Exploring the Potential of Lactoferrin in Neonatology and Obstetrics - Promising Advancements for Maternal and Infant Health

Introduction and purpose: Lactoferrin (Lf), a glycoprotein found in body fluids, plays a key role in many of the biological mechanisms that occur in the human body. Over the years, more and more studies have contributed to the expansion of the clinical applications of lactoferrin. In this article, we want to focus on using lactoferrin in Neonatology and Obstetrics. The applications of lactoferrin in obstetrics continue to expand, some of which include the prevention of preterm delivery (PTD) and anaemia in pregnant women. Lf also helps to reduce the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis in newborns by mobilising the immune system and participating in the defence against pathogens and has been under investigation as a potential therapeutic agent for genital infections. The aim of this review is to summarise the current state of knowledge, regarding lactoferrin's broad spectrum of action and to highlight its potential therapeutic applications in these contexts.   State of knowledge: This article aims to review the current knowledge on the properties of the lactoferrin and its applications in medicine, especially neonatology and obstetrics. Studies available in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases were included in the analysis.   Conclusion: While lactoferrin shows promise in improving neonatal and maternal health, additional research is required to fully understand its precise mechanisms of action and optimise its use as a therapeutic agent. There is also a need for further studies to assess the safety and efficacy of lactoferrin in a variety of patient populations. Despite the challenges, lactoferrin continues to be an intriguing subject of scientific research, with potential therapeutic benefits in various medical fields

What kind of therapeutic solutions for Graves’ disease does modern medicine propose? - a review of the literature

Background: Graves' disease is responsible for 60-80% causes of hyperthyreosis. An important role in the pathogenesis is played by anti-TSHR immunoglobulins (TRAb), that stimulate TSH receptors leading to excessive hormone synthesis and release by the gland. The aim of the study: This study was designed to summarise the current state of knowledge on the diagnosis, pathogenesis and methods of treatment used for Graves' disease. Materials and methods: We reviewed the literature available in the PubMed database using the following keywords: "Graves' disease", "Graves' pathogenesis", "Graves' diagnosis", "Graves' treatment”. Results: Graves' disease develops as a result of as well genetic as environmental factors. The diagnosis is based on physical examination, and laboratory & imaging studies. Several therapeutic options are currently used. Pharmacotherapy with thyreostatics is used either as a stand-alone method or as a preparation for a radical treatment - radioactive iodine ablation and thyroidectomy, which is the surgical removal of the gland. The treatment form is recommended to be selected individually depending on each patient, indications and co-morbidities. Developing research into the etiology of the disease is an opportunity to develop newer and efficient methods of causal treatment.  Summary: Graves' disease is an autoimmune thyroid disorder with a multiple factor etiology. A variety of therapeutic approaches are currently used: treatment with antithyrodid drugs, radioactive iodine ablation and the surgical resection of the thyroid gland. A more detailed understanding of the mechanisms causing the development of the disease offers prospects for the creation of innovative and more efficient therapeutic modalities

Legume - an inconspicuous fighter against the metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is metabolic alterations characterised by dysglycemia, raised blood pressure, elevated triglyceride levels, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and obesity. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality and the prevalence of it has been increasing in recent years. A significant impact on the risk to develop MetS has dietary habits. Many studies emphasise legume consumption advantages contributing to a decrease of a cluster of metabolic risk factors. The most effective range daily legume consumption is between 55 and 70 g/day. Some varieties of legumes can reform blood pressure by ACE inhibitory activity. Soybean protein hydrolysis showed an advantageous effect on lipid profile by HMGCR inhibitory activity. Legume intake seems to be a valuable predictor of decreasing BMI and abdominal adiposity because of high fibre levels and regulation of adiponectin and 8-epi-PGF2α in obese subjects. Increasing part of legumes as a protein and carbohydrates source in diet, significantly reduces the risk of glucose-insulin homeostasis disorders. Evidently, legumes have comprehensive dietary advantages. However more data and further research on the long-term effects of legumes on metabolic alterations are  required to elucidate their effective health implications. Present review is based on articles accessible on pubmed service

Is breast cancer a civilization disease? Common components of type 2 diabetes and breast cancer

Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common civilization diseases.The incidence of this disease has been increasing over the last few decades. Research is still being conducted to show the relationship between diabetes and other diseases. Based on these studies, it can be concluded that it also plays a role in the development of cancer. In this review, we focus on analyzing studies on the relationship between type 2 diabetes and breast cancer. We show the influence of diabetes components on the pathomechanism of breast cancer development. We focus on hyperinsulinemia, inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, and obesity, which often accompany type 2 diabetes. Based on the analyzed studies, it can be concluded that type 2 diabetes is a significant factor contributing to cancerous processes associated with breast cancer. In this review, we used articles available in the PubMed database

Parkinson's disease - a significant neurological challenge. Current knowledge of etiology, diagnosis and treatment

Introduction: Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, affecting several million people worldwide. In the current diagnosis, the most important thing is to watch for individual symptoms, which appear at different stages of the disease and can worsen over time. The wide variation in symptoms may suggest that they are the result of other diseases. It is a disease with an unknown underlying cause, and is incurable. Aim of the study: Summary of current knowledge regarding diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease. Material and methods: Review of articles from the PubMed database using the following terms: “Parkinson's disease”, “diagnosis”, “treatment”, “genetics”, “levodopa”, ”α-synuclein”. Results: The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is still based on the clinical picture of the patient. In recent years, research has been underway to develop new biomarkers for the disease that would allow faster detection. The treatment used is based on delaying the progression of the disease and its symptoms. Treatment mainly involves levodopa with carbidopa and drugs to reduce the severity of individual symptoms, in some cases surgical methods are used. Conclusions: Parkinson's disease poses a challenge to doctors because of its unknown cause and incurability. In recent years, a lot of new information has emerged about factors contributing to its onset, such as genetic factors. Treatment, which is mainly based on pharmacotherapy, should be enriched to a greater extent with physical activity adapted by specialists, physiotherapy treatments and also speech exercises, with the aim of making it easier to cope with bothersome symptoms and improve daily life

Unveiling the power of diet and lifestyle in managing Crohn’s disease

Introduction: Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract. Onset, progression, complications and treatment are influenced by many genetic, environmental and dietary factors. Dietary management is very useful in a variety of gastrointestinal diseases, including CD. Some nutrients have been studied in animal models to exacerbate the disease, while others have strong scientific evidence from large studies in human populations, allowing conclusions to be drawn about their impact on the disease. Dietary management is now a well-established and important part of treatment, in addition to the use of systemic corticosteroids, aminosalicylates, immunomodulators (e.g. azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus) or biologic therapies. State of knowledge: To test the associations between the intake of specific macronutrients and the course of CD, we searched the PubMed database focusing on articles about the effects of consumed food components and stimulants on the onset and progression of CD. Conclusion: Nutritional treatment plays an important role in the management of CD. An appropriate diet can make a significant contribution to reducing inflammation and attenuating the course and exacerbations of the disease. The intake of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber and certain food additives has been shown in studies to influence the onset and course of CD

Revolutionizing radical prostatectomy - a comparative study of traditional and modern automated surgical techniques

Introduction and purpose: Prostate cancer is a common malignancy seen worldwide and second most common cancer among Polish men as well as globally. The symptoms of prostate cancer depend on severity of the cancer. Prostate cancer diagnosis is typically established through physical examination- digital rectal examination (DRE), PSA (prostate specific antigen) testing and confirmed by histopathological examination. The choice of treatment method depends on many factors: disease severity, risk assessment (based on PSA, TNM and Gleason score), age of the patient and expected survival time. Treatment include surgery, hormone therapy, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. In some cases, the combination of methods can be used to achieve better outcomes.   One of available treatment option is radical prostatectomy which includes open radical prostatectomy (ORP), laparoscopic and laparoscopic robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). We aimed at presenting various outcomes comparing open radical prostatectomy and robot assisted radical prostatectomy. State of knowledge: In order to carry out the review of the topic we began to collect information and comprehensive research in PubMed database. The analysis focused on the treatment of prostate cancer especially radical prostatectomy methods, the course of surgical procedure, postoperative care, oncological results, intraoperative and postoperative complications. Conclusion: ORP and RARP ae two surgical procedures used in prostate cancer treatment. Both of them involve removal of the prostate gland but also have a multiplicity of differences. RARP is safe and less invasive alternative to ORP with shorter postoperative hospitalization. However, ORP is known for no necessity for expensive specialized equipment such as Da Vinci or Versius robot surgery system and shorter operative time

