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Extreme ambient temperature and emergency healthcare service utilization due to substance use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Investigating the impact of breastfeeding difficulties on maternal mental health
Abstract Many women want to breastfeed but experience breastfeeding difficulties with associated consequences for poor mental health. The aim of the current study was to investigate mother’s perceptions of how breastfeeding difficulties have impacted their mental health, couched within a behaviour change model, to identify intervention targets. Data were collected in October 2023 via an online cross-sectional survey. Participants provided qualitative open-ended responses to describe how they felt that breastfeeding difficulties may have impacted their mental health (N = 1141). Data was analysed using thematic analysis and themes were mapped deductively on to the COM-B model of behaviour change. Mothers were highly motivated to breastfeed, but experienced challenges with psychological capability, physical capability, and social opportunity. Analyses resulted in the identification of the following targets for intervention: (1) education around the realities of what to expect when breastfeeding, (2) support for technical challenges and pain management, and (3) education for healthcare professionals, families and wider society on the importance of supporting breastfeeding mothers who are experiencing breastfeeding difficulties. Interventions targeted at breastfeeding mothers who are experiencing breastfeeding difficulties with associated mental health consequences have the potential to reduce rates of both early breastfeeding cessation and poor maternal mental health in the postnatal period.
Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging pelvic and prostatic parameters predict long-term urinary continence after Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy
Association of ApoB/apoA1 ratio with stenosis of intracranial and extracranial arteries in patients with ischaemic stroke
Optimal D-STATCOM placement and sizing using a novel bird swarm operated exploitation of elephant herd algorithm
A flexible and lightweight signcryption scheme for underwater wireless sensor networks
A hybrid approach combining deep learning and signal processing for bearing fault diagnosis under imbalanced samples and multiple operating conditions
Regulation of lignan biosynthesis through signaling pathways mediated by H2O2 in Linum album cell culture in response to exogenous putrescine
Ultra-sensitive surface plasmon resonance sensor integrating MXene (Ti3C2TX) and graphene for advanced carcinoembryonic antigen detection
Circulating DNA methylation-based diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers in colorectal cancer
Coherent phonon source based on electron spin resonance in a quantum-dot qubit
Abstract One of the key requirements for quantum phononics, especially for scenarios involving quantum communication and quantum-state transduction, is the implementation of a controlled phonon source, ultimately with the capacity to source single phonons at some desired generation rate. In this article, we describe a scheme for the controlled sourcing of phonons that exploits an electron-spin resonance between the Zeeman-split levels of a gated quantum dot. This on-chip scheme allows for broad tunability of the energy of the generated phonons, with convenient electrical control. By providing a compact and coherent source, this scheme is also well suited to the construction of more-extended phononic circuits, involving the sourcing, transmission and detection of phononic signals.
Synthesis, characterization, and exosomal corona formation of self-assembled dipeptide nanomaterials
Abstract Exosomes (Exos), also known as small extracellular vesicles, are naturally occurring nanoparticles (NPs), which are characterized by their nanometer size and negative charged in physiological environments. While it is widely accepted that proteins and biological compounds adhere to different nanomaterials (NMs), forming an outer layer known as the biomolecule corona (BC), the detailed understanding of factors contributing to BC formation as well as of its biological effects remains limited. Studies have shown that BC formation can affect the physicochemical properties of synthetic and natural NPs once contacting biological fluids. Here, we present a study investigating the novel concept of exosomal corona formation, which in contrast to the well-documented BC mainly consists of Exos/exosomal components. For this purpose, peptide-based Fmoc-Lysine (Fmoc-Lys) NMs were synthesized and characterized, and interaction studies with (cancer) cell-derived Exos were performed. Measurements of size, zeta potential, and colloidal stability indicate exosomal corona formation. Furthermore, cell viability experiments showed that the Exo-NM interaction resulted in reduced nanotoxicity profile indicating practical relevance for biological applications of these NMs. In summary, here we provide first evidence supporting the concept of exosomal corona formation around NMs that should become part of evaluating interactions at nano-bio-interfaces.
Diagnosis of early glaucoma likely combined with high myopia by integrating OCT thickness map and standard automated and Pulsar perimetries
Association between cognitive and autonomic dysfunctions in patients with de novo Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Cognitive decline is a common issue in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and significantly affects patients’ quality of life. This study explored the relationship between cognitive functions and dysautonomia in de novo PD. We reviewed records of newly diagnosed PD patients from July 2017 to September 2023 who underwent cognitive and autonomic assessments. Cognitive functions were measured using the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-K) and the Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery, while autonomic functions were evaluated with the SCOPA-AUT questionnaire. Among 155 patients, 82 with de novo PD were included. The mild cognitive impairment (MCI) group exhibited higher SCOPA-AUT scores, particularly in gastrointestinal dysfunction. Multivariable logistic regression identified total SCOPA-AUT scores as significant predictors of MCI, even after adjusting for demographic and clinical factors. Partial correlation analysis showed significant negative associations between SCOPA-AUT scores and cognitive functions, such as memory and executive function. This study highlights a strong link between autonomic dysfunction, including gastrointestinal issues, and cognitive impairment in de novo PD. Monitoring dysautonomia in early-stage PD may aid in identifying patients at risk of cognitive decline.
Accuracy of infusion flow rates and bolus doses for portable infusion pump
Abstract This study aimed to investigate the flow rate accuracy and bolus doses of four portable pumps with different mechanisms. We evaluated two electronic (COOPDECH Amy PCA [Amy] and CADD-Solis) and two elastomeric balloon-type pumps (COOPDECH Balloonjector and Rakurakufuser) under the following conditions: placement with an epidural catheter, operation on a shaking table, warming to 32 °C, and at room temperature (control, 25 °C). Amy maintained consistent flow rates across all conditions. The CADD-Solis also exhibited consistent flow rates, with minor yet statistically significant changes upon epidural catheter placement (− 5.0%, P = 0.005) and motion conditions (4.2%, P = 0.015). The Balloonjector and Rakurakufuser exhibited flow rate variations over time, and temperature increases significantly increased flow rates by 24.3% (P < 0.001) and 20.3% (P < 0.001), respectively. Bolus volume accuracy for the Amy, Balloonjector, and Rakurakufuser was not significantly affected under different conditions. The CADD-Solis showed a slight decrease in bolus volume with an epidural catheter (mean difference, 0.3 mL; P = 0.003). The electronic pumps maintained consistent flow rates across various conditions, whereas elastomeric balloon pumps exhibited variable rates influenced by time and temperature, increasing the risk of medication overdose. Bolus dosing accuracy was clinically satisfactory for all pump mechanisms.
Mechanical behavior and meso-degradation mechanism of cemented paste backfill under the coupled effect of disturbance damage and dry-wet cycles
A quantum crystallographic protocol for general use
Abstract Quantum crystallography has become ever more important in recent years for the accurate determination of molecular and crystal structures. The results of quantum crystallographic refinements of X-ray data are as accurate and precise as from neutron diffraction and they give access to the complete electronic structure of the compound under investigation. Is the method now mature enough and easy enough to use to extend and ultimately supersede standard X-ray crystal structure determination routines? We utilize the world’s most common crystal structure—the YLID test crystal that every owner of an X-ray diffractometer receives with their machine—to show under which circumstances routine, low-resolution, and even room-temperature measurements can be subjected to quantum crystallographic refinement. Based on this, we describe a quantum crystallographic protocol step by step that makes application of quantum crystallographic refinement easy to use and reproducible. We encourage that valuable YLID test measurements are not discarded but made available for method development, increasing the availability of repeated measurements from a handful to tens of thousands.