<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><bold>Introduction</bold>: Coaching and mentoring is a form of personal and professional development, which could change the image of the modern nursing profession and encourage nurses. Would allow leaders to introduce new solutions that could provide satisfaction from work and promote the development of nursing. The purpose of the study was to know the level of knowledge about coaching and mentoring among nurses.<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: The study involved 256 active nurses employed in the different branches of the Public Independently targeted Clinical Hospital No. 2 Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin (Poland). As a diagnostic survey was used. Research tool was the original questionnaire surveys consisting of 29 questions.<bold>Results</bold>: Although respondents were generally familiar with the term ‚coaching’, only 4.5% indicated the correct definition. Among nursing staff 43.5% did not know what coaching is and did not declare that they knew the definition. The correct definition of mentoring was shown by 30.5% of respondents, with 32.5% indicating an incorrect response, despite declaring the familiarity with this term.<bold>Conclusions</bold>: The knowledge in an environment nursing on coaching and mentoring as a means of personal development is negligible. Mentoring is more well known and understood. As for the anticipated benefits indicates the need to undertake systematic training of nursing staff in this regard.</abstract>

Coaching and mentoring in nursing practice

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><bold>Introduction</bold>: Developmental dyslexia affects 3–18% of the population. The consequences are not only in difficulties in reading and writing, but also emotional and motivational problems that persist into adult life. Many studies confirm that people with dyslexia cope worse than those without.The aim of this research is to determine if young adults with developmental dyslexia differ from their non-dyslectic peers in terms of anxiety and coping strategies, as well as to verify if there are differences in the relationship of these variables for adults with dyslexia and without.<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: 180 young adults (19–28 years old) were examined, 90 with dyslexia, 90 without dyslexia, using:1) demographic survey, 2) Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) by Endler and Parker, 3) State-Trait Anxiety Inventory by Spielberger et al.<bold>Results</bold>: Research does not draw a distinction between young adults with dyslexia and those without in terms of levels of anxiety and styles of coping with stress. Anxiety-trait is significantly associated with the styles of coping with stress. A higher level of anxiety-trait determines a higher intensity of styles focused on emotions and avoidance, a low level of anxiety-trait is associated with a task-oriented copying style. In both the compared groups, the anxiety-trait had a similar impact on the strategy of coping with stress.<bold>Conclusion</bold>: Young adults with dyslexia do not show a higher level of anxiety than those without. They also do not reveal a greater intensity of maladaptive styles of coping with stress.</abstract>

The level of anxiety and coping strategies in young adults with developmental dyslexia

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><bold>Introduction</bold>: Vitamin C is an essential component of our diet. Its presence is necessary for normal body functioning. The main sources are fruits and vegetables.The aim of the study was to evaluate the content of vitamin C in both raw and processed fruits and vegetables and products available commercially in the autumn/winter period.<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: The study material comprised 14 types of fruits and vegetables and commercial products made from them, in which we determined the content of vitamin C.<bold>Results</bold>: Differences were found in vitamin C content between fresh fruits and vegetables vs. processed fruit and vegetable products.<bold>Conclusions</bold>: Fresh fruit and vegetables are not always the best source of vitamin C in the autumn/winter season. In some cases, processed fruits and vegetables are richer in this vitamin.</abstract>

Fruit and vegetables – fresh or processed – which are a better source of vitamin C?

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>A healthy diet, of which unrefined grain products are an essential element, is crucial to maintaining health and well-being. Both oats and oat products have been used for centuries and are a widely popular dietary component. They are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals, as well as other biologically active compounds, which gives them many health-promoting properties. Because of their high nutritional value, these products are widely used in many branches of industry.The aim of this article is to present the current body of knowledge about the influence of oat products on human health, and also their industrial applications. A special emphasis is placed on the relationship between the intake of products made from oats and the development and treatment of such disorders as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and excess body weight. There are many scientific reports indicating that the incorporation of oat products into the diet is associated with beneficial effects in the context of the above conditions, notably due to the high content of water-soluble dietary fibre, particularly β-glucans, which deserve special recognition. According to the body of academic literature, high consumption of the latter is linked to enhanced glycemic control, reduction in blood cholesterol and may also contribute to weight loss in overweight and obesity. For these reasons, oat products deserve special attention and should be recommended for both prophylactic and therapeutic use in metabolic disorders.</abstract>

The role of oat products in the prevention and therapy of type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and obesity

