Health, environment and sustainable development: interdisciplinary approach

Different teeth quantitative evaluation of shapes in radiographic images using program package " SHAPE ver.1.3"

2025-06-19T04:54:31+00:00

In 1998 "SHAPE ver.1.3" was developed by Assoc. Prof. Hiroyoshi Iwata for assessment of various biological shapes. We have decided to test this program in the odontology field as it is common to deal with the problem of recognizing teeth in radiographic images when teeth crowns are damaged or teeth position is changed. This can make the diagnosis and treatment more complicated. Our interest would be to create an additional and more precise teeth shape database, which could help to recognize teeth from radiograph images. This method is more precise because we draw the outer edge of the tooth shape, and other methods draw the bounding boxes around the tooth shape (Hegde et al., 2023), (Bilgir et al., 2021). Besides, creating a teeth shape database could help identify human postmortem (Nomir & Abdel-Mottaleb, 2007), (Nomir & Abdel-Mottaleb, 2005). Moreover, this program package could help us compare prostheses or dental fillings with natural teeth anatomy. Our study aimed to compare different teeth shapes (single-rooted and double-rooted) and evaluate the prosthetic quality of a lower jaw 4th quarter tooth by comparing it to the same lower jaw tooth with dental filling in the 3rd quarter. Dental radiographs of each 43rd, 45th, and 46th with dental filling, 47th and 36th with zirconia crown teeth were made with a dental X-ray machine. Afterwards, dental radiographs were processed by using the "Image-J" and "Adobe Photoshop'' programs. The methodical part was followed by Assoc. Prof. Hiroyoshi Iwata's publication with Japanese radish (Iwata et al., 2000). Images were uploaded to "SHAPE ver.1.3" software package following programs: "ChainCoder", "CHC2NEF", "PrinComp", "PrinPrint". Using the third program "PrinComp", principal components analysis was applied and harmonics were calculated for each 43rd, 45th, 46th, 47th, 36th teeth radiographic images. Eigenvalue and proportions results were calculated. 43rd teeth radiographic images 1st harmonic made up – 58,47%, 45th teeth radiographic images – 62,45%, 46th teeth radiographic images – 88,45%, 47th teeth radiographic images – 79.82% and 36th teeth radiographic images – 78.64%.

The importance of digital competencies for healthcare professionals: findings from the equal treatment project

2025-06-19T04:54:32+00:00

Abstract. The “Equal treatment” study addresses the pressing issue of health disparities faced by people with intellectual disabilities, who continue to encounter significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare despite numerous EU policy recommendations. Conducted as part of a European project implemented across Lithuania, Greece, Spain, and Finland, the research evaluated the effectiveness of a training program designed to enhance healthcare professionals' digital competencies. The findings highlight the need for tailored training to foster inclusivity, promote equal treatment, and support better collaboration among healthcare staff and other professionals interacting with people with intellectual disabilities. The study emphasizes the importance of ongoing digital education to ensure healthcare professionals are well-equipped to uphold high-quality and inclusive patient care.

Methodology. A structured survey was conducted within the Moodle environment to collect data. The survey included questions designed to evaluate participants' knowledge and skills before and after the training program. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, including percentage calculations. Statistical analyses were performed to assess differences and changes in participant responses. The following statistical tests were applied: Student's t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Chi-square test. To evaluate the effectiveness of the training, average scores before and after the program were calculated. A two-way independent samples t-test was employed to examine the interaction between training and other factors. Results were considered statistically significant when p ≤ 0.05.

Results. Approximately half of the participants reported an increase in their IT knowledge following the completion of the module. This suggests that the training was effective in enhancing digital competencies for a significant portion of the group. However, the limited overall improvement in some areas indicates room for growth in the module’s impact. Adjustments to the curriculum, such as focusing on advanced IT skills or tailoring content to diverse baseline proficiencies, may be necessary to ensure a more comprehensive increase in IT proficiency across all participants.

Conclusions. This study shows that most participants already had a solid foundation of digital skills before training, but there were still improvements across several areas. The training particularly benefited participants in areas such as problem-solving, awareness of IT limitations, and technical skills like file management and security. The most significant improvements were seen in Greece and Spain, while Finland and Lithuania participants generally remained unchanged or showed slight improvements. Ongoing investment in digital education is crucial to make sure that healthcare professionals can keep up with advancing technologies and uphold highest quality patient care.

