Background: The impact of medical intervention on a patient’s quality of life (QoL) is more and more important. Treatment success is defined not only in terms of the success of the procedure performed but also with regard to its impact on different areas of the patient’s life. The aim of the study was to assess the QoL of patients after cataract surgery and identify factors that affect it. Methods: Between January and March 2018, a survey was carried out among 100 patients who had undergone cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation at the ‘Spektrum’ Clinical Ophthalmology Centre in Wrocław. The World Health Organization Quality of Life—BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire and Illness Acceptance Scale (AIS) were used. Results: Most respondents (67%) rated their overall health as very good. The median score on the AIS was 34 (31.5–39), indicating a high level of illness acceptance. There was no statistically significant relationship (p > 0.05) between sex and QoL nor between the level of illness acceptance and QoL. We found no statistically significant relationships between place of residence and QoL (p > 0.05) nor between place of residence and AIS. Conclusions: The respondents reported the highest QoL scores for the environment domain and the lowest QoL scores for the social relationships domain. QoL had a positive impact on illness acceptance among the study patients. Younger patients (aged 50 or under) reported significantly higher scores for all the domains of QoL. Being employed was found to be associated with better QoL and greater illness acceptance.

Introduction: Pressure ulcers are an important indicator of hospital care quality and a costly complication of intensive care. The incidence of PU is influenced by individual patient factors and the type of treatment used. Patients after surgery have been shown to have reduced albumin levels and elevated blood lactate levels. Increased lactate levels are associated with tissue hypoxia, increased morbidity and mortality. Aim: The aim of the study was to establish the relationship between the incidence of pressure ulcers and blood lactate levels in intensive care unit patients. Material and Methods: Our retrospective and non-randomized study was conducted among 125 patients treated at the Department of Anesthesiology of the 4th Military Teaching Hospital in Wroclaw between 2019 and 2020. The inclusion criteria were as follows: the use of intubation, analgosedation and vasopressors during intensive care treatment. The patients were divided into three main groups, which were each divided into two subgroups differing in blood lactate levels. We analyzed the patients’ lactate levels, as measured by arterial blood gas analysis, and monitored their pressure ulcers using their medical records: the pressure ulcer monitoring chart, the Waterlow pressure ulcer risk assessment chart, history of present illness and medical history. Results: Lactate levels in the patients studied ranged between 0.2 and 30.0 mmol/l. The incidence of pressure ulcers in ICU patients is 8.8%. Conclusion: The incidence of pressure ulcers in ICU patients is not different from the incidence rates reported in the literature. The study did not show a correlation between the patients’ arterial blood lactate levels and the incidence of pressure ulcers. Considering the low expected values due to the small number of patients in each subgroup, the findings should be treated with caution. Given the importance of pressure ulcers, a larger population study covering a longer period of time seems warranted.

IntroductionTirzepatide, a dual agonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors, has emerged as a transformative metabolic therapy with exceptional efficacy in weight management and glycemic control. Its relevance in sports science is growing, with potential benefits in weight optimization, energy balance, and recovery. By influencing glucose homeostasis, fat oxidation, and systemic inflammation, tirzepatide may enhance athletic performance. This review examines its pharmacological effects, impact on body composition, and implications for endurance, strength, and recovery in athletes, while addressing ethical and regulatory considerations, including anti-doping concerns. Purpose of the Work: To analyze tirzepatide’s pharmacological actions, clinical effects, and potential applications in optimizing sports performance, recovery, and body composition. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive review of scientific literature was conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. Search terms encompassed tirzepatide, GLP-1/GIP dual agonist, metabolic therapy, sports performance, body composition, endurance, and athlete recovery. Relevant studies were synthesized to compile findings. Results: Tirzepatide provides significant metabolic benefits, such as enhanced fat oxidation, improved glucose regulation, and reduced systemic inflammation. Its effects on body composition include substantial fat mass reduction, particularly visceral adiposity, while preserving lean muscle mass. These attributes suggest its potential to enhance endurance via glycogen-sparing mechanisms and improve recovery after exercise. However, concerns about misuse in competitive sports underline the need for regulatory oversight. Further research is necessary to evaluate tirzepatide’s long-term effects on athletic performance and address associated ethical challenges.

