International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science

SIMULATION-BASED TEAM TRAINING IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE: A REVIEW OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES AND THEIR IMPACT ON CLINICAL PERFORMANCE

Kinga Lubomska — 2026-02-25

Background: Simulation-based team training (SBTT) is increasingly applied in emergency medicine (EM) to enhance interprofessional collaboration and non-technical skills within high-acuity, time-critical scenarios in the emergency department. Effective teamwork—encompassing communication, leadership, situational awareness, and coordination—is critical for patient safety. Evidence on SBTT remains heterogeneous, particularly regarding clinical outcomes and adoption of emerging technologies.

Methods: This narrative review synthesizes literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (1984–2025) on SBTT in EM. Eligible studies included systematic and narrative reviews, randomized and non-randomized studies, and qualitative reports. Data extraction focused on simulation modalities, educational strategies, non-technical skill development, and reported effects on team performance and clinical outcomes.

Results: SBTT has been shown to improve communication, leadership, situational awareness, and coordination across diverse contexts and modalities, including low- and high-fidelity manikins, virtual reality, and augmented reality. Pilot applications of artificial intelligence have shown potential for adaptive scenarios, individualized feedback, and performance analytics, although evidence in EM remains limited. SBTT also supports workflow efficiency, protocol adherence, and simulated clinical performance. However, data linking training to sustained behavioral change and patient-level outcomes remain limited.

Conclusions: SBTT constitutes a valuable educational approach for interprofessional EM teams, fostering non-technical skills and team-based competencies. Its effectiveness relies on structured pedagogy, standardized frameworks, and high-quality debriefing rather than technological fidelity alone. Integration of innovative technologies may enhance scalability and individualized learning. Further longitudinal and multicenter research is required to clarify SBTT’s impact on clinical practice, patient outcomes, and sustainable implementation within EM training programs.

THE ROLE OF SLEEP QUALITY IN CARDIOMETABOLIC HEALTH: MECHANISMS AND CLINICAL EVIDENCE – A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Aleksandra Iwona Włodarczyk — 2026-02-24

Background: Sleep quality is increasingly recognized as a fundamental pillar of health, recently emphasized in the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8”. However, the multidimensional pathways linking sleep-such as duration, continuity, and regularity to metabolic and cardiovascular function remain complex.

Objective: This narrative review synthesizes clinical evidence and biological mechanisms connecting multidimensional sleep health with cardiometabolic outcomes, including metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and the newly defined Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) syndrome.

Methods: Peer-reviewed publications from 2018-2025 were analyzed, including prospective cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and scientific statements. Mechanisms involving inflammation, autonomic regulation, neuroendocrine activity, epigenetic modifications, and gut microbiota were evaluated.

Results: Poor sleep quality and irregular sleep patterns consistently correlate with increased metabolic dysregulation, obesity, and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE). Recent findings link inadequate sleep with advanced CKM stages and accelerated epigenetic aging. Interventional studies show that extending sleep duration can reduce energy intake and support weight loss, although improvements in insulin sensitivity remain inconsistent.

Conclusions: Sleep quality is a modifiable and clinically relevant determinant of cardiometabolic health. A multidimensional assessment of sleep-not limited to duration-offers improved risk stratification and highlights potential avenues for preventive interventions.

THE ANTIDEPRESSANT EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: NEUROBIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS AND PSYCHOSOCIAL MECHANISMS

Amadeusz Furmanek — 2026-01-16

Background: Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting millions and imposing significant personal, social, and economic burdens. While pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions are standard treatments, physical activity has emerged as a promising complementary or alternative strategy.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted of peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025, including randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and observational research. Populations examined included adolescents, adults, and older adults. Data extraction focused on depressive symptom outcomes, exercise modalities, intervention duration and intensity, and underlying neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms.

Results: Evidence consistently indicates that regular physical activity, particularly aerobic and combined aerobic–resistance exercise, produces moderate to large reductions in depressive symptoms. Mechanistically, exercise enhances brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, modulates monoaminergic neurotransmission, regulates the hypothalamic–pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and reduces systemic inflammation. Psychosocial benefits, including behavioral activation, increased self-efficacy, and social engagement, further support sustained mood improvement. Combined interventions often yield the greatest effect, integrating biological, psychological, and social pathways.

