Elżbieta Krajewska-Kułak

Synthesis of some 1-(2,4-dihydroxythiobenzoyl)imidazoles, -imidazolines and -tetrazoles and their potent activity against Candida species.

Various 1-(2,4-dihydroxythiobenzoyl)imidazoles, -imidazolines and -tetrazoles were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antifungal activity. Compounds were prepared by the reaction of sulfinyl-bis-(2,4-dihydroxythiobenzoyl) with properly substituted azoles. The MIC values against the Candida albicans ATCC 10231 strain, the azole-resistant clinical isolates of C. albicans and non-Candida species were determined. Tetrazole derivatives were the most active against C. albicans, imidazoline derivatives against non-Candida species. All compounds showed higher activity than that of comparable drugs.

Thyroid Function in Male Infertility

Thyroid gland, previously supposed not tohave any impact on spermatogenesis andmale fertility, are now being recognized ashaving important role in male reproduc-tive functions. Most of the studies on theeffectof thyroidhormonesonmalefertilitywereconductedbetweentheyears1970and2000 (1). The effects of thyroid hormonealterationsonthereproductivesystemhavebeen studied extensively in human sub-jects and animal models that have gener-ally shown that changes from normal thy-roid function resulted in decreased sexualactivity and fertility (2,3). The underly-ing mechanisms,however,are not constantthroughout all species, and results fromdifferent studies disagree (4).In rats rendered thyrotoxic by T4resulted in decreased serum gonadotropinlevels (5), decrease in total lipids, cho-lesterol, and phospholipids in testes, andsynthesize increased amounts of testos-terone(6).Inimmaturemalemiceagedlessthan 4weeks,the administration of slightlysupra-physiological T4 doses resulted ina tendency toward early maturation andshortening of development period. Con-versely, larger TH doses resulted indecreased testes weights and seminal vesi-cles, both in mice and rabbits (3). Directeffects of T4 resulted in minimal oxygenconsumption changes in testes when T4was present in testicular slice incubations(7). Finally, the effects of T4 on spermato-genesis are conflicting (8), but it wouldappear that T4 does not exert a direct effecton spermatogenesis in mature rats or rams(9). In rats, T3 affects testis maturation,and thyroid receptor (TR) type-1 (TR-1)expression in rats’ testes (10,11). Maxi-mal Sertoli cell proliferation coincides withmaximal T3 binding capacity in testis, sug-gesting that the main target of T3 action istheSertolicell.However,T3alsoplaysasig-nificant role in differentiation of the semi-niferous epithelium,and studies in rodentshave shown that T3 is an important factorin maturation of Leydig cells. The presenceof T3 is necessary to initiate differentiationof mesenchymal cells into Leydig progeni-torcells,andT3worksinconcertwithotherhormones [luteinizing hormone (LH) andIGF-I] to promote Leydig cell development(12). Data from other animal species (suchas deer, sheep, cattle, birds, and mink) alsosuggest that T3 is a component of the neu-roendocrine system that regulates seasonalcycles of reproductive activity (13). Theunderlying mechanisms postulate that T3triggers cessation of reproduction at theend of the reproduction season becausecirculating T3 levels in deer rise at thetime of seasonal transition to the non-breeding state and thyroidectomy resultsin the absence of seasonal regression ofthetestis(14,15).Hypothyroidisminducedor occurring soon after birth was associ-ated with marked sexual maturation anddevelopment delays in animals (16). Ratsmade hypothyroid transiently by propy-lthiouracil (PTU) administration showeda decrease in testicular size, retardation inSertoli cell differentiation, and prolonga-tion of Sertoli cell proliferation time (17).When the rats became older and returnedto a euthyroid status, there was an increaseintestissize,Sertolicellnumber,andspermproduction (18). In other studies whereexperimental hypothyroidism in rats andrams was left untreated for more than1month, there was an arrest of sexualmaturity, decreased testosterone concen-tration as well as an absence of libido andejaculate (6,19). It would therefore appearthat hypothyroidism affects the immature,but not the mature, testis. Pekary and Sat-tin (20) showed that both hypothyroidismand castration reduced TRH levels (20).The two most common types of thyroiddiseases are hypothyroidism and hyper-thyroidism. Studies assessing the role ofhypo- and hyperthyroidism in male infer-tility have also been conducted in humansubjects. Hypothyroidism may result ina decrease in the sex hormone bindingglobulin (SHBG) levels and a decreasein total serum testosterone levels, as wellas a decrease in the LH and the folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) levels (21). Incases of prolonged pre-pubertal hypothy-roidism due to drop in LH and FSH lev-els, the Leydig and Sertoli cells, respec-tively are less stimulated to differentiateinto mature cells, negatively affecting sper-matogenesis. This increases the number ofcells in the testes but decreases the num-ber of mature cells. Thus, in patients withhypothyroidism, increased testicular size isobserved along with a significant drop inmature germ cells within the seminifer-ous tubules (22,23). Fortunately, hypothy-roidism is very rare in males with anoccurrence rate of only 0.1% in the gen-eral population (21). Among the studieson human subjects, Corrales Hernandezet al. (24) analyzed blood and semen sam-ples of patients with primary hypothy-roidism (24). The study concluded thathypothyroidism adversely affected semenquality by compromising semen volumeand progressive sperm motility. Krassas

