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1.
BMJ Glob Health ; 9(1)2024 01 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38195154

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Perinatal anxiety (PNA) is a major public health concern. METHODS: A hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial was conducted in two antenatal clinics in Hefei, China, to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of application-based tiered care (Mom's Good Mood, MGM) in treating PNA and to understand how well it fits into routine practices. Pregnant women who scored at least 5 points on the 7-Item Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) scale were successively assigned to the control group or the intervention group, which were given the usual care and MGM on usual care, respectively. At 6 months post partum, anxiety, depression and life satisfaction were assessed. Intention-to-treat analysis and the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance framework were adopted. RESULTS: A total of 214 women were assigned to the control group and 341 to the intervention group. The mean changes in GAD-7 scores (Least-squares means, LSM, -1.42, 95% CI -2.18 to -0.66) and the risk of anxiety (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.51) were decreased, and the anxiety remission rate (aOR 2.72, 95% CI 1.69 to 4.40) were improved in the intervention group. Similar findings were observed regarding the change in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores (LS -1.92, 95% CI -2.85 to -0.99), depression remission rate (aOR 2.24, 95% CI 1.39 to 3.63) and the risk of depression (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.98). MGM only costs ¥1.88 (US$0.27) per pregnant woman to boost the postpartum anxiety remission rate by 1% and was revealed to have a high reach rate of 78.3%, an adoption rate of 51.3%-80.8%. CONCLUSION: MGM is a cost-effective and accessible tool in coping with PNA. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2100053419.


Subject(s)
Anxiety , Coping Skills , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Anxiety/therapy , China
2.
Reprod Sci ; 2024 Jan 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38177949

ABSTRACT

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-specific liver disease, which can lead to adverse fetal outcomes, including preterm labor and intrauterine death. The pathogenesis of ICP is still unclear. We hypothesized that pathological index leads to abnormal placenta changes in ICP. Investigation of these differences in protein expression in parallel profiling is essential to understand the comprehensive pathophysiological mechanism underlying ICP. The present study screened differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) as novel diagnostic markers for ICP. Proteomic profiles of placental tissues from 32 ICP patients and 24 healthy volunteers (controls) were analyzed. Our founding was valid by following western blotting and immunohistochemistry staining, respectively. The association of the key protein expression with clinicopathological features of ICP was further analyzed. A total of 178 DEPs were identified between the ICP and control groups. Functional enrichment analysis showed these proteins were significantly enriched in the PPAR singling pathway by KEGG and PPARα/RXRα activation by IPA. Apolipoprotein A2 (APOA2) was the only upregulated protein, which uniquely identified in ICP groups and related to both pathways. Validation of western blotting and immunohistochemical staining analysis showed significantly higher APOA2 expression in the ICP group than in the control group. Furthermore, the expression of APOA2 is associated with clinicopathological features in ICP groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses showed that the AUC of APOA2 was 0.8984 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.772-1.000). This study has identified up-regulated APOA2 associated with PPAR singling pathway and PPARα/RXRα activation in ICP. Thus, APOA2 may be involved in ICP pathogenesis, serving as a novel biomarker for its diagnosis.

