Thermodynamic and Kinetic Assessment of Cobalt II Adsorption Using Green Synthesized NiO/γ-Al2O3 Nanoparticles

Introduction: Disposal of heavy metals into the water as a result of industrial development might cause a threat Health and the environment. aim of this study was to assess the uptake of Co2+ from aqueous solutions via NiO/ γ-Al2O3 nano catalysts. Methods: The main variables that affect the percentage of metal removal were assessed. It took about 50 minutes to attain equilibrium for the elimination of Co+2 ions. It was discovered that raising the adsorbate concentration and increasing the surface weight somewhat lowered the removal of cobalt ions. Results: The removal of cobalt ions was shown to depend on temperature,due to ecothermic natural of this prosess increasing temperature associated with decrease the elemination . Conclusions: The adsorption seems to be spontaneous, exothermic, and less random according to calculated values of the thermodynamic functions (∆G, ∆H, and ∆S) of the adsorption. After the data were fitted into a number of kinetic models, including the Elovich model, pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and intraparticle diffusion equations, it was discovered that the pseudo-second-order model performed the best at describing the adsorption, with a high correlation factor (R2).

Prevalence of and factors associated with long COVID among diverse healthcare workers in the UK: a cross-sectional analysis of a nationwide study (UK-REACH)

Objectives To assess the prevalence of UK healthcare workers (HCWs) who reported symptoms of COVID-19 lasting for longer than 5 weeks and examine associated factors with experiencing long COVID in an ethnically diverse cohort. Design A cross-sectional study using data from the UK Research study into Ethnicity And COVID-19 Outcomes in HCWs cohort study. Setting Data were collected electronically between December 2020 and March 2021. Participants Individuals aged 16 years or older, residing in the UK, and working as HCWs or ancillary workers in a healthcare setting and/or registered with one of the seven major UK healthcare professional regulators. Primary and secondary outcome measures The main outcome was long COVID (symptoms>5 weeks). The primary exposure of interest was self-reported ethnicity. We employed univariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify associations. We adjusted for demographic information, health status and existing long-term conditions in our multivariate analysis. Results In our analysis of 11 513 HCWs, we found that 2331 (20.25%) reported COVID-19, of whom 525 (22.52%) experienced long COVID. There were no significant differences in risk of long COVID by ethnic group. In terms of other demographic characteristics, the majority of those experiencing long COVID were female (80.0%) and were slightly older than those who did not experience long COVID (median age 46 (IQR 36–54)). In multivariable analyses of those who reported having had COVID-19, HCWs in nursing/midwifery roles (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.76, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.46; p=0.001) and allied health professions (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.93; p=0.023) had higher odds of experiencing long COVID compared with those in medical roles. Other factors significantly associated with long COVID included self-reported psychological conditions (eg, depression and anxiety) and respiratory conditions (eg, asthma). Conclusions In this large ethnically diverse cohort study, more than one in five UK HCWs reported experiencing long COVID after acute COVID-19 during the first year of the pandemic. We found that specific demographic (older age and female gender) and occupational factors (nursing/midwifery and allied health professions) were associated with higher odds of long COVID. Notably, there were no significant differences in the risk of long COVID by ethnic group. Further research and collaborative efforts are urgently needed to address these factors effectively, develop targeted interventions and understand the temporal and longitudinal dynamics of the condition

The relationship between statin therapy and adipocytokine/inflammatory mediators in dyslipidemic nondiabetic patients: A comparative study

