Healthcare Products Research Articles

Prescribing practices for Proton pump inhibitors among primary care physicians in England.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) the most frequently prescribed drug class globally, are often overused. To assess PPI prescribing practice in England. Electronic medical record (EMR) evaluation from 62 primary care GP practices. Adult patients on continuous PPI treatment (repeat prescription or≥4 acute prescriptions 6 months before data extraction) were included (August 2021-June 2022) to compare PPI prescribing practices vs National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (GORD and dyspepsia management) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (clopidogrel-PPI interaction) guidelines. We identified 77,356 patients on continuous PPI treatment. The most common (68%) diagnosis recorded in patients' EMRs and indicated for PPI use was gastroprotection, although 62% had no recorded indication. Of these 62% patients, 40% had no medication review in the preceding year. Among those with diagnoses indicated for≤3 months of PPI therapy (34%), 99% received their first PPI prescription≥3 months previously. Of patients with diagnoses indicated for long-term treatment (4%), 41% had no medication review in the preceding year. Furthermore, 18% of patients using omeprazole or esomeprazole were also prescribed clopidogrel, and 19% of those prescribed treatments associated with gastrointestinal risk (N=14,826) were not prescribed PPIs. This study shows that PPI prescribing in England is not in alignment with existing clinical guidelines and highlights the need for appropriate measures to increase awareness of overuse and support deprescribing where appropriate.

MSK ultrasound imaging–assisted clinical examination

Musculoskeletal disorders are a significant global health concern, affecting over 1.71 billion individuals worldwide, with a considerable impact on quality of life and economic burden due to healthcare costs and productivity losses. In the United Kingdom, approximately one-third of the population suffers from musculoskeletal disorders, underscoring the need for effective diagnostic and management strategies. Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging emerges as a preferred diagnostic modality, offering a balance between technical capabilities and cost-effectiveness, owing to its non-invasive nature, portability and lack of radiation exposure. However, the operator-dependent nature of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging necessitates specialised training for medical and healthcare professionals. The integration of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging into traditional clinical examinations, known as ultrasound imaging–assisted clinical examination (UIACE), enhances traditional diagnostic processes by providing immediate visual feedback, facilitating a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of musculoskeletal conditions. This approach not only refines diagnosis in cases with ambiguous symptoms or overlapping signs but also significantly improves patient reassurance and management strategies. In addition, incorporating musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging into medical education through ultrasound imaging–assisted clinical examination offers students a dynamic, interactive learning experience, fostering a deeper understanding of clinical anatomy and examination skills. By advocating for its systematic inclusion in the undergraduate medical curriculum, the study highlights the potential to enhance the competence and confidence of future professionals in utilising ultrasound imaging, ultimately improving patient outcomes in musculoskeletal care.

Okanin Inhibits Cell Growth and Induces Apoptosis and Pyroptosis in Oral Cancer.

Okanin, a flavonoid compound derived from Bidens pilosa L., has garnered attention for its anti-inflammatory properties. Although Bidens pilosa is commonly used in healthcare products and functional foods, the anticancer potential of okanin, particularly in oral cancer, remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the effects of okanin on oral cancer cell lines and its potential as a therapeutic agent. The study involved assessing the cytotoxic effects of okanin on oral cancer cell lines SAS, SCC25, HSC3, and OEC-M1. The IC50 values were determined using methylene blue assays, and the clonogenic capacity was evaluated through colony formation assays. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Caspase-3/7 activity assays and annexin V/7-AAD staining confirmed the induction of apoptosis and pyroptosis. In vivo efficacy was assessed using a SAS xenograft model, and immunohistochemical analysis of xenograft tissue was performed to examine pyroptosis-related markers. Okanin exhibited potent cytotoxic effects with IC50 values of 12.0 ± 0.8, 58.9 ± 18.7, 18.1 ± 5.3, and 43.2 ± 6.2 μM in SAS, SCC25, HSC3, and OEC-M1 cells, respectively. It caused dose- and time-dependent reductions in cell viability and significantly impaired clonogenic capacity. Flow cytometry revealed G2/M cell cycle arrest and increased sub-G1 population, indicating cell cycle disruption and death. Okanin induced both apoptosis and pyroptosis, as confirmed by caspase-3/7 activity and annexin V/7-AAD staining. In vivo, okanin reduced tumor growth and involved pyroptosis-related markers such as CASP1, GSDMC, GSDMD, and GSDME. Okanin demonstrates significant anticancer potential, particularly in oral cancer, by inducing both apoptosis and pyroptosis. Its efficacy in reducing tumor growth in vivo further supports its potential as a novel therapeutic option. Further mechanistic studies are needed to elucidate the pathways involved in okanin-mediated cell death and to explore its clinical applications.

