Unraveling the link between hypertension and depression in older adults: a meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo perform a meta-analyses to understand the current status of and risk factors for depression in older adults with hypertension.MethodsEight electronic databases and two clinical trial registries were searched to identify studies examining the incidence of and risk factors for depression among older adults with hypertension. The databases were searched from inception to June 2023. The included studies were evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale and the evaluation tool recommended by the Agency for Health care Research and Quality.ResultsA total of 18 studies with 29,694 patients were included. Meta-analysis results showed that the prevalence of depression in older adults with hypertension was 29%. The risk factors for depression among this population included sex [OR value 95% confidence interval 2.24 (1.32, 3.82)], education level [OR 95% CI 1.79 (1.02, 3.14)], residence [OR 95% CI 1.37 (1.24, 1.52)], comorbidities [OR 95% CI 1.79 (1.69, 1.90)], hypertension classification [OR 95% CI 2.81 (1.79, 4.42)], marital status [OR 95% CI 1.50 (1.33, 1.69)], sleep status [OR 95% CI 2.86 (2.21, 3.69)], activity limitation [OR 95% CI 3.42 (2.84, 4.13)], drinking [OR 95% CI 2.25 (1.58, 3.19)], social support [OR 95% CI 3.26 (2.42, 4.41)], living alone [OR 95% CI 1.79 (1.57, 2.04)], stressful events [OR 95% CI 1.62 (1.39, 1.90)], and course of diseases [OR 95% CI 3.23 (2.10, 4.97)].ConclusionThe incidence of depression in older adults with hypertension is high, and there are many risk factors. Clinical health care professionals should intervene early to target the above risk factors to reduce the incidence of depression in older adults with hypertension worldwide.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO (york.ac.uk), identifier [CRD42023417106]

Ultrafast quasi-three-dimensional imaging

Understanding laser induced ultrafast processes with complex three-dimensional (3D) geometries and extreme property evolution offers a unique opportunity to explore novel physical phenomena and to overcome the manufacturing limitations. Ultrafast imaging offers exceptional spatiotemporal resolution and thus has been considered an effective tool. However, in conventional single-view imaging techniques, 3D information is projected on a two-dimensional plane, which leads to significant information loss that is detrimental to understanding the full ultrafast process. Here, we propose a quasi-3D imaging method to describe the ultrafast process and further analyze spatial asymmetries of laser induced plasma. Orthogonally polarized laser pulses are adopted to illuminate reflection-transmission views, and binarization techniques are employed to extract contours, forming the corresponding two-dimensional matrix. By rotating and multiplying the two-dimensional contour matrices obtained from the dual views, a quasi-3D image can be reconstructed. This successfully reveals dual-phase transition mechanisms and elucidates the diffraction phenomena occurring outside the plasma. Furthermore, the quasi-3D image confirms the spatial asymmetries of the picosecond plasma, which is difficult to achieve with two-dimensional images. Our findings demonstrate that quasi-3D imaging not only offers a more comprehensive understanding of plasma dynamics than previous imaging methods, but also has wide potential in revealing various complex ultrafast phenomena in related fields including strong-field physics, fluid dynamics, and cutting-edge manufacturing

Enhancement of ablation and ultrafast electron dynamics observation of nickel-based superalloy under double-pulse ultrashort laser irradiation

Temporally shaped femtosecond laser machining is a flexible and effective method to improve the efficiency and quality of cooling film holes. This study investigated the ablation of nickel-based superalloy by double-pulse femtosecond laser with different pulse-separations and fluences. Compared with single-pulse ablation, approximate 1.5 times enhancement of ablation area was obtained in double-pulse ablation with about 2 ps pulse-separation. By varying the pulse-separations, the ablation area can be tuned, and at the same time, the ablation depth can be kept for little fluctuation. An improved two-temperature model and time-resolved transient reflectivity technique were used for analyzing the ablation mechanisms. We found that more energy deposition can happen from electron system to lattice system for double-pulse ablation, which makes ablation area increase. However, mechanical relaxation started at around 2 ps, which could be suppressed by the pressure wave induced by the second sub-pulse, and finally achieved the maximum ablation area at about 2 ps pulse-separation. Besides, laser-induced subwavelength periodic surface structures were observed under irradiation of multiple pulses. The findings may aid in understanding the ablation mechanism between nickel-based superalloy and femtosecond laser, as well as in optimizing the processing of cooling film holes

