Correlation of gut microorganisms and non-volatile flavor substances provides new insights for breeding Scylla paramamosain

The farming of Scylla paramamosain with specific flavors has a higher commercial value,and the flavors are related to the integrated farming environment and non-volatile flavor substances,while the survival environment is one of the important ways to source gut microorganisms in the organism.In this study,the levels of dominant taxa in the gut flora of S.paramamosain from Mong Cai,Vietnam(VN),Taishan City,Guangdong Province(TS)of China,and Ninghai County,Ningbo City(NB)Zhejiang Province of China converged with those of S.paramamosain from Sanmen County,Ningbo City(CK 1,CK 2,and CK 3)at 28 d of domestication.The top 15 genera with the highest abundance of VN,TS,and NB gut flora were the same as CK 1,CK 2,and CK 3,but with different percentages,and gradually converged to CK 1,CK 2,and CK 3,respectively,at 28 d of domestication.Correlation between intestinal flora and non-volatile flavor substances in the hepatopancreas at the percentage level of relative abundance of bacterial genera found that above 28 d of domestication,Muribaculaceae,Psychrilyobacter,Clostridia_vadinBB 60_group,Halarcobacter Carboxylicivirga,Sediminispirochaeta may be the most important genera affecting flavor amino acids of VN.Sediminispirochaeta,Carboxylicivirga,Halarcobacter,Photobacterium,ZOR 0006,Psychrilyobacter,and Pseudomonas may be the most important genera affecting flavor amino acids of NB.Sediminispirochaeta,Carboxylicivirga,Halarcobacter,Photobacterium,ZOR 0006,Vibrio,and Sphingomonas may be the most important genera affecting flavor amino acids of TS.These results show that the intestinal flora structure of crabs from different areas were domesticated in the same area for at least 28 d before they converged to that of the domesticated crab,and the most important genera affecting the flavor amino acids of TS,VN,and NB were also identified.The results of this study provide a reference and basis for the technique of directional cultivation of the flavor quality of the crab.

Occurrence,Spatial Distribution,Sources and Risk Assessment of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Surface Sediments of the Yellow River Delta Wetland

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFASs)are emerging persistent organic pollutants(POPs).In this study,47 surface sediment samples were collected from the Yellow River Delta wetland(YRDW)to investigate the occurrence,spatial distribution,potential sources,and ecological risks of PFASs.Twenty-three out of 26 targeted PFASs were detected in surface sediment samples from the YRDW,with totalΣ23PFASs concentrations ranging from 0.23 to 16.30 ng g^(-1) dw and a median value of 2.27 ng g^(-1) dw.Perfluorooctanoic acid(PFOA),perfluorobutanoic acid(PFBA)and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid(PFOS)were the main contaminants.The detection frequency and concentration of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids(PFCAs)were higher than those of perfluoroal-kanesulfonic acids(PFSAs),while those of long-chain PFASs were higher than those of short-chain PFASs.The emerging PFASs substitutes were dominated by 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acid(6:2 Cl-PFESA).The distribution of PFASs is significantly influenced by the total organic carbon content in the sediments.The concentration of PFASs seems to be related to human activities,with high concentration levels of PFASs near locations such as beaches and villages.By using a positive matrix factorization model,the potential sources of PFASs in the region were identified as metal plating mist inhibitor and fluoropolymer manufacturing sources,metal plating industry and firefighting foam and textile treatment sources,and food packaging material sources.The risk assessment indicated that PFASs in YRDW sediments do not pose a significant ecological risk to benthic organisms in the region overall,but PFOA and PFOS exert a low to moderate risk at individual stations.

Contemporary strategies and approaches for characterizing composition and enhancing biofilm penetration targeting bacterial extracellular polymeric substances

Extracellular polymeric substances(EPS)constitutes crucial elements within bacterial biofilms,facili-tating accelerated antimicrobial resistance and conferring defense against the host's immune cells.Developing precise and effective antibiofilm approaches and strategies,tailored to the specific charac-teristics of EPS composition,can offer valuable insights for the creation of novel antimicrobial drugs.This,in turn,holds the potential to mitigate the alarming issue of bacterial drug resistance.Current analysis of EPS compositions relies heavily on colorimetric approaches with a significant bias,which is likely due to the selection of a standard compound and the cross-interference of various EPS compounds.Considering the pivotal role of EPS in biofilm functionality,it is imperative for EPS research to delve deeper into the analysis of intricate compositions,moving beyond the current focus on polymeric materials.This ne-cessitates a shift from heavy reliance on colorimetric analytic methods to more comprehensive and nuanced analytical approaches.In this study,we have provided a comprehensive summary of existing analytical methods utilized in the characterization of EPS compositions.Additionally,novel strategies aimed at targeting EPS to enhance biofilm penetration were explored,with a specific focus on high-lighting the limitations associated with colorimetric methods.Furthermore,we have outlined the challenges faced in identifying additional components of EPS and propose a prospective research plan to address these challenges.This review has the potential to guide future researchers in the search for novel compounds capable of suppressing EPS,thereby inhibiting biofilm formation.This insight opens up a new avenue for exploration within this research domain.

