European Journal of Medicine and Natural Sciences
EJMN is a multidisciplinary, open-access, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to recent research and studies in the field. EJMN welcomes and acknowledges recent, high-quality theoretical and empirical original research papers in the areas of Medicine and Natural Sciences , case studies, review articles, literature reviews, book reviews, conceptual frameworks, analytical and simulation models, surveys, direct observations, person-based experiments, case studies, and systematic reviews from researchers, academicians, professional and practitioners from all over the world. Contemporary advancement of technology in many areas made possible new methods in the Applied Medicine. Besides, our society has been introduced many new, complex elements which brought new challenges, habits and addictions. Human interference to the environment is much faster than the research done for the new health problem arisen. Climate change now is a major issue threatening public health. Therefore, Medicine cannot be thought isolated from other disciplines. An interdisciplinary approach is required to provide multi-aspect solutions to the issues.
Exploring Pediatricians’ Perspectives on High Infant Mortality Raxes in Turkiye’s Southeastern and Eastern Anatolia Region: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Providers’ Experiences and Insights
Despite significant national declines in infant mortality in Türkiye, marked regional disparities persist, with the Southeastern and Eastern Anatolia regions reporting the highest rates. These regions are characterized by lower health workforce density, the burden of large refugee populations, and potential data limitations. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of pediatricians—frontline healthcare providers—working in these high-mortality areas to understand the underlying challenges driving these persistent poor neonatal and infant outcomes. Through in-depth interviews, the study aimed to gather healthcare providers’ experiences and insights regarding the influence of health system factors (including workforce distribution and the capacity for high-quality care), the impact of demographic shifts, and issues related to vital registration and mortality data completeness. The findings illuminate the complex interplay of socioeconomic, systemic, and demographic pressures that strain healthcare delivery and hinder mortality reduction efforts in these disadvantaged provinces. This work provides critical, context-specific evidence to inform targeted policy interventions aimed at strengthening the health workforce, improving infrastructure, and reducing health inequalities across Türkiye.
Infant mortality, Neonatal mortality, Regional disparities, Türkiye, Southeastern Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia, Pediatricians, Qualitative study, Healthcare workforce, Refugee population, Health equity.
Copyright (c) 2025 European Journal of Medicine and Natural Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Effectiveness of Physiotherapeutic Interventions for Early Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Emphasis on the Schroth Method
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a complex and prevalent three-dimensional spinal deformity characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine and vertebral rotation, most commonly manifesting during periods of rapid growth in early teenage years, typically between the ages of 10 and 18. This comprehensive review critically examines current conservative, non-surgical treatment strategies for AIS, with a particular emphasis on the growing body of evidence supporting Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE). Among these, the Schroth Method stands out as a highly specialized and widely recognized approach. Specifically targeted at adolescents aged 13 to 15, the Schroth Method is an individualized exercise program that combines unique principles of customized postural corrections, muscle strengthening, and specialized rotational angular breathing techniques. These components work synergistically to address the specific patterns of spinal misalignments, improve trunk stability, restore muscular symmetry around the torso, and enhance spinal flexibility. The core objective is to de-rotate, deflex, and elongate the spine. By systematically evaluating current literature, this paper highlights the significant effectiveness of early intervention with PSSE in managing the progression of scoliosis, particularly in reducing Cobb angle progression, improving postural alignment, and enhancing overall functional outcomes. Furthermore, the review explores how these targeted exercises contribute to a better quality of life for adolescents with AIS by alleviating pain, improving body image, and increasing physical activity levels. The study ultimately emphasizes the crucial importance of integrating structured, evidence-based physiotherapy, such as the Schroth Method, into the routine care pathway for AIS patients. Such proactive and holistic conservative management aims to delay or, in many cases, entirely prevent the need for more invasive surgical correction, offering a vital alternative for affected adolescents.
