Search Results (155)

We present a novel method to estimate blood cortisol concentration from sweat cortisol measurements, incorporating a kinetic model to simulate cortisol transport dynamics. Cortisol dysregulation is observed in conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, characterized by excessive cortisol production, and stress-related disorders, which can lead to metabolic disturbances, anxiety, and impaired overall health. Sweat-sensing technology offers a non-invasive and continuous alternative to blood sampling. However, the limited research exploring the sweat–blood cortisol relationship in patients shows a moderate correlation ($R<0.6$), hindering its clinical application for long-term monitoring. In this paper, we propose a novel kinetic model describing cortisol transport from blood to sweat. The model was validated using data from 44 patients before and after cardiac surgery. A high Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92–0.97) was observed between our model’s estimated and experimental blood cortisol concentrations. Moreover, the method enables personalized estimation of physiological parameters, accurately reflecting patients’ status under varying clinical conditions. The method paves the way for the clinical application of long-term, non-invasive monitoring of cortisol using sweat-sensing technology. Enabling the personalized estimation of physiological parameters could potentially support clinical decision-making, helping doctors diagnose and monitor patients with health conditions involving cortisol dysregulation. Full article

Background/Objective: Frontline healthcare staff who contend diseases and mitigate their transmission were repeatedly exposed to high-risk conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were at risk of mental health issues, in particular, psychological stress, depression, anxiety, financial stress, and/or burnout. This study aimed to investigate and evaluate the occupational stress of medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and other hospital support crew during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Methods: We collected both qualitative and quantitative data from a survey given to public and private hospitals using methods like correspondence analysis, cluster analysis, and structural equation models to investigate the work-related stress (WRS) and anxiety of the staff. Since health-related factors are unclear and uncertain, a fuzzy association rule mining (FARM) method was created to address these problems and find out the levels of work-related stress (WRS) and anxiety. The statistical results and K-means clustering method were used to find the best number of fuzzy rules and the level of fuzziness in clusters to create the FARM approach and to predict the work-related stress and anxiety of healthcare staff. This innovative approach allows for a more nuanced appraisal of the factors contributing to work-related stress and anxiety, ultimately enabling healthcare organizations to implement targeted interventions. By leveraging these insights, management can foster a healthier work environment that supports staff well-being and enhances overall productivity. This study also aimed to identify the relevant health factors that are the root causes of work-related stress and anxiety to facilitate better preparation and motivation of the staff for reorganizing resources and equipment. Results: The results and findings show that when the financial burden (FIN) of healthcare staff increased, WRS and anxiety increased. Similarly, a rise in psychological stress caused an increase in WRS and anxiety. The psychological impact (PCG) ratio and financial impact (FIN) were the most influential factors for the staff’s anxiety. The FARM results and findings revealed that improving the financial situation of healthcare staff alone was not sufficient during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: This study found that while the impact of PCG was significant, its combined effect with FIN was more influential on staff’s work-related stress and anxiety. This difference was due to the mutual effects of PCG and FIN on the staff’s motivation. The findings will help healthcare managers make decisions to reduce or eliminate the WRS and anxiety experienced by healthcare staff in the future. Full article

The coronavirus pandemic has spread globally, affecting over 700 million people and resulting in over 7 million deaths. In response, global pharmaceutical companies and disease control centers have urgently sought effective treatments and vaccines. However, the rise of counterfeit drugs has become a significant concern amid this urgency. To standardize the legal provision and usage of genetic resources, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) introduced the Nagoya Protocol. Despite advancements in drug research, the production process remains tedious, complex and vulnerable to fraud. FairChain addresses this pressing challenge by creating a transparent ecosystem that builds trust among all stakeholders throughout the Drug Development Life Cycle (DDLC) by using decentralized, immutable, and transparent blockchain technology. This makes FairChain the first digital health tool to implement the principles of the UNDP’s Nagoya Protocol among all stakeholders throughout all DDLC stages, starting with sample collection, to discovery and development, to preclinical research, to clinical development, to regulator review, and ending with post-market monitoring. Therefore, FairChain allows pharmaceutical companies to document the entire drug production process, landowners to monitor bio-samples from their land, doctors to share clinical research, and regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Authority to oversee samples and authorize production. FairChain should enhance transparency, foster trust and efficiency, and ensure a fair and traceable DDLC. To date, no blockchain-based framework has addressed the integration of traceability, auditability, and Nagoya Protocol compliance within a unified system architecture. This paper introduces FairChain, a system that formalizes these requirements in a modular, policy-aligned, and verifiable digital trust infrastructure. Full article

