Creating a Sustainable Urban Transport – the Ecological Aspect

Many European cities have initiated actions in the matter of creating sustainable transport systems that is useful for the society, economical and ecological, through utilization of modes of transport of better environmental performance. Many solutions promoting sustainable transport are being implemented such as electric vehicle rentals, separate infrastructure for collective transport, joint ticket systems, low emission zones or park&ride systems. The paper presents legal regulations and guidelines related to the principles and methods of creation of sustainable urban transport. In second part of paper, actions and measures facilitating the reduction of the impact of transport on the environment carried out by selected European cities are discussed

Intoxication-related teenagers' suicide attempts - an analysis of the issue

Introduction and Aim:  Adolescent suicide attempts are a significant clinical and social issue. Often, young people resort to medications, alcohol, or psychoactive substances in their suicide attempts. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors contributing to suicidal behaviors and the characteristics of substances used by adolescents for suicidal purposes.Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, medical documentation analysis was used. The study included the medical records of 45 individuals up to 18 years of age who were admitted to the Clinical Toxicology-Cardiology Department due to poisoning for the purpose of suicide in the year 2022.Results: The study group consisted of 45 individuals aged 15 to 18 years. Suicide attempts accounted for 37.5% of toxicology hospitalizations in the under 18 age group. The dominant group consisted of females (82.2%) and urban residents (62.2%). Those hospitalized following a suicide attempt primarily used medications, often over-the-counter analgesics. The majority (71.1%) suffered from mental disorders, predominantly depressive disorders (81.2%).Conclusions: Among suicide attempts involving intoxication, those utilizing medications are dominant. A concerning phenomenon is the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, commonly considered safe. Girls are particularly vulnerable to emotional difficulties that can lead to suicide. Mental disorders pose a suicidal risk, and patients with such disorders have access to psychiatric medications that can become tools for self-harm

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

Intoxication-related teenagers' suicide attempts - an analysis of the issue

Introduction and Aim:  Adolescent suicide attempts are a significant clinical and social issue. Often, young people resort to medications, alcohol, or psychoactive substances in their suicide attempts. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors contributing to suicidal behaviors and the characteristics of substances used by adolescents for suicidal purposes. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, medical documentation analysis was used. The study included the medical records of 45 individuals up to 18 years of age who were admitted to the Clinical Toxicology-Cardiology Department due to poisoning for the purpose of suicide in the year 2022. Results: The study group consisted of 45 individuals aged 15 to 18 years. Suicide attempts accounted for 37.5% of toxicology hospitalizations in the under 18 age group. The dominant group consisted of females (82.2%) and urban residents (62.2%). Those hospitalized following a suicide attempt primarily used medications, often over-the-counter analgesics. The majority (71.1%) suffered from mental disorders, predominantly depressive disorders (81.2%). Conclusions: Among suicide attempts involving intoxication, those utilizing medications are dominant. A concerning phenomenon is the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, commonly considered safe. Girls are particularly vulnerable to emotional difficulties that can lead to suicide. Mental disorders pose a suicidal risk, and patients with such disorders have access to psychiatric medications that can become tools for self-harm

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

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

Creating a Sustainable Urban Transport – the Ecological Aspect

Many European cities have initiated actions in the matter of creating sustainable transport systems that is useful for the society, economical and ecological, through utilization of modes of transport of better environmental performance. Many solutions promoting sustainable transport are being implemented such as electric vehicle rentals, separate infrastructure for collective transport, joint ticket systems, low emission zones or park&ride systems. The paper presents legal regulations and guidelines related to the principles and methods of creation of sustainable urban transport. In second part of paper, actions and measures facilitating the reduction of the impact of transport on the environment carried out by selected European cities are discussed