3.
Wei Sheng Yan Jiu ; 52(5): 732-739, 2023 Sep.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37802895

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the independent and combined effects of smoking and passive smoking during pregnancy on maternal depression, anxiety and depressive anxiety comorbidities. METHODS: From August 2020 to February 2022, women who underwent 42-day postpartum examination in Changfeng Women's Center and Shuangfeng Hospital of Hefei were recruited. Their depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using EPDS Scale and GAD Scale, respectively, and smoking and passive smoking status during pregnancy were collected. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent and combined effects of smoking and passive smoking during pregnancy on postpartum depression, anxiety and depression and anxiety comorbidities. RESULTS: A total of 2 447 parturients were included, whose mean age was(29.23±4.20) years old.58.6% of parturients lived in urban areas.97.2% parturients had unassisted reproduction and 73.5% pregnancy intention was spontaneous. Among them, 362(14.8%) had depression, 523(21.4%) had anxiety, and 270(11.0%) had depression and anxiety comorbidities. In an independent analysis of effects, maternal smoking during pregnancy was statistically associated with postpartum depression(OR=3.86, 95%CI 2.37-6.28), anxiety(OR =2.58, 95%CI 1.60-4.17) and depressive anxiety comorbidity(OR = 3.34, 95%CI 2.00-5.71). Maternal passive smoking during pregnancy was also positively associated with the risk of postpartum depression(OR = 1.56, 95%CI 2.00-5.71), anxiety(OR=1.71, 95%CI 1.24-2.37) and depression and anxiety comorbidities(OR = 1.52, 95%CI 1.02-2.28), and the higher the frequency of exposure to passive smoking, the higher risk of depression, anxiety, and depressive and anxiety comorbidities. No interaction between smoking during pregnancy and passive smoking exposure on postpartum depression(RERI = 0.69, 95%CI-4.62-6.00; AP = 10.84, 95%CI-73.37-95.04; S= 0.58, 95%CI 0.02-15.18), anxiety(RERI=0.27, 95%CI 0.05-0.49; AP=4.02, 95%CI-0.52-8.57; S=0.78, 95%CI 0.64-0.94) and depression and anxiety comorbidities(RERI = 0.07, 95%CI-0.25-0.39; AP=1.74, 95%CI-6.03-9.52; S=0.93, 95%CI 0.68-1.27)was observed. CONCLUSION: Both smoking and passive smoking during pregnancy were positively associated with the risk of postpartum depression, anxiety and depressive anxiety comorbidity.


Subject(s)
Depression, Postpartum , Tobacco Smoke Pollution , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Adult , Depression, Postpartum/epidemiology , Depression, Postpartum/diagnosis , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/adverse effects , Smoking/epidemiology , Anxiety/epidemiology , Postpartum Period , Depression/epidemiology , Depression/diagnosis
4.
J Mech Behav Biomed Mater ; 146: 106087, 2023 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37669579

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of 4-formylphenyl acrylate (FA) to enhance the bond strength and stabilize the resin-dentin bonding interface of universal adhesives in self-etching mode over time. METHODS: Different concentrations of FA (1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, 9%) were prepared as primer. The optimal group was selected according to degree of conversion of 2 universal adhesives (Single Bond Universal (SBU)/All-Bond Universal (ABU)), and grouped according to the pre-treatment time (30s, 1min, 2min). The micro-tensile strength before and after 10,000 times thermocycling aging was used to evaluate the bonding performance. RESULTS: The 1min application of FA (5%) increased the conversion rate of the adhesive. The expressions of microtensile bond strength and nanoleakage in the FA treatment group did not decrease significantly compared with their immediate values even after 10,000 thermocycling of aging. In situ zymography results showed that the hydrolytic activity of endogenous proteins decreased significantly in FA-1min group. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment by FA primer can effectively enhance the bond stability at the bonding interface. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FA can be used as a functional monomer in self-etching bonding system to dentin, which not only had high biocompatibility, but also can show good collagen cross-linking ability within clinically acceptable application time.


Subject(s)
Acrylates , Aldehydes , Dentin
5.
Sleep Med ; 109: 110-117, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37429109

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Although paradoxical insomnia is a prevalent subtype of chronic insomnia, the etiology of it is unclear. Contrary to complaints of little or no sleep, polysomnography (PSG) findings show that paradoxical insomnia patients have near normal sleep macrostructure. The purpose of this study is to determine the changes of microstructure and explore the etiology of paradoxical insomnia. METHODS: The PSG findings of 89 paradoxical insomnia patients were compared with those of 41 gender balanced healthy controls without sleep complaints. All subjects underwent nocturnal PSG recordings. Conventional PSG measures and microarousals were quantified and statistically analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic curve and correlation analysis were used to evaluate the potential of REM sleep microarousals and REM duration as indicators of paradoxical insomnia. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, paradoxical insomnia patients had no significant differences in sleep macrostructures. Statistical analysis showed that non-rapid eye movement (NREM) microarousals revealed no significant differences between paradoxical insomnia patients and controls. Noticeably, more spontaneous microarousals appeared in rapid eye movement (REM) stage for paradoxical insomnia patients. Based on receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), the optimal cutoff value of REM sleep microarousals could predict paradoxical insomnia. Furthermore, a positive correlation between microarousals in REM sleep and the duration of REM sleep was presented in paradoxical insomnia patients. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of REM microarousals and the duration of REM sleep could reflect the real sleep state of paradoxical insomnia patients. That suggested PSG investigation extended to microarousal could be helpful to understand the etiology in paradoxical insomnia.


