MD Maria Kulak

MD Maria Kulak


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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21 January 2024 in Journal of Education, Health and Sport
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DBDawid Bereza
Dawid Bereza
KSKatarzyna Sokołowska
Katarzyna Sokołowska
MKMD Maria Kulak
MD Maria Kulak
IMIgor Moreau
Igor Moreau
PPPaulina Polańska
Paulina Polańska
BWBarbara Woch
Barbara Woch
Introduction and Objective: In the modern era, where non-communicable diseases account for 74% of deaths, physical activity plays a crucial role in reducing mortality rates, particularly from cardiovascular causes. This article aims to assess the benefits and risks of trampoline bouncing as an exercise modality. State of Knowledge: Scientific evidence predominantly focuses on rebounding-related injuries, overshadowing the relatively underexplored benefits of trampolining. Cardiovascular advantages, including increased VO2max, are notable, with mini-trampoline exercise proving more effective than traditional running. Trampolining exhibits the potential to reduce BMI and weight, impacting cardiovascular risk factors while contributing to bone strength and mental well-being. Positive outcomes are suggested for specific groups, such as Parkinson's patients and children with disabilities. Summary: Trampoline rebounding, particularly with mini-trampolines, presents an enjoyable exercise form with significant health benefits, encompassing enhanced cardiovascular endurance, improved balance, and positive effects on bone structure and mental well-being. Despite prevalent injuries associated with trampoline use, the article highlights effective preventive measures. In conclusion, trampoline bouncing holds promise as a valuable component of a healthy lifestyle, provided adequate precautions are taken to mitigate associated risks.

3 January 2025 in Journal of Education, Health and Sport
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MLMiriam Lang
Miriam Lang
DBDawid Bereza
Dawid Bereza
MKMD Maria Kulak
MD Maria Kulak
IMIgor Moreau
Igor Moreau
PPPaulina Polańska
Paulina Polańska
BWBarbara Woch
Barbara Woch
Introduction and purpose: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a frequently diagnosed condition in patients seeking medical care. It encompasses a range of disorders that can be classified based on underlying causes, clinical symptoms, or inflammatory types. Although the precise cause of CRS remains unclear, the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020 (EPOS 2020) has recently offered updated insights, treatment strategies, and recommendations. State of knowledge: Recent research has increasingly focused on the role of the microbiota in inflammatory diseases. The optimal bacterial environment in the sinonasal mucosa, where inhaled bacteria, viruses, fungal spores, and particles initially interact, is still not fully understood. The dysbiosis theory, which emphasizes the importance of the microbiome and its relationship with the host, is the predominant model explaining CRS pathogenesis. Disruptions in this balance can lead to a variety of clinical manifestations in CRS patients. Conclusions: Given the impact of CRS treatment on the composition of sinus and nasopharyngeal microbiota, the dysbiosis theory highlights the importance of addressing this aspect in therapeutic strategies. Ongoing research is exploring the potential use of pre- and probiotics as novel treatment options. A more thorough understanding of the microbiological factors involved in CRS is crucial for developing personalized, targeted therapies for affected individuals.

11 September 2024 in European Journal of Translational and Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MKMD Maria Kulak
MD Maria Kulak
KSKatarzyna Sokołowska
Katarzyna Sokołowska
DBDawid Bereza
Dawid Bereza
IMIgor Moreau
Igor Moreau
PPPaulina Polańska
Paulina Polańska
NLNatalia Lange
Natalia Lange
Game changer: understanding and managing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in athletes. Physiological left ventricular hypertrophy in athletes often blurs the diagnostic line with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), necessitating a crit...