Identifying and monitoring oral hygiene behavior and oral comfort in individual patients in a private oral hygiene clinic

2025-06-19T04:54:32+00:00

Oral care professionals try to promote or maintain individual optimal oral hygiene behavior (OHB) in daily practice in order to increase the effectiveness of their oral comfort interventions. The present research describes the evaluation of individual OHB and subjective oral discomfort by using the MondiX-i®.

261 patients in a private dental hygiene clinic in Groningen, The Netherlands completed a short questionnaire at their appointment for screening, monitoring and treatment. The first author treated the patients on a recall-routine, provided them with tailored advices about their oral health, which she did based on her own professional daily practical experience.

The data collection was based on a draft version of the MondiX-i®. This new measure includes two simple questions; “How do you estimate or do you evaluate your general health?” and “How do you estimate or do you evaluate your oral health?”, as well as the OHB index and an Oral Discomfort scale, a two dimensional scale to monitor psychological discomfort and physical discomfort. The present findings suggest that patients’ oral hygiene behavior in daily practice can be promoted, maintained and/or changed in the right/desired direction and indicate that oral discomfort play an important role in oral health care. Moreover, the results indicated that intrinsic motivated older patients’ oral hygiene behavior can be also improved by promoting support by significant others, such as the oral hygienist and the patients’ social environment.

Social comparison and coping among cancer patients

2025-06-19T04:54:32+00:00

Social comparison, refers to relating one´s own situation to that of others. This article presents an overview of our research program on social comparison strategies among patients with many different types of cancer. A variety of paradigms was used, including experiments, diary studies, survey studies, computer facilitated studies, and intervention studies. Social comparisons are quite common among cancer patients, because they are often confronted with anxiety, stress, and uncertainties. Patients may compare themselves with others better off (upward comparisons), for example others who have a better prognosis, and with others worse off (downward comparisons), for example others who have a worse prognosis. Overall, upward comparisons tend to be preferred and to contribute more to well-being than downward comparisons. However, the effects of social comparison on well-being depend to an important extent on whether the focus is on identification (looking for similarities with the comparison target), or on contrast (using the other as a standard to evaluate one´s own situation). Especially upward identification and downward contrast tend to have positive effects on well-being, and to be associated with active coping. The preferences for, and the effects of, social comparison are to a lato a large extent dependent on Social Comparison Orientation (SCO), i.e., the dispositional tendency to engage in social comparisons, and on Neuroticism, with individuals high in this trait responding more negatively to particularly upward comparison. Intervention studies based on social comparisons, in which cancer patients receive audiotaped bogus interviews with other cancer patients, show that exposure to others coping well has long-term positive effects on quality of life especially for those high in SCO. The effects of exposure to patients talking about their emotional experiences are mixed, and even negative for those high in Neuroticism. However, audiotaped social comparison information may have especially positive effects for those who experience their cancer as very threatening.

Reassessing project approach of Bocas Sanas Holanda-Maimon (BSHM) after COVID-19 pandemic: what is effective and efficient?

2025-06-19T04:54:32+00:00

This field study was conducted to reassess the DMFT level among 11 to 13-year-old children in five schools in the Dominican Republic. It was also intended to report on the project approach and strategy, including the school-based Oral Health Education and Hygiene program of the Foundation Bocas Sanas Holanda-Maimón (BSHM).

In February, 20-23 and on March, 1, 2023, five primary schools in the province of Puerto Plata were visit, ‘screened’ and re-evaluated by a small BSHM-team of 3 professionals. Of 231 primary school children screened, the DMFT and PUFA levels of 65 11-13 year-old children were measured.

In eight years -compared to measured levels in 2015- the DMFT-level in 11 to 13 year-old children at two of the current selected ‘BSHM-schools’ has significantly increased to DMFT = 4.3 and DMFT = 7.9. In two schools the DMFT-level was both 3.8 and in one school the DMFT = 2.56. Also the PUFA-level were increased, i.e., more pulpal involvement, and fistulas. In general, more caries was seen; in 50%-96% of the screened school children. 104 children were referred to the clinic for professional (caries) treatment.

After COVID-19 pandemic, but also in comparison to the DMFT- and PUFA levels at the beginning of BSHM activities in 2008, the levels in the visited schools have increased and the oral health of school children has deteriorated significantly. Only one school measured healthy teeth and improved oral health.

Knowing that improving the implementation of evidence-based practice and public health depends on behavior change, and based on these results, it is only logical and realistic that a reconsidered approach to BSHM will have to be drawn up after more than 15 years. In any case, a serious adjustment at regional and local level; especially with regard to referrals to government agencies providing medical and dental care.

