Call for Papers: Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Dear Colleagues,

The Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (JHRS) is pleased to announce an open call for papers for upcoming issues. We invite researchers, practitioners, and academics to submit their high-quality, original manuscripts that contribute to advancing knowledge, practice, and innovation in the fields of health, rehabilitation sciences, and related disciplines.

Our journal focuses on multidisciplinary research that addresses the complexities of health and rehabilitation from diverse perspectives, including but not limited to:

• Innovative approaches to rehabilitation and therapy

• Health promotion and prevention strategies

• Advances in assistive technologies

• Mental health and well-being

• Interdisciplinary perspectives on chronic illness and disability

• Public health policies and practices

Submission Guidelines: Manuscripts should be original, not previously published, and not under consideration elsewhere. All submissions will undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure academic excellence.

Please submit your papers through our online submission portal at this LINK. For detailed submission guidelines, visit this LINK.

Key Dates:

• Submission Deadline: 30.04.2025

• Expected Publication Date: 30.06.2025

We look forward to receiving your contributions and collaborating to advance the field of health and rehabilitation sciences. Should you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to contact us at editorjhrs@almamater.si.

Thank you for considering the Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences as the platform to share your research.

Best regards, 

Editor-in-Chief 

Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

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Dravet Syndrome – Clinical and Developmental Characteristics: A Case Report

Aleksandra Đurić-Zdravković
University of Belgrade – Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0115-2666

Aleksandra Pavlović 

University of Belgrade – Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Belgrade

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5987-9828

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.3.2.122

Abstract

Introduction: Dravet syndrome is a rare, genetically determined epilepsy and epileptic encephalopathy primarily caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the SCN1A gene, also associated with autism spectrum disorder. Follow-ing birth, patients have typical neurodevelopment, but the regression of cognitive, motor and speech abilities become noticeable after the onset of seizures.

Aims and case report: We report on the case of a five-year-old girl with characteristic clinical features of Dravet syndrome, detailing her basic clinical and developmental characteristics, disease course and treatment. The first seizure occured at four months of age, coinciding with increased body temperature, and by the end of first year she developed recurrent seizures. While the baseline electroencephagram was nomal, follow-up examinations revealed continuous high-amplitude and sharp, multifocal spike waves. During her second year of life, significant delay in psychomotor development became apparent. The Bayley-III scale was used to assess psychomotor de-velopment in cognition area, comprehension and quality of speech, as well as fine and gross motor skills. The results indicated that her cognitive abilities corresponded to those of an eight-month-old child, while her motor skills were at the level of an 18-month-old. Notable gait impairment was observed, with a wide-based crouch gait. The patient was also diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

Conclusion: Although rare, Dravet syndrome is an important differential diagnosis in children presenting with early-onset epilepsy and progressive developmental delays. It is essential to evaluate patients for common comor-bidities, such as autism, gait disorders, and intellectual disability, important determinants of patients’ quality of life.

Keywords: Dravet syndrome, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay

Full Text Article

Prevalence of strabismus in different age groups in Macedonia

Antonela Ljubic
Private Polyclinic Medika Plus , Skopje, Macedonia
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4221-0124

Daniel E.Neely 

Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana , USA

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7984-9765

Vele Todorovski 

Private Polyclinic Medika Plus , Skopje, Macedonia

https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1351-0790

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.3.2.126

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of strabismus by age groups in Caucasian Macedonian population.

Methods: A study population of 1900 patients (aged 0-86 years) from the capital city, Skopje, Macedonia, were analysed in a secondary health institution in the central urban area. Ophthalmological examination included: visual acuity, slit- lamp biomicroscopy, autorefraction, and ocular motility examination.

Results: In our retrospective cohort (1900), 60 patients did have strabismus (3.2%). The highest prevalence of strabismus was in primary school children (10-14 years- 20.2 %; 0-4 years- 16.2 %; 15-19 years- 11.8% and 5-9 years- 8.6%). Our adult population showed results similar to Caucasian Danish population with prevalence of strabismus of 0.7% (age group 50-54 years) and 0.8 % (age group 55-59). The most frequently identified subtype was esotropia (73.3%), followed by exotropia (23.4%) and cyclovertical strabismus (3.3 %).

Conclusion: The overall prevalence of strabismus on Macedonian cohort was 3.2%. Our results on primary school children are much higher than other studies on Caucasian and Asian population, but similar to prevalence in the population in Saudi Arabia. The most prevalent type of strabismus was esotropia (73.3%). Regarding gender distribution, both esotropia and exotropia were more frequent in males.

