Abstract Purpose of Review The importance of sleep to all human functions is indisputable. This is even more true for elite athletes who are required to fulfill their demanding training and competition obligations. The present study aimed to review the literature describing the importance of sleep in elite athletes, the sleep disorders they experience and methods of improving sleep. Selected studies were collected from PubMed in English from 2010 to 2024. Recent Findings Disturbed sleep affects all aspects of an athlete’s life, such as athletic performance, mental health, cognitive function, metabolism and the immune system. Conversely, the daily demands of an athlete’s life due to training and competitions, frequent changes of environment and travelling, disturb the quality and quantity of sleep. Summary High-level athletes are a special group of people who are more prone to sleep disorders due to their demanding daily lives. Nevertheless, the implementation of sleep hygiene by athletes can improve their sleep and ensuing disorders.

Abstract Purpose of Review This manuscript reviews technical principles, clinical applications, and growing evidence around the use of diaphragmatic ultrasound (DU) as a practical, accurate, and reproducible tool for evaluating diaphragm function — with an emphasis on its role in predicting weaning outcomes from mechanical ventilation. This review outlines the standard techniques for performing DU, including assessing diaphragmatic excursion and thickening fraction. Additionally, we synthesize current literature that utilizes DU as a tool for predicting ventilator weaning success. Recent Findings DU has utility as a tool to assess diaphragm function. Multiple studies have used DU as a tool to predict successful ventilator weaning. Summary DU is a versatile, accessible modality that overcomes many limitations of traditional assessments. As evidence continues to expand, adoption of DU will require continued emphasis on training, standardization, and studying clinical integration.

Abstract Purpose of Review Pleural infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Approximately 30% of patients fail treatment, and either die or require surgery. Accurate risk stratification is crucial to identify patients at risk of poor outcomes and to guide timely intervention. This review evaluates validated risk scores in pleural infection and highlights emerging prognostic tools. Recent Findings The RAPID risk score, a validated prognostic risk model in pleural infection, stratifies patients into low, intermediate and high-risk groups, with associated 3-month all-cause mortality of ~ 3%, 9%, and 31% respectively. It also predicts hospital stay, requirement for escalation of treatment (Intrapleural Enzyme Therapy and surgery), and hospital costs. Emerging pleural fluid biomarkers such as Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and soluble urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (suPAR) have shown potential prognostic value. Elevated PAI-1 levels have been associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased 12-month mortality rate, whereas high suPAR has been correlated with the need for treatment escalation. Furthermore, pleural fluid microbiology and sonographic findings of septations have shown association with adverse clinical outcomes. Summary The RAPID risk score is the most reliable and validated framework for clinical risk stratification in pleural infection. Future research should evaluate its integration into decision-making for treatment to optimise patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Future models incorporating biomarkers, imaging, and microbiology may increase the prognostic value and clinical utility but will require prospective evaluation.