The latest reports on biomarkers used in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer

Introduction: Ovarian cancer ranks seventh in terms of incidence and eighth in terms of mortality among women worldwide. It is divided into several subtypes. The epithelial type of ovarian cancer is responsible for 90% of cases. The clinical picture is usually an appendage tumor detected by palpation or during pelvic imaging. Symptoms are usually non-specific such as abdominal pushing or bloating.  State of knowledge: Ovarian cancer is usually detected at an advanced stage due to the long duration of absence of symptoms. Therefore, there is an urgent need to look at existing and identify potential biomarkers that can lead to the development of new and more effective predictors for the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer. The ability of these biomarkers to predict the existence and stages of ovarian cancer could improve early diagnosis and survival of ovarian cancer patients. Currently, the biomarkers CA-125 and HE4 play the most important role in diagnosis. However, there are an increasing number of reports on other biomarkers such as kallikreins, bikunin, VEGF, and mesothelin.  Summary: Partly due to the lack of effective screening, ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed in the final stages. This is why ongoing research into new biomarkers that could contribute to faster detection of the disease is so important. They would also increase the effectiveness of the therapies used and enable a better prognosis of the course of the disease.  &nbsp

The importance of various aspects of communication with patient in palliative care

Communication is an important element of medical care at all its stages. It is particularly important in the care of terminally ill patients. Then the psychological support of the patients and their families seems to be a prime matter while taking care of them. The purpose of this study is to discuss important aspects in communication with a palliative patient such as start time of conversations, culturally sensitive communication, positive emotion communication (PEC), communication with a pediatric patient and talking about spirituality and beliefs. This analysis of scientific publications presents the current state of communication between doctors and patients and also provides guidance on what actions should be taken to improve it. The number of evidence showing the advantages of early and honest dialogue with terminally ill patients (especially pediatric patients) and their families is increasing. As a result of research on communication-based on positive emotions, it has been shown that it is equally important to relieve the negative emotions of the patient and to build a sense of strength and connection. Research shows that insufficient knowledge of clinicians prevents effective communication with culturally diverse patients. Almost all of the parents do not regret talking to their children about their deadly diseases. Supporting them makes it easier to accept the loss of their child and increases their satisfaction. Clearly defining the concept of spirituality can help physicians properly talk about religion and beliefs with patients.

Wpływ pandemii COVID-19 na zdrowie psychiczne wybranych grup społecznych

Introduction and purpose: COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease that is caused by a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (type 2 acute respiratory syndrome virus). Globally, as of 14 July 2021, there have been more than 4 million deaths and almost 190 million confirmed cases of infection. Mental health disorders are sets of behaviours, ways of thinking or perceiving and other mental activities and relations with other people which are a source of suffering or impediments to the individual functioning of the affected person. The most common mental health disorders are anxiety disorders, insomnia, depression and somatic disorders. State of knowledge: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted people's lives around the world through the rapid spread of the disease, high mortality and negative health effects. Over time, there is growing public concern that health systems may become overburdened and that adequate medical care will not be available to everyone affected by the disease. There are also concerns that isolation and reduced mobility will be long-term with serious consequences for mental health and well-being. Summary: There is already evidence of the negative psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents, as well as the elderly who have been isolated, making these individuals more susceptible to developing long-term psychiatric disorders.ABSTRACT  Introduction and purpose: COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease that is caused by a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (type 2 acute respiratory syndrome virus). Globally, as of 14 July 2021, there have been more than 4 million deaths and almost 190 million confirmed cases of infection. Mental health disorders are sets of behaviours, ways of thinking or perceiving and other mental activities and relations with other people which are a source of suffering or impediments to the individual functioning of the affected person. The most common mental health disorders are anxiety disorders, insomnia, depression and somatic disorders.  State of knowledge: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted people's lives around the world through the rapid spread of the disease, high mortality and negative health effects. Over time, there is growing public concern that health systems may become overburdened and that adequate medical care will not be available to everyone affected by the disease. There are also concerns that isolation and reduced mobility will be long-term with serious consequences for mental health and well-being.  Summary: There is already evidence of the negative psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents, as well as the elderly who have been isolated, making these individuals more susceptible to developing long-term psychiatric disorders. &nbsp

Targeted therapy with histamine antagonists - New challenges to fight with breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is currently the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. BC is most often derived from the epithelial tissue of the mammary gland and is a global problem due to the steady increase in morbidity and mortality in most countries. A particular problem today is the triple negative subtype (TNBC), which accounts for approximately 10-15% of breast cancer cases. BC occurs most frequently in young women and is characterised by various biological characteristics, an unfavourable clinical course and a poor prognosis. Recent studies to detect the effects of histamine receptors on breast cancer have shown that all H1R-H4R receptors are also hyperactive in the cancer microenvironment. Chronically maintaining a high level of histamine in the tumour-affected tissue contributes to increased angiogenesis at this site, induction of cancer cells proliferation and T lymphocyte dysfunction. The rising incidence of breast cancer is contributing to an increasing amount of research into targeted therapies. Studies on the effect of histamine antagonists through H1R-H4R receptors have proven their effectiveness in the treatment of breast cancer. Among those in the study, there was a reduction in tumour growth, cell proliferation and an increase in apoptosis. The use of histamine antagonists also contributed to a reduced risk of death from breast cancer and increased overall survival (OS). Therefore, targeted therapy is needed to improve the prognosis of patients with breast cancer.&nbsp

