Comparison of emotional and behavioral problems of preschool children in only child and multiple child families / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the emotional and behavioral problems of different only child and multiple child families, and to provide a reference for developing effective parenting styles.@*Methods@#A stratified random cluster sampling method was adopted to investigate 2 647 guardians of preschool children in Tongling City from April to June, 2022. Children s emotional and behavioral problems were evaluated by using the self designed parenting questionnaire and the Children s Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) parent edition.@*Results@#The abnormal total score detection rate of emotional and behavioral problems of preschool children was 15.5%, and the rate of abnormal peer interaction was the highest (19.5%). In multiple child families, the first born child (17.5%, 20.4%), compared with the second and third child (11.5%, 9.5%), was more likely to exhibit conduct and hyperactivity problems ( χ 2=8.44, 29.75, P <0.01). There were differences in parenting attitudes between only child and multiple child families( χ 2=9.38, P <0.05). The results of the Logistic regression analysis showed that more frequent parent child discussion, the persuasive education and consistent family discipline strategy were negatively related to the emotional and behavioral problems of only children and children in multiple child families ( OR =0.15, 0.49, 0.38; 0.34, 0.40, 0.42, P <0.05). However, harmonious family relationships were only negatively related to emotional and behavioral problems in only children ( OR =0.08, P <0.01), and a higher education level among mothers was negatively related to emotional and behavioral problems in children from multiple child family environments( OR=0.30, 0.45, P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#The emotional and behavioral problems are serious of preschool children in Tongling City, the psychological development of the oldest children from multiple child and only child families should be actively followed, as this would help to promote a better understanding of the development of preschool children s physical and mental health.

Eating behaviors and associated factors among preschool children in Tongling City / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To examine the eating behaviors and associated factors among preschool children from multiple child families, so as to provide a basis for promoting healthy eating habits in this population.@*Methods@#From April to June 2022, a stratified random cluster sampling method was employed to selected 2 647 guardians of preschool children in 11 kindergartens in Tongling City. Parenting style questionnaire, Identification and Management of Feeding Difficulty Questionnaire (IMFeD), Caregiver s Feeding Style Questionnaire (CFSQ) and a self designed questionnaire were administered. Multiple linear regression was performed to analyze the factors influencing eating behaviors among preschool children.@*Results@#In the study, the detection of eating behavior problems among preschool children was 71.4%, and the detection of reduced appetite was the highest (55.6%). The detection rates of anorexia, picky eating, poor eating and improper eating behavior in only child families were higher (60.6%, 41.0%, 32.0%, 19.5%), compared with those in multiple child families (51.7%, 36.4%, 27.2%, 16.6%) ( χ 2=20.05, 5.95, 7.16, 3.92, P < 0.05 ). Among multiple child families, the detection rates of fear of eating and underlying disease were the lowest in 5-<10-year-old group (2.3%, 0.6%) ( χ 2=11.54, 8.51, P <0.05). In multiple child families, the detection rates of picky eating and poor eating habits for the first-born child were higher (42.0%, 32.5%), compared with second born and third born child (34.6%, 25.6%)( χ 2= 6.15, 6.38, P <0.05). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that multiplechild families ( β =-1.40), democratic parenting style ( β =-0.07), higher feeding response scores ( β =-0.33) were negatively associated with eating behavior problems among preschool children ( P <0.05). Eating behavior problems among preschool children were positively correlated with less educated mothers [high and junior high school education ( β =0.87), primary school education and below ( β =3.69)], longer average daily screen time ( β =0.10), higher feeding requirements scores ( β =0.64), doting parenting styles ( β =0.21), permissive parenting styles ( β =0.27) and inconsistent parenting styles ( β =0.14)( P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#The detection rate of the eating behaviors problems among preschool children is high in schools. Greater attention should be paid to only child and first born child of multiple child families, and appropriate feeding and parenting styles, so as to promote healthy eating habits among this population.

Identification of Antitumor Constituents in Toad Venom by Spectrum-Effect Relationship Analysis and Investigation on Its Pharmacologic Mechanism.