The total tannins of Geum japonicum Thunb. var. chinense extracted by green and natural deep eutectic solvent: Extraction optimization, component identification and hypoglycemic activity

Geum japonicum Thunb. var. chinense (G. japonicum) is a cultivated medicinal plant and used as folk medicine, among which tannins are the main active ingredients. In this work, L-proline-lactic acid (Pro:La) as natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) was tailored for the total tannins extraction from G. japonicum with the optimal conditions as follows: water content of 29 %, solid-liquid ratio of 27:1 (mg/mL), extraction time of 48 min, and extraction temperature of 48°C. In high fat diet-induced obese mice, the total tannin extract of G. japonicum can significantly reduce the body weight and serum lipid levels, improve glucose tolerance impairment and insulin resistance, reduce islet hypertrophy and protect the liver. Targeted fractionation of the total tannin extract of G. japonicum led to the isolation of sixteen tannins. Notably, the isolated tannins, except for ellagic acid and 3,3′-di-O-methylellagic acid, possessed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activities (IC50: 1.401–4.801 μg/mL) and dose-dependently inhibited glucose consumption of Caco-2 model system in vitro. These results indicate that the NADES (Pro:La) can effectively extract total tannins from G. japonicum and provide a reference for further applications in medicine and healthcare products.

Evaluating the Impact of Celebrity Endorsement on Consumer Buying Behavior in the Nutraceutical Healthcare Products Market: An Empirical Study

With so many items and commercials bombarding customers in today's highly competitive market, the need of successful promotional methods has increased. Celebrity endorsement is one of the most well-liked and effective marketing strategies that businesses employ to draw attention, establish their legitimacy as a brand, and influence customer buying decisions. This pattern is also evident in the market for healthcare goods that contain nutraceuticals, which has grown significantly in recent years. The purpose of this study is to assess how customer purchasing behaviour in this particular business is impacted by celebrity endorsements (Patel, K. et al. 2023).

Complementary and Alternative Medicine use among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic: a point to ponder.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. Pregnant women are vulnerable to adverse effects of medicines, especially during the first trimester. Though it is advised to avoid unnecessary intake of medicine during pregnancy, CAM use is widespread. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on 120 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of a tertiary-care teaching hospital in Udaipur district of Southern Rajasthan, India. Women of age 18 years and above were surveyed between July 2022 to December 2023 by convenient sampling strategy and data were entered in a pretested and pre-validated questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test was applied to compare CAM use among different demographic categories and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Out of 120 participants, 58 (48.33 %) were using CAM therapy. Out of 58 users, 44 (75.86 %) were using herbal & traditional medicines. Twenty (34.48 %) were using CAM for a healthy baby, 18 (31.03 %) for easy delivery and 17 (29.31 %) for boosting immunity. Forty (68.96 %) participants started CAM on the advice of a relative/friend. Fifty six (46.67 %) participants believe that CAM therapy cannot cause adverse effects on the in utero child, while 32 (26.67 %) believe that CAM and modern medicines don't interact. CAM use among pregnant women is substantial. There is a need to raise awareness among the healthcare professionals and pregnant women regarding possible adverse effects and drug-drug interactions with CAM use.

