The Scutellaria-Coptis herb couple and its active small-molecule ingredient wogonoside alleviate cytokine storm by regulating the CD39/NLRP3/GSDMD signaling pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: A drug pair is a fundamental aspect of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Coptis chinensis Franch, commonly used as an herb couple (SBCC), are representative heat-clearing and dampness-drying drugs. They possess functions such as clearing heat, drying dampness, purging fire, and detoxifying. These herbs are used in both traditional and modern medicine for treating inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated the effects of SBCC on cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) and explored its potential regulatory mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed the impact of SBCC in a sepsis-induced acute lung injury mouse model by administering an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (15 mg/kg). The cytokine levels in the serum and lungs, the wet-to-dry ratio of the lungs, and lung histopathological changes were evaluated. The macrophages in the lung tissue were examined through transmission electron microscopy. Western blot was used to measure the levels of the CD39/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway-related proteins. Immunofluorescence imaging was used to assess the activation of pro-caspase-1 and ASC and their interaction. AMP-Glo™ assay was used to screen for active ingredients in SBCC targeting CD39. One of the ingredients was selected, and its effect on cell viability was assessed. We induced inflammation in macrophages using LPS + ATP and detected the levels of proinflammatory factors. The images of cell membrane large pores were captured using scanning electron microscopy, the interaction between NLRP3 and ASC was detected using immunofluorescence imaging, and the levels of CD39/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway-related proteins were assessed using Western blot. RESULTS: SBCC administration effectively mitigated LPS-induced cytokine storm, pulmonary edema and lung injury. Furthermore, it repressed the programmed death of lung tissue macrophages by inhibiting the NLRP3/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway and regulating the CD39 purinergic pathway. Based on the results of the AMP-Glo™ assay, we selected wogonoside for further valuation. Wogonoside alleviated LPS + ATP-induced inflammatory damage by regulating the inhibiting the NLRP3/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway and regulating the CD39 purinergic pathway. However, its effect on NLRP3 is not mediated though CD39. CONCLUSION: SBCC and its active small-molecule ingredient, wogonoside, improved CSS by regulating the NLRP3/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway and its upstream CD39 purinergic pathway. It is essential to note that the regulatory effect of wogonoside on NLRP3 is not mediated by CD39.

Associations Between Stress, Health Behaviors, and Quality of Life in Young Couples During the Transition to Survivorship: Protocol for a Measurement Burst Study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a life-threatening, stressful event, particularly for young adults due to delays and disruptions in their developmental transitions. Cancer treatment can also cause adverse long-term effects, chronic conditions, psychological issues, and decreased quality of life (QoL) among young adults. Despite numerous health benefits of health behaviors (eg, physical activity, healthy eating, no smoking, no alcohol use, and quality sleep), young adult cancer survivors report poor health behavior profiles. Determining the associations of stress (either cancer-specific or day-to-day stress), health behaviors, and QoL as young adult survivors transition to survivorship is key to understanding and enhancing these survivors' health. It is also crucial to note that the effects of stress on health behaviors and QoL may manifest on a shorter time scale (eg, daily within-person level). Moreover, given that stress spills over into romantic relationships, it is important to identify the role of spouses or partners (hereafter partners) in these survivors' health behaviors and QoL. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate associations between stress, health behaviors, and QoL at both within- and between-person levels during the transition to survivorship in young adult cancer survivors and their partners, to identify the extent to which young adult survivors' and their partners' stress facilitates or hinders their own and each other's health behaviors and QoL. METHODS: We aim to enroll 150 young adults (aged 25-39 years at the time of cancer diagnosis) who have recently completed cancer treatment, along with their partners. We will conduct a prospective longitudinal study using a measurement burst design. Participants (ie, survivors and their partners) will complete a daily web-based survey for 7 consecutive days (a "burst") 9 times over 2 years, with the bursts spaced 3 months apart. Participants will self-report their stress, health behaviors, and QoL. Additionally, participants will be asked to wear an accelerometer to assess their physical activity and sleep during the burst period. Finally, dietary intake (24-hour diet recalls) will be assessed during each burst via telephone by research staff. RESULTS: Participant enrollment began in January 2022. Recruitment and data collection are expected to conclude by December 2024 and December 2026, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first study that determines the interdependence of health behaviors and QoL of young adult cancer survivors and their partners at both within- and between-person levels. This study is unique in its focus on the transition to cancer survivorship and its use of a measurement burst design. Results will guide the creation of a developmentally appropriate dyadic psychosocial or behavioral intervention that improves both young adult survivors' and their partners' health behaviors and QoL and potentially their physical health. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/53307.

