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Introduction: Apart from pharmacological treatment, non-pharmacological strategies including physical activity play a significant role in the management of asthma. The aim of this paper is to examine various topics related to swimming and asthma. They include the detailed effect of swimming on asthma control,the potential role of swimming in early childhood asthma development, exercise induced asthma in swimmers as well as the relationship between asthma and cold water swimming. Review methods: This article is based on the literature found in the PubMed Database from the period of 1971-2024 with the use of keywords such as “asthma”, “swimming”, “cold water swimming”, “exercise induced asthma”, “childhood asthma” Description of the state of knowledge: Swimming is a safe form of physical activity for asthma patients.Swimming training enhances aerobic capacity, reduces exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and improves lung function in both pediatric and adult patients. However, there is a concern regarding indoor swimming pools that chlorine can potentially induce airway inflammation. There is research suggesting that early life swimming pool exposure may contribute to the asthma development in atopic children. There is some premise to the thought that cold water swimming may help alleviate asthma symptoms, but it also carries many risks.Swimming is a major cause of exercise induced asthma in professional athletes. Conclusions: Alongside appropriate pharmacological treatment, swimming is a valuable strategy in asthma management in both pediatric and adult asthma patients. The risks of chlorinating pools are still not known to outweigh the benefits of swimming for asthmatics. Further research should be carried out on safety of early swimming in atopic children. Cold water swimming should also be evaluated in terms of safety and potential benefits for asthma patients.

Introduction: Eating disorders are potentially mortal health conditions affecting mostly young people. The reasons for that in general population are connected to vulnerable self-image, following the current beauty standards and co-existing psychiatric comorbidities. Athletes may be in danger of developing a pathological eating pattern due to sport specific reasons such as higher scores related to thinner body. Aim of study: The main aim of the study was to examine the relationship between eating disorders in professional athletes’ population, evaluate causes and risk factors and to assess health consequences to eating disorder in sport. Materials and methods: This article is based on the literature found in PubMed and Google Scholar Database with the use of keywords such as ”eating disorders”, “sport”, “athletes”, “anorexia nervosa in athletes”, “eating disorders in sport”, “disordered eating in sportsmen”, “female athletes”, “bulimia nervosa”, “binge eating”, “ED and sport”, “mental health and sport”, “consequences of eating disorders”, “sport education”. Results: Investigation of available literature revealed the connection between developing eating disorder in professional athlete sample. The reasons behind it are mostly sports’ oriented and connected to the desire to achieve better results and perfectionism. However, developing an eating disorder results in worse sports’ performance, menstrual irregularity, lower bone mineral density, cardiovascular issues and can be potentially mortal. Conclusion: Athletes are in danger of developing eating disorders. There should be a focus on evaluating people in sport in terms of eating patterns, however available questionnaires are inefficient because players tend to underreport their problems. Coaches and families of the athletes need to be educated in the topic as they can recognize dangerous behaviors first.

Introduction and purpose: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are a well-known component of a nutritionally balanced diet. There is a wealth of evidence demonstrating that the ingestion of these substances enhances health, as they are involved in a multitude of metabolic processes that are essential for cellular functionality. However, the contemporary Western diet is distinguished by a reduction in the consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The objective of this review is to present the potential therapeutic efficacy of omega-3 PUFA supplementation in the most common inflammatory skin disorders, such as acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis vulgaris. State of knowledge: Acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis vulgaris differ in terms of their pathophysiology. However, they are all characterised by underlying inflammatory processes. Omega-3 fatty acids have been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory properties. They are capable of modulating both the innate and the adaptive immune responses, thereby alleviating the symptoms of the aforementioned skin disorders. Summary: Given the pluripotent anti-inflammatory qualities of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, it is reasonable to conclude that they have the potential to become an effective therapeutic tool in the management of inflammatory skin diseases.