Controllable multi-scale hydrophobic structures on titanium alloy by polarization-dependent femtosecond laser fabrication and magnetron sputtering

A significant challenge is to develop effective and controllable processes for fabricating hydrophobic metal surfaces with high mechanical properties. The combination of femtosecond laser direct writing (LDW) and gold nanoparticle magnetron sputtering (Au-MS) has successfully produced multiscale structures on Ti–6Al–4V (TC4) alloy, which possess excellent superhydrophobic and hardening properties. By adjusting the laser polarization to control micro/nanostructures, the dual-scale structure is transformed into a triple-scale structure, leading to a significant increase in the contact angle under proper scanning intervals. The Au-MS further fabricates a superhydrophobic surface, with a maximum contact angle of 153° and a minimum sliding angle of 4°. Surface hardness can be raised to 408 HV from 367 HV. This work reveals that the wetting mechanism for the dual-scale structures of TC4 alloy fabricated by laser direct writing is in the Cassie-Baxter state. While the triple-scale structures of Au-MS after linear polarization LDW (LPLDW) and the triple-scale structures of circular polarization LDW (CPLDW) with or without Au-MS are in Wenzel state, resulting in a different relationship between contact angle and surface structure. The flexible and high-efficiency fabrication of these multiscale structures has made TC4 alloy more competitive in self-cleaning and anti-freezing applications

Table_1_Unraveling the link between hypertension and depression in older adults: a meta-analysis.DOCX

ObjectiveTo perform a meta-analyses to understand the current status of and risk factors for depression in older adults with hypertension.MethodsEight electronic databases and two clinical trial registries were searched to identify studies examining the incidence of and risk factors for depression among older adults with hypertension. The databases were searched from inception to June 2023. The included studies were evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale and the evaluation tool recommended by the Agency for Health care Research and Quality.ResultsA total of 18 studies with 29,694 patients were included. Meta-analysis results showed that the prevalence of depression in older adults with hypertension was 29%. The risk factors for depression among this population included sex [OR value 95% confidence interval 2.24 (1.32, 3.82)], education level [OR 95% CI 1.79 (1.02, 3.14)], residence [OR 95% CI 1.37 (1.24, 1.52)], comorbidities [OR 95% CI 1.79 (1.69, 1.90)], hypertension classification [OR 95% CI 2.81 (1.79, 4.42)], marital status [OR 95% CI 1.50 (1.33, 1.69)], sleep status [OR 95% CI 2.86 (2.21, 3.69)], activity limitation [OR 95% CI 3.42 (2.84, 4.13)], drinking [OR 95% CI 2.25 (1.58, 3.19)], social support [OR 95% CI 3.26 (2.42, 4.41)], living alone [OR 95% CI 1.79 (1.57, 2.04)], stressful events [OR 95% CI 1.62 (1.39, 1.90)], and course of diseases [OR 95% CI 3.23 (2.10, 4.97)].ConclusionThe incidence of depression in older adults with hypertension is high, and there are many risk factors. Clinical health care professionals should intervene early to target the above risk factors to reduce the incidence of depression in older adults with hypertension worldwide.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO (york.ac.uk), identifier [CRD42023417106].</p

Effect of Different Salt Additions on the Flavor Profile of Fermented Ciba Pepper

