Background/Objectives: Abnormal blood pressure (BP) in youth is strongly linked to genetic predisposition, particularly involving lipid metabolism genes. However, little is known about whether such polymorphisms affect ambulatory BP (ABP) parameters and whether other factors modify the associations in youth populations. Methods: A total of 510 medical students from a university in Changsha were included. Multivariable linear regression and logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein (SCAP) gene polymorphisms and ABP parameters among youth. Results: After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, ethnicity, monthly household income per capita, salt intake habits, fruit and vegetable intake frequency, smoking, drinking, history of hypertension and waist circumference, carriers of the A allele of rs76558868 had higher daytime systolic blood pressure (SBP) than G allele carriers (β = 1.55, SE = 0.77, p = 0.046, corrected p = 0.092). A significant interaction between rs12487736 and sex on 24 h SBP (pinteraction = 0.023) and daytime SBP (pinteraction = 0.048) levels was found. In males, the CC genotype carriers had elevated 24 h SBP (β = 3.53, SE = 1.36, p = 0.010, corrected p = 0.020) and daytime SBP (β = 3.18, SE = 1.53, p = 0.040, corrected p = 0.080) levels compared to TC/TT genotype carriers, whereas no significant association was found in females. In addition, we also noted an interaction between rs76558868 and sex on 24 h SBP (pinteraction = 0.016), nighttime SBP (pinteraction = 0.027) and nighttime diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (pinteraction = 0.025) levels; the A allele carriers had significantly higher 24 h SBP (β = 2.02, SE = 0.84, p = 0.018, corrected p = 0.036), nighttime SBP (β = 2.64, SE = 0.98, p = 0.008, corrected p = 0.016) and DBP levels (β = 1.65, SE = 0.63, p = 0.009, corrected p = 0.018) compared to G allele carriers among males, but not in females. Conclusions: An interaction between SCAP gene polymorphisms and sex was observed for ABP parameters among college students. These findings provide insights for future targeted early hypertension prevention and personalized health management strategies.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between SREBP gene polymorphisms and ambulatory blood pressure phenotypes. In the present study, 514 college students from a university in China were recruited. Questionnaire surveys, physical examinations, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and blood samples were collected. The relationship between SREBP gene polymorphisms and ambulatory blood pressure parameters in college students was analyzed using a multivariable linear regression model. A total of 510 students with complete data were included in the final analysis. After adjustment for sex, age, weight status, ethnicity, monthly household income per capita, salt intake habits, fruit intake frequency, vegetable intake frequency, smoking, alcohol consumption, history of hypertension, and waist circumference, SREBP1/rs11868035 was associated with 24-h SBP levels in college students under the additive and recessive genetic models (additive: β = 1.39, P = 0.045; recessive: β = 1.75, P = 0.027), but results were not significant after Bonferroni correction (P > 0.0167). Under the recessive genetic model, SREBP1/rs11868035 was associated with daytime SBP levels (β = 1.97, P = 0.026), and SREBP2/rs2228314 was positively associated with daytime DBP levels in college students (β = 2.44, P = 0.033), but neither remained significant after Bonferroni correction (P > 0.0167). Conclusion: SREBP gene polymorphisms exhibited suggestive associations with ambulatory blood pressure in Chinese adolescents. Although the associations were not significant after multiple testing correction, these findings suggest potential genetic influences on blood pressure regulation in youth and may inform future research on genetically informed approaches to hypertension prevention.