Green leadership is often praised for promoting sustainability, while hospitals in reactive or resource-constrained contexts lack the infrastructure to support leadership-led environmental change, indicating that leadership without operational capacity offers little impact. Moreover, the inconsistencies between green human resource practices and environmental performance suggest that green leadership might lead to symbolic gestures rather than real improvements without a robust environmental culture or internal accountability systems. Amid intensifying environmental regulations and sustainability mandates in healthcare, this study investigates how green transformational leadership addresses the contradiction between hospitals’ resource-intensive operations and environmental accountability. Drawing on Dynamic Capabilities Theory (DCT), the research highlights policy-driven imperatives for hospitals to build adaptive leadership models that meet sustainability goals. Using data from 312 junior doctors and nurses in private hospitals, analyzed via Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the study identifies green attitude, green empowerment, and green self-efficacy as key mediators in enhancing environmental performance. Contributions of this study include (1) applying DCT to healthcare sustainability, (2) integrating psychological drivers into leadership–performance models, and (3) emphasizing nurses’ pivotal roles. The results of the study indicate that leaders who prioritize sustainability inspire staff to adopt eco-friendly practices, aligning with SDG 3, i.e., good health and well-being; SDG 12, i.e., responsible consumption and production; and SDG 7, i.e., affordable and clean energy. The findings provide actionable insights for hospital administrators and policymakers striving for environmentally accountable healthcare delivery. Full article

Introduction: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) utilize autologous blood and share the objective of leveraging blood-derived growth factors to enhance the body’s natural healing process. A large extensive use has been made in various branches of dentistry. Methods: A total of 4175 records were identified from the electronic search, specifically 291 from BioMed Central, 3406 from MEDLINE/PubMed, 304 from the Cochrane library databases, and 174 from the PROSPERO register. This review was performed in relation to the PRISMA flow chart and was annotated in the PROSPERO register. Results: In total, 3416 title abstracts were screened, and a total of 40 systematic reviews were finally included in the present umbrella review. Conclusions: Research supports the use of PRF and PRP in different fields of dentistry. This is a huge potential for the patient but also for the doctor as these products are from the patient and have zero cost. However, further studies are needed, especially RCTs, to have clearer evidence on the role of PRF and PRP. Full article

Background/Objectives: Convenience cooking foods have gained popularity as they reduce the time and effort spent on preparation. These types of products are often deemed unhealthy and low in nutrients. However, if these products had an adequate serving and variety of vegetables and healthful sources of protein, they could be a good time-efficient and cost-effective alternative. However, there is no established evidence on health professionals’ opinions and ideas about convenience cooking products, nor is their information whether if they consume them or recommend them to their patients/clients, or whether they could provide a solution when patients are confronted with decision fatigue. The objective of the present study is to define the opinions that health professionals have regarding convenience cooking products and their healthfulness, if they use these products themselves, if they recommend these products to clients, and their ideas regarding decision fatigue and the use of convenience cooking products. Methods: A cross-sectional survey analysed the opinions of 143 Australian health professional participants, including dietitians, nutritionists, and doctors on their use of the products, if they recommend them to their clients, their health opinions of the products and decision fatigue. Results: The findings indicate that 74.8% of the participants use convenience products. The participant’s professions (p = 0.0014) and their personal usage of the products (p = 0.0154) significantly correlated with their recommending these products. Additionally, 86.7% of participants believed that decision fatigue impacts food choices. Conclusion: These insights highlight the complex role of convenience cooking products in dietary practices, particularly for time-poor individuals, and provide insight into the potential for future improvements in the nutritional formulations of these products to enhance their acceptability among health professionals. Full article

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immune-mediated chronic and long-term condition that can lead to severe joint damage and disability. It has been shown that doctor–patient interaction and communication can have a significant impact on faster patient diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Primary care (PC) is the first level of patient contact with doctors and the health system. Communication between them is often ineffective, leading to delays in diagnosis, care, and the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The protocols and standards for the treatment of RA are well established by all rheumatology organizations. All of them recommend early initiation of DMARDs, which leads to better long-term outcomes. There are some recommendations that would lead to better optimization of recognition, management, and referral practices. Early diagnosis, effective communication between general practitioners and specialists, and patient education about possible targeted therapies and biological products, as well as subsequent monitoring of therapies and screening for risk factors and comorbidities, will improve patient health and optimize costs. We aimed to offer strategies and possibilities for integrating and optimizing primary care and specialized therapies in RA because proper management will reduce the severity of the disease and even reduce mortality from chronic diseases such as RA. Full article