Introduction: Chronotype reflects an individual's preference for activity and rest within a 24-hour period, governed by the internal circadian clock system located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus. There are three chronotypes: Morning, Evening, and Intermediate. The evening type is also called “night owls” or late chronotype. Night owls prefer to be active in the evening and sleep and wake up late. The misalignment between the sleep patterns in late chronotype and the social schedules puts the night owls in danger of physical and mental health issues. Purpose of work: The primary aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on the impact of late chronotype on health. Methods and materials: A review of the literature available in the PubMed database, the following keywords and their combinations were searched: "chronotype", “mental health", "cancer", “late chronotype”, “circadian rhythm”, “type 2 diabetes”, “depression”. State of knowledge: Studies have confirmed that late chronotype is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer, alcohol and cigarette addiction, and unhealthy eating habits. Furthermore, the evening chronotype is an independent risk factor for depression. It is also linked with anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Summary: In this review, we have summarized the latest research on late chronotype, circadian misalignment, and their potential consequences on human health. Most studies on evening chronotype and related health issues are cross-sectional. Further longitudinal or experimental research is needed to examine the potential cause-and-effect relationships on this cause.

Introduction and purpose: Nutrition plays an important role in the lives of young athletes. A well-balanced diet is crucial not only for their sports performance, but also for their proper growth and optimal health. The aim of this study is to evaluate the dietary intake of the School of Sports Championship students. A brief description of the state of knowledge: When compared to the nutritional needs of regular teenagers, young athletes have higher caloric requirements. They need to follow precise meal scheduling, must maintain proper hydration, and sometimes need to use dietary supplements. Moreover, adolescent athletes, especially females, have a higher risk of athlete triad, anemia, or eating disorders. In addition, young athletes seem to be unaware of the importance of their diet and how it directly affects their overall health and athletic performance. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the dietary choices of young athletes significantly affect their sports performance. We found a correlations between the duration of trainings and the intake of sequentially: protein, fiber, and vitamin D. Also, we discovered that female athletes consume less vitamin D and iron compared to male athletes, which may lead to a dangerous health implications, including anemia or the female athlete triad. However, there is a need for more prospective randomized clinical trials conducted on a larger sample size to reach final conclusions.

Introduction: Herbal medicine has been growing in popularity over the last few years. One of the most often used herbal remedy is Withania somnifera, more widely known as Ashwagandha Now known for its anti-stress, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-anxiety properties it ranks as a cure-all. However, there is a rising amount of alarming reports regarding its safety. It has been observed that its effects are not always beneficial, and for some patients the risks of taking it may be greater than the promoted benefits. Aim of study: The aim of this paper is to evaluate possible risks connected to Withania Somnifera consumption based on available research articles and case reports. Materials and methods: This article is based on the literature found in the PubMed Database from the period of 2004-2024 with the use of keywords such as “Ashwagandha”; “Withania Somnifera”, “herbal medicine”;”complementary medicine”;“liver injury”; “thyrotoxicosis”; “adrenal insufficiency”;”autoimmune diseases”. Results: The outcomes of all the reviewed studies in this paper indicate that Withania Somnifera might cause a wide range of side effects. They include herb induced liver injury, endocrine complications such as thyrotoxicosis and adrenal insufficiency, acute graft rejection in a kidney transplant recipient and possible contribution to the onset of new autoimmune disease in patient with the history of autoimmune disorders. Conclusion: Further long-term research is needed on the Ashwaghanda’s benefits but particularly on its safety and potential side effects. The common education on the risks of taking herbal supplements should be carried out among health professionals and the rest of the society. Ashwagandha should not be used by patients with liver, endocrine and autoimmune disorders as well as transplant recipients.

Introduction and Purpose: Iron deficiency alongside anaemia is one of the most significant global health concerns with potentially long-lasting implications on child development and health outcomes. The period of infancy represents a crucial phase of central nervous system maturation, rendering infants particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of iron deficiency. It is therefore crucial to pay close attention to this issue. The aim of this review is to elucidate the neurological implications of iron deficiency in infancy and emphasize the necessity of implementing preventive strategies to safeguard child development. State of Knowledge: Iron deficiency in infancy can result in impairments of brain development. Extensive research highlights the influence of this micronutrient on various physiological processes, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters, neuronal metabolism, myelination, synaptogenesis and gene expression. Furthermore, iron deficiency during infancy is associated with adverse developmental outcomes, including cognitive, motor, and socioemotional deficits. Long-term follow-up studies have elucidated the enduring neurological consequences of iron deficiency in infancy, with effects extending into childhood and beyond. Summary: Given that the changes that occur during the infantile period are often irreversible and have long-lasting implications for future development, it is of the utmost importance to prioritize prevention strategies.

