So far, the rate of HIV-positive people who do not know their sero-status is about 14% and the percentage is higher among transgender women (TGW). They represent one of the most vulnerable groups to infection. HIV self-testing (HIVST) may be a way to reduce transmission of the virus. The aim of this analysis and in-depth review was to collect available data on factors that may influence the use and dissemination of HIVST among TGW. This review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. All data from 48 papers were used. From the available literature, HIVST is a convenient and preferred method of testing due to its high confidentiality and possibility of being performed at home. However, there are barriers that limit its use, including marginalization of transgender people, stigma by medical personnel, lack of acceptance of sexual partners, and even cultural standards. Therefore, there is a need for activities that promote and inform on the possibility of using HIVST as well as enable easier access to it.
25 May 2022 in Journal of Education, Health and Sport
Introduction: Lung cancer is the number-one cause of death due to neoplasms worldwide. The 5-year overall survival rate is only 22%. In advanced stages, the therapeutic options are limited to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, molecularly targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Phytocannabinoids, the components of Cannabis sativa, their synthetic derivatives and endogenous cannabinoids have demonstrated anticancer activity in various common cancers - breast, prostate, colorectal and lung cancers, among others. The aim of this review was to assess the potential value of cannabinoids in the treatment of lung cancer. State of knowledge: The majority of preclinical studies demonstrates that cannabinoids inhibit lung cancer cell viability both in vitro and in vivo. The main mechanism of anticancer activity is the induction of apoptosis, triggered by activation of CB1, CB2 and TRPV1 receptors or independently via other pathways. Cannabinoids influence the components of the tumour microenvironment - cancer associated fibroblasts, macrophages and lymphokine-activated-killer cells. Cannabinoids alter leukocyte infiltration into anti-cancer proportions, inhibit expression of EGFR and PAI-1 and increase the expression of TIMP-1. As a result they induce cytotoxicity, decrease proliferation, migration and invasive potential of lung cancer cells, suppress angiogenesis and metastasis forming. Patients with advanced lung cancer may also benefit from analgesic, antiemetic and appetite improving properties of cannabinoids. Summary: Cannabinoids can be a supplementary agent in systemic anticancer therapeutic regimen in the future. The exact mechanisms of action, specific doses in anticancer treatment, routes of administration and interactions with other anticancer drugs has yet to be determined. Thus the clinical studies on cannabinoids in lung cancer should be performed in the future.
25 May 2022 in Journal of Education, Health and Sport
Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common problem in adolescents and adults around the world. ADHD is particularly characterized by inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity, and in order to deal with these problems, patients often resort to other methods of treatment in addition to classic pharmacotherapy. Increasing numbers of ADHD patients are self-medicating with cannabis, despite the lack of specific evidence on its efficacy and safety. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to review the most recent available literature on the use of cannabidiol in the treatment of ADHD. For this purpose, PubMed and scopus databases were reviewed. The phrase "cannabidiol and ADHD" was used in the database search. After reviewing the titles and abstracts, 15 articles and articles cited in them were obtained and analyzed in detail. Results: Cannabinoids are reported to have pharmacological anxiolytic, neuroprotective, antidepressant, antipsychotic and hypnotic effects. Single-case studies of patients treated with them show that cannabinoids reduced hyperactivity, improved focus and control of impulsive behavior. Patients also reported side effects of cannabis use, the most common being mild short-term memory problems, dry mouth, sleepiness, and occasional experiences of constant thirst and greater forgetfulness. Most of the acute side effects were related to neuropsychiatric symptoms and were associated with cardiac sympathomimetic effects Conclusion: There is evidence for the effects of cannabinoids on ADHD symptoms as well as the influence of the cannabinoid system on involvement in neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, more controlled clinical trials are needed to determine the effect of cannabis use on ADHD symptoms and the norms of its use in this indication. Keywords cannabidiol, ADHD, literature review
26 August 2022 in Journal of Education, Health and Sport
Introduction: Hericium erinaceus is a medicinal and culinary mushroom that is widely present in the countries of East Asia. Bioactive compounds derived from the fruiting body or its mycelium have many properties, including: antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, as well as hypolipidemic properties. It also has the potential to treat neurological disorders as it contains neurotrophic compounds that can cross the blood-brain barrier. Aim of the study: The aim of this work is to review scientific research on the potential properties of the H. erinaceus in treating diseases of the nervous system. Results: Many studies have shown that Hericium erinaceus can bring the desired effects as a complementary treatment and be an alternative in the treatment of depressive and cognitive disorders and, due to its strong neuroprotective nature, be used in Alzheimer's disease or in post-traumatic brain injury. Most of the cited studies concern experiments carried out on animal models. Conclusion: Due to the evidence of potentially neuroprotective properties of H. erinaceus, there is a need for further clinical trials in humans.
28 July 2020 in Journal of Education, Health and Sport
Introduction: The glycemic index (GI) is a helpful indicator in composing a healthy diet, especially for people at risk of carbohydrate metabolism disorders. High GI products are quickly digested and absorbed in the human body. There is a sharp increase in postprandial glucose and insulin secretion, followed by a rapid decrease in blood glucose level, which results in increased glucagon secretion and increased appetite. A high GI diet may be one of the causes of insulin resistance and obesity.Aim: The aim of the study is to examine the state of knowledge of medical students studying in Poland about the glycemic index of popular food products.Material and Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted. The answers of 140 medical students of polish medical universities were analyzed.Results: Despite the fact that 52.1% of respondents declared that they are interested in the subject of healthy eating, milk chocolate and honey were most often recognized as high GI by the respondents (respectively 90.6% and 84,1% of answers). However, these products are classified as low/medium GI products. A baguette with a very high GI obtained 70.3% of responses. Another product with a medium Gi, boiled potatoes, got 56.5% response.Conclusion: The knowledge of medical students about the glycemic index is not large, despite expressed interest in the subject of healthy eating.
26 August 2022 in Journal of Education, Health and Sport
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the potential role of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) in the therapy of hypertension. Methods and materials: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed MEADLINE database of medical publications using the following keywords: Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing, hypertension, phytoncides Results: Hypertension is a serious problem in the Polish population. The data from the National Health Fund show that in 2020 almost 10 million adult Poles were affected by this disease, and over 14% of the entire pharmacy reimbursement budget was used to reimburse drugs for hypertension. Primary arterial hypertension is caused by a mixture of environmental and genetic factors, including obesity, mental stress, low physical activity, and excessive sodium intake. Although hypertension is usually asymptomatic, it contributes to serious complications such as left ventricular hypertrophy, impaired renal function, changes in the vessels of the retina, and finally to stroke or aortic dissection. The Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) is becoming a worldwide recognized method used in preventative medicine and can play a substantial role in decreasing the number of patients suffering from hypertension. Conclusion: Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and the level of stress hormones, and therefore can be a prophylactic element in preventing the development of hypertension or an element of non-pharmacological therapy for this disease entity. Additionally, it has a positive effect on the immune system.