Resting state functional connectome in breast cancer patients with fear of cancer recurrence.

This study aimed to investigate network-level brain functional changes in breast cancer patients and their relationship with fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). Resting-state functional MRI was collected from 43 patients with breast cancer and 40 healthy controls (HCs). Graph theory analyses, whole-brain voxel-wise functional connectivity strength (FCS) analyses and seed-based functional connectivity (FC) analyses were performed to identify connection alterations in breast cancer patients. Correlations between brain functional connections (i.e. FCS and FC) and FCR level were assessed to further reveal the neural mechanisms of FCR in breast cancer patients. Graph theory analyses indicated a decreased clustering coefficient in breast cancer patients compared to HCs (P = 0.04). Patients with breast cancer exhibited significantly higher FCS in both higher-order function networks (frontoparietal, default mode, and dorsal attention systems) and primary somatomotor networks. Among the hyperconnected regions in breast cancer, the left inferior frontal operculum demonstrated a significant positive correlation with FCR. Our findings suggest that breast cancer patients exhibit less segregation of brain function, and the left inferior frontal operculum is a key region associated with FCR. This study offers insights into the neural mechanisms of FCR in breast cancer patients at the level of brain connectome.

Genome-wide association study for seedling heat tolerance under two temperature conditions in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

BACKGROUND: As the greenhouse effect intensifies, global temperatures are steadily increasing, posing a challenge to bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. It is imperative to comprehend the mechanism of high temperature tolerance in wheat and implement breeding programs to identify and develop heat-tolerant wheat germplasm and cultivars. RESULTS: To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to heat stress tolerance (HST) at seedling stage in wheat, a panel of 253 wheat accessions which were re-sequenced used to conduct genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using the factored spectrally transformed linear mixed models (FaST-LMM). For most accessions, the growth of seedlings was found to be inhibited under heat stress. Analysis of the phenotypic data revealed that under heat stress conditions, the main root length, total root length, and shoot length of seedlings decreased by 47.46%, 49.29%, and 15.19%, respectively, compared to those in normal conditions. However, 17 varieties were identified as heat stress tolerant germplasm. Through GWAS analysis, a total of 115 QTLs were detected under both heat stress and normal conditions. Furthermore, 15 stable QTL-clusters associated with heat response were identified. By combining gene expression, haplotype analysis, and gene annotation information within the physical intervals of the 15 QTL-clusters, two novel candidate genes, TraesCS4B03G0152700/TaWRKY74-B and TraesCS4B03G0501400/TaSnRK3.15-B, were responsive to temperature and identified as potential regulators of HST in wheat at the seedling stage. CONCLUSIONS: This study conducted a detailed genetic analysis and successfully identified two genes potentially associated with HST in wheat at the seedling stage, laying a foundation to further dissect the regulatory mechanism underlying HST in wheat under high temperature conditions. Our finding could serve as genomic landmarks for wheat breeding aimed at improving adaptation to heat stress in the face of climate change.

Revisiting an old relationship: the causal associations of the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio with cardiometabolic diseases and relative risk factors-a mendelian randomization analysis.

BACKGROUND: It has been confirmed that the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is closely associated with the incidence of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD). However, due to uncontrolled confounding factors in observational studies, the causal relationship of this association remains unclear. METHODS: In this study, we extracted the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and data on CMD and its associated risk factors from the largest European Genome-Wide Association Study. The purpose was to conduct Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis. The causal relationship between the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and CMD was evaluated using both univariable and multivariable MR analyses. Furthermore, bidirectional MR analysis was performed to estimate the causal relationship between the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and risk factors for CMD. The final verification confirmed whether the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio exhibits a mediating effect in CMD and related risk factors. RESULTS: In terms of CMD, a noteworthy correlation was observed between the increase in the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and various CMD, including ischemic heart disease, major adverse cardiovascular events, aortic aneurysm, cerebral ischemic disease and so on (all PFDR<0.05). Meanwhile, the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio was significantly associated with CMD risk factors, such as hemoglobin A1c, fasting insulin levels, waist-to-hip ratio, sedentary behavior, and various others, demonstrating a notable causal relationship (all PFDR<0.05). Additionally, the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio played a mediating role in CMD and relative risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: This MR study provides evidence supporting the significant causal relationship between the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and CMD and its risk factors. Moreover, it demonstrates the mediating effect of the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio in CMD and its risk factors. These findings suggest that the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio may serve as a potential indicator for identifying the risk of developing CMD in participants.

