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Abstract Meningitis is a potential complication of elective intracranial surgery (EIS). The prevalence of meningitis after EIS varies greatly in the literature. The objective of this study was to estimate the overall pooled prevalence of meningitis following EIS. Four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase) were searched to identify relevant studies. Meta-analyses of proportions were used to combine data. Cochran's Q and I 2 statistics were used to assess and quantify heterogeneity. Additionally, several subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the source of heterogeneity and examine differences in the prevalence based on variables such as geographical regions, income level, and meningitis type. The meta-analysis included 83 studies (30 959 patients) from 26 countries. The overall pooled prevalence of meningitis after EIS was 1.6% (95% CI 1.1–2.1), with high heterogeneity present (I 2 = 88%). The pooled prevalence in low- to middle-income countries and high-income countries was 2.7% (95% CI 1.6–4.1) and 1.2% (95% CI 0.8–1.7), respectively. Studies that reported only aseptic meningitis had a pooled prevalence of 3.2% (95% CI 1.3–5.8). The pooled prevalence was 2.8% (95% CI 1.5–4.5) in studies that reported only bacterial meningitis. Similar prevalence rates of meningitis were observed in the subgroups of tumor resection, microvascular decompression, and aneurysm clipping. Meningitis is a rare but not exceptional complication following EIS, with an estimated prevalence of 1.6%.

Introduction: The process of aging is a progressive, patterned, and accumulative set of time-related changes resulting from a mix of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, that are constantly evolving, and that lead the human body to be more prone to defects and susceptible to disease, and at last to death. On the molecular level, the accumulation of free radical reactions that constantly go on in every cell and tissue is thought to be the main culprit behind the process of aging [1]. These reactions amassed over time, hamper immune responses to external factors, cause homeostatic imbalance and lead to chronic pro-inflammatory status in body cells. This process has been dubbed “inflammaging” [2]. Physical activity, along with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle as a whole, has long been thought to be crucial in retaining health and good quality of life. Aim of the study: A review of current knowledge about the process of aging, a summary of underlying pathologies, and current preventive protocols, with a focus on physical activity as a preventative measure in combating illness and age-related pathologies. Methods and materials: A review of chosen literature in the PubMed database, MDPI database, and GoogleScholar was conducted using the following keywords: “aging pathophysiology”, “physical exercise in the aging process”, “aging process underlying conditions”, “molecular biology of aging”, “cell lifespan”, “cell longevity”. Results and conclusions: Physical activity helps decelerate the process of aging, both physical and cognitive, through various pathways in the human body.

Introduction and purpose of the study: With the gradual increase in travel, new challenges are arising in the health sector, especially with regard to infectious diseases. Growing number of Poles choose countries on other continents as their holiday destination. The aim of this study was to examine the health behaviour of Poles in relation to their travel destinations within Europe, Asia and Africa. Of particular importance were pre-travel consultations, awareness of recommended and mandatory vaccinations and malaria prevention. Material and method: The study was based on an analysis of data from a specially constructed, online questionnaire. It was completed by 237 people. Pearson’s χ2 test, T-student and ANOVA were used to analyse the survey results. The processing of the data obtained, statistical calculations and graphs were performed using the R programme. Results and conclusions: Travellers to Asian or African countries were significantly more likely to seek information on the infectious diseases their travel destination was at risk of than travellers to European countries. In addition, recommended vaccinations were significantly more frequently administered prior to travelling to Africa or Asia than before travelling within Europe. No statistically significant differences were found between travellers to Asia or Africa in terms of seeking information on the infectious diseases, having a pre-travel consultation or being administered recommended vaccinations. With regards to malaria-prone regions, travellers to Africa were more than twice as likely to take antimalarial drugs than travellers to Asia. Mandatory vaccinations were significantly more common than recommended vaccinations, although despite the obligation some travellers still chose not to receive them.

