Smart Free-Standing Bilayer Polyacrylamide/DNA Hybrid Hydrogel Film-Based Sensing System Using Changes in Bending Angles as a Visual Signal Readout.

Stimuli-responsive DNA hydrogels have shown great potential in sensing applications due to their attractive properties such as programmable target responsiveness, excellent biocompatibility, and biodegradability. In contrast to the extensively developed DNA hydrogel sensing systems based on the stimuli-responsive hydrogel-to-solution phase transition of the hydrogel matrix, the quantitative sensing application of DNA hydrogels exhibiting smart shape deformations has rarely been explored. Moreover, bulk DNA hydrogel-based sensing systems also suffer from high material cost and slow response. Herein, free-standing bilayer polyacrylamide/DNA hybrid hydrogel films with programmable responsive properties directed by the sequence of functional DNA units have been constructed. Compared with bulk DNA hydrogels, these DNA hydrogel films with a thickness at the micrometer scale not only greatly reduce the consumption of DNA materials but also facilitate the mass transfer of biomacromolecular substances within the hydrogel network, thus favoring their sensing applications. Therefore, a target-responsive smart DNA hydrogel film-based sensor system is further demonstrated based on the large amplitude macroscopic shape deformation of the film as a visual signal readout. As a proof of concept, Pb2+ or UO22+ ion-responsive DNA units were introduced into the active layer of the bilayer hydrogel films. In the presence of Pb2+ or UO22+ ions, the occurrence of a cleavage reaction within the DNA units leads to the release of DNA segments from the hydrogel film, inducing a dramatic shape deformation of the film, and thus sensing of Pb2+ or UO22+ ions with high specificity is achieved based on measuring the bending angle changes of these smart free-standing films. These smart DNA hydrogel film sensors with target-programmable responsiveness, simple operation, and ease of storage may hold promise for future rapid on-site testing applications.

Virtual reality-based dementia educational programmes for formal and informal caregivers of people with dementia: A scoping review.

AIM: To map evidence of the existing virtual reality-based dementia educational programmes and the effects of these educational programmes on dementia formal and informal caregivers. DESIGN: A scoping review. METHODS: A comprehensive search of nine databases was conducted to find studies from the inception of the databases to October 2023. Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts related to the eligibility criteria. Full texts of potentially relevant studies were read by one author and checked by a second. Data extraction and synthesis using NVivo 12 were undertaken by one author and checked by two other authors. RESULTS: Nineteen studies published between 2002 and 2022. The four randomised controlled studies and five qualitative studies were of moderate to good methodological quality. The 10 quasi-experimental studies were of weak to moderate quality. Fifteen virtual reality-based educational programmes had a positive influence on formal and informal caregivers, including improving caregivers' perceptions changing attitudes towards people with dementia, while the nursing competence of formal caregivers did not improve in short term. Educational programmes that covered dementia-related information and care strategies better improved the knowledge level of dementia formal and informal caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: The qualitative and quantitative studies of moderate to good quality included in this study support the idea that virtual reality-based dementia educational programmes may be a safe and effective way and have potential benefits for improving knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and nursing competence. IMPACT: This scoping review will provide an emerging teaching model for formal and informal caregivers of people with dementia and help them better understand the types and the influence of virtual reality-based dementia educational programmes. REPORTING METHOD: PRISMA-ScR. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Not required as this review in accordance with the aim to map existing literature from the dementia formal and informal caregivers' perspective.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Australian National University Alzheimer Disease Risk Index (ANU-ADRI) for Chinese community-dwelling residents: A cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To cross-culturally adapt the Australian National University Alzheimer Disease Risk Index (ANU-ADRI) and verify the reliability and validity of its cognitive activity domain. METHODS: According to Beaton's guidelines, the ANU-ADRI was were translated into Chinese. The psychometric properties of ANU-ADRI its cognitive activity was conducted among community-dwelling residents (n = 442) in Changchun, Harbin and Hegang from December 2021 to July 2023. RESULTS: The Chinese version of the ANU-ADRI had good content validity and face validity. Exploratory factor analysis of cognitive activity revealed a 3-factor structure, with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 64.124 %. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good model fit (x2/df = 1.664, RMSEA = 0.055, RMR = 0.090, GFI = 0.942, CFI = 0.919, IFI = 0.921, TLI = 0.902, and NFI = 0.824). The internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.807) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.787) were considered satisfactory. CONCLUSION: The ANU-ADRI showed acceptable reliability and validity for assessing risk factors for Alzheimer's disease among middle-aged and elderly community-dwelling residents.

