Baba Shankar Rao
Introduction and aim. The present study explores the immunomodulatory effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Turnera ul mifolia through in vitro and in vivo models. Material and methods. The study examined cytotoxicity, cytokine production, and nitric oxide (NO) levels using RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells, while in vivo assessments were performed using BALB/c mice. Results. In vitro, T. ulmifolia extract significantly increased cytokine levels and NO production in unstimulated cells while ef fectively inhibiting overproduction in LPS-stimulated cells, suggesting immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. In vivo experiments demonstrated that T. ulmifolia extract enhanced the immune response by improving macrophage phago cytic activity, increasing delayed-type hypersensitivity, increasing serum hemolysin levels, and enhancing thymus and spleen indices. These results highlight the potential of the T. ulmifolia extract as an immunomodulatory agent, regulating cytokine secretion and enhancing immune responses without causing cytotoxicity. Conclusion. The findings indicate promising therapeutic applications for T. ulmifolia extract in modulating immune function and inflammation.
Outcome prediction criteria for multiple trauma patients with combined cranio-thoracic injuries
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Stupnytskyi, Myroslav; Biletskyi, Oleksii
Introduction and aim. Blunt chest trauma and traumatic brain injury are considered two of the most significant injury entities with a high potential for complications. In the early post-traumatic period, trauma care frequently encounters limitations in diagnostic capabilities within trauma centers. The objective of this study was to develop simple signs to predict outcomes at three time points during the early post-traumatic period for patients with multiple blunt trauma with combined cranio-tho racic injuries. Material and methods. This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 51 polytraumatized male patients. Examinations of the patients were performed on the 1st–2nd, 3rd–4th,and 5th–6th day after trauma. Mortality was set as the primary outcome. Re ceiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to investigate the predictive capacity of the estimated markers for each time period. Results. The most significant differences between survivors and non-survivors on the 1st to 2nd day after trauma were ob served in terms of SpO2 /FiO2 index, hemoglobin and red blood cell count. On the 3rd–4th day – SpO2 /FiO2 index. The oxygen content, SpO2 /FiO2 index and hemoglobin exhibited the greatest disparity between patients groups on the 5th–6th day. Conclusion. A set of criteria can be employed to monitor the clinical course of multiple trauma patients with combined cra nio-thoracic injuries. The predictive value of special markers varies depending on the time period. Each of the investigated time periods is characterized by its own specific predictive signs. The predictive capacity of the estimated markers varies depending on the time period under consideration. It is not an accurate approach to employ the same predictive markers throughout the entire posttraumatic period.
Hepatoprotective effect of Costus afer (Lin) on toxic metal mixture treated rats mediated by regulation of oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines and bio-metal chelation
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Anyanwu, Brilliance O.; Ezejiofor, Anthonet N.; Ajibo, Doris N.; Orisakwe, Orish E.
Introduction and aim. Cadmium, lead, and mercury have been considered to exhibit their hepatotoxic effects by oxida tive induction damage and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The current work evaluated the protective activ ity of aqueous leaf extracts of Costus afer (ALECA) on liver damage arising from exposure to toxic metal mixture (TMM): 1.61 mg/kg cadmium chloride (CdCl2), 20 mg/kg lead chloride (PbCl2), and 0.40 mg/kg mercury chloride (HgCl2). Material and methods. Five groups of weight-matched Sprague Dawley rats were treated for 90 days. Metal mixtures and deionized water were used to treat the 2 groups of rats whereas the other 3 groups were treated with various doses of the ALECA through oral gavage with TMM. Hepatic function parameters, oxidative biomarkers, inflammatory cytokines, mor phological changes, and metal levels in the liver were monitored. Results. Treatment with TMM resulted in significant increases in alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phos phatase, bilirubin, interleukin 6, malondialdehyde, but decreased albumin, total protein, interleukin 10, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione levels. TMM also caused some morphological changes and increased the concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Hg) in the liver. Conclusion. ALECA showed beneficial effects against TMM-induced hepatotoxicity via metal chelation, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant mechanism. ALECA may be beneficial in the management of liver toxicity.
