Multi-hierarchy Network Configuration Can Predict Brain States and Performance.

The brain is a hierarchical modular organization that varies across functional states. Network configuration can better reveal network organization patterns. However, the multi-hierarchy network configuration remains unknown. Here, we propose an eigenmodal decomposition approach to detect modules at multi-hierarchy, which can identify higher-layer potential submodules and is consistent with the brain hierarchical structure. We defined three metrics: node configuration matrix, combinability, and separability. Node configuration matrix represents network configuration changes between layers. Separability reflects network configuration from global to local, whereas combinability shows network configuration from local to global. First, we created a random network to verify the feasibility of the method. Results show that separability of real networks is larger than that of random networks, whereas combinability is smaller than random networks. Then, we analyzed a large data set incorporating fMRI data from resting and seven distinct tasking conditions. Experiment results demonstrates the high similarity in node configuration matrices for different task conditions, whereas the tasking states have less separability and greater combinability between modules compared with the resting state. Furthermore, the ability of brain network configuration can predict brain states and cognition performance. Crucially, derived from tasks are highlighted with greater power than resting, showing that task-induced attributes have a greater ability to reveal individual differences. Together, our study provides novel perspectives for analyzing the organization structure of complex brain networks at multi-hierarchy, gives new insights to further unravel the working mechanisms of the brain, and adds new evidence for tasking states to better characterize and predict behavioral traits.

Oral Patch/Film for Drug Delivery-Current Status and Future Prospects.

In recent years, there has been extensive research into drug delivery systems aimed at enhancing drug utilization while minimizing drug toxicities. Among these systems, oral patches/films have garnered significant attention due to their convenience, noninvasive administration, ability to bypass hepatic first-pass metabolism, thereby enhancing drug bioavailability, and their potential to ensure good compliance, particularly among special patient populations. In this review, from the perspective of the anatomical characteristics of the oral cavity and the advantages and difficulties of oral drug delivery, we illustrate the design ideas, manufacturing techniques, research methodologies, and the essential attributes of an ideal oral patch/film. Furthermore, the applications of oral patches/films in both localized and systemic drug delivery were discussed. Finally, we offer insights into the future prospects of the oral patch/film, aiming to provide valuable reference for the advancement of oral localized drug delivery systems.

Effect of different anti-cardiovascular disease treatments on the severity of obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular co-morbidities have a mutually reinforcing effect, but existing studies have focussed only on the improvement of the associated co-morbidities by treatment for OSA. To provide fresh guidelines for the treatment of OSA from a co-morbidity standpoint, we conducted a systematic search of Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for articles published from inception up to 2 May 2023. Fourteen original studies of patients with OSA with cardiovascular co-morbidities and who received related treatment were included in the analysis. We found that diuretic treatment can reduce the apnea-hypopnea index in patients with OSA and hypertension (-19.41/h, p = 1.0 × 10-5 ), aldosterone-angiotensin inhibitors also have a 9.19/h reduction (p = 0.003), while the effect of renal sympathetic denervation is insignificant (-2.32/h, p = 0.19). The short-term treatment (<4 weeks) did not show an improvement (-2.72/h, p = 0.16), while long-term treatment (>4 weeks) produced surprising outcomes (-12.78/h, p = 0.002). Patients with milder disease (baseline AHI < 35/h) had insignificant improvements (-1.05/h, p = 0.46), whereas those with more severe disease (baseline AHI > 35/h) could achieve satisfactory outcomes (-14.74/h, p < 0.00001). In addition, it also showed some improvement in the oxygen desaturation index and blood oxygen. Our results support the additional benefit of antihypertensive treatment for OSA symptoms, and the efficacy can be affected by different therapy, treatment duration, and severity levels. It could be useful in developing clinical therapy, educating patients, and exploring interaction mechanisms. The proposal was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022351206).

High-energy-density zinc ion capacitors based on 3D porous free-standing defect-reduced graphene oxide hydrogel cathodes.