Anti-Hyperlipidemic Components of the Leaves of Synsepalum dulcificum (Miracle Fruit).

Synsepalum dulcificum (Miracle fruit) is a tropical plant in West and Central Africa, which has been historically used for treating diarrhea in humans and animals. Pharmacological research has shown that the leaves of the plant possess anti-hyperlipidemia activity. However, its anti-hyperlipidemic components have not been reported. In this study, the leaves of S. dulcificum were extracted using 95% ethanol and the extract was fractionated using different polar solvents. The anti-hyperlipidemia activity of the extract and fractions were evaluated using the zebrafish model. The results showed that the ethyl acetate (EA) fraction displayed the best anti-hyperlipidemic effect. A comparison of the high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) profiles of the ethanol extract and different fractions at 350 nm indicated that a peak at 37.4 min has the highest intensity in the EA part, relatively. Then the chemical constituents of the extract and the active fraction were extensively identified using UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS/MS, showing the main peak was quercitrin and other components in the EA part mainly included quercitrin analogs. Furthermore, the quercitrin was isolated from the plant and its contents in the extract and fractions were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV) method. The quantitative results showed that the content of quercitrin in the EA fraction was 10.04% (w/w). Further pharmacological study indicated that quercitrin also possessed potent anti-hyperlipidemia activity (improvement rates of liver fat and total cholesterol were 75.6% and 92.5% at 40 µg/mL, respectively). Besides, quercitrin showed little toxicity to zebrafish embryos.

'Implicit rationing of nursing care processes'-Decision-making in ICU nurses' experiences: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Implicit rationing of nursing care is defined as the withholding of necessary nursing measures for patients because of a lack of nursing resources. However, no studies have explored the experience of decision-making about implicit rationing of nursing care in an intensive care unit (ICU). AIM: To explore the process of ICU nurses' decisions and judgement based on the conceptual framework of implicit rationing of nursing care. STUDY DESIGN: A qualitative study was undertaken between June 2020 and September 2020. The data collection methods were participative observation and interview. Eighteen ICU nurses participated in interviews. A thematic analysis was performed for the data analysis. RESULTS: The following five themes emerged: assessment of the condition and nature of nursing and time taken; strategies for setting personal priorities; plan implementation under mitigation strategy; existing nursing in reality; evaluation of the implementation of implicit rationing care. Nurses choose different strategies during plan implementation. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of explicit guidelines on rationing nursing care, nurses often rely on intuitive and situational decision-making processes for setting priorities. Given the vulnerability of ICU patients and the absence of family caregivers, nurses bear a heightened ethical responsibility to provide care. Establishing a positive nursing culture is essential. It is both reasonable and effective to organize work by accurately quantifying workload, improving staffing levels and optimizing scheduling methods. These themes align with the decision-making process outlined in the conceptual framework and offer fresh perspectives. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses have a greater responsibility to provide care in an ethical manner and to increase awareness of the importance of holistic nursing care for the patient, that is to raise awareness of the importance of care that is often missed. Nurses actively adopt strategies to reduce implicit rationing of nursing care, including teamwork, organized nursing, working overtime and ignoring quality. The findings highlight the importance of creating a positive nursing culture that encourages nurses to adopt positive strategies.

CaCO3 powder-mediated biomineralization of antigen nanosponges synergize with PD-1 blockade to potentiate anti-tumor immunity.

