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1 – 10 of 11Rana I. Mahmood, Harraa S. Mohammed-Salih, Ata’a Ghazi, Hikmat J. Abdulbaqi and Jameel R. Al-Obaidi
In the developing field of nano-materials synthesis, copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are deemed to be one of the most significant transition metal oxides because of their…
Abstract
Purpose
In the developing field of nano-materials synthesis, copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are deemed to be one of the most significant transition metal oxides because of their intriguing characteristics. Its synthesis employing green chemistry principles has become a key source for next-generation antibiotics attributed to its features such as environmental friendliness, ease of use and affordability. Because they are more environmentally benign, plants have been employed to create metallic NPs. These plant extracts serve as capping, stabilising or hydrolytic agents and enable a regulated synthesis as well.
Design/methodology/approach
Organic chemical solvents are harmful and entail intense conditions during nanoparticle synthesis. The copper oxide NPs (CuO-NPs) synthesised by employing the green chemistry principle showed potential antitumor properties. Green synthesised CuO-NPs are regarded to be a strong contender for applications in the pharmacological, biomedical and environmental fields.
Findings
The aim of this study is to evaluate the anticancer potential of CuO-NPs plant extracts to isolate and characterise the active anticancer principles as well as to yield more effective, affordable, and safer cancer therapies.
Originality/value
This review article highlights the copper oxide nanoparticle's biomedical applications such as anticancer, antimicrobial, dental and drug delivery properties, future research perspectives and direction are also discussed.
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Danladi Chiroma Husaini, Orish Ebere Orisakwe, David Ditaba Mphuthi, Sani Maaji Garba, Cecilia Nwadiuto Obasi and Innocent Ejiofor Nwachukwu
This review aims to provide synoptic documentation on acclaimed anecdotal plant-based remedies used by Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) communities to manage COVID-19. The…
Abstract
Purpose
This review aims to provide synoptic documentation on acclaimed anecdotal plant-based remedies used by Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) communities to manage COVID-19. The theoretical approaches that form the basis for using the anecdotally claimed phytotherapies were reviewed against current scientific evidence.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper plant-based remedies for managing COVID-19 were searched on social and print media to identify testimonies of people from different communities in LAC countries. Information was extracted, evaluated and reviewed against current scientific evidence based on a literature search from databases such as Journal Storage (JSTOR), Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), SpringerLink, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar and Medline to explore the scientific basis for anecdotal claims.
Findings
A total of 23 medicinal plants belonging to 15 families were identified as phytotherapies used in managing COVID-19 in LAC communities.
Originality/value
The plant-based remedies contained valuable phytochemicals scientifically reported for their anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant and anticancer effects. Anecdotal information helps researchers investigate disease patterns, management and new drug discoveries. The identified acclaimed plant-based remedies are potential candidates for pharmacological evaluations for possible drug discovery for future pandemics.
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Arianna Maever Loreche, Veincent Christian F. Pepito and Manuel M. Dayrit
This review aimed to identify and map published studies on self-care practices to manage common acute health conditions in the Philippines.
Abstract
Purpose
This review aimed to identify and map published studies on self-care practices to manage common acute health conditions in the Philippines.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a scoping review in PubMed, Scopus, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), ProQuest Central, Journal Storage (JSTOR) and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development – Health Research and Development Information Network (HERDIN). The authors included all studies on self-care practices to manage common acute conditions, namely low back pain, allergic rhinitis, general acute pain, cough, cold, diarrhea, constipation and stress, published up to 2021 in the Philippines. Information on the article type, aim of the study, study design and setting, population characteristics and size, and self-practices employed for the conditions were extracted and synthesized.
Findings
The authors identified various self-care practices for acute conditions among the general population and indigenous peoples in the Philippines from 26 studies included in the review: the use of medicines with and without a prescription, appropriate and inappropriate antibiotic use, use of medicinal plants and other traditional and alternative therapies and products, recreational activities and healthy habits and behaviors, and self-management or seeking care from traditional healers (albularyo or manggagamot) or health professionals. A number of considerations influenced their decision on how to manage symptoms, including perceived severity of the condition, availability and perceived effectiveness of treatment, cost, and advice from trusted sources of health information.
Research limitations/implications
The authors searched five major databases and a local research database, but some studies may still have been missed in the review. The review also excluded intervention studies on the outcomes of self-care, which limits the authors' ability to make conclusions on the effectiveness of the different modalities of self-care.
