Development potential of nanoenabled agriculture projected using machine learning.

The controllability and targeting of nanoparticles (NPs) offer solutions for precise and sustainable agriculture. However, the development potential of nanoenabled agriculture remains unknown. Here, we build an NP-plant database containing 1,174 datasets and predict (R2 higher than 0.8 for 13 random forest models) the response and uptake/transport of various NPs by plants using a machine learning approach. Multiway feature importance analysis quantitatively shows that plant responses are driven by the total NP exposure dose and duration and plant age at exposure, as well as the NP size and zeta potential. Feature interaction and covariance analysis further improve the interpretability of the model and reveal hidden interaction factors (e.g., NP size and zeta potential). Integration of the model, laboratory, and field data suggests that Fe2O3 NP application may inhibit bean growth in Europe due to low night temperatures. In contrast, the risks of oxidative stress are low in Africa because of high night temperatures. According to the prediction, Africa is a suitable area for nanoenabled agriculture. The regional differences and temperature changes make nanoenabled agriculture complicated. In the future, the temperature increase may reduce the oxidative stress in African bean and European maize induced by NPs. This study projects the development potential of nanoenabled agriculture using machine learning, although many more field studies are needed to address the differences at the country and continental scales.

Marine Colloids Boost Nitrogen Fixation in Trichodesmium erythraeum by Photoelectrophy.

Nitrogen fixation by the diazotrophic cyanobacterium Trichodesmium contributes up to 50% of the bioavailable nitrogen in the ocean. N2 fixation by Trichodesmium is limited by the availability of nutrients, such as iron (Fe) and phosphorus (P). Although colloids are ubiquitous in the ocean, the effects of Fe limitation on nitrogen fixation by marine colloids (MC) and the related mechanisms are largely unexplored. In this study, we found that MC exhibit photoelectrochemical properties that boost nitrogen fixation by photoelectrophy in Trichodesmium erythraeum. MC efficiently promote photosynthesis in T. erythraeum, thus enhancing its growth. Photoexcited electrons from MC are directly transferred to the photosynthetic electron transport chain and contribute to nitrogen fixation and ammonia assimilation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that MC significantly upregulates genes related to the electron transport chain, photosystem, and photosynthesis, which is consistent with elevated photosynthetic capacities (e.g., Fv/Fm and carboxysomes). As a result, MC increase the N2 fixation rate by 67.5-89.3%. Our findings highlight a proof-of-concept electron transfer pathway by which MC boost nitrogen fixation, broadening our knowledge on the role of ubiquitous colloids in marine nitrogen biogeochemistry.

Effect and mechanism of coexistence of microplastics on arsenate adsorption capacity in water.

Arsenic pollution control technology in water was important to ensure environmental health and quality safety of agricultural products. Therefore, the adsorption performance of three adsorbents for chitosan, sepiolite, and Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) were investigated in arsenate contaminated water. The results revealed that the adsorption capacity of ZIF-8 was higher than that of chitosan and sepiolite. The analysis of adsorption isotherm models showed that the behavior of ZIF-8 was more consistent with the Langmuir model. Furthermore, the adsorption mechanisms of three adsorbents for arsenate were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The analysis of FTIR showed that ZIF-8 maintained the stability of the interaction with arsenate by forming As-O chemical bonds. However, the effect of chitosan and sepiolite with arsenate was mainly physical adsorption. The analysis of XPS showed that the absorption of ZIF-8 with arsenate involved metal sites and nitrogen through the characteristic peak and the change of the binding energy. Furthermore, the impact of microplastics as a widespread coexistence pollutant in the water on adsorbent performance was investigated. The results indicated that the adsorption capacity of ZIF-8 was almost not affected by microplastics. The maximum adsorption amount of arsenate was changed from 73.45 mg/g to 81.89 mg/g. However, the maximum adsorption amount of chitosan and sepiolite decreased by 31.4 % and 11.6 %, respectively. The analysis of FTIR and XPS revealed that ZIF-8 enhances arsenate adsorption by forming N-O-As bonds in the presence of microplastics. This study provides scientific evidence for the management of arsenate pollution in water bodies, especially in complex water bodies containing microplastics.