Modeling of extemporaneous oral suspensions from nystatin tablets

2025-06-19T04:54:32+00:00

In geriatrics and pediatrics, the production of extemporary liquid and solid drugs of individualized concentration from tablets is important in order to facilitate the use of medicines by patients, i.e. facilitate the dosage, method of administration, mask the unpleasant taste and smell of the medicinal substance with the help of auxiliary substances. Industrial production liquid suspensions with nystatin as an active substance for the treatment of symptoms of fungal infections and candidiasis are not registered in the Register of Medicinal Products in Lithuania. They can only be purchased for extemporal production. Therefore, it is relevant to look for ways to model modern, attractive for the patient to take a liquid drug from nystatin tablets, the need for which has remained for the treatment and improvement of candidiasis and other fungal infectious conditions. For this it is necessary to apply auxiliary substances.

Research methodology: Suspensions from nystatin tablets are produced by the method of mechanical dispersing. Suspensions are produced by the mass - volume method, applying the methodology for the production of suspensions of hydrophobic substances.

The quality of extemporal modeled drugs was evaluated after the following studies: the rate and extent of sedimentation; resuspending; organoleptic properties.

The results of the study. To stabilize extemporal medicinal suspensions with nystatin, it is recommended to use a 1% solution of hypromellose during production. When using this solution, the sedimentation of the suspension is very slow, so it is possible to accurately dose the medicinal substance. Modeled oral suspensions of extemporal production with nystatin from tablets met the applicable quality requirements, production schemes can be applied for extemporaneous production in pharmacies.

The relationship between physical and functional status and knee pain in adolescent basketball players

2025-06-19T04:54:33+00:00

Knee pain is one of the most common problems in adolescent basketball players (Harris et al., 2021), especially during periods of rapid growth (Iwatsu et al., 2023). It is relevant to investigate how physical and functional status affects the occurrence of knee pain in this age group. Limited functional movements have been found to be associated with poorer dynamic balance and trunk endurance, leading to increased risk of injury (Ünver et al., 2020). In addition, leg muscle length has also been associated with knee pain risk and injury likelihood (Hanief and Widiawati, 2021). Monitoring the functional and physical status of young basketball players is important in order to develop effective prevention programmes to reduce the incidence of injuries (Huang et al., 2023). It is not clear yet, what the relationship between physical and functional status and knee pain in adolescent basketball players. So the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between physical and functional status and knee pain in adolescent basketball players.

Methods: in this study participated the 19 basketball players boys, 12.2 ± 1.1 years old. All participants actively engaged in basketball for at least 3 years, training 4 times a week for 90 minutes, have not suffered any injuries in the last 6 months, not diagnosed orthopaedics problems. They all were divided into two groups: first - with knee pain (n=9) and second - without knee pain (n=10). First at all, participants completed a questionnaire about their anthropometrics data, training status and trauma. After that, their pain intensity was assessed by a Numeric Pain Rating Scale, functional status by the Functional Movement Screen Test, and physical status by the Thomas, Ely’s and Toes Reach Tests.

Results: participants with knee pain felt 4.2 ± 2.2 p. intensity knee pain, scored less points from functional movement screen test than those who did not feel pain (respectively, 14.4 ± 1.1 p. and 16.6 ± 1.2 p.) (p<0.05). From all 19 participants, the m. Rectus Femoris was found to be shortened in 7 basketball players, 6 of whom complained of knee pain, and the m. Iliopsoas in 8, of whom 6 felt knee pain. Fourteen subjects were also found to have shortened Hamstrings, 8 of whom had knee pain. No significant relationships were found.

Conclusion: The intensity of knee pain in adolescent basketball players is not related to their functional and physical status. Although, players who experienced knee pain had limited functional movements and reduced leg muscle length than those who did not experience pain.

Oral health care for pregnant women: oral hygienists' knowledge and practical skills

2025-06-19T04:54:33+00:00

Oral hygienists must possess adequate knowledge about the oral care of pregnant women. They should provide comprehensive information on individual oral hygiene and perform professional procedures for these patients. The aim: This study focuses on the knowledge of oral hygienists regarding the oral health of pregnant women, aiming to analyse their understanding and practices. The goals include analysing the need for information on aspects of pregnant women's oral care among oral hygienists and evaluating the recommendations given by oral hygienists to maintain oral health.