Antigen self-assembly nanovaccines advance the minimalist design of therapeutic cancer vaccines, but the issue of inefficient cross-presentation has not yet been fully addressed. Herein, we report a unique approach by combining the concepts of "antigen multi-copy display" and "calcium carbonate (CaCO3) biomineralization" to increase cross-presentation. Based on this strategy, we successfully construct sub-100 nm biomineralized antigen nanosponges (BANSs) with high CaCO3 loading (38.13 wt%) and antigen density (61.87%). BANSs can be effectively uptaken by immature antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the lymph node upon subcutaneous injection. Achieving efficient spatiotemporal coordination of antigen cross-presentation and immune effects, BANSs induce the production of CD4+ T helper cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, resulting in effective tumor growth inhibition. BANSs combined with anti-PD-1 antibodies synergistically enhance anti-tumor immunity and reverse the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Overall, this CaCO3 powder-mediated biomineralization of antigen nanosponges offer a robust and safe strategy for cancer immunotherapy.

The feasibility of proteomics sequencing based immune-related prognostic signature for predicting clinical outcomes of bladder cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer (BCa) shows its potential immunogenity in current immune-checkpoint inhibitor related immunotherapies. However, its therapeutic effects are improvable and could be affected by tumor immune microenvironment. Hence it is interesting to find some more prognostic indicators for BCa patients concerning immunotherapies. METHODS: In the present study, we retrospect 129 muscle-invasive BCa (MIBC) patients with radical cystectomy in Shanghai General Hospital during 2007 to 2018. Based on the results of proteomics sequencing from 9 pairs of MIBC tissue from Shanghai General Hospital, we focused on 13 immune-related differential expression proteins and their related genes. An immune-related prognostic signature (IRPS) was constructed according to Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. The IRPS was verified in ArrayExpress (E-MTAB-4321) cohort and Shanghai General Hospital (General) cohort, separately. A total of 1010 BCa patients were involved in the study, including 405 BCa patients in TCGA cohort, 476 BCa patients in E-MTAB-4321 cohort and 129 MIBC patients in General cohort. RESULT: It can be indicated that high IRPS score was related to poor 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival. The IRPS score was also evaluated its immune infiltration. We found that the IRPS score was adversely associated with GZMB, IFN-γ, PD-1, PD-L1. Additionally, higher IRPS score was significantly associated with more M2 macrophage and resting mast cell infiltration. CONCLUSION: The study revealed a novel BCa prognostic signature based on IRPS score, which may be useful for BCa immunotherapies.

Size-dependent phase transitions boost catalytic activity of sub-nanometer gold clusters.

The characterization and identification of the dynamics of cluster catalysis are crucial to unraveling the origin of catalytic activity. However, the dynamical catalytic effects during the reaction process remain unclear. Herein, we investigate the dynamic coupling effect of elementary reactions with the structural fluctuations of sub-nanometer Au clusters with different sizes using ab initio molecular dynamics and the free energy calculation method. It was found that the adsorption-induced solid-to-liquid phase transitions of the cluster catalysts give rise to abnormal entropy increase, facilitating the proceeding of reaction, and this phase transition catalysis exists in a range of clusters with different sizes. Moreover, clusters with different sizes show different transition temperatures, resulting in a non-trivial size effect. These results unveil the dynamic effect of catalysts and help understand cluster catalysis to design better catalysts rationally.

Probing the Local Generation and Diffusion of Active Oxygen Species on a Pd/Au Bimetallic Surface by Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.

Active oxygen species (AOS) play key roles in many important catalytic reactions relevant to clean energy and environment. However, it remains challenging to characterize the active sites for producing AOS and to image the surface properties of AOS, especially on multicomponent metallic catalyst surfaces. Herein, we utilize tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) to probe the local generation and diffusion of OH radicals on a Pd/Au(111) bimetallic catalyst surface. The reactive OH radicals can be catalytically generated from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at the metal surface, which then oxidizes the surface adsorbed thiolate, a reactant that is used as the TERS probe. By TERS imaging of the spatial distribution of unreacted thiolate molecules, we demonstrate that the Pd surface is active for generation of OH radicals and the Pd step edge shows much higher activity than the Pd terrace, whereas the Au surface is inactive. Furthermore, we find that the locally generated OH radicals at the Pd step edge could diffuse to both the Au and the Pd surface sites to induce oxidative reactions, with a diffusion length estimated to be about 5.4 nm. Our TERS imaging with few-nanometer spatial resolution not only unravels the active sites but also characterizes in real space the diffusion behavior of OH radicals. The results are highly valuable to understand AOS-triggered catalytic reactions. The strategy of using reactants with large Raman cross sections as TERS probes may broaden the application of TERS for studying catalysis with reactive small molecules.