Subject(s)
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders , Sleep, REM , Humans , Sleep , Polysomnography , ROC Curve
6.
China CDC Wkly ; 5(20): 437-441, 2023 May 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37274767

ABSTRACT

What is already known about this topic?: In China, patients with echinococcosis receive complimentary healthcare services, such as medical treatment, diagnostic examinations, and follow-up care. Despite this, no studies have been conducted to assess the quality of patient management to date. What is added by this report?: This study reviewed the medical records of 899 patients who underwent albendazole treatment across 10 endemic counties. Out of 634 evaluable patient files, the proportion of patients with a ratio of actual follow-up and reexamination times to theoretical follow-up and reexamination times ≥0.8 were both low (21.92% and 23.19%, respectively). What are the implications for public health practices?: This study identified weaknesses and specific issues in patient management and proposed feasible recommendations to enhance patient file documentation, follow-up, and reexamination.

7.
Nat Biotechnol ; 41(12): 1765-1775, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37156914

ABSTRACT

Organoids generated from human pluripotent stem cells provide experimental systems to study development and disease, but quantitative measurements across different spatial scales and molecular modalities are lacking. In this study, we generated multiplexed protein maps over a retinal organoid time course and primary adult human retinal tissue. We developed a toolkit to visualize progenitor and neuron location, the spatial arrangements of extracellular and subcellular components and global patterning in each organoid and primary tissue. In addition, we generated a single-cell transcriptome and chromatin accessibility timecourse dataset and inferred a gene regulatory network underlying organoid development. We integrated genomic data with spatially segmented nuclei into a multimodal atlas to explore organoid patterning and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) spatial neighborhoods, highlighting pathways involved in RGC cell death and showing that mosaic genetic perturbations in retinal organoids provide insight into cell fate regulation.


Subject(s)
Pluripotent Stem Cells , Retina , Humans , Retinal Ganglion Cells/metabolism , Transcriptome/genetics , Organoids , Cell Differentiation/genetics
8.
BMJ Open ; 13(5): e063593, 2023 05 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37130691

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The management of perinatal depression (PND) is challenging in China. The Thinking Healthy Programme (THP), developed under the core theory of cognitive-behavioural therapy, is an evidence-based approach that is recommended as a psychosocial intervention for managing PND in low/middle-income countries. Sparse evidence has been generated, however, to assess the effectiveness of THP and guide its implementation in China. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A hybrid type II effectiveness-implementation study is ongoing in four cities in Anhui Province, China. A comprehensive online platform, Mom's Good Mood (MGM), has been developed. Perinatal women are screened using the WeChat screening tool (ie, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale embedded as metrics) in clinics. Different intensities of the intervention are delivered through the mobile application for different degrees of depression, according to the stratified care model. The THP WHO treatment manual has been tailored to be the core component of intervention. Guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance framework, process evaluations will be conducted to identify the facilitators and barriers to implementation and to modify the implementation strategy; summative evaluations will be carried out to examine the effectiveness of MGM in the management of PND within the primary healthcare system in China. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval and consent for this programme were obtained from Institutional Review Boards in China: Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China (20170358). Results will be submitted to relevant conferences and peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR1800016844.


Subject(s)
Depression, Postpartum , Depressive Disorder , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Depression/diagnosis , Depression/therapy , Delivery of Health Care , Depression, Postpartum/diagnosis , Depression, Postpartum/therapy , Depression, Postpartum/psychology , Depressive Disorder/diagnosis , Depressive Disorder/therapy , Primary Health Care
9.
Ecotoxicol Environ Saf ; 255: 114770, 2023 Apr 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36931089

