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FATIGUE FRACTURES IN RECREATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES: RISK FACTORS, PREVENTION, AND RECOVERY STRATEGIES
Get PDFObjectives: In the review we synthesized current evidence on fatigue fractures in athletes to bridge pathophysiological mechanisms with clinical strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and recovery.
Methods: A comprehensive analysis incorporated epidemiological studies, biomechanical research, clinical trials, and meta-analyses examining risk factors, diagnostics, interventions, and rehabilitation protocols.
Key findings: Fatigue fractures arise from repetitive microdamage exceeding bone repair capacity, amplified by intrinsic factors (e.g., low bone mineral density, hormonal imbalances) and extrinsic triggers (training errors, nutritional deficiencies). Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated 90-95% diagnostic sensitivity. Gradual training progression (acute:chronic workload ratio < 1.5) reduced injuries by 30-50%, while nutritional optimization (calcium 1200-1500 mg/day; vitamin D ≥ 30ng/mL) enhanced recovery by 40%. Female athletes with relative energy deficiency faced 4-fold higher risk, mitigated through hormone/nutrition strategies. Advanced therapies like teriparatide improved outcomes in complex cases.
Conclusions: Effective management requires multidisciplinary integration of sport-specific biomechanics, nutritional/hormonal optimization, phased rehabilitation, and individualized load monitoring, with tailored approaches for post-hiatus deconditioning and aging physiology
EXPLORING ETHICAL AND CULTURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING PARTICIPATION IN SNOWBALL SAMPLING STUDIES
Get PDFThis scoping review explores the ethical and cultural factors affecting participation in online snowball sampling studies among hard-to-reach populations. The guiding questions are: (1) What ethical factors influence participation in these studies? (2) What cultural factors affect potential participants' decisions? Snowball sampling relies on current participants recruiting future ones, a method increasingly utilized by qualitative researchers in social and health sciences. While previous reviews address ethical challenges and recommendations, such as concerns about data turnover and reputational risk, the ethical and cultural influences on participation in such online research are less understood. This study employs a scoping review methodology to identify, chart, and summarize the relevant literature. It adheres to scoping review methods while ensuring rigor and flexibility. A systematic search of online bibliographic databases yielded a dataset of articles, which were screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by full-text screening. Data extracted from the selected articles, including publication details and topics—are thematically organized. This research only considers academic articles published in English and excludes conference abstracts, reports, books, government documents, dissertations, presentations, or grant applications
ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS - AS SAFE AS THEY SEEM? IMPACTS ON GUT MICROBIOTA, METABOLISM, INFLAMMATION, CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH AND SPORTS PERFORMANCE - A LITERATURE REVIEW
Get PDFFor a considerable length of time, artificial sweeteners have been seen as safe dietary ingredients, promoting weight control and regulating blood sugar levels. However, a growing number of scientific studies are questioning their supposed biological neutrality. Current analyses suggest that some of these substances may affect the composition and function of the gut microbiota, which in turn may affect the immune system and play a role in the development of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. There is growing evidence of a potential link between long-term intake of artificial sweeteners and the onset of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In addition, it has been noted that frequent consumption of artificially sweetened beverages may be associated with an increased risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease and higher overall mortality, especially among overweight or obese postmenopausal women. These substances are commonly used in protein supplements, energy drinks and sports supplements, which may also affect important post-exercise recovery processes - including inflammation, insulin regulation, gut function and hydration status. These observations highlight the need for further interdisciplinary research into the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners on metabolic health and overall body function, especially in groups with high levels of consumption, such as people with metabolic syndrome and patients with type 2 diabetes
THE KETOGENIC DIET VS. CIVILIZATIONAL DISEASES: A REVIEW OF ITS APPLICATIONS IN DIABETES, ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE, AND ONCOLOGY
