Overweight and obesity are associated with adverse health consequences and unfavorable cardiometabolic outcomes. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of different high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols on body composition and physical fitness in overweight and obese people. Relevant literature published from 2020 to 2026 was systematically retrieved from the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Eight studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. The results showed that HIIT-based therapies consistently had a positive effect on both body composition and physical fitness. Reductions in body weight, body fat percentage, fat mass, body mass index (BMI), visceral fat, and blood pressure, as well as gains in muscle mass, fat-free mass (FFM), aerobic fitness, maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak), and fat oxidation, were common findings. All methods studied were effective: aquatic HIIT, hybrid HIIT, resistance training mixed with HIIT, running-based HIIT, and low-frequency HIIT. In conclusion, HIIT seems to be an effective and time-efficient intervention for increasing body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness in people with overweight and obesity. However, exercise recommendations should be customized.
The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer cause significant psychological distress in patients. Nurse-led holistic and creative care approaches play a crucial role in supporting cognitive and emotional coping. This case report examines changes in coping, depression, anxiety, and stress following a nurse-led visual-aided flower imagery supportive intervention in two breast cancer patients receiving hormone therapy. The two cases were purposively selected to represent contrasting points on the illness trajectory (a long-term survivor with recurrence versus a recently diagnosed patient), enabling examination of how the same intervention operates across different illness phases. The intervention was conducted online in a single 25-30 minute session. The participants were assessed using the Turkish versions of the Cognitive Emotional Coping with Cancer Scale (CECC) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) before the intervention. Nine AI-generated flower visuals were presented, and patients selected the flower best representing them. Semi-structured questions explored symbolic meanings related to their illness experience. The CECC was re-administered immediately after, and the DASS one week later. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, revealing four themes: symbolic transformation of the illness experience, emergence of inner strength and resilience, indirect expression of unspoken emotions, and psychological anchor. The findings suggest nurse-led imagery-based supportive interventions may effectively support emotional expression, cognitive awareness, and coping in oncology nursing care.
Background The aim of the study was to analyze interventions by the National Rescue and Firefighting System (NRFS) units in incidents related to neurological disorders and deficits. Material and methods The study used data from the Decision Support System of the State Fire Service (DSS-SFS). Incidents occurring between January 1, 2020, 00:00 – December 31, 2023, 23:59 were analyzed. Quantitative data were described using the mean and standard deviation (SD). Additionally, a cartogram was created to visualize spatial disparities in incident rates per 1,000 inhabitants. All the statistical analyses were performed using Statistica 13. Results Between 2020 and 2023, firefighters were dispatched 1,306 times to operations related to the study aim. The interventions were classified under the category isolated emergency medical incidents (IEMI). The mean number of events was 20.41 (SD=16.73), and the median was 16. Values ranged from 1 to 70, and the interquartile range (IQR) was 22. Conclusions The use of specialized equipment available to NRFS entities offers various possibilities for supporting medical rescue entities. Investment in new technologies in rescue operations contributes to the effectiveness of activities. The State Fire Service (SFS) is the primary service cooperating with the State Emergency Medical Services (SEMS) during medical rescue operations.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the regulation of calcium-phosphate metabolism and the proper functioning of multiple body systems. The widespread prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has led to a significant increase in supplementation in the general population over recent years. However, this trend has been accompanied by a growing number of cases of hypervitaminosis D, primarily resulting from uncontrolled intake of high-dose vitamin D preparations. Excess vitamin D leads to disturbances in calcium homeostasis, most notably hypercalcemia, which may manifest itself in nonspecific systemic symptoms and result in serious organ complications such as nephrocalcinosis and renal failure. A major contributing factor is the widespread availability of vitamin D-containing preparations, combined with insufficient patient awareness of the potential consequences of excessive intake. Therefore, the aim of this work is to present the current state of knowledge regarding hypervitaminosis D and its significance from a public health perspective. An analysis of literature indicates that physicians play a key role in the rational management of vitamin D supplementation, identification of risk factors, and patient education. Adherence to current supplementation guidelines and regular monitoring of therapy can significantly reduce the risk of developing hypervitaminosis D.