Could school programs based on social-emotional learning prevent substance abuse among adolescents?

In this editorial,we comment on the article Adolescent suicide risk factors and the integration of social-emotional skills in school-based prevention programs by Liu et al.While the article focused on the issue of suicide and social-emotional learning programs as a possible intervention,we here discuss evidence of other reported outcomes and if it could be an effective way to prevent substance abuse among adolescents.

Research Progress of Volatile Substances Analysis and Sensory Evaluation of Soymilk

Soybean is one of the important crops in China. Soymilk, a traditional neutral plant-based protein drink, is rich in high quality proteins. Although soybean milk is rich in nutrients, its marketing among consumers, especially those in Western countries who are used to peaceful flavor, has been limited due to the adverse flavor impact brought by its special composition. In recent years, with the increasing attention to the nutritional value of soymilk, the flavor of soymilk has become a popular research object for scholars at home and abroad. The flavor components of soymilk are mainly volatile small molecular compounds produced by enzymatic reactions catalyzed by lipoxygenase(LOX). After formation, they interact with protein macromolecules to form the overall flavor of soymilk. At present, there are many methods to control the off-odor of soymilk at home and abroad, including physical heating methods, chemical methods, biological enzymatic digestion methods, mask methods, and a variety of breeding methods. These methods effectively reduce the off-odor of soymilk, but all of them have shortcomings. Currently, the sensory characteristics of the beany odor in soymilk are evaluated mainly by traditional human sensory scoring along with the assistance of modern instrument analysis of volatile flavor substances using headspace solid phase microextraction(SPME) gas chromatography coupled with-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). This paper summarized the research results of volatile flavor substances in soymilk in recent years and the sensory evaluation methods of soymilk at home and abroad, and looked forward to the future development direction, hoping to provide some theoretical bases and reference detection methods for solving the problem of soymilk flavor in the future.

The Role of Jasmonates as Antibulbing Substances in the Bulb Formation of Onion

Onion plants form spherical bulbs under long-day conditions.Substances regulating bulb formation remain unknown.In the course of chemical studies on the bulb formation,α-linolenic acid was isolated from onion extracts as an antibulbing substance,the amount of which was synchronized with the bulb formation.Since allene oxide synthase inhibitor canceled the antibulbing activity ofα-linolenic acid,it was disclosed that jasmonic acid concerns this regulation.Structure-activity-relationship study revealed that its(3R,7S)stereochemistry is necessary for showing its antibulbing activity.It is concluded that(3R,7S)-jasmonate derived fromα-linolenic acid actually participates in the regulation of bulb formation.

Evaluation of Rhizobium tropici-Derived Extracellular Polymeric Substances on Selected Soil Properties, Seed Germination, and Growth of Black-Eyed Peas (Vigna unguiculata)

Rhizobium tropici-derived extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) have been used in soils to enhance soil structures and mitigate soil erosions. However, information on their use to improve soil health and fertility indicators, and plant growth is limited. In a greenhouse study, we investigated their effects on some soil health, soil fertility indices, and the growth of black-eyed peas (Vigna unguiculate). Results showed that soils incubated with EPS significantly increased basal soil respiration, soil microbial biomass, permanganate oxidizable carbon (POC), and potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN). The EPS shifted microbial populations from bacteria to fungi and Gram (−ve) to Gram ( ve) bacteria. However, it had little or no effects on soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The EPS decreased soil moisture loss, increased soil aggregate stability, but delayed blacked-eyed peas germinations in the soils. At 0.1% (w/w) concentrations in soils, there was increase in plant root nodulations and vegetative growth. This study was carried out within 40 days of incubating soils with EPS or growing the black-eyed peas in a greenhouse study. The plant growth parameters were taken before flowering and fruiting. Further studies of the effects of incubating soils with the extracellular polymeric substances on plant growth. Soil microbial biomass, microbial diversities, and other soil fertility indices are deemed necessary.