Get PDFThe ketogenic diet (KD) - a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and moderate-protein diet - is gaining increasing recognition as a potential strategy to help treat a variety of conditions, including cancer, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. KD's mechanisms of action are mainly based on inducing a state of ketosis, in which the body switches from using glucose to ketone bodies as its main energy source. Cancer remains one of the world's most serious public health problems, and the effectiveness of current anti-cancer therapies is still sometimes limited. As a result, there is a growing interest in methods that support treatment, including nutritional interventions. The ketogenic diet (KD), based on high-fat intake, low carbohydrate intake, and moderate protein intake, shows potential as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. KD can affect the metabolism of cancer cells by increasing oxidative stress and reducing glucose availability, making cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, while protecting healthy cells. The ketogenic diet has been used with great success for more than 100 years to alleviate the course of many serious neurological diseases. The rapidly increasing number of patients suffering from obesity and type 2 diabetes in recent years has forced the search for new, effective ways to reduce body weight. The use of the ketogenic or low-carbohydrate diet in this context is of increasing interest to both physicians and the general public. This review presents current evidence from preclinical and clinical studies on the anticancer properties of the ketogenic diet, including its effects on tumor growth, angiogenesis, immune response, and the inflammatory environment. In addition, the use of KD in the treatment of other conditions, such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, is discussed. Although the diet is widely used clinically and has shown promising results in treating many pathologies, further research is needed on its long-term safety, especially in the context of cardiovascular risk. The article also provides an overview of the mechanisms of action of KD and possible side effects resulting from its use
FROM SYMPTOMS TO SOLUTIONS: THE BIOCHEMICAL POWER OF LIFESTYLE IN PCOS
Get PDFBackground: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting up to 20% of women of reproductive age. Characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology, PCOS is frequently accompanied by insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
Objective: This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the role of dietary patterns, specific nutrients, and physical activity in the management of PCOS. The aim is to highlight lifestyle strategies that target the underlying metabolic and hormonal disturbances and to support their use as first-line therapeutic interventions.
Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2010–2025) using terms related to PCOS, nutrition, exercise, insulin resistance, and supplementation. Articles were selected based on relevance, methodological quality, and adherence to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
Results: Evidence supports the efficacy of low glycemic index, Mediterranean, and DASH diets in improving insulin sensitivity, reducing hyperandrogenism, and restoring menstrual regularity. Specific nutrients such as inositols, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D show additional benefits, particularly in improving metabolic and reproductive outcomes. Physical activity—including aerobic, resistance, and high-intensity interval training—enhances insulin action, reduces visceral adiposity, and improves ovulatory function. Lifestyle interventions also lower long-term risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in PCOS.
Conclusion: Diet and exercise are powerful, evidence-based tools in the management of PCOS. Integrating nutritional biochemistry and exercise physiology into clinical care offers a non-pharmacological, multifaceted approach that improves both short- and long-term outcomes
HYALURONIC ACID IN THE TREATMENT OF ORTHOPAEDIC INJURIES IN ATHLETES: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE AND CLINICAL APPLICATIONS
Get PDFIntroduction and Objective: Nowadays, orthopaedic injuries are a common occurrence among athletes as a result of repetitive biomechanical stress and high physical demands. With growing interest in non-surgical and regenerative approaches in sports medicine, hyaluronic acid (HA) has emerged as a promising therapeutic option. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on HA’s biological properties and clinical applications in athletic populations, focusing on its role in treating tendon, ligament, and joint injuries, highlighting both its benefits and limitations, and future directions.
Methods: The review is based on articles retrieved from PubMed through July 2025. Studies involving athletic populations were prioritized, with emphasis on cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.
Key Findings: HA exerts multiple therapeutic effects, including the modulation of inflammation, enhancement of synovial fluid viscosity, support for chondrocytes, and promotion of tissue regeneration. Moreover, it demonstrates beneficial effects in treating a range of sports-related conditions, including tendinopathies (e.g., Achilles and patellar tendinopathies), acute ligament injuries (e.g., ankle sprains), and early joint degeneration. Nonetheless, inconsistencies in study outcomes, heterogeneity of HA products, concerns about cost-effectiveness, and limited athlete-specific trials present ongoing challenges.
