Telomerase is perceived as an immortality enzyme that enables passing the Hayflick limit. Its main function is telomere restoration but only in a limited group of cells, including cancer cells. Since it is found in a vast majority of cancer cells, it became a natural target for cancer therapy. However, it has much more functions than just altering the metabolism of telomeres-it also reveals numerous so-called non-canonical functions. Thus, a question arises whether it is always beneficial to turn it off when planning a cancer strategy and considering potential side effects? The purpose of this review is to discuss some of the recent discoveries about telomere-independent functions of telomerase in the context of cancer therapy and potential side effects.
Using behavioral economics to create health care system solutions • Policy makers around the world are turning to a new public policy tool-nudge, which is inexpensive and yet effective and highly accepted by society. The article presents selected interventions in the field of behavioral economics, changing human attitudes towards health issues (seasonal influenza vaccination, cancer screening). Reasons, why people make bad decisions and suggestions for actions that could correct them are given. Attention was also drawn to the limitations and threats associated with unreasonable use of behavioral economics tools.
The economic and social dimension of endometriosis • Endometriosis is the second most common disease affecting women at reproductive age. It is accompanied by chronic pelvic pain, and is also a risk factor for infertility. As a chronic disease, it has a significant economic importance to society. The aim of the article is to present the economic and social dimension of endometriosis. Costs related to the disease are: direct costs (related to health care, pharmacotherapy) and indirect costs (resulting among others from workplace absenteeism and productivity loss). The social cost of this disease resulting from impaired fertility is not without significance. The article also present system solutions for endometriosis in Australia, Italy, Spain and France Keywords: endometriosis, health care costs, health policy, patient acceptance of health care.
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