Search

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare but life-threatening condition most commonly arising from trauma and paranasal sinus infections. The diagnosis of CST remains a formidable challenge despite advancements in medicine. Early identification and therapeutic intervention require an increased level of clinical awareness and a profound understanding of the pathophysiology of the disorder. This report presents a case of CST in a 58-year-old female with a long history of nasal and paranasal sinus polyposis and aspirin-induced asthma.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a persistent inflammatory condition of the nasal and sinus mucosa, affecting over 10% of adults in Europe and the USA. Treatment primarily focuses on symptom management and improving quality of life, with initial approaches including saline irrigations, intranasal corticosteroids, and short-term antibiotics when necessary. When medical therapy fails, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is considered. This minimally invasive procedure has been shown to effectively alleviate symptoms and enhance the quality of life in CRS patients, as demonstrated by various studies. Aim This study aims to gather and analyze the current knowledge on chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), with a specific focus on the surgical treatment known as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and its effectiveness in improving patient outcomes. By reviewing existing literature and clinical studies, this article seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of how FESS impacts the quality of life in CRS patients, the factors influencing its success, and the associated risks and complications. Methods The study contains data available in freely accessible databases like PubMed, the National Library of Medicine and Google Scholar. The databases were searched using the keywords such as chronic rhinosinusitis, CRS, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, FESS.

Introduction: In recent years, sleep deprivation has increasingly been recognized as a significant factor influencing athletic performance. The basal sleep requirement for healthy adults slightly differs from the sleep needs of individuals who regularly engage in sports. Furthermore, athletes frequently experience sleep loss due to their active and busy schedules. The impact of insufficient sleep on physical and cognitive functions can significantly impair the body's functioning and lead to serious consequences. Purpose of the study: The aim of the study was to emphasize the prevalence of sleep deficiency among athletes, demonstrate how insufficient sleep affects various body functions, and explore its impact on injury risk across different sports disciplines. Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles were selected based on specific keywords and then assessed for their relevance and suitability for inclusion in this review. Results: The findings indicate that athletes frequently experience sleep problems due to factors such as training schedules, stress, night performances, and travel, with individual sport athletes getting less sleep compared to those in team sports. Sleep deprivation negatively impacts physiological and cognitive functions and is significantly associated with increased injury incidence in sports like soccer, volleyball, and basketball, although results are inconsistent in swimming, cycling, and running, highlighting the need for further research considering factors like training load and individual sleep variability.

Introduction and Objective: PTSD is a psychiatric disorder associated with the experience of a traumatic event in the past. Changes in the immune system are presented as one of the mechanisms involved in its pathophysiology. The purpose of this review is to investigate the potential link between PTSD and autoimmune diseases, as well as to highlight the therapeutic implications. Review methods: The review is based on scientific publications in PubMed, Science Direct and NCBI databases. After an initial evaluation of the articles, primarily observational studies and meta-analyses on the relationship between PTSD and autoimmune diseases, the underlying pathophysiology, and new potential therapeutic options were selected. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge: PTSD is associated with numerous changes in the immune and neuroendocrine systems. As a result, patients affected by the disorder are susceptible to developing somatic diseases, including autoimmune diseases. Numerous studies indicate a reciprocal effect on the increased risk and aggravation of symptoms for PTSD and autoimmune diseases due to certain similarities in pathophysiology. New treatment options for PTSD targeting the immune system with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs are currently being explored. Summary: This review article highlights the existing reciprocal relationship between PTSD and autoimmune diseases, which carries important clinical implications. The authors of the review emphasize the importance of better understanding the pathophysiology of PTSD and the early diagnosis and treatment of people with PTSD, as well as the need to develop new effective treatments for PTSD that can help reduce the risk of developing autoimmune diseases in people with the disorder. As suggested, treatment targeting the immune system may be an effective therapeutic option for patients with PTSD.

Introduction: Running, as a generally accessible form of physical activity, is recognized as a popular means of preventing lifestyle diseases. Each year, an increasing number of people of various ages, levels of training, and physical fitness participate in mass running events. Purpose: The study aims to identify the opinions of amateur long-distance runners regarding health. Material: 140 individuals from several Polish provinces, approximately 30 years old. Method: A proprietary questionnaire survey. Results: The most important factor motivating the respondents to engage in long-distance running is the improvement of sports performance, followed by the need to relieve stress, improve quality of life, and, to a lesser extent, health goals. According to most respondents, endurance-based long-distance running is healthy because it improves physical fitness, positively affects the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, enhances immunity, and is a way to relieve stress. Only a few respondents believe that running is not healthy. The main forms of preparation for half marathons and marathons among runners include warm-up exercises before the planned effort and strength and muscle stretching exercises. In the studied group of runners, past injuries do not diminish the satisfaction of engaging in long-distance running. Despite a significant number of respondents having experienced injuries in the past while practicing this sport, they still consider running to be healthy. Conclusions: Long-distance running brings numerous health benefits. It improves physical fitness, positively affects cardiovascular function, including lowering blood pressure, significantly enhances sleep quality, and helps reduce stress, as confirmed by the respondent’s opinions.

