Surface termination modulation for superior S-Scheme Bi2WO6/BiOI heterojunction photocatalyst: a hybrid density functional study.

The prevailing theoretical frameworks indicate that depending on the growth conditions, the Bi2WO6(001) surface can manifest in three distinct terminations-DL-O-Bi (DL: double layers), O-Bi, and O-W. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive examination of the interplay between these terminations on Bi2WO6(001) and the 1I-terminated BiOI(001) facet, especially focusing on their impact on the photocatalytic activity of Bi2WO6/BiOI heterostructure, applying hybrid functional calculations. The models formulated for this research are designated as Bi2WO6(O-Bi)/BiOI(1I), Bi2WO6(DL-O-Bi)/BiOI(1I), and Bi2WO6(O-W)/BiOI(1I). Our findings reveal that Bi2WO6(O-Bi)/BiOI(1I) shows a type II band alignment, which facilitates the spatial separation of photo-generated electrons and holes. Notably, the Bi2WO6(DL-O-Bi)/BiOI(1I) configuration has the lowest binding energy and results in an S-scheme (or Step-scheme) heterostructure. In contrast to the type II heterostructure, this particular configuration demonstrates enhanced photocatalytic efficiency due to improved photo-generated carrier separation, augmented oxidation capability, and better visible-light absorption. Conversely, Bi2WO6(O-W)/BiOI(1I) presents a type I projected band structure, which is less conducive for the separation of photo-generated electron-hole pairs. In summation, this investigation points out that one could significantly refine the photocatalytic efficacy of not only Bi2WO6/BiOI but also other heterostructure photocatalysts by modulating the coupling of different terminations via precise crystal synthesis or growth conditions.

The direct Z-scheme character and roles of S vacancy in BiOCl/Bi2S3-(001) heterostructures for superior photocatalytic activity: a hybrid density functional investigation.

Given some current speculations and controversies regarding the type of BiOCl/Bi2S3-(001) heterostructure in experiments, it is of great importance to clarify these controversies and further explain the relevant experimental results. In this work, based on first-principles hybrid density functional calculations, it is verified that the BiOCl/Bi2S3-(001) heterostructure is a direct Z-scheme photocatalyst with high photo-generated carrier separation efficiency and strong redox ability that can react with O2 and OH- to produce photocatalytic active species of superoxide ions (˙O2-) and hydroxyl radicals (˙OH), respectively. This is consistent with the experimental findings and explains the excellent photocatalytic performance of the BiOCl/Bi2S3-(001) heterostructure in experiments. Besides, excitingly, it is found that the optical absorption, built-in electric field intensity, interlayer recombination probability, hydrogen evolution reaction ability, and the difference in electron-hole mobility are further enhanced via S vacancy introduction in BiOCl/Bi2S3-(001). Therefore, the significant roles of S vacancy in further improving the photocatalytic properties of the BiOCl/Bi2S3-(001) heterostructure are profoundly revealed. This work can provide valuable theoretical insights for designing the superior direct Z-scheme BiOCl/VS-Bi2S3-(001) heterostructure with promising photocatalytic properties.

Evaluating health-related quality of life and subjective wellbeing among infertility patients: a cross-sectional study in mainland China.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and subjective wellbeing (SWB) of infertility patients in mainland China and to investigate the relationships between HRQoL and SWB instruments in infertility patients. METHODS: We conducted this cross-sectional study in the Hospital for Reproductive Medicine Affiliated of Shandong University between April 2019 and November 2019. Participants self-completed the five-level EQ-5D (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire, the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL)-8D, and the WHO-5 wellbeing index (WHO-5). The agreements between EQ-5D-5L and AQoL-8D were assessed employing intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to examine the difference in descriptive systems among the three instruments. RESULTS: We analyzed a valid sample of 618 infertility patients (84.4%). The mean scores of the total EQ-5D-5L, AQoL-8D, and WHO-5 were 0.96 (95%CI 0.96, 0.96), 0.80 (95%CI 0.79, 0.81), and 16.92 (95%CI 16.52, 17.31), respectively. Patients diagnosed with primary infertility had significantly lower HRQoL and SWB than those with secondary infertility. The ICC of EQ-5D-5L and AQoL-8D was 0.14. The AQoL-8D (r = 0.625) was more strongly correlated with WHO-5 than with the EQ-5D-5L (r = 0.262). The EFA results indicated that HRQoL instruments and the WHO-5 instruments were complementary rather than substitutable. CONCLUSIONS: Poorer HRQoL and SWB were found that primary than secondary infertility patients. There exists a poor agreement between EQ-5D-5L and AQoL-8D and the difference in the psychosocial components may explain the difference. Measuring both HRQoL and SWB could provide complementary information for infertility patients.

Development and validation of the health-related quality of life instrument for Chinese infertile couples: a mixed-methods study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Infertility and its treatment have negative impacts on a couple's marital relationship, sexual life, psychological state and interpersonal relationships, causing personal distress. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become an important component of health outcomes. HRQoL instruments developed in western culture are not always appropriate for use in China due to cultural differences. Probably due to the unique concept of fertility in China, infertility patients can be looked down upon and the family may  feel shameful. This study aims to develop a HRQoL instrument for infertile couples based on the Chinese social and cultural setting. METHODS: Complementary mixed methods will be used to develop a new HRQoL instrument for Chinese infertile couples. The study consists of four stages: the first stage will involve a systematic review and qualitative interviews to construct draft candidate items. In the second stage, quantitative research [e.g., exploratory factor analysis (EFA), item response theory (IRT)] and cognitive interviews will be used for item selection. The third stage will be instrument validation, in which classical test theory (CTT) and IRT will be applied. In the final stage, the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) will be calculated by using distribution-based methods and anchor-based methods (e.g., logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic curve). DISCUSSION: The new HRQoL instrument for Chinese infertile couples will be developed, which will provide a standard and effective HRQoL instrument in clinical outcome assessment and health outcome measurement.

