S-3,4-DCPG, a potent orthosteric agonist for the mGlu8 receptor, facilitates extinction and inhibits the reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference in male rats.

The limbic system, particularly the NAc, shows a high concentration of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Recent evidence suggests the significant involvement of mGluRs in mental disorders, including substance abuse and addiction. The objective of this study was to examine the involvement of mGlu8 receptors in the NAc in the mechanisms underlying the extinction and reinstatement of conditioned place preference (CPP) induced by morphine. Male Wistar rats underwent surgical implantation of bilateral cannulas in the NAc and were assessed in a CPP protocol. In study 1 at the same time as the extinction phase, the rats were given varying doses of S-3,4-DCPG (0.03, 0.3, and 3 µg/0.5 µl). In study 2, rats that had undergone CPP extinction were given S-3,4-DCPG (0.03, 0.3, and 3 µg/0.5 µl) five minutes prior to receiving a subthreshold dose of morphine (1 mg/kg) in order to reactivate the previously extinguished morphine response. The findings demonstrated that administering S-3,4-DCPG directly into the accumbens nucleus resulted in a decrease in the duration of the CPP extinction phase. Moreover, dose-dependent administration of S-3,4-DCPG into the NAc inhibited CPP reinstatement. The observations imply that microinjection of S-3,4-DCPG as a potent orthosteric agonist with high selectivity for the mGlu8 receptor into the NAc promotes the process of extinction while concurrently exerting inhibitory effects on the reinstatement of morphine-induced CPP. This effect may be associated with the modulation of glutamate engagement within the NAc and the plasticity of reward pathways at the synaptic level.

Effectiveness of integrated person-centered interventions for older people's care: Review of Swedish experiences and experts' perspective.

Older adults have multiple medical and social care needs, requiring a shift toward an integrated person-centered model of care. Our objective was to describe and summarize Swedish experiences of integrated person-centered care by reviewing studies published between 2000 and 2023, and to identify the main challenges and scientific gaps through expert discussions. Seventy-three publications were identified by searching MEDLINE and contacting experts. Interventions were categorized using two World Health Organization frameworks: (1) Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE), and (2) Integrated People-Centered Health Services (IPCHS). The included 73 publications were derived from 31 unique and heterogeneous interventions pertaining mainly to the micro- and meso-levels. Among publications measuring mortality, 15% were effective. Subjective health outcomes showed improvement in 24% of publications, morbidity outcomes in 42%, disability outcomes in 48%, and service utilization outcomes in 58%. Workshop discussions in Stockholm (Sweden), March 2023, were recorded, transcribed, and summarized. Experts emphasized: (1) lack of rigorous evaluation methods, (2) need for participatory designs, (3) scarcity of macro-level interventions, and (4) importance of transitioning from person- to people-centered integrated care. These challenges could explain the unexpected weak beneficial effects of the interventions on health outcomes, whereas service utilization outcomes were more positively impacted. Finally, we derived a list of recommendations, including the need to engage care organizations in interventions from their inception and to leverage researchers' scientific expertise. Although this review provides a comprehensive snapshot of interventions in the context of Sweden, the findings offer transferable perspectives on the real-world challenges encountered in this field.

Occupational Challenges of Intensive Care Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been spreading rapidly as a pandemic and posed numerous challenges to healthcare workers (HCWs), especially nurses. This study aimed to investigate the occupational challenges experienced by intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in caring for patients with COVID-19. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a conventional content analysis method in September and October 2020. The study environment was the ICU wards dedicated to the patients of COVID-19 in a large hospital in east of Iran. The participants were selected by purposeful sampling method, and data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 17 nurses working in the COVID-19 ICUs. Data analysis was done with MAXQDA 2020. Results: The data analysis led to the extraction of 6 main categories and 17 sub-categories. The main challenges included "payment system", "human resource management", "consumable resource supply", "psychological and ethical distress", "personal or family problems", and "staff motivation and welfare issues". Conclusion: Considering the key and important role of nurses in the healthcare system, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to increase their motivation by applying a fair and non-discriminatory payment system and paying special attention to psychological issues. Also, managerial support and provision of required facilities and manpower have a significant impact on reducing their occupational challenges in caring for patients with COVID-19.