Comparison of falls and non-fall admissions to the emergency department in older adults and evaluation of the Barthel index and the Falls Efficacy Scale International scores
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Keskin, Sevgi; Altunci, Yusuf Ali; Kodik, Meltem Songür; Akarca, Funda Karbek
Introduction and aim. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients aged 65 years and older who expe rienced falls and to examine the distribution of the Barthel index (BI) and Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) scores. Material and methods. Participants over 65 years of age who were admitted to the emergency department (ED) between 31.07.2019 and 31.01.2020 and who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Characteristics, BI, and FES-I scores of patients admitted to the emergency department for falls and nontraumatic reasons were compared. Results. The study was carried out with 259 participants, 133 in the fall group and 126 in the control group. The mean age was 79±8.3 years in the fall group and 76.3±7.9 years in the control group (p=0.011). In the fall group, 61 (46.2%) were male and 71 (53.8%) were females. The most common trauma after a fall was soft tissue trauma. The FES-I and BI scores were found to be at higher risk in the fall group aged 75-84 years compared to the control group and there was a statistically significant difference between them (p=0.009; p=0.030, respectively). Conclusion. FES-I and BI did not show significant differences between fall and control groups in all age groups. In the 75-84 age group, both scales showed higher values in the fall group. We believe these scales can be used as follow-up tools in screening and preventing fall risks, especially in this age group.
Psychological consequences of war as a real threat to young people with post-traumatic stress disorder
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Chorna, Valentyna; Antomonov, Mykhailo; Syrota, Hanna; Syrota, Mariia; Kolomiets, Viktoria; Pavlenko, Nataliia
Introduction and aim. The consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have led to a violation of the mental health of youth, children, and adults in Ukraine. Increased cases of mental disorders related to war trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to violence, loss of family and friends, loss of normal life, fear, uncertainty, and constant stress, are leading to long-term PTSD, which can negatively affect their quality of life, such as physical, mental, and social well-being. Determination of symptoms of PTSD in students (men and women) of medical and technical higher education institutions during the war in Ukraine. Material and methods. At the beginning of 2024, the survey was attended by 452 students of Ukrainian higher education in stitutions (medical and technical), of which 24.6% were male and 75.4% were female, aged 15–19 (65.8%), aged 20–28 (21.1%), and over 29 (13.1%). The methodology ‘Identification of potentially traumatic events in life among applicants’ was used to iden tify students with signs of PTSD out of a total of 452 surveyed students. The next step was to assess the degree of PTSD symp toms in 121 students of the total number of students who were identified as having PTSD symptoms using the ‘PTSD symptoms list’. Research was conducted with the help of the STATISTICS program, by the Pearson’s Chi-square method, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rS ). Results. The severity of the consequences of the war was assessed based on the results of a survey among students of high er education institutions during the hostilities in Ukraine. Students who participated in hostilities or were in the war zone represented 45.9% of respondents from technical universities (TU) and 24.8% of the respondents from medical universities (MU). Students who experienced sexual violence (rape, attempted rape, coercion to perform any type of sexual act by force or threats) made up 18.9% of the students in the TU and 16.9% in the MU. Conclusion. Sexual violence (rape, attempted rape, coercion to perform any type of sexual act by force or threats) among students in higher education institutions was experienced by 18.9% of respondents of technical specialization and 16.9% of respondents of medical specialization. The identified unfavorable features of students’ mental health during hostilities may lead to long-term negative consequences in the future. Particular attention should be paid to risk groups, including female students.
Overuse of ionizing radiation imaging by skull X-ray scans for minor pediatric head trauma
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Gharaibeh, Ahmad; Lackova, Antonia; Gharaibeh, Mahmoud M.; Alwadiya, Ahmed; Cellar, Robert; Mitro, Istvan; Filip, Vladimir; Lacko, Marek
Introduction and aim. The assessment of light head trauma in pediatric patients (GCS 14-15) often involves the use of skull X-rays for forensic reasons. This study aims to evaluate the necessity of radiographic imaging and reducing the overuse of X-rays, and developing Slovak guidelines for the appropriate use of X-rays and computed tomography (CT) in pediatric head trauma cases. Material and methods. This retrospective descriptive study analyzed records from children with head trauma seen at trauma clinics over a period of one year. The study focused on the number of radiographic images (CT and X-rays) performed on pedi atric patients and assessed the appropriateness of these imaging techniques. Results. Out of 1168 pediatric patients with head trauma, 831 (71%) had simple head injuries, 295 (25.26%) had wounds in the head area, 17 (1.45%) had fractures, 23 (1.97%) had concussions, and 2 (0.17%) had intracranial hematomas. A total of 1097 (93.9%) children with head trauma underwent imaging: 1032 had X-rays and 65 had CT scans. The study found that only 3.42% of patients actually needed radiation. Conclusion. The majority of pediatric head trauma cases were minor and not associated with brain injury, highlighting the overuse of radiographic imaging in these cases.