Synergistic strategy of solute environment and phase control of Pb-based anodes to solve the activity-stability trade-off.

The contradiction between the activity and stability of metal anodes exists extensively, especially in acid electrooxidation under industrial-level current density. Although the anode modification enhanced the initial activity of anodes, its long-term activity is limited by anode slime accumulation. Herein, a synergistic strategy, coupling the solute environment with the phase control of anodes, is proposed to achieve the trade-off between activity and stability of Pb-based anodes in concentrated sulfuric acid electrolysis. Non-exogenous Mn2+ motivated a series of positive behaviours of reactive-oxygen-species capture, anode reconstruction and corrosion-dependent activity alleviation. The synergistic effects, which are crystal phase-dependent, mainly benefit from the continuous self-healing ability of the specific crystal phase of MnO2 on the anodes by the coexisted Mn2+. Compared with Mn2+/α-MnO2, Mn2+/γ-MnO2 exhibited outperformed activity and stability in boosting oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and reducing hazardous pollutants, which resulted from the energy difference in the rate-determining step of OER and in the selectivity priority of Mn2+/MnO2 oxidation pathway. Interestingly, the pre-coated γ-MnO2 on the anode also presents excellent inheritance, guaranteeing the unchanged crystal phase of MnO2 and the high performance in ultra-low hazardous slime generation in subsequent Mn2+ oxidation. The sustainability of Mn2+/γ-MnO2 was proved in the operating hydrometallurgy conditions on Pb-based anodes. This strategy offers a promising approach for this common issue in electrooxidation-related areas.

Cognitive-behavioural conjoint therapy versus prolonged exposure for PTSD in military service members and veterans: results and lessons from a randomized controlled trial.

Military personnel and veterans are at heightened risk for exposure to traumatic events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as intimate relationship problems associated with PTSD.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relative efficacy of CBCT and PE in improving intimate relationship functioning in active duty military personnel or veterans and their intimate partners; both conditions were hypothesized to significantly improve PTSD. Method: In this study, 32 military service members or veterans with PTSD and their intimate partners were randomized to receive either Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD (n = 15; CBCT; [Monson, C. M., & Fredman, S. J. (2012). Cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: Harnessing the healing power of relationships. Guilford]), a trauma-focused couple therapy, or Prolonged Exposure (n = 17; PE; [Foa, E. B., Hembree, E. A., Dancu, C. V., Peterson, A. L., Cigrang, J. A., & Riggs, D. S. (2008). Prolonged exposure treatment for combat-related stress disorders - provider's treatment manual [unpublished]. Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania]), a front-line evidence-based individual treatment for PTSD.There were significant challenges with recruitment and a significant difference in dropout from treatment for the two therapies (65% for PE; 27% for CBCT). Treatment dropout was differentially related to pre-treatment relationship functioning; those with below average relationship functioning had higher dropout in PE compared with CBCT, whereas those with above average relationship functioning did not show differential dropout. In general, CBCT led to relational improvements, but this was not consistently found in PE. Clinician- and self-reported PTSD symptoms improved with both treatments.This study is the first to test a couple or family therapy against a well-established, front-line recommended treatment for PTSD, with expected superiority of CBCT over PE on relationship outcomes. Lessons learned in trial design, including considerations of equipoise, and the effects of differential dropout on trial analyses are discussed. This trial provides further support for the efficacy of CBCT in the treatment of PTSD and enhancement of intimate relationships.