In Vitro and In Vivo Improvement of Islet Quality and Transplantation Successes following Islet Treatment with Biomaterials in Diabetic Rats.

Background: Loss of islet survival and function, caused by native niche disruption and oxidative stress induction during mechanical and enzymatic isolation, limits the effectiveness of islet transplantation. Reconstitution of islet microenvironment, vascularization, and decreased oxidative stress with biomaterials may improve islet quality and graft outcomes. We investigated effects of two biomaterials, platelet-rich plasma and pancreatic islets homogenate combination on islet recovery and quality by evaluating in vitro islet survival, secretory function, and oxidative stress parameters and assessing in vivo transplantation outcomes. Methods: In vitro, islet viability and secretory function of isolated islets were assessed after 24 h and 72 h incubation with biomaterials. Also, oxidative stress markers were measured once after isolation and 24 h after incubation with biomaterials. For evaluating in vivo effects, cultured islets for 24 h were transplanted into subscapular space of diabetic rat kidney, and outcomes were analyzed by measuring serum glucose and insulin concentrations, glucose tolerance test, level of oxidative parameters, and pancreatic gene expression. Results: Treating islets with biomaterials significantly increased their viability and secretory function, reduced MDA level, and elevate SOD and CAT activity. Decreased level of glucose and MDA improved insulin level, increased SOD activity, and also enhanced pdx1 and insulin gene expression in diabetic rats after islet transplantation. Conclusions: Biomaterials used in the present study should be consider as beneficial materials for increasing islet transplantation outcome. These materials may hamper transplantation limitation to some extent.

The effect of a course of selected corrective exercises on posture, scapula-humeral rhythm and performance of adolescent volleyball players with upper cross syndrome.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the effect of a course of selected corrective exercises on posture, scapula-humeral rhythm and performance of adolescent volleyball players. METHODS: 30 adolescent volleyball players with upper cross syndrome were purposefully selected and assigned into 2 control and training groups. The degree of back curvature was evaluated using a flexible ruler, forward head and forward shoulder size by photographic method, scapula-humeral rhythm by Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST), and performance by closed kinetic chain test. The training group performed the exercises for 10 weeks. After the exercises, the post-test was administered. To analyze the data, analysis of co-variance tests and paired t-test at the level of 0.05 were employed. RESULTS: The research results showed that corrective exercises have a significant effect on abnormalities of forward head, forward shoulder, kyphosis, scapula-humeral rhythm and performance. CONCLUSIONS: Corrective exercises can be effective in reducing shoulder girdle and spine abnormalities and improving scapula- humeral rhythm and performance of volleyball players.

VU0155041, a positive allosteric modulator of mGluR4, in the nucleus accumbens facilitates extinction and inhibits the reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference in male rats.

Nucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons appear to be at the hub of the reward circuit. New evidence suggests that the behavioural effects of morphine substances may be significantly regulated by glutamate-mediated transmission, notably by metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors. Here, we examined the hypothesis that the mGlu4 receptor within that NAc has a role in the extinction and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). The animals received bilaterally microinjections of VU0155041, a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) and partial agonist of mGlu4 receptor, into the NAc. In Experiment 1, the rats received VU0155041 (10, 30 and 50 µg/0.5 µL) during the extinction period. In Experiment 2, the CPP extinguished rats received VU0155041 (10, 30 and 50 µg/0.5 µL) five minutes prior to the administration of morphine (1 mg/kg) in order to reinstate the extinguished CPP. The results showed that the intra-accumbal administration of VU0155041 reduced the extinction period of CPP. Furthermore, the administration of VU0155041 into the NAc dose-dependently inhibited the reinstatement of CPP. The findings suggested that the mGluR4 in the NAc facilitates the extinction and inhibits the reinstatement of the morphine-induced CPP, which could be mediated by an increase in the release of extracellular glutamate.

