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The intention of this study was to prepare zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) via bottom‐up approach and evaluate their physiochemical, antimicrobial and anticancer properties. ZnO‐NPs were first prepared by the direct precipitation method with zinc sulphate heptahydrate, followed by characterization tests using sophisticated analytical and imaging instruments. Upon characterization, ZnO‐NPs were studied for their antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as their anticancer activity against breast cancer cell line (MDA‐MB 231). The ZnO‐NPs possessed a mean particle diameter of 225.2 nm and a zeta potential of −15.8 mV. A sharp absorption peak of ZnO was recorded at 354 nm via UV‐Visible spectroscopy. Hexagonal wurtzite shape of ZnO‐NPs has been observed and confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X‐Ray diffraction (XRD). ZnO‐NPs exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against the Gram‐positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus. In an in vitro cell cytotoxicity study, ZnO‐NPs showed a dose‐dependent relationship against MDA‐MB 231 breast cancer cells. It was observed that as the concentration of ZnO‐NPs increased (0.25 μg to 35 μg), there was a sharp reduction in the proliferation rate of the cancer cell line. Overall, our study reported successful synthesis of ZnO‐NPs, which can be efficient antibacterial and anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose and Objectives. The quest for psychoactive plants possessing therapeutic potential has evolved emerging interest. Salvadora persica (Sp), belonging to the Salvadoraceae family, known as miswak, is a medicinal plant; most of its published research is on oral health, with promising antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activity. However, given its widespread use, only few studies are associated with its potential neuropharmacological effect. Therefore, this study aims to assess the possible anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of Salvadora persica using animal models. Materials and Methods. Salvadora persica stem bark was extracted with two different solvents, i.e., ethyl acetate and water, and preliminary phytochemical screening was performed. Two behavioral models were used: an elevated plus maze test (EPM) and the light and dark model test for anxiolytic parameters, and a forced swim test (FST) for antidepressant effects. Healthy mice weighing 18−40 gms were treated orally in four groups (n = 6), i.e., negative control treated with normal saline and positive control with 1 mg/kg diazepam (EPM) and 30 mg/kg fluoxetine (FST), and the test groups were treated with 500 mg/kg of aqueous and ethyl acetate Sp extract. The number of entries and duration spent in the open arm for 5 minutes were the parameters for evaluating the anxiolytic activity (EPM). Duration of immobility was measured for 5 min in the FST model. Results. In EPM, both the Sp extracts significantly (p < 0.005) increased the number of entries and the time spent in the open arms and was much similar to those of diazepam. Similarly, these extracts and fluoxetine significantly (p < 0.005) decreased the immobility time in FST. Conclusion. The results suggest the therapeutic potential of Salvadora persica an alternative in the management of comorbid anxiety and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The study is aimed at developing curcumin suppositories as a promising approach for natural antifungal management of vaginal candidiasis in cervical cancer patients to eradicate side effects produced by current antifungal drugs. The objective of the study was to optimize the suppositories using optimal (custom) design employing Design-Expert 13 software to recognize the concentration of polyethylene glycols (PEG) and Poloxamer 407 and obtain a stable suppository. Methodology. Combinations of PEG 1500 (10%–40%), PEG 6000 (40%–60%), and Poloxamer 407 (5%–30%) were entered as factors, and the responses evaluated were hardness, deformation time, and % drug release. In addition, the formulation was also evaluated for visual examination, weight variation, pH determination, drug content, hardness test, disintegration time, melting zone, deformation time, in vitro drug release, antifungal activity, and stability tests. Results. Suppositories were devoid of holes and cracks, with a characteristic odor and a dark yellowish-orange color. All formulations passed the weight variation test. Formulations exhibited pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. Drug content was observed to be 98.65 ± 0.041 % – 99.85 ± 0.041 %. The hardness of the formulation was between 2.9 and 4.2 kg/cm2. The disintegration time ranged from 11 ± 0.052 min to 20 ± 0.011 min. The melting point was between 41 ± 0. 31 ° C and 58 ± 0. 