Sudden cardiac death in athletes, although relatively rare, remains a significant clinical concern due to its occurrence in young, often asymptomatic individuals. The most common causes include inherited cardiomyopathies, coronary anomalies, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, and primary electrical disorders (channelopathies). The incidence varies across populations and sporting disciplines, reflecting both epidemiological differences and variations in data collection. Early identification of at-risk individuals is central to prevention. Pre-participation screening, particularly with the inclusion of a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), significantly improves detection of underlying cardiac abnormalities compared with a history and physical examination. Risk stratification should be individualized and may incorporate clinical evaluation, imaging techniques, ambulatory monitoring, and genetic testing. Equally important is effective emergency preparedness. The implementation of structured emergency action plans, including rapid recognition of cardiac arrest, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and early use of automated external defibrillators, has been shown to markedly improve survival outcomes. Future advances in genetic testing and the development of more sophisticated AI-assisted ECG analysis may further enhance early detection and risk stratification.
Background Women’s physical and mental health in Middle Eastern populations remains under researched. This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity and depression among women, considering sociodemographic and health-related factors. Material and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kerman, Iran, between June and December 2023 using an online questionnaire. A total of 105 women participated (mean age 36.01±13.25 years). Data included sociodemographic, health behaviors, depression, and physical activity. Statistical analysis included Spearman’s correlation and non-parametric tests. Results A significant negative association was found between leisure-time physical activity and depression (r=-0.57, p<0.001). Physical activity levels differed according to education (p=0.003) and profession (p=0.020). Higher depression scores were observed among women with anemia (p=0.023). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that physical activity remained significantly associated with depression (β=-0.559, p<0.001). Fast-food and caffeine intake were associated with diet (p=0.019, p=0.033). Conclusions Higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower levels of depression among women. These findings underscore the importance of physical activity in strategies to improve mental health.
Background Lyme disease (LD) is the most prevalent vector-borne infection in the Northern Hemisphere. Canada and the Nordic countries occupy analogous positions at the northern frontier of tick range expansion, yet no study has systematically compared their emergence trajectories. These regions present a natural experiment: identical climatic forcing operates upon fundamentally different vector-pathogen-host systems and surveillance architectures. Material and methods Data were drawn from companion analyses: a 16-year Canadian national surveillance time series and a 7-year Nordic multi-country analysis. Comparative metrics included compound annual growth rates (CAGR), normalized growth indices, COVID-19 impact comparisons, and ecological-surveillance framework mapping. Results Both regions demonstrate unambiguous upward trajectories consistent with climate-driven expansion. Canada’s CAGR (27.1%) exceeded Norway’s (6.8%) and Denmark’s (19.1%). During 2018-2024, Canadian cases increased 252% versus 48.2% (Norway) and 184.8% (Denmark). Critical divergences include pathogen complexity, co-circulating tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in the Nordic countries, different surveillance architectures, and emergence phases. Conclusions Convergent emergence across ecologically distinct systems confirms climate warming as the overarching driver, while divergent ecologies and surveillance systems produce fundamentally different disease profiles, underscoring the need for internationally harmonized surveillance standards.
Background Tick-borne diseases are the fastest-growing vector-borne infections in northern Europe, yet no comprehensive multi-country analysis of Lyme borreliosis (LB) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) trends across the Nordic countries using standardized post-2018 European surveillance data has been published. Material and methods Annual case counts were extracted from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) Surveillance Atlas for LB (Denmark, Norway) and TBE (all four countries). Descriptive time-series analysis included year-over-year changes, compound annual growth rates (CAGR), crude incidence rates, and pre- versus post-COVID-19 comparisons. Results Over seven years, 3,118 LB and 4,344 TBE cases were reported. Denmark showed the most rapid growth for both LB (CAGR +19.1%) and TBE (CAGR +30.8%). Combined Nordic TBE burden increased 37.2% (2018-2024), with post-COVID-19 annual cases exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 57.7%. Peak regional TBE case count occurred in 2023 (898 cases). Conclusions Both diseases show escalating trends with substantial inter-country variation. These findings establish pre-vaccine baselines for LB, strengthen the case for expanding TBE vaccination, and highlight critical surveillance gaps – particularly the absence of ECDC-reported LB data for Sweden and Finland.