Preventing all oral diseases during pregnancy is a key part of professional and individual oral hygiene. The results can be used to plan professional development programmes for oral hygienists and to improve oral hygienists' knowledge of working with pregnant women and maintaining their oral health.

The research utilized a qualitative semi-structured interview method, conducted in April 2023 with five oral hygienists who have worked in a dental clinic for over a year. Using an interview research method, it is possible to get a more open and broader view of participants' answers, attitudes and opinions on the research problem. The research was carried out following an interview plan. Data were collected through open interviews, recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. This article focuses on two topics: the information needs of oral hygienists on prenatal oral care and practical recommendations. General findings are: oral hygienists recommend oral care products based on the oral health of pregnant women, give practical demonstrations of brushing techniques and teach patients how to take good care of their teeth, and pay attention to prenatal nutrition.

Effects of smoking on respiratory flows in young, physically active adults

2025-06-19T04:54:33+00:00

The prevalence of respiratory diseases in Lithuania, such as chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and asthma, has been increasing across all age groups. Similarly, smoking rates among young people in Lithuania are high, with one in five young adults reporting that they smoke. While there are extensive long-term studies on the health effects of tobacco and its strong link to various pathologies, there is still limited knowledge about the short-term health effects of smoking, especially e-cigarettes, among young adults. The aim of our study was to evaluate and compare pulmonary parameters in non-smoking and smoking physically active and non-active adults. Spirometry, a widely used method for respiratory functional diagnostics, was used to test self-reported physically active and non-physically active smokers and non-smokers. The main results show that physically active non-smokers had significantly higher respiratory flows compared to other groups. Additionally, e-cigarette smokers have significantly lower inspiratory flows compared to all other groups. While all groups exhibit normal lung resistance, tobacco smokers have significantly higher resistance compared to e-cigarette smokers. Physically active males who smoke e-cigarettes have a smaller PIF/PEF ratio, indicating enhanced additional clearance due to mechanically stimulated airway flow. In conclusion, these studies provide valuable insights into pulmonary ventilatory function and have implications for understanding the impact of new tobacco alternatives on young people. Physical activity partially blunts the changes in the respiratory system caused by at least two years of smoking e-cigarettes or tobacco cigarettes.

Knowledge of dietary supplements and their use among cardiovascular disease patients

2025-06-19T04:54:33+00:00

As the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) rises and life expectancy increases, the importance of physical activity, a balanced diet, and the elimination of harmful habits is becoming increasingly important. The use of dietary supplements to improve well-being and health is also gaining popularity. The aim of this study was to assess the use and knowledge of dietary supplements among patients with cardiovascular disease using an anonymous survey method. 162 people with cardiovascular disease who use food supplements participated in the study. The study divided the respondents into 2 groups: 1^st group consisted of people with cardiovascular disease under 10 years of illness, while 2^nd group consisted of people with cardiovascular disease over 10 years of illness. The study showed that people with cardiovascular disease most often consume fish oil and vitamin D, and least often take iron supplements. Those with more than 10 years of illness were statistically significantly more likely to take B vitamins and more likely to be aware of the potential effects of fish oil on pulse regulation. Cardiovascular disease patients with less than 10 years of illness are statistically significantly more likely to be aware of the possible cardiovascular effects of vitamin D. Before taking dietary supplements about one third of the respondents read the instructions for use of the supplements and least often consult a nurse. Cardiovascular disease patients do not have sufficient knowledge of the possible cardiovascular effects of dietary supplements, even though all respondents in the study take them.

Evaluating the impact of online training on the development of professional skills among healthcare students and staff: findings from the equal treatment project

2025-06-19T04:54:33+00:00

Healthcare professionals' attitudes can result in poorer health outcomes for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This is often due to a lack of knowledge, skills, or experience in adequately providing health care services to these persons.

Methodology. The purpose of the study – to evaluate effect of online training on the development of professional competencies among health care students and staff. The survey was conducted in four countries: Lithuania, Spain, Greece and Finland. Research participants - students of health care study programs and health care staff who participated in online training courses. Applying the strategy of quantitative research – a structured survey (online) professional competences were assessed. Research instrument – a structured questionnaire of 30 questions, purposefully assessing professional competencies related to communication with patients with intellectual disabilities. The survey included 163 respondents. The research data was processed using IBM SPSS, version 22. The study was carried out during the implementation of the project “Equal Treatment Supporting rights and access of people with intellectual disabilities to secondary and tertiary healthcare service” (101049115 ERASMUS-EDU-2021-PCOOP-ENGO).

