The "supercompensation" effect of children's lockdown during COVID-19: based on the analysis of changes in physical activity, sleep, and psychology.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the "supercompensation" effect of preschoolers during the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown by comparing the changes in physical activity (PA), psychological, and sleep indicators before and after the lockdown. METHODS: A total of 127 children (aged 3-6 years) were recruited. Before and after the lockdown, the children's PA levels were measured using the ActiGraph GT3X+, and their psychological and sleep indicators were measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Child Sleep Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ), respectively. RESULTS: Regarding PA, the children's total physical activity, low-intensity physical activity, and medium-intensity physical activity (MVPA) were higher after the lockdown than before the lockdown, with significant differences in MVPA (p < 0.05). Regarding psychology, the children's SDQ and multidimensional scores were better after the lockdown than before the lockdown, with a significant difference in SDQ scores (p < 0.05). Regarding sleep, the children's CSHQ scores were better after the lockdown than before the lockdown, with a highly significant difference in CSHQ scores (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: After lockdown, children's PA, psychological, and sleep effects were "supercompensated." In particular, the PA of preschoolers before, during, and after the lockdown may show a "baseline-inhibition-supercompensation" process.

Relationship between 24-h activity behavior and body fat percentage in preschool children: based on compositional data and isotemporal substitution analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to elucidate the dose‒response relationship between 24-h activity behaviors and body fat percentage (BFP) in Chinese preschool children using a compositional isotemporal substitution model (ISM). METHODS: In a cross-sectional design, 881 children aged 3-6 from urban and rural areas of Jiangxi Province were sampled. Activity behaviors, including sedentary behavior (SB), low-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate- to high-intensity physical activity (MVPA), were measured using accelerometers. Sleep patterns were assessed through questionnaires, and BFP was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The study employed compositional data analysis (CoDA) and ISM to estimate the impact of reallocating durations of different activity behaviors on BFP. RESULTS: Higher BFP was found in urban vs. rural children, decreasing with age. Overweight and obesity rates were 10.6% and 7.6%, respectively, above national averages. MVPA and LPA were negatively correlated with BFP, while SB was positively correlated. A 30-min MVPA reduction significantly increased zBFR, particularly in overweight children. Gender-specific nuances revealed that boys' MVPA negatively influenced zBFP (ß = -0.155), P < 0.05), while girls' SB positively impacted zBFP (ß = 0.636, P < 0.01). Isotemporal simulations emphasized amplified effects in overweight children, with boys' zBFR rising rapidly when MVPA was substituted and girls displaying a notable substitution effect between SB and LPA. CONCLUSION: BFP is closely linked to 24-h activity behaviors, notably in overweight and obese preschoolers. ISM identified MVPA as a critical influencer, with a 30-min reduction substantially increasing BFP. Gender disparities were evident, implicating MVPA in boys and LPA and SB in girls.

A hybrid of thiazolidinone with the hydroxamate scaffold for developing novel histone deacetylase inhibitors with antitumor activities.

A series of novel histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors were designed, synthesized and evaluated based on the strategies of a hybrid of the classic pharmacophore of HDAC inhibitors with the thiazolidinone scaffold. Some of the compounds 12i showed potent HDAC1 inhibition with nM IC50 values, more importantly, compound displayed much better anti-metastatic effects than vorinostat (SAHA) against migration of the A549 cell line. Further mechanism exploration implied that compound 12i may inhibit tumor metastasis via modulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and upregulating the acetylation of α-tubulin.

Effects of structured and unstructured interventions on fundamental motor skills in preschool children: a meta-analysis.