Differential dropout from trial of couple versus individual therapy for PTSD.General pattern of improvements in relationship outcomes in couple therapy for PTSD.PTSD symptoms improved in the individual and couple therapy for PTSD.Lessons learned in trial design, including considerations of equipoise, and the effects of differential dropout by condition on trial analyses are discussed.

Design of a randomized clinical trial of brief couple therapy for PTSD augmented with intranasal oxytocin.

BACKGROUND: Leveraging military veterans' intimate relationships during treatment has the potential to concurrently improve posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and relationship quality. Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) and an 8-session Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (bCBCT) are manualized treatments designed to simultaneously improve PTSD and relationship functioning for couples in which one partner has PTSD. Although efficacious in improving PTSD, the effects of CBCT on relationship satisfaction are small, especially among veterans. Intranasal oxytocin, which targets mechanisms of PTSD and relationship quality, may enhance the efficacy of bCBCT. METHOD/DESIGN: The purpose of this 4-year clinical trial is to compare the outcomes of bCBCT augmented with intranasal oxytocin versus bCBCT plus placebo. We will also explore potential mechanisms of action: self-reported communication skills, empathy, and trust. We will recruit 120 dyads (i.e., veteran with PTSD and their intimate partner) from the VA San Diego Healthcare System. Veterans will be administered 40 international units of oxytocin (n = 60) or placebo (n = 60) 30 min before each of 8 bCBCT sessions delivered via telehealth. Clinical and functioning outcomes will be assessed at five timepoints (baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and 3- and 6-month follow-up). CONCLUSION: Study findings will reveal the efficacy of oxytocin-assisted brief couple therapy for PTSD, which could serve as highly scalable option for couples coping with PTSD, as well as provide preliminary evidence of interpersonal mechanisms of change. CLINICALTRIALS: govIdentifier:NCT06194851.

Dissociative Symptoms in Women with Histories of Intimate Partner Victimization: A Focus on Coercive Control.

Identifying and contrasting different patterns of intimate partner violence (IPV) (e.g. situational couple violence, coercive controlling violence) is useful for understanding IPV and its connections with health. Applying this approach to dissociation may be fruitful, given theoretical perspectives that predict a specific connection between coercive controlling violence and dissociative symptoms. To address this, community women with divorce histories (N = 188) completed measures to identify patterns of IPV victimization in prior relationships (no direct violence, situational couple violence, coercive controlling violence), and to quantify recent dissociative symptoms and number of depressed days, for comparison. Contrary to predictions, the predicted odds of recent dissociative symptoms did not differ between women who experienced situational couple violence versus coercive controlling violence. However, the latter group had greater odds of recent dissociative symptoms, but not depressed days, compared to women with no histories of direct violence. Further, a continuous measure of coercive control was uniquely associated with increased odds of dissociative symptoms. This study provides preliminary empirical support for a connection between coercive controlling violence and dissociative symptoms, compared to women without histories of direct violence. This deserves further attention given the strong theoretical rationale for this link, and the importance of dissociation for mental health.

Development of the Couples' Sleep Conflict Scale: A new tool to assess conflict around sleep in romantic relationships.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Couples' Sleep Conflict Scale, a new measure designed to identify the extent of conflict around sleep in romantic relationships. METHODS: Data from an individual sample (N = 158) and dyadic sample (N = 143 mixed-gender couples) in romantic relationships were used to examine the psychometric properties of the Couples' Sleep Conflict Scale, including internal consistency, convergent and divergent validity, and whether the factor structure differed between couples with concordant and discordant chronotypes. RESULTS: Results revealed that the Couples' Sleep Conflict Scale fit a 1-factor solution of 5 items, a summed or mean score can be used, and that it is reliable for both men and women. In addition, more relational sleep conflict was associated with both their own and their partners' poorer sleep hygiene, worse sleep quality, and more daytime sleepiness as well as more general relationship conflict, lower relationship satisfaction, and higher anxious and avoidant attachment. Finally, we found partial measurement invariance for factor loadings, intercepts, and latent variable variances between couples with concordant vs. discordant chronotypes. CONCLUSION: The Couples' Sleep Conflict Scale is a brief measure that can be used in both research and in health care settings to examine how sleep-related conflict can affect both sleep and relationship quality among couples.