Genome-Wide Identification and Comparative Expression Profile Analysis of the Long-Chain Acyl-CoA synthetase (LACS) Gene Family in Two Different Oil Content Cultivars of Brassica napus.

Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (LACS) is one of the key enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism, including phospholipid biosynthesis, triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis, and fatty acid ß-oxidation in plants. However, the characterization of LACSs family in seed oil biosynthesis of Brassica napus (B. napus) remains unknown. In the present study, we performed a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of this gene family in B. napus, and 34 B. napus LACS genes (BnaLACSs) were identified. Phylogenetic analysis classified the BnaLACS proteins into four groups (A, B, C, and D), which were supported by highly conserved gene structures and consensus motifs. RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) and qRT-PCR combined analysis revealed that 18 BnaLACSs (BnaLACS1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-9, 1-10, 2-1, 2-2, 4-1, 4-2, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4, 7-1, 7-2, 8-1, 8-2, 9-3, and 9-4) were highly expressed in developmental seeds. Comparative expression analysis between extremely high oil content (P1-HO) and low oil content (P2-LO) B. napus cultivars revealed that BnaLACS6-4, BnaLACS9-3, and BnaLACS9-4 may be involved in fatty acid synthesis in chloroplast, and BnaLACS1-10 and 4-1 may play a vital role in lipid biosynthesis in B. napus, which is important for further seed oil accumulation in oilseed rape. The present study provides important information for functional characterization of BnaLACSs in seed oil metabolism in B. napus.

MicroRNA-384-3p inhibits retinal neovascularization through targeting hexokinase 2 in mice with diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) presents a microvascular complication of diabetes, which may contribute to visual impairment. The treatment of DR is still controversial. Accumulating studies have reported the role of microRNAs (miRs) in DR. This study aims to explore the functions of microRNA-384-3p (miR-384-3p) in retinal neovascularization by targeting hexokinase 2 (HK2) in mice with DR. A total of 43 C57BL/6 male mice were selected and divided into normal ( n = 16) and DR ( n = 27) groups. Retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs) were collected from the normal and DR mice and mainly treated with a miR-384-3p mimic, a miR-384-3p inhibitor, small interfering RNA (siRNA) against HK2 and HK2 overexpression plasmids to understand the underlying regulatory mechanisms of miR-384-3p. The relationship between miR-384-3p and HK2 was determined by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The miR-384-3p expression and the mRNA and the protein expressions of HK2 and CD31 in retinal tissues and cells were evaluated using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Tube formation was observed by conducting a tube formation experiment. HK2 is a target gene of miR-384-3p. The DR mice showed higher expression of HK2 and CD31 but lower expression of miR-384-3p. The miR-384-3p mimic and siRNA-HK2 reduced the expression of HK2, decreased cell proliferation and tube formation of RMECs, whereas the miR-384-3p inhibitor could reverse these trends. Our study demonstrates that overexpression of miR-384-3p inhibits retinal neovascularization in DR mice via inhibition of HK2.

