Mobile Screen Research Articles

Utility of mobile phone app-assisted screening for heart failure and heart stress in primary care

Abstract Background As heart failure (HF) still has a similar prognosis to some of the most common cancers, a timely diagnosis of HF is of paramount importance. We sought to determine whether a mobile phone app can facilitate screening for HF in primary care. Material and methods The national echocardiographic society conducted a multicenter screening programme for HF in which general practitioners from 13 primary care centres used a mobile phone app to decide whether patients without a prior HF diagnosis should be referred to one of the 6 university hospitals for transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing. The app would recommend further testing (TTE and NT-proBNP) to patients with symptoms potentially associated with HF, atrial fibrillation, pathologic electrocardiogram (ECG), previous myocardial infarction or exposure to cardiotoxic cancer therapies, or at least two other risk factors listed in Figure (left panel). Patients with signs of HF were not eligible for the programme. The algorithms proposed in the 2021 ESC guidelines were used to diagnose HF across the entire spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). Results Of the 930 screened outpatients (mean age 66±11 years, age range 21-91 years, 61% female), 318 symptomatic patients (34.2%) were diagnosed with new HF (Figure). HF with preserved (HFpEF) was diagnosed more frequently than HF with mildy reduced (HFmrEF) and reduced EF (HFrEF). Heart stress, defined as elevated plasma NT-proBNP in asymptomatic individuals with risk factors irrespective of the presence or absence of structural heart disease or cardiac dysfunction, was found in 22.3% (Figure, right panel). In multivariate regression analysis, advanced age, atrial fibrillation, pathological ECG, long-standing history of arterial hypertension and chronic kidney disease were independently associated with HF, while other risk factors were not (Figure, middle panel). Conclusions Screening in primary care based on symptoms and risk factors, facilitated by a mobile phone app, resulted in a new HF diagnosis in approximately one third of screened patients, with the majority of them having HFpEF. Recalibration of the referral criteria might further improve the performance of the app for screening purposes.

Correlation of screen exposure to stress, learning, cognitive and language performance in children.

The omnipresence of mobile screens and convenience to operate them has led to increased screen time for young children whereas the sequelae of prolonged exposure are not known yet. 70 refugee children (RG) and 111 children of a clinical comparison group (CG) from a help-seeking population (age: M = 5.10; SD = 1.11; range 3.00-6.97years) were assessed concerning their amount of daily screen exposure time in relation to parental education and distress. Salivary cortisol was collected as a marker for biological stress and children were tested concerning learning performance, non-verbal IQ and vocabulary with the Kaufmann Assessment Battery for Children (KABC-II). Language skills were assessed in educator rating. The amount of children's screen exposure was negatively related to parental education and positively to distress. In the CG, higher amounts of screen time were associated with elevated cortisol levels and lower learning scores. On both measures, the RG and CG only differed in the condition of screen time less than one hour/day, for higher amounts of screen time the CG approached the more problematic scores of the RG. Whereas in the whole sample the amount of screen time was negatively correlated to language performance, it was not correlated to non-verbal IQ-scores. As a higher amount of media exposure in our clinical comparison group is associated with elevated biological stress, decreased learning and lower language performance, it should be classified as a relevant environmental factor and regularly considered in clinical assessments of children and therapeutical interventions, especially in vulnerable subgroups. German clinical trials register, registration number: DRKS00025734, date: 07-23-2021.

Adopting sustainable innovations for remote access to TB and HIV care in South Africa.