Zinc ion capacitors (ZICs) have shown potential for breaking the energy density ceiling of traditional supercapacitors (SCs) via appropriate device design. Nevertheless, a significant challenge remains in advancing ZIC positive electrode materials with excellent conductivity, high specific capacitance, and reliable cycle stability. A highly attractive option for carbon-based electrode materials is reduced graphene oxide (RGO) due to its vast specific surface area, prominent porosity, and 3D cross-linked frame. However, the tight stacking of RGO sheets driven by van der Waals forces can restrict active sites, decrease specific capacitance, and elevate electrochemical impedance. To overcome these challenges, 3D defective RGO (DRGO) hydrogels were prepared by a metal Co cocatalytic gasification reaction. This method produced mesoporous defects on the surface of RGO hydrogels via a low-temperature hydrothermal self-assembly strategy. The surface of the layer has a wide and uniform distribution, which can offer abundant redox active sites, rich ion transfer channels, and fast reaction kinetics. In this work, 3D DRGO//Zn exhibited a wide operating window (0-1.8 V), high specific capacitance (189.39 F g-1 at 1 A g-1), outstanding energy density (85.23 W h kg-1 at 960.31 W kg-1; 52.36 W h kg-1 at 17454.87 W kg-1), and persistent cycling life (98.86% initial capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles at 10 A g-1). This study emphasizes the device design of ZIC and promising prospects of using 3D DRGO hydrogel as a feasible positive electrode for ZIC.

The benefits of hypoglycemic therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is often associated with glycemic abnormalities. This study is conducted to investigate the effects of hypoglycemic therapy on OSA-related indicators. METHOD: We systematically searched Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for articles on OSA patients receiving any hypoglycemic drugs, published until December 25, 2022. Seven original studies were finally included. The proposal was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022351206). RESULTS: In summary, in addition to reduced glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), we found that hypoglycemic treatment can lower the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) by 7.07/h (p = 0.0001). Although long-term treatment (> 12 weeks) achieved a more significant reduction in HbA1c (- 1.57% vs. - 0.30%) compared to short-term treatment (≤ 12 weeks), there was no significant difference between the two in terms of AHI (intergroup p-value = 0.27). We also found that patients using sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) experienced a greater reduction in AHI (- 11.00/h, p < 0.00001). Additionally, hypoglycemic treatment also showed certain improvements in related indicators like Epworth Sleepiness Scale, body mass index, and blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Our results affirm the benefits of hypoglycemic treatment for OSA patients and highlight the notable effect of SGLT2i. Further researches are needed to help doctors gain a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between OSA and glycemic abnormalities.

The impact of isolation on comorbidity of PTSD symptoms and depression: evidence from PTRP-5-6 in China.

BACKGROUND: The Omicron pandemic struck Shanghai, China, resulting in impairments of both physical and psychological health on those patients who were confirmed and transferred to the Fangcang shelters. The way of isolation led to high risk of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and depressive symptoms among the patients in Fangcang shelters. We aim to estimate the prevalence and comorbidity of PTSS and depressive symptoms in patients from China's Fangcang shelters during the epidemic. METHODS: Demographic information questionnaire, the posttraumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used in the study. The data were collected online via mobile phones during 10th April to 20th April, 2022, as part of our Psychological Trauma Recover Project-5-6 (PTRP-5-6), a longitudinal study focusing on individuals who have experienced trauma. RESULTS: A total of 336 subjects were included in the analysis. The results revealed (1) the prevalence of depressive symptoms, and PTSS were 30.1% (cut-off = 10) and 6% (cut-off = 33); (2) Multiple logistic regression showed that female (OR = 3.04, p < 0.05), suffering from dyspnea (OR = 5.83, p < 0.05) or gastrointestinal symptoms (OR = 6.38, p < 0.05) were risk factors for PTSS; higher education level (OR = 3.27, p < 0.05) and suffering from dizziness or headache (OR = 2.46, p < 0.05) were risk factors for depressive symptoms; (3)Respectively, 85% of the patients who reported PTSS also experienced depressive symptoms, 16.8% of the patients who reported depressive symptoms presented PTSS. CONCLUSION: In the context of COVID-19, the comorbidity rate of PTSS and depressive symptoms among patients in Fangcang shelters increased with the severity of depressive symptoms.

Design of an Electromagnetic Micro Mirror Driving System for LiDAR.

Electromagnetic micro mirrors are in great demand for light detection and ranging (LiDAR) applications due to their light weight and low power consumption. The driven frequency of electromagnetic micro mirrors is very important to their performance and consumption. An electromagnetic micro mirror system is proposed in this paper. The model of the system was composed of a micro mirror, an integrated piezoresistive (PR) sensor, and a driving circuit was developed. The twisting angle of the mirror edge was monitored by an integrated PR sensor, which provides frequency feedback signals, and the PR sensor has good sensitivity and linearity in testing, with a maximum of 24.45 mV/deg. Stable sinusoidal voltage excitation and frequency tracking was realized via a phase-locked loop (PLL) in the driving circuit, with a frequency error within 10 Hz. Compared with other high-cost solutions using PLL circuits, it has greater advantages in power consumption, cost, and occupied area. The mechanical and piezoresistive properties of micro mirrors were performed in ANSYS 19.2 software. The behavior-level models of devices, circuits, and systems were validated by MATLAB R2023a Simulink, which contributes to the research on the large-angle deflection and low-power-consumption drive of the electromagnetic micro mirror. The maximum optical scan angle reached 37.6° at 4 kHz in the behavior-level model of the micro mirror.