62 ° C. Deformation time ranged from 10 ± 0.45 to 35 ± 0.52 min. Most of the formulations resulted in 90% of drug release at 40 min, and the zone of inhibition noted was 19.6 ± 0.4 mm. All the selected factors have a significant effect on the response chosen for the study. Conclusion. The optimized curcumin vaginal suppository formulation can be an efficient herbal treatment devoid of side effects to treat vaginal candidiasis in cervical cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of present investigation was to formulate and evaluate ketorolac tromethamine (KTM) mucoadhesive buccal films. The films were prepared by solvent evaporation method using PVP K30, HPMC K4M, HPMC K15M, carbopol 934, chitosan, and sodium alginate as polymers and propylene glycol as plasticizer. The films were evaluated for thickness, weight variation, folding endurance, surface pH, swelling index, in vitro residence time, in vitro diffusion, release kinetics, ex vivo permeation, in vitro-ex vivo correlation, and in vivo pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Thickness, weight, drug content, and folding endurance were found to be uniform for the films. Surface pH was 6.85 ± 0.10 , and swelling index was the highest (27.27 ± 0.37) for the best film containing carbopol 934 along with sodium alginate and PVP K 30 (formulation code F2). In vitro residence time was greater than 5 h, and in vitro % drug release was 98.71% for F2. It exhibited 55.49% of swelling inhibition at 5 h, and above 38.88% was maintained at even 8 h. The film F2 has shown maximum analgesic response of 17 sec at 5 h, and the response of 11 sec was maintained at even 8 h. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of F2 was found be maximum while sustaining the effect for prolonged period when compared to free drug solution. Thus, KTM mucoadhesive buccal film containing carbopol 934, sodium alginate, and PVP K30 could be an effective alternative for conventional therapy with improved efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the research was to optimize the preparation of duloxetine hydrochloride (duloxetine HCl) delayed release tablets. Duloxetine HCl produces a toxic substance called alpha-naphthol when duloxetine HCl is in contact with gastric fluid. Thus, duloxetine HCl when given orally needed a protective enteric coating that disable the delivery of duloxetine HCl in gastric fluid while enabling the drug delivery only in small intestine. Four different core tablets were prepared by direct compression technique, and the one which displayed quick disintegration and dissolution was chosen for enteric coating. The compressed tablets were enteric coated by dip coating technique. Since subcoating is required to safeguard the enteric coating, the core tablets were subcoated by using polymer HPMC K15M and then enteric coated with Eudragit L 100. The prepared tablets were assessed for the entire precompression and postcompression characteristics. FTIR study revealed the existence of all prominent peaks signifying its compatibility and authenticity. The in vitro studies showed that enteric-coated tablets were capable of restricting release in acidic media. The formulation F8 was optimised with 5% and 15% increase in weight of seal coat and enteric coat with good dissolution profile. Stability studies revealed that the optimized formulation was intact without any deterioration for 3 months. In conclusion, the optimized formulation could resist the drug release in acidic environment of gastrointestinal region and release the drug at a time once the tablet reaches the intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of medicinal plants as an unconventional health treatment is gaining considerable recognition and popularity worldwide. The current study was designed to inspect five medicinally important species (such as Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds., Mentha piperita L., Mentha spicata L., Ocimum basilicum L., and Rosmarinus officinalis L.) of Lamiaceae, collected from district Peshawar, through ethnoecological, phytochemical, and elemental analyses. Biological spectra expressed that therophytes (60%) were the dominant life-form class, while nanophyll (60%) was the leading class among leaf size. The ethnobotanical profile showed that all the species were medicinal and ornamental (100%) each, while 60% were used in spices. Quantitative analysis for the macro- and microminerals confirmed the presence of 13 elements (C, N, O, Mg, K, P, S, Ca, Al, Si, Fe, Cl, and Na), which were present in varying amounts from species to species. The methanol extract of leaf samples was used for the analysis of phytochemical constituents such as saponins, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, phlobatannins, steroids, and anthraquinones. The medicinal potential of these plants was correlated with the presence of these phytochemicals. Due to the presence of active constituents, the plants had high potential in antifungal, antidiuretic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: A hypothesized mechanism for increased type 