Microplastics Reshape the Fate of Aqueous Carbon by Inducing Dynamic Changes in Biodiversity and Chemodiversity.

The interactions among dissolved organic matter (DOM), microplastics (MPs) and microbes influence the fate of aqueous carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the related processes and mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we found that MPs determined the fate of aqueous carbon by influencing biodiversity and chemodiversity. MPs release chemical additives such as diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and bisphenol A (BPA) into the aqueous phase. The microbial community, especially autotrophic bacteria such as Cyanobacteria, showed a negative correlation with the additives released from MPs. The inhibition of autotrophs promoted CO2 emissions. Meanwhile, MPs stimulated microbial metabolic pathways such as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to accelerate the DOM biodegradation process, and then the transformed DOM presented low bioavailability, high stability, and aromaticity. Our findings highlight an urgent need for chemodiversity and biodiversity surveys to assess ecological risks from MP pollution and the impact of MPs on the carbon cycle.

The Effect of Trait Anxiety on Bedtime Procrastination: the Mediating Role of Self-Control.

BACKGROUND: Bedtime procrastination (BP), a special type of health behavior procrastination, is considered to be a failure of self-control. Notably, self-control may mediate the effect of trait anxiety on general procrastination. However, there is no evidence demonstrating the role of self-control in the relationship between trait anxiety and BP. Moreover, the association between BP and trait anxiety has not yet been thoroughly studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the direct relationship between them as well as the mediating role of self-control in this relationship. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey included 718 college students enrolled in Chinese universities between October 2018 and January 2020. The Chinese versions of the Bedtime Procrastination Scale, the Self-Control Scale, and the Trait Anxiety Inventory were used to evaluate BP, self-control, and trait anxiety, respectively. RESULTS: Multiple linear regression analysis revealed trait anxiety independently predicted BP while controlling for demographic characteristics. Correlation analyses showed that BP was positively correlated with trait anxiety, but negatively related to self-control. Structural equation modeling further revealed a mediating role of self-control in the relationship between trait anxiety and BP. CONCLUSIONS: Trait anxiety is a significant independent predictor of BP and may induce BP directly or indirectly through the effect of self-control. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between trait anxiety and BP and the underlying mechanism by exploring the mediating effect of self-control. As such, trait anxiety and self-control should be included in prevention and intervention strategies to address BP behavior in college students.

Application of Gas-Liquid Microextraction (GLME)/GC-MS for Flavour and Fragrance in Ice Cream Detection and Composition Analysis.

Under gas-liquid microextraction (GLME) operating conditions (extraction temperature 270 °C, extraction time 7 min, condensation temperature -2 °C, and carrier nitrogen gas speed 2.5 mL/min), ice cream samples, as a representative food, were pre-treated. The volatile aroma components of each sample was qualitatively analysed using GC-MS. The principal component analysis was conducted to classify the functional groups, which showed that alcohols, acids, esters, ketones, and aldehydes were the main compounds responsible for the aroma of ice cream. It was found that furan-3-carboxaldehyde, 3-furanmethanol, 2(5H)-furanone, 5-methylfuranal, 2,5-diformylfuran, 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, ethyl maltol, and glycerol were routinely used flavour ingredients in ice cream.

FLT3 inhibition upregulates HDAC8 via FOXO to inactivate p53 and promote maintenance of FLT3-ITD+ acute myeloid leukemia.

Internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations within the FMS-like receptor tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) can be found in up to 25% to 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and confer a poor prognosis. Although FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have shown clinical responses, they cannot eliminate primitive FLT3-ITD+ AML cells, which are potential sources of relapse. Therefore, elucidating the mechanisms underlying FLT3-ITD+ AML maintenance and drug resistance is essential to develop novel effective treatment strategies. Here, we demonstrate that FLT3 inhibition induces histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) upregulation through FOXO1- and FOXO3-mediated transactivation in FLT3-ITD+ AML cells. Upregulated HDAC8 deacetylates and inactivates p53, leading to leukemia maintenance and drug resistance upon TKI treatment. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of HDAC8 reactivates p53, abrogates leukemia maintenance, and significantly enhances TKI-mediated elimination of FLT3-ITD+ AML cells. Importantly, in FLT3-ITD+ AML patient-derived xenograft models, the combination of FLT3 TKI (AC220) and an HDAC8 inhibitor (22d) significantly inhibits leukemia progression and effectively reduces primitive FLT3-ITD+ AML cells. Moreover, we extend these findings to an AML subtype harboring another tyrosine kinase-activating mutation. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that HDAC8 upregulation is an important mechanism to resist TKIs and promote leukemia maintenance and suggests that combining HDAC8 inhibition with TKI treatment could be a promising strategy to treat FLT3-ITD+ AML and other tyrosine kinase mutation-harboring leukemias.

Negative cooperativity between Gemin2 and RNA provides insights into RNA selection and the SMN complex's release in snRNP assembly.

The assembly of snRNP cores, in which seven Sm proteins, D1/D2/F/E/G/D3/B, form a ring around the nonameric Sm site of snRNAs, is the early step of spliceosome formation and essential to eukaryotes. It is mediated by the PMRT5 and SMN complexes sequentially in vivo. SMN deficiency causes neurodegenerative disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). How the SMN complex assembles snRNP cores is largely unknown, especially how the SMN complex achieves high RNA assembly specificity and how it is released. Here we show, using crystallographic and biochemical approaches, that Gemin2 of the SMN complex enhances RNA specificity of SmD1/D2/F/E/G via a negative cooperativity between Gemin2 and RNA in binding SmD1/D2/F/E/G. Gemin2, independent of its N-tail, constrains the horseshoe-shaped SmD1/D2/F/E/G from outside in a physiologically relevant, narrow state, enabling high RNA specificity. Moreover, the assembly of RNAs inside widens SmD1/D2/F/E/G, causes the release of Gemin2/SMN allosterically and allows SmD3/B to join. The assembly of SmD3/B further facilitates the release of Gemin2/SMN. This is the first to show negative cooperativity in snRNP assembly, which provides insights into RNA selection and the SMN complex's release. These findings reveal a basic mechanism of snRNP core assembly and facilitate pathogenesis studies of SMA.

Humic acids alleviate the toxicity of reduced graphene oxide modified by nanosized palladium in microalgae.

The use of graphene-family materials modified by nanosized palladium (Pd/GFMs) has intensified rapidly in various fields; however, the effects of environmental factors (e.g., natural organic matter (NOM)) on the transformation and ecotoxicity of Pd/GFMs remain largely unknown. In this study, reduced graphene oxide modified by nanosized Pd (Pd/rGO) was incubated with humic acid (HA) under light irradiation for 56 d to explore the effects of NOM on the physicochemical transformations (e.g., defects, surface charges and dispersity) and biological toxicity (e.g., growth inhibition, oxidative stress and ultrastructural damage on algae cells) of Pd/GFMs. The results revealed that HA increased the defects and dispersity of Pd/rGO. Growth inhibition, damage to cellular ultrastructures, and oxidative stress in microalgae cells were induced by Pd/rGO, and corresponding defense responses (e.g., superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and glutathione) were activated. HA diminished the above defense responses in microalgae triggered by Pd/rGO by regulating GSH metabolism and the alanine biosynthesis pathway. In the presence of HA, cell wall damage (i.e., hole formation) caused by exposure to Pd/rGO was restored, and the plasmolysis area was reduced by 28.6 %. In addition, growth inhibition, lipid peroxidation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS formation induced by 1.0 mg/L MoS2NPs were decreased by 1.4-65.6 %, 13.9-26.1 %, 21.8-58.3 % and 9.6-16.1 %, respectively. These findings highlight the need to consider the effects of HA on the environmental transformation and biological toxicity of Pd/GFMs, which presents significant implications for the management of Pd/GFMs.

