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Guzowski A, Fiłon J, Krajewska-Kułak E. Strength of Religious Faith and Attitude Towards Euthanasia Among Medical Professionals and Opinion Makers. J Relig Health 2024; 63:1075-1090. [PMID: 37460864 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01860-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the research was to examine whether the strength of religious faith among health professionals, politicians, journalists and religious leaders in Poland influences their knowledge and attitudes towards the withdrawal of futile care, and euthanasia. The study was carried out using a group of 449 respondents employed in medical professions (nurses, midwives and paramedics), and 142 respondents of non-medical professions (politicians, journalists and clergymen). The method used was a diagnostic survey with an original, anonymous Internet survey, as well as the standardised Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire (SCSORF). It has been demonstrated that the greater the influence of religion on a person's life, the lesser their tolerance for the refusal of life-saving/life support procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Guzowski
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, Ul. Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie 7A, 15-096, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Joanna Fiłon
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, Ul. Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie 7A, 15-096, Bialystok, Poland.
| | - Elżbieta Krajewska-Kułak
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, Ul. Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie 7A, 15-096, Bialystok, Poland
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Kułak-Bejda A, Bejda G, Kułak W, Guzowski A, Fiłon J, Łukaszuk C, Cybulski M, Waszkiewicz N, Krajewska-Kułak E. Impact of the Pandemic on Selected Aspects of Health-Promoting Attitudes in 2020–2021: A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:916972. [PMID: 35875045 PMCID: PMC9301198 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.916972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, people began to change both their health-promoting and anti-health behaviors. Aim of the Paper To assess the impact of the pandemic on selected health-promoting attitudes. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2020 to September 2021. We have used the author's survey questionnaire and the standardized Wellness Behaviors Inventory (WBI). The questionnaires were given to respondents in paper versions to fill it. Results The study group included 600 urban residents aged 32–73. Based on the opinions of the respondents, during the pandemic, the following activities increased the most: hand washing (93.3%), eating sweets and snacks (80%), and surfing the Internet (60%). An increase in drug/legal use was reported by 13.3%, with no indication of a decrease or no change in consumption of the above. The overall WBI index for all subjects before the pandemic was 81.3 ± 20.2 points, and the increase significantly (p < 0.001) during the pandemic was 87.7 ± 16.7 points. In addition, an increase in preferred eating habits was found (from 19.5 ± 6.4 to 21.1 ± 6.9 points; p < 0.001), preferred prophylactic behaviors (from 21.1 ± 6.0 to 22.7 ± 5.2 points; p < 0.001) and level of presented health practices during the pandemic (from 20.3 ± 5.1 to 24.7 ± 2.7 points; p < 0.001), and a decrease significantly (p < 0.001) in the degree of positive mental attitude (from 20.3 ± 5.4 points to 19.3 ± 4.9 points). Conclusions Respondents generally rated their own and their family's health as worse during the pandemic period, and this trend continued when broken down by gender, cohabitant, place of residence, and education. According to the largest group of respondents, the frequency of handwashing, eating sweets and snacks, surfing the Internet, and using drugs/legal highs increased the most during the pandemic. The overall WBI index for all respondents before and during the pandemic was slightly higher during the pandemic period. Monitoring health behavior during a pandemic is essential for prevention and health care institutions. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term impact of the pandemic on pro-and anti-health behavior of people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kułak-Bejda
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
- *Correspondence: Agnieszka Kułak-Bejda
| | - Grzegorz Bejda
- The School of Medical Science in Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kułak
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation and Center of Early Support for Handicapped Children “Give a Chance”, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Andrzej Guzowski
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Joanna Fiłon
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Cecylia Łukaszuk
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Mateusz Cybulski
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