1 diabetes risk among caesarean births is lack of exposure to the vaginal microbiota. Children born by prelabour caesarean are not exposed to the vaginal microbiota, whereas caesarean births during labour (intrapartum) may be exposed. The aim of this study was to estimate type 1 diabetes risk among children born by caesarean compared with normal vaginal delivery. Methods: This whole‐of‐population study linked routinely collected, de‐identified administrative data from the South Australian Early Childhood Data Project for all births from 1999 to 2013. Type 1 diabetes cases were identified using inpatient hospitalizations from 2001 to 2014 (ICD‐10‐AM codes E10‐E109). Type 1 diabetes risk for caesarean was assessed by Cox regression using two models: (i) caesarean vs. vaginal and (ii) prelabour or intrapartum caesarean vs. vaginal. Analyses were adjusted for confounding and multiple imputation was used to address missing data. Results: A total of 286 058 children born between 1999 and 2013 contributed to 2 200 252 person‐years, of which 557 had type 1 diabetes. Of all births, 90 546 (31.7%) were caesarean, and of these 53.1% were prelabour and 46.9% intrapartum caesarean. Compared with vaginal delivery, the adjusted hazard ratio for type 1 diabetes was 1.05 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86–1.28) for caesarean, 1.02 (95% CI 0.79–1.32) for prelabour caesarean and 1.08 (95% CI 0.82–1.41) for intrapartum caesarean. Conclusion: There may be a small increased type 1 diabetes risk following caesarean, but confidence intervals included the null. The lower estimate for prelabour compared with intrapartum caesarean, and the potential for unmeasured confounding suggest that neonatal vaginal microbiota might not be involved in type 1 diabetes. What's new?: Evidence about caesarean section and childhood type 1 diabetes risk is mixed. Only one study reported whether type 1 diabetes risk differs by prelabour or intrapartum caesarean.A potential link between type 1 diabetes and caesarean section is lack of exposure to the vaginal microbiota. Prelabour caesarean births are not exposed to vaginal microbiota, whereas intrapartum caesareans presumably have some exposure.We found a negligible risk of type 1 diabetes for children who had intrapartum or prelabour caesarean, and the 95% confidence intervals were wide and included the null suggesting that neonatal vaginal microbiota might not be involved in type 1 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The development of clinical guidelines requires standardised methods informed by robust evidence synthesis.Objectives: We evaluated the methodological quality of endometriosis guidelines, mapped their recommendations, and explored the relationships between recommendations and research evidence.Search Strategy: We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed from inception to February 2016.Selection Criteria: We included guidelines related to the diagnosis and management of endometriosis.Data Collection and Analysis: The search strategy identified 879 titles and abstracts. We include two international and five national guidelines. Four independent authors assessed the methodological quality of the included guidelines, using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE-II) instrument, and systematically extracted the guideline recommendations and supporting research evidence.Main Results: One hundred and fifty-two different recommendations were made. Ten recommendations (7%) were comparable across guidelines. The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology was objectively evaluated as the highest quality guideline (methodological quality score: 88/100). There was substantial variation between the supporting evidence presented by individual guidelines for comparable recommendations. Forty-two recommendations (28%) were not supported by research evidence. No guideline followed the standardised guideline development methods (AGREE-II).Conclusions: There is substantial variation in the recommendations and methodological quality of endometriosis guidelines. Future guidelines should be developed with reference to high-quality methods in consultation with key stakeholders, including women with endometriosis, ensuring that their scope can truly inform clinical practice and eliminate unwarranted and unjustified variations in clinical practice. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: #Endometriosis guidelines vary in recommendations and quality. @EndometriosisUK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This study examined the outputs of research papers in diabetes from 31 European countries between 2002 and 2013, and their funding. Methods Diabetes research papers in the Web of Science were identified by means of a filter based on journals and title words. For 2009-2013 papers, the funders were coded to show their sector and nationality. Results Europe published 40 547 diabetes papers in the 12 years between 2002 and 2013. Denmark, Sweden and Finland published the most relative to their wealth, but the UK published the most absolutely despite an apparently low burden (as measured by disability-adjusted life years). The largest source of funding was government (30%), followed by the non-profit sector (18%) and industry (13%). The European Commission supported 2.7% of papers, but more in Latvia (33%) and Estonia (16%). Based on an estimated cost per paper of €260 000, the annual research expenditure in Europe was approximately €986 million in 2013. Conclusions The European diabetes burden in disability-adjusted life years increased by one third between 2002 and 2012, but its output of research papers has decreased from 44% to 36% of the world total. This decrease needs to be reviewed in the context of European non-communicable disease research policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical periods ( CP) in early post-natal life are periods of plasticity during which the neuronal circuitry is most receptive to environmental stimuli. These early experiences translate to a more permanent and sophisticated neuronal connection in the adult brain systems. Multiple studies have pointed to the development of inhibitory circuitry as one of the central factors for the onset of critical periods. We discuss several molecular mechanisms regulating inhibitory circuit maturation and CP, from gene transcription level to protein signaling level. Also, beyond the level of gene sequences, we briefly consider recent information on dynamic epigenetic regulation of gene expression through histone methylation and acetylation and their implication on timed development of the inhibitory circuitry for the onset of CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neutral sphingomyelinase (nSMase) 1 homologue gene LsSMase was cloned from Laodelphax striatellus, a direct sap-sucker and virus vector of gramineous plants, and expressed via a Bac to Bac baculovirus expression system. The LsSMase-enhanced green fluorescent protein fusion protein was located in the endoplasmic reticulum in a similar manner to mammalian nSMase 1. The biochemical properties of LsSMase were determined in detail. The optimal pH and temperature for recombinant LsSMase were 8 and 37 °C, respectively. LsSMase was an Mg2+ or Mn2+ dependent enzyme, but different concentration of each were needed. The activity of LsSMase was significantly stimulated by Ethylene glycol bis(2-aminoethyl ether)tetraacetic acid (EGTA), whereas it was inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Millimolar concentrations of Zn2+ completely inhibited LsSMase. The reducing agents dithiothreitol and β-mercaptoethanol varied in their effects on activity. Phospholipids were not found to stimulate LsSMase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary fenugreek seed extract ( FSE) on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility ( ATTD), diarrhoea scores, blood profiles, faecal microflora and faecal gas emission in weanling pigs. A total of 135 weanling pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average BW of (7.96 ± 1.03 kg; 28 days of age) were used in a 42-day study. Piglets were randomly allotted to three experimental diets with nine replicate pens and five pigs per pen. Dietary treatments were as follows: CON, basal diet; FSE1, basal diet + 0.1% FSE; FSE2, basal diet + 0.2% FSE. Pigs were fed with phase 1 (0-14 days) and phase 2 (14-42 days) diets in the form of mash. Average daily gain ( ADG) was linearly increased (p = 0.031) by FSE supplementation compared with CON diet during days 0-14. From days 14-42, FSE2 diet had increased ADG and growth efficiency (G/F) compared with the CON diet (p = 0.014 and 0.026 respectively). Moreover, ADG and G/F were increased by FSE supplementation during days 0-42 (linear, p = 0.037 and 0.014 respectively). Energy digestibility was higher (linear, p = 0.030) by FSE supplementation at 6 weeks. On day 42, dietary supplementation of FSE linearly increased red blood cells ( RBC) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration (p = 0.042 and 0.038 respectively). Piglets fed FSE2 diet had higher (linear, p = 0.025) serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL-C) concentration compared with those fed CON diet. However, piglets fed FSE2 diet had linearly reduced faecal ammonia ( NH3) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas emission compared with those fed the CON diet (p = 0.018 and 0.010 respectively). In conclusion, FSE supplementation increased the performance and reduced faecal gas emission in weanling pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exteroceptive suppression (ES) periods in human jaw-closing muscles can be conditioned by a wide range of somatosensory stimuli and cognitive states. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of subanaesthetic doses of midazolam, ketamine and propofol on the short latency (ES1) and long latency (ES2) reflex in the jaw-closing muscles. First, we tried to evaluate the various methodological criteria for ES recording. We then examined the effect of subanaesthetic doses of midazolam (0·035 mg kg), ketamine (0·30 mg kg) and propofol (0·35 mg kg) on these reflexes of recording left masseter and temporalis muscle. ES duration did not differ greatly in the present study, recorded with the correct adjustment of stimulating and recording conditions. None of the subanaesthetic doses of the agents influenced ES1, and no significant effects on ES2 were observed with midazolam and ketamine. However, significant inhibitory change was observed in ES2 with propofol. ES2 is thought to be mediated by afferents, which descend in the spinal trigeminal tract and connect with a polysynaptic chain of excitatory interneurones located in the lateral reticular formation. Our observations indicate that propofol is uniquely effective not only through involvement of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor, but also through a range of other effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decrease in soil fertility in agroecosystems due to continuous harvesting, loss of fine soil and oxidation of soil organic carbon (SOC) is well known. This study evaluates for a humid tropical climate in South Andaman Island, India, the impact of a 15-yr old Pueraria cover crop (CC) under a coconut plantation, with and without phosphorus (P) application, on the soil N mineralization rate (NMR), the mineral N pool (NH4+-N and NO3−-N), microbial biomass carbon (MB-C) and SM under four treatments, (1) no cover crop (NCC), (2) no cover crop + phosphorus (NCC+P), (3) CC, and (4) cover crop + phosphorus (CC+P) during three seasons, wet (May–October), post-wet (November–January) and dry (February–April). The NCC treatment served as a control. In addition, an ex-situ experiment was conducted to verify the effect of P application on NMR and MB-C under 100% field capacity (FC), 50 and 25% FC representing the different seasons. The NMR, mineral N pool and MB-C increased by 37, 46 and 41%, respectively under the CC compared to the control. SOC and fine soil particles were also greater under the CC by 41 and 461%, respectively, compared to the control. The application of P to the CC increased soil N mineralization, the mineral N pool and MB-C by 33, 16 and 14%, respectively. The amount of mineralized N was greater under the CC and CC+P treatments by 39 and 73%, respectively than the control. The ex-situ experiment showed that the P application increased NMR and MB-C, but the increases were highest in the 50% FC and lowest in 100% FC. It is proposed for the humid tropics that a CC could be used for enhancing SOC and increasing soil N mineralization under coconut plantations and other similar agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which details the accuracy and precision of sonographic fetal biometry performed by nine paramedics from rural Bangladesh. It notes that 180 women, at 7 to 31 weeks' gestation were the participants of this study. Measurements of each fetus were taken by a highly-trained medical doctor and paramedics. It reveals that both inter-and intraobserver measurement errors were within the range reported in literature of studies conducted by technical staff and medical doctors.

The larvae of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) of different ages were exposed to various concentrations viz., 0.0001, 0.001 and 0.01 ppm of triflumuron up to pupation. The adults were allowed to feed on untreated diet. The preoviposition period, fecundity, egg viability and incubation period of the eggs laid were studied. Triflumuron significantly lengthened the preoviposition and incubation periods (P < 0.001). Fecundity and egg viability were also reduced (P < 0.001) due to the treatment. Both the strains were affected by the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ingestion efficiency of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) larvae feeding on Artemia alone (A), Moina alone (M) and a 50:50 mixture of Artemia and Moina (AM) at 1, 3, 5 and 7 organisms ml-1 densities was investigated in terms of individual ingestion rate (IIR), dry mass ingestion (DMI) and energy intake (EI). Irrespective of larval stages and test food densities, larvae showed a significantly higher IIR for diet A except for AM, as the IIR for A and AM were similar from stage V onwards. Compared with diet A, IIR of M were sevenfold to fourfold lower, up to stage V. However, the larvae showed a sharp increase in IIR thereafter and gradually the differences reduced to about 1.6–1.2 fold at later stages. Despite the lower IIR, both DMI and EI for Moina were higher from stage VIII onwards than values for Artemia. In case of mixed diet (AM), the larvae of all stages showed a food selectivity response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the conference paper "Fetal body measurement in gestational diabetes," by H. Mirghani and colleagues is presented.

