RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Associations between HbA1c and adverse outcomes in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke have been confirmed. It is still unclear whether HbA1c is related to the activities of daily living (ADL) score in complex chronic patients (CCP) with and without intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). AIM: The associations between HbA1c and ADL (Barthel score) in CCP with ICH and without ICH were evaluated, respectively. METHODS: We have analyzed data from a previous cohort study involving in 3594 CCPs without a ICH history at baseline, who were followed up for 5 years to assess ICH episode. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-one ICH case were detected in a total of 3594 patients during the period of follow up for 5 years. Our nonlinear analysis suggested positive trends on the association between HBA1c and Barthel score in ICH and non-ICH patients, respectively. The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that elevated HbA1c was positively associated with a higher Barthel score among all study population (ß = 1.25, 95% CI: 0.92, 1.59; P < 0.0001) with adjusted age and sex. Among non-ICH patients, increased HbA1c was still positively associated with an increased Barthel score (ß = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.90, 1.58; P < 0.001). However, HbA1c appeared to have no any relationship with Barthel score in ICH patients (ß = 1.87, 95% CI: -0.07, 3.82; P = 0.0613) after adjustment for age and sex. By additionally using sensitivity analysis, we still observed that the strong relationship was still existed in non-ICH patients (ß = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.56, 1.24; P < 0.001) but not in ICH patients (ß = 1.88, 95% CI: -0.10, 3.86; P = 0.0649). CONCLUSION: We observed for the first time that elevated HbA1c is associated with better ADL in CCPs without ICH but not in those with ICH. This interesting discovery contradicts the traditional adverse effects of elevated HbA1c.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

In pursuing high stability and power conversion efficiency for organic photovoltaics (OPVs), a sequential deposition (SD) approach to fabricate active layers with p-i-n structures (where p, i, and n represent the electron donor, mixed donor:acceptor, and electron acceptor regions, respectively, distinctively different from the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) structure) has emerged. Here, we present a novel approach that by incorporating two polymer donors, PBDBT-DTBT and PTQ-2F, and one small-molecule acceptor, BTP-3-EH-4Cl, into the active layer with sequential deposition, we formed a device with nanometer-scale twin p-i-n structured active layer. The twin p-i-n PBDBT-DTBT:PTQ-2F/BTP-3-EH-4Cl device involved first depositing a PBDBT-DTBT:PTQ-2F blend under layer and then a BTP-3-EH-4Cl top layer and exhibited an improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) value of 18.6%, as compared to the 16.4% for the control BHJ PBDBT-DTBT:PTQ-2F:BTP-3-EH-4Cl device or 16.6% for the single p-i-n PBDBT-DTBT/BTP-3-EH-4Cl device. The PCE enhancement resulted mainly from the twin p-i-n active layer's multiple nanoscale charge carrier pathways that contributed to an improved fill factor and faster photocurrent generation based on transient absorption studies. The PBDBT-DTBT:PTQ-2F/BTP-3-EH-4Cl film possessed a vertical twin p-i-n morphology that was revealed through secondary ion mass spectrometry and synchrotron grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering analyses. The thermal stability (T80) at 85 °C of the twin p-i-n PBDBT-DTBT:PTQ-2F/BTP-3-EH-4Cl device surpassed that of the single p-i-n PBDBT-DTBT/BTP-3-EH-4Cl devices (906 vs 196 h). This approach of providing a twin p-i-n structure in the active layer can lead to substantial enhancements in both the PCE and stability of organic photovoltaics, laying a solid foundation for future commercialization of the organic photovoltaics technology.

RESUMEN

Vaccination helps reduce the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in elderly individuals with major neurocognitive disorders (MNDs). However, some caregivers are hesitant to have their elderly family members with MNDs vaccinated against COVID-19. This study explored the factors influencing caregivers' intentions to vaccinate elderly family members with MNDs against COVID-19. A total of 232 caregivers of elderly family members with MNDs participated in this study. In this survey, data regarding COVID-19 vaccination acceptance, fear, side effects, family members' attitudes toward vaccination, mental health status, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and cognitive impairments were collected from the elderly participants with MNDs. The associations between these variables and the caregivers' intention to vaccinate their elderly family members with MNDs against COVID-19 were examined using a multivariable linear regression analysis model. The results revealed that caregivers' perceived familial support for vaccination, the perceived value of vaccination, and autonomy to vaccinate elder family members were positively correlated with caregivers' intention to vaccinate elderly family members with MNDs, whereas elderly family members' age was negatively correlated with caregiver intentions. This study demonstrated that caregiver factors (perceived familial support, value of vaccination, and autonomy) and elderly family members' age were correlated with caregiver intention. These factors should be considered in developing interventions to enhance caregivers' intentions to vaccinate their elderly family members with MNDs against COVID-19.