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises, Schroth Method, Non-Surgical Treatment, Spinal Deformity, Early Intervention, Cobb Angle
Residual Marine Algae Biomass - An Important Raw Material for Obtaining a Soil Biostimulator-Regenerator
This paper highlight a study regarding the valorification of residual marine algae biomass along Romanian Black Sea Coast, which recorded in the last summer period an accumulation of a large seaweed biomass quantities. The valorization of this waste was conceived as a result of theirs nutritional potential for improvind degraded soils of Dobrudja region, Romania and as complex capitalization of this biomass. It was establish the biotechnological process for the new biosolid nutrient composite obtaining. The parameter physical-chemical results of raw material used for biofertilizer obtaining, emphasized an increased organic charge compared with the inorganic compounds. Also, an increased value of total organic nitrogen and an optimum pH limits, was registered. Regarding the nutrients concentrations values, it could be noticed that the new biosolid fertilizer contains organic matter and valuable nutritive elements (N, P) could be contributed to the enhancement of the soil quality. The new biosolid biostimulator-regenerator obtained from natural residues bring a complex of nutrients for degraded soils by the presence of organic residual compounds, through the proteins, lipids, nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) and mineral salts content, necessary for plants nutrition and improvement of soils quality.
residual marine algae biomass, soil, biostimulator and regenerator
Copyright (c) 2021 European Journal of Medicine and Natural Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Comparison of Extraction Methods of Chitin and Chitosan from Different Sources
Chitin and chitosan have become of great interest not only as underutilized resources, but also as new functional materials of high potential in various fields. The methods of isolating chitosan from different sources: shrimp (Panaeus monodon), crab (Scylla olivicea and Scylla serrata), locust (Schistocerca gregaria), honeybee (Apis mellifera), beelte (Calosoma rugosa) and fish (Labeo rohita) were compared. The same steps of demineralization and deproteinization were followed for the chemical extraction of chitin, but the concentration of reagents, the temperatures and reaction times were varied, which resulted in chitosans with different degrees of deacetylation.
chitin, chitosan, extraction methods, different sources, deacetylation process
Studies on Improving Solubility in Different Media for Said Formulations with Topical Application
The studied compounds are gels with meloxicam, piroxicam and tenoxicam in different solvents. The problem of solubilization of these compounds is generated by their poor solubility in hydrophilic media. Also, when applying local non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the form of ointments, the local concentration of the active substance is much higher than in the untreated tissue. The amount of NSAIDs required to produce a therapeutic effect by topical administration is much lower than in oral administration. Side effects may, however, occur as a local irritation from the time a topical formulation is applied. This paper presents the solubilization tests performed for pharmaceutical compounds of the NSAID class in different hydrophilic media. The test conclusions are useful because their solubility can be increased by using solvents (polar or non-polar) and surfactants. The conclusions of the solubility tests help in choosing solvents in the formulation and technologicalization of semi-solid preparations with topical application.
topical application, oxicams, piroxicam, meloxicam, tenoxicam.
The Identification of Vitamins from Marine Algae of Black Sea by Spectrodcopic Methods
Modern research from the last years show that some vitamins have changed in their role of maintaining a healthy life. The paper presents information about the concept of vitamins and possible sources of vitamins from marine algae found in the Black Sea. The existence of vitamins in green algae from Enteromorpha and Cladophora species were identified through spectral analyzes in IR.
vitamin, marine algae, Enteromorpha, Cladophora, Black Sea.
Copyright (c) 2020 European Journal of Medicine and Natural Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Harmonization of the National Legislation on Cosmetic Products in the Context of the Standardization of the European Legislation in the Field
Considering the concern of the European Union to implement an internal market for cosmetic products which also ensures a high level of human health protection and that cosmetics is one of the industrial activities in the EU affected by counterfeiting, which may increase the risks to human health, this article examines how European horizontal legislation is implemented in national law. This article aims to present the legal instruments created at EU level to consolidate the safety of cosmetic products and to strengthen the surveillance of the cosmetic products introduced on the market, but also to protect consumers, taking into account that in order to ensure an effective control of the market it is necessary to have a high degree of administrative cooperation between the competent authorities of the Member States. Moreover, the article aims to present the active role undertaken by the cosmetics industry in developing alternative testing methods within the Horizon 2020 Programme.