A Review on a Drug Registration Process in United Kingdom

This review outlines the regulatory modifications in several pharmaceutical industries that have been impacted by Brexit and develops new standards-based recommendations from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). To get insight into the regulatory changes that occurred in the pharmaceutical industry during the dissolution of Europe and Britain, retrospective and contemporaneous reviews were used. As the transition period concluded, the MHRA issued a library of new guidelines on January 1, 2021. The several pharmaceutical industries covered by this guidance include clinical trials, medical equipment, imports and exports of Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for approving medicinal products in the UK. The agency offers various routes for marketing authorisation, including national, international, and decentralised procedures. The national routes include a 150-day assessment, rolling review, European Commission (EC) Decision Reliance Procedure, decentralised and mutual recognition reliance procedure, and unfettered access procedure for marketing authorisations approved in Northern Ireland. International routes include Project Orbis and Access Consortium. Applicants must submit their applications through the MHRA submissions portal in electronic Common Technical Document (eCTD) format. The agency verifies the technical validity of submissions using the Lorenz Docubridge validation tool. The MHRA offers fast-track marketing authorisation for products with strong public health benefits or those addressing supply shortages. Applications that do not meet guidelines will be rejected, and applicants must resubmit after correcting errors. Understanding MHRA guidelines and requirements facilitates market entry for medicinal products in the UK. Conclusion: Any medicinal agent to be marked in the United Kingdom has to follow the guidelines and regulations given by the MHRA a regulatory authority which approve drug products. The objective of the review article is to highlights information regarding the requirements. Different types routes in registration of medicinal products in a market in the United Kingdom knowing the requirements of the MHRA guidelines, it is too easy for a product to get into the UK market.

Index of application status transparency and availability of public information for Project Orbis agencies

The purpose of this paper is to provide a guideline for understanding and comparing the regulatory framework of Project Orbis Partners (POPs) and Project Orbis observers, with a focus on their approaches to drug approvals, rejections, and withdrawals. While each agency has its own regulatory framework and guidance, there are some similarities and differences between the language used to describe drug approvals, rejections, withdrawals, and the public availability of these decisions. Project Orbis is an international partnership of regulatory agency, led by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), aimed at streamlining the submission and review processes to expedite the global availability of oncology medications for patients. Since its inception, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), Canada’s Health Canada (HC), Israel’s Ministry of Health (IMoH) Medical Technologies, Health Information, Innovation and Research (MTIIR) Directorate, Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA), Switzerland’s Swissmedic (SMC), and United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have joined and become POPs. Other international agencies such as, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) are currently observing Project Orbis, as of late 2023. They are not full Project Orbis partners but work closely with the FDA to facilitate oncology drug approval through international collaboration. Running Title: An Index of the FDA and international regulators involved in Project Orbis looking at the similarities and differences between approval, rejection, and withdrawal characteristics of applications and public transparency of actions.

Analisis Penambahan Lini Produksi pada PT XYZ pada Proses Pembuatan Alat Steam Sterilizer Menggunakan Metode Incremental Cost Analysis

PT XYZ manufactures medical equipment, including the Steam Sterilizer Autoclave MD 25L. With the increasing demand for healthcare products, particularly the Autoclave MD 25L, production capacity reached its maximum by 2024, causing excessive strain on the workforce. Consequently, alternatives are needed to enhance production capacity without overburdening employees. The decision analysis for expanding the production line was conducted using the incremental cost analysis method, resulting in three alternatives: the existing design, adding one grinding machine and employees, and adding one bending machine and employees. The feasibility analysis confirmed that all three alternatives are viable. Alternative 3 has the highest investment cost, followed by alternative 2, while alternative 1 has the lowest. Initial iterations focused on alternatives 3 and 2, showing a ΔROR of 89.06% with a MARR of 18.36%. Since ΔROR > MARR, alternative 3 was chosen. In the second iteration, comparing alternative 3 with alternative 1 yielded a ΔROR of 77.51%, confirming that alternative 3 remains the best option.

Intrathecal drug delivery for the management of pain and spasticity in adults: British Pain Society’s recommendations for best clinical practice

The British Pain Society updated their recommendations on intrathecal drug delivery (ITDD) for the management of pain and spasticity in adults. The recommendations are primarily evidence based but where necessary comprise the consensus opinion of the working group. The recommendations are accompanied by information for patients and their carers, intended to inform and support patients in their decision making. The updated guidance includes recent evidence base of ITDD use in pain and spasticity, address the issues of drug pump compatibility following the latest manufacturer and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recommendations as well as provide an update on the indications and complication management particularly endocrine complications and intrathecal granuloma formation.