Background: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic digestive symptoms without identifiable structural abnormalities. FD affects approximately 8–46% of the population, leading to significant socioeconomic burdens due to reduced quality of life and productivity. Traditional medicine utilizes differential diagnosis through comprehensive examinations, which include observing and questioning, abdominal examination, and pulse diagnosis for functional gastrointestinal disorders. However, challenges persist in the standardization and objectivity of diagnostic protocols. Methods: This study aims to develop an artificial intelligence-based algorithm to predict identified patterns in patients with functional dyspepsia by integrating brain–body bio-signals, including brain activity measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy, pulse wave, skin conductance response, and electrocardiography. We will conduct an observational cross-sectional study comprising 100 patients diagnosed according to the Rome IV criteria, collecting bio-signal data alongside differential diagnoses performed by licensed Korean medicine doctors. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong on 25 January 2024 (IRB no. KHNMCOH 2023-12-003-003) and was registered in the Korean Clinical Trial Registry (KCT0009275). Results: By creating AI algorithms based on bio-signals and integrating them into clinical practice, the objectivity and reliability of traditional diagnostics are expected to be enhanced. Conclusions: The integration of bio-signal analysis into the diagnostic process for patients with FD will improve clinical practices and support the broader acceptance of traditional-medicine diagnostic processes in healthcare. Full article

Food waste and food waste by-products have gained considerable attention in recent years. Based on the principles of circular economy, these materials can be used for the preparation of novel and biodegradable packaging materials for food preservation. Among the matrices that have been well exploited, poly-lactic acid (PLA) comprises a key material to be fortified with food waste by-products, as shown by numerous studies in the recent literature. In this context, the aim of the present review was to provide an overview of the literature on the most recent trends in the use of PLA and food waste by-products to prepare films for the shelf-life extension of foods of animal or plant origin. The results showed that the use of PLA packaging films fortified with food waste by-products of plant or animal origin has greatly expanded in the last 20 years. The application of these novel packaging materials to foods has led to considerable shelf-life extension and stability. However, there is still a gap in the use of specific food waste by-products of plant origin, such as peels, seeds, or gels (i.e., onion peels, grape seed extract, grape pomace, prickly pear cladode gel) or animal food waste by-products (i.e., whey, collagen, gelatin), to prepare PLA-based packaging films. The present review, which comprises the thematic issue of an ongoing doctoral study, examines trends and challenges with regard to this topic that have not been extensively studied. Full article

Background/Objectives: As the newcomer population in Canada continues to grow, we aimed to collaborate with newcomer families arriving in an urban center in Alberta, Canada to identify strategies to overcome identified barriers newcomers face in obtaining routine childhood vaccines (RCVs). Methods: We recruited newcomers living in Calgary, Alberta to participate in a workshop utilizing the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) to develop solutions addressing barriers to obtaining RCVs. Ranking exercises helped identify the top-proposed interventions based on perceived impact and feasibility for implementation. Based on the identified need for translated vaccine resources, infographics on school-based vaccines were developed. The infographics were pilot-tested in a first-language focus group before the final product was translated into 10 different languages. Results: Consensus from 15 NGT workshop participants identified five key solutions to facilitate obtaining routine childhood immunizations: (1) Increasing access to reliable vaccine information; (2) Ensuring vaccine information and healthcare services are available in different languages; (3) Increasing vaccine appointment availability and optimizing the booking system for ease of navigation; (4) Increasing the role of family doctors in vaccine counseling and administration; (5) Streamlining vaccine record tracking. We developed infographics on the vaccines children in Alberta can receive through school-based vaccine programs and these were pilot-tested with 16 participants in a first-language (Arabic) focus group. Conclusions: The collaborative and iterative process of solution development with newcomers provided a platform for knowledge translation through the development of educational resources on school-based vaccines, addressing the information barrier that newcomers identified when accessing RCVs. Full article

Background: The restriction of access to health services during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in self-medication. This study aims to examine mothers’ use of nutrient supplements with over-the-counter (OTC) medications for their children, including instances of self-medication for themselves. The study also explores maternal characteristics associated with this behavior, the specific medications used, and the reasons for use. Method: In this descriptive study, 450 mothers with children aged 2 to 6 years in Türkiye were recruited through social media platforms. Questions focused on whether mothers used supplements for themselves and their children, types of products, frequency, and reasons for use. Multivariable binary logistic regression was conducted to examine the factors associated with OTC medication use for children. Result: Nearly half of the mothers reported administering OTC medications to their children. Factors associated with this practice included the child’s age (specifically 48–72 months), attendance at nursery, perceived underweight status, and regular health visits with a pediatrician. Additionally, mothers who frequently used medications without a doctor’s recommendation were 5.8 times more likely to give OTC drugs to their children. Maternal self-medication was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of OTC medication use for children (OR = 12.1). The most commonly used supplements included vitamin D, fish oil, multivitamins, vitamin C, immune boosters, zinc, probiotics, herbal teas, oral/nasal sprays, throat lozenges, and aspirin, with the primary purposes being prevention and treatment. Conclusions: The administration of OTC medications in young children, who rely heavily on maternal care should be more closely monitored to ensure their safety and well-being, especially during epidemics. Full article

