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.

Introduction and purpose: Isotretinoin, the vitamin A derivative, has been commonly used in treatment of acne vulgaris for years. Despite its unquestionable efficacy, chronic oral isotretinoin treatment leads to multiple side effects. The aim of study is analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence during oral isotretinoin treatment and their impact on physical activity.Material and methods: The study was conducted using the original survey questionnaire shared online among members of Polish group of patients treated for acne. Total of 196 responses were analyzed and compared with up-to-date literature related to the topic.Results: 86,7% of respondents reported at least one of the musculoskeletal symptoms. The most common were back pain (82,7%), fatigue and lethargy (70,4%), myalgia (55,1%) and arthalgia (32,1%). In 97,6% cases adverse effects were developed within the first 6 months of treatment. In 64,2% they persisted during the whole therapy, sometimes even beyond. Due to musculoskeletal side effects, in 2,4% cases dose reduction was necessary, 1,8% of respondents had to stop treatment and 48% had to limit or stop physical activity. 71,4% of repondents reported that lower back pain occurred or escalated during isotretinoin treatment.Conclusions: Prevalence of reported musculoskeletal symptoms is very high and totals 86,7%. They result in prolonged limiting or stopping of physical activity in almost 50% of people. Although musculoskeletal symptoms are typically benign, possibility of severe disorders and potential permanent effects must be taken into consideration.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the role of the complement system in a therapy of the ANCA- associated vasculitis.   Methods and materials: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed MEADLINE database of medical publications using the following keywords: the complement system, AVV, C5a inhibitor, avacopan   Results: The complement system is a crucial part of the human immune system. Its cascade is involved in the pathogenesis of many disease entities, especially those with an inflammatory response. As anaphylatoxin, this is especially true of the C5a protein. C5a receptors are distributed mainly on tissue inflammatory cells, e.g. macrophages, mast cells, and endothelial cells. Therefore a C5a receptor inhibitor may reduce the inflammatory response of the body. This mechanism is used by the Avacopan, a newly approved drug for the treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis as the main indication. Tavneos (avacopan) was only introduced in the UE in January 2022, as the first new drug to treat AVV in over a decade.   Conclusion: The C5a receptor inhibitor – Avacopan might be the future of a glucocorticoids-free or glucocorticoids – low dose therapy of ANCA-associated vasculitis. As the ADVOCATE clinical trial shows, Avacopan was neither superior, nor inferior to prednisone tamper with respect to sustained remission at 26 weeks, but proved to be superior with sustaining remission at 52 weeks. All the patients received rituximab or cyclophosphamide as a form of therapy.   Keywords: the complement system; C5a receptor inhibitor, AVV; Avacopan

The risk of developing psoriasis in alcohol-dependent patients and possible therapeutic strategies. The literature review.

Study on the state of knowledge of medical students about the glycemic index of popular food products in Poland. A survey study.