Phase I, first-in-human study of XTR004, a novel 18F-labeled tracer for myocardial perfusion PET: Biodistribution, radiation dosimetry, pharmacokinetics, and safety after a single injection at rest.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the imaging characteristics, pharmacokinetics and safety of XTR004, a novel 18F-labeled Positron Emission Tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging tracer, after a single injection at rest in humans. METHODS: Eleven healthy subjects (eight men and three women) received intravenous XTR004 (239-290 megabecquerel [MBq]). Safety profiles were monitored on the dosing day and three follow-up visits. Multiple whole-body PET scans were conducted over 4.7 h to evaluate biodistribution and radiation dosimetry. Blood and urine samples collected for 7.25 h were metabolically corrected to characterize pharmacokinetics. RESULTS: In the first 0-12 min PET images of ten subjects, liver (26.81 ± 4.01), kidney (11.43 ± 2.49), lung (6.75 ± 1.76), myocardium (4.72 ± 0.67) and spleen (3.1 ± 0.84) exhibited the highest percentage of the injected dose (%ID). Myocardial uptake of XTR004 in the myocardium initially reached 4.72 %ID and 7.06 g/mL, and negligibly changed within an hour (Δ: 7.20%, 5.95%). The metabolically corrected plasma peaked at 2.5 min (0.0013896 %ID/g) and halved at 45.2 min. Whole-body effective dose was 0.0165 millisievert (mSv)/MBq. Cumulative urine excretion was 8.18%. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in seven out of eleven subjects (63.6%), but no severe adverse event was reported. CONCLUSIONS: XTR004 demonstrated a favorable safety profile, rapid, high, and stable myocardial uptake and excellent potential for PET myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). Further exploration of XTR004 PET MPI for detecting myocardial ischemia is warranted.

Associations of physical activity intensity, frequency, duration, and volume with the incidence of sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults: a 4-year longitudinal study in China.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) plays an important role in the process of several chronic diseases. It may be also associated with the incidence of sarcopenia. This study aimed to determine the association of PA from different components including frequency, duration, intensity, and volume with the incidence of sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults. METHODS: This study used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2011 and 2015. A total of 3,760 individuals aged ≥ 40 years were involved in this study. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using muscle mass, strength and physical performance according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. PA information including frequency, duration, intensity, and volume was obtained by a self-reported questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the association between PA and the incidence of sarcopenia at 4-year follow-up. RESULTS: The incidence of sarcopenia was 5.9% during the 4-year follow-up. Compared to sedentary individuals, those taking 1-2 days or more per week, or a minimum of 10 min each time on vigorous-intensity PA (VPA) had a lower incidence of sarcopenia. Adults spending 3 days or more each week, a minimum of 30 min each time, or 150 min or more per week on moderate-intensity PA (MPA) had a lower presence of sarcopenia than sedentary adults. Adults taking 3 days or more per week, at least 30 min each time, or 150 min or more each week on light-intensity PA (LPA) tended to have a lower incidence of sarcopenia than sedentary individuals. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings after removing persons with hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the frequency, duration, and volume of VPA or MPA are negatively associated with the presence of sarcopenia. Participation in LPA tends to have a lower incidence of sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults.

Relationship between first trimester physical activity and premature rupture of membranes: a birth cohort study in Chinese women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine prospective associations of different intensity levels and types of physical activity (PA) in early pregnancy with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) among Chinese pregnant women. METHODS: A total of 6284 pregnant women were included from the Tongji-Shuangliu Birth Cohort. Household/caregiving, occupational, sports/exercise and transportation activities during early pregnancy were investigated by the pregnancy physical activity questionnaire (PPAQ), and the diagnosis of PROM was ascertained during the whole pregnancy. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the associations between PA and PROM. RESULTS: Among the 6284 pregnant women, 1246 were identified to have PROM (19.8%). Women undertaking the highest level (3 third tertile) of PA during pregnancy appeared to have a lower risk of PROM [OR = 0.68, 95%CI 0.58-0.80) when compared to those at the lowest tertile of PA. Similarly, women with increased levels of light intensity activity, moderate-vigorous intensive, household/caregiving activity and meeting exercise guidelines during pregnancy were associated with reduced risks of PROM (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.59-0.81, OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.60-0.82, OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.53-0.73 and OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.70-0.97, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: High levels of PA of different intensities and PA of household/caregiving activities and meeting exercise guidelines during the first trimester were associated with a lower incidence of PROM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The data of human participants in this study were conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China ([2017] No. S225). All participants provided written informed consent prior to enrollment. A statement to confirm that all methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations.

