Na Substitution Steering RuO6 Unit in Ruthenium Pyrochlores for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution in Acid.

Although Ruthenium-based pyrochlore oxides can function as promising catalysts for acidic water oxidation, their limitations in terms of stability and activity still need to be addressed for further application in practical conditions. In this work, the possibility to enhance both oxygen evolution reaction activity and durability of Gd2Ru2O7- δ through partial replacement with Na+ in Gd3+ sites is first offered, leading to the electronic and geometric regulation of active center RuO6. Na+ triggers the emergence of Ru<4+ and the electron rearrangement of active-centered RuO6. Specifically, Ru ions with a negative d-band center after Na+ doping exhibit weaker adsorption energies of *O and result in the conversion of the rate-limiting step from *O/*OOH to *OH/O*, reducing energy barriers for boosting activities. Therefore, the NaxGd2- xRu2O7- δ requires a low overpotential of 260 mV at 10 mA cm-2 in 0.1 m HClO4 electrolyte. Moreover, the higher formation energy of Ru vacancy and less distorted RuO6 enable the as-prepared NaxGd2- xRu2O7- δ to operate steadily at 10 mA cm-2 for 300 h and multi-current chronopotentiometry with current densities from 20 to 100 mA cm-2 for 60 h in acidic proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, respectively.

Trichosanates A-G and cucurbitacins W-Y, anticomplement monoterpenoids and cucurbitane-type triterpenoids from the pericarps of Trichosanthes kirilowii.

The pericarps of Trichosanthes kirilowii are often used to treat cough in traditional Chinese medicine, and its ethanol extract exhibited effective therapeutic effects on acute lung injury (ALI) in vivo caused by H1N1. An anticomplement activity-guided fractionation on the extract resulted in the isolation of ten new terpenoids, including seven monoterpenoids, trichosanates A-G (1-7), and three cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, cucurbitacins W-Y (8-10), as well as eleven known terpenoids (11-21). The new terpenoids' structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis, X-ray crystallographic analysis (1), electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analysis and calculations (2-10). Twelve monoterpenoids (1-7 and 11-15) and five cucurbitane-type triterpenoids (8-10, 18, and 20) exhibited anticomplement activity in vitro. For the monoterpenoids, the long aliphatic chain substituents might enhance their anticomplement activity. Additionally, two representative anticomplement terpenoids, 8 and 11, obviously attenuated H1N1-induced ALI in vivo by inhibiting complement overactivation and reducing inflammatory responses.

Element effects in endohedral metal-metal-bonding fullerenes M2@C82 (M = Sc, Y, La, Lu).

Endohedral metal-metal-bonding fullerenes have recently emerged, in which encapsulated metals form a metal-metal bond. However, the physical reasons why some metal elements prefer to form metal-metal bonds inside fullerene are still unclear. Herein, we reported first-principles calculations on electronic structures, bonding properties, dynamics, and thermodynamic stabilities of endohedral metallofullerenes M2@C82 (M = Sc, Y, La, Lu). Multiple bonding analysis approaches unambiguously reveal the existence of one two-center two-electron σ covalent metal-metal bond in M2@C82 (M = Sc, Y, Lu); however, the La-La bonding interaction in La2@C82 is weaker and could not be categorized as one metal-metal covalent bond. The energy decomposition analysis on bonding interactions between an encapsulated metal dimer and fullerene cages suggested that there exist two electron-sharing bonds between a metal dimer and fullerene cages. The reasons why La2 prefers to donate electrons to fullerene cages rather than form a standard σ covalent metal-metal bond are mainly attributed to two following facts: La2 has a lower ionization potential, while the hybridization of ns, (n - 1)d, and np atomic orbitals in La2 is higher. Ab initio molecular dynamic simulations reveal that the M-M bond length at room temperature follows the trend of Sc < Lu < Y. The statistical thermodynamics calculations at different temperatures reveal that the experimentally observed endohedral metal-metal-bonding fullerenes M2@C82 have high concentrations in the endohedral fullerene formation temperature range.

Melatonin promotes sleep by activating the BK channel in C. elegans.

