Sleep and internalizing problems in primary school children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

BACKGROUND: Internalizing and externalizing problems have received great attention, and children with ADHD exhibit high rates of comorbid internalizing and externalizing disorders. This study aimed to explore the relationship between sleep and internalizing problems in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the probable mediating role of externalizing problems. METHODS: A total of 203 primary school children diagnosed with ADHD for the first time were recruited for this study. Children with ADHD were evaluated by Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Internalizing problems were represented by emotional symptoms and peer problems of SDQ, and externalizing problems were represented by conduct problems and hyperactivity-inattention problems of SDQ. Multi-step linear regression analysis was used to investigate the mediating effect of externalizing problems on the relationship between sleep and internalizing problems. RESULTS: Sleep in children with ADHD was associated with emotional problems in internalizing problems, and conduct problems in externalizing problems mediated the association between sleep and emotional problems. CONCLUSION: For children with ADHD, when it is difficult to identify internalizing problems, especially emotional problems, we can take sleep and externalizing problems as clues to improve our clinical ability to recognize and deal with emotional problems. IMPACT: 1. We first explored the possible mediating role of conduct problems between sleep and emotional problems in primary school children with ADHD. 2. When it is difficult to identify internalizing problems, especially emotional problems, we can take sleep and externalizing problems as clues to improve our clinical ability to recognize emotional problems for children with ADHD. 3. For children with ADHD with potential internalizing problems, especially emotional problems, interventions for their sleep and externalizing problems may be the possible methods to deal with.

Candidate Antigens and the Development of Helicobacter pylori Vaccines.

BACKGROUND: Infection with Helicobacter pylori (Hp) mostly occurs during childhood, and persistent infection may lead to severe gastric diseases and even gastric cancer. Currently, the primary method for eradicating Hp is through antibiotic treatment. However, the increasing multidrug resistance in Hp strains has diminished the effectiveness of antibiotic treatments. Vaccination could potentially serve as an effective intervention to resolve this issue. AIMS: Through extensive research and analysis of the vital protein characteristics involved in Hp infection, we aim to provide references for subsequent vaccine antigen selection. Additionally, we summarize the current research and development of Hp vaccines in order to provide assistance for future research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Utilizing the databases PubMed and the Web of Science, a comprehensive search was conducted to compile articles pertaining to Hp antigens and vaccines. The salient aspects of these articles were then summarized to provide a detailed overview of the current research landscape in this field. RESULTS: Several potential antigens have been identified and introduced through a thorough understanding of the infection process and pathogenic mechanisms of Hp. The conserved and widely distributed candidate antigens in Hp, such as UreB, HpaA, GGT, and NAP, are discussed. Proteins such as CagA and VacA, which have significant virulence effects but relatively poor conservatism, require further evaluation. Emerging antigens like HtrA and dupA have significant research value. In addition, vaccines based on these candidate antigens have been compiled and summarized. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccines are a promising method for preventing and treating Hp. While some Hp vaccines have achieved promising results, mature products are not yet available on the market. Great efforts have been directed toward developing various types of vaccines, underscoring the need for developers to select appropriate antigens and vaccine formulations to improve success rates.

Breathing Behavior and Superprotonic Conductivity of Two-Dimensional Flexible Metal-Organic Frameworks Tuned with Alkoxy Groups.

Flexible metal-organic frameworks (FMOFs) exhibit reversible structural transitions ("breathing" behaviors), which can regulate the proton transport passageway effectively. This property offers remarkable advantages for improving the proton conductivity. Our objective of this work is to design a single-variable flexibility synergistic strategy for the fabrication of FMOFs with high conductivity. Herein, four two-dimensional FMOFs, {[Co(4-bpdb)(R-ip)]·xsolvents}n (x = rich, 1-4), have been successfully designed and assembled (4-bpdb = 1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene and R-ip = MeO/EtO/n-PrO/n-BuO-isophthalate). Upon the release and/or absorption of different solvent molecules, they display reversible breathing behaviors, thereby resulting in the formation of the partial and complete solvent-free compounds {[Co(4-bpdb)(R-ip)]·ysolvents}n (y = free or poor, 1A-4A). This breathing behavior involves the synergistic self-adaption of the dynamic torsion of alkoxy groups and reversible structural transformation, leading to remarkable changes in cell parameters and void space, as evidenced by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, and N2 and CO2 adsorption analyses. At 363 K and 98% relative humidity, 2A exhibits the best proton conductivity among the FMOFs. Its conductivity reaches 4.08 × 10-2 S cm-1 and is one of the highest conductivities shown by reported unmodified MOF-based proton conductors.