Background: Statins have emerged as a vital therapeutic option for dyslipidemia, effectively reducing morbidity and mortality in individuals with various medical conditions. Recent research has shed light on the intricate pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, which involves lipid accumulation and inflammatory mediators. This research was conducted to assess the correlation between statin therapy and adipocytokine and inflammatory mediator levels in dyslipidemic nondiabetic patients. Methods: A total of 67 dyslipidemic nondiabetic patients were enrolled, alongside 33 healthy controls. The participants were categorized into three groups: Group (A), comprising patients undergoing statin therapy (n = 34), Group (B), consisting of patients not receiving statin therapy (n = 33); and Group (C), comprising healthy controls (n = 33). Results: Patients not receiving statin therapy exhibited significant dyslipidemic profiles compared to patients undergoing statin therapy and healthy controls. Levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were higher in patients not receiving statin therapy. Serum levels of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) were higher in the statin group than in the non-statin group and controls. Additionally, PCSK9 levels were higher in patients treated with rosuvastatin than those treated with atorvastatin. Conversely, levels of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) were lower in the statin group compared to the non-statin group and controls. Although no significant difference in RBP4 levels between atorvastatin and rosuvastatin users was found, atorvastatin displayed lower RBP4 values. The study also revealed lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the statin group, primarily in the rosuvastatin subgroup, compared to the non-statin group. Conclusion: Statin therapy increased PCSK9 levels, with a more pronounced rise observed in patients treated with rosuvastatin than atorvastatin. Statin therapy proved protective by reducing RBP4 and CRP levels in dyslipidemic nondiabetic patients

Qualitative study exploring knowledge and attitudes towards dementia risk prediction, barriers to dementia services and service improvement recommendations with diverse populations in England

\ua9 Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2025.Objectives This study explored knowledge of dementia, attitudes towards dementia risk prediction and barriers and facilitators to accessing dementia services for diverse populations in England. Design Qualitative study using task group methodology, interrogated through framework analysis. Setting Task groups were held primarily in-person at local community venues (n=12) with one task group conducted online. Participants 147 individuals (mean age=63 years old, 62% female) were recruited, representing low-income and ethnically diverse groups from two sites (Nottingham and Newcastle, UK). Participants were from diverse ethnic backgrounds with 37% Black or Black British, 24% Asian or Asian British, 20% white, 9% not provided, 7% Arab and 1% other ethnicities. Results Participants possessed some knowledge about dementia but highlighted a need for better access to information about dementia. Participants were knowledgeable about dementia risk factors, but knowledge of risk prediction was low. Attitudes towards dementia risk prediction were cautiously optimistic, and the use of risk prediction tools was viewed as empowering. However, participants stressed the need to consider the psychological impact of a high-risk result. Barriers to accessing dementia services included stigma, denial, language, cultural and religious views about dementia. Recommendations for service improvement included engaging with communities in their spaces, workforce training around dementia awareness, cultural competency and communicating with diverse groups, improving the provision of information in different languages and access to translators. Conclusions As international policy on dementia shifts focus to prevention, there is a growing interest in identifying those at high risk and intervening early. This study illustrates current levels of dementia knowledge and attitudes towards risk prediction among socioeconomically and ethnically diverse groups in the UK. Barriers to health services for diverse populations and service improvement recommendations offer a starting point for providers to develop culturally aware and inclusive dementia services

Nanoemulsions as medicinal components in insoluble medicines

Background: Medicine’s success relies on solubility, which is the process of dissolving a solid substance in a fluid phase to create a uniform molecular dispersion. However, hydrophobic active medicinal components exhibit poor solubility in water, limiting their effectiveness and incorporation into medications. Aim: This review explores the potential of nanoemulsions as a solution for delivering hydrophobic medicinal components with low solubility. The study investigates the benefits of nanoemulsions, including enhanced absorption, effective targeting, controlled release, and protection of encapsulated bioactive ingredients. Materials and methods: Nanoemulsions are formulated by combining two immiscible liquids with emulsifying agents within a thermodynamically stable colloidal dispersion system. The review categorizes various preparation techniques into high-energy and low-energy spontaneous emulsification methods. The choice of preparation procedures and materials used significantly affects the stability of nanoemulsions over time. Evaluation of nanoemulsions includes studying medication release in vitro, in vitro permeation, stability and thermodynamic stability, shelf life, viscosity, interfacial tension, pH, and osmolarity. Results: Nanoemulsions, such as Celecoxib (Phase Inversion), acetylsalicylic acid (Ultrasonication), and Flurbiprofen (Homogenization and Ultrasonication), offer distinct advantages for medications with low solubility compared to conventional emulsions. These nanoemulsions comprise small droplets with a larger surface area, promoting enhanced absorption. They demonstrate effective targeting, controlled release, and protection of encapsulated bioactive ingredients. Moreover, the diminutive droplet sizes of nanoemulsions contribute to their reduced susceptibility to issues like flocculation, coalescence, sedimentation, or creaming. Conclusion: Nanoemulsions hold great promise in overcoming the solubility limitations of hydrophobic medicinal components. They provide enhanced absorption, effective targeting, controlled release, and protection of bioactive ingredients. The choice of preparation techniques and materials plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability of nanoemulsions over time. Further studies are warranted to optimize their use and explore their potential applications in drug delivery systems

