Photomechaelectric Nanogenerators with Different Photoisomers and Dipole Units for Harvesting UV Light Energy.

To date, transforming environmental energy into electricity through a non-mechanical way is challenging. Herein, a series of photomechaelectric (PME) polyurethanes containing azobenzene-based photoisomer units and ionic liquid-based dipole units are synthesized, and corresponding PME nanogenerators (PME-NGs) to harvest electricity are fabricated. The dependence of the output performance of PME-NGs on the structure of the polyurethane is evaluated. The results show that the UV light energy can directly transduce into alternating-current (AC) electricity by PME-NGs via a non-mechanical way. The optimal open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current of PME-NGs under UV illumination reach 17.4 V and 696 µA, respectively. After rectification, the AC electricity can be further transformed into direct-current (DC) electricity and stored in a capacitor to serve as a power system to actuate typical microelectronics. The output performance of PME-NGs is closely related to the hard segment content of the PME polyurethane and the radius of counter anions in the dipole units. Kelvin probe force microscopy is used to confirm the existence of the PME effect and the detailed mechanism about the generation of AC electricity in PME-NGs is proposed, referring to the back and forth drift of induced electrons on the two electrodes in contact with the PME polyurethanes.

Trending prevalence of healthcare-associated infections in a tertiary hospital in China during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate both the four-year prevalence trend of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in a large tertiary hospital and the trend regarding the prevalence of HAIs following the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in order to provide evidence of hospital infection management during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Based on the hospital's electronic nosocomial infection databases related to HAIs, we retrospectively identified the HAI cases to assess the epidemiological characteristics of HAIs from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021, in a large tertiary hospital in China. Similarly, the trends of HAIs after the COVID-19 outbreak and the seasonal variation of HAIs were further analyzed. RESULTS: The HAI cases (n = 7833) were identified from the inpatients (n = 483,258) during the 4 years. The most frequently occurring underlying cause of HAIs was respiratory tract infections (44.47%), followed by bloodstream infections (11.59%), and urinary tract infections (8.69%). The annual prevalence of HAIs decreased from 2.39% in 2018 to 1.41% in 2021 (P = 0.032), with the overall prevalence of HAIs significantly decreasing since the outbreak of COVID-19 (2.20% in 2018-2019 vs. 1.44% in 2020-2021, P < 0.001). The prevalence of respiratory tract infections decreased most significantly; whereas, overall, the prevalence of HAIs was significantly greater during the winter compared with the rest of the year. CONCLUSIONS: Not only did the annual prevalence of HAIs decrease from 2018 to 2021, but it also significantly decreased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly respiratory tract infections. These results provide evidence for the need to prevent HAIs, especially during the winter season.

Assessment of the factors affecting health profession students' emergency transition during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors that affected health profession students' emergency transition during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore strategies that may help students be better prepared for any future health crises. Participants: This study population included 73 students that were originally enrolled in one online section (n = 49) and one face-to-face section (n = 24) of a healthcare administration course before the transition. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted and the anonymous survey data were analyzed using SPSS and a Man-Whitney U test. Results: Of the 73 students, 48 completed the survey, with a response rate of 66% (48/73). There was a statistically significant difference in the perceived COVID-19 impact (z=-3.339, p = 0.001) and difficulty transitioning during the pandemic (3-2.142, p = 0.032) between both groups. The top three hindering factors were stress and anxiety, difficulty focusing on studying at home, and time management due to uncertainty. Conclusions: The study findings suggest strategies that may help students with adequate knowledge and capabilities in managing stress, anxiety, and unprecedented challenges in the future.

Analysis of epidemiological changes and elimination effects for malaria in Handan city, the north China.