Preserving the Ozone Layers: Battling Illegal Trade in Ozone-Depleting Substances

The depletion of the ozone layer, a vital shield protecting the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is now a worldwide environmental concern. Human activities, particularly the release of ozone depleting substances (ODS), have led to the thinning of this protective layer over recent decades. Simultaneously, illegal trade has emerged as a global challenge, giving rise to economic issues, losses of tax revenue, heightened criminal activities, health risks, and environmental hazards. The depletion of the ozone layer, a critical shield protecting the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, has become a global environmental concern. This paper delves into the legal dimensions surrounding ozone-depleting substances (ODS), their impact on the ozone layer, and the subsequent risk of skin cancer. As countries navigate international agreements, domestic regulations, and enforcement mechanisms, the intricate interplay between legal frameworks and the health implications of ozone layer depletion comes to the forefront. The paper highlights particular instances of illegal trade in ozone depleting substances, drawing from data reported by the parties to the Montreal Protocol. Notably, China stands out as a significant source of contraband ODS, with other countries such as Bulgaria, Lithuania, Poland, and France reporting numerous cases. Analyzing these case instances offers insights into the efficacy of legal frameworks and enforcement measures. The paper offers a comprehensive set of recommendations to strengthen global control and enforcement against the illegal trade of ozone depleting substances. These recommendations span diverse aspects such as production monitoring, customs collaboration, mutual verification, cross-border agreements, public-private partnerships, international cooperation, detection equipment, global regulatory standards, resource allocation, public awareness campaigns, alternative substance development, and controlling the trade at its source. By applying these recommendations and enhancing enforcement measures, we aim to protect the ozone layer and create a healthier and safer world for future generations and achieve sustainable development goals.

Analyzing the pharmacological substances and targets of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction in hypertensive vascular endothelial cells

Background:Xuefu Zhuyu decoction(XFZY)could significantly improve the function of hypertensive vascular endothelial cells,but the targets and mechanism are not clear.This study is to analyze the pharmacological substances and targets of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction in hypertensive vascular endothelial cells.Methods:This study used Xuefu Zhuyu decoction to intervene human umbilical vein endothelial cells incubated by hypertensive patients’serum,then detected the function of vascular endothelial cells.The aqueous extract of XFZY was analyzed and validated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technology;Finally,macromolecular docking technology was used to analyze the potential active substances and targets of XFZY in the prevention and treatment of hypertension.Results:Compared with the model group,the XFZY group showed a significant increase in NO expression(P<0.01)and a significant decrease in ET-1 expression(P<0.001);and the expression of BIP,P-JNK,CHOP,and BAX in XFZY group cells was significantly decreased(P<0.001),while the expression of JNK and BCL2 was significantly increased(P<0.001).19 main compounds were identified in XFZY and there were 3 pairs of molecular complexes with high affinity for markers of the endoplasmic reticulum stress,including BIP-Hesperidin complex,BIP-HSYA complex and JNK-Naringin complex.Conclusion:This study analyzed the potential pharmacodynamic substance and targets of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction in improving the function of hypertensive vascular endothelial cells,which could provide a scientific basis for the future molecular mechanism of XFZY in treating hypertension.

Advances in Research Methods of Pharmacodynamic Substances in Traditional Chinese Medicines and Their Application in the Teaching of Traditional Chinese Medicine Analysi

With the continuous progress of science and technology,the research methods of pharmacodynamic substances in traditional Chinese medicine are developing,and the application of these methods in teaching is becoming more and more extensive.By introducing these research methods into the classroom,teachers can help students to deeply understand the nature and mechanism of action of pharmacodynamic substances in traditional Chinese medicine,and improve their interest in and knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine.This paper introduces the definition of pharmacodynamic substances in traditional Chinese medicine,research methods,and their application in the teaching of traditional Chinese medicine analysis.