Integrating health promotion with and for older people - eHealth (IHOPe) - evaluating remote integrated person-centred care : Protocol of a randomised controlled trial with effectiveness, health economic, and process evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare and welfare systems worldwide are unprepared to accommodate the growing population of older people. Simultaneously, the cost of reactive care for older people is increasing. However, healthcare systems in many countries are reforming towards integrated and person-centred care with a focus on health promotion and proactive actions. The Integrating Health Promotion with and for Older People - eHealth (IHOPe) project aims to describe and evaluate a person-centred e-support intervention that promotes a sustainable partnership between community-dwelling frail older people and health and social care professionals. METHODS: The IHOPe project is designed as a randomised controlled trial comparing a control group receiving standard care with an intervention group receiving standard care and add-on person-centred care through telephone support and a digital platform. The primary outcome measure is a composite score of changes in general self-efficacy and the need for unscheduled hospital care. The project is conducted in Gothenburg, Sweden. At least 220 participants aged ≥ 75 years will be included after being screened using a frailty instrument. The study design, intervention components, digital platform, and questionnaires were developed in close collaboration with an advisory group of inter-professional researchers, stakeholders, clinicians, and older representatives. Data will mainly be collected through questionnaires at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after inclusion in the study. Recruitment is ongoing and should be completed during 2023. Data will be analysed using quantitative and qualitative methods. The evaluation will include effectiveness, process, and health economics. The study was approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Gothenburg, Sweden (Dnr 2019-05364, Dnr 2020-03550, Dnr 2021-03255). DISCUSSION: The findings will expand our knowledge of remotely integrated person-centred care for frail older people. Thereby, the IHOPe project is expected to fill highlighted knowledge gaps on intervention evaluations including the triad of person-centred, digital, and integrated care elements, as well as economic evaluations of remote health services for frail older people. The study is ongoing, and the results are not completed but if they turn out to be positive, implementation is not limited to time or location. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT04416815. Registered 07/06/2021.

The Efficiency of Stem Cells (SCs) Differentiation into Functional Hepatocytes for Treating Liver Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Stem cells provided new opportunity to treat various diseases, including liver disorders. Stem cells are unspecialized cells, stimulating influential research interest be indebted to their multipotent self-renewal capacity and differentiation characteristics into several specialized cell types. Many factors contribute to their differentiation into different cell types such as insulin producing cells, osteoblast, and hepatocytes. Accordingly, wide range methods and materials have been used to transform stem cells into hepatocytes, but effectiveness of differentiation is different and depends on several factors such as cell-to-cell adhesion, cell-to-cell contact, and cell biological change. Search was done in PubMed, Scopus, and WOS to evaluate results of studies about stem cells differentiation for higher efficacy. Among more than 28000 papers, 51 studies were considered eligible for more evaluations. Results indicated that most studies were performed on mesenchymal stem cells compared with other types. Acute liver failure was the most investigated liver disorder, and tissue engineering was the most investigated differentiation methods. Also, functional parameters were the most evaluated parameters in assessing differentiation efficacy. We summarize recent advances in increasing efficiency of stem cells differentiation using varied materials, since promising results of this review, further studies are needed to assess efficiency and safety of these cells transplantation in some liver disease treatment.

Comparable effects of circuit and traditional resistance exercise on platelet α2bß3 receptor and platelet activation and function.

BACKGROUND: Resistance exercise induces thrombocytosis and increases platelet activation and function. These changes might be related to exercise variables including exercise intensity and type. OBJECTIVE: We compared the effects of traditional resistance exercise (TRE) and circuit resistance exercise (CRE) on cellular markers of platelet activation and function. METHODS: In this crossover study ten healthy male (mean±SD: age, 25.6±2.4 years) subjects performed TRE encompassed 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 100% of 10-RM (10 repetition maximum) for 6 exercises, and CRE protocols included 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 100% of 10-RM for all 6 exercises consecutively, in two separate weeks. To measure platelet indices, PAC1, CD41a, CD42b and CD62P three blood samples were taken before, immediately after exercise, and after 30 min recovery. RESULTS: Lactate concentration, blood pressure, platelet count (PLT), and mean platelet volume (MPV) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased following both resistance exercise trials. Significant increases in PAC1, and CD62P; and significant reductions for CD42b and CD41a were detected following both REs (p < 0.05). However, changes in PAC1 and CD62P were significantly different between the two protocols (p < 0.05), with higher increases detected following CRE. CONCLUSIONS: Acute RE increases platelet indices and platelet activation; and that CRE results in higher platelet activation than TRE, probably due to exercise-induced increases in shear stress.