Synthesis of Accessible Triphenylamine End‐Capped Oligothiophene Emitters for Solution Processed and Printed OLEDs

AbstractDisplays have become ubiquitous in our modern and highly interconnected lives. Complex vacuum processed multi‐stacks are widely integrated into high tech, high value products such as smart phones, while solution processed large area single‐layer OLEDs appear more adequate for basic applications focusing on recyclability such as packaging, road signage, advertising, and single‐use health care products. In this context, we report herein the design, synthesis, and characterization of an accessible series of oligothiophenes end‐capped triphenylamines that were preprepared by atom‐economical direct (hetero)arylation reactions and successfully used as emitter in solution processed devices, from lab scale to large area printed and flexible demonstrator.

Role of Wearable Health Devices in Public Health: Developing Flexible Electronics for Seamless and Continuous Health Monitoring

The strategy for personalized medicine is the incorporation of regular health check-ups and wearable health devices into public health campaigns. These innovations have the potential to reduce the burden on healthcare systems by enabling early detection, improved management of chronic conditions, and provision of real-time personal health data to individuals. To achieve this, problems related to the accuracy of devices used, security of data stored in these devices, compliance with usage requirements by consumers, and relations with the current healthcare system must be addressed. A solution to these barriers has been proposed as a Non-Invasive Flexible Sensors for Health Monitoring (N-IFS-HM) approach which involves making sensors that are lightweight, attractive looking, and provide accurate continuous health information without disturbing the users during their daily activities. Through detailed simulation studies conducted in different healthcare settings, this paper examine the dependability and effectiveness of N-IFS-HM implementation. Consequently, based on simulation results done on delicate sensors such as these, vital signs, activities and minimal discomforting healthcare products can be traced accurately. According to this finding, wearable digital technology with sophisticated flexible electronics can revolutionize how public health is assessed.

Health Infrastructures in India with Special Reference to MSME Sector - An Assessment

The healthcare enterprise consists of each the general public and business sectors and consists of scientific tourism, hospitals, fitness insurance, scientific equipment, and outsourcing. The creation of healthcare products, inclusive of scientific equipment, instruments, and services, in addition to for biotechnology and diagnostic laboratories via way of means of Indian Startups affords an answer within side the shape of healthcare services and products and quickens technological innovation to face up to international competition. The National Health Policy, which changed into posted in 2017 to construct the fitness care infrastructure, and the Pradhan Mantra Ayushman Bharat understand the significance of pharmaceutical agencies for enhancing healthcare. The pinnacle 20 markets for scientific gadgets are closely encouraged with the aid of using the scientific tool sector. MSME makes up 6.11% of the GDP from manufacturing, 24.63% of the GDP from services, and 45% of the whole exports. According to the Medical Tourism Index (MIT) for 2020–21, scientific era in India is predicted to attain US $50 billion with the aid of using 2025 and is now positioned 10th. Out of forty six international locations, India`s healthcare marketplace is predicted to attain US$372 billion with the aid of using 2022.usedsecondary data in this paper for discussed Health infrastructures and evaluate role of Health facilities and problems in Health sector in India by secondary source.

Decreasing Productivity in the Primary Healthcare: A Study of the Brazilian Case

ABSTRACT: In 2015, the United Nations (UN) proposed the 2030 Agenda, a resolution that outlines the global goals for sustainable development. This report focuses on promoting health and well-being, emphasizing the importance of primary healthcare (PHC). However, Brazil faces challenges in managing its healthcare system, exacerbated by fiscal policy changes that have reduced public sector expenditures after 2015. This study was motivated by these recent changes in Brazil’s fiscal policy. We evaluated potential fluctuations in total factor productivity (TFP) in 5,524 Brazilian municipalities’ primary healthcare from 2015 to 2019. TFP, a measure of efficiency and production technology in PHC, was computed using the bootstrapping Malmquist productivity index (MPI) derived from the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) algorithm. This study focused on the economic recession and austerity measures initiated in 2015. Moreover, it’s essential to highlight that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Brazil in 2020 brought significant changes to the country’s economic, social, and health dynamics. Therefore, this research intentionally concentrated on the pre-pandemic period. Our results revealed that TFP in the PHC sector in Brazil decreased between 2015 and 2019. It was possible to note that three out of every four Brazilian municipalities experienced either stagnation or a decline in the TFP of primary healthcare, with more pronounced challenges in the Midwest and Northeast regions. Looking at the TFP elements, we could see a continuous drop in technical efficiency everywhere in the country, markedly in the Midwest and Northeast. Conversely, there was a considerable uptick in Brazil’s technological component. These results implied that there might have been advancements in PHC’s technological infrastructure, preventing even less favorable outcomes in the TFP indicator. We concluded that the productivity of primary healthcare in Brazil declined when the 2015 fiscal ceiling was implemented. This decrease in performance was evident in the sluggish growth rate of primary healthcare inputs, a diminution in vaccination coverage indicators, and an increase in hospitalizations for preventable causes. Given that health is a crucial component of social well-being, it is vital to highlight the need for comprehensive efforts to guarantee the effective operation and advancement of primary healthcare services, even during economic downturns.