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been demonstrated to be neurotoxic. OBJECTIVES: To summarize the existing epidemiological studies to quantify the effects of PAHs exposure on child neurodevelopment and adult emotional disorders. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We conducted a systematic literature search for studies of child neurodevelopment and adult emotional disorders published in English up to April 2022 in the databases of PubMed, Web of Science and Embase using combinations of MeSH terms and Entry terms, and the articles were filtered out according to data availability. A variety of common PAHs were included in the meta-analysis: 1-hydroxynaphthalene, 2-hydroxynaphthalene, 2-hydroxyfluorene, 3-hydroxyfluorene, 9-hydroxyfluorene, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, 2-hydroxyphenanthrene, 3-hydroxyphenanthrene, 4-hydroxyphenanthrene, 9-hydroxyphenanthrene, 1-hydroxypyrene and benzoapyrene (BaP). STUDY EVALUATION AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: We extracted the content of each article, summarized its design characteristics and performed quality evaluation. We combined the odds ratio (OR) available in various studies to obtain the risk of PAHs exposure and adaptive, language, social, attention, motor skills and child depression/anxiety in children ≤ 15 years old. In addition, we also conducted a meta-analysis on the relationship between PAHs exposure and the risk of depression in adults. RESULTS: We included a total of 16 epidemiological studies (4 cross-sectional studies and 12 cohort studies). The sample size of all included studies ranged from 110 to 9625. Prenatal exposure to PAHs was found to be associated with increased risk of social behavior (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.00-2.54), attention (OR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.48-6.02), motor skill problems (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.27-2.86) and any adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in children (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.69-2.62). In addition, we found that PAHs exposure could increase the risk of adult depression, with 2-hydroxyfluorene exposure showing the highest combined OR (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.10-2.00). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that PAHs exposure are associated with increased risk of child neurodevelopment and adult depression. The neurotoxic effects of PAHs exposure in human being should be paid more attention. The results suggested that PAHs exposure are associated with increased risk of child neurodevelopment and adult depression. The neurotoxic effects of PAHs exposure in human being should be paid more attention. Steps should be taken to enhance the biomonitoring of PAHs and to reduce the exposure in general population.


Subject(s)
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons , Humans , Adult , Child , Adolescent , Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/toxicity , Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/analysis , Cross-Sectional Studies , Cohort Studies , Social Behavior
10.
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth ; 23(1): 41, 2023 Jan 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36653742

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Stressful life events (SLEs) and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been reported to be associated with perinatal depression (PND) or perinatal anxiety (PNA) alone; however, in most cases, majority of PND and PNA coexist and could lead to more serious health consequences. The independent effect of recent SLEs and their joint effects with ACEs on perinatal comorbid anxiety and depression (CAD) remain inadequately explored. METHODS: Based on a longitudinal study, 1082 participants receiving prenatal care in Ma'anshan, China were included. Women were recruited in the first trimester (T1: ≤14+ 6 weeks) and followed up at 15 ~ 27 weeks (T2), 28 ~ 40 weeks (T3), and postpartum (T4). Depression and anxiety status were assessed at all time points, while recent SLEs and ACEs were measured at T1. Logistic regression was conducted to examine the associations of SLEs with the risks of CAD at different time points, as well as their joint effects with ACEs on CAD. RESULTS: Approximately 38.5% of women experienced at least one SLE, which was significantly associated with higher risks of CAD at all time points (p < 0.05). As the number of SLEs increased, the risk of CAD increased (p for trend < 0.05). Specific types of SLEs were associated with CAD in different periods, while only interpersonal events were consistently associated with risks of CAD throughout the whole perinatal period. The joint effects of SLEs with ACEs on CAD were identified throughout the perinatal period, with the highest observed in the first trimester (aOR = 7.47, 95% CI: 3.73-14.95; p for trend < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated independent associations of recent SLEs and their joint effects with ACEs with risks of perinatal CAD. SLEs combined with ACEs should be recognized as a major risk factor for perinatal CAD and managed at the earliest time to prevent and control CAD.


Subject(s)
Adverse Childhood Experiences , Depressive Disorder , Pregnancy , Humans , Female , Depression/complications , Longitudinal Studies , Anxiety/epidemiology , Anxiety/complications
11.
Clin Oral Investig ; 27(1): 15-30, 2023 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36422719

