Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) with appropriate surface chemistry have been widely used experimentally for numerous in vivo applications such as magnetic resonance imaging ...contrast enhancement, tissue repair, immunoassay, detoxification of biological fluids, hyperthermia, drug delivery and in cell separation, etc. All these biomedical and bioengineering applications require that these nanoparticles have high magnetization values and size smaller than 100
nm with overall narrow particle size distribution, so that the particles have uniform physical and chemical properties. In addition, these applications need special surface coating of the magnetic particles, which has to be not only non-toxic and biocompatible but also allow a targetable delivery with particle localization in a specific area. To this end, most work in this field has been done in improving the biocompatibility of the materials, but only a few scientific investigations and developments have been carried out in improving the quality of magnetic particles, their size distribution, their shape and surface in addition to characterizing them to get a protocol for the quality control of these particles. Nature of surface coatings and their subsequent geometric arrangement on the nanoparticles determine not only the overall size of the colloid but also play a significant role in biokinetics and biodistribution of nanoparticles in the body. The types of specific coating, or derivatization, for these nanoparticles depend on the end application and should be chosen by keeping a particular application in mind, whether it be aimed at inflammation response or anti-cancer agents. Magnetic nanoparticles can bind to drugs, proteins, enzymes, antibodies, or nucleotides and can be directed to an organ, tissue, or tumour using an external magnetic field or can be heated in alternating magnetic fields for use in hyperthermia. This review discusses the synthetic chemistry, fluid stabilization and surface modification of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, as well as their use for above biomedical applications.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Public relations and its practices are perceived to have a direct role in working towards managing and improving foreign relations, and is instrumental in the implementation of larger and more ...inclusive foreign policies. To justify the connection between public relations and foreign affairs of India, the following research paper defines the conceptual role of public relations in India’s foreign policy-making and implementation. The paper explains how public relations functions helped India to open the lines of communication between India and its foreign allies and create a space for itself in the global environment. The study examines the key incidents in the foreign policy actions and developments in India and analysed them on the basis of the strategic application of the tools of public relations. The findings reveal the strategic role of public relations in the development of foreign relations of India and how the government has successfully worked in a two-way symmetrical format for developing and implementing its foreign policy initiative.
The aim of this study was to modify the surfaces of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) with pullulan in order to reduce the cytotoxicity and enhance the cellular uptake of the ...nanoparticles. In this study, we have prepared and characterised the pullulan coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Pn-SPION) of size around 40–45
nm with magnetite inner core and hydrophilic outer shell of pullulan. We have investigated the effect of cellular uptake of uncoated and Pn-SPION on cell adhesion/viability, cytotoxicity, morphology and cytoskeleton organisation of human fibroblasts. Cell cytotoxicity/adhesion studies of SPIONs on human dermal fibroblasts showed that the particles are toxic and their internalisation resulted in disruption of cytoskeleton organisation of cells. On the other hand, Pn-SPIONs were found to be non-toxic and induced changes in cytoskeleton organisation different from that observed with SPION. Transmission electron microscopy results indicated that the SPION and Pn-SPION were internalised into cells via different mechanisms, thereby suggesting that the particle endocytosis behaviour is dependent on the surface characteristics of the nanoparticles.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Communication is the lifeline of every organization. A communication audit is an idea, a concept, tool or instrument used to diagnose strengths and weaknesses of the communication system of the ...organization. Corporate communications are the communication functions of an organization, actively involved in the decision-making process, and forming a strategy for handling internal and external communications. The following paper studies three objectives, first to understand the relevance of adoption of communication audit, second to analyze the reasons for adoption and rejection of communication audit, and lastly, to find out the adaptation of communication audit in corporate communications. Corporate communication managers were interviewed and the data was analyzed based on the adoption theory of Everett Rogers’s Theory of Diffusion of Innovation. By analyzing the persuasive and decision making factors for adopting a communication audit, and finding out a list of adapted tools used in the department, there is a clear indication of the need for adoption of communication audit in the corporate communication department. Also, looking at the other ways used for analyzing communication, an adaptation of communication audits in some form has also been seen in the corporate communications of organizations.
Le présent article traite du jugement éthique au cœur de l’évaluation des demandes d’aide médicale à mourir (AMM) au Canada et au Québec ; plus précisément, est-il éthique d’aider une personne qui en ...fait la demande à mettre fin à ses jours ? Nous examinons des situations dans lesquelles il peut être difficile de poser ce type de jugement alors même que la personne remplit tous les critères légaux d’admissibilité. Nous explorons cette question à l’aide de trois cas cliniques qui posent un défi du fait de l’exigence légale selon laquelle la personne doit éprouver des souffrances insupportables. Nous examinons les directives données aux prestataires et aux évaluatrices et évaluateurs dans six juridictions, et discutons des ressources qui pourraient permettre d’éclairer les jugements éthiques impliqués dans les évaluations de demandes d’AMM.