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Krajewska-Kułak E, Kułak-Bejda A, Kułak W, Bejda G, Łukaszuk C, Waszkiewicz N, Cybulski M, Guzowski A, Fiłon J, Aniśko P, Popławska M. Well-Being at Home During Forced Quarantine Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:846122. [PMID: 35345878 PMCID: PMC8957102 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.846122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People recently or currently in forced quarantine or isolation at home have shown high levels of depression and symptoms of generalized anxiety. AIM OF THE STUDY To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on certain aspects of people's day-to-day functioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study involved using an online diagnostic survey including a proprietary questionnaire, the DASS 21, and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. RESULTS Information about the pandemic in Poland and around the world was systematically obtained by 48.8 and 27.4% of respondents, respectively (N = 1,312). Whereas, 75.6% of respondents declared having knowledge about the number of infected people in Poland, only 28.7% declared having such knowledge about infections worldwide. Most often, respondents had obtained information online (65.9%). According to 45.7% of respondents, infection with COVID-19 is a major threat, and not enough has been done to reduce its spread in Poland (66.7%) or worldwide (56.1%). Respondents considered social distancing (68.3%), quarantining people arriving from abroad (63.4%), and wearing protective masks and/or gloves (60.4%) to be the most effective actions for combatting the pandemic. Most often, in compulsory quarantines, respondents surfed the Internet (48.8%) and experienced a lack of energy or fatigue (40.2%) and anxiety (54.9%). The severity of anxiety (mean = 4.6 points), stress (7.5 points), and depression (7.3 points) were within normal ranges, and the respondents could generally be included in the group showing mildly severe social phobia (57.9 points). CONCLUSIONS Most respondents considered infection with COVID-19 to be a major threat and feared another quarantine. During quarantine, respondents most often experienced fatigue, a lack of energy, nervousness, anxiety, anger, and sadness. Despite demonstrating anxiety, stress, and depression with severity in the normal range, respondents showed no statistically significant correlation between severity and age, gender, place of residence, or level of education. Although they also showed mildly severe social phobia, only gender, not age, place of residence, or level of education, showed a statistically significant correlation with its severity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wojciech Kułak
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation and Center of Early Support for Handicapped Children "Give a Chance", Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Bejda
- The School of Medical Science in Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Cecylia Łukaszuk
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | | | - Mateusz Cybulski
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Andrzej Guzowski
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Joanna Fiłon
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Paulina Aniśko
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Magda Popławska
- Students' Scientific Society, Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
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Socha K, Karwowska A, Kurianiuk A, Markiewicz-Żukowska R, Guzowski A, Gacko M, Hirnle T, Borawska MH. Estimation of Selected Minerals in Aortic Aneurysms-Impaired Ratio of Zinc to Lead May Predispose? Biol Trace Elem Res 2021; 199:2811-2818. [PMID: 33006035 PMCID: PMC8222018 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02410-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to estimate the content of copper, zinc, selenium, cadmium, and lead in the tissue of patients with aortic aneurysms. Molar ratio of Cu/Zn and antioxidant micronutrients to toxic elements was also calculated. A total of 108 patients: 47 with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), 61 patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), and a control group of 20 abdominal aortic (AA) and 20 thoracic aortic (TA) wall samples from the deceased were studied. The concentrations of mineral components in the tissue samples were determined by the AAS method. The average concentration of Cu in the aortic wall of patients with TAA was significantly lower than in the aortic wall samples of healthy people. The mean concentration of Zn in the aortic wall of patients with AAA and TAA was significantly lower than in the control group samples. Cu/Zn ratio was significantly higher in AAA patients than in control group which indicates a greater role of oxidative stress and inflammatory process in this type of aneurysm. The concentration of Se was significantly decreased in TAA patients compared with the control group; in turn, the concentration of Pb was increased in this group of patients. We observed significantly lower Cu/Pb ratio in TAA patients than in control group, whereas Zn/Pb ratio was significantly lower comparing with control samples in both types of aneurysms. In the examined aneurysms, we have shown the differences in concentrations of mineral components compared with the control tissues. The Zn concentration was decreased in both AAA and TAA samples. Impaired ratio of Zn to Pb may predispose to aortic aneurysms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Socha
