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Savchenko E, Bunimovich-Mendrazitsky S. Investigation toward the economic feasibility of personalized medicine for healthcare service providers: the case of bladder cancer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1388685. [PMID: 38808135 PMCID: PMC11130437 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1388685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
In today's complex healthcare landscape, the pursuit of delivering optimal patient care while navigating intricate economic dynamics poses a significant challenge for healthcare service providers (HSPs). In this already complex dynamic, the emergence of clinically promising personalized medicine-based treatment aims to revolutionize medicine. While personalized medicine holds tremendous potential for enhancing therapeutic outcomes, its integration within resource-constrained HSPs presents formidable challenges. In this study, we investigate the economic feasibility of implementing personalized medicine. The central objective is to strike a balance between catering to individual patient needs and making economically viable decisions. Unlike conventional binary approaches to personalized treatment, we propose a more nuanced perspective by treating personalization as a spectrum. This approach allows for greater flexibility in decision-making and resource allocation. To this end, we propose a mathematical framework to investigate our proposal, focusing on Bladder Cancer (BC) as a case study. Our results show that while it is feasible to introduce personalized medicine, a highly efficient but highly expensive one would be short-lived relative to its less effective but cheaper alternative as the latter can be provided to a larger cohort of patients, optimizing the HSP's objective better.
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Najm AA, Salih SA, Fazry S, Law D. Moderated mediation role of ethnicity on natural skin care products purchasing intention model among multicultural consumers. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300376. [PMID: 38512877 PMCID: PMC10956806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The trends for sustainable lifestyle and marketing motivated natural product consumption, such as natural skin care products (NSCPs). Different personal, environmental, and sociocultural factors influence purchase intention (PI) for NSCPs. However, there is a lack of evidence on the role of consumers' ethnicity in the PI model. The present study investigated the moderated mediation role of ethnicity in the relationship between related factors, including environmental concern, subjective norms, health factor, Halal certificate, packaging design, past experience factor, price factor, and PI mediated by personal attitude. A web-based survey was utilized to capture quantitative data from a random sample of 330 multicultural consumer group participants. The results of the study indicated that consumers' ethnicity substantially moderated the mediation effect of personal attitude in the relationships between subjective norms, health factor, Halal certificate, packaging design, past experience factor, price factor, and PI in the model. The findings contributed to understanding of the factors that influenced the PI of consumers from diverse sociocultural contexts in the market for natural products. It contributed directly to natural product marketing and industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abdulkareem Najm
- Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sarah Abdulkareem Salih
- Department of Architecture, Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shazrul Fazry
- Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Tasik Chini Research Center, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Douglas Law
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Inti International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
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Mendes A, Oliveira A, Lameiras J, Mendes-Moreira P, Botelho G. Organic Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Consumption Profile of a Portuguese Consumer Sample. Foods 2023; 12:4145. [PMID: 38002202 PMCID: PMC10670743 DOI: 10.3390/foods12224145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The production and consumption of organic products have been increasing in Portugal, as well as in the European Union as a whole. The main objective of this work is to understand the consumption habits of organic medicinal and aromatic plants (OMAPs) among Portuguese adults. An online questionnaire was distributed using social networks, resulting in the collection and statistical analysis of 300 responses. Of the participants who reported consuming OMAPs, 44.3% showed a daily consumption pattern. The most frequently mentioned OMAPs for fresh consumption were parsley (Petrosselinum crispum L., 92%), garlic (Allium sativum L., 84.1%), and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L., 78.1%). The most commonly mentioned OMAP for consumption as dried plants were oregano (Origanum vulgare L., 74.6%), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L., 49.2%), and lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora L., 46.8%). The main reasons cited for using OMAPs were their benefits to health (58.7% of participants), benefits to the environment (33.2%), and reduced salt consumption (29.5%). Among these, the main health benefits mentioned included anti-inflammatory properties (45.0%), prevention of cardiovascular diseases (41.6%), and prevention of high cholesterol (39.9%). Furthermore, 82.5% of respondents considered themselves sufficiently, well, or excellently informed about the nutritional properties of OMAPs. This research initiates a discussion about whether profiling OMAP consumption habits can serve as a valuable tool for promoting organic farming in Portugal, increasing OMAP production and consumption, and strengthening the connection between these products and potential positive human health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mendes
- Regional Directorate of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Center (DRAPC), Coimbra Delegation, Av. Fernão de Magalhães, 465 RC, 3000-177 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - André Oliveira
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Agriculture School, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.O.); (P.M.-M.)