11 November 2026 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MKMD Maria Kulak
MD Maria Kulak
ABAnna Babińska
Anna Babińska
AMAleksandra Modlińska
Aleksandra Modlińska
Background/Objectives: Glucocorticosteroids (GCS) are widely used in palliative care for established indications such as cerebral edema or spinal cord compression as well as for nonspecific symptoms including fatigue, appetite loss and weight loss. However, evidence supporting many symptomatic indications remains limited, while treatment-related adverse effects may significantly affect patient functioning. This scoping review aimed to map the evidence on systemic GCS use in palliative care, focusing on indications, symptomatic benefits, dosing and duration, adverse effects, monitoring and discontinuation. Methods: A scoping review was conducted according to Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to September 2026 without date restrictions. English-language publications involving adults with advanced or life-limiting disease were eligible if they addressed systemic GCS use for symptom management or palliative complications. Data on indications, treatment regimens, outcomes, adverse effects, and discontinuation were charted and synthesized descriptively. Results: The evidence comprised clinical studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, systematic and narrative reviews, clinical guidelines and case reports. Evidence was heterogeneous and indication-dependent. Established indications were supported primarily by clinical guidelines and clinical experience, despite limited comparative evidence, whereas evidence for nonspecific symptoms was generally limited or inconsistent. Hyperglycemia, myopathy, neuropsychiatric effects, and osteoporosis were among the clinically relevant adverse effects, particularly with prolonged or higher-dose treatment. Conclusions: Systemic GCS therapy in palliative care should be individualized according to indication, expected benefit, prognosis, and treatment burden. A time-limited “trial of steroids” with predefined therapeutic goals, duration, and regular reassessment of benefit and adverse effects may provide a structured approach to symptomatic treatment. Further research is needed to define optimal dosing, monitoring and discontinuation strategies.

10 June 2024 in European Journal of Translational and Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MKMD Maria Kulak
MD Maria Kulak
MLMiriam Lang
Miriam Lang
MWMateusz Waśniewski
Mateusz Waśniewski
NLNatalia Lange
Natalia Lange
Advances in understanding, diagnosis and targeting ATTR cardiomyopathy: a review. Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) manifests as wild-type (ATTRwt) and hereditary/mutant (ATTRv) forms and can lead to heart failure due to cardiac a...

12 February 2024 in Journal of Education, Health and Sport
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
KSKatarzyna Sokołowska
Katarzyna Sokołowska
DBDawid Bereza
Dawid Bereza
MKMD Maria Kulak
MD Maria Kulak
IMIgor Moreau
Igor Moreau
PPPaulina Polańska
Paulina Polańska
BWBarbara Woch
Barbara Woch
Introduction:  The existing treatment options for osteoarthritis (OA) fall short of addressing the significant challenges this disease imposes on patients in today's society. It markedly diminishes the quality of life of those affected and is one of the leading causes of disability. While conventional pharmacological interventions such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids effectively address pain, they are not intended to halt disease progression and are associated with potential health risks. Symptomatic Slow-Acting Drugs for Osteoarthritis (SYSADOA) and innovative medications, rooted in our expanding understanding of OA pathogenesis, offer promising prospects for discovering improved treatment modalities. State of knowledge: The evolving understanding of OA's etiology highlights the necessity for tailored treatments that consider distinct disease phenotypes. This review critically examines SYSADOA, specifically focusing on chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and avocado-soybean unsaponifiables, as agents designed to address the underlying pathology of OA. Chondroitin sulfate demonstrates potential disease-modifying effects, however with conflicting study results that underscore the extent of its efficacy. Glucosamine exhibits varying disease-modifying effects, with short-term trials demonstrating more promising outcomes in pain reduction. Avocado-soybean unsaponifiables show promise in alleviating knee OA pain, yet their impact on hip OA symptoms remains inconclusive. The review extends its scope to novel drugs with potential disease-modifying effects, exploring proteinase inhibitors, fibroblast growth factors, Wnt-signaling pathway inhibitors, senolytic agents, anti-nerve growth factor agents, and transforming growth factor-β. Conclusions:  Although preliminary studies indicate potential for certain novel agents, challenges and adverse effects necessitate further investigation through rigorous, high-quality research.