Personal Care Research Articles

Deep learning on chest X-ray and computed tomography scans for detection of COVID-19 as a part of a network-centric digital health stack for future pandemics

Developing a reliable rapid screening protocol for highly infectious diseases like COVID-19 is of paramount interest since it facilitates the isolation of infected patients from the rest of the population. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test is presently the most widely accepted gold-standard test to detect COVID-19. In this method, the RNA of the virus is duplicated by a process called reverse transcription to form DNA for facilitating the copying process. Fluorescent dye is attached to the viral genetic material and copied billions of times through the process called polymerase chain reaction. Enhanced fluorescence is used to identify the presence of genetic material of the virus. These tests are time-consuming and have significant false negatives, i.e., a person with COVID-19 might be categorized as not having the virus. Large-scale RT-PCR testing has its own share of problems such as logistics, availability and affordability in underdeveloped nations, and reliability of the test results. Machine learning algorithms can act as a cheaper supplementary/alternative diagnostic tool for the testing process. In the current study, using publicly available chest X-ray image datasets, different convolutional neural network (CNN)-based models were developed for efficient identification of COVID-19 infected patients, and their efficacies were compared. Key innovations in training the CNNs are discussed. Our results indicate that EfficientNet, SeResNext, and ResNet are best at classifying normal, pneumonia and COVID-19 cases, respectively. The ResNet architecture with transfer learning performed best at detecting COVID-19 with an accuracy of 94%, a rate far superior to that in the RT-PCR test, which is typically in the range of 70 – 80%. This is particularly attractive as an additional noninvasive protocol since such technology-augmented detection is likely to help in reducing the psychological refractory period due to COVID-19 infections. Toward the healthy lung initiative in the post-COVID-19 era, we propose close coupling of the present diagnostic protocols with digital approaches to ensure more reliable personal care within the ambit of large-scale pandemic control mechanisms. Such integration with emerging technological tools can create a benchmark for the first line of defense against future global pandemics.

Minimally invasive caries treatment

The development of minimally invasive caries treatment has dramatically changed dentistry. Instead of traditional, often invasive methods that resulted in significant loss of healthy dental tissue, this approach focuses on preserving the vitality of the pulp and minimizing tissue loss by delaying and scaling back restorative treatments. This involves the use of modern methods, with selective caries removal with or without indirect (pulp) capping being the norm for treating extensive lesions. The philosophy of minimal intervention goes beyond treatment choices to include a holistic approach from diagnosis to follow-up care, emphasizing personalized care based on risk profiles. This paradigm shift has greatly improved the standard of care, but continued attention to the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment is necessary to ensure optimal oral health.

Self-Reported Late Effects in Childhood Cancer Survivors in Kenya

Background: The number of children surviving cancer in low and middle-income countries is expected to grow in the coming years. Knowledge about late effects and follow-up preferences in Kenya is lacking.Objectives: This study assessed self-reported late effects in Kenyan childhood cancer survivors and explored their preferences for survivorship care.Methods: Childhood cancer survivors, having successfully completed treatment for at least one year, were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires during clinic or home visits between 2021-2022. Medical records were reviewed for patient and treatment characteristics.Results: Twenty-six survivors of hematological malignancies (n=19, 73%), solid tumors (n=6, 23%), unknown tumor type (n=1, 4%), were interviewed. Most survivors (n=19, 73%) solely received chemotherapy and one survivor (4%) was irradiated. Median time since treatment completion was seven years. Fifteen survivors (58%) were previously lost to follow-up. Many survivors (n=19; 73%) self-reported late effects, predominantly pain and fatigue. Survivors (n=11, 42%) were limited in daily life activities: physical work (n=10, 38%), personal care (n=6, 23%), social activities (n=6, 23%). Eight survivors (31%) recalled being informed about late effects. Some survivors experienced a negative attitude toward cancer in regional hospitals. Follow-up duration was longer among informed patients (p=0.043). Survivors recommended education and survivor meetings and preferred their follow-up to be done at the referral center.Conclusions: Kenyan childhood cancer survivors self-report late effects, comparable in frequency, nature and severity to other survivors worldwide. Survivors and healthcare providers require education about the lifelong impact of childhood cancer and should have access to survivorship expertise to continue follow-up. Keywords: Pediatrics; survivorship; neoplasms; aftercare.

The Nursing Theory of Complex Adaptive Systems: A New Paradigm for Nursing.

