RS Global Journals
Not a member yet
3430 research outputs found
Sort by
CURRENT ADVANCES IN LIPOPROTEIN(A) MANAGEMENT: CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND EMERGING THERAPIES
No full textBackground: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent, genetically determined risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and aortic stenosis. Despite its clinical importance, Lp(a) remains largely unaffected by traditional lipid-lowering therapies, contributing to significant residual cardiovascular risk.
Aim: This review aims to synthesize current knowledge regarding the clinical significance of elevated lipoprotein(a) levels and to explore the landscape of emerging therapeutic strategies designed to specifically address this challenging cardiovascular risk factor.
Materials and Methods: An extensive synthesis of the current literature, prioritizing comprehensive review articles and meta-analyses published within the last five years, was conducted using multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar).
Results: Epidemiological data indicate that 20–30% of the global population has elevated Lp(a) levels (>30–50 mg/dL). While lifestyle and statins show negligible effects on Lp(a) concentration, novel nucleic acid-based therapies - specifically antisense oligonucleotides (pelacarsen) and small interfering RNAs (olpasiran, lepodisiran, zerlasiran) have demonstrated the ability to reduce Lp(a) levels by 70% to over 95%. Furthermore, oral small-molecule inhibitors like muvalaplin offer promising alternatives by disrupting the assembly of the Lp(a) particle.
Conclusion: The emergence of targeted RNA-based and small-molecule therapies represents a paradigm shift in cardiovascular prevention. As phase 3 clinical trials progress, these interventions may provide the first definitive means of mitigating the residual risk associated with elevated Lp(a)
SELECTED DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON ENDURANCE AND RECOVERY IN RUNNERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
No full textRunning places high metabolic, neuromuscular and physiological demands on athletes, stimulating interest in nutritional supplements that may enhance performance and delay fatigue. Various ergogenic aids - including caffeine, creatine, β-alanine and beetroot-derived nitrates, have been investigated, yet their relative effectiveness across different running modalities remains unclear. A systematic search of PubMed (2010–2025) using the terms “supplementation” and “running” identified 234 records. After screening titles, abstracts and full texts according to predefined criteria, 26 studies evaluating single-ingredient supplements and reporting running-specific outcomes were included. A narrative synthesis was conducted due to heterogeneity in study designs and performance tests. Caffeine consistently improved running performance across sprint, repeated and endurance efforts by extending time to exhaustion, enhancing acceleration and increasing metabolic activation without elevating physiological strain. Creatine improved mean power, maintained running speed and reduced fatigue during short and repeated high-intensity efforts, with limited effects in endurance running. β-alanine increased muscle carnosine content and enhanced tolerance to high-intensity or fatigue-inducing exercise, while producing modest improvements during submaximal workloads. Beetroot-derived nitrates improved performance primarily in short, intense and intermittent running, especially in moderately trained athletes, whereas betalains supported recovery through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Caffeine, creatine, β-alanine and beetroot-derived supplements all exert ergogenic effects, but their benefits are exercise-specific. Matching the supplement to the running demands and athlete characteristics is essential for maximizing performance outcomes
KETAMINE IN PAIN MANAGEMENT AND PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT: CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE
No full textResearch objectives: Ketamine, a derivative of phencyclidine, is a dissociative anesthetic that is used not only in anesthesia but also in analgesic and psychiatric settings such as perioperative and chronic pain, opioid-induced hyperalgesia and treatment-resistant depression management. With the general population’s prevalence of 2-40% for chronic pain and similar lifetime values for depression, ketamine deserves attention as an alternative to commonly used treatments. This research describes the use of subanesthetic ( 0,3 mg/kg to 0,5 mg/kg) ketamine doses in pain management and psychiatric settings, discusses its safety concerning psychomimetic and physical adverse effects and dependence risk, and suggests future research directions.
Methods: Review of literature including peer-reviewed studies, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical guidelines, focusing on ketamine pharmacokinetics, anesthetic and antidepressant effects, safety and clinical applications.
Findings: Ketamine produces satisfactory short-term pain alleviation and rapid antidepressant action. It is part of multimodal anesthesia protocols as an adjuvant to other local anesthetics, prolonging their effects, and is a safe alternative for analgesia in opioid-tolerant patients. It has many routes of administration, which is used in patients with difficult intravenous access in emergencies. It provides a beneficial respiratory effect, alleviates chronic neuropathic and cancer pain, offers rapid response in acute depression including suicidal ideation, prevents post-operative depression risk and supports neuroplasticity.
Conclusions: Ketamine is a promising drug in anesthesiology and psychiatry, but its long-term safety is not yet determined. Future research should focus on identifying biomarkers that determine treatment response, optimizing dosage, and discovering safer derivatives
MAIN OPERATIVE TREATMENT STRATEGIES FOR FRACTURES OF THE LUMBAR SPINE — A REVIEW OF THE CURRENT LITERATURE
No full textLumbar spine fractures are a clinically significant cause of spinal instability, neurological impairment, and long-term functional disability. While many injuries can be treated conservatively, operative management is frequently required in selected cases. The objective of this narrative review is to summarize and critically analyze current evidence regarding the main surgical strategies used in treatment of lumbar spine fractures, with particular emphasis on indications for surgery, classification systems, and operative techniques.