The problem of HIV infections and AIDS in the world in relation to WHO activities

The Problem of HIV infections and AIDS has been known for years. Effective prevention and treatment is a challenge of modern medicine. Studies conducted by the WHO show that Africa, in terms of morbidity and deaths, is the first among the regions included in this study. Nowadays, diagnosis of HIV infections is highly developed. This allows for quick and easy testing to confirm the infection, even in pregnant women. Across the globe, 59% of people infected with HIV receive antiretroviral treatment that allows them to function normally in society. Early and appropriate use of antiretroviral drugs significantly reduces the transmission of infection to other people and reduces the risk of having a child with HIV. Awareness of this infection among the general public and especially among young people is limited, which is why social campaigns play an important role in prevention

Health benefits of hormonal contraception used by symptoms associated with acne vulgaris and hirsutism

Hormonal contraception in reproductive age is used not only as a birth control method but also for other indications like acne vulgaris and hirsutism. Acne vulgaris and hirsutism are important signs related to hyperandrogenaemia and provide a serious medical problem for the patients. Reduction of numerous existing symptoms leads to an improvement in the quality of women’s life. The aim of the study is to present author’s statistical data and to compare it to available data on non-contraceptive benefits

The impact of coffee on human health

Introduction: Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It contains lots of biologically active ingredients. These compounds not only have aromatic properties, but many of them also have antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral and relaxing smooth muscle properties. The aim of the study: The purpose of the study is to collect and review scientific publications about the impact of coffee on health. Material and method: The paper uses standard criteria as the research method. Additionally, during the literature review on PubMed and Google Scholar platforms, keywords such as coffee, caffeine, health, impact were used. Description of the state of knowledge: Numerous studies suggest that coffee impact on the long-term functioning of the organism is negligible and is associated with the consumption of coffee for a longer period of time. Chlorogenic acid, caffeine and trigoneline are primarily responsible for the positive effect. They have a hypoglycemic, bactericidal and antioxidant effect. Diterpenes, such as kahweol and cafestol may have negative influence on health. Research also suggests that coffee can reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease and type 2 diabetes. Summary: The results show that coffee ingredients can have both positive and negative effects on health. However, before these observations can be used to create nutritional advice, further research is needed. They will allow a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of the compounds responsible for reduced risk of diabetes mellitus or Parkinson's disease. Keywords: coffee, caffeine, health, cardiovascula

The effect of hormonal contraception on symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle

Nowadays, there exist a large number of methods that allow to prevent unintended pregnancy. One of the most common technique in Poland is hormonal contraception in the form of contraceptive pills. This method is effective, easy to use, and more importantly it does not cause permanent sterility. Moreover, hormonal contraception comes with plenty of additional health benefits that are not related to contraception alone, such as: reduction of menstrual pain, regular cycles and lack of menorrhagia. Due to the beneficial effect on the body, hormonal contraception is used in the treatment of certain diseases, such as acne and endometriosis. Reduction of numerous existing symptoms leads to an improvement in the quality of women’s lives

Raising awareness about the importance of chickenpox vaccination in children

Introduction: Varicella is an acute infectious disease caused by the Varicella zoster virus. It is among one of the most contagious infectious diseases. The main symptoms of the disease are an itchy, papular and vesicular rash on the trunk, face, scalp, extremities, mucous membranes. In addition, there is fever, malaise, headache and muscle aches, enlargement of lymph nodes. In most cases, varicella is mild, but 2-6% of patients may develop dangerous complications. The most common complications include bacterial skin infections, neurological symptoms and acute thrombocytopenia. Aim: The purpose of this study is to present the severe and complicated course of varicella in a 12-month-old patient. Results: On the day of admission, the patient presented symptoms of an exacerbation of the course of varicella. The main symptoms were smallpox eruptions, increasing fever track, and enlarged and painful lymph nodes. During his stay, the patient's condition indicated a severe course of varicella. It was complicated by infection of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and lymph nodes. In addition, tests showed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and positivity for cat scratch disease. He also developed zoster during his hospitalization. Throughout his stay in the hospital, many tests and consultations were carried out to clarify his symptoms.  With appropriate treatment, the patient's condition improved and he was able to be discharged home after a 3-week hospitalization. Conclusions: The presented case shows the severe course of varicella. Due to recommendations and the patient's too young age, he could not be vaccinated against VZV. In each patient, the course of the disease is unpredictable. Vaccination protects against severe symptoms, and also reduces the risk of developing zoster in the future. In addition, long-term immunity can be acquired through vaccination

The problem of obesity and overweight among children and youth in the world

Childhood obesity is one of the most difficult public health issues. According to "The Lancet" magazine, there are 124 million obese children in the world. The frequency of this disease in developed countries, including Poland, is constantly increasing. We can already talk about the obesity epidemic. Despite additional diseases, obesity has an economic impact in terms of combating its complications. Therefore, it is necessary to search for unknown risk factors as well as methods of their treatment. In order to obviate this disease, more and more preventive actions are being organised. However, education is not enough - joint actions undertaken by the authorities, society and representatives of the food industry are needed