This article explores the theoretical and practical implications of the meaning of thinking, living, and acting within the framework of nursing in Complex Adaptive Systems. The Nursing Theory of Complex Adaptive Systems is grounded in the principles of Complex Adaptive Systems (CASs). It seeks to offer a new paradigm for nursing practice that addresses healthcare's dynamic and evolving nature. The Nursing Theory of Complex Adaptive Systems represents a new nursing paradigm capable of addressing the challenges of a constantly evolving healthcare environment. This theory promotes personalized care plans adaptable to patients' changing needs by emphasizing a holistic and interactive approach to care. It also underscores the importance of interprofessional collaboration and effective communication in improving the quality of care. The Nursing Theory of Complex Adaptive Systems has significant implications for nursing practice, education, and research. It provides a robust framework for developing adaptive and resilient nursing practices that can respond to the complexities of modern healthcare. By integrating the principles of CASs into nursing, the Nursing Theory of Complex Adaptive Systems fosters a more flexible, interdependent, and holistic approach to patient care, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and improving healthcare systems. This theory has practical applications in various healthcare settings, offering a framework for personalized and adaptable care plans that respond to the dynamic needs of patients while improving overall system efficiency. Future research should focus on the empirical validation of the Nursing Theory of Complex Adaptive Systems and its practical implementation in various healthcare settings.

Toxic Personal Care: Selling Gendered Marketing and Chemical Toxicity Through Personal Care Products

ABSTRACT This mixed-methods study examines the marketing of, and toxic ingredients found in, common personal care products (PCPs) such as shampoos or deodorants that are sold in the United States. Through qualitative analyses of the messaging presented by PCP packaging and quantitative analyses of the prevalence of toxic ingredients by product and target consumer, we reveal what we term “toxic personal care”: the usage of products sold to consumers as minimally necessary, and perhaps even beneficial, to their personal well-being through gendered messaging, yet introduce consumers to chemical toxicity. Supporting research on postfeminist sensibilities, we find that products marketed to women are no more likely to contain toxic ingredients than those marketed to men, nor do lower-priced products contain more toxic ingredients. Instead, product descriptions perpetuate a “cult(ure) of confidence” that not only encourages the usage of PCPs equally across women and men through drawing from traditional gendered stereotypes, but also masks the similarities in ingredients and toxins. These findings have implications for understanding consumption, well-being practices, gendered marketing, and constructions of confidence in the United States, including monetary and possible health costs to consumers.

Present and Future Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Kidney Transplantation.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has a wide and increasing range of applications across various sectors. In medicine, AI has already made an impact in numerous fields, rapidly transforming healthcare delivery through its growing applications in diagnosis, treatment and overall patient care. Equally, AI is swiftly and essentially transforming the landscape of kidney transplantation (KT), offering innovative solutions for longstanding problems that have eluded resolution through traditional approaches outside its spectrum. The purpose of this review is to explore the present and future applications of artificial intelligence in KT, with a focus on pre-transplant evaluation, surgical assistance, outcomes and post-transplant care. We discuss its great potential and the inevitable limitations that accompany these technologies. We conclude that by fostering collaboration between AI technologies and medical practitioners, we can pave the way for a future where advanced, personalised care becomes the standard in KT and beyond.

Factors Influencing the Perceived Employability among University Students

The global economic turmoil and the employability gap among university students have created a challenging job market for graduates. It is crucial to understand the factors that shape students' perceived employability and to implement effective measures to address this serious issue. A literature review was conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing perceived employability among university students, focusing on research findings published since 2021. The present study indicates that numerous factors, including individual, behavioural, and environmental variables, significantly influence perceived employability among university students. Besides, previous research has diverged on specific factors such as demographics, partial components of personality traits, career engagement, political skills, and labour market situation, which need to be further investigated in the future. Furthermore, this study underscores the crucial significance of perceived employability among university students in a challenging job market. It validates the relevance of Career Construction Theory in interpreting perceived employability among university students and improves researchers' understanding of how perceived employability has evolved before and after the pandemic. Most importantly, this study develops an integrated model of the factors influencing the perceived employability among university students, which can serve as a guide for future researchers to study university students' employment issues and navigate the career practices of stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education, universities, university students, employers, and career practitioners.