Results. The training conducted as part of the project helped healthcare students and professionals enhance the necessary professional competencies for working with PWID. A survey of healthcare students, conducted before and after completing the first module "Knowledge about PWID possible characteristics and needs", revealed that, out of 10 statements, 5 showed higher averages after the training (p≤0.05). After completing the training, competencies related to knowledge about PWID's possible characteristics and needs improved by 50% (p≤0.05). Training helped health care professionals understand that when communicating with a patient with intellectual disabilities, they need to focus not only on the patient's family, but also on the patient themselves, the benefits of a health passport document, the nuances of consultations, the importance of obtaining informed consent, and the significance of a multidisciplinary team, as well as the presence of coexisting physical health problems.

Conclusions. Participation in the project's online course improved professional competencies related to communication, possible characteristics and needs of patients with intellectual disabilities and management of diversity.

The benefits and harm of psychedelics in the treatment of patients with mental health and substance abuse disorders: an integrative literature review

2025-06-19T04:54:33+00:00

The purpose of the study was to describe the benefits and harm of using psychedelics in the treatment of patients with mental health and substance abuse disorders. The study focused on classic psychedelics, specifically psilocybin and LSD. The study was carried out as an integrative literature review and the data was sought using Medic, Cinahl, PubMed MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases. A total of 12 scientific studies were selected for the literature review, and the data was analyzed using an inductive content analysis method. The results of the study indicated that psychedelics can be used to treat patients with mental health and substance abuse disorders very effectively. Key mental health disorders that can be treated include treatment-resistant depression, self-harm, anxiety disorder, and the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. LSD and psilocybin helped effectively and quickly. Psychedelics increase plasticity and cognitive flexibility in the brain. However, it should be remembered that there is also some harm with the use of psychedelics. The harm occurs specifically outside the clinical research environment, where the use of psychedelics is linked to crime, spontaneous recreational use, and the simultaneous use of other intoxicants together with psychedelics. Preliminary research results indicate that psychedelics help effectively, quickly and provide long-term treatment responses in patients with mental health and substance abuse disorders. Additional clinical trials will be needed. The selection of different patient groups and the size of treatment doses should also be tested. Regulatory barriers should be lifted to allow clinical testing of psychedelic-assisted therapies. From the perspective of the global economy, it would be important to treat mental health and substance abuse disorders effectively and with permanent treatment results.

Associations between intermittent fasting and anthropometric data in healthy subjects

2025-06-19T04:54:34+00:00

Recently, increasing attention has been directed towards novel treatment methods aimed at addressing the pathophysiological consequences of obesity and metabolic syndrome. One such approach is intermittent fasting (IF), a dietary method characterized by alternating periods of eating and fasting within a given day. This study employed two intermittent fasting patterns: 16/8 and 12/12. The 16/8 pattern involved fasting for 16 hours and consuming all meals within the remaining 8 hours, while the 12/12 pattern entailed 12 hours of fasting and 12 hours of eating, with both approaches adhering to healthy dietary recommendations. The study included 10 participants (9 women and 1 man) with a mean age of 20.10 ± 1.45 years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 29.76 ± 5.04 kg/m². Anthropometric measurements, including BMI, weight, muscle mass, fat mass, and visceral fat mass, were collected at three time points: baseline, mid-point, and endpoint. These measurements were performed using a body composition analyzer Tanita DC-360 S. After five months, the results indicated an overall average decrease in BMI of 0.54 kg/m². In the 16/8 IF group, BMI decreased by an average of 0.82 kg/m², while in the 12/12 IF group, the reduction averaged 0.3 kg/m². Regarding weight loss, participants in the 16/8 IF group experienced an average decrease of 2.5 kg, whereas those in the 12/12 IF group lost an average of 1 kg. Changes in body fat mass were observed in all participants. The 16/8 IF group demonstrated an average reduction in body fat mass of 1.7 kg, while the 12/12 IF group showed an average reduction of approximately 1 kg. At the beginning of the study, the mean fat mass of participants was 30.41 ± 9.42 kg, which decreased to 29.15 ± 9.44 kg by the study's endpoint. Muscle mass changes varied between the groups: participants in the 16/8 IF group experienced an average decrease of 0.8 kg, whereas those in the 12/12 IF group showed a slight increase of 0.02 kg.