The Relationship Between Perceived Stress, Impulsivity, Executive Dysfunction and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Thoughts Among Chinese College Students: A Gender Difference Study.

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the potential role of perceived stress, impulsivity trait, executive dysfunction in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) thoughts among college students, as well as the gender differences. Methods: A sample of 890 university students completed self-report measures of NSSI thoughts in the past month, the level of perceived stress, impulsivity traits, and executive dysfunction. Results: Compared to those with low level of perceived stress, participants with high level of perceived stress reported significant higher levels of impulsivity trait and executive dysfunction, and higher frequency of NSSI thoughts, and there were no gender differences. Male participants with NSSI thoughts, compared to males without NSSI thoughts, reported significant higher levels of perceived stress and executive dysfunction. Female participants with NSSI thoughts, compared to females without NSSI thoughts, reported significant higher levels of perceived stress, impulsivity trait, and executive dysfunction. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed only executive dysfunction was associated with NSSI thoughts in males, while only perceived stress was associated with NSSI thoughts in females. Conclusion: This study revealed different influence factors for NSSI thoughts in male and female college students. NSSI thoughts in males were more likely associated with executive dysfunction while in females were due to recently perceived stress.

Exploring phenotypic overlap across schizotypy and autism spectrum conditions in American and Chinese young adults.

Competing theories have been proposed to explain the considerable overlap in social-cognitive features and risk factors across schizotypy and autism spectrum conditions (ASCs). Six previous factor analyses have been reported in the literature, yet all have major limitations; evidence for the clear superiority of any of the competing theories is insufficient and warrants further investigation. The primary aim of the present research was to identify dimensions that cut across schizotypy and ASCs while addressing limitations of past research. Data were collected from three independent samples (n = 1006, 544, and 2469) in the U.S. and China using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, and the Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales. Exploratory factor analyses in Sample 1 identified an interpretable three-factor structure, which was replicated in Samples 2 and 3 using confirmatory factor analyses. We found consistent evidence for three dimensions (Aberrant Salience, Asociality, and Concrete Thinking) underlying schizotypy and ASCs. This three-dimension model is consistent with a common vulnerability model of schizotypy and ASCs. Implications of these findings for the schizotypy and ASCs literature are discussed.

A novel highly thermostable and stress resistant ROS scavenging metalloprotein from Paenibacillus.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are unstable metabolites produced during cellular respiration that can cause extensive damage to the body. Here we report a unique structural metalloprotein called RSAPp for the first time, which exhibits robust ROS-scavenging activity, high thermostability, and stress resistance. RSAPp is a previously uncharacterized DUF2935 (domain of unknown function, accession number: cl12705) family protein from Paenibacillus, containing a highly conserved four-helix bundle with binding sites for variable-valence metal ions (Mn2+/Fe2+/Zn2+). Enzymatic characterization results indicated that RSAPp displays the functionality of three different antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD). In particular, RSAPp exhibits a significant SOD-like activity that is remarkably effective in eliminating superoxide radicals (up to kcat/KM = 2.27 × 1011 mol-1 s-1), and maintains the catalytical active in a wide range of temperatures (25-100 °C) and pH (pH 2.0-9.0), as well as resistant to high temperature, alkali and acidic pH, and 55 different concentrations of detergent agents, chemical solvents, and inhibitors. These properties make RSAPp an attractive candidate for various industrial applications, including cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals.

Range adaptation in schizophrenia: A one-year longitudinal study.

Range adaptation refers to the representation of a stimulus value based on its relative position in the range of pre-experienced values. Altered range adaptation in value representation may be related to motivation and pleasure (MAP) deficit in schizophrenia (SCZ). This follow-up study examined the relationship between range adaptation performance and MAP symptoms in SCZ patients. We recruited 26 schizophrenia patients and followed them for 1 year. They completed an experimental task for estimating their range adaptation to outcome value (OV) and expected value (EV) at baseline and after 1 year. At baseline, we found a marginally significant and negative correlation between OV adaptation and avolition symptoms in SCZ patients. Moreover, the 1-year change of EV adaptation was significantly and negatively correlated with the change of self-report pleasure experience. Our results suggest that range adaptation may track the variations of MAP symptoms in SCZ.

