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THE NEW FACE OF AN OLD TOXIN: BOTULINUM TOXIN IN THE PREVEN-TION OF POST-OPERATIVE HEART RHYTHM DISORDERS
No full textBotulinum toxin, previously used mainly in neurology and aesthetic medicine, is increasingly finding application in new fields, including cardiology. Its ability to selectively and temporarily block cholinergic conduction makes it a promising tool for modulating the activity of the autonomic nervous system, which is important in the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common postoperative complications in cardiac surgery, significantly affecting the course of recovery and patient prognosis. An imbalance between sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation of the heart rhythm plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of this disorder. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on the therapeutic potential of botulinum toxin in the prevention of POAF. The data indicate that the use of botulinum toxin may lead to a reduction in the incidence of postoperative arrhythmias in selected patient groups. The need for further research to determine the optimal treatment regimen and identify the patient population most likely to benefit from this type of therapy was also emphasised
THE ROLE OF DIET AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATMENT – A REVIEW
No full textRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, multifactorial autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation, systemic complications, and progressive disability. Pharmacological therapies such as disease modifying management (DMARDs) and symptomatic treatment (NSAIDs and GCs) remain the cornerstone of RA management, increasing evidence highlights the significant role of non-pharmacological strategies in enhancing the treatment outcomes. This review explores the impact of physical activity and diet strategies on RA progression and control. Physical activity, particularly resistance and aerobic training, improves muscle mass, joint function, and cardiovascular health, counteracting RA-related cachexia and reducing systemic inflammation. Dietary interventions, especially Mediterranean and vegan diets, are reported to have anti-inflammatory benefits due to high content of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and phytochemicals. Specific nutrients like vitamin D, olive oil, and polyphenol-rich foods exhibit immunomodulatory and anti-osteoclastic effects. Integrating dietary, lifestyle, and pharmacology therapies may lead to disease remission, reduce treatment resistance, and improve patients’ quality of life
EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF ECOMIGRATION REPRESENTATION IN THE GEORGIAN PRESS
No full textThe paper examines and evaluates the characteristics of the Georgian press's coverage of the issues faced by eco-migrants who have been resettled from Adjara. The objective of the investigation is to ascertain the manner in which the media portrays the eco-migration process, resettlement policy, and government priorities in relation to this matter. What thematic issues does it address and to what extent does it accurately represent the social, economic, and cultural realities of eco-migrants? The article employs content and discourse analysis methodologies to analyse materials from specific Georgian media outlets. The results acquired indicate that the Georgian press primarily discusses the issue of eco-migration episodically and frequently in an ideological format, which hinders the public from gaining a comprehensive understanding of the problem. The paper underscores the media's responsibility and role in the objective and systematic coverage of the eco-migration topic
THE EFFECT OF CPAP ON HYPERTENSION IN PATIENTS WITH OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA: A LITERATURE REVIEW
No full textObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to intermittent hypoxia, sympathetic nervous system activation, and blood pressure dysregulation. Numerous studies have confirmed the frequent coexistence of OSA and hypertension, making this association a significant clinical and public health concern. The aim of this review was to assess the effect of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy on blood pressure in different groups of patients with obstructive sleep apnea, based on current scientific data. The review included publications from 2015 to 2025, available in the PubMed database, regarding randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses assessing the effect of CPAP on blood pressure. A total of 15 randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses were included in the analysis. CPAP therapy remains the gold standard for OSA treatment and can be an effective adjunct to blood pressure control, particularly in patients with resistant hypertension. However, treatment effectiveness depends on adherence to recommendations and appropriate patient selection. Further research should focus on assessing the long-term effects of CPAP, identifying patient phenotypes that best respond to therapy, and developing treatment strategies in combination with antihypertensive pharmacotherapy