For the last decade, South Africa has made substantial progress to control the dual HIV and TB epidemics. However, disruptions in TB and HIV treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to reverse this. This study aimed to identify adaptations in HIV and TB service delivery models in response to COVID-19 and government restrictions. This information informed the development of an online survey, which was utilized as part of a consultation exercise to further capture adaptations made to HIV/TB service delivery within the South African context. The literature review involved screening 380 titles and abstracts, identifying 30 HIV and TB studies across 19 countries, and categorizing 90 individual interventions into ten thematic areas. Common themes included interventions addressing screening, testing, diagnosis, medication collection and delivery support, and virtual models. Digital health interventions and adaptations to medication collection/delivery were reported in 38% of studies. Analysis of survey responses from 33 stakeholders in South Africa revealed that 47% of interventions targeted HIV, 11% TB, and 23% HIV/TB integrated service delivery. Most interventions (81%) were integrated into the national HIV or TB program, with implementation occurring at various levels: 39% at facility level, 35% at sub-district or district level, and 18% at provincial level. Programmatic data was available for 86% of interventions, with 50% being funded. This study demonstrated that services can be delivered in locations other than in health facilities (e.g., community-based or home-based) and that integrated services can also free up additional resources. Although studies varied, COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of differentiated service delivery (DSD) models for TB care, including multi-month dispensing (MMD) for TB preventative therapy (TPT) and TB treatment, home-based or mobile outreach screening and testing, and community pickup points (PuP) for TB medications. These initiatives had previously lagged behind HIV-focused DSD models, and it is crucial to sustain these services beyond the pandemic. To achieve universal health coverage, it will also be important to capitalize on these experiences and learn from HIV-focused DSD models so programs can deliver integrated person-centered chronic care services for TB, HIV, and non-communicable diseases.

Knowledge and practices of interventional radiology staff regarding radiation protection

Interventional radiology (IR) has become a widespread medical imaging technique, offering minimally invasive treatment options. However, IR procedures can expose patients and staff to substantial radiation risks, necessitating enhanced radiation protection practices. This study aimed to survey the knowledge and practices of interventional radiology staff regarding radiation protection. A cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim, based on a questionnaire was done. The study subjects were all healthcare personnel of all specialties having practiced in interventional radiology between 2019 and 2022 at the University Hospital Center of Rabat. The statistical processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel 2013® and the IBM SPSS Statistical program version 20 (IBM Inc. NY, USA). The results indicated that 59.4% of participants had not received any specific training in radiation protection, and 45% were unaware of the radiation-induced risks associated with interventional radiology procedures. Regarding safety practices, 75% of participants maintained a distance of at least 1 meter from the x-ray source, while only 6% used the lowest possible exposure settings. Concerning the use of radiation protection devices, 87.5% of participants wore a lead apron, 75% used a thyroid shield, 6.3% wore lead glasses, and 37.5% utilized suspended mobile screens, whereas 12.5% did not use any radiation protection devices. Additionally, 84% of participants wore their personal dosimeter, though not consistently. The knowledge and practices of most interventional radiology personnel are inadequate for effective radiation protection. Regular, ongoing training in radiation safety is essential to improve adherence to protection standards and enhance overall safety in clinical practice.

Mobile breast screening services in Australia: A qualitative exploration of perceptions and experiences among rural and remote women aged ≥75 years.

This qualitative descriptive study draws on data collected from a sub-sample of 15 women participating in a national study (n = 60) exploring the breast cancer screening motivations and behaviours of women aged ≥75 years. The study aimed to understand why women living in rural and remote areas might continue accessing mobile breast cancer screening despite being outside the targeted age range. Settings ranged from large towns to very remote communities (according to Monash Modified Model (MMM) classification 3-7) where BreastScreen Australia mobile screening services were available. Interview data from 15 women aged ≥75 years living in rural and remote locations who had used mobile screening services was utilised for this study. In-depth individual interviews were conducted via telephone or online platform (Zoom). These were transcribed verbatim and imported into NVivo software to enable thematic analysis to identify key themes. Many women aged ≥75 years in rural and remote areas expressed clear intentions to continue breast cancer screening, despite no longer being invited to do so. They perceived great value in the mobile service and were highly appreciative for it yet acknowledged limited sources of information about the process of ongoing screening. Few women in rural and remote areas had discussed ongoing breast cancer screening with their general practitioner (GP). More information is required to inform women about the risks and benefits of ongoing screening. Without an invitation to attend screening rural women reported difficulty in knowing when the service would be available. Ongoing notification of the availability of mobile services for women aged ≥75 years in rural areas is recommended.