This study aims to explore the association between exposure to light at night (LAN) and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) profiles in college students. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a university of Changsha, Hunan Province, China. We recruited 732 college students from September 2023 to June 2024. Abnormal BP phenotypes include abnormal daytime/nighttime/24 h/ambulatory BP. Abnormal ambulatory BP is defined by presence of abnormal daytime/nighttime/24 h BP. After exclusion, a total of 688 participants were included in the final analysis with an age of 19 years (IQR 18, 20), with 501 (72.8%) females. After adjustment of potential covariates, including age, sex, body mass index, chronotype, sedentary behavior, physical activity, and intake of fruits and vegetables, participants with LAN exposure had a significantly higher risk of abnormal daytime BP (OR = 5.12, 95%CI, 1.30-20.14), abnormal nighttime BP (OR = 2.61, 95%CI, 1.00-6.77), abnormal ambulatory BP (OR = 3.80, 95%CI, 1.55-9.30) and abnormal daytime SBP (OR = 4.28, 95%CI, 1.08-16.98), than the non-LAN exposure group. When the LAN exposure was categorized as high, moderate/low and non-exposure, similar results were obtained, especially for abnormal nighttime SBP. Light pollution at night is associated with abnormal ambulatory BP profiles among young adults, especially for abnormal nighttime SBP.

The association of atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) control level with hypertension onset in children was still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between AIP control levels and risk of childhood hypertension. We obtained data from 12,800 students participating in a national, multi-center, school-based health lifestyle intervention program aimed at combating obesity. AIP was calculated using the formula log10(TG/HDL-C), and was categorized into five clusters based on baseline and 1 year follow-up values. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline regression models were employed to explore both linear and nonlinear associations between AIP control and hypertension risk. Of the 12,800 students, 830 (6.5%) developed hypertension within 1 year. Compared to the group with optimal AIP control (Class 1), students in Class 4 with poor AIP control (OR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.31-2.33; p < 0.001), and those in Class 5 with the worst AIP control (OR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.69-3.50; p < 0.001), had higher incidences of hypertension. Restricted cubic spline regression analysis revealed a nonlinear relationship between AIP control and hypertension risk overall, and in Class 4 (p for nonlinear <0.05). However, the association was linear in the other classes (p for nonlinear >0.05). In conclusion, the level of AIP control was associated with the incidence of hypertension in children and adolescents.

Background:Chronotype, social jetlag (SJL), eating jetlag (EJL), eating windows, and breakfast skipping are important and commonly used indicators for behavior rhythmicity. The present study comprehensively examined the behavior rhythmicity and depression, anxiety, and stress among university students. Methods:A cross-sectional study of a total of 734 college students was conducted. The questionnaire included investigation of sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle information. Behavior rhythmicity was measured by the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ), the Reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ), and the Chrononutrition Profile-Questionnaire (CP-Q). Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21). Results:A total of 734 participants with completed data were included in this study. After adjustment of age, sex, exercise time, screen time, being the only child, and family's monthly per capita income, higher sleep-corrected SJL (SJLsc) was significantly associated with increased risks of depression (OR = 1.527 per 1-h increase; 95% CI: 1.129-2.066), anxiety (OR = 1.324 per 1-h increase; 95% CI: 1.029-1.703), and stress (OR = 1.524 per 1-h increase; 95% CI: 1.112-2.088). Compared with the non-evening type group, evening chronotype participants had a significantly higher risk of depression (OR = 1.856, 95% CI: 1.228-2.803), anxiety (OR = 1.598, 95% CI: 1.159-2.202), and stress (OR = 1.945, 95% CI: 1.261-2.999). Further stratified analysis by sex showed that the associations were sex-specific. SJLsc was associated with depression only in males (OR = 2.014, 95% CI: 1.213-3.345), but not in females. Evening chronotype was related to a higher risk of depression (OR = 1.853, 95% CI: 1.130-3.037) and stress (OR = 2.031, 95% CI: 1.227-3.363) only in females. The last eating occasion jet lag was associated with stress in males (OR = 1.383, 95% CI: 1.035-1.846), but not in females. Eating window jet lag was associated with stress in females (OR = 1.155, 95% CI: 1.015-1.315) but not in males. Conclusion:SJLsc and evening chronotype are significantly associated with higher risk of depression, anxiety, and stress. Sex-specific associations between last eating occasion jet lag, eating window jet lag, and chronotype with depression, anxiety, and stress existed in young adults.