European legislation, the safety of cosmetic products, European market, consumer protection, harmonization of national legislation
Impact of location and government funding on medical Students Perception of Learning Environment in Nigeria
The learning environment in medical colleges impacts on future physicians, hence it should be evaluated to identify and address factors that impede learning outcomes. The objective is to evaluate the impact of geographical location and level of government funding on the learning environment in medical colleges in Nigeria. The DREEM questionnaires were administered to 787 students from 3 northern universities 797 from 4 southern universities. Using SPSS version 20, mean global score (MGS) was determined, and domain scores were compared according to northern versus southern universities, state versus federal funded universities among other factors ANOVA, p ? 0.05. The male to female ratio for the 7 medical schools was 2:1. Similar ratio was noted for north (2.2:1) and south (1.9:1) population, but MGS and SPA were significantly higher in northern universities compared to the south (56.4 percent vs. 53.6 percent , p = ? 0.001; 25.3 (11.4) vs. 23.7 (9.0), p = 0.002), respectively. Conversely, mean SPL was significantly higher in the southern universities (31.2 (7.5) vs. 29.6 (11.1), p = 0.001). State funded universities had a higher MGS and SPA compared to the federals (56.5 percent vs. 54.5 percent ; p = 0.006, 25.7 ± 7.9 vs. 24.1 ± 10.9; p = 0.008). But federal universities had higher SPCO and SASP values compared to states funded (23.6 ± 5.5 vs. 22.7 ± 96.6; p = 0.008, 21.8 ± 4.9 vs. 20.5 ± 5.0; p = ? 0.001). Efforts to improve the learning environment in Nigerian medical colleges should be independent of geographical location and level of government funding of schools.
Students perception, geographical location, government funding, learning environment, Nigeria universities.
Bioactive Compounds from Three Green Algae Species along Romanian Black Sea Coast with Therapeutically Properties
During the past years, it became obvious that the ecosystem presents a marine algae excedent, which should be utilized in one way or another. In the marine world, algae have been intensely studied, but the Black Sea seaweeds are not sufficiently harnessed. To survive in such various diverse and extreme environments, macroalgae produce a variety of natural bioactive compounds and metabolites, such as polysaccharides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and phlorotannins. In the Black Sea there are three species of green algae: Ulvae lactuca sp., Enteromorpha intestinalis and Cladophora sp. The superior exploitation of the marine biomass represents a highly important resource for the pharmaceutical industry, supplying raw material for the extraction of bioactive substances (vitamins, polysaccharides, sterols, phenols and amino-acids) and various other substances. The purity of this compounds is strongly connected to the state of the marine ecosystem. In the present paper are presented the main bioactive compounds existing in the chemical composition of the green algae in the Black Sea studied. The details of the therapeutic properties of the green algae generated by their chemical compositions.
marine biomass, Ulvae lactuca, Cladophora sp., Enteromorpha intestinalis, seaweed, bioactive substances.
Biofeedback Training for the Recovery of Urinary Continence After Prostatectomy: a Systematic Review
Post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) has various forms of treatment to improve pelvic floor muscle function and biofeedback can accelerate the return to continence. We aimed to systematize scientific evidence on the use of biofeedback in the recovery of PPI. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the treatment of PPI through biofeedback with or without other techniques were selected from MedLine/PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane Library, SciELO, IBECS and PEDro databases using the descriptors prostatectomy AND urinary incontinence AND pelvic floor. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and Jadad scale. In all, 61 articles were reviewed and nine which used biofeedback after prostatectomy were selected. In 55.5 percent (5/9) of the studies, biofeedback presented better results (recovery of continence) compared to other types of treatment or no intervention. Shorter time to recovery of continence was observed in three studies. Biofeedback appears to be an effective option for the recovery of continence after prostatectomy.
Prostatectomy; Urinary incontinence; Pelvic floor
Antioxidant Activity Correlated with Chlorophyll Pigments and Magnesium Content of Some Green Seaweeds
The complex valorification of seaweed biomass represents a highly important resource for the pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetic industry, supplying raw material for the extraction of bioactive substances such as, polysaccharides, vitamins, sterols, aminoacids, polyphenols and minerals. Marine algae represent an indefatigability resource of therapeutic active principles for diseases treatment of magnesium deficiency. The presence of chlorophyll pigments in the green algae confirms the magnesium existence, as central element in molecular structures. The main green algae, as Ulva lactuca and Enteromorpha intestinalis present on the Romanian Black Sea Coast, belong to Chlorophyta sp. In this paper we present a study of antioxidant activity correlated with magnesium content and chlorophyll pigments of the green algae Enteromorpha intestinalis and Ulva rigida (syn. Ulva lactuca) hydroalcoholic extracts. For chlorophyll pigments determination, the UV-Vis spectrometry was used. Magnesium content had been determined by absorption atomic spectrometry method, using HR-CS- AAS ContraA 700 apparatus, Analytik Jena and for total antioxidant capacity of green algae extracts, the photochemiluminescence method had been applied, using Photochem Analytik Jena apparatus. The comparative studies on two marine green algae extracts confirm the high magnesium content correlated with a high level of total antioxidant capacity for both species. The results obtained emphasize the possibility to enlarge the options to use these natural vegetal resources from Black Sea Coast, in different degenerative diseases therapy.
