Association of cortical morphology, white matter hyperintensity, and glymphatic function in frontotemporal dementia variants.

INTRODUCTION: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) can be phenotypically divided into behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD), nonfluent variant primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA), and semantic variant PPA (svPPA). However, the neural underpinnings of this phenotypic heterogeneity remain elusive. METHODS: Cortical morphology, white matter hyperintensities (WMH), diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS), and their interrelationships were assessed in subtypes of FTD. Neuroimaging-transcriptional analyses on the regional cortical morphological deviances among subtypes were also performed. RESULTS: Changes in cortical thickness, surface area, gyrification, WMH, and DTI-ALPS were subtype-specific in FTD. The three morphologic indices are related to whole-brain WMH volume and cognitive performance, while cortical thickness is related to DTI-ALPS. Neuroimaging-transcriptional analyses identified key biological pathways linked to the formation and/or spread of TDP-43/tau pathologies. DISCUSSION: We found subtype-specific changes in cortical morphology, WMH, and glymphatic function in FTD. Our findings have the potential to contribute to the development of personalized predictions and treatment strategies for this disorder. HIGHLIGHTS: Cortical morphologic changes, white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and glymphatic dysfunction are subtype-specific. Cortical morphologic changes, WMH, and glymphatic dysfunction are inter-correlated. Cortical morphologic changes and WMH burden contribute to cognitive impairments.

How many adults have sufficient muscle-strengthening exercise and the associated factors: A systematic review consisting of 2,629,508 participants.

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was to (1) estimate the prevalence of adhering to the MSE guidelines (at least 2 times/days a week) among adults; and (2) synthesize evidence on the correlates of adhering to the MSE guidelines. Methods: Five electronic databases were searched (March 2022), with a total of 30 observational studies consisting of 2,629,508 participants meeting the eligibility criteria. A meta-analysis was conducted to pool the prevalence of adhering to the MSE guidelines using the results of 21 eligible studies (study aim 1); and data reporting correlates of adhering to the MSE guidelines using 12 eligible studies were synthesized and categorized based on the Socioecological Model Framework (study aim 2). Results: Overall, 22.8 % (95%CI: 18.18 % ─ 27.77 %) of adults adhered to the MSE guidelines, and 23 potential correlates at five levels were examined. Five variables (i.e., sex, age, education level, socioeconomic status) at the sociodemographic level and two variables (i.e., body mass index, self-rated health) at the physical related level were identified as consistent correlates, but displaying weak to moderate association strengths. Conclusions: Less than a quarter of adults meet the MSE guidelines and multidimensional correlates are associated with the adherence to the guidelines, particularly sociodemographic correlates (e.g., sex, age, and educational level). Findings highlight the need to further promote the importance of engaging in MSE among adults and investing effective interventions that not only provide opportunities for MSE for adults, but also facilitate the development of skills and confidence to engage in MSE.

Efficacy of virtual reality training on motor performance, activity of daily living, and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease: an umbrella review comprising meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: There are several meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrating the benefits of virtual reality (VR) training as an intervention for motor performance, activity of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QoL) outcomes in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the aggregate evidence collected to date has not been thoroughly evaluated for strength, quality, and reproducibility. An umbrella review from published meta-analyses of RCTs was conducted to evaluate the strength and quality of existing evidence regarding the efficacy of VR training in improving the motor performance, ADL and QoL outcomes of patients with PD. METHODS: PubMed, PsychInfo, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched to identify relevant meta-analysis of RCTs examining the effects of VR training on motor performance and quality of life outcomes in PD patients. We recalculated the effect sizes (Hedges'g) for VR training using DerSimonian and Laird (DL) random effects models. We further assessed between-study heterogeneity, prediction interval (PI), publication bias, small-size studies, and whether the results of the observed positive studies were better than would be expected by chance. Based on these calculations, the quality of evidence for each outcome was assessed by using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria. RESULTS: Four meta-analysis with eight outcomes included in the umbrella review was recalculated effect size. Pooled results found VR training can large improve the basic balance ability, moderate improve the overall balance capacity and moderate improve the stride length in PD patients. For ADL and QoL, the effect sizes were pooled that suggested VR training can moderate improve ADL and QoL for PD patients. However, no statistically clear evidence was found in walking speed, motor function and gait function during VR training. The analyzed meta-analyses showed low-to-moderate methodological quality (AMSTAR2) as well as presented evidence of moderate-to-very low quality (GRADE). Tow adverse reactions were reported in the included meta-analyses. CONCLUSIONS: In this umbrella review, a beneficial correlation between VR and balance ability, stride length, ADL and QoL in PD patients was discovered, especially for the very positive effect of VR on balance because of two of the eight outcomes related to balance ability showed large effect size. The observations were accompanied by moderate- to very low-quality rating evidence, supporting VR training as a practical approach to rehabilitation.