Caregiver-child interaction as an effective tool for identifying autism spectrum disorder: evidence from EEG analysis.

BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals across their lifespan. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes. However, current diagnostic methods are often time-consuming, and costly, making them inaccessible to many families. In the current study, we aim to test caregiver-child interaction as a potential tool for screening children with ASD in clinic. METHODS: We enrolled 85 preschool children (Mean age: 4.90 ± 0.65 years, 70.6% male), including ASD children with or without developmental delay (DD), and typical development (TD) children, along with their caregivers. ASD core symptoms were evaluated by Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Calibrated Severity Scores (ADOS-CSS). Behavioral indicators were derived from video encoding of caregiver-child interaction, including social involvement of children (SIC), interaction time (IT), response of children to social cues (RSC), time for caregiver initiated social interactions (GIS) and time for children initiated social interactions (CIS)). Power spectral density (PSD) values were calculated by EEG signals simultaneously recorded. Partial Pearson correlation analysis was used in both ASD groups to investigate the correlation among behavioral indicators scores and ASD symptom severity and PSD values. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to describe the discrimination accuracy of behavioral indicators. RESULTS: Compared to TD group, both ASD groups demonstrated significant lower scores of SIC, IT, RSC, CIS (all p values < 0.05), and significant higher time for GIS (all p values < 0.01). SIC scores negatively correlated with CARS (p = 0.006) and ADOS-CSS (p = 0.023) in the ASD with DD group. Compared to TD group, PSD values elevated in ASD groups (all p values < 0.05), and was associated with SIC (theta band: p = 0.005; alpha band: p = 0.003) but not IQ levels. SIC was effective in identifying both ASD groups (sensitivity/specificity: ASD children with DD, 76.5%/66.7%; ASD children without DD, 82.6%/82.2%). CONCLUSION: Our results verified the behavioral paradigm of caregiver-child interaction as an efficient tool for early ASD screening.

Non-targeted Metabolomics Analysis Reveals Distinct Metabolic Profiles Between Positive and Negative Emotional Tears of Humans: A Preliminary Study.

Background Basal, reflex, and emotional tears differ in chemical components. It is not yet known whether chemical differences exist in tears of different emotions. We investigated the biochemical basis of emotional tears by performing non-targeted metabolomics analyses of positive and negative emotional tears of humans. Methods Samples of reflex, negative, and positive emotional tears were obtained from 12 healthy college participants (11 females and one male). Untargeted metabolomics was performed to identify metabolites in different types of tears. The differentially altered metabolites were screened and assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results The orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis model showed that reflex, negative, and positive emotional tears were clearly separated. A total of 133 significantly differentially expressed metabolites of electrospray ionization source (ESI-) mode were identified between negative and positive emotional tears. The top 50 differentially expressed metabolites between negative and positive emotional tears were highly correlated. Pathway analysis revealed that secretion of negative emotional tears was associated with some synapses in the brain, regulation of a series of endocrine hormones, including the estrogen signaling pathway, and inflammation activities, while secretion of positive emotional tears was correlated with biotin and caffeine metabolism. Conclusions It is indicated that metabolic profiles of reflex, positive, and negative emotional tears of humans are distinct, and secretion of the tears involves distinct biological activities. Therefore, we present a chemical method for detecting human emotions, which may become a powerful tool for the diagnosis of mental diseases and the identification of fake tears.

Exploring psychological and psychosocial correlates of non-suicidal self-injury and suicide in college students using network analysis.