- Department of Bromatology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
| | - Alicja Karwowska
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Adam Kurianiuk
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Andrzej Guzowski
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Transplantation, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Marek Gacko
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Transplantation, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Tomasz Hirnle
- Department of Cardiosurgery, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Maria H Borawska
- Department of Bromatology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
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Krajewska-Kułak E, Kułak W, Cybulski M, Kowalczuk K, Guzowski A, Łukaszuk C, Lewko J, Sengupta P, Chilińska J, Sobolewski M. Trust in Nurse Scale Developed on the Basis of the Standardized Trust in Physician Scale by Anderson and Dedrick. Mater Sociomed 2019; 31:57-61. [PMID: 31213958 PMCID: PMC6511383 DOI: 10.5455/msm.2019.31.57-61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Nursing care is one of the most important areas of health services, taking place in direct contact with the patient, constituting a subsystem deciding about the general level of services. Aim: The aim of the study was to construct the Trust in Nurse Scale on the basis of the standardized Trust in Physician Scale by Anderson and Dedrick. Methods: The study included a group of 1,200 people selected at random, 600 each from surgical and medical treatment wards. Patients did not report any problems with understanding the statements on the scale. Results: The internal accuracy scores were excellent, all Cronbach’s a values were well above 0.70. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient values were highly statistically significant (p <0.001), and correlation strength was very high (for most items rs > 0.90). Conclusion: We suggest that The Trust in Nurse Scale, developed on the basis of the standardized Trust in Physician Scale by Anderson and Dedrick, can be used in studies on patient satisfaction with nursing care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wojciech Kułak
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | - Mateusz Cybulski
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | - Krystyna Kowalczuk
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | - Andrzej Guzowski
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | - Cecylia Łukaszuk
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | - Jolanta Lewko
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, MAHSA University, Malaysia
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Kraśnicka J, Krajewska-Kułak E, Klimaszewska K, Cybulski M, Guzowski A, Kowalewska B, Jankowiak B, Rolka H, Doroszkiewicz H, Kułak W. Mandatory and recommended vaccinations in Poland in the views of parents. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2018; 14:2884-2893. [PMID: 30257128 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2018.1496766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Vaccinations are currently the key element in the prevention of the spread of infectious diseases. We studied parents' opinions about mandatory and recommended preventive vaccinations in Poland. Methods: A diagnostic survey using an original questionnaire was done in a group of 300 parents. Results: A total of 3.7% of parents did not vaccinate their children. 90% were aware of the threat potentially posed by infectious diseases, and 73.7% knew that breastfeeding alone does not ensure sufficient protection against them. 28% believed that it is necessary to vaccinate a child against all diseases, 51.7% that the number of vaccinations is insufficient, and 62.7% that vaccine use is safe. 40.7% thought that unvaccinated children should not be able to attend nurseries and kindergartens, as they pose a threat to other children. Postvaccinal adverse events occurred in 21.3% of children, mainly (71.9%) an increase in body temperature above 38°C. 88.3% were informed about possible vaccine-induced complications, most often by nurses (79.7%). 88% of the respondents were aware of the possibility to switch to an alternative immunization program, 92% were informed on the possible administration of recommended vaccines, and 53% took advantage of combined vaccines. Conclusions: Views on vaccinations were mostly varied, depending on the age, sex, education, and financial situation of the respondents. Most of the parents who did not vaccinate their children believed that immunity can be acquired by infection. They were in favor of a limited number of vaccinations, were more critical of the vaccination program in Poland, considered the vaccines used in Poland to be unsafe, and blamed vaccines for multiple developmental defects and autism in children. Parents whose children experienced vaccine-induced adverse reactions were more likely to have doubts before the next vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Kraśnicka