Usability of an at-home tablet-based cognitive test in older adults with and without cognitive impairment

BackgroundMobile device-based cognitive screening has the potential to overcome the limitations in diagnostic precision and efficiency that characterize conventional pen and paper cognitive screening. Several mobile device-based cognitive testing platforms have demonstrated usability, but the usability of take-home mobile device-based cognitive screening in typical adult primary care patients requires further investigation.MethodsThis study set out to test the usability of a prototype mobile device-based cognitive screening test in older adult primary care patients across a range of cognitive performance. Participants completed the St. Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS) and then used a study-supplied mobile device application at home for 5 days. The application presented 7 modules lasting approximately 15 min. Participants completed the System Usability Scale (SUS) after using the application.ResultsA total of 51 individuals participated, with a median (IQR) age of 81 (74–85) years. Cognitive impairment (SLUMS score < 27) was present in 30 (59%) of participants. The mean (95% Confidence Interval [CI]) SUS score was 76 (71–81), which indicates good usability. Usability scores were similar across ranges of cognitive impairment. A Lower SLUMS score predicted early withdrawal from the study with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% CI) of 0.78 (0.58–0.97).ConclusionTake-home mobile device-based cognitive testing is a usable strategy for many older adult primary care patients. Depending on patient preferences and abilities, it could be part of a flexible cognitive testing and follow-up strategy that includes mobile device-based testing in healthcare settings and pen-and-paper cognitive testing.

Abstract A134: Overcoming barriers to prostate cancer screening: A tethered educational video and mobile screening program

Abstract Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. One in 8 White and 1 in 6 Black men will be diagnosed with PC in their lifetime. The current prostate cancer screening (PCS) guidelines recommend shared decision making to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of PCS. In Philadelphia, among men over 40 years of age, only 39% and 18% have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of PCS with a provider, respectively. Among men over 50 years of age, only 47% have had a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test. This research evaluated an educational video designed to increase awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of PCS and provided access to mobile PSA screening among the diverse men in Philadelphia. Methods: Between April-May 2024, we enrolled men aged 40+ at community events within and around the city of Philadelphia and excluded men who previously participated in the study. Screening events were advertised through social media, printed flyers, emails, and text messages disseminated by labor union administrators to union members. Participants completed a questionnaire which examined PC and PCS knowledge, decisional conflict, and likelihood to screen before and after viewing a 12-minute educational video on an iPad or personal device. The video consisted of a conversation between a local pastor, who is a Black PC survivor, and a urologist. The video included the pastor’s personal experience with PC and allowed him and the urologist to have the opportunity to address common PC misconceptions and myths. After the video, participants provided video feedback. A $10 gift card and giveaways were offered before presenting the option for on-site PSA draws by a licensed phlebotomist. Results: A total of 133 men (38% Black; 56% White, 10% Hispanic; mean age of 53 years old (s.d.=10.4)) completed the pre and post questionnaires. A total of 61% of participants had never had a PSA test. Twenty-two percent did not know blood testing was an option, and 28% did not know they needed a PSA test. Thirty-two percent of participants would have been somewhat or very unlikely to get screened without this program. Having the screening option come to their community or place of work was the determining factor for 81% of screened participants. After watching the video, PC knowledge improved in 6 of 10 items (overall knowledge score pre vs. post p&amp;lt;.01). Post video, decisional conflict was reduced in 9 of the 10 questionnaire items (each item had a p≤.001). A total of 95% of participants stated ‘yes’, they would undergo PCS after watching the video versus 69% being either somewhat or very likely to get screened before watching the video (p&amp;lt;0.001). All 95% were screened on-site. The video information was deemed useful to 99% and credible by 97% of respondents. Conclusion: This educational video increased PCS awareness, intention to screen for PC, and completion of PCS. When coupled with an educational video, mobile PSA screening initiatives are an effective and efficient way to increase access to PSA screening for diverse men. Citation Format: Mallorie C. Jones, William Buckley, Alexandra Cordoba, Suji Kim, David Barreto, Debanjan Pain, Vivian Nguyen, Blane Newberry, Daniel Lee, Carmen E. Guerra. Overcoming barriers to prostate cancer screening: A tethered educational video and mobile screening program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A134.