To investigate the characteristics and interrelationships between knowledge, preventive practice, and information sources of infectious diseases among Chinese children. This study used data collected from the baseline survey of a China national multi-centered cluster-randomized controlled trial in 2013. A total of 30,287 children completed a questionnaire package that included measures for knowledge, preventive practice and information sources related to infectious diseases. The mean scores of knowledge and prevention practices of infectious diseases were 2.35 and 12.16, respectively. Children received information about infectious diseases primarily through school, other individuals, and electronic media. Knowledge and practices among children differed significantly across gender, age, single-child, living with parents or not, residence(urban/rural), regions, parental age and parents’ education levels. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that higher levels of knowledge(b = 0.102), and receiving information through schools(b = 0.054), electronic media(b = 0.016), and paper media(b = 0.054) were significantly associated with better preventive practice. Children’s knowledge and various sources of access to information significantly predicted the prevention practice score. It might add value to future interventions and policy-making in promoting preventive measures for infectious diseases.

OBJECTIVES:To investigate the association between free and total 25(OH)D levels and fetal growth during pregnancy, and to evaluate whether free 25(OH)D is a better indicator of vitamin D status compared to total 25(OH)D. METHODS:A total of 160 pregnant women and their newborns were consecutively recruited from a Jiangsu hospital (March-May 2019). Maternal blood was collected before delivery, and cord blood was collected after umbilical cord disconnection. Serum free and total 25(OH)D were measured by ELISA. Clinical data, including pregnancy records, neonatal assessments, and 6-month follow-ups, were extracted from electronic medical records. Associations between vitamin D levels and developmental outcomes were analyzed using univariate correlation analysis and multivariable linear regression in SPSS 20.0 (p<0.05). RESULTS:Maternal-umbilical free 25(OH)D correlation was stronger than total (rho=0.699 vs. 0.475; both p<0.001). Maternal free 25(OH)D showed stronger associations with early pregnancy femur length (11.37 ± 3.39 mm; β=2.053), late pregnancy biparietal diameter (82.65 ± 4.60 mm; β=-0.273), and femur length growth efficiency (0.89 ± 0.15 mm/week; β=-0.289) than total 25(OH)D (all p<0.05). Umbilical free 25(OH)D correlated with mid-pregnancy transverse cerebellar diameter (22.0[21.0-23.0] mm; β=-0.231) and femur length growth efficiency (0.92[0.78-1.05] mm/week; β=-0.224) (p<0.05 and p<0.01). Maternal free 25(OH)D negatively associated with late pregnancy head circumference (330.11 ± 7.89 mm; β=-9.050, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS:Compared to total 25(OH)D, free 25(OH)D in maternal and umbilical blood may be more strongly associated with early-life physical growth parameters.