Salt is a key ingredient that can both enhance the taste and extend the shelf life of fermented vegetables. However, it is important to note that excessive salt levels can have adverse effects on consumer health. This study aimed to investigate the impact of various salt additions (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% wt/wt) on the flavor profile of fermented ciba pepper, a traditional Chinese fermented chili sauce, using gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) in combination with an electronic nose (E-nose). Fermented ciba pepper samples were prepared with different salt additions: 2% (LJA), 4% (LJB), 6% (LJC), 8% (LJD), and 10% (LJE) (wt/wt). The physicochemical and sensory properties of the fermented ciba pepper samples were evaluated. Sensory evaluation indicated that LJC and LJD received higher scores compared to the other groups. The total acid and amino acid nitrogen contents displayed contrasting trends with the salt additions (p < 0.05). The E-nose analysis successfully differentiated the flavor profiles of the ciba pepper samples fermented with varying salt additions. Additionally, the GC-IMS analysis identified a total of 72 volatile compounds, including 14 alcohols, 21 esters, nine aldehydes, four acids, eight ketones, three terpenes, and eight other substances. Notably, the ciba pepper samples with lower salt additions exhibited higher levels of alcohols, aldehydes, and esters. In conclusion, the addition of salt during the fermentation process significantly influenced the formation of flavor compounds in ciba pepper. This study provides valuable insights into ciba pepper fermentation with different salt additions and offers prospects for the development of low-salt fermented ciba pepper products

Data_Sheet_1_Risk factors for perimenopausal depression in Chinese women: a meta-analysis.docx

ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the risk factors for perimenopausal depression in Chinese women and to provide a basis for screening perimenopausal women at high-risk for depression.MethodsA computer search of seven databases, including SinoMed, PubMed, Web of Science, and so on, and two clinical trial registries on the risk factors for depression in Chinese women during perimenopause was conducted for meta-analysis. The search time limit was from the establishment of the database to December 2022. The included case–control and cross-sectional studies were evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS) and criteria developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).ResultsA total of 15 papers with 12,168 patients and 18 risk factors were included. Meta-analysis results showed that the risk factors for depression in perimenopausal women were relationship quality [OR = 1.23, 95% confidence intervals (1.03, 1.46)], marital status [OR = 2.49, 95% CI (1.77, 3.50)], family income [OR = 1.48 95% CI (1.10, 2.00)], comorbid chronic diseases [OR = 2.39, 95% CI (1.93, 2.95)], exercise status [OR = 1.63, 95% CI (1.26, 2.11)], perimenopausal syndrome [OR = 2.36, 95% CI (2.11, 2.63)], age [OR = 1.04, 95% CI (1.01, 1.07)], and stressful events [OR = 12.14, 95% CI (6.48, 22.72)], and social support was a protective factor [OR = 0.76, 95% CI (0.63, 0.91), p ConclusionBased on the exploration of risk factors for perimenopausal depression in Chinese women, we aimed to provide guidance for the screening of risk factors for depression in perimenopausal women and thereby reduce the incidence of depression.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#myprospero, CRD42023403972.</p

Detection and Categorization of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli with Auto-microfluidic Thin-film Chip Method

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) causes human diarrhea symptom in both healthy and immunocompromised individuals. An auto-microfluidic thin-film chip (AMTC) instrument integrating one-step multiplex PCR (mPCR) with reverse dot blot hybridization (RDBH) was developed for highthroughput detection of DEC. The novel mPCR method was developed by designing 14 specific primers and corresponding probes. 14 indexes including an endogenous gene (uidA) and 13 pathogenic genes (stx1, stx2, escV, ipaH, invE, estB, lt, pic, aggR, astA, bfpB, sth and stp) of DEC were detected. This one-step mPCR + RDBH approach is useful for simultaneous detection of numerous target genes in a single sample, whose specificity and availability have been confirmed on the positive control of 11 DEC strains. In addition, with 300 diarrheal stool samples being detected by this method, 21 were found to contain five major DEC strains. Compared with monoplex PCR and previous one-step mPCR approach, this method could detect ipaH and estB, and compared with current commercial kit, the relevance ratio of DEC detected by the AMTC method was increased by 1% in stool samples. Furthermore, the novel integration AMTC device could be a valuable detection tool for categorization of E. coli