(1) Background: Toad venom (Bufonis Venenum, known as 'Chansu' in Chinese), the secretion of the ear-side gland and skin gland of Bufo gargarizans cantor or Duttaphrynus melanostictus Schneider, has been utilized to treat several diseases in China for thousands of years. However, due to the chemical variability of the components, systematic chemical composition and the key pharmacophores in toad venom have not yet fully understood. Besides, it contains a variety of effective compounds with different physiological activity and chemotypes, mainly including alkaloids, bufogenins, bufotoxins, and so on. The recent pharmacological researches have demonstrated that several bufogenins have remarkable pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic effects, and anti-tumor effects. Aim of the study: To identify the bioactive compounds and pharmacophores originating from toad venom based on analyzing spectrum-effect relationship by chemometrics and to explore the anti-cancer mechanism primarily. (2) Materials and methods: Fingerprint of the 21 batches of samples was established using HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). The anti-tumor activity of extracts were determined by in-vitro assays. Chemometric analysis was used to establish the spectrum-effect model and screen for active ingredients. Pharmacodynamic tests for the screened active compound monomers were conducted with in-vitro assays. Further anti-tumor mechanisms were investigated using western blot and flow cytometry. (3) Results: The established spectrum-effect model has satisfactory fitting effect and predicting accuracy. The inhibitory effect of major screened compounds on lung carcinoma cells A549 were validated in vitro, demonstrating that arenobufagin, telocinobufogenin, and cinobufotalin had significant anti-tumor effects. Through further investigation of the mechanism by western blotting and flow cytometry, we elucidated that arenobufagin induces apoptosis in A549 cells with the enhanced expression of cleaved PARP (poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase). These results may provide valuable information for further structural modification of bufadienolides to treat lung cancer and a method for discovery of anti-tumor active compounds. Conclusions: Our research offers a more scientific method for screening the principal ingredients dominating the pharmacodynamic function. These screened compounds (arenobufagin, etc.) were proven to induce apoptosis by overactivation of the PARP-pathway, which may be utilized to make BRCA (breast cancer susceptibility gene) mutant cancer cells more vulnerable to DNA damaging agents and kill them.

Catalytic performance of Pdn (n = 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6) clusters supported on TiO2-V for the formation of dimethyl oxalate via the CO catalytic coupling reaction: a theoretical study.

The formation of dimethyl oxalate (DMO) via CO catalytic coupling on a series of catalysts including Pdn (n = 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6) clusters loaded on TiO2-V has been explored by density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The results show that different Pdn clusters have a remarkable influence on DMO formation. The Pd1/TiO2-V catalyst is not suitable for the CO catalytic coupling reaction since CO is easily bound to the O atom on the surface of TiO2-V leading to the formation of CO2. The activity of four catalysts complies with the following order of Pd4/TiO2-V > Pd6/TiO2-V > Pd2/TiO2-V > Pd3/TiO2-V by comparing the activation energy barriers of the rate-determining steps in the optimal paths. Charge analysis implies that less charge is transferred from the Pd4/TiO2-V and Pd6/TiO2-V catalysts to CO than on the other catalysts, which leads to the relatively weak adsorption of CO, and therefore CO has a greater tendency to react with other species on the surface. In addition, Pd6/TiO2-V also exhibits relatively higher selectivity toward DMO than the other three catalysts. Therefore, Pd6 is regarded as a suitable cluster, which is supported on TiO2-V demonstrating high catalytic activity and selectivity to DMO.

Relationship between parental rearing style and emotional and behavioral problems of 3-6-year-old children / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand emotional and behavioral problems of children aged 3-6 years, and to explore the role of parenting style in the development of those problems.@*Methods@#A total of 2 278 children from 11 public kindergartens in Tongling City from April to June 2018 were selected by cluster sampling method. The questionnaire was made up by parents. The questionnaire mainly included: children, basic information of parents and children, children’s psychology and behavior, and parents’ education style, etc.@*Results@#Among 2 278 children, 192(8.43%) had abnormal emotional symptoms, 214 (9.39%) had conduct problems, 376(16.50%) had hyperactivity problems, 537(23.57%) had peer problems, 233(10.2%) had abnormal total difficulty scores and 254(11.15%) had prosocial behaviors. Gender, age, health status of the child, second-hand smoke exposure of the baby, parents’ education level, family economic conditions, and parents’ education mode are all the influencing factors of children’s emotion and behavior(P<0.05). Logistic analysis showed that father’s support participation(OR=0.96, 95%CI=0.95-0.98), mother’s support participation (OR=0.94, 95%CI=0.92-0.95), mother’s hostility compulsion (OR=1.08, 95%CI=1.06-1.10) and 3-6-year-old children’s abnormal mood and behavior were correlated(P<0.01).@*Conclusion@#Parental support and maternal hostile are related to emotional and behavioral problems of 3-6-year-old children.