The elimination of malaria requires high-quality surveillance data to quickly detect and respond to individual cases. This study aims to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of malaria and ascertain the long-term epidemic trends of malaria by 2020 in Handan China. Case-level data for the period 2011 to 2020 were extracted from Chinese Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. The lamp trap method was used to capture mosquitoes so that the characteristics of mosquitoes can be analyzed. The incidence, accuracy, and timeliness of malaria case diagnosis, reporting and investigation were evaluated at the elimination stage (2011-2020) in Handan City, China. Between 2011 and 2020, 94 malaria cases were reported in Handan City, of which 93 malaria cases were male and all of which were imported from abroad. The annual average incidence decreased from 622.33/100,000 to 0.11/100,000 in the elimination stage. Since the initiation of the National Malaria Elimination Program in 2010, malaria cases have been consistent with the increase in overseas export channels and labor personnel service. There is a need to strengthen malaria surveillance of returning workers from Africa and to conduct timely blood tests to diagnose and treat imported infections. Local authorities ensure that imported malaria cases can be timely diagnosed, reported, treated and investigated at local level.

Effect of hand washing and personal hygiene on hand food mouth disease: A community intervention study.

There are no specific treatment drugs and vaccine for Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Taking effective preventive measures is particularly important for control of HFMD infection. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of intervention of intensive education on hand hygiene on HFMD.We randomized 64 villages into intervention and control groups in Handan, Hebei province, China. Parents and caregivers of children 6 to 40 months age group in intervention villages received intensive education on hand hygiene. Control group received general education. The intervention period was from April 1 to July 31, 2011 and April 1 to July 31, 2012. We measured and compare the knowledge and incidences of HFMD between 2 groups.We collected 6484 questionnaires, including 3583 in the intervention group [response rate: 96% (3583/3726)] and 2901 in the control group [response rate: 90% (2901/3224)]. We observed that hand washing habit of children and parent, knowledge of HFMD of parents, children's daily cleaning habits scores improved in the intervention group and higher than that in the control group at both the end of year 1 (April 1-July 31, 2011)and year 2 (April 1-July 31, 2012). The incidence of HFMD (2.1%) in intervention group was significantly lower than that in control group (4.2%) at year 2 (χ = 22.138, P <.001). The positive percent of coli-form on the hand swabs in intervention group (2.00%) were significantly lower than that in control group (9.45%) at the end of year 2.The intervention of intensive education on hand hygiene effectively improved the personal hygiene both of children and parents, as well as reduced the incidence of HFMD. We suggested expanding the intervention measures in community to prevent HFMD.

Use of evidence-based management in healthcare administration decision-making.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine whether healthcare leaders use evidence-based management (EBMgt) when facing major decisions and what types of evidence healthcare administrators consult during their decision-making. This study also intends to identify any relationship that might exist among adoption of EBMgt in healthcare management, attitudes towards EBMgt, demographic characteristics and organizational characteristics. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study was conducted among US healthcare leaders. Spearman's correlation and logistic regression were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 23.0. Findings One hundred and fifty-four healthcare leaders completed the survey. The study results indicated that 90 per cent of the participants self-reported having used an EBMgt approach for decision-making. Professional experiences (87 per cent), organizational data (84 per cent) and stakeholders' values (63 per cent) were the top three types of evidence consulted daily and weekly for decision-making. Case study (75 per cent) and scientific research findings (75 per cent) were the top two types of evidence consulted monthly or less than once a month. An exploratory, stepwise logistic regression model correctly classified 75.3 per cent of all observations for a dichotomous "use of EBMgt" response variable using three independent variables: attitude towards EBMgt, number of employees in the organization and the job position. Spearman's correlation indicated statistically significant relationships between healthcare leaders' use of EBMgt and healthcare organization bed size ( rs = 0.217, n = 152, p < 0.01), attitude towards EBMgt ( rs = 0.517, n = 152, p < 0.01), and the number of organization employees ( rs = 0.195, n = 152, p = 0.016). Originality/value This study generated new research findings on the practice of EBMgt in US healthcare administration decision-making.

Tumor angiogenesis of SCLC inhibited by decreased expression of FMOD via downregulating angiogenic factors of endothelial cells.