ROLE OF HIF-1 SIGNALING PATHWAY IN CELLULAR ADAPTATION TO HYPOXIA
No full textHypoxia accompanying chronic inflammatory diseases leads to dysregulation of cells’ homeostasis, causes energy deficits and intensifies inflammatory processes. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are the central regulators of the response to hypoxia, enabling metabolic and functional adaptation of immune cells by altering gene expression. HIF-1α and HIF-2α modulate the lifespan, differentiation, priming and activation of neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells- playing a key role in influencing the balance between proinflammatory and reparative responses. Interactions between HIF and NF-κB pathways regulate hypoxic and inflammatory signaling, and as a result determine course, severity and treatment efficacy of many chronic diseases. Those two pathways are capable of influencing each other in a manner of negative feedback-loop. Understanding the mechanisms of this regulation opens up new therapeutic perspectives in the treatment of pulmonary diseases associated with hypoxia and inflammation, and a hypothetical possibility to slow down the ratio at which chronic inflammatory response contributes to deterioration of patients’ quality of life
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING IN PREDICTING PROGRESSION AND RECURRENCE OF PROSTATE AND BLADDER CANCER: CURRENT INSIGHTS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
No full textUrologic cancers such as prostate and bladder malignancies are characterized by considerable heterogeneity in their biological behavior and clinical outcomes. Accurate prediction of disease progression and recurrence plays a critical role in improving treatment planning, optimizing follow-up strategies, and advancing personalized medicine. Traditional prognostic tools, which rely primarily on clinical and pathological features, often lack the precision required for individualized risk assessment. In recent years, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have emerged as powerful tools in oncological research, offering approaches to prognostic modelling based on large-scale, high-dimensional data.
This review synthesizes findings from thirty-nine recent studies that investigated the use of artificial intelligence in predicting progression, recurrence, survival, and treatment outcomes in prostate and bladder cancers. The included works applied diverse machine learning techniques to data types such as magnetic resonance imaging, whole-slide pathology images, gene expression profiles, and electronic health records. Many models demonstrated improved predictive performance over traditional methods, particularly when integrating multimodal datasets. Furthermore, external validation in multicenter cohorts was increasingly reported, supporting the generalizability of results.
Despite promising advances, the widespread clinical application of artificial intelligence in urologic oncology remains limited. Challenges include variability in data sources, lack of standardization, limited interpretability of models, and ethical concerns related to data privacy and fairness. Nonetheless, the integration of artificial intelligence into clinical decision-making workflows holds substantial promises for enhancing prognostic accuracy and supporting personalized management strategies. Future efforts should focus on harmonized methodologies, prospective validation, and transparent reporting to fully realize the clinical potential of these technologies
THE IMPACT OF THE TIKTOK APP ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUNG USERS
No full textIntroduction: In the 21st century, media significantly influences mental health. The TikTok app allows easy creation of videos and its algorithm adapts content to users interests.
Aim: The following paper aims to analyse the impact of TikTok on the mental health of young users in the context of mood, eating and addiction disorders.
Materials and Methods: Due to the dominance of users aged 16-24 on the TikTok platform, the research focused on the impact of the app on adolescent and young adult mental health. A review of papers available in bibliographic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science was conducted, using the keywords: "TikTok", "mental disorders", "mental health", "eating disorders", "social media".
Description of knowledge: Using TikTok can have both positive and negative effects. Positive aspects include an increased sense of social connection, reduction of stress and anxiety, and promotion of mental health issues by professionals. However, the app also carries risks, such as addiction, FOMO, misinformation, cyberbullying, impact on sleep quality and exposure to harmful content, and most importantly, exacerbates symptoms of mood and eating disorders. In order to minimise the negative effects of TikTok use, education about the potential risks is necessary.
