Ми розпочали останній рік першої чверті 21-го століття, що назавжди увійде в історію людства катастрофічними викликами, пов’язаними з численними військовими конфліктами у світі та пандемією COVID-19. Медичні наслідки повномасштабної війни в Україні посилюють необхідність активної обізнаності світу з масштабами наявних проблем [1, 2]. Обговорення медико-соціальних аспектів цих викликів і шляхів їхнього вирішення стало пріоритетними темами часопису «Праці Наукового Товариства імені Шевченка. Медичні науки» (далі – Медичні науки) у період за 2021 – 2024 роки. Тож ми вирішили на сторінках часопису відверто поділитися результатами нашої роботи за цей відтинок часу і пояснити, чому важливо вже сьогодні думати, яким буде наше видання у 2026 році.
Редакційна команда часопису Медичні науки – це досвід, загартований традиціями, сповнений сучасними знаннями та інноваціями і помножений на щирий ентузіазм вчених і лікарів. Новітні революційні технологічні рішення та формат відкритого доступу дають змогу миттєво оприлюднювати контент часопису Медичні науки на наукових інформаційних онлайн платформах. Завдяки інструментам Scopus і CrossRef-індексування кожна публікація швидко потрапляє з однієї веб-сторінки на інші, що сприяє її блискавичному поширенню на світовій науковій мапі [3]. Наукометричні інструменти CiteScore metrics, SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) та Source Normalized Impact per Paper (SNIP) промовисто свідчать про глобальну авдиторію читачів Медичні науки, що удвічі зросла від 2019 року до тепер. Ба більше, прогресивні наукові та медичні спільноти світу згуртовані задля долучення українців до передових науково-технічних досягнень і радо співпрацюють з редакцією часопису Медичні науки. Географія наших авторів нині охоплює 27 країн світу. Дякуємо кожному з них, а передусім – авторам з України, що вони у надскладних умовах не тільки рятують життя людей, а й досліджують, лікують, випрацьовують і впроваджують на практиці набуті знання і досягнення, обираючи Медичні науки для оприлюднення своїх здобутків. Це свідчення того, що спільними зусиллями ми зможемо і далі розвивати наше видання.

We have entered the final year of the first quarter of the 21st century, which will be eternally marked by the catastrophic challenges linked to numerous global military conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic. The medical effects of a full-scale war in Ukraine highlight the need for global awareness of the magnitude of the current issues [1, 2]. Discussing the medical and social aspects of these issues and their solutions became a priority topic in the Proceedings of the Shevchenko Scientific Society. Medical Sciences (Medical Sciences) from 2021 to 2024. I will share the outcomes of our work during this period and why it is crucial to consider today what our journal will look like in 2026.
The editorial team of the Medical Sciences journal combines experience shaped by time-tested traditions, contemporary knowledge, innovations, and the passion of scientists and doctors. The newest groundbreaking technological solutions and the open-access format enable the immediate publication of Medical Sciences’ content on online scientific information platforms. Using the Scopus and CrossRef indexing tools, each publication swiftly transitions from one web page to another, aiding in its fast dissemination across the global scientific map [3]. Scientometric tools like CiteScore metrics, SCImago Journal Rank (SJR), and Source Normalized Impact per Paper (SNIP) clearly show that the worldwide readership of Medical Sciences has doubled since 2019. Furthermore, forward-thinking scientific and medical communities worldwide are coming together to assist Ukrainians in making cutting-edge scientific and technological advancements. They are pleased to collaborate with the editorial team of the Medical Sciences. Our authors today span 25 countries worldwide. We express our gratitude to all our authors, especially those from Ukraine, who, under the most challenging circumstances, save lives, conduct research, provide treatment, develop and apply their knowledge and accomplishments in daily practice, and select Medical Sciences to share their achievements. This indicates that we can develop our journal through collaborative efforts.

