Personal Care Research Articles

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: An Update.

In this review, we discuss recent developments in our understanding of frontal fibrosing alopecia, a disease that has become increasingly common and widespread since its first description in 1994. An inherited predisposition to frontal fibrosing alopecia, previously suspected from the occurrence of familial cases, has been confirmed through genetic studies. Nevertheless, the epidemiology continues to implicate environmental factors in the aetiology. The search has focussed mainly on personal skin care products such as facial moisturisers and UV filters, and there is also some evidence implicating exogenous oestrogens, but confirmation of direct causal links has so far proved elusive. The pathologic mechanisms underlying follicular deletion are being clarified, including the nature of the inflammatory component, the loss of follicular immune privilege in the bulge region and the role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the scarring process. Lichen planus pigmentosus, a common accompaniment to frontal fibrosing alopecia in those with darker skin, is probably a feature of the same pathology affecting interfollicular epidermis, rather than a co-morbidity, and may offer new clues to the aetiology. Treatment is still based largely on retrospective case series and variable endpoints. However, methods for assessing frontal fibrosing alopecia and monitoring treatment responses have been strengthened and randomised controlled trials with novel agents (e.g. Janus kinase inhibitors) are in progress. As the main aim of effective treatment is to prevent disease progression, early diagnosis will remain an important target, as will prevention in the longer term.

Service Utilization and Consumer-Reported Unmet Needs in Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services for Older Adults

ABSTRACT Home- and community-based services (HCBS) are increasingly favored over nursing home care by older consumers and by policymakers. Consumer-reported unmet service needs in HCBS are important service quality and person-centeredness indicators. Yet, we know little about consumer-reported unmet needs among HCBS users. Therefore, we evaluated consumer-reported unmet needs (i.e. that the services they receive currently were not meeting their needs and goals) for 9,693 Medicaid HCBS beneficiaries (age ≥65 years) in the National Core Indicators-Aging and Disability survey (2016–2019). Personal care (59.7%) and homemaker (24.4%) services were the most utilized HCBS. Prevalence of unmet needs was highest in transportation (12.2%) and homemaker (11.7%) services. Consumers with poorer self-rated health, dementia, or mental illness; ndividuals living alone; and people of color were more likely to report unmet needs in HCBS such as personal care, caregiver support, adult day, or transportation. Proxy survey respondents were more likely to report unmet needs in caregiver support and personal care services and less likely to report unmet needs in transportation services. Consumer-reported unmet needs might indicate barriers to accessing HCBS. Our findings indicate differences in predictors of unmet needs by service categories, which should inform future targeted policymaking by state agencies and service providers to improve HCBS.

Evaluating the performance of personality-based profiling in predicting physical activity

BackgroundProfiling or clustering individuals based on personality and other characteristics is a common statistical approach used in marketing, medicine, and social sciences. This approach improves data simplicity, supports the implementation of a data-driven decision-making process, and guides intervention strategies, such as personalized care. However, the clustering process involves loss of information owing to the discretization of continuous variables. Although any loss of information may be practically or pragmatically acceptable, the amount of information lost and its influence on predicting external outcomes have not yet been systematically investigated.MethodsWe assessed the accuracy of predicting physical activity using the clustering approach and compared it with the dimensional approach, where variables are used as continuous regressors. This analysis is based on survey data from a sample of 20,573 individuals regarding physical activity and psychological traits, including the Big-Five personality traits.ResultsA four-cluster solution, supported by the standard criterion for determining the number of clusters, achieved no more than 60–70% prediction accuracy of the dimensional approach employing the raw dimensional scale as explanatory variables.ConclusionThe cluster solution suggested by conventional statistical criteria may not be optimal when clusters are used to predict external outcomes.

Optimizing outcomes from cardiac resynchronization therapy: what do recent data and insights say?

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is an effective treatment for heart failure (HF) in approximately two-thirds of recipients, with a third remaining CRT 'non-responders.' There is an increasing body of evidence exploring the reasons behind non-response, as well as ways to preempt or counteract it. This review will examine the most recent evidence regarding optimizing outcomes from CRT, as well as explore whether traditional CRT indeed remains the best first-line therapy for electrical resynchronization in HF. We will start by discussing methods of preempting non-response, such as refining patient selection and procedural technique, before reviewing how response can be optimized post-implantation. For the purpose of this review, evidence was gathered from electronic literature searches (via PubMed and GoogleScholar), with a particular focus on primary evidence published in the last 5 years. Ever-expanding research in the field of device therapy has armed physicians with more tools than ever to treat dyssynchronous HF. Newer developments, such as artificial intelligence (AI) guided device programming and conduction system pacing (CSP) are particularly exciting, and we will discuss how they could eventually lead to truly personalized care, maximizing outcomes from CRT.

