Tag: nevin manimala

J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2026 Mar 27:10781552261430332. doi: 10.1177/10781552261430332. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundCytotoxic drugs play a crucial role in cancer care but are highly hazardous to the health of healthcare workers if not handled safely. However, despite global guidelines for safe handling, knowledge and practice gaps persist, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). There is no documented evidence in Ghana regarding this problem. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and practice of oncology personnel regarding safe handling of cytotoxic and hazardous drugs at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 75 healthcare workers, comprising pharmacists, nurses, medical officers, and pharmacy technicians, who were involved in handling cytotoxic drugs. Data were gathered using a structured, pretested questionnaire and analysed using SPSS v20. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate knowledge, practices, and predictors.ResultsMost respondents (mean age, 30.9 years) demonstrated good knowledge of safe handling practices, with a mean knowledge score of 7.67/10. All identified hand hygiene and worker protection as important safety practices. Significant gaps were identified; only 19% were aware of glove variability, and 15% knew that gowns could not be reused. Reported practices were good overall (mean practice score = 7.24/10), although 15% reported touching cytotoxic tablets with bare hands, and 19% reused personal protective equipment (PPE). The availability of PPE was high for gloves and aprons, but less so for head and shoe covers, which were also underutilised. Professional cadre was a significant predictor of knowledge (p = 0.022), but no factor significantly predicted practice.ConclusionWhile oncology personnel had high knowledge and compliance rates with safe handling procedures, there are crucial gaps, especially in the use of PPE and awareness of equipment standards. Regular training and institutional policy reinforcement are recommended to enhance safety and minimise occupational hazards in cytotoxic drug handling.

PMID:41891208 | DOI:10.1177/10781552261430332

Langmuir. 2026 Mar 27. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.6c00952. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We investigate proteinoid systems formed on olivine mineral substrates, focusing on self-organization, electrochemical properties, and information-processing capacity. Olivine’s ubiquity in meteorites, planetary surfaces, and protoplanetary disks makes it a geochemically relevant template for prebiotic chemistry across cosmic environments. Glu:Phe:Asp proteinoids synthesized in olivine-rich acidic solutions─mimicking early Earth hydrothermal conditions─were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The proteinoids self-assembled into spherical microspheres (2-15 μm in diameter), dendritic networks, and complex mineral-templated architectures. Budding-like reproduction and neuron-like branching morphologies emerged spontaneously. Electrochemical analysis revealed stable impedance profiles that, when thresholded, enabled Boolean logic operations (AND, OR, XOR, and NOT). Galvanostatic measurements showed spontaneous electrical oscillations with burst dynamics, heavy-tailed distributions, and non-Poissonian statistics, which are signatures of complex adaptive systems. Olivine substrates stabilized the electrical behavior while preserving computational functionality. These findings suggest that proteinoid-olivine hybrids can perform unconventional computing tasks while simultaneously exhibiting biomimetic self-assembly and primitive reproductive behaviors. This work illuminates mineral-organic interactions relevant to both terrestrial and extraterrestrial prebiotic chemistry and provides a foundation for bioinspired computing systems that merge organic self-organization with mineral-based information processing.

PMID:41891198 | DOI:10.1021/acs.langmuir.6c00952

Prog Transplant. 2026 Mar 27:15269248261430365. doi: 10.1177/15269248261430365. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

IntroductionGender disparity remains a global issue in access to renal replacement therapy and kidney transplantation among patients with end-stage kidney disease.AimThis study examined trends in donor type, recipient age, and dialysis modality in kidney transplantation in Türkiye from 2013 to 2022. A secondary aim was to explore gender disparities in kidney transplantation and treatment modalities for end-stage kidney disease using registry data.MethodsThis descriptive and cross-sectional study analyzed the distribution and trends of kidney transplants in Türkiye between 2013 and 2022. The data were obtained from the publicly accessible Registry of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation reports in Türkiye. Per million population increase/decrease rate, χ² linear trend, and χ² R by C were used.ResultsOver time, transplants from living donors increased, while deceased donor transplants decreased. The highest rates of living donor transplants were in 2022, 2021, and 2019. Transplants in high-risk age groups increased significantly. There were differences in donor type among patients receiving hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or preemptive transplantation (p < .001). Preemptive transplants showed the most significant increase, especially from living donors in 2022. Between 2013 and 2022, kidney transplantation increased by 24.67% in men and 19.94% in women. Female transplant rates were lowest in 2016, 2020, and 2021, indicating a persistent gender gap. There was no significant gender difference in the incidence of hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.ConclusionLiving donor transplants, especially preemptive ones, increased markedly over the past decade. Gender disparities persist, and efforts should focus on improving access for women and promoting deceased donor programs to ensure equity.