Crop residue after harvesting onion (Allium cepa) and garlic (Allium sativum) has great potential in the development of value-added products due to the presence of a range of bioactive compounds. The potential of compounds identified in crop residue extracts to be used in cosmetics was evaluated in silico, including prediction of their interactions with selected skin target proteins (SIRT1, TGF-β, and elastase). Molecular docking results obtained using AutoDock Vina revealed that stronger binding affinity was observed between TGF-β protein and small molecules such as rutin and procyanidin A2 compared to elastase. On the other side, SIRT1 protein showed the best interaction with quercetin and kaempferol. Potential side effects on the skin of individual molecules in extracts of garlic and onion were predicted using regulated databases for skin sensitization tests (Ambit, SkinSensDB, Danish QSAR Database, and Skin Doctor CP). These in silico predictions have shown that the most active molecules are not irritating or corrosive to the skin. The obtained results indicate significant potential for the use of crop residue extracts in the development of skincare products from sustainable resources while addressing the issues of waste. Full article

This study of 18–24-year-old young adults (YAs) in Australia who use, or used to use, nicotine vape products (NVPs) sought to explore their experiences when attempting to quit vaping to understand the barriers and identify facilitators of cessation. We analysed data from a survey (n = 532) of 422 YAs who vape and 110 YAs who used to vape, as well as interactive workshops (n = 12) and semi-structured interviews (n = 3), which included 7 YAs using and 8 no longer using NVPs. Social Cognitive Theory informed the data collection, with open-ended questions exploring how personal, environmental and behavioural factors shaped vaping cessation. Qualitative analyses revealed 11 themes shaping vaping cessation, including the normalisation of vaping, easy access and a desire to fit in. Vaping cessation was complicated by using NVPs to manage symptoms of mental ill-health. Additionally, former vapers reported using combustibles to replace vaping, highlighting the risk of health impacts from smoking. Potential support sources included friends and general practitioners, or family doctors. Support service development must consider de-normalising vaping, addressing underlying mental health issues and providing effective campaigns around the health risks of vaping and smoking. The findings highlight the need to invest in vaping cessation, and they can inform the design of vaping cessation programs to better support those trying to quit and ensure the success of their quit attempts. Full article

The production and development of doctoral theses have grown exponentially with the advent of the Internet and the democratization of access to information and education. In the field of education, this production is no stranger to this trend, so it is interesting to analyze the implications, causes and scientific–academic contributions of this increase. To this end, a systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out using the PRISMA 2020 protocol, with the Dialnet database as the documentary source, based on a previous study that justified its use and the availability of documents. Thus, a set of pre-established criteria are defined to identify doctoral theses carried out in Spanish universities and related to the education area that have been published in the last 17 years, finding a total of (n = 120) publications whose analysis answered the researchers’ questions focused on identifying patterns and strategies in the publication and methodological design of this type of document and what is the role of systematic reviews of the literature in them. In this sense, this research process aimed to analyze this kind of production and facilitate the process of designing new theses and research projects in the field of education. In this sense, this research process aimed to analyze this sort of output and facilitate the process of designing new theses and research projects in the field of education. The results make it possible to identify the increased importance of SLR in the development of doctoral theses and reveal the predominant models related to this type of production. Additionally, other aspects, such as the most common universities or research fields, the quantity and nature of subsequent studies, etc., concerning doctoral theses that incorporate an SLR were determined. Thus, conducting an SLR represents a solid and structured approach to initiate and build up the research process of doctoral theses, being essential to address students’ potential training needs in these regards. Full article

The science and technology (S&T) workforce plays a crucial role in social development by promoting technological innovation and economic growth, as well as serving as a key indicator of research and development productivity and measure of innovation capability. Therefore, effective S&T workforce policies must be established to enhance national competitiveness. This study proposes a time-series forecasting methodology to predict the scale and structural trends of South Korea’s doctorate-level S&T workforce. Based on earlier research and case data, we applied both the traditional time-series model exponential smoothing and the latest model Prophet, developed by Meta, in this study. Further, public data from South Korea were used to apply the proposed models. To ensure robust model evaluation, we considered multiple metrics. With respect to both forecasting accuracy and sensitivity to data variability, Prophet was found to be the most suitable for predicting the S&T doctorate workforce’s scale. The scenarios derived from the Prophet model can help the government formulate policies based on scientific evidence in the future. Full article