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) is beneficial in reducing anxiety in psychiatric patients. However, no studies have reported on elderly patients with generalized anxiety disorders (GAD). This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of a 6-week CES intervention for late-life GAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-arm pilot study assessed 6-week CES treatment (Alpha-Stim AID) for late-life GAD and 4-week follow-up post intervention. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAMA) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used as baseline and outcome measures at weeks 4, 6, and 10, respectively. Treatment response was defined as 50 % or more reduction of the HAMA score and remission was defined as a of score ≤7 on the HAMA. Other measures included depression, sleep quality, and quality of life assessment. RESULTS: We included participants (n = 27) aged 68.0 ± 5.0 years, 81.5 % of whom were female. Fifteen (55.6 %), 18 (66.7 %), and 15 (55.6 %) patients were concurrently treated with antidepressants, BZDs, and antipsychotics, respectively. Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis revealed a significant decrease in HAMA scores from baseline (20.96 ± 3.30) to week 6 (12.26 ± 7.09) and one-month (12.85 ± 7.08) follow-up at W10 (all p < 0.001). The response and remission rates were 33.3 %, 40.7 %, and 48.1 % and 25.9 %, 29.6 %, and 25.9 % at W4, W6, and W10, respectively. The CES improved depression and sleep conditions as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. CONCLUSION: CES clinically reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and may improve sleep quality in late-life GAD. Future randomized controlled study is needed.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Migraine is a common neurological disorder that affects more than one billion people worldwide. Recent genome-wide association studies have identified 123 genetic loci associated with migraine risk. However, the biological mechanisms underlying migraine and its relationships with other complex diseases remain unclear. We performed a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) using UK Biobank data to investigate associations between migraine and 416 phenotypes. Mendelian randomization was employed using the IVW method. For loci associated with multiple diseases, pleiotropy was tested using MR-Egger. Single-cell RNA sequencing data was analyzed to profile the expression of 73 migraine susceptibility genes across brain cell types. qPCR was used to validate the expression of selected genes in microglia. PheWAS identified 15 disorders significantly associated with migraine, with one association detecting potential pleiotropy. Single-cell analysis revealed elevated expression of seven susceptibility genes (including ZEB2, RUNX1, SLC24A3, ANKDD1B, etc.) in brain glial cells. And qPCR confirmed the upregulation of these genes in LPS-treated microglia. This multimodal analysis provides novel insights into the link between migraine and other diseases. The single-cell profiling suggests the involvement of specific brain cells and molecular pathways. Validation of gene expression in microglia supports their potential role in migraine pathology. Overall, this study uncovers pleiotropic relationships and the biological underpinnings of migraine susceptibility.

