Aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise are equivalent to mitigate symptoms of depression in older adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background: Exercise has been identified as an allied health strategy that can support the management of depression in older adults, yet the relative effectiveness for different exercise modalities is unknown. To meet this gap in knowledge, we present a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the head-to-head effectiveness of aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise to mitigate depressive symptoms in adults aged ≥ 65 years. Methods: A PRISMA-NMA compliant review was undertaken on RCTs from inception to September 12 th, 2019. PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus were systematically searched for eligible RCTs enrolling adults with a mean age ≥ 65 years, comparing one or more exercise intervention arms, and which used valid measures of depressive symptomology. Comparative effectiveness was evaluated using network meta-analysis to combine direct and indirect evidence, controlling for inherent variation in trial control groups. Results: The systematic review included 81 RCTs, with 69 meeting eligibility for the network meta-analysis ( n = 5,379 participants). Pooled analysis found each exercise type to be effective compared with controls (Hedges' g = -0.27 to -0.51). Relative head-to-head comparisons were statistically comparable between exercise types: resistance versus aerobic (Hedges' g = -0.06, PrI = -0.91, 0.79), mind-body versus aerobic (Hedges' g = -0.12, PrI = -0.95, 0.72), mind-body versus resistance (Hedges' g = -0.06, PrI = -0.90, 0.79). High levels of compliance were demonstrated for each exercise treatment. Conclusions: Aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise demonstrate equivalence to mitigate symptoms of depression in older adults aged ≥ 65 years, with comparably encouraging levels of compliance to exercise treatment. These findings coalesce with previous findings in clinically depressed older adults to encourage personal preference when prescribing exercise for depressive symptoms in older adults, irrespective of severity. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42018115866 (23/11/2018). © 2020 Miller KJ et al

The importance and challenges of implementing and maintaining biorepositories for high-consequence veterinary and one health pathogens in South-East Asia

Introduction: Emerging infectious diseases pose a threat to public health and the economy, especially in developing countries. Southeast Asian veterinary laboratories handle numerous high-risk pathogens, making pathogen accountability crucial for safe handling and storage. Methods: Thirteen veterinary laboratories in Cambodia (n = 1), Lao People's Democratic Republic (n = 1), and Thailand (n = 11) participated in a study conducted between 2019 and 2020. Data were collected using a questionnaire, group discussions, and interviews. Conclusion: Significant gaps in biosecurity and biorepository management were recognized and discussed in the context of regional biosafety and biosecurity. Laboratories could use the findings and recommendations of the study to develop or improve their pathogen inventory and biosecurity systems. Governments play a significant role in setting standards and regulations and providing necessary support for laboratories to maintain inventory controls sustainably and have a very important role to play in ensuring biosafety and biosecurity compliance

Enhancement of gaseous BTEX adsorption on RH-MCM-41 by chlorosilanes

In this research, the surface hydrophobicity of a mesoporous molecular sieve synthesized from rice husk silica, called RH-MCM41 was improved via silylation techniqueto enhance the adsorption efficiency of non-polar volatile organic compound. The effect of chlorosilane leaving on was analyzed with three silanes containing different numbers of chloride leaving group; trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS), dimethyldichlorosilane (DMDCS) and methyltrichlorosilane (MTCS). The unmodified RH-MCM-41 was soaked in 100 mL of 5% v/v of silane reagent at 30ºC for 24 h. The results showed that the silane loading on the RH-MCM-41 was in the order of increasing number of leaving groups as MTCS > DMDCS > TMCS. The crystallinity results studied by X-ray diffractometry indicated that the silylation did not affect the hexagonal pattern of RH-MCM-41. However, the porosity of the silylated RH-MCM-41 was significantly decreased after silylation, especially by MTCS, due to pore blocking. After silylation, the adsorption performance of gaseous BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene) on the silylated RH-MCM-41 was determined by gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). From the results of humidity effect on adsorbability, the BTEX adsorption capacity of the unsilylated RH-MCM-41 was dropped a half, conversely the BTEX adsorption capacity of all silylated RH-MCM-41 was decreased in range of 20-30% when the relative humidity increased from 25 to 99%. This was indicated that the influence of humidity on the BTEX adsorption was relieved after silylation. In additions, the maximum BTEX adsorption capacity belonged to RH-MCM-41 silylated by TMCS which was recommended for the enhancement of non-polar volatile organic compounds adsorption

Indoor Air Quality Improvement by Simple Ventilated Practice and Sansevieria Trifasciata

Optimum thermal comfort and good indoor air quality (IAQ) is important for occupants. In tropical region offices, an air conditioner is indispensable due to extreme high temperatures. However, the poor ventilation causes health issues. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to propose an improving IAQ method with low energy consumption. Temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 and CO concentration were monitored in a poorly ventilated office for one year to observe seasonal variation. The results showed that the maximum CO2 concentration was above the recommended level for comfort. Simple ventilated practices and placing a number of Sansevieria trifasciata (S. trifasciata) plants were applied to improve the IAQ with the focus on decreasing CO2 concentration as well as achieving energy saving. Reductions of 19.9%, 22.5%, and 58.2% of the CO2 concentration were achieved by ventilation through the door during lunchtime, morning, and full working period, respectively. Placing S. trifasciata in the office could reduce the CO2 concentration by 10.47%–19.29%. A computer simulation was created to observe the efficiency of simple practices to find the optimum conditions. An electricity cost saving of 24.3% was projected for the most feasible option with a consequent reduction in global warming potential, which also resulted in improved IAQ

Core/Shell Nitrogen-Doped TiO₂@SiO₂ Nano-Catalyst as an Additive in Photocatalytic Paint for Gaseous Acetaldehyde Decomposition

