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.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a substantial burden on global healthcare, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in screening methodologies, its incidence remains high, necessitating continued efforts in early detection and treatment. Neoplastic invasion and metastasis are primary determinants of CRC lethality, emphasizing the urgency of understanding underlying mechanisms to develop effective therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to explore the potential of serum biomarkers in predicting survival outcomes in CRC patients, with a focus on cathepsin B (CB), leukocytic elastase (LE), total sialic acid (TSA), lipid-associated sialic acid (LASA), antitrypsin activity (ATA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and cystatin C (CC). We recruited 185 CRC patients and 35 healthy controls, assessing demographic variables, tumor characteristics, and 7 serum biomarker levels, including (1) CB, (2) LE, (3) TSA, (4) LASA, (5) ATA, (6) CRP, and (7) CC. Statistical analyses included ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc tests and MANOVA for continuous variables. Student’s t-test was used for dependent samples, while non-parametric tests like Mann–Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied for variables deviating from the normal distribution. Categorical variables were assessed using chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was utilized to examine variable correlations. Survival analysis employed the Kaplan–Meier method with a log-rank test for comparing survival times between groups. Significant associations were observed between CB (p = 0.04), LE (p = 0.01), and TSA (p = 0.008) levels and survival outcomes in CRC patients. Dukes’ classification stages also showed a significant correlation with survival (p = 0.001). However, no significant associations were found for LASA, ATA, CRP, and CC. Multivariate analysis of LE, TSA, and ATA demonstrated a notable correlation with survival (p = 0.041), notwithstanding ATA’s lack of significance in univariate analysis (p = 0.13). CB, LE, and TSA emerged as promising diagnostic markers with prognostic value in CRC, potentially aiding in early diagnosis and treatment planning. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore additional prognostic indicators.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most prevalent and deadly malignancies worldwide. Despite advancements in screening and treatment, its aggressive progression and tendency to metastasize remain major challenges. Biomarkers such as cathepsins B and D, actin isoforms, and cysteine protease inhibitors may influence tumor invasion and metastasis. However, little is known about their spatial distribution in tumor versus surrounding tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the location-dependent expression of selected biomarkers in CRC tissue to better understand their role in cancer progression. Tissue samples were obtained intraoperatively from 37 CRC patients at three locations: the tumor center, and 2 cm and 5 cm from the tumor margin. The activity and concentrations of cathepsins B and D, anti-papain activity, and actin fractions (globular [G-], filamentous [F-], and total actin [T-actin]) were measured using biochemical and spectrophotometric assays. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, MANOVA, and non-parametric tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Cathepsin B activity was significantly elevated at the tumor center and decreased with distance from the tumor (p < 0.001). F-actin and T-actin levels followed a similar pattern, with significantly higher values near the tumor core (p < 0.05). Differences in G-actin were less pronounced. No significant spatial variation was found for cathepsin D, or anti-papain activity. The G-actin/T-actin and F-actin/G-actin ratios revealed significant shifts in actin polymerization states depending on the distance from the tumor. This study demonstrates spatial heterogeneity in the expression of key biomarkers in CRC tissues. Elevated levels of cathepsin B and altered actin dynamics in tumor regions suggest their involvement in local invasion and progression.