PMID:41891195 | DOI:10.1177/15269248261430365

J Holist Nurs. 2026 Mar 27:8980101261430888. doi: 10.1177/08980101261430888. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aims to examine the use and attitudes of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery from a holistic nursing perspective. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 156 patients undergoing cardiac surgery in a research hospital. Data were collected using a questionnaire and the “Attitudes Toward Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Scale.” Analysis involved descriptive statistics and bivariate correlation. Results: Findings indicate that 16.7% of participants considered conventional medical treatment inadequate. Reasons for CAM use included strengthening the immune system (10.3%) and seeking physical/psychological relaxation (15.4%). Crucially, 71.8% of CAM users failed to disclose this information to healthcare personnel. The mean attitude score was 31.38 ± 4.40, revealing significant positive correlations between CAM use, education level, and the perception of benefit. Conclusion: Consistent inquiry into patients’ use of supportive methods is essential for effective postoperative management. This planning must prioritize the integrity of the patient’s body, mind, and spirit, ensuring that care is fully aligned with a holistic nursing approach.

PMID:41891180 | DOI:10.1177/08980101261430888

Autism Res. 2026 Mar 27:e70238. doi: 10.1002/aur.70238. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Healthy lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity, screen time, sleep, and diet quality, are important determinants of mental health, yet little is known about how these behaviors cluster among children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This study identified lifestyle profiles in children with autism and ADHD and examined associations with internalizing, externalizing, and irritability symptoms. Parents of children with a diagnosis of autism and ADHD (n = 523, 7-12 years, 67% male) reported on lifestyle behaviors and mental health outcomes. Latent profile analysis supported a four-profile solution that balanced statistical fit, parsimony, and theoretical interpretability. Profile 1 (19%) was characterized by very high levels of physical activity, moderate sedentary screen time, relatively high sleep, and above average diet quality. Profile 2 (50%) represented a balanced lifestyle, with moderate activity and sedentary screen time, adequate sleep, and the highest diet quality. Profile 3 (20%) showed low activity, elevated sedentary screen time, adequate sleep, and poor diet quality, while Profile 4 (11%) was defined by extremely high sedentary screen time, low activity, adequate sleep, and poor diet. Children in less healthy profiles characterized by high screen time and poor diet quality reported significantly higher internalizing symptoms compared to the highly active group. However, externalizing symptoms were highest in the highly active profile, and irritability was lowest in the balanced profile relative to both high activity and high screen time groups. Findings suggest that while very high physical activity may protect against internalizing symptoms, a balanced lifestyle combining moderate activity, limited screen use, adequate sleep, and good diet quality may best mental health in children with autism and ADHD.

PMID:41891157 | DOI:10.1002/aur.70238

J Biophotonics. 2026 Mar;19(3):e70262. doi: 10.1002/jbio.70262.

ABSTRACT

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for skin lesions requires optimized photosensitizer accumulation. Since protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) synthesis is linked to mitochondrial activity, photobiomodulation (PBM) may modulate this process. This exploratory study examined the effects of PBM at 780 or 808 nm on MAL-induced PpIX in normal human skin. Eleven volunteers received paired-arm treatments (5, 10, or 15 J/cm²). Following 30 min of MAL, PBM was applied, with total incubation lasting 210 min. PpIX was assessed via spectroscopy and widefield imaging. Although mean PBM/no-PBM ratios were nominally above 1, no statistically significant differences were found among fluences or against unity, primarily due to high interindividual variability (CV up to 35%). These findings suggest that while PBM shows a trend toward modulating photosensitizer accumulation, the response is highly heterogeneous. This study provides a rationale for further investigation into personalized PBM-assisted PDT protocols to manage biological variability and refine clinical outcomes.

PMID:41891138 | DOI:10.1002/jbio.70262

J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2026 Mar 27:10538127261435672. doi: 10.1177/10538127261435672. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common spinal deformity during growth, and Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE) are widely used interventions, while the effectiveness of PSSE-based combined interventions remains unclear.ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the comparative effectiveness of PSSE-based combined interventions versus PSSE alone in adolescents with AIS.MethodsRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) on PSSE-based combined interventions for AIS, published between June 30, 2015, and June 30, 2025, were searched in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase. Data on author, intervention, treatment duration, and outcomes (Cobb angle, ATR, SRS-22) were extracted. Analyses were conducted with CMA 3.0.ResultsNine RCTs involving 348 participants were included. Both PSSE-based combined interventions and PSSE alone were associated with significant improvements in Cobb angle, ATR, and SRS-22 scores (all P < 0.001). Compared with PSSE alone, combined interventions demonstrated statistically significant additional improvements in Cobb angle (MD = -0.74, 95% CI: -1.46 to -0.02; I² = 0%), ATR (MD = -0.68, 95% CI: -1.20 to -0.15; I² = 0%), and SRS-22 scores (MD = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.28; I² = 0%). These between-group differences were modest in magnitude.ConclusionPSSE-based combined interventions were associated with greater, yet modest, additional improvements compared with PSSE alone in adolescents with AIS. These findings suggest incremental benefits beyond an already effective conservative strategy.