ES2 enhances the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents in ABCB1-overexpressing cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

ES2 is a new type of jatrophane diterpenoid ester isolated from the fructus E. sororia, a traditional Uyghur medicine in China. Here we reported the multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal effect of ES2 in vitro and in vivo by modulating the function of ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1). ES2 exhibited low cytotoxicity to ABCB1-overexpressing MDR cells and their parental sensitive cells, but sensitized the MDR cells and ABCB1-transfected HEK293 cells to chemotherapeutic drugs that are ABCB1 substrates. The reversal ability of ES2 was primarily due to the inhibition of the efflux function of ABCB1. Moreover, ES2 stimulated the ATPase activity of ABCB1 in a concentration-dependent manner. There was no change in the expression of ABCB1 in the presence of ES2. The molecular docking analysis indicated that ES2 bond to the drug-binding site of ABCB1 transporter. Importantly, ES2 significantly enhanced the anti-tumor effect of vinorelbine against KBv200 cell xenografts in nude mice. Overall, these findings demonstrate that ES2 inhibits the ABCB1 transporter function and consequently reverses ABCB1-mediated MDR, indicating the potential use of ES2 in combination therapy with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer treatment.

Rapamycin inhibits ox-LDL-induced inflammation in human endothelial cells in vitro by inhibiting the mTORC2/PKC/c-Fos pathway.

Rapamycin and its derivative possess anti-atherosclerosis activity, but its effects on adhesion molecule expression and macrophage adhesion to endothelial cells during atherosclerosis remain unclear. In this study we explored the effects of rapamycin on ox-LDL-induced adhesion molecule expression and macrophage adhesion to endothelial cells in vitro and the underlying mechanisms. Ox-LDL (6-48 µg/mL) dose-dependently increased the protein levels of two adhesion molecules, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), whereas pretreatment with rapamycin (1-10 µmol/L) dose-dependently inhibited ox-LDL-induced increase in the adhesion molecule expression and macrophage adhesion to endothelial cells. Knockdown of mTOR or rictor, rather than raptor, mimicked the effects of rapamycin. Ox-LDL (100 µg/mL) time-dependently increased PKC phosphorylation in HUVECs, which was abolished by rapamycin or rictor siRNA. Pretreatment with PKC inhibitor staurosporine significantly reduced ox-LDL-stimulated adhesion molecule expression and macrophage adhesion to endothelial cells, whereas pretreatment with PKC activator PMA/TPA attenuated the inhibitory effect of rapamycin on adhesion molecule expression. Ox-LDL (100 µg/mL) time-dependently increased c-Fos levels in HUVECs, and pretreatment with rapamycin or rictor siRNA significantly decreased expression of c-Fos. Knockdown of c-Fos antagonized ox-LDL-induced adhesion molecule expression and macrophage adhesion to endothelial cells. Our results demonstrate that rapamycin reduces ox-LDL-stimulated adhesion molecule expression and macrophage adhesion to endothelial cells by inhibiting mTORC2, but not mTORC1, and mTORC2 acts through the PKC/c-Fos signaling pathway.

Real-Space Observation of Atomic Site-Specific Electronic Properties of a Pt Nanoisland/Au(111) Bimetallic Surface by Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.

Resolving atomic site-specific electronic properties and correlated substrate-molecule interactions is challenging in real space. Now, mapping of sub-10 nm sized Pt nanoislands on a Au(111) surface was achieved by tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, using the distinct Raman fingerprints of adsorbed 4-chlorophenyl isocyanide molecules. A spatial resolution better than 2.5 nm allows the electronic properties of the terrace, step edge, kink, and corner sites with varying coordination environments to be resolved in real space in one Pt nanoisland. Calculations suggest that low-coordinate atomic sites have a higher d-band electronic profile and thus stronger metal-molecule interactions, leading to the observed blue-shift of Raman frequency of the N≡C bond of adsorbed molecules. An experimental and theoretical study on Pt(111) and mono- and bi-atomic layer Pt nanoislands on a Au(111) surface reveals the bimetallic effect that weakens with the increasing number of deposited Pt adlayer.

SIRT1 regulates accumulation of oxidized LDL in HUVEC via the autophagy-lysosomal pathway.