The Modulation of Phospho-Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase and Phospho-Protein Kinase B Signaling Pathways plus Activity of Macrophage-Stimulating Protein Contribute to the Protective Effect of Stachydrine on Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury.

Stachydrine, a prominent bioactive alkaloid derived from Leonurus heterophyllus, is a significant herb in traditional medicine. It has been noted for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. Consequently, we conducted a study of its hepatoprotective effect and the fundamental mechanisms involved in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury, utilizing a mouse model. Mice were intraperitoneally administered a hepatotoxic dose of APAP (300 mg/kg). Thirty minutes after APAP administration, mice were treated with different concentrations of stachydrine (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg). Animals were sacrificed 16 h after APAP injection for serum and liver tissue assays. APAP overdose significantly elevated the serum alanine transferase levels, hepatic pro-inflammatory cytokines, malondialdehyde activity, phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phospho-protein kinase B (AKT), and macrophage-stimulating protein expression. Stachydrine treatment significantly decreased these parameters in mice with APAP-induced liver damage. Our results suggest that stachydrine may be a promising beneficial target in the prevention of APAP-induced liver damage through attenuation of the inflammatory response, inhibition of the ERK and AKT pathways, and expression of macrophage-stimulating proteins.

Distinctive plastome evolution in carnivorous angiosperms.

BACKGROUND: Independent origins of carnivory in multiple angiosperm families are fabulous examples of convergent evolution using a diverse array of life forms and habitats. Previous studies have indicated that carnivorous plants have distinct evolutionary trajectories of plastid genome (plastome) compared to their non-carnivorous relatives, yet the extent and general characteristics remain elusive. RESULTS: We compared plastomes from 9 out of 13 carnivorous families and their non-carnivorous relatives to assess carnivory-associated evolutionary patterns. We identified inversions in all sampled Droseraceae species and four species of Utricularia, Pinguicula, Darlingtonia and Triphyophyllum. A few carnivores showed distinct shifts in inverted repeat boundaries and the overall repeat contents. Many ndh genes, along with some other genes, were independently lost in several carnivorous lineages. We detected significant substitution rate variations in most sampled carnivorous lineages. A significant overall substitution rate acceleration characterizes the two largest carnivorous lineages of Droseraceae and Lentibulariaceae. We also observe moderate substitution rates acceleration in many genes of Cephalotus follicularis, Roridula gorgonias, and Drosophyllum lusitanicum. However, only a few genes exhibit significant relaxed selection. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the carnivory of plants have different effects on plastome evolution across carnivorous lineages. The complex mechanism under carnivorous habitats may have resulted in distinctive plastome evolution with conserved plastome in the Brocchinia hechtioides to strongly reconfigured plastomes structures in Droseraceae. Organic carbon obtained from prey and the efficiency of utilizing prey-derived nutrients might constitute possible explanation.

Whole-genome resequencing reveals complex effects of geographical-palaeoclimatic interactions on diversification of moustache toads in East Asia.

Geographical features and palaeoclimatic fluctuations are two classical evolutionary forces that shape genetic diversification within species. Fine-grained analysis of the mechanisms involved through population demographic processes, however, remains limited. Taking advantage of two recently published reference genomes, we resequenced the genomes and examined the evolutionary history of the moustache toads, a group endemic to East Asia where complex topography and fluctuating palaeoclimate are known to have had profound impacts on organisms. Moustache toads probably originated in southeast Yunnan, China, and diversified towards the northwestern of Yunnan, as well as central and eastern China. Further exploration based on three widespread species (Leptobrachium ailaonicum, L. boringii and L. liui) using demographic modelling and species distribution models revealed that mountains and river valleys in East Asia not only functioned as geographical barriers, but also provided dispersal corridors and facilitated continuous migration or post-glacial secondary contact among moustache toad populations. Furthermore, periodic oscillation of effective population sizes accompanying fluctuations of historical temperature and population contraction at the Last Glacial Maximum support the widespread impact of climatic changes of the Pleistocene on species diversification in East Asia. This impact was moderate for populations of L. ailaonicum and L. boringii in the southwestern mountains but severe for populations of L. liui in the eastern lowland regions of continental East Asia, which is supported by different degrees of change of their effective population sizes. Our findings reveal mechanisms underlying genetic diversification among moustache toads, and highlight the power of genomic data and demographic modelling for examining complex historical population-level processes and for understanding how geographical and palaeoclimatic factors interactively shape current intraspecific diversity.