marine algae extracts, chlorophyll pigments, magnesium content, antioxidant activity
Potential Effects of Resveratrol on Obesity Markers of Iraqi Women
Obesity is defined as a condition of chronic oxidative stress and chronic systemic inflammation, and it is associated with many health problems. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound noted to exert beneficial effects on various diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and nephropathy. The healthful effects of resveratrol are thought to be attributed to its antioxidant properties. In this interventional prospective randomized controlled trial, female patients diagnosed with obesity according to the WHO criteria and were randomly allocated to either control or resveratrol group. Resveratrol supplement showed a significant reduction in weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). From the above results, one can conclude that oral supplementation of resveratrol can improve Anthropometric parameters.
Copyright (c) 2022 European Journal of Medicine and Natural Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Studies Concerning the Stability if Antioxidant Compounds in Aronia Melanocarpa Fruits
Aronia Melanocarpa fruits are high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant necessary for the human body to prevent scurvy, gum disease, bone and blood vessels and boost immunity. The paper also highlighted the determination of vitamin C in the Aronia Melanocarpa fruits, and studies on the stability of vitamin C in different pH environments in the process of oxidation in atmospheric oxygen. Ascorbics acid oxidation reaction proceeds through a chained mechanism. In 1936 Barron et all. [1], conducted the first study of auto-oxidation of ascorbic acid to dehydroascorbic acid. Through this research, we highlight areas where vitamin C pH will be stable.
Aronia Melanocarpa, pH, Vitamin C, antioxidants
Obtaining of Collagen Extracts Used as Biomaterials with Applications in the Medical Field
Collagen is the core protein of connective tissues: skin, bone, tendon, base membrane, etc. Collagen is actually a family of several different genetic types. Currently they are known, in vertebrates, at least 27 different types of collagens, which shows a remarkable diversity in molecular and supramolecular organization of the tissue distribution and function, discovered and developed over 45 years. They were studied, in detail, 12 main types. Collagen-based bioproducts can be produced in a variety of molecular structures (micro and nano structures) in powder form, hydrogels and injectable solutions, films, membranes and matrices, etc. This paper presents the drying processes that are selected depending on the nature of the extract (undenatured or denatured) and morphological structure bioproduct or sponge, fibers or membranes. The most frequently used procedures for drying are freeze-drying and free drying at a temperature of approx. 25 ° C. Both processes produce no distorts to the extracts They are presented bioproducts derived from collagen which are used in medicine.
Collagen, bioproducts, molecular structures, hydrogels.
Explorative Study of the Impact of Self Confidence among Type 2 Diabetes of Hazaribag District
The fear psychosis of diabetics such as cardiac panic attack, renal failure, diabetic retinopathy, blindness etc. not only demolishes one’s self confidence but also distort one’s healthy personality life. Pondering over these paramount important points this research was conducted to measure and analyses the impact of self confidence among diabetics. For this 200 samples from Hazaribag District were selected. Incidental cum purposive sampling technique was adopted. The samples were divided into two groups- diabetics and non-diabetics. Again the subjects were divided on the basis of gender- (No.50-male diabetic) (No .50-female diabetic) - (No.50- non diabetic male) - (No.50- non diabetic female.) Two scales namely Personal Data Sheet and Self Confidence Scale by Rekha Agnihotri were administered on these groups. Data was collected, tabulated and analyzed with the help of Mean, SDs and t.-ratio of acquired data. And it was found that t was not significant. So, it can be said that there is no difference in self-confidence between diabetics and non-diabetics. Several factor like age, well settled retirement, religiosity, and enjoying social life same as non-diabetics etc. All this essential factors enhances their self-confidence and were also found responsible for this finding.