Conclusion: Physical activity is a safe, accessible, and effective intervention for depression, with benefits extending beyond symptom reduction to improved cognitive function, stress resilience, and overall well-being. Incorporating structured exercise into standard treatment protocols may optimize clinical outcomes and support long-term mental health across diverse populations.

CHRONIC STRESS AS A MODULATOR OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: NEUROENDOCRINE MECHANISMS, IMMUNOLOGICAL PATHWAYS AND CLINICAL CONSEQUENCES - A LITERATURE REVIEW

Martyna Susek — 2026-01-16

Chronic stress is a significant factor influencing human immune system functioning. Prolonged activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system leads to hormonal and immunological dysregulation (Glaser & Kiecolt-Glaser, 2005; Segerstrom & Miller, 2004). Consequently, immune cells become less sensitive to glucocorticoids, cytokine balance is disrupted, and the organism remains in a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. These changes increase susceptibility to infections, delay wound healing, weaken vaccine responses, and may exacerbate the course of chronic diseases, including autoimmune and inflammatory disorders (Segerstrom & Miller, 2004; Alotiby, 2024).

This review presents current data from clinical and immunological studies published between 2000 and 2025. Molecular and cellular mechanisms are discussed, including HPA axis dysfunction, excessive sympathetic activity, cytokine profile alterations, and changes in innate and adaptive immunity. Attention is given to populations particularly vulnerable to chronic stress and the clinical consequences of these dysregulations (Katz et al., 2025; Chan et al., 2023; Bolton, 2024).

The review also considers strategies to mitigate stress-related immune impairment, such as mindfulness and meditation, regular physical activity, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and sleep hygiene improvement (Black & Slavich, 2016; Creswell et al., 2012; Carlson et al., 2007; Nieman & Wentz, 2019). Understanding these mechanisms may support clinical practice by enabling better identification of high-risk patients and the implementation of effective interventions.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SLEEP DISTURBANCES IN THE CLINICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL PRESENTATION OF DEPRESSION - NARRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Martyna Susek — 2026-02-27

Background: Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent in depressive disorders and are increasingly recognized as both core symptoms and risk factors. Insomnia, hypersomnia, fragmented sleep, and circadian rhythm disruptions—including social jetlag—contribute to the onset, severity, and persistence of depressive symptoms, while impairing cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial functioning.

Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, focusing on peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025. Studies examining subjective and objective measures of sleep in adult populations with depressive disorders were included, with emphasis on clinical presentation, functional outcomes, and treatment response.

Results: Sleep disturbances are associated with greater depressive symptom severity, earlier onset of illness, impaired psychosocial functioning, and poorer response to treatment. Insomnia is the most common disturbance, while circadian misalignment, including social jetlag, is particularly relevant in adolescents, shift workers, and evening chronotypes. Mechanistic evidence links sleep disturbances to mood dysregulation through HPA axis disruption, inflammation, and altered melatonin secretion. Sleep-focused interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, structured sleep schedules, and light therapy, improve both sleep quality and depressive outcomes, and enhance responsiveness to pharmacological treatments.

Conclusion: Sleep disturbances are integral to the clinical and psychosocial presentation of depression. Early identification and targeted management of insomnia, hypersomnia, and circadian misalignment should be incorporated into routine care to optimize symptom control, functional outcomes, and long-term prognosis.

UNDERSTANDING BURNOUT AND MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF DIAGNOSTIC OVERLAP AND IMPLICATIONS

Martyna Susek — 2026-03-03

Background: Occupational burnout and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) share overlapping symptoms, including fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairments, and reduced motivation. Despite these similarities, burnout is primarily context-specific to occupational settings, whereas MDD affects global functioning. Differentiating the two is critical for accurate diagnosis and effective intervention.

Methods: This narrative review synthesizes literature, integrating empirical studies, meta-analyses, longitudinal research, and psychometric assessments. Databases included PubMed, Frontiers in Psychology and Google Scholar. Instruments examined include the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Burnout Inventory (OLBI), Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT), PHQ-9, and HADS. Data were analyzed for symptom overlap, psychosocial and occupational determinants, neurobiological mechanisms, and clinical implications.

