rss_2.0Sciendo RSS Feed for Pomeranian Journal of Life Scienceshttps://sciendo.com/journal/PJLShttps://www.sciendo.comhttps://sciendo-parsed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/674a67ad8b676d152c207486/cover-image.jpghttps://sciendo.com/journal/PJLS140216https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.946<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><bold>Introduction</bold>: Massage therapy reduces pain, alleviates muscle tension, and enhances psychological well-being. In addition to subjective methods for assessing changes in well-being due to massage, researchers are increasingly seeking effective objective methods. One such method is electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the effects of different forms of massage on EEG recordings in healthy adult subjects.</p> <p><bold>Materials and methods</bold>: To conduct the review, the databases PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched for publications from 2012 to 2023. The keywords used were: massage therapy, EEG, and electroencephalography. The available publications were screened against the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in 7 papers being included in the final analysis.</p> <p><bold>Results</bold>: In the papers included in the analysis, the intervention included aromatherapy massage, mechanical massage, Swedish massage, and foot reflexology. Most of the papers found changes in brainwave amplitude under the influence of massage; however, the directions of change (decrease/increase in amplitude) varied within the range of individual waves.</p> <p><bold>Conclusions</bold>: Based on the literature review, it can be concluded that massage affects EEG recordings in healthy adults. However, this effect appears to depend on the type of massage applied. The significant discrepancies in the interventions used indicate a need for further research and analysis involving standardized massage protocols.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.9462024-11-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.1029<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Uveitis is a group of diseases that are prevalent worldwide and can lead to serious ophthalmic complications that threaten vision. In the pediatric population, uveitis often presents as a systemic disease with a severe course. Early diagnosis of the causative disease entity for uveitis is often delayed due to the limited cooperation of pediatric patients. Although most cases of uveitis are idiopathic (40%), understanding the potential complications and multiorgan involvement facilitates multidisciplinary pediatric care and allows for earlier initiation of appropriate treatment, prevention and reduction of ocular complications, thus contributing to the normal development of the child. In the first part of this article, the authors reviewed the current literature (2018–2023) from PubMed and Google Scholar to present an updated perspective on the classification and causes of uveitis. Due to the lack of recent data on the prevalence of specific types of uveitis in the pediatric population in Poland, the authors referred to statistical analyses from 2001–2006.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.10292024-11-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.1087<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><bold>Introduction</bold>: Many microorganisms present on human skin can cause various diseases. One preventive measure is the use of cosmetics with antibacterial properties. These include everyday body care products and specialized ones designed to limit bacterial growth. This study aims to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of various cosmetics against selected bacteria and yeasts naturally found on the skin.</p> <p><bold>Materials and methods</bold>: The study used clinical strains of: <italic>Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecium, Candida albicans</italic>, and reference strains of: <italic>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</italic> ATCC 27853, <italic>Escherichia coli</italic> ATCC 25922, and <italic>Acinetobacter baumannii</italic> ATCC 19606. Five commercially available antibacterial cosmetics were tested. Effectiveness was assessed by the reduction in bacterial numbers, expressed as log colony-forming units (CFU)×cm⁻³, and the size of the growth inhibition zone, expressed in mm.</p> <p><bold>Results</bold>: Our research found that the highest antibacterial efficacy was achieved by the face gel and antiperspirant. The gel caused an average reduction in bacterial numbers by 4.73 log CFU×cm⁻³. The mattifying powder and creams were less effective. In the disc-diffusion method, the antiperspirant most frequently showed the largest inhibition zone, while the regenerating cream showed the smallest.</p> <p><bold>Conclusion</bold>: The use of antibacterial cosmetics limits the growth of microorganisms, which is crucial for maintaining body hygiene and alleviating symptoms of skin diseases.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.10872024-11-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.1035<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><bold>Introduction</bold>: Hand fractures are the most common fractures of the upper extremity. Following the outbreak of war in Ukraine, approx. 