Introduction: Matcha, a finely powdered form of green tea, has recently gained global popularity due to its vibrant green color, distinctive taste, and versatile applications in various food products. Despite its promising nutritional profile, matcha has not received significant attention in the academic community compared to traditional green tea. Purpose of work: The primary objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of matcha's biological properties and its potential health benefits. Methods and materials: A review of the literature available in the PubMed database and Google Scholar, the following keywords were searched: "matcha", “catechin", "EGCG", “cognitive function”, “green tea” State of knowledge: Existing studies have demonstrated that matcha exhibits anticancer properties, enhances cognitive function, improves cardio-metabolic health, and modulates the gut microbiome. Moreover, matcha is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Summary: This review summarizes the latest research findings on matcha green tea and its potential health benefits. While animal studies have shown promising results, our knowledge of matcha's effects on human health remains limited. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to fully elucidate its potential health-promoting effects. Therefore, we advocate for continued research into matcha's properties and its integration into dietary practices to promote overall health and well-being.

Introduction: Migraine is one of the most prevalent types of headache and is a subject of many clinical trials. There are various risk factors associated with migraine occurrence, from hormonal and genetic to environmental. It is observed that some migraineurs have specific psychological features- sometimes called as migraine personality. This encouraged researchers to evaluate migraine patients in terms of psychiatric co-existing conditions. Aim of study: The main aim of the study was to examine the relationship between migraine and psychiatric comorbidities, primarily personality disorders. Materials and methods: This article is based on the literature found in PubMed and Google Scholar Database with the use of keywords such as ”migraine”, “headache factors”, “personality disorder”, “migraine personality”, “migraine education”, “borderline personality disorder”, “anxious personality disorder”, “migraine health”, “depression and migraine”, “medication over-use in migraine”, “migraine comorbidities”, “depression”, “anxiety”. Results: Investigation of available literature revealed the connection between migraine and personality disorders. Psychiatric comorbidities worsen the treatment prognosis, are a risk factor of medication overuse and chronic headaches. Conclusion: Psychiatric comorbidities are frequent among migraineurs. Clinical evaluation of these patients should be complex and contain psychological and psychiatric analysis, especially in patients resistant to standard treatment.

Introduction and purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrinopathy in women, with a prevalence ranging from 10% to 13%. Oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant levels contribute to the development of various diseases, and one of them is polycystic ovary syndrome. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge about the effects of antioxidant administration in PCOS treatment. A brief description of the state of knowledge: Oxidative stress is an imbalance between increased levels of reactive oxygen species and a decreased efficiency of antioxidant mechanisms, which can potentially cause damage. The harmful effects of free radicals might be neutralized by antioxidants obtained from the diet, such as polyphenols, vitamins C, and E. These compounds improve several aspects of the PCOS pathomechanism, including hormonal imbalance, glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and ovarian functionality. Conclusions: The outcomes of all the reviewed studies in this paper indicate that antioxidants such as resveratrol, curcumin, vitamin C and E, N-acetylcysteine, and melatonin have therapeutic potential in the management of PCOS. However, currently antioxidant therapies cannot be recommended in PCOS therapy since there is a need for more prospective randomized clinical trials on a larger sample to establish a long-term effects of antioxidants supplementation in PCOS, the optimal dosage, and finally to assess which antioxidant is the most efficient in PCOS treatment.