Visual fatigue a comprehensive review of mechanisms of occurrence, animal model design and nutritional intervention strategies.

When the eyes work intensively, it is easy to have eye discomfort such as blurred vision, soreness, dryness, and tearing, that is, visual fatigue. Visual fatigue not only affects work and study efficiency, but long-term visual fatigue can also easily affect physical and mental health. In recent years, with the popularization of electronic products, although it has brought convenience to the office and study, it has also caused more frequent visual fatigue among people who use electronic devices. Moreover, studies have reported that the number of people with visual fatigue is showing a trend of increasing year by year. The range of people involved is also extensive, especially students, people who have been engaged in computer work and fine instruments (such as microscopes) for a long time, and older adults with aging eye function. More and more studies have proposed that supplementation with the proper nutrients can effectively relieve visual fatigue and promote eye health. This review discusses the physiological mechanisms of visual fatigue and the design ideas of animal experiments from the perspective of modern nutritional science. Functional food ingredients with the ability to alleviate visual fatigue are discussed in detail.

Efficacy of CPAP duration and adherence for cognitive improvement in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can impair cognition. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a recommended treatment for OSA but its effectiveness on cognitive improvement is uncertain, a finding which may be biased by various durations and adherence to treatment with CPAP. In a meta-analysis assessing high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we estimated whether or not CPAP benefits cognition in patients with OSA. METHODS: PRISMA criteria were followed in the performance of this meta-analysis. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of six neuropsychological scores covering eight cognitive domains were used to evaluate the benefit between CPAP and non-CPAP interventions. Subgroups of different therapeutic durations and adherence, which were divided into short-term (< 8 weeks) and long-term (≥ 12 weeks) durations, and poor (nighttime < 4 h/night) and good (nighttime ≥ 4 h/night) adherence were also analyzed. RESULTS: Among 16 RCTs, 1529 participants with OSA were included. Comparing the CPAP group and the control group for all treatment durations and adherence, a mild improvement for digit span forward which reflected short-term memory was observed (WMD[95%CI] = 0.67[0.03,1.31], p = 0.04). Trail making test-part B, which reflected executive function was improved for participants with OSA who had good adherence to CPAP (WMD[95%CI] = - 6.24[- 12.60,0.12], p = 0.05). Patients with OSA who received short-term CPAP treatment (WMD[95%CI] = - 7.20[- 12.57, - 1.82], p = 0.009) had a significant improvement in executive function when compared with controls. There was no statistical difference for all scales between long-term (≥ 12 weeks) CPAP treatment group and control group. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of CPAP on cognitive improvement in patients with OSA is limited, although good adherence to CPAP can mildly benefit executive function with short-term effectiveness.

HS-GC-IMS Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds in Different Varieties and Harvesting Times of Rhizoma gastrodiae (Tian Ma) in Yunnan Province.

Headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) was used to investigate the differences in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in four different varieties of Yunnan Huang Tian Ma (containing both winter and spring harvesting times), Yunnan Hong Tian Ma, Yunnan Wu Tian Ma, and Yunnan Lv Tian Ma. The results showed that the flavor substances of different varieties and different harvesting times of Rhizoma gastrodiae were mainly composed of aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, heterocycles, esters, acids, alkenes, hydrocarbons, amines, phenols, ethers, and nitrile. Among them, the contents of the aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, and heterocyclic compounds are significantly higher than those of other substances. The results of cluster analysis and fingerprint similarity analysis based on principal component analysis and Euclidean distance showed that there were some differences between different varieties of Yunnan Rhizoma gastrodiae and different harvesting times. Among them, Yunnan Lv Tian Ma and Wu Tian Ma contained the richest volatile components. Winter may be the best harvesting season for Tian Ma. At the same time, we speculate that the special odor contained in Tian Ma should be related to the aldehydes it is rich in, especially benzene acetaldehyde, Benzaldehyde, Heptanal, Hexanal, Pentanal, and butanal, which are aldehydes that contain a strong and special odor and are formed by the combination of these aldehydes.