Family-based interventions in youth to prevent HIV/AIDS: A systematic review.

Parents are primary sex educators of their teenagers and also function as resources for advice and information about sexual decision-making and partner selection. So far, various family-based programs were carried out to prevent HIV infection in young people; however, their findings are contradictory and inconclusive. Therefore, we carried out the current systematic review to critically review the available literature regarding the role of family-based interventions among young people to prevent HIV infection. The available online databases including ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed were searched systematically up to November 2022. The risk of bias in the eligible studies was examined by two independent authors using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool. A total of 7 studies including 4952 participants were enrolled in the current study. They were conducted between 2006 and 2020. On the basis of the available literature, family-based HIV prevention interventions seem to be effective in terms of improving HIV/AIDS knowledge and also parent-youth communication. It seems that family-based interventions in youth to prevent HIV/AIDS are effective; however, further well-designed studies are needed to help the researchers reach a firm conclusion on this issue. The current systematic review may be used by investigators for future studies in terms of settings and the selection of educational approaches. Moreover, it strongly suggested that further studies investigating the role of family-based education in the prevention of HIV/AIDS utilize more sample size and also a more robust educational framework.

Oral propranolol and topical timolol in the treatment of post-burn pyogenic granuloma: Two cases and a review of the literature.

Two cases of pyogenic granulomas in burned skin were presented, a 17-month-old boy and a 7-year-old girl, being given oral propranolol and topical timolol. Both cases showed lesions improvement with no adverse effects, suggesting that beta-blocker therapy may have a positive impact on the treatment of pyogenic granuloma after burns.

Management of Cancer Patients in the COVID-19 Crisis Using Telemedicine: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine can provide a solution for disease management during the COVID-19 pandemic. This literature review aims to explore the role of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic for management of cancer patients. METHOD: A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for the papers published until April 2021. Studies were included in case they had practically used telemedicine in the management of cancer patients during the COVID-19 crisis. RESULTS: After screening 2614 titles and abstracts and reviewing 305 full-texts, 16 studies were found to be eligible. The results indicated that most of the patients contacted by telemedicine services mostly used to intract with patients breast cancer (n=4, 25%). The most common use of telemedicine was the provision of virtual visit services (n=10, 62.25%). Besides, communication was most frequently provided by live video conferences (n=11, 68.75%). CONCLUSION: Telemedicine can provide continued access to necessary health services in oncology care and serve as an important role in pandemic planning and response.

Change Management in Hospitals: A Framework Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hospitals are complex organizations that frequently need changes especially in service delivery processes, organizing, human resource management, monitoring and evaluation and technologies. Maintaining and improving productivity is a key requirement in hospital change management. Therefore, we need to develop and expand an appropriate model for management of changes in hospitals; which is the main purpose of this study. METHOD: A qualitative approach was used to conduct semi-structured interviews in 2019-2020 with 12 expert managers at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. A pre-structured framework was applied for the data analysis. RESULTS: Four main themes and nine sub-themes were identified as the main phases or stages of the framework that can be used to manage changes that aim to improve efficiency in hospitals. The main themes were problem identification and initial support; studying, designing and planning; participation in implementation; considering executive requirements; and implementation, assessment, feedback and stabilization. CONCLUSION: Management of changes that aim to improve hospital efficiency requires a practical model that was specifically developed by this study. This model should consider all the key elements that were identified; and should consider the expectations of the key stakeholders and their contribution in implementing the change.

Platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of scars, to suggest or not to suggest? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Despite the rising trend for applying platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the management of various types of scars, there is no convincing evidence supporting its use. This motivated us to review the randomized clinical trials that examine the effectiveness and safety of PRP, alone or in combination with other methods, for the management of atrophic or hypertrophic/keloidal scars. The Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched until September 1st , 2020. Thirteen clinical trials were enrolled in the meta-analysis, and 10 more were reviewed for their results. The random effect meta-analysis method was used to assess the effect size of each outcome for each treatment type, and I2 was used to calculate the statistical heterogeneity between the studies. Patients treated with PRP experienced an overall response rate of 23%, comparable to the results seen with laser or micro-needling (22% and 23%, respectively) When used alone, moderate improvement was the most frequently observed degree of response with PRP (36%) whereas, when added to laser or micro-needling, most patients experienced marked (33%, 43%, respectively) or excellent (32% and 23%, respectively) results. Concerning the hypertrophic/keloid scars, the only study meeting the required criteria reported a better improvement and fewer adverse effects when PRP was added to the intralesional corticosteroids. Platelet-rich plasma appears to be a safe and effective treatment for various types of atrophic scars. In addition, when added to ablative lasers or micro-needling, it seems to considerably add to the efficacy of treatment and reduce the side effects.

Effect of 8% arginine toothpaste on Streptococcus mutans in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment: randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of toothpaste containing 8% arginine on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in dental plaque around orthodontic brackets, and to draw a comparison with a regular fluoride toothpaste. TRIAL DESIGN: A single-center, parallel-arm, triple-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted. METHODS: The clinical trial was conducted at the Orthodontic Clinic, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Seventy-two patients (age range: 15-30 years) who required fixed orthodontic treatment were recruited and randomly assigned to arginine and fluoride groups. Randomization was performed using RANDOM.ORG online software, and the participants were divided into two parallel groups, with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Patients were requested to brush their teeth twice daily for 30 days with an experimental toothpaste. Plaque sampling was performed at two intervals, namely at the beginning of the study (T0) and 30 days later (T1). Real-time PCR was used to assess plaque samples in terms of the number of S. mutans surrounding stainless steel brackets in orthodontic patients. A triple-blind design was employed. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics (age, sex, and the relative number of S. mutans) between the groups were similar (p>0.05). Only the arginine group showed a significant decrease in the relative number of bacteria between T0 and T1 (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Arginine is an important prebiotic agent in maintaining healthy oral biofilms, and prevent dental caries during fixed orthodontic treatments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20181121041713N2), https://en.irct.ir/user/trial/42409/view.

Enhanced osteogenic differentiation of stem cells by 3D printed PCL scaffolds coated with collagen and hydroxyapatite.

Bone tissue engineering uses various methods and materials to find suitable scaffolds that regenerate lost bone due to disease or injury. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) can be used in 3D printing for producing biodegradable scaffolds by fused deposition modeling (FDM). However, the hydrophobic surfaces of PCL and its non-osteogenic nature reduces adhesion and cell bioactivity at the time of implantation. This work aims to enhance bone formation, osteogenic differentiation, and in vitro biocompatibility via PCL scaffolds modification with Hydroxyapatite (HA) and Collagen type I (COL). This study evaluated the osteosupportive capacity, biological behavior, and physicochemical properties of 3D-printed PCL, PCL/HA, PCL/COL, and PCL/HA/COL scaffolds. Biocompatibility and cells proliferation were investigated by seeding human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) onto the scaffolds, which were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. In addition, the bone differentiation potential of the hADSCs was assessed using calcium deposition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and bone-related protein and genes. Although all constructed scaffolds support hADSCs proliferation and differentiation, the results showed that scaffold coating with HA and COL can boost these capacities in a synergistic manner. According to the findings, the tricomponent 3D-printed scaffold can be considered as a promising choice for bone tissue regeneration and rebuilding.

Continuous multidimensional assessment system of medical residents in teaching hospitals.