Background Food is essential for growth, development, and health, so it is important to develop healthy eating habits from a young age. This is influenced by culture, society, and personal habits, as well as family customs. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of culture on the perception of healthy eating among Slovenian parents and to find out how these cultural factors influence their children’s dietary choices. Material and methods A qualitative study was conducted using a purposive sample of 15 parents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in November and December 2024. The questions were open-ended. Thematic text analysis was used to analyze the data. Results Four main categories were identified: media influence and personal preferences, family dynamics in eating, family role in eating habits, factors influencing healthy eating habits. Parents balanced traditional and contemporary influences, used shared meals to maintain cohesion, negotiated intergenerational practices, and adapted routines to limited time and food costs. Conclusions This study provides insights into the dietary perspective of Slovenian parents. Parents combine domestic, seasonal, and culturally established practices with ideas about healthy eating, while family dynamics, time constraints, and economic factors, including food costs, play a key role in their decisions.
Microplastics (MPs) have been detected in nearly all environmental compartments. The crucial routes of human exposure include the indoor environment, where the concentration of airborne fibers is higher than outdoors, the consumption of contaminated food, and contact with cookware, medical equipment, and personal care products made from or containing plastic. Depending on how MPs enter the body, through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact, they can reach a variety of organs. In this study, we focus on the detection of MPs and their consequences in several organs, which have not been sufficiently described in literature before, including the kidneys, placenta, testes, heart, brain, bone marrow, and in bodily secretions, namely semen and breast milk. To ensure the most accurate and up-to-date data, the presented results are based on papers published within the past three years. Experimental and clinical studies link exposure to MPs to oxidative stress, inflammation, dysbiosis, mitochondrial damage, fibrosis, and potential carcinogenic and neurotoxic effects. These mechanisms, occurring in the aforementioned tissues, raise concerns regarding fertility, fetal development, metabolic health, and neurodegeneration. However, further improvements in detection of MPs and contamination prevention methods are needed to minimize the potential health risks associated with exposure.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes are rare but catastrophic events that generate substantial medical, ethical, and public health concern. Although regular physical activity is associated with significant cardiovascular benefits, intense training and competition may unmask underlying structural or electrical heart diseases in susceptible individuals. The most common causes of SCA and SCD in young athletes include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, left ventricular hypertrophy, myocarditis, congenital coronary artery anomalies, and primary electrical disorders such as long QT syndrome. In athletes over 35 years of age, asymptomatic atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease predominates. Pre-participation cardiovascular screening, including medical history, physical examination, and, in some regions, electrocardiography (ECG) aims to identify individuals at risk. However, controversy persists regarding the sensitivity, specificity, cost-effectiveness, and potential for false-positive findings associated with screening strategies. Rapid recognition of SCA, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and early defibrillation with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) remain critical determinants of survival. The aim of this review is to summarize current evidence on the epidemiology, risk stratification, screening strategies, and emergency management of SCA and SCD in athletes and to highlight ongoing challenges and areas for future research.
Background Hypobaric hypoxia causes complex structural and functional changes that can manifest themselves in different ways depending on the individual level of adaptability. Studying these reactions allows for the optimization of training loads of highly skilled athletes. Material and methods The study examined 15 highly skilled race walkers during a 14-day training camp in medium mountain conditions (1,600 m above sea level). Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured daily in a state of functional rest. Results Unstable heart rate indicators were observed during the first 4-5 days of remaining in medium mountain conditions. Some athletes showed a decrease and stabilization of heart rate starting from the 5th-6th day, which indicated effective acclimatization. Blood pressure indicators remained relatively stable in most participants. Conclusions A relatively high reactivity of heart rate values at the beginning of acclimatization was revealed. The 4-5-day period was defined as the period of mobilization of adaptation processes, which requires a decrease in training loads during this period. In general, we consider it advisable for athletes to stay longer (more than 14 days) in mid-mountain conditions. At the same time, highly adaptive individuals can begin more intensive training after 5-6 days of stay.
