Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of vasa vasorum in optical coherence tomography (OCT) among patients undergoing coronary angiogram for chronic coronary syndrome with intermediate-grade coronary stenoses in relation to long-term follow-up. Methods: This prospective, observational, single-center study enrolled patients with chronic coronary syndrome and intermediate-grade coronary stenosis. OCT was used to assess the presence of vasa vasorum, type of plaque, mean lumen area, fibrous cap thickness (FCT), and minimal lumen diameter. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of vasa vasorum. Results: Overall, 97 patients were enrolled, of whom 82.5% were male. Lesions with vasa vasorum were found in 76 patients. Comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease did not differ significantly between groups. Among patients with vasa vasorum, there were higher serum creatinine levels (1.03 ± 0.24 vs. 0.87 ± 0.22, p = 0.009). OCT showed that minimal lumen diameter differed between groups (2.26 ± 0.38 mm vs. 2.57 ± 0.57 mm p = 0.026) for the vasa vasorum group and no vasa vasorum, respectively, however minimal lumen area was similar in both groups (3.88 ± 1.76 mm² vs. 4.01 ± 2.00 mm², p = 0.731, for vasa vasorum and no vasa vasorum, respectively). Furthermore, the presence of vasa vasorum seemed to have no significant correlation with cardiovascular events in the 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year follow-up. Conclusions: The presence of lesions with vasa vasorum was not shown to be linked to any unfavorable patients’ outcomes. Among men, coronary atherosclerotic plaques were more likely to contain OCT-visualized vasa vasorum.

Purpose of research: This literature-based review synthesized the current evidence regarding the effects of β-alanine (BA) supplementation on human physical performance. The review focused on BA as the rate-limiting precursor for intramuscular carnosine synthesis and evaluated its ergogenic impact across various exercise modalities and durations. Research materials and methods: A structured literature search was conducted in major scientific databases, including PubMed, for English full-text articles available through 2025. Only Meta-Analyses, Systematic Reviews, and Randomized Controlled Trials were included, examining BA supplementation in human athletes or trained individuals compared with a placebo or control condition. Basic results: Chronic BA supplementation significantly increases muscle carnosine content and enhances intramuscular buffering capacity, delaying the onset of fatigue during high-intensity exercise. The most robust performance benefits are observed in efforts lasting approximately 1–4 minutes, with supplemental improvements noted in activities up to 10 minutes. BA also supports improvements in training volume and resistance to fatigue. Paresthesia remains the most commonly reported side effect. Conclusions:β-alanine is an evidence-based ergogenic aid that improves performance in high-intensity efforts requiring substantial buffering capacity. Chronic, divided dosing provides the greatest effectiveness.

Introduction Human rabies remains almost invariably fatal once clinical symptoms appear, despite widespread use of pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis. The so-called “Milwaukee Protocol” — a structured regimen of therapeutic coma, NMDA antagonists, antivirals and supportive care — generated intense interest after a single widely publicized survivor in 2004. Aim of the study This review summarizes current evidence on treatment of symptomatic human rabies with emphasis on the Milwaukee Protocol. Materials and Methods We synthesized published case reports, experimental studies, and review articles addressing therapies of clinical rabies and the Milwaukee Protocol. Key outcomes were survival, functional recovery, and reported adverse events. Limitations of the evidence base are highlighted. Results Documented recoveries prior to 2004 were rare but reported under intensive supportive care. The original Milwaukee Protocol case displayed substantial recovery and prompted iterative protocol versions. Subsequent application of the protocol worldwide has produced numerous reported failures; published, verifiable survivor accounts after 2004 remain scarce. Experimental data provide limited mechanistic support for core elements of the protocol. Mortality has not been convincingly reduced beyond outcomes achievable with modern intensive supportive care alone. Conclusions Current evidence does not conclusively support the Milwaukee Protocol as an effective, reproducible curative treatment for clinical rabies. High-quality clinical reporting and standardized case registries are needed before the protocol can be eventually recommended or totally abandoned. Meanwhile, prevention through vaccination of dogs and timely post-explosure prophylaxis remains the cornerstone of rabies control.