Sunlight‐Activated Eu2+‐Doped Red Persistent Luminescence Material for Night‐Vision Signage, Anti‐Counterfeiting and Location Detection

AbstractPersistent luminescence materials have been widely studied due to their excellent optical properties. However, they can only be activated by UV light; in other words, the charging method for these phosphors is limited. In fact, materials that can continuously emit light when exposed to sunlight are highly sought after for their potential to reduce energy consumption. Warm‐colored persistent luminescence materials are particularly useful for information storage, security marking, and preventing counterfeiting. Nevertheless, creating effective warm‐color persistent luminescence materials that are activated by sunlight remains a challenging task. To address this issue, novel daylight‐activated red persistent luminescence materials, Gd3‐xCax‐0.02GaO6:0.02Eu2+ (x = 0.3 ‐ 0.7) are explored. The material can be effectively activated by sunlight under all weather conditions, as well as by bright light from indoor lamps, mobile phone screens, and any form of visible light. Moreover, it possesses excellent water resistance. The process of electron trapping and release within the material is investigated through thermoluminescence experiments, photoluminescence spectra, and persistent luminescence spectra. Importantly, this phosphor has been demonstrated for various applications, including night vision marking, anti‐counterfeiting, optical information storage, and positioning, among others.

Unpacking Mobile Website Aesthetics and Its Effect: A Case of M-commerce Website Offering Search and Experience Goods

ABSTRACT A major challenge for mobile commerce operators is how to attract customers to access their websites displayed on a mobile device screen only twice the size of a palm, so making design of such websites is especially important in order to catch customers’ eyes. Based on S-O-R model, the study developed a research model to explain how aesthetics of m-commerce websites affects customers’ continuing access to the websites. The model was evaluated through a stratified survey of 285 participants on m-commerce websites with varying levels of mobile website aesthetics. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to analyze the data. The results uphold the applicability of visual aesthetics (VisAWI) scale in m-commerce, which has significant positive effect on websites’ perceived usability. The study also finds that mobile websites selling experience goods have higher demand for website aesthetics than those for search goods. The study offers a well-structured practical instrument based on visual aesthetics (VisAWI) scale, helping mobile website designers understand the effect of specific aesthetic elements on user behavioral intention.

Breast cancer incidence in mobile screening vs. in-hospital screening programmes based on 6 313 607 mammograms in 2 387 756 women in Taiwan

Breast cancer incidence in mobile screening vs. in-hospital screening programmes based on 6 313 607 mammograms in 2 387 756 women in Taiwan

Computational Methods for Improving the Observability of Platform-Based Advertising

The advertising ecosystem has been progressively reshaped by computational advertising models facilitated and controlled by digital media platforms. Meta and Alphabet, two of the dominant players in this ecosystem, have contributed significantly to industry disintermediation via the design and market dominance of their advertising systems, which in turn are symbiotic with their own business models, and feed on large amounts of consumer data generated by everyday platform use. The operations and impacts of these systems remain opaque and difficult to observe. Responding to this challenge, we present a methodological framework integrating cultural, legal, media, and computational perspectives to enable the observation of computational advertising. This methodology comprises three novel computational methods: direct data gathering from ad transparency libraries; automated data donation via participatory citizen science browser plug-ins; and a privacy-aware mobile screen capture app. We describe how our suite of computational approaches enables scalable and participant-situated research, overcoming limitations posed by restricted platform access to computational advertising data. Ethical considerations and practical implications are discussed alongside case study findings, further demonstrating the potential for these methods to inform regulatory debates and scholarly advancements in the field.