analysis; self-confidence; type 2 diabetes; non diabetics
Platelet Rich Fibrin Augmented Versus Non-Augmented Glycerolized Bovine Pericardium and Polypropylene Mesh for Repairing of Large Abdominal Wall Defects
This study aimed to evaluate the use of glycerolized bovine pericardium (GBP) compared to polypropylene mesh (PPM) in repairing of large abdominal wall defects in animal model, and to investigate the role of platelet rich fibrin (PRF) in promoting this repair. Fresh bovine pericardium collected from local abattoir were processed and preserved in 99.5 percent glycerol. PRF matrix was harvested from fresh autologous blood (10 ml) after centrifugation. Full-thickness, mid-ventral abdominal wall defects (6 × 10 cm) were surgically created in 36 healthy goats (9 goats/group) and were repaired with an equal size of GBP, PPM, GBP-PRF, or PPM-PRF. Qualitative and gray scale quantitative ultrasonography were adopted at day 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post-implantation. Three goats per group were slaughtered at 4, 8 and 12 weeks post-implantation for further gross, histopathological and tensiometric (tensile strength, load at failure and strain percent) evaluations. Ultrasonography revealed significant (P? 0.05) improvement of implant gray scale, low subcutaneous edema and reduction of skin implant distance in PRF-augmented groups. Besides, a substantial improvement of connective tissue covering, implant incorporation, new blood vessels formation, and reduction of the inflammatory cells infiltrations were observed. Tensiometric parameters were improved in GBP-PRF group compared to the other groups. In conclusion, the obtained results not only proved the superiority of GBP over PPM, but also the advantage of PRF-augmented over non-augmented implants in treatment of large abdominal wall defects. Ultrasonographic analysis provided a satisfactory tool to evaluate the healing process of the abdominal wall defects.
Platelet Rich Fibrin, Glycerolized Bovine Pericardium, Polypropylene mesh, Hernioplasty, Hernia.
Studies on Chitosan Extraction and Its Biomedical Properties
Chitin and chitosan are natural biopolymers that are included in the novel families of biological macromolecules. Chitosan its the main derivative of chitin, and research upon the characteristics and properties of these molecules has become increasingly evident and important. It was reported that the main and potential applications of these polymers as well as their derivatives are more than 200. These applications include biomedicine, pharmacy, agriculture, biotechnology, cosmetics. In the last years, especially in the pharmaceutical and medical fields chitosan has received considerable attentions as a functional, renewable, nontoxic and biodegradable biopolymer for diverse applications. The recent efforts of the scientists concentrated on the methods of preparation of chitin from raw material, on processing chitosan, as well as on the chemical and biological properties that help increase solubility in aqueous solutions.
chitosan derivatives, chitin, chitosan, biomedicine, biopolymer
Changing Health-Related Behaviour Leveraging Data Analytics
This paper accentuates Data Analytics as a broad term that encapsulates the issues in processing of a large structured and unstructured data in clinical healthcare. The paper explores the potential of Data Analytics in Changing Health Behavior (CHB), especially amongst the youth with regard to biomedical and well-being informatics, which plots the essential attributes of Big Data and delineates the relations among restorative and well-being informatics. The translational bio-informatics, sensor informatics and clinical diagnosis help a person in effective management of their wellness and prosperity. Data Analytics has the potential to harness diagnostic information not only to obviate morbidity to a great extent, but also bring down the expenses on therapeutic and/or clinical diagnosis, intervention and management.
Copyright (c) 2022 European Journal of Natural Sciences and Medicine
Spectrophotometric Studies of Indolic Compounds from Vinca Minor L.
The most medically representative plant in the Apocynaceae family is Vinca minor. Vinca minor is a perennial, herbaceous plant, commonly known as Saschiu. In the present research we aimed to isolate the indole compounds from Vinca minor L. and to carry out some physico-chemical studies on these compounds: UV-VIS spectroscopy and the determination of the polyphenols content using Folin-Ciocâlteu method. The spectrophotometric study of the alcoholic plant extracts obtained from the leaf and stem of Vinca minor was performed using the UV-VIS spectrophotometric method and a VWR UV-630PC double beam spectrophotometer. Both samples of plant alcoholic extracts obtained from the leaf and from the stem of Vinca minor L. had the specific absorption maxima detected in the range 225-350 nm and the absorbance maximum in both cases was 3.5 (u.a- absorbency units). The total content of polyphenols was determined by the Folin-Ciocâlteu method from alcoholic extracts of different concentrations: 40%, 70%, 96% (T40, T70, T96, F40, F70, F96) obtained from the leaf and stem of Vinca minor plant using the spectrophotometer model JASCO- 550 UV VIS. Regarding the alcoholic extracts obtained from the leaf of Vinca minor L., the concentrations of polyphenols were between 812.50 mg / 100g pv and 1737.50 mg / 100g pv and and in the case of alcoholic extracts obtained from the strain, the results were between 1525.00-3962.50 mg GAE / 100 g pv, results that were in accordance with the literature.