[Clinical guidelines for male infertility: controversial issues and the need to reach interdisciplinary consensus].

A review of controversial issues about the terminology on male infertility and reproductive function, which is currently used, as well as proposals for updating clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility and men in infertile couples are presented in the article. An algorithm is described, the elements of which ensure referral of patients based on the possibility and timing of restoration of reproductive function, taking into account the reproductive health of a woman, as well as increasing the likelihood of successful treatment aimed at the birth of a healthy child.

The effect of a couple-based posttraumatic growth intervention in supporting couples coping with colorectal cancer: A randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: To promote posttraumatic growth (PTG) in colorectal cancer (CRC) couples, a couple-based PTG intervention was conducted, and the intervention had previously proved be feasible in CRC couples. The current study was conducted to validate the effects of intervention in CRC couples. METHOD: This is a randomized controlled study that included 174 CRC couples. All participants were randomized to either the intervention (usual care plus 5-week PTG intervention, n = 87) or the control group (usual care, n = 87). Data were collected from CRC couple dyads at baseline and immediately post-intervention periods. Primary outcome refers to positive changes, and secondary outcomes include marital satisfaction, quality of life (QOL), and anxiety and depression. Multilevel modeling was applied to analyze the intervention effects. RESULTS: Participants in the program showed increased PTG, marital satisfaction, and QOL both physically and mentally, and decreased levels of anxiety and depression over time. And spousal caregivers showed greater improvement in marital satisfaction and physical QOL compared with patients. In addition, significant intervention effects were shown in the participants' benefit finding, physical health and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: The study confirmed the effect of the PTG intervention on CRC couples' benefit finding, physical health and depressive symptoms. However, this study only measured outcome variables at two time-points. Future studies should add follow-up assessments to evaluate long-term effects of the intervention in CRC couples. REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2300067809.

The diversity of well-being indicators: a latent profile analysis.

Introduction: Research on the dimensional structure of subjective well-being (SWB) suggests a five-dimensional solution, consisting of the three established dimensions of life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect, and two additional empirically supported dimensions: domain satisfaction and happiness. While these dimensions can be aggregated into a superordinate SWB construct, little research has explored how these dimensions differ in their variation across subpopulations of individuals. Methods: The present study addresses this gap via secondary analysis of a sample of 1,487 partnered individuals, using the five dimensions of SWB as indicators for latent profile analysis. Results: Analyses returned five profiles, which we labeled Satisfied, Ambivalent, Indifferent, Dissatisfied, and Very Dissatisfied. In the Ambivalent and Indifferent profiles, the dimensions of negative affect and happiness exhibit discrepant behavior, resulting in shape differences. The five profiles are organized with reference to the external criterion of couple satisfaction. At the theoretical level, the results of the present study have the potential to inform current debates about the structure of well-being. Discussion: These findings suggest that, while SWB can usually be measured as a unidimensional construct, there is still merit to using multidimensional approaches and alternative forms of measurement-such as LPA-that capture complexities normally absent from unidimensional treatments. At the practical level, the results of the current study have the potential to inform well-being interventions (both clinical and otherwise), suggesting that those dealing with well-being in real life situations should pause before concluding that the absence of negativity implies the presence of positivity, or vice versa.

From couplepause to doublepause: the impact of midlife physical, psychological, and social changes on the sexual life of aging couples.