This study aimed to investigate the associations between chrononutrition profile, social jet lag (SJL) with obesity-related indicators (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHTR), and percentage of body fat (PBF)). This cross-sectional study was conducted among college students in a university in Hunan Province, China, from 14 September 2023 to 8 June 2024. This study employed the Chrononutrition Profile - Questionnaire (CP-Q) along with physical examinations. SJL was defined as time difference of midpoint of sleep between the workdays and freedays. Sleep-corrected SJL (SJLsc) is the absolute difference between the sleep onset on free days and workdays. Average evening latency is the time between the last meal of the day and bedtime. Eating jet lag is the difference in the midpoint of the eating window between workdays and freedays. Logistic regression was utilized to assess the associations between chrononutrition profile, SJL, and obesity-related indicators among college students. A total of 805 participants were recruited, of which 695 have complete data after excluding those who did not meet the inclusion criteria. After adjusting for potential covariates, average evening latency <4 h was related with lower risk of high BMI, WC, and PBF [OR (95% CI) = 0.435 (0.285-0.663), 0.508 (0.305-0.848), 0.564 (0.402-0.792), respectively]. Average eating window >12 h was associated with a lower risk of high BMI, WC, and PBF [OR (95% CI) = 0.511 (0.327-0.800), 0.485 (0.277-0.851), 0.651 (0.456-0.930), respectively]. Last eating occasion jet lag >1 h was a higher risk of high PBF [OR (95% CI) = 1.554 (1.018-2.371)]. SJLsc > 1 h was associated with high PBF [OR (95% CI) = 1.527 (1.073-2.174)]. Circadian rhythm disruptions, including SJL and eating jet lag, are prevalent among college students. Long eating window, short evening latency, is associated with low risk of obesity, while short sleep duration, last eating occasion jet lag and larger SJLsc were associated with higher risk of obesity among youths.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:This study aims to explore the mediation effect of fried food consumption on the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and blood pressure (BP). METHODS AND RESULTS:A cross-sectional study with a multi-stage random sampling was conducted among Chinese children and adolescents. A total of 15640 children and adolescents were included. The mediation analyses were conducted to investigate the association between SES and systolic BP z-scores (Z-SBP)/diastolic BP z-scores (Z-DBP) and the mediation effect of fried food consumption in the SES-BP nexus. SES was negatively associated with both Z-SBP and the frequency of consuming fried food every week; fried food consumption was significantly positively correlated with Z-SBP. Controlling for the potential covariates, SES was still significantly associated with fried food intake (β = -0.0280, SE = 0.0100, P < 0.01), and the higher frequency of consuming fried food every week, the higher Z-SBP (β = 0.0125, SE = 0.0050, P < 0.05). The fried food intake every week partially mediated the association between SES and Z-SBP (indirect effect = -0.0003, 95 % CI: -0.0008, -0.0001), accounting for 1.14 % of the total effect. CONCLUSION:This study provides evidence that the impact of SES on Z-SBP was partially mediated by fried food consumption among Chinese children and adolescents. There are many other mediators for the relationship between SES and BP that need to be further explored.

Previous studies have confirmed that the SREBP polymorphisms are associated with dyslipidemia. However, no researchers investigated the association between SREBP polymorphisms and blood pressure phenotypes in children. A convenient cluster sampling method was adopted to conduct field survey in three middle schools. A total of 872 children were included in this cross-sectional study final analysis. Matrix-supported laser release/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used for genotyping of SREBP polymorphism. The association between SREBP polymorphisms and blood pressure phenotypes was analyzed by multivariable linear regression and Logistic regression analysis. A Bonferroni-corrected threshold of P < 0.025 (SREBP1) or P < 0.0125 (SREBP2) was considered significant. After adjusting for age, sex, age squared and BMI, individuals with GA/AA genotype of SREBP1/rs11868035 had higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) (β = 7.34, P = 0.004) than GG genotype, and SREBP1/rs2297508 C allele carriers were positively associated with SBP (β = 7.19, P = 0.008). A significant interaction between SREBP2/rs2228314 and gender on the risk of High Blood Pressure (HBP) (Pinteraction = 0.034) was found. In boys, HBP risk increased by 101

OBJECTIVES:The 24-hour movement behaviors, comprising physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep, are crucial factors affecting children's mental health. This study aims to explore the longitudinal association between 24-hour movement behaviors and psychological well-being in overweight and obese children, providing empirical evidence for mental health promotion in this population. METHODS:A total of 445 overweight and obese children were recruited via stratified cluster random sampling from a provincial capital city in China and followed up for one year. Measures included objectively assessed physical activity and sleep duration using triaxial accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X+), parent-reported sedentary screen-based time (SST), and self-reported psychological well-being. RESULTS:After one year, the proportion of children meeting all 3 movement guidelines increased from 10.11% to 11.68%, while those meeting none increased from 11.24% to 15.06%. After adjusting for relevant covariates, children who met individual guidelines for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (β=0.377, 95% CI 0.209 to 0.545), sleep (β=0.187, 95% CI 0.042 to 0.332), or guideline combinations of MVPA+SST (β=0.545, 95% CI 0.377 to 0.713) and MVPA+sleep (β=0.602, 95% CI 0.449 to 0.755) showed significant improvements in psychological well-being after one year. Additionally, an increase in the number of guidelines met was significantly associated with improved well-being (β=0.113, 95% CI 0.011 to 0.214). CONCLUSIONS:Adherence to any single movement guideline, especially MVPA or sleep, and combinations such as MVPA+SST or MVPA+sleep is significantly associated with enhanced psychological well-being in overweight and obese children. Integrated behaviors may be an effective strategy to improve mental well-being in this population.