Delivering substance use prevention interventions for adolescents in educational settings:A scoping review

Currently,a proportion of adolescents use alcohol,tobacco,and illicit drugs,which inevitably harms their health and academic progress.Adolescence is a peak period for substance use initiation and a critical time for preventing substance use problems.Various entities,such as families,schools,and communities,have implemented a variety of interventions to alleviate adolescent substance use problems,and schools play a unique role.To explore the types,characteristics,and effectiveness of substance use interventions in educational settings for adolescents,we conducted a scoping review and identified 32 studies after screening.We divided the 32 studies according to intervention type,including curriculum interventions focusing on cognitive-behavioral skill enhancement,exercise interventions,peer interventions and family-school cooperation,and electronic interventions.Except for the mixed results on electronic interventions,the results showed that the other interventions were beneficial to different extents in alleviating adolescent substance use problems.In addition,we analyzed and summarized the advantages and challenges of intervening in adolescent substance use in educational settings.Schools can use equipment and human resources to provide adolescents with various types of intervention measures,but they also face challenges such as stigmatization,ineffective coordination among multiple resources,and poor implementation effects.In the future,school-based intervention measures can fully utilize big data and artificial intelligence technology and collaborate with families and communities to intervene appropriately while paying attention to the comorbidity risks of substance use disorders and psychological health issues.

Identification and treatment of individuals with attentiondeficit/ hyperactivity disorder and substance use disorder: An expert consensus statement

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)often co-occurs with substance use(SU)and/or substance use disorder(SUD).Individuals with concurrent ADHD and SU/SUD can have complex presentations that may complicate diagnosis and treatment.This can be further complicated by the context in which services are delivered.Also,when working with young people and adults with co-existing ADHD and SU/SUD,there is uncertainty among healthcare practitioners on how best to meet their needs.In February 2022,the United Kingdom ADHD Partnership hosted a meeting attended by multidisciplinary experts to address these issues.Following presentations providing attendees with an overview of the literature,group discussions were held synthesizing research evidence and clinical experience.Topics included:(1)A review of substances and reasons for use/misuse;(2)identification,assessment and treatment of illicit SU/SUD in young people and adults with ADHD presenting in community services;and(3)identification,assessment and treatment of ADHD in adults presenting in SU/SUD community and inpatient services.Discussions highlighted inter-service barriers and fragmentation of care.It was concluded that a multimodal and multi-agency approach is needed.The consensus group generated a table of practice recommendations providing guidance on:identification and assessment;pharmacological and psychological treatment;and multi-agency interventions.

Substance P promotes epidural fibrosis via induction of type 2 macrophages

In response to spinal surgery,neurons secrete a large amount of substance P into the epidural area.Substance P is involved in macrophage differentiation and fibrotic disease.However,the specific roles and mechanisms of substance P in epidural fibrosis remain unclear.In this study,we established a mouse model of L1–L3 laminectomy and found that dorsal root ganglion neurons and the macrophages infiltrating into the wound area released sphingolipids.In vitro experiments revealed that type 1 macrophages secreted substance P,which promoted differentiation of type 1 macrophages towards a type 2 phenotype.High-throughput mRNA-seq analysis revealed that the sphingolipid metabolic pathway may be involved in the regulation of type 2 macrophages by substance P.Specifically,sphingomyelin synthase 2,a component of the sphingolipid metabolic pathway,promoted M2 differentiation in substance P-treated macrophages,while treating the macrophages with LY93,a sphingomyelin synthase 2 inhibitor,suppressed M2 differentiation.In addition,substance P promoted the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps,which further boosted M2 differentiation.Blocking substance P with the neurokinin receptor 1 inhibitor RP67580 decreased the number of M2 macrophages in the wound area after spinal surgery and alleviated epidural fibrosis,as evidenced by decreased fibronectin,α-smooth muscle actin,and collagen I in the scar tissue.These results demonstrated that substance P promotes M2 macrophage differentiation in epidural fibrosis via sphingomyelin synthase 2 and neutrophil extracellular traps.These findings provide a novel strategy for the treatment of epidural fibrosis.

Chemical substances present in discharge water generated by laundry industry:Analytical monitoring

To our knowledge,precise data concerning the pollution in terms of qualitative and quantitative fluctuations in discharge water from the laundry sector have seldom been reported.This study investigated the chemical composition of the discharge water from a laundry industry.Over 160 chemical substances and 15 standard water parameters were monitored.The results showed that the discharge water presented both inorganic and organic polycontamination with a high degree of qualitative and quantitative variability.However,of all monitored substances,only five metals(Al,Cu,Fe,Sr,and Zn),five minerals(P,Ca,K,Na,and S),and alkylphenols were systematically present and quantifiable.For a daily average water flow of 129 m^(3),the released metal flux was 356 g/d.Substances,such as trichloromethane,brominated diphenyl ether(BDE)47,and fluorides,were occasionally found and quantified.Other substances,such as chlorophenols,organo-tins,and pesticides were never identified.All the samples had quantifiable levels in the chemical oxygen demand(COD),biological oxygen demand(BOD),and hydrocarbons.Only the concentrations of Zn(8.3 g/d),Cu(21.4 g/d),and BOD(57.4 g/d)were close to or above the regulatory values:74.0 g/d for Zn,9.0 g/d for Cu,and 57.0 kg/d for BOD.The data obtained from this study are useful to the choice of additional treatments for the reduction of pollutant fluxes.