A narrative review of the literature was performed using the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Articles published between 2013 and 2024 were screened using predefined keywords related to lumbar spine fractures and operative management. Original research articles, review papers, and clinical guidelines focusing on surgical treatment in adult patients were included.
The reviewed literature indicates that classification systems such as the AO Spine Thoracolumbar Classification and the Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS) play a big role while guiding the decisions in connection with patient specific factors. Posterior instrumentation remains the most commonly used operative strategy due to its versatility and reliability. Anterior and combined anterior–posterior approaches are reserved for selected complex cases with significant anterior and posterior column compromise, while minimally invasive techniques are increasingly utilized due to decreased complications and morbidity rate.
In conclusion, operative management of lumbar spine fractures should be individualized and guided by fracture morphology, neurological status, and patient-specific factors. Although posterior fixation remains the prime surgical treatment option, evolving techniques continue to refine operative strategies, underscoring the need for further studies
EXERCISE SNACK: A TIME-EFFICIENT STRATEGY TO IMPROVE HEALTH, FITNESS AND LONGEVITY- A NARRATIVE REVIEW
No full textBackground: The increasing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles poses major health risks, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and premature mortality. “Exercise snacks” - brief, vigorous bouts of activity performed throughout the day- have emerged as a time-efficient strategy to reduce physical inactivity and improve health.
Aim: This narrative review synthesises current evidence on the physiological effects, clinical outcomes, and public health potential of exercise snacks across diverse populations.
Material and Methods: Evidence from peer-reviewed studies published between 2007 and 2025 was examined, including scoping and systematic reviews, experimental trials, and observational studies involving healthy, sedentary, and clinical cohorts. Key sources included Sports Medicine, Diabetologia, Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, and WHO reports on physical inactivity.
Results: Findings consistently show that very short bouts of vigorous activity, accumulated throughout the day, can significantly improve glycaemic control, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and cognitive performance. Stair climbing, sprint intervals, or workplace-based micro-exercises elicit beneficial effects on vascular and metabolic health without requiring structured training sessions. Evidence also links intermittent vigorous activity to lower risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Qualitative studies highlight high feasibility, adherence, and perceived enjoyment, particularly when exercise snacks are integrated into daily or occupational routines.
Conclusion: Exercise snacking is a practical, accessible, and safe approach to counteract sedentary behaviour. Integrating brief, vigorous activity into daily life can yield meaningful improvements in cardiometabolic and cognitive health, offering a scalable strategy to promote physical activity and prevent chronic disease in modern populations
FUSOBACTERIUM AS A POTENTIAL PATHOGENETIC FACTOR IN ENDOMETRIOSIS: CURRENT EVIDENCE, METHODOLOGICAL CHALLENGES, AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
No full textBackground: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory gynecological disorder with an incompletely understood etiology. While hormonal, immunological, and genetic factors have been extensively studied, increasing attention has recently been directed toward the potential role of microbial agents in disease pathogenesis. Among these, Fusobacterium, particularly Fusobacterium nucleatum, has emerged as a candidate pathogen based on translational and experimental findings.
Objective: This narrative review aims to critically evaluate current evidence regarding the association between Fusobacterium and endometriosis, assess the biological plausibility of a pathogenic role, and identify methodological limitations and clinical implications.
Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed for publications addressing Fusobacterium in the context of endometriosis, including human studies, experimental models, and relevant commentaries. Evidence was synthesized thematically, with emphasis on study design, detection methods, and consistency of findings.
Results: Available data suggest that Fusobacterium may be present in endometrial tissues of some women with endometriosis and may promote inflammatory signaling and lesion development in experimental models. However, recent human studies have reported conflicting results, including a lack of significant Fusobacterium enrichment in eutopic endometrium. These discrepancies appear to be influenced by differences in patient selection, sampling strategies, low-biomass contamination risk, and microbiological detection techniques.