Background and aims: Evaluation of learners is considered as one of the most important principles in education, especially in the clinical fields. Continuous assessment can be used to provide appropriate feedback to students about their strengths and weaknesses. In this regard, this study is aimed to design a system of continuous assessment of medical residents (SCMARs). Methods: This study was performed using a combination of qualitative methods, including focus group discussion, expert panel, and Delphi technique. The study population consisted of all the stakeholders involved in the evaluation process of medical residents in Imam Reza Hospital Complex (IRHC) in Iran. This study was conducted in three phases, including identification of subthemes and indicators, production of a primary framework for the SCMAR, and agreement on the subthemes of the SCMAR. The nominal group technique was used for generating priority information. Data analysis was performed during the agreement review stage with the Excel software version 2016. Results: The finalized SCMAR consisted of 10 main themes and 38 subthemes. The themes included objectives, evaluators, areas, and indicators of evaluation, evaluation periods, evaluation requirements, data collection, data sources, point assignment and data analysis methods, reporting, and feedback dissemination methods. Five areas of evaluation and 11 indicators of evaluation were proposed. Conclusion: A comprehensive assessment system that continuously evaluates the performance of Medical Residents can be used as a stimulus to improve the quality of educational processes. The present study was aimed to address this need by designing a framework for such a system.

The Experiences of Nurses of Infectious and Non- Infectious Wards of Caring COVID-19 Patients in a Big Hospital in Iran: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Nurses play a very important role in caring for patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). They are on the frontline fighting COVID-19. The objective was to explore the experiences of nurses in the surgical and infectious wards about caring for patients with COVID-19 in a large and tertiary care hospital in Iran. Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative study. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 18 nurses in the Imam Reza Hospital Complex from April to May 2020, Mashhad, Iran. Data analysis was performed using the method proposed by Lundman and Granheim. The Maxqda10 software was used. Results: The experiences were summarized into three categories: (1) experiencing new feelings and relationships with colleagues and patients, (2) viewpoints about managers' performance, and (3) concern about getting infected with COVID-19. Findings reflected similar experiences on personal protective equipment between nurses in the surgical and infectious wards. Experiencing new feelings and relationships with colleagues and patients and concern about getting infected and spreading the COVID-19 were mostly expressed by infectious nurses and surgical nurses, respectively. Conclusions: This research results provide evidence of the experiences of infectious and non-infectious disease nurses who are currently caring for COVID-19 patients. Due to some differences between the experiences of these two groups in COVID-19, it is suggested to pay more attention to the needs and required skills in the staff mix during a crisis.

Therapeutic potentials of CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology in human viral infections.

Viral infections are a common cause of morbidity worldwide. The emergence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to more attention to viral infections and finding novel therapeutics. The CRISPR-Cas9 system has been recently proposed as a potential therapeutic tool for the treatment of viral diseases. Here, we review the research progress in the use of CRISPR-Cas technology for treating viral infections, as well as the strategies for improving the delivery of this gene-editing tool in vivo. Key challenges that hinder the widespread clinical application of CRISPR-Cas9 technology are also discussed, and several possible directions for future research are proposed.

A convenient green protocol for oxidative esterification of arylaldehydes over Pd NPs decorated polyplex encapsulated Fe3O4 microspheres.

A mild, competent and eco-friendly protocol has been developed for oxidative esterification of various aldehydes over a post-synthetically modified and Pd fabricated chitosan-starch dual functionalized Fe3O4 microspheres as a magnetically isolable heterogeneous and biocompatible nanocatalyst. Molecular O2 was used as an oxidant in the reaction. A series of aldehydes was directly esterified with MeOH in excellent yields without any pre-activation and involvement of harsh chemicals/conditions. Structural features of the catalyst were assessed through FT-IR, FE-SEM, TEM, EDX, molecular mapping, XRD, VSM and ICP-OES techniques. Due to magnetic core, the catalyst was easily isolated using an external magnet and reused for 8 times in succession, retaining its morphology and catalytic activity.