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><bold>Introduction</bold>: Hygiene of removable dental prostheses is equally important as oral hygiene. Statistical data from the World Health Organization show that people over 65 years of age constitute a larger percentage of the population than newly born children. The number of people using removable dental prostheses increases with age. Older people, often for financial reasons, generally opt for settling dentures. Due to its porous structure, acrylic favors the retention of food residue. As a consequence, the incidence of candidiasis and prosthetic stomatopathy increases in patients using removable acrylic dentures.The aim of the study is to assess the hygiene of the oral cavity and removable dental prostheses.<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: A physical examination was carried out to determine the condition of the teeth, oral hygiene, and number/location of missing teeth. Oral hygiene was assessed using the approximal dental plaque index (API). Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire about hygiene and nighttime storage methods for removable dental restorations and whether the doctor provided information on the correct use and storage of prostheses. A physical examination was then performed to determine the hygiene of the restorations. Prosthesis hygiene was evaluated using the hygiene scale of prostheses developed by Frączak et al.<bold>Results and conclusions</bold>: The level of oral hygiene in general and hygiene of prosthetic restorations are very low, despite the information obtained from physicians, which indicates that dentists should pay more attention to providing information on oral and prosthesis hygiene, preferably in the form of leaflets.</abstract>

Hygiene of removable partial denture

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>This study presents the case of a 52-year-old man with a 15-year history of insulin-dependent diabetes, who developed phlegmon of his right foot following an attempt to remove a corn. On admission, the patient presented symptoms of incipient sepsis. The treatment – wide incisions on the foot, evacuation of collected pus and necrotic debris, as well as antibiotic therapy – allowed for stabilization of the patient’s general condition. However, the local infection of the foot did not withdraw and the patient required repeated surgeries, including amputation of the toes and meta-tarsal bones. The infection progressed, spreading to the lateral ankle and the distal part of the calf. During the next operation, following incision and drainage of pus, the substance Stimulan, which aids in the liberation of antibiotics, was introduced to the wounds; this appeared to be effective and resulted in control of the infection. Soft tissue defects were repaired by local flap-plasty and split skin grafting. At the follow-up examination 6 months later, the patient displayed completely healed wounds, wore normal shoe on the affected foot, and walked without any support.</abstract>

Rescue of diabetic foot from amputation – a case report

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
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.
</abstract>

Necrosis of both hands and feet in the course of streptococcal sepsis: a case report

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<bold>Introduction</bold>: 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. 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.
<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: 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.
<bold>Results</bold>: Seventy-one percent of <italic>Escherichia coli</italic>, 40% of <italic>Klebsiella pneumoniae</italic>, and 67% of <italic>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</italic> 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 <italic>Klebsiella pneumoniae</italic> carbapenemases (KPC) strains for each drug combination tested.
<bold>Conclusions</bold>: 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.
</abstract>

Beta-lactam antibiotics in combination with novel β-lactamase inhibitors – an alternative therapy for infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<bold>Introduction</bold>: 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. 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.
<bold>Materials and Methods</bold>: 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.
<bold>Results</bold>: 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. 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.
<bold>Conclusion</bold>: 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.
</abstract>

Wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet in hand surgery: an analysis of adverse events and complications

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
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.
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.
</abstract>

Analysis of the management of preterm rupture of membranes after the 37th week of gestation

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Mandibular prognathism is a gnathic defect that causes severe dysfunction of the stomatognathic system.
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.
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.
</abstract>

Compensatory mechanisms in skull construction as a result of mandibular prognathic growth

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<bold>Introduction</bold>: Angiogenesis and vasculogenesis contribute to the development of cancer.
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).
<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: 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.
<bold>Results</bold>: 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.
<bold>Conclusions</bold>: 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.
</abstract>

Vascular endothelial growth factor, stromal growth factor 1α and endothelial progenitor cells in essential thrombocythemia – is there a link between angiogenesis and vasculogenesis?

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><bold>Introduction</bold>: St. John’s Wort (<italic>Hypericum perforatum</italic> L.) is a plant from the Hypericaceae family commonly occurring in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. It is used for medical purposes, for example in depression, viral or bacterial diseases, as well as diseases of the digestive system. St. John’s Wort is a source of hypericin as well as flavonoids useful to reduce the harmful effects of free radical action.The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of <italic>H. perforatum</italic>.<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: St. John’s Wort extracts were prepared in ethanol, methanol and isopropanol (each of 40%, 70% (v/v) and undiluted) and in water, with ultrasound-assisted extraction. Plant samples were extracted for 15, 30 and 60 min, and the antioxidant potentials of the extracts evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) aand ferric reducing anti-oxidant power (FRAP).<bold>Results</bold>: All the extracts showed antioxidant activity. In the case of the DPPH evaluation, the results ranged 2.42–4.37 mg trolox/g of raw material, which corresponds to 53.89–91.98% radical scavenging activity (RSA). The highest results were obtained for samples extracted for 60 min, with the antioxidant activity of most of them above 4.00 mg trolox/g of raw material. In the case of FRAP evaluation, the reducing power of the extracts ranged 1.40–37.82 mg FeSO4/g of raw material, with the highest results found for samples prepared in undiluted methanol. In contrast, the antioxidant capacity of the aqueous extracts was low.<bold>Conclusions</bold>: St. John’s Wort herb showed high antioxidant activity. In most cases, higher potentials were found for the extracts prepared in undiluted alcohols. The type of solvent used and the extraction time influenced the antioxidant properties of the extracts.</abstract>

