Проценка на квалитетот на животот кај лицата со мултипна склероза

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is linked with a wide range of physical, psychological, and societal challenges that significantly impact the quality of life (QoL) of those affected by the disease. This comprehensive study delved into the multifaceted aspects of MS, aiming to unravel the intricate relationships between disability, self-efficacy, acceptance of illness, and various dimensions of QoL. Material and methods: The study, encompassing 778 participants from diverse backgrounds, highlighted the nuanced experiences of individuals with MS, emphasizing the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by different age groups and disease subtypes. The findings revealed profound connections between MS-related symptoms and psychological well-being, underscoring the necessity for tailored interventions. Notably, self-efficacy and acceptance of illness emerged as pivotal factors influencing QoL, providing crucial insights for healthcare providers and policymakers.Furthermore, this study underscored the importance of a holistic approach to MS management, integrating biomedical and psychosocial perspectives. The study’s outcomes offer valuable direction for future research endeavors, advocating for longitudinal studies to capture the dynamic nature of QoL challenges, exploring patient perspectives through qualitative methods, and investigating the impact of socioeconomic factors on QoL outcomes. Additionally, the potential of telemedicine and digital interventions in providing continuous support and evidence-based counseling for individuals with chronic conditions is highlighted. By addressing these critical areas, future research endeavors can contribute to a more compassionate and empowering framework, enhancing the lives of those affected by MS and their families.Мултипната склероза (МС) претставува комплексна мрежа на физички, психолошки и општествени предизвици кои значително влијаат врз квалитетот на животот на оние погодени од болеста. Ова сеопфатно истражување навлегува во повеќеслојните аспекти на МС, со цел да ги разоткрие сложените односи помеѓу попреченоста, самоефикасноста, прифаќањето на болеста и различните димензии на квалитетот на животот. Студијата, која опфаќа 778 учесници од различно потекло, ги истакна нијансираните искуства на лицата со МС, нагласувајќи ја важноста од разбирање на уникатните предизвици со кои се соочуваат различни возрасни групи и подтипови на болести. Наодите открија длабоки врски помеѓу симптомите поврзани со МС и психолошката благосостојба, нагласувајќи ја потребата за приспособени интервенции, како и поврзаност на квалитетот на животот со полот и видот на МС. Имено, само-ефикасноста и прифаќањето на болеста се појавија како клучни фактори кои влијаат врз квалитетот на животот, обезбедувајќи клучни сознанија за здравствените професионалци.Ова истражување ја нагласува важноста на холистичкиот пристап кон менаџирањето на МС, интегрирајќи ги биомедицинските и психосоцијалните перспективи. Резултатите од истражувањето нудат вредни насоки за идните истражувачки напори, застапувајќи за лонгитудинални студии за да се долови динамичната природа на предизвиците на квалитетот на животот, истражување на перспективите на пациентите преку квалитативни методи и истражување на влијанието на социо-економските фактори врз резултатите од квалитетот на животот. Се истакнува потенцијалот на телемедицината и дигиталните интервенции за обезбедување континуирана поддршка и советување засновано на докази за лица со хронични состојби

Getting athletes back in the game: A comprehensive rehabilitation assessment of knee injuries

Movement is an essential characteristic that has developed over the course of human evolution. With the inclusion of various populations in sports activities, sports have become an important part of people’s daily lives. Knee injuries are common among athletes, with knee joint being the most vulnerable to various injuries. Knee injuries require appropriate treatment to allow the athlete to return to their sports activities. Additionally, this study aimed to increase awareness of the importance of preventing knee injuries in sports and to highlight the potential impact of such injuries on an athlete’s ability to participate in their sport. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the functional outcomes of athletes with knee injuries. The study included 38 patients with knee injuries (ACL, meniscal injuries, collateral ligament injuries) out of which 21 were physically active athletes, 9 were not, but they were athletes who were not involved in sports at the time of the testing and 8 were recreational athletes. The majority of respondents (76%) reported that they sustained the injury during sports activities. Knee pain was reported as at least once a week by most respondents. The study highlights the importance of proper knee injury prevention measures during sports activities and the need for prompt and effective rehabilitation for those who do suffer injuries. Overall, these findings have important implications for the treatment and management of knee injuries among athletes and individuals seeking to maintain an active lifestyle

DIFFERENT SERUM BDNF LEVELS IN DEPRESSION: RESULTS FROM BDNF STUDIES IN FYR MACEDONIA AND BULGARIA

Background: A growing body of evidence shows that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a role in depressive disorder. Serum BDNF levels are lower in depressed patients and they increase after a long course of antidepressant treatment. Our study aims to test the effect of antidepressant treatment on serum BDNF levels in patients with a depressive episode, after they have achieved remission in two studies in Macedonia and Bulgaria. Subjects and methods: In the Macedonian study 23 patients were included (11 female, 12 male) diagnosed with a first depressive episode according to ICD-10, as well as 23 control subjects age- and sex-matched without a history of psychiatric disorder. In the Bulgarian study 10 female patients with depression and 10 control subjects were included. We have applied the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) to assess depression severity. Blood samples were collected before antidepressive treatment and after remission was achieved (decrease to 7 points or less on HDRS). Results: In the Macedonian study, mean serum BDNF level at baseline was 13.15±6.75 ng/ml and the mean HDRS score was 28.52±4.02. Untreated depressed patients showed significantly lower serum BDNF levels compared to the control group (25.95±9.17 ng/ml). After remission was achieved, the mean serum BDNF level was 24.73±11.80 ng/ml whereas the mean HDRS score was 7.04±3.15. After 8 weeks of treatment there was no statistically significant difference in the serum BDNF levels between the two groups. In the Bulgarian study, baseline mean serum BDNF levels were 26.84±8.66 ng/ml, after 3 weeks treatment and remission was achieved mean serum BDNF levels were 30.33±9.25 ng/ml and in the control group mean serum BDNF levels were 25.04±2.88 ng/ml. Integrated results showed baseline mean serum BDNF levels of 17.30±9.66 ng/ml, after achieved remission 26.43±11.25 ng/ml and in the control group mean serum BDNF levels of 25.68±7.76 ng/ml. Conclusion: The Bulgarian results showed no statistical difference between the depressed group and controls. The Integrated results and the Macedonian study supported previous findings of low BDNF levels in untreated depressive patients compared to healthy controls, and that those levels increase after antidepressant treatment. These results may suggest that low serum levels of BDNF are a state abnormality that is evident during depression and normalizes during remission