Otitis externa, commonly known as a swimmer’s ear, is an inflammation of the external auditory canal, often caused by bacterial infection, primarily affecting individuals engaged in water activities. Acute otitis externa is the most prevalent form among swimmers, characterized by symptoms such as ear pain, itching, and discharge. This article explores the epidemiology, anatomy, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of otitis externa, highlighting the condition's prevalence in warm, humid climates and its exacerbation by water exposure. Differential diagnosis is crucial to distinguish a swimmer's ear from other ear conditions, such as acute otitis media. Preventive measures, particularly for athletes, include the use of earplugs, drying ears after water exposure, and avoiding ear trauma. Treatment typically involves topical antibiotics, with the addition of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain. Severe cases may require oral antibiotics or surgical intervention. Complications of untreated otitis externa might lead to hearing loss and could be life-threatening. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are vital to avoid severe outcomes and ensure optimal recovery for athletes and other affected individuals. Aim The aim of this study is to gather and analyse the current state of knowledge about the pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis and the treatment of swimmer’s ear. Methods The study contains data available in freely accessible databases like PubMed, the National Library of Medicine, Google Scholar. While searching the keywords such as swimmer’s ear, otitis externa, swimming hygiene, ear infections were used. Articles were selected based on their title, abstract and were written in English.

The NeoChord DS 1000 system offers a minimally invasive alternative for treating degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR), particularly in high-risk patients with previous aortic surgery. A 74-year-old male with a history of Bentall procedure presented with severe MR and dyspnea (NYHA III). Transapical mitral valve repair was performed using the NeoChord DS 1000 system. Three artificial chordae were implanted, significantly reducing MR. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged in good condition after 8 days. This case demonstrates the NeoChord system's potential in high-risk patients where traditional MVR poses high risks. Transapical access avoids sternotomy and extracorporeal circulation, offering a safer alternative. The NeoChord DS 1000 system shows promise for high-risk patients and those with complex surgical histories, though further research is needed to confirm its long-term efficacy and durability.

Anaesthesiologists are responsible for procedures performed in a multidisciplinary team. The complexity of procedures, the burden of responsibility, time pressure, efficiency demands, psychological and physiological limitations, the necessity for quick and accurate decision-making, and many other challenges pose a risk of error. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the role of human factors in the occurrence of errors during anaesthesia procedures, as well as to identify strategies, which implementation into the training process and clinical practice of anaesthesia could support the safety of the therapeutic process. This paper discusses selected issues that, in our opinion, should be a permanent element of training and periodic qualification improvement among anesthesia team members.

INTRODUCTION: The human gut microbiota is an extremely diverse and complex ecosystem that inhibits the mucous membranes of the intestines. It is probable that the microbiota, with its capacity to influence the immune system and establish the conditions required for metabolic and structural functions essential for maintaining homeostasis, may significantly affect the health, well-being, and performance of athletes. PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to present the current state of knowledge about the differences in athletes’ gut microbiota, how these changes affect their physical performance and uncover the mechanisms behind gut microbiota and probiotics in physical performance among population of athletes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following review was conducted using the articles from the Pubmed and Google Scholar databases, employing keywords related to gut microbiota, athletes, physical performance. We collected studies performed on populations of athletes, exploring different sport disciplines. CONCLUSIONS: Numerous studies have investigated the gut microbiota of athletes, emphasizing the impact of both training and diet. Athletes' unique dietary regimens, including higher protein or carbohydrates intake, influence their gut microbiome, leading to enhanced performance. These findings uncover that diet diversity correlates with gut diversity, which is linked to metabolic benefits and a lean phenotype. Studies on rugby players, cyclists, and marathoners reveal that certain microbial species, like Prevotella and Veillonella, are more abundant in athletes and play significant roles in nutrient metabolism and exercise recovery. These findings suggest that the interaction between athletic lifestyle and the gut microbiota affects positively the metabolism of the host, by enhancing microbiota diversity, and increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria.

Introduction and objective Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and joint damage resulting from an excessive production of inflammatory cytokines. The objective of this text is to describe the interplay between the gut microbiome, dietary factors, physical activity and RA pathogenesis. By synthesizing current knowledge, we aim to provide potential insights into the development of personalized therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes for individuals with RA. Review methods Literature review was carried out using PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The following search terms were used: “rheumatoid arthritis gut microbiome”, “rheumatoid arthritis diet”, “rheumatoid arthritis sport”. Articles published from 2016 to 2023 were analyzed. Earlier articles were sometimes included, if referenced by later works. State of knowledge While there is no cure for RA, several treatments aim to manage its symptoms and improve quality of life for those affected. The most common treatments include medications: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, corticosteroids. Recent attention has turned to the role of sport, diet, and the gut microbiome in modulating RA severity, offering promising avenues for holistic management approaches. Summary Recent research highlights the role of diet in modulating RA severity, with evidence suggesting alterations in gut microbiota composition in RA patients, including the impact of dietary interventions, probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, antibiotics, and vitamin D supplementation on the gut microbiome and their potential efficacy in mitigating RA-associated symptoms. Physical activity has also been shown to reduce the severity of RA symptoms.

Introduction and purpose: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a worldwide prevalent sleep-related medical condition characterised by upper airway collapse, leading to hypoxia and hypercapnia. Excess body weight is the risk factor of OSAS. Lifestyle interventions, particularly targeting weight loss, have emerged as potential management strategies for OSAS. The purpose of this review is to compile the information about the effectiveness of different forms of lifestyle interventions in the treatment of OSA. Brief description of the state of knowledge: While CPAP remains the current “gold standard” treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, it’s not always well-tolerated. Consequently, lifestyle interventions such as dietary modifications, exercise programs, and behavioural therapies have emerged as important components in the management of this disease. The research has shown that these strategies not only reduce the severity of OSA but also improve quality of life. Summary: Lifestyle interventions, including dietary modifications, exercise programs, and behavioral therapies targeting weight loss, have demonstrated promising results in reducing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and alleviating associated symptoms. However, further large-scale, long-term studies are necessary to validate their efficacy and understand their broader impact on OSA management.