Antioxidant activity of St. John’s Wort extracts obtained with ultrasound-assisted extraction

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<bold>Introduction</bold>: There is growing interest in the risk or benefits soybean food known as rich in isoflavones, due to their interactions with endogenous estrogen signal transduction pathway. Recent studies provide evidence that isoflavones can affect the reproductive and endocrine system under regular diet.
The aim of this study was to determine how the long-lasting administration of the key isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, may change morphology of the testis and the function of the epididymal antioxidant system of male rats.
<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: Male rats were treated by genistein and daidzein, in combination 2 (S2) or 20 (S20) mg/kg body weight per day for 5 days weekly mixed with regular rat chow from prenatal life until to sexual maturity. The control groups were fed without isoflavones.
<bold>Results</bold>: The findings show that the body, testis and cauda epididymis weights, testosterone level in blood plasma were
significantly lower than controls in the S20 group (p &lt; 0.05). Also, superoxide dismutase activity in the epididymis, catalase activity in the testis, and glutathione peroxidase activity in the caput epididymis were significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.05). Treating with these isoflavones significantly suppressed lipid peroxides levels in the epididymis (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, presence of prematurely exfoliated gametogenic cells was observed in seminiferous tubules as well as the architectural disorganization of the seminiferous epithelium.
<bold>Conclusions</bold>: These findings suggest that isoflavones, if consumed chronically at a dose as for the S20 group may act not only as antioxidants, but they can be a risk for the male rats reproductive system dysfunction.
</abstract>

The effect of pre- and postnatal exposure to a mixture of daidzein and genistein on the reproductive system of male rats

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><bold>Introduction</bold>: Dandelion (<italic>Taraxacum officinale</italic> L.) has been commonly used in traditional and contemporary medicine due to its diuretic and hepatoprotective properties. It contains polyphenols, vitamins and terpenes – i.e. compounds with antioxidant potential. Natural antioxidants protect organisms against oxidative stress, an important factor in the ageing process and in the pathogenesis of neoplastic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and some other diseases.<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: Raw dandelion plant material consisted of fresh and dried leaves, flowers and roots, harvested from a natural site. The extracts for analysis were prepared using an ultrasonic bath (extraction time 15, 30 and 60 min) in water, and 40% (v/v), 70% (v/v) and 96% (v/v) ethanol mixtures used as solvents. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing anti-oxidant power (FRAP) methods.<bold>Results</bold>: The antioxidant activity of dandelion depended on the type of raw material used, as well as the type of solvent and extraction time. The highest DPPH activity was found for dried flower extracts prepared in 70% ethanol for 30 min. With FRAP method, the highest reduction capacity was observed for dried leaf extracts in 40% ethanol for 30 min.<bold>Conclusions</bold>: The antioxidant potential of ethanolic and aqueous dandelion extracts was observed. This finding suggests the usefulness of this plant as a source of antioxidants to be used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.</abstract>

The antioxidant activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of dandelion (<italic>Taraxacum officinale</italic> L.)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><bold>Introduction</bold>: Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is one of the main elements of comprehensive rehabilitation of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is used both to improve the mental and physical condition of patients.The study attempts to assess the effect of a series of 20 daily WBC treatments on global walking function and muscle strength in patients with MS.<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: The study included 25 patients with diagnosed MS (ICD10-G35), mean age 44.58 ±12.15 years, who after a detailed medical examination were qualified to a series of 20 daily WBC treatments. Treatments lasted 2–3 min at -110°C. Before and after the series of WBC treatments, all subjects were tested for global hand grip and thumb strength using a hydraulic dynamometer (kg) for both the right and the left hands, as well as measuring the time needed to walk a distance of 7.6 metres, in accordance with the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test, a standardised diagnostic test recommended for the global assessment of walking function by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis.<bold>Results</bold>: After the series of WBC treatments, a marginal but statistically significant increase in thumb strength was observed in the right hand (p &lt; 0.01). Other changes in the value of hand-grip and thumb strength were not statistically significant. In addition, there were no statistically significant changes in the average time needed to cover the walking distance of 7.6 metres.<bold>Conclusions</bold>: The series of 20 daily WBC treatments for patients with MS did not significantly improve global walking function, although a beneficial effect on the thumb strength of the right hand was observed.</abstract>

Effect of whole-body cryotherapy treatments on the functional state of patients with MS (multiple sclerosis) in a Timed 25-Foot Walk Test and Hand Grip Strength Test

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Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences

 Focus and Scope  The Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences publishes papers from the fields of medical, natural, and social sciences, the humanities and...

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 Focus and Scope  The Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences publishes papers from the fields of medical, natural, and...