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The Non-pharmacological treatment of chronic insomnia review
Get PDFChronic insomnia is a sleep disorder defined by the presence of difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or early morning awakening and being unable to return to sleep, occurring at least three times per week for a duration of three months or more. This condition is associated with significant daytime functional impairment or distress, including fatigue, mood disturbances, and cognitive deficits. The aim of this article is to present the non-pharmacological methods of treatment of chronic insomnia. This type of therapy includes elements such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), which incorporates strategies such as: sleep restriction, stimulus control, cognitive restructuring, sleep hygiene and relaxation techniques; Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and acupuncture. CBT-I have emerged as the gold standard for long-term management. 
The Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Central Nervous System: Mechanisms, Cognitive Decline, and Associated Disorders
Get PDFProlonged alcohol use exerts significant and multifaceted effects on the central nervous system (CNS). These effects are mediated by mechanisms such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and disruptions in neurotransmission. Structural changes, including gray matter loss and hippocampal atrophy, underlie functional deficits such as memory impairment, cognitive decline, and emotional dysregulation. Chronic alcohol use also increases the risk of neurological conditions, including alcohol-induced dementia, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and other neurodegenerative diseases. This review synthesizes current findings and highlights the urgent need for longitudinal studies to better understand these impacts and guide intervention strategies
Impact of Sport Dance on Physical Fitness and Condition in the Opinion of Dancers from [N] Club in [City]
Get PDFBackground: Sport dance is a discipline that merges artistic expression with intense physical activity. It engages various motor abilities and may significantly influence physical fitness and conditioning. Despite its growing popularity, the physiological impact of dance training on the human body remains under-researched.
Aim: The primary aim of this study was to assess the impact of regular sport dance training on dancers’ physical fitness and condition, as perceived by active participants in a dance club.
Methods: A diagnostic survey method was employed to collect empirical data. The study used a self-constructed questionnaire as the primary research tool. Participants were asked to evaluate how sport dance training influenced their strength, flexibility, coordination, endurance, and general well-being. The main research question was supported by several specific sub-questions related to dance style, training elements, and observed physiological changes.
Results: Findings revealed that regular sport dance training positively affects all major components of physical fitness. Standard dance styles were found to predominantly enhance endurance, while Latin dances were more effective in developing coordination. Notable improvements in physical condition were reported after a minimum of six months of consistent training. Additionally, participants cited various health benefits such as improved posture, reduced stress levels, and enhanced overall well-being.
Conclusions: Sport dance exerts a multidimensional influence on physical fitness and conditioning. Key contributing factors include the frequency of training and the diversity of dance styles. It is essential to tailor training intensity to the dancer's experience level and individual capacity. The study highlights the importance of continued research on the physiological and health-related impacts of sport dance, particularly across different age and experience groups
Riluzole’s role in treatment of spinal cord injuries – overview of studies on animals and humans
Get PDFInjuries in the spinal cord are responsible for disabling a great number of people each year. The primary and secondary damage varies in pathomechanisms, the latter one being heavily associated with excitotoxicity caused by excess extracellular glutamate. Riluzole, a drug used in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, lowers the amount of released glutamate, thus making it a possible candidate for treatment in spinal cord injuries. Several studies have been performed on animals and humans, although their results do not always align. In controlled environments, when injuries to the neural tissue in the spinal cord are mechanical or ischemic, the drug’s usage shows promising effects in treated rats. Tests on humans are much harder to conduct and so the research has focused on already ill individuals. Their conditions vary, however, and not all of the people could recover, even to a small degree. Further studies need to be performed in order to qualify riluzole as a remedium to injuries of the spinal cord
Pregnant Woman with Obesity: How to Diagnose and Treat Obesity During Pregnancy? A Review of Current Guidelines and Scientific Data
