Announcements

The journal Healthcare (ISSN: 2227-9032) is looking for new Editorial Board Members to help further our mission of open science and scientific exchange.

All manuscripts published by MDPI are made immediately available worldwide under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which means that every paper is free to access and receives maximum exposure.

Healthcare covers topics related to all aspects of medicine and healthcare research. We welcome applications from outstanding researchers, particularly in the following areas:

• Medical Specialties and Procedures;
• Conditions and Diseases;
• Nursing;
• Healthcare Management and Quality;
• Health Promotion;
• Psychological and Behavioral Health;
• Pharmacy and Medication;
• Healthcare in Special and Vulnerable Groups.

More details can be found at the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/healthcare/about.

Editorial Board Members are responsible for upholding the academic and scientific quality of MDPI publications. The initial term lasts for 2 years.

The main responsibilities of Editorial Board Members are as follows:

• Pre-screening and making decisions on new submissions related to your research interests;
• Setting up at least one Special Issue during your term on a topic related to your research interests (or supervising Special Issues related to your research field);
• Helping to attract suitable expert authors and invite young scholars to join the Topical Advisory Panel;
• Providing input or feedback regarding journal policies;
• Helping to promote the journal among your peers or at conferences;
• Attending Board meetings to suggest journal development strategies;
• Reviewing manuscripts.

The benefits of being an Editorial Board Member are as follows:

• Contributing to open science and exchange;
• Increasing your knowledge of your research field by exposure to new research and the research of your peers;
• Expanding your research network by collaborating with other Editorial Board Members of the journal;
• Advancing your career by being active in your research field through your contribution to the journal;
• Receiving a full waiver on one publication per year once accepted by the journal.

If you are interested in joining us, please provide your academic CV or your official website and a list of keywords related to your research interests to the Editorial Office (healthcare@mdpi.com).

Healthcare Editorial Office

MDPI is proud to partner with the Duke-NUS Medical School to present an engaging workshop—Academic Publishing Workshop—focusing on the fundamentals of open access publishing.

This in-person workshop is part of MDPI’s ongoing commitment to support early career researchers in navigating the academic publishing landscape with confidence. Attendees will gain insights into MDPI’s open access publishing model and better understand the editorial and peer review processes.

Participants can also expect practical guidance on writing and improving manuscript quality and managing the peer review process, which will be delivered by MDPI editors and publishing professionals.

We look forward to a meaningful exchange of ideas and supporting students in their publishing journey!

Date: 30 September 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Venue: Academia, 20 College Road, Singapore 169856

World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). Each year, 10 September aims to focus attention on the issue of suicide, reduce stigma, and raise awareness among the public, promoting a single message: suicides are preventable.

The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue, shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.

This theme also emphasizes the need to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health in policy-making, calling for government action. Changing the narrative requires advocating for policies that prioritize mental health, increase access to care, and provide support to those in need.

To commemorate this day, we invite you to explore a curation of insightful articles, journals, and Special Issues across various fields, including social sciences, behavioral sciences, health care systems,  and adolescent development. By sharing these findings, we hope to shift away from silence and stigma towards openness, empathy, and action, ensure those who are struggling feel heard, supported, and connected.

“Suicide Prevention Measures at High-Risk Locations: A Goal-Directed Motivation Perspective”
by Laura Joyner, Jay-Marie Mackenzie, Andy Willis, Penny Phillips, Bethany Cliffe, Ian Marsh, Elizabeth Pettersen, Keith Hawton and Lisa Marzano
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15081009

“The Role of Gut Microbiota in Suicidality: Mechanisms, Evidence, and Future Directions”
by Valentina Baldini, Martina Gnazzo, Giulia Santangelo, Giorgia Varallo, Diana De Ronchi and Marco Carotenuto
Psychiatry Int. 2025, 6(3), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint6030084

“Suicidal Ideation in U.S. Adolescents Exposed to Neighborhood Violence”
by Silviya Nikolova, Eusebius Small and Benjamin Sesay
Adolescents 2025, 5(3), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/adolescents5030031

“Problematic Pornography Use, Mental Health, and Suicidality among Young Adults”
by Mujde Altin, Diego De Leo, Noemi Tribbia, Lucia Ronconi and Sabrina Cipolletta
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(9), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091228