Melatonin (Mel) promotes sleep through G protein-coupled receptors. However, the downstream molecular target(s) is unknown. We identified the Caenorhabditis elegans BK channel SLO-1 as a molecular target of the Mel receptor PCDR-1-. Knockout of pcdr-1, slo-1, or homt-1 (a gene required for Mel synthesis) causes substantially increased neurotransmitter release and shortened sleep duration, and these effects are nonadditive in double knockouts. Exogenous Mel inhibits neurotransmitter release and promotes sleep in wild-type (WT) but not pcdr-1 and slo-1 mutants. In a heterologous expression system, Mel activates the human BK channel (hSlo1) in a membrane-delimited manner in the presence of the Mel receptor MT1 but not MT2 A peptide acting to release free Gßγ also activates hSlo1 in a MT1-dependent and membrane-delimited manner, whereas a Gßλ inhibitor abolishes the stimulating effect of Mel. Our results suggest that Mel promotes sleep by activating the BK channel through a specific Mel receptor and Gßλ.

Understanding electronic structures, chemical bonding, and fluxional behavior of Lu2@C2n (2n = 76-88) by a theoretical study.

Endohedral metal-metal-bonding fullerenes, in which encapsulated metals form covalent metal-metal bonds inside, are an emerging class of endohedral metallofullerenes. Herein, we reported quantum-chemical studies on the electronic structures, chemical bonding, and dynamic fluxionality behavior of endohedral metal-metal-bonding fullerenes Lu2@C2n (2n = 76-88). Multiple bonding analysis approaches, including molecular orbital analysis, the natural bond orbital analysis, electron localization function, adaptive natural density partitioning analysis, and quantum theory of atoms in molecules, have unambiguously revealed one two-center two-electron σ covalent bond between two Lu ions in fullerenes. Energy decomposition analysis with the natural orbitals for chemical valence method on the bonding nature between the encapsulated metal dimer and the fullerene cage suggested the existence of two covalent bonds between the metal dimer and fullerenes, giving rise to a covalent bonding nature between the metal dimer and fullerene cage and a formal charge model of [Lu2]2+@[C2n]2-. For Lu2@C76, the dynamic fluxionality behavior of the metal dimer Lu2 inside fullerene C76 has been revealed via locating the transition state with an energy barrier of 5 kcal/mol. Further energy decomposition analysis calculations indicate that the energy barrier is controlled by a series of terms, including the geometric deformation energy, electrostatic interaction, and orbital interactions.

Animal models of Kashin-Beck disease exposed to environmental risk factors: Methods and comparisons.

The main etiological mechanism for Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is deep chondrocyte necrosis induced by environmental risk factors (ERFs). The scholars have conducted several epidemiological, cellular, and animal model studies on ERFs. Gradually, four etiological hypotheses have been formed, including water of organic poisoning hypothesis represented by fulvic acid (FA), biogeochemical hypothesis represented by selenium (Se) deficiency, food mycotoxin poisoning hypothesis represented by T-2 toxin poisoning and compound etiology theory hypothesis. The animal models of KBD have been replicated based on the previous etiological hypotheses. The different species of animals (monkey, rat, dog, pig, chicken, and rabbit) were treated with different ERFs interventions, and the clinical manifestations and pathological changes of articular cartilages were observed. The animals in the experimental group were fed with endemic water, endemic grain, low nutrition, thallium sulfate, FA, Se, T-2 toxin, and iodine. The dose of thallium sulfate was 1154 µg/d; the doses range of FA were 5, 50, 150, 200, and 211 mg/kg; the doses range of Se were 0.00035, 0.00175, 0.005, 0.02, 0.031, 0.1, 0.15, 0.314, 0.5, and 10 mg/kg; the doses range of T-2 toxin were 40, 100, 200, 600, 1000, 1500, 3000, 6000, and 9000 ng/g; and the doses range of iodine were 0.04, 0.18, and 0.4-0.5 µg/g. The sample size ranged from 9 to 230 depending on the interventions and grouping; the follow-up duration ranged from 1 week to 18 months. Moreover, the methods and comparisons of different animal models of KBD had been summarized to provide a useful basis for studying the pathogenesis of KBD. In conclusion, the rhesus monkeys administrated endemic water and grain were susceptible animals to replicate KBD. The rats treated with T-2 toxin combined with Se/nutrition deficiency could be a suitable and widely used animal model.

Role of the hippo signaling pathway in the extracellular matrix degradation of chondrocytes induced by fluoride exposure.