Study on the technology of efficient extraction of eleutheroside E from Acanthopanax senticosus by green solvent DES.

OBJECTIVES: Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Harms is a medicinal and edible plant which is clinically used for the recovery and treatment of cardiovascular and central diseases. As a characteristic active pharmaceutical ingredient of Acanthopanax senticosus, eleutheroside E is the core of the therapeutic effect. Organic solvent extraction has low selectivity, low extraction rate, difficulty in separation and purification and safety risks. The purpose of this study was to extract the effective component of Acanthopanax senticosus with a new green solvent. METHODS: In this article, two kinds of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) (DES-1 and DES-2) were synthesised by heating and stirring methods. Eleutheroside E was extracted by ultrasonic extraction with two kinds of DES as extractants and quantitatively analysed by Orbitrap-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). RESULTS: The main results showed that the initial polarity of the DES was similar to that of 60 to 80% ethanol and hydrogen bond donors were the main factors affecting the polarity of DES. In the test, the viscosity of DES was higher than that of ethanol, and even the addition of a small amount of water (10%) caused intermolecular hydrogen bond disruption and redistribution of the solvent, resulting in a significant decrease in solvent viscosity. The solvents in the test group were stable after standing at 5°C in the dark for 100 days. The extraction rate of eleutheroside E by DES solvent was 5-6 times higher than that by ethanol. DES-1 and DES-2 can efficiently extract eleutheroside E. CONCLUSION: This study developed a new method for the application of the green extraction of eleutheroside E with certain practical significance.

[Systematic review and sequential analysis of Tanshinone â ¡_A Sodium Sulfonate Injection combined with enalapril in treatment of acute exacerbation of pulmonary heart disease].

To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Tanshinone Ⅱ_A Sodium Sulfonate Injection combined with enalapril in the treatment of patients with acute exacerbation of pulmonary heart disease. The randomized controlled trial(RCT) on Tanshinone Ⅱ_A Sodium Sulfonate Injection combined with enalapril for acute exacerbation of pulmonary heart disease was screened from EMbase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, VIP, CNKI, and Wanfang from inception to March 20, 2022. Meta-analysis of each index was performed in RevMan 5.3 and TSA 0.9. Finally, 41 RCTs involving 3 865 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that the observation group had higher total response rate(RR=1.21, 95%CI[1.18, 1.24], P<0.000 01), lower plasma viscosity(MD=-0.25, 95%CI[-0.34,-0.16], P<0.000 01), lower whole blood viscosity(MD=-0.99, 95%CI[-1.14,-0.85], P<0.000 01), and lower hematokrit(MD=-9.03, 95%CI[-10.57,-7.50], P<0.000 01) than the control group. The incidence of adverse effects showed no significant difference between groups(RR=1.42, 95%CI[0.82, 2.45], P=0.21). Sequential analysis showed that Tanshinone Ⅱ_A Sodium Sulfonate Injection combined with enalapril exerted definite efficacy in the treatment of acute exacerbation of pulmonary heart disease, and the possibility of false positives was excluded. Based on the existing evidence, Tanshinone Ⅱ_A Sodium Sulfonate Injection combined with enalapril can improve the total response rate and reduce plasma viscosity, whole blood viscosity, and hematocrit, demonstrating good safety in patients with acute exacerbation of pulmonary heart disease. In the future, more RCT with large sample size, rigorous design, and in accordance with international norms are needed to further validate the results.

Persistence and Recovery of ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 Phytotoxicity.