Ethnicity and COVID-19 outcomes among healthcare workers in the UK:UK-REACH ethico-legal research, qualitative research on healthcare workers’ experiences and stakeholder engagement protocol

ntroduction As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging evidence suggests that individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds may be disproportionately affected. The United Kingdom Research study into Ethnicity And COVID-19 outcomes in Healthcare workers (UK-REACH) project has been initiated to generate rapid evidence on whether and why ethnicity affects COVID-19 diagnosis and clinical outcomes in healthcare workers (HCWs) in the UK, through five interlinked work packages/work streams, three of which form the basis of this protocol. The ethico-legal work (Work Package 3) aims to understand and address legal, ethical and acceptability issues around big data research; the HCWs' experiences study (Work Package 4) explores their work and personal experiences, perceptions of risk, support and coping mechanisms; the stakeholder engagement work (Work Package 5) aims to provide feedback and support with the formulation and dissemination of the project recommendations.Methods and analysis Work Package 3 has two different research strands: (A) desk-based doctrinal research; and (B) empirical qualitative research with key opinion leaders. For the empirical research, in-depth interviews will be conducted digitally and recorded with participants’ permission. Recordings will be transcribed, coded and analysed using thematic analysis. In Work Package 4, online in-depth interviews and focus groups will be conducted with approximately 150 HCWs, from across the UK, and these will be recorded with participants’ consent. The recordings will be transcribed and coded and data will be analysed using thematic analysis. Work Package 5 will achieve its objectives through regular group meetings and in-group discussions.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval has been received from the London-Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee of the Health Research Authority (Ref No 20/HRA/4718). Results of the study will be published in open-access journals, and disseminated through conference presentations, project website, stakeholder organisations, media and scientific advisory groups.Trial registration number ISRCTN11811602

Intersectionality and developing evidence-based policy

It is reassuring to see that ministers in the UK are formally acknowledging how people from minority ethnic (ie, defined here as all ethnicities other than White British) backgrounds have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. However, crucial gaps exist in the collection, analysis, and translation of data to assess the effects of multiple intersecting factors on individuals and communities. The Science and Technology Committee and Health and Social Care Committee report, Coronavirus: lessons learned to date,1 dedicates thirteen paragraphs to how ethnicity ties into disparities and makes five recommendations for how the government could avoid these inequities in the future

Redeployment experiences of healthcare workers in the UK during COVID-19: a cross-sectional analysis from the nationwide UK-REACH study

Objectives To assess how ethnicity, migration status and occupation are associated with healthcare workers (HCW) redeployment experiences during COVID-19 in a nationwide ethnically diverse sample. Design A cross-sectional analysis using data from the nationwide United Kingdom Research Study into Ethnicity And COVID-19 outcomes in Healthcare workers (UK-REACH) cohort study. Setting Healthcare settings. Participants Healthcare workers (HCW). Main Outcome Measures Outcome measures included redeployment, provision of training and supervision during redeployment, change in patient contact and interaction with COVID-19 patients. Methods We used logistic regression to examine associations of ethnicity, migration status, and occupation with redeployment experiences of HCWs. Results Of the 10,889 HCWs included, 20.4% reported being redeployed during the first UK national lockdown in March 2020. Those in nursing roles (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.22, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.04–1.42, p = 0.009) (compared to medical roles) had higher likelihood of being redeployed as did migrants compared to those born in the UK (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.06–1.49, p = 0.01) (in a subcohort of HCWs on the agenda for change (AfC) pay scales). Asian HCWs were less likely to report receiving training (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50–0.88, p = 0.005) and Black HCWs (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.14–3.57, p = 0.02) were more likely to report receiving supervision, compared to White colleagues. Finally, redeployed Black (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.07–1.66, p = 0.009) and Asian HCWs (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.14–1.48, p < 0.001) were more likely to report face-to-face interaction with COVID-19 patients than White HCWs. Conclusions Our findings highlight disparities in HCWs’ redeployment experiences by ethnicity, migration, and job role which are potentially related to structural inequalities in healthcare