Background: It has been suggested that higher levels of fundamental motor skills (FMS) promote the physical health of preschool-aged children. The impacts of structured and unstructured interventions on FMS in children aged 10-16 years have been widely acknowledged in previous studies. However, there is a lack of relevant studies in preschool-aged children. Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of structured and unstructured interventions on FMS in preschool-aged children. Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception to 1 November 2023 to identify experiments describing structured and unstructured interventions for FMS in preschool-aged children. The Downs and Black Checklist was used to assess the risk of bias. A random effects model was used for the meta-analysis to evaluate the pooled effects of interventions on FMS. Subgroup analyses based on the duration and characteristics of the intervention were conducted to identify sources of heterogeneity. Results: A total of 23 studies with 4,068 participants were included. There were 12 studies examining structured interventions, 9 studies examining unstructured interventions, and 6 studies comparing structured vs. unstructured interventions. The risk of bias in the included studies was generally low. All interventions significantly improved FMS in preschool-aged children compared to control treatments (p < 0.05). Structured interventions had more significant effects on locomotor skills (LMSs) in preschool-aged children than unstructured interventions (Hedges' g = 0.44, p = 0.04). The effects of structured interventions were strongly influenced by the total intervention duration, such that long-term interventions were more effective (Hedge's g = 1.29, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Structured interventions play a crucial role in enhancing FMS among young children, especially when considering LMSs. These interventions require consistent and repeated practice over time to reach proficiency. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, identifier number CRD42023475088, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023475088.

The Harm of Metabolically Healthy Obese and the Effect of Exercise on Their Health Promotion.

Obesity and obesity-related diseases [type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer] are becoming more common, which is a major public health concern. Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) has become a type of obesity, accounting for a large proportion of obese people. MHO is still harmful to health. It was discovered that MHO screening criteria could not well reflect health hazards, whereas visceral fat, adiponectin pathway, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and histological indicators at the microlevel could clearly distinguish MHO from health control, and the biological pathways involved in these micro indicators were related to MHO pathogenesis. This review reveals that MHO's micro metabolic abnormality is the initial cause of the increase of disease risk in the future. Exploring the biological pathway of MHO is important in order to develop an effective mechanism-based preventive and treatment intervention strategy. Exercise can correct the abnormal micro metabolic pathway of MHO, regulate metabolic homeostasis, and enhance metabolic flexibility. It is a supplementary or possible alternative to the traditional healthcare prevention/treatment strategy as well as an important strategy for reducing MHO-related health hazards.

Effects of Traditional Chinese Exercise on Oxidative Stress in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Network Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the best option among traditional Chinese exercises for reducing oxidative stress in middle-aged and older adults, using a network meta-analysis. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI databases were used. We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on middle-aged and older adults to influence oxidative stress by any traditional Chinese exercises from the beginning to 20 January 2022. A network meta-analysis of randomized control trials was performed comparing the changes in the concentration of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as primary outcomes, following different therapeutic interventions with traditional Chinese exercises in middle-aged and older adults over 30 years old. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the correlation between each group of interventions, and surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) was used to rank the best interventions. RESULTS: The meta-analysis comprised 15 trials with a total of 927 participants and six interventions: (Wuqinxi (WQX), Baduanjin (BDJ), Tai Ji Quan (TJQ), Yijinjing (YJJ), Mawangdui Daoyin (MWD), and no exercise intervention (NEI)). Regarding GPX: WQX [SMD = 2.79 (1.75, 3.83)], TJQ [SMD = 0.47 (0.23, 0.70)], YJJ [SMD = 1.78 (1.18, 2.37)], MWD [SMD = 1.89 (1.36, 2.43)] were superior in increasing GPX relative to NEI. Regarding MDA: WQX [SMD = 1.68 (0.94, 2.42)], YJJ [SMD = 0.99 (0.28, 1.69)] were superior in reducing MDA relative to NEI. Regarding SOD: WQX [SMD = 1.05 (0.10, 2.01)] were superior in increasing SOD relative to NEI. WQX topped the SUCRA with GPX: 0.97, MDA: 0.91, and SOD: 0.94. Furthermore, WQX was more effective than TJQ in interfering with GPX [SMD = 2.32 (1.26, 3.39)] and MDA [SMD = 1.47 (0.26, 2.67)], and a significantly better intervention effect on SOD than YJJ [SMD = 1.52 (0.80, 2.24)] and MWD [SMD = 0.89 (0.03, 1.75)]. CONCLUSION: Traditional Chinese exercise can help middle-aged and older adults reduce oxidative stress. WQX may be the best traditional Chinese exercise of the exercises evaluated for reducing oxidative stress in middle-aged and older adults.

Study on peptide-peptide interactions between transmembrane domains of Slc11a1 in model membranes.