INTRODUCTION: Midlife men and women are facing frequent sexual problems that affect not only individuals' sexual health but also the sexual health of aging couples. OBJECTIVES: To review the main sexual life challenges faced by midlife couples, to present the concepts of couplepause and doublepause as 2 new paradigms to address the sexual health needs of aging couples, and to discuss key aspects in couple-focused care. METHODS: An online meeting attended by 5 European experts in sexual health was carried out in June 2023 to discuss the topic. The conversation centered on their clinical experience and expert opinion. Additionally, the indexed literature was reviewed to endorse and complement the expert opinions obtained in the aforementioned meeting. RESULTS: Midlife men and women face physical, psychological, and sociocultural changes that affect their sexual activity. These changes may be experienced differently between genders. Both members of a couple may experience age-related changes concurrently or in an unsynchronized manner affecting their sexual health. Communication, sharing expectations, defining sexual dynamics, and couple goals are determinant for the sexual health of a midlife couple. Couplepause and doublepause are 2 new complementary paradigms that effectively address the sexual health needs of aging couples as a unit, considering physical, psychological, cultural, social, and dyadic-related factors. Couple-centered strategies should promote open communication about couple intimacy issues, understanding the diverse expectations according to gender and orientation, communication styles, and goals. The following are identified as crucial aspects to promote couple-focused care: education and training of health care professionals, the provision of information to aging couples, physician involvement in addressing sexual problems, the need for collaboration across medical specialties, and the development of effective tools and strategies. CONCLUSIONS: The sexual problems of aging couples should be managed following couple-centered strategies that effectively address their sexual health needs as a couple.

Healthy couple, better sleep: Exploring connections and changes in couple relationship education participants.

Considerable evidence suggests couple relationship education (CRE) programs are effective in improving couples' relationship functioning, yet few studies have examined the implications of CRE programs on indicators of physical health despite substantial research supporting links between relational and physical health. This study utilized a sample of 308 couples randomly assigned to a CRE curriculum to explore the dyadic links between conflict management and self-care skills (emphasized in CRE), stress, and sleep dysfunction concurrently. We prospectively tested whether changes in skills drove changes in sleep dysfunction or vice versa, for both self and partner. Results from a series of structural equation models indicated indirect links for men and women between conflict management and self-care skills and sleep dysfunction through lower stress level at program start. Dyadically, men's and women's better conflict management skills were associated with partners' lower stress, which was in turn associated with partners' lower sleep dysfunction. Men's better self-care skills were linked with partners' lower stress levels, which were linked with partners' lower sleep dysfunction. Tests of dyadic prospective cross-lagged effects among changes in sleep and changes in skills indicated that initial improvements in both partners' sleep predicted improvements in their own conflict management skills 1 year later. Initial improvements in women's conflict management skills predicted reduced sleep dysfunction for themselves. Additionally, for both partners, early changes in self-care predicted later reductions in sleep dysfunction. Dyadically, immediate improvements in men's self-care predicted reduced sleep dysfunction for their partner a year later. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

What factors influence couples' decisions to have children? Evidence from a systematic scoping review.

BACKGROUND: One of the most significant demographic challenges over the past three decades has been the substantial reduction in fertility rates, worldwidely. As a developing country, Iran has also experienced a rapid decline in fertility over the past decades. Understanding factors influencing fertility is essential for development programs. Moreover, it's crucial to study the parameters that affect the intention for childbearing in any society. Therefore, through a systematic scoping review, the present study investigates the factors influencing couples' decisions toward childbearing. METHODS: This study was a systematic scoping review conducted in 2023. To design and conduct this scoping review, Joanna Briggs Institute's Protocol (Institute TJB, The Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers ' manual 2015; methodology for JBI scoping reviews, 2015) was used and the framework presented by Levac et al. (2010) was also used as a guide for conducting this review. Studies were searched in three main databases including ISI Web of Sciences, PubMed, and Scopus, using a predefined search strategy. Google Scholar was also used for complementary search. The search period was from 2002 to 2022. RESULTS: A total of 18,454 studies were identified across three primary databases. After evaluating articles in three distinct phases based on title, abstract, and full-text, 46 articles were deemed eligible for inclusion in the scoping review. The qualitative analysis of the collected data from the selected studies through the scoping review led to classifying factors influencing households' desire for childbearing into eight main themes and 101 sub-themes. The main themes associated with factors impacting households' intention for childbearing encompass individual determinants, demographic and familial influencing factors, cultural elements, social factors, health-related aspects, economic considerations, insurance-related variables, and government support/incentive policies. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive and holistic attention from governments and officials toward the various factors affecting households' intention and behavior regarding childbearing appears beneficial and effective. Furthermore, given the relative ineffectiveness of some of the current government's supportive/incentive policies to increase couples' desire for childbearing, it seems necessary to review and amend these policies. This review should address the most significant challenges and factors contributing to couples' reluctance to childbearing or strengthen factors that can play a substantial role in fostering fertility and childbearing desires.