Social implications
Filipinos engage in a variety of “safe” (or evidence-informed) and “unsafe” (or harmful) self-care practices. While the term “self-care” is not routinely used by the general population and health providers, it is widely enculturated and practiced in the Philippines. Self-care benefits individuals and the health system, but there are also practices that increase risk of adverse outcomes and death including inappropriate antibiotic use, prescription sharing and reuse, and delays in seeking adequate treatment from a health professional. To leverage on self-care in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals, the authors recommend a national strategy that provides guidance on how to practice responsible self-care, further research on the effectiveness and safety of alternative medicine and other priority areas, and better integration of self-care in the formal education and health systems. The authors also propose that the research agenda on self-care include acute health conditions, given their impact and burden on health and the economy.
Originality/value
This is the first published review of self-care practices for managing common acute health conditions, which captured practices of various groups and populations including indigenous peoples.
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Grazia Calabro and Simone Vieri
The aim of this paper is to assess whether the current European target to increase the areas under organic farming to 25% by 2030 is attainable and whether the simple increase in…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to assess whether the current European target to increase the areas under organic farming to 25% by 2030 is attainable and whether the simple increase in areas under organic farming may be sufficient to improve the sustainability of European agriculture.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis has been carried out through a simple data processing related to areas under organic farming, for the period 2012–2020 (Eurostat database), in order to highlight the trends of areas under organic farming and to verify whether the annual average change rates may be compatible with the stated target.
Findings
The analysis showed that organic farming has a productive weight not corresponding to the amount on the total of the areas under cultivation and a small impact on the total of food consumption. It is a plausible hypothesis, the one that shows the increase in areas under organic farming will engage forms of agriculture and farms that, already, are more sustainable, so the achievement of 25% target will not particularly impact the European potential productive and the less environmental sustainable forms of agriculture.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the debate, involving scientific community, policy maker and civil society, about the real contribution of organic farming to sustainability, and it will be developed in future research.
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Priyajit Mondal, Dhritishree Ghosh, Madhupa Seth and Subhra Kanti Mukhopadhyay
The purpose of this article is to provide information about interactions between pink-pigmented facultative methylotroph (PPFM) organisms and plants, their molecular mechanisms of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to provide information about interactions between pink-pigmented facultative methylotroph (PPFM) organisms and plants, their molecular mechanisms of methylotrophic metabolism, application of PPFMs in agriculture, biotechnology and bioremediation and also to explore lacuna in PPFMs research and direction for future research.
Design/methodology/approach
Research findings on PPFM organisms as potent plant growth promoting organisms are discussed in the light of reports published by various workers. Unexplored field of PPFM research are detected and their application as a new group of biofertilizer that also help host plants to overcome draught stress in poorly irrigated crop field is suggested.
Findings
PPFMs are used as plant growth promoters for improved crop yield, seed germination capacity, resistance against pathogens and tolerance against drought stress. Anti-oxidant and UV resistant properties of PPFM pigments protect the host plants from strong sunshine. PPFMs have excellent draught ameliorating capacity.
Originality/value
To meet the ever increasing world population, more and more barren, less irrigated land has to be utilized for agriculture and horticulture purpose and use of PPFM group of organisms due to their draught ameliorating properties in addition to their plant growth promoting characters will be extremely useful. PPFMs are also promising candidates for the production of various industrially and medicinally important enzymes and other value-added products. Wider application of this ecofriendly group of bacteria will reduce crop production cost thus improving economy of the farmers and will be a greener alternative of hazardous chemical fertilizers and fungicides.
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Adesola Olalekan, Victor Igweike, Oloruntoba Ekun, Abosede Adegbite and Olayinka Ogunleye
Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (PE/E) are rising in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. This study aims to evaluate the availability and logistics management of sixteen items from…
Abstract
Purpose
Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (PE/E) are rising in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. This study aims to evaluate the availability and logistics management of sixteen items from the Nigerian essential medicine list required for managing these conditions.
Design/Methodology/approach
A cross-sectional study in 50 health-care facilities in Lagos State, Nigeria, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic by interviewing the facility’s main person in charge of health commodities. Data were recorded during the visit and in the previous six months using the adapted Logistics Indicators Assessment Tool (LIAT). In addition, descriptive analysis was conducted based on the World Health Organization availability index.
Findings
The availability of 13 (81%) of the commodities were high, and 3 (19%) were relatively high in the facilities, stock out rate during the visitation and previous six months varied with the commodities: urinalysis strip (22%) and (40%), hydralazine (20%) and (20%), labetalol injection (8%) and (20%), labetalol tablet (24%) and (24%) and sphygmomanometer (8%) and (8%). No stock out was recorded for 11 (69%) commodities. All the facilities observed 9 (75%) out of the 12 storage guidelines, and 36 (72%) had a perfect storage condition score.
Limitations/Implications
Current state of PE/E health commodities in the selected facilities is highlighted, and the strengths and weaknesses of the supply chain in these health facilities were identified and discussed.
Originality/value
These commodities’ availability ranged from reasonably high to very high. Regular supportive supervision is germane to strengthening the logistics management system for these commodities to prevent the negative impact on the health and well-being of the people during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic.