Benefits of Exergame Training for Female Patients With Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of exergame training on female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Outcome measurements mainly include overall functioning, pain perception, quality of life, exercise capacity, health perception, kinesiophobia, and fatigue severity. DATA SOURCES: Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) were searched from inception until June 24, 2021. In addition to searches, review the reference lists of relevant papers by hand was also conducted. Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the included studies. STUDY SELECTION: Articles were collected with the following study inclusion criteria: (1) randomized controlled trial (RCT) design; (2) participants were female patients with FMS aged older than 18 years; (3) participants in experimental groups received exergame training using any modality; and (4) outcome measures included overall functioning, quality of life, exercise capacity, health perception, kinesiophobia, and fatigue severity. DATA EXTRACTION: The data were independently extracted by 2 researchers. The extracted data related to the document characteristics (first author, publication year, and country) participant characteristics (number and age of participants in the experimental and control groups), and interventions (intervention content, frequency, and duration, and measurement tools). DATA SYNTHESIS: Nine RCTs including 466 female patients with FMS were included in the analysis. Exergame training had significant positive effects on overall functioning (standardized mean difference [SMD], -0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.77 to 0.27; P<.0001), pain perception (SMD, -0.49; 95% CI, -0.97 to -0.02; P=.04), quality of life (SMD, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.44-1.10; P<.00001), exercise capacity (SMD, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.32-0.84; P<.0001), health perception (SMD, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.38-1.01; P<.0001), and fatigue severity (SMD, -0.97; 95% CI, -1.55 to -0.38; P=.001). However, exergame training did not have significant effects on kinesiophobia (SMD, -1.13; 95% CI, -2.88 to 0.62; P=.21). CONCLUSIONS: Exergame training has beneficial effects on the overall functioning, pain perception, quality of life, exercise capacity, health perception and fatigue severity of female patients with FMS. Exergame training is a potential non-drug therapy for the treatment of patients with FMS.

The impact of sharing physical activity experience on social network sites on residents' social connectedness:a cross-sectional survey during COVID-19 social quarantine.

BACKGROUND: During isolation, sharing physical activity experiences on social network sites (SNS) can enhance individual social connectedness. The objective of the present study was to examine the associations between sharing physical activity experiences on SNS, positive self-presentation, positive feedback, and social connectedness during isolation. METHODS: Based on the Physical Activity Experience Sharing Scale, Social Connectedness Scale, Positive Self-Presentation Scale, and Online Positive Feedback Scale, we collected 460 questionnaires online from across 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China. We used multiple linear regression models to investigate the relationship between variables, and used bootstrapping to test for mediation.. RESULTS: During isolation, sharing physical activity experiences was positively associated with social connectedness (b = 0.308, p < 0.001), as well as with positive self-presentation(b = 0.956, p < 0.001)and positive feedback(b = 0.421, p < 0.001). In addition,we found that positive self-presentation showed a significant positive impact on positive feedback (b = 0.563, p < 0.001), and that positive self-presentation(b = 0.331, p < 0.001) and positive feedback(b = 0.311, p < 0.001) were positively associated with social connectedness. Finally, we found an effect on sharing physical activity experiences indirectly through positive self-presentation (b = 0.316, 95% CI: [0.180, 0.463]),and positive feedback (b = 0.131, 95% CI: [0.063, 0.207]) and that the mediation chain between the two also had a significant impact on social connectedness (b = 0.167, 95% CI: [0.088, 0.251]). CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing physical activity experiences on SNS can create a positive, healthy, and energetic personal image, gain recognition from others, and establish new interpersonal relationships.