Differences in Volatile Organic Compounds in Rhizoma gastrodiae (Tian Ma) of Different Origins Determined by HS-GC-IMS.

Headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to compare the differences in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of Rhizoma gastrodiae (Tian Ma) from six different origins in Yunnan, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Anhui, Hubei, and Guizhou. A total of 161 signal peaks were identified, and 84 compounds were characterized, including 23 aldehydes, 19 alcohols, 12 ketones, 8 heterocyclic compounds, 7 esters, 4 phenols, 4 acids, 4 ethers, 2 amines, and 1 alkane. The results of cluster analysis and fingerprint similarity analysis based on principal component analysis and Euclidean distance indicated that there were significant differences between the volatile components of Rhizoma gastrodiae from different origins. This study demonstrated that HS-GC-IMS is simple, rapid, accurate, and has a small sample size and can achieve rapid analysis of the differences in volatile compounds between samples of different origins of Rhizoma gastrodiae.

Positive airway pressure therapy in heart failure patients comorbid with obstructive sleep apnea: Cardiovascular outcomes and nighttime-duration effect.

BACKGROUND: Comorbidity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and heart failure (HF) is becoming increasingly common. This is a global analysis of positive airway pressure (PAP) efficacy for the cardiovascular outcomes in those HF Patients with comorbid OSA. METHODS: Related randomized controlled trials were included. Analysed indicators covered primary outcomes (cardiac function, motor ability and life quality) and secondary outcomes (blood pressure and OSA-accompanying symptoms). Weighted mean difference was used to analyse the PAP-control difference in different experimental phases and the baseline-post difference in different groups. RESULTS: Compared with control group, PAP was associated with a 3.48% increase in left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) (p < .00001) and little decrease in heart rate (HR) (p = .67). Over 6 h of mean nighttime use was associated with a greater increase in LVEF of 5.21% (p = .0002) and a significant reduction in HR of 3.81 bpm (p = .03). There was no significant difference between PAP and control group in their association with change in motor ability and life quality. Besides, PAP was associated with a 13.08 mm Hg decrease in systolic blood pressure and great improvements in OSA-accompanying symptoms: Apnea-Hypopnea Index, -23.73 e/h; mean oxygen saturation, 1.86%; minimum oxygen saturation, 8.78%; Epworth Sleepiness Scale, -1.39 point; arousal index, -16.41 e/h. There was also no significant difference in diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Positive airway pressure treatment improves cardiac function in HF patients with comorbid OSA, but the improved magnitude is associated with the duration of nighttime use rather than the duration of treatment.

Nickel-Catalyzed 1,1-Dihydrophosphinylation of Nitriles with Phosphine Oxides.

Treatment of phosphine oxides with nitriles usually furnishes 1,2-dihydrophosphinylation products. Herein, we developed a nickel-catalyzed 1,1-dihydrophosphinylation of nitriles with phosphine oxides to access primary amines. This reaction proceeded smoothly under very mild conditions. A series of nitriles and phosphine oxides were compatible with this conversion, and the desired products were obtained in moderate to good yields.

Analytic Gradients for the Long-Range-Corrected XYG3 Type of Doubly Hybrid Density Functionals: Theory, Implementation, and Assessment.

An analytic gradient algorithm for the long-range-corrected (lrc-) XYG3 type of doubly hybrid functionals has been derived and implemented. Due to the introduction of a long-range second-order perturbation (lrPT2) as the correction, the Z-vector equations need to be modified, where the construction of a unique total Lagrangian of the method is required. Geometry optimizations using lrc-XYG3 and lrc-XYGJ-OS have then been applied to the A21 data set that consists of 21 noncovalently interacting systems with CCSD(T) reference data for structures, in order to testify the idea of introducing lrPT2 for a better description of intermolecular interactions. While lrc-XYG3 was observed to offer a better description in dispersion-dominant systems as compared to the XYG3 functional, lrc-XYGJ-OS stands out with an overall better balanced performance in reproducing intermolecular geometries.

Stigmatization related COVID-19 and PTSD among Chinese graduates.