Occupational groups and risk of suicidal behavior in men: a Swedish national cohort study during 2002–2019

IntroductionThe risk of suicide has been shown to vary by occupation. We aim to identify contemporary occupational groups at greatest risk for suicidal behaviour (fatal and non-fatal), in Swedish men of working-age.MethodsA population-based cohort study of male conscripts without history of self-harm who enlisted during 1968–2001 and were followed-up during 2002–2019 (n = 1 542 665). Occupational groups and suicidal behaviours were identified using national registers. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) for suicidal behaviour at ages 25–65 were calculated among occupational groups, and compared to the incidence rate of the whole cohort.ResultsMajor occupational groups with increased risk for suicidal behavior included elementary occupations, building and manufacturing, service, care and shop sale and mechanical manufacturing and transport. Subgroup analyses revealed particularly high risks for assistant nurses, other service workers not elsewhere classified, building frame and related trades workers and cleaners and helpers.ConclusionsMen with elementary occupations as well as personal care and building and manufacturing workers were at greatest risk. This study provides a comprehensive description of risks for suicidal behaviour among occupational groups in men of working-age. These results suggest occupational groups that should be targeted for general suicide prevention intervention.

Predictors of quality of life among caregivers of patients with moderate to severe kidney disease: an Australian cross-sectional study

BackgroundLittle is known about the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) along the disease continuum. We investigated factors associated with low QoL among caregivers of patients with CKD including those on dialysis. We also examined the relationship between kidney disease severity and the QoL of caregivers.MethodsWe recruited caregivers of patients with CKD (stage 3 to 5) attending renal outpatient clinics as well as dialysis units of a tertiary hospital and patients from January 2018 to November 2023. Quality of life was assessed using a valid and reliable tool, the Adult Carer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with low QoL among caregivers.ResultsA total of 278 dyads of caregivers and patients were studied with a mean age of 56.6 ± 15.2 and 63.7 ± 15.3 years respectively. The proportion of caregivers reporting low to mid-range QoL scores ranged from 37 to 73.3% across the eight domains, with 48% having low to mid-range overall QoL scores. The severity of CKD had no impact on overall QoL of caregivers in the personal growth and carer satisfaction domains where caregivers of patients on dialysis reported worse scores compared to caregivers of predialysis patients. Female gender of caregivers and patients, longer caregiving time, diagnosis of diabetes and lower socioeconomic status of patients were all associated with lower scores in one or more domains.ConclusionThis study identified several factors associated with low QoL among caregivers of patients with CKD. An understanding of these factors provides insight into the development of targeted interventions to improve the QoL of caregivers.

Greater baseline cortical atrophy in the dorsal attention network predicts faster clinical decline in Posterior Cortical Atrophy

BackgroundPosterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) is a clinical syndrome characterized by progressive visuospatial and visuoperceptual impairment. As the neurodegenerative disease progresses, patients lose independent functioning due to the worsening of initial symptoms and development of symptoms in other cognitive domains. The timeline of clinical progression is variable across patients, and the field currently lacks robust methods for prognostication. Here, evaluated the utility of MRI-based cortical atrophy as a predictor of longitudinal clinical decline in a sample of PCA patients.MethodsPCA patients were recruited through the Massachusetts General Hospital Frontotemporal Disorders Unit PCA Program. All patients had cortical thickness estimates from baseline MRI scans, which were used to predict longitudinal change in clinical impairment assessed by the CDR Sum-of-Boxes (CDR-SB) score. Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate the magnitude of cortical atrophy in PCA patients relative to a group of amyloid-negative cognitively unimpaired participants. Linear mixed-effects models were used to test hypotheses about the utility of baseline cortical atrophy for predicting longitudinal clinical decline.ResultsData acquired from 34 PCA patients (mean age = 65.41 ± 7.90, 71% females) and 24 controls (mean age = 67.34 ± 4.93, 50% females) were analyzed. 62% of the PCA patients were classified as having mild cognitive impairment (CDR 0.5) at baseline, with the rest having mild dementia (CDR 1). Each patient had at least one clinical follow-up, with the mean duration of 2.78 ± 1.62 years. Relative to controls, PCA patients showed prominent baseline atrophy in the posterior cortical regions, with the largest effect size observed in the visual network of the cerebral cortex. Cortical atrophy localized to the dorsal attention network, which supports higher-order visuospatial function, selectively predicted the rate of subsequent clinical decline.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate the utility of a snapshot measure of cortical atrophy of the dorsal attention network for predicting the rate of subsequent clinical decline in PCA. If replicated, this topographically-specific MRI-based biomarker could be useful as a clinical prognostication tool that facilitates personalized care planning.

