Search Results (506)

Barium strontium titanates (Ba_1−xSr_xTiO₃, BST) with varying barium-to-strontium ratios were synthesized by the solid-state route (SSR) as well as by the sol–gel process (SGP). In the case of the SSR, the strontium amount x was varied from 0.0 to 0.25 in 0.05 steps, due to the enhanced synthetic effort, and in the case of the SGP, x was set only to 0.05, 0.15, and 0.25. The resulting properties after synthesis, calcination, and sintering, like particle size distribution, specific surface area, particle morphology, and crystalline phase were characterized. The expected tetragonal phase, free from any remarkable impurity, was found in all cases, and irrespective of the selected synthesis method. Pressed pellets were used for the measurement of the temperature and frequency-dependent relative permittivity enabling the estimation of the Curie temperatures of all synthesized BSTs. Irrespective of the selected synthesis method, the obtained Curie temperature drops with increasing strontium content to almost identical values, e.g., in the case of x = 0.15, a Curie temperature range 95–105 °C was measured. Thin BST films could be deposited on different substrate materials applying electrophoretic deposition in a good and reliable quality according to the Hamaker equation. The properties of the BSTs obtained by the simpler solid-state route are almost identical to the ones yielded by the more complex sol–gel process. In future, this result allows for a possible wider usage of BST perovskites for ferroelectric and piezoelectric devices due to the easy synthetic access by the solid-state route. Full article

This article presents the “When a Parent is Born” project, focused on early identification and intervention for psychological distress during pregnancy and postpartum. It addresses the perinatal vulnerability to depression, and psychological distress, providing psychological support for high-risk cases within a clinical setting. The sample included 997 pregnant women (Mean_age = 32.75; SD = 5.33). The protocol encompassed psychological distress (EPDS, PAMA), social support (MSSS), couples’ relationship (DAS), childhood maltreatment (CTQ-SF), and prenatal attachment (MAAS). Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were employed for the analyses. This study highlighted the prevalence of depressive symptoms in 24.7% of the sample, a non-clinical population, and suicidal risk in 2.4%. All predictors were associated with EPDS and PAMA scores in univariate regressions (p < 0.005). In the multivariate model of childhood trauma predictors, emotional abuse and neglect were significant for EPDS (F = 19.584, p < 0.001) and PAMA (F = 17.876, p < 0.001). In the multivariate regression models, the main significant associations (EPDS; F = 17.708, p < 0.001) (PAMA; F = 19.346, p < 0.001) remained for DAS (p < 0.001) and emotional abuse (EPDS p = 0.005; PAMA p < 0.001). These findings revealed factors associated with perinatal psychological distress and highlighted the importance of psychological screening during pregnancy to support holistic care through a multidisciplinary team. However, the study presents limitations, including the use of self-report measures, the cross-sectional nature of the data, and the limited generalizability of the findings, as the sample is restricted to Southern Italy. Full article

Zanthoxyli Pericarpium (ZP), the dried pericarp of mature fruits of Zanthoxylum schinifolium Siebold and Zucc., has traditionally been used in East Asian medicine for its medicinal properties, but its therapeutic potential in periodontitis has not been elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ZP on ligature-induced experimental periodontitis (EPD) in male Sprague Dawley rats. Animals were assigned to vehicle control, ligature control, ZP-treated (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg), or indomethacin-treated (5 mg/kg) groups (n = 10 per group) and orally administered the respective treatments daily for 10 days after ligature placement. ZP significantly reduced anaerobic bacterial proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration in gingival tissue. ZP suppressed the production of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β, in both gingival tissues and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, through inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. In addition, ZP decreased myeloperoxidase activity and reduced matrix metalloproteinase-8 expression, thereby preserving collagen areas. ZP also restored the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin (RANKL/OPG) balance, leading to a reduction in osteoclast numbers and their occupancy on the alveolar surface, and it effectively ameliorated horizontal alveolar bone loss. Furthermore, ZP exhibited antioxidant effects by lowering malondialdehyde levels and inducible nitric oxide synthase activity in gingival tissues. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA followed by a post hoc test, with significance set at p < 0.05. These findings indicate that ZP mitigates periodontitis through combined antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-resorptive actions, supporting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for periodontitis. Full article