The effectiveness of couple-based interventions on the marital outcomes of women with genital and breast cancer and their partners: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer and genital cancer are known as cancers that affect people's relationships with their partners. Women with such cancers are emotionally vulnerable and need more support from their partners. The present systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of couple-based interventions on the marital outcomes of patients with these cancers and their intimate partners. METHODS: To perform this systematic review, Google Scholar and databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, SID (Scientific Information Database), and Magiran were searched systematically. The reviewed studies included randomized controlled trials and quasiexperimental studies in which the intervention group, couple-based interventions, and the control group received routine care, general education or no intervention for cancer treatment. In this study, the included participants were patients with breast cancer or genital cancer and their intimate partners. The primary outcomes considered in this study included patients' marital adjustment, patients' marital satisfaction, patients' marital intimacy, and patients' marital relationships. The secondary outcomes were partners' marital adjustment, partners' marital satisfaction, partners' marital intimacy, and partners' marital relationships. A meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager v. 5.3 software (The Nordic Cochrane Centre, Cochrane Collaboration, 2014; Copenhagen, Denmark). The intervention impacts on continuous outcomes were measured using standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence interval because of the use of various scales to evaluate the outcomes. The quality of evidence presented in the included studies was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. In the subgroup analysis, the studied outcomes were divided into two parts (theory-based and non-theory-based) in terms of the theoretical context of couple-based interventions. RESULTS: From a total of 138 retrieved studies, 14 trials were eligible for inclusion in the study. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the patient's marital satisfaction increased significantly with couple-based interventions (SMD 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.07 to 0.85; 7 trials, 341 patients, very low certainty) compared to the control group, but the evidence was uncertain. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in the partner's marital satisfaction, the patient's and partner's marital adjustment, and the patient's and partner's marital intimacy. Additionally, the results of the subgroup analysis showed that the couple-based interventions significantly increased the patient's marital adjustment (SMD 1.96, 95% CI 0.87 to 3.06; 4 trials, 355 patients, very low certainty), the partner's marital adjustment (SMD 0.53, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.86; 4 trials, 347 partners, very low certainty), the patient's marital satisfaction (SMD 0.89, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.43; 2 trials, 123 patients, very low certainty), and the partner's marital satisfaction (SMD 0.57, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.94; 2 trials, 123 partners, very low certainty) compared to the control group in theory-based studies. In. However, in non-theory-based studies, the results of the meta-analysis revealed no significant differences between the intervention and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated the impact of couple-based interventions on the marital outcomes of patients with breast and genital cancers. Because of the very low confidence in the evidence, high-quality randomized trials with a sufficient sample size should be conducted considering the proper theoretical context.

State-Space Formulation for Buckling and Free Vibration of Axially Functionally Graded Graphene Reinforced Nanocomposite Microbeam under Axially Varying Loads.