Comparative Analysis of Proton Conductivity in Two Zn-Based MOFs Featuring Sulfate and Sulfonate Functional Groups.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown promising potential as proton-conducting materials due to their tunable structures and high porosity. In this study, two novel MOFs had been successfully synthesized, one containing sulfate groups (MOF-1; [Zn4(TIPE)2(SO4)4(H2O)]·5H2O) and the other containing sulfonate groups (MOF-2; [Zn2(TIPE)(5-sip)(NO3)0.66]·0.34NO3·17.5H2O) (TIPE = 1,1,2,2-tetrakis(4-(1H-imidazole-1-yl)phenyl)ethene, H35-sip = 5-sulfoisophthalicacid), and the effect of the two groups on the proton conductivity of Zn-based MOFs had been investigated and compared for the first time. The proton conductivity of these MOFs was systematically measured at different temperatures and humidity conditions. Remarkably, the results revealed significant differences in proton conductivity between the two sets of MOFs. At 90 °C and 98% RH, MOF-1 and MOF-2 achieved optimal proton conductivity of 4.48 × 10-3 and 5.69 × 10-2 S·cm-1, respectively. This was due to the structural differences arising from the presence of different functional groups, which subsequently affected the porosity and hydrophilicity, thereby influencing the proton conductivity. Overall, this comparative study revealed the influence of sulfate and sulfonate groups on the proton conductivity of Zn-based MOFs. This research provided a feasible idea for the development of advanced MOF materials with enhanced proton conductivity and opened up new possibilities for their application in proton devices.

Acroamine A, a 2-Amino Adenine Alkaloid from the Marine Soft Coral Acrozoanthus australiae and Its Semisynthetic Derivatives That Inhibit cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinase A Catalytic Subunit Alpha.

A high throughput screen performed to identify catalytic inhibitors of the oncogenic fusion form of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A catalytic subunit alpha (J-PKAcα) found an individual fraction from an organic extract of the marine soft coral Acrozoanthus australiae as active. Bioassay-guided isolation led to the identification of a 2-amino adenine alkaloid acroamine A (1), the first secondary metabolite discovered from this genus and previously reported as a synthetic product. As a naturally occurring protein kinase inhibitor, to unambiguously assign its chemical structure using modern spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques, five N-methylated derivatives acroamines A1-A5 (2-6) were semisynthesized. Three additional brominated congeners A6-A8 (7-9) were also semisynthesized to investigate the structure-activity relationship of the nine compounds as J-PKAcα inhibitors. Compounds 1-9 were tested for J-PKAcα and wild-type PKA inhibitory activities, which were observed exclusively in acroamine A (1) and its brominated analogs (7-9) achieving moderate potency (IC50 2-50 µM) while none of the N-methylated analogs exhibited kinase inhibition.

Chemoreactive 2,5-Diketopiperazines from a Penicillium sp., Structure Revision of Reported Analogues and Proposed Facile Transformation Pathways.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous cancer. Two new prenylated indole 2,5-diketopiperazine alkaloids, brevianamides E1 (1) and E2 (2), were isolated from a Penicillium fungus. Both compounds showed moderate cytotoxic activity against select MCC cell lines (i.e., MCC13, MKL-1, UISO, and WaGa) in the low micromolar range. The relative and absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by combined approaches, including NOESY spectroscopy, DFT ECD and DP4 plus calculations, and Marfey's reaction. Literature research and the comparison of NMR and ECD data led to the structure revision of three previously reported natural analogues, notoamides K and P and asperversiamide L. The structurally unstable 1 and 2 underwent steady interconversion under neutral aqueous conditions. Investigation of the degradation of 2 in acidic methanol solutions led to the identification of a new methoxylated derivative (6) and two new ring-opened products (7 and 8) with the rearranged, elongated, 4-methylpent-3-ene side chain. The facile transformation of 2 to 7 and 8 was promoted by the intrinsic impurity (i.e., formaldehyde) of HPLC-grade methanol through the aza-Cope rearrangement.

Genome-wide characterization of SmZHD gene family and the role of SmZHD12 in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.).