“Hospitalizations for Suicidal Events: Reiteration Risk—The Experience in the Veneto Region, Italy”
by Silvia Cocchio, Giulia Tremolada, Nicola Cogo, Claudia Cozzolino, Mario Saia, Michele Tonon, Francesca Russo, Patrizia Furlan, Marco Fonzo and Vincenzo Baldo
Psychiatry Int. 2024, 5(3), 434-446; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint5030030

“The Positive and Negative Suicidal Ideation Inventory among Portuguese Adolescents: Factor Structure and Gender Invariance”
by Marta Brás, Ana Cunha, João Antunes and Cláudia Carmo
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(4), 1002-1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14040065

“Teen Perspectives on Suicides and Deaths in an Affluent Community: Perfectionism, Protection, and Exclusion”
by Abigail Peterson and Carolyn Smith-Morris
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(4), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21040456

“Making Sense of Critical Suicide Studies: Metaphors, Tensions, and Futurities”
by Luiza Cesar Riani Costa and Jennifer White
Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(4), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13040183

“The Mediating Effect of Loneliness on the Relationship between Bullying Victimization and Suicidal Behavior among Adolescents in Ghana”
by Ebenezer Duah
Youth 2024, 4(1), 231-243; https://doi.org/10.3390/youth4010016

“Prevalence of Suicidal Ideation among Pregnant Women in Gran Canaria”
by María del Amor Santana-González, María Granada Vázquez-Núñez, Mar Miranda-Sánchez, Héctor González-de la Torre, Jesús María González-Martín, Julia Jeppesen-Gutiérrez and Iraya Monagas-Agrelo
Women 2024, 4(1), 1-12; https://doi.org/10.3390/women4010001

“Trends in Suicidal Mortality and Motives among Working-Ages Individuals in Japan during 2007–2022”
by Ryusuke Matsumoto, Eishi Motomura, Toshiaki Onitsuka and Motohiro Okada
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(12), 2795-2810; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13120193

“Impacts of Complete Unemployment Rates Disaggregated by Reason and Duration on Suicide Mortality from 2009–2022 in Japan”
by Ryusuke Matsumoto, Eishi Motomura and Motohiro Okada
Healthcare 2023, 11(20), 2806; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11202806

“Vulnerability to Suicide Ideation: Comparative Study between Adolescents with and without Psychosocial Risk”
by Marta Brás, Patrícia Elias, Francisca Ferreira Cunha, Cátia Martins, Cristina Nunes and Cláudia Carmo
Healthcare 2023, 11(19), 2663; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11192663

“Suicidal Behaviors: Prevention, Intervention and Postvention” Guest Editors: Dr. Irene Caro-Cañizares, Dr. María Cantero-García and Dr. Eva Izquierdo-Sotorrío Submission deadline: 30 September 2025	“Advanced Studies on Psychological Resilience to Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Current Trends and Future Directions” Guest Editor: Dr. Kamelia Harris Submission deadline: 31 December 2025
“Suicide and Self-Injury: Prevention, Identification, and Patient Care” Guest Editor: Dr. Markus Stingl Submission deadline: 31 March 2026	“Research on Suicide Assessment, Prevention and Management” Guest Editor: Dr. Masahito Fushimi Submission deadline: 31 May 2026

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a condition that, while currently incurable, is the focus of extensive research aimed at prevention and treatment to improve the health and quality of life for those affected. Each year, we observe World Duchenne Awareness Day to enhance public understanding of the profound health, social, and economic impacts of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and to bolster our efforts in combating this condition.

The day marks the birthday of Guillaume Duchenne, the physician who first described the disorder in the 19th century, thus setting the stage for advancements in diagnosis and care. It is our hope that esteemed journals in the fields of Biology, Life Sciences, and Medicine & Pharmacology at MDPI will continue to act as forums for the dissemination of cutting-edge research and innovative concepts related to the prevention and treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

“CRISPR/Cas9-Targeted Myostatin Deletion Improves the Myogenic Differentiation Parameters for Muscle-Derived Stem Cells in Mice”
by Mohamed I. Elashry, Victoria C. Schneider, Manuela Heimann, Sabine Wenisch and Stefan Arnhold
J. Dev. Biol. 2025, 13(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb13010005