PMID:41891125 | DOI:10.1177/10538127261435672

Ann Neurosci. 2026 Mar 23:09727531261429764. doi: 10.1177/09727531261429764. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The fear of missing out (FoMO) is characterised by constant worry about missing out on rewarding experiences. However, the worry arising from FoMO affects both self-regulation and executive functioning.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between FoMO and executive functioning, keeping self-regulation as the mediating variable.

METHODS: A cross-sectional correlational design was used. The sample size was 455 university students with an age range of 18-24 years. The Fear of Missing Out Scale, Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire and Executive Skills Questionnaire were used. Regression analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v26, and mediation analysis results were obtained through PROCESS Macro (Model 4).

RESULTS: Regression results pointed out that FoMO explained 18% of variance in executive functioning (β = -0.43, p < .001) and 16% of variance in self-regulation (β = -0.39, p < .001). Higher FoMO was related to poorer self-regulation and executive functions. Mediation analysis revealed that self-regulation partially mediated the FoMO-executive functioning relationship, with significant indirect effects (B = -0.66, SE = 0.07, 95% CI [-0.83, -0.52]) and direct effects (B = -0.83, SE = 0.13, 95% CI [-1.10, -0.56]).

CONCLUSION: FoMO negatively affects both self-regulation and executive functions, with self-regulation acting as a significant mediator through both direct and indirect pathways. These findings suggest the need for building self-regulatory skills to protect oneself from FoMO’s negative effects.

PMID:41891119 | PMC:PMC13013036 | DOI:10.1177/09727531261429764

Biomater Res. 2026 Mar 25;30:0301. doi: 10.34133/bmr.0301. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Early detection and nonintrusive assessment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain an unmet clinical challenge. Spectral computed tomography (CT) presents a potential modality for gastrointestinal (GI) imaging; however, clinical CT contrast agents are unable to achieve targeted detection of IBD in spectral CT imaging. In this study, we developed neodymium-hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (Nd-HA NPs) as novel contrast agents for spectral CT imaging of IBD. Nd-HA NPs were synthesized by conjugating HA units with lanthanide complex neodymium-diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (Nd-DTPA). The physical properties, biotoxicity, and CT imaging ability of Nd-HA NPs were systematically evaluated in vitro. Subsequently, the applicability of Nd-HA NPs for GI tract imaging was assessed in both healthy and colitis mouse models. Nd-HA NPs exhibited excellent stability, biocompatibility, and potent x-ray attenuation property in vitro as novel spectral CT contrast agents. Attributed to HA’s high affinity for cluster of differentiation 44 receptor, which is abundantly expressed at inflammatory sites, Nd-HA NPs successfully achieved targeted spectral CT imaging of IBD, and showed greater accumulation in the lesions of colitis mice compared with the clinical contrast agent iohexol. More importantly, after oral administration of Nd-HA NPs, the CT values of GI tract in healthy mice, 2.5% DSS-induced mice (moderate colitis), and 5% DSS-induced mice (severe colitis) were 90.19, 140.99, and 264.07 HU, respectively, with statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). These results indicated that Nd-HA NPs had the potential to realize severity assessment of IBD in spectral CT imaging, which was further confirmed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry analysis and histopathological evaluation. The study suggested that Nd-HA NPs could serve as effective spectral CT contrast agents, enabling noninvasive early detection and severity assessment of IBD.

PMID:41891115 | PMC:PMC13014110 | DOI:10.34133/bmr.0301

Subst Abuse Rehabil. 2026 Feb 5;17:570414. doi: 10.2147/SAR.S570414. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: China’s drug landscape is rapidly evolving, yet existing research remains fragmented, lacking a comprehensive national perspective. This study analyzes current drug use patterns, trends, and regional differences in China, providing critical insights to guide effective anti-drug policies.

METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive multilevel analysis of secondary data of drug use data from the China Drug Situation Report (2005-2023) and 34 academic articles (1990-2021). Our analysis includes descriptive statistics, time series, regional differences, and population-specific trends.

RESULTS: This study identifies a declining trend in traditional drug use, while the use of new synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS) is increasing. Strong negative correlations were found between law enforcement intensity and overall drug use (r: -0.89 to -0.92). Significant regional disparity in NPS use was identified, with prevalence substantially higher in southern China than in the north (p = 0.019). Traditional drugs are more prevalent in the northwest and central regions, while new drugs and NPS are more commonly found in the eastern coastal and central urban areas. The use of NPS is notably higher among adolescents in economically developed regions.

CONCLUSION: The analysis delineates a clear shift in China’s drug landscape from traditional drugs to NPS, with concentrations in southern, coastal, and adolescent demographics. These patterns suggest that effective policy responses should be regionally tailored and prioritize youth prevention in economically advanced areas. Future research is needed to verify these associations and explore underlying causal mechanisms.

PMID:41891108 | PMC:PMC13016123 | DOI:10.2147/SAR.S570414