Loliolide – the most ubiquitous lactone

It is extremely interesting that this lactone also affects the behavior of ants as well as the development of certain plants (allelopathic activity). However, sometimes there are side effects as in the case of structural analogues of loliolide contributing to extinction of tropical coral.Niezmiernie interesujący jest fakt, że lakton ten wywiera również wpływ na zachowanie mrówek jak i na rozwój niektórych roślin (aktywność alleplopatyczna). Czasami jednak można zaobserwować również działania niepożądane jak w przypadku analogów strukturalnych loliolidu mających swój udział w wymieraniu raf tropikalnych

Exploring the benefits of cold exposure in health and athletic performance - review of articles

Introduction and purpose: In recent years there has been an increase in scientific research regarding the body's exposure to low temperatures. The potential health benefits have captured the attention of both researchers and the general public. This article review provides an analysis of the existing literature concerning the impact of cold body exposure on health and athletic achievements. Material and methods: A review of the literature available in the "PubMed" database and books was conducted. The search was performed by using the following keywords: "cold exposure", "cryotherapy", "cold shower", "cold-water immersion" and "winter swimming". State of knowledge: Encountering low temperatures can be perceived as a physiological stressor. The body responds to this situation by activating adaptive mechanisms to maintain homeostasis, such as the activation of brown adipose tissue, improved glucose control and increased immune system activity. An increasing amount of data supports the positive impact of cold exposure on athletic performance. Potential benefits are indicated such as enhancing physical endurance through increased heat production and stimulation of the circulatory system, as well as facilitating faster body recovery. Results and Conclusions: The article review indicates a growing interest in the impact of cold exposure. While there are encouraging findings of positive effects, further research is necessary for better understanding and determining the optimal conditions for achieving maximum benefits. This information could have a significant impact on the development of training strategies and health prevention

Psilocybin's Emerging Role in Combating Depressive Disorder

        In this review paper, we delve into the potential applicability of psilocybin - a naturally synthesized psychedelic substance found within select species of fungi, as a prospective avenue for depression treatment. Depression, a widespread psychological malady affecting countless individuals across the globe, often proves stubborn against existing treatment modalities, necessitating exploration into new options. The spotlight has increasingly been cast on psilocybin, thanks to its promising therapeutic capacities for a spectrum of mental health disorders, notably including depression. This article dissects the operational mechanisms of psilocybin, referencing germane clinical trials, and weighing the prospective risks and rewards related to its usage. Pooled findings from an array of clinical studies hint at the possibility of psilocybin furnishing swift and lasting advantages for managing depression and similar disorders. Trial participants who underwent a combined regimen of psilocybin and psychotherapy recorded enduring alleviation in their anxiety and depressive symptoms. Psilocybin has been observed to trigger modifications in neural activity, predominantly in the brain's default mode network (DMN) and the prefrontal cortex (PFC). These alterations have been correlated with a decrease in self-oriented cognitive processes, an uptick in positive emotional states, and the facilitation of neuroplasticity. When compared with standard antidepressant medications, the symptomatic improvements seen with psilocybin were largely equivalent. Preclinical investigations have also underlined psilocybin's potential in augmenting neural plasticity and neurogenesis, thus hinting at its possible utility in the fields of neurosurgery and neurooncology

Effect of the SARS COV-2 virus on diabetes symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment

Because COVID-19 has been recognised as one of the most important pandemics in the history of humankind, in recent years many scientists have investigated the effect of the disease on various aspects of mental and physical human health. This article presents a literature review regarding the effect of SARS CoV-2 infection on the symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment of diabetes. It discusses the effect of infection with virus SARS-CoV-2 on the course of type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as the frequency of occurrence of the disease in patients affected by COVID-19. Moreover, it presents information on the pharmacotherapy and way of providing services by doctors during the pandemic. According to the literature, infection with virus SARS CoV-2 causes a general inflammation of the organisms and numerous metabolic and hormonal disturbances, and therefore affects the course of diabetes. It may lead not only to serious metabolic complications in the course of early diabetes, but also to the development of the disease. It was determined that infection with COVID-19 in diabetes patients (mainly type 2) increases the risk of complications (such as acute respiratory failure, multi-organ failure, and death).  &nbsp

The Use of Botulinum Toxin in Medicine: Safety and Efficacy Based on the Latest Research

Introduction and aim of the study: Botulinum toxin, produced by anaerobic bacteria of the Clostridium botulinum family, is one of the most potent organic compounds known to man. Despite its toxicity, it has found widespread use in medicine. From applications in aesthetic medicine, through the treatment of various disease entities, botulinum toxin has become an extremely valuable tool in the hands of doctors. The aim of this study is to review the latest research on the use of botulinum in medicine, with an emphasis on its safety and effectiveness.   Methodology: The review work is mainly based on articles searched in the Pubmed and Google Scholar databases in the years 2016-2023. The study was conducted by reviewing keywords such as "botulin", "botulin toxin", "botulin treatment", "botulin aesthetic". Current state of knowledge: Botulinum is used in the treatment of such disease entities as hyperhidrosis, cervical dystonia, migraines, neurogenic bladder, as well as in the treatment of scars and wrinkles. The use of botulinum in medicine is safe, provided that it is used by qualified specialists and in appropriate doses. An area that requires further research is the impact of long-term botulinum therapy on the antibodies produced against the toxin. Additionally, an important area for further research is patient monitoring, appropriate dose adjustment and frequency of administration, which in turn can increase the effectiveness of treatment. Summary: Botulinum toxin is an effective tool in medicine, which has many applications. However, as with any drug, it requires appropriate use and understanding of potential side effects. Further research and education are key to fully exploiting its potential and assessing the risk associated with long-term use