8054 Temporal Trends In Thyroidal Endocrine Disruptor Exposure Among United States Reproductive-Age And Pregnant Women Over 20 Years And Differences By Socioeconomic Status

Abstract Disclosure: C. Han: None. S. Lee: None. E.N. Pearce: None. Background: Widespread exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) poses a risk to public health and environmental safety. Women of reproductive age and pregnant women may be uniquely vulnerable to adverse thyroidal effects of EDCs. A better understanding of thyroidal EDCs exposure is needed to inform public health strategies. Objective: To examine temporal trends in EDC exposure and their effects on thyroid function among reproductive-age and pregnant women in the U.S. over the last two decades, with a focus on the impact of socioeconomic status. Methods: We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2020 in 25,320 reproductive-age women and 2,525 pregnant women to assess the levels of exposure to thyroid-disrupting chemicals, including dioxins, organochlorides, polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from serum samples, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons, perchlorates, and metabolites from personal care products, phthalates, and plasticizers from urine samples. We used Kruskal-Wallis tests to analyze changes in EDC exposures over the past 20 years and multivariate linear regression models to identify factors influencing these levels. Results: We found a significant decline in exposures to 20 types of dioxins, 7 organochlorides, 6 PFAS, 5 personal care product chemicals, 6 phthalate metabolites, perchlorate, and thiocyanate, but substantial increases in exposure to 2 polyaromatic hydrocarbons among reproductive-age women. Among pregnant women, trends were similar, with declines in exposures to dioxins, organochlorides, PFAS, and phthalate metabolites; whereas exposure to 3 Polyaromatic hydrocarbons, 1 personal care product chemical, nitrates, and thiocyanates increased. Linear regression indicated a significant positive association between socioeconomic status and the levels of dioxin and PFAS in both reproductive-age and pregnant women, and a negative association between socioeconomic status and perchlorate and polyaromatic hydrocarbons in the participants. Conclusion: The past two decades have witnessed a general decline in the levels of most thyroidal EDCs in U.S. reproductive-age and pregnant women; however, some, particularly polyaromatic hydrocarbons, exposures have increased, especially among women with lower socioeconomic status. This has the potential to worsen disparities in health outcomes. These findings highlight the necessity for targeted public health interventions to reduce the impact of EDCs on thyroid health and address socioeconomic health disparities. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Exposure to bisphenols, parabens, and benzophenones in colostrum breast milk of Panamanian women: A pilot study from the PA-MAMI cohort

BackgroundBreast milk is the optimal source of nutrition for infants but can also expose them to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), among other environmental contaminants. AimTo determine concentrations of non-persistent phenolic EDCs (three bisphenols, four parabens [PBs], and six benzophenones [BPs]), in colostrum samples from Panamanian mothers and to examine associated reproductive, sociodemographic, and life-style factors. MethodsDispersive liquid–liquid microextraction was used to measure concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol S (BPS), methyl- (MeP), ethyl- (EtP), propyl- (n-PrP), and butyl-paraben (n-BuP), and benzophenones BP-1, BP-2, BP-3, BP-6, BP-8, and 4-hydroxy-BP in colostrum milk samples from 36 mothers. An ad hoc questionnaire was used to collect data on potential influentially variables, and multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted. ResultsTwo or more tested EDCs were detected in 36 colostrum samples (100 %), at least four in 14 samples (38.9 %), and at least six in 4 samples (11.1 %). The most frequently detected compounds were BPA (91.7 %), BP-8 (63.9 %), MeP (47.2 %), and BPF (41.7 %). The median concentration was 3.45 ng/mL for BP-8 and 1.37 ng/mL for BPA. No concentrations of n-PrP, BP-1, BP-6, or 4-hydroxy-BP were detected. Associations were observed between phenolic EDC concentrations and maternal place of residence, consumption frequency of poultry, fish, fresh cheese, fruit, yogurt and chocolate, intake of nutritional supplements, and application of some personal care products. ConclusionsBisphenols, parabens, and benzophenones were widely present in colostrum milk samples from Panamanian women. Preventive measures are needed to maximize the benefits of breastfeeding.

The effect of structured psychoeducation for caregivers of ALS patients on perceived stress, psychological resilience and self-compassion.

Patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) become dependent on caregivers to meet their daily needs and perform personal care activities. For this reason, ALS is a disease that can challenge both the patient and the caregiver physically, mentally and socially. Supporting the caregiver indirectly affects the patient's quality of care and mental well-being. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of a structured psychoeducation program on coping with stress, psychological resilience and self-compassion in caregivers of ALS patients. This quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test control group was conducted with caregivers of 62 ALS patients in Türkiye. The study was conducted between July 2023 and February 2024. A psychoeducation program was applied to five different groups via zoom application for 6 weeks each. The survey form, Perceived Stress Scale, Brief Resilience Scale and Short Form of Self-Compassion Questionnaire were used as measurement tools. The chi-squared test and paired samples t-test were used to analyze the data. While there was no significant difference between the intervention group and the control group in the pre-test in terms of their mean scores on the coping with stress inventory, short psychological resilience scale and self-compassion scale, at the post-test, psychological resilience and self-compassion scores were significantly higher in the intervention group. This study revealed that psychoeducational programs that support caregivers are effective in increasing psychological resilience and self-compassion.

Carers of elderly persons with disabilities

Carers of elderly persons with disabilities

A preventive integrated eHealth approach for individuals with a low socioeconomic position: protocol for a realist evaluation

BackgroundAdoption of standalone eHealth tools is low among persons in lower socioeconomic groups. The preventive integrated eHealth approach combines blended care with an active and personal approach to facilitate access to local care, tailored to the needs of the participant. We describe the four step preventive integrated eHealth approach for individuals with a low socioeconomic position and the realist evaluation protocol of the intervention and implementation. The realist evaluation centers around the question, ‘what works for whom in what circumstances and why’.MethodsThe study population will consist of adult individuals with a low socioeconomic position, who participate in the preventive integrated eHealth approach in one of the participating locations in the Netherlands. The four-step intervention consists of: (1) a proactive invitation of participants by care professionals, (2) the use of an eHealth tool that produces a personalized health report, (3) a personal consultation with a care professional to discuss the personalized health report and set a goal to work on, and (4) active referral to local social and health care. An initial program theory theorized from literature and stakeholder involvement is presented. Qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis with participants (survey at zero, three and twelve months and focus groups at six months) and professionals (interviews at three months) will inform the realist evaluation and serves to test and refine the initial program theory.DiscussionOur mixed-methods realist evaluation on the effect and implementation of a personal and active blended care approach will elucidate what elements trigger the mechanisms and responses of how individuals with a low socioeconomic position experience the preventive integrated eHealth approach. This will inform the way a preventative health check incorporating eHealth can be used to its full potential for low socioeconomic positioned groups to help close the digital divide and contribute to reduce health disparities.

Applications of AI (Artificial Intelligence) In Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool in the fight against breast cancer. This research report explores the potential applications of AI in various stages of breast cancer management, including early detection, diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis prediction. AI algorithms can analyze mammograms and other imaging data to identify suspicious lesions with greater accuracy than traditional methods. Additionally, AI-powered tools can assist in the classification of breast tumors, helping to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. Furthermore, AI can be used to predict the likelihood of recurrence and metastasis, enabling personalized monitoring and follow-up care. This research report presents a comprehensive review of the current state of AI in breast cancer research and highlights the potential benefits and challenges associated with its implementation. By leveraging the power of AI, healthcare providers can improve breast cancer outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients.

Receipt of a Yearly Routine Checkup and Beliefs about the Importance of a Personal Primary Care Provider among Rural Patients

Receipt of a Yearly Routine Checkup and Beliefs about the Importance of a Personal Primary Care Provider among Rural Patients

Personal Agency and Career Development of Adolescent Learners

Personal Agency and Career Development of Adolescent Learners

Let’s get functional: Drug sensitivity profiling to enable precision sarcoma medicine

Drug sensitivity profiling in patient-derived tumor models offers new hope for improving outcomes in cancers lacking effective therapies. Al Shihabi etal.1 demonstrate that short-term cultures from bone and soft tissue sarcomas enable clinically meaningful screening of multiple drugs and combinations, marking a significant advance in personalized care for these high-risk diseases.

Efficacy of combined hyperbaric oxygen therapy and topical haemoglobin spray in treating hard-to-heal sloughy wounds.

This study examined the effectiveness of a combination of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and topical haemoglobin spray in treating hard-to-heal, sloughy diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Patients with hard-to-heal DFUs at least 25% sloughy or necrotic were included in the study. We compared the results of patients who received standard of care and HBOT with topical haemoglobin spray (oxygen group) to an equal number of patients who only received standard personalised wound care (control group). The initial values of haemoglobin A1C and C-reactive protein, wound culture results and SINBAD (site, ischaemia, neuropathy, bacterial infection, area, depth) scores were documented. Wounds were considered healed when completely closed within 16 weeks. The oxygen group (n=21) had a mean SINBAD score of 5.00±0.89, while the control group (n=21) had a mean score of 4.62±0.80 (p=0.155). After 16 weeks, 85.7% of wounds in the oxygen group showed complete recovery, compared with 52.4% in the control group (p=0.02). In this study, a greater number of wounds in the oxygen group healed. Combining HBOT with topical haemoglobin spray provides oxygenation to the wound for longer, primarily because patients can receive 90 minutes of HBOT daily. This ensures that patients benefit from both systemic and local oxygen. This combination therapy may effectively address the problem of hypoxia and promote healing in hard-to-heal wounds.