Results: Both conditions exhibit fatigue, sleep disruption, cognitive dysfunction, and reduced motivation; however, burnout is situational, while MDD involves pervasive impairment. Chronic occupational stress may progress to MDD in vulnerable individuals. Neurobiological studies indicate shared HPA axis dysregulation, though MDD presents more systemic alterations. Psychometric analyses reveal moderate-to-strong correlations between burnout and depression measures, demonstrating partial conceptual overlap without redundancy. Additional theoretical perspectives explore whether burnout represents a subtype or prodrome of depression.

Conclusions: Accurate differentiation between burnout and MDD is essential for treatment planning. Burnout may respond to organizational and environmental interventions, whereas MDD requires pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches. Longitudinal monitoring, multidimensional assessment, and preventive strategies are recommended to mitigate progression from burnout to depression and optimize clinical outcomes.

CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN: IS THE MIND THE MISSING KEY TO QUALITY OF LIFE? A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE

Natalia Rosół — 2026-02-27

Introduction and aim: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition and a major contributor to disability worldwide. Its impact extends beyond physical symptoms, affecting emotional well-being, daily functioning and overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Increasing evidence suggests that psychological factors play a central role in shaping outcomes in CLBP. This narrative review summarises and critically discusses recent evidence (2022-2025) on the relationship between psychological factors and HRQoL in adults with CLBP, with particular emphasis on depression, anxiety, pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia and self-efficacy.

Methodology: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library. Original studies evaluating psychological factors in relation to pain, disability or HRQoL in adults with CLBP were included. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria, including cross-sectional and longitudinal designs, randomised controlled trials, one mediation analysis and one systematic review.

Results: CLBP was consistently associated with impaired HRQoL across physical, emotional and social domains. Older age and female sex were linked with greater disability and lower HRQoL. Depression and anxiety showed the strongest associations with reduced well-being and long-term functional decline. Pain catastrophizing was negatively associated with HRQoL and increased risk of symptom generalisation. Kinesiophobia was linked with functional deficits and mediated treatment-related improvements. Self-efficacy was associated with better psychological outcomes, although its responsiveness to intervention varied across studies.

Conclusions: Psychological factors are key determinants of HRQoL in patients with CLBP. Integrating psychological assessment into multidisciplinary care may improve quality of life and long-term management.

ACROMEGALY: CURRENT MANAGEMENT AND THE EMERGING ROLE OF ORAL PALTUSOTINE

Justyna Całka — 2026-03-03

Introduction and aim: Acromegaly is a chronic endocrine disorder caused by sustained excess secretion of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I, leading to significant morbidity and increased mortality if inadequately treated. Transsphenoidal surgery remains the primary therapeutic approach; however, a substantial proportion of patients fail to achieve durable biochemical remission and require long-term medical therapy. Injectable somatostatin receptor ligands are effective but are associated with treatment burden, variable biochemical responses, and impaired quality of life. The aim of this review was to summarize current management strategies for acromegaly and to evaluate the emerging role of paltusotine, a novel orally administered somatostatin receptor agonist.

Materials and Methods: This narrative review was based on a structured analysis of published clinical trials, extension studies, and review articles evaluating the pharmacological properties, clinical efficacy, and safety of paltusotine in patients with acromegaly.

Results: Available evidence indicates that paltusotine provides effective suppression of growth hormone secretion and reduction of insulin-like growth factor I levels with once-daily oral administration. Clinical studies demonstrate maintenance of biochemical control in patients previously treated with injectable therapies, as well as efficacy in selected untreated individuals. Paltusotine was generally well tolerated, with predominantly mild gastrointestinal adverse events and elimination of injection-related complications.

Conclusions: Paltusotine represents a promising oral alternative to injectable somatostatin receptor ligands, with the potential to reduce treatment burden, improve adherence, and maintain biochemical control. Further long-term and real-world studies are needed to fully define its role in routine clinical practice.

THE EFFICACY OF EPLEY MANEUVER IN TREATING BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO

Kamil Rajczyk — 2026-03-05

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) constitutes the most common cause of peripheral vertigo, significantly reducing patients' quality of life. The Epley maneuver is considered the gold standard treatmen, though its effectiveness depends on many factors, and recurrences remain a significant clinical problem.