Conclusion: TikTok has the potential to have a positive impact on mental health as long as users use it consciously and in moderation, and the platform, educators and parents take steps to minimise the negative effects of children and young people using the app
MAYER-ROKITANSKY-KÜSTER-HAUSER (MRKH) SYNDROME IN GIRLS – DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS
No full textMayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by agenesis or aplasia of the uterus and the upper part of the vagina in otherwise chromosomally and hormonally normal females (46,XX). It affects approximately 1 in 4500–5000 live female births and represents one of the most common causes of primary amenorrhea. Genetic and environmental factors are the main cause of the syndrome, although the pathogenesis is multifactorial. Diagnostics include both imaging tests (such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging) and genetic tests. Therapeutic management is aimed at forming a functional neovagina that allows for comfortable sexual intercourse, achieved through either non-surgical dilation techniques or surgical vaginoplasty, selected according to the patient’s preferences and existing indications or contraindications to a given type of procedure. Available reproductive approaches, including uterine transplantation, surrogacy, and adoption, provide women with MRKH syndrome the possibility of achieving motherhood. Psychological assistance is essential, since the diagnosis has a significant impact on a woman’s self-esteem, perception of her body, and sense of sexual identity. Multidisciplinary care including medical, surgical, and psychological interventions is vital to achieving the best therapeutic outcomes and enhancing the quality of life of patients with MRKH syndrome
EXPLORING MECHANICAL INJURIES: THEIR EFFECTS ON SKIN AND FASCIA IN ENDURANCE SPORTS – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
No full textChronic mechanical injuries in endurance athletes often cause significant changes in the skin and fascia, which in turn impacts the overall functioning of the musculoskeletal system. These changes can lead to limited mobility, impaired biomechanics, and an increased risk of further injury. Effectively preventing and managing these issues requires an interdisciplinary approach that combines fascial therapy with stress reduction techniques. This comprehensive model not only protects athletes but also supports their optimal recovery and performance.
Aim of the study: This study aims to synthesize current knowledge on the impact of repetitive mechanical micro-injuries on the skin and fascial structures in endurance athletes. The review explores the underlying injury mechanisms, fascial responses to sustained mechanical stress, dermatological manifestations resulting from chronic load, as well as preventive and therapeutic approaches relevant to this population.
Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across the PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and Scopus databases. Search terms included: “mechanical injuries”, “endurance sports”, “micro-injuries and skin”, and “micro-injuries and fascia”.
Results and Conclusions: Recurrent mechanical strain in endurance sports disciplines—such as running, cycling, and triathlon—has been found to impact both superficial (cutaneous) and deep (fascial) tissue structures. The skin can act as a visible marker of biomechanical overload, potentially guiding clinicians toward the need for further diagnostic evaluation. Effective prevention and treatment strategies require a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach involving dermatology, orthopedics, and physiotherapy
BETA-BLOCKERS IN SPORT: PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS, PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS AND REGULATORY PERSPECTIVES
No full textIntroduction: Beta-blockers are a pharmacological class widely used in cardiovascular and anxiety-related conditions. Their ability to reduce heart rate, reduce physiological tremor and attenuate sympathetic arousal has led to increasing interest regarding their use in sport. While beta-blockers impair endurance performance, they may enhance precision and emotional stability in sports requiring fine motor control. This has resulted in selective regulation by anti-doping authorities.
Aim of the study: The aim of this article was to review the current evidence on physiological effects of beta-blockers in athletes and to evaluate their sport-specific implications, including their relevance to anti-doping regulations.
Methods and Materials: Literature was reviewed using PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, focusing primarily on experimental human studies, controlled trials and mechanistic analyses investigating beta-blocker pharmacology and athletic performance. Key search terms included: “beta-blockers”, “sport performance”, “precision sports”, “beta receptors”, and “doping”.
Conclusion: Evidence indicates that beta-blockers exert mixed performance effects depending on sport characteristics. They consistently reduce endurance capacity by limiting cardiac output and metabolic efficiency, yet can benefit athletes in precision disciplines through tremor suppression and decreased somatic anxiety. These sport-specific effects justify the selective prohibition adopted by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Further research is needed to clarify individual variability in response and to refine regulatory approaches