Genetic dissection of grain morphology and yield components in a wheat line with defective grain filling.

KEY MESSAGE: We identified stable QTL for grain morphology and yield component traits in a wheat defective grain filling line and validated genetic effects in a panel of cultivars using breeding-relevant markers. Grain filling capacity is essential for grain yield and appearance quality in cereal crops. Identification of genetic loci for grain filling is important for wheat improvement. However, there are few genetic studies on grain filling in wheat. Here, a defective grain filling (DGF) line wdgf1 characterized by shrunken grains was identified in a population derived from multi-round crosses involving nine parents and a recombinant inbreed line (RIL) population was generated from the cross between wdgf1 and a sister line with normal grains. We constructed a genetic map of the RIL population using the wheat 15K single nucleotide polymorphism chip and detected 25 stable quantitative trait loci (QTL) for grain morphology and yield components, including three for DGF, eleven for grain size, six for thousand grain weight, three for grain number per spike and two for spike number per m2. Among them, QDGF.caas-7A is co-located with QTGW.caas-7A and can explain 39.4-64.6% of the phenotypic variances, indicating that this QTL is a major locus controlling DGF. Sequencing and linkage mapping showed that TaSus2-2B and Rht-B1 were candidate genes for QTGW.caas-2B and the QTL cluster (QTGW.caas-4B, QGNS.caas-4B, and QSN.caas-4B), respectively. We developed kompetitive allele-specific PCR markers tightly linked to the stable QTL without corresponding to known yield-related genes, and validated their genetic effects in a diverse panel of wheat cultivars. These findings not only lay a solid foundation for genetic dissection underlying grain filling and yield formation, but also provide useful tools for marker-assisted breeding.

Predictors for delayed awakening in adult glioma patients receiving awake craniotomy under monitored anesthesia care.

PURPOSE: Delayed awakening after anesthetic discontinuation during awake craniotomy is associated with somnolence during functional brain mapping. However, predictors of delayed awakening in patients receiving monitored anesthesia care for awake craniotomy are unknown. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 117 adult patients with supratentorial glioma in or near eloquent areas who received monitored anesthesia care for awake craniotomy between July 2020 and January 2023 at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. These patients were divided into two groups according to their time to awakening (ability to speak their names) after propofol cessation: longer or shorter than 20 min (median duration). Because propofol was solely used anesthetic from skin incision to dural opening, parameters in Schnider model for propofol target-controlled infusion, such as age, sex, and BMI, were adjusted or propensity-matched to compare their anesthetic, surgical, and histopathological profiles. RESULTS: After propensity-matched comparisons of age and BMI, significant predictors of delayed awakening included IDH1 wild-type tumors and repeated craniotomies. Subgroup analysis revealed that older age and larger T2 volume were predictors in patients undergoing the first craniotomy, while lower preoperative Karnofsky performance scale scores and depression were predictors in repeated craniotomy cases. Delayed awakening was also associated with somnolence and a lower gross total resection rate. CONCLUSION: Our retrospective analysis of patients receiving monitored anesthesia care for awake craniotomy revealed that delayed awakening after propofol discontinuation occurred more often in patients with IDH1 wild-type tumors and repeated craniotomies. Also, delayed awakening was associated with somnolence during functional mapping and a lower gross total resection rate.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with heart failure of different left ventricular ejection fractions.