In this study, we determined the interaction between TM4 and TM2/TM3 domain of Solute carrier family 11 member 1 (Slc11a1) by circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectrum. The results indicated that, the cation transport process was likely to be accomplished by the collaboration of multiple TM domains rather than by TM4 domain alone. Therefore, this finding suggested possible transportation theory and be helpful to elucidate the mechanism of Slc11a1 in cation transport process.

Detection of Hg2+ by a Dual-Fluorescence Ratio Probe Constructed with Rare-Earth-Element-Doped Cadmium Telluride Quantum Dots and Fluorescent Carbon Dots.

Quantum dots (QDs) and carbon quantum dots (CDs) are classes of zero-dimensional materials whose sizes can be ≤10 nm. They exhibit excellent optical properties and are widely used to prepare fluorescent probes for qualitative and quantitative detection of test objects. In this article, we used cerium chloride as the cerium source and used the in situ doped cerium (rare-earth element) to develop cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots following the aqueous phase method. CdTe: Ce quantum dots were successfully synthesized. The solution of CdTe:Ce QDs was mixed with the CD solution prepared following the green microwave method to form a ratio fluorescence sensor that can be potentially used for the selective detection of mercury ions (Hg2+). We used transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and other microscopy and spectral characterization techniques to validate that Ce had been successfully doped. The test results on the fluorescence performance revealed that Ce doping enhances the predoped fluorescence performance of the CdTe QDs. We have quantitatively detected Hg2+ using a ratiometric fluorescence sensor to show that in the range of 10-60 nM, the fluorescence quenching efficiency increases linearly with the increase in Hg2+ concentration. The linear correlation coefficient R 2 = 0.9978, and its detection limit was found to be 2.63 nM L-1. It was observed that other interfering ions do not significantly affect the fluorescence intensity of the probe. According to the results of the blank addition experiment, the developed proportional fluorescence probe can be used for the detection of Hg2+ in actual samples.

The different interactions of two anticancer drugs with bovine serum albumin based on multi-spectrum method combined with molecular dynamics simulations.

Paclitaxel is the best natural anticancer drug and artemisinin also has anticancer effect. In this study, the interactions between BSA and these two drugs were determined in PBS (pH 7.40) by multi-spectroscopic method and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results showed that paclitaxel and artemisinin could statically quench the BSA fluorescence when the complexes were formed and the stoichiometric ratio of BSA-drugs was 1:1. Particularly, the BSA-paclitaxel complex was more stable than BSA-artemisinin complex. During the binding, the surroundings around Trp residue site was largely affected than Tyr site, especially Trp 214 to a more hydrophobic environment. In addition, the binding processes were mainly spontaneous through electrostatic force interaction. In summary, we concluded that the free drug of paclitaxel in blood was low and duration time of artemisinin was shorter.

[Advances in the development of detection techniques for organophosphate ester flame retardants in food].