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: Cognitive impairment and change are a focus of research into late-life depression. The aims of this 5-year prospective study were (1) to observe cognitive status change; (2) to investigate the rate and risk ratio of dementia or cognitive decline; and (3) to examine the cognitive domain predictors for conversion to dementia within 5 years among a clinical cohort with remitted major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS: The study cohort included 130 elderly persons with late-life remitted MDD and 100 normal controls. Comprehensive neuropsychological tests were conducted to determine cognitive domain status. Diagnoses of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia were made at baseline and at a follow-up visit at the 5-year point. In total, 98 cases and 55 normal controls completed the 5-year follow-up assessment. RESULTS: Of the study cohort with late-life remitted MDD, 28.6% had MCI and 25.5% developed dementia within 5 years. Patients with late-life remitted MDD had an approximate 3 times higher risk of subsequent cognitive decline as compared with the normal controls. Information-processing speed (p = 0.009) and memory (p = 0.041) could predict subsequent progression to dementia within 5 years among patients with MDD. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that compared with the general elderly population, elderly patients with depression have more significant impairment in cognitive function after 5 years. Further, we found that in depressed patients, deficits in information-processing speed and memory domains were highly suggestive of progression to dementia within 5 years.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is involved in atherosclerotic pathogenesis. However, the role of TSP-1 in clinical atherosclerosis remains unknown. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between TSP-1 and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and examined whether it interacts with conventional cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 587 participants were enrolled from February 2018 to December 2021. TSP-1 was dichotomized based on median value. Carotid IMT was measured bilaterally in each segment, and the average value was taken as the overall IMT variable. Analysis of covariance models were used to ascertain the main and interaction effects of cardiovascular risk factors and circulating TSP-1 levels on carotid IMT. Those with high TSP-1 (n = 294) had significantly higher carotid IMT than did those with low TSP-1 (n = 293; 0.74 ± 0.12 vs 0.72 ± 0.11 mm; p = 0.011). After the combined effects of TSP-1 and vascular risk factors on carotid IMT were evaluated, an interaction effect on IMT was observed between TSP-1 and hypertension (adjusted F = 8.760; p = 0.003). Stratification analysis revealed that individuals with hypertension and high TSP-1 had significantly higher IMT than did those with low TSP-1 (adjusted p = 0.007). However, this difference was not observed in normotensive individuals (adjusted p = 0.636). In conclusion, this is the first study to provide clinical data supporting the correlation between TSP-1 and atherosclerosis. TSP-1 may be a crucial marker of increased susceptibility to atherosclerosis in individuals with hypertension.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Blood-based biomarkers (BBM) are potentially powerful tools that assist in the biological diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in vivo with minimal invasiveness, relatively low cost, and good accessibility. This review summarizes current evidence for using BBMs in AD, focusing on amyloid, tau, and biomarkers for neurodegeneration. Blood-based phosphorylated tau and the Aß42/Aß40 ratio showed consistent concordance with brain pathology measured by CSF or PET in the research setting. In addition, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light chain (NfL) are neurodegenerative biomarkers that show the potential to assist in the differential diagnosis of AD. Other pathology-specific biomarkers, such as α-synuclein and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), can potentially detect AD concurrent pathology. Based on current evidence, the working group from the Taiwan Dementia Society (TDS) achieved consensus recommendations on the appropriate use of BBMs for AD in clinical practice. BBMs may assist clinical diagnosis and prognosis in AD subjects with cognitive symptoms; however, the results should be interpreted by dementia specialists and combining biochemical, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging information. Further studies are needed to evaluate BBMs' real-world performance and potential impact on clinical decision-making.

RESUMEN

This study explored the medication rules of Chinese herbal compound prescriptions for the treatment of angina based on the Chinese herbal compound patents in the patent database of the China National Intellectual Property Administration. The data of eligible Chinese herbal compound patents for the treatment of angina were collected from the patent database of the China National Intellectual Property Administration from database inception to November 10, 2022, and subjected to data modeling, analysis of main syndromes, medication frequency analysis, cluster analysis, association rule analysis, and data visualization by using Excel 2021, IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0, IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0, Cytoscape 3.9.1, and Rstudio R 4.2.2.2 to explore the medication rules for angina. The study included 636 pieces of patent data for angina that met the inclusion criteria, involving 815 drugs, with a total frequency of 6 586. The most common main syndromes were blood stasis obstructing the heart syndrome(222, 34.91%) and Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome(112, 17.61%). The top 10 most frequently used drugs were Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Astragali Radix, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Carthami Flos, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Borneolum Syntheticum, and Corydalis Rhizoma. High-frequency drugs included blood-activating and stasis-resolving drugs(1 197, 18.17%) and deficiency-tonifying drugs(809, 12.28%). Cluster analysis identified eight drug combinations, including five new prescriptions suitable for clinical use and new drug development, and three drug pairs. The core drug combination of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Carthami Flos was identified through the complex co-occurrence network analysis of Chinese medicines. Association rule analysis yielded a total of 17 rules, including 13 drug pairs and 4 tripartite combinations. Common drug pairs included Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Chuanxiong Rhizoma(support degree 25.79%, confidence coefficient 69.49%, lift 1.30) and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma(support degree 22.01%, confidence coefficient 61.95%, lift 1.16). Common tripartite combinations included Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Astragali Radix(support degree 10.85%, confidence coefficient 73.40%, lift 1.37) and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma(support degree 10.69%, confidence coefficient 79.07%, lift 1.48). The results showed that the underlying pathogenesis of angina involved blood stasis obstructing the heart and Qi deficiency and blood stasis. The overall nature of the disease was characterized as asthenia in origin and sthenia in superficiality. In the prescription formulation, blood-activating and stasis-resolving drugs, such as Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and Carthami Flos were often used to resolve the excess manifestation, which were combined with tonifying drugs such as Astragali Radix, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma to reinforce the deficiency. The syndrome, pathogenesis, disease nature, and medication were consistent with clinical practice. Additionally, the new compound prescriptions and drug combinations derived from the multiple data mining in this study could provide references and insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of angina and the development of new drugs.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

