Emerging Trends in Gel Nail Allergies: Prevalence, Symptoms, and Occupational Hazards Associated with Acrylate Sensitization

Introduction and objective Gel nail allergies have become a growing concern in recent years, as individuals experience adverse immune reactions to the chemicals present in gel nail products. The popularity of gel nails, known for their long-lasting and durable finish compared to traditional nail polishes, has increased in the beauty industry. However, specific constituents, particularly acrylate compounds used in gel nail formulations, can trigger allergic responses in susceptible individuals. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge Findings from the reviewed articles indicate that allergic reactions to acrylates in gel nail products can manifest in various ways, including contact dermatitis, dermatoses, and general allergic responses. Nail technicians, due to their frequent exposure to gel nail products and other potential allergens, are particularly vulnerable to occupational hazards associated with acrylate sensitization. These insights highlight the need for preventive measures to protect the health and well-being of nail technicians and promote a safer working environment. Summary This literature review addresses the emerging issue of gel nail allergies and provides valuable information regarding the prevalence and characteristics of allergic reactions to acrylates. The article underscores the significance of increasing awareness, implementing preventive measures, and effectively managing gel nail allergies. By doing so, the beauty industry can ensure a safer approach to gel nail applications, benefitting both nail technicians and consumers alike

Emerging Trends in Gel Nail Allergies: Prevalence, Symptoms, and Occupational Hazards Associated with Acrylate Sensitization

Introduction and objective Gel nail allergies have become a growing concern in recent years, as individuals experience adverse immune reactions to the chemicals present in gel nail products. The popularity of gel nails, known for their long-lasting and durable finish compared to traditional nail polishes, has increased in the beauty industry. However, specific constituents, particularly acrylate compounds used in gel nail formulations, can trigger allergic responses in susceptible individuals. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge Findings from the reviewed articles indicate that allergic reactions to acrylates in gel nail products can manifest in various ways, including contact dermatitis, dermatoses, and general allergic responses. Nail technicians, due to their frequent exposure to gel nail products and other potential allergens, are particularly vulnerable to occupational hazards associated with acrylate sensitization. These insights highlight the need for preventive measures to protect the health and well-being of nail technicians and promote a safer working environment. Summary This literature review addresses the emerging issue of gel nail allergies and provides valuable information regarding the prevalence and characteristics of allergic reactions to acrylates. The article underscores the significance of increasing awareness, implementing preventive measures, and effectively managing gel nail allergies. By doing so, the beauty industry can ensure a safer approach to gel nail applications, benefitting both nail technicians and consumers alike

Long way to diagnosis – case report of 23-year old patient with multifocal abdominal endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological disease characterized by the presence of the uterine mucosa that functions in accordance with the menstrual cycle outside of its usual location. This disease significantly reduces the quality of life of women facing numerous ailments, most often pain, and may lead to reduced fertility. The prevalence of endometriosis is difficult to determine due to the complexity and lengthy diagnosis. It is estimated that this disease occurs in 3-8% of women of reproductive age, and symptoms may also appear after menopause. It is worth noting that the relationship between the disease's severity and endometriosis symptoms is often not proportional. The aim of the paper is to present a case report of a 23-year-old female patient with endometriosis, to differentiate the disease from irritable bowel syndrome and to draw attention to the problematic and lengthy diagnostic process due to the multitude of symptoms from various organs. Material and method: Study of an individual case of a patient and a review of scientific articles available in Google Scholar and a review of publicly available textbooks in the field of medicine. The paper emphasizes the need to broaden the knowledge about endometriosis by specialists in many fields of medicine and points to the lack of quick, minimally invasive tests enabling efficient diagnosis of the disease. Increasing the awareness of doctors including other specializations than gynaecology, organizing campaigns to increase awareness of the disease among women, which may contribute to earlier diagnosis of patients, earlier application of an effective treatment, and improvement of patients' quality of life

Prevention and treatment of tuberculosis before two great discoveries of the 20th century: the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine and streptomycin

Introduction and Purpose. Fundamental milestone in fight against tuberculosis is the invention of the effective vaccine, but before Anthony van Leeuwenhoek was the first to observe the bacteria, which opened the door to the first vaccinations in the 19th century. Medicine had battled against infectious diseases in different ways. Some methods can be perceived as a kind of primitive vaccines, which couldn’t, however, considerably affect a decrease in the epidemic range, due to their uncommon use and limited effectiveness. The aim of this paper is to analyze the history of tuberculosis and the role of Poland in the fight against it. Materials and methods. PubMed database was used for review of the literature. The following phrases were searched in English: “tuberculosis”, “vaccination”, “BCG vaccine”, “sanatorium”. Description of the state of knowledge. Poland played an important role in the fight against tuberculosis. It was in the laboratory of Polish pharmacist, where Koch discovered its etiological factor. In the territory of Poland there are prototypes of modern sanatoria for tuberculosis patients. Article also presents old and modern methods of tuberculosis treatment, as the use of specific climatic conditions, which resulted in developing health-resort treatment. A breakthrough in the methods used was the discovery of streptomycin in the middle of the 20th century, which led to the development of pharmacological treatment, nowadays involving the administration of proper combinations of drugs. Summary. The increasingly strong anti-vaccine movement is slowly destroying what people have been fighting for the centuries. It is worth recalling how we reached milestones in this fight and why immunization is so important for all societies

The non-pharmacological treatment of primary dysmenorrhea - efficiency and safety

