Background: Oral microbiota comprises a wide variety of microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nd:YAG laser with a 1064 nm wavelength on the in vitro growth of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Streptococcus mutans clinical strains, as well as their biofilm. The study also aimed to determine whether the parameters recommended for photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, typically used for tissue wound healing, have any additional antibacterial or antifungal effects. Material and Methods: Single- and dual-species planktonic cell solution and biofilm cultures of Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata were irradiated using an Nd:YAG laser (LightWalker; Fotona; Slovenia) with a flat-top Genova handpiece. Two test groups were evaluated: Group 1 (G-T1) exposed to low power associated parameters (irradiance 0.5 W/cm²) and Group 2 (G-T2) with higher laser parameters (irradiance 1.75 W/cm²). Group 3 (control) was not exposed to any irradiation. The lasers’ effect was assessed both immediately after irradiation (DLI; Direct Laser Irradiation) and 24 h post-irradiation (24hLI) of the planktonic suspension using a quantitative method (colony-forming units per 1 mL of suspension; CFU/mL), and the results were compared with the control group, in which no laser was applied. The impact of laser irradiation on biofilm biomass was assessed immediately after laser irradiation using the crystal violet method. Results: Nd:YAG laser irradiation with photobiomodulation setting demonstrated an antimicrobial effect with the greatest immediate reduction observed in S. mutans, achieving up to 85.4% reduction at the T2 settings. However, the laser’s effectiveness diminished after 24 h. In single biofilm cultures, the highest reductions were noted for C. albicans and S. mutans at the T2 settings, with C. albicans achieving a 92.6 ± 3.3% reduction and S. mutans reaching a 94.3 ± 5.0% reduction. Overall, the T2 settings resulted in greater microbial reductions compared to T1, particularly in biofilm cultures, although the effectiveness varied depending on the microorganism and culture type. Laser irradiation, assessed immediately after using the crystal violet method, showed the strongest biofilm reduction for Streptococcus mutans in the T2 settings for both single-species and dual-species biofilms, with higher reductions observed in all the microbial samples at the T2 laser parameters (p < 0.05) Conclusion: The Nd:YAG laser using standard parameters typically applied for wound healing and analgesic effects significantly reduced the number of Candida albicans; Candida glabrata; and Streptococcus mutans strains.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by erythematous, papular, and pustular lesions. Treatment for rosacea is tailored to the type and severity of lesions and the individual needs of the patient. The primary therapy involves topical and systemic treatments. Laser therapy is also an effective method. This review summarizes current knowledge on the application of pulsed dye lasers (PDLs), potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) lasers, intense pulsed light (IPL), neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers, carbon dioxide (CO₂) lasers, and erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) lasers in the treatment of rosacea. Research confirms that the PDL remains the gold standard, demonstrating excellent clinical efficacy. The KTP and IPL lasers provide comparable outcomes, with relatively fewer adverse effects. Due to its greater depth of penetration, the Nd:YAG laser is used to treat lesions in the deeper layers of the skin. In advanced forms of rosacea, such as rhinophyma, ablative lasers, including CO₂ and Er:YAG, are employed. This review summarizes the mechanisms of action, therapeutic applications, and adverse effects associated with the use of various laser types in the management of rosacea.

Background: In psychiatry, gambling is classified as an addiction-related disorder and is characterized by a persistent, problematic pattern of behaviour that leads to significant distress and functional impairment. This study aims to explore the prevalence, underlying motivations, and potential academic impact of gambling behaviours among medical students in Poland. Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted among students from multiple medical universities across Poland. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS). Respondents who reported any past or current gambling activity were additionally asked about their motivations and potential academic consequences. Results: The study included 281 participants. Active or past gambling was reported by 55% of respondents, with men significantly more likely to gamble currently. Women were predominantly non-problem gamblers, whereas men more often scored within the “some problems” range on the SOGS. Motivations also differed: women emphasised financial gain, while men cited fun, socializing, and competition. Lottery and scratch cards were most popular overall, though men preferred skill-based and casino activities. Conclusions: Although participants showed relatively low levels of gambling involvement, their risk of developing pathological gambling was comparable to that of the general population. Gender influenced involvement in different gambling patterns.