Autophagy is involved in the degradation of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Sirtuin1 (SIRT1), a new anti-atherosclerotic factor, can induce autophagy in cardiac myocytes. In the present study, we observed the effect of SIRT1 on the accumulation of ox-LDL in HUVECs, and elucidated whether its effect is relative with the autophagy-lysosomal pathway. The results showed that treatment with either SIRT1 siRNA or SIRT1 inhibitor nicotinamide (NAM) increased Dil-labelled-ox-LDL (Dil-ox-LDL) accumulation in HUVECs, and the SIRT1 inducer resveratrol (RSV) decreased it. Knockdown of autophagy-related protein 5 or inhibit the lysosomal degradation by chloroquine (CQ) decreased the effect of RSV. In HUVECs with ox-LDL, expression of LC3II and LC3 puncta was decreased by treatment with SIRT1 siRNA or NAM, but increased by RSV treatment; sequestosome 1 p62 expression showed the opposite effects. Moreover, Dil-ox-LDL combined with SIRT1 siRNA or NAM showed a much smaller degree of overlap of Lamp1 or Cathepsin D with Dil-ox-LDL than in cells with Dil-ox-LDL alone, and RSV treatment resulted in a greater degree of overlap. These results suggest that SIRT1 can decrease the accumulation of ox-LDL in HUVECs, and this effect is related to the autophagy-lysosomal pathway.

Association of Electroencephalography (EEG) Power Spectra with Corneal Nerve Fiber Injury in Retinoblastoma Patients.

BACKGROUND In our clinical experience we discovered that EEG band power may be correlated with corneal nerve injury in retinoblastoma patients. This study aimed to investigate biomarkers obtained from electroencephalography (EEG) recordings to reflect corneal nerve injury in retinoblastoma patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Our study included 20 retinoblastoma patients treated at the Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University between 2010 and 2014. Twenty normal individuals were included in the control group. EEG activity was recorded continuously with 32 electrodes using standard EEG electrode placement for detecting EEG power. A cornea confocal microscope was used to examine corneal nerve injury in retinoblastoma patients and normal individuals. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between corneal nerve injury and EEG power changes. The sensitivity and specificity of changed EEG power in diagnosis of corneal nerve injury were also analyzed. RESULTS The predominantly slow EEG oscillations changed gradually into faster waves in retinoblastoma patients. The EEG pattern in retinoblastoma patients was characterized by a distinct increase of delta (P<0.01) and significant decrease of theta power P<0.05). Corneal nerves were damaged in corneas of retinoblastoma patients. Corneal nerve injury was positively correlated with delta EEG spectra power and negatively correlated with theta EEG spectra power. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity by compounding in the series were 60% and 67%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Changes in delta and theta of EEG appear to be associated with occurrence of corneal nerve injury. Useful information can be provided for evaluating corneal nerve damage in retinoblastoma patients through analyzing EEG power bands.

Bioinspired Low-Angle-Dependent Photonic Crystal Elastomer for Highly Sensitive Visual Strain Sensor.

Photonic crystals (PCs) possess unique photonic band gap properties that can be used in the field of sensors and smart displays if modulated on the micronano structure. Both nonclose-packed (NCP) structure and high refractive index (RI) contrast of PC play important roles in response sensitivity during stretching. Herein, we constructed an NCP-structured PC strain sensor with high RI by a novel coating-etching strategy. Stretch-induced changes in structural color correspond to the strength of the force, enabling the detection of the strength of the acting force by the naked eye. The flexible 3D cross-linked network constructed by poly(ethylene glycol) phenyl ether acrylate and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate) endows the sensor with excellent elasticity and robustness. The designed PC strain sensor achieves high mechanochromic sensitivity (∼8.3 nm/%, 0.02 to 4.21 MPa) and a substantial reflection peak shift (Δλ = 249 nm). More importantly, the high RI contrast (Δn = 0.43) between CdS and polymers imparts isotropic optical properties, ensuring a broad viewing angle while avoiding misleading signals. The research provides a novel fabrication strategy to construct sensitive PC strain sensors, expanding the prospective applicability to human movement monitoring and secure message encryption.

Dignity-preserving care of people with dementia in different nursing environments: a qualitative systematic review.

