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Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) is a novel type of thermoplastic polymer gaining the attention of the scientific community in electronic, optoelectronic, biomedicine and packaging applications. Despite the benefits in the use of COC like undoubted optical transparency, chemical stability, good water-vapor barrier and biocompatibility, its original hydrophobicity restricts its wider applicability and optimization of its performances. Presently, we report on the optical, and morphological properties of the films of COC covered with Ti in selected areas. The layer of Ti on COC was deposited by pulsed lased deposition processing. The Ti/COC film was characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy indicating that its transmittance in the visible region decreased by about 20% with respect to the pristine polymer. The quality of the deposited Ti was assessed with the morphology by scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force microscopies (AFM). The modification of the wettability was observed by the sessile drop method indicating a reduction of the native hydrophilicity.

Background: The SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19) pandemic affected the delivery of health and social care services globally. However, little is known about how palliative care social work services were impacted. Aim: The aim of this study was to capture and analyse data from palliative care social workers who provided professional support in a range of settings across 21 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: A cross-sectional survey-based design was used for this empirical study and this paper primarily focuses on the quantitative responses. Setting/participants: Participants, palliative care social workers, were drawn internationally via members of the EAPC Social Work Task Force and the World Hospice Palliative Care Social Work network. Results: We received 362 survey responses from 21 countries. Most (79%) respondents worked with adults in in-patient units or hospitals. The number of referrals during COVID-19 increased more in non-European countries, compared to European countries. The full range of social work services could no longer be delivered, existing services changed and 65.3% of participants reported higher levels of pressure during the pandemic, which was linked to higher levels of staff absence and additional duties. For many respondents (40.8%), this included facilitating online communication between patients and their families. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 resulted in adaptations to service delivery, increased pressure on staff and moral distress, like other health and social care professions. All members of the palliative team need support and supervision to ensure effective interdisciplinary working and team cohesion.

Waves of COVID-19 have been managed successfully within US, EU, Southeast Asia and Latin America, however, South Asia and Sub-saharan Africa still suffer new variants and EU fights with UK and United States of ,,new waves of old disease“, postcovide or long covide syndrome. The aim of this communication and research is to prepare our auditors for the size and extent of postcovid systems and the importance of non-doctors and non-medicine experts in management of its consequences.

This manuscript is the International Urogynecology Consultation (IUC) on pelvic organ prolapse (POP) chapter one, committee three, on the Pathophysiology of Pelvic Organ Prolapse assessing genetics, pregnancy, labor and delivery, age and menopause and animal models.An international group of urogynecologists and basic scientists performed comprehensive literature searches using pre-specified terms in selected biomedical databases to summarize the current knowledge on the pathophysiology of the development of POP, exploring specifically factors including (1) genetics, (2) pregnancy, labor and delivery, (3) age and menopause and (4) non-genetic animal models. This manuscript represents the summary of three systematic reviews with meta-analyses and one narrative review, to which a basic scientific comment on the current understanding of pathophysiologic mechanisms was added.The original searches revealed over 15,000 manuscripts and abstracts which were screened, resulting in 202 manuscripts that were ultimately used. In the area of genetics the DNA polymorphisms rs2228480 at the ESR1 gene, rs12589592 at the FBLN5 gene, rs1036819 at the PGR gene and rs1800215 at the COL1A1 gene are significantly associated to POP. In the area of pregnancy, labor and delivery, the analysis confirmed a strong etiologic link between vaginal birth and symptoms of POP, with the first vaginal delivery (OR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.81-3.88) and forceps delivery (OR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.24-3.83) being the main determinants. Regarding age and menopause, only age was identified as a risk factor (OR : 1.102; 95% CI: 1.02-1.19) but current data do not identify postmenopausal status as being statistically associated with POP. In several animal models, there are measurable effects of pregnancy, delivery and iatrogenic menopause on the structure/function of vaginal support components, though not on the development of POP.Genetics, vaginal birth and age all have a strong etiologic link to the development of POP, to which other factors may add or protect against the risk.

Using H9C2 cardiomyoblasts, we have shown that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), the biologically active metabolite of vitamin A, affects mitochondrial dynamics and functions. The low dose (10 nM) ATRA stimulates the expression of nuclear retinoid receptors and induces mechanisms that are protective against severe local damage caused by laser irradiation at the mitochondrial level. These changes include increased density of the mitochondrial network, higher number of mitochondrial junctions, and enhanced mitochondrial velocity. Moreover, the treated cells had lower basal level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and could maintain mitochondrial potential (ΔΨ

Supplemental material, sj-pdf-1-pmj-10.1177_02692163231167938 for The impact of COVID-19 on palliative care social work: An online survey by a European Association of Palliative Care Task Force by Audrey Roulston, Jana Ross, Patricia Dobrikova, Tania Piccione, Carla Reigada, Marie Mackova and Maria Wasner in Palliative Medicine

Objective: To evaluate the effect of iatrogenic menopause on the physiology of the vagina of the ewe, and to evaluate if vaginal changes in ewes can be translated to women with the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Design: Animal study, randomised design for ovariectomy or control, blinded for allocation and outcome assessment. Setting: University of Cape Town, South Africa. Population or Sample: Twenty-five Dohne Merino ewes. Methods: Iatrogenic menopause was induced in 20 animals by bilateral ovariectomy. Five animals served as a control group (no intervention). Differences between groups were determined by linear regression analyses (adjusted for baseline scores) at 5 months after ovariectomy. Main Outcome Measures: Vaginal epithelial thickness, pH, vaginal maturation value, vaginal maturation index, epithelial glycogen accumulation, content of elastin fibres, collagen, and vascularity. Results: Ovariectomised ewes showed epithelial thinning of the vaginal wall from 146 µm to 47 µm (mean, p

War always means sacrifice, death, forced departure, pain, sorrow and suffering. All wars leave scars on the soul. The current situation in Ukraine is very serious. The war has affected millions of innocent people. St. Elizabeth's College of Healthcare and Social Work supports calls for solidarity, an end to the war and peace. Everyone from the university contributes not only by hand but also by heart to the joint work. Suffering must end!

The Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System (MMDx) may overcome histology shortcomings. Previous studies have simply examined discrepant findings but have not attempted to determine clinical endpoints. To measure performance, clinical outcomes are strongly required.This single-center cohort study described discrepancies between MMDx and histology from 51 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and analyzed 72 indication biopsies, including 21 follow-up biopsies. Clinical performance was assessed by a combined endpoint of graft failure, rejection on follow-up biopsy, de novo donor-specific antibody, and improvement of kidney allograft function upon antirejection treatment.MMDx agreed in 33 (65%) and differed in 18 (35%) of 51 KTRs. Most discrepancies occurred in biopsies called no rejection by MMDx and rejection by histology (15/24, 63%). In contrast, in biopsies called rejection by MMDx, 3 were classified as no rejection by histology (3/27, 11%). Discrepant findings between MMDx and histology occurred following delayed graft function and MMDx from biopsies with a low percentage of cortex. Among 15 biopsies classified as no rejection by MMDx but rejection by histology, the clinical course suggested no rejection in 9 cases. Six KTRs reached the endpoint, showing predominant t ≥ 2 lesions.The most often occurring discrepancy is rejection by histology but no rejection by MMDx. As more KTRs do not meet the combined endpoint for rejection, MMDx might be clinically useful in these discrepant cases. Although strong histological findings have priority in indicating the treatment, clinical implementation of MMDx could strengthen treatment strategies.