“Evaluation of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on the Gastrocnemius Muscle of Mice with Muscular Dystrophy: A Preliminary Study”
by Victor Augusto Ramos Fernandes, Gabriela Pereira dos Santos, Amilton Iatecola, Daniela Vieira Buchaim, Ionaly Judith Faria Garcia, Carlos Henrique Bertoni Reis, Lívia Maluf Menegazzo Bueno, Bruna Trazzi Pagani, Rogerio Leone Buchaim and Marcelo Rodrigues da Cunha
Pathophysiology 2025, 32(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathophysiology32010002

“Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Index Is Positively Related to Mediterranean Diet Adherence in University Students”
by Paraskevi Detopoulou, Olga Magni, Ioanna Pylarinou, Despoina Levidi, Vassilios Dedes, Milia Tzoutzou, Konstantina Argyri, Evangelia Fappa, Aristea Gioxari and George Panoutsopoulos
Diseases 2025, 13(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13010003

“MRI-Based Circumferential Strain in Boys with Early Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Cardiomyopathy”
by Zhan-Qiu Liu, Nyasha G. Maforo, Patrick Magrath, Ashley Prosper, Pierangelo Renella, Nancy Halnon, Holden H. Wu and Daniel B. Ennis
Diagnostics 2024, 14(23), 2673; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14232673

“An Updated Analysis of Exon-Skipping Applicability for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Using the UMD-DMD Database”
by Jamie Leckie, Abdullah Zia and Toshifumi Yokota
Genes 2024, 15(11), 1489; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15111489

“A Comprehensive Workplace Exercise Intervention to Reduce Musculoskeletal Pain and Improve Functional Capacity in Office Workers: A Randomized Controlled Study”
by Konstantina Karatrantou and Vassilis Gerodimos
Healthcare 2024, 12(9), 915; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12090915

“Evaluation of Neuromuscular Diseases and Complaints by Quantitative Muscle MRI”
by Lara Schlaffke, Robert Rehmann, Anne-Katrin Güttsches, Matthias Vorgerd, Christine H. Meyer-Frießem, Hubert R. Dinse, Elena Enax-Krumova, Martijn Froeling and Johannes Forsting
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(7), 1958; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13071958

“Nuclear Small Dystrophin Isoforms during Muscle Differentiation”
by Tina Donandt, Vanessa Todorow, Stefan Hintze, Alexandra Graupner, Benedikt Schoser, Maggie C. Walter and Peter Meinke
Life 2023, 13(6), 1367; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13061367

“Orphan Drugs in Neurology—A Narrative Review”
by Carmen Adella Sirbu, Raluca Ivan, Francois Jerome Authier, Florentina Ionita-Radu, Dragos Catalin Jianu, Octavian Vasiliu, Ciprian Constantin and Sorin Tuță
J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(3), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13030420

“Muscle Wasting, Aging, and Cancer: The Effects of Physical Exercise” Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Paula Tavares Submission deadline: 28 November 2025	“Genetic Diagnosis and Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy” Guest Editor: Dr. Liubov V. Gushchina Submission deadline: 20 December 2025
“Muscular Dystrophy: From Molecular Basis to Therapies: 2nd Edition” Guest Editor: Dr. Francesca Sciandra and Dr. Kinga I. Gawlik Submission deadline: 15 January 2026	“Dysfunctions or Approaches of the Musculoskeletal System” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Paloma Moro and Prof. Dr. Jorge Rodriguez Submission deadline: 28 February 2026
“Neuromuscular Diseases and Musculoskeletal Disorders” Guest Editor: Dr. Anna Christakou Submission deadline: 28 February 2026	“Mitochondrial Function and Dysfunction in Developmental Biology Metabolism” Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Simon J. Conway Submission deadline: 15 March 2026

Date: 23 September 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m
Location: The Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto

MDPI is thrilled to announce our participation in the University of Toronto’s largest career fair, taking place at the St. George Downtown Campus. This exciting event brings together thousands of students, graduates, and professionals looking to connect with top employers and explore career opportunities.

We invite all attendees to visit the MDPI booth to discover how you can be part of one of the world’s leading open access academic publishers. Whether you are passionate about scientific research, editorial work, marketing, or supporting global innovation in publishing, we want to meet YOU!

What to expect at our booth:

• Learn more about MDPI’s mission and global impact;
• Explore exciting career opportunities in publishing, editorial, communications, and more;
• Network with our team and ask questions about working at MDPI.

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to take the next step, don’t miss this opportunity to connect with MDPI. Bring your resume, your curiosity, and your questions—we look forward to seeing you there!