Vinca minor, bioactive substances, UV-VIS spectrophotometric method, Folin-Ciocâlteu method
Copyright (c) 2021 European Journal of Medicine and Natural Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
A Fashionable Mask: Branded Value Proposition during the Coronavirus Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has changed not only the social, economic, political spheres of nations, but also fashion industry, having to cancel fashion shows. Fashion brands started offering value proposition changed under new conditions to give the value to their customers with changing needs. A lot of fashion brands follow their pandemic sustainable business strategy to help medical staff with masks, gowns, and sanitizers for free, to donate to medical organizations, coronavirus research in Universities’ laboratories that also increases their EVA. A mask takes mostly two functions – utilitarian and emotional, i.e. new technological and fashionable part of the mask production/consumption. There are creative ideas in mask making by technological brands like a self-cleaning mask, collaborations of high-tech companies and fashion industry representatives like hijab-wearing masks for Arab medical female staff, fashion brands creating fashionable masks by using double sustainable business strategy like cutting masks from vintage clothes and donating from proceeds, popculture brands creating masks with their branded themes, fashion brands creating cloth masks made of the latest trends, artists creating unique masks using artisan techniques, a technological and fashionable mix like face-recognition masks, and also politicians setting up mask trends like the Slovakia president to have the mask matching the look in color or Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary to promote indigenous print on a mask. The fashion brand analysis shows that the value proposition is based on value increase in EVA during the coronavirus pandemic, because they understand the necessity of sustainabile business strategy to gain the longer-term customer loyalty.
mask, fashion, brand, value proposition, coronavirus, sustainable business strategy, new technologies.
Resilience of Adolescents Diagnosed with Anxiety and Their Parents in Clinical Sample
Anxiety disorder is the most frequent psychiatric problem among children and adolescents. Research proved that resilience can be a protective factor in coping with psychological difficulties. Our research focuses on these aspects of resilience. Aims: We aimed to investigate the resilience and anxiety level of families with adolescents who were diagnosed with anxiety disorders. The clinical sample included 40 adolescents who were diagnosed with anxiety disorders and who received ambulant treatment. (18 boys and 22 girls; age: M=13.37 years, SD=1.46). Members of the control group were recruited from schools and they were normally developing adolescents without any psychiatric diagnosis. (18 boys and 19 girls, age: M=13.7 years; SD=1.56) DASS-21, Ten items Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and self-made demographic sheet were used. Regarding the resilience, a Significant difference was found between the clinical and the sample group both among the mothers and their children. However, in the case of fathers, no discrepancy was found. Our results suggest that there is a significant, moderate positive relationship between the resilience of the mother and their children. Nevertheless, similar mechanisms in the fathers’ case cannot be registered. In the control group, the fathers’ perception of their child’s resilience proved to be the strongest predictive factor (beta=0,495). On the contrary in the clinical group, the maternal perception was more accurate. (beta=0,06). Resilience can serve as a protective factor against anxiety. Our results can be useful for practitioners and draw attention to the importance of intrafamily mechanisms in coping with anxiety and mood disorders.
Determination of Caffeine Content in Arabica and Robusta Green Coffee of Indian Origin
The coffee tree belongs to the Rubiaceae family, genus Coffea. Although more than 80 species of coffee have been identified worldwide, only two are economically important. Coffea Arabica, also known as Arabica coffee, is responsible for about 70 percent of the world coffee market, and Coffea Canephora or Robusta coffee represents the rest. Due to the strong physiological effects of caffeine on human physiology, the caffeine content is a very important quality parameter of processed coffee. Routine analysis of caffeine in the food industry can be facilitated using fast and reliable tests. In this article, we quantitatively determined the caffeine content using the chloroform isolation method and we also performed the qualitative determination of caffeine in green coffee of Indian origin by the UV-VIS spectrophotometric method. Following the analysis of caffeine isolate with chloroform, we obtained a caffeine content of 182 mg / 100 g for the Robusta green coffee sample and 154 mg / 100 g for the Arabica green coffee sample. Thus we can confirm the presence of a higher caffeine content in the Robusta India green coffee sample than in the Arabica India green coffee sample. In the spectrophotometric analysis we used 4 coffee samples obtained by extraction with hot distilled water and by extraction with cold distilled water. The spectral analysis confirms the presence of caffeine in both studied coffee species and agrees with the data in the literature.
caffeine, green coffee, Arabica, Robusta, clorophorm, UV-VIS.