Reimagining autism research in the U.S.: A synergistic approach between social work, public health, and data analytics

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that requires multifaceted research and interventions. This paper explores the synergistic potential of integrating social work, public health, and data analytics to address challenges in autism research and care in the United States. Social work emphasizes equitable access and community-based interventions, public health provides frameworks for addressing disparities and early detection, and data analytics introduces transformative tools for personalized care and longitudinal tracking. Despite progress in each domain, significant gaps remain, including disparities in diagnosis and fragmented systems of support. This paper proposes a synergistic framework for interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasizing cross-sector partnerships, centralized data sharing, community engagement, and scalable interventions. Policy and practice recommendations focus on enhancing access to services, building technological infrastructure, and promoting autism-friendly policies. By leveraging the strengths of these fields, this approach aims to improve outcomes for individuals with autism, fostering a more inclusive and effective system of care. Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Social Work, Public Health, Data Analytics, Early Intervention.

Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, Climate, and Air Pollution on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Scoping Review.

Environmental pollutants, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), air pollution, and climate change, are increasingly recognized for their potential impact on pregnancy outcomes. EDCs, found in pesticides, industrial chemicals, and personal care products, are associated with preterm birth and fetal growth restriction, primarily through hormonal interference. Air pollution, notably PM2.5, NO2, and O3, has been linked to increased rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. Climate factors, such as extreme heat, elevate risks of pregnancy loss and preterm birth, with significant impacts on vulnerable populations across diverse socioeconomic and geographic regions. These exposures contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes through mechanisms involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption. The interplay among these environmental factors underscores the need for integrated, longitudinal studies to understand their combined effects on pregnancy outcomes better. Future research should focus on region-specific impacts, cumulative exposure, and policy-driven interventions to mitigate these environmental risks, especially in vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by these hazards. This scoping review synthesizes recent findings from 2019 to 2024 to highlight these associations and identify research gaps.

Assessment Of Challenges Faced by Caregivers of Older Adults Living with Visual Impairment in Enugu East Local Government Area

The effect of visual impairment can be profound on older adults as well as their caregivers, affecting their independence, quality of life and ability to navigate daily activities. The study is designed to find out challenges faced by caregivers of older adults living with visual impairments in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique which comprised purposive sampling technique, simple random sampling technique by balloting and availability sampling where used at various stages to select 24 participants which comprised of 4 male and 4 female who were caregivers to visual impairment older adults chosen from eye clinics within the three selected district that made Enugu East. Data was generated using an in-dept interview guide and analysied thematically using quotes from the research participants. The study revealed emotional stress and burden, insufficient time for personal care and activities, financial drain, depression and anxiety as the major challenges of the caregivers to visually impaired older adults, whereas factors such as poor medical facilities, financial constraints, and poor welfare packages where identified to be responsible for the challenges. Further findings revealed social workers could play crucial role by providing emotional support, resource coordination, advocacy, counseling to crisis intervention to assist caregivers cope with these challenges.