Integrating cardiovascular risk assessment into mobile low-dose CT lung screenings in rural Appalachia: A comprehensive analysis of the relationship between lung cancer risk, coronary artery calcium burden, and cardiovascular risk reduction strategies

ObjectiveMobile low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung screenings are part of an outreach program in rural Appalachia to detect early lung cancer. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring on LDCT can identify calcium deposits in coronary arteries and can prompt consideration of risk modification for prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. It is not known if Lung CT Screening Reporting & Data System (Lung-RADS) scoring correlates with CAC scores. There is no clear guidance for patients undergoing LDCT screenings to receive follow-up regarding CAC or prevention of associated CVD risk. MethodsThis was a retrospective review of mobile LDCT LCS in adults with no known history of CVD. CT images were obtained at 100 kVp with a slice thickness of 3 mm. Agatston CAC scoring was performed retroactively. Lung-RADS scores were categorized as: Negative (1), Benign (2), Probably Benign (3), and Suspicious (4). CAC scoring was grouped as 0, 1–100, 101–399, and ≥400. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were utilized. ResultsA total of 526 LDCT screenings were included. Over 54 % of patients had coronary calcification on LDCT LCS. 161 patients (30.6 %) had a CAC score of ≥100 and 75 patients (14.3 %) had a CAC score ≥400. Of patients with a CAC score ≥100, 7.5 % received referrals for follow-up after the LDCT screen and 9.3 % had additional cardiac testing. Of those with a CAC score ≥100 not already on a statin (45.3 %) and not already on aspirin (63.3 %), few were started within 3 months of LDCT for prevention (8.2 % and 5.9 % respectively). Among patients with a Lung-RADS score of 4, 17 % had a CAC score >400, whereas only 12 % with a Lung-RADS score of 1 fell into the same CAC category. Higher Lung-RADS scores correlated with fewer patients with CAC of 0. A significant correlation was observed between higher Lung-RADS scores and elevated CAC scores (p = 0.02). ConclusionIn patients with no CVD history, coronary artery calcification was frequently identified on mobile LDCT lung screenings in rural communities. Patients with higher probabilities of malignant lung nodules may also be at increased risk for significant coronary artery disease. Calcium scoring from LDCT screenings allowed for simultaneous assessment of lung cancer and CVD risk. Unfortunately, few referrals or CVD prevention medications were initiated. Awareness of CAC score utility, follow-up for identified coronary calcifications, and consideration of primary prevention medications when indicated, would be beneficial in patients undergoing LDCT lung screenings, especially in rural areas with limited healthcare access.

Radiographic diagnosis patterns and communicability: Analyzing TB and non-TB findings from mobile X-ray screenings in region 2, Philippines

Radiographic diagnosis patterns and communicability: Analyzing TB and non-TB findings from mobile X-ray screenings in region 2, Philippines

Enhancing Driving Safety through User Experience Evaluation of the C-ITS Mobile Application: A Case Study of the DARS Traffic Plus App in a Driving Simulator Environment.

The paper evaluates the DARS Traffic Plus mobile application within a realistic driving simulator environment to assess its impact on driving safety and user experience, particularly focusing on the Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS). The study is positioned within the broader context of integrating mobile technology in vehicular environments to enhance road safety by informing drivers about potential hazards in real time. A combination of experimental methods was employed, including a standardised user experience questionnaire (meCUE 2.0), measuring quantitative driving parameters and eye-tracking data within a driving simulator, and post-experiment interviews. The results indicate that the mobile application significantly improved drivers' safety perception, particularly when notifications about hazardous locations were received. Notifications displayed at the top of the mobile screen with auditory cues were deemed most effective. The study concludes that mobile applications like DARS Traffic Plus can play a crucial role in enhancing road safety by effectively communicating hazards to drivers, thereby potentially reducing road accidents and improving overall traffic safety. Screen viewing was kept below the safety threshold, affirming the app's efficacy in delivering crucial information without distraction. These findings support the integration of C-ITS functionalities into mobile applications as a means to augment older vehicle technologies and extend the safety benefits to a broader user base.

