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Introduction and purpose The term "probiotic" rooted in Latin, signifies 'for life,' reflecting the historical use of fermented products for therapeutic purposes. While browsing many websites devoted to healthy eating or popular science topics, we often came across the topic of probiotic food without any confirmation by scientific research. The aim of this paper is to confirm or exclude the presence of probiotics in popular foods. State of knowledge The paper reviews literature on the health benefits of various food that is traditionally considered probiotic, focusing on how they impact on varied health conditions. Defined by the WHO as living microorganisms conferring health benefits when consumed adequately, probiotics, mainly bacteria from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, play a vital role in maintaining gut microbiota balance, regulating digestion, supporting the immune system and influencing mental and cardiovascular health. In addition, the paper also searches for scientific basis for their action. Material and methods A review of the literature available in the “PubMed” and Google Schoolar was conducted. We focused on checking whether the microorganisms contained in pickled food meet the WHO criteria for probiotics. Summary Our review managed to prove the probiotic effect of almost all presented food, except for miso. By reviewing many articles, we shed a lot of uncertainty on the repeated myth about the lack of probiotic effect of cucumbers preserved in vinegar and what is more, we found scientific assumptions about the probiotic effect of vinegar itself. Fermented food contains numerous strains of bacteria that are resistant to acid, bile and temperature in the human digestive tract and can be effectively used as a source of probiotics. Additionally, compared to probiotics from the pharmacy, fermented products provide not only probiotics, but also nutritional value, valuable fiber and vitamins, benefiting to our health.

Introduction and purpose The term "probiotic" rooted in Latin, signifies 'for life,' reflecting the historical use of fermented products for therapeutic purposes. Defined by the WHO as living microorganisms conferring health benefits when consumed adequately, probiotics, mainly bacteria from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, play a vital role in maintaining gut microbiota balance, regulating digestion, supporting the immune system and influencing mental and cardiovascular health. While browsing many websites devoted to healthy eating or popular science topics, we often came across the topic of probiotic food without any confirmation by scientific research. The aim of this paper is to confirm or exclude the presence of probiotics in popular foods. Material and method In our work, we will look at individual products with an emphasis on verifying whether the microorganisms they contain meet the WHO criteria of probiotics. Results Our review managed to prove the probiotic effect of almost all presented food, except for miso. By reviewing many articles, we shed a lot of uncertainty on the repeated myth about the lack of probiotic effect of cucumbers preserved in vinegar and what is more, we found scientific assumptions about the probiotic effect of vinegar itself. Conclusion Fermented food contains numerous strains of bacteria that are resistant to acid, bile and temperature in the human digestive tract and can be effectively used as a source of probiotics. What is more, compared with probiotics from the pharmacy, pickles provide not only probiotics, but also nutritional values, valuable fiber and vitamins. They seem to be a versatile supplement for our health.

Introduction: Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a glycoprotein produced by liver, belonging to the serine protease inhibitor family. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is very common autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by point mutation in SERPINA1 gene. Mutations in the alpha-1 antitrypsin gene lead to production of misfolded AAT resulting in impaired release into the blood. This disorder leads to destruction of connecting tissue especially in lungs and to accumulation of retarded protein in the liver. Purpose: Most studies addressing AAT deficiency focus on presenting symptoms related to the lungs and liver. We want to take a broader look at this issue, so we have closely examined scientific reports on the presentation of the disease in organs other than the lungs and liver. The goal is to gather holistic knowledge about the disease to enhance awareness and treatment. Material and methods: In our paper, we endeavored to address the issue of AAT deficiency comprehensively. We explored symptoms with an emphasis on organs beyond the liver and lungs. We also delved into the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this disease. Discussion: The clinical symptoms of alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency extending beyond the liver and lungs remain inadequately described. We know that AAT deficiency can lead to excessive destruction of connective tissue in any organ, not just the lungs and liver. Unfortunately, this condition continues to go undiagnosed, and the number of scientific publications on symptoms from other organs is too limited. This affects the insufficient attention given by doctors to tissue destruction in organs other than the lungs and liver.