Recent advances in research from plastic materials to microplastics

Plastics have become ubiquitous in our lives. Due to the ever-increasing population, rapid urbanization, and industrial advancement, the use of plastics has increased manifold. These plastic materials often disintegrate into microplastics (MPs) which are less than 5mm in size. MPs mostly enter aquatic habitats through improper waste management, illegal dumping, and unavoidable and unintentional discharges that take place during construction, manufacturing, farming, domestic consumption, and recreational activities. This review centers on exploring the origin, occurrence, and possible adverse effects of MPs on human well-being. Of the 485 literature reviewed for the study between 2014- 2023, 105 were found to be related to the MPs which were spread over 10 themes. The maximum number of papers were on sources of MPs, followed by MPs in freshwater ecosystems and waste management. The least number of literature was from the themes, transport of MPs and MPs in the soil environment. The literature was published mostly in China, India, Europe, and the Americas. Other countries like Australia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East contribute very little. The literature scan reveals that only 9% of all the generated plastic waste material is recycled, 12% is burned, and 79% of plastic litter is dumped in landfills and oceans. The dumped plastic settles and pollutes a variety of environmental matrices. MPs are intentionally manufactured to be added to personal care products that are washed down the drains through sewage or industrial wastewater. These MPs vary in density and colour, subject to the polymer type, and are present in varying sizes and concentrations in aquatic environments. The characterization of MPs originating from different types of polymer materials, in the reviewed literature, was performed based on the data obtained from Scanning Electron Microscopy Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). MPs have the potential to absorb harmful hydrophobic pollutants from the surroundings resulting in an indirect transfer of contaminants into the food web. Such MPs enter and affect humans, causing problems with the reproductive system, body weight, sex ratio, and live births. MPs pose a serious threat to organisms when ingested since they can obstruct the digestive tract, leading to oxidative and pathological stress, slowing down growth, and interfering with reproduction. Apart from the above, a comprehensive analysis of MP pollution, as well as its effect on human beings and the environment, has been discussed in terms of source identification and abundance. Also, has been discussed is a detailed review of the existing waste material recycled into new materials or reused without alteration or degradation to produce new energy sources. In the end, integrated strategies have been proposed to prevent the input of plastic waste material into the environment, by source control, improved plastic waste management, and techniques for degradation and conversion of MPs.

Frailty and fear of death among geriatric patients in critical care units: A mixed methods study.

Frailty, a geriatric syndrome characterized by decreased resilience, is a known risk factor for mortality in critical care settings and can significantly impact a patient's perception of their own health and prognosis. To explore the relationship between frailty and fear of death in geriatric patients admitted to critical care units. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was applied. Data were collected from 247 geriatric patients in critical care units from March 2023 to February 2024. Quantitative data included clinical frailty score and death anxiety questionnaire. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with a subset of 34 participants. Quantitative analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple linear regression. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke's approach. Quantitative analysis revealed a positive significant correlation between frailty and death anxiety (r = 0.19, p = 0.003). Additionally, regression analysis identified age (B = 0.69, 95% CI [0.22, 1.15], p = 0.004), lack of social support (B = 2.88, 95% CI [0.28, 5.47], p = 0.030), lower income (B = -5.33, 95% CI [-9.03, -1.63], p = 0.005) and higher frailty scores (B = 0.83, 95% CI [0.10, 1.56], p = 0.025) as significant predictors of increased death anxiety. Qualitative findings yielded four key themes: the impact of frailty on perception of mortality, the psychological and emotional dimensions of fear of death, the role of the critical care unit environment on fear of death and coping mechanisms and support. Frailty in geriatric critically ill patients heightened death anxiety due to physical decline, existential worries and the overwhelming critical care environment. This study can help nurses provide more personalized care to geriatric patients by addressing both their physical frailty and psychological needs related to fear of death. This, in turn, can improve the quality of care and enhance patient satisfaction.

Wearable Technology in the Management of Chronic Diseases: A Growing Concern

ABSTRACTWearable technology in the management of chronic diseases has emerged as a significant and growing concern in healthcare. These technologies, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other sensor‐based devices, offer continuous monitoring and real‐time data collection for individuals with chronic conditions. The data collected can include vital signs, activity levels, sleep patterns, and more, providing valuable insights into a patient's health. This trend is particularly relevant in the context of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and respiratory disorders, where continuous monitoring is crucial for effective management. Wearable devices empower patients to actively participate in their healthcare by facilitating self‐monitoring and promoting healthy behaviors. Healthcare providers can also leverage the data generated by these devices to make informed decisions, personalize treatment plans, and intervene proactively. However, challenges exist, such as data security and privacy concerns, the accuracy of the collected information, and the need for effective integration into existing healthcare systems. Despite these challenges, the increasing adoption of wearable technology in chronic disease management reflects a promising avenue for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs through preventive and personalized care.

No One Dies Alone: Developing A Comfort Care Home for Unhoused, Isolated, and Vulnerable Individuals.

