Selected genetic factors increasing risk of neoplasia

Introduction: Neoplasia is defined as abnormal and excessive growth of selected tissue. Several factors, such as mutations in selected genes, can increase the risk of cancer expansion in human body. The aim of the article is to review the selected genetic factors which increase the risk of neoplasia and results of their presence in the human body. Material and methods: Articles in the Google Scholar, Pub Med database have been analysed using keywords: cancer, neoplasia, genetic factors, driver genes, cancer transformation, older people. Results: The aim of several genes is repairing damaged or dysfunctional DNA and preventing cells from abnormal or excessive. Mutations in selected genes cause inhibited production of the gene protein product or a change in its function, which increase the risk of neoplasia. The presence of mutated genes results in the initiation of the process leading to expansion of cancer cells in selected tissue. Moreover, a genetic mutation can lead to syndrome of tumors occurring in several organs. However, the increasement of cancer risk is related to numerous mutations, whereas the minority of carcinomas occur because of congenital gene defect and the majority is caused by environmental factors which contribute to creating various mutations. Conclusions: Thanks to the development of genetics in the field of medicine and introduction of genetic tests, the process of diagnosis of several tumors and syndromes is more efficient than in the past. The occurrence of mutation in genes, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, VHL, MSH2 and MLH1 and many more, relates to presence of selected tumors. By the introduction of pharmacogenetics, dozens of molecular-targeted drugs are used in the treatment of several types of cancers leading the achievement of therapeutic success. Nevertheless, the genetic background of many types of cancers is unknown and needs further study, as well as drugs targeting at selected genes mutations requires more development and guidelines in the treatment process. Keywords: cancer; neoplasia; genetic factors; driver genes; cancer transformation; older people

Pharmacotherapy of depression in palliative patients

Introduction: Depression often affects people suffering from serious illnesses, including oncological and palliative patients. It reduces their quality of life and worsens their prognosis. This is why it is so important to properly treat depression in palliative patients. Material and Methods: The information provided was collected as a result of analysis of various articles and textbooks on development, diagnosis and treatment, as well as prevention of depression in terminally ill patients using Google Scholar and PubMed databases. Results: The results show that the most common drug in therapy for palliative patients with depression are the sluggish serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs inhibit serotonin transporter reducing serotonin reuptake. This raises the level of neurotransmitter - serotonin - in the synaptic cleft. They are well tolerated and have fewer side effects than older antidepressants (tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors). Tricyclic antidepressants may relieve neuropathic pain and they are also beneficial for patients with insomnia. Mirtazapine in addition to antidepressant effects also causes increasing appetite, reducing nausea and sedative effect. In cancer-diagnosed patients particular attention should be paid to side effects such as nausea and vomiting that may occur in patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy using SSRIs or TCAs. SSRI therapy have a good safety profile and also interacts less frequently, while atypical antipsychotics may reduce the discomforts of taking chemotherapy. An alternative method of treating depression is the use of psychostimulants such as methylphenidate. Another way to treat depression is psychotherapy. Conclusions: There are several options for treating depression in palliative patients. It is important to pay attention to the side effects of prescribed medicines. Nevertheless, the best results are obtained by combining pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy

The impact of artificial sweeteners on the risk and course of large intestinal adenocarcinoma in the elderly

There are many confirmed risk factors for development of the colorectal cancer, which is one of the most common malignant tumor among both females and males. Moreover, it is a cause of significant percentage of all cancer-related deaths. Even with treatment, the 5-year survival rate is very low. We concentrate on impact of artificial sweeteners on risk and course of adenocarcinoma of colon

Abnormal muscle tension as one of the main problems after a stroke

Background: Stroke is a growing problem in an aging society. According to WHO data, it is the second most common cause of death. An increase in the number of strokes causes an increase in the number of patients struggling with its consequences. People who have suffered a stroke are dealing with various neurological defects. One of them is abnormal muscle tension. Material and methods: Analysis of available literature, articles in the Google Scholar and PubMed database using keywords: stroke, muscle tension, spasticity. Results: The problem of disturbed tension is common in people who have had a stroke. Spasticity, i.e. increased muscle tone in response to stretching, results from damage to the central nervous system. Direct and indirect methods are used to assess spasticity. In the fight against destroyed muscle tension, it is important to implement treatment as soon as possible. It is based on the use of various forms of therapy: pharmacotherapy and physiotherapy. Physiotherapy and kinesitherapy treatments as well as specialized rehabilitation methods, such as PNF. The rehabilitation process should be supplemented with appropriate pharmacological treatment. Equally important is the implementation of stroke prevention. These activities are associated with the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, for example, regular exercise and stress reduction. Conclusion: Muscle tension disorder, including spasticity, is a problem affecting many patients who have had a stroke. A timely diagnosis is important to get the right therapy. Treatment should have a holistic dimension and combine different methods. The goal of therapy is to normalize muscle tone and thus improve the patient's quality of life

A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo Control Study on the Effect of a Blood Flow Restriction by an Inflatable Cuff Worn around the Arm on the Wrist Joint Position Sense in Healthy Recreational Athletes

The number of blood flow restriction (BFR) training practitioners is rapidly increasing, so understanding the safety issues associated with limb occlusion is strongly needed. The present study determined the effect of BFR by an inflatable cuff worn around the arm on the wrist joint position sense (JPS) in healthy recreational athletes. In the prospective randomized, double-blind placebo control study, sixty healthy right-handed recreational athletes aged x = 22.93 ± 1.26 years were assigned to groups of equal size and gender rates: BFR, placebo, and control. The active wrist JPS was assessed in two separate sessions using an isokinetic dynamometer. The first assessment was performed with no cuffs. In the second session, a cuff with a standardized pressure was worn on the examined limb in the BFR group. In the placebo group, the cuff was uninflated. A between-session comparison in each group of collected angular errors expressed in degrees was carried out. The angular error in the BFR group was larger during the second measurement than the first one (p = 0.011–0.336). On the contrary, in the placebo (p = 0.241–0.948) and control (p = 0.093–0.904) groups, the error value in the second session was comparable or smaller. It was determined that BFR by an inflatable cuff around the arm impairs the wrist position sense. Hence, BFR training should be performed with caution

Well-being in Isolation: Exploring Artistic Immersive Virtual Environments in a Simulated Lunar Habitat to Alleviate Asthenia Symptoms

Revived interest in lunar and planetary exploration is heralding a new era for human spaceflight, characterized by frequent strain on astronaut’s mental well-being, which stems from increased exposure to isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) conditions. Whilst Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) has been employed to facilitate self-help interventions to mitigate challenges caused by isolated environments in several domains, its applicability in support of future space expeditions remains largely unexplored. To address this limitation, we administered the use of distinct IVR environments to crew members (n=5) partaking in a simulated lunar habitat study. Utilizing a Bayesian approach to scrutinize small group data, we discovered a significant relationship between IVR usage and a reduction in perceived stress-related symptoms, particularly those associated with asthenia (syndrome often linked to chronic fatigue and weakness; a condition characterized by feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion that can be amplified in ICE conditions). The reductions were most prominent with the use of interactive virtual environments. The ’Aesthetic Realities’ - virtual environments conceived as art exhibits - received exceptional praise from our participants. These environments mark a fascinating convergence of art and science