Biomimetic Approaches Toward Smart Bio-hybrid Systems.

Bio-integrated materials and devices can blur the interfaces between living and artificial systems. Microfluidics, bioelectronics and engineered nanostructures, with close interactions with biology at the cellular or tissue levels, have already yielded a spectrum of new applications. Many new designs emerge, including those of organ-on-a-chip systems, biodegradable implants, electroceutical devices, minimally invasive neuro-prosthetic tools, and soft robotics.

Texturing Silicon Nanowires for Highly Localized Optical Modulation of Cellular Dynamics.

Engineered silicon-based materials can display photoelectric and photothermal responses under light illumination, which may lead to further innovations at the silicon-biology interfaces. Silicon nanowires have small radial dimensions, promising as highly localized cellular modulators, however the single crystalline form typically has limited photothermal efficacy due to the poor light absorption and fast heat dissipation. In this work, we report strategies to improve the photothermal response from silicon nanowires by introducing nanoscale textures on the surface and in the bulk.

Beyond Screening: A Stepped Care Pathway for Managing Postpartum Depression in Pediatric Settings.

The negative consequences of untreated postpartum depression (PD) for both the woman and her infant are well established. The impact of maternal depression has led to recommendations on systematic perinatal depression screening. Unfortunately, large-scale initiatives on PD screening have found no benefit unless systems are in place to facilitate appropriate interventions for women who screen positive.

Heterogeneous silicon mesostructures for lipid-supported bioelectric interfaces.

Silicon-based materials have widespread application as biophysical tools and biomedical devices. Here we introduce a biocompatible and degradable mesostructured form of silicon with multi-scale structural and chemical heterogeneities. The material was synthesized using mesoporous silica as a template through a chemical vapour deposition process.

Using a Theory-Guided Learning Collaborative Model to Improve Implementation of EBPs in a State Children's Mental Health System: A Pilot Study.

Learning collaboratives (LCs) are used widely to promote implementation of evidence-based practices. However, there has been limited research on the effectiveness of LCs and models vary widely in their structure, focus and components. The goal of the present study was to develop and field test a theory-based LC model to augment a state-led, evidence-based training program for clinicians providing mental health services to children.

What Predicts Clinician Dropout from State-Sponsored Managing and Adapting Practice Training.

Dropouts from system-wide evidence-based practice trainings are high; yet there are few studies on what predicts dropouts. This study examined multilevel predictors of clinician dropout from a statewide training on the Managing and Adapting Practice program. Extra-organizational structural variables, intra-organizational variables and clinician variables were examined.

Can Postpartum Depression Be Managed in Pediatric Primary Care?

Background: Postpartum depression is prevalent among women who have had a baby within the last 12 months. Depression can compromise parenting practices, child development, and family stability. Effective treatments are available, but access to mental healthcare is challenging.

Scaling up evidence-based practices for children and families in New York State: toward evidence-based policies on implementation for state mental health systems.

Dissemination of innovations is widely considered the sine qua non for system improvement. At least two dozen states are rolling out evidence-based mental health practices targeted at children and families using trainings, consultations, webinars, and learning collaboratives to improve quality and outcomes. In New York State (NYS) a group of researchers, policymakers, providers, and family support specialists have worked in partnership since 2002 to redesign and evaluate the children's mental health system.