The impact of multiple climatic and geographic factors on the chemical defences of Asian toads (Bufo gargarizans Cantor).

Chemical defences are widespread in nature, yet we know little about whether and how climatic and geographic factors affect their evolution. In this study, we investigated the natural variation in the concentration and composition of the main bufogenin toxin in adult Asian toads (Bufo gargarizans Cantor) captured in twenty-two regions. Moreover, we explored the relative importance of eight climatic factors (average temperature, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, average relative humidity, 20-20 time precipitation, maximum continuous precipitation, maximum ground temperature, and minimum ground temperature) in regulating toxin production. We found that compared to toads captured from central and southwestern China, toads from eastern China secreted higher concentrations of cinobufagin (CBG) and resibufogenin (RBG) but lower concentrations of telocinobufagin (TBG) and cinobufotalin (CFL). All 8 climatic variables had significant effects on bufogenin production (ri>0.5), while the plastic response of bufogenin toxin to various climate factors was highly variable. The most important climatic driver of total bufogenin production was precipitation: the bufogenin concentration increased with increasing precipitation. This study indicated that the evolution of phenotypic plasticity in chemical defences may depend at least partly on the geographic variation of defensive toxins and their climatic context.

Chemical Profile and Multicomponent Quantitative Analysis for the Quality Evaluation of Toad Venom from Different Origins.

Toad venom (Chansu), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been widely used for treating various cancer. However, it is considerably difficult to evaluate the quality of Chansu due to its complex chemical compositions. Hence, finding the characteristic ingredients and developing a scientific and comprehensive quality evaluation method are essential for guaranteeing the safety and efficacy of Chansu. In this paper, the chemical composition database of Chansu was successfully established and HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS was applied for chemical profiling of the ingredients in Chansu. In total, 157 compounds were identified, including 22 amino acids, 8 alkaloids, 54 bufogenins, 63 bufotoxins, and 10 other compounds. Furthermore, HPLC fingerprints and quantitative analysis of its multicomponent were successfully developed to evaluate the quality consistency of Chansu from different origins. The results suggested that the HPLC fingerprint of Chansu could be divided into an amino acid and alkaloid region, as well as a bufogenins and bufotoxins region. The fingerprint profile of Chansu from different geographical origins were different, indicating that its quality was affected by the geographical factors. In addition, seven characteristic peaks were selected as the quantitative markers to evaluate the quality of the Chansu. The Kruskal-Wallis test illustrated that the contents of seven bufogenins in Chansu were significantly (p < 0.01) different among different origins. The total contents of the seven compounds ranged from 100.40 to 169.22 mg/g in 20 batches of Chansu samples. This study demonstrated that integrating HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS, HPLC fingerprints, and multicomponent quantitative analysis coupled with chemometrics was a comprehensive and reliable strategy for evaluation of Chansu in both qualitative and quantitative aspects. In addition, our study represented the most comprehensive characterization on the chemical compositions of Chansu, which could provide important reference information for the discovery of potential bioactive compounds.

[Correlative study of bufogenin constituents in venom of Bufo bufo gargarizans].

