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Simulācijā balstītas izglītības attīstības stratēģija medicīnas un veselības aprūpes izglītībā Latvijā 2025.–2027. gadam
Full text linkPamatojoties uz sadarbības memorandu “Par nacionālo simulācijā balstītas izglītības attīstības stratēģiju medicīnas un veselības aprūpes izglītībā”, kas tika noslēgts 2023. gada 7. decembrī starp Latvijas Republikas Veselības ministriju, Rīgas Stradiņa universitāti, Latvijas Universitāti, Latvijas Ārstu biedrību, Latvijas Jauno ārstu asociāciju, Latvijas Māsu asociāciju, Latvijas Ārstniecības personu profesionālo organizāciju savienību un Neatliekamās medicīniskās palīdzības dienestu, ir izstrādāts dokuments “Simulācijā balstītas izglītības attīstības stratēģija medicīnas un veselības aprūpes izglītībā Latvijā 2025.–2027. gadam” (turpmāk – Stratēģija). Ar šīs Stratēģijas izstrādi tiek atzīts simulācijā balstītas pieejas integrācijas svarīgums medicīnas un veselības aprūpes izglītībā, kā arī Stratēģijas izstrādes partneru apņemšanās sadarboties, iesaistot plašākas ieinteresēto personu grupas, lai uzlabotu gan esošo un nākotnes medicīnas un veselības aprūpes jomas profesionāļu izglītības kvalitāti, gan veselības aprūpes pakalpojumu kvalitāti, kas ietver gan pacientu, gan ārstniecības personu drošības aspektus. Šī Stratēģija ir ceļa karte, lai līdz 2027. gadam saskaņotā un koordinētā veidā tiktu veicināta simulācijā balstītas medicīnas un veselības aprūpes izglītības jomas integrācija visu līmeņu medicīnas un veselības aprūpes izglītībā, kā arī izveidots simulācijā balstīts medicīnas un veselības aprūpes izglītības jomas specifikai atbilstošs resursu un infrastruktūras pārvaldības modelis.Non peer reviewe
Association of Baseline Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Protein with Expanded Disability Status Score Dynamics in Patients with Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis : A Pilot Study
Full text linkPublisher Copyright: © 2024 by the authors.Forecasting the progression of the disease in the early inflammatory stage of the most prevalent type of multiple sclerosis (MS), referred to as relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), is essential for making prompt treatment modifications, aimed to reduce clinical relapses and disability. In total, 58 patients with RRMS, having an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score less than 4, were included in this study. Baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed, and brain and spinal cord lesions were evaluated. The disability of the patients was evaluated using EDSS at baseline and follow-up; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were also used to determine the level of blood-based inflammation markers in plasma at baseline. The main results demonstrated that the baseline level of LBP was correlated with an increase in EDSS in a short (8–10 months) follow-up period. Furthermore, the prognostic significance of LBP was only observed in patients who received disease-modifying treatment (DMT) before the study. Our results suggest that the baseline level of LBP may be among the predictors of disability progression in RRMS over short follow-up periods, particularly in those receiving treatment. It highlights the effect of endotoxins in the pathogenesis of RRMS.Peer reviewe
Effect of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Aerobic Capacity in Female Athletes : A Randomized Controlled Study
Full text linkPublisher Copyright: © 2024 by the authors.Background/Objectives: This study addresses the growing interest in nutritional supplements that improve athletic performance in endurance sports. Previous research suggests that nitrates in beetroot juice enhance blood vessel dilation and oxygen delivery to muscles. However, the effects of these nitrates on cardiopulmonary performance in female athletes remain underexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of beetroot juice supplementation on aerobic work capacity in female endurance athletes. Methods: A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was conducted to assess aerobic work capacity. Eighteen healthy female endurance athletes (22.9 ± 5.6 years) participated in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the control group (placebo group n = 9), which received a nitrate-free placebo beverage, and the experimental group (beetroot juice group n = 9), which consumed 50 mL of beetroot juice concentrate (~6.2 mmol nitrate) two and a half hours before the second test. Results: The results showed that the beetroot juice group demonstrated significant improvements in minute ventilation (VE), respiratory equivalents (VE/VO 2 and VE/VCO 2), and heart rate (HR) (p < 0.05). Maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2 max) increased by 4.82% in the beetroot juice group (from 35.24 ± 5.07 to 36.94 ± 4.91 mL·min −1·kg −1), whereas a small decrease was observed in the placebo group. Conclusions: These findings indicate that beetroot juice may be an effective ergogenic aid, enhancing oxygen utilization and energy production during exercise in female athletes. In terms of practical applications, beetroot juice could contribute to improved athletic performance and serve as a valuable addition to athletes’ nutritional plans. Future studies should explore the long-term effects, optimal dosages, and duration of supplementation in larger and more diverse populations.Peer reviewe
Emigration and tobacco smoking among those staying behind