Wound healing potential of Apamarga Ksharodaka (herbal alkaline water made from Achyranthus aspera Linn.) in excision rodent wound model
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Garg, Ayush Kumar; Rai, Sachchida Nand; Prajapati, Chandrabhan; Mishra, Shashank Shekhar; Singh, Santosh Kumar; Sen, Binay
Introduction and aim. Wound healing is a biological process that aims to restore tissue integrity and function. Despite medical advances, wound management remains challenging. Traditional medicinal preparations, like Apamarga ksharodaka (AK), offer promising therapeutic potential due to their phytochemical richness. This study evaluated wound healing and antimicrobial activity of AK. This study aimed to validate the traditional claim of AK’s wound healing potential using an excision wound model. Material and methods. An excision wound model was created using 24 male Wistar rats. A positive control group applied 5% w/w povidone-iodine (PI) ointment. Wound contraction (WC), epithelialization period (ET), wound closure day, and histopathology were assessed. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Streptococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Results. AK showed slightly better wound healing than PI ointment, with significant results in WC rate, wound closure, and ET. Histopathology revealed normal skin and organ architecture. The minimum MIC was 6.25 mg/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a maximum inhibition zone of 15 mm. Conclusion. AK is safe and effective for wound healing.
Spatial working memory in hypothyroidism – an observational study on different ranges of thyroid stimulating hormone
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Jhandi, Satkarjit Kaur; Shenoy, Shweta; Singh, A. P.; Singh, Ajaypal
Introduction and aim. Hypothyroidism is associated with cognitive impairments. Clinically, subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is very common and patients often experience symptoms such as forgetfulness or memory deficits. Despite achieving normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels through levothyroxine (LT-4) treatment, patients still report persistent complaints of lack of memory. Previous imaging studies have shown abnormalities in some cognitive domains, particularly in spatial working memory (SWM), that are characteristic of SCH. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate SWM function across different ranges of TSH in patients with SCH. Material and methods. This cross-sectional study included a total of 136 participants. Group 1: 36 controls, group 2: 33 newly diagnosed patients with SCH (TSH levels ≥2.5 mIU/L), group 3: 32 patients with SCH (elevated TSH levels ≥4.0 mIU/L) having L-T4 treatment, group 4: 35 euthyroid (TSH levels <4.0 mIU/L) but ongoing LT-4 treatment. The SWM task was performed for an assessment of SWM function, using a computerized battery (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery-CANTAB). Results. Our results report a statistically significant difference in the key parameters of SWM task among all groups. Conclusion. Our findings indicate that patients with SCH show better performance in SWM when their TSH levels decrease with LT-4 treatment, in comparison to patients who were newly diagnosed. The present study suggests a TSH level of 2.5 mIU/L may be the optimal threshold for initiating LT-4 treatment in patients with SCH.
A comparative study of pharmacological, nonpharmacological, and combined methods of induction of labor
(Rzeszów University Press, 2025-03) Unmesh, Puri Sudha; Murlidhar, Bharati Vinod; Vikram, Latpate Raosaheb
Introduction and aim. Induction of labor (IOL), a common obstetric procedure, aims to induce labor. The study defined labor induction success as true uterine contractions and classified delivery outcomes as vaginal, instrumental, and cesarean. A higher Bishop score predicts a vaginal delivery. The objective was to compare cervical status, induction success, cesarean section rates, and normal delivery rates of pharmacological and non-pharmacological IOL methods. Material and methods. In this study, 296 pregnant women admitted to the labor room were divided into three groups: those who received pharmacological agents (25 μg/50 μg misoprostol or dinoprostone 5 g gel to start labor), those who were giv en non-pharmacological agents (Foley’s catheter and membrane stripping to start labor), and those who were given both non-pharmacological and pharmacological agents (Foley’s catheter and membrane stripping followed by oxytocin to start labor). Results. Although a 92.5% induction success rate, the use of non-pharmacological methods alone led to a rate of 49.06% cesar ean section rate. Combined with a pharmacological agent such as oxytocin, it achieved almost the same success rate (91.43%) as a pharmacological method of inducing labor (18.57%). This resulted in a lower rate of cesarean section than pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods (p=0.002). Conclusion. Nonpharmacological IOL methods alone led to higher cesarean rates despite improved cervical status. Combining them with pharmacological agents such as oxytocin resulted in higher normal delivery rates and fewer cesarean sections, indicating a more effective approach for improving delivery outcomes.

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Przeglądanie European Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine T.23, z. 1 (2025) według Data dodania