The Nexus of Art and Science: Creating Art Medals in the Chemistry Lab, Using Graphite Molds
The idea of graphing what is called the lead-tin eutectic point when alloys are produced from elemental lead and tin metals may be very common and established in chemistry and materials science laboratories. Producing art medals from the alloys that are made in such experiments is decidedly not. We will present how the lead-tin eutectic experiment can be performed in the chemistry lab, and how graphite blocks can be used as both mold and heat sink for the creation of art medals, utilizing metal alloys produced by students in the laboratory. The process brings together art, science and engineering in a single experience. We conclude that this has been found to be beneficial for students, yet is a technique that can be utilized by virtually any person who wishes to experiment and create with low-melting metal alloys.
Alloy, Low-melting alloys, Eutectic, Art medal, Heat transfer
The Value of Communities of Practice as a Learning Process to Increase Resilience in Healthcare Teams
This paper addresses the role that communities of practice (CoP) can have within the healthcare environment when facing uncertainty and highly emotionally impactful situations, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. The starting point is the recognition that CoPs can contribute to build resilience among their members, and particularly moral resilience. Among others, this is due to the fact that they share a reflective space from which shared knowledge is generated, which can be a source of strength and trust within the healthcare team. Specifically, in extreme situations, the CoPs can contribute to coping with moral distress, which will be crucially important not only to facing crisis situations, but to prevent the long-term adverse consequences of working in conditions of great uncertainty. The purpose of this paper is to analyze how CoP can support healthcare professionals when building moral resilience. To support that goal, we will first define CoP and describe the main characteristics of communities of practice in healthcare. Subsequently, we will clarify the concept of moral resilience, and establish the relationship between CoP and moral resilience in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, we analyze different group experiences that we can consider as CoP which emerged in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic to navigate moral problems that arose.
communities of practice, vulnerability, moral distress, COVID-19, moral resilience
Studies on Chitosan, Chitin and Chitooligosaccharides and Their Biomedical Properties
Research in healthcare involves the use of natural resources in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products. Chito-oligosaccharides (CHOS) are described as homo- or heterooligomers of N-acetylglucosamine and D-glucosamine. As a starting material for CHOS production chitin or chitosan can be used. When it comes to the medical field, there are indications that CHOS may be developed and used as drugs against asthma, antibacterial agents, ingredients in wound-dressings and vectors in gene-therapy. The methods of production can rely on enzymatic conversions, chemical methods or combinations of these methods. There is ample literature concerning the biological effects of chitosans, but relatively little is known about the effects of CHOS, and the mechanisms behind observed bioactivities are generally poorly understood. This review is focused on the characterization of chitin and chitosan by presenting the biological properties, and on the enzymatic production of CHOS, and on further separation and purification methods for producing well-defined mixtures and also provides an overview of some of the most promising applications of CHOS.
chitooligosaccharide (CHOS); chitosan; biological properties; biomedical uses; chitin.
The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Africa's Healthcare System and Psychosocial Life
The ravaging Corona virus caused many countries of the world to impose partial or total lockdown, African nations inclusive. Most African countries are low-income countries, with most of the population being non-office workers. With the continued spread and rise of COVID-19 in many African nations, the people had no choice but to keep working for their daily survival. Moreover, the current health system in most African countries is weak and unable to tackle the emerging COVID-19 pandemic. The extra burden of the COVID-19 pandemic exposed these gaps and weaknesses. In addition to the effect of the pandemic on Africa's healthcare system, there is an equal and parallel debilitating effect of the virus on the psychosocial lives of Africans. Regardless of the several challenges that African nations face; Is there any way forward? African leaders may be able to unite and reduce their dependency on the international community for aids during health crises. They may also collectively take proactive decisions on strengthening their health systems as they work on educating their people.
Corona virus, COVID-19 , Africa, Healthcare, Psychosocial
Microbiological Comparative Studies of Crude Aqueous Extracts from Arabica and Robusta Coffee
The aim of the present study was to determine the degree of microbial contamination of aqueous extracts of green and roasted coffee originating in India. The samples used in this analysis were obtained by two extraction methods: hot extraction and cold extraction. If a microbial load of samples was found, the same extracts were filtered using sterile 0.22 ?m pore size filters from PES (Polyester) for decontamination. The working methodology was based on the Standard SR EN ISO 21149/2017 which provides general guidelines for counting and detecting mesophilic aerobic bacteria using as a medium for isolation, cultivation and counting of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) the non-differential environment. The experimental results obtained showed microbial contamination of all samples. The level of microbial contamination is different for the extracts taken under study, depending on the type of coffee used, green or roasted, but also on other conditions, such as wet or dry processing. Roasted coffee is much less contaminated compared to green coffee, due to a thermal (incomplete) sterilization by the roasting procedure. The working conditions used, the temperature of the distilled water used to prepare the extracts, their non-sterile handling, but also the type of coffee used, are the factors that determined the microbial contamination.
green coffee, roasted coffee, microbial contamination, aqueous extracts, Arabica, Robusta.
