Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
https://jhrs.almamater.si/jhrs
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (JHRS) is a multidisciplinary, scholarly, peer reviewed, international, electronic journal edited by the Alma Mater Europaea University - ECM from Slovenia. 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, special education, psychology, education, 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 disabilities. All articles will be critically reviewed by at least two unknown reviewers within 2 months.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Editor-in-chief: Prof. Dr. Vladimir Trajkovski - </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Institute of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Philosophy, University "Ss. Cyril and Methodius", Skopje, Macedonia</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For Publisher: Prof. Dr. Ludvik Toplak – Alma Mater Europaea University – ECM, Maribor, Slovenia</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Editorial Board:</span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Manuel Casanova, USA</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">John Wells, Ireland</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jane McCarthy, UK</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Monica Reichenberg, Sweden</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Matthias Grunke, Germany</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Robert Orlikoff, USA</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kneginja Richter, Germany</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ingrida Baranaskienne, Lithuania</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dobrinka Georgieva, Bulgaria</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Joanna Kossewska, Poland</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yasir Syed, UK</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Branislav Brojchin, Serbia</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ljubinka Damjanovska, Macedonia</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Haris Memishevic, Bosnia and Herzegovina</span></li> </ol>Alma Mater Europaea - ECMen-USJournal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences2820-5480Association between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Cancer - a Review from the Literature
https://jhrs.almamater.si/jhrs/article/view/103
<p><strong>Introduction</strong>: 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.</p> <p>The <strong>aim</strong> 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.</p> <p><strong>Methodology</strong>: The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched using the keywords: autism spectrum disorder, genetics, cancer, prevention and treatment.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong>: Autism spectrum disorder is associated with high rates of genomic aberrations, including chromosomal rearrangements and <em>de novo</em> 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.</p> <p>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).</p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong>: 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.</p>Vladimir Trajkovski
Copyright (c) 2023 Vladimir Trajkovski
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2024-03-042024-03-04311710.33700/jhrs.3.1.103Split protocol for next successful pregnancy after spontaneous abortions and pregnancy loss in Genetic Counselling Unit Split
https://jhrs.almamater.si/jhrs/article/view/95
<p><strong>Aim:</strong> 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.</p> <p><strong>Methods:</strong> 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.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong>: The highest number of SAs was recorded in the period 8-10<sup>th</sup> 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.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> 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.</p>Vida Culic
Copyright (c) 2023 Vida Culic
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
2023-11-262023-11-26311710.33700/jhrs.2.3.95Review of "Physiological psychology" by Vladimir E. Trajkovski
https://jhrs.almamater.si/jhrs/article/view/98
<p>“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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p>Andrea Ivanovska
Copyright (c) 2023 Andrea Ivanovska
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
2023-12-022023-12-02311310.33700/jhrs.2.3.98Does the Voice Matter? Impact of Voice-Over Instructions on Task Acquisition and Prompting Levels in Video Prompting
https://jhrs.almamater.si/jhrs/article/view/90
<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>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.</p> <p><strong>Aims: </strong>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.</p> <p><strong>Method: </strong>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.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>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.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>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.</p>Ryan KellemsKyle ClementsKaitlyn OsborneKaiya Dawson
Copyright (c) 2023 Ryan Kellems, Kyle Clements, Kaitlyn Osborne, Kaiya Dawson
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2023-11-232023-11-233111110.33700/jhrs.2.3.90The Status of Inclusive Healthcare Services in Nigeria
https://jhrs.almamater.si/jhrs/article/view/89
<p><strong>Introduction</strong>: Throughout the world, the number of persons with disabilities (PWDs) is growing exponentially as a result of factors such as population increase, ageing, and medical advances that prolong life. This has increased the demand for quality health services, especially in developing countries.</p> <p><strong>Aim</strong>: The aim of this research is to assess the attitudes towards PWDs of “direct” and “indirect” healthcare service providers at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Nigeria.</p> <p><strong>Methods</strong>: The researchers analyzed the open-ended comments from 81 healthcare providers from the hospital, regarding their knowledge and attitudes towards patients with disabilities.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong>: The authors classified the unsolicited comments into three main categories, thus: “institutional-level actions advocated”, “society-level changes advocated”, and “individual-level perception or attitude.”</p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong>: This project has implications for reform and development of medical services in Nigeria. It identifies specific areas of need to improve the quality of healthcare service pertaining to PWDs and their families, especially in relation to the removal of architectural barriers, the development of positive attitudes, the formulation and implementation of effective legislation, and improved pre- and in-service training of healthcare workers in line with signed domestic and international protocols.</p>Paul AjuwonAdaka T AhonRebecca Y Stallings
Copyright (c) 2023 Paul Ajuwon
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
2023-10-032023-10-0331566510.33700/jhrs.2.2.89