Current studies have presented conflicting findings regarding the associations between light at night (LAN) exposure and the risk of overweight/obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Our study systematically summarized the evidence of the association between LAN exposure and the risk of overweight/obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. We searched five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane) for observational studies published up to 1 August 2023. The pooled odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by random-effects models for the association. Eighteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the group with the lowest level of LAN, the group with the highest level of LAN is associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity (pooled OR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.13-1.26), hypertension (pooled OR: 1.86, 95% CI:1.28-2.72), and diabetes (pooled OR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.07-1.31). Our meta-analysis demonstrated LAN exposure is associated with increased risk of overweight/obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Mounting evidence shows that bisphenol A (BPA) is associated with metabolic risk factors. The aim of this study was to review related epidemiologic studies and conduct a meta-analysis to quantitatively estimate the association between BPA and metabolic syndrome. Four electronic databases were systematically searched to identify suitable articles. A total of 47 published studies were finally included. Two studies involved metabolic syndrome. Of the 17, 17, 14, and 13 studies on the relationship between BPA with abdominal obesity, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and dyslipidemia, 10, 6, 3, and 4 studies were included in the meta-analysis, respectively. The results showed that the risk of abdominal obesity increased with the increase of BPA exposure, especially in the group with higher BPA exposure levels (Quartile 2 vs. Quartile 1, pooled OR  = 1.16, 95%CI : 1.01, 1.33; Q 3 vs. Q 1 , pooled OR  = 1.31, 95%CI : 1.13, 1.51; Q 4 vs. Q 1 , pooled OR  = 1.40, 95%CI : 1.21, 1.61). However, there was no significant correlation between BPA exposure and metabolic syndrome components including hypertension, abnormal fasting plasma glucose, and dyslipidemia. The present study found that BPA exposure is significantly associated with a higher risk of abdominal obesity. However, the relationship between BPA with metabolic syndrome and its other components needs further longitudinal studies to verify.

BACKGROUND:This study aims to explore the association between a healthy lifestyle and abnormal ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) in Chinese youths. METHODS:A school-based sample of 1,296 college students was investigated. A lifestyle score was calculated by synthesizing 5 lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, physical activity, and sleeping. The total score ranged from 0 to 5, with a higher score indicating a healthier lifestyle. This score was then divided into 3 categories representing low adherence to a healthy lifestyle (0-2), medium adherence (3), and high adherence (4-5). Abnormal 24-hour blood pressure (BP) was defined as systolic BP (SBP) ≥ 130 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP (DBP) ≥ 80 mm Hg. Abnormal daytime BP was determined as daytime SBP ≥ 135 mm Hg and/or DBP ≥ 85 mm Hg, while abnormal nighttime BP was characterized as nighttime SBP ≥ 120 mm Hg and/or DBP ≥ 70 mm Hg. We assessed the associations using the binomial regression model. RESULTS:Mean age was 18.81 years, and 74.5% were women. The prevalence of abnormal 24-hour BP, daytime BP, and nighttime BP are 4.2%, 3.7%, and 9.0%, respectively. We found that participants with a high level of adherence to a healthy lifestyle had a significantly lower prevalence of abnormal 24-hour BP [prevalence ratios (PR) = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.48] and abnormal daytime BP (PR = 0.16, 95%CI: 0.05, 0.52), when compared to those with a low level of adherence and after adjusting for the potential covariates. CONCLUSIONS:A healthier lifestyle is associated with a better ambulatory BP profile among youths.