KEY MESSAGE: SmZHDs was highly expressed in anthocyanin-rich parts of eggplant. SmZHD12 can activate the expression of SmCHS, SmANS, SmDFR and SmF3H. Overexpression of SmZHD12 promotes anthocyanin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis. The Zinc finger-homeodomain (ZHD) proteins family genes are known to play a significant role in plant development and physiological processes. However, the evolutionary history and function of the ZHD gene family in eggplant remain largely unexplored. This study categorizes a total of 15 SmZHD genes into SmMIF and SmZHD subfamilies based on conserved domains. The phylogeny, gene structure, conserved motifs, promoter elements, and chromosomal locations of the SmZHD genes were comprehensively analyzed. Tissue expression profiles indicate that the majority of SmZHD genes are expressed in anthocyanin-rich areas. qRT-PCR assays revealed distinct expression patterns of SmZHD genes in response to various treatments, indicating their potential involvement in multiple signaling pathways. Analysis of transcriptomic data from light-treated eggplant peel identified SmZHD12 as the most light-responsive gene among the 15 SmZHD genes. Consequently, this study provides further evidence that SmZHD12 facilitates anthocyanin accumulation in Arabidopsis leaves by upregulating the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis structural genes, as confirmed by dual-luciferase assays and Arabidopsis genetic transformation. Our study will lay a solid foundation for the in-depth study of the involvement of SmZHD genes in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis.

Effect modification of time spent outdoors on the association between early childhood overweight and myopia: a one-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the moderating role of outdoor time on the relationship between overweight and myopia. METHODS: The data for this study was obtained from a prospective study in Shanghai, where non-myopic children wore wristwear and were followed up for 1 year. Eye examinations were performed at each visit. The modification effect was assessed on the additive scale using multivariable logistic regression, and relative excess risk due to interaction was used to calculate the modification effect. RESULTS: A total of 4683 non-myopic children were included with 32.20% being overweight at baseline. Following a 1-year period, 17.42% of children had myopia. When compared to those who spent <90 minutes outdoors, children who spent >120 had a relative risk of myopia onset that was reduced to 0.61. As time spent outdoors decreased, more risks of myopia onset were identified among overweight children than among normal children, the modification effect on the additive scale was -0.007, with ~70% of this effect attributed to the modifying influence of outdoor time. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing outdoor time can reduce myopia more among overweight children than normal. Future interventions should focus on outdoor activities among overweight children to reduce myopia risks.

COVID-19 information seeking and individuals' protective behaviors: examining the role of information sources and information content.

BACKGROUND: Seeking COVID-19 information promotes individuals to adopt preventive behaviors, including wearing a mask, social distancing, staying away from risky places, and washing hands. This study aims to investigate which information and sources individuals relied on in seeking COVID-19 information and further examine their roles in individuals' adoption of preventive behaviors. METHODS: Through a statistical analysis of 1027 valid responses from citizens in different Chinese cities in 2022 to the self-designed items in an online survey, this study identified individuals' preferred information sources and content on COVID-19. Regarding the information sources and content, the study used multiple regression analysis to examine their associations with individuals' preventive behaviors, and further applied fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore their configurations that increase the likelihood of individuals adopting preventive behaviors. RESULTS: Individuals preferred information about the newest prevention and control policies, precautions and treatment, and symptoms from the sources of workplace and community, social media, and social live streaming services. Additionally, individuals' preventive behaviors were positively related to the workplace and community (ß = 0.202, p <.001), social live streaming services (ß = 0.089, p <.01), government department websites (ß = 0.079, p <.05), television (ß = 0.073, p <.05), and online news media (ß = 0.069, p <.05), but were negatively associated with newspapers (ß=-0.087, p <.05). Regarding information content, precautions and treatments (ß = 0.211, p <.001), the newest prevention and control policies (ß = 0.173, p <.001), symptoms (ß = 0.152, p <.001), and official rumor-dispelling information (ß = 0.082, p <.05) had a positive relationship with individuals' preventive behaviors. In addition, fsQCA results presented eight configurations that promote individuals to adopt preventive behaviors. The total coverage and solution consistency values were 0.869 and 0.987, respectively. Furthermore, COVID-19 information content, the sources of social media and interpersonal sources, and official news media played an essential role in increasing the likelihood of individuals adopting preventive behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that individuals seek various COVID-19 information from multiple sources. The direct and degree of association of information sources and content with individuals' preventive behaviors vary from source to source and from content to content. Information sources and content could combinatorially promote individuals to adopt preventive behaviors through several configurations.