- a Family Doctors Clinic "Pro Medica Centrum" in Białystok , Białystok , Poland
| | | | - Krystyna Klimaszewska
- b Department of Integrated Medical Care , Medical University of Bialystok , Białystok , Poland
| | - Mateusz Cybulski
- b Department of Integrated Medical Care , Medical University of Bialystok , Białystok , Poland
| | - Andrzej Guzowski
- b Department of Integrated Medical Care , Medical University of Bialystok , Białystok , Poland
| | - Beata Kowalewska
- b Department of Integrated Medical Care , Medical University of Bialystok , Białystok , Poland
| | - Barbara Jankowiak
- b Department of Integrated Medical Care , Medical University of Bialystok , Białystok , Poland
| | - Hanna Rolka
- b Department of Integrated Medical Care , Medical University of Bialystok , Białystok , Poland
| | - Halina Doroszkiewicz
- c Department of Geriatrics , Medical University of Bialystok , Białystok , Poland
| | - Wojciech Kułak
- d Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation , Medical University of Bialystok , Białystok , Poland
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Łukaszuk C, Krajewska-Kułak E, Guzowski A, Kułak W, Kraszyńska B. Comparison of the Results of Studies of Air Pollution Fungi Using the SAS Super 100, MAS 100, and Air IDEAL. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2017; 14:ijerph14070815. [PMID: 28726722 PMCID: PMC5551253 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14070815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although several air sampling devices for identifying and enumerating airborne microorganisms are commercially available, each poses some limitations. The aim of this study was to evaluate air pollution fungi using three such samplers: SAS Super 100, Microbiological Air Sampler (MAS) 100, and Air IDEAL. Mycological air was taken from the cellars of a 17th-century church in Siemiatycze, Poland, and the nearby outdoor environment. With samplers placed 1.5 m above the floor, microbial flora in air samples collected inside and outside the cellar were detected. The number of colony-forming units (CFU) of fungi obtained with the three samplers from the cellars and outdoor environment differed; the most CFU were obtained with the Air IDEAL and the least with the SAS Super 100. Significant differences emerged in CFUs collected from air samples with the MAS 100 and SAS Super 100, on the one hand, and the SAS Super 100 and Air IDEAL, on the other. Otherwise, results among the samplers were different. More Cladosporium species were collected with the MAS 100 sampler, whereas more Fusarium and Aspergillus species were collected with the Air IDEAL sampler. Significant differences among CFU/m³ values among the tested sites depended on the sampler used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecylia Łukaszuk
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-274 Białystok, Poland.
| | - Elżbieta Krajewska-Kułak
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-274 Białystok, Poland.
| | - Andrzej Guzowski
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-274 Białystok, Poland.
| | - Wojciech Kułak
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Białystok, 15-274 Białystok, Poland.
| | - Bogumiła Kraszyńska
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-274 Białystok, Poland.
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Guzowski A, Kułak-Bejda A, Stelcer B, Jasiński M, Łukaszuk CR, Cybulski M, Kułak W. Medical students’ perceptions of people with disabilities. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0009.5159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Little is known about associations of
attitudes of medical students towards people with
disabilities and their life satisfaction and empathy.
Purpose: To assess the social perception of people
with disabilities by medical students.
Materials and methods: The present study
interviewed 451 medical students of the Medical
University of Białystok regarding their perceptions
of people with disabilities, especially in light of
their own satisfaction with life and empathy. We
used the following questionnaires: the original
questionnaire about attitudes towards people with
disabilities, The Satisfaction with Life Scale
(SWLS), and Empathy Understanding
Questionnaire (KRE).
Results: Attitudes towards people with disabilities
people were generally positive. Almost 40% of
respondents expressed a willingness to help for
people with disabilities. In general, disabled people
do not have full access to all fields of social
(63.4%) and professional (63.2%) life. At the same
time, disabled people tend to marry (84.9%), have
children (82.1%), work (88.2%), and drive cars
(76.1%). Respondents were convinced that contact
with a disabled person teaches ways to help others
(42.1%), and in fact 58.6% of respondents reported
having decided to participate with helping the
disabled. The average life satisfaction of the
students was 22.7 ± 5.3 which indicates that the
respondents are satisfied with their lives. The
empathy level of respondents was 66.97 points ±
2.98, which indicates average level of empathy.
