Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is a prevalent condition in newborns, characterized by lacrimation excess due to anatomic occlusion of the nasolacrimal ducts (NLD). This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of CNLDO, encompassing its etiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and current treatment options. Diagnosis comprises the fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT) and imaging studies. In most cases, CNLDO resolves spontaneously within the first year of life. However, if spontaneous resolution does not occur, or if complications arise during observation period, treatment with conservative methods such as massage is introduced earlier, depending on the severity and complexity of the case. If these methods prove unsuccessful, more invasive procedures, including probing, intubation or dacryocystorhinostomy, are employed. While early diagnosis is crucial, its direct impact on treatment outcomes is more related to the prompt identification of cases that may require escalation of care.

Cannabis is one of the most studied psychoactive substances due to its increasing prevalence and evolving legal status. Of particular concern is the rising consumption among young individuals, where excessive use may disrupt reproductive processes and pose long-term health risks to offspring. This narrative review examines the effects of cannabis use on male and female reproductive health, including its impact on male fertility, the female reproductive system, placental function, and prenatal and postnatal outcomes, as well as fetal development. A nonsystematic review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases in November 2024. After screening titles and abstracts and the full-text analysis, 64 studies were included in this narrative review. In men, cannabinoids can interfere with spermatogenesis, reduce sperm motility and quality, and lower testosterone levels, as demonstrated in clinical and experimental studies. In women, cannabinoid-induced disorders include negative effects on ovarian follicle maturation, ovulation, placental function, and prenatal development. Prenatal exposure to cannabis is associated with the risk of reduced birth weight, birth defects, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or lactation problems due to the penetration of cannabis metabolites into breast milk. The findings highlight the potential negative effects of cannabis on reproductive health and fetal development. Given these risks, individuals attempting to conceive, and pregnant women should be advised against cannabis use. Greater awareness is needed among healthcare professionals and the public regarding the reproductive risks associated with cannabis consumption. While the evidence on teratogenic effects is not always conclusive, caution should be exercised, and further research is essential to deepen the understanding of these effects.

Aim: This review aims to comprehensively evaluate islet transplantation as a treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), exploring its mechanisms, clinical applications, current challenges, and future potential. Additionally, we explore the potential of stem cell-derived β-cells and the technologies used to differentiate pluripotent stem cells into insulin-producing cells. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using three electronic databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. A total of 71 peer-reviewed articles published between 1979 and 2025 were selected based on keywords such as islet transplantation, pancreatic islet cells, stem cell-derived β-cells, and immunosuppression. The analysis primarily focused on the most recent publications, with additional selection criteria including the number of citations and the sample size of the study population. Results: Islet transplantation is a promising therapy for selected T1DM patients, particularly those experiencing severe glycemic instability. While autologous transplantation following total pancreatectomy effectively preserves endogenous insulin production, allogeneic transplantation remains constrained by donor scarcity and immune-related challenges. The Edmonton protocol has significantly improved graft survival; however, long-term immunosuppression presents considerable risks. Advances in pluripotent stem cell-derived β-cells offer a potential solution to the donor shortage, demonstrating functional insulin secretion in both preclinical and early clinical studies. Alternative transplantation sites, such as the rectus abdominis muscle, have shown promise in enhancing graft viability and function. Conclusions: Islet transplantation, despite its limitations, remains a viable therapeutic strategy for T1DM patients with poor glycemic control. Stem cell-derived islets represent a breakthrough in overcoming donor shortages, yet further large-scale trials are required to validate their efficacy and safety. Continued research on optimizing transplantation techniques and immunosuppressive strategies will be essential for the future of β-cell replacement therapy.

Background: Obesity causes organ dysfunction through several pathophysiological mechanisms, such as the physical impact of increased fat mass, the presence of ectopic fat in tissues and organs, metabolic effects, and inflammatory mechanisms [1]. Prospective studies have shown that fat deposits are associated with cardiovascular outcomes independently of other traditional risk factors. It has been proposed that the prothrombotic and proinflammatory environment of fat deposits has a significant role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) [2]. The weight loss induced by anti-obesity drugs may improve cardiovascular risk, and glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs - may promote these benefits independently of weight loss [3]. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1Ras), such as semaglutide, have direct effects at multiple sites, including glucose-dependent stimulation of insulin secretion, the suppression of glucagon secretion, appetite reduction, and delayed gastric emptying [2]. Aim of the study: This paper aims to summarize and analyze current knowledge regarding the effects of semaglutide on cardiovascular outcomes in individuals who are overweight or obese but do not have diabetes. Material and methods: This literature review was performed according to PICO guidelines. The MEDLINE database was searched. The following search query was used: “semaglutide and cardiovascular disease”. The “Free full text” filter was applied. Results: Analysis of the SELECT trial showed that in patients with atherosclerotic CVD and who were overweight or obese, treatment with semaglutide 2–4 mg reduced major adverse cardiovascular events and composite heart failure endpoints compared to placebo [4]. In the analysis of the STEP-HFpEF trial, semaglutide was better than placebo in improving heart failure-related symptoms and reducing body weight in obese participants with heart failure-related obesity with preserved ejection fraction [5]. According to the STEP 1 and 4 studies, semaglutide may reduce the use of antihypertensive or lipid-lowering drugs compared with placebo [6]. Conclusions: Semaglutide improves symptoms and physical limitations and reduces inflammation and body weight [7]. Despite the promising results, further research is necessary to assess the long-term effects of semaglutide.

Aim: This article aims to comprehensively analyse the available literature on synovial sarcoma (SS), focusing on its pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic strategies, treatment approaches, and emerging therapeutic research. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, ClinicalKey and Google Scholar using the keywords synovial sarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma. A total of 104 peer-reviewed articles published within 1914-2025 were selected based on relevance, methodological quality and contribution to the field. Results: SS is a rare soft tissue sarcoma (STS), accounting for 2–4.2% of all STS cases. It predominantly affects adults aged 20–44 years, with 10% of cases occurring among children. The tumor most commonly arises in the extremities, particularly the lower limbs, and typically presents as a painless mass. Diagnosis relies on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) followed by biopsy, histopathological analysis, and molecular testing for SYT-SSX fusion genes. The mainstay of treatment is en bloc surgical resection, with radiotherapy and chemotherapy (e.g., doxorubicin + ifosfamide) serving as adjunct therapies in select cases. Conclusions: SS presents a significant clinical challenge due to its rarity, nonspecific symptoms, and aggressive nature. Early detection of tumors, particularly those <5 cm, is crucial for improving outcomes. Multidisciplinary management in specialized sarcoma centers is essential for optimizing treatment strategies. Further research is needed to explore targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and molecular-driven treatment approaches to improve long-term prognosis.