Background: The relationship between chronotype and anxiety, depression, and insomnia was inconsistent. We aimed to assess the association between chronotype and mental health and the potential moderating effect of age and socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: A multi -stage sampling cross-sectional study with 12,544 adults was conducted. Chronotype, anxiety, depression, and insomnia were investigated by 5 -item Morning and Evening, 7 -item Generalized Anxiety Disorder, 9 -item Patient Health, and the 7 -item Insomnia Severity Index Questionnaires. Logistic regression was conducted. Results: The predominant chronotype was morning chronotype (69.2 %), followed by 27.6 % intermediate and 3.2 % evening chronotype. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia was 0.7 %, 1.9 %, and 9.6 %, respectively. Compared with intermediate chronotype, morning chronotype participants had a lower risk of anxiety (OR = 0.28,95%CI:0.18-0.44), depression (OR = 0.54,95%CI:0.41-0.72) and insomnia (OR = 0.67,95% CI:0.58-0.77), while evening chronotype participants had a higher risk of depression (OR = 1.98,95% CI:1.06-3.71) but not anxiety or insomnia. Interactions between chronotype with age and SES on insomnia (Pinteraction < 0.05) were found. A more profound association between morning chronotype and insomnia was observed in <65 years participants (OR = 0.59,95%CI:0.50-0.71) and those with monthly household income >= 10,000yuan (OR = 0.21,95%CI:0.12-0.35), compared with their counterparts. Limitations: The cross-sectional design limited causal conclusions. Only adults were included; the findings could not be generalized to children. Conclusions: The morning chronotype might be protective for anxiety, depression, and insomnia, while the evening chronotype might be a risk factor for depression. Future studies are needed to assess the efficacy of chronotype-focused intervention for mental health. Insomnia prevention efforts should pay more attention to the elderly and those with lower incomes.

For youths, abnormalities in ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) patterns are known to be associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk and potential target organ damage. Body composition, including indicators such as lean mass index (LMI), fat mass index (FMI), and visceral fat level (VFL), plays a significant role in blood pressure (BP) regulation. However, little is known about the association between these body composition indicators and ABP. Therefore, the present study examined the association between these body composition indicators and BP among Chinese youths. A total of 477 college students aged 17 to 28 years old (mean ± Standard deviation = 18.96 ± 1.21) from a university in Changsha, Hunan Province, China, were included in this study. Body composition indicators were measured with a bioelectrical impedance body composition analyzer, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was conducted. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship between body composition indicators and abnormal ABP. The prevalence of abnormal BP, including 24-hour BP, daytime BP, nighttime BP, and clinic BP, were 4.8

Objective Hypertriglyceridemic waist（HW）, hypertriglyceridemic waist-to-height ratio（HWHt R）, and waist-to-hip ratio（WHR） have been shown to be indicators of cardiometabolic risk factors. However, it is not clear which indicator is more suitable for children and adolescents. We aimed to investigate the relationship between HW, HWHt R, WHR, and cardiovascular risk factors clustering to determine the best screening tools for cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents.Methods This was a national cross-sectional study. Anthropometric and biochemical variables were assessed in approximately 70,000 participants aged 6–18 years from seven provinces in China.Demographics, physical activity, dietary intake, and family history of chronic diseases were obtained through questionnaires. ANOVA, χ 2 and logistic regression analysis was conducted.Results A significant sex difference was observed for HWHt R and WHR, but not for HW phenotype.The risk of cardiometabolic health risk factor clustering with HW phenotype or the HWHt R phenotype was significantly higher than that with the non-HW or non-HWHt R phenotypes among children and adolescents（HW: OR = 12.22, 95% CI: 9.54-15.67; HWHt R: OR = 9.70, 95% CI: 6.93-13.58）. Compared with the HW and HWHt R phenotypes, the association between risk of cardiometabolic health risk factors（CHRF） clustering and high WHR was much weaker and not significant（WHR: OR = 1.14, 95% CI:0.97-1.34）.Conclusion Compared with HWHt R and WHR, the HW phenotype is a more convenient indicator with higher applicability to screen children and adolescents for cardiovascular risk factors.