Organophosphate ester (OPE)-based flame retardants and plasticizers are widely utilized in various industrial products, and are being increasingly used as substitutes for gradually phased brominated flame retardants (BFRs). According to the different types of substituents used, OPEs are mainly divided into alkyls, halogenated compounds, and aromatics, which have widely varying physicochemical properties. OPEs can induce neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and damage in endocrine and reproductive systems in humans. Examples of halogenated OPE are tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) and tris(1,3-dichloropropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), which are suspected to be carcinogenic. OPEs have emerged as pollutants in environmental and food matrices as a result of volatilization and abrasion processes. Due to its low content in the food matrix and serious background interference, there is a lack of reliable and sensitive analytical methods. Recently, there has been a focus on the detection of OPE flame retardants in food. In this paper, we have reviewed the current status and development trends of OPE detection methods in various foodstuffs. First, the physicochemical properties of more than 30 common OPEs were summarized. Even when using the same extraction solvent, there are obvious differences in extraction efficiency according to different compound properties. To simultaneously analyze multi-component OPE flame retardants in food, it is very important to choose the appropriate extraction solvent to meet the required extraction efficiency of compounds with a wide range of polarities. In addition, although OPE flame retardants are not easily hydrolyzed under neutral conditions, they will degrade to a certain extent under strong acidic and alkaline conditions. It is worth mentioning that avoiding the removal of lipids and other interferences in food matrices under strong acidic and alkaline conditions. Different pretreatment methods, such as accelerated solvent extraction, matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction, QuEChERS, solid-phase extraction, gel permeation chromatography, and dispersive solid-phase extraction are also compared. Combining the advantages of ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) and QuEChERS pretreatment technology can reduce the waste of extraction solvent and internal standard solution. For lipid-rich matrices like biological samples, it is necessary to remove lipid interference by SPE columns or GPC purification. Furthermore, the characteristics of separation and detection techniques, such as GC, GC-MS/MS, and LC-MS/MS, are discussed. Comparing detection limits and recovery data with those reported in the literature, GC-MS/MS can provide improved selectivity, precision, and limits of detection in complex food matrices, but LC-MS often suffers from ion suppression, matrix interferences, and incomplete separation of some OPEs. Since electron impact (EI) has higher ionization efficiency, it produces many fragment ions, thus creating a more complete spectral library, which is conducive to structural identification. When using GC-MS/MS to determine OPE flame retardants, the EI mode was usually used. However, positive chemical ionization (PCI) and electron capture negative ionization (ECNI) modes were also used sometimes. In the section on quality control, the main sources of standards and internal standards, possible sources of blank contamination, and the research status of measures to reduce matrix effects have been reviewed. To avoid blank contamination, all the laboratory equipment should be carefully cleaned, heated at high temperatures, and rinsed with polar or non-polar organic solvents in order to remove all interfering organic residues. Isotopically labeled internal standard and isotopic dilution mass spectrum quantification methods are used to reduce matrix effects. Owing to the limited availability of commercial standards and the relatively high cost, alternative approaches, such as matrix-matched calibration or standard addition methods, are required. The screening and identification of unknown metabolites of OPEs and related analytical methods based on high resolution mass spectrometry could also be studied for precursor OPEs in foodstuffs in the future.

Double-Emission Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensors Composed of Rare-Earth-Doped ZnS Quantum Dots for Hg2+ Detection.

Quantum dots (QDs) are a class of zero-dimensional nanocrystal materials, whose lengths are limited to 2-10 nm. Their unique advantages such as wide excitation spectra, narrow emission spectra, and high quantum yield make their application possible in fluorescence sensing, wherein QDs such as CdSe, CdTe, and CdS are used. Indeed, QDs have a wide range of applications in fluorescence sensing, and there have been many reports of applications based on QDs as ion probes. The emission spectra of QDs can be adjusted by changing the size of the QDs or doping them with other ions/elements. However, the high toxicity of Cd and the poor anti-interference ability of single-emission fluorescent probes greatly limit the applications of QDs in many fields. In this paper, ZnS QDs are doped with the rare-earth element Ce to form a low-toxicity double-emission ratiometric fluorescent sensor, ZnS:Ce, for Hg2+ detection. The results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and optical spectroscopy show that ZnS:Ce QDs were successfully synthesized. Under the optimal conditions, the concentration of Hg2+ was in the range of 10-100 µM, which had a linear relationship with the fluorescence intensity of the ZnS:Ce QDs: the linear correlation coefficient was 0.998, and the detection limit was 0.82 µM L-1. In addition, the fluorescent sensor had good selectivity for Hg2+, and it was successfully applied to the detection of Hg2+ in laboratory water samples.

Drug-loaded dual targeting graphene oxide-based molecularly imprinted composite and recognition of carcino-embryonic antigen.

Despite extensive research on functional graphene oxide for anticancer drug delivery, the sensitivity of traditional protein targeting ligands to the environment limits the practical applications of targeted drug delivery. A unique molecularly imprinted magnetic graphene oxide was used as a novel drug delivery system for the treatment of tumors. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) synthesized by molecular imprinting technology have the advantages of good stability against chemical and enzymatic attacks, high specificity for a target template, and resistance to harsh environments. In our work, the MIP was used for specificity to tumor cells with carcino-embryonic (CEA) tumor markers as the template, and dopamine as the functional monomer was grafted on boronic acid-functionalized magnetic graphene oxide. The structure of the nanoparticles was optimized and characterized in detail by vibrating sample magnetometry, X-ray diffraction analysis, UV-vis spectroscopy, and flow cytometry. The prepared polymer has magnetic properties, specific recognition to CEA, biocompatibility and pH sensitivity for drug delivery. Cell culture research was carried out on the tumor cells and normal cells. The composites exhibited dual targeting properties that not only magnetically target but also specifically increase the drug cytotoxicity to the tumor cells by selectively binding to CEA. On the basis of these results, this study developed a novel approach for targeting tumor cells for drug delivery without needing to modify the protein ligand.