As known,simultaneous determination of various chemical indicators is one of the future trends in quality control of traditional Chinese medicines because of the extremely complex chemical compositions. This project is to screen the quality markers that can accurately control the quality of the Bufonis Venenum by exploring the intrinsic correlation of components. In this study,venom of Bufo bufo gargarizans from 17 different sources were used as research samples,and the contents of 7 bufogenin were determined by HPLC-DAD. Then,the data obtained were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis and principal component analysis( PCA). In addition,a stepwise regression analysis was used to establish a predictive model for the contents of the seven bufogenin components( independent variable) and the total contents of the bufogenin( dependent variable). The results indicated that there is a significant positive correlation between the contents of telocinobufagin and cinobufotalin,and there is a significant positive correlation between the contents of bufalin,cinobufagin and resibufogenin. In contrast,the contents of telocinobufagin and cinobufotalin are negatively correlated with the contents of bufalin,cinobufagin and resibufogenin. However,the correlation between gamabufotalin and bufotalin and other components are not obvious. Furthermore,further study found that there is a correlation between the sum of the contents of bufalin,cinobufagin and telocinobufagin and the total contents of the bufogenin. In fact,the application of bufalin,cinobufagin and telocinobufagin as the quality control indicators of the Bufonis Venenum can better reflect the quality characteristics of the Bufonis Venenum compared with the previous quality control indicators. The conclusions will provide a reference for the revision of the quality standards of the Bufonis Venenum.

Quantitative analysis of multicomponents by a single marker and quality evaluation of Venenum Bufonis from different geographical origins.

Bufadienolides are the main bioactive components of Venenum Bufonis (VB) and have been widely used to treat different types of human cancers for decades. The bufadienolide content in VB varies significantly in materials from different geographical origins. In this work, a new strategy for the quality assessment of VB was developed through quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS). Cinobufagin was selected as the internal reference substance; seven bufadienolides were separated and simultaneously determined based on relative correction factors. The correlation coefficient value (r ≥ 0.9936) between QAMS and the normal external standard method proved the consistency of the two methods. According to the outcomes of 30 batches of VB samples, the contents of the seven bufadienolides were used for further chemometric analysis. All of the samples of VB from various geographical origins were divided into three categories based on hierarchical cluster analysis and radar plot, which indicated the crucial influence of geographical origins on VB. This study showed that QAMS combined with chemometristry could be used to comprehensively evaluate and effectively control the quality of VB from different geographical origins.

Linarin improves the dyskinesia recovery in Alzheimer's disease zebrafish by inhibiting the acetylcholinesterase activity.

BACKGROUND: Due to complex pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), currently there is no effective disease-modifying treatment. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has introduced itself as an important target for AD therapy. Linarin as the representative active ingredient of flavonoid glycoside in Flos chrysanthemi indici has been found to have anti-acetylcholinesterase effect. AIMS: The present study intended to explore the potential effect of linarin for treatment of AD. MAIN METHODS: In this study, molecular docking simulation was used to evaluate whether linarin could dock with AChE and decipher the mechanism of linarin as an AChE inhibitor. After molecular docking simulation, AlCl3-induced Alzheimer's disease zebrafish model was established. Effects of linarin on treating AD zebrafish dyskinesia and AChE inhibition were compared with donepezil (DPZ) which was used as a positive control drug. KEY FINDINGS: Molecular docking simulation showed that linarin plays a critical role in AChE inhibition by binding AChE active sites. The experiments illustrated that the dyskinesia recovery rate of AD zebrafish could be significantly improved by linarin. The dyskinesia recovery and AChE inhibition rate were 88.0% and 74.5% respectively, while those of DPZ were 79.3% and 43.6%. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings provide evidences for supporting linarin to be developed into an AD drug by inhibiting the activity of AChE.

[Major Ionic Features and Possible Controls in the Groundwater in the Hamatong River Basin].

In order to study the major ion chemistry and controls of groundwater, 59 groundwater samples were collected and their major ions measured in the Hamatong River Basin. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in this basin were analyzed by means of mathematical statistics, Piper triangular diagrams, Gibbs figures, and ionic relations, and the water chemical evolution and ion sources of the Hamatong River Basin were determined. The results showed that Ca2+ was the main cation in the groundwater, accounting for 22.1% to 72.4% of the total cations, with an average value of 48.7%. HCO3- was the main anion, accounting for 35.3% to 97.5% of the total anions, and with an average value of 80%. Total dissolved solids concentration ranged from 93.3 mg·L-1 to 521.1 mg·L-1 with a median value of 219.1 mg·L-1. The hydrochemical types of groundwater are HCO3-Ca, HCO3-Ca·Mg, and HCO3-Ca·Na. Chemical weathering rates of carbonates and silicates were estimated, and the chemical composition of groundwater samples located in the middle of Gibbs model indicated that the major chemical process of groundwater was controlled by rock weathering. Silicate weathering is believed to significantly contribute to dissolved solute compositions, and carbonate weathering played an important role as the source of dissolved ions.