To identify the role of the Hippo signaling pathway in the extracellular matrix degradation of chondrocytes induced by fluoride exposure. Environmental response genes (ERGs) of bone injury induced by fluoride exposure were obtained from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, and annotated by STRING for KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. The CCK-8 kit was used to measure the proliferation of ATDC5 cells. The malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels in ATDC5 cells were measured using oxidative stress detection kit. Western blot analysis was used to measure the p-MST1/2, p-LATS1/2, and p-YAP/YAP1 expression levels in the Hippo pathway and the COL2A1, ACAN and MMP13 expression levels in the cartilage matrix. Localizations of YAP1 and COL2A1 proteins in chondrocytes were performed using cell immunofluorescence. Continuous data from the multiple groups were compared using one-way analysis of variance, and then the differences between groups were tested with Dunnett's t-test, with the test level α = 0.05. The 145 ERGs of bone injury induced by fluoride exposure were identified, and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed Hippo signaling pathways significantly related to bone injury. A CCK-8 assay revealed that the viability of the ATDC5 cells was significantly decreased with increased fluorine concentration. The MDA content in 20 mg/L sodium fluoride (NaF) exposure group was significantly higher than that in the control group, the T-SOD, T-AOC and GSH-PX activities in 15 and 20 mg/L NaF exposure groups were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Western blot results showed the protein levels of p-MST1/2, p-LATS1/2 and p-YAP1 in 15 and 20 mg/L NaF exposure groups were significantly lower than those in the control group, while the YAP1 protein level in 20 mg/L NaF group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The COL2A1 and ACAN proteins in 20 mg/L NaF group were significantly decreased, while the MMP13 protein level in 15 and 20 mg/L NaF groups were significantly increased (P < 0.05). It was observed that the expression of YAP1 protein expression level in the cytoplasm decreased with the increased fluoride exposure, whereas that the expression level of YAP1 protein in the nucleus increased. Fluoride inhibited the proliferation of ATDC5 cells, induced oxidative stress, inhibited the activity of the Hippo pathway, and eventually led to cartilage matrix degradation.

Depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their co-occurrence among people living with schizophrenia in China: Prevalence and correlates.

BACKGROUND: The current study examines the prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, their occurrence, and key socio-demographic and clinical correlates among people living with schizophrenia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 390 schizophrenia individuals. Depressive and anxiety symptoms, patient symptoms, functioning, and disability were assessed using standard assessment tools. RESULTS: People living with schizophrenia had a prevalence of 40.51% for depressive symptoms, 29.74% for anxiety symptoms, and 26.41% for their co-occurrence. More symptoms (odds ratio [OR]: 1.04-1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.10) and higher disability (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03-1.09) were associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their co-occurrence. In addition, having middle school or high school education (OR: 2.48-2.61, 95% CI: 1.15-5.53), and being unemployed (OR: 4.98-9.08, 95% CI: 1.09-69.87) were associated with increased risk for anxiety symptoms and its co-occurrence with depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive and anxiety symptoms are relatively common. Interventions should carefully assess these symptoms to distinguish them from schizophrenia to target them in the treatment.

Screening and identification of miRNAs related to sexual differentiation of strobili in Ginkgo biloba by integration analysis of small RNA, RNA, and degradome sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Ginkgo biloba, a typical dioecious plant, is a traditional medicinal plant widely planted. However, it has a long juvenile period, which severely affected the breeding and cultivation of superior ginkgo varieties. RESULTS: In order to clarify the complex mechanism of sexual differentiation in G. biloba strobili. Here, a total of 3293 miRNAs were identified in buds and strobili of G. biloba, including 1085 known miRNAs and 2208 novel miRNAs using the three sequencing approaches of transcriptome, small RNA, and degradome. Comparative transcriptome analysis screened 4346 and 7087 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in male buds (MB) _vs_ female buds (FB) and microstrobilus (MS) _vs_ ovulate strobilus (OS), respectively. A total of 6032 target genes were predicted for differentially expressed miRNA. The combined analysis of both small RNA and transcriptome datasets identified 51 miRNA-mRNA interaction pairs that may be involved in the process of G. biloba strobili sexual differentiation, of which 15 pairs were verified in the analysis of degradome sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: The comprehensive analysis of the small RNA, RNA and degradome sequencing data in this study provided candidate genes and clarified the regulatory mechanism of sexual differentiation of G. biloba strobili from multiple perspectives.

Dietary Exposure to Oxidized Frying Oil from Fetus to Adulthood Suppresses Male Reproductive Development by Altering Testicular Cholesterol and Testosterone Homeostasis in Sprague Dawley Rats.