This report highlights the development of Grace House Akron, Inc. (GHA) a comfort care home focused on caring for terminally ill individuals who are unhoused, isolated, without caregivers, economically disadvantaged and face end of life alone. GHA is a free-standing home that provides safe housing, a nurturing environment, and round-the-clock personal care while local hospice agencies provide medical management. Successful strategies and lessons learned from creation of the GHA organization in 2016 to the opening in 2022 and operating of the home for 24 months, are discussed. These strategies include: (1) Build strong executive leadership in partnership with a broadly skilled and connected board; (2) Develop a comprehensive and flexible business plan; (3) Identify state licensure regulations and physical facility requirements; (4) Engage foundations, donors, and the local community early and often; (5) Utilize volunteers as an essential part of the team; and (6) Listen to and learn from each resident while identifying their unique needs. We also share four lessons learned from our journey. By sharing these strategies and lessons, we hope to inform others interested in filling gaps in hospice services to vulnerable individuals in their own communities.

New Technologies, Older Workers in Banking and Nursing

ABSTRACTThe article examines how technological change and organisational restructuring interacts with population ageing and policies that extend working life, and how older workers understand these trends. Using organisational and contextual approaches and qualitative research on nurses and bankers in Czechia, we investigate older workers' experiences with digitalisation. The age disadvantage older workers experience in digitalising workplaces is produced by three processes: responsibilisation, production of insecurity and ontological precarisation. The responsibilisation of employees for their own digital training is disadvantageous for older workers both in banking and nursing. Digitalisation and restructuring make older bankers feel insecure. To decrease their insecurity, nurses construct a boundary between technology and personal care. The sectoral labour market context is important, as exemplified by a shortage of nurses decreasing insecurity. The precarisation of older workers is further shaped by how the organisational context in which digitalisation occurs intersects with individuals' household situation and welfare state provisions.

A Model of Death Preparedness in Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Grounded Theory Study.

Death preparedness in patients with advanced cancer is an important prerequisite for improving the quality of death. However, there are insufficient studies on death preparedness in patients with advanced cancer, and the level of death preparedness needs to be further improved. To develop a model of death preparedness in patients with advanced cancer. A qualitative approach with grounded theory was used. Data were collected between February 2024 and July 2024 in the oncology wards of the two general hospitals in Wuhan. We recruited 12 patients, 11 family members, 16 nurses and 4 doctors for semistructured interviews. Data analysis included open coding, axial coding and selective coding. The study is reported using the COREQ checklist. Death preparedness in patients with advanced cancer is a spiralling process whose core components include death awareness, emotional response, hospice programme and reflexive care, and multiple personal, interpersonal and social factors influence it. A model of death preparedness in advanced cancer patients was constructed through rooted theory, revealing its formation and change process. This model deepens the understanding of death preparedness and helps healthcare providers identify patients' preparedness status in advance to provide more targeted support and care. This personalised care enhances patients' quality of life and reduces the psychological burden on them and their families, achieving more comprehensive and humanised end-of-life care. To better understand patients' death preparedness, healthcare providers should focus on patients' cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social needs in the process of death preparation from a multifactorial perspective, and provide targeted support and assistance. No Patient or Public Contributions were included in this paper.

Awareness and Knowledge of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Among Pregnant Women and New Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Background/Objectives: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances that interfere with hormone regulation, leading to adverse health outcomes. Despite the wide use of EDCs in daily products like plastics, personal care items, and food packaging, public awareness remains low. Pregnant women and new mothers are particularly vulnerable, as exposure to EDCs during early life stages can have long-term health impacts. This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study aimed to assess the awareness of EDCs among pregnant women and new mothers at a maternity hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital between January and August 2022. A questionnaire based on the Mutualités Libres/AIM 2020 survey was used to assess awareness of EDCs among pregnant and postpartum women. The original survey was adapted culturally and linguistically for the Turkish population through translation and expert review. The questionnaire included sections on sociodemographics, habits, knowledge, information sources, healthcare, readiness for change, expectations, and attitudes. Results: The results showed that 59.2% of participants were unfamiliar with EDCs, and many lacked awareness of the associated health risks, including cancers, infertility, and developmental disorders in children. A significant portion of respondents had never heard of bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates, while awareness of parabens was relatively higher. Conclusions: The study concluded that increasing awareness of EDCs is essential for fostering informed avoidance behaviors, especially in vulnerable populations like pregnant women and new mothers. Public health campaigns and healthcare provider involvement are crucial for enhancing awareness and reducing the health risks associated with EDCs.

Using Legitimation Code Theory to Underpin the Development of Undergraduate Nursing Students' Breastfeeding Knowledge: A Qualitative Study.