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: For a conventional indirect restoration, temporary cementation inevitably contaminated collapsed dentin collagen. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the optimal strategy for minimizing its negative effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for in vitro studies, involving the influence of immediate dentin sealing (IDS), different temporary cements, and their removal strategies on dentin bond strength. The meta-analysis used the inverse variance method with effect method of the standardized mean difference and statistical significance at p ≤ 0.05. The I2 value and the Q-test were used to assess the heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 14 in vitro trials were subjected to the meta-analysis. Within the study's limitations, we assumed that IDS eliminated the negative effects of temporary bonding, achieving the comparable immediate bond strength with the control (p = 0.46). In contrast, under delayed dentin sealing (DDS), temporary cementation statistically decreased bond strength (p = 0.002). Compared with resin-based and non-eugenol zinc oxide cements, polycarboxylate and calcium hydroxide cements performed better on bond strength with no statistical difference from the control group (p > 0.05). Among the removal methods of temporary cements, the Al2O3 abrasion restored the decreased bond strength (p = 0.07) and performed better than hand instruments alone (p = 0.04), while pumice removal slightly reduced the bond strength in contrast with the control group (p = 0.05, 95% CI = - 1.62 to 0). CONCLUSIONS: The choices of IDS, polycarboxylate and calcium hydroxide temporary cements, Al2O3 abrasion removal method were feasible and efficient to enhance the bond strength. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It is worthwhile applying IDS technique, polycarboxylate and calcium hydroxide temporary cements during indirect restoration. The Al2O3 abrasion of cleaning dentin can minimize the negative effects of temporary cement.


Subject(s)
Dental Bonding , Resin Cements , Resin Cements/chemistry , Dental Bonding/methods , Dentin-Bonding Agents/chemistry , Calcium Hydroxide , Dental Cements/chemistry , Materials Testing , Dentin , Tensile Strength , Dental Stress Analysis
12.
Microbiol Res ; 267: 127258, 2023 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36434990

ABSTRACT

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a serious threat to global public health due to its resistance to specific antibiotics. Bacteriophages particularly the lytic ones are promoted as a potential powerful-tool to combat infections caused by drug resistant bacteria; while several disadvantages limited the application of the temperate ones. In this study, we isolated 14 phages against MRSA strains, and found three ones showed the capacity of killing most of the target MRSA strains. However, whole genome sequencing and generation of lysogens indicated that these three bacteriophage candidates were temperate ones. Therefore, we mutated one (4PHSA25) of them to a virulent bacteriophage (4PHCISA25). Phenotypical characterization assays revealed that 4PHCISA25 had similar lytic spectrum, temperature, pH, and UV sensitivities to 4PHSA25. However, 4PHCISA25 displayed increased lytic activities and decreased bacteriophage insensitive mutant frequency. Biofilm removing assays showed that 4PHCISA25 exhibited a better capacity than 4PHSA25 on eliminating biofilms formed by MRSA strains. Mouse experiments demonstrated that injection of 4PHCISA25 was safe to the mice and treatment with it (109 PFU per mouse) inhibited the development of abscess induced by MRSA within 24 h and promoted the recovery from the clinical signs. Taken together, this study highlights the use of phages combating MRSA.


Subject(s)
Bacteriophages , Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus , Staphylococcal Infections , Mice , Animals , Bacteriophages/genetics , Biofilms , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Whole Genome Sequencing , Staphylococcal Infections/prevention & control
13.
Sensors (Basel) ; 22(24)2022 Dec 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36560377

ABSTRACT

Intelligent video surveillance based on artificial intelligence, image processing, and other advanced technologies is a hot topic of research in the upcoming era of Industry 5.0. Currently, low recognition accuracy and low location precision of devices in intelligent monitoring remain a problem in production lines. This paper proposes a production line device recognition and localization method based on an improved YOLOv5s model. The proposed method can achieve real-time detection and localization of production line equipment such as robotic arms and AGV carts by introducing CA attention module in YOLOv5s network model architecture, GSConv lightweight convolution method and Slim-Neck method in Neck layer, add Decoupled Head structure to the Detect layer. The experimental results show that the improved method achieves 93.6% Precision, 85.6% recall, and 91.8% mAP@0.5, and the Pascal VOC2007 public dataset test shows that the improved method effectively improves the recognition accuracy. The research results can substantially improve the intelligence level of production lines and provide an important reference for manufacturing industries to realize intelligent and digital transformation.