Effects of Virtual Reality Training on Upper Limb Function and Balance in Stroke Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality (VR) training is a promising intervention strategy that has been utilized in health care fields like stroke rehabilitation and psychotherapy. Current studies suggest that VR training is effective in improving the locomotor ability of stroke patients. OBJECTIVE: This is the first meta-meta-analysis of the effects of VR on motor function in stroke patients. This study aimed to systematically summarize and quantify the present meta-analyses results of VR training and produce high-quality meta-meta-analysis results to obtain a more accurate prediction. METHODS: We searched 4 online databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure) for meta-analysis studies. After accounting for overlap, 10 studies (accounting for almost 550 stroke patients) were obtained. Based on the meta-meta-analysis of these patients, this study quantified the impact of VR training on stroke patients' motor performance, mainly including upper limb function, balance, and walking ability. We combined the effects under the random effect model and pooled the estimates as standardized mean differences (SMD). RESULTS: The results of the meta-meta-analysis showed that VR training effectively improves upper limb function (SMD 4.606, 95% CI 2.733-6.479, P<.05) and balance (SMD 2.101, 95% CI 0.202-4.000, P<.05) of stroke patients. However, the results showed considerable heterogeneity and thus, may need to be treated with caution. Due to the limited research, a meta-meta-analysis of walking ability was not performed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings represent a comprehensive body of high-quality evidence that VR training is more effective at improving upper limb function and balance of stroke patients.

Effects of Tai Chi on Lower Limb Proprioception in Adults Aged Over 55: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and critically evaluate the effects of Tai Chi on lower limb proprioception in adults older than 55. DATA SOURCES: Seven databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, CNKI) were searched from inception until April 14, 2018. STUDY SELECTION: Eleven randomized controlled trials were included for meta-analysis. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers screened potentially relevant studies based on the inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality of the eligible studies using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). DATA SYNTHESIS: The pooled effect size (standardized mean difference [SMD]) was calculated while the random-effects model was selected. Physiotherapy Evidence Database scores ranged from 5 to 8 points (mean=6.7). The study results showed that Tai Chi had significantly positive effects on lower limb joint proprioception. Effect sizes were moderate to large, including ankle plantar flexion (SMD=-0.55; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], -0.9 to -0.2; P=.002; I2=0%; n=162), dorsiflexion (SMD=-0.75; 95% CI, -1.11 to -0.39; P<.001; I2=0%; n=162), nondominant or left knee flexion (SMD=-0.71; 95% CI, -1.10 to -0.41; P<.001; I2=25.1%; n=266), dominant or right knee flexion (SMD=-0.82; 95% CI, -1.06 to -0.58; P<.001; I2=33.8%; n=464). CONCLUSIONS: There is moderate to strong evidence that suggests that Tai Chi is an effective intervention to maintain and improve lower limb proprioception in adults older than 55. More robust multicenter studies including oldest-old participants, with longer follow-ups and validated outcome measures, are needed before a definitive conclusion is drawn.

Effects of anodic transcranial direct current stimulation combined with physical training on the performance of elite swimmers.

Objective: Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) has been used to improve athletic performance in various populations; however, its role in improving performance in elite athletes is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a-tDCS on athletic performance in elite athletes. Methods: We used a single-blind, randomized controlled experimental design and recruited 24 national-level freestyle swimmers from China. All athletes were randomly divided into two groups; the experimental group underwent a-tDCS (current 2 mA for 20 min) combined with physical training, and the control group underwent a-tDCS sham stimulation combined with physical training. The physical training program was identical in the experimental and control groups. The intervention period was 6 weeks, with five weekly sessions of 110 min each, consisting of 20 min of a-tDCS and 90 min of physical training. Base strength, explosive strength, aerobic endurance, and anaerobic endurance were measured in the athletes before and after the intervention. Results: The results were as follows. 1) Basic strength: There was a significant improvement in 5RM pull-ups in the experimental and control groups before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). 2) Explosive strength: There was a significant improvement in vertical jump and swimming start distance into the water in the experimental and control groups before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). 3) Aerobic endurance: There was no significant improvement in the experimental and control groups before and after the intervention. 4) Anaerobic endurance: There was a significant improvement in 400 m running performance in the experimental and control groups before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Compared to physical training alone, a-tDCS combined with physical training can better improve the athletic performance of high-level swimmers, especially in basic strength, explosive strength, and aerobic endurance.