Quality of life and satisfaction with life of malaria patients in context of acceptance of the disease: quantitative studies

BackgroundHealth status is one of the basic factors of a high quality of life and the problem of the acceptance of illness is important for adaptation to the limitations imposed by it. The purpose of the study was the evaluation of the quality of life, satisfaction with life and the acceptance of illness by malaria patients, as well as the discovery of a relationship between studied parameters.MethodsThe study was undertaken in August 2010, on 120 Nigerian patients with confirmed malaria. A method of diagnostic survey, based on standardized scales - Acceptance of Illness Scale, The Satisfaction With Life Scale and a standardized survey questionnaire World Health Organization Quality of Life/BREF - was used in this study. Descriptive statistics, variability range, 95% confidence interval, correlation analysis, Spearman’s non-parametric correlation coefficient, Mann–Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis test were applied and the, so called, test statistics was calculated, followed by the calculation of the test probability p. Results of analyses were presented in a box graph, and a graph of dispersion.ResultsA dominating share in the adjective scale of the AIS scale was the category of “no acceptance”, given by 71.7% of respondents. The average level of a “somatic domain” was 41.7, and of a “social domain” was 62.8. The mean satisfaction of life evaluation in the SWLS scale was 18 points. The correlation between acceptance of the disease and quality of life for the psychological domain was 0.39***, and between acceptance of the disease and satisfaction with life was 0.40***. The correlation between satisfaction with life and quality of life for the psychological domain was 0.65***, and between satisfaction with life and quality of life for the environment domain was 0.60***. The mean level of AIS for the studied population of men was 16.5, and test probability: p = 0.0014**, and for the environment domain the level was 50, and the test probability: p = 0.0073**. For quality of life in the social sphere the test probability: p = 0.0013** in relatively older individuals.ConclusionThe majority of people do not accept their condition. Evaluation of the quality of life was the highest in the social domain, and the lowest in the somatic domain. There is a statistically significant correlation between the level of acceptance of illness and the quality of life and satisfaction with life. The strongest correlation is found between satisfaction with life and the evaluation of the quality of life in psychological and environmental domains. Men evaluate their quality of life in the environmental domain higher and demonstrate a higher acceptance of their disease. There is a correlation regarding a significantly higher quality of life in the social sphere in relatively older people.

The Disappearing Sperms: Analysis of Reports Published Between 1980 and 2015

Reports regarding the changes in sperm concentration in different counties of the world are inconsistent. Furthermore, the reports that sprung up from specific epidemiological and experimental examinations did not include data of prior studies or geographical variations. The current study, following a previous report of massive fall in semen volume over the past 33 years, attempts to delineate the trend of altering sperm concentrations and factors responsible for this by reviewing article published from 1980 to July 2015 with geographic differences. The current study identified an overall 57% diminution in mean sperm concentration over the past 35 years (r = −.313, p = .0002), which, when analyzed for each geographical region, identified a significant decline in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. An increasing trend of sperm concentration was identified only in Australia. The association of male age with such a trend (R2 = .979) is reported. The authors also correlated male fertility with sperm concentration. Thus, this comprehensive, evidence-based literature review aims to concisely and systematically present the available data on sperm concentration from 1980 to 2015, as well as to statistically analyze the same and correlate male health with the declining pattern of sperm count in a single scientific review to serve the scientific research zone related to reproductive health. It points to the threat of male infertility in times ahead.

Median nerve conduction impairment in patients with diabetes and its impact on patients' perception of health condition: a quantitative study.

IntroductionImpaired mobility and compromised manual dexterity leading to difficulties with the activities of daily living (ADL) are an inherent part of the clinical picture in diabetes. Hand function in diabetes is influenced by a variety of pathologies: the median nerve, the most important nerve of the hand, can suffer from metabolic disturbances, ischemia and/or entrapment neuropathies. The resulting deterioration in functional capacity is likely to have significant consequences for the ability to perform ADL, influencing adjustment to diabetes and affecting quality of life. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of hand function as measured by median motor nerve conduction on quality of life, taking into account various aspects of functioning in patients with diabetes, including activities of daily living, psychological status and acceptance of illness.Patients and methodsSeventy one hospital patients with diabetes participated in the study. Electrophysiological recordings of conductance in the median nerve were obtained for both hands and the relationship between hand function and functional status (BI), depression and anxiety (HADS), adjustment to illness (AIS) and their effect on quality of life (SF-36v2 and QLI) was studied.ResultsDamage to the median nerve of the left hand was associated with significant differences in functioning in the physical, but not the mental component of the SF-36v2, p = 0.03 and in functional status (p = 0.006). QOL was associated with depression, patient age, acceptance of illness, functional ability and to a small, but significant extent with median nerve damage to the right hand on the measure of conduction velocities (R2 =0.726).ConclusionsNerve conductance studies demonstrated a small, but significant effect of hand function on quality of life. Impairment of the median nerve in the left hand was associated with functional difficulties in the activities of daily living and a diminished quality of life in the area of physical functioning. No dependencies of this kind were found for the right hand, which may reflect the greater compensatory capacity of the right hand resulting from improved efficiency due to practice.