Objective: Systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of the Epley maneuver in treating BPPV based on current literature, including factors influencing treatment efficacy and recurrence rates.

Materials and methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. We analyzed 32 studies (including 17 RCTs, 5 meta-analyses and 10 cohort studies) from 1990-2025, identified in PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase databases. Inclusion criteria comprised: confirmed BPPV diagnosis, use of the Epley maneuver, and efficacy assessment. Case reports and studies without control groups were excluded.

Results: The average effectiveness of the Epley maneuver is 85-90% after the first session for posterior canal BPPV [7,13]. Factors reducing effectiveness: age >65 years (70% vs 90%; p<0.05) [3], delayed treatment (>7 days: 75% vs 90%; p<0.01) [6,15], coexisting diabetes/migraine [15,16]. Recurrences occur in 30-50% of patients within one year [17,18]. Technique modifications (e.g., changed rotation angle) increase effectiveness to 95% (p=0.04) [14].

Conclusions: The Epley maneuver remains a highly effective method for treating BPPV, but requires individualization in elderly patients and those with comorbidities. Further research is needed on strategies to reduce recurrences and standardize protocols.

THE IMPACT OF SLEEP ON MENTAL HEALTH: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ACROSS THE LIFESPAN

Patrycja Jagura — 2026-03-06

Background: Sleep plays a crucial role in mental health throughout life. Disrupted, insufficient, or irregular sleep has been linked to adverse emotional, cognitive, and psychological outcomes from childhood through older adulthood. Early identification and intervention may mitigate long-term consequences of sleep disturbances.

Methods: A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. The review focused on sleep duration, sleep quality, circadian disruption, and their associations with mental health outcomes across different age groups.

Results: Across all life stages, poor sleep was consistently linked to higher risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive impairments, and subclinical psychotic symptoms. Vulnerability was particularly pronounced in adolescents, young adults, and older adults. The relationship between sleep and mental health appeared to be bidirectional, with sleep disturbances both contributing to and resulting from psychiatric symptoms. Interventions focused on improving sleep, such as sleep hygiene programs and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, were shown to enhance sleep quality and alleviate a range of mental health difficulties.

Conclusion: Sleep is a modifiable and clinically significant factor for mental health. Integrating sleep assessment and interventions into routine mental health care, along with public education and population-level strategies, may substantially enhance mental well-being across the lifespan.

EMERGING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN MONITORING ENDOCRINE DISORDERS: CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING SYSTEMS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Aleksandra Ćwirko-Godycka — 2026-03-04

Introduction and objective: Endocrine disorders affect the regulation of metabolic processes and are often associated with disturbances in glucose and hormonal homeostasis.

In recent years, digital tools have increasingly contributed to the diagnosis and monitoring of metabolic diseases. Technological advancements have introduced continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for patients with diabetes, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to support the assessment of hormonal and imaging parameters in the diagnosis of PCOS. Despite these advances, studies on patients with diabetes using CGM who are simultaneously diagnosed with PCOS remain limited. AI-based diagnostic tools show promising accuracy in detecting PCOS characteristics through hormonal profiles and ultrasound imaging.

The aim of this review is to summarize current evidence on CGM systems and AI in the evaluation and diagnosis of endocrine disorders, focusing on diabetes and PCOS.

Methods: This narrative review analyzed literature from 2019–2025 and one earlier publication using PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on CGM, AI, and diagnostic approaches in endocrine disorders.

Results: CGM provides valuable insight into glucose variability and metabolic patterns in diabetes, but evidence for its use in patients with concurrent PCOS is limited. AI-based tools demonstrate high accuracy in identifying PCOS features, especially through hormonal profiling and ultrasound analysis.

Conclusion: Digital technologies such as CGM and AI offer promising opportunities to improve the evaluation and management of endocrine disorders, particularly in women with PCOS. Larger, standardized studies are needed to validate clinical utility and support integration into routine care.

DIAGNOSTIC UNCERTAINTY IN SPORTS MEDICINE: CHALLENGES IN THE INTERPRETATION OF CORTISOL TESTING

Gabriela Bajor — 2026-03-09

Background: Cortisol is a key hormone of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and plays an essential role in the stress response. In physically active individuals, exercise-induced cortisol elevations are common; however, cortisol testing is often used in the evaluation of Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) despite uncertain diagnostic value and potential for misinterpretation in clinical practice.

