Psoriasis - a review of recent progress, characteristics, diagnostic management

Introduction: Psoriasis is a common, chronic, systemic inflammatory disease with an immunological basis. It occurs in about 2% of people in Europe and North America. It is associated with an increased probability of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Objective: The purpose of this review is to analyze the latest information on the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of patients with psoriasis. Materials and methods: The present study was based on available data collected in the PubMed database and published between 2001 and 2022. The study was conducted by reviewing keywords such as: "psoriasis," "diagnosis," "treatment," "genetics," "immunology," "angiogenesis," "keratinocytes," and "incidence." State of the knowledge: In the last decade, biologic drugs targeting tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 23, interleukin 17 and interleukin 12 have been developed and approved for the treatment of psoriasis. These drugs have revolutionized the treatment and management of psoriasis. Summary: Over the past decade, there have been tremendous advances in knowledge about the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Discoveries on this background, have given rise to new biological therapies. Currently in clinical trials are substances such as, Janus kinase inhibitors and tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitors, which represent hope for the most affected patients. Unfortunately, our knowledge of the causes of psoriasis is still incomplete. This poses a challenge for further research and thus the creation of more therapeutic substances

Research on the level of awareness and consumption of energy drinks among students aged 18-25

Introduction and purpose: The article focuses on the analysis of young people's awareness of the consumption of energy drinks, especially those containing caffeine. The aim of the study is to understand the level of knowledge about the awareness and consumption of energy drinks among students aged 18-25. This study was conducted using surveys and involving 202 participants. Material and Methods: The study was conducted using online anonymous surveys, involving 202 participants. The participants were students aged 18-25 both women and men. The results were analyzed according to the age and gender. Moreover, based on the available literature examining aspects related to the consumption of energy drinks.Results: The study shows that the vast majority of respondents (94.06%) are aware of the impact of energy substances on the body. The charts also illustrate that caffeine, as the main ingredient in energy drinks, is well understood in terms of cardiovascular effects. Moreover, the student community is aware of the link between excessive sugar consumption and the risk of cancer development. Discussion: The study shows that young people are aware of the negative impact of energy drinks on health. Nevertheless, not all areas of knowledge are clear to them. The continuous increase in the level of education can undoubtedly contribute to the introduction of healthy eating habits among students. Most respondents declare to drink energy drinks again, it should draw our special attention.Conclusions: It is worth noting the need for further education, especially in the field of metabolic syndrome. It also highlights the role of research and education in shaping public health awareness. Finally, the article suggests that further research and targeted educational programs are critical to improving public health, especially in the context of energy drink consumption

Wilms Tumor - Pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis

Introduction: Wilms tumor is the most common occuring malignant tumor of kidney among children. Mostly appears in infants and young children. The main symptom is enlargement od the abdomen. It is often diagnosed incidentally during USG examination. Aim of the study: Summary of current knowledge on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of Wilms Tumor. Methods and matherials: A review of  the literaturę available in the PubMed data base, using the following keywords: :„Wilms Tumor”,„Wilms tumor genetics” State of knowledge: Wilms tumor appears more often among people with certain genetic syndromes. There are two to treat WT depending on the world region (SIOP, COG). According to SIOP, the diagnosis is made based on imaging. This is followed by neoadiuvant chemotherapy, and then it is surgically removed. According to COG, the first stage of treatment is surgical removal of the tumor, then chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, vincristine, actinomycin, doxodubicin are used in both schemes. Although both strategies differ in their pretreatment approach, they lead to similar overall survival rates. Conclusions:Despite already advanced treatment techniques for the tumor, and extensive knowledge about it, its pathogenesis still remains somewhat unknown. Increased understanding of the aberrant molecular pathways active in Wilms tumorigenesis has identified many potential targeted therapeutic approaches that could be applied in a clinical settin

Knee ligament injuries in alpine skiing - the mechanism of injury and the possibilities of using modern knowledge and technology to prevent injuries in skiing

Introduction: Over the years, advances in alpine ski equipment such as helmets, bindings, skis and boots have resulted in risk reduction, remodelling of injury patterns and mechanisms. Skiers’ injuries are currently about 1 to 5 per 1000 days spent in the snow per athlete. The most common area of the injury is the knee, especially ACL and MCL.  Purpose of the work: The purpose of the work is analysis of literature on mechanism of  knee ligaments injury and potential prevention intervention in alpine skiing.  Methods and materials: The present study was based on available data collected in the PubMed and Google Scholar database. The study was conducted by reviewing keywords such as: “alpine skiing”, “ski bindings”, “alpine skiing injuries”, “ACL”. Results: Taking into consideration less advanced skiers, we can distinguish three types of injury mechanism: valgus-external rotation sequence, boot-induced anterior drawer mechanism and phantom-foot mechanism. Three mechanisms have been described for professional skiers: slip-catch, landing back-weighted and dynamic snowplow. Female skiers have a higher risk of ACl injury than male skiers. Conclusion: Most of the described injury mechanisms are linked with no releasing of bindings. The future injury prevention should concentrate on injury mechanisms using electronic sensors placed at skiers equipment. New micro-electronic technologies can help create mechatronic ski bindings

Chronic Prostatitis / Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome – problematic common disease. Current knowledge on etiology, diagnosis and treatments