Introduction: Histamine is a biologically active amine involved in inflammatory, immunological, neurological, and gastrointestinal processes. Impaired degradation of histamine, may lead to histamine intolerance and multisystem symptoms. The low-histamine diet is interesting strategy as a non-pharmacological recommendation for managing histamine-related disorders. Background: There are many disorders which symptoms may be associated with the level of histamine, for instance: chronic spontaneous urticaria, inflammatory bowel disease, recurrent headaches, gastrointestinal manifestations in hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, and anaphylaxis-like reactions. Although dietary histamine restriction is frequently recommended, the consistency between online dietary advice and scientific evidence could be misleading. Methods: Scientific articles adressing the use of low-histamine diet were identified through an analysis of databases. Secondly, five publicly accessible websites identified through search phrases related to the low-histamine diet were analyzed. Afterwards, five scientific studies from literature databases were reviewed to compare publicly accessible information to recommendations in scientific articles from literature databases. Key findings: Analyzed articles suggest that impaired histamine degradation can result in multisystem symptoms, which may improve after implication dietary histamine restriction. The analysis of low-histamine diet recommendations revealed inconsistencies between internet-based information and literature from scientific databases. Conclusions: A low-histamine diet may provide clinical benefit in selected patients with histamine-related disorders. However, dietary recommendations are often inconsistent with scientific evidence. Implementation of the diet should be individualized and evidence-based. Further studies could be beneficial to establish clear and standardized dietary guidelines for histamine related conditions.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 10% of the population and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality. In advanced stages, protein-energy wasting (PEW) and malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome (MICS) are common and worsen clinical outcomes. Evidence suggests that nutritional interventions, including modification of protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake, and selected supplementation, may slow CKD progression and reduce metabolic complications. Aim: This review summarizes current evidence on nutritional interventions and supplementation in CKD, considering disease stage and treatment modality, and identifies gaps requiring further research. Materials and methods: A narrative review of international guidelines (KDIGO, KDOQI, ESPEN) and clinical trials and meta-analyses published between 2009-2026, identified through searches of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on CKD stages G3-G5. Results: Individualized protein restriction, sodium limitation, and qualitative phosphorus control improve metabolic parameters, blood pressure and albuminuria. Low- and very low-protein diets, particularly with amino acid ketoanalogue supplementation, are associated with slower CKD progression and a delayed initiation of renal replacement therapy. Plant-based diets may additionally improve acid-base balance, phosphate metabolism, and inflammation. The strongest evidence for supplementation concerns vitamin D, iron, and amino acid ketoanalogues, while data on omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and B vitamins remain inconclusive. Conclusions: Nutritional management is a key component of CKD care. Individualized dietary strategies and targeted supplementation may provide nephroprotective and metabolic benefits, although further high-quality randomized trials are needed to confirm effects on hard clinical endpoints.

Background: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is defined as the sudden and unexplained death of an infant younger than one year of age that remains unexplained after a comprehensive investigation, including autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of clinical and family history. Despite a substantial reduction in incidence following the implementation of safe sleep recommendations, SIDS remains an important public health concern. Multiple maternal, infant-related, environmental, and socioeconomic factors contribute to SIDS risk. Objective: The aim of this narrative review was to summarize current evidence regarding modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and to discuss evidence-based preventive strategies. Methods: A narrative review of literature from PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase was conducted, including reviews, meta-analyses, observational studies, and clinical guidelines. Results: Current evidence indicates that SIDS is a multifactorial condition resulting from interactions between intrinsic infant vulnerability, developmental factors, and external environmental stressors. The strongest modifiable risk factors include prenatal and postnatal tobacco exposure, prone sleeping position, unsafe sleep environments, overheating, and bed-sharing in high-risk circumstances. Prematurity, low birth weight, male sex, and genetic susceptibility contribute to biological vulnerability. Breastfeeding and pacifier use during sleep are associated with reduced SIDS risk. Conclusions: SIDS prevention requires a multifactorial approach focused on reducing modifiable environmental risks, promoting safe sleep practices, eliminating tobacco exposure, and improving parental education. Further research is needed to better understand genetic and biological mechanisms contributing to individual susceptibility.