Get PDFThe aim of this article is to analyze the issue of obesity during pregnancy as a significant health challenge for both the mother and the developing fetus. Maternal obesity is associated with numerous health complications, including gestational diabetes and an increased risk of delivery interventions. The paper emphasizes the importance of proper diagnostics, nutritional education, and treatment in the care process for obese pregnant women. Current guidelines regarding weight gain during pregnancy and the role of an interdisciplinary team in minimizing the risk of complications are also discussed. An analysis of available studies and literature allows for a multifaceted approach to this issue
Surgical Site Infection (SSI)
Get PDFSurgical Site Infections (SSIs) are a significant complication of invasive surgical procedures, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs globally. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, hygiene practices, and the implementation of infection control protocols, SSIs remain a critical issue in postoperative care. This document provides a comprehensive overview of SSIs, including their definition, causes, risk factors, and microbiology. The primary pathogens responsible for SSIs are Gram-positive bacteria and fungi, with specific concern for immunosuppressed patients who are at increased risk for opportunistic infections. The classification of SSIs based on wound cleanliness and depth is essential for determining the appropriate treatment strategy, which may include drainage, surgical debridement, and the use of local or systemic antibiotic therapy. The document also highlights the importance of preventive measures, including rigorous perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis and adherence to established surgical protocols, to reduce the incidence of SSIs. The discussion is supported by data from various studies and clinical guidelines, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance in infection control practices to mitigate the impact of SSIs on patient outcomes
Breast milk: its components and special effects on newborns and infants
Get PDFBackground. Breastfeeding is the gold standard of infant nutrition, ensuring optimal growth, development, and formation of the immune system during the first six months of life. Breast milk is a unique biological medium that contains both macro- and micronutrients, and bioactive components such as bacteria, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, oligosaccharides, stem cells, and microRNAs. These compounds play a key role in the formation of the intestinal microbiota of newborns, affecting immunity, metabolism, neurodevelopment, and psychoemotional state. Changes in the microbiome due to the type of feeding are associated with long-term risks of allergies, obesity, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune and infectious diseases. Despite significant progress in the study of breastfeeding, the mechanisms of interaction between its bioactive components and the intestinal microbiota remain poorly understood, necessitating a systematic analysis of current data. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship and impact of breastfeeding on the formation of the gut microbiome, immune system and neurodevelopment of infants, with a detailed look at the bioactive components of breast milk, such as microbiota, oligosaccharides, complement, immunoglobulins, stem cells and microRNAs. Materials and methods. To achieve this goal, a systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The search was carried out using the following keywords: ‘human milk’, “milk microbiota”, “newborn's immune system”, “breastfeeding”. Preference was given to systematic reviews, clinical trials, and analytical articles published in English. The analysis covered current, verified data on the composition of breast milk and its impact on the microbiota and infant health. Results. A systematic review found that breast milk is a dynamic biological medium that adapts to the needs of the infant through gradual changes in composition from colostrum to mature milk. Colostrum, which is rich in immunoglobulins (including IgA), lactoferrin, leukocytes and epidermal growth factor, provides primary immune defence by stimulating tissue regeneration and intestinal barrier function. Transitional milk, which appears on days 4-14, increases the energy value due to increased lactose and fat content, promoting weight gain and microbiota development. Mature milk stabilises the nutritional profile, supporting growth and metabolism due to its high content of lipids, carbohydrates, and micronutrients such as vitamins A, B and D, depending on the mother's diet. The microbiota of milk, which includes hundreds of bacterial species (Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus), forms the intestinal microbiome, reducing the risk of dysbiosis and infections by competitively displacing pathogens and stimulating anti-inflammatory cytokines. Milk oligosaccharides act as prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and preventing pathogen adhesion, which strengthens the intestinal barrier. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), metabolites of bacteria, modulate the immune system, reducing the risk of atopic diseases, although their levels are reduced in mothers with allergies. Lactoferrin has antimicrobial, antifungal, and immunomodulatory effects, supporting the growth of beneficial microorganisms. Complement components selectively regulate the microbiota, destroying gram-positive bacteria, which contributes to microbial balance. Immune cells (neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes) and peptides (α-lactalbumin, casein, lysozyme) provide protection and digestion, while stem cells and microRNAs influence epigenetic regulation, promoting neurodevelopment and immune maturation. Conclusions. Breastfeeding, through the synergy of bioactive components, promotes a healthy intestinal microbiota, supports immunity and neurodevelopment, reducing the risk of allergies, metabolic and neurological disorders. However, the mechanisms of action of individual components, such as microRNAs, stem cells and the impact of maternal diet, require further research. The results highlight the importance of supporting breastfeeding for infants, as there is currently no infant formula that reproduces the bioactive properties of breast milk
Richard Kilvington’s Theory of Hylomorphism and Qualitative Change
Get PDFThe purpose of this article is to present an original interpretation, first proposed by Richard Kilvington (ca. 1302--1361), of the theories of Aristotle and Averroes on hylomorphism and natural processes such as mixing and qualitative changes. These problems were widely discussed by many thinkers from the 12th to the 17th century. Some of these interpretations paved the way for modern concepts in natural philosophy. One of the thinkers who contributed to the development of these concepts was William of Ockham. As I~show in this article, Ockham also inspired Kilvington, whose concepts differ significantly from Aristotle’s
Mind Over Mouth: Psychological Determinants of Oral Health – A Review
Get PDFBackground: Mental health conditions such as stress, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders can significantly influence oral health. These psychological factors affect oral function, behavior, and quality of life, yet their role in overall health remains underrecognized.
Aim: To review current literature on the psychological determinants of oral health and examine their broader implications for individual and population well-being.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted using 39 peer-reviewed articles identified through PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The studies were organized into five thematic categories: stress-related symptoms, depression-associated neglect, dental anxiety, eating disorders, and psychosomatic manifestations.
Results: Psychological disorders were associated with bruxism, xerostomia, dental erosion, chronic oral pain, and decreased oral health-related quality of life. Mental distress often led to harmful behaviors and neglect of self-care. Psychosomatic conditions presented diagnostic challenges. Interdisciplinary strategies, including psychological and physiotherapeutic interventions, were shown to enhance health outcomes. Integrating mental health support into oral and general health frameworks appears essential for effective prevention and intervention. Further research is needed to establish standardized approaches for identifying and managing psychological influences on oral health.
Conclusions: Oral health and mental well-being are closely interconnected and should be considered together in health promotion and disease prevention strategies. A holistic understanding of health requires integration of psychological, behavioral, and somatic dimensions
The importance of metabolomics in research into pathological processes leading to neurodegenerative diseases
Get PDFObjective: The aim of this article is to review and analyse the current state of knowledge on the role of metabolomics in explaining the pathological processes underlying neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. The analysis focuses on assessing the potential of this field in discovering early diagnostic biomarkers and identifying new therapeutic targets.
Materials and methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. The analysis included studies using mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to profile metabolites in biological fluids (cerebrospinal fluid, plasma) and brain tissue from patients and preclinical models.
Results: Neurodegenerative diseases are characterised by common metabolic disorders, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired energy metabolism and oxidative stress. Disease-specific signatures have also been identified: xanthine metabolism disorders and impaired kynurenine pathway in Parkinson's disease, dysregulation of lipid (including ceramide and sphingolipid) and glucose metabolism in Alzheimer's disease, and early changes in the tryptophan/kynurenine pathway in Huntington's disease.
Conclusions: This work highlights the role of metabolic dysregulation as an early mechanism in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. Metabolomics enables a systemic view of these disorders as disruptions of complex metabolic networks, providing a comprehensive picture of pathology rather than focusing on individual proteins. Its clinical potential includes the development of non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease monitoring. Identification of key metabolic pathways, such as lipid and energy metabolism, also points to new therapeutic targets, forming the basis for precision medicine in neurodegenerative diseases