BACKGROUND: Dietary frying oil may have endocrine-disrupting effects, as a feminization effect was observed in cohorts of C57BL/6J male mice fetuses from dams consuming oxidized frying oil (OFO) during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of present study was to test the hypothesis that OFO is an anti-androgen. METHODS: In experiment 1, male progeny of Sprague Dawley female rats fed fresh oil or an OFO diet (10 g fat/100 g, from fresh or 24-h-fried soybean oil; [control diet (C) and OFO groups, respectively] from midgestation through lactation were studied. Pups were weaned at 3 wk of age and then consumed their mothers' diet until 9 wk of age. In addition, a group of dams and pups that consumed a high-fat diet (HF; 10 g fried and 20 g fresh soybean oil/100 g) was included to counteract body-weight loss associated with OFO ingestion. Indices of male reproductive development and testosterone homeostasis were measured. In experiment 2, male rats were allocated to C and OFO groups (treated as above) and indices of male fertility compared at 9-10 wk of age. RESULTS: In experiment 1, final body weights of the HF group were lower (17%) than the C group but higher (14%) than the OFO group (P < 0.0001 for each). In addition to abnormalities in seminiferous tubules, HF and OFO groups did not differ from one another, but, compared with the C group, had delayed preputial separation (4.9 d) and reductions in serum testosterone concentrations (17-74%), anogenital distance (8-20%), weights of androgen-dependent tissues (8-30%), testicular testosterone and cholesterol concentrations (30-40%), and mRNA levels of genes involved in steroidogenesis and cholesterol homeostasis (30-70%). In experiment 2, OFO-exposed males had 20% lower sperm motility (P < 0.05); however, when mated to normal females, pregnancy rates and litter sizes did not differ between OFO and C groups. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-androgenic effect of OFO in Sprague Dawley rats was attributed to decreased testicular concentrations of cholesterol (testosterone precursor) and not body-weight loss.

A comparison of psychometric properties of two common measures of caregiving burden: the family burden interview schedule (FBIS-24) and the Zarit caregiver burden interview (ZBI-22).

PURPOSE: The Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS-24) and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI-22) are among the most widely used measures for assessing caregiving burden, but their psychometric performances have not been compared in the same study of caregivers of people living with schizophrenia (PLS). This is important because the measures assess overlapping constructs- the FBIS-24 assesses objective burden (e.g., completion of manual tasks) and the ZBI-22 assesses subjective burden (e.g., perceived distress, stigma). This study seeks to fill this gap by comparing the reliability and validity of the FBIS-24 and the ZBI-22 in a Chinese community sample of caregivers of PLS. METHODS: A Cross-sectional stud was conducted in a community-based mental health service program in Central South part of China. A total of 327 primary family caregivers of PLS completed face-to-face interviews of the FBIS-24, the ZBI-22, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve Index scale (APGAR), and PLS were assessed using the Global Assessment of Function scale (GAF). RESULTS: Our findings show that both the FBIS-24 and ZBI-22 have comparable psychometric performance in terms of the internal consistency, convergent validity and known group's validity. CONCLUSION: Both the FBIS-24 and the ZBI-22 are psychometrically sound measures of caregiving burden but the choice of which measure to use will depend on the research question.

A cross-sectional study on spouse and parent differences in caregiving experiences of people living with schizophrenia in rural China.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting evidence exists on whether parent or spouse caregivers experience better outcomes when caring for family members with schizophrenia. The current study aims to examine relative caregiving experiences and impacts of spouse and parent caregivers for people living with schizophrenia (PLS) in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 264 community-dwelling primary family caregivers of PLS. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect information on family caregiving activities; negative caregiving impacts including objective and subjective burden, and caregiver psychological distress such as depression and anxiety; positive caregiving impacts including caregiving rewarding feelings, and family functioning for spouse and parent caregivers. RESULTS: Both types of caregivers report engaging in similar caregiving activities and report comparable levels of objective burden. However, parent caregivers report significantly higher subjective burden than spouse caregivers (b = 7.94, 95%CI:2.08, 13.80, P < 0.01), which is also reflected in significantly higher depression (b = 3.88, 95%CI:1.35, 6.41, P < 0.01) and anxiety (b = 2.53, 95%CI: 0.22, 4.84, P < 0.05), and lower family functioning (b = - 1.71, 95%CI: - 2.73, - 0.49, P < 0.01). Despite these differences, both groups of caregivers report comparable rewarding feelings about caregiving. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings have implications for family caregivers globally, but especially for countries that adhere to Confucian cultural values and provide guidance for future family intervention programs. Such programs may do well to incorporate cultural values and beliefs in understanding caregiving and kinship family dynamics so as to support family caregivers, and in particular, the specific vulnerabilities of parent caregivers.