Subject(s)
Artificial Intelligence , Head , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Industry , Intelligence
14.
Sensors (Basel) ; 22(13)2022 Jun 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35808347

ABSTRACT

Soft pneumatic actuators are extensively used in soft robots, and their bending angles and kinematic rules at different pressures play a crucial role in practical applications. This investigation aims to model the bending angle and motion of a new type of soft pneumatic actuator that adopts a composite structure consisting of two kinds of pneumatic networks. Based on the structural and deformation characteristics of the proposed soft actuator, the constitutive model is established, and then the moment equilibrium and virtual work principle are combined to model the bending angle of two pneumatic modules. The kinematic model of the proposed soft actuator is co-opted from the kinematic modeling of rigid robots. By employing the piecewise constant curvature method and coordinate transformation, the location of any chamber of the soft actuator can be calculated. The effectiveness of the developed analytical models is then tested, and the calculated results show good agreement with the experimental results. Finally, three soft actuators are used to constitute a soft gripper, and the pinching and enveloping grasping performance are examined. All experimental test results demonstrate that the developed bending angle and kinematic models can explain the bending principle of the proposed soft actuators well.

15.
Materials (Basel) ; 15(13)2022 Jun 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35806700

ABSTRACT

As a new two-dimensional material, black arsenic phosphorus (B-AsP) has emerged as a promising electrode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its large theoretical capacity and ability to absorb large amounts of Li atoms. However, the poor electronic conductivity and large volume expansion during the lithiation/delithiation process have largely impeded the development of B-AsP electrodes. In this study, graphene oxide (GO)/B-AsP/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with remarkable lithium-storage property were fabricated via CVD and ultrasound-assisted method. The electrochemical behavior of the GO/B-AsP/CNTs was investigated as an anode in lithium-ion batteries. From the results, as a new-type anode for LIBs, GO/B-AsP/CNTs composite demonstrated a stable capacity of 1286 and 339 mA h g-1 at the current density of 0.1 and 1 A g-1, respectively. The capacity of GO/B-AsP/CNTs was 693 mA h g-1 after 50 cycles, resulting in capacity retention of almost 86%. In addition, the stable P-C and As-C bonds were formed between B-AsP, GO, and CNTs. Thus, volume expansion of B-AsP was alleviated and the capacity was increased due to the confining effect of GO and CNTs.

16.
Sensors (Basel) ; 22(14)2022 Jul 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35890901

ABSTRACT

This investigation presents a novel soft-robotic pneumatic gripper that consists of three newly proposed soft actuators. The newly proposed soft actuators adopt a composite structure of two kinds of pneumatic networks which can work independently and play their respective roles in grasping. The design, analyses, and fabrication of the proposed soft actuators are introduced systematically, and then an experimental system is built to examine the output characteristics of the soft actuator. Compared with the conventional single pneumatic network-based soft actuator, the newly proposed one combines the advantages of the two pneumatic networks, and it employs a larger output force and retains desired bending deformation ability at the same time. The grasping performance test results show that the new soft gripper constituted by the proposed soft actuators has high reliability and stability whether in pinching or in enveloping grasping, and it is also competent for grasping heavier or irregular objects, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of the newly proposed soft actuator, and giving it a good and wide application prospect.


Subject(s)
Robotic Surgical Procedures , Robotics , Equipment Design , Hand Strength , Reproducibility of Results , Robotics/methods
17.
J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci ; 77(12): 2170-2181, 2022 12 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35678188

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Momentary solitude (the objective state of being alone) has a strong association with negative affective experiences in older people, but little is known about how the role of social relationship characteristics on relationship between momentary solitude and affect. We examined the momentary association between momentary solitude and negative affect (NA), and whether such association was moderated by the structural and functional aspects of social relationships. METHODS: A sample of 153 late-middle-aged and older adults were recruited and provided a total of 6,742 ecological momentary assessment surveys, of which momentary solitudes were reported for 1,885 (28%) surveys. Hierarchical linear model was used to examine how social networks and social support moderated the association of momentary solitude with NA experiences. RESULTS: The association of momentary solitude with NA experiences was significant among middle-aged and older adults (b = 0.025, SE = 0.008, p < .01). Family networks had the main effect on NA. Perceived social support buffered against increased NA in momentary solitude: Individuals with a higher level of perceived support reported fewer increases in NA during momentary solitude than those perceiving a lower level of support. DISCUSSION: Momentary solitude was experienced less negatively for middle-aged and older persons embedded in a context of higher levels of perceived social support. Practitioners need to pay more attention to the promotion of social resources when delivering programs to improve the subjective well-being of late-middle-aged and older adults.