In this study, we synthesized a series of four large-band gap small molecule acceptors with side-chain engineering of the dithieno-pyrrolo-fused pentacyclic benzotriazole (BZTTP or Y1 core) or the fused-ring dithienothiophene-pyrrolobenzothiadiazole (TPBT or Y6 core) with difluoro-indene-dione (IO2F) or dichloro-indene-dione (IO2Cl) end groups to form Y1-IO2F, Y1-IO2Cl, Y6-IO2F, and Y6-IO2Cl acceptors, respectively, for blending with poly(3-hexyl thiophene) (P3HT) for bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics. The complementary UV-vis absorption spectra of these small molecules and P3HT along with their offset energy bands allow broad absorption and effective electron transfer. Through synchrotron wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) analyses and contact angle measurements, we found that the blend of the small molecule Y6-IO2F (having a TPBT core) and P3HT achieves an optimum morphology that balances their crystallinity and miscibility, among those of these four blends, leading to a substantial enhancement in the short-circuit current density and thus power conversion efficiency (PCE) in their devices. For example, the P3HT:Y6-IO2F (w/w: 1/1.2) device exhibited a champion PCE of 10.5% with a short current density (Jsc) value of 15.9 mA/cm2 as compared to the P3HT:Y1-IO2F device having a PCE of 2.2% with a Jsc value of 5.7 mA/cm2 because of the higher Y6-IO2F (with TPBT core) molecular packing that facilitated carrier transport in the devices. The enhanced thermal stability exhibited by the devices incorporating Y6-IO2F and Y6-IO2Cl, as compared to that of Y1-IO2F and Y1-IO2Cl devices, is also due to the more planar TPBT core structure, while the photostability of devices incorporating Y6-IO2Cl and Y1-IO2Cl is better than that of devices incorporating Y6-IO2F and Y1-IO2F, owing to more photostable chemical structures. These results present an outstanding performance for P3HT-based organic solar cells. Moreover, these small molecule blends are processed with an environmentally friendly solvent tetrahydrofuran, demonstrating both the sustainability and commercial viability of these types of organic photovoltaics.