Efficacy of virtual reality technology interventions for cognitive and mental outcomes in older people with cognitive disorders: An umbrella review comprising meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.

We conducted an umbrella review of virtual reality (VR) technology interventions and cognitive improvement in older adults with cognitive disorders to establish a hierarchy of evidence. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases from database creation to February 2023. We included meta-analyses relevant to our study objectives for the overall review. We assessed the methodological quality according to AMSTAR2, and we used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) method to assess the credibility of the evidence. This overall review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023423063). We identified six meta-analyses that included 12 cognitive outcomes, but only memory (Standardized Mean Difference(SMD) = 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.04 to 0.49), depression (SMD = -1.26, 95% CI: -1.8 to -0.72), and global cognition (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.66) improved through the VR technology intervention. Using the 95% prediction interval (PI) results, we found that VR technology did not significantly affect the cognitive abilities of people with cognitive decline despite increasing the subject size. We conclude that the VR technology intervention improved only specific cognitive abilities.

The mediating role of resilience and interaction anxiousness in the effects of physical activity on mobile phone addiction among Chinese college students.

Background: Recent studies have shown that regular physical activity (PA) can positively influence mobile phone addiction (MPA) behaviors in college students. However, it remains unknown whether this effect is mediated by other factors. Evidence suggests that resilience and interaction anxiousness may be candidate mediators that partly explain the positive effect of PA on MPA. This study aims to explore the impact of PA on MPA through a mediation model, and the role of resilience and interaction anxiousness in this relationship. Methods: The participants were 590 college students (272 males; mean age = 19.67) who completed a psychosocial battery, including the international physical activity questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF), the connor - davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC), the interaction anxiousness scale (IAS), and the mobile phone addiction index (MPAI). Correlations of variables were computed using Pearson's test. Mediation models were tested using SPSSS PROCESS macro with the regression bootstrapping method. Results: PA were negatively associated with MPA behavior (r=-.21, p < 0.01). Resilience and interaction anxiousness moderated the relationship between PA and MPA. More importantly, PA could also influence MPA through the chain-mediating effects of resilience and interaction anxiousness. Conclusion: It is essential to improve resilience and reduce interaction anxiousness to reduce MPA problems through regular engagement in PA among college students.

Exploring the impact of computer game playing on cognitive function, Alzheimer's disease risk, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels: Basic evidence from Mendelian randomization.

Introduction: The potential positive impact of computer game playing on cognitive function and its potential role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been suggested. However, current observational studies have certain limitations. We utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) alongside extensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) data to examine the relationship between computer game playing, cognitive function, risk of AD, and levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Methods: We collected datasets on computer game playing, cognition function, risk of AD, and BDNF level from the IEU Open GWAS project. Causal effects were assessed using various MR methods, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger, simple mode, and weighted mode. To ensure the accuracy of the results, sensitivity analyses were conducted. Results: Our analysis revealed a significant association between computer game playing and cognitive function (ß = 0.801, 95% CI: 0.351, 1.328, P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant association between computer game playing and either BDNF level or risk of AD (ß = -0.112, 95%CI: -1.315, 1.091, P = 0.855; OR = 1.000, 95% CI: 1.004, 0.997, P = 0.891, respectively). We further confirmed the reliability of our evidence through the MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO global test, Cochran's Q test, and funnel plots. Conclusion: The results of our study indicate that engaging in computer game playing may confer a safeguarding influence on cognitive function. This underscores the potential advantages associated with computer gaming. Nevertheless, given the constraints inherent in our research, further investigation is warranted to substantiate our findings and delve into the underlying mechanisms.