The recent experience of using social media by the Ukrainian scientific and medical journal "Proceedings of the Shevchenko Scientific Society. Medical Sciences" DOI: 10.25040/ntsh (Medical Sciences) is presented, which have become important tools for increasing the visibility of medical journals. Social media have become an important tool for enhancing the visibility of medical journals. Social media facilitate the dissemination of knowledge, promote publications, engage audiences, and support the development of professional communities. Platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) enable the formation of networks among authors, reviewers, and readers, help disseminate content, and contribute to establishing a positive image of the journal. Graphic abstracts are a promising tool for visual communication; however, they require standardized styles and the availability of consistent templates. A successful social media presence requires clear branding, high-quality content, bilingual communication, and a strategic approach. Although social media activity does not automatically lead to increased citation rates, it contributes to author promotion and the expansion of the journal’s reach. The mission of the "Medical Sciences" journal is to establish a global scholarly presence, foster open communication, and support Ukraine especially during wartime through scientific dialogue.
Keywords: medical science, medical journals, visual abstract, scientific writing, social media, communication, scientific publishing, journal club.

In recent decades, the role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gas mediator and signaling agent, has been studied in the regulation of intercellular signaling and intracellular signal transduction pathways with various physiological and pathophysiological effects in cells and tissues. These cellular pathways are responsible for changes in metabolism, epigenetic, and cellular behavior. There are enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways of endogenous hydrogen sulfide biosynthesis. Numerous studies have shown the diverse effects of H2S on the physiological processes of neurotransmission in the brain, vascular smooth muscle relaxation in synergy with nitric oxide (NO), apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis, aging, inflammation, redox system, manifestations of oxidative stress, protein, as well as bioenergetic effects and systemic bioregulatory effects, including ANS. Recently, it was shown that H2S signaling is often dysregulated in different dysfunctions. The effect of H2S on insulin secretion and protection of the heart, kidneys, and brain from ischemic damage, and hypoxia is known. The availability of H2S as a bioregulator has led to changes in cytoprotection, scavenger’s function, and antiinflammatory activities in the digestive system, as well as it could be a molecular target for the creating new safe hybrid compounds, esp., H2S-realized nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Our recent research has shown a cytoprotective effect on the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach. Thiosulfate sulfurtransferase (TST, EC 2.8.1.1)-derived H2S plays an important role in maintaining redox balance but its effects on mesenteric integrity in aspects of age-related changes and during stress response or high-carbohydrate diet are still limited.

2023 marks the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the Medical Commission of the Shevchenko Scientific Society’s publication, whose successor today is the journal Proceedings of the Shevchenko Scientific Society. Medical Sciences (Medical Sciences, ISSN 2708-8634; eISSN 2708–8642). Dr Eugen Ozarkevych, the founder and later the Chair of the Shevchenko Scientific Society’s Medical Commission in Lviv, initiated the publication of the scientific and practical journal “Medical Collection” («Лікарський збірник») in 1898. The journal’s primary purpose was to promulgate scientific achievements in the field of medicine in Ukrainian and to create Ukrainian medical terminology. This format allowed the reader to review scientific achievements in fundamental and clinical medicine, current medical problems, and new methods to in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Ukrainian professional medical terminology was presented in this journal for the first time. Throughout its existence, this oldest medical journal, Medical Sciences, remains faithful to its historical multidisciplinary orientation. During the information and Russian war on the territory of Ukraine, Medical Sciences serves as a national heritage of Ukraine. It is recognized by international partners and indexed in scientometric bibliographic databases such as Scopus, Copernicus, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and Google Scholar. As an Open Access Journal, it is read in 155 countries of the world.
Keywords: Shevchenko Scientific Society, Medical Commission of the Shevchenko Scientific Society, Medical Bulletin, Proceedings of the Shevchenko Scientific Society. Medical Collection. Medicine and Biology. New Series, Proceedings of the Shevchenko Scientific Society. Medical Sciences.