A nitrogen-doped TiO2@SiO2 core/shell nano-photocatalyst (N-TiO2@SiO2) was used as an additive in photocatalytic paint and applied for the photocatalytic degradation of gaseous acetaldehyde under light-emitting diode (LED) visible light irradiation. N-TiO2 was synthesised via the solvothermal method and then encapsulated by SiO2 via the sol-gel method. The incorporation of the N atom into the TiO2 structure was observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The N-TiO2@SiO2 core/shell structure was determined by TEM images. The photodegradation of gaseous acetaldehyde using the prepared N-TiO2@SiO2 photocatalytic paint was examined in a closed chamber under LED light irradiation. The photodegradation of acetaldehyde by N-TiO2@SiO2 photocatalytic paint (31%) was significantly higher than that of TiO2 paint (5%) and N-TiO2 paint (20%) within 16 h. The chemical resistance and adhesion ability of N-TiO2@SiO2 photocatalytic paint were investigated following Thai Industrial Standards (TIS) no. 2321 and standard test methods for rating adhesion by tape test (ASTM D 3359-22). The N-TiO2@SiO2 paint showed good acid and alkali resistance, as well as high adhesion ability comparable with commercial paint (without a photocatalyst)

Core/Shell Nitrogen-Doped TiO2@SiO2 Nano-Catalyst as an Additive in Photocatalytic Paint for Gaseous Acetaldehyde Decomposition

A nitrogen-doped TiO2@SiO2 core/shell nano-photocatalyst (N-TiO2@SiO2) was used as an additive in photocatalytic paint and applied for the photocatalytic degradation of gaseous acetaldehyde under light-emitting diode (LED) visible light irradiation. N-TiO2 was synthesised via the solvothermal method and then encapsulated by SiO2 via the sol-gel method. The incorporation of the N atom into the TiO2 structure was observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The N-TiO2@SiO2 core/shell structure was determined by TEM images. The photodegradation of gaseous acetaldehyde using the prepared N-TiO2@SiO2 photocatalytic paint was examined in a closed chamber under LED light irradiation. The photodegradation of acetaldehyde by N-TiO2@SiO2 photocatalytic paint (31%) was significantly higher than that of TiO2 paint (5%) and N-TiO2 paint (20%) within 16 h. The chemical resistance and adhesion ability of N-TiO2@SiO2 photocatalytic paint were investigated following Thai Industrial Standards (TIS) no. 2321 and standard test methods for rating adhesion by tape test (ASTM D 3359-22). The N-TiO2@SiO2 paint showed good acid and alkali resistance, as well as high adhesion ability comparable with commercial paint (without a photocatalyst)

A Preliminary Study on the Effects of Vitexin on the Promotion of Hair Growth in Mice

In this study, the hair-growth-promoting effects of topical vitexin were compared with those of topical minoxidil in a mouse model. Six-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly treated with 0.2% vitexin, 5% minoxidil, or 60% ethanol as a control. Topical application of vitexin did not result in a significant difference of hair regrowth among groups. In contrast, histopathological data showed an increase in the number of hair follicles for the vitexin-treated group, with an accumulation in the early anagen phase in the dermis. The minoxidil-treated group showed a predominance of late anagen phase in the deep dermis and hypodermis, with some newly formed capillaries and vessel dilation. The hair-growth-promoting effects of vitexin were not significantly different from those of minoxidil. Importantly, vitexin slowly promoted anagen phase but did not induce systemic side effects. This study helps the development of a new therapeutic option for non-scarring alopecia.</p

Photocatalytic Conversion of Organic Pollutants in Air: Quantum Yields Using a Silver/Nitrogen/TiO2 Mesoporous Semiconductor under Visible Light

This research studies the photocatalytic conversion of methanol (25–90 µmol/L range) as a volatile organic compound (VOC) surrogate into CO2, using a N/Ag/TiO2 photocatalyst under visible light irradiation in a Photo-CREC Air unit. The N/Ag/TiO2 mesh supported photocatalyst is prepared via the solvothermal method. While the bare-TiO2 is inactive under visible light, the N/Ag/TiO2 2 wt.% loaded stainless-steel woven mesh displays 35% quantum yields, with 80% absorbed photons and 60% methanol conversion in a 110 min irradiation period. Results obtained are assigned to silver surface plasmon resonance, silver and nitrogen species synergistic impacts on band gap, and their influence on particle agglomerate size and semiconductor acidity. The determined quantum yields under visible light in a Photo-CREC Air unit, are the highest reported in the technical literature, that these authors are aware of, with this opening unique opportunity for the use of visible light for the purification of air from VOC contaminants

A novel of WS2–MoCuO3 supported with graphene quantum dot as counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells application

Abstract A novel tungsten disulfide-molybdenum copper oxide composite supported with graphene quantum dots (WM@GQDs) has been synthesized as a counter electrode (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using a simple and low-cost ultrasonication method. The unique structure of WM@GQDs exhibits excellent power conversion efficiency due to its high catalytic activity and charge transport properties. In addition, the graphene quantum dots (GQDs) provide more active sites in the zero-dimensional materials for an I/I3 − redox reaction which can improve the electrical and optical properties of the composite. The results indicate that the amount of GQDs in the composite affect the effectiveness of solar devices. When 0.9%wt of GQDs was used, the WM@GQDs composite achieved an efficiency of 10.38%, which is higher than that of the expensive platinum CE under the same conditions. The mechanism behind the improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the composite sample is also discussed in detail. Therefore, WM@GQDs can be an efficient material to replace platinum in DSSCs as a CE