Metale szlachetne jako klasa aktywów

W niniejszym artykule, celem stwierdzenia czy metale szlachetne mogą stanowić oddzielną klasę aktywów dla inwestora lokującego środki w PLN, przeprowadzono analizę korelacji oraz rozkładu stóp zwrotu. Uzyskane wyniki sugerują w szczególności brak wystarczającej homogeniczności wśród badanych metali szlachetnych oraz zauważalny podział na dwie grupy: złoto i srebro z jednej strony oraz pallad i platynę z drugiej

Inwestycje w złoto jako zabezpieczenie przed inflacją w Polsce

This study analyzes the question whether direct gold investments provide the ability of hedging against inflation in Poland. Using monthly data on the price of gold and selected inflation measures during the period January 2007 – April 2015 the cointegration tests and the cross-correlations were conducted. The results suggest that investments in gold has not served as a hedge against fluctuations in the internal purchasing power of the Polish zloty.W niniejszym artykule, celem ustalenia, czy bezpośrednie inwestycje w złoto mogą zabezpieczyć przed spadkiem wewnętrznej siły nabywczej PLN, przeprowadzono z wykorzystaniem miesięcznych danych z okresu styczeń 2007 r. – kwiecień 2015 r. analizę kointegracji oraz korelacji z opóźnieniami. Uzyskane wyniki sugerują brak możliwości zabezpieczania się przed inflacją w Polsce przez fizyczne nabycie złota.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome - living with chronic pain. Current knowledge of the disease

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of the most common inherited connective tissue disorders. The main symptoms of this syndrome are excessive skin flexibility, joint hypermobility and blood vessels fragility. The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, but to confirm the type of EDS, it is necessary to identify the collagen-encoding gene or protein interacting with it. The group of Ehlers and Danlos diseases include fourteen types, the most common are classic, vascular, hypermobile, arthrochalasis, kyphoscoliotic and dermatosparaxis. [15] Connective tissue plays a key role in the process of movement, constituting the main component of bones, joint cartilage, tendons, ligaments and intervertebral discs. In addition, connective tissue is a part of every internal organ including the intestines and parenchymal organs and the cardiovascular system.[19] For this reason, patients with EDS show symptoms of many diseases, including respiratory, muscular, skeletal and vascular. Women suffering from EDS often struggle with complications during their pregnancies. Psychological and emotional issues are also common.[6] However, the most noticeable and debilitating symptom of EDS is pain, which is often severe and chronic. The pain occurs in approximately 90% or more of EDS patients.[8] Successful pain management in patients with EDS is a major challenge for specialists. The treatment involves non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, opioids and physiotherapy. Also marijuana, traditional chinese treatments, herbal remedies are considered to reduce the severity of the symptoms. [9] During the creation of this article, the authors analyzed the clinically relevant knowledge of EDS treatment and management based on research published on Pubmed

3D bioprinting as a future of regenerative medicine and hope for transplantology

Introduction: 3D bioprinting is a continuously refined technology that enables tissue structures to be faithfully reproduced, using specially developed bioinks and 3D printers. Thanks to its versatility, it is possible to use it in regenerative medicine and transplantation, which could have a positive impact on the survival and comfort of patients with injuries and those awaiting transplantation. Aim of the study: Summarise the current state of knowledge on the use of 3D bioprinting technology in the field of regenerative medicine and transplantation, to present the extent of the method's capabilities and examples of its applications, and to outline what role it will play in the future of medicine. Methods and materials: A review of the literature available in the PubMed database and Google Scholar from the last 5 years was conducted, using the following keywords: 3d bioprinting, regenerative medicine, tissue biofabrication. Results: Significant progress has been made in the field of bioprinting and various types of tissue are now being printed and tested. Current research into the printing of skin tissue leads us to believe that in the coming years, 3D bioprinting using stem cells will make it possible to significantly improve the treatment of skin injuries. Researchers are also working on using this technology in the field of neurology and bone damage.  Conclusion: The dynamic development of 3D bioprinting technology offers the hope of eliminating the main transplantation problem related to donor availability. However, the road to wider clinical application of this technology is still a long one, due to the numerous technological difficulties associated with the development of bioprinters, advanced printers and a thorough understanding of human tissue architecture. With the current intensified research in this field, it is expected that these problems will be eliminated in time and the technology will gain more interest from clinicians. &nbsp