Full text linkPublisher Copyright: © 2025High or growing rates of smoking tobacco and high rates of emigration are salient features of many low- and middle-income countries, yet the links between migration and smoking remain underexplored. We study the effects of household member emigration on the likelihood of smoking among those staying behind in the countries of former Yugoslavia. Using instrumental variable analysis, we find that the emigration of household members reduces the likelihood of smoking, especially among women and older respondents. These findings support the ‘social remittances’ hypothesis that migration contributes to the transfer of smoking-related norms from destination to source countries. Migration may thus contribute to socioeconomic development of source countries by reducing one of the world's biggest health epidemics: smoking.Peer reviewe
Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development : Opportunities and Current Landscape
Full text linkPublisher Copyright: © 2025 by the author.Energy is often described as the lifeblood of a nation’s economy, and the world energy trilemma calls for collaboration and innovative solutions at the national level. This is where Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) plays a crucial role, helping integrate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while addressing the challenges posed by the energy trilemma. Europe’s strong commitment to transitioning to sustainable energy is evident in its response to geopolitical changes and climate targets. Notably, the Baltic States have taken decisive action in response to the war in Ukraine, choosing to completely halt electricity imports from Russia and Belarus. This shift was supported by increased energy imports via interconnectors from Finland, Sweden, and Poland, with electricity imports rising to 13,053 GWh—an increase of 2.6% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Latvia, which holds the highest green energy potential in the Baltic Sea region, has nevertheless lagged behind its Baltic counterparts in terms of implementation. In 2021, Latvia ranked third among European Union (EU) countries for renewable energy share in final energy consumption, with 42.1%, significantly higher than the EU average of 21.8%. However, further progress is needed to meet Latvia’s 2030 target of 14% renewable energy use in transport. The Baltic States aim to produce 98–100% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2050. The Baltic States should be regarded as a unified energy system, with a coordinated strategy for achieving sustainable energy development through collaboration and joint planning. This analysis highlights the complexities of managing energy markets amidst global and regional challenges, emphasizing the importance of well-designed public interventions to secure long-term benefits. The study concludes with a call for enhanced interagency cooperation to reform ESD and create a new interdisciplinary sector dedicated to “Sustainable Development”.Peer reviewe
A diagnostic host-specific transcriptome response for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia to guide pediatric patient treatment
Full text linkPublisher Copyright: © 2025. The Author(s).Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes atypical pneumonia in children and young adults. Its lack of a cell wall makes it resistant to beta-lactams, which are the first-line treatment for typical pneumonia. Current diagnostic tests are time-consuming and have low specificity, leading clinicians to administer empirical antibiotics. Using a LASSO regression simulation approach and blood microarray data from 107 children with pneumonia (including 30 M. pneumoniae) we identify eight different transcriptomic signatures, ranging from 3-10 transcripts, that differentiate mycoplasma pneumonia from other bacterial/viral pneumonias with high accuracy (AUC: 0.84-0.95). Additionally, we demonstrate that existing signatures for broadly distinguishing viral/bacterial infections and viral/bacterial pneumonias are ineffective in distinguishing M. pneumoniae from viral pneumonia. The new signatures are successfully validated in an independent RNAseq cohort of children with pneumonia, demonstrating their robustness. The high sensibility of these signatures presents a valuable opportunity to guide the treatment and management of M. pneumoniae pneumonia patients.Peer reviewe
Exploring Literacy and Knowledge Gaps and Disparities in Genetics and Oncogenomics Among Cancer Patients and the General Population : A Scoping Review
Full text linkPublisher Copyright: © 2025 by the authors.Background: Genetic and genomic literacy is pivotal in empowering cancer patients and citizens to navigate the complexities of omics sciences, resolve misconceptions surrounding clinical research and genetic/genomic testing, and make informed decisions about their health. In a fast-evolving scenario where routine testing has become widespread in healthcare, this scoping review sought to pinpoint existing gaps in literacy and understanding among cancer patients and the general public regarding genetics and genomics. Methods: Adhering to the PRISMA framework, the review included 43 studies published between January 2018 and June 2024, which evaluated the understanding of genetics and genomics among cancer patients, caregivers, and citizens. Results: Although the selected studies had significant heterogeneity in populations and evaluation tools, our findings indicate inadequate literacy levels, with citizens displaying lower proficiency than cancer patients and caregivers. This review highlighted consistent knowledge gaps in understanding the genetic and genomic underpinnings of diseases, encompassing misconceptions about mutation types and inheritance patterns, limited awareness of available genetic testing options, and difficulties in interpreting test results. Ethical and privacy concerns and the psychological impact of genetic testing were also common, highlighting the imperative need for effective communication between healthcare providers and patients. Conclusions: Given the dynamic nature of genomic science, the review underscores the need for continuously evolving educational programs tailored to diverse populations. Our findings could guide the development of educational resources addressed explicitly to cancer patients, caregivers, and the lay public.Peer reviewe