[Hydrochemical Characteristics of Groundwater and the Origin in Alluvial-proluvial Fan of Qinhe River].

To study the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater and the factors controlling the alluvial-proluvial fan of the Qinhe River, 60 samples were collected including 9 surface water samples and 51 groundwater samples. The distribution characteristics of the hydrochemistry and major controlling factors of hydrochemical evolution processes of surface water and groundwater in the study area were analyzed by using mathematical statistics, the Schakerev classification, Piper diagrams, Schoeller diagrams, Gibbs plots, and ion ratios. The results show that:① the major anions and cations of surface water and groundwater in the study area are Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42-, and HCO3-. The recharge sources of surface water and groundwater are closely related; ② the major hydrochemical types of the groundwater are HCO3-Ca, HCO3-Ca·Mg, and HCO3·SO4-Ca·Mg, while the major hydrochemical type of surface water is HCO3·SO4-Ca·Mg; and ③ the major ions of surface water and groundwater are affected by carbonate mineral weathering and dissolution, ion exchange, and evaporation. Sulfuric acid and carbonic acid were involved in carbonate mineral weathering and dissolution.

Heat Acclimation of Bifidobacterium longum and Proteomic Changes Behind It.

Bifidobacterium is an important probiotic bacterium and extensively applied to functional food. Its survival is strongly affected by the heat-shock process during manufacture. Acclimation is thought to be able to enhance Bifidobacterium's resistance to heat stress; however, so far little is known about the protein expression changes underlying the adaptation process. In this study, the appropriate acclimation temperature for Bifidobacterium longum was determined as 43 °C, and 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis-based proteomic analysis was performed to reveal the protein changes in expression levels behind heat acclimation. Twenty proteins displayed significantly expression changes after heat acclimation, including general stress response proteins, metabolic enzymes, components of ABC transporters, transcriptional regulators, and hypothetical proteins. Two important chaperones GroEL and IbpA were found to be induced during heat acclimation, implying that they might play key roles in the heat resistance of acclimation. Although many further studies are needed to explore the complex mechanisms, this study enhances the understanding of protein changes underlying the heat acclimation of Bifidobacterium and provides important molecular clues for its future research.

[The prevalence and influencing factors of abuse and negligence against elderly in rural areas of Anhui province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors related to abuse and negligence against the elderly in the rural areas. METHODS: 975 elderly over 60 years from 41 counties in Anhui province were included. All participants completed an anonymous questionnaire including items as: educational background, marital condition, income, child-discipline, rude action to parents, daily activities, physical functions, having chronic illness, abuse and negligence against the elderly, etc. RESULTS: In the last year, rates of common physical abuse, serious physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, negligence, overall abuse and negligence against the elderly were 4.5%, 1.5%, 26.9%, 4.9%, 7.2%, 29.9% respectively. Among the 281 victims, 80.4% reported that they were suffered more than 3 times of abuse and neglect episodes, and 34.9% reported that they were suffered more than 2 forms of abuse and negligence. The primary sadism was carried out by the daughter-in-law or son-in-law (43.2%) of the elderly. Low activity on daily life and having chronic illness were the risk factors causing common physical abuse while better education was the protective factor to it. Low ability in managing daily activity of living was the risk factor causing serious physical abuse. Less active on daily life and having rude action to parents were the risk factors to emotional abuse, but being strict with their children was the protective factor to emotional abuse. Less active on daily life, often beating their children and having rude action to parents were the risk factors related to financial exploitation. Less active on daily life, having rude action to parents and having bad physical functions were the risk factors causing negligence. Less active on daily life and having rude manner to parents were the risk factors of overall elderly abuse and negligence, but being strict with their children was protective factor to the abuse and negligence against the elderly. CONCLUSION: High prevalence on abuse and negligence against the elderly was seen in the rural areas of China. Different forms on elderly abuse and negligence were affected by different factors that called for more attention to be paid to those elderly with lower ability in managing their daily life.