Keywords: strabismus, prevalence, Caucasians, Macedonia, esotropia, exotropia

Full Text Article

Analysis of anamnestic data from genetic counseling of couples with history of repeated spontaneous abortions from Split Croatia

Vida Culic 

Paediatrician medical geneticist, Medical Geneticist, Paediatrics Clinic, UHC Split, Croatia

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1352-4914
Damir Roje 

Gynecologyst and obstetritian in UHC Split

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9374-652X
Robert Vulić 

Gynecologyst and obstetritian in Outpatient Clinic, Split

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5385-9877

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.3.2.112

Abstract

Aim: To show the importance of how important are in the genetic counselling process of spontaneous abortions, including careful and detailed analyses of anamnestic data and drawing a family tree.

Methods: We included 451 couples with normal karyotypes and treated in the Genetic Counseling Unit due to one or more unsuccessful pregnancies from 1985 to 2010.

Results: Second-generation relatives of both partners had two times higher number of SA than the general popu-lation. Almost one third of participans (men and women) were historically exposed to some harmful agent. The "motherhood age effect" is not present, male partners in the group with 3 spontaneous abortions (SA) were older. Both men and women had previous urinary and/or genital infections more often than in the general population. There was no significant correlation between occupation and SA and the frequency of urogenital infections with the type of occupation. Women were affected by computer work or exposure to food and chemicals, while men mostly by heat and cold exposure. Harmful habits predominant in women was smoking and alcohol by men.

Conclusion: The research showed how much important information could be obtained for further investigation of the causes of a complex multifactorial process such as recurrent spontaneous abortions.

Keywords: anamnestic data, spontaneous abortions (SA), repeted spontaneous abortions RSA, pregnancy loss (RPL), genetic counseling

Full Text Article

Factors that facilitate or inhibit professional self-development motivation in employees of educational institutions

Anthony Webster Tenya 

Ternopil National Pedagogical University, Ternopil - Ukraine

https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1369-3300

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.3.2.125

Abstract

Introduction: the efficiency, motivation, and involvement of human resources are critical factors in the effectiveness of organizations, particularly educational institutions. This paper explores these factors.

Objectives: the objectives were to identify the factors that facilitate professional self-development motivation in employees of educational institutions and to identify the factors that inhibit professional self-development motivation in employees of educational institutions.

Material and Methods: the study employed a scoping review method to identify factors influencing professional self-development motivation among educational institution employees. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, followed by a rigorous screening process to select 19 relevant studies. Data was organized and synthesized qualitatively, with findings validated by independent reviewers and experts in the field.

Results: the study identifies key facilitators of professional self-development motivation in educational institutions, including a personal growth mindset, organizational support, and access to digital resources. In contrast, inhibitors include a lack of self-awareness and organizational challenges like conflicting priorities. Effective leadership and professional development resources significantly enhance employee motivation and performance. Conversely, mismanagement and a lack of support can diminish motivation, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to individual employee needs.

Conclusion: The study's conclusion underscores the necessity for educational institutions to cultivate an environment that is conducive to professional development and motivation to achieve optimal performance.

Keywords: Professional Development, Employee motivation, Educational Institutions, Inhibiting Factors, Facilitating Factors

Full Text Article

Psychosocial approaches as a solution to the challenge of risky online behaviors

Nataša Demšar Pečak 

Alma Mater Europaea University

https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8778-4528

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.3.2.120

Abstract

Aim: To address and define the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of children and their families in

the digital environment.

Methods: With surveys and their comparison, we want to assess whether the number of users in the digital environment, and consequently the number of individuals included in psychosocial programs designed to support

addicts and/or excessive users and their families, increased during and after the pandemic period.

Results: The data reveals a growth in the number of users in the digital environment, as well as an increase in

individuals participating in psychosocial programs aimed at supporting addicts, excessive users, and their families.

We have also addressed important points of departure for the formulation of policies and thus appropriate intervention approaches that would enable the resolution of the challenge in this area. With this contribution, we also

highlight the importance of free psychosocial activities to those addicted to digital devices.

Conclusion: The results of the current research confirm that the number of users of the digital environment, and

consequently the number of inclusions in psychosocial support programme for addicts with digital technologies

increased during and after the pandemic period. Due to the increase in the use of scree.

Keywords: safety, addiction, digital environment, children, intervention programs

Full Text Article

Nonlinear Dynamical Systems and Quantum-Entropy theory in Psychology and Medicine

Mohammad Ebrahimi 

The Research Center for New Technologies in Life Science Engineering, Institute of Bio-signal and Immunculus, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7537-8265

Vera Ivanovna Nesterova The Institute of Practical Psychophysics, 2, 1st Proizvodstvennaya street, 644001 Omsk, Russia

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7537-8265

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.3.2.123

Abstract

Introduction: Nonlinear dynamical systems (NDS) have proven to be valuable tools in various disciplines, such as psychology, medicine, and biology, where they offer insights into complex, non-linear behaviors. These systems often complement the Theory of Quantum Entropy Logic (TQEL), a framework used to model complex systems and predict the behavior of biological systems. NDS and TQEL are particularly effective in understanding the underlying mechanisms of psychological disorders and optimizing medical treatment protocols.