Introduction and purpose: In our work, we focused on presenting the role of collagen supplementation and its impact on skin and joint health. We considered studies discussing the differences in the effects of collagen from various plant and animal sources. We also examined the influence of the degree of hydrolysis on the absorbability of the supplement. The aim of the paper is to comprehensively summarize knowledge on collagen supplementation, differentiating between its sources and forms. Material and methods: In our paper, we endeavored to address the subject of oral collagen supplementation comprehensively. We explored studies about various forms and sources of collagen. We also delved into the collagen supplementation impact on skin and joints health and impact of additives in enhancing the positive effect of collagen . State of knowledge: Oral collagen supplementation can be beneficial for skin and joints health. It promote collagen synthesis in human body increasing strength of skin and joints. The higher the degree of collagen hydrolysis, the more easily it is absorbed by the body. Additives in the form of vitamin C and A can enhance collagen synthesis. Results and conclusions: This review article indicates a growing interest in oral collagen supplementation and its impact on health. Although there are encouraging findings regarding positive effects, further research is necessary to better understand and determine the optimal conditions for achieving maximum supplementation benefits. This information may be crucial for clinical decisions made by physicians regarding joint reinforcement and anti-aging effects on the skin.

Introduction and purpose: There are many articles specifying coffee's influence on the health and behavior of consumers. However, most of the studies are conducted on populations living in the United States, Western Europe or China. We did not find many studies reporting the effects of coffee consumption on the Slavic population. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of coffee consumption in this population and its impact on such health elements as insomnia, body weight, well-being, irritation, hypertension or headache. Material and method: The anonymous survey included questions about the frequency of coffee consumption and selected health effects was created and subsequently distributed through social media (Telegram platform) in August 2023. Results: We collected a total of 89 surveys. The median age of participants was 31 (IQR: 24-38). 27 individuals indicated that they do not consume coffee at all (30.34%). The rest of the group most often choose the following options: I drink it several times a day - 24 individuals (26.97%) and 26 individuals drink it once a day (29.21%). We demonstrated a correlation between the amount of coffee consumption and the frequency of insomnia (r=0.39, p=0.028). Additionally, we observed a negative correlation between coffee consumption and body weight (r=0.18, p=0.048). However, we did not find a relationship between coffee consumption and elevated or lowered mood (p>0.05). Conclusions: In the study group, the frequency of coffee consumption was higher than the global average and in some cases led to insomnia. The positive aspects of drinking coffee outweighed the side effects and lead to the conclusion that it is a safe drink in the group of surveyed Slavs.

Introduction and purpose Non-specific and specific lower back pain syndrome is one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal disability and affects more than half of the population worldwide. The aim of this paper is to confront the problem of lumbar pain, possible diagnostic options, conservative and surgical opportunities with long term satisfactory rate. State of knowledge The paper reviews literature on lower back pain syndrome, sciatica, radiculopathy and lumbar disc herniation in regards to detection of the problem, classifying it and possible methods of resolvement. The WHO defines lower back pain as one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal dysfunction and it focuses on reducing the occurrence by programs like WHO Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative, UN Decade of Healthy Ageing and others. The paper also focuses on non surgical options of treatment. Material and method A review of the literature available in the “PubMed” and Google Schoolar was conducted. We focused on differential diagnosis depending on clinical presentation and possible treatment methods depending on symptoms, pathogenesis of the disorder and available procedures. Summary Our review managed to present the current state of development, possible differential diagnosis, prevalence of neural compressions, sciatica and radiculopathy in different diagnostic options. By receiving multiple studies we confront varied opinions of specialists regarding the approach to lower back pain syndrome and favorable forms of care. Additionally we came to the conclusion that the difference of patients' long term satisfactory rate in regards to nonoperative and operative treatment is not significant, and flattens over the years.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF WORK A factor significantly influencing the risk of lifestyle diseases, including diabetes, is physical activity. The last decades have been characterized by reduced physical activity in developed countries. This is associated with deteriorating population health and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Appropriately tailored physical effort is essential for the proper functioning of the body. MATERIALS AND METHODS The aim of the study is to compare the physical activity levels among individuals with diabetes. To achieve this goal, a survey was created and subsequently distributed via social media (Telegram platform) in August 2023. RESULTS A total of 101 surveys were collected, with the average age of respondents being 34 years old. Among the respondents, 25 individuals (24.75%) had diabetes, while the rest did not have the condition. Out of the participants, 46 respondents indicated a family history of diabetes. Diabetes was statistically significantly associated with a family history of diabetes (p=0.037). Furthermore, the diabetes group exhibited a higher frequency of overweight and obesity (p=0.027). The respondents' body weight was positively correlated with both the frequency of food intake (r=0.31, p=0.011) and negatively correlated with the frequency of exercise (r= -0.22, p=0.046). CONCLUSIONS The gathered results confirm the familial nature of diabetes occurrence. They also highlight the significant role of exercise in maintaining body weight, as well as the importance of diet.