PURPOSES: The prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is high in patients with heart failure (HF), while the prevalence of SDB in HF with different left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF) has rarely been reported. We aimed to explore the prevalence and clinical characteristics of SDB in patients with HF having different LVEF. METHODS: Patients with stable HF were consecutively enrolled. All patients underwent portable overnight cardiorespiratory polygraphy and echocardiography. According to their LVEF, the patients were divided into the HFrEF (HF with reduced EF, EF < 40%), HFmrEF (HF with mid-range EF, 40 ≤ EF < 50), and HFpEF groups (HF with preserved EF, EF ≥ 50%). The prevalence and clinical data of SDB among the 3 groups were then compared. RESULTS: A total of 252 patients, including 134 men, were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of SDB in patients with HF was 70%. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was diagnosed in 48% and central sleep apnea (CSA) in 22%. The prevalence of SDB in the HFrEE, HFmrEF, and HFpEF groups was 86%, 86%, and 62%, respectively (P = 0.001). The prevalence of OSA among the 3 groups was 42%, 47%, and 49%, respectively (P = 0.708), while the prevalence of CSA among the 3 groups was 44%, 40%, and 13% (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age and BMI were independent risk factors for OSA in patients with HF, while LVEF and smoking were independent risk factors for CSA in patients with HF. Correlational analyses revealed that LVEF was negatively correlated with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (r = -0.309, P < 0.001) and central apnea index (CAI) ( r = -0.558, P < 0.001), while there was no significant correlation with obstructive apnea index (OAI). The ROC curve revealed that LVEF could predict the occurrence of CSA and SDB, with AUC = 0.683 (95%CI 0.600-0.767, P < 0.001) and AUC = 0.630 (95%CI 0.559-0.702, P = 0.001), but not of OSA. CONCLUSIONS: SDB was highly common in HF, and the prevalence of SDB was different in HF with different LVEF, mainly due to the difference in cardiac functions. The prevalence and severity of SDB in HFrEF and HFmrEF were significantly higher than those in HFpEF, which was mainly related to the increase in CSA. When HFmrEF was similar to HFrEF in cardiac functions, the prevalence, type, and severity of SDB were similar between the two groups. Changes in LVEF had a significant impact on CAI, but not on OAI. LVEF can predict the occurrence of CSA and SDB to a certain extent.

Exploring the aging process of cognitively healthy adults by analyzing cerebrospinal fluid metabolomics using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND: During biological aging, significant metabolic dysregulation in the central nervous system may lead to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. However, the metabolomics of the aging process in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has not been thoroughly explored. METHODS: In this cohort study of CSF metabolomics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), fasting CSF samples collected from 92 cognitively unimpaired adults aged 20-87 years without obesity or diabetes were analyzed. RESULTS: We identified 37 metabolites in these CSF samples with significant positive correlations with aging, including cysteine, pantothenic acid, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), aspartic acid, and glutamate; and two metabolites with negative correlations, asparagine and glycerophosphocholine. The combined alterations of asparagine, cysteine, glycerophosphocholine, pantothenic acid, sucrose, and 5-HIAA showed a superior correlation with aging (AUC = 0.982). These age-correlated changes in CSF metabolites might reflect blood-brain barrier breakdown, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the aging brain. We also found sex differences in CSF metabolites with higher levels of taurine and 5-HIAA in women using propensity-matched comparison. CONCLUSIONS: Our LC-MS metabolomics of the aging process in a Taiwanese population revealed several significantly altered CSF metabolites during aging and between the sexes. These metabolic alterations in CSF might provide clues for healthy brain aging and deserve further exploration.

Analysis and Comparison of the Malignant Thyroid Nodules Not Recommended for Biopsy in ACR TIRADS and AI TIRADS With a Large Sample of Surgical Series.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the artificial intelligence-based Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (AI TIRADS) would perform better than the American College of Radiology (ACR) TIRADS in monitoring malignant thyroid nodules not recommended for biopsy using follow-up thresholds. METHODS: A total of 3499 thyroid nodules with surgical histopathology and ultrasound features were retrospectively reviewed and categorized using ACR TIRADS and AI TIRADS. The recommendations for biopsy and follow-up divided nodules into three groups 1) fine needle aspiration (FNA), 2) follow-up ultrasound, and 3) no further evaluation. RESULTS: Of the total 1608 malignant nodules in this study, 974 malignant nodules would not be biopsied in ACR TIRADS compared with 967 in AI TIRADS. While 60.0% (584/974) of these non-biopsied malignancies could be followed-up by ultrasound in ACR TIRADS and 62.8% (607/967) in AI TIRADS. For the malignancies of no further evaluation, 97.4% (380/390) were sized <10 mm in ACR TIRADS and 93.3% (336/360) in AI TIRADS. Compared with ACR TIRADS, AI TIRADS had lower unnecessary FNA rate and missing cancer rate (41.0% vs 47.8% and 22.8% vs 27.5%, P < .05, respectively) while having higher specificity and AUC as well as lower sensitivity (65.0% vs 57.9%, 0.895 vs 0.881, and 96.1% vs 97.8%, all P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Using the follow-up thresholds, more than half of the malignancies not being biopsied were monitored by ultrasound in both ACR TIRADS and AI TIRADS, and AI TIRADS had lower missing cancer rate. More than 90% of malignancies recommended for no further evaluation were <10 mm in diameter.