Conclusions: This study shows that students’
perception of people with disabilities depends upon
how the students viewed disabled people’s, life
satisfaction and empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Guzowski
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - B. Stelcer
- The Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Polish Albert Schweitzer Society in Poznań, Poland Department of Clinical Psychology,
| | - M. Jasiński
- Non-State Higher Pedagogical School in Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - CR. Łukaszuk
- Medical University of Białystok, Poland Department of Integrated Medical Care,
| | - M. Cybulski
- Medical University of Białystok, Poland Department of Integrated Medical Care,
| | - W. Kułak
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
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Łukaszuk C, Krajewska-Kułak E, Guzowski A, Kraszyńska B, Grassmann M, Dobrowolski R. Analysis of the incidence fungi in a crypt cemetery. J Air Waste Manag Assoc 2015; 65:1141-7. [PMID: 26151228 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2015.1068884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of fungi in the chapel crypt. The MAS 100 was used to monitor the air pollution. The lowest numbers of fungal colonies were isolated at the entrance to the cemetery (2400 CFU/m3). The outside temperature ranged from 24.5oC to 28.1oC, and relative humidity was between 35.3% and 46.4 %. The highest of fungal colonies from air samples at baseline were isolated inside the crypt when coffin was opened (4820 CFU/m3). The temperature in the crypt at baseline varied between 19.6°C and 25.6°C and humidity was between 50.8% and 60.1%. The number of fungal colonies increased significantly at the end of the study. Ten species of fungi were isolated from air samples inside and outside the chapel, and seven species of fungi were isolated on the surface of the exterior and interior of the chapel. Thirteen types/species of fungus were isolated from air samples collected in the crypt; 15 species of fungi were isolated on the walls, surface of the coffin, bones and other objects. Assessment of fungi in the air samples and different surfaces of the crypt, it revealed very high levels of molds in the air samples. IMPLICATIONS Assessment of fungi in the air samples and different surfaces of the crypt revealed high levels of molds in the air samples. Fungal numbers within the crypt exceed recommended limits for occupational exposure. Employees working in the crypts should know about these hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecylia Łukaszuk
- a Department of Integrated Medical Care , Medical University of Bialystok , Białystok , Poland
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Cybulski M, Krajewska-Kułak E, Sowa P, Orzechowska M, Van Damme-Ostapowicz K, Rozwadowska E, Guzowski A. Elderly Peoples' Perception of Young People - A Preliminary Study. Iran J Public Health 2013; 42:1099-105. [PMID: 26060617 PMCID: PMC4436537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging is becoming a more noticeable phenomenon in Poland and Europe. We analysed the perception of youth by elderly and compared attitudes of students of the University of the Third Age (SU3A) with nursing homes residents (NHR) to young people. METHODS Our questionnaire was distributed to 140 people over the age of 50 (70 SU3A and 70 NHR). RESULTS 85.0% of all respondents answered positively to the question "Do you enjoy contact with young people?", even though their contacts are usually limited and mostly confined to a few s a year. Vast majority of NHR (62.9%) and almost half SU3A (48.6%) believe that there is a need to integrate seniors and youth to achieve mutual benefits. CONCLUSION Young people would benefit from the life experience of the elderly; the elderly could become more active in many areas of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Cybulski
- 1. Dept. of Integrated Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland,* Corresponding Author: Tel: +48 857485528
| | - Elżbieta Krajewska-Kułak
- 1. Dept. of Integrated Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Paweł Sowa
- 2. Dept. of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Magda Orzechowska
- 3. Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Emilia Rozwadowska
- 1. Dept. of Integrated Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Andrzej Guzowski
- 1. Dept. of Integrated Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
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Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the content of selenium (Se) and lead (Pb) and the influence of dietary habits and smoking in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-nine patients with AAA prior to surgical procedures aged 42 - 81 years and a control group of 22 healthy volunteers aged 31 - 72 years and 17 aortic wall samples from deceased were included in the study. Food-frequency questionnaires were implemented in AAA patients to collect the dietary data. Se and Pb concentrations in the serum and blood, respectively, and in arterial wall and parietal thrombus samples were determined by the atomic absorption spectrometry method. RESULTS The mean Se level in serum of patients with AAA (60.37 ± 21.2 cm/L) was significantly (p < 0.008) lower than in healthy volunteers (75.87 ± 22.4 cm/L). We observed a significant correlation (r = 0.69, p < 0.0001) between the content of Se in serum and the parietal thrombus of examined patients. Se concentration in aortic wall was inversely correlated to the concentration of Pb (r = - 0.38, p < 0.02). We observed significantly lower (p < 0.05) concentrations of Se (39.14 ± 37.1 cm/g) and significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of Pb (202.69 ± 180.6 cm/g) in aortic wall samples of smoking patients than in non-smoking patients (77.56 ± 70.0 cm/g, 73.09 ± 49.8 cm/g; respectively). CONCLUSIONS Se serum level is lower in patients with AAA than in healthy volunteers. In aortic wall, Se concentration is inversely correlated with Pb concentration. Dietary habits and smoking have an influence on the Se and Pb status in patients with AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Socha
- Medical University of Bialystok, Department of Bromatology, Bialystok, Poland.