Synthesis of Multifunctional 2-Aminobenzimidazoles on DNA via Iodine-Promoted Cyclization.

2-Aminobenzimidazole cores are among the most common structural components in medicinal chemistry and can be found in many biologically active molecules. Herein, we report a mild protocol for the synthesis of multifunctional 2-aminobenzimidazoles on-DNA with broad substrate scopes. The reaction conditions expand our ability to design and synthesize 2-aminobenzimidazole core-focused DNA-encoded libraries.

Determination of sulfamerazine in aquatic products by molecularly imprinted capillary electrochromatography.

A molecularly imprinted monolith was prepared and evaluated for the special selective separation of sulfamerazine (SMR) by capillary electrochromatography (CEC). The single-step in situ polymerization method was applied through thermally immobilized vinyl groups of itaconic acid and a derivatization capillary column using SMR as the template. The monolith with optimal selectivity and permeability was performed at 45°C for 7 h according to the molar ratios of 1 : 4 : 10 (template/functional monomer/cross-linker). Under the optimized separation conditions of 75% acetonitrile in 20 mM phosphate buffer with pH 5.0, 15 kV applied voltage and 20°C column temperature, the imprinted monolith showed strong recognition ability for SMR and high column performance. Finally, the molecularly imprinted monolith coupled with the CEC method was successfully developed for the quantification of SMR in aquatic products, which was properly validated by a good linear relationship, recoveries and limit of detection. The coupling technique of the molecularly imprinted technology and CEC achieved pre-treatment enrichment and separation analysis in only one miniaturized chromatographic column.

Effects of HIIT and MICT on cardiovascular risk factors in adults with overweight and/or obesity: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in adults with overweight and obesity. METHODS: Twenty-two articles were included by searching six databases, the total number of subjects was 620 in these articles. Outcomes were synthesised using a random-effects meta-analysis of the Standardized mean difference (SMD) in CVD risk factors. RESULTS: HIIT and MICT resulted in statistically significant reductions in Weight, BMI, fat%, total cholesterol(TC), and improvement in VO2max. Compared with MICT, subgroup of durations of HIIT training interval ≥2 min can significantly increase VO2max (SMD = 0.444, 95% CI:0.037~0.851,P = 0.032), subgroup of energy expenditure of HIIT equal to MICT can significantly increase VO2max (SMD = 0.399, 95% CI:0.106~0.692,P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: HIIT appears to provide similar benefits to MICT for improving body composition, VO2maxand TC, but HIIT spent less time than MICT by 9.7 min on one session. HIIT is superior to MICT in improving cardiopulmonary fitness when durations of HIIT training interval ≥2 min or energy expenditure of HIIT same as MICT. PROSPERO ID: CRD42016045835.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of hybrid of tetrahydrocarbazole with 2,4-diaminopyrimidine scaffold as antibacterial agents.

Several 6-substituted tetrahydrocarbazole derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for the antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus Newman strain. Subsequently, 2,4-diaminopyrimidine scaffold was merged with the tetrahydrocarbazole unit to generate a series of novel hybrid derivatives and the antibacterial activities were also investigated. Among these novel hybrids, compound 12c showed the most potent activity with a MIC of 0.39-0.78 µg/mL against S. aureus Newman and Escherichia coli AB1157 strain. In addition, compound 12c exhibited low MIC values against a panel of multidrug-resistant strains of S. aureus.

Super absorbent polymer seed coatings promote seed germination and seedling growth of Caragana korshinskii in drought.

