The PFAPA syndrome: review on diagnosis and management

Introduction and purpose: Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA syndrome) is the most common periodic fever condition in child age. Discussed syndrome is generally a self-limited condition, but it can significantly decrease the quality of child’s life. It can be also challenge for parents, as well as medical professionals. Knowledge of the syndrome is very important among many specialists because early detection is the basis of the correct differentia and proper treatment. Many researches has been made to explain the genetic and immunologic elements which play a significant role in the pathogenesis of PFAPA, but it is not fully undestood. This review will focus on current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of PFAPA, as well as surgical and conservative treatment strategies. Material and methods: This review was based on available data collected in the PubMed database and published between 2013 and 2022. The study was conducted by reviewing key words as follows: "PFAPA","treatment", "diagnosis","tonsillectomy". Results: The diagnosis of PFAPA syndrome consists of a typical clinical presentation, but sometimes diagnosis of this syndrome can be problematic. Some clinical criteria can be useful. We have vary of treatment arms depends on clinical targets. Depite that PFAPA is self limiting syndrome which can dissappear in later years of children’s life.   Conclusions: PFAPA syndrom is rare disease, but is very important to put emphasis on knowledge about it. Early diagnosis of this syndrome can make physicians send patient to specialized ward, and it will be possible to start proper and efficient treatment. It is a question of the future that we will get more patophysiologic knowledge about this disease

Understanding obsessive-compulsive disorder - literature review

Introduction: Obsessive-compulsive disorder can decrease the quality of life and is often experienced by patients throughout their lives. They involve the presence of obsessions (persistent, unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (actions/rituals performed by the patient to alleviate the discomfort associated with the obsessions). Currently, they are diagnosed based on the criteria of DSM-5.  Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to review and analyze the available literature on obsessive-compulsive disorders.  Materials and methods: A review of the literature available in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases on obsessive-compulsive disorders was conducted.  Results: The exact cause of OCD remains unknown. The involvement of genetic and environmental factors is suspected. It has been shown that damage to certain brain structures due to injury or neurodegenerative diseases can lead to the development of obsessions and/or compulsions. The severity of symptoms is influenced by cognitive inflexibility, a high sense of responsibility, and magical thinking. Currently, pharmacotherapy and/or psychotherapy form the basis of treatment. The portrayal of individuals with OCD has been present in history and art for centuries.  Summary: Aspects, causes, and treatment methods of OCD are still being investigated and discovered. Presenting this disorder through art can positively impact awareness and social acceptance

An integrated approach to pharmacotherapy in smoking cessation: the role of varenicline, bupropion, cytisine, and nicotine replacement therapy

Introduction: Smoking tobacco is a significant global health issue, contributing to various diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and respiratory disorders. Quitting smoking is not only a beneficial decision for an individual's health but also for society as a whole. Pharmacological therapy plays a crucial role in the smoking cessation process by supporting and increasing the chances of success. Aim: To compare four medications used in smoking cessation: varenicline, bupropion, cytisine, and nicotine replacement therapy, in terms of their characteristics, mechanism of action, efficacy, and adverse effects. Materials and Methods: A review of available data in the PubMed database regarding medications registered in Poland for the treatment of nicotine addiction. Key Results: The efficacy of all four medications in smoking cessation was demonstrated. Individuals using varenicline, bupropion, cytisine, or nicotine replacement therapy had higher chances of quitting smoking compared to placebo groups. Specifically, varenicline showed the highest efficacy among all the medications studied. Despite a high level of safety profile, each therapy can cause various adverse effects, with the most serious being the risk of seizures associated with bupropion. Conclusions: Varenicline, bupropion, cytisine, and nicotine replacement therapy are valuable tools in the process of smoking cessation and increase the chances of successfully quitting the addiction. The choice of a specific medication may depend on individual patient preferences and clinical factors. These findings should be taken into consideration when making therapeutic decisions in the field of smoking cessation

Multiple sclerosis - A review of recent advances in diagnostics and treatments

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is a common chronic neuroinflammatory disease of the CNS with an autoimmune basis. It is the most common non-traumatic disorder that leads to disability in young adults. It occurs 3x more often in women. The quality of life of people suffering from multiple sclerosis is often significantly reduced. Objective: The purpose of this review is to analyze the latest information on the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods and matherials: A review of the literature available in the PubMed database published between 2016 and 2022, using the following keywords: "multiple sclerosis"; "pathogenesis"; "immunology"; "genetics"; “diagnostics” and "treatment." State of knowledge: Currently, there is no effective cure for multiple sclerosis but therapeutic options have increased over the past few years. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of disease-modifying therapies is too low and they cannot stop the progressive neurodegenerative process in the CNS. A recent development is the option of MS therapy using stem cells. This is to overcome the loss of nerve cells and increase the repair capacity of endogenous myelin. Conclusions: Although knowledge of the pathogenesis of the disease has advanced tremendously in recent years and many new therapeutic options have emerged, our knowledge is still incomplete. This poses a challenge for creating more drugs and halting the progression of the disease

Multiple sclerosis - A review of recent advances in diagnostics and treatments

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is a common chronic neuroinflammatory disease of the CNS with an autoimmune basis. It is the most common non-traumatic disorder that leads to disability in young adults. It occurs 3x more often in women. The quality of life of people suffering from multiple sclerosis is often significantly reduced. Objective: The purpose of this review is to analyze the latest information on the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods and matherials: A review of the literature available in the PubMed database published between 2016 and 2022, using the following keywords: "multiple sclerosis"; "pathogenesis"; "immunology"; "genetics"; “diagnostics” and "treatment." State of knowledge: Currently, there is no effective cure for multiple sclerosis but therapeutic options have increased over the past few years. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of disease-modifying therapies is too low and they cannot stop the progressive neurodegenerative process in the CNS. A recent development is the option of MS therapy using stem cells. This is to overcome the loss of nerve cells and increase the repair capacity of endogenous myelin. Conclusions: Although knowledge of the pathogenesis of the disease has advanced tremendously in recent years and many new therapeutic options have emerged, our knowledge is still incomplete. This poses a challenge for creating more drugs and halting the progression of the disease

Interactions between Nanoclay, CTAB and Linear/Star Shaped Polymers

The influence of star-shaped (PAA-SS) and linear polyacrylic acid (PAA) with different molecular weights (high—PAA-HMW and low—PAA-LMW) on the structure of the adsorption layer, adsorption amount, electrokinetic and stabilizing properties of the PAA/CTAB/nanoclay suspensions was studied. The properties of the systems containing one of these polymers, the cationic surfactant—hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and the surface-modified nanoclay (N-SM) were analyzed using the following techniques: BET, CHN, FT-IR, ED-XRF, XRD, HRTEM, UV-Vis, tensiometry and zeta potential measurements. It was proved that PAA could be used as an effective stabilizer of N-SM. Moreover, the addition of CTAB caused a significant increase in the stability of the systems but decreased the adsorption of PAA on the N-SM surface and changed the structure of the adsorption layers. The largest stability was observed in the PAA-HMW/CTAB system. The PAA polymers and PAA/CTAB complexes adsorbed, especially on the clay surface, influenced the primary distribution of the layered sheets but kept the same basal d-spacing. The adsorption of PAA and the PAA/CTAB complexes took place mainly at the plate edges and on the contact space between the sheets. The obtained results will be used for the preparation of the PAA/CTAB/nanoclay composite for water purification