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) have been developed quickly and have attracted considerable attention for use in the detection and removal of various pollutants. Understanding the environmental risks of ZIFs is a prerequisite to their safe application by industry and new chemical registration by governments; however, the persistence and recovery of toxicity induced by ZIFs remain largely unclear. This study finds that typical ZIFs (e.g., ZIF-8 and ZIF-67) at a concentration of 0.01-1 mg/L induce significant algal growth inhibition, plasmolysis, membrane permeability, chloroplast damage, and chlorophyll biosynthesis, and the above alterations are recoverable. Unexpectedly, a persistent decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) is observed due to the quenching of hydroxyl free radicals. The adverse effects of ZIF-8 are weak and easily alleviated compared with those of ZIF-67. ZIF-8 is internalized mainly by caveolae-mediated endocytosis, while ZIF-67 is internalized mainly by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Omics studies reveal that the downregulation of mRNA associated with oxidative phosphorylation and the inhibition of chlorophyll and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis in mitochondria are related to the persistence of phytotoxicity. These findings highlight the phenomena and mechanisms of the persistence and recovery of phytotoxicity, indicating the need to reconsider the environmental risk assessments of ZIFs.

RNAi of vacuolar-type H+-ATPase genes causes growth delay and molting defect in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata.

Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is one of the most serious insect pests to a large number of nightshades and cucurbits. RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) offers a reduced risk approach to control the beetle. Identification of amenable target genes and determination of appropriate life stage for dsRNA treatment are two critical steps in order to improve RNAi efficiency. In the present paper, we identified three vATPase genes, namely HvvATPaseC, HvvATPaseE and HvvATPaseH. We found that the three transcripts were widely expressed in the eggs, first- to fourth-instar larvae, prepupae, pupae and adults. They were abundantly transcribed in the hindgut and Malpighian tubules, in contrast to the epidermis and fat body. Three days' ingestion of dsvATPaseC, dsvATPaseE and dsvATPaseH by the fourth-instar larvae significantly decreased corresponding transcript level by 90.1, 88.9 and 97.2%, greatly reduced larval fresh weight by 28.0, 29.9 and 28.0%, and caused 66.7, 100 and 78.7% larval lethality respectively. Comparably, 3 days' exposure of the third-instar larvae to dsvATPaseC significantly reduced HvvATPaseC mRNA level by 89.5%, decreased approximately 80% of the larval fresh weight, and killed 100% of the treated larvae. Therefore, the three vATPase genes, especially HvvATPaseE, are potential amenable target genes and young larvae are more susceptible to dsRNA. Our findings will enable the development of the dsRNA-based pesticide to control H. vigintioctopunctata.

Arsenate phytotoxicity regulation by humic acid and related metabolic mechanisms.

The use of irrigation water containing arsenic (As) had led to large areas of As-contaminated farmland, and as a result, plants and food have become severely poisoned. Humic acid (HA) can be complexed with metals, which in turn affects the metals' behavior. Herein, we explored the accumulation of arsenate in lettuce treated with different concentrations of arsenate and studied the effects of HA on the accumulation and toxicity of arsenate. The addition of HA did not cause significant changes in the arsenate content in lettuce but had a significant effect on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which improved the antioxidant capability of the lettuce plants. Furthermore, HA promoted the accumulation of nutrients, such as magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo) and manganese (Mn), in the leaves. Arsenate disrupted metabolic pathways, such as amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. The addition of HA increased the contents of amino acids and sugars, thereby improving lettuce growth. The present study explored the effects of HA on As accumulation and related physiological changes (antioxidant enzyme activities, absorption of nutrients and metabolic mechanisms) and provided insights into the regulation of As contamination by HA, which is relatively inexpensive.

RNAi for chitin synthase 1 rather than 2 causes growth delay and molting defect in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata.