Role of extracellular polymeric substances in resistance to allelochemical stress on Microcystis aeruginsosa and its mechanism

Using allelochemicals to suppress cyanobacteria growth is a prospective method for its high efficiency and ecological safety.However,the suppression efficiency is affected inevitably by the extracellular polymeric substances(EPS)produced by cyanobacteria,and the knowledge about the roles of EPS in resistance to allelochemical stress is scarce.For the study,two typical anti-cyanobacterial allelochemicals were adopted to investigate the role of EPS in resistance to allelochemical stress on Microcystis aeruginosa.Results show that EPS was crucial in alleviating the toxicity of allelochemicals to algae,especially in stabilizing the metabolism and photosynthetic activity of algal cells.The aggregation rate of algal cells increased with the increase of EPS secretion,which alleviated the stress of allelopathy.Tryptophan proteins and humic acids in EPS provided a binding site for allelochemicals,and the EPS-allelochemicals complex were formed by chemical bonding.This study improved our comprehension of the role of EPS in algal inhibition by allelochemicals.

Effect of extracellular polymeric substances on Dolichospermum aggregation during temperature rise

Dolichospermum,a typical model filamentous of cyanobacteria,has the potential to cause severely bloom.Extracellular polymeric substances(EPSs)are considered to influence the aggregation of the algae,and temperature is a significant factor affecting EPSs secretion.However,the mechanism of how EPSs affects the aggregation of Dolichospermum is still unclear because the structure and composition of EPSs are complex.In this study,the effects of EPSs on the aggregation of Dolichospermum during the rise of temperature(7-37℃)were determined.The results showed that the concentration of extracellular polysaccharides and proteins changed significantly with increasing temperature(P<0.01).Firstly,during the increasing temperature,the polysaccharide content of EPSs increased from 20.34 to 54.64 mg/L,and the polysaccharides in the soluble EPS(S-EPS)layer changed significantly.The protein content reached maximum value at 21℃(14.52 mg/L)and varied significantly in S-EPS and loosely bound EPS(LB-EPS).In the EPSs matrix,humus substances and protein were main components of S-EPS and LB-EPS,and protein was the main component of tightly bound EPS(TB-EPS).Secondly,the cell density of Dolichospermum increased during the temperature rise while the aggregation ratio decreased.Moreover,zeta potential and surface thermodynamic analysis of Dolichospermum revealed that the interfacial free energy and electrostatic repulsion increased gradually with increasing temperature,which further reduced the aggregation of Dolichospermum.Finally,principal component analysis(PCA)analysis showed the aggregation of Dolichospermum was directly related to the changes of protein in EPSs(especially S-EPS and LB-EPS)and zeta potential,and polysaccharides in EPSs inhibited the aggregation of Dolichospermum.Based on these results,it was illustrated that the composition and concentration of EPSs affected the cell surface properties of Dolichospermum with the change of temperature and thus affected the aggregation of Dolichospermum.

A sutureless technique for securing leaking sclerotomies with viscoelastic substances in 23-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery

AIM:To introduce and evaluate the clinical efficacy of a new technique,the use of viscoelastic substances(VS)to close leaking sclerotomy in 23G microincision vitrectomy,and to observe its effect on the visual acuity and intraocular pressure(IOP)of patients.METHODS:Patients who underwent 23G vitrectomy in Ningbo Eye Hospital before the use of VS technique(June 2019 to September 2020)and after the use of VS technique(October 2020 to December 2021)were selected as the subjects of this study.The above cases underwent operation by the same surgeon and were retrospectively analyzed.VS technique was used as the alternative to suturing,in which a small amount of VS was injected at the leaking sclerotomy and then gently massaged to confirm leaking sclerotomy closure.RESULTS:A total of 174 eyes were covered in the study,including 84 eyes in the control group(before the use of VS technique)and 90 eyes in the VS technique group.The number of eyes that needed to be sutured decreased considerably from 42.9%in the control group to 3.3%in the VS technique group,and the proportion of subconjunctival hemorrhage at 1-2d after surgery decreased remarkably from 35.7%in the control group to 2.2%in the VS technique group.No substantial differences in the incidence of mean IOP and low IOP were found between 1-2 and 3-20d after surgery in the VS technique group.No major complications associated with VS technique were identified during the study.CONCLUSION:In 23G microincision vitrectomy,VS technique is a safe,simple,and effective method to close leaking sclerotomy.