Electronic Properties and CO2-Selective Adsorption of (NiB)n (n = 1~10) Clusters: A Density Functional Theory Study.

In this study, we investigated the electronic properties and selective adsorption for CO2 of nickel boride clusters (NiB)n, (n = 1~10) using the first principles method. We optimized the structures of the clusters and analyzed their stability based on binding energy per atom. It was observed that (NiB)n clusters adopt 3D geometries from n = 4, which were more stable compared to the plane clusters. The vertical electron affinity, vertical ionization energy, chemical potential, and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) gap were calculated. Our results revealed that (NiB)6 and (NiB)10, with high chemical potential, exhibit a higher affinity for CO2 adsorption due to a charge delivery channel that forms along the Ni→B→CO2 path. Notably, (NiB)10 demonstrated a more practical CO2 desorption temperature, as well as a broader window for the selective adsorption of CO2 over N2. The density of states analysis showed that the enhanced CO2 adsorption on (NiB)10 can be attributed to the synergistic effect between Ni and B, which provides more active sites for CO2 adsorption and promotes the electron transfer from the surface to the CO2 molecule. Our theoretical results imply that (NiB)10 should be a promising candidate for CO2 capture.

Chemical Variation and Environmental Influence on Essential Oil of Cinnamomum camphora.

Cinnamomum camphora is a traditional aromatic plant used to produce linalool and borneol flavors in southern China; however, its leaves also contain many other unutilized essential oils. Herein, we report geographic relationships for the yield and compositional diversity of C. camphora essential oils. The essential oils of 974 individual trees from 35 populations in 13 provinces were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection, respectively. Oil yields ranged from 0.01% to 3.46%, with a significantly positive correlation with latitude and a significantly negative correlation with longitude. In total, 41 compounds were identified, including 15 monoterpenoids, 24 sesquiterpenoids, and two phenylpropanoids. Essential oil compositions varied significantly among individuals and could be categorized into various chemotypes. The six main chemotypes were eucalyptol, nerolidol, camphor, linalool, selina, and mixed types. The other 17 individual plants were chemotypically rare and exhibited high levels of methyl isoeugenol, methyl eugenol, δ-selinene, or borneol. Eucalyptol-type plants had the highest average oil yield of 1.64%, followed in decreasing order by linalool-, camphor-, mixed-, selina-, and nerolidol-type plants. In addition, the five main compounds exhibited a clear geographic gradient. Eucalyptol and linalool showed a significantly positive correlation with latitude, while selina-6-en-4-ol was significantly and negatively correlated with latitude. trans-Nerolidol and selina-6-en-4-ol showed significantly positive correlations with longitude, whereas camphor was significantly and negatively correlated with longitude. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that environmental factors could strong effect the oil yield and essential oil profile of C. camphora.

Variations in Essential Oils from the Leaves of Cinnamomum bodinieri in China.

Cinnamomum plants are rich in natural essential oils, which are widely used as materials in the fragrance, insecticidal, antibacterial agent, pharmaceutical, and food industries; however, few studies have investigated the essential oil components of Cinnamomum bodinieri. Therefore, this study investigated the diversity of essential oils from the leaves of 885 individual C. bodinieri plants across 32 populations in five provinces. Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation, and then qualitative and quantitative analyses of the compounds were performed by GC-MS and GC-FID. A total of 87 chemical constituents were identified in the essential oils, including 33 monoterpenes, 48 sesquiterpenes, and six other compounds. The average oil yield was 0.75%, and individual oil yields ranged from 0.01% to 4.28%. A total of 16 chemotypes were classified according to variations in the essential oil chemical constituents of C. bodinieri, among which the camphor-type, citral-type, and eucalyptol-type were dominant. Moreover, the borneol-type, cymol-type, elemol-type, methylisoeugenol-type, and selina-6-en-4-ol-type were reported in C. bodinieri for the first time. The yield and principal components of the essential oils were mainly affected by altitude, temperature, and sunshine duration, among which altitude had the most significant effect; thus, low-altitude areas are more suitable for the synthesis and accumulation of essential oils. Based on the different characteristics of the essential oils in the leaves of C. bodinieri, several excellent populations and individuals were identified in this study. Moreover, the findings provide a foundation for breeding superior varieties and studying essential oil biosynthesis mechanisms in the future.