Primary dysmenorrhea  is the most common, though often underdiagnosed, gynecological disorder of women of reproductive age. The disease presents with painful abdominal cramps associated with menstrual bleeding in the absence of pelvic abnormalities. Symptoms are caused primarily by increased levels of prostaglandins produced by the endometrium, which provides hypercontraction of the uterine muscles, ischemia, and pain.  Dysmenorrhea is usually treated pharmacologically with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or hormonal contraception. In particularly severe cases, surgical treatment is also possible. Nonetheless, an increasing amount of studies on non-pharmacological treatments have been published recently. Methods like Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), acupuncture, continuous topical heat, or exercise and yoga seem to be effective in reducing the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea. All have an anti-inflammatory effect by lowering prostaglandin levels, but they also contribute to reducing symptoms through other mechanisms. TENS elevates the pain threshold and, together with acupuncture, causes the release of endogenous opioids. Heat, yoga, and acupuncture also lead to increased blood flow in the uterus, reducing hypoxia. Their additional advantage is the low cost and ease of self-use, except for acupuncture, depending on the patient's needs. Side effects of non-pharmacological treatments are usually mild and rarely reported

The influence of phytoestrogens on alleviating symptoms associated with menopause

Introduction and purpose. Menopause causes complaints such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems and vaginal dryness. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment option for women with moderate to severe symptoms. In women who are unable to undergo HRT, plant-based preparations containing phytoestrogens can be used as an alternative. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the effectiveness of phytoestrogen supplementation. State of knowledge. Phytoestrogens are natural compounds structurally similar to estrogens, such as estradiol. They are divided into different classes, including isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones, including genistein, found in soy products, cause a significant reduction in the severity of hot flashes, as well as improvements in vaginal dryness and sexual function. Lignans, found in flaxseed, sesame seeds and whole grains, have effects similar to endogenous estrogens, but studies to date have not shown significant efficacy of this group of substances in reducing menopausal symptoms. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring compound found in grapes and berries, has a weak estrogenic effect, whereby several clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of resveratrol supplementation in alleviating menopausal symptoms. Conclusions. Phytoestrogens have been shown to alleviate some symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats, and may also have positive effects on bone density and cognitive abilities. Effects may vary depending on the source, dose and duration of treatment. There are also potential risks associated with their use, for which reason more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness and safety

Influence of ketogenic diet on athletes’ performance and other aspects of body function – review of literature

Introduction and aim. The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carbohydrate dietary regimen that induces a state of ketosis, shifting the body’s fuel source from glucose to ketone bodies produced from fatty acids. The aim of this paper is to analyze the influence of the KD on athletes’ performance, body composition and other aspects of body function. Materials and methods. A comprehensive literature search has been conducted through PubMed database using keywords such as “ketogenic diet sport” and “ketogenic diet athletes”, “ketogenic diet body”. Analysis of literature. Some studies suggest that a KD can be a viable method for reducing body fat without negatively affecting strength, power, or muscle mass in athletes. It has been found that KD can increase fat oxidation. However, KD may not be optimal for improving performance in high-intensity endurance events or activities that require quick bursts of energy fueled by carbohydrates. Additionally, KD may not have a significant effect on factors such as VO2max, HRmax, time to exhaustion, and perceived exertion in some athletes. Conclusion. More research is required to understand the effects of the ketogenic diet on athletes’ performance. It may aid in weight loss and fat oxidation, but questions remain regarding adaptation time, sport-specific benefits, and impact on various body parameters

Prevention and treatment of tuberculosis before two great discoveries of the 20th century: the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine and streptomycin

Introduction and Purpose. Fundamental milestone in fight against tuberculosis is the invention of the effective vaccine, but before Anthony van Leeuwenhoek was the first to observe the bacteria, which opened the door to the first vaccinations in the 19th century. Medicine had battled against infectious diseases in different ways. Some methods can be perceived as a kind of primitive vaccines, which couldn’t, however, considerably affect a decrease in the epidemic range, due to their uncommon use and limited effectiveness. The aim of this paper is to analyze the history of tuberculosis and the role of Poland in the fight against it. Materials and methods. PubMed database was used for review of the literature. The following phrases were searched in English: “tuberculosis”, “vaccination”, “BCG vaccine”, “sanatorium”. Description of the state of knowledge. Poland played an important role in the fight against tuberculosis. It was in the laboratory of Polish pharmacist, where Koch discovered its etiological factor. In the territory of Poland there are prototypes of modern sanatoria for tuberculosis patients. Article also presents old and modern methods of tuberculosis treatment, as the use of specific climatic conditions, which resulted in developing health-resort treatment. A breakthrough in the methods used was the discovery of streptomycin in the middle of the 20th century, which led to the development of pharmacological treatment, nowadays involving the administration of proper combinations of drugs. Summary. The increasingly strong anti-vaccine movement is slowly destroying what people have been fighting for the centuries. It is worth recalling how we reached milestones in this fight and why immunization is so important for all societies

Technological Advances in a Therapy of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: Insights into Current Nanotechnologies

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness and is characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and progressive optic nerve damage. The current therapeutic approaches for glaucoma management, such as eye drops and oral medications, face challenges including poor bioavailability, low patient compliance, and limited efficacy. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to overcome these limitations and revolutionize glaucoma treatment. In this narrative review, we present an overview of the novel nanotechnologies employed in the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma. Various nanosystems, including liposomes, niosomes, nanoparticles, and other nanostructured carriers, have been developed to enhance the delivery and bioavailability of antiglaucoma drugs. They offer advantages such as a high drug loading capacity, sustained release, improved corneal permeability, and targeted drug delivery to the ocular tissues. The application of nanotechnologies in glaucoma treatment represents a transformative approach that addresses the limitations of conventional therapies. However, further research is needed to optimize the formulations, evaluate long-term safety, and implement these nanotechnologies into clinical practice. With continued advancements in nanotechnology, the future holds great potential for improving the management and outcomes of glaucoma, ultimately preserving vision and improving the lives of millions affected by this debilitating disease