Counselling needs of secondary school students during the post-COVID-19 period

This study investigates the counselling needs of secondary school students as they face challenges in the post-pandemic era. It examines six domains of counselling needs: personal development, academic, family, emotional, peer relationships, and career development. A sample of 400 students from four secondary schools was selected using a cluster sampling technique. The study, which employed the quantitative research method, utilised the Secondary School Students' Counselling Needs Assessment Instrument to gather data from the respondents. The analysis revealed a significant gap between students' desired and current needs across all six counselling domains, with personal development emerging as the most required by the students, followed by academic, emotional, career development, peer relationships, and family needs. The study also investigated gender differences in counselling needs, showing that while both male and female students share similar patterns of counselling needs, female students have shown larger gap scores, which indicate gender-specific counselling needs that school counsellors must recognise and address in their intervention strategies. The research findings emphasise the need for school counsellors to develop tailored intervention programmes that specifically address the highlighted needs, providing students with necessary support as they navigate the evolving educational landscape of the post-pandemic era. The study highlights the vital role of responsive counselling services in promoting students' well-being and academic success, ensuring they are equipped to adapt to the new educational and social challenges they face.

Surface, micellization, and thermodynamic behavior of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in sodium polystyrene sulfonate with and without methyl red in water–ethanol mixed solvent media at varying temperatures: A tensiometric analysis

In this study, we aim to systematically investigate the surface, micellization, and thermodynamic properties of Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) in Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate (NaPSS) solutions with and without methyl red (MR) dye in water–ethanol mixed solvent media (0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 vol fraction of ethanol at 298.15 ± 0.2 K, 308.15 ± 0.2 K, and 318.15 ± 0.2 K. By employing surface tension measurements, we seek to uncover the effects of solvent composition, temperature, polyelectrolyte presence, and dye addition on the Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) and other key surface and thermodynamic parameters. The CMC, slope (dγdlnC), and γCMC values determined from γ versus ln [CTAB] for the CTAB + NaPSS + MR diminish in contrast to the CTAB + NaPSS in the chosen solvent and the temperature range studied. However, with a rising temperature and ethanol volume fraction, the CMC value rises while the obtained γCMC values fall. Various surface and thermodynamic parameters like γCMC,Amin,Γmax, ΠCMC, adsorption efficiency (PC20), packing parameter (P), aggregation number (Nagg), micellization Gibbs’ energy (ΔGm0), adsorption of Gibbs’ energy (ΔGads0), effective Gibbs’ energy (ΔGeff0), minimum Gibbs’ energy (ΔGmin), and many other parameters have been determined, comparatively discussed, and analyzed for CTAB + NaPSS and CTAB + NaPSS + MR systems. This research provides a deeper understanding of the fundamental behaviors of these complex systems, their stability, and their feasibility, with potential implications for their practical applications in fields such as drug delivery, wastewater treatment, and the formulation of personal care products.

Integrative transcriptomic analysis reveals a broad range of toxic effects of triclosan on coral Porites lutea

Triclosan (TCS) is an antimicrobial agent commonly used in personal care products. However, little is known about its toxicity to corals. Here, we examined the acute toxic effects (96 h) of TCS at different levels to the coral Porites lutea. Results showed that the bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) of TCS in Porites lutea decreased with increasing TCS exposure levels. Exposure to TCS at the level up to 100 μg/L did not induce bleaching of Porites lutea. However, by the end of the experiment, both the density and chlorophyll a content of the symbiotic zooxanthellae were 19–52 % and 19.9–45.6 % lower in the TCS treatment groups than in the control, respectively. For the coral host, its total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were all significantly lower in the TCS treatment groups than the control. Transcriptome analysis showed that 942 and 1077 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the coral host in the 0.5 and 100 μg/L TCS treatment groups, respectively. Meanwhile, TCS can interfere with pathways related to immune system and reproductive system in coral host. Overall, our results suggest that environmentally relevant concentrations of TCS can impact both the coral host and the symbiotic zooxanthellae.