Subject(s)
Affect , Social Perception , Social Support , Aged , Humans , Middle Aged , Ecological Momentary Assessment , Interpersonal Relations , Social Networking , Social Support/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Social Perception/psychology
18.
Curr Microbiol ; 79(7): 216, 2022 Jun 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35678865

ABSTRACT

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 is a well-known foodborne pathogen and a leading cause of many intestinal diseases. In this study, we explore the use of a phage cocktail to help control STEC O157 in broth and milk. We isolated three virulent phages from sanitary sewages using a STEC O157 as the indicator bacterium. Phenotypical characterizations revealed that these three phages belong to the Myoviridae family and were stable at different temperatures and pH. They displayed a short latent period between 10 and 20 min, and a burst size (32-65 per infected cell). No virulence factors and drug resistance genes were found in their genomes. Bacterial lysis assays showed that a phage cocktail comprising these three phages was more effective (at least 4.32 log reduction) against STEC O157 at 25 °C with multiplicity of infection (MOI) = 1000 in broth medium. At 4 °C, a 3.8 log reduction in the number of viable STEC O157 after 168-h treatment with phage cocktail at MOI = 1000 was observed in milk, compared to phage-free bacterial control group. Characterizations of phages suggest they could be developed into novel therapeutic agents to control STEC O157 in milk production.


Subject(s)
Bacteriophages , Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli , Animals , Bacteriophages/genetics , Coliphages/genetics , Milk/microbiology , Myoviridae/genetics
19.
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth ; 22(1): 337, 2022 Apr 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35440070

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and perinatal depression (PND) remains controversial. Our study aimed to comprehensively assess this association in a longitudinal cohort study with repeated measurements of depression. METHODS: Our cohort study was nested in a pilot study of an implementation study aiming to screen and manage perinatal depression within the primary health system in China. Women were recruited in the first trimester from May-September 2019 and followed four times up to 1 year postpartum. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and depression were collected using self-developed questionnaires incorporating the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Oral glucose tolerance test at 24 ~ 28 weeks and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) data were extracted from medical records. Depression throughout the whole period was divided into different trajectories. Associations of GDM with PND at different time periods and PND of different trajectories were determined by logistic regression. The path of association between blood glucose and depression over time was estimated with an autoregressive cross-lagged model. RESULTS: In total, 1043 women were included in this analysis and 313 (30.0%) were diagnosed with GDM. The prevalence of depression in the first, second, and third trimesters and postpartum period were 17.2, 6.9, 6.8 and 9.0%, respectively. GDM was neither significantly associated with PND at any time point nor with any specific trajectory of depression. Except for autoregressive paths, no cross-lagged path of FPG and scores of EPDS was significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates no association between GDM/blood glucose and PND.


Subject(s)
Diabetes, Gestational , Blood Glucose/analysis , Cohort Studies , Depression/epidemiology , Diabetes, Gestational/diagnosis , Diabetes, Gestational/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Pilot Projects , Pregnancy
20.
Kaohsiung J Med Sci ; 38(5): 469-478, 2022 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35315209

ABSTRACT

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common human digestive malignancy with a poor prognosis; the pathophysiology of colon cancer involves multiple linkages of regulatory networks. Recently, thrombospondin 2 (THBS2) has been extensively studied for its role in cancer progression. In this study, we evaluated the expression of THBS2 in CRC tissues and studied the possible mechanism by which THBS2 regulates CRC progression. Our results showed that the upregulation of THBS2 in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines and high expression of THBS2 was correlated with poor overall survival. The in vitro experimental data showed that THBS2 overexpression promoted CRC cell growth, invasion, and migration, while THBS2 inhibition exerted tumor-suppressive actions on CRC cells. THBS2 knockdown suppressed the activity of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. Collectively, the results implied that THBS2 exerted promotional effects on CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, partly by modulating the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.


Subject(s)
Colorectal Neoplasms , Thrombospondins , Wnt Signaling Pathway , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Movement/genetics , Cell Proliferation/genetics , Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Humans , Thrombospondins/genetics , Wnt Signaling Pathway/genetics , beta Catenin/genetics , beta Catenin/metabolism
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