To explore how undergraduate nursing students develop knowledge during a breastfeeding module. A qualitative study using a single case-study approach. This study was conducted in Australia over 2 years during the period between July 2021 and December 2022. Semi-structured interviews and artefact collection were conducted with a purposive sample of undergraduate nurses (n = 10) who completed a paediatric elective subject that included a breastfeeding module. Thematic and content analysis were used. The specialisation dimension in Legitimation Code Theory (LCT) was used for the content analysis, and students' data was mapped on the specialisation plane. This study reveals how participants developed knowledge by linking personal breastfeeding experiences to theoretical components within the nursing program. Using the LCT dimension of specialisation, this study provides new insights into how participants move through distinct quadrants of the specialisation plane. Learners tour between the knowledge, knower, and elite quadrants of the plane as they integrate their knowledge. The research maps the journey towards becoming the 'right kind of knower' and reveals how personal experience and theoretical knowledge intersect to create disciplinary expertise. This study advances the LCT dimension of specialisation by illustrating the fluid, non-linear nature of knowledge acquisition and knower development. This study highlights the value of integrating personal experiences into nursing education, demonstrating how students use these to build knowledge and professional identity. The findings emphasise the dynamic knowledge development process in preparing future healthcare professionals. Integrating lived experiences and interprofessional education equips nurses to address complex health issues, leading to more effective, personalised care and better health outcomes for breastfeeding mothers and infants. This approach signals a transformative shift in nursing education. By personalising and contextualising learning, fostering reflective practice, deepening disciplinary knowledge, and promoting a collaborative practice environment, this approach enriches nursing education. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). No patient or public contribution.

Automated Cardiovascular Disease Detection with Hybrid Machine Approach

Cardiovascular ailment (CVD) is a main reason of death and disability globally, posing tremendous challenges for early detection and prevention. A heart condition or the accumulation of fatty deposits inside the arteries, is frequently linked to CVD and raises the risk of blood clots and other consequences. Predicting and diagnosing CVD is critical to mitigating its effect and enhancing patient results. With the appearance of massive data in healthcare, large volumes of patient records are available that may assist in identifying early warning symptoms of coronary heart disorder. This project aims to generate a hybrid machine learning technique which leverages deep learning and traditional machine learning algorithms to automatically locate cardiovascular illnesses. By integrating more than one dataset, we intend to upgrade the model's overall performance in diagnosing coronary heart situations. Numerous machine learning classification models, consisting of Random Forest and Gradient Boosting, might be employed and in comparison, to evaluate their effectiveness in detecting CVD. Each model can be evaluated using overall performance indicators like precision, accuracy, recall, and F1-Score. In previous research, the Random Forest model did 94% accuracy in coronary heart disorder detection, at the same time as the Gradient Boosting model established a balanced overall performance through accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score with 73% each in detecting cardiovascular diseases via this hybrid technique. We aim to enhance prediction accuracy and offer a greater reliable tool for early CVD detection, in the long run enhancing affected person care and saving lives.

Multi-compartment impact of micropollutants and particularly antibiotics on bacterial communities using environmental DNA at river basin-level.

Bacterial communities respond to environmental conditions with diverse structural and functional changes depending on their compartment (water, biofilm or sediment), type of environmental stress, and type of pollution to which they are exposed. In this study, we combined amplicon sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes from water, biofilm, and sediment samples collected in the anthropogenically impacted River Aconcagua basin (Central Chile, South America), in order to evaluate whether micropollutants alter bacterial community structure and functioning based on the type and degree of chemical pollution. Furthermore, we evaluated the potential of bacterial communities from differently polluted sites to degrade contaminants. Our results show a lower diversity at sites impacted by agriculture and urban areas, featuring high loads of micropollution with pesticides, pharmaceuticals and personal care products as well as industrial chemicals. Nutrients, antibiotic stress, and micropollutant loads explain most of the variability in the sediment and biofilm bacterial community, showing a significant increase of bacterial groups known for their capabilities to degrade various organic pollutants, such as Nitrospira and also selecting for taxa known for antibiotic resistance such as Exiguobacterium and Planomicrobium. Moreover, potential ecological functions linked to the biodegradation of toxic chemicals at the basin level revealed significant reductions in ecosystem-related services in sites affected by agriculture and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharges across all investigated environmental compartments. Finally, we suggest transitioning from simple concentration-based assessments of environmental pollution to more meaningful toxic pressure values, measured environmental concentrations normalised by effect information, in order to comprehensively evaluate the role of micropollutants at the ecological (biodiversity) level.