1.5 million Ukrainians fled to Poland. Many of these individuals quickly integrated into Polish society and found employment, often in manual labor. The objective of this study was to analyze the spectrum of hand fractures recorded in the emergency department of a tertiary hospital and compare the incidence of hand fractures among Polish and Ukrainian patients before (2020) and after (2022) the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.</p> <p><bold>Materials and methods</bold>: The study utilized records from the database of the Emergency Department SPSK 1 in Szczecin from 2020 and 2022, representing the year before and the year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.</p> <p><bold>Results</bold>: A total of 344 hand fractures were recorded in 2020 and 437 in 2022. In both periods, the most common injuries were finger and metacarpal fractures, accounting for 74% (2020) and 72% (2022) of all fractures. In 2020, 12 Ukrainians were registered, representing 3.5% of all patients that year, while in 2022, there were 44 Ukrainians, representing 10% of all patients (statistically significant, p = 0.0004). The number of work-related fractures was significantly higher among Ukrainians than among Poles, in both 2020 (6% vs. 58%) and 2022 (8% vs. 61%; statistically significant, p = 0.0001).</p> <p><bold>Conclusion</bold>: The higher incidence of hand injuries among Ukrainians may be due to less attention to work safety compared to Poles and the fact that they often work outside their trained professions, which increases the risk of injury.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.10352024-11-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.1006<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><bold>Introduction</bold>: <italic>Acanthamoeba</italic> spp. are parasites that typically colonize the brain, cornea, and lungs. However, some studies suggest that amoebas may also be present in the gut microbiome, as they have been found in the stool of healthy humans and animals. Given research indicating that parasites in the small and/or large intestine may modulate apoptosis, this study aimed to assess apoptosis in the small intestines of mice infected with <italic>Acanthamoeba</italic> sp.</p> <p><bold>Materials and methods</bold>: The small intestines used in this study were collected from immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice experimentally infected with <italic>Acanthamoeba</italic> sp. (AM22 strain, GenBank reference number: GQ342607). The intestines were homogenized, and the expression of pro-apoptotic Bax, antiapoptotic Bcl-2, caspase 9 (Cas9) and caspase 3 (Cas3) proteins was determined using the Western blot method. The results were statistically analyzed.</p> <p><bold>Results</bold>: In immunocompetent mice infected with <italic>Acanthamoeba</italic> sp., there was an increase in the protein expression of the pro-apoptotic Bax. The level of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was higher at each time point compared to the group of uninfected animals. The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was similar in immunocompetent infected and uninfected mice, with no statistically significant difference. The levels of Cas9 and Cas3 in immunocompetent infected and uninfected mice were also similar. In immunosuppressed mice, increased Bax expression was found on days 16 and 24 post <italic>Acanthamoeba</italic> sp. infection. On the same days, a reduced level of Bcl-2 and statistically significant differences in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were observed compared to mice in the control group. Increased expressions of Cas9 and Cas3 were also observed at 16 and 24 days post-inoculation (dpi).</p> <p><bold>Conclusions</bold>: In immunocompetent hosts, systemic acanthamoebiasis does not affect every organ. However, infection with <italic>Acanthamoeba</italic> spp. in immunosuppressed hosts induces the apoptosis pathway in intestinal epithelial cells.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.10062024-11-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.995<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><bold>Introduction</bold>: The global healthcare landscape has been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the changes and challenges experienced by orthodontic patients in Poland during this unprecedented time.</p> <p><bold>Materials and methods</bold>: An anonymous online survey conducted through Google Forms reached 205 orthodontic patients in Poland. Statistical analyses, including Fisher’s exact test, were used to explore relationships between variables, and the strength of associations was measured using Cramer’s V.</p> <p><bold>Results</bold>: The primary concerns among patients were heightened treatment costs and extended duration, rather than the fear of infection during orthodontic visits. Nearly all respondents (96.6%) relied on phone calls for communication with their orthodontic offices. Among the participants, 65% reported experiencing appliance failures, predominantly bracket issues rather than arch failures.</p> <p>Notably, 72.8% of patients with orthodontic appliance failures felt unable to resolve the problems themselves. The study revealed a significant correlation between patients’ age and adherence to the principle of vaccination (pFisher &lt; 0.05). Approximately 26.3% of participants acknowledged increased muscle tension and headaches during the COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, 29.3% strongly agreed and 19% agreed that the pandemic adversely affected their emotional well-being. Surprisingly, over 80% expressed willingness to undergo orthodontic treatment, even with the knowledge of the potential occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p> <p><bold>Conclusions</bold>: The study highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the emotional health of orthodontic patients in Poland. It provides valuable insights that can inform future strategies for orthodontic care delivery during public health crises.