Acute renal colic / renal stones – problematic common disease. Current knowledge on etiology, diagnosis and treatments

Introduction: An attack of renal colic as a result of kidney stones is one of the most common urological emergencies, with a wide spectrum of severity that generates high morbidity and high health costs. However, there is no single pharmacological treatment regimen for its acute phase. Renal colic is described as one of the worst types of pain, and effective analgesia in the shortest possible time is of paramount importance Aim of the study: Summary of current knowledge on the treatment of Acute renal colic / renal stones. The main purpose of our work is to review and summarize the various recommended options for the treatment of acute renal colic attack and prevention of recurrent urolithiasis depending on the type of stones and also to price the efficacy and safety profile of various drugs used in this ailment and to propose a practical treatment regimen. Material and methods: We conducted a literature search in PubMed using the terms "acute renal colic," "renal colic treatment," "anti-inflammatory drugs," "renal stones," and "fluid therapy." The most relevant clinical trials, meta-analyses and systematic reviews published from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2022 in English and Spanish were reviewed. Results: In various studies reviewed, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) show better pain control, with lower doses and fewer side effects than treatment with opioids. Complete cure in kidney stones is rare due to the frequent recurrence of the disease. Although acute attacks of renal colic are rare in the patients studied, many patients show improvement after taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Opioids and fluid therapy are reserved for subsequent lines of treatment and also have proven benefits in relieving symptoms

A breakthrough in acute coronary syndrome diagnostics – transdermal troponin assessment

Introduction and purpose: The measurement of cardiac troponins, besides ECG and basic patient examination, is a vital component of the diagnosis and management of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including unstable angina (UA), non-ST and ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI, STEMI). Traditionally cardiac troponins have been measured through blood samples, but a new method of transdermal wrist measurement has emerged as a promising alternative. The potential benefits of transdermal troponin measurement are numerous. First and foremost, the non-invasive nature of the method means that patients can be diagnosed “on the spot” and monitored in real time without the need for repeated blood draws, vastly reducing the time for diagnosis and patient qualification for invasive treatment, percutaneous coronary intervention - PCI, if needed. The coronary syndrome is the number 1 cause of death in developed countries which includes morbidity and mortality. With the invention of transdermal troponin assessment device, we can increase the life expectancy and the quality of life in the group of patients with acute coronary syndrome and most importantly, decrease the total turnaround time of diagnosis and significantly reduce the workload in the emergency department

The Buttered Knuckles of the Martial Arts World – A Comprehensive Review on Boxer’s Knuckle

Introduction: Boxer's knuckle is a common injury that occurs due to repetitive trauma to the hand, often seen in those who engage in boxing or other similar combat sports. It is a painful condition that can cause swelling, tenderness, and limited movement in the affected area. In some cases, boxer's knuckle can be severe enough to require medical attention and even surgery. This injury can have a significant impact on an athlete's training and overall performance, and it is important to take preventative measures to avoid its occurrence. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for boxer's knuckle is essential for any athlete who regularly engages in combat sports or any activity that involves repeated hand trauma. Objective of the study:The objective of this review study is to analyze and summarize the literature related to boxer's knuckle, including its epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and management. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the condition, its causes, risk factors, and treatments, and to identify the gaps and limitations in the existing literature. Furthermore, this review intends to provide evidence-based recommendations and guidelines for the prevention, assessment, and treatment of boxer's knuckle in athletes and other individuals who are at risk of developing the condition. Ultimately, the study seeks to contribute to the development of a more precise and effective approach to managing this common hand injury. Material and methods: Review of PubMed articles using the following keywords: “mcp joint rupture boxing”, “boxer's knuckle”, “metacarpophalangeal joint boxing”, “extensor hood injuries”. Additionally, related articles proposed by the PubMed website were checked. Single citations that were not in the PubMed database but, in the opinion of the authors, contained valuable knowledge worthy of inclusion in the article were also reviewed