Introduction and purpose: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease's growing prevalence and the complications it brings constitutes a serious problem nowadays. According to this, better understanding of mechanisms laying on the ground of its pathogenesis is a crucial factor to better understand this disease and develop interventions to counter its effects. Genetic relationships with NAFLD are known and they show great variation of mechanisms underlying their impact on subjects' metabolic state. Due to this fact the assumption that it is worth collecting these connections in one place was made, so that it is easier to navigate in them. Mostly studies refer to rodents trials, we focused on studies referred to people with NAFLD diagnosis. Material and method: The literature was scrutinised in the Google Scholar database, in the Pubmed database with the use of following keywords: “genetics”, “genes”, “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease”, “NAFLD”, “non-alcoholic steatohepatitis”, “NASH”. Results: NAFLD as a metabolic disease has many links with metabolic pathways encoded by various genes. When it comes to genetic factors, we can specify gene expression single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and genes methylation. All of these aspects affect activity of coded proteins and what follows this is its impact on human metabolism. These factors have been studied in the work of other researchers. Conclusions: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease's growing prevalence and the complications it brings constitutes a serious problem nowadays. Genetic relationships with NAFLD are known and they show great variation of mechanisms underlying their impact on subjects' metabolic state.

Introduction and aim of work: The parkinsonian syndrome is a component of Parkinson's disease. A thorough neurological examination can detect symptoms belonging to the parkinsonian syndrome. Diagnosis using the Queen Square Brain Bank criteria is based on the presence of bradykinesia along with one additional symptom in the patient. These include muscle rigidity or resting tremors at a frequency of 4-6 Hz, or postural disturbances that cannot be explained by visual, vestibular, cerebellar, or deep sensory disorders. The parkinsonian syndrome can occur in idiopathic Parkinson's disease, hereditary disorders, secondary parkinsonism, or be part of an atypical parkinsonian syndrome. The aim of the study was to discuss the diagnostic features and differences in the occurrence of the parkinsonian syndrome as a component of Parkinson's disease, both within the context of other neurological disorders. Materials and methods: The foundation of the research was medical articles gathered from the Google Scholar database. The studies were conducted by analyzing keywords such as "parkinsonism," "drug-induced parkinsonism," and "vascular parkinsonism." Results: Secondary parkinsonism, or secondary parkinsonism syndrome, can be indicated by clinical features such as: disease onset below the age of 40, abrupt onset, rapid disease progression, symptoms related to medication use, and symptoms associated with the underlying condition. In addition to clinical evaluation, imaging studies are also employed. Various conditions can lead to the development of secondary parkinsonism, including hydrocephalus, brain tumors, encephalitis, cerebral atherosclerosis, traumatic brain injuries, medications, and poisoning. The aforementioned conditions exert different mechanisms of influence on the central nervous system.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF WORK One of the key factors shaping human health is diet. It serves as the foundation for the functioning of cells, organs, and the entire body. Properly chosen food has an impact, among other things, on the functioning of the immune, digestive, and cardiovascular systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS The objective of this study is to analyze the changes in the functioning of the cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems through the application of different dietary approaches. For this purpose, an original questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire was distributed via social media (Telegram platform) in August 2023 among the population of Ukraine. RESULTS We collected a total of 94 surveys, with an average