Determining a cutoff score for the family burden interview schedule using three statistical methods.

BACKGROUND: While it is widely acknowledged that family burden can be ameliorated with effective psycho-social interventions, how to measure family burden and define a valid cutoff to identify family caregivers in need of such interventions remains a key question. The purpose of the present study was to determine a statistically valid cutoff score for the Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS), using the cutoff scores of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) as the reference. METHODS: The FBIS, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 were administered to a representative community sample of 327 family caregivers of schizophrenia patients. A FBIS cutoff score was determined using three different statistical methods: tree-based modeling, K-means clustering technique and linear regression. Contingency analysis was conducted to compare the FBIS cutoff with depression and anxiety scale scores. RESULTS: Findings proposed a cutoff score of 23 for the FBIS, with sensitivity being 76% for PHQ-9 and 74% for GAD-7, specificity being 68% for PHQ-9 and 67% for GAD-7. CONCLUSION: This cutoff score would enable health care providers to assess family caregivers at risk and provide necessary interventions to improve their quality of life.

Cutoff of the Zarit Burden Interview in predicting depression and anxiety.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to determine a statistically valid cutoff score for the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) in order to identify family caregivers at risk for depression and anxiety to guide for further assessment and future intervention. METHODS: The ZBI, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD) were administered to a representative community sample of 327 family caregivers of schizophrenia individuals. A ZBI cutoff score was determined using three different statistical methods: tree-based modeling, K-means clustering technique and linear regression, followed by contingency analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to compare between depression and anxiety scale scores with the ZBI cutoff. RESULTS: Findings suggest that a cutoff score of 48 in ZBI has significant predictive validity for identifying caregivers at risk for both depression and anxiety. A ZBI cutoff of 48 showed sensitivity of 73% for PHQ and 70% for GAD, specificity of 80% for PHQ and 79% for GAD, PPV (positive predictive value) of 75% for PHQ and 73% for GAD, NPV (negative predictive value) of 78% for PHQ and 76% for GAD. CONCLUSIONS: This cutoff score would enable health care providers to assess family caregivers at risk and provide necessary interventions to improve their quality of life in this important role.

Is frying oil a dietary source of an endocrine disruptor? Anti-estrogenic effects of polar compounds from frying oil in rats.

The objective was to investigate endocrine-disrupting effects of polar compounds from oxidized frying oil. Estrogenicity of polar compounds was tested with a rat uterotrophic bioassay. Dietary oxidized frying oil (containing 51% polar compounds) or polar compounds isolated from it were incorporated into feed (in lieu of fresh soybean oil) and fed to ovariectomized rats, with or without treatment with exogenous ethynyl estradiol. Exogenous estrogen restored uterine weight, and caused histological abnormalities (stratified epithelia and conglomerate glands) as well as proliferation of uterine epithelial cells. However, tamoxifen or polar compounds reduced these effects. Furthermore, tamoxifen or polar compounds down-regulated uterine mRNA expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-target genes, implicating reduced ER activity in this hypo-uterotrophic effect. Inhibition of ER signaling and mitosis by polar compounds were attributed to reduced MAPK and AKT activation, as well as a reduced ligand binding domain-transactivity of ERα/ß. We concluded polar compounds from frying oil are potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals, with implications for food and environmental safety.

Improved Accuracy for Trace Element Analysis of Al and Ti in Quartz by Electron Probe Microanalysis.

The trace elements in quartz, Al and Ti, contain considerable information about mineral genesis, and determining their concentrations is of great importance in geology. Electron probe microanalysis has the advantages of non-destructive testing and high spatial resolution; however, it is a challenge to improve the accuracy and precision of trace element detection using this method. The important factors affecting accuracy include the fragility of quartz lattices at high beam currents and the methods used to determine the background. In this paper, the peaks of Al-Kα and Ti-Kα, and their backgrounds, were found to exhibit intensity variations at high beam currents and small beam diameters; therefore, it is necessary to select a large beam diameter (up to 20 µm) to avoid variations in intensity at high currents (500 nA). For background determination of Al, a multipoint background method is proposed to determine the background value, which greatly improves the accuracy of the results. For Ti, the choice of background measurement does not affect the result. In addition, it is verified that the background obtained from other quartz samples can be used as the background of an unknown quartz sample, which reduces the analysis time and minimizes sample damage.