This study examines the incorporation of biodiversity loss into the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of buildings, with a specific focus on the Danish construction sector. Motivated by the ecological crisis reflected in the Planetary Boundaries and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, it addresses regulatory gaps that prioritise climate indicators, such as Global Warming Potential (GWP), while largely ignoring biodiversity. The study analyses 73 Danish building cases for GWP and a custom method linking material quantities to ReCiPe 2016 endpoint data for biodiversity loss. The findings indicate key methodological issues include the quality of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), the regional relevance of assessment methods, and differences in European standards. While average GWP levels mostly meet upcoming Danish limits, variability, especially in Office and Other building categories, supports the need for differentiated regulations. Results show embodied impacts mainly drive GWP, while biodiversity loss is split between embodied and operational impacts. Detached and Terraced houses, which use more bio-based materials, have low embodied GWP but higher biodiversity loss, highlighting trade-offs in regenerative design. The shift in GWP impacts to end-of-life phases stresses the need to consider forest dynamics. Operational impacts rank similarly, despite differences in the data. The study concludes that progress toward regenerative design requires addressing climate and biodiversity together to avoid shifting environmental burdens. Full article

Antenatal depression significantly contributes to maternal and neonatal morbidity worldwide; however, the rate of screening, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), remains very low. This cross-sectional survey study was aimed at determining the prevalence of depressive symptoms among women aged 18 to 34 years attending antenatal clinics at a quaternary hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, utilizing a Biographical Questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The study is based on a total of 151 questionnaires. The mean age of the study population was 27.6 years (range: 18–34). Majority of participants identified themselves as Black (138, 91.4%), had previously been pregnant (111, 73.5%), were in the third trimester of pregnancy (89, 58.9%), were unemployed or seeking employment (108, 71.5%), and had no pre-existing medical (107, 70.9%) or mental illnesses (143, 94.7%). The prevalence of antenatal depressive symptoms among the study population was 43.7% (66/151), and 18 (27.3%) of the women who screened positive had suicidal ideation. The prevalence of antenatal depressive symptoms in this study exceeds that reported in other regions, underscoring the urgent need for universal screening throughout pregnancy and provision of perinatal mental healthcare services for pregnant and postpartum women. Full article

We report the observation of a linear electro-optic (EO) response in CsPbX₃ (X = Cl, Br, I) perovskite nanocrystal (NC) films fabricated via electrophoretic deposition (EPD). Under an alternating electric field, the EPD films exhibit clear linear EO modulation of transmitted light intensity, indicating the formation of an anisotropic medium through field-induced NC alignment. In contrast, spin-coated NC films show no measurable linear EO response, underscoring the critical role of structural anisotropy introduced by EPD. All EPD samples exhibit a decreasing EO response with increasing modulation frequency, consistent with the involvement of slow ion migration dynamics. The halide composition influences EO behavior, with Br/Cl mixed-composition films maintaining the highest EO response at elevated frequencies, and Br-based NCs showing stronger EO signals than their Cl counterparts, while Bi-doped CsPbBr₃ films exhibit quenched photoluminescence yet retain a measurable but weaker EO response, underscoring the trade-off between defect-induced nonradiative recombination and EO activity. These results highlight the potential of EPD-assembled perovskite NCs for reconfigurable EO applications by tailoring composition and microstructure. Full article