Coating seeds with water absorbent materials can improve their survival, especially for those planted in drought or barren areas. In this study, effects of five kinds of super absorbent polymers (SAPs) on seed germination and seedling growth of Caragana korshinskii under drought conditions were investigated. Our results showed that SAP coatings could significantly improve the percentage and energy of seed germination, as well as reduce the relative electrical conductivity (REC), proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), H2O2 content, and peroxidase (POD) activity during germination. These results implied that seeds could uptake moisture from SAP coatings to alleviate drought-induced oxidative stress and membrane damage, thus exhibiting a better vigor and germination performance. After coating C. korshinskii seeds with SAPs, more seedlings emerged and grew better. Under the combined influence of the water absorption capacity of SAP and other factors, the efficiencies of five SAP coatings are in the sequence D>E>B>A>C. The function of the SAP coating on promoting seedling survival was confirmed in Mu Us Sandy Land in Ordos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. The average seedling number of SAP D-coated seeds increased twofold on that of naked seeds. Our results are expected to be helpful in understanding and utilizing SAP seed coatings in improving plant survival under drought conditions.

Novel hemostatic agents based on gelatin-microbial transglutaminase mix.

Hemostasis is a major challenge in surgical procedures and traumas. Conventional hemostatic methods have limited efficacy and may cause additional tissue damage. In this study, we designed a novel hemostatic agent based on the in situ gel formation of gelatin cross-linked by a novel microbial transglutaminase (mTGase), in which the amino acid sequences differed from commercial mTGases. The new hemostatic agent showed the same biochemical crosslinking chemistry as the final stages of the blood coagulation cascade while using gelatin as a "structural" protein (rather than fibrin) and a calcium-independent mTGase as the crosslinking catalyst (rather than factor XIIIa). In rat liver hemostasis models, the hemostatic agent not only showed a similar hemostatic effect as that of SURGIFLO® (positive control), but also stronger adhesion strength and elasticity than SURGIFLO®. Therefore, this biomimetic gelatin-mTGase mix hemostatic is a novel and effective surgical sealant.

Effect of Physical Activity on Cognitive Development: Protocol for a 15-Year Longitudinal Follow-Up Study.

The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between physical activity as assessed by accelerometers and cognitive development across the human age ranges (from children and adolescents to adults). Additionally, this study seeks to explore whether physical activity contributes to cognitive development via modification of plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In the study, 500 preschool children (3.5-5.5 years old) are taking part in 6 triennial assessment waves over the span of 15 years. At each wave, participant measures included (a) 7-day physical activity monitoring using ActiGraph's GT3X accelerometers, (b) the evaluation of cognitive development, (c) anthropometric and physical fitness assessments, (d) plasma IGF-1 and BDNF concentrations, and (e) retrospective questionnaires. Linear regression models are used to examine the effect of physical activity on cognitive development; plasma IGF-1 and BDNF concentrations are considered as mediators into data analyses. The results of the study may help to inform future health interventions that utilize physical activity as a means to improve cognitive development in children, adolescents, and adults. Additionally, the study may assist in determining whether the putative effects occur via modification of plasma IGF-1 or BDNF concentrations.

Reactive oxygen species induced by cold stratification promote germination of Hedysarum scoparium seeds.

Seed germination is comprehensively regulated by multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are relatively new among these factors. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of ROS in germination regulation remain largely unknown. In this study, we initially found that cold stratification could promote germination and respiration of Hedysarum scoparium seeds, especially at low temperature. We then noted that a ROS environment change induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or methylviologen (MV) could similarly promote seed germination. On the other hand, the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) suppressed germination of cold-stratified H. scoparium seeds, indicating a stimulatory role of ROS upon seed germination. An increased accumulation of O2- was detected in embryonic axes of cold-stratified seeds, and stratification-induced ROS generation as well as progressive accumulation of ROS during germination was further confirmed at the cellular level by confocal microscopy. Moreover, protein carbonylation in cold-stratified seeds was enhanced during germination, which was reversed by NAC treatment. Finally, the relationship between ROS and abscisic acid (ABA) or gibberellin (GA) in germination regulation was investigated. ABA treatment significantly inhibited germination and reduced the H2O2 content in both cold-stratified and non-cold-stratified seeds. Furthermore, we found that cold stratification mediates the down-regulation of the ABA content and increase of GA, suggesting an interaction between ROS and ABA/GA. These results in H. scoparium shed new light on the positive role of ROS and their cross-talk between plant hormones in seed germination.