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12
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Guzowski A, Gacko M, Worowska A, Kowalewski R, Ostapowicz R, Ploński A. Activity of coagulation and fibrinolytic system components in the vein thrombus. Adv Med Sci 2006; 51:205-7. [PMID: 17357310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Behaviour of the vein thrombus is determined by the activity ratio of coagulation factors to factors of fibrinolytic system. The aim of the study is to evaluate activity of some coagulation and fibrinolytic factors in the vein thrombus. MATERIAL AND METHODS The activity of platelets aggregating factors, tissue factor, thrombin, antithrombins, antiheparin factors, plasminogen activators, plasmin (plasminogen) and antiplasmins of the vein thrombus homogenate was determined using coagulative, fibrinolytic and caseinolytic tests. Retracted blood clot was a compared material. RESULTS Tissue factor activity in the vein thrombus was above twofold higher and antiheparin activity was nearly twice higher in comparison to the blood clot. The vein thrombus contains also active thrombin. Plasminogen activators activity in the vein thrombus was twofold higher and activity of plasmin (plasminogen) was threefold higher than in the blood clot. High activity of the tissue factor, substances neutralizing heparin and presence of thrombin intensify the thrombus enlargement. However, the thrombotic tendency may be balanced by a high activity of plasminogen activators and high activity of plasmin (plasminogen). CONCLUSIONS 1) Vein thrombus is characterized by high activity of tissue factor, presence of active thrombin and high antiheparin activity. 2) High coagulative potential of vein thrombus is balanced to a certain grade by high fibrinolytic potential: high activity of plasminogen activators and high activity of plasmin (plasminogen), as well as absence of antiplasmins activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Guzowski
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Transplantology, Medical University of Białystok, Poland
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13
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Gacko M, Guzowski A, Woźniak A, Worowska A, Greczaniuk A. [Concentration and activity of cathepsin D in the blood plasma and serum of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm]. Przegl Lek 2006; 63:265-7. [PMID: 17036502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Concentration and activity of cathepsin D are markedly higher in the blood plasma of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm than in the blood plasma of healthy subjects. The difference results from release of big amounts of procathepsin D and increased release of the active enzyme into circulating blood of patients with aortic aneurysm. Concentration and activity of cathepsin D in the blood serum of patients with aortic aneurysm are also higher than in the serum of healthy subjects. Concentration and activity of cathepsin D are markedly higher in the blood serum of patients with aortic aneurysm and in healthy subjects as compared to the blood plasma. The difference is due to the release of marked amounts of procathepsin D and cathepsin D from morphotic elements in vitro during blood coagulation and clot retraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Gacko
- Klinika Chirurgii Naczyń i Transplantacji Akademii Medycznej w Białymstoku
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14
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Gacko M, Worowska A, Kowalewski R, Guzowski A, Lapiński R, Panek B. [Antiheparin activity of the aneurysm wall and parietal thrombus and blood plasma of patients with aortic aneurysm]. Przegl Lek 2006; 63:58-60. [PMID: 16967710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Aneurysm dilatation is filled by parietal thrombus. Its magnitude is determined by the ratio of coagulative to anticoagulative activities above all. The aim of the study was to assess antiheparin activity, contents of heparin neutralizing chemical compounds and glycosaminoglycans with anticoagulative activity as well in the aneurysm wall, parietal thrombus filling the aneurysm dilatation and blood plasma/blood serum of patients with aortic aneurysm. The studied material consisted of aneurysm walls and parietal thrombi extracts, as well as of blood plasma/serum of patients with aortic aneurysm. Extracts of normal aorta from organ donors and blood plasma/serum of healthy subjects were the control material. Antiheparin and antithrombin III activities, as well as contents of heparin neutralizing compounds and heparin-like acting glycosaminoglycans were evaluated in the investigated material with chemical methods. The aneurysm wall, parietal thrombus filling the aneurysm dilatation and blood plasma of patients with aortic aneurysm show high antiheparin activity and increased content of heparin neutralizing compounds. However differences in glycosaminoglycans content were not demonstrated. That can predispose to formation and enlargement of parietal thrombus in aneurysm dilatation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Gacko
- Klinika Chirurgii Naczyń i Transplantacji Akademii Medycznej w Białymstoku.