Narrative minireview of the spatial epidemiology of substance use disorder in the United States:Who is at risk and where?

Drug overdose is the leading cause of death by injury in the United States.The incidence of substance use disorder(SUD)in the United States has increased steadily over the past two decades,becoming a major public health problem for the country.The drivers of the SUD epidemic in the United States have changed over time,characterized by an initial heroin outbreak between 1970 and 1999,followed by a painkiller outbreak,and finally by an ongoing synthetic opioid outbreak.The nature and sources of these abused substances reveal striking differences in the socioeconomic and behavioral factors that shape the drug epidemic.Moreover,the geospatial distribution of the SUD epidemic is not homogeneous.The United States has specific locations where vulnerable communities at high risk of SUD are concentrated,reaffirming the multifactorial socioeconomic nature of this epidemic.A better understanding of the SUD epidemic under a spatial epidemiology framework is necessary to determine the factors that have shaped its spread and how these patterns can be used to predict new outbreaks and create effective mitigation policies.This narrative minireview summarizes the current records of the spatial distribution of the SUD epidemic in the United States across different periods,revealing some spatiotemporal patterns that have preceded the occurrence of outbreaks.By analyzing the epidemic of SUD-related deaths,we also describe the epidemic behavior in areas with high incidence of cases.Finally,we describe public health interventions that can be effective for demographic groups,and we discuss future challenges in the study and control of the SUD epidemic in the country.

Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on depressive symptoms in patients with substance use disorders:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:We examined the effects of mindfulness-based interventions(MBIs)on depressive symptoms in patients with substance use disorders(SUDs)and explored the moderating effects of participant,method,and intervention characteristics.Methods:We systematically searched 8 databases from their inception till November 2021.The inclusion criteria were primary studies evaluating MBIs in patients with SUDs with depression measured as an outcome,those including a control group,and those written in English.We used a random-effects model to compute effect sizes(ESs)using Hedges’g,a forest plot,and Q and I2 statistics as measures of heterogeneity;we also examined moderator analyses.Results:Nineteen studies included 1352 participants(age:38.6±7.0 years).Overall,MBIs showed significantly improved depression(g=0.67,95%confidence interval[CI]:0.29,1.05,I2=89%)compared to controls.With regard to moderators,providing MBIs as an individual plus group intervention had a greater effect(g=2.13)on reducing depressive symptoms than providing MBIs as a group intervention(g=0.64)or an individual intervention only(g=0.33,P=0.034).Using concealed allocation tended to reduce depressive symptoms(g=1.22)as compared to not using concealed allocation(g=0.48,P=0.086).No other quality indicators were demonstrated to have a moderating influence on the value of the ES.Conclusions:MBIs improved depressive symptoms in patients with SUDs.MBIs might be used as an adjunctive or alternative to conventional treatment for depressed patients with SUDs.

Comparative Evaluation of Humic Substances: Effect at Cell Level and Chlorophyll Retention during Accelerated Senescence

The influence of humic substances (HS) formulations derived from sedimentary and compost sources was studied on plant growth at cell level and chlorophyll retention during accelerated senescence of leaf tissue. The direct effect of HS formulations was studied on cell expansion using cucumber and radish cotyledon expansion test. The cucumber hypocotyl elongation test was used to study the effect on cell elongation. Chlorophyll pigment retention in excised leaf tissue incubated in dark with high temperature was assessed to study the effect on leaf senescence. Explant tissues were incubated directly in the solutions of the formulations at the concentration recommended for foliar application to the crop plants. HS formulations showed significant variations in their direct bio-stimulatory effects. Formulations derived from compost sources were found superior in terms of inducing a direct stimulatory effect on cell expansion and cell elongation and in maintaining chlorophyll pigment retention during accelerated senescence. HS from sedimentary sources stimulated cell expansion and delayed chlorophyll degradation to a lesser extent compared to HS from compost. However, HS formulations derived from sedimentary sources used in this study were not effective in inducing cell elongation in the cucumber hypocotyl elongation test. The direct bio-stimulatory effect of HS formulations differed significantly between the formulations that were evaluated.