A study of the effects of screen exposure on the neuropsychological development in children with autism spectrum disorders based on ScreenQ.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between multi-dimensional aspects of screen exposure and autistic symptoms, as well as neuropsychological development in children with ASD. METHODS: We compared the ScreenQ and Griffiths Development Scales-Chinese Language Edition (GDS-C) of 636 ASD children (40.79 ± 11.45 months) and 43 typically developing (TD) children (42.44 ± 9.61 months). Then, we analyzed the correlations between ScreenQ and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and GDS-C. We further used linear regression model to analyze the risk factors associated with high CARS total scores and low development quotients (DQs) in children with ASD. RESULTS: The CARS of children with ASD was positively correlated with the ScreenQ total scores and "access, frequency, co-viewing" items of ScreenQ. The personal social skills DQ was negatively correlated with the "access, frequency, content, co-viewing and total scores" of ScreenQ. The hearing-speech DQ was negatively correlated with the "frequency, content, co-viewing and total scores" of ScreenQ. The eye-hand coordination DQ was negatively correlated with the "frequency and total scores" of ScreenQ. The performance DQ was negatively correlated with the "frequency" item of ScreenQ. CONCLUSION: ScreenQ can be used in the study of screen exposure in children with ASD. The higher the ScreenQ scores, the more severe the autistic symptoms tend to be, and the more delayed the development of children with ASD in the domains of personal-social, hearing-speech and eye-hand coordination. In addition, "frequency" has the greatest impact on the domains of personal social skills, hearing-speech, eye-hand coordination and performance of children with ASD.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of (thio)urea derivatives as potent Escherichia coli ß-glucuronidase inhibitors.

EcGUS has drawn considerable attention for its role as a target in alleviating serious GIAEs. In this study, a series of 72 (thio)urea derivatives were designed, synthesised, and biologically assayed. The bioassay results revealed that E-9 (IC50 = 2.68 µM) exhibited a promising inhibitory effect on EcGUS, surpassing EcGUS inhibitor D-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone (DSL, IC50 = 45.8 µM). Additionally, the inhibitory kinetic study indicated that E-9 (Ki = 1.64 µM) acted as an uncompetitive inhibitor against EcGUS. The structure-activity relationship revealed that introducing an electron-withdrawing group into the benzene ring at the para-position is beneficial for enhancing inhibitory activity against EcGUS. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis indicated that E-9 has a strong affinity to EcGUS by forming interactions with residues Asp 163, Tyr 472, and Glu 504. Overall, these results suggested that E-9 could be a potent EcGUS inhibitor, providing valuable insights and guidelines for the development of future inhibitors targeting EcGUS.

A few-shot identification method for stochastic dynamical systems based on residual multipeaks adaptive sampling.

Neural networks are popular data-driven modeling tools that come with high data collection costs. This paper proposes a residual-based multipeaks adaptive sampling (RMAS) algorithm, which can reduce the demand for a large number of samples in the identification of stochastic dynamical systems. Compared to classical residual-based sampling algorithms, the RMAS algorithm achieves higher system identification accuracy without relying on any hyperparameters. Subsequently, combining the RMAS algorithm and neural network, a few-shot identification (FSI) method for stochastic dynamical systems is proposed, which is applied to the identification of a vegetation biomass change model and the Rayleigh-Van der Pol impact vibration model. We show that the RMAS algorithm modifies residual-based sampling algorithms and, in particular, reduces the system identification error by 76% with the same sample sizes. Moreover, the surrogate model accurately predicts the first escape probability density function and the P bifurcation behavior in the systems, with the error of less than 1.59×10-2. Finally, the robustness of the FSI method is validated.

Uncommon Epoxyquinols Pyrrolocytosporin A and Cytosporin E2 from the Fungus Eutypella sp. D-1.

Two uncommon epoxyquinols, pyrrolocytosporin A (1) and cytosporin E2 (2), along with the known cytosporin Y1 (3), were isolated from the solid defined medium of the Arctic-derived fungus Eutypella sp. D-1. Their structures were established through comprehensive analyses of spectroscopic and electronic circular dichroism data. Structurally, compound 1 represented the first nitrogen-containing epoxyquinol characterized by a pyrrole fused cytosporin framework, while compound 2 contained an uncommon cyclic carbonate functionality. The antibacterial, immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of all compounds were evaluated. Among the three metabolites, only compound 1 exhibited inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production induced by lipopolysaccharide with an IC50 value of 6.55 µM. Additionally, only compound 2 displayed inhibitory activity against ConA-induced T-cell proliferation with an IC50 value of 9.85 µM.

Current Knowledge and Perspectives of Phage Therapy for Combating Refractory Wound Infections.