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.9952024-11-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.982<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Infectious disease pandemics pose a psychological challenge to the general population, particularly to healthcare professionals. This study aimed to evaluate the level of work stress and coping strategies used by healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering sociodemographic and work-related variables. A cross-sectional study included 141 Polish healthcare professionals working with COVID-19 patients. The research was conducted using a diagnostic survey method, employing the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and a self-written questionnaire. Among the respondents, 46.8% reported severe stress. The study found that older age was associated with less frequent use of avoidance-oriented coping styles, such as engaging in alternative activities (p = 0.031) and seeking social contacts (p = 0.005). Additionally, avoidance-oriented coping was more commonly used by individuals from large cities compared to those from villages, and more frequently by those from small cities than by those from villages and medium-sized cities (p = 0.004). Engaging in alternative activities was significantly more common among individuals from medium-sized cities (p = 0.01), while seeking social contacts was more frequent among those from large cities compared to villagers (p = 0.03). The study revealed that the majority of Polish medical staff working in hospital emergency departments experienced high levels of stress. Education, age, place of residence, and work experience significantly influenced the choice of coping styles among medical staff.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.9822024-11-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.1086<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Ganglion cysts are the most common benign soft tissue tumors of the hand and wrist. They are usually found on the wrist, more often on the dorsal side. Very rarely, these cysts can be located in the nerves, tendons, and bones (the intraneural, intratendinous, and bony ganglions, respectively). In this article, we report a case of a ganglion cyst localized in the extensor communis tendon of the index finger in a 54-year-old woman. The nature of the lesion was discovered intraoperatively; it was then resected. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient recovered within 4 weeks. Histologic examination revealed that the cyst wall consisted of fibrous tissue with signs of degeneration and no epithelial lining.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.10862024-11-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.984<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>During the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most significant challenges was the transfer of information about the disease and preventive measures. This study aimed to evaluate the common knowledge about COVID-19 among our patients and examine the factors influencing how information about the pandemic was received. The study involved 235 women admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland, in May 2021. They completed a single-choice questionnaire covering the transmission, risks, and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection, disease management, vaccination, and preferred information sources. Most answers were correct, with no significant difference between television and Internet users. Health information campaign organizers should consider various factors affecting the transfer of health data.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.9842024-11-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.978<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><bold>Introduction</bold>: Impacted teeth are characterized by fully developed roots and a location within the bone that persists beyond the expected time of eruption. They can be identified through clinical, extraoral, intraoral, and radiographic examinations. Teeth can be impacted unilaterally or bilaterally within the dental arch. Upper canines are the second most commonly impacted teeth (1–4%), following lower third molars. Impacted canines are more common in women, who usually develop palatal impaction (PIC). This article aims to summarize the current understanding of the surgical management of impacted upper canines.</p> <p><bold>Materials and methods</bold>: The literature review was conducted using the Scopus and Wiley databases. All open-access English--language articles on impacted canines, published between 2017–2021, were included in the analysis. The search terms used were: impacted canine, impacted canine teeth, impacted canine surgical, and orthodontic treatment. The search yielded a total of 216 records. Studies focused on the impact of upper canines, as well as surgical and orthodontic treatment, were included, while book chapters were excluded. The evaluation of the articles was performed, and duplicate records were disregarded. A total of 25 articles were included in the literature review.</p> <p><bold>Etiology</bold> : The main factors causing the retention of upper canines are divided into systemic, genetic, and local categories, with local factors being the most common cause of these abnormalities.