Fibromodulin (FMOD), an ECM small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP), was reported to promote angiogenesis not only during wound healing, but also in optical and cutaneous angiogenesis-dependent diseases. However, whether it plays important roles in tumor angiogenesis remains unclear. To explore the role of FMOD in tumor angiogenesis of human small cell lung cancer (SCLC), initially the study analyzed the relationship of FMOD expression in cancer tissues of SCLC with clinical characteristics. The analysis revealed that the positive FMOD expression was significantly associated with extensive stage of SCLC and higher vascular density. In mouse models, xenograft tumors developed with FMOD-silenced H446 cells (H446-shFMOD) exhibited slowed growth rate, decreased microvessel density, and reduced blood perfusion related to that of controls (H446-shCON). Additionally, compared with that of controls, the decreased secretion of FMOD in conditioned medium (CM) from H446-shFMOD inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of human umbilical vessel endothelial cells (HUVECs). Moreover, the decreased secretion of FMOD downregulated the expression of VEGF, TGF-ß1, FGF-2, and PDGF-B in HUVECs. The findings strongly suggested that the autocrine FMOD of cancer cells may promote tumor angiogenesis of SCLC by upregulating the expression of angiogenic factors that act in concert to facilitate the angiogenic phenotype of endothelial cells as a proangiogenic factor. Therefore, silencing FMOD may be a potentially clinical therapy for repressing tumor angiogenesis.

Study on Hospital Administrators' Beliefs and Attitudes toward the Practice of Evidence-Based Management.

The authors' purpose was to explore hospital administrators' beliefs and attitudes toward the practice of evidence-based management (EBMgt) and to identify the needs for EBMgt training programs. A cross-sectional, nonexperimental design was utilized. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation. The results showed that hospital administrators had positive attitudes toward the practice of EBMgt. There was a significant correlation between attitudes and percentage of healthcare management decisions made using an evidence-based practice approach (p < .01). The study findings suggest EBMgt educational training programs would likely help hospital administrators adopt evidence-based practice in management decision-making.

Assessment of Evidence-based Management Training Program: Application of a Logic Model.

The purposes of this study were to apply a logic model to plan and implement an evidence-based management (EBMgt) educational training program for healthcare administrators and to examine whether a logic model is a useful tool for evaluating the outcomes of the educational program. The logic model was used as a conceptual framework to guide the investigators in developing an EBMgt educational training program and evaluating the outcomes of the program. The major components of the logic model were constructed as inputs, outputs, and outcomes/impacts. The investigators delineated the logic model based on the results of the needs assessment survey. Two 3-hour training workshops were delivered to 30 participants. To assess the outcomes of the EBMgt educational program, pre- and post-tests and self-reflection surveys were conducted. The data were collected and analyzed descriptively and inferentially, using the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 22.0. A paired sample t-test was performed to compare the differences in participants' EBMgt knowledge and skills prior to and after the training. The assessment results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in participants' EBMgt knowledge and information searching skills before and after the training (p< 0.001). Participants' confidence in using the EBMgt approach for decision-making was significantly increased after the training workshops (p< 0.001). Eighty-three percent of participants indicated that the knowledge and skills they gained through the training program could be used for future management decision-making in their healthcare organizations. The overall evaluation results of the program were positive. It is suggested that the logic model is a useful tool for program planning, implementation, and evaluation, and it also improves the outcomes of the educational program.

The breast cancer susceptibility-related polymorphisms at the TOX3/LOC643714 locus associated with lung cancer risk in a Han Chinese population.

