The cognitive model of social anxiety disorder hypothesized that socially anxious individuals tend to negatively interpret ambiguous scenarios, which was termed an Interpretation bias (IB). The... Show moreThe cognitive model of social anxiety disorder hypothesized that socially anxious individuals tend to negatively interpret ambiguous scenarios, which was termed an Interpretation bias (IB). The Adolescents' Interpretation Bias Questionnaire (AIBQ) is a widely used self-report instrument to measure IB towards social situations for adolescents. The main objective of the current study was to culturally revise AIBQ in Chinese adolescents. In total, 960 adolescents participated, and four weeks later, 185 of them were re-measured with Chinese version of AIBQ (C-AIBQ). We tested construct validity, examined internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and assessed convergent and divergent validity of the C-AIBQ subscales. Overall, C-AIBQ variables showed satisfactory construct validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and convergent and discriminant validity, in particular the social negative interpretation subscale. Our results indicate that this instrument is adequate to measure interpretation bias in Chinese adolescents. Show less
Yu, M.; Westenberg, P.M.; Li, W.; Wang, J.; Miers, A.C. 2019
In this study, we developed a microfluidics method, using a so-called H-cell microfluidics device, for the determination of protein diffusion coefficients at different concentrations, pHs, ionic... Show moreIn this study, we developed a microfluidics method, using a so-called H-cell microfluidics device, for the determination of protein diffusion coefficients at different concentrations, pHs, ionic strengths, and solvent viscosities. Protein transfer takes place in the H-cell channels between two laminarly flowing streams with each containing a different initial protein concentration. The protein diffusion coefficients are calculated based on the measured protein mass transfer, the channel dimensions, and the contact time between the two streams. The diffusion rates of lysozyme, cytochrome c, myoglobin, ovalbumin, bovine serum albumin, and etanercept were investigated. The accuracy of the presented methodology was demonstrated by comparing the measured diffusion coefficients with literature values measured under similar solvent conditions using other techniques. At low pH and ionic strength, the measured lysozyme diffusion coefficient increased with the protein concentration gradient, suggesting stronger and more frequent intermolecular interactions. At comparable concentration gradients, the measured lysozyme diffusion coefficient decreased drastically as a function of increasing ionic strength (from zero onwards) and increasing medium viscosity. Additionally, a particle tracing numerical simulation was performed to achieve a better understanding of the macromolecular displacement in the H-cell microchannels. It was found that particle transfer between the two channels tends to speed up at low ionic strength and high concentration gradient. This confirms the corresponding experimental observation of protein diffusion measured via the H-cell microfluidics. Show less
The aim of this study was to develop a supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) spray process to coat solid protein particles with a hydrophilic polymer. The final purpose is to manufacture drug... Show moreThe aim of this study was to develop a supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) spray process to coat solid protein particles with a hydrophilic polymer. The final purpose is to manufacture drug particles exhibiting controlled release behaviour in patients. Lysozyme microparticles (about 20 μm) were suspended in a vessel into which a dextran sulphate (DS) solution was dispersed by scCO2 via a nozzle. Upon interaction with the droplets, DS was deposited onto or mixed with suspended lysozyme particles. Particles of about 100 μm were obtained. The zeta-potential analysis and elemental analysis indicated that the top layer of the particles consisted of both lysozyme and DS. Some of the produced particulate materials showed retarded lysozyme release when exposed to water or phosphate buffered saline, holding promise for future production of controlled drug delivery systems for therapeutic proteins. Show less
Yu, M.; Every, H.A.; Jiskoot, W.; Witkamp, G.-J.; Buijs, W. 2017
Here we propose a 3D-molecular structural model for dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) in a neutral aqueous environment based on the results of a molecular modelling study. The DSS structure is... Show moreHere we propose a 3D-molecular structural model for dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) in a neutral aqueous environment based on the results of a molecular modelling study. The DSS structure is dominated by the stereochemistry of the 1,6-linked α-glucose units and the presence of two sulphate groups on each α-glucose unit. The structure of DSS can be best described as a helix with various patterns of di-sulphate substitution on the glucose rings. The presence of a side chain does not alter the 3D-structure of the linear main chain much, but affects the overall spatial dimension of the polymer. The simulated polymers have a diameter similar to or in some cases even larger than model α-hemolysin nano-pores for macromolecule transport in many biological processes, indicating a size-limited translocation through such pores. All results of the molecular modelling study are in line with previously reported experimental data. This study establishes the three-dimensional structure of DSS and summarizes the spatial dimension of the polymer, serving as the basis for a better understanding on the molecular level of DSS-involved electrostatic interaction processes with biological components like proteins and cell pores. Show less