A new PHQ-2 for Chinese adolescents: identifying core items of the PHQ-9 by network analysis.

BACKGROUND: The importance of preventing and treating adolescent depression has been gradually recognized in Chinese society, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Early screening is the first step. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a leading scale in the field of depression screening. To improve screening efficiency in large-scale screening, an even shorten scale is desirable. The PHQ-2, which only included two items measuring anhedonia and depressed mood, is an ultra-form of the PHQ-9. However, emerging evidence suggests that there may be a better short form for the PHQ-9, especially for adolescents. Therefore, using two large samples of Chinese adolescents, this study aimed to identify the core items of the PHQ-9 and examine the short form consisting of core items. METHODS: Surveys were conducted among primary and middle school students in two Chinese cities with different economic levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two gender-balanced samples aged 10 to 17 (nSample 1 = 67281, nSample 2 = 16726) were collected. Network analysis was used to identify the core items of the PHQ-9, which were extracted to combine a short version. Reliability, concurrent validity, and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of the short form were examined. Analyses were gender-stratified. RESULTS: Network analysis identified fatigue and depressed mood as core items in the PHQ-9 among Chinese adolescents. Items measuring Fatigue and Mood were combined to be a new PHQ-2 (PHQ-2 N). The PHQ-2 N displayed satisfactory internal consistency and current validity. Taking the PHQ-9 as a reference, the PHQ-2 N showed higher ROC areas and better sensitivity and specificity than the PHQ-2. The optimal cutoff score for the PHQ-2 N was 2 or 3. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue and depressed mood are the central symptoms of the depressive symptom network. The PHQ-2 N has satisfactory psychometric properties and can be used in rapid depression screening among Chinese adolescents.

Runners with better cardiorespiratory fitness had higher prefrontal cortex activity during both single and exercise-executive function dual tasks: an fNIRS study.

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between executive function and prefrontal cortex oxygenation during exercise in young adults with different Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels. Methods: A total of 28 amateur runners (n = 14) and sedentary college students (n = 14) were recruited. The maximum oxygen uptake estimated for the sub-maximal intensity run (4.97 miles/h) was used to indicate the different CRF levels. After 1 week, participants must complete the Stroop and 2-Back tasks in silence while performing moderate-intensity exercise. Using 19-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopic (fNIRS) to examine changes in prefrontal cortex oxyhemoglobin. Results: There was no significant difference in the correctness of the Stroop and 2-Back tasks between the two groups during exercise, but the amateur runner group showed an acceleration in reaction time. fNIRS results showed that during the exercise 2-Back task, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex oxyhemoglobin was higher in the amateur runner group than in the sedentary group. Conclusion: Executive function during exercise was similarly improved in participants with better fitness, suggesting that CRF provides an excellent metabolic reserve and directed allocation for cognitive tasks during exercise.

Cortical and subcortical morphological alterations in postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common postpartum psychiatric disorder, which can negatively affect both mothers and their offspring. Although the functional changes of PPD have been extensively studied, little is known about its structural abnormalities. This study aimed to examine the cortical and subcortical morphological abnormalities in PPD. High resolution T1 structural MRI data of 29 PPD women and 23 matched healthy postpartum women (HPW) were included in this study. Using surface-based morphometry, we examined the differences between the PPD and HPW group in the cortical thickness, local gyrification index and shape changes of deep gray matter nuclei. Compared with the HPW group, women with PPD showed significantly increased cortical thickness in the left superior frontal gyrus, cuneus and right lingual gyrus and fusiform gyrus, which correlated marginally with the EPDS scores of these subjects. In addition, women with PPD showed significant regional inflation in the right pallidum compared with the HPW group. These findings provided further evidence for the structural brain abnormalities in PPD.

Effects of single session transcranial direct current stimulation on aerobic performance and one arm pull-down explosive force of professional rock climbers.