RESUMEN

Intraoperative teaching is a challenging task. The briefing-intraoperative teaching-debriefing (BID) model, which is based on guided discovery learning at limited time intervals, has rarely been investigated. This study validated the benefits of the modified BID model on medical clerks. This study involved 37 first-year medical clerks enrolled from September 2019 to May 2020. Every learner scrubbed in one the totally implantable venous access device placement surgery and completed a pre-/posttest survey on surgical procedures and associated anatomy conducted through an intraoperative teaching questionnaire. Of these participants, 15 merely observed throughout the entire procedure (observation group), whereas the remaining 22 performed simple suturing under supervision (suturing group). All participants underwent an objective structured assessment of simple interrupted suturing skills at the end of the observership. Correlations were tested using a two-tailed paired t-test, with a p-value < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. The response rate was 100% and participants could reconfirm the precise venous access, catheter tip location, and suture materials for portal fixation after totally implantable venous access device placement (p < 0.05). Although a relatively higher satisfaction of the intraoperative teaching environment and educator attitude was reported in the suturing group than in the observation group, the difference in scores on the objective structured assessment was not statistically significant (8.7 ± 1.8 vs. 7.2 ± 3.7; p = 0.104). Our findings indicate that the modified BID model with hands-on experience is a practicable module for matching intraoperative teaching and learning via learning perception enhancement for medical undergraduates during totally implantable venous access device placement.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that miR-195 exerts neuroprotection by inhibiting Sema3A and cerebral miR-195 levels decreased with age, both of which urged us to explore the role of miR-195 and miR-195-regulated Sema3 family members in age-associated dementia. METHODS: miR-195a KO mice were used to assess the effect of miR-195 on aging and cognitive functions. Sema3D was predicted as a miR-195 target by TargetScan and then verified by luciferase reporter assay, while effects of Sema3D and miR-195 on neural senescence were assessed by beta-galactosidase and dendritic spine density. Cerebral Sema3D was over-expressed by lentivirus and suppressed by si-RNA, and effects of over-expression of Sema3D and knockdown of miR-195 on cognitive functions were assessed by Morris Water Maze, Y-maze, and open field test. The effect of Sema3D on lifespan was assessed in Drosophila. Sema3D inhibitor was developed using homology modeling and virtual screening. One-way and two-way repeated measures ANOVA were applied to assess longitudinal data on mouse cognitive tests. RESULTS: Cognitive impairment and reduced density of dendritic spine were observed in miR-195a knockout mice. Sema3D was identified to be a direct target of miR-195 and a possible contributor to age-associated neurodegeneration as Sema3D levels showed age-dependent increase in rodent brains. Injection of Sema3D-expressing lentivirus caused significant memory deficits while silencing hippocampal Sema3D improved cognition. Repeated injections of Sema3D-expressing lentivirus to elevate cerebral Sema3D for 10 weeks revealed a time-dependent decline of working memory. More importantly, analysis of the data on the Gene Expression Omnibus database showed that Sema3D levels were significantly higher in dementia patients than normal controls (p < 0.001). Over-expression of homolog Sema3D gene in the nervous system of Drosophila reduced locomotor activity and lifespan by 25%. Mechanistically, Sema3D might reduce stemness and number of neural stem cells and potentially disrupt neuronal autophagy. Rapamycin restored density of dendritic spines in the hippocampus from mice injected with Sema3D lentivirus. Our novel small molecule increased viability of Sema3D-treated neurons and might improve autophagy efficiency, which suggested Sema3D could be a potential drug target. Video Abstract CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the importance of Sema3D in age-associated dementia. Sema3D could be a novel drug target for dementia treatment.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Obesity has become a major public health issue which relate to numerous physical problems and highly comorbid with depression and anxiety. Recently, some studies of technology-based interventions for weight reduction emerged to overcome the barriers from time, cost and distance. Mood component and eating behavior related to obesity are less discussed so far with technology-based intervention though. This pilot study was aimed to investigate the effect of telehealth assisted intervention on weight reduction, mood status, and eating behavior change under a smartphone application (app) with novel 3D food picture recognition and incorporated with cognitive behavioral training programs. Adult aged 30-60 years old with overweight were recruited and randomly assigned to control-first group and intervention-first group. In period 1, control-first group had regular life and intervention-first group underwent app intervention; in period 2, two groups went crossover. Body composition and psychological/behavioral questionnaires were collected at baseline, end of period 1, and end of period 2. Nonparametric statistics was performed for data analyzing. A total of 20 participants were enrolled. In control-first group, there were statistically significant reduction in body weight (- 0.55 kg, p = 0.02) and change of body weight percentage (- 0.6%, p = 0.02) after App use. In intervention-first group, the fat percentage decreased by 0.4% after App use in period 1, and increased by 0.05% in period 2. The integrated crossover data revealed that subjects of App group had significant improvements in mindful eating behavior. This pilot study showed the effectiveness in using CogniNU app for weight control and eating behavior. The difference of short-term and long-term effectiveness of technology-based weight control intervention deserves more investigation in the future.Clinical Trial Registration: ISRCTN16082909.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A concise, transition-metal and protection-free synthesis of adagrasib (MRTX849), a novel KRASG12C inhibitor drug recently approved by the FDA, is reported. Introduction of two chiral building blocks to the tetrahydropyridopyrimidine core was accomplished via two sequential SNAr reactions. Extensive reaction optimization led to a robust, transition-metal-free oxidation of the sulfide intermediate. A judicious choice of the leaving group with favorable steric and electronic characteristics at the 4-OH position of the tetrahydropyridopyrimidine core enabled a facile SNAr displacement to introduce the chiral piperazine. This new, five-step, chromatography-free synthesis of adagrasib from readily available starting materials obviated the palladium catalysis and protecting group manipulations in the current commercial route and significantly improved the efficiency of the process in 45% overall yield.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