Atopic dermatitis – clinical phenotypes and related therapeutic possibilities

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is characterized by damaged epidermal barrier, skin dysbiosis and pruritus. It affects up to 20% of the population of developed countries. AD represents a heterogeneous condition belonging to the spectrum of atopic diseases. It occurs in the form of multiple phenotypes with varied pathogenesis requiring different therapeutic strategies.  Aim of the study: To summarize the current state of knowledge on AD phenotypes and related therapeutic options.  Methods and materials: A review of the literature available in PudMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted. The following keywords were used: "atopic dermatitis", "atopic dermatitis phenotypes", "atopic dermatitis current treatment".  Results: There are many phenotypes of AD. However, due to the lack of a consistent classification system, identifying phenotypes is greatly hindered. It is possible to use the division of phenotypes into groups based on age, lesion topography, lesion morphology and patient ethnicity. Various drugs are available for the treatment of AD, but therapeutic strategies for specific phenotypes are sparse and insufficiently understood due to the problem of identifying phenotypes and the complexity of the endotypes behind them. Treatment of AD is not currently based on phenotype-specific targeted therapy.  Conclusion: Development of personalized therapy for the treatment of AD requires additional research using uniform definitions of phenotypes and endotypes. It is necessary to create a classification system for AD phenotypes

Hair loss after SARS-CoV2 Infection

Introduction:Since the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in China, more than 3.8 million people have died. A big problem is the long-term effects and complications of this disease. The pathogenesis of these long-term effects is not fully known. Significant increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines have been observed among people with complications. Their dermatological manifestations are due to the presence of receptors for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in the skin and other tissues. Aim of the study: Summary of current knowledge on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment of hair loss after Covid-19. Methods and materials: A review of the literature available in the PubMed database, using the following terms: “Hair loss after Covid”, “Tellgoen Effluvium covid”, “Alopecia areata covid”, “androgenetic alopecia covid”. Results: The most commonly reported among the dermatological manifestations is hair loss, the predominant type of which is telogen alopecia, which involves a prolongation of the resting phase of the hair most likely due to an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and depletion of anticoagulant proteins, leading to microthrombosis. There has also been a significant increase in the incidence of alopecia areata, in the development of which, in addition to autoimmunity, psychological and physiological stress factors are also highly influential and are higher during the course of the disease including SARS-CoV2. Androgenetic alopecia results from excess androgens and increased sensitivity of hair follicles to them, transmembrane serine protease 2 facilitates the "entry" of the virus into the body by facilitating the binding of viral particles to ACE-2 receptors, which acts as a gateway.  Conclusion: Hair loss is not life-threatening however it has serious psychological and social implications, so it is very important to educate patients about the mechanism and treatment of this phenomenon