Methodology: This article examines the application of NDS in psychology and medicine, focusing on key concepts such as attractors, bifurcations, chaos theory, fractals, and self-organization. These concepts are utilized to explain complex psychological phenomena, including human behavior, emotions, and cognition. Additionally, the article explores the role of brainwave entrainment and Quantum-Entropy theory in influencing specific cognitive and consciousness states.

Results: The integration of NDS with psychological and medical research has led to novel insights into human behavior and the mechanisms underlying psychological disorders. Concepts like attractors, bifurcations, and chaos theory have been used to model human emotions, cognition, and mental states. The application of brainwave entrainment and Quantum-Entropy theory has demonstrated the potential for inducing specific cognitive states, which could have therapeutic applications.

Conclusion: Nonlinear dynamical systems, in conjunction with quantum-entropy theory, offer a promising framework for advancing the understanding of human psychology and medicine. By elucidating the complex behaviors of the mind and body, these systems provide new opportunities for developing diagnostic tools, therapeutic interventions, and personalized medicine.

Keywords: Nonlinear dynamical systems, Psychology, Brainwave entrainment, Quantum-Entropy theory, Metatron bio feed-back system.

Full Text Article

The Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy on pain in tendinopathy

Tjaša Berčič 

Alma Mater Europaea University 

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7384-0975

Mit Bracic 

Alma Mater Europaea University 

https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5493-9132

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.3.2.119

Abstract

Introduction: High-intensity laser therapies (HILT) have gained significant attention in therapeutic pain treat-ment. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of HILT therapies in the management of different types of tendinopathy-related pain, and the long-term benefits associated with treatment process.

Methodology: A systematic literature review of prospective randomized controlled trials from electronic data-bases: Google Scholar, Pub Med, Embase, Science Direct, and ProQuest, using relevant key words, was per-formed. Randomized trials that included HILT, patients with tendinopathy, pain management, and at least one single clinically pertinent attribute were selected. Standard PRISMA protocols were followed when completing the assessment.

Results: The physical, demographic, and theoretical insights from various studies suggest that HILT is a highly promising approach for managing pain in patients with tendinopathy. The most common body parts for treating tendinopathy using this method were the shoulder, elbow, ankle, and knee. Various attributes and parameters, such as Hand function evaluated by Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (QDASH) and Hand-grip Strength; pain assessed by the visual analogue score (VAS) during rest or activity, 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) for physical and mental health, and the shoulder pain and Disability Index (SPADI) for shoulder and elbow assessment, were frequently significant across studies.

Conclusion: HILT could be recommended as a treatment of choice for reducing pain and improving function in patients with tendinopathy, with potential benefits when combined with other physical therapy treatments. Further studies are needed to clarify optimal treatment protocols and long- term outcomes.

Keywords: Tendinopathy, high-intensity laser therapy (HILT),, Laser therapy, tendon, pain

Full Text Article

JHRS newest issue 2, Voulme 3 for 2024 has already been published

Dear colleagues and readers,

I would like to inform you that 2nd issue of the 3rd volume of Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is published online yesterday (January 29th, 2025). A total number of 7 papers are published. Next Issue 1, Vol. 4 of JHRS for the 2025 is expected to be published until June 30th, 2025.

Accessing JHRS Online

To view a current articles which appears online, please visit this LINK.

You, your colleagues, and students will be able to view articles (Full-Text PDF and XML) and have unlimited access to the journal (JHRS is an open access, international, peer reviewed and non for profit journal).

Citing Articles Using the Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

When citing articles from JHRS, we encourage you to use article’s DOI in addition to traditional citation information. This is an industry standard, a link-resolving system that allows any link to remain “persistent” even if the location of the article changes at some point in the future. Hence, when you are quoting the link for an article, you should always quote the DOI rather than the URL of our home page.

Useful Online Features for Authors

Your registration in online submission (https://jhrs.almamater.si/index.php/jhrs/user/register) will enable you with continuous information connected with JHRS. We encourage you to share publications from JHRS platform and online registration with your colleagues. You can feel free to share every publication on social media.

We invite you to the content of the JHRS and we think that you will consider publishing with Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Call for papers for Vol.4, Issue 1 is open until February 28th.

Suggested topics include:

• Rehabilitation Research,
• Health Research,
• Special Education Research,
• Neuropsychological Research,
• Autism Spectrum Disorders,
• Disability Research,
• Medical Aspects of Disability,
• Social Aspects of Disability,
• Master theses and PhD theses in the field,
• Book Reviews in the field.

If you have any questions or you face problems with paper submission, please feel free to contact us: editorjhrs@almamater.si

Cheers,

JHRS Editor-in-chief