Conclusion: Although Fusobacterium represents a biologically plausible contributor to endometriosis pathophysiology, current evidence remains inconclusive. Further standardized, well-controlled studies are required before diagnostic or therapeutic strategies targeting this bacterium can be considered in clinical practice
REMOTE WORK AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN HEALTHCARE: IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS’ MENTAL WELLBEING – A NARRATIVE REVIEW
No full textThe rapid expansion of remote work and digital technologies has significantly transformed healthcare systems, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. While telework and digital tools have enabled continuity of care and organisational flexibility, their implications for healthcare workers’ mental wellbeing remain insufficiently synthesised. Healthcare workers constitute a professional group highly exposed to occupational stressors, including high workload, emotional demands, and moral distress, which may be exacerbated or alleviated by digitalised work arrangements. The aim of this narrative review is to synthesise current evidence on the impact of remote work, telemedicine, and digital mental health interventions on the psychological wellbeing of healthcare workers and to identify key moderating factors influencing these outcomes. A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed and the Cochrane Library, including systematic reviews, observational studies, and intervention trials published in English. Findings indicate that remote work and telemedicine may offer benefits such as increased job flexibility, reduced infection risk, and improved efficiency, which can positively affect mental wellbeing when appropriately implemented. However, adverse outcomes, including social isolation, digital fatigue, blurred work–life boundaries, and increased cognitive load, are frequently reported, particularly in contexts of inadequate organisational support. Digital mental health interventions show potential for reducing stress and improving coping skills, although evidence of long-term effectiveness remains limited. Overall, the psychological impact of digitalised work in healthcare is highly context-dependent. Organisational policies that prioritise autonomy, training, workload management, and supportive digital infrastructures are essential to maximise benefits and mitigate risks for healthcare workers’ mental wellbeing
NIPAH VIRUS: CLINICAL PERSPECTIVES ON AN EMERGING PRIORITY PATHOGEN
No full textThe emergence of zoonotic viral diseases has significantly impacted public health, the global economy, and societal structures in recent years. The World Health Organization's 2024 updated R&D Blueprint report identifies infectious agents posing the greatest epidemiological threats. Among them is the Nipah virus (NiV), a highly lethal paramyxovirus naturally harboured by fruit bats, which typically causes severe respiratory distress and encephalitis in humans. Moreover, the NiV exhibits the capacity to infect a wide range of mammalian species, including livestock and domestic pets. The secretions and excretions of these animals can potentially serve as sources of human infection. This presents both a direct health risk and an indirect one, due to losses in agriculture and associated economic consequences. After the first outbreak in Malaysia (1998–1999), in addition to decontamination measures, mass culling of pigs was carried out. Although Malaysia has been declared free of NiV infection, new cases continue to emerge almost annually in Bangladesh and India, with the most recent reported in 2025. Given the current scale of human migration, the global nature of food transportation, and other facets of globalization, it is imperative to prepare for the potential spread of the disease of a magnitude similar to COVID-19. To date, no targeted therapies or vaccines have been approved. Given this situation, the primary objective of the present work is to raise awareness among clinicians regarding the characteristics and pathogenicity of NiV, as well as the practical aspects related to the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of the infection
THE IMPACT OF SELENIUM SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE MECHANISMS OF THE INFLAMMATORY PROCESS IN PATIENTS WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
No full textIntroduction and purpose: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), alongside Crohn’s disease. UC is associated with an inflammatory process occurring in the mucosa and submucosa of the large intestine. Various factors interact in the pathogenesis, determining the development and progression of UC. These include genetic and environmental factors, as well as changes in the immune system. The role of oxidative stress is also emphasized. Serum selenium (Se) levels in patients with UC were lower than in healthy individuals. Furthermore, the level of this microelement was inversely correlated with disease activity. In this paper, we review the physiological roles of Se and its impact on the course of UC. Given the multifaceted role of this microelement in the human body, we primarily focus on the influence of Se as a dietary component on immune response mechanisms and inflammation.
Materials and methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using the electronic databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar. Various combinations of the following keywords were used in the search „ulcerative colitis”, „selenium”, „oxidative stress” and „ulcerative colitis pathophysiology”. The search was limited to publications from the last 5 years. Those directly related to the topic under discussion were then selected.
Conclusions: Studies confirm the beneficial effect of Se on the course of UC. They present the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory action of Se, from molecular processes at the gene expression level to clinical evidence demonstrating improved quality of life. The effects of Se supplementation appear promising, but further research in this area in needed
THE ERGOGENIC POTENTIAL OF RHYTHMIC AUDITORY STIMULATION ON EXERCISE KINETICS AND PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES
No full textBackground. Music is a recognized ergogenic aid that enhances mood and reduces the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE). By modulating the brain's processing of somatic signals, it enables athletes to maintain their effort when they feel this subjectively fatigued.
Aim. This review evaluates the impact of music on aerobic and anaerobic performance and RPE, focusing on the roles of synchronization, attentional dissociation, and individual preference.
Methods. A comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted for peer-reviewed studies published between 2012 and 2024. The selection included experimental trials and reviews focusing on the psychophysiological and kinetic effects of music in sport and exercise.
Results. Music operates through a mechanism of attentional dissociation, reward systems activation and rhythmic entrainment. It increases time to exhaustion during endurance tasks and decreases RPE. For anaerobic effort, it increases the power and alters the technical ability. Personal preference is a significant consideration; Self-Selected Music (SSM) produces greater power, motivation and total work than non-preferred music. Furthermore, music aids metabolic recovery and enhances enjoyment during High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).
Conclusions. Music optimizes work capacity and exercise tolerance by lowering RPE and stabilizing motor patterns. To maximize its ergogenic potential, practitioners should prioritize athlete-curated, preferred playlists tailored to specific training goals