Chitin synthase (CHS) plays a critical role in chitin synthesis and excretion. In most insects, CHSs have been segregated into 1 and 2 classes. CHS1 is responsible for chitin production in the ectodermally-derived epidermal cells. CHS2 is dedicated to chitin biosynthesis in the midgut peritrophic matrix (PM). Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is a serious pest of Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae plants. In this study, we identified HvCHS1 and HvCHS2. We found that HvCHS1 was abundantly transcribed in the larval tracheae and epidermis, whereas HvCHS2 was mainly expressed in the guts. Escherichia coli HT115 expressed double stranded RNAs targeting HvCHS1 and HvCHS2 (dsCHS1 and dsCHS2) were used to immerse potato foliage and the treated leaves were provided to the newly-molted fourth- and third-instar larvae. Ingestion of dsCHS1 by the fourth-instar larvae significantly diminished the target mRNA level and had slight influence on the expression of HvCHS2. In contrast, consumption of dsCHS2 significantly lowered the target mRNA level but triggered the transcription of HvCHS1. Knockdown of HvCHS1, rather than HvCHS2, arrested larval development and impaired larva-pupa-adult transition. A large proportion of HvCHS1 hypomorphs became stunting prepupae, deformed pupae or misshapen adults. Moreover, knockdown of HvCHS1 damaged gut integrity, decreased cuticle thickness, and delayed the formation of newly-generated cuticle layer during ecdysis. Furthermore, depletion of HvCHS1 inhibited the development of trachea system and thinned tracheal taenidia. Ingestion of dsCHS1 at the third-instar stage caused similar but severe negative effects. Our results demonstrated that HvCHS1 is responsible for chitin biosynthesis during ecdysis. Moreover, HvCHS1 is a potential amenable target gene and young larvae are more susceptible to dsRNA.

[Study on drug-target binding kinetics profiles of flavonoids in Chrysanthemum morifolium and xanthine oxidase].

Based on the target occupancy mathematical model, the binding kinetic process of potential active ingredients of lowering uric acid in Chrysanthemum morifolium with xanthine oxidase(XOD) was evaluated. The potential active ingredients of lowering uric acid in Ch. morifolium were screened by UPLC-Q-Exactivems MS technology, reference substance identification and in vitro enzymatic kinetics experiments. The binding kinetic parameters of xanthine oxidase and potential inhibitor in Ch. morifolium were determined by surface plasma resonance(SPR). The verified mathematical model of the XOD target occupancy evaluated the kinetic binding process of inhibitors and xanthine oxidase in vivo. According to UPLC-Q-Exactive MS and reference substance identification, 39 potential uric acid-lowering active ingredients in Ch. morifolium extracts were identified and the inhibitory activities of 23 compounds were determined. Three potential xanthine oxidase inhibitors were screened, namely genistein, luteolin, and apigenin. whose IC_(50 )were 1.23, 1.47 and 1.59 µmol·L~(-1), respectively. And the binding rate constants(K_(on)) were 1.26×10~6, 5.23×10~5 and 6.36×10~5 mol·L~(-1)·s~(-1), respectively. The dissociation rate constants(K_(off)) were 10.93×10~(-2), 1.59×10~(-2), and 5.3×10~(-2 )s~(-1), respectively. After evaluation by different administration methods, the three selected compounds can perform rapid and sustained inhibition of xanthine oxidase in vivo under combined administration. This study comprehensively evaluated the target occupancy process of three effective components in different ways of administration in vivo by UPLC-MS, concentration-response method, SPR technology and xanthine oxidase target occupancy model, which would provide a new research idea and method for screening active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine.

Sex differences in the prevalence and clinical correlates of hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Sex differences in bipolar disorder are well recognized but little attention has been paid to sex differences in homocysteine or hyperhomocysteinemia in bipolar patients. This study compared gender differences in homocysteine levels and rates of hyperhomocysteinemia in Chinese inpatients with bipolar disorder. METHODS: A total of 198 BD patients and 84 healthy controls were enrolled. The Young Mania Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and the Clinical Global Impressions-Severity scale were used to assess the affective symptomatology. Fasting plasma Hcy levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Men had higher homocysteine levels than women and the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in male patients was approximately twice that in female patients. Logistic regression analyses showed that HHcy was associated with less frequent use of valproate in males and being overweight in females. Further correlation analysis and multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that Hcy levels were inversely correlated with valproate treatment in men and positively associated with overweight in women. CONCLUSIONS: In bipolar patients, there are significant differences between sexes in the levels of homocysteine and prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia. This appears to be associated with lower prevalence of valproate prescribing in men and with being overweight in women.

Sleep timing and hygiene practices of high bedtime procrastinators: a direct observational study.