Comparison of Dracocephalum Moldavica Essential Oil with Chlorhexidine on Cariogenic Bacteria.

Dental caries and periodontal disease are the most common oral problems. Chemical antibacterial agents often have side effects; thus, researchers have long been in search for organic and herbal products to prevent dental caries and periodontal disease. The present study has aimed to assess the effects of Dracocephalum moldavica essential oil on Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sobrinus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus compared to Chlorhexidine (CHX). In this in vitro study, the plants were collected from Zanjan Province, Iran. Analysis of the essential oil was carried out by gas chromatography/mass chromatography. Micro-broth dilution and disc diffusion methods were used for assessment of the antimicrobial activity, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were evaluated. The mean diameter of the growth inhibition zones in the well plate method for Dracocephalum moldavica showed that it had greater antimicrobial activity against Lactobacillus acidophilusthan others (p Value= 0.01). Furthermore, Dracocephalum moldavica had higher antimicrobial activity than CHX. The results of MIC and MBC showed that Dracocephalum moldavica had lower antibacterial activity than CHX. Dracocephalum moldavica essential oil demonstrated antibacterial properties against cariogenic bacteria. Given that other favorable properties of these essential oils are confirmed, they may be suitable for use as antibacterial agents in the formulation of oral healthcare products.

Optimization of the Preparation Process and Ameliorative Efficacy in Osteoporotic Rats of Peptide-Calcium Chelates from Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) Meat.

This study aimed to establish the preparation process of peptide-calcium chelates (TMP-Ca) using skipjack tuna meat and investigate the function and mechanism of TMP-Ca in an osteoporosis model of rats. The results indicated that trypsin is more suitable for preparing the Ca-chelating hydrolysates of tuna meat, and the optimal hydrolysis conditions were derived as follows: digestion time 4 h, material-liquid ratio 1:10, and enzyme dose 3%. The conditions for chelating Ca with tuna meat hydrolysate were optimized to be chelation time 50 min, temperature 50 °C, pH 8.0, and a peptide-Ca ratio 1:10. The prepared hydrolysate was subjected to ultrafiltration, and the fraction (TMP) (MW <1 kDa) showed the highest Ca chelation rate (51.27 ± 1.42%) and was made into the peptide-Ca chelates (TMP-Ca). In osteoporotic rats, TMP-Ca significantly improved the decrease in ovarian indexes caused by retinoic acid. It also elevated serum Ca, phosphorus, and bone turnover indexes, increased the number of bone trabeculae, and improved bone microstructure. In addition, we confirmed that TMP-Ca could regulate the OPG/TRAF6 pathway to reduce osteoclast differentiation, inhibit bone resorption, and promote bone formation. Therefore, TMP-Ca could significantly ameliorate osteoporosis, and this study provides a functional component for the preparation of healthcare products using skipjack tuna meat to treat osteoporosis.

Pseudoephedrine-Induced Risks of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome and Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome

Abstract Background Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug used as a nasal/sinus decongestant in common cold remedies. Objective The purpose of this review article is to discuss the pseudoephedrine-associated posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), which have been reported to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of United Kingdom and Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) and Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of European Medicines Agency (EMA). Methods The aim is to review the literature pertinent to PRES and RCVS linked to the use of pseudoephedrine; the literature was searched in databases such as Medline/PubMed/PMC, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Ebsco, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and reference lists. Results The review by MHRA of the United Kingdom and PRAC and CHMP of EMA, all available evidence, including postmarketing safety data, and a few case reports, have confirmed the rare risk of PRES and RCVS associated with the use of pseudoephedrine. Conclusion Health care professionals should be aware of pseudoephedrine-associated PRES and RCVS. Patients with severe or uncontrolled hypertension or those with severe acute or chronic renal disease should avoid using products containing pseudoephedrine.