Background: Multi-organ failure (MOF) is a common complication of advanced heart failure (HF), significantly influencing patient prognosis. This study aimed to assess and compare the impact of orthotopic heart transplantation (HTx) and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation on the severity of MOF, as measured by the model for end-stage liver disease excluding INR (MELD-XI) score. Methods: Data from 1 month before to 1 year after HTx or LVAD implantation were analysed. The MELD-XI score was calculated using average bilirubin and creatinine values. Comparative assessments of MELD-XI scores were performed within the HTx and LVAD groups at various time points pre- and post-procedure. Results: The analysis included 107 HTx patients and 30 LVAD patients. The median MELD-XI score 1 month pre-procedure was 11.7 (9.4–16.7) in all patients. There were no significant differences in MELD-XI scores between the groups at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. However, a significant difference was observed 1 month post-procedure [HTx: 14.8 (9.4–17.7) vs. LVAD: 11.2 (7.3–14.9), p = 0.02]. In the LVAD group, a significant decrease in MELD-XI score was noted for 3 months post-procedure compared to 1 month pre-procedure (p < 0.001), whereas at 6- and 12-month follow-ups the score did not differ from pre-procedural scores. In the HTx group, significant decreases in MELD-XI scores were observed from 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year post-procedure compared to 1 month pre-procedure (p < 0.002). Conclusions: The MELD-XI scale reveals different MOF trajectories between HTx and LVAD recipients. Both interventions lead to early improvements in liver and kidney function, with sustained benefits in HTx patients, highlighting the distinct impacts on organ function.

Background: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a highly prevalent pediatric condition and a leading cause of conductive hearing loss in children. Its pathogenesis remains uncertain, and diagnostic and therapeutic challenges make management difficult. Objectives: This review evaluates current evidence on the middle ear microbiome in pediatric OME, focusing on the diagnostic value of 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16S rRNA) gene sequencing and its potential clinical implications. Methods: A literature review was conducted using the PubMed database, including studies published between 2006 and 2026. Eligible studies involved pediatric patients with OME and examined the sources and characteristics of microbiota potentially involved in disease pathogenesis. Microbiome analysis was performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. Results: Growing evidence indicates that OME is associated with microbial dysbiosis and biofilm formation rather than a sterile inflammatory process. The most frequently detected genera include Haemophilus, Moraxella, Streptococcus, and Alloiococcus, although substantial variability exists between studies. Pathogens are believed to reach the middle ear through the Eustachian tube from two main reservoirs: the nasopharynx and the adenoids. The potential role of Helicobacter pylori infection and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in OME pathogenesis remains uncertain and requires further investigation. NGS methods, including 16S rRNA sequencing, demonstrate higher sensitivity than conventional culture techniques, enabling the detection of fastidious and previously unrecognized microorganisms. Evidence also highlights the limited effectiveness of antibiotic therapy in OME, the persistent issue of antibiotic overuse, and the relative advantages of conservative management and microbiome-modulating approaches compared with antibiotics and surgical interventions. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that OME is closely associated with microbiota dysbiosis and bacterial biofilm formation. Given the limited efficacy of antibiotics, microbiome-focused strategies—particularly probiotics—should be further explored. Molecular diagnostic methods, especially NGS, show clear advantages over traditional culture-based techniques. Future research should further evaluate microbiome modulation as a potential adjunctive or preventive strategy.

Purpose: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser delivered through a novel handpiece designed to provide a flat-top, homogeneous energy distribution profile (MarcoM handpiece) against key oral pathogens: Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Streptococcus mutans, in both planktonic and biofilm forms, in single- and dual-species cultures. Methods: Microorganisms were cultured individually and in dual-species combinations and irradiated using two irradiance settings (T1: 0.2 W/cm², T2: 0.6 W/cm²) corresponding to clinically established photobiomodulation parameters for wound healing and analgesia. Colony-forming units (CFU/mL) were quantified immediately and 24 hours post-irradiation to assess laser-induced antimicrobial effects.Results: Streptococcus mutans exhibited the highest susceptibility in planktonic form, with CFU reductions of 79.0 ± 5.6% (T1) and 86.3 ± 4.2% (T2) immediately after irradiation (p < 0.05). After 24 hours, a 92.0 ± 3.5% reduction was observed, though viability partially recovered in dual-species cultures with C. albicans (T1: 4.7 ± 6.6%, T2: 0.0 ± 0.0%). C. albicans showed greater reduction after 24 hours (T2: 68.2 ± 9.7%) than immediately post-irradiation (32.1 ± 6.7%) (p < 0.05). In biofilm forms, the greatest effect was observed for C. albicans at T2 (91.7 ± 2.8%), while C. glabrata biofilms showed no significant difference between settings (p > 0.05). Dual-species biofilms required higher irradiance (T2, p < 0.05) for significant eradication.Conclusion: Under the specific in vitro conditions tested, 1064 nm Nd:YAG irradiation delivered with a flat-top, homogeneous beam profile reduced CFU counts and biofilm biomass of the tested oral microbial isolates. The effect depended on laser parameters, microbial species, culture model, and time point. Because only one clinical isolate per species was used and no positive antimicrobial comparator was included, these findings should be interpreted as preliminary proof-of-concept data requiring validation in expanded strain panels and comparator-controlled studies.