Introduction: Neoplasms are the second most frequent cause of death in the pediatric population. In Poland, approximately 1100-1200 new cases of malignant neoplasms are diagnosed annually. Communication is an extremely important factor in pediatric oncology care. Hence, more and more research on its functions, significance, but also barriers and limitations is being developed.  Material, methods, purpose: The literature published in the PubMed scientific database was searched using the following keywords: communication, pediatrics, oncology in 2016-2022. The aim of this review is to show the barriers, functions, and the importance of communication in pediatric oncology for the therapeutic process.  Results: Communication in pediatric oncology was shown to perform the following functions: building relationships, exchanging information, enabling the family to self-manage, making decisions, managing uncertainty, responding to emotions, providing validation, and supporting hope. It was also noted that high-quality communication is associated with parental peace, increased recognition and confidence in healthcare professionals. Parents who receive understandable prognostic information have found less regret, as well as a desire to maximize time spent together with their child. Research shows communication barriers on many levels, such as: lack of comfort in difficult topics, time pressure, or the lack of a common mental model of the team and excessive demands. However, knowing these limitations is crucial to improving and overcoming these barriers. Conclusions: Communication in pediatric oncology plays many fundamental roles and constitutes an important aspect of the therapeutic process. Accordingly, it is important to emphasize the development and improvement of healthcare professionals' communication skills. Doctors can use knowledge of communication functions to better understand and fulfill parents' communication needs.

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder most common in women in reproductive age. The global incidence varies from 6% to 20% depending on the diagnostic criteria used, and is also the most common cause of infertility. This disease is related to insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Berberine is a compound that affects the cardiovascular system and carbohydrate metabolism, which is why there are attempts to introduce it into the therapy of patients with PCOS. Material and methods: The literature was reviewed in the PubMed scientific base in the years 2012-2022 using the following keywords: berberine, polycystic ovary syndrome. Results: Research show that the use of berberine may have a positive effect on the waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio, improve lipid parameters, lower the concentration of androgens, and reduce insulin resistance. In addition, a promising effect is the stabilization of the menstrual cycle and improvement of ovulation. There are reports that this drug may also restore the normal composition of the intestinal microflora disrupted in PCOS. Side effects are rare and mild, which confirms the safety of this substance. Conclusions: Polycystic ovary syndrome affects many women, leading to numerous and serious side effects, so it is important to develop an effective treatment with as few side effects as possible. Berberine is a promising prospect, but more studies are needed on larger groups of patients to confirm these reports and develop an effective treatment regimen. Keywords: berberine, polycystic ovary syndrome.

Introduction: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a polysaccharide classified in the group of glycosaminoglycans. Naturally it occurs in the dermis and is responsible for the elasticity of the skin. In medicine, it can be found cross-linked, partially cross-linked or non-cross-linked, which is associated with different densities and the ability to bind water molecules. It (HA) is used in many areas, including ophthalmology, rheumatology, and dermatology. There are many studies and reports, that it can be used in gynecology and obstetrics in various diseases.Material and methods: The PubMed scientific base was reviewed in 2015-2022 using the keywords hyaluronic acid, gynecology, obstetrics.Results: Intrauterine adhesions are a complication of various procedures performed in the uterine cavity, from curettage to removal of the septum or uterine fibroids. Numerous studies suggest, that hyaluronic acid may be an effective agent in preventing formation of adhesions. For menopausal women, it may relieve symptoms associated with vaginal atrophy. Indocyanine green is used for intraoperative visualization of neoplastic tissues and used in case of cervical cancer. There are reports, that stating hyaluronic acid can increase stability of this substance, which can improve imaging. In the case of hyaluronic acid in the form of vaginal gel, a beneficial effect on hydration and sexual function of women both after childbirth and after menopause was noticed. There are reports of its use in prevention of ovarian failure after chemotherapy and its positive aspects in assisted reproductive techniques.Conclusions: Hyaluronic acid can be used in many gynecological and obstetric diseases, positively influencing the life of women in both fertility and sexual areas and also in the group of cancer patients. Therefore, further large, randomized, multicentre studies confirming action of this substance, determining its dose, method and schedule of administration are important.

Introduction: Gestational diabetes (GDM) is any hyperglycemic condition that has appeared for the first time in previously healthy pregnant women. The incidence varies from 1% to 20% and is constantly increasing. GDM results in numerous complications for both the fetus and the mother. Adipokines are a group of protein hormones and cytokines that are secreted by adipose tissue. They affect glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, appetite, and immune response. Due to their involvement in these processes, there are more and more reports that adipokines influence the pathomechanism of gestational diabetes.  Material and methods, aim: The literature in the PubMed scientific database published in 2015-2022 was searched using the keywords: gestational diabetes, adipokines. The aim of this review is to present the role of adipokines in the pathomechanism of gestational diabetes as well as their potential role in the detection and treatment of this condition.  Results: The pathophysiology of gestational diabetes is not fully understood. It has been noted that mothers with GDM have elevated levels of leptin. In turn, the level of adiponectin is lower in women with gestational diabetes compared to healthy women. Adipokines such as visphatin, resistin or chimerin are also suspected of a possible role in the pathomechanism of the disease. These reports could lead to the discovery of a biomarker for the rapid detection of GDM.  Conclusions: Gestational diabetes is a common disease in pregnancy, the incidence of which is constantly increasing. Its complications are dangerous for both the mother and her baby. That is why research is important that will allow us to learn about its pathomechanism, to detect it faster, and to prevent it. Studies using adipokines show promising results, hence the urgent need for more randomized, multicentre studies to better understand their role in gestational diabetes.

Introduction: Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child for at least 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse and may affect up to 15% of couples of reproductive age. Reduced semen quality may be caused by trauma, inflammation, or an inappropriate lifestyle. Research suggests that diet may be a factor in influencing sperm parameters.Material and methods: The literature of the PubMed scientific base was searched in 2015-2022 using the following keywords: semen, diet, infertility.Results: Analyzes of eating patterns showed that eating a diet high in red meat, high-fat dairy, sweet energy drinks, and snacks could negatively affect semen, and a pattern based on the consumption of fish, chicken, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains was associated with with an increased concentration of sperm. A high-fat diet (HFD) leads to obesity, endocrine disorders, dysbiosis of the intestinal microflora, and may be a factor that activates autophagy, which results in reduced sperm quality. A ketogenic diet can positively affect the semen of obese, infertile men. Studies analyzing the Mediterranean diet suggest that higher compliance rates are associated with a higher percentage of mobility as well as a reduced risk of low sperm concentration. The way you prepare your meals can also play a role as glycation end products are produced when grilling, baking and frying, which can damage sperm DNA.Conclusions: Diet may be an important factor influencing the quality of sperm in men, however, there is a need for further extensive, multi-center studies that will systematize this knowledge, which will enable the creation of specific nutritional recommendations for this group of people.