Prevalence of long COVID-19 among healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Introduction A proportion of those who survive the acute phase of COVID-19 experience prolonged symptoms, commonly known as long COVID-19. Given that healthcare workers (HCWs) face an elevated risk of acute COVID-19 compared with the general population, the global burden of long COVID-19 in HCWs is likely to be large; however, there is limited understanding of the prevalence of long COVID-19 in HCWs, or its symptoms and their clustering. This review will aim to estimate the pooled prevalence and the symptoms of long COVID-19 among HCWs infected with SARS-CoV-2 globally, and investigate differences by country, age, sex, ethnicity, vaccination status and occupation. Methods and analysis A systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted. Medline (via Ovid), CINAHL (via EBSCO), Embase (via Ovid), PsycINFO (via EBSCO),OpenGrey(grey literature) andmedRxiv(preprint server) will be searched from the 31 December 2019 onward. All research studies and preprint articles reporting any primary data on the prevalence and/or the symptoms of long COVID-19 among adult HCWs will be included. Methodological quality will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. Outcomes are anticipated to be the prevalence of long COVID-19 among HCWs around the world and trajectory of symptoms. Data synthesis will include random-effect meta-analysis for studies reporting prevalence data of long COVID-19 following SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs. The results will be presented with a 95% CI as an estimated effect across studies. Heterogeneity will be assessed using I² statistic. Where meta-analysis is inappropriate, a narrative synthesis of the evidence will be conducted. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval is not needed as data will be obtained from published articles. We will publish our findings in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminate the results of our review at conferences. PROSPERO registration number CRD42022312781

Nationwide evaluation of the advanced clinical practitioner role in England: a cross-sectional survey

Copyright © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Background and study objective In response to growing pressures on healthcare systems, the advanced clinical practice (ACP) role has been implemented widely in the UK and internationally. In England, ACP is a level of practice applicable across various healthcare professions, who exercise a level of autonomy across four domains, referred to as the four pillars of practice (education, leadership, research and clinical practice). A national framework for ACP was established in 2017 to ensure consistency across the ACP role, however current ACP governance, education and support is yet to be evaluated. This study aimed to analyse data from a national survey of the ACP role to inform the development and improvement of policies relating to ACP in the National Health Service (NHS) in England. Design A cross-sectional survey with free-text comments. Setting The survey was distributed across primary and secondary levels of care to three distinct groups in England, including individual ACPs, NHS provider organisations and Trusts and primary care settings. Participants A total of 4365 surveys were returned, from ACP staff (n=4013), NHS provider organisations and Trusts (n=166) and primary care organisations (n=186). Results Considerable variation was found in role titles, scope of practice, job descriptions and educational backgrounds of ACPs. Differing approaches to governance were noted, which led to inconsistent ACP frameworks in some organisations. A further challenge highlighted included committing time to work across the four pillars of advanced practice, particularly the research pillar. ACPs called for improvements in supervision and continuing professional development alongside further support in navigating career pathways. Conclusions A standardised approach may support ACP workforce development in England and enable ACPs to work across the four pillars of practice. Due to the wide uptake of ACP roles internationally, this study has relevance across professions for global healthcare workforce transformationHealth Education England (grant number ASA273 HKAUR-HEER)