This article presents the results of petrophysical analyses of limestones and sandstones used for the construction of the wall structures of a Roman rural settlement located in Podšilo Bay on Rab Island (Croatia). An on-site analysis of the walls indicated the use of different lithotypes, which is an uncommon case in the area. So far, no petrophysical properties of the applied materials have been tested, and their provenance has not been specified. The aim of this research was to determine their usability as construction materials in an attempt to determine the possible reasons behind the usage of multiple lithotypes and their suitability as building materials. The following procedure was used to address these issues: (1) determination of the petrographic characteristics of the rocks, (2) performance of tests to characterise the mechanical properties in a complex stress state of uniaxial tension followed by uniaxial and triaxial compression, and, finally, (3) determination of the internal structure of the rocks using methods based on X-ray imaging. Multi-proxy characteristics of the materials including numerous observations and methods were performed: optical microscopy used to characterise rock petrography and mineralogy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with EDS, as well as grinding tests; furthermore, mechanical properties were determined on cylindrical samples in accordance with European standards. X-ray microtomography using the XμCT method enabled microscopic observations and determination of the orientation of discontinuities and the rock structure. The performed analyses allowed us to distinguish three lithological types of sandstone and two types of limestone among the examined stone blocks. Stone blocks of fine- and medium-grained sandstone with carbonate binders, as well as sparitic limestone and mudstone with calcite veins, were used to build the studied structures. The analysed blocks showed traces of partial edge processing. Despite the defects in the material structure identified using XμCT, all the types of rock were characterised by high or very high strength. High values of longitudinal wave velocity confirmed the good quality of the material. These results contribute to a better understanding of the construction process and the related technological choices, and they provide the first dataset which can be used for the reconstruction of the building’s original appearance in the future.

W artykule przedstawiono studium przypadku oceny stateczności zbocza zlokalizowanego w południowej Polsce, w obszarze o skomplikowanej budowie geologicznej. Zaproponowano wieloetapową metodologię oceny stateczności zbocza. Zastosowane komplementarne techniki badawcze pozwoliły uzyskać dokładną i rzetelną ocenę stateczności analizowanego zbocza, a przedstawiona wieloetapowa procedura analizy uwarunkowań stateczności umożliwiła uwzględnienie różnych cech i mechanizmów destabilizujących stan równowagi, co pozwala na prognozowanie kierunków zagospodarowania przestrzennego.

The paper presents the basic problem related with practical application of carbonate rocks in construction: are carbonate aggregates produced from such rocks favorable for building engineering, particularly for road design and construction? To resolve this problem, (1) the geological-engineering properties of aggregates are presented, (2) the correlation between petrographic and engineering parameters is shown, and (3) a strict correlation between the geological-engineering properties and the freezing-thawing and crushing resistance is recognized. This knowledge has allowed to assess the usefulness of asphalt concrete (AC) made from dolomite and limestone aggregates in the design and construction of road surface structures. The petrography was characterized using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS). Engineering properties were determined in accordance with European and Polish norms and guidelines. Statistical and design calculations were performed using dedicated software. The petrographic properties, and selected physical and mechanical parameters of the aggregates, were tested to show their influence on the freezing–thawing and crushing resistance. Strong functional relationships between the water adsorption, and the freezing–thawing and crushing resistance have been observed. Aggregate strength decreased after saturation with increasing concentrations of salt solutions. Calculations of AC fatigue durability and deformation allow for reducing the thickness of the road surface structure by about 20% in comparison to normative solutions. This conclusion has impact on the economy of road design and construction, and allows for a rational utilization of rock resources, which contributes to sustainable development of the construction industry.

Cemented stabilized rammed earth (CSRE) is a building material used to build load bearing walls from locally available soil. The article analyzes the influence of soil mineral composition on CSRE compressive strength. Compression tests of CSRE samples of various mineral compositions, but the same particle size distribution, water content, and cement content were conducted. Based on the compression strength results and analyzed SEM images, it was observed that even small changes in the mineral composition significantly affected the CSRE compressive strength. From the comparison of CSRE compressive strength result sets, one can draw general qualitative conclusions that montmorillonite lowered the compressive strength the most; beidellite also lowered it, but to a lesser extent. Kaolinite lightly increased the compressive strength.