The Multifaceted Impact of Tobacco Use in Afghanistan: A Narrative Review

Objectives: Tobacco use in Afghanistan presents a significant public health concern despite the country's commitment to the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This review explores the multifaceted impact of tobacco use, encompassing health, socio-cultural, economic, and regulatory aspects. Methods: A comprehensive review of studies on tobacco use in Afghanistan was conducted using databases like PubMed and Google Scholar, including articles published between 2010 and 2024 in English, Dari, and Pashto. Studies were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and reviewed using a narrative synthesis approach. Results: The prevalence of tobacco use in Afghanistan ranges from 17.2% to 17.7% in adults, with higher rates among men (35.1%-44.2%) than women (3.4%-5.2%). Smokeless tobacco (Naswar) is also commonly used. Education, socioeconomic factors, and exposure to tobacco marketing were identified as key determinants. The economic burden of tobacco use, including healthcare costs and productivity losses, is significant but underreported. Regulatory challenges such as weak enforcement of tobacco control policies and low taxation on tobacco products further hinder progress. Conclusion: Addressing tobacco use in Afghanistan requires a culturally tailored approach, strengthening regulatory frameworks, expanding cessation services, and engaging communities. This will help mitigate the health and economic burdens of tobacco use.

The health and economic burden of breathlessness, Australia, 2019: a national survey.

To examine the impact of breathlessness on quality of life, health care use, productivity loss, and economic costs in Australia. National internet-based survey of Australian adults drawn from a web-based survey panel (National Breathlessness Survey). Australian adults (18 years or older), nationally representative by age group, gender, state of residence, and postcode-based socio-economic status (Index ofRelative Socioeconomic Disadvantage quintile), 13-30 October2019. Quality of life assessed with the EQ-5D 5-level version (EQ-5D-5L) and visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS), health care use, productivity loss, and societal cost, each by severity of breathlessness (modified Medical Research Council [mMRC] dyspnoea scale; mMRC grade 1: mild breathlessness; mMRC grades 2-4: clinically important breathlessness). Of 10 072 adults who completed the survey, mild breathlessness was reported by 3044 respondents (30.2%), and clinically important breathlessness by 961 (9.5%). The mean EQ-VAS score was 74.8 points (95% confidence interval [CI], 74.3-75.3 points) and the mean EQ-5D-5L score 0.846 (95% CI, 0.841-0.850) for respondents with mMRC grade 0 breathlessness; for each measure, the mean value declined with increasing severity of breathlessness (trends: each P < 0.001). Respondents with clinically important breathlessness were more likely than those with mild breathlessness to report non-urgent general practitioner visits, urgent general practitioner visits, and specialist visits (exception: mMRC scores of 4) during the preceding year. Among the 2839 respondents of working age, the likelihood of being employed declined with increasing breathlessness severity (mMRC grades 4 v 1: adjusted odds ratio, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.22-0.53). Adjusted mean annual societal cost per person was $1413 (95% CI, $1326-1501) for respondents with mMRC grade 1 breathlessness, $2065 (95% CI, $1766-2365) at mMRC grade 2, $1795 (95% CI, $1371-2218) at mMRC grade 3, and $2075 (95% CI, $1389-2762) at mMRC grade 4. Breathlessness imposes major burdens on individuals, the health care system, and the economy.

STUDY ON PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SACHI SEED OIL BASED EMULSION CONTAINING COLLAGEN PEPTIDES

In this study, collagen peptides were carried by a Sacha inchi (sachi) seed oil-based emulsion with Tween 80 under optimal conditions: 26.26% sachi seed oil, 26.06% Tween 80, and 47.68% distilled water. Collagen peptides, varying from 5 - 30% of the total emulsion mass, were dispersed in the aqueous phase before being introduced into the emulsion. Using the sachi seed oil-based emulsion to carry collagen peptides helps prevent the hydrolysis of collagen peptides by acids and enzymes in the digestive system. The characteristics of the emulsion were evaluated using dynamic light scattering, infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The emulsions loaded with collagen peptides have average droplet sizes ranging from 83.57 - 286.93 nm. Emulsions carrying 5 - 10% collagen peptides exhibit a high stability for up to 30 days. These results demonstrate the potential application of sachi seed oil emulsions carrying collagen peptides in functional foods and healthcare products.