Material and methods: A structured literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar (1998–2025) was conducted using terms related to cortisol, exercise, overtraining, hypercortisolism and HPA-axis function. Human studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and major endocrine guidelines were included.

Results: Cortisol responses to exercise are highly variable and influenced by training load, intensity, duration and individual factors. In athletes with suspected OTS, resting and dynamic cortisol measurements show inconsistent results with significant overlap compared to healthy athletes and non-athletic controls. Diagnostic accuracy is further limited by methodological heterogeneity, diurnal variation and biological variability. Numerous non-training factors, including sleep disturbance, psychological stress, illness, medications and endocrine disorders, can elevate cortisol to levels similar to exercise-related responses, increasing diagnostic uncertainty.

Conclusions: Cortisol lacks sufficient specificity and sensitivity to serve as an independent diagnostic marker of OTS. Elevated cortisol in athletes should be interpreted within a comprehensive clinical context. Cortisol testing may provide supportive information but should not be used in isolation to diagnose overtraining or guide clinical or training-related decisions.

ORAL MUCOSAL CHANGES IN COELIAC DISEASE, DIABETES MELLITUS, AND INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Ryszard Feret — 2026-03-04

Background: The oral cavity is sometimes referred to as a “diagnostic window” of systemic health, as even subtle systemic disturbances can manifest as changes in the oral mucosa. Coeliac disease, diabetes mellitus, and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic conditions that frequently present with oral mucosal lesions, which may precede or accompany the classical symptoms of these diseases.

Aim: To systematically review and compare the oral mucosal changes reported in coeliac disease, diabetes mellitus, and IBD. The most common clinical manifestations are characterized, potential pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed, and the relevance of oral findings for early recognition and monitoring of these systemic diseases is evaluated.

Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar using combinations of English keywords (including “oral mucosa,” “oral manifestations,” “coeliac disease,” “diabetes mellitus,” “inflammatory bowel disease,” “Crohn’s disease,” “ulcerative colitis,” “aphthous ulcers,” “xerostomia,” “oral microbiome,” and “oral–gut axis”). A total of 37 relevant peer-reviewed articles (clinical studies and reviews) were identified and analyzed.

Results: The most frequently described oral manifestations in these conditions include recurrent aphthous stomatitis, inflammatory and atrophic changes of the tongue (such as geographic tongue and atrophic glossitis), angular cheilitis, xerostomia, and recurrent opportunistic infections (especially oral candidosis). In coeliac disease, oral lesions (aphthae, glossitis, cheilitis) and dental enamel defects often occur, sometimes even years before diagnosis, and tend to improve after the introduction of a strict gluten-free diet. Diabetes is associated with salivary gland dysfunction leading to dry mouth, elevated salivary glucose, and immune dysfunction – factors that contribute to candidosis, poor wound healing, burning mouth sensations, and an increased incidence of oral ulcers. IBD (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) can produce a broad spectrum of oral changes: Crohn’s disease in particular is characterized by specific granulomatous lesions (such as persistent lip swelling, mucosal “cobblestoning,” and deep linear ulcers) as well as nonspecific lesions (recurrent aphthae, pyostomatitis vegetans, glossitis, cheilitis). Oral manifestations of IBD are more common in Crohn’s disease and in pediatric patients and can precede intestinal symptoms or correlate with intestinal disease activity.

Conclusions: Oral mucosal changes represent an important extraintestinal component of coeliac disease, diabetes, and IBD. They can serve as early warning signs of these disorders or indicators of disease activity and control. Recognition of characteristic oral lesions by dentists and physicians is crucial, as it can expedite diagnosis and prompt timely management (e.g. initiation of a gluten-free diet in coeliac disease or improved glycemic control in diabetes). Regular oral examinations should be an integral part of the care of patients with these conditions. Interdisciplinary collaboration – especially between dentists, gastroenterologists, and diabetologists – is essential for early detection, comprehensive monitoring, and improved patient outcomes.