Community health professionals' dementia knowledge, attitudes and care approach: a cross-sectional survey in Changsha, China.

BACKGROUND: Community health professionals play a significant role in dementia care. However, little is known about community health professionals' capacity in dementia care, especially in low and middle-income countries. The aim of the present study was to assess community health professionals' dementia knowledge, attitudes and care approach in China, a country with the largest population of people with dementia in the world and where community based dementia care services are much needed. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. 450 health professionals were recruited into the study using random sampling from community health service centres in Changsha, China. Their knowledge, attitudes and care approach were assessed utilising the Chinese version of the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale, Dementia Care Attitude Scale and Approach to Advanced Dementia Care Questionnaire respectively. RESULTS: A total of 390 participants returned the questionnaire (response rate 87%). Age, education, professional group and care experience were associated with knowledge scores, and overall dementia knowledge was poor. Attitudes were generally positive and influenced by age, professional group, gender and care experience. The experience of caring for people with dementia was positively associated with a person-centred care approach, although the participants tended not to use a person-centred care approach. A statistically significant association was found between knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.379, P < 0.001), and between attitudes and care approach (r = 0.143, P < 0.001). However, dementia knowledge has no relationship with a person-centred approach. CONCLUSIONS: Community health professionals showed generally positive attitudes towards people with dementia. However, they demonstrated poor dementia knowledge and tended not to use a person-centred care approach. The results suggest that a multifaceted approach consisting of educational interventions for community health professionals, and policy and resource development to meet the demand for community dementia care services, is urgently needed in China.

Clinical characteristics of poly-drug abuse among heroin dependents and association with other psychopathology in compulsory isolation treatment settings in China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical characteristics and associations of polydrug abuse among heroin-dependent patients in compulsory isolation settings in China. METHODS: Structured interviews were conducted in 882 heroin-dependent patients in two compulsory isolation settings in Changsha, China. Descriptive statistics were employed to report prevalence and general information of polydrug abuse among the participants. Bivariate associations were examined between polydrug abuse and variables regarding demographics, heroin use profile and psychopathology. Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to determine independent factors associated with polydrug abuse. RESULTS: Of all the participants, 40.6% reported abuse of/dependence on at least one other type of drug/alcohol than heroin/opioids during the month preceding admission, with benzodiazepines and alcohol being the most common type of drugs abused apart from heroin. Antisocial and depressive personality disorders, as well as more severe heroin use patterns, including younger age at initiate use and larger amount used per day, were found to be independently associated with polydrug abuse. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of polydrug abuse and its associated severe heroin use patterns and personality disorders suggests an urgent need of promoting treatment policies and strategies for heroin patients in China to address these issues.

Recognition of depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse in a Chinese rural sample: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Under-utilization of mental health services is a global health issue. Recognition of mental disorders, as the first step to seeking help from professional sources, has been well studied in developed countries, yet little is known about the situation in rural areas of developing countries like China. The purpose of the study is to understand the recognition of depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse and its predictive factors in a Chinese rural sample METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were conducted on a representative rural adult sample in a cross-sectional study in China (N = 2052). Respondents were presented with three vignettes depicting depression, anxiety and alcohol abuse and asked to label the disorder and its cause to assess their recognition of the three mental disorders. They also completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) to assess their current mental health status. RESULTS: The alcohol abuse vignette was more frequently attributed as a mental problem than the depression vignette and anxiety vignette. The correct labeling rate was 16.1 % in the depression vignette, 15.5 % in the anxiety vignette, and 58.2 % in the alcohol vignette. Higher education is the common and also strongest factor positively predicting the recognition of all three vignettes. Beyond that, being female is an independent predictor of correct recognition of alcohol abuse, while recognition of depression and anxiety were positively predicted by younger age. CONCLUSIONS: Lower recognition of depression and anxiety as compared to alcohol abuse confirms the importance and need to increase the public's awareness and knowledge about common mental disorders. Recognition of common mental disorders could be improved through general public campaign and education, while paying attention to the unique predictive factors for each specific disorder and implement targeted intervention.