Endometriosis - Pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment

Introduction: Endometriosis is defined as a chronic gynecological disease characterized by endometrial tissue outside the uterus. The condition affects 5-10% of women of reproductive age worldwide and is associated with pelvic pain and infertility. Despite its prevalence, diagnosis is usually delayed for many years which postpones the introduction of appropriate treatment. Aim of the study: Summary of the current state of knowledge on endometriosis, analyzing the pathogenesis, the current diagnostic approach, highlighting the problem of fertility in this disease entity and presenting treatment options. Methods and materials: A review of the literaturę available in the PubMed database and GoogleScholar from the last 5years was conducted,using the following keywords: endometriosis”, „endometriosis pathogenesis”, „endometriosis diagnosis”, „infertility in endometriosis”, „endometriosis treatment” Results: Among the etiological factors mentioned are congenital, environmental, epigenetic, autoimmune and allergic factors. The main theory for the formation of the condition is retrograde menstruation through the fallopian tubes into the peritoneal cavity and implantation of endometrial cells. Laparoscopy is nowadays the gold standard for diagnosis, but less invasive methods that can shorten the time to diagnosis are being sought. Current treatment is limited to surgery, hormonal treatment and analgesics which are associated with many side effects. Conclusion: Endometriosis is the cause of infertility, chronic pain and reduced quality of life in many women. Non-invasive diagnostic tests such as imaging studies, genetic tests, biomarkers or miRNAs have diagnostic potential but more analysis is needed to be applied in daily clinical work. Future research should focus on learning and understanding the pathogenesis, identifying subtypes of the disease, and a modern approach to diagnosis and comprehensive treatment taking into account concomitant general symptoms

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis - problematic rare lung disease. Pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis

Introduction: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, fatal lung disease most often affecting people over the age of 50. Causes and pathogenesis of the disease are not fully understood. The non-specific symptoms of the disease prolongs diagnosis. It translates into a reduced chance of survival for patients. Treatment options for patients with IPF remain limited and sometimes lung transplantation is indicated. The prognosis of untreated IPF is 2 to 3 years. Aim of the study: Summary of current knowledge on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Methods and materials: A review of the literature available in the PubMed database, using the following  keywords:  „Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis”, „Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis current treatment”, „Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Pathogenesis”. Results: The pathogenesis of IPF has been understood to some extent, but is still not described in detail. A chest CT scan and a lung biopsy are procedures that allow us to confidently diagnose IPF. We have two drugs at our disposal - pirfenidone and nintedanib, but their effect is not satisfactory. The prognosis of the disease is poor, and lung transplantation is the only way to improve it significantly. Conclusion: IPF is a severe lung disease in which the main problem is its difficult diagnosis and rapidly progressive course. We have drugs that delay the decline in lung function, but they do not improve the quality or prolong the life of the patient. It is also known that lung transplantation is the best solution, but it is rarely performed. The prognosis of the disease is poor, often worse than the prognosis of many cancers. It is possible that knowing the exact pathogenesis of the causes of the IPF would enable more effective treatment and diagnosis

SGLT-2 inhibitors: new effective drugs for treatment of heart failure

Introduction: SGLT-2 inhibitors having selectivity to sodium glucose cotransporter 2 were introduced on the market in 2012 as drugs for the pharmacotherapy of type 2 diabetes.Aim of the work: To summarize the current state of knowledge about the drugs: SGLT-2 inhibitors and their mechanism of action and application in cardiology.Materials and Methods: A review of the literature available in PubMed and Google Scholar database was conducted.Results: In addition to glucosuria, the diuretic effect is caused by natriuresis. A study was conducted, after which it was deduced that the natriuretic effect of empagliflozin did not depend on the degree of renal dysfunction, and was exacerbated under the influence of loop diuretics.SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce cardiac preload. Flozins also lead to a reduction in afterload.The DAPA-HF study of 4744 patients with HF, taking 10 mg of dapagliflozin or placebo. The primary outcome of the study, was data in the form of death from cardiovascular causes or exacerbation of heart failure. These accounted for 16.3% in the flozin group compared to 21.2% in the control group. Adverse events were rare. Dapagliflozin was effective in 55% of subjects, in both patients and non-diabetics with type 2 diabetes.EMPEROR-REDUCED studied the effect of taking 10 mg of emagliflozin or placebo in 3730 patients. Flozin reduced the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalizations. Fewer deaths from any cause were also observed.Summary: Both studies highlighted significant benefits of SGLT-2 inhibitors- they reduced the risk of death from any cause and from cardiovascular causes. The therapeutic benefits, regardless of the degree of renal dysfunction, the synergy with other drugs in heart failure, and the low number of serious side effects, led to the inclusion of flozins in the latest ESC 2021 guidelines for therapy in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, regardless of the presence of diabetes