Patient and clinician perspectives on shared decision-making in infertility treatment: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the considerations and barriers to implementing shared decision-making (SDM) in infertility treatment among female infertility patients, their male spouses, and fertility clinicians. METHODS: Participants were recruited from a reproductive medicine hospital in China's Shandong Province using purposive sampling. One-on-one interviews were held with female infertility patients and their spouses. In addition, a focus group discussion was conducted with fertility clinicians. Data analysis was subjected to open, axial, and selective coding. RESULTS: Nineteen female infertility patients and 10 male spouses were interviewed one-on-one. Five clinicians participated in the focus group discussion. Most female patients wanted to participate in the decision-making process, and that spouses and fertility clinicians supported SDM. Furthermore, key barriers were identified from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders, including communication difficulties, psychological pressure on female patients, patient preferences, multiple treatment stages, male spousal participation, clinician-patient trust, and subjective patient factors. CONCLUSIONS/PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study explored the considerations of and barriers to implementing SDM in infertility treatment. Key barriers were identified from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. Based on the findings, clinicians should encourage patients and their spouses to actively participate in decision-making, and provide objective and realistic guidance.

The prevalence of depressive symptoms among the older in China: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to find the status and prevalence of depressive symptoms among the population aged 60 years and above in China. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies in older population. Epidemiological studies on depressive symptoms published in Chinese journals were identified manually and online by using the Chinese Biological Medical Literature Database, Chongqing VIP database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure database. Studies published in English journals were identified using Medlars Online. RESULTS: A total of 32 eligible studies were included in this review. The analysis showed that the pooled prevalence (with 95% confidence interval) of depressive symptoms for the seniors in China was 22.7% (confidence interval: 19.4-26.4%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms among the older was a little higher in women (24.2%) than in men (19.4%), in rural (29.2%) than urban (20.5%) areas, and in western (30.5%) than eastern (19.5%) areas. In addition, the prevalence of depressive symptoms decreased with increasing levels of education. However, it did not increase gradually with age. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of depressive symptoms among the older in China was a little high, and it was varied by gender, age, area, and education level.

The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment about elderly population in China: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dementia has been a major public health problem and mild cognitive impairment is considered the pre-dementia syndrome in recent years. However, there has not yet been a systematic analysis of the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in China. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment among the population aged 60 years and older in China. METHODS: Epidemiological investigations on mild cognitive impairment in China published in journals were identified manually and online by using CBMDISK, ChongqingVIP database and CNKI database. Those reported in English journals were identified using MEDLINE. Selected studies had to describe an original study defined by strict screening and diagnlstic criteria. The fixed effects model or random effects model was employed according to statistical test for homogeneity. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies were selected, the statistical information of which was collected for systematic analysis. The results showed that the pooled prevalence of MCI for the elderly population was 12.7% (95% CI: 9.7-16.5%). In eastern and western China, the prevalence of MCI was 9.6 and 14.7%, respectively. There was a higher prevalence of MCI in the illiterate elderly population than in those who received years of education. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MCI affected by sex, age,education, which was lower in eastern than that in western China.

Association of statin use with risk of dementia: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

Statins are a class of medications that reduce cholesterol by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, which were thought to have a positive impact on dementia. We carried out the present meta-analysis to investigate whether statins might be associated with a reduction on risk of dementia. We carried out a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to examine the risk of dementia associated with statins. Ovid-Medline database, PubMed database, Springer Link database and Google Scholar in English search were carried out for relevant studies. Selected studies had to describe an original study defined by strict screening and diagnostic criteria. We included eight prospective cohort studies that reported relative risks with 95% confidence intervals for the association of statins and dementia risk. A random effects model was used to calculate the summary risk estimates. The studies eligible for analysis involved 2851 cases and 57020 participants. The summary relative risk of dementia for the use of statins was 0.62 (95% confidence interval 0.43-0.81), with evidence of heterogeneity (P = 0.001, I(2) = 70.8%). Findings of the present meta-analysis show that statin use was associated with a reduced risk of dementia.

Prevalence of dementia and major dementia subtypes in the Chinese populations: a meta-analysis of dementia prevalence surveys, 1980-2010.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dementia and its major subtypes in China. Forty-eight eligible studies were included in this review. The pooled prevalence for the population aged 60 years and older of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was 1.9%, vascular dementia (VaD) was 0.9%, and total dementia was 3.0%. The prevalence of VaD was significantly higher in Northern China than in Southern China. The prevalence of VaD was significantly higher in urban compared to rural areas. The prevalence of dementia and prevalence of AD increased with age in both males and females, and a higher prevalence of AD than VaD was observed in all age groups. AD has become more common than VaD in China since 1990. The current prevalence of dementia in China may be similar to that of developed countries.