participant age of 26 years. A similar number of participants indicated consuming meals 3 times, 4 times, or 5 times a day. These were 23 individuals (24.47%), 25 individuals (26.6%), and 21 individuals (22.3%) respectively. The analysis of correlations revealed a negative correlation between the frequency of meal consumption and the frequency of infections (r = -0.21, p = 0.035). A significant relationship was also observed between body weight and the frequency of meal consumption (r = 0.34, p < 0.001). However, no significant relationship was found between following a special diet and body weight (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The collected results suggest a connection between dietary habits and the frequency of infections as well as body weight. Interestingly, this relationship was related specifically to the frequency of meal consumption and was not linked to the intake of specific food groups. The obtained results highlight the significance of regular meal consumption in maintaining a healthy body weight and reducing the frequency of infections.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF WORK Stress often accompanies daily functioning. This mechanism is activated by the body in response to external factors to effectively cope with challenges. With prolonged exposure, stress significantly impairs physiological functions, including impacting body weight. MATERIALS AND METHODS The aim of the study is to understand the impact of chronic stress on changes in dietary habits and body weight. For this purpose, a custom survey was created to investigate the correlation between stress and other factors. It was distributed using social media (Telegram) in the first half of August 2023 among the population of Ukraine. RESULTS The survey was completed by 110 individuals, with the majority being males, accounting for 67 participants (61%). The participants had an average age of 28 years with a standard deviation of 7.12. Among the responses, the most common frequency of experiencing stress was once every two weeks, with 41 answers (37.27% of participants). A majority of the respondents declared having a normal body weight (55.45%). In our study, we demonstrated a correlation between stress and unhealthy eating habits (rho-Spearman p=0.0002, r=0.34), as well as a lower frequency of stress among individuals taking antidepressant medication (p=0.012). However, we did not establish a connection with abnormal body weight (p>0.05), physical activity (p>0.05), or healthy eating (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The obtained results suggest that stress may trigger a response in the form of overeating. The reduction in the frequency of stress is also influenced by the use of medications. The findings may indicate a strong association between diet and the experience of stress.

The anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) is situated within the posterior cranial fossa and typically arises from the basilar artery, usually at the pontomedullary junction. AICA is implicated in various clinical conditions, encompassing the development of aneurysms, thrombus formation, and the manifestation of lateral pontine syndrome. Furthermore, owing to its close proximity to cranial nerves within the middle cerebellopontine angle, AICA’s pulsatile compression at the root entry/exit zone of cranial nerves may give rise to specific neurovascular compression syndromes (NVCs), including hemifacial spasm (HFS) and geniculate neuralgia concurrent with HFS. In this narrative review, we undertake an examination of the influence of anatomical variations in AICA on the occurrence of NVCs. Significant methodological disparities between cadaveric and radiological studies (CTA, MRA, and DSA) were found, particularly in diagnosing AICA’s absence, which was more common in radiological studies (up to 36.1%) compared to cadaver studies (less than 5%). Other observed variations included atypical origins from the vertebral artery and basilar-vertebral junction, as well as the AICA-and-PICA common trunk. Single cases of arterial triplication or fenestration have also been documented. Specifically, in relation to HFS, AICA variants that compress the facial nerve at its root entry/exit zone include parabola-shaped loops, dominant segments proximal to the REZ, and anchor-shaped bifurcations impacting the nerve’s cisternal portion.