In this study, the properties of electrophoretically deposited (EPD) coatings on orthodontic implants made from Ti-6Al-4V alloy were evaluated during simulated implantation trials on animal bones. Three types of chitosan-based coatings were prepared using EPD: titanium nitride microparticles (TiNPs), titanium nitride nanoparticles (TiNNPs), and boron nitride particles (BNPs). Each of these coatings was also modified by adding a polylactic acid (PLA) layer using a dip-coating technique to compare their properties with and without this additional layer. The coatings were analysed using optical microscopy, confocal microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with elemental analysis. Surface roughness measurements of the coated implants were also conducted to highlight differences that could significantly influence the type and strength of the bone-implant interface, directly affecting the stability of the implant as an anchorage unit. Eventually, to evaluate the antibacterial properties of the EPD coatings, their antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains was tested. Scanning electron observations confirmed the homogenous distribution of micro- and nanoparticles in all coatings. The highest surface roughness values were observed in layers containing titanium nitride nanoparticles (TiNNPs) and chitosan. The presence of an additional dip-coating PLA layer improved the adhesion, and its effect on the surface roughness depended on the particle size. While the antibacterial properties of the coatings show promising results, achieving optimal adhesion of the coatings to implants remains a challenge that requires further development. Full article

This study presents FARMBENV, a user-friendly, real-time, and web-based LCA tool developed specifically for the agricultural sector, enabling dynamic environmental impact assessments and supporting Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). To demonstrate its functionality, three wheat production systems in Greece—differing in harvest frequency and the use of green manure through the addition of vetch—were assessed using primary data. Environmental impacts were calculated using a cradle-to-gate approach, with a functional unit of 1000 kg of wheat. Results from FARMBENV were validated with OpenLCA v2.4.1, confirming the tool’s accuracy. The addition of vetch in wheat production significantly reduced the Global Warming Potential (GWP), while the single-harvest systems applying green manure present better environmental sustainability performance. In addition, lab-scale experiments were conducted to process wheat residues via three waste-to-energy (WtE) pathways—pellet, biodiesel, and bioethanol production—and their environmental performance was assessed under multiple electricity sourcing scenarios. The source of electricity for the production systems is crucial for minimizing the impact on the GWP for the WtE pathways. The integration of WtE pathways and wheat production scenarios reduces the GWP by up to 49%. Overall, this study demonstrates FARMBENV’s capacity to deliver real-time, scenario-specific LCA results and highlights the potential of circular bioenergy strategies in sustainable agriculture. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sleep plays a key role in female fertility. Sleep disturbances (SDis) during pregnancy are common and may negatively affect maternal health, contributing to an increased risk of perinatal depression and anxiety. Aim: The present prospective study aimed to examine the interplay of sleep, anxiety, and depression during the pregnancy and postpartum stages, comparing women who conceived naturally (NC) with those who conceived through assisted reproductive treatment (ART). Methods: The study included five timepoints: pre-pregnancy (t0), the end of each trimester (t1–t3), and the postpartum period (t4). SDis were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FFS); perinatal depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Demographic and clinical characteristics were also collected. Given the imbalance in group size and the dispersion of values, a negative binomial regression model with robust variances and Satterthwaite approximation for the degrees of freedom was applied. Results: Compared to women with NC (N = 37), those undergoing ART (N = 57) were more likely to be older (p < 0.001), married (p < 0.001), unemployed (p < 0.001), and have a history of thyroid disease (p = 0.008). Significant differences between different time points were observed in both NC (N = 37) and successfully conceived ART groups (N = 9) in all sleep, fatigue, and well-being parameters. Notably, at the end of the first trimester (t1), the ART group reported more severe insomnia symptoms (p = 0.02). Conclusions: SDis are common in pregnancy, but more pronounced during the first trimester among women on ART. These findings highlight the need for early screening and targeted psychological support during perinatal care. Full article

