Nikolay Bondarenko

The appearance of a cold sore on the lips often puts one’s personal life on hold, raising doubts: is even a brief kiss safe? Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is characterized by lifelong persistence in nerve ganglia and is easily transmitted through microscopic damage to mucous membranes. We break down the clinical differences between HSV-1 and HSV-2, the phenomenon of asymptomatic viral shedding, and modern evidence-based protocols for protecting your partner and newborns.

Gilbert syndrome (benign unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia) is an inherited disorder of pigment metabolism caused by a mutation in the UGT1A1 gene. The condition is characterized by intermittent elevations of unconjugated bilirubin while liver function remains normal. Despite its benign nature, Gilbert syndrome requires specific lifestyle modifications and careful use of certain medications. In this article, we examine the pathogenesis of the disorder and effective management strategies.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have revolutionized gastroenterology, becoming the gold standard for the treatment of acid-related disorders. However, growing evidence has raised concerns about their overprescription and unnecessary long-term use. Prolonged PPI therapy has been associated with a range of potentially serious adverse effects, including alterations in the gut microbiome, nutrient malabsorption, kidney injury, and increased cardiovascular risk. In this article, we review the current evidence on the safety of long-term PPI use and discuss modern deprescribing strategies designed to reduce the dose gradually while maintaining symptom control and restoring normal gastric physiology.