</p> <p><bold>Clinical and radiological diagnostics</bold>: Diagnosis of impacted upper canines includes anamnesis, clinical examination, and radiological evaluation. The initial screening typically involves a panoramic radiograph. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides the most accurate localization of the impacted canine. A comprehensive clinical and radiological diagnosis enables proper planning of surgical procedures and orthodontic treatment.</p> <p><bold>Treatment</bold>: Treatment of impacted upper canines can be surgical, orthodontic, or a combination of both in a team-based approach. The management strategies vary, and therapeutic success depends on well-planned and carefully executed surgical and orthodontic procedures.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.9782024-11-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.988<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><bold>Introduction</bold>: Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory granulomatous disease most commonly found in the lungs, and less frequently in other organs such as the lymph nodes or the heart.</p> <p><bold>Materials and methods</bold>: In this observational study, 62 adult patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis were enrolled. Their preexisting pulmonary diagnostics, including imaging and functional tests, were analyzed. Additionally, non-invasive cardiological diagnostics: electrocardiography (ECG), Holter electrocardiography (Holter ECG), transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and laboratory tests were performed.</p> <p><bold>Results</bold>: The most common findings were numerous ventricular arrhythmias (20.34%), pericardial effusion (40.32%), and left ventricular relaxation disorders (29.03%). A positive correlation was found between the duration of sarcoidosis and wall motion score index (WMSI; p = 0.026), as well as between the stage of sarcoidosis in chest X-ray/computed tomography (CXR/CT) and tricuspid regurgitation peak gradient – TRPG (p = 0.001). An inverse correlation was found between diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and the stage of sarcoidosis (p = 0.037), forced vital capacity (FVC) and ventricular systolic asynchrony (p = 0.044), both forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FVC, and the width of the pulmonary trunk (p = 0.046 and p = 0.045), both FEV1 and FVC, and the width of the right ventricle (p = 0.036 and p = 0.04), and total lung capacity (TLC) and the width of the left atrium (p = 0.007).</p> <p><bold>Conclusions</bold>: A longer duration of the disease was associated with more advanced heart involvement. Higher stages of sarcoidosis were associated with more frequent cardiac changes.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.9882024-11-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.975<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders. This article aims to identify the risk factors for ADHD, with a particular focus on its genetic basis. The complex etiology of ADHD results from the interplay of both environmental and genetic factors, making it challenging to pinpoint specific determinants contributing to the disorder’s phenotype. Among the most significant genetic risk factors are genes regulating the dopaminergic and serotoninergic pathways. Genetic factors involved in various biological processes, such as neuronal transmission, neural cell migration, and neurotransmitter energy metabolism, also warrant attention. Despite advancements in ADHD research, understanding the pathomechanism of this disorder remains a significant challenge for medical professionals and researchers. The limited knowledge of the biological foundations of ADHD hampers the recognition of risk variants for this disorder. Therefore, further research is necessary to identify at-risk groups and develop more effective diagnostic tests and therapeutic methods in the future.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.9752024-11-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.1062<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><bold>Introduction</bold>: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in preschool children in Złocieniec, a town in north-western Poland. Therefore, it was decided to assess the extent of intestinal parasite infection, the prevalence of individual parasite species, and the usefulness of clinical symptoms reported by parents/guardians of children for parasitological screening.</p> <p><bold>Materials and methods</bold>: The study was conducted in 88 children aged 3–6 years. Parasitological diagnosis was performed by standard coproscopic method. For intestinal parasites, direct smears of feces in saline (0.9% NaCl) and stained with Lugol’s fluid were performed. Pinworms were examined by the cellophane sticking method (according to Graham).