Decline in sperm count in European men during the past 50 years

Purpose: To investigate whether the sperm concentration of European men is deteriorating over the past 50 years of time. Materials and Methods: We analysed the data published in English language articles in the past 50 years in altering sperm concentration in European men. Results: A time-dependent decline of sperm concentration (r = −0.307, p = 0.02) in the last 50 years and an overall 32.5% decrease in mean sperm concentration was noted. Conclusion: This comprehensive, evidence-based meta-analysis concisely presents the evidence of decreased sperm concentration in European male over the past 50 years to serve the scientific research zone related to male reproductive health.

Satisfaction with life in a group of psoriasis patients

Introduction Psoriasis is one of the most frequent inflammatory diseases of the skin, associated with an epidermal proliferation and a specific morphology of lesions. Patients with psoriasis perceive their appearance specifically; they are frequently rejected by their surroundings and perceive their quality of life as considerably poorer. Aim To evaluate the satisfaction with life in patients with psoriasis, and to analyze the effect of this disease on the prevalence of depression in this group. Material and methods The study included 100 psoriasis vulgaris patients treated at the Voivodeship Outpatient Clinic of Skin and Venereal Diseases in Lomza (Poland). Sociodemographic data of the participants and the clinical characteristics of the disease were collected using a standardized questionnaire survey. The global feeling of satisfaction with life was evaluated with the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Becks Depression Inventory. Results Mean SWLS scores suggested that the examined patients experienced moderate levels of satisfaction with life (18.92 and 18.69 points in women and men, respectively). The life satisfaction was the highest amongst patients between 50 and 60 years of age (p = 0.81). The mean score of the Beck Depression Inventory was at a threshold of mild depression (14.08 and 13.65 points in women and men, respectively). Conclusions Our participants presented moderate levels of satisfaction with life. A lower satisfaction with life was associated with a poorer quality of life and a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms.

Relationship between Antifungal Activity against Candida albicans and Electron Parameters of Selected N-Heterocyclic Thioamides.

Due to the increasing demand for new pharmaceuticals showing biological activity against pathogenic microorganisms, there is increasing search for new compounds with predicted biological activity. Variously substituted thioamide derivatives with 1.3 and 1.2 ring of thiazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole, as well as pyrazole were assessed for their activity against Candida albicans. Activity of majority of tested thioamides was larger as compared with that of the reference drugs. The electron parameters of obtained N-heterocyclic thioamides were determined and dependencies on their biological activity against Candida albicans were studied. The best electron compliance of produced bindings with the activity against Candida albicans was observed for the derivatives containing 1,3,4-thiadiazole ring.

Comparison of the level of aggression towards healthcare workers within Podlaskie Voivodeship

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to estimate the level of exposure and average intensity of aggression towards particular professional groups of healthcare workers.Materials and MethodsStudy participants (n = 1498) were employed at open and closed healthcare units within Podlaskie Voivodeship: 493 nurses, 504 midwives and 501 physicians. The MDM Questionnaire was applied.ResultsAggression originating from patients was experienced by 92% of nurses, 86% of doctors, and 74% of midwives examined. Aggressive behavior of co-working physicians concerned 55% of midwives, 54% of nurses and 40% of physicians. The highest average levels of patient aggression, ranging between 2.20 and 3.31, were reported by nurses.ConclusionsNurses are the group most exposed to most aggression forms and sources. Physicians are least exposed to aggression, except for aggression manifested by patients.

Acceptance of illness and satisfaction with life among malaria patients in rivers state, Nigeria

BackgroundHealth condition is one of the basic factors affecting satisfaction with life, and the level of illness acceptance. The purpose of the study was to analyse the level of illness acceptance, the level of satisfaction with life among malaria patients, and the level of trust placed in the physician and the nurse.MethodsThe study employs the method of diagnostic survey based on standardised AIS and SWLS scales, as well as Anderson and Dedrick’s PPTS and PNTS scales.ResultsThe average AIS level was 12 points, while the average level of SwL at the SWLS scale was 16.5 points. The average level of trust in the physician and the nurse amounted to 50.6 points and 51.4 points, respectively. The correlation between the level of illness acceptance and self-evaluated satisfaction with life was statistically significant, with R = 0.56. The marital status influenced the level of illness acceptance with p < 0.05 and the level of satisfaction with life with p < 0.05. The employment status affected the level of satisfaction with life with p < 0.05 and the level of illness acceptance with p < 0.05.ConclusionsThe majority of malaria patients did not accept their illness, while the level of satisfaction with life was low. The majority of respondents trusted their physician and nurse. There is a statistically significant correlation between the level of illness acceptance and the self-evaluated satisfaction with life. The marital status had a statistically significant effect on the acceptance of illness and the satisfaction with life. The individuals who had a job demonstrated higher levels of quality of life and illness acceptance.