Introduction: Hearing loss affects 15% of Poles, i.e. more than 5.7 million people. Despite this, it is still underdiagnosed and insufficiently often treated. As its incidence increases significantly with age, this issue will only affect more people with a rapidly ageing population. Hearing loss has a number of different negative consequences, significantly reducing patients' quality of life, but it is also a problem for society as a whole. Aim of the study: Review of current knowledge on hearing loss, detailing pathophysiology, prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment. Methods and materials: A review of chosen literature in the PubMed database, Scopus, and Google Scholar using the keywords of “hearing loss”, „ conductive hearing loss”, “sensorineural hearing loss”, “hearing loss in adults”, “diagnosing hearing loss” and „hearing loss treatment”. Results: Hearing loss is categorized as conductive, sensorineural or mixed, with the most common being presbyacusis. Although it is a multi-factorial condition, reducing exposure to excessive noise is most important. There is no consensus on screening in adults. Various diagnostic methods exist with tonal audiometry being the most important. Conductive hearing loss is potentially amendable surgically, while in case of sensorineural hearing loss, hearing aids are the most common treatment method. Satisfactory results in the treatment of severe hearing loss and deafness can be achieved with cochlear implants. Recent research offers hope for the future of hearing loss treatment. Conclusions: Timely diagnosis, which can be performed with relatively simple tools, is of the utmost importance. There are a number of treatment methods, which must be individually selected with the patient's participation, that yield good results.

Introduction: The word “psychedelic” derives from the Greek language and can be loosely translated as “mind manifesting” which is to convey that these substances allow the mind to unleash its hidden potential. Psilocybin is considered to be a “classic psychedelic” and is most commonly found in the form of so-called “magic mushrooms”. Due to its unique properties psilocybin has been used during religious ceremonies and rituals for centuries and more recently also explored in a medical context. Nowadays many studies are being carried out to prove the efficacy of its use in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. Aim of study: Review of the current knowledge on the subject of psilocybin applied in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression and addiction. Methods and materials: A review of chosen literature was carried out in the PubMed database and Google Scholar using the following phrases: psilocybin, psychedelics, psychedelic-assisted therapy, major depressive disorder, addiction. Results: Recent studies suggest that psilocybin may be an effective form of treatment for cancer-related psychiatric distress, treatment-resistant depression and addiction. There are some reports of psilocybin being useful when treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and cluster headaches. Conclusions: More large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled studies are required to prove these promising findings. Psychological support is crucial during the treatment with psilocybin.

Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common health issue of complex etiology significantly deteriorating functioning in everyday life. It may develop as a result of exposure to traumatic events like traffic accidents, war experience, sexual abuse and domestic violence. Current methods of treatment consist of trauma-oriented psychotherapy supported by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Their efficacy is far from satisfactory thus a search for alternative methods is necessary. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) commonly known as “ecstasy” seems to have promising results in the treatment of PTSD. Aim of study: Review of current knowledge about MDMA-assisted therapy in PTSD, its possible mechanisms of action, efficacy and safety. Methods and materials: A review of chosen literature from in PubMed database, GoogleScholar database in the years 2000-2023 was conducted using the following keywords: “PTSD epidemiology”, “PTSD pathophysiology”, “PTSD neural activity”, “PTSD brain activity”, “MDMA PTSD”, “MDMA brain activity”, “MDMA neural activity”, “MDMA neurotoxicity”, “MDMA PTSD therapy”, “MDMA safety”, “MDMA caffeine” Results: MDMA-assisted therapy has promising effects in PTSD treatment and its safety profile is satisfactory. The improvement in symptoms occurs most likely due to its modulating activity on brain structures responsible for threat detection and emotion processing. Conclusions: Further research is necessary to assess MDMA-assisted therapy in PTSD, especially direct comparison of its efficacy versus first-line treatment SSRIs and assessment of its long-term-safety.

Introduction and purpose of work: Vitamin D has a significant impact on the functioning of the human body. Vitamin D deficiency is a public health problem worldwide in all age groups including Poland. Supplementation is recommended in the general population with the use of cholecalciferol and should be individualized depending on age, body weight, the sun exposure, diet, and lifestyle. The aim of study was to analyze vitamin D supplementation habits among polish students in two divided groups: medical students and non-medical students. Methods: The tool used to carry out the research was a specially constructed, online questionnaire. The survey was completed by 244 students, 126 of whom supplement vitamin D. Pearson’s χ2 test was used to analyze the survey’s results. The processing of the obtained data, statistical calculation and graphs were made using the R program. Results and conclusions: Students of medical faculties are more likely to take vitamin D supplements than students of other faculties. They are significantly more likely to adjust the dose of supplementation to the current guidelines. In 87% of students who tested the level of vitamin D in the blood serum and remember their result, the level of the parameter is ≥30 ng/ml (75 nmol/L), which is below the optimal level for this particular age group. Supplementation improves the quality of life, the benefits of supplementation were noticed by 71.4% of all students. It is necessary to promote the prophylactic habit of vitamin D supplementation.

