Psychological Distress and Use of Psychotropic Drugs Among University Students — the SHoT Study, Norway

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Associations of cardiovascular agents and metformin with depression symptoms: A cross-sectional analysis from the HUNT Study, Norway

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Electronic aspects of formation and properties of local structures around Mn in Cd1−xMnxTe1−ySey

Local electronic and structural features around Mn in Cd1−xMnxTe0.97Se0.03 (x = 0.02; 0.05; 0.1; y = 0.03) were studied by means of X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) techniques. Manganese ions with an average valence 2+, are found to be well incorporated into the host CdTe lattice, with clear preference for Te atoms as the first neighbors. However, Mn and Te are found to form two essentially different types of bonds, one short, strong and directional (cubic MnTe-alike bond), and three much longer, predominantly ionic in nature (hexagonal MnTe-alike bonds), thereby distorting the tetrahedral coordination around Mn. The origin of peculiar Mn–Te bonds distribution and details of their nature and strength are further elaborated by employing the first principle electronic structure calculations. That way a thorough insight in impact of the Mn–Te bond length variation on the electronic structure of the compound is obtained. The relations established between the local structures and electronic properties offer a reliable procedure for detailed analysis of the structural and electronic consequences of the 3d-transition metals (TM) incorporation in II–VI semiconductor host. Clear distinction between various influences makes the procedure easily adoptable also to the studies of TM impurities in other semiconductors

Prevalence trends of depression and anxiety symptoms in adults with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes 1995–2019: The HUNT studies, Norway

Background Symptoms of depression and anxiety are common in adults with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes mellitus (DM). The literature on depression and anxiety in CVDs and DM populations is extensive; however, studies examining these relationships over time, directly compared to adults without these conditions, are still lacking. This study aimed to investigate trends in depression and anxiety symptom prevalence over more than 20 years in adults with CVDs and DM compared to the general population. Methods We used data from the population-based Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), Norway, including adults (≥ 20 years) from three waves; the HUNT2 (1995–97; n = 65,228), HUNT3 (2006–08; n = 50,800) and HUNT4 (2017–19; n = 56,042). Depressive and anxiety symptom prevalence was measured independently by the Hospital Anxiety and Depressions scale (HADS) in sex-stratified samples. We analyzed associations of these common psychological symptoms with CVDs and DM over time using multi-level random-effects models, accounting for repeated measurements and individual variation. Results Overall, the CVDs groups reported higher levels of depression than those free of CVDs in all waves of the study. Further, depressive and anxiety symptom prevalence in adults with and without CVDs and DM declined from HUNT2 to HUNT4, whereas women reported more anxiety than men. Positive associations of depression and anxiety symptoms with CVDs and DM in HUNT2 declined over time. However, associations of CVDs with depression symptoms remained over time in men. Moreover, in women, DM was associated with increased depression symptom risk in HUNT2 and HUNT4. Conclusions Depression and anxiety symptoms are frequent in adults with CVDs. Further, our time trend analysis indicates that anxiety and depression are differentially related to CVDs and DM and sex. This study highlights the importance of awareness and management of psychological symptoms in CVDs and DM populations

Molecular size and conformational effects on oligophenylenes electronic and vibrational properties

Electronic and vibrational properties of phenylene-based oligomers from biphenyl P2P to para-sexiphenil P6P, and their dependence on torsion angle are calculated using semiempirical quantum mechanic (AM1, ZINDO/S) and ab initio linear combination of atomic orbitals methods. The systematic relations between molecular size and geometry, and numerous molecular properties have been established, providing the basis both for the spectroscopic identification of different structures that could appear during material processing and for tailoring of devices with desired properties. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Calculations of optical properties of some molecules suitable for coating of nanoparticles for biological applications

Coating of nanoparticles by various molecules is promising way to modify their surfaces and extend their bio-functionality, and infrared (IR), and spectroscopy of electronic transitions at ultraviolet and visible (UV/VIS) wavelengths are suitable techniques to investigate details of their attachment at nanoparticle surface. In the present work structure and optical properties of dextran, chitosan, oleic acid and poly(ethylene glycol) have been investigated by semi-empirical quantum mechanics, and ab initio Hartree-Fock calculations using the HyperChem (R) software package (http://www.hyper.com). The equilibrium conformations, IR, and UV/VIS spectra of molecules of various lengths, before and after their attachment to the magnetite (111) surface are determined, and IR modes and UV/VIS transitions that change the most upon the molecules attachment identified. The results are compared to the existing experimental data and the results of similar calculations, and possible implications for biological applications of nanoparticles coated with the investigated molecules have been discussed

Associations of cardiovascular agents and metformin with depression symptoms: A cross-sectional analysis from the HUNT Study, Norway

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular agents, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor inhibitors, acetylsalicylic acid, statins, and metformin, have demonstrated benefits for depression. However, there is scant evaluation of these drugs’ antidepressant properties in large population settings. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine cross-sectional associations between depression symptoms and the use of cardiovascular agents and metformin in populations with cardiovascular diseases or diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Participants in the Trøndelag Health Study 2006–08 (HUNT3, n = 40,516) and 2017–19 (HUNT4, n = 42,103) were included and data on their drug use from 2006 to 2019 was retrieved from the Norwegian Prescription Database. The outcome was self-reported depression symptoms defined by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Associations between cardiovascular agents or metformin use and self-reported depression were analyzed by multi-level logistic regression in sex-stratified samples. RESULTS: Among men with cardiovascular diseases, use of acetylsalicylic acid was associated with reduced depression symptoms compared with acetylsalicylic acid non-users (reference) in HUNT3 and HUNT4 [risk ratio = 0.76; 95% confidence interval 0.59–0.94, risk ratio = 0.67; 95% CI 0.52–0.82, respectively]. Similarly, male statin users had a lower likelihood of reporting depression than statin non-users in HUNT3 (risk ratio = 0.70; 95% confidence interval 0.54–0.86) and HUNT4 (risk ratio = 0.67; 95% confidence interval 0.51–0.84). Associations between statins or acetylsalicylic acid use and reduced depression symptoms were detected in women with cardiovascular diseases in HUNT4. We found no statistical support for associations between other cardiovascular agents or metformin use and a reduced or increased depression symptom risk. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest negative associations between acetylsalicylic acid or statin use and depression symptoms. However, longitudinal cohort studies and randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the antidepressant effects of these drugs. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40801-022-00321-7