BACKGROUND: Bedtime procrastination (BP) has been proven to be an important indicator of sleep insufficiency from a psychological perspective. However, the effect of BP on sleep patterns related to sleep deficiency remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of self-reported sleep timing and hygiene practices between high and low-moderate bedtime procrastinators. It also aimed to examine the relationship between these characteristics and high level of BP. METHODS: A total of 391 Chinese college students were recruited for this study. Participants completed questionnaires on demographics, sleep timing variables, the Sleep Hygiene Practice Scale (SHPS) and the Bedtime Procrastination Scale (BPS). RESULTS: High bedtime procrastinators were more likely to have higher SHPS global and subdomain scores (Ps < 0.001). They also were more likely to exhibit later sleep onset, sleep offset and rise time on both weekdays and weekends (Ps < 0.01). The significant independent determinant factors of the prevalence of high BP were: SHPS total score [odds ratio (OR) = 1.05, P < 0.001], arousal-related behaviour (OR = 1.07, P = 0.007), sleep schedule and timing (OR = 1.12, P < 0.001) and sleep onset on weekdays (OR = 2.65, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High bedtime procrastinators showed maladaptive sleep-related variables, which mainly manifested as changes in arousal-related behaviour and sleep schedule and timing, as well as delays in sleep onset time on weekdays. The findings could help guide the formulation of appropriate interventions in primary health care.

The impact of bedtime procrastination on depression symptoms in Chinese medical students.

PURPOSE: Depression symptoms are closely related to inadequate sleep and are experienced by medical students at an increased rate. Bedtime procrastination is considered a new, important predictor of sleep deficiency. However, whether there is a correlation between bedtime procrastination and depression symptoms remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the impact of bedtime procrastination on depression symptoms among medical students. METHODS: A total of 419 Chinese medical students were invited to participate in this study, and 401 participants (mean age, 19.48 years; range, 17-23 years) were included in the final statistical analysis. Depression symptoms and bedtime procrastination were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Bedtime Procrastination Scale (BPS), respectively. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression symptoms in Chinese medical students was 26.9%. The mean BPS scores were significantly higher in the depressed group than in the non-depressed group. Binary logistic regression analysis identified that bedtime procrastination was an independent contributor to the prevalence of depression symptoms. Further correlation and multiple linear regression analyses demonstrated that the BDI scores were significantly and positively associated with the BPS scores in students without depression, while the BDI scores correlated with male students experiencing depression. CONCLUSIONS: Depression symptoms, which become more prevalent among Chinese medical students, are found to independently associate with bedtime procrastination. In particular, the severity of depression symptoms shows a positive correlation with increased bedtime procrastination before developing into depression, and it shows correlation with sex only in a state of depression.

Triterpenoid Saponins from Ardisia gigantifolia and Mechanism on Inhibiting Proliferation of MDA-MB-231 Cells.

Seventeen 13,28-epoxy triterpenoid saponins obtained from Ardisia gigantifolia STAPF. were evaluated their anti-proliferative activities on MCF-7 cells. The structure-activity relationship analysis indicated that CH3 group at C-30, four saccharide units with L-rhamnose at R6 in the sugar units are crucial for the cytotoxic activity on MCF-7. Compounds 1, 2, 6, 7, 12, and 14 were selected to identify the anti-proliferative activity on the other three breast cancer cell lines (T47D, MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3). Compounds 2, 6, and 7 with good activity on MCF-7 also showed activity on T47D, MDA-MB-231, and SK-BR-3. Compounds 12 and 14 without cytotoxic activity on MCF-7 almost showed no activities on the other three cell lines. For the triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231, Saponins 7 and 14 showed selective cytotoxic activity, 7 showed much more activity than 14, suggesting the six saccharide units in sugar units and CH3 on C-30 were the key moieties for the anti-proliferative activities. Further molecular mechanism of saponin 7 was studied on inhibiting cell proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells. Saponin 7 could enhance apoptosis, arrest cell cycles, decrease mitochondrial membrane potentials (MMPs), and considered the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may explain this conundrum.