It has been well established that besides environmental factors, genetic factors are also associated with lung cancer risk. However, to date, the prior identified genetic variants and loci only explain a small fraction of the familial risk of lung cancer. Hence it is vital to investigate the remaining missing heritability to understand the development and process of lung cancer. In the study, to test our hypothesis that the previously identified breast cancer risk-associated genetic polymorphisms at the TOX3/LOC643714 locus might contribute to lung cancer risk, 16 SNPs at the TOX3/LOC643714 locus were evaluated in a Han Chinese population based on a case-control study. Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test revealed that rs9933638, rs12443621, and rs3104746 were significantly associated with lung cancer risk (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.005, respectively). Logistic regression analyses displayed that lung cancer risk of individuals with rs9933638(GG+GA) were 1.89 times higher than that of rs9933638AA carriers (OR = 1.893, 95% CI = 1.308-2.741, P = 0.001). Similar findings were manifested for rs12443621 (OR = 1.824, 95% CI = 1.272-2.616, P = 0.001, rs12443621(GG+GA) carriers vs. rs12443621AA carriers) and rs3104746 (OR = 1.665, 95% CI = 1.243-2.230, P = 0.001, rs3104746TT carriers vs. rs3104746(TA+AA) carriers). The study discovered for the first time that three SNPs (rs9933638, rs12443621, and rs3104746) at the TOX3/LOC643714 locus contributed to lung cancer risk, providing new evidences that lung cancer and breast cancer are linked at the molecular and genetic level to a certain extent.

Information Resources for Hospital Administrator Healthcare Management Decision-Making.

The purpose of this study was to identify information used by hospital administrators for healthcare management decision-making and what barriers hinder their practice of evidence-based management (EBMgt). A cross-sectional and non-experimental design was utilized. One hundred eight questionnaires were distributed to potential participants. Data analyses were performed using Spearman's correlation. The findings showed that the main resources hospital administrators used for decision-making was organizational data and personal experience. Lack of time was the top barrier to hospital administrators' practice of EBMgt. There was a significant correlation between lack of information searching skills and unfamiliarity with EBMgt (p<0.01) among hospital administrators.

Predictors of intention to use condoms among Chinese college students.

China is experiencing one of the fastest growing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemics in the world. Condom use is consistently low among Chinese college students. The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors that determine the intention to use condoms among Chinese college students applying the theory of planned behavior (TPB). A non-probability convenience sample of 433 participants was drawn from three universities in Central, Eastern, and Southwestern China, respectively. An anonymous written questionnaire was self-administered. Data were collected and analyzed descriptively and statistically using Predictive Analytical Software 19.0. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify the predictors among 402 participants with non-missing data. Eighteen percent (78/433) of the participants reported being sexually active in the past 6 months. The percentage of times these individuals reported using condoms during intercourse was 38.19%. Intention to use condoms was statistically significantly (R(2) = 50.4%) predicted by attitudes (ß = 0.213), subjective norms (ß = 0.259), and perceived behavior control (PBC) (ß = 0.332). All predictors were statistically significant at the 0.001 level (p < 0.001). PBC was the strongest predictor of intention to use condoms. The study findings indicated that the TPB could be used as a framework to determine the predictors of intention to use condoms among the Chinese college students. It is recommended that the HIV education programs should increase the intention to use condoms through promoting positive attitudes, subjective norms and PBC of condom use in Chinese college students.

Promoter methylation profiles between human lung adenocarcinoma multidrug resistant A549/cisplatin (A549/DDP) cells and its progenitor A549 cells.

Although aberrant DNA methylation has been implicated in the pathophysiology of lung cancer, the role of methylation in multidrug resistance (MDR) of lung cancer has remained unclear. To investigate whether certain distinct DNA methylation pattern is associated with acquired MDR of lung adenocarcinoma, methylated-DNA immunoprecipitation-chromatin immunoprecipitation (MeDIP-ChIP) was utilised to compare the genome-wide promoter methylation of the human lung adenocarcinoma MDR A549/cisplatin (A549/DDP) cells with its progenitor A549 cells. The comparison identified 3617 genes with differentially methylated promoter, of which 1581 were hypermethylated and 2036 were hypomethylated. Then, bisulphite sequencing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (BSP) and quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR (Q-PCR) were used to validate the promoter methylation of five candidate genes and to determine whether the expression of genes was associated with the promoter methylation. BSP confirmed that the promoter methylation incidence of the hypermethylated genes, G protein-coupled receptor 56 isoform 3 (GPR56), metallothionein 1G (MT1G), and RAS association domain family gene 1 (RASSF1), was significantly higher in A549/DDP cells compared with A549 cells (p<0.001, p=0.0099, and p=0.0165), whereas no significant difference was found in that of the other two genes, CCNL2 and BAD (p=0.0594 and p=0.5546). Additionally, Q-PCR showed that the mRNA expression of the three hypermethylated genes was significantly lower in A549/DDP cells compared with A549 cells (all p<0.001). In conclusion, this study reported for the first time that a distinct promoter methylation pattern is associated with MDR of lung adenocarcinoma A549/DDP cells and suggested that GPR56, MT1G, and RASSF1 might be the potential methylation markers associated with acquired MDR of lung adenocarcinoma.

