The visual system plays an important role in providing postural balance. Visual input must have good quality to ensure proper balance. The aim of this work is to compare the use of soft contact lenses and spectacles in terms of postural stability. Patients who wore both soft spherical or toric contact lenses and spectacles were examined between February and July, 2021. A detailed ophthalmic examination, including contact lens evaluation, was performed. The aim was to fully correct the refractive error and to prescribe the most appropriate spectacle and contact lens correction. After 1 month of use, patients were subjected to the balance test. The balance tests were repeated using the Biodex Balance System (Biodex Inc. Shirley, New York, USA), first with contact lenses and then with spectacles, 15 minutes later. Static and dynamic postural stability indices were compared. Thirty patients were included in the study. The mean age of the study group was 31.33 ± 4.54 (26-40) years. All patients had myopic refractive errors (20 patients with myopia and 10 patients with myopia and astigmatism). The mean spherical equivalent was -2.95 ± 1.81 (-4.50-(-0.50)) D. Static stability index score was found to be statistically significantly better in tests with contact lenses (p = 0.004). Among the dynamic postural stability parameters, overall stability index and antero-posterior stability index (APSI) scores with contact lenses were better than with spectacles, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05 for both). Medio-lateral stability index (MLSI) score was better in tests with contact lenses (p < 0.001). Contact lenses may provide better static and dynamic postural balance than spectacles in young patients with myopic refractive errors.

Against a background of worldwide demographic change typified by a considerable increase in elderly individuals, open-access publishing in aging, anti-aging, and geriatrics is addressed. The value of improving scientific understanding in various domains is emphasized, as is the necessity for accessible, rapidly spread knowledge to tackle the multiple difficulties posed by aging populations. The rise of open-access publishing is viewed as an innovative trend that lowers barriers to access and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration. The advantages of open access in aging research are discussed, focusing on promoting worldwide collaboration, improving visibility and citation rates, and expediting the translation of research into practical applications. Given the expanding global aged population, the article emphasizes the urgent need for extensive research and the development of public health policies to promote healthy aging. Open access is praised for its inclusive aspect, which promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and a comprehensive understanding of the aging process. Open access to aging research has a bright future, potentially expanding our understanding of the aging process, stimulating global collaboration, and influencing data-driven public health solutions. The continued evolution of open access in aging research is distinguished by collaborative efforts, ethical considerations, and a commitment to enhancing the well-being of aging people worldwide. Embracing transparency and inclusivity creates the groundwork for a future in which scientific information informs policies and behaviors that benefit future generations as they age.

Introduction. YouTube is a prominent platform for obtaining health-related information, providing expert guidance and user-generated content. This research assessed the features and quality of YouTube videos concerning sarcopenia. Methods. On September 9, 2024, YouTube videos were viewed in incognito mode using the keywords «sarcopenia» and «loss of muscle strength.» A total of 100 videos were evaluated, with 37 satisfying the inclusion criteria following exclusions. The video quality was evaluated utilizing the Global Quality Scale (GQS) and the modified DISCERN instrument. Data regarding views, likes, comments, video duration, and sources were analyzed. Statistical analyses encompassed the Kruskal-Wallis test for group comparisons and Cohen’s kappa coefficient for inter-rater reliability. Results. Of the 37 videos examined, 48.6% (n = 18) were categorized as high-quality, 32.5% (n = 12) as intermediatequality, and 18.9% (n = 7) as low-quality. Videos of high quality were predominantly obtained from physicians (75%, n = 6), non-profit organizations (71.4%, n = 5), and government agencies (66.7%, n = 2). Low-quality videos predominantly originated from independent users (100%, n = 2) and health-related websites (36.4%, n = 4). Engagement indicators, comprising daily views, likes, and comments, showed no significant differences among quality groups, underscoring a disconnect between popularity and quality. Conclusion. YouTube is a helpful platform for distributing information on sarcopenia, provided the content is derived from reputable sources. The abundance of substandard videos highlights the danger of disinformation. Enhancing content control, promoting authoritative videos, and improving health literacy among viewers is crucial for optimizing YouTube’s capacity as a dependable health information resource.

A 75-year-old woman with a history of left breast cancer treated with total mastectomy, axillary lymph node dissection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy developed progressive left upper extremity lymphedema one year after radiotherapy. She later presented with sudden onset numbness and profound weakness in the affected limb. Physical examination revealed advanced-stage lymphedema with complete flaccid paralysis of the left upper extremity (0/5 strength in C5–T1 myotomes) and absent deep tendon reflexes. Electromyography, limited by edema, suggested brachial plexopathy or neurogenic involvement at the C8–T1 segments. Brachial plexus magnetic resonance imaging showed no mass lesion but demonstrated marked soft tissue and muscular edema around the left axilla and shoulder region. The patient was diagnosed with brachial plexopathy secondary to chronic lymphedema and was enrolled in a comprehensive rehabilitation program. This case highlights that long-standing upper extremity lymphedema may result in brachial plexus involvement and severe functional loss, underscoring the need for close neurological monitoring in patients with chronic lymphedema.

Objective: Lipedema, which mainly affects women, is a chronic and progressive disorder characterized by abnormal adipose tissue accumulation in the limbs. Despite its clinical importance, research on lipedema remains limited. Bibliometric analysis provides a quantitative way to evaluate the literature, identify trends, and assess research impact. Materials and methods: Global lipedema research was analyzed in the Web of Science database using the terms “lipedema”, “lipoedema”, and “lipolymphedema” for publications indexed through March 2025. Articles were classified by publication type, year, country of origin, journal quartile, and citation count. Citation analyses excluded publications from 2024 and 2025 because citation accumulation was incomplete. Only English original articles and reviews were included, while editorials, meeting abstracts, and non-indexed sources were excluded. Results: Of 610 records identified, 382 met the inclusion criteria. The analysis identified the main contributing countries and highlighted knowledge gaps and opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration in the evolving field of lipedema research. Conclusions: This study provides a global overview of lipedema-related research and its scholarly development. It also highlights the need for further studies on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of lipedema.