Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a pervasive and challenging neurodegenerative disorder with profound implications for individuals, families, and societies. As the most prevalent cause of dementia globally, AD's prevalence is set to rise significantly in the context of an aging population. This introductory section emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of the disease, encompassing both its molecular intricacies and the socio-economic burden. With age being the primary risk factor, recent research has delved into the complex interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental influences, reshaping our understanding of AD from a multifactorial perspective. Current State of Knowledge: Advancements in Alzheimer's research have led to a nuanced understanding of its pathology. Traditionally characterized by amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles, recent insights from neuroimaging and biomarker studies have revealed the intricate nature of these pathologies and their roles in disease progression. Genetic studies, including genome-wide association analyses, have identified susceptibility loci, notably the APOE gene. Simultaneously, environmental factors, such as air pollution and lifestyle choices, are recognized contributors to AD risk. The therapeutic landscape has evolved, with ongoing investigations into anti-amyloid and anti-tau therapies, lifestyle interventions, and precision medicine approaches. The synthesis of these diverse findings highlights the dynamic nature of Alzheimer's research and its potential to shape future treatment modalities. Summary: In summary, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding Alzheimer's disease. From understanding its evolving pathology to exploring the interplay of genetic and environmental factors, the multifactorial nature of AD is underscored. The therapeutic landscape is actively advancing, presenting a hopeful outlook for future treatments.

Introduction: The increasing participation of young individuals in sports necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between nutrition and athletic performance during the critical adolescent years. This introduction sets the stage for an exploration of the dynamic nutritional needs of young athletes, emphasizing the pivotal role of nutrition in supporting growth, energy metabolism, and overall athletic achievement. Current State of Knowledge: The current state of knowledge encompasses an in-depth analysis of key nutritional considerations for young athletes. Examining energy and macronutrient requirements, micronutrient considerations, hydration strategies, and optimal timing of nutrition, this section synthesizes existing research to provide evidence-based guidelines. Furthermore, it addresses the unique challenges posed by different sports and the importance of tailored nutritional approaches for diverse athletic endeavors. The evolving landscape of sports nutrition is also explored, with a specific focus on the benefits and potential risks associated with protein and creatine supplementation. Summary: In summary, this article serves as a comprehensive resource for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking to navigate the intricate intersection of nutrition and young athletes. By elucidating evidence-based strategies and addressing the potential drawbacks and risks associated with certain supplements, the article aims to empower stakeholders with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions regarding the nutritional well-being of young athletes. It underscores the importance of individualized approaches, recognizing the diversity of young athletes and advocating for adaptable nutritional strategies that contribute to both immediate performance gains and sustained health and athletic success.

Background/Objectives: The aim of the study was to prospectively assess the impact of certain parameters of pituitary morphology assessed with the use of magnetic resonance imaging on the occurrence of hormonal disorders in patients with primary partial empty sella (PES) or primary empty sella (ES). Methods: Forty-three patients were divided into two groups: group 1—patients with PES (n = 20); group 2—patients with ES (n = 23). Results: Patients with ES were characterized by larger both the transverse (14.8 ± 2.9 mm vs. 17.2 ± 2.9 mm, p = 0.016) and anteroposterior (AP) diameters of the pituitary (11.4 ± 1.4 mm vs. 13.2 ± 1.9 mm, p = 0.003), a smaller craniocaudal (CC) diameter (3.9 ± 0.62 mm vs. 2.2 ± 0.6 mm, p = 0.001), and a lower pituitary volume (332.8 ± 107.6 mm³ vs. 243.5 ± 70.9 mm³, p = 0.001). Moreover, an AP infundibular displacement was more common in patients with ES (7 [35%] vs. 16 [69.6%]., p = 0.023). Despite the fact that secondary adrenocortical insufficiency was shown to be significantly more common and ACTH levels to be significantly lower (27.5 ± 13.2 pg/mL vs. 21.8 ± 17.6 pg/mL, p = 0.039) in patients with ES (0 [0%] vs. 3 [13.4%], p = 0.046), univariate logistic regression did not reveal any significant associations of pituitary diameters, pituitary volume, or pituitary stalk displacement with endocrine disorders, such as secondary adrenocortical insufficiency or hyperprolactinemia, which was confirmed with multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and arterial hypertension. Conclusions: Radiologically assessed CC, AP, and transverse pituitary diameters, pituitary volume, or pituitary stalk displacement in patients with PES or ES have no bearing on the rates of hormonal disorders. Nonetheless, certain hormonal disorders may be more common in patients with ES, which suggests a need for hormone-level assessments in this population.