AIMS: To systematically identify, evaluate and synthesize qualitative evidence about the dignity-related nursing experiences of people with dementia in families and nursing homes, summarize the similarities and differences and analyse the causes and influencing factors. METHODS: A synthesis of qualitative studies retrieved from eight databases that were published before September 2022. Two reviewers independently screened and selected studies. Inclusion criteria were established according to the PICOS principle. Quality assessment was guided by Joanna Briggs Institute's Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument and the structured topic synthesis method was used to summarise studies eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: Three key themes were extracted from 14 included studies; the living environment, relationship needs and self-awareness, which focused on improving the dementia-centred nursing environment, meeting the needs of the relationship-centred nursing network, and finally, improving the self-awareness of people with dementia to promote dignity. CONCLUSION: This systematic review shows people with dementia need to integrate into society and maintain their dignity in a dementia-friendly environment that is respectful, inclusive environment that promotes freedom.

Effect of Regulation of Whole-Plant Corn Silage Inoculated with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis Regarding the Dynamics of Bacterial and Fungal Communities on Aerobic Stability.

Enhancing the aerobic stability of whole-plant corn silage is essential for producing high-quality silage. Our research assessed the effect of inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis and its modulation of the bacterial and fungal microbial community structure in an aerobic stage of whole-plant corn silage. Following treatment with a distilled sterile water control, Lactobacillus buchneri, and Bacillus licheniformis (2 × 105 cfu/g), whole-plant corn was ensiled for 60 days. Samples were taken on days 0, 3, and 7 of aerobic exposure, and the results showed that inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis improved the aerobic stability of silage when compared to the effect of the control (p < 0.05). Inoculation with Bacillus licheniformis attenuated the increase in pH value and the decrease in lactic acid in the aerobic stage (p < 0.05), reducing the filamentous fungal counts. On the other hand, inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis increased the diversity of the fungal communities (p < 0.05), complicating the correlation between bacteria or fungi, reducing the relative abundance of Acetobacter and Paenibacillus in bacterial communities, and inhibiting the tendency of Monascus to replace Issatchenkia in fungal communities, thus delaying the aerobic spoilage process. Due to the prevention of the development of aerobic spoilage microorganisms, the silage injected with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis exhibited improved aerobic stability.

Experiences and perspectives on the optimal timing for initiating advance care planning in patients with mild to moderate dementia: A meta-synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Advance care planning is typically initiated during the last six months of a patient's life. However, due to the progressive decline in the decision-making process in individuals with dementia, their involvement in advance care planning is limited to the early stages of the disease. Currently, there is no consensus on the optimal timing for initiating advance care planning for people with dementia, and a comprehensive review of the literature addressing this matter is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences and perspectives of people with dementia, their family caregivers, and health care professionals with regard to the optimal timing for initiating advance care planning. DESIGN: A meta-synthesis was conducted. DATA SOURCE: The following eight electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and CNKI, WanFang and Vip. REVIEW METHODS: This review uses thematic synthesis to systematically synthesize qualitative evidence and report findings according to The Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) and the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Study selection and data extraction were conducted independently by two researchers, and quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Qualitative Research Standard Assessment tool. FINDINGS: Twenty-one studies were selected for this review. This review involved an overarching theme: The utilization of pivotal elements to transition from delayed initiation to comprehensive implementation. Three themes emerge, including the prerequisites for initiating advance care planning, not ready to start advance care planning and struggling along narrow roads. For health care professionals, the selection of an opportune moment to initiate advance care planning for people with dementia is not only a challenge but also a crucial prerequisite for the successful implementation of advance care planning. Health care professionals' experience, attitude toward advance care planning, trust relationship with patients, cultural differences among people with dementia and their caregivers, and economic disparities all influence health care professionals' judgment of the timing for initiating advance care planning. CONCLUSIONS: Determining the optimal timing for initiating advance care planning is a complex process that requires a comprehensive consideration of the realities faced by health care professionals, people with dementia and their caregivers. Therefore, it is imperative to provide relevant training to health care professionals to ensure the successful implementation of advance care planning.