Background: COVID-19 has limited pregnant and postpartum women’s access to mental health services, leading to the introduction of online interventions. Objectives: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of telepsychotherapy (i.e., psychotherapy provided through digital technology supporting real-time interactivity in the audio or audiovisual modality) with the one yielded by face-to-face interventions in treating perinatal depression and anxiety and to assess the therapist’s perceived alliance in both interventions. Methods: We collected anamnestic information and obstetrical risk factors for 61 women. We evaluated the effectiveness of face-to-face (N = 31) vs. telepsychotherapy (N = 30) interventions on depressive and anxiety symptoms at baseline (T0) and the end of treatment (T1) using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y 1 and 2). We assessed the degree of alliance perceived by therapists with the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI-T). Results: Both groups showed significant decreases in depressive (EPDS face-to-face: T0 12.65 ± 5.81, T1 5.77 ± 4.63, p < 0.001; EPDS remote: T0 11.93 ± 5.24, T1 5.70 ± 4.46, p < 0.001; effect size: 0.002) and state anxiety (STAI-Y 1 face-to-face: T0 51.19 ± 13.73, T1 40.23 ± 12.86, p < 0.001; STAI-Y 1 remote: T0 51.10 ± 11.29, T1 38.00 ± 10.90, p < 0.001; effect size: 0.007//STAI-Y 2 face-to-face: T0 43.13 ± 12.11, T1 41.03 ± 13.06, p = 0.302; STAI-Y 2 remote: T0 44.20 ± 8.70, T1 39.30 ± 9.58, p = 0.003; effect size: <0.001) symptoms by the end of treatment. Women treated remotely also experienced a significant reduction in trait anxiety at T1 (p = 0.003). We found no significant differences in either symptomatology (EPDS; STAI-Y) between the two interventions at baseline or in the therapist-perceived alliance. Conclusions: Synchronous telepsychotherapy for perinatal depression and anxiety showed comparable treatment response to face-to-face interventions, with both modalities associated with significant symptom reduction and the establishment of a working alliance. These findings support the potential of telepsychotherapy as a valuable alternative when in-person services are not accessible, especially during emergency contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Maternal depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and resilience are recognized determinants of perinatal health, yet routine psychological screening is still uncommon in Romanian obstetric practice. This study examined how these four psychological factors relate to preterm birth, gestational hypertension, intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR), and low birth weight in primiparous women. Methods: In a cross-sectional study at a tertiary maternity center in Timișoara (February 2024–February 2025), 240 women at 20–28 weeks’ gestation completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), and Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale-25 (CD-RISC-25). Obstetric outcomes were abstracted from medical records. Pearson correlations described bivariate associations; multivariate logistic regression assessed independent effects after mutual adjustment. Results: Preterm birth occurred in 21% of pregnancies, gestational hypertension in 17%, IUGR in 15%, and low birth weight in 21%. Higher EPDS, GAD-7, and PSS-10 scores correlated positively with each complication (r = 0.19–0.36; p < 0.02), whereas CD-RISC-25 scores showed inverse correlations (r = −0.22 to −0.29; p ≤ 0.012). In the fully adjusted model, GAD-7 remained the only independent psychological predictor of the composite obstetric outcome (β = 0.047; 95% CI 0.010–0.083; p = 0.013). Perceived stress approached significance; depression and resilience were no longer significant after adjustment. Conclusions: Generalized anxiety was the most robust psychological determinant of adverse obstetric outcomes, with perceived stress, depression, and lower resilience showing contributory roles at the unadjusted level. Incorporating brief instruments such as the GAD-7, PSS-10, and CD-RISC-25 into routine prenatal care could facilitate early identification of at-risk pregnancies and inform targeted preventive interventions. Full article

Background: Dietary inflammatory potential and dietary diversity during pregnancy may program depression, yet these associations remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to assess an anti-inflammatory diet and dietary diversity in relation to depressive symptoms. Methods: We analyzed data from 2244 pregnant women in the prospective longitudinal study. Depressive symptoms were defined as an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥ 9.5. An anti-inflammatory diet was assessed using the reverse energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (rEDII), derived from food frequency questionnaires. Dietary diversity was classified as either adequate or inadequate. Generalized estimating equations were performed. Results: Our findings demonstrated that a higher rEDII was associated with lower EPDS scores (β: −0.25; 95% CI: −0.37, −0.12) and a 13% reduction in the risk of depressive symptoms (RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.81, 0.93). Adequate dietary diversity was linked to a 22% lower risk of depressive symptoms (RR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.95). A significant interaction was observed between rEDII and dietary diversity in relation to depressive symptoms. Among women with inadequate dietary diversity, a higher rEDII was associated with a 15% reduction in depressive symptom risk (RR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.90). Conclusions: An anti-inflammatory diet was associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms; this association was greater among women with inadequate dietary diversity. Full article