STEM CELL–BASED MYOCARDIAL REGENERATION AFTER INFARCTION: MOLECULAR MECHANISMS, TRANSLATIONAL CHALLENGES, AND EMERGING BIOTECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS

Amanda Abramowicz — 2026-03-02

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains a major global health burden, driving substantial healthcare costs and long-term societal impact due to progressive heart failure and reduced quality of life. Conventional therapies improve survival but do not restore lost myocardial tissue. Stem cell–based cardiac regeneration represents a disruptive biomedical innovation situated at the intersection of biotechnology, translational medicine, and health systems transformation. This review examines contemporary regenerative strategies—including mesenchymal stromal cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and cardiac progenitor cells—with emphasis on their underlying molecular mechanisms and technological advancements. Particular attention is given to exosome engineering, gene-modified stem cells, biomaterial-assisted delivery systems, hydrogel scaffolds, and tissue-engineered cardiac patches. Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies indicates functional improvements mediated predominantly through paracrine signaling, angiogenic stimulation, and immunomodulatory regulation rather than direct cardiomyocyte replacement. However, technological scalability, manufacturing standardization under GMP conditions, safety concerns, regulatory frameworks, and cost-effectiveness remain critical barriers to widespread implementation. The integration of regenerative cardiology with bioengineering, nanotechnology, and precision medicine may enable more sustainable and accessible therapeutic models. By situating stem cell–based cardiac repair within a broader innovation ecosystem, this review highlights both the transformative potential and the systemic challenges associated with next-generation cardiovascular therapies.

BEYOND TRIPTANS: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW FOCUSING ON THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY PROFILE OF CGRP RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS IN MIGRAINE MANAGEMENT

Mikołaj Szulewski — 2026-03-09

Background: Despite the availability of traditional pharmacotherapies, including triptans and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), clinical value is often limited by suboptimal efficacy, significant cardiovascular contraindications, and the risk of medication-overuse headache (MOH). This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of rapidly developing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists named ‘gepants’.

Material and methods: A systematic review of scientific literature was performed to evaluate the efficacy of novel antimigraine agents. A structured search of the PubMed database was conducted using keywords including "migraine", "gepant", and "CGRP receptor antagonists." Emphasis was placed on clinical trials, RCTs, and meta-analyses, supplemented by references to neurological textbooks to provide clinical context.

Results: Analysis of clinical data indicates that daily administered gepants reduce mean monthly migraine days (MMDs) compared to placebo in preventive treatment model. Furthermore, gepants proved their efficacy in acute migraine treatment, providing pain relief and the absence of the most bothersome symptoms (MBS). Multiple studies evaluating novel gepants have reported safety profiles comparable to placebo. In addition, gepants do not exert vasoconstrictive effects, making them a viable candidate for triptan-unsuitable patients or those who had documented adverse events (AEs) of traditional oral preventive medications (OPMs).

Conclusions: Novel CGRP receptor antagonists represent a significant advancement in migraine therapy. By providing high tolerability and efficacy without the risk of MOH, hepatotoxicity or cardiovascular events, gepants emerge as a transformative option for both acute relief and prophylaxis in adult triptan-unsuitable patients suffering from migraine.

INVESTIGATING LONG-TERM SIDE EFFECTS OF SNRI: VENLAFAXINE, DULOXETINE, DESVENLAFAXINE, MILNACIPRAN, AND LEVOMILNACIPRAN ANTIDEPRESSANTS TREATMENT IN PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH DEPRESSION

Olivia Grygorcewicz — 2026-03-06

Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder affecting approximately 4% of the global population. Pharmacological management commonly involves the use of serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), including venlafaxine, duloxetine, desvenlafaxine, milnacipran, and levomilnacipran. Although these agents are effective in alleviating depressive symptoms, their prolonged use raises concerns regarding long-term safety. Clinical guidelines recommend antidepressant (AD) therapy for at least six months following symptom remission after the first episode of major depression; however, in practice, treatment duration often extends for years. Extended exposure to SNRIs has been associated with both common short-term adverse effects—such as weight gain, appetite changes, and sexual dysfunction—and less understood long-term outcomes, including metabolic, cardiovascular, and skeletal complications. The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate existing literature on the long-term side effects of SNRI therapy in patients diagnosed with depression. By synthesizing current evidence, this review aims to enhance understanding of the risk profile associated with chronic SNRI use and inform safer clinical practices.