The aim of this study was to review literature and synthesize data published between 2023 and 2026 on the relationship between physical activity, psychological strength, and depressive symptoms in young people, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of psychological strength. A literature search was conducted in the Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink databases. The analysis included empirical cross-sectional, longitudinal, and interventional studies, as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining the relationship between physical activity, constructs related to psychological strength, including resilience, and depressive symptoms. The results indicate a consistent inverse relationship between physical activity levels and the severity of depressive symptoms in young people. Longitudinal studies suggest a possible directional relationship, while interventional studies indicate a small to moderate antidepressant effect of physical exercise. Mediation analyses show that resilience may partially mediate the relationship between physical activity and mental health outcomes, accounting for a significant portion of the total effect in this age group. These results suggest that resilience is an important and potentially modifiable protective factor against depressive symptoms in young people and may be one of the important mechanisms through which physical activity supports mental health and prevention of depression.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has substantially affected global healthcare systems and accelerated the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Although COVID-19 is fundamentally a viral illness, widespread empirical antibiotic use, particularly among hospitalized and critically ill patients, created significant selective pressure favoring MDR pathogens. This structured narrative review evaluated the relationship between COVID-19 and AMR through a PRISMA-informed literature search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases covering January 2020 to February 2026. Available evidence demonstrates a marked discrepancy between relatively low confirmed bacterial co-infection rates (approximately 5-10%) and substantially higher empirical antibiotic prescribing rates, which frequently exceeded 60% in hospitalized patients. Intensive care unit (ICU) overcrowding, prolonged hospitalization, invasive procedures, and disruption of antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention practices further facilitated the emergence and transmission of MDR organisms. Gram-negative bacteria, including Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were prominently associated with secondary infections in critically ill patients. In addition, fungal superinfections such as COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis and Candida auris infections contributed to adverse clinical outcomes and increased mortality. Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention, surveillance systems, and rapid diagnostic approaches remains essential to mitigate the long-term impact of AMR in the post-pandemic era.
Background Permanent colostomy after colorectal cancer surgery constitutes a major life change that may influence patients’ physical, psychological, and social well-being. This study aimed to evaluate these outcomes in patients with a permanent colostomy and to explore differences according to age, gender, and place of residence. Material and methods The study included 150 adult patients with a permanent colostomy following colorectal cancer treatment. Participants were recruited during oncological follow-up visits in Poland. Quality of life was measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire – Brief Version (WHOQoL-BREF), illness acceptance using the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), and psychosocial functioning using an author-designed questionnaire. Sociodemographic variables included age, gender, and place of residence. Statistical analyses were performed using independent-sample t-tests and analysis of variance with a significance level of p<0.05. Results Older participants demonstrated significantly higher quality of life, greater illness acceptance, and better psychosocial functioning than younger patients. Men reported higher quality of life and illness acceptance than women, while psychosocial functioning did not differ significantly by gender. Urban residents achieved significantly higher scores across all assessed domains compared with rural residents. Conclusions Sociodemographic factors significantly influence adaptation to life with a permanent colostomy. Younger patients, women, and individuals living in rural areas may require additional psychosocial support and targeted interventions.
In 2022, Portugal ranked among the 10 countries with the highest prevalence of insufficient physical activity (PA) levels, exceeding 50%. This study aimed to characterize epidemiological studies conducted in Portugal that assessed population PA and evaluate their quality based on the characteristics of a PA surveillance system (SS). Studies that analyzed data on PA, covering at least mainland Portugal, were selected and characterized. An original quality framework was developed as part of this study to assess whether the studies can be considered SS: 1) use a scientifically validated instrument; 2) repeated measurements; 3) assess age groups representing a lifespan; 4) sample representative of Portugal; 5) combine self-reported data with accelerometry; 6) assess PA contexts; 7) collect sedentary behavior data; 8) use the World Health Organization guidelines as a cut-off for sufficient PA; 9) interpretation of results based on sociodemographic variables; 10) accessibility and dissemination of results. Ten studies were characterized. When submitted to the framework, compliance with the characteristics ranged from 50% to 90%. A high number of studies assess PA levels in Portugal but employ different methodologies, leading to difficult-to-compare results. The lack of full compliance with the criteria emphasizes the limitations of monitoring. These findings highlight the need for the implementation of a unified SS in Portugal.