Introduction Zinc plays a vital role in immune function, enhancing defense mechanisms and reducing infection duration and severity. Purpose of Research:This study aimed to assess the impact of zinc on immune function, its role in preventing and treating infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, and its interactions with vitamins D and C. Additionally, the research explored zinc’s effects on microbial cell membranes, gut microbiome balance, and immune modulation, focusing on age-related immune decline and infection susceptibility. Materials and Methods:The study utilized a comprehensive approach, combining literature reviews, clinical trials, experimental studies, and microbiota analyses to investigate zinc's role in immune function, infection management, and antimicrobial resistance. Results: Zinc was found to modulate the immune system, influencing T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells. Deficiency weakened immune responses, increasing infection risk. Zinc supplementation, especially with vitamins D and C, improved immune function, shortened infection duration, and alleviated symptoms. Zinc and vitamin D enhanced antimicrobial peptide production and epithelial barrier function, while zinc and vitamin C reduced oxidative stress and enhanced neutrophil activity. Zinc also destabilized microbial membranes, inhibiting bacterial and viral replication, including multi-drug-resistant strains. Furthermore, zinc supplementation improved gut microbiome composition, promoting beneficial bacteria and reducing pathogenic growth. Clinical studies confirmed its effectiveness in reducing respiratory infections, improving vaccine responses, and decreasing complications in vulnerable individuals.

Physical activity is an accessible and free, modifiable factor which influences our health and wellbeing. Increased physical activity (PA) and exercise are associated with reduced chronic disease risk. The prevalence of physical inactivity is constantly increasing. Physical inactivity is associated with the development of various chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases [1]. All countries should adopt policies focused on encouraging people to move at all stages of life. Understanding the links that exist between PA and inflammation can bring new vision on common chronic disease. There is no doubt it would favorably impact global society on the economic as well as productivity side. This review highlights anti-inflammatory effects of PA and exercise training in selected, frequent illnesses our time. Purpose of the work: The purpose of this review is to explore and synthesize current scientific evidence on the anti-inflammatory effects of PA and exercise training, focusing on their impact on the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Materials and Methods: We conducted a literature search on the MEDLINE database in October 2024, utilizing keywords including 'physical activity', 'inflammation', ‘exercise’ and 'exerkine' to identify pertinent documents. The inclusion criterion was that the article addresses the following issues: the relationship between PA and inflammation in chronic diseases, the biochemical mechanisms linking physical activity to anti-inflammatory effects. Non-English language, or without full-text available articles, and publications not addressing the issues described in the inclusion criteria and were excluded from the analysis.

Introduction Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus), a medicinal mushroom widely recognized for its neuroprotective and health-promoting properties, has garnered increasing attention in recent years for its potential applications in sports and metabolic health. Known for its bioactive compounds, such as hericenones and erinacines, lion’s mane has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-enhancing properties that may benefit athletes. This review explores current research on the metabolic and sports-related effects of lion’s mane, highlighting both promising findings and gaps in the literature. Purpose of the Work: The aim of this study is to review the current data on the usage of Hericium erinaceus in sports performance and metabolic health. The review includes an exploration of the biochemical properties of lion’s mane and their relevance to athletic performance, assessment of the evidence gathered from animal and human studies regarding its potential benefits, identifying the gaps in research and proposing directions for future studies. Materials and Methods This literature review was conducted by collecting and analyzing peer-reviewed articles, clinical trial results, and relevant research papers from scientific databases such as PubMed and ScienceDirect. Results The literature indicates that lion’s mane has potential benefits in enhancing cognitive function, reducing oxidative stress, and improving glucose metabolism—all of which are relevant to sports performance and recovery. However, direct evidence on its impact on athletic metrics such as endurance, strength, or recovery times is limited. Preclinical studies are promising but need to be validated in well-designed human trials.