Preparation and Investigations of Ni0.2Zn0.8Fe2O4Ni_{0.2}Zn_{0.8}Fe_2O_4 Ferrite Nanofiber Membranes by Needleless Electrospinning Method

The preparation of $Ni_{0.2}Zn_{0.8}Fe_2O_4$ nanofiber membranes by simple and versatile needleless electrospinning technique is presented. The single phase of spinel ferrite membrane was obtained after conventional thermal treatment of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/metal nitrate precursors at 800°C for 4 h in air. The formation of single-phase fibers was characterized using differential scanning calorimetry accompanied with thermogravimetric analysis. The surface morphology, microstructure and crystal structure were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The magnetic properties of the fibrous samples measured in the temperature range from 2 to 300 K verify a soft magnetic behavior, which is quite typical for ferrimagnetic spinel-type ferrites

Influence of boron addition on the phase transformation, microstructure, mechanical and in-vitro cellular properties of bredigite-type coatings deposited by a spin coating technique

Doped calcium silicates, e.g. bredigite (Ca7MgSi4O16) have recently become a growing interest in biomedicine thanks to outstanding biocompatibility, bioactivity, and improved mechanical properties when compared to calcium phosphate counterparts. Here, we have produced thin bredigite-type coatings on Ti6Al4V substrate by the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) assisted sol-gel spin-coating technique and studied the influence of boron incorporation (0.5 and 1.0 mol) on the microstructural, phase, nanomechanical, and in-vitro cellular properties of deposited coatings. Chemical and structural analysis of the coatings was thoroughly performed by Focussed Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM/FIB), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), differential thermal analysis (DTA-TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while the nanomechanical properties were evaluated by nanoindentation and nanoscratch tests. Overall, all deposited films were smooth and porous composed of ~25–50 nm nanoparticles. The boron incorporation increased the coating thickness as a result of PVA interaction with borate ions. The nanomechanical properties (Young’s modulus, nanohardness, critical load for cracking) decreased by the boron addition as a result of decreasing the strength of grain boundaries between the nanoparticles. The in-vitro contact cytotoxicity testing revealed high proliferation of the osteoblast cells in all coatings giving the potential of application in orthopedics

What is a prevention visit? A qualitative study of a structured approach to prevention and screening – the BETTER WISE project

Abstract Background This qualitative study is a sub-component of BETTER WISE, a comprehensive and structured approach that proactively addresses chronic disease prevention, screening, and cancer survivorship, including screening for poverty and addressing lifestyle risks for patients aged 40 to 65. Patients (n = 527) from 13 primary care clinics (urban, rural, and remote) in Alberta, Ontario, and Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada agreed to participate in the study and were invited to a one-hour prevention visit delivered by a Prevention Practitioner (PP) as part of BETTER WISE. We identified the key components of a BETTER WISE prevention visit based on patients’ and primary care providers’ perspectives. Methods Primary care providers (PPs, physicians and their staff) participated in 14 focus groups and 19 key informant interviews to share their perspectives on the BETTER WISE project. Of 527 patients who agreed to participate in the study and were invited for a BETTER WISE prevention visit with a PP, we received 356 patient feedback forms. We also collected field notes and memos and employed thematic analysis using a constant comparative method focusing on the BETTER WISE prevention visit. Results We identified four key themes related to a BETTER WISE prevention visit: 1) Creating a safe environment and building trust with patients: PPs provided sufficient time and a safe space for patients to share what was important to them, including their concerns related to poverty, alcohol consumption, and mental health, topics that were often not shared with physicians; 2) Providing personalized health education: PPs used the BETTER WISE tools to provide patients with a personalized overview of their health status and eligible screening; 3) Non-judgmental empowering of patients: Instead of directing patients on what to do, PPs evoked patients’ preferences and helped them to set goals (if desired); and 4) Integrating care for patients: PPs clarified information from patients’ charts and surveys with physicians and helped patients to navigate resources within and outside of the primary care team. Conclusions The results of this study underscore the importance of personalized, trusting, non-judgmental, and integrated relationships between primary care providers and patients to effectively address chronic disease prevention, screening, and cancer survivorship as demonstrated by the BETTER WISE prevention visits. Trial registration This qualitative study is a sub-component of the BETTER WISE pragmatic, cRCT, trial registration ISRCTN21333761 (date of registration 19/12/2016

Multigene Expression Profile Testing in Breast Cancer: Is There a Role for Family Physicians?

Background: Family physicians (fps) play a role in aspects of personalized medicine in cancer, including assessment of increased risk because of family history. Little is known about the potential role of fps in supporting cancer patients who undergo tumour gene expression profile (gep) testing. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study with qualitative and quantitative components. Qualitative data from focus groups and interviews with fps and cancer specialists about the role of fps in breast cancer gep testing were obtained during studies conducted within the pan-Canadian canimpact research program. We determined the number of visits by breast cancer patients to a fp between the first medical oncology visit and the start of chemotherapy, a period when patients might be considering results of gep testing. Results: The fps and cancer specialists felt that ordering gep tests and explaining the results was the role of the oncologist. A new fp role was identified relating to the fp–patient relationship: supporting patients in making adjuvant therapy decisions informed by gep tests by considering the patient’s comorbid conditions, social situation, and preferences. Lack of fp knowledge and resources, and challenges in fp–oncologist communication were seen as significant barriers to that role. Between 28% and 38% of patients visited a fp between the first oncology visit and the start of chemotherapy. Conclusions: Our findings suggest an emerging role for fps in supporting patients who are making adjuvant treatment decisions after receiving the results of gep testing. For success in this new role, education and point-of-care tools, together with more effective communication strategies between fps and oncologists, are needed

BETTER HEALTH: Durham -- protocol for a cluster randomized trial of BETTER in community and public health settings

Abstract Background The Building on Existing Tools to Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening (BETTER) cluster randomized trial in primary care settings demonstrated a 30% improvement in adherence to evidence-based Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening (CDPS) activities. CDPS activities included healthy activities, lifestyle modifications, and screening tests. We present a protocol for the adaptation of BETTER to a public health setting, and testing the adaptation in a cluster randomized trial (BETTER HEALTH: Durham) among low income neighbourhoods in Durham Region, Ontario (Canada). Methods The BETTER intervention consists of a personalized prevention visit between a participant and a prevention practitioner, which is focused on the participant’s eligible CDPS activities, and uses Brief Action Planning, to empower the participant to set achievable short-term goals. BETTER HEALTH: Durham aims to establish that the BETTER intervention can be adapted and proven effective among 40–64 year old residents of low income areas when provided in the community by public health nurses trained as prevention practitioners. Focus groups and key informant interviews among stakeholders and eligible residents of low income areas will inform the adaptation, along with feedback from the trial’s Community Advisory Committee. We have created a sampling frame of 16 clusters composed of census dissemination areas in the lowest urban quintile of median household income, and will sample 10 clusters to be randomly allocated to immediate intervention or six month wait list control. Accounting for the clustered design effect, the trial will have 80% power to detect an absolute 30% difference in the primary outcome, a composite score of completed eligible CDPS actions six months after enrollment. The prevention practitioner will attempt to link participants without a primary care provider (PCP) to a local PCP. The implementation of BETTER HEALTH: Durham will be evaluated by focus groups and key informant interviews. Discussion The effectiveness of BETTER HEALTH: Durham will be tested for delivery in low income neighbourhoods by a public health department. Trial Registration: NCT03052959, registered February 10, 2017