Conclusion: HA represents a valuable adjunct in the non-surgical management of orthopedic injuries in athletes. While preliminary findings are promising, more high-quality, athlete-specific research is needed to confirm its long-term efficacy, optimize treatment protocols, and explore its full potential as both a therapeutic and preventive strategy in sports medicine
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND ETHICAL DILEMMAS
Get PDFIntroduction and Objective: The increasing global burden of mental health disorders, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the limitations of traditional mental health systems, has accelerated interest in digital health solutions. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in mental health care, offering tools for diagnosis, intervention, and patient monitoring. This review aims to explore current applications, opportunities, and ethical challenges of AI-based tools in mental health, with an emphasis on responsible and equitable deployment.
Review Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2022 were considered, with a focus on interdisciplinary sources covering clinical psychology, digital health technologies, AI development, and medical ethics. Key themes were synthesized across domains to provide a holistic understanding.
State of Knowledge: AI technologies, including chatbots, machine learning algorithms, and predictive analytics, are increasingly integrated into mental health services. They offer scalable solutions for screening, personalized intervention, and early risk detection. However, concerns remain about algorithmic bias, privacy, transparency, and the digital divide. The current body of evidence supports AI’s potential to complement—rather than replace—human care, particularly when integrated responsibly within clinical frameworks.
Conclusion: AI holds significant promise in improving access, personalization, and efficiency in mental health care. To harness its benefits, interdisciplinary collaboration, robust ethical oversight, and patient-centered design are essential. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes and ensure AI systems uphold clinical integrity, equity, and trust
DYNAMICS OF SOCIAL TIES IN URBAN SPACE AND THEIR MANIFESTATIONS IN EVERYDAY LIFE INTERACTIONS: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY IN EL-WIAM NEIGHBORHOOD – LAGHOUAT
Get PDFThis article examines how social ties are formed within new urban spaces in Algeria, through an ethnographic field study conducted in the El-Wiam neighborhood of Laghouat city. The importance of this research stems from the transformation of neighborly relations and social interactions in the context of rapid urbanization and population diversity, which raises questions about the nature of relationships within the modern urban neighborhood.
The study aims to understand how everyday social relations are constructed and reshaped within the neighborhood, and what factors influence them. A qualitative ethnographic approach was adopted, using participant observation and in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 32 participants from diverse age and cultural backgrounds.
The findings revealed that neighborly relations are characterized by reservation and superficiality, and are shaped more by geographic and symbolic belonging than by physical proximity. Digital media play an increasing role in reproducing unstable relationships, and public and private spaces are used in unbalanced ways depending on gender and generation. The study concludes that social ties in the urban neighborhood are socially produced and remain fragile amid socio-spatial and digital transformations
NORADRENALINE OR DOPAMINE IN SEPTIC SHOCK - A LITERATURE REVIEW
Get PDFIntroduction and purpose: Septic shock is a common cause of death that is hard to treat and choosing the most effective medication remains a major clinical challenge. The aim of this study is to provide key information about this clinical condition and to compare the drugs most frequently used in the treatment process: noradrenaline and dopamine.
Materials and methods: A literature search was conducted using the medical database PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles were retrieved using the keywords: ,,Noradrenaline” ,,Dopamine” ,,Sepsis” ,,Septic shock” ,,Hipotension” in appropriate configuration.
Results: 8 studies were found with relevant topics. For of these studies were excluded due to lack of information in the articles or discrepancies in their topics. Finally, 4 meta-analyses were systematically analyzed in our work.
Conclusions: According to the available medical literature, recommendations and guidelines, the use of Noradrenaline in patients with septic shock is usually the most appropriate choice. However, the choice of Dopamine is also available, especially in patients with bradycardia, but its use can be linked with a higher risk of cardiac complications
BOTULINUM TOXIN IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BRUXISM: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
Get PDFBruxism, characterized by involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth, can lead to significant dental, muscular, and psychosocial consequences. Traditional management strategies, including occlusal splints and behavioral therapies, often show variable efficacy. Recently, botulinum toxin (BTX) has emerged as a promising alternative for controlling masticatory muscle hyperactivity. This review examines current evidence on the mechanisms, clinical efficacy, safety, and protocols associated with botulinum toxin use in bruxism treatment. The findings suggest that botulinum toxin offers a minimally invasive, effective, and safe approach, particularly in cases refractory to conventional therapies. Nonetheless, standardization of treatment protocols and long-term safety data remain areas for further research