This paper focuses on the size-dependent free vibration and buckling behaviors of the axially functionally graded (AFG) graphene platelets (GPLs) reinforced nanocomposite microbeams subjected to axially varying loads (AVLs). With various axial grading patterns, the GPL nano-reinforcements are distributed throughout the polymer matrix against microbeam length, and the improved Halpin-Tsai micromechanics model and the rule of mixture are adopted to evaluate the effective material properties. Eigenvalue equations of the microbeams governing the static stability and vibration are derived based on the modified couple stress Euler-Bernoulli beam theory via the state-space method, and are analytically solved with the discrete equilong segment model. The effects of axial distribution patterns, weight fraction, and geometric parameters of GPLs, as well as different types of AVLs, on the size-dependent buckling load and natural frequency are scrutinized in detail. The results show that the synchronized axial distributions of GPLs and AVLs could improve the buckling resistance and natural frequency more powerfully.

Predictors of Serum Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Concentrations among U.S. Couples Attending a Fertility Clinic.

Previous studies have examined the predictors of PFAS concentrations among pregnant women and children. However, no study has explored the predictors of preconception PFAS concentrations among couples in the United States. This study included 572 females and 279 males (249 couples) who attended a U.S. fertility clinic between 2005 and 2019. Questionnaire information on demographics, reproductive history, and lifestyles and serum samples quantified for PFAS concentrations were collected at study enrollment. We examined the PFAS distribution and correlation within couples. We used Ridge regressions to predict the serum concentration of each PFAS in females and males using data of (1) socio-demographic and reproductive history, (2) diet, (3) behavioral factors, and (4) all factors included in (1) to (3) after accounting for temporal exposure trends. We used general linear models for univariate association of each factor with the PFAS concentration. We found moderate to high correlations for PFAS concentrations within couples. Among all examined factors, diet explained more of the variation in PFAS concentrations (1-48%), while behavioral factors explained the least (0-4%). Individuals reporting White race, with a higher body mass index, and nulliparous women had higher PFAS concentrations than others. Fish and shellfish consumption was positively associated with PFAS concentrations among both females and males, while intake of beans (females), peas (male), kale (females), and tortilla (both) was inversely associated with PFAS concentrations. Our findings provide important data for identifying sources of couples' PFAS exposure and informing interventions to reduce PFAS exposure in the preconception period.

Investigating Father or Partner Involvement in Family Integrated Care in Neonatal Units: Protocol for a Prospective, Multicenter, Multiphase Study

BACKGROUND: Neonatal unit (NU) admissions for premature babies can last for months, which can significantly impact parental mental health (MH) with symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety. Literature suggests fathers experience comparable MH symptoms to mothers. Family integrated care (FICare) is a culture where parents are collaborators and partners in caring for their hospitalized newborns. FICare improves infant outcomes and maternal MH. Similar reports on fathers are limited. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study is to investigate the impact of supporting father or partner engagement in FICare of preterm infants on their MH up to 6 weeks postdischarge. The secondary aim is to investigate the impact on maternal MH. METHODS: This is a 2-phase study: phase 1 to gather baseline information and phase 2 to assess the impact of enhanced father or partner engagement in FICare on their MH, involving 2 NUs (tertiary and level 2). Enhanced FICare will be developed and introduced (eg, information booklet, workbook, classes, and a father peer-support group) alongside standard FICare practices. Father or partner MH will be assessed with semistructured qualitative interviews and validated questionnaires: Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment, Patient Health Questionnaire, and Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit from NU admission to 6 weeks postdischarge. Mothers will be assessed by focus groups and the same questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and appropriate comparative tests, such as the 2-tailed t test, will be used to analyze and compare phase 1 and 2 data. Qualitative data will be coded line by line with the use of NVivo (Lumivero) and thematically analyzed. Simultaneously, systematic reviews (SRs) of fathers' experiences of FICare and their MH outcomes will be conducted. The study was approved by the National Research Ethics Committee (22/EM/0140) in August 2022. A parent advisory group was formed to advise on the study methodology, materials, involvement of participant parents, and dissemination of study findings. RESULTS: A recent SR demonstrated that data saturation is likely to be achieved by interviewing 9 to 17 participants. We will study a maximum of 20 parents of infants born at less than 33 weeks' gestation in each phase. As of October 2023, the study was ongoing. The SR studies are registered with the PROSPERO database (324275 and 306760). The projected end date for data collection is July 2024; data analysis will be conducted in November 2024 and publication will occur in 2025. CONCLUSIONS: The study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using a father or partner-sensitive FICare model for parents of premature babies with a positive impact on their MH. It will demonstrate the feasibility of providing FICare to extremely premature babies receiving intensive care. This study may support the development of inclusive FICare guidelines for nonbirthing parents and their extremely premature infants. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06022991; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06022991. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/53160.