Education vs Entertainment on the Mobile screen time spent per day by Students in Higher Education in Tami Nadu

In the modern digital age, mobile phone have become ubiquitous tools in the lives of humans, shaping their daily routines and influencing various aspects of their academic and personal lives, it is travelling with us everywhere all the time. Mobile phone is becoming our primary memory nowadays, though the whole world is in our palm, are we distracted by the entertainment apps. This study helps us to investigate and examine the students mobile screen time used per day was for educating or entertaining. Apps send frequent alerts that disrupt focus and encourage immediate interaction, the ability to switch between multiple apps seamlessly can fragment attention and reduce productivity. This research aims to shed light on the prioritization and distribution of time spent on mobile devices

Designing high performance hydrogel sensor for real-time sensing applications

Achieving high performance conductive hydrogel sensor which is capable of combining as many advantages as possible in one is highly desired to satisfy real-world tasks. To this end, novel hydrogel sensors PVA/NaDa (polyvinyl alcohol/D-Gluconic acid sodium salt) and PVA/NaLa (polyvinyl alcohol/L-Glutamic acid monosodium salt) have been successfully constructed via a facile and effective strategy. The hydrogels realize the combination of robust mechanical properties (stress, strain, elastic modulus, toughness, fatigue resistance, anti-breakage ability and recovery performance), excellent conductivity, sensitive sensitivity, rapid response capacity and high cytocompatibility. The increasing hydrogen bond cross-linking density and hydrogen bond interactions of NaDa (NaLa) with PVA are mainly responsible for significantly intensified mechanical properties of PVA/NaDa and PVA/NaLa hydrogels. Benefiting from the prominent performances, the hydrogels can be processed into flexible membrane sensors to not only effectively detect the human joint motions but also sensitively simulate manual control of the mobile phone screen for writing text, demonstrating a promising application in multifunctional intelligent robots, electronic skins, artificial intelligence and among others.

Connecticut Implements a Team-Based Approach to Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Using Community Health Workers and Mobile Medical Devices.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health's Early Detection and Prevention Program uses an integrated approach to deliver breast and cervical cancer screening services, cardiovascular disease risk assessment, health coaching, and the identification of social determinants of health to women from economically disadvantaged and minority communities. Statewide contracted providers who represent twenty hospitals and their fee-for-service providers employ community health workers (CHWs) to conduct outreach, screening assessments using mobile medical devices, and risk reduction counseling in community settings to reduce service access barriers, while also engaging eligible women who may not typically frequent clinical services. Mobile medical screening devices enhance healthcare accessibility by enabling screenings to be conducted in a participants preferred setting, whether it is a clinic or within the community, with the added benefit of delivering rapid screening results. Utilizing these results, CHWs provide risk reduction counseling to develop individualized health action plans at the outreach session.

Feasibility and Acceptability of Mobile Phone-Based Surveys to Identify Mental Health Symptoms in Parents/Guardians of PICU Patients.

Parents experience psychologic distress during their child's admission to a PICU, but effective screening for parental mental health symptoms is not the standard of care. We aimed to test the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile phone-based mental health survey for parents/guardians of PICU patients to facilitate their support by the PICU team. Post hoc analysis of a single-institution pilot study conducted in 2022. Mental health surveys were delivered by text message to parents/guardians of PICU patients over 1 month, beginning 3 days after their child's PICU admission. In-person interviews 1 month after hospital discharge were used to solicit participants' opinions on the survey platform and content. A quaternary U.S. academic medical center. Parents/guardians of PICU patients. None. Of the 53 participants who consented, 31 (58%) completed the study. Symptoms of acute stress (ASS) were the most common and most severe: 21 participants screened positive for ASS, and 20 of those that screened positive had "moderate" or "severe" symptoms. Among the 23 participants who screened positive for one mental health condition, 10 met the thresholds for all three. Scoring of the protocol's usability, acceptability, and feasibility showed a System Usability Scale equal to 82 of 100, an Acceptability of Intervention Measure score equal to 4.2 of 5, an Intervention Appropriateness Measure score equal to 4.5 of 5, and Feasibility of Intervention Measure score equal to 4.5 of 5. Mobile phone-based screening for parental mental health symptoms is acceptable and may offer the advantage of privacy and flexibility.

