Maria Kapa

Ms. Maria Kapa

orcid

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 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MKMaria Kapa
Maria Kapa
IKIga Koryciarz
Iga Koryciarz
NKNatalia Kustosik
Natalia Kustosik
PJPiotr Jurowski
Piotr Jurowski
ZPZofia Pniakowska
Zofia Pniakowska
This narrative review focuses on innovative treatment approaches to diabetic retinopathy to meet the urgent demand for advancements in managing both the early and late stages of the disease. Recent studies highlight the potential of adipose stem cells and their secreted factors in mitigating the retinal complications of diabetes, with promising results in improving visual acuity and reducing inflammation and angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy. However, caution is warranted regarding the safety and long-term therapeutic effects of adipose stem cells transplantation. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can also mitigate retinal damage in diabetic retinopathy. Studies demonstrate that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes can suppress the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and angiogenesis in the diabetic retina, offering promise for future diabetic retinopathy treatments. Nanotechnology has the ability to precisely target the retina and minimize systemic side effects. Nanoparticles and nanocarriers offer improved bioavailability, sustained release of therapeutics, and potential for synergistic effects. They can be a new way of effective treatment and prevention of diabetic retinopathy. Activation and modulation of PPARα as a means for diabetic retinopathy treatment has been widely investigated in recent years and demonstrated promising effects in clinical trials. PPARα activation turned out to be a promising therapeutic method for treating dyslipidemia, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity. The combination of PPARα modulators with small molecules offers an interesting perspective for retinal diseases’ therapy.

24 August 2024 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MKMaria Kapa
Maria Kapa
IKIga Koryciarz
Iga Koryciarz
NKNatalia Kustosik
Natalia Kustosik
PJPiotr Jurowski
Piotr Jurowski
ZPZofia Pniakowska
Zofia Pniakowska
This article reviews innovative diagnostic approaches for diabetic retinopathy as the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its complications continue to escalate. Novel techniques focus on early disease detection. Technological innovations, such as teleophthalmology, smartphone-based photography, artificial intelligence with deep learning, or widefield photography, can enhance diagnostic accuracy and accelerate the treatment. The review highlights teleophthalmology and handheld photography as promising solutions for remote eye care. These methods revolutionize diabetic retinopathy screening, offering cost-effective and accessible solutions. However, the use of these techniques may be limited by insurance coverage in certain world regions. Ultra-widefield photography offers a comprehensive view of up to 80.0% of the retina in a single image, compared to the 34.0% coverage of the traditional seven-field imaging protocol. It allows retinal imaging without pupil dilation, especially for individuals with compromised mydriasis. However, they also have drawbacks, including high costs, artifacts from eyelashes, eyelid margins, and peripheral distortion. Recent advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning, particularly through convolutional neural networks, are revolutionizing diabetic retinopathy diagnostics, enhancing screening efficiency and accuracy. FDA-approved Artificial Intelligence-powered devices such as LumineticsCore™, EyeArt, and AEYE Diagnostic Screening demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity in diabetic retinopathy detection. While Artificial Intelligence offers the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce treatment costs, challenges such as dataset biases, high initial costs, and cybersecurity risks must be considered to ensure safety and efficiency. Nanotechnology advancements further enhance diagnosis, offering highly branched polyethyleneimine particles with fluorescein sodium (PEI-NHAc-FS) for better fluorescein angiography or vanadium oxide-based metabolic fingerprinting for early detection.

13 April 2025 in Journal of Education, Health and Sport
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
WMWiktoria Mączyńska
Wiktoria Mączyńska
JDJustyna Dutkiewicz
Justyna Dutkiewicz
MWMichał Wijata
Michał Wijata
AWAnna Wijata
Anna Wijata
ZPZuzanna Przybyłek-Stępień
Zuzanna Przybyłek-Stępień
PPPiotr Pasek
Piotr Pasek
Introduction: The modern world is characterized by widespread access to digital devices, leading to increasing use by children in the earliest years of life, affecting their development in various spheres of life.Aim of the Study: The purpose of the work is to analyze the impact of excessive use of digital technologies on the development of young children, with a focus on cognitive, emotional, social and physical aspects. Also, it aims to provide recommendations for healthy management of time in front of the screen and to promote activities that support the comprehensive development of children.Materials and Methods: The paper is a review and is based on an analysis of scientific articles, reports and guidelines from international organizations (e.g. WHO, UNICEF), focusing on publications from 2010-2023. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were used to search for relevant materials. Conclusions: The results indicate that excessive use of screens can negatively affect language development, attention, cognitive abilities and emotion regulation. On the other hand, appropriately selected educational content and moderated time spent in front of a screen can support cognitive development. An analysis of the literature has also shown that exposure to digital devices can limit social interactions with parents and peers, which is crucial for the formation of social skills. In addition, studies point to their physical consequences such as vision problems, sleep disturbances and reduced physical activity. The paper emphasizes the importance of an informed and responsible approach to the use of technology in raising children. Recommendations are made for parents and caregivers to limit time in front of screens, choose appropriate content and promote healthy habits. Conclusions are also made about the need for further research, especially long-term research that will help better understand the effects of digital device use on the development of young children.