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Shaimaa Hadi Al-Dulaimi and Miyada Kh Hassan
This study was design to investigate of P. aeruginosa, an example of Gram-negative bacteria, in seven primary and secondary schools of Baghdad city, and the effects of Ethanol and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study was design to investigate of P. aeruginosa, an example of Gram-negative bacteria, in seven primary and secondary schools of Baghdad city, and the effects of Ethanol and Dettol of P. aeruginosa biofilm.
Design/methodology/approach
Seventy swabs were collected from seven primary and secondary schools of Baghdad city, Iraq, during November -December 2022. Swabs were collected from classes desk, doors handles, students hands and water taps. Standard microbiological testing methods were used on the samples for isolation and identification. The ability of bacteria to form biofilm and the effects of Ethanol and Dettol on"preformed” biofilms was examined by microtiter plate with the use of an ELISA reader.
Findings
In 70 swabs from seven primary and secondary schools, growth was observed in 33 swabs as P. aeruginosa. Primary schools were higher contaminated than secondary and water taps and door handles represented the main source of this contamination. The ability of bacteria to produce biofilm was observed in 19 (57.6%) isolates and 14 (42.4%) nonbiofilm producers. As well as, Ethanol (70%) treatment of preformed biofilms led to enhance biofilm formation and revealed significantly greater staining after 4 and 24h than Dettol (3%) compared to an untreated control (tryptic soy broth (TSB) incubation).
Originality/value
Studies on P. aeruginosa in Iraqi schools are quite rare. This work is considered distinctive because it drew attention to the presence of pathogenic bacteria within primary and secondary schools, which are not considered their natural environment.
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Ibraheem Alshahrani, Odeh Al-Jayyousi, Fairouz Aldhmour and Thamer Alderaan
The study's aims are to identify healthcare innovation variables, explore innovative work behavior’s (IWB's) influence on Saudi health sector companies and evaluate the mediating…
Abstract
Purpose
The study's aims are to identify healthcare innovation variables, explore innovative work behavior’s (IWB's) influence on Saudi health sector companies and evaluate the mediating function of transformational leadership in the link between IWB and healthcare organizations. In this backdrop, the purpose of the current research was to investigate the impact of creative work behavior on organizational performance and the role of transformational leadership in this process.
Design/methodology/approach
The objective of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to examine, according to 587 participants, the perceived elements of creative work behavior (RQ1). In various 10 departments of the 5 Dammam Health Network (DHN) in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, online questionnaires were used to collect data. SmartPLS 3 software was used to analyze the data.
Findings
The findings indicated that healthcare professionals perceive the elements of autonomy, competence, relatedness, motivation and knowledge sharing as key features that influence high efficiency in organizational efficiency (p < 0.001). IWB also had a significant and direct positive influence on organizational performance (p < 0.001). Transformational leadership behavior had an insignificant negative effect on employees’ task performance when considering organizational performance (P = 0.122). Therefore, the mediation role did not affect the relationship with IWB concerning employees’ task performance, suggesting that transformational leadership behaviors did not have a mediating effect on the effectiveness of employees’ task performance.
Originality/value
This article contains original analysis and interpretation highlighting integrating IWB and transformational leadership into Saudi Arabia's national healthcare system that can help address specific difficulties facing healthcare practitioners.
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Ahmed Attalah Hassan Al-Fhdawi and Adel Mashaan Rabee
The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of environmental pH on production of biofilms and virulence genes expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of environmental pH on production of biofilms and virulence genes expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Design/methodology/approach
Among 303 clinical and environmental samples 109 (61 + 48) isolates were identified as clinical and environmental P. aeruginosa isolates, respectively. Clinical samples were obtained from patients in the Al-Yarmouk hospital in Baghdad city, Iraq. Waste water from Al-Yarmouk hospital was used from site before treatment unit to collect environmental samples. The ability of producing biofilm at various pH levels was examined by microtiter plate and the prevalence of Alg D, Psl A and Pel A was determined by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
Findings
This study showed that the ability of clinical and environmental isolates to biofilm development was observed in 86.9% and 85.42% of clinical and environmental isolates, respectively. As well as, the environmental P. aeruginosa isolates showed the highest biofilm production at pH 7. Clinical isolates showed the highest genes expression of Alg D, Psl A and Pel A as compared to environmental isolates with pH change. In general, both clinical and environmental isolates formed biofilm and carried AlgD, PslA and PelA genes. Also, alkaline pH was favored for biofilm production.
Originality/value
There are very few studies done to find out the influence of environmental pH on production of biofilms and virulence genes expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study is unique as it has highlighted the influence of environmental pH on the ability of clinical and environmental isolates to biofilm development and genes expression.
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