Total Carotenoid, Flavonoid and Phenolic Compounds Concentration in Willowleaf Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster Salicifolius Franch.) Fruits
Willofleaf cotoneaster (Cotoneaster salicifolius Franch.) is a low, prostrate shrub, grown in Romania as an ornamental plant. Its fruits are small, ovoid pomes. Fruit tissues were analyzed for total carotenoid content (through acetone extraction and spectrophotometry), flavonoid content (methanol extraction and spectrophotometry) and total concentration of phenolic and polyphenolic compounds (methanol extraction and spectrophotometric Folin-Ciocâlteu method). C. salicifolius fruits analyzed contained an average of 311.50 mg/kg DW carotenoids (heat-dried fruits – only 100.25 mg/kg). Average flavonoid concentration was 9,777.62 mg/kg in fresh frozen fruits and 4,574 mg/kg in dried ones. 25,056.09 mg/kg GAE was the average concentration of total phenolics in fresh fruits, while dry fruit powder contained 5,271 mg/kg GAE. These concentrations of bioactive compounds are comparable, or even have a higher than in pomes belonging to related species, including domestic cultivars of rowanberry (Sorbus sp.), wild Sorbus species, firethorns (Pyracantha sp.), or other studied cotoneasters. This shows a significant potential for these pomes, requiring further investigation. However, heat-drying was found to be an unsuitable processing method for these fruits, since it led to a 53.22-78.94 percent decrease in bioactive compounds concentrations.
Cotoneaster salicifolius, fruits, carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds
Quality Innovation in Healthcare – The Challenge of the Third Era
In the third era of quality assurance in health care, innovation is no longer the exclusive focus area of the individual medical professional dedicated to optimizing patient care nor is it achieved by design thinking by the health delivery organization aiming for economic sustainability. Change platform in the third era is the community of professionals, committed to providing the best possible care within the limits of organizational logic. We aim to clarify the conditions for sustainable quality improvement in health delivery organizations and in doing so to provide a means of improving initial feasibility assessment by identifying critical factors in the cooperation between different parties. We designed a model representing the sources of influence on the process of decision making regarding the selection of innovations and choosing the most effective implementation strategy. These sources are: aspects of legitimacy, core values and change readiness. We tested this model on a project, aimed at improving the efficiency of the OR in a Dutch University Clinic. The example project failed to deliver the projected outcome because of non-disclosed conflicting interpretations of core values and an implicit controversial status shift between medical professionals and OR management. This confirms the explaining power of our model. Successful implementation of quality innovation in health care depends (among other things) on addressing the challenges of differing concepts of legitimacy, conflicting core values and varying change readiness between social systems in complex organizations. Installing a QIC as such does not meet these challenges.
innovation in health care, social systems theory
The Plasmid Differences in Multi-Drug Resistant Opportunistic Pathogenic Soil Strains of Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas
The antibiotic resistance and especially mult-idrug resistance is one of the most important factors for any microorganism survival in nature. In a majority of cases the resistance to antibiotics, as a property is being defined by several genes which are localized in plasmids, transposons and in other mobile genetical elements. As a result, it has been found out that in some native opportunistic pathogenic soil strains of Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas, the resistance to different antibiotics is caused by simultaneous presence of different plasmids in cells. Besides, the genes of resistance to various classes of antibiotics of I, II, III generations. They can be localized on one plasmid or in more than one plasmids of current bacterial cell. These plasmids of researched strains of Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas are able to stabile replication not only in cells permanently contacting with compatible antibiotic molecules in environment, but also in case of long-term cultivation of bacteria on synthetic media without any antibiotic. The antibiotic resistance of researched Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas strains, which is caused by mobile genetical elements, can be transferred among the microorganisms both in frames of one species and in interspecific and intergeneric gene transfer processes. The plasmids with the presence of genes of resistance to different antibiotics can be transferred to different microorganisms independently, with the forming of new resistant strains, which are differing in resistance to natural antimicrobial organic acidcs as well as their synthetic derivatives and it has a significant ecological and medical importance.
Pseudomonas, Plasmids, antibiotics, multi-drug resistance.