Role of mtDNA haplogroups in COPD susceptibility in a southwestern Han Chinese population.

The interplay of a complex genetic basis with the environmental factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may account for the differences in individual susceptibility to COPD. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) contributes to an individual's ability to resist oxidation, an important determinant that affects COPD susceptibility. To investigate whether mtDNA haplogroups play important roles in COPD susceptibility, the frequencies of mtDNA haplogroups and an 822-bp mtDNA deletion in 671 COPD patients and 724 control individuals from southwestern China were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that, whereas mtDNA haplogroups A and M7 might be associated with an increased risk for COPD (OR=1.996, 95% CI=1.149-2.831, p=0.006, and OR=1.754, 95% CI=1.931-2.552, p=0.021, respectively), haplogroups F, D, and M9 might be associated with a decreased risk for COPD in this population (OR=0.554, 95% CI=0.390-0.787, p=0.001; OR=0.758, 95% CI=0.407-0.965, p=0.002; and OR=0.186, 95% CI=0.039-0.881, p=0.034, respectively). Additionally, the increased frequency of the 822-bp mtDNA deletion in male cigarette-smoking subjects among COPD patients and controls of haplogroup D indicated that haplogroup D might increase an individual's susceptibility to DNA damage from external reactive oxygen species derived from heavy cigarette smoking. We conclude that haplogroups A and M7 might be risk factors for COPD, whereas haplogroups D, F, and M9 might decrease the COPD risk in this Han Chinese population.

Application of a logic model to an evidence-based practice training program for speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

The purpose of this study was to present the application of a logic model in planning, implementing, and evaluating an evidence-based practice (EBP) training program for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists. A logic model was used as a guide in developing the EBP training program. The program investigators delineated the core components of the logic model based on the results of a needs assessment survey of SLPs and audiologists as well as literature reviews. The major components of the logic model were constructed as inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes/impacts. Statistical analysis using repeated measures ANOVA for the pre-test and post-test indicated that the participants increased their EBP knowledge, information searching skills, and confidence in using EBP in their clinical practice (p < 0.001). Five of the eight program objectives were met by having at least 75% of the participants achieve the objectives. The logic model is a useful tool for grant application and program planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Results of an assessment of information needs among speech-language pathologists and audiologists in Idaho.

OBJECTIVES: The research assesses the information needs of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists in Idaho and identifies specific needs for training in evidence-based practice (EBP) principles and searching EBP resources. METHODS: A survey was developed to assess knowledge and skills in accessing information. Questionnaires were distributed to 217 members of the Idaho Speech-Language-Hearing Association, who were given multiple options to return the assessment survey (web, email, mail). Data were analyzed descriptively and statistically. RESULTS: The total response rate was 38.7% (84/217). Of the respondents, 87.0% (73/84) indicated insufficient knowledge and skills to search PubMed. Further, 47.6% (40/84) indicated limited knowledge of EBP. Of professionals responding, 52.4% (44/84) reported interest in learning more about EBP and 47.6% (40/84) reported interest in learning to search PubMed. SLPs and audiologists who graduated within the last 10 years were more likely to respond online, while those graduating prior to that time preferred to respond via hard copy. DISCUSSIONS/CONCLUSION: More effort should be made to ensure that SLPs and audiologists develop skills in locating information to support their practice. Results from this information needs assessment were used to design a training and outreach program on EBP and EBP database searching for SLPs and audiologists in Idaho.