The Association of Plasma Selenium and Selenoprotein P Levels with Depression Severity and Anxiety Symptoms Among Medical Students in Latvia
Full text linkPublisher Copyright: © 2024 by the authors.Background and Objectives: Oxidative stress has been identified as a key process involved in different diseases, particularly depression. Selenium (Se) protects against oxidative stress, one of the pathogenic mechanisms involved in affective disorders. Selenium is incorporated into antioxidant selenoproteins, such as selenoprotein P, which acts as the main selenium-transport protein in plasma and as an extracellular oxidant defense mechanism. This study aimed to determine whether lower selenium and selenoprotein P levels correlate with high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms. Materials and Methods: The research design was a quantitative cross-sectional study among employed fourth-year medical students at Riga Stradins University in Latvia. The respondents were selected using convenience samples. The symptoms of anxiety were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, and the symptoms of depression were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale. Results: A total of 32 respondents participated; 90.6% (n = 29) were female. A significant association was found between selenoprotein P and symptoms of depression (p = 0.006), as well as between selenoprotein P and symptoms of anxiety (p = 0.012). The median selenium level was not significantly lower (p = 0.214) in the study group compared to the control group. Conclusions: There is a statistically significant correlation between selenoprotein P and symptoms of depression and anxiety, and there is a tendency for students with symptoms of depression and anxiety to have lower selenium levels. However, alternative unrecognized oxidative stress mechanisms involved in the development of symptoms of depression and anxiety, involving selenium and selenoprotein P pathways, may exist. Consequently, further research assessing possible alternative pathways and the effect size is required.Peer reviewe
Prolonged Corticosteroid Use in the Treatment of Tuberculous Meningoencephalitis: : A Case Report
Full text linkTuberculous meningoencephalitis is a rare manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), with the most severe form and highest mortality. It can cause multiple complications, and treatment is difficult, as drugs cannot properly diffuse through the haemato-encephalitic barrier. We reported the case of a 17-year-old female patient who was admitted to the emergency room department with a fever for previous two weeks (up to 39 °C), dizziness, difficulty walking, and weight loss. Magnetic resonance imaging indicated possible meningoencephalitis, and a CT scan of the lungs visualised miliary infiltrates in both lungs. After repeated tests, Mtb DNA was found in the bronchial wash, cerebrospinal fluid, faeces, and urine via an Xpert/Rif Ultra test. Treatment was started with isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and corticosteroids as well. Although treatment was initiated within the first few days in the hospital, a reduction in glucocorticoid dosage worsened the patient’s neurological state, making treatment even more challenging. Prolonged use of glucocorticoids led to an improvement in the stage of the condition. Further, over time, the patient’s condition improved. Pulmonary infiltrations were not found after 2.5 months of starting therapy. Conclusions: Timely treatment is crucial for improving the prognosis of patients with miliary tuberculosis and tuberculous meningoencephalitis. Prompt recognition of symptoms and accurate diagnosis are essential to initiate effective treatment strategies. In this patient’s case, prolonged use of corticosteroids reduced neurologic complications, and ongoing treatment gradually improved the patient’s condition.Peer reviewe
Failure or future? Exploring alternative antibacterials : a comparative analysis of antibiotics and naturally derived biopolymers
Full text linkCopyright © 2025 Sceglovs, Skadins, Chitto, Kroica and Salma-Ancane.The global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is escalating due to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, the slow development of new therapies, and the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections. Traditional antibiotic treatments face limitations, including the development of resistance, disruption of the microbiota, adverse side effects, and environmental impact, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative alternative antibacterial strategies. This review critically examines naturally derived biopolymers with intrinsic (essential feature) antibacterial properties as a sustainable, next-generation alternative to traditional antibiotics. These biopolymers may address bacterial resistance uniquely by disrupting bacterial membranes rather than cellular functions, potentially reducing microbiota interference. Through a comparative analysis of the mechanisms and applications of antibiotics and antibacterial naturally derived biopolymers, this review highlights the potential of such biopolymers to address AMR while supporting human and environmental health.Peer reviewe