How does my partner see me? Metaperceptions of personality and couple satisfaction.

This study examined the association between congruence in the two partners' perceptions and their relationship satisfaction. We considered congruence between metaperception and partner-perception (meta-partner) and between metaperceptions and self-rated personality (meta-self). The participants were 236 heterosexual couples. Each couple member reported couple satisfaction and personality traits (in terms of self-perception, partner-perception, and metaperception). The actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) revealed that individuals who believed to be viewed by their partner as more agreeable, conscientious, or emotionally stable than their partner saw them, were less likely to have a partner who was satisfied with the relationship. When metaperceptions of "Agreeableness" were higher than self-perceptions, relationship satisfaction for both the actor and the partner was higher. These findings may help to guide therapeutic and clinical interventions aimed at promoting relationship satisfaction in the context of family and couple therapy.

On-site preparation of sandwich plasmonic coupled SERS tape toward pesticide residue determination on food surface.

A sandwich plasmonic coupled surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) tape is proposed prepared by peeling the chemical printed silver nanocorals (AgNCs) from Cu sheet with adhesive tape, which can sample targets from food surface and sandwich them between substrates and Cu sheet for SERS detection. The solid-to-solid transformation method for fabricating SERS tapes can effectively avoid the weakening of tape stickiness during the preparation process. The sandwich plasmonic coupled structure of AgNC substrate, targets, and Cu sheet display excellent SERS activity (EF = 1.62 × 107) for sensitive determination of analytes. In addition, due to the high heat conductivity of Cu sheet, the thermal effect of laser irradiation during SERS detection cannot damage the AgNC tapes, which ensures the reproducibility of subsequent quantification. The sandwich plasmonic coupled SERS tape is demonstrated to quantify malachite green (MG) and methyl parathion (MP) with good linear coefficients (> 0.98) by two typical calibration plots under different concentration ranges. The limit of detection (LOD) of the method is 0.17 ng/cm2 and 0.48 µg/cm2 (S/N = 3) for MG and MP. This method can realize the quantitative determination of MP and MG on the surface of fruits and fish scale with recoveries of 93-113%. The satisfactory detection results demonstrate the proposed sandwich plasmonic coupled AgNC tape can be successfully applied to SERS-based point-of-care testing (POCT) for pesticide residue determination, which will provide a new path for designing and constructing SERS tapes.

Does the STIC measurement and feedback system improve multisystemic outcomes in individual, couple and family therapy? A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: In a randomized clinical trial, we evaluated whether the STIC (Systemic Therapy Inventory of Change) measurement and feedback system (MFS), the first MFS to explicitly integrate the family systems perspective, improved outcomes in individual, couple and family therapy. METHOD: Nine hundred and seventy clients seeking individual, couple or family therapy, entered therapy with 93 therapists at four sites in the Chicago metropolitan area. All therapists were trained with the STIC and participated in both Treatment as Usual (TAU) and TAU with the STIC (STIC). After agreeing to participate, clients were randomly assigned to TAU or STIC. Therapists did not know the condition to which a case was assigned, until just prior to the first session. Therapy was not time-limited or constrained, except for the use of the STIC in the STIC condition. All clients were evaluated on a non-STIC multi-systemic battery of widely used outcome measures pre-and-post therapy. RESULTS: STIC clients improved more than TAU clients regardless of treatment modality or outcome measure. Clinically significant change was also greater for STIC than TAU clients across outcome measures. CONCLUSION: The STIC MFS holds promise for improving outcomes beyond TAU in individual, couple, and family therapy.