</p> <p><bold>Results</bold>: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in children was 12.5%. In the study group of preschool children, 2 species of intestinal parasites were identified: <italic>Blastocystis hominis</italic> (3 cases) and <italic>Enterobius vermicularis</italic> (8 cases). The most frequently diagnosed species of intestinal parasites was human pinworm, with a prevalence of 9.09%, while the prevalence of <italic>B. hominis</italic> infection was 3.41%. There was no co-occurrence of these parasite species in any child. The highest incidence of intestinal parasite infestation was detected in 6-year-old children, whose infection rate was 45.45%, while no intestinal parasite species was detected in 4-year-old children. Among the preschool children infected with intestinal parasites, 81.82% lived in urban areas and 18.18% lived in the countryside, while all (100%) children infected with human pinworm came from urban areas. Clinical symptoms characteristic of <italic>E. vermicularis</italic> infection (1–9) were reported in 43 (48.86%) of the children examined, regardless of the test result. The occurrence of symptoms characteristic of enterobiasis (1–9) was reported in only 50% of the children infected with <italic>E. vermicularis</italic>, and only 1 child had 9 symptoms typical of the presence of <italic>E. vermicularis</italic>. There were no cases of reinfection with pinworms in 7 children (7.95%) with previously diagnosed pinworms.</p> <p><bold>Conclusions</bold>: The prevalence of intestinal parasites in preschool children in Złocieniec is lower than the prevalence in West Pomeranian voivodeship, but similar to that found in other regions of Poland. Therefore, the potential risk of infection among the inhabitants of Złocieniec is low. The prevalence of <italic>E. vermicularis</italic> in children in Złocieniec is similar to its prevalence in Poland and Europe. It was found that clinical signs reported by parents/guardians of children may not always serve as a guideline for parasitologic examination.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.10622024-07-04T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.967<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) before 22–24 weeks of gestation is considered previable and poses a high risk to the chances of successful delivery. Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) is the most common form of dysplasia of this organ, usually affecting 1 kidney. A prenatal suspicion of MCDK requires escalation of the clinical process to a reference center qualified and equipped for further diagnosis and treatment. We present a unique case of prenatal pPROM at 19 weeks of gestation in a pregnancy complicated by fetal MCDK as an interesting obstetric and neonatal patient story. We have not found any published evidence on the impact of coexisting fetal congenital malformations on a pregnancy affected by previable pPROM.</p> <p>The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach in the management of previable pPROM and the difficulties of decision-making involving both health professionals and the mother. Initially, medical management focuses on the safety of the mother, and as the fetus reaches viability, the focus shifts to the high standard of care for the child. The final successful outcome and follow-up was the effect of coordinated prenatal and postnatal medical care.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.9672024-07-04T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.1065<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>As electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, vaping, etc.) are considered a safer alternative to traditional smoking, they are gaining popularity, especially among adolescents (10–14 and 14–18 years) and young adults (18–25 years). They are used by millions of users worldwide, and new generations of e-cigarette devices are being introduced. Some reports have suggested that e-cigarettes have harmful effects on human health, which is why it is important to introduce restrictions on the use of e-cigarettes by young people. The aerosols produced when the e-liquid is heated contain a complex of gases, toxic substances and various types of flavoring chemicals, which are then inhaled by users. In addition, when the products in the e-liquid are thermally degraded, more harmful reactive substances are produced. Exposure to e-cigarette aerosols appears to have harmful effects on human health, but it is critical that our understanding of these effects be expanded and that data be collected on the long-term effects of the substances in e-cigarette aerosols on the human body. Data on the various health risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes are mainly based on <italic>in vitro</italic> studies using established cell lines or cultured human cells, or on animal models. The substances contained in e-cigarette liquids and their aerosol – including the solvents propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin – are known to cause organ and tissue irritation in the upper respiratory tract when inhaled. The aim of this narrative review is to present our current knowledge on the effects of the chemical components of e-cigarette aerosols on the nasal cavity, trachea, bronchi, and organs of the conducting part of the respiratory system.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.10652024-07-04T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.897<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Chronic refractory complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is the severest form of this condition characterised by acute pain, other painful phenomena (hyperpathia, allodynia), severe functional impairment of the affected extremity and non-responsiveness to standard treatments. This paper presents a case of a 40-year-old man suffering from this form of CRPS, in whom all treatment options, including non-standard appeared ineffective. The patient suffered from intractable pain and a completely disabled extremity was considered by him a burden, additionally affecting his daily living. After a review of the literature and informing the patient about the potential benefits and the potential risk of failure of surgery, at the request of the patient an amputation of the upper extremity was performed at the level of 1/3 distal arm. The postoperative course was uneventful, but amputation did not result in cessation of the pain which persisted in the residual limb. The presented case shows that limb amputation for chronic refractory CRPS may not give expected beneficial effect.