Review for librarians of evidence-based practice in nursing and the allied health professions in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: This paper provides an overview of the state of evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing and selected allied health professions and a synopsis of current trends in incorporating EBP into clinical education and practice in these fields. This overview is intended to better equip librarians with a general understanding of the fields and relevant information resources. INCLUDED PROFESSIONS: Professions are athletic training, audiology, health education and promotion, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assisting, respiratory care, and speech-language pathology. APPROACH: Each section provides a description of a profession, highlighting changes that increase the importance of clinicians' access to and use of the profession's knowledgebase, and a review of each profession's efforts to support EBP. The paper concludes with a discussion of the librarian's role in providing EBP support to the profession. CONCLUSIONS: EBP is in varying stages of growth among these fields. The evolution of EBP is evidenced by developments in preservice training, growth of the literature and resources, and increased research funding. Obstacles to EBP include competing job tasks, the need for additional training, and prevalent attitudes and behaviors toward research among practitioners. Librarians' skills in searching, organizing, and evaluating information can contribute to furthering the development of EBP in a given profession.

[Involvement of bcl-2 in multidrug resistance in human small cell lung cancer cell subline H446/DDP].

OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanism of bcl-2 involvement in multidrug resistance in human small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell subline H446/DDP. METHODS: After the construction of pLXSN-bcl-2, in which the full length of bcl-2 cDNA amplified from total RNA of H446/DDP cells was integrated into the mammalian expression vector pLXSN, allowing transcription of a bicistronic mRNA, and the synthesis in vitro of 20-mer ODNs targeting the coding region of bcl-2 mRNA and the scrambled ODNs used as the control, the cationic lipid DOTAP was used to transfect them into H446 and H446/DDP cells, respectively. When H446 cells were transfected with mammalian expression vector pLXSN, the cells were divided into 3 groups, including cells transfected with the recombinant pLXSN-bcl-2, cells transfected with the vector pLXSN and cells untransfected (control); when H446 cells and H446/DDP cells were transfected with PS-ODNs, the cells were divided into 3 groups, including cells transfected with AS-PS-ODNs, cells transfected with NS-PS-ODNs and cells untransfected (control), respectively. After transfection, Western blot were carried out to detect the expression level of bcl-2 in the control cells and the transfected cells, respectively. Meanwhile flow cytometry (FCM) was used to detect cell apoptosis in the control cells and the transfected cells. RESULTS: (1) The data from Western blot showed that compared with the control H446 cells (gray-scale value 0.103 +/- 0.005), the expression level of bcl-2 in the pLXSN-bcl-2 transfected H446 cells (gray-scale value 0.854 +/- 0.016) was increased significantly (P < 0.01); and the apoptosis from DNA content analysis decreased significantly in the pLXSN-bcl-2 transfected H446 cells [(20.9 +/- 0.2)%] compared with that of the control H446 cells [(31.1 +/- 0.2)%] by DNA content analysis (P < 0.01). (2) The results from Western blot showed that bcl-2 expression in the AS-PS-ODNs transfected H446/DDP cells (gray-scale value 0.695 +/- 0.014) was significantly reduced compared with that of the control H446/DDP cells (gray-scale value 0.942 +/- 0.018), although not totally reduced to the level of the control H446 cells (P < 0.01); and the data from DNA content analysis indicated that the sensitivity of the AS-PS-ODNs transfected H446/DDP cells to 5 microg/ml DDP-induced apoptosis was strongly increased as compared with that of the control H446/DDP cells (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Targeting to inhibit antiapoptotic mitochondrial gene Bcl-2 expression may be one of the important therapeutic approaches to overcoming chemoresistance in human SCLC.