Review of "Physiological psychology" by Vladimir E. Trajkovski

Andrea Ivanovska 

Macedonian Scientific Society for Autism

https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2653-2503
https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.2.3.98

ABSTRACT

“Physiological psychology” authored by Prof. Dr. Vladimir E. Trajkovski, represents a pivotal contribution to the field of physiological psychology. The Publisher is Faculty of Philosophy in Skopje and it was published on September 29th in Skopje. This is first edition of the book, which is printed in B5 format with ISBN 978-608-238-235-7.

This textbook, the first in the Macedonian language, elaborately explores the biological bases of behaviour. The book's scope extends beyond mere academic interest, serving as a valuable resource for students and professionals.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone fascinated by the intersection of psychology and physiology, demystifying how our biological mechanisms shape behaviour. It's a great educational resource, particularly for students and professionals in psychology, neuroscience, and similar fields, because of its exhaustive exploration of physiological psychology. From the workings of the sensory systems and the dynamism of motor functions to the neurological and cognitive complexities, the book clarifies human behaviour's roots. This book is a great candidate for readers seeking to enhance their knowledge of physiological psychology.

Full Text Article

Split protocol for next successful pregnancy after spontaneous abortions and pregnancy loss in Genetic Counselling Unit Split

Vida Culic 

Paediatrician medical geneticist, prof. prim, Paediatris Clinic UH, Gynecology and Obstetrics Private Outpatient Clinic

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

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.2.3.95

ABSTRACT

Aim: Spontaneous abortion, early neonatal death and stillbirth are tragic events for the whole family. Sporadic abortion in the general population occurs at 12-15%, before the 12th weeks. The percentage increases with the age of the mother, up to 23%. Successful next pregnancy is the goal.

Methods: In a retrospective analysis from 1985 to 2010, 451 couples with one or more SAs before the 16th week of pregnancy were examined at the Genetic Counselling Unit, Pediatrics Clinics, UH Split.

Results: The highest number of SAs was recorded in the period 8-10th weeks of gestation. Furthermore, 69% of women and 66% of men had a positive family history (especially in a second-generation relative) for SA or sterility. Adverse habits (smoking, alcohol consumption) and exposure to pollutants and / or teratogens (chemicals, exposure to excessive heat or cold) did not affect the incidence of SA. Examination of serological signs (IgM + and EA +) in the presence of reactivation of infection with viruses most commonly revealed reactivation to viruses of the genus herpes viride such as HSV1, CMV and EBV, more often in women. Sideropenia or anemia with very low ferritin values ​​were found in 40% of tested women.

Conclusion: The theory of “two hits” (multifactorial inheritance) is still in the basis of SA. Under these circumstances, it is possible to achieve a normal pregnancy as needed with prenatal or preimplantation diagnostics. If there is a need for assisted fertilisation, the same procedure should be followed.

Keywords: spontaneous abortions (SA), pregnancy loss (RPL), etiology, genetic counselling

Full Text Article

Drug discovery and development and precision medicine for Autism Spectrum Disorder – current state

Irena Stojanovska 

Macedonian Scientific Society for Autism, Skopje, Macedonia 

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6483-4723

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.3.1.109

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder/condition. Medical interven-tions for this condition are mainly pharmacological, and generally not tailored to precisely address the specific underlying issues in each ASD individual. Despite the extensive efforts to develop new or repurpose existing drugs over the decades, the range of medications that address this condition remains very limited.

Findings: Progress in drug development has been hindered by research design limitations and the complex, het-erogeneous nature of the ASD itself. Therefore, this article first discusses preclinical and clinical studies aimed at finding effective treatments, highlighting their shortcomings and potential solutions. It then delves into the com-plexity of ASD and the implications for drug development, such as its phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity and multifactorial etiology, and unclear diagnostic boundaries with other developmental disorders.

Exploiting the advantages of new technologies, current autism treatment research is steering towards prioritizing genetic and molecular data over phenotypic data, emphasizing the need for biologically meaningful and quantifi-able biomarkers to identify biologically defined and clinically actionable subgroups within ASD, amenable to specific treatments.

The critical role of precision medicine is underscored as a comprehensive, fundamental approach to biology-based drug development and personalized treatments. Achieving this goal requires an integrated analysis of multilayered data, utilizing multi-omics, systems biology, and machine learning approaches.

Conclusion: Lastly, the article provides a brief overview of current initiatives and private sector efforts focusing on precision medicine treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders, highlighting their progress in developing drugs through this innovative approach.

Keywords: autism, drug development, biomarkers, multi-omics, precision medicine

Full Text Article

Association between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Cancer - a Review from the Literature

Vladimir Trajkovski 

Institute of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Philosophy, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje, Macedonia

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8369-9501

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.3.1.103

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is neurodevelopmental polygenic disorder with strong genetic component. In adult period, it is associated with many chronic diseases including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

The aim of this article is to show possible connection between autism spectrum disorder and some kinds of cancers, and to show possible pathways for prevention and treatment.

Methodology: The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched using the keywords: autism spectrum disorder, genetics, cancer, prevention and treatment.

Results: Autism spectrum disorder is associated with high rates of genomic aberrations, including chromosomal rearrangements and de novo copy-number variations. Autism and cancer share 43 risk genes, suggesting that common mechanisms underlying the functions of some of these genes could conceivably be leveraged to develop therapies not just for cancer but for autism as well. Pleiotropy, whereby gene variants exert effects on multiple phenotypes, has been the source of increasing research attention with ASD and cancer.