We examined the association between low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) consumption during preconception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding and child health outcomes. A systematic search of electronic databases in PubMed, Embase, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ProQuest Health and Medical, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar was conducted up to 21 September 2023. A random effects model with restricted maximum likelihood estimation was used for the meta-analysis. Seventeen eligible studies were included. The standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in birth weight between those who frequently consumed LCS (≥1 serve/day) during pregnancy and those who did not consume LCS was 0.04 (0.00, 0.08) (four cohort studies). Any LCS consumption during pregnancy compared with no consumption was not associated with birth weight [SMD (95% CI) = 0.03 (-0.03, 0.08)] (four cohort studies). Any LCS consumption during pregnancy was not associated with body mass index z-scores. The weighted mean difference (95% CI) was 0.00 (-0.05, 0.06) at birth, 0.06 (-0.29, 0.40) at 6 months, -0.04 (-0.19, 0.10) at 1 year, 0.00 (-0.16, 0.17) at 3 years, and 0.10 (-0.15, 0.34) at 7 years of the child age, compared with no intake (five cohort studies). The odds of being overweight at 1 year among children exposed to LCS during pregnancy was 1.19 (OR [95% CI]: 1.19 [0.81, 1.58]) compared with unexposed children (two cohort studies). The effect sizes were not precise for all the outcomes as the 95% CI indicated the effect estimates could range from small protective to a higher risk. The effect of LCS consumption on child behaviour and cognition was inconsistent. There is not enough evidence to confirm LCS consumption during pregnancy affects birth weight and risk of overweight in children. However, frequent consumption increased birth weight and the risk of overweight at different ages, though the effects were imprecise. More robust research evidence is required as the quality of evidence is low., (© 2024 The Author(s). Maternal & Child Nutrition published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Problem: Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) is a disorder characterized by two or more pregnancy losses within 20th week of gestation. Globally 1-5% of the couples are affected, 50% of these cases are with unknown etiology. HLA-G, an Immuno-modulatory molecule is a non-classical MHC-1 protein, expressed abundantly on extravillous trophoblastic cells, responsible for spiral artery remodeling, maintaining maternal immune tolerance and fetal growth by adjusting pro and anti-inflammatory milieu during different gestational phases., Method of Study: In the present case-control study CD4+HLA-G+ tTreg cells were enumerated by flow cytometry and estimation of the circulating levels of sHLA-G in the blood samples of 300 mid-gestation pregnant women with (iRPL) and without history of RPL (nRPL) by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay was done. The cases included 92 primary and 58 secondary RPL cases RESULTS: A significant reduction in number of tTregs and elevated levels of circulating sHLA-G in iRPL (.03, 200.9) versus nRPL (.09, 90.32) was observed. Further, the primary cases showed higher circulating sHLA-G and no difference in relation to CD4+HLA-G+ tTregs compared to the secondary cases. Receiver operating curve (ROC) characteristics of sHLA-G (AUC = .8) was superior to CD4+HLA-G+ (AUC = .7) for iRPL patients over nRPL group., Conclusions: Our results are suggestive of the over-expression of sHLA-G which may be caused due to its shedding from surface of trophoblast as a compensatory mechanism to save the on-going pregnancy. To realize the present outcome, studies are required on on-going pregnancy follow-up cases with favorable and unfavorable pregnancy outcome., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Workers who experience language barriers are at increased risk of work-related injuries and illnesses and face difficulties reporting these health problems to their employer and workers' compensation. In the existing occupational health and safety literature, however, such challenges are often framed in individual-level terms. We identify systemic barriers to reporting among injured workers who experience language barriers within the varying contexts of Ontario and Quebec, Canada., Methods: This study merges data from two qualitative studies that investigated experiences with workers' compensation and return-to-work, respectively, for injured workers who experience language barriers. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 39 workers and 70 stakeholders in Ontario and Quebec. Audio recordings were transcribed and coded using NVivo software. The data was analysed thematically and iteratively., Results: Almost all workers (34/39) had filed a claim, though most had initially delayed reporting their injuries or illnesses to their employer or to workers' compensation. Workers faced several obstacles to reporting, including confusion surrounding the cause and severity of injuries and illnesses; lack of information, misinformation, and disinformation about workers' compensation; difficulties accessing and interacting with care providers; fear and insecurity linked to precarity; claim suppression by employers; negative perceptions of, and experiences with, workers' compensation; and lack of