Perineal wound complications after vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap and mesh closure following abdominoperineal surgery and pelvic exenteration of anal and rectal cancers: A meta-analysis.

A meta-analysis research was implemented to appraise the perineal wound complications (PWCs) after vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap and mesh closure (MC) following abdominoperineal surgery (AS) and pelvic exenteration (PE) of anal and rectal cancers. Inclusive literature research till April 2023 was done and 2008 interconnected researches were revised. Of the 20 picked researches, enclosed 2972 AS and PE of anal and rectal cancers persons were in the utilized researchers' starting point, 1216 of them were utilizing VRAM flap, and 1756 were primary closure (PC). Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to appraise the consequence of VRAM flap in treating AS and PE of anal and rectal cancers by the dichotomous approach and a fixed or random model. VRAM flap had significantly lower PWCs (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.42-0.98, p < 0.001), and major PWCs (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.32-0.80, p = 0.004) compared to PC in AS and PE of anal and rectal cancers persons. However, VRAM flap and PC had no significant difference in minor PWCs (OR, 1; 95% CI, 0.54-1.85, p = 1.00) in AS and PE of anal and rectal cancer persons. VRAM flap had significantly lower PWCs, and major PWCs, however, no significant difference was found in minor PWCs compared to PC in AS and PE of anal and rectal cancers persons. However, caution needs to be taken when interacting with its values since there was a low sample size of most of the chosen research found for the comparisons in the meta-analysis.

Use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation to Alleviate Thirst After Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: This prospective study investigated the preventive effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for postoperative thirst. DESIGN: This experimental study was conducted with the CONSORT checklist. METHODS: A total of 105 surgical patients who received general anesthesia were recruited from a medical center. Each patient was randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 53; 20 min of TENS) or the control group (n = 52; routine care). In each group, oral moisture wetness was measured at 1 min, 20 min, and 50 min post-surgery. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test, t test, one-way ANOVA, and generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression analysis) were performed to assess the proposed relationships. FINDINGS: The two groups showed similar characteristics at baseline. The oral moisture wetness was significantly higher in the experimental group than the control group at each post-surgery assessment time (all P < .001). The GEE results showed that patients in the experimental group reported more oral moisture wetness than patients in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that TENS can reduce thirst reported by patients after general anesthesia. Thus, this method may have clinical applications for managing postoperative thirst.

[Core connotation of compatibility of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma herb pair under physiological/ pathological conditions based on metabolomics and network pharmacology].

This study aims to explore the core connotation of the compatibility of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata(Fuzi)-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(Gancao) herb pair under physiological and pathological conditions. The biochemical indicators of serum/myocardial tissue, pathological changes of the myocardial tissue, and serum metabolic profiles of normal rats and heart failure model rats treated with Fuzi Decoction and Fuzi Gancao Decoction were determined. Network pharmacology and metabolomics were employed to establish the metabolite-target-pathway network for Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in enhancing the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Western blotting was employed to verify the representative pathways in the network. The results showed that both decoctions lowered the levels of creatine kinase and other indicators and mitigate myocardial pathological injury in model rats. However, they caused the abnormal rises in creatine kinase and other indicators and myocardial pathological injury in normal rats. The results indicated that the compatibility reduced the toxicity in normal rats and enhanced the efficacy in model rats. The results of metabolomics showed that Fuzi Gancao Decoction recovered more metabolites in model rats and had weaker effect on interfe-ring with the metabolites in normal rats than Fuzi Decoction. The association analysis showed that the network of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma enhancing the efficacy of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata involved 112 metabolites, 89 targets, and 15 pathways, including calcium and cAMP signaling pathways. The network of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma reducing the cardiotoxicity of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata involved 36 metabolites, 59 targets, and 11 pathways, including adrenergic signaling and tricarboxylic acid cycle in cardiomyocytes. The experimental results of protein expression verified the reliability of the association analysis. This study demonstrated that the core connotation of the herb pair of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma changed under physio-logical and pathological states, and the compatibility results of enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity were achieved with different metabolic pathways and biological processes.