Student Researchers' Society Topics

Patients with multiple chronic diseases or cancer use health care services more frequently. The aim of the student research topic is to analyse and possibly identify certain patterns in the health care utilization of these patients by investigating their demographic and clinical characteristics.

Many diseases and pathogens are characterized by being identifiable by volatile molecules. Initially, our research team focused on the early diagnosis of lung cancer. We have set up a database of clinical samples, some of which are still to be processed. In addition to lung cancer, we also collected clinical samples from patients with TB. In addition, we were able to achieve the classification of bacteria and fungi after a short culture time, but we are also working on the detection of drug contaminants. We also currently have one of the most advanced electronic noses (Aryballe NeOse Pro) and GC-IMS (gas chromatograph ion mobilization spectrometer) equipment. The method can be used to achieve results quickly. Ability to instrumental measurement as well as data analysis is an advantage.

The research will examine the impact of climate change on human health, how it affects the risk of excess mortality and what preventive interventions can contribute to reducing the risks, based on the experience and research to date.

In addition, based on the Department of Emergency Medicine’s inpatient data, we analyse how different meteorological effects affect the morbidity of certain chronic diseases.

Adequate nutrition is essential for the optimal growth and development of children. In the frame of the TDK work, we would like to assess the health effects and safety of fortified complementary foods on health, nutrition and developmental outcomes of apparently healthy infants and children six to 24 months of age.

Four insect species have been authorised for food use in the European Union, and two other species are in the process of authorisation. Insects are now available to consumers in whole or as food ingredients, and the market is forecasted to grow significantly in the following years. Currently, many European consumers, used to conventional foods, are averse to these new products, but this is suspected to change. We aim to identify foods containing insects by detecting volatile molecules using an electronic nose and GC-IMS. The aim is to distinguish different insect species, detect insect components according to their abundance, classify food categories and identify factors that affect detection.

The field of social determinants of health investigates the complex relationship between social factors and health outcomes. By analyzing how social factors affect health outcomes, we can gain a better understanding of why particular groups of people suffer from higher rates of disease, disability, and premature death in comparison to others. This comprehension can contribute to developing targeted interventions and preventative measures to promote health equity, reduce disparities, and enhance the overall well-being of populations.

Many capsules, tablets, powders, etc. are marketed, which contain nutrients or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect in a concentrated form. In many cases, the exact health effects of these supplements are not fully known. Within the frame of the TDK topic, we would like to examine the positive or potentially harmful effects of a dietary supplement on health.

The topic is recommended for students interested in cancer diseases and oncology. The research topic provided an opportunity to investigate  the risk factors, symptoms, demographic and clinical characteristics and waiting times of cancer patients. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the clinical and health care characteristics of cancer patients can also be explored.

Human biometeorology is a discipline that studies the relationship between weather factors and human health. Its results can help us to understand the effects of weather variations on health and to develop prevention strategies based on this knowledge.

The main research questions are:

• How does weather affect human health?
• What health-related problems can the weather factors cause? (Such as heat waves, cold weather, or extreme weather events)
• How can health risks from weather-related factors be prevented or managed?

Research can focus on both communicable and non-communicable diseases and investigate their morbidity or mortality characteristics in different weather situations.

Biometeorological research can contribute to health protection efforts and help people to understand how the weather affects health. The results will allow the identification of particularly vulnerable groups in society and provide an opportunity to develop weather-sensitive health measures and warning systems.

Wildlife trade and traditional food markets are associated with the higher risk of zoonoses. In the frame of the TDK work, we would like to assess the effects of interventions (including infection prevention and control measures, as well as animal management and welfare interventions) on the risk of zoonoses at traditional markets for food. Further aims are to assess the effects of banning the sale of live animals, or to assess zoonotic disease risk associated with farmed or captured wild animals.

The topic is recommended for students interested in cancer diseases and oncology. The aim of the research topic is to investigate the demographic, clinical and lifestyle characteristics and disease outcomes (overall survival, disease-free survival, etc.) of cancer patients receiving immunotherapy or chemotherapy and to compare the findings with international data.

Several studies found a negative secular tendency according to psychological parameters (depressive symptoms, distress, burnout, etc.) of medical students throughout their studies. It has an influence on their study results, on their later career and indirectly on the whole society.  The aim of our study is to describe mental health status of students and to investigate risk and protective factors, furthermore to find effective methods to improve their psychical health.

The objective of the students' research work is to choose a topic with epidemiological importance, collect and combine the results of multiple scientific studies, and with statistical analyses provide conclusions with higher scientific power.

Special diets (e.g., plant-based, gluten-free) are consumed more and more often by people without an apparent disease. In the frame of the TDK work, we would like to examine the health effects of such a dietary decision in the light of currently available evidence.

The consumption of plant-based drinks as a substitute for animals’ milk is becoming increasingly popular nowadays. They are mostly made from nuts or cereals, but can also be made from both. Differences in the basic ingredient, length of storage and different batches have an impact on the nutritional values. Our study is part of a larger research project in which there is an analysis of proteins, fatty acids and other ingredients, but we classify the products using volatile molecules. Our aim is to simplify the classification by quality parameters, i.e. to provide an answer in minutes to what parameters a product may meet, instead of applying complicated and lengthy content analyses. We use modern, portable electronic noses as tools. We already have a bank of drink samples. I primarily looking for a student with an interest in analytics. Thus, the topic would be ideal for a pharmacy or biotechnology student.

Practically all types of eukaryotic cells can be studied for DNA strand breaks using microgel electrophoretic (comet) assay. All environmental samples can be applied to detect mutagenic/genotoxic compounds. Samples should be concentrated by the particular methods and incorporated into an agarose microgel together with the cells. After electrophoresis, fluorescent staining and image-analysis the DNA strand breaks can be evaluated.