For additional information on the Career Fair and Open MDPI positions, please visit the following links:

• Learn more about the U of T Career Fair;
• Explore Careers with MDPI Canada.

Healthcare (ISSN: 2227-9032), an open access journal, is recruiting volunteer reviewers to review manuscripts.

The main responsibility of the reviewers is providing high-quality reports. More details regarding the position can be found at https://www.mdpi.com/reviewers.

Volunteer reviewers should meet the following criteria:

• Hold a PhD or be an MD;
• Have relevant experience and have a proven publication record in the field of the submitted paper;
• Are experienced scholars in the field of the submitted paper;
• Hold an official and recognized academic affiliation.

Volunteer reviewers’ benefits:

• Receive a discount voucher code based on review quality, which entitles you to a reduction in the article processing charge (APC) of a future submission. Reviewer voucher codes can be used to pay for Author Services such as professional English editing;
• Receive a personalized reviewer certificate;
• Be considered for the Outstanding Reviewer Awards;
• Be included in the journal’s annual acknowledgment of reviewers;
• Receive help with building your profile on Publons and have your reviewing activity automatically added for participating journals. Publons profiles can also be integrated into ORCID.

Apply for a position as a volunteer reviewer via the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/volunteer/journals/review.

Healthcare Editorial Office

Conference: 30th Annual International Mental Health Nursing Research Conference 2025
Organization: Mental Health Nurse Academics UK
Date: 18–19 September 2025
Place: Oxford, UK

MDPI will be represented as an exhibitor at the 30th Annual International Mental Health Nursing Research Conference 2025. This conference will be held in Oxford, UK, from 18 to 19 September 2025, hosted by the Mental Health Nurse Academics UK.

This event is fully hybrid with options for in-person or online attendance, and excellent opportunities to network via the online platform or at the venue. Access recordings of all talks will be available to participants for 90 days after the conference, through the online platform. Attendees can also use the online platform to run polls, network, and engage in group chats.  

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Nursing Reports;
• Healthcare;
• Behavioral Sciences;
• Psychiatry International.

If you will be attending this conference, please feel free to visit our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the official website: https://mhnauk.org/conference-1.

MDPI will be attending the GSA 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting (GSA 2025), which will be held from 12 to 15 November 2025 in Boston, the USA. 

The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization dedicated to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. The GSA’s principal mission, shared by its 6,000+ members in more than 50 countries, is to promote the study of aging and disseminate information to scientists, decision-makers, and the general public. Founded in 1945, the GSA is pivotal in advancing innovation in the study of aging domestically and internationally. It garners approximately 4,500 professionals from across the world for its Annual Scientific Meeting, which features over 500 sessions, and it additionally publishes leading peer-reviewed journals in this research area. 

The following open access journals will be represented at this conference:

• Healthcare;
• IJERPH;
• Societies;
• EJIHPE;
• JCDD;
• JCM;
• Nutrients;
• Epidemiologia;
• Behavioral Sciences;
• JAL. 

If you are planning to attend this event, please feel free to visit our booth and speak to our representatives. We look forward to meeting you in person and will assist you with any queries that you may have. 

In commemoration of World Patient Safety Day on 17 September 2025, we are delighted to bring together healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates from around the world to focus on this year’s theme— “Safe care for every newborn and every child”, with the slogan “Patient safety from the start!” 

This event is dedicated to fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and exploring innovative strategies that ensure safer care, reduce patient harm, and improve health outcomes—especially for the most vulnerable among us. Together, we will discuss policies, practices, and research that can strengthen health systems and make patient safety a universal priority from the very beginning of life. 

Let us work hand in hand to create a future where every newborn and every child receives the safest possible care. 

Date: 17 September 2025 at 10:00 a.m. CEST | 4:00 a.m. EDT | 4:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 832 1056 2103
Website: https://sciforum.net/event/WPSD-1 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations made with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized. 

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will let you know when the recording is available to watch online. 

Register now for free!

Program:

 Webinar Chair and Speakers:

• Dr. Adriano Friganovic, University of Applied Health Sciences Zagreb, Croatia;
• Prof. Dr. Fabio Petrelli, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy;
• Dr. Giovanni Cangelosi, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy;
• Prof. Dr. Sandra C. Buttigieg, University of Malta, Faculty of Health Sciences, Msida, Malta.