The objectives of this study were to model the relationship of PAP scores with production, maternal, and carcass (EPDs). Bull PAP scores were collected from 12–18-month-old Angus bull from a Montana-based Angus operation (>1600 m elevation, 5400 yearlings/18-month-old bulls from 2016–2023). Bulls with greater calving ease direct had lower PAP scores (p < 0.01; conditional r² = 1.06%; marginal r² = 0.62%). Bulls with greater birth weight EPDs had greater PAP scores (p < 0.01; conditional r² = 1.15%; marginal r² = 0.73%). Pulmonary arterial pressure was greater for bulls that had greater weaning weight EPDs (p < 0.01; conditional r² = 0.82%; marginal r² = 0.16%) and for bulls that had greater yearling weight EPDs (p < 0.01; conditional r² =0.93%; marginal r² = 0.24%). Bulls with greater PAP had greater carcass weight EPDs (p = 0.03; conditional r² = 0.69%; marginal r² = 0.18%). There were no observed relationships (p ≥ 0.17) between bull PAP and scrotal circumference, maternal milk, ribeye area, or marbling EPDs. In summary, PAP was related to calving ease direct, birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, and carcass weight EPDs. However, these relationships explain very little of the variation of PAP scores. Full article

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major public health issue affecting maternal well-being and infant development. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of PPD among Saudi women. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and EBSCOHost was conducted for studies published up to 31 March 2025. Statistical analysis was performed using R software (v4.4.2) with a random effects model. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool. Results: A total of 32 studies published between 2014 and 2024, including 10,975 women with a mean age of 30.38 ± 6.22 years, were analyzed. Prevalence of PPD varied based on the cutoff scores of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS): 18% (95% CI: 10–27%) at EPDS ≥ 14, 30% (95% CI: 21–38%) at EPDS ≥ 13, 59% (95% CI: 33–85%) at EPDS ≥ 12, and 45% (95% CI: 28–62%) at EPDS ≥ 10. Across studies, 32 significant risk factors for PPD were identified. The most frequently reported included lack of social support, delivery method, young maternal age, and personal or family history of depression. In the meta-analysis, three factors showed statistically significant associations with postpartum depression: limited family support (p < 0.00001), poor spouse support (p < 0.00001), and unplanned pregnancy (p = 0.04). Conclusions: PPD is highly prevalent among Saudi women, with marked regional disparities. These findings highlight the need for tailored mental health strategies and region-specific interventions. Full article

Integrating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fibers is a promising approach for developing conductive and multifunctional materials. This study systematically compared two CNT deposition techniques, electrophoretic deposition (EPD) and dip coating (DC), in terms of their effectiveness in modifying the surface of aligned electrospun PVDF mats. Morphological characterization revealed that EPD produced more homogeneous and compact CNT coatings. In contrast, DC resulted in discontinuous and irregular layers regardless of deposition time. A key distinction between the two methods was the tunability of the coating: EPD allowed for precise control over CNT layer thickness and mass accumulation by adjusting the deposition time. In contrast, DC showed no significant changes in thickness with longer immersion. These structural differences translated into distinct electrical behaviors. Resistance measurements showed that EPD samples exhibited a substantial decrease in resistance with increasing deposition time, from 5.9 ± 2.5 kΩ to 0.2 ± 0.1 kΩ, indicating the formation of well-connected conductive pathways. On the other hand, DC samples maintained relatively constant, higher resistance values across all conditions. Additionally, EPD-coated mats demonstrated enhanced touch sensitivity, generating higher and more stable current responses compared to DC-deposited samples. These results confirm that EPD is a more effective, tunable method for fabricating conductive CNT coatings on electrospun PVDF mats, particularly for applications in flexible electronics and wearable sensors. Full article