| | - Jorge Lameiras
- Shared Care Resources Unit, Health Centers Group of Baixo Mondego, Regional Health Administration of Center, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Pedro Mendes-Moreira
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Agriculture School, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.O.); (P.M.-M.)
- Research Centre for Natural Resources Environment and Society (CERNAS), Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Goreti Botelho
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Agriculture School, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.O.); (P.M.-M.)
- Research Centre for Natural Resources Environment and Society (CERNAS), Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal
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Sala G, Pasta S, Maggio A, La Mantia T. Sambucus nigra L. (fam. Viburnaceae) in Sicily: Distribution, Ecology, Traditional Use and Therapeutic Properties. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3457. [PMID: 37836198 PMCID: PMC10575429 DOI: 10.3390/plants12193457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Sambucus nigra, the elderberry, has long been used for its medicinal properties in treating numerous diseases. Based on this traditional knowledge, its different pharmacological activities have been the focus of active research. All parts of the tree have long been used in traditional medicine, that is, the bark, the leaves, the flowers and the fruit. This study, carried out in Sicily (Italy), concerns the traditional uses of elder against human diseases. In order to trace the history of man's interaction with elder on the island, multidisciplinary research was carried out, aiming at (1) presenting a comprehensive overview of elderberry's applications and activities and (2) bridging traditional knowledge (uses and beliefs) with modern science, i.e., the most recent scientific findings in the biomedical and pharmacological fields. A rigorous literature review of scientific (and other local) reports on the elderberry tree and its application in food, health and household applications was undertaken. This article also provides a synthetic and updated picture of the ecology and distribution of S. nigra in Sicily. The elderberry is quite widespread in Sicily, yet its distribution is discontinuous. It prefers hedges, riparian woodlands, forest margins and clearings and is rather common along the watercourses flowing in the canyons of the Hyblaean Plateau, in the Madonie Mts. and in Enna province. Indeed, many old plants are often found near sacred places and rural houses, suggesting that in the past, it was extensively planted on purpose for its multiple uses. The complementary data obtained from multidisciplinary research confirm the usefulness of this approach in building a comprehensive and correct picture of the distribution of the most common woody species, for which the available knowledge is often fragmentary and imprecise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Sala
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed.4, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Pasta
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, Italian National Research Council, via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Antonella Maggio
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Section of Chemistry, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Tommaso La Mantia
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed.4, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
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Najm AA, Salih SA, Fazry S, Law D, Azfaralariff A. Moderated mediation approach to determine the effect of natural packaging factors on intention to purchase natural skincare products among the population of Klang Valley, Malaysia. J SENS STUD 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/joss.12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abdulkareem Najm
- Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Bangi Selangor Malaysia
| | - Sarah Abdulkareem Salih
- Department of Architecture, Faculty of Design and Architecture Universiti Putra Malaysia Serdang Selangor Malaysia
| | - Shazrul Fazry
- Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Bangi Selangor Malaysia
- Tasik Chini Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Bangi Selangor Malaysia
| | - Douglas Law
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Inti International University, Persiaran Perdana BBN Putra Nilai Nilai Negeri Sembilan Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Azfaralariff
- Green Biopolymer, Coating and Packaging Sector, School of Industrial Technology Universiti Sains Malaysia Gelugor Pulau Pinang Malaysia