Prevalence and factors associated with antenatal depressive symptoms across trimesters: a study of 110,584 pregnant women covered by a mobile app-based screening programme in Shenzhen, China

BackgroundAntenatal depression is a significant public health issue affecting pregnant women both globally and in China. Using data from a mobile app-based screening programme, this study explored the prevalence and factors associated with antenatal depressive symptoms across different trimesters in Shenzhen.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women who gave birth in any hospital in Shenzhen between July 2021 and May 2022 and underwent depression screening using an official maternal and infant health mobile app at least once during pregnancy. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), with cut-off scores of 5 and 10 for mild and high level of symptoms, respectively. The prevalence for each trimester was determined by calculating the proportion of women scoring 5 or higher. A variety of sociodemographic, obstetric, psychological, and lifestyle factors were assessed for their association with depressive symptoms. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify significant predictors.ResultsA total of 110,584 pregnant women were included in the study, with an overall prevalence of depressive symptoms of 18.0% and a prevalence of high-level symptoms of 4.2%. Depressive symptoms were most prevalent in the first trimester (10.9%) and decreased in the second (6.2%) and third trimesters (6.3%). Only a small proportion (0.4%) of women showed persistent depressive symptoms across all trimesters. Anxiety symptoms in early pregnancy emerged as the most significant predictor of depressive symptoms. Other factors linked to an increased risk throughout pregnancy include lower marital satisfaction, living with parents-in-law, experience of negative life events, as well as drinking before and during pregnancy. Factors associated with a reduced risk throughout pregnancy include multiparity and daily physical activity.ConclusionsThis large-scale study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and factors associated with antenatal depressive symptoms in Shenzhen. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions for high-risk groups and the integration of mental health care into routine antenatal services. Continuous, dynamic monitoring of depressive symptoms for pregnant women and ensuring at-risk women receive comprehensive follow-up and appropriate psychological or psychiatric care are crucial for effectively addressing antenatal depression and improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

Fabrication of a multiple-self-healing and self-cleaning polymer coating for mechanical-damaged optical glass surface

Mobile screens and optical glass devices encounter formidable engineering and technological bottlenecks in achieving irreversible restoration from surface mechanical scratches. Conventional methodologies involving glass surface micromachining and coatings technology have proven inadequate in effectively addressing the multiple recovery of optical transparency. Here, the synergistic integration principle of inorganic rigid cage-like structures and organic flexible chain segments is employed. A bionic “octopus” textured surface pattern, featuring ordered arrays of nano nodes acting as “post stations” and micro-nano wrinkles serving as “channels”, is one-step fabricated by a dipping-curing coating process. The polymer coating exhibits smooth, transparent, and multiple-self-healing function with patterned antifouling. Introducing and matching the coating onto mobile screens, transparency of wiped/scratched glass is significantly restored by the synergistic use of protonic/non-protonic solvent systems in a dipping-assisted healing process. Intriguingly, the coating achieves surface/internal pattern reconstruction along with excellent transparency, antifouling, and interfacial adhesion mechanical properties, characterized by surface micro-nano textures and internal micro-nano spheres organization, after undergoing multiple treatments with the biocompatible disinfectant and cleaning agent ethanol. In the future, it is expected to develop highly versatile engineering materials for mobile screens, optical lenses and automotive glass, enabling multiple self-healing, self-cleaning, and antifouling properties with broad industrial applications.