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia – a new perspective on prevention and treatment

Introduction   Premature birth is one of the most common problems in neonatal care and affects from 6 to 14% of pregnancies (frequency depends on geographical factors) [1].  Prematurity is the cause of almost half of deaths of children younger than 5 years old [3].  The most frequent and one of the most severe risks of preterm births is bronchopulmonary dysplasia (also called a chronic lung disease in some sources).   Aim of the study   The aim of this study is to collect data on both new and traditional ways of prevention and treatment of chronic lung disease in a population of infants born preterm (<37 weeks of gestational age).  Materials and methods  The work was created based on the articles available in PubMed and Google Scholar databases and available scientific literature. Publications were searched in English and Polish  using the following keywords: bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic lung disease of the newborns, pulmonary hypertension in bronchopulmonary dysplasia, stem cells in bronchopulmonary dysplasia.  Results  Although bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a common problem among children born preterm, there is still a limited amount of possibilities of prevention and treatment of this condition. Despite efforts of scientists, many children with this condition suffer from both short-term and long-term consequences, such as frequent infections, asthma and impaired growth and neurodevelopment.    Summary  In the last twenty years the survival rate of children born preterm rapidly increased thank to the development of neonatal care. Up to 20% of children born with body weight less than 1500g will develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia. That is why there is a need for further research on the topic of bronchopulmonary dysplasia management, especially when it comes to biomarkers, use of mesenchymal stem cells and treatment of pulmonary hypertension.  &nbsp

The Role of high flow nasal therapy in Intensive Care Units

Introduction and purpose: High Flow Nasal Therapy is quite new respiratory support method, although recently it became more popular – especially during COVID-19 pandemic. Physiological mechanisms as well as main applications were observed and described in several randomized controlled trias and metaanalisys. The purpose of this review is to present fundamental studies and indicate applications of this method. Brief description of the state of knowladge: Breathing mixture with a maximum flow 60l/min needs to be heated and humidified to protect the airways from dryness. Optimal humidity improves mucocilary clearance, reduces inflammation of the airways and energy expenditure, especially in acute respiratory failure. High flow nasal therapy may imrpove the mechanics of breathing also by washout of nasopharyngeal dead space and generating positive airway pressure during exhalation, which keeps airways open and prevents the alveoli from collapsing. High flow therapy can be use in many different applications but at Intensive Care Unit the most important are: acute hypoxemia, during extubation or rest breaks from NIV. It is important to monitor the patient and predict the need for intubation on time. There are physiological states that we shoud focus on: respiratory rate, dyspnea or work of breathing, but it is good to know ROX index which can be helpful to assess the success of the therapy. Summary (conlcusions): High flow nasal therapy is a simple and safety respiratory support method that can be applicable at Intensive Care Units. It can lower the intubation numbers and help during NIV rest breaks. High flow nasal therapy is a very promising method for all patients with respiratory failure but it is important to monitor the patient and not delay the intubation

The Influence of obesity and overweight on the incidence of gastrointestinal tumors - a systematic review of the literature

Introduction: The percentage of the population struggling with the problem of obesity has been steadily increasing in recent years, both among adults and children. Obesity is a chronic disease resulting from a positive energy balance, which does not tend to disappear spontaneously. The etiology of obesity is multidimensional, it is caused by genetic, environmental and behavioral factors. As a result, excessive amounts of adipose tissue are deposited in the body, which leads to an increased risk of various systemic diseases, including cancers of the digestive system. Aim of the study: This review aims to show the relationship between overweight and obesity and the increased incidence of gastrointestinal cancers. Materials and methods: An analysis of previous works present in the PubMed database was performed, using the following keywords: obesity, overweight, obesity and cancer, cancer. Results: The results of the presented publications show the presence of a positive correlation between overweight and obesity, especially abdominal and the occurrence of gastrointestinal cancers

The use of platelet-rich plasma in osteoarthritis - the current state of knowledge

Introduction and objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition characterized by progressive damage to the joint cartilage and bone. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained increasing interest as a potential therapeutic approach for relieving symptoms and improving joint function. The aim of this article is to present the current knowledge regarding the PRP preparation method, mechanisms of action, and treatment outcomes in OA based on scientific literature and recent research. Materials and methods: A review of scientific literature available on Google Scholar, PubMed, and Via Medica journal database was conducted using relevant keywords. State of knowledge: Platelet-rich plasma is obtained from the patient's own blood using differential centrifugation method, resulting in a concentration of platelets (PLT) that is 300-700% higher compared to the baseline. PLTs release various biologically active substances, including growth factors, which stimulate tissue repair and regeneration processes. Numerous studies have shown that PRP administration in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and hip joints leads to pain reduction and improved joint function. The therapeutic effect yields long-lasting results, lasting up to 12 months after the completion of the treatment. Conclusions: The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of osteoarthritis presents a promising alternative to conventional therapies. However, further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of PRP on a larger sample size and assess the long-term effects of this therapy. Knowledge regarding dosage, treatment protocols, and the duration of therapy remains limited