supports. Language barriers amplified each of these difficulties, resulting in significant negative impacts in economic, health, and claim areas., Conclusion: Improving the linguistic and cultural competence of organizations and their representatives is insufficient to address under-reporting among workers who experience language barriers. Efforts to improve timely reporting must tackle the policies and practices that motivate and enable under-reporting for workers, physicians, and employers., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Introduction: We aimed to explore trends and sociodemographic patterns in benzodiazepine (BZD) (by half-life) and Z-drugs prescribing in Australian general practice., Methods: This open cohort study used de-identified electronic health records of 1.4 million patients (50,812,413 consultations) from 402 Australian practices (MedicineInsight 2011-2018). Annual prescribing frequency and changes over time were estimated according to sex, age, socioeconomic position and rurality., Results: Between 2011 and 2018, the prescribing of very short-acting BZD increased from 0.10 to 0.29 per 1000 consultations (average annual change +17.2% [95% CI 9.6; 25.3]), while it declined for short-intermediate (from 38.5 to 26.6 per 1000 consultations; annual change -5.1% [95% CI -5.6; -4.5]), long-acting BZD (from 24.1 to 21.6 per 1000 consultation; annual change -1.5% [95% CI -2.2; -0.8]) and Z-drugs (from 4.6 to 4.0 per 1000 consultations; annual change -1.9% [95% CI -3.0; -0.7]). Short-intermediate-acting BZD prescribing was three times more frequent among women aged 65+ years than younger women, and long-acting BZD three-to-four times more likely among younger than older men. Z-drugs prescribing was higher among women aged 45-64 years than younger or older females. Short-intermediate- and long-acting BZD were more likely prescribed for patients from more disadvantaged areas, and Z-drugs in more advantaged areas. There were no disparities by rurality., Discussion and Conclusions: Although most BZD and Z-drugs prescriptions declined over time, short-intermediate BZD prescriptions remained higher among older women and long-acting BZD more frequent among younger men, especially for those living in more disadvantaged areas. Targeted interventions could reduce the prescribing of BZD and Z-drugs in these groups., (© 2022 The Authors. Drug and Alcohol Review published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.)

Background: This study examined the effectiveness of synchronous online learning (SOL) for occupational purposes relative to face-to-face (F2F) learning., Methods: Seven bibliographic databases were searched, and publications meeting the inclusion criteria were sought. Title and abstract screening, article screening, methodological quality assessment, and data extraction were carried out by two independent reviewers., Results: Three systematic reviews meeting the inclusion criteria were consistent in providing evidence that there was generally no difference between SOL and F2F learning in their effects on knowledge or skills., Conclusions: Based on the sparse evidence base examined in this review, we conclude that SOL and traditional F2F learning for occupational or career preparation purposes are similarly effective for learners at the undergraduate level or higher. Much caution should be taken with this assumption when delivering content of a more hands-on nature and when adult learners have less educational preparation, since research is lacking in these areas., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Health responses associated with occupational exposures can vary between men and women., Aims: This study reviewed the work injury and disability risks associated with similar types of occupational exposures for men and women within and across occupations., Materials & Methods: A systematic review was undertaken of observational studies published between 2009 and 2019. Studies were required to empirically compare men and women for associations between occupational exposures and work injury or disability outcomes. Included studies were appraised for methodological quality and medium to high rated studies were compared for risk differences between men and women., Results: Of 14,006 records identified, 440 articles were assessed for methodological quality, and 33 medium to high rated studies were included and reviewed. Among all occupations, the association between physical exposures, job demands, noise, and repetitive tasks, and injury risk were stronger among men. The relationship between repetitive tasks and sickness absence was stronger among women. Most studies examining psychological exposures found no risk differences for men and women across occupations. Men were at higher injury risk in certain occupations in primary and secondary industry sectors involving physical exposures and some chemical/biological exposures. Women were at higher injury risk for the physical demands and repetitive tasks of health care and aluminum production occupations., Conclusion: This review found that men and women can have different work injury and disability risks, both across and within the same occupations, for some physical exposures and to a lesser extent for some chemical and biological exposures. These differences might be a result of occupation-specific task differences., (© 2022 The Authors. American Journal of Industrial Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)