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15
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Gacko M, Lapinski R, Ploński A, Kowalewski R, Guzowski A, Andrzejewska A, Ostapowicz R. Assessment of connective tissue fibres in walls of allogenic arterial grafts preserved by the method of cold ischemia--a preliminary report. Rocz Akad Med Bialymst 2004; 49 Suppl 1:187-9. [PMID: 15638418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate microscopic changes in the wall structures of allogenic arterial grafts, preserved by the method of cold ischemia in relation to the storage period and to test the possibility of the storage period prolongation by allograft freezing at -70 degrees C. The middle layer ultrastructure is well preserved till 30 days from allograft harvesting, however, allograft freezing results in total destruction of elastic and collagen fibres in the arterial wall. An application of allogenic arterial grafts, preserved by the method of cold ischemia till 30 days from their harvesting, seems an efficient therapeutic method in the treatment of patients with synthetic vascular graft infection. Further prolongation of the storage period at -70 degrees C made the allograft useless for implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gacko
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Transplantology, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland.
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16
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Guzowski A, Gacko M, Worowska A, Kowalewski R, Lapiński R, Ostapowicz R, Ploński A. Haemoglobin of varicose vein, varicose vein with thrombophlebitis and in parietal thrombus of varicose vein. Rocz Akad Med Bialymst 2004; 49 Suppl 1:202-3. [PMID: 15638423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Saphenous veins were taken for examination: unchanged, varicose with thrombophlebitis and varicose thrombus. The contents of haemoglobin and protein were determined in the homogenate of that material. Only small quantities of haemoglobin were found in walls of unchanged veins. Greater amounts of haemoglobin were observed in walls of varicose veins, especially in walls of varicose veins with thrombophlebitis. The varicose vein thrombus also contained marked quantities of haemoglobin.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Guzowski
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Transplantology, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
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17
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Gacko M, Kowalewski R, Guzowski A, Worowska A, Lapiński R. Chemical compound content and enzyme activity in supernatant and sediment of liver homogenate. Rocz Akad Med Bialymst 2004; 49 Suppl 1:185-6. [PMID: 15638417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Evaluation was performed of chemical compound contents and enzyme activities in the whole homogenate, its supernatant and sediment. Six rabbit livers were pulverized in liquid nitrogen and homogenized. After centrifugation, the contents of protein, haemoglobin, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, as well as the activities of cathepsin B, cathepsin D, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reductase were assessed in the whole homogenate, its supernatant and sediment. Protein, vitamin A, superoxide dismutase, catalase, cathepsin D, glutathione peroxidase and reductase reveal uniform localisation. Vitamin C and cathepsin B are localized in supernatant, whereas haemoglobin is localized mainly in sediment. Evaluation of chemical compounds and enzyme activities should be performed in the whole homogenate, supernatant and sediment to obtain a real interpretation of biochemical disturbances in the investigated material.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gacko
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Transplantology, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland.
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18
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Głowiński S, Wołczyński Z, Lapiński R, Guzowski A. [Comparison of results for operative and conservative treatment of multisegmental atheromatous arterial occlusion in the lower limbs after a 2-year period of observation]. Pol Tyg Lek 1991; 46:690-3. [PMID: 1669133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Two hundred eighty seven patients treated surgically and 139 patients treated conservatively for multisegmental arterial occlusion in the lower limbs were followed up for two years. The results of therapy have been compared according to the site of arterial occlusion and the degree of ischemia. Surgery produces more chances for favourable results but an amputation rate or deaths are more frequent, than in case of the conservative treatment. No expected relationship between the results of surgery and of conservative therapy, localization and extension of the atheromatous process has been shown after a 2-year follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Głowiński
- Kliniki Chirurgii Naczyń i Tránsplantacji AM w Białymstoku
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