Objective: To explore the effects of single-session transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on aerobic performance and explosive force in the one-arm pull-down of long-term trained rock climbers. Method: Twenty athletes (twelve male and eight female) from the Rock Climbing Team of Hunan province (Hunan, China) were selected for a randomized double-blind crossover study. After baseline tests, All subjects visited laboratories twice to randomly receive either sham or a-tDCS at a current intensity of 2 mA for 20 min. The two visits were more than 72 h apart. Immediately after each stimulation, subjects completed a 9-min 3-level-load aerobic test and a one-arm pull-down test. Results: Differences in the heart rate immediately after 9-min incremental aerobic exercises revealed no statistical significance between each group (p > 0.05). However, the decrease in heart rate per unit time after exercise after real stimulation was significantly better than before stimulation (p < 0.05), and no statistical significance was observed between after sham stimulation and before stimulation (p > 0.05). One-arm pull-down explosive force on both sides after real stimulation was improved by a-tDCS compared with before stimulation, but with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Real stimulation was significantly improved, compared with sham stimulation on the right side (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Single-session tDCS could potentially benefit sports performance in professional athletes.

Association of brain morphology and phenotypic profile in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysm.

Introduction: Studies have found a varying degree of cognitive, psychosocial, and functional impairments in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs), whereas the neural correlates underlying these impairments remain unknown. Methods: To examine the brain morphological alterations and white matter lesions in patients with UIA, we performed a range of structural analyses to examine the brain morphological alterations in patients with UIA compared with healthy controls (HCs). Twenty-one patients with UIA and 23 HCs were prospectively enrolled into this study. Study assessment consisted of a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan with high-resolution T1-weighted and T2-weighted imaging data, a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and laboratory tests including blood inflammatory markers and serum lipids. Brain MRI data were processed for cortical thickness, local gyrification index (LGI), volume and shape of subcortical nuclei, and white matter lesions. Results: Compared to the HCs, patients with UIA showed no significant differences in cortical thickness but decreased LGI values in the right posterior cingulate cortex, retrosplenial cortex, cuneus, and lingual gyrus. In addition, decreased LGI values correlated with decreased MoCA score (r = 0.498, p = 0.021) and increased white matter lesion scores (r = -0.497, p = 0.022). The LGI values were correlated with laboratory values such as inflammatory markers and serum lipids. Patients with UIA also showed significant regional atrophy in bilateral thalami as compared to the HCs. Moreover, the LGI values were significantly correlated with thalamic volume in the HCs (r = 0.4728, p = 0.0227) but not in the patients with UIA (r = 0.11, p = 0.6350). Discussion: The decreased cortical gyrification, increased white matter lesions, and regional thalamic atrophy in patients with UIA might be potential neural correlates of cognitive changes in UIA.

Functional network segregation is associated with higher functional connectivity in endurance runners.

Neuroimaging studies have identified significant differences in brain structure, function, and connectivity between endurance runners and healthy controls. However, the topological organization of large-scale functional brain networks remains unexplored in endurance runners. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data, this study examined the differences in the topological organization of functional networks between endurance runners (n = 22) and healthy controls (n = 20). Endurance runners had significantly higher clustering coefficients in the whole-brain functional network than healthy controls, but the two did not differ regarding the shortest path length or small-world index. Using network-based statistics, we identified one subnetwork in endurance runners with higher functional connectivity than healthy controls, and the mean functional connectivity of the subnetwork significantly correlated with the three aforementioned small-world parameters. In this subnetwork, the mean clustering coefficient of nodes associated with short-range connections was higher in endurance runners than in healthy controls, but the mean clustering coefficient of nodes associated with long-range connections did not differ between the two groups. In conclusion, using graph theoretical approaches, we revealed significant differences in the topological organization of the whole-brain functional network and functional connectivity between endurance runners and healthy controls. The relationship between these two features suggests that a more segregated network may arise from the optimization of the identified subnetwork in endurance runners. These findings are possibly the neural basis underlying the good performance of endurance runners in endurance running.

Smart Mechanoluminescent Phosphors: A Review of Strontium-Aluminate-Based Materials, Properties, and Their Advanced Application Technologies.