This cross-sectional study assessed the moderating effects of self-esteem and perceived support from friends on the association between self-stigma and suicide risk in individuals with schizophrenia. We included 300 participants (267 with schizophrenia and 33 with schizoaffective disorder). Suicide risk was assessed using items adopted from the suicide module of the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview; self-stigma was assessed using the Self-Stigma Scale-Short; perceived support from friends was assessed using the Friend Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve Index; and self-esteem was assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. A moderation analysis was performed to examine the moderating effects of self-esteem and perceived support from friends on the association between self-stigma and suicide risk. The results indicated that self-stigma was positively associated with suicide risk after the effects of other factors were controlled for. Both perceived support from friends and self-esteem significantly reduced the magnitude of suicide risk in participants with self-stigma. Our findings highlight the value of interventions geared toward ameliorating self-stigma and enhancing self-esteem in order to reduce suicide risk in individuals with schizophrenia.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Methane (CH4) emissions induced by Large Igneous Provinces have the potential to contribute to global environmental changes that triggered mass extinctions in Earth's history. Here, we explore the source of methane in gas samples from central Sichuan Basin, which is within the Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP). We report evidence of high methane formation temperatures (between 249-17/+19 and 256-20/+22 °C) from clumped methane measurements and mantle-derived signatures of noble gases, which verify that oil-cracked CH4 and pyrobitumen are by-products within the reservoirs, associated with hydrothermal activity and enhanced heating by the ELIP. We estimate the volume of oil-cracked CH4 induced by the ELIP and argue that CH4 emissions would have been sufficient to initiate global warming prior to the end of the Permian. We also suggest that similar emissions from oil-cracked CH4 associated with the Siberian Traps Large Igneous Province may also have contributed to the end-Permian mass extinction significantly.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The Mild Behavioral Impairment Checklist (MBI-C) has been developed to assess mild behavioral impairment (MBI). However, no study has validated the use of MBI-C using a promising translation method in Taiwan. Thus, consistency and discrepancy between informant-rated and self-rated scores have not been extensively researched. OBJECTIVE: This study validated and compared the informant- and self-rated versions of the MBI-C among community-dwelling people in Taiwan. METHOD: We recruited 202 pairs of individuals without dementia aged ≥50 years and their cohabitating informants. The participants completed the MBI-C (MBI-C-self), and the informants completed the MBI-C (MBI-C-informant) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) independently. Internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and convergent validity were examined. RESULTS: Both MBI-C-self and MBI-C-informant exhibited satisfactory Cronbach's α values (0.92 and 0.88, respectively). The MBI-C-informant total scorewas correlated with the NPI-Q total score (r = 0.83, p < 0.001). Inter-rater reliability between the two versions, as represented by the inter-rater correlation coefficient, was 0.57 (p < 0.001). The prevalence of MBI based on the MBI-C-informant scores was 1.5% higher than that based on the MBI-C-self scores according to the suggested cut-off score of 8.5. The affective dysregulation domain score of MBI-C-informant was significantly lower than that of MBI-C-self. CONCLUSION: MBI-C-informant exhibited both high reliability and validity. Discrepancies between MBI-C-informant and MBI-C-self related to the detection rates and affective dysregulation domain scores were noted. The level of consistency and discrepancy between these two versions provide implications for the use of MBI-C in clinical practice and future research.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3; UCLA-LSV3) is widely used for assessing loneliness. Nevertheless, the validity of this scale for assessing loneliness in individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder has not been determined. Additionally, studies validating the eight-item and three-item versions of UCLA-LSV3 have not included individuals with severe mental illness; therefore, whether the short versions are comparable to the full 20-item version of UCLA-LSV3 for this population is unclear. The present study examined the unidimensional structure, internal consistency, concurrent validity, and test-retest reliability of the Chinese versions of UCLA-LSV3 (i.e., 20-item, 8-item, and 3-item versions) to determine which version is most appropriate for assessing loneliness in individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in Taiwan. A total of 300 participants (267 with schizophrenia and 33 with schizoaffective disorder) completed the scales, comprising UCLA-LSV3, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the suicidality module of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Epidemiological Version (K-SADS-E), and the family and peer Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve (APGAR) index. Construct validity was evaluated through confirmatory factor analysis. The three versions of UCLA-LSV3 were compared with the CES-D, the suicidality module of the K-SADS-E, and the family and peer APGAR index to establish concurrent validity. The results indicated that all three versions of UCLA-LSV3 exhibited acceptable to satisfactory psychometric properties in terms of unidimensional constructs, concurrent validity, and test-retest reliability. The full version of UCLA-LSV3 had the best performance, followed by the eight-item version and the three-item version. Moreover, the three versions had relatively strong associations with each other. Therefore, when deliberating which version of UCLA-LSV3 is the best choice for assessing loneliness in individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, healthcare providers and therapists should consider time availability and practicality.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Cerebral amyloid-ß (Aß) depositions in depression in old age are controversial. A substantial proportion of individuals with late-life major depressive disorder (MDD) could be classified as having suspected non-Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology (SNAP) by a negative test for the biomarker amyloid-ß (Aß-) but positive neurodegeneration (ND+). This study aimed to evaluate subthreshold Aß loads in amyloid-negative MDD, particularly in SNAP MDD patients. This study included 46 amyloid-negative MDD patients: 23 SNAP (Aß-/ND+) MDD and 23 Aß-/ND- MDD, and 22 Aß-/ND- control subjects. All subjects underwent 18F-florbetapir PET, FDG-PET, and MRI. Regions of interest (ROIs) and voxel-wise group comparisons were performed with adjustment for age, gender, and level of education. The SNAP MDD patients exhibited significantly deceased 18F-florbetapir uptakes in most cortical regions but not the parietal and precuneus cortex, as compared with the Aß-/ND- MDD and control subjects (FDR correction, p < 0.05). No correlations of neuropsychological tests or depression characteristics with global cortical uptakes, but significant positive correlations between cognitive functions and adjusted hippocampal volumes among different groups were observed. The reduced Aß depositions in the amyloid-negative MDD patients might be attributed mainly to the SNAP MDD patients. Our results indicated that meaningfully low amounts of subclinical Aß might contain critical information on the non-amyloid-mediated pathogenesis.