7 March 2025 in Quality in Sport
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JKJakub Kaźmierczak
Jakub Kaźmierczak
RBRyszard Bartosiński
Ryszard Bartosiński
JSJan Szustak
Jan Szustak
AWAnna Wijata
Anna Wijata
ZSZuzanna Adriana Przybyłek- Stępień
Zuzanna Adriana Przybyłek- Stępień
PPPiotr Pasek
Piotr Pasek
Urolithiasis, commonly referred to as kidney stone disease, is a prevalent and recurrent urological condition with significant global health and economic implications. The formation of urinary calculi results from a multifactorial interplay between genetic predisposition, metabolic abnormalities, dietary habits, and environmental factors. The incidence of urolithiasis has been rising worldwide, particularly in developed countries, contributing to an increasing burden on healthcare systems. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the etiology and risk factors associated with kidney stone formation, including dietary and non-dietary contributors such as high animal protein intake, calcium and oxalate metabolism, obesity, diabetes, and climate influences. Advances in diagnostic modalities, particularly the role of non-contrast computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography, and metabolic evaluation, have improved early detection and classification of urinary stones. Treatment options range from conservative medical management to surgical interventions, including extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy (URS), and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), with evolving techniques enhancing stone clearance and minimizing recurrence. Furthermore, lifestyle modifications, adequate hydration, and pharmacological interventions play crucial roles in the prevention of recurrent stone formation. The growing prevalence of urolithiasis underscores the need for continuous advancements in both preventive and therapeutic strategies. Further research into stone pathophysiology, metabolic risk assessment, and novel treatment modalities is essential to reduce morbidity and healthcare costs associated with this condition.

6 March 2025 in Quality in Sport
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MKMaria Kapa
Maria Kapa
BSBartosz Szepietowski
Bartosz Szepietowski
JSJan Szustak
Jan Szustak
MWMichał Wijata
Michał Wijata
AWAnna Maria Wijata
Anna Maria Wijata
PPPiotr Pasek
Piotr Pasek
Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) is widely utilized in aesthetic medicine for the treatment of dynamic rhytides in the upper face. Despite its efficacy, the intricate anatomy of the upper face poses significant challenges, with potential complications ranging from transient injection-site reactions to more severe outcomes such as eyelid ptosis and facial asymmetry. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the complications associated with BoNT-A injections in the upper face, focusing on the interplay between anatomical variations, injection techniques, and patient-specific factors. By synthesizing current clinical evidence, this review highlights the importance of precise anatomical knowledge, standardized injection protocols, and injector expertise in minimizing adverse effects. Furthermore, it offers evidence-based recommendations to enhance the safety and efficacy of BoNT-A treatments, ensuring optimal aesthetic outcomes while mitigating risks.

6 March 2025 in Journal of Education, Health and Sport
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JDJustyna Dutkiewicz
Justyna Dutkiewicz
WMWiktoria Mączyńska
Wiktoria Mączyńska
MWMichał Wijata
Michał Wijata
AWAnna Maria Wijata
Anna Maria Wijata
ZPZuzanna Adriana Przybyłek-Stępień
Zuzanna Adriana Przybyłek-Stępień
PPPiotr Pasek
Piotr Pasek
Pregnancy is a special period in a woman's life that requires special attention. For the proper development of the foetus and the maintenance of the mother's health, a balanced diet and appropriate supplementation are extremely important. One of the key nutrients is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which belongs to the group of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. The present paper reviews the literature on the biological significance of DHA during pregnancy, as well as the sources of this nutrient and its requirement. The benefits of taking DHA are also presented. The potential risks and limitations of DHA supplementation are discussed, including the risks of contaminants present in fish products. International recommendations and future research directions are also presented, highlighting the need for further analysis of the impact of DHA on the long-term health of both mother and child. Objective: This thesis aims to review the scientific literature on the biological importance of DHA during pregnancy, the sources and need for this ingredient and the benefits of supplementation. The text will also address the potential risks and limitations of DHA intake, international recommendations, and future research directions in this field. Materials and methods: The review includes scientific papers and literature reviews published in the last 15 years 2010-2025, available in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, which were identified using relevant keywords such as DHA supplementation and pregnancy. Polish and international recommendations were also included in the analysis. Conclusions: DHA supplementation during pregnancy is particularly important for the development of the fetal brain and vision, as well as for the prevention of pregnancy complications. However, there is a lack of precise data on optimal doses and desired DHA concentrations in the blood. Future studies should focus on these issues and the long-term effects of DHA supplementation.