EMERGING TRENDS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES ON CONTINUOUS MONITORING (E.G. CGM, REMOTE ECG) FOR OPTIMIZING TREATMENT ADHERENCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Maria Rajkowska — 2026-03-05

Background: The escalating prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, presents a significant challenge to global healthcare systems. The traditional paradigm of episodic, reactive care is increasingly proving insufficient. Consequently, a digital transformation is underway, characterized by the adoption of Continuous Monitoring (CM) technologies such as Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM), remote Electrocardiography (ECG), and wearable biosensors.

Objectives: This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends in continuous monitoring technologies from 2020 to 2025. Specifically, it evaluates the impact of these technologies on treatment adherence and Quality of Life (QoL), analyzes the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Twins, and identifies sociotechnical barriers to widespread implementation.

Methodology: A rigorous narrative review was conducted based on a systematic search of high-impact literature. Thirty two key studies, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and technical frameworks, were synthesized to explore the intersection of technological innovation (IoMT, AI) and social science dimensions (behavioral change, patient empowerment, and equity).

Results: Current evidence indicates that CM technologies significantly improve clinical outcomes, including HbA1c reduction in diabetes and decreased hospital readmission rates for heart failure. However, the impact on QoL is bidirectional: while fostering empowerment and safety, continuous surveillance can also induce anxiety and symptom preoccupation. Novel frameworks like Digital Twins and AI-driven predictive analytics offer promising avenues for personalized medicine but raise ethical and privacy concerns.

Conclusion: Continuous monitoring serves as a critical enabler of proactive health management. Future advancements must prioritize user-centered design, interoperability, and equitable access to realize the full potential of these technologies in improving societal health and well-being.

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN PEDIATRIC SURGERY: CLINICAL APPLICATIONS, EDUCATIONAL IMPACT, AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Agnieszka Walczak — 2026-03-06

Background: Rapid technological progress has significantly transformed pediatric surgery, introducing innovative tools that influence not only clinical outcomes but also education, healthcare organization, and the social experience of patients and their families.

Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on innovative technologies used in pediatric surgery, with particular emphasis on their clinical applications, educational value, and broader social implications.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025 were analyzed, focusing on technologies such as three-dimensional (3D) printing, robotic-assisted surgery, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), simulation-based training, artificial intelligence (AI), and telemedicine.

Results: Innovative technologies have demonstrated substantial benefits in pediatric surgery, including improved preoperative planning, enhanced surgical precision, reduced perioperative stress, and better training outcomes for surgeons. Three-dimensional printing and AR/VR facilitate personalized surgical planning and family education, while robotic platforms and AI-based tools offer potential improvements in minimally invasive procedures and decision-making. Simulation-based training contributes to patient safety, and telemedicine supports postoperative care and continuity of treatment.

Conclusions: Innovative technologies are reshaping pediatric surgery beyond technical performance, affecting social, educational, and ethical dimensions of care. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and equitable access to technological advancements.

CHONDROMALACIA PATELLAE: ETIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT – A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Jan Romaniuk — 2026-03-02

Chondromalacia patellae (CMP) is a degenerative disorder of the hyaline cartilage of the patella, forming part of the patellofemoral joint. Due to its key role in joint biomechanics, CMP commonly manifests as anterior knee pain and functional limitation, which can significantly impair patients’ quality of life. Early and accurate diagnosis, along with appropriate treatment, is crucial due to the very limited regenerative capacity of articular cartilage. This narrative review analyses current evidence regarding the etiology, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options for CMP, including conservative management, regenerative therapies (autologous chondrocyte implantation and mesenchymal stem cell therapy), and surgical interventions. A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed database (2010–2025) was performed, prioritising meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and randomised controlled trials relevant to the topic. CMP represents a complex degenerative condition requiring an integrated clinical and imaging-based approach. Magnetic resonance imaging is highlighted as the primary non-invasive diagnostic modality, while evidence supporting regenerative therapies remains promising but limited. Early recognition and tailored management strategies are essential to prevent disease progression and improve long-term functional outcomes.