Germline loss-of-function PTEN mutations increase the rate of benign and malignant tumors and also manifest as ASD and macrocephaly. Mutations in TSC1 and TSC2 genes cause tuberous sclerosis complex which is characterized by cortical tubers, and neurocognitive phenotypes including epilepsy, ASD, and intellectual disability (ID).

Conclusion: There is may be an association between autism and specific forms of cancer. Further epidemiologic research in large populations is needed to elucidate the association between autism and cancer and identify explanatory factors. Approved drugs targeting oncogenic pathways might also have therapeutic value for treating autism spectrum disorder.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, cancer, genetics, prevention, treatment

Full Text Article

Does the Voice Matter? Impact of Voice-Over Instructions on Task Acquisition and Prompting Levels in Video Prompting

Ryan Kellems Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7091-4487

Kyle Clements Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6474-8304

Kaitlyn Osborne Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7091-4487

Kaiya Dawson Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3206-8125

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.2.3.90

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Opportunities are increasing for individuals with disabilities to live independently. Video prompting is important to increasing independence through observation and imitation of specific behaviors or skills. However, the impact of voice-over instructions has yet to be studied.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of voice-over instructions on teaching daily living skills to three individuals with disabilities via video prompting.

Method: A single-subject adapted alternating treatment design was used. Two versions of each intervention video were created by the researchers and alternated: one without and one with step-by-step voice-over instructions. Four skills were selected: (a) making a bowl of oatmeal, (b) microwaving popcorn, (c) starting a load of laundry, and (d) cleaning the microwave. Data were also collected on the number of prompts to use technology and the number of views for each step.

Results: Results showed that the presence of voice-over instructions led to higher levels of task acquisition for all the participants. The number of prompts to use technology decreased for two of the individuals after exposure to both instruction types. The number of views did not appear to be related to the presence of voice-over instructions.

Conclusion: Video prompting, with or without voice-over instructions, is an effective way to teach daily living skills and promote independence to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Keywords: Video prompting, voice-over instruction, daily living skills, intellectual impairment

Full Text Article

Scientific publishing in the Republic of Macedonia analysed with artificial intelligence

Mirko Spiroski
Scientific Foundation SPIROSKI, Rajko Zhinzifov No 48, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5559-7981

Ivo Spiroski 

Scientific Foundation SPIROSKI, Rajko Zhinzifov No 48, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4518-2138

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.3.1.110

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was to present current scientific publishing activity of the Republic of Macedonia analysed with artificial intelligence.
Methods: This analysis was performed with the artificial intelligence platform www.wizdom.ai during March 18, 2024.
Results: In the Republic of Macedonia, in 2023 were published 770 publications with closed, 432 with bronze, 200 with hybrid, 805 with gold, and 61 with green access. In the same year, a total number of 27,418 citations were recorded, with the biggest number of collaborations with United States. Total number of researchers that have published articles in 2023 was 2,550, with local co-authors of 2,268, and with international co-authors of 1,027.
Conclusion: The power of artificial intelligence for analysis of scientific publishing is very sensitive and can be used with precautions because of the limited electronic availability of scientific data, as well as of the different inclusion and exclusion criteria for analysis.

Keywords: Scientific publishing, Republic of Macedonia, artificial intelligence

Full Text Article

Call for papers Vol. 3, Issue 2, 2024

Respected colleagues, and readers,

Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (JHRS) is a multidisciplinary, peer reviewed, scholarly, international, electronic journal. The following articles will be considered for publication: original and review articles, short report, letters to the editor, clinical experiences, survey of cases, doctoral dissertations, master of arts, editorials, rapid communications and other contributions from all the fields of health sciences, rehabilitation sciences, developmental diversities, special education, psychology, social policy, and the related sciences.

The aim of the journal is to share and disseminate knowledge between all disciplines that work in the field of developmental diversities. All articles will be critically reviewed by at least two unknown reviewers within 2 months, but longer delays are sometimes unavoidable. All manuscripts must comply with Authors Instructions. There will be around 20 articles published per year.

JHRS allows free access (Open Access) to its contents and permits authors to self-archive final accepted version of the articles on any OAI-compliant institutional / subject-based repository. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is devoted to the scientific study of health disturbances and rehabilitation. The subject matter is broad and includes, but is not restricted to, findings from health, psychological, biological, educational, genetic, medical, psychiatric, and sociological studies, ethical, philosophical, and legal contributions that increase knowledge on the prevention and treatment of disability, and/or inform public policy and practice.

You are kindly invited to submit an article in our Journal. Please type them in Word format. Please use Times New Roman font with Font size 12. The manuscript can not exceed 30.000 characters with no spaces A4 format including Abstract, Tables, Figures, and References. The margins should be 2 cm from every side, and also paragraph should be 1.5 lines. The style of referencing is from APA.

You can send the articles on the following the electronic system. Registration on OJS platform is HERE.

The dead line for sending the manuscripts is June 30st 2024.

JHRS newest issue 1, Volume 3 for 2024 has already been published

Dear colleagues and readers,

I would like to inform you that 1st issue of the 3nd volume of Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is published online today (June 20th, 2024). A total number of 7 papers are published. Next Issue 2, Vol. 3 of JHRS for the 2024 is expected to be published until December 20th, 2024.

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.3, Issue 2 is open until June 30th.

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