Drug-target interaction (DTI) prediction is the core of drug repositioning, which can promote rapid screening of candidate drugs and shorten drug development time. Methods based on graph neural networks (GNN) have attracted widespread attention and shown certain advantages in DTI prediction. However, extracting deep features from graph structure information in heterogeneous bioinformatic network (HBIN) still faces challenges. In this work, we propose a novel deep self-attention model called BCHNDTI. First, the model integrates the biological information of drugs and targets to construct HBIN, and preprocesses graph information by using the path integral thermonuclear (PIHK) method. Then, we use Graph Convolutional Network (GCN) and Multi-Head Attention to obtain representations of HBIN features and input them into a novel self-attention network, which can be used to learn deep feature representations of drugs and targets. Finally, we use the XGBoost classifier to predict DTIs. Compared with several recent DTI prediction methods, the results indicated that BCHNDTI performs better on the benchmark dataset for identifying DTIs. The case study further confirmed its ability to predict potential drug-target interactions.

BackgroundIn the current digital era, eHealth literacy plays an indispensable role in health care and self-management among older adults with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Measuring eHealth literacy appropriately and accurately ensures the successful implementation and evaluation of pertinent research and interventions. However, existing eHealth literacy measures focus mainly on individuals’ abilities of accessing and comprehending eHealth information (Web1.0), whereas the capabilities for web-based interaction (Web2.0) and using eHealth information (Web3.0) have not been adequately evaluated. ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the reliability, validity, and measurement invariance of the eHealth Literacy Scale-Web3.0 (eHLS-Web3.0) among older adults with NCDs. MethodsA total of 642 Chinese older adults with NCDs (mean age 65.78, SD 3.91 years; 55.8% female) were recruited in the baseline assessment, of whom 134 (mean age 65.63, SD 3.99 years; 58.2% female) completed the 1-month follow-up assessment. Baseline measures included the Chinese version of the 24-item 3D eHLS-Web3.0, the Chinese version of the 8-item unidimensional eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), and demographic information. Follow-up measures included the 24-item eHLS-Web3.0 and accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary behavior. A series of statistical analyses, for example, Cronbach α, composite reliability coefficient (CR), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and multigroup CFA, were performed to examine the internal consistency and test-retest reliabilities, as well as the construct, concurrent, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validities, and the measurement invariance of the eHLS-Web3.0 across gender, education level, and residence. ResultsCronbach α and CR were within acceptable ranges of 0.89-0.94 and 0.90-0.97, respectively, indicating adequate internal consistency of the eHLS-Web3.0 and its subscales. The eHLS-Web3.0 also demonstrated cross-time stability, with baseline and follow-up measures showing a significant intraclass correlation of 0.81-0.91. The construct validity of the 3D structure model of the eHLS-Web3.0 was supported by confirmatory factor analyses. The eHLS-Web3.0 exhibited convergent validity with an average variance extracted value of 0.58 and a CR value of 0.97. Discriminant validity was supported by CFA results for a proposed 4-factor model integrating the 3 eHLS-Web3.0 subscales and eHEALS. The predictive validity of the eHLS-Web3.0 for health behaviors was supported by significant associations of the eHLS-Web3.0 with light physical activity (β=.36, P=.004), moderate to vigorous physical activity (β=.49, P<.001), and sedentary behavior (β=–.26, P=.002). Finally, the measurement invariance of the eHLS-Web3.0 across gender, education level, and residence was supported by the establishment of configural, metric, strong, and strict invariances. ConclusionsThe present study provides timely empirical evidence on the reliability, validity, and measurement invariance of the eHLS-Web3.0, suggesting that the 24-item 3D eHLS-Web3.0 is an appropriate and valid tool for measuring eHealth literacy among older adults with NCDs within the Web3.0 sphere.