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition that precedes the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is regarded as an established risk factor for atherosclerosis (AS). Considering that the same metabolic changes as those caused by IR are evidenced to promote the development of AS, we investigated whether IR estimated by the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) could predict the occurrence of preclinical AS. Methods: The study participants were divided into two groups based on the presence of IR diagnosed during the baseline hospitalization and defined as a HOMA-IR value equal to or higher than 2.5. After a follow-up period of at least four years, a total of 79 (n = 79) were prospectively assessed in terms of the presence of preclinical AS, determined by either an abnormally low ankle–brachial index (ABI) (ABI < 0.9) or an increased carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) (CIMT > 1 mm). Results: Using the multivariate logistic regression analysis, it was demonstrated that the HOMA-IR was associated with an abnormally low ABI (odds ratio: 1.609, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.041–2.487], p = 0.032). The Cox regression model revealed that the HOMA-IR was a predictor of both an abnormal ABI (hazard ratio: 1.435, CI: [1.076–1.913], p = 0.014) and increased CIMT (hazard ratio: 1.419, CI: [1.033–1.948], p = 0.031), independently of age, sex, dyslipidemia, smoking, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and total cholesterol levels. Conclusions: IR, as estimated by the HOMA-IR, may be considered as a predictor of preclinical AS, independently of cardiovascular risk factors.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the radiological criteria determining an primary empty or primary partial empty sella and the pituitary hormone levels. Methods: Out of 594 patients who underwent pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we selected 43 patients with primarily empty and partial empty sella and conducted a prospective evaluation of pituitary MRI in 2022. Pituitary craniocaudal (CC) diameter, pituitary volume, sellar volume, pituitary volume expressed as a percentage of sellar volume (bony sella), and pituitary height expressed as a percentage of sellar height (craniocaudal) were assessed. Serum pituitary hormone concentrations were measured, and a logistic regression analysis was performed to assess a relationship between the radiological and hormonal parameters. Results: Only six patients (14%) exhibited abnormal hormone levels. None of the assessed radiological parameters were correlated with the presence of the hormonal disorders either in the univariate or multivariate logistic regression analysis. The univariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between age and the hormonal disorders (OR 0.916 [0.844–0.993]; p = 0.034), but this was not confirmed in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: These findings suggest that radiological parameters alone are insufficient to predict hormonal dysfunction in patients with empty or partial empty sella. However, younger patients may be at a higher risk, warranting closer hormonal monitoring.

Introduction and purpose: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), had been spreading rapidly throughout the world, mainly affecting respiratory system. Except pulmonary symptoms, skin lesions might also occur. The precise percentage of patients with confirmed COVID-19 who presented cutaneous manifestations is still unknown (0.2% - 20.4%). Part of the skin lesions might be drug-induced. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Cutaneous manifestations in the course of the coronavirus disease could be divided into six main groups: maculopapular rash, urticarial lesions, chilblain‐like lesions, vesicular eruptions, petechial/purpuric lesions and livedoid lesions. The most common skin lesions are maculopapular eruptions (47%). Trunk is the most affected location, whereas pruritus is the most frequent additional symptom among patients with skin lesions associated with coronavirus disease. These lesions appear mainly in elderly patients except pseudo chilblains which are present among children and young adults with SARS-Cov-2 infection. The majority of cutaneous manifestations occur after COVID-19 systemic symptoms, but the appearance of vesicular lesions before the respiratory signs was also reported. Cutaneous manifestations resolved spontaneously at different times, ranging from a few days to 2-4 weeks. Moreover, patients with severe course of COVID-19 with maculopapular rash have better prognosis (2% mortality rate) in comparison to patients who developed livedoid lesions in course of the coronavirus disease (10% mortality rate). Summary: Pseudo-chilblains and vesicular lesions are the most specific cutaneous manifestations of coronavirus disease. Healthcare professionals should pay attention to patients who present skin symptoms in the course of COVID-19. Cutaneous manifestations can facilitate the doctor the diagnosis and even estimate the severity of coronavirus disease.