Wound infection is one of the most important factors affecting wound healing, so its effective control is critical to promote the process of wound healing. However, with the increasing prevalence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, the prevention and treatment of wound infections are now more challenging, imposing heavy medical and financial burdens on patients. Furthermore, the diminishing effectiveness of conventional antimicrobials and the declining research on new antibiotics necessitate the urgent exploration of alternative treatments for wound infections. Recently, phage therapy has been revitalized as a promising strategy to address the challenges posed by bacterial infections in the era of antibiotic resistance. The use of phage therapy in treating infectious diseases has demonstrated positive results. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms, characteristics, and delivery methods of phage therapy for combating pathogenic bacteria. Then, we focus on the clinical application of various phage therapies in managing refractory wound infections, such as diabetic foot infections, as well as traumatic, surgical, and burn wound infections. Additionally, an analysis of the potential obstacles and challenges of phage therapy in clinical practice is presented, along with corresponding strategies for addressing these issues. This review serves to enhance our understanding of phage therapy and provides innovative avenues for addressing refractory infections in wound healing.

Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Phenyl-Substituted Naphthoic Acid Ethyl Ester Derivatives as Strigolactone Receptor Inhibitor.

Strigolactones (SLs) are plant hormones that regulate several key agronomic traits, including shoot branching, leaf senescence, and stress tolerance. The artificial regulation of SL biosynthesis and signaling has been considered as a potent strategy in regulating plant architecture and combatting the infection of parasitic weeds to help improve crop yield. DL1b is a previously reported SL receptor inhibitor molecule that significantly promotes shoot branching. Here, we synthesized 18 novel compounds based on the structure of DL1b. We performed rice tillering activity assay and selected a novel small molecule, C6, as a candidate SL receptor inhibitor. In vitro bioassays demonstrated that C6 possesses various regulatory functions as an SL inhibitor, including inhibiting germination of the root parasitic seeds Phelipanche aegyptiaca, delaying leaf senescence and promoting hypocotyl elongation of Arabidopsis. ITC analysis and molecular docking experiments further confirmed that C6 can interact with SL receptor proteins, thereby interfering with the binding of SL to its receptor. Therefore, C6 is considered a novel SL receptor inhibitor with potential applications in plant architecture control and prevention of root parasitic weed infestation.

Immunomodulatory multicellular scaffolds for tendon-to-bone regeneration.

Limited motor activity due to the loss of natural structure impedes recovery in patients suffering from tendon-to-bone injury. Conventional biomaterials focus on strengthening the regenerative ability of tendons/bones to restore natural structure. However, owing to ignoring the immune environment and lack of multi-tissue regenerative function, satisfactory outcomes remain elusive. Here, combined manganese silicate (MS) nanoparticles with tendon/bone-related cells, the immunomodulatory multicellular scaffolds were fabricated for integrated regeneration of tendon-to-bone. Notably, by integrating biomimetic cellular distribution and MS nanoparticles, the multicellular scaffolds exhibited diverse bioactivities. Moreover, MS nanoparticles enhanced the specific differentiation of multicellular scaffolds via regulating macrophages, which was mainly attributed to the secretion of PGE2 in macrophages induced by Mn ions. Furthermore, three animal results indicated that the scaffolds achieved immunomodulation, integrated regeneration, and function recovery at tendon-to-bone interfaces. Thus, the multicellular scaffolds based on inorganic biomaterials offer an innovative concept for immunomodulation and integrated regeneration of soft/hard tissue interfaces.

Enhanced saccharide enrichment in sea spray aerosols by coupling surface-active fatty acids.

The chemical composition of aerosols plays a significant role in aerosol-cloud interactions and, although saccharides make up their largest organic mass fraction, the current process model for understanding sea spray aerosol (SSA) composition struggles to replicate the enrichment of saccharides that has been observed. Here, we simulated the generation of SSA and quantified the enrichment of two soluble saccharides (glucose and trehalose) in SSA with a homemade sea spray aerosol generator. The results of the generation experiments demonstrated that both saccharides, especially trehalose, can promote the generation of SSA, whereas surface-active fatty acids primarily inhibit SSA production due to fewer bubble bursts caused by a large amount of foam accumulation. A significant decrease in surface tension of seawater with the addition of fatty acids was observed, while only a minor decrease was observed for seawater with the addition of only saccharide. Enrichment factors (EFs) of saccharides measured using high performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) with pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) revealed no enrichment of glucose in submicron SSA, while trehalose showed a slight enrichment. In the presence of surface-active fatty acids on the seawater surface, a significant increase in the enrichment of saccharides in SSA was observed, with glucose and trehalose showing EF of approximately 27-fold and 58-fold, respectively. Besides, this enrichment was accompanied by the accumulation of calcium and magnesium ions. The results presented here suggest that the coupling interaction mechanism of soluble saccharides and surface-active fatty acids on the ocean surface contributes to the enrichment of soluble saccharides in SSA.