Mechanoluminescence, a smart luminescence phenomenon in which light energy is directly produced by a mechanical force, has recently received significant attention because of its important applications in fields such as visible strain sensing and structural health monitoring. Up to present, hundreds of inorganic and organic mechanoluminescent smart materials have been discovered and studied. Among them, strontium-aluminate-based materials are an important class of inorganic mechanoluminescent materials for fundamental research and practical applications attributed to their extremely low force/pressure threshold of mechanoluminescence, efficient photoluminescence, persistent afterglow, and a relatively low synthesis cost. This paper presents a systematic and comprehensive review of strontium-aluminate-based luminescent materials' mechanoluminescence phenomena, mechanisms, material synthesis techniques, and related applications. Besides of summarizing the early and the latest research on this material system, an outlook is provided on its environmental, energy issue and future applications in smart wearable devices, advanced energy-saving lighting and displays.

Different types of screen-based sedentary time and anxiety in adolescents: Video games may be more important.

Aim: Evidence demonstrates the negative impact of excessive screen-based sedentary time (screen-based sedentary behavior; SSB) on mental health in adolescents. However, little is known regarding the associations between different types of SSBs and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. Thus, this study sought to explore the associations between different types of SSBs and anxiety symptoms in a sample of Chinese adolescents. Methods: A web-based questionnaire survey was used to collect data. In total, 1,998 study participants conveniently recruited in Guangdong Province completed the questionnaire. Of them, 1,331 study participants provided valid data for variables of interest. SSB was categorized into television/movie time, video game time, and internet-surfing time. Anxiety symptoms were assessed using Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, a validated assessment in Chinese youth populations. Generalized linear models were used to explore the associations between different types of SSBs and anxiety symptoms. Results: In adolescents, video game time of 6 or more h was positively and significantly associated with anxiety symptoms (odds ratio = 5.25, 95% CI: 1.86-14.84, p < 0.01). This association was also observed specifically in boys (odds ratio = 5.12, 95% CI: 1.56-17.44, p < 0.05); however, in girls, there were no associations between different types of SSBs and anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: Interventions aiming at reducing video games in adolescents, especially in boys, should be designed to prevent anxiety symptoms. This kind of intervention should also take sex differences into consideration. Future studies are encouraged to confirm the veracity of the findings in this study.

The effect of foot orthoses for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This research quantitatively studied the benefits of foot orthoses for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) from five aspects: pain intensity, knee function, sport and recreation function, knee symptoms, and knee related quality of life. Data sources: Potential articles were retrieved using five electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang). The search period was from inception to October 17, 2021. Review methods: Two researchers independently completed record retrieval and selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects model or fixed-effect model and a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Data from six randomized controlled trials (RCT) meeting the inclusion criteria were extracted for meta-analysis with methodological quality assessment scores ranging from seven to ten. Results: Results showed that compared to the control group, foot orthoses can significantly improve knee function (SMD = -0.45[-0.74, -0.16], P = 0.002, I 2 = 0%), and improve sport and recreation function (SMD = -0.54[-1.04, -0.03], P = 0.04, I 2 = 0%). But the foot orthoses had no significant effect in pain intensity (SMD = -0.01[-0.32, 0.30], P = 0.95, I 2 = 64), knee injury symptoms (SMD = -0.36[-0.86, 0.14], P = 0.16, I 2 = 0%), and knee related quality of life (SMD = -0.45[-0.95, 0.05], P = 0.08, I 2 = 0%).Subgroup analysis of pain intensity showed that foot orthoses had some effect compared to flat/soft inserts (SMD = -0.28[-0.57, 0.00], P = 0.05, I 2 = 0%). The effect of other treatments (physiotherapy and gait retraining) was significantly better than that of foot orthoses (SMD = 0.45[0.09, 0.80], P = 0.01, I 2 = 46%). Compared with exercise alone, the effect of foot orthoses combined with exercise was more significant (SMD = -0.98[-1.64, -0.32], P = 0.004). Conclusion: The findings suggested that foot orthoses significantly improved knee function and sport and recreation function in patients with PFPS, but had no significant effect on pain intensity, knee injury symptoms, and knee related quality of life. This study supported the positive therapeutic effect of foot orthoses on PFPS.