Covid-19 has been the test of time for corporates to act responsibly toward the sustainable development goal of gender equality. The present research is conducted to understand the representation of ...gender equality in Indian corporates through their websites during the pandemic of the Covid-19 second wave using the Impression management technique. Impression management taxonomy has been applied to lead the content analysis of the 110 corporate websites from public and private sector companies for a period of six months. It is found that the corporates have been using more assertive techniques than defensive and the private sector has been active in comparison to the public sector in working towards gender equality initiatives. The situation of pandemic resulted in low business and struggle for existence still some companies tried to be gender- sensitive. In a focus group discussion with corporate representatives, it is found that Covid-19 was a difficult situation even for the corporates, but by posting womencentric stories and sharing their concerns, it was possible for an organisation to get a dedicated women workforce. Websites thus can work as a potent corporate communication tool whereby promoting gender equality, a company can be a morale booster for its employees and can gather positive public support.
Euthanasia, assisted suicide, medical assistance in dying, death with dignity: these and many other different terms are used around the world to capture various types of assistance in dying. This ...diversity in terminology can create confusion both in academic debates and in policy-making if it is unclear what type of action or inaction is intended to be captured, by whom, and under what circumstances. By defining and contrasting several terms and legal status of assistance in dying in jurisdictions authorizing it, this comparative glossary aims to lay a foundation that prevents linguistic and conceptual confusion.
Abstract Objective All psychiatry residents in Canada are required to train in integrated care (also known as “shared care” or “collaborative care”). We sought to define the competencies required for ...integrated care practice, with an emphasis on those competencies necessary for all psychiatric postgraduate learners regardless of their intended future practice setting or population. Method We conducted a mixed methods study including qualitative interviews with nine psychiatrists practicing integrated care across Canada and a quantitative survey of 35 experts using a modified Delphi method. Results Our participants believed that integrated care aims to build capacity for improved quality of mental health care in unspecialized settings, and as such, its practice requires broad clinical expertise as well as competencies in interprofessional teamwork, collaborative leadership, knowledge exchange and program consultation. All psychiatrists require knowledge of evidence-based models of integrated care and the ability to work with organizations to implement these models. Conclusion Psychiatrists are best prepared for integrated care practice through clinical exposure to primary care and/or community settings, as well as didactic teaching regarding the evidence for integrated care, quality improvement methods, leadership, health systems and population health.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Persons with mental illness as their sole underlying medical condition are eligible to access medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in a small number of countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, ...Luxemburg and Switzerland. In Canada, it is anticipated that people experiencing mental illness as their sole underlying medical condition (MI-SUMC) will be eligible to request MAiD as of March 17th 2024. To date, few studies have addressed patient and family perspectives on MAiD MI-SUMC care processes. This study aimed to address this gap and qualitatively explore the perspectives of persons with lived experience of mental illness and family members on care considerations during MI-SUMC implementation.
Thirty adults with lived experience of mental illness and 25 adult family members residing in Ontario participated in this study. To facilitate participant engagement, the semi-structured interview used a persona-scenario exercise to discuss perspectives on MAiD MI-SUMC acceptability and care considerations. Framework analysis was used to inductively analyze data using NVivo 12 Pro. Steps, processes, or other care considerations suggested by the participants were charted in a framework matrix after familiarization with the narratives. Key themes were further identified. A lived-experience advisory group participated in every aspect of this study.
Six themes were developed from the patient and family narratives: (1) Raising MAiD MI-SUMC awareness; (2) Sensitive Introduction of MAiD MI-SUMC in goals of care discussions; (3) Asking for MAiD MI-SUMC: a person-focused response; (4) A comprehensive circle of MAiD MI-SUMC care; (5) A holistic, person-centered assessment process; and (6) Need for support in the aftermath of the decision. These themes highlighted a congruence of views between patient and family members and described key desired process ingredients, including a person-centred non-judgmental stance by care providers, inter-professional holistic care, shared decision making, and the primacy of patient autonomy in healthcare decision making.
Family and patient perspectives on the implementation of MAiD MI-SUMC offer important considerations for service planning that could complement existing and emerging professional practice standards. These stakeholders' perspectives will continue to be essential in MAiD MI-SUMC implementation efforts, to better address the needs of diverse communities and inform improvement efforts.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
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