Prenylated flavonoid fractions from Glycyrrhiza glabra alleviate insulin resistance in HepG2 cells by regulating the ERK/IRS-1 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.

Insulin resistance (IR) is a key factor in the pathogenesis of disrupted glucose metabolism. Although the extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra has shown significant hypoglycemic activity, its bioactive components remain to be identified, and their mechanisms of action, especially on hepatocyte glucose metabolism, are yet to be explored. In the present study, the primary compounds from Glycyrrhiza glabra [named prenylated flavonoid fractions (PFFs)] have been identified and their chemical structures have been elucidated. The therapeutic effects of PFFs extracted from G. glabra on glucose metabolism disorders and IR in high insulin-induced insulin-resistant HepG2 (IR-HepG2) cells have been determined. Glabridin (GLD) was used as a control. The results indicated that, similar to GLD, PFFs increased glucose consumption, glucose uptake, and translocation of glucose transporter 4 to the plasma membrane in IR-HepG2 cells. In addition, they enhanced the activities of glycogen synthase, glucokinase, and pyruvate kinase, while reducing the activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase. Furthermore, they activated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway and suppressed the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/insulin receptor substrate-1 (ERK/IRS-1) pathway. These findings suggest that, similar to GLD, PFFs can alleviate impaired glucose metabolism and alleviate IR in IR-HepG2 cells.Please check and confirm that the authors and their respective affiliations have been correctly identified and amend if necessary.The authors and their affiliations have been confirmed as correct.

Design, Synthesis, and Bioactivities of N-Heterocyclic Ureas as Strigolactone Response Antagonists against Parasitic-Weed Seed Germination.

The pernicious parasitism exhibited by root parasitic weeds such as Orobanche and Striga poses substantial peril to agricultural productivity and global food security. This deleterious phenomenon hinges upon the targeted induction of the signaling molecule strigolactones (SLs). Consequently, the identification of prospective SL antagonists holds significant promise in the realm of mitigating the infection of these pernicious weeds. In this study, we synthesized and characterized D12 based on a potent SL antagonist KK094. In vivo assay results demonstrated that D12 remarkably impedes the germination of Phelipanche aegyptiaca and Striga asiatica seeds, while also alleviating the inhibitory consequence of the SL analogue GR24 on hypocotyl elongation in Arabidopsis thaliana. The docking study and ITC assay indicated that D12 can interact strongly with the SL receptor protein, which may interfere with the binding of SL to the receptor protein as a result. In addition, the results of crop safety assessment tests showed that D12 had no adverse effects on rice seed germination and seedling growth and development. The outcomes obtained from the present study suggested that D12 exhibited promise as a prospective antagonist of SL receptors, thereby displaying substantial efficacy in impeding the seed germination process of root parasitic weeds, providing a promising basis for rational design and development of further Striga-specific herbicides.

New insights into the mechanism and kinetics of the addition reaction of unsaturated Criegee intermediates to CF3COOH and tropospheric implications.

In this work, we have investigated the mechanism, thermochemistry and kinetics of the reaction of syn-cis-CH2RzCRyCO+O- (where Rz, Ry = H, CH3-) unsaturated Criegee intermediates (CIs) with CF3COOH using quantum chemical methods. The rate coefficients for the barrierless reactions were calculated using variable reaction coordinate variational transition state theory (VRC-VTST). For the syn-cis-CH2RzCRyCO+O- conformation in which conjugated CC and CO double bonds are aligned with each other, we propose a new pathway for the unidirectional addition of an OC-OH molecule (CF3COOH) to the CC double bond of syn-cis-CH2RzCRyCO+O-. The rate coefficient for the 1,4-CC addition reaction at 298 K is ∼10-10 to 10-11 cm3 s-1, resulting in the formation of CF3C(O)OCH2CRzRyCOOH trifluoroacetate alkyl allyl hydroperoxide (TFAAAH) as a new transitory adduct. It can act as a precursor for the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). This novel TFAAAH hydroperoxide was identified through a detailed quantum chemical study of the 1,4-addition mechanism and will provide new insights into the significance of the 1,4-addition reaction of unsaturated Cls with trace tropospheric gases on -CRzCH2 vinyl carbon atoms.