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Crișan I, Ona A, Vârban D, Muntean L, Vârban R, Stoie A, Mihăiescu T, Morea A. Current Trends for Lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) Crops and Products with Emphasis on Essential Oil Quality. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12020357. [PMID: 36679071 PMCID: PMC9861439 DOI: 10.3390/plants12020357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Lavender is in the research spotlight due to its increasing economic importance, while market demand is expected to continue to grow. Among the hundreds of essential-oil-bearing plants, Lavandula angustifolia Mill. remains one of the most valuable. This paper explores the lavender chain timeline from crop to products, examining the expanding knowledge on the characteristics, phytochemical profile and functional potential of lavender that could lead to new products and uses. Lavender crops can be expanded without competing for productive land, instead using marginal, contaminated or unproductive land. A novel cultivation trend proposes leveraging agri-background biodiversity, arbuscular mycorrhiza and the natural enemies of pests for healthy crops. Together with breeding efforts targeting highly performant genotypes with complex volatile profiles coupled with resistance to specific biotic (particularly Phytoplasma) and abiotic (salt, heavy metals) stressors, industry could have a steady supply of high-quality raw material. Besides the expansion of the uses of essential oil in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food and environmental and agri-applications, novel channels have appeared for the use of the solid by-product, which is rich in polyphenols and polysaccharides; these channels have the potential to create additional streams of value. The stabilization and optimization of techno-functional delivery systems through the encapsulation of essential oil can extend shelf-life and enhance biological activity efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Crișan
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur Street No. 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andreea Ona
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur Street No. 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Dan Vârban
- Department of Crop Technologies, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur Street No. 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Leon Muntean
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur Street No. 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Rodica Vârban
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur Street No. 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Stoie
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur Street No. 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Tania Mihăiescu
- Department of Engineering and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur Street No. 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adriana Morea
- Department of Agritourism and Processing of Agricultural Products, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur Street No. 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Masłowski M, Aleksieiev A, Miedzianowska J, Efenberger-Szmechtyk M, Strzelec K. Antioxidant and Anti–Aging Activity of Freeze–Dried Alcohol–Water Extracts from Common Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) in Elastomer Vulcanizates. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14071460. [PMID: 35406332 PMCID: PMC9003077 DOI: 10.3390/polym14071460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The research article aimed to examine the antioxidant nature of freeze–dried extracts from Urtica dioica L. and Mentha piperita L. and to present a deep characterization of their influence on the properties of natural rubber–based vulcanizates before and after simulated aging processes. Natural extracts were prepared in three solvent systems at selected volume ratios: water (100), methanol–water (50/50), ethanol–water (50/50), which were further lyophilized and used as additive to natural rubber mixtures. Freeze–dried materials were investigated by UV–VIS diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal stability by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) were also examined. Prepared samples were subjected to accelerated simulated degradation processes by using ultraviolet and thermo-oxidative aging. Vulcanizates resistance to degradation effects was determined by the study of cross-linking density (equilibrium swelling method), mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break) and color change in comparison with the results of the reference samples. The research showed that analyzed extracts are characterized by a high content of polyphenols and antioxidant activity, thus have a protective influence on elastomer vulcanizates against damaging effects of aging processes, which consequently extends the lifetime of materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Masłowski
- Institute of Polymer & Dye Technology, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 16, 90-537 Lodz, Poland; (A.A.); (J.M.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrii Aleksieiev
- Institute of Polymer & Dye Technology, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 16, 90-537 Lodz, Poland; (A.A.); (J.M.); (K.S.)
| | - Justyna Miedzianowska
- Institute of Polymer & Dye Technology, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 16, 90-537 Lodz, Poland; (A.A.); (J.M.); (K.S.)
| | - Magdalena Efenberger-Szmechtyk
- Institute of Fermentation Technology & Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 171/173, 90-530 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Strzelec
- Institute of Polymer & Dye Technology, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 16, 90-537 Lodz, Poland; (A.A.); (J.M.); (K.S.)
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