BACKGROUND: Since COVID-19 broke out worldwide, it had caused extensive public health concerns and psychological distress, including PTSD and stigmatization towards recovered patients and people from high-risk areas. However, the association between PTSD, stigmatization and certain related factors have not been confirmed. METHODS: Through cluster random sampling, 946 Chinese graduates were investigated from 5 universities in Shanghai at three months after China lifted its coronavirus lockdown. PTSD symptoms were evaluated with PCL-5. Demographic and disease-related characteristics including stigmatization, educational attainment and working position were collected to assess their association with PTSD. RESULTS: 12.4% graduates were reported significant PTSD symptoms in PCL-5 screening with a cut-off of 33. Graduates with a Master's degree (P = 0.02) or working position like "looking for a job" and "planning to go abroad" (P = 0.038) showed severer stigmatization related to COVID-19. Stigmatization towards both patients recovering from COVID-19 and people from high-risk areas had significant association with PTSD symptoms. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that stigmatization can explain 5% of variation of PCL-5 scores after controlling gender, age, educational attainments and working position. CONCLUSION: Graduates who were looking for jobs or preparing to go abroad showed more stigmatization related to COVID-19. There was a positive correlation between stigma against COVID-19 and PTSD symptoms. More attention should be paid to the mental health status of graduates who are preparing to go abroad or looking for jobs.

Characteristic Volatile Organic Compound Analysis of Different Cistanches Based on HS-GC-IMS.

Cistanche is a medicinal and food homologous substance with a long history of consumption and medicinal use in China. In order to further understand the volatile organic compound differences between different cistanches, this study selected oil cistanche, blood cistanche and cistanche tubulosa in Xinjiang for HS-GC-IMS volatile organic compounds, and established the characteristic fingerprints of different cistanches for organic content and characteristic organic compound analysis. PCA and cluster analysis were used to study the similarity between different cistanches. After qualitative analysis, a total of 32 volatile organic compounds were identified, covering aldehydes (17), ketones (5), furans (1), alcohols (5), lactones (1) and esters (3), and the volatile organic compounds between samples a, b and c could be significantly distinguished, affecting the flavor of cistanche itself. It provides a basic theoretical basis for the study of cistanche flavor.

PTSD Among Shidu Parents in China: The Roles of Personality Types and Social Support.

Background: The psychological problems of Shidu Parents (SDP) under the China's One-Child Policy have been documented. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among personality types, social support, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in SDP. Methods: The PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), The Big Five Personality Traits (NEO), and Social Support Revalued Scale (SSRS) were administered to the sample of 149 SDP who were over 50 years old and had lost their only child more than one year ago. Results: Among SDP, mothers were more likely to develop PTSD than fathers (χ2 = 11.16, p < 0.01). Parents who were extraverted had a lower risk of developing PTSD-related symptoms (χ2 = 8.58, p < 0.01), and the effect of neuroticism was significant (χ2 = 23.73, p < 0.01). The more social support parents utilized, the lower the incidence of PTSD (t = 4.56, p < 0.01). The result of multilevel linear regression showed that sex, neuroticism, and objective social support remained significantly different after combining all personality types and social support systems in the same model. Social support partially mediated the relationship between neuroticism and PTSD. Meanwhile, it was a complete mediator between extraversion and PTSD. Conclusions: Female sex/gender, neuroticism, and introversion were risk factors of developing PTSD, while receiving social support protected SDP from developing PTSD symptoms. Losing an only child is undoubtedly an enormous disaster for the family, which has become a huge, unavoidable social problem that must be addressed in China.

Genetic architecture and adaptation of flowering time among environments.

The genetic basis of flowering time changes across environments, and pleiotropy may limit adaptive evolution of populations in response to local conditions. However, little information is known about how genetic architecture changes among environments. We used genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in Boechera stricta (Graham) Al-Shehbaz, a relative of Arabidopsis, to examine flowering variation among environments and associations with climate conditions in home environments. Also, we used molecular population genetics to search for evidence of historical natural selection. GWAS found 47 significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that influence flowering time in one or more environments, control plastic changes in phenology between experiments, or show associations with climate in sites of origin. Genetic architecture of flowering varied substantially among environments. We found that some pairs of QTLs showed similar patterns of pleiotropy across environments. A large-effect QTL showed molecular signatures of adaptive evolution and is associated with climate in home environments. The derived allele at this locus causes later flowering and predominates in sites with greater water availability. This work shows that GWAS of climate associations and ecologically important traits across diverse environments can be combined with molecular signatures of natural selection to elucidate ecological genetics of adaptive evolution.

RETRACTED: MiR-15a-5p targets FOSL1 to inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of keratinocytes via MAPK/ERK pathway.

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the authors. According to the authors, concerns with the experimental conduct presented in the paper have been identified, in addition to the grounds that that ethical approval was not sought or confirmed for the research undertaken. After a review, the Editor has confirmed approval that this paper should be retracted as it presents a violation of the Journal's publishing policies and publishing ethics standards.