RESUMEN

The diversity of fluid phases in the oil-gas system and complexity of petroleum genesis bring difficulties to the exploration and development of oil and gas. The phase state and evolution of the complex reservoirs in the Halahatang Depression, Tabei Uplift of the Tarim Basin remains unresolved. In this paper, we simulated the phase characteristic of reservoirs in different blocks and layers including Xinken (O), Ha6 (C), Repu (K), and Yueman (O) distributed from north to south of this area using PVTsim software; rebuilt the burial, temperature, and pressure histories of different blocks and layers by using the PetroMod (1D) software; and recovered the fluid phase evolution process by combined basin modeling, PVT simulation, and fluid inclusion thermal metrics results. The phase modeling results show that the Xinken (O), Ha6 (C), and Yueman (O) reservoirs are confirmed to be oil reservoirs, and the Repu (K) reservoir is in the condensate gas phase currently. The vital time points and temperature and pressure conditions for the three oil reservoirs of Xinken (O), Ha6 (C), and Yueman (O) that transited from the gas-liquid phase to the liquid phase are 356 Ma (57.45 °C, 12.93 MPa), 331 Ma (35.67 °C, 4.03 MPa), and 454 Ma (63.63 °C, 13.27 MPa), respectively. The Ordovician reservoir in the Xinken block underwent three stages of accumulation, which occurred at 400-379 Ma (Devonian), 282-256 Ma (Permian), and 18-16 Ma (Neogene), respectively, and after final accumulation, it remained in a single oil phase state. The Ordovician reservoir in the Yueman block underwent two stages of accumulation in the 294-290 Ma (Permian) and 25-12 Ma (Paleogene-Neogene) and remained in a single oil phase state until now. The Carboniferous reservoir in the Ha6 block was deduced to be charged in the 94-86 Ma (Cretaceous) according to the published authigenic illite K-Ar isotope dating results and then stayed in a single oil phase state unalterably. As for the Cretaceous reservoir in the Repu block, the time point of 11 Ma (98.86 °C, 35.56 MPa) is vital for changing from the gas-liquid coexistence phase state to the condensate gas phase one. In contrast with the Ordovician (ZG7-5) and Cambrian reservoirs (ZS1, ZS5) in the Tazhong Uplift, the oil and condensate gas reservoirs in the Tabei Uplift enjoy a lower pressure range, lower GOR, and a heavier oil density and viscosity. This study provides a quantitative way to rebuild the geologic evolutionary process, phase characteristics, and phase evolution process in complex reservoirs.