In contemporary health discourse, individuals are expected to take an active role in maintaining their own health. Health promotion perspectives emphasize well-being and the capacity to cope effectively with stressors. Within this context, sense of coherence and artificial intelligence emerge as concepts of considerable relevance for health. The aim of this study was to examine evidence on the significance of a strong sense of coherence for health and to explore the role of artificial intelligence in health promotion and in supporting processes related to the development of sense of coherence. A narrative review of literature indicates that individuals with a stronger sense of coherence tend to report better physical and mental health outcomes. At the same time, artificial intelligence is increasingly being applied in health care, supporting health, rehabilitation, and digital self-management, offering new opportunities for personalized and accessible health support. The reviewed literature suggests that artificial intelligence may have the potential to contribute to the strengthening of sense of coherence by supporting individuals’ perception of life as more comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful. The findings in this study highlight the importance of integrating salutogenic theory with contemporary digital innovation in order to better understand and support health in modern life.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist primarily used to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is also recommended as part of the therapeutic strategy for individuals with metabolic syndrome or obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of semaglutide administration on body weight reduction, eating behaviors, energy intake, and appetite control in women with diagnosed obesity and insulin resistance. The study included 104 women diagnosed with obesity and insulin resistance who tolerated semaglutide therapy without adverse effects. Participants using semaglutide demonstrated a mean decrease in daily energy intake of 103 kcal (p=0.034; d=-0.21) compared with baseline. A significant reduction in body weight (mean -2.85 kg) was observed, along with decreases in body fat content, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Semaglutide use was associated with appetite suppression, reduced snacking frequency, and a subsequent decrease in body weight and body fat percentage, indicating its beneficial role in weight management among women with obesity and insulin resistance.
Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel are exposed to combined physical, environmental, and psychosocial burdens, yet data on their health risks and lifestyle patterns in the Baltic Sea region remain limited. A cross-sectional diagnostic survey was conducted among 126 male SAR crew members from central SAR units (n=47) and coastal rescue stations (n=79). An author-designed 35 item online questionnaire assessed sociodemographic profile, intervention characteristics, physical and environmental load, psychosocial support, and health related behaviors. Qualitative variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi squared tests (p<0.05). Two distinct risk profiles were identified. Coastal rescue station personnel reported high regular exposure to environmental hazards: the moderate but systematic category was indicated by 70.9% for noise without hearing protection, 73.4% for fuels and chemicals, 74.7% (biological material), 69.6% for intense sunlight/UV. In central units, 36.2% declared no contact with fuels/chemicals and 31.9% no contact with biological material. Health and lifestyle indicators were less favorable in central units. Normal body mass index (18.5-24.9) was observed in 53.2% vs 86.1% in coastal stations (p<0.001). SAR personnel require differentiated, unit specific and service-length sensitive prevention, including structured debriefing and targeted health promotion.
Diseases of civilization, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, remain a major public health burden in Poland. Preventive health care, consistent with the WHO and EU guidelines, helps reduce modifiable risk factors and supports early detection of non-communicable diseases. The aim of the study was to analyze preventive programs implemented in Poland between 2021 and 2025, with emphasis on screening initiatives and activities in primary health care. The study was based on documents from the National Health Fund and the Ministry of Health, as well as the WHO and European Commission guidelines, assessing national programs and their compliance with international standards. The introduction of the “My Health – Adult Health Assessment” program enabled comprehensive adult health assessment and replaced the earlier “Prophylaxis 40+” initiative. Updated cervical and breast cancer screening programs expanded access to cytology, HPV testing, and mammography. Primary care applies the SCORE algorithm to assess cardiovascular risk, while educational activities increasingly address socioeconomic determinants of health. Preventive programs in Poland support early detection of lifestyle related diseases, reduction of risk factors, and promotion of healthy behaviors. Further development should focus on strengthening health education and reducing social inequalities to enhance long term effectiveness.