Introduction: Vitiligo is a systemic, chronic, hypopigmented dermatosis of unclear background. The disease is characterized by the selective loss or dysfunction of melanocytes. As a result we can observe various, well and non-squamous depigmentation areas of different size and shape. The pathogenesis of vitiligo is not fully understood, however, the current view is that the etiopathology of this disease is complex Purpose of the study: Current treatment models are often nonspecific, so it is important to understand the pathomechanism that can help with vitiligo lesions. It will also sensitize researchers to the search for new therapeutic options Material and methods: Collected scientific articles and guidelines available online of high substantive value. Expressions that were searched in databases: vitiligo, etiology, leptin, pathogenesis, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress Results and conclusions: The scientific papers and researches cited in the article show that the major role is played by cellular stress and reactive oxygen forms, secondary inflammation or environmental factors. Cellular stress activates autoimmune and autoinflammatory mechanisms that destroy pigment cells. Therefore, there are probably even more mechanisms contributing to the development of vitiligo. Illness can affect the patient 's quality of life. In recent years, there has been significant progress in understanding the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Effective treatment of vitiligo remains a difficult challenge for both scientists and dermatologists.

Introduction: Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) is a segmental, multilocular, nonatherosclerotic inflammatory disease that most commonly affects small and medium sized arteries, veins and nerves of the extremities. The disease is spread worldwide and mainly affects young male tobacco smokers. Aim of study: In this review we gather and summarize available knowledge about pathogenesis, diagnosis and methods of treatment of Thromboangiitis obliterans. Methods and materials: Search of the articles in PubMed and GoogleScholar databases was performed using following keywords: Thromboangitis obliterans; Buerger's disease; Thromboangitis Obliterans pathogenesis; Thromboangitis Obliterans diagnosis; Thromboangitis Obliterans treatment; Thromboangitis Obliterans pathophysiology; Thromboangitis Obliterans symptoms; Thromboangitis Obliterans epidemiology; Thromboangitis Obliterans risk factors; The most relevant to the topic articles were included. Summary: Even though the causes of the disease remain unclear and treatment is still difficult, there are new experimental methods of treatment being researched that may bring a breakthrough in the future.

Introduction: Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that primarily affects exocrine glands. Most commonly Sjogren’s syndrome presents with dryness of the mouth and eyes, but it can also affect major organs and systems of the body and increase the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Due to non-specific symptoms that pose diagnostic challenges and a lack of standardized screening tools and classification criteria, the global incidence and prevalence of the disease are hard to evaluate. Studies estimate that Sjogren’s syndrome affects between 400,000 to 3.1 million adults worldwide and most likely is a condition significantly underdiagnosed. Aim of the study: Review of current knowledge about Sjogren’s dry eye disease, underlying pathologies, diagnostic problems, and current treatment options with a focus on the most recent advancements in therapy. Methods and materials: A review of chosen literature in the PubMed database, MDPI database, and GoogleScholar in the years 2000-2023 was conducted using the following keywords: “Sjogren’s syndrome”, “Sjogren’s syndrome ophthalmology”, “Sjogren’s dry eye syndrome”, “Sjogren’s syndrome associated dry eye”, “Lymphoma in Sjogren’s syndrome”, “Diagnosing Sjogren’s syndrome dry eye”, “Sjogren’s syndrome epidemiology”. Results: Sjogren’s syndrome is a far from rare autoimmune disease that affects many organs of the body and can significantly lower quality of life and increase mortality and morbidity. Due to its surreptitious symptom onset, Sjogren’s syndrome is commonly underdiagnosed. New diagnostic and treatment modalities for Sjogren’s syndrome dry eye are on the horizon. Conclusions: Standardized, internationally recognized criteria and a high level of clinical suspiciousness are needed for a timely and accurate diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome. Quick diagnosis is a significant facilitating factor for maintaining a high quality of life in Sjogren’s syndrome dry eye.