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.8972024-07-04T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.985<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><bold>Introduction</bold>: Perforation is a pathological connection between the root canal system and the external surface of the tooth that can occur unintentionally during pulp chamber preparation. The consequence of this complication is inflammation and destruction of the periodontal tissues. Therefore, it is essential to seal the perforation to avoid tooth loss. Among different bioactive materials, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine (BD) ensure a favorable prognosis in therapeutic dental procedures due to their healing properties.</p> <p><bold>Materials and methods</bold>: The present case series report describes successful treatments of different sizes, locations, and immediate and mediated perforations.</p> <p><bold>Results</bold>: Clinical and radiographic follow-up showed asymptomatic teeth without discomfort, swelling, fistula, or radiolucency in the furcal area.</p> <p><bold>Conclusion</bold>: Mineral trioxide aggregate and BD can be successfully used as a biocompatible material for the repair of furcal and root canal perforations.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.9852024-07-04T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.962<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><bold>Introduction</bold>: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causes multi-organ damage, including in the respiratory and circulatory systems, the basic systems associated with aerobic capacity. Many researchers describe long-term persistent changes in many people who have had a viral infection. This study aimed to investigate the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the level of physical fitness in female students.</p> <p><bold>Materials and methods</bold>: Women (n = 72; 21–23 years old) were divided into 3 groups of 24. The first group was studied in 2015, the second in 2018, and the third in 2022. In the third group, the subjects were infected with SARS-CoV-2. The maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max) parameter was evaluated in the subjects. The Astrand test was used for the assessment. Results were statistically analyzed.</p> <p><bold>Results</bold>: The differences between the mean VO_2max were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001). The mean VO_2max from 2022 was significantly lower than in 2015 and 2018.</p> <p><bold>Conclusions</bold>: Infection with SARS-CoV-2 can cause long-term impairment of physiological functions of the body, which may be associated with a decrease in aerobic capacity.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.9622024-07-04T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.992<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Cervical spondylosis is the most common progressive disease of the cervical spine. As a disease that directly affects the function and morphology of the spinal cord and nerve roots, it is of particular interest to neurologists and neurosurgeons. However, due to its prevalence, physicians of all specialties encounter this disease. This article summarizes the current knowledge of the pathomechanism, diagnostics, and treatment of cervical spondylosis.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.9922024-07-04T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.974<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><bold>Introduction</bold>: Proper nutrition is extremely important at all stages of human life. Nutritional programming states that either an excess or deficiency of nutrients during the first 1000 days of a child’s life can alter their metabolism and affect their health later in life. Despite widespread access to information on infant nutrition, parents still need to correct their feeding mistakes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of parental nutrition education on the nutritional status of children during their first year of life and to check whether these changes are still visible after 12 months.</p> <p><bold>Materials and methods</bold>: The follow-up study included a group of parents of 168 Polish infants. Their parents were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: the intervention group received intensive mobile nutritional education for 1 year, while the control group received no intervention. The children were assessed 12 months after the end of parental participation.</p> <p><bold>Results</bold>: Our study showed that parental nutritional education influenced, among other things, the body mass index (BMI) z-score (the difference between the groups was 0.991) and the micro- and macronutrient intake of the children. The influence was still visible 12 months after the end of the study.</p> <p><bold>Conclusions</bold>: The final results of our study showed that proper nutritional education could improve the nutritional status of children at the population level.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.21164/pomjlifesci.9742024-07-04T00:00:00.000+00:00en-us-1