Introduction: Nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is a condition with an incompletely understood etiology. Chronic prostatitis is diagnosed when symptoms of prostatitis persist for more than 3 months and it is difficult to treat. The causes are not fully understood. Among the many possible causes are stress, psycho-emotional disorders, hormonal disorders and autoimmune disorders. The main symptom is pain usually felt in the perineum, at the base of the penis, in the anal area, sometimes over the pubic symphysis. This pain can radiate to the penis and scrotum.   Aim of the study: Summary of current knowledge on the treatment of Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome.   Material and methods: Review of PubMed articles using the following keywords: “nonbacterial chronic prostatitis”, “abacterial chronic prostatitis” and “chronic pelvic pain syndrome”.   Results: Complete cure in non-bacterial chronic prostatitis is rare. Due to the lack of knowledge of the cause of chronic prostatitis, there is no effective treatment for this disease. Although the pathogen is rarely found in the patients studied, many patients show improvement after antibiotic therapy. In addition, anti-inflammatory drugs, alpha blockers and neuromodulators are used. Physical therapy also has proven benefits in relieving symptoms.   Conclusion: CNP is a frustrating disease for many doctors and patients. Although it is not yet completely understood, we have made significant progress in the evaluation and treatment of this disease over the past several decades. Physicians need to move away from outdated algorithms that often result in endless courses of antibiotics and embrace multimodal therapy, which provides better results than other treatment strategies

Pathological conditions associated with hyperhomocysteinemia

The effect of excessive homocysteine concentration in human blood, on the cells and tissues of the body is very complex. The effect associated with the induction of oxidative stress and disruption of the biochemical balance of the intracellular space has a negative impact on the physiology of cells and the regularity of their functioning by changing their metabolism. This may result in the formation and development of atherosclerotic lesions, disorders in the coagulation system leading to thrombosis and, consequently, embolism, pathological changes in the central nervous system, which may translate into the formation of mental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, depression and dementia. In addition, hyperhomocysteinemia affects the possible pathologies and complications of pregnancy associated with them, as well as the implications for fetal development if its aforementioned condition. The work presented here outlines the mechanisms that determine the formation of the aforementioned disease entities as a result of too much homocysteine and the clinical significance of these relationships. With the development of science and the increasing number of publications related to the impact of hyperhomocysteinemia on diverse disease entities, there are voices suggesting the inclusion of studies on homocysteine concentrations in body fluids in screening as risk factors for the development of these diseases or using them for their control and treatment

Ulcerative colitis – recent and potential methods of treatment - review

Introduction and purpose: Ulcerative colitis (UC, colitis ulcerosa) belongs to a group of inflammatory bowel diseases of unexplained etiology. It is a diffuse nonspecific inflammation of the mucosa of the rectum or rectum and colon, leading to ulceration in more severe cases. Despite a decline in the incidence of ulcerative colitis in developed countries, the prevalence continues to rise due to increasingly predominant benign course of the disease with a low mortality rate. The purpose of this review is to summarize latest directions and discoveries in research of ulcerative colitis. Materials and methods: This review is based on articles published in Pubmed between 2017 and 2022 by searching keywords ulcerative colitis treatment, ulcerative colitis guidelines.State of knowledge: Currently, many independent scientific societies represent a consensus position on the standard management of patients with UC, while recent therapeutic options are constantly emerging due to intensive research. These options require the involvement of multiple medical centers to determine their position in future guidelines.Conclusion: Although ulcerative colitis is a disease that is diagnosed and detected relatively easily, due to its chronic nature, relatively high prevalence in the population and lack of causal treatment options, it is an important direction for further research

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency - diagnostic and therapeutic challenges

Introduction and purpose: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is a rare but serious disease diagnosed in about 1% of women before the age of 40. It is characterized by hypoestrogenism and an increase in the level of the follicle-stimulating hormone, which is associated with menstrual disorders, pregnancy failures and a reduced quality of life. The main causes of POI include a genetic background and autoimmune abnormalities, as well as increasingly jatrogenic factors. Care for patients is focused on hormone replacement therapy and infertility treatment. The aim of this review is to discuss current treatment methods, the impact of early diagnosis and the prevention of premature ovarian insufficiency, which affects the ability to have one's own offspring. The article also describes new methods of infertility treatment that are under investigation. Materials and methods: This literature review is based on articles published in the PubMed database from 2015 to 2022 using the following phrases: premature ovarian insufficiency, premature ovarian insufficiency stem cells State of knowledge: The only way to treat infertility in women with POI is egg donation. Currently, research is being conducted to achieve early diagnosis, introduce new treatment methods and reduce the number of iatrogenic forms of POI. Conclusion: The main problem for women diagnosed with POI is the difficulty or often impossibility of having their own children. Egg donation does not allow for the transfer of the patient's genetic material, and is also not available as a treatment option in some countries. For this reason, new methods for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of POI are being developed

Impact of physical activity in pregnant women on maternal health

Introduction: Pregnancy is an important period in a woman's life. One of the most essential things people can do to improve their health both physical and mental is taking regular physical exercise. Healthy people, people with chronic illnesses or disabilities as well as pregnant women benefit from regular physical activity. All pregnant women should be physically active, except in certain situations when there are medical contraindications. Objective of the study: The purpose of this study is to summarize the benefits of regular physical activity during pregnancy. Materials and methods: A review of the literature available on the PubMed database was carried out, the key words used were: ,,pregnancy,,, ,,physical activity,,, ,,gestational diabetes,,, ,,hypertension,,, ,,pre-eclampsia,,. Results: Physical activity increases the chance of a normal pregnancy and a successful outcome. In the absence of obstetric or medical contraindications, physical activity during pregnancy is desirable and advisable. Exercise results in fewer complications for both the pregnant woman and the newborn. Conclusions: The best results from physical activity in pregnancy are obtained when the pregnant woman exercises regularly, for example, 3 times a week for 30-60 minutes. It is advisable that for it to be regular aerobic training of moderate intensity of at least 150 minutes per week