BACKGROUND: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide are a serious health concern in young people. Remarkable progress has been made in understanding the correlates and risk factors for suicidality. However, it remains unclear the complex interplay between different factors and which factors are most saliently associated with NSSI and suicide risk and should be targeted for interventions. METHODS: This study utilized network analysis to examine the interrelationship between NSSI, suicide and a variety of psychological (e.g., depression, psychotic-like experiences) and psychosocial (e.g., childhood maltreatment, family dysfunction, being bullied and social support) correlates in a sample of Chinese first year college students (n = 2328). RESULTS: The severity of depressive symptoms was the only factor connected to both NSSI and suicide. Other psychiatric factors like psychotic experiences could only act in an indirect way via the bridging effect of depression. Emotional abuse, compared with other forms of childhood adversities, was found to be the most influential maltreatment form associated with suicidal ideation and attempts. Finally, social support showed the potential to lower the risk of self-injury and suicide in young people. LIMITATIONS: Only a subset of risk and resilience factors of NSSI and suicide were included. Causal inference was impossible due to the cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlighted the importance of identifying risk groups with mental illnesses or negative childhood events, and providing additional support during the key time of transitioning into higher education.

Gender divergent effect of COMT gene rs4680 polymorphism on the association between executive dysfunction and psychotic-like experiences.

AIM: Premorbid cognitive impairments are observed prior to the onset of schizophrenia. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) rs4680 is associated with psychosis and plays a crucial role in the development of the executive function. In addition, genetic COMT variations and gender affect its enzymatic activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COMT rs4680 on the relationship between executive dysfunction and psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) in college students, with the additional investigation of the gender difference. METHODS: A total of 463 students provided biological samples for DNA analysis and the COMT gene rs4680 polymorphism was discriminated by the improved multiplex ligase detection reaction method. They also completed the Prodromal Questionnaire and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire. RESULTS: Executive dysfunction significantly predicted positive PLEs in the total, male and female population (ß = 0.515, 0.508 and 0.512, p < 0.001). The results of moderated analysis revealed that COMT rs4680 recessive genetic model ('AA genotype' versus 'G carrier') moderated the relationship between executive dysfunction and psychotic-like experience in the total and females (p = 0.002 and p <0.001, respectively), but not in males. CONCLUSION: These findings revealed a female-specific effect of COMT rs4680 on the relationship between executive dysfunction and PLEs in young adults.

Epidemiology of psychotic-like experiences by subtypes and their relationship with emotional regulation and affective lability among Chinese college students.

Although psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) are transient and not pathognomonic for psychiatric disorders, they may increase the risk of concurrent and future psychiatric disorders. However, the prevalence of PLEs and the different effects of PLE subtypes on mood outcomes are still unclear. Thus, this study seeks to investigate the prevalence of PLE subtypes and explore their relationship with the use of specific emotion regulation strategies and the level of affective lability among college students. The history of PLEs, the level of affective lability, and the use of specific emotion regulation strategies were assessed via self-reported questionnaires, and 1905 college students and 1812 college students were included in separate analyses. This study found that 14.44% of college students reported ever experiencing any of the five PLEs, with males reporting more PLE symptoms and a higher number of PLEs than females. Different PLE subtypes had different effects on the use of specific emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal or suppression) and the level of affective lability and also showed gender differences. Cognitive reappraisal and suppression differently predicted affective lability in males and females, and cognitive reappraisal mediated the relationship between hearing voices in PLEs and affective lability in males. In conclusion, PLEs were common in Chinese college students and gender differences were revealed in the prevalence of PLE subtypes. PLEs were associated with the use of specific emotion regulation strategies and the level of affective lability. Cognitive reappraisal may be a promising target for intervention aimed at relieving the effect of PLEs in non-clinical individuals.

Epidemiology of Childhood Witnessing Domestic Violence and Exploration of Its Relationships With Affective Lability and Suicide Attempts in Chinese Young Adults.

Childhood witnessing domestic violence (CWDV) exerts short- and long-term negative impacts on emotional and behavioral health. The present study investigated the epidemiological features of CWDV, and its negative impact on psychological outcomes in a sample of Chinese college students. The mediating role of emotion regulation strategies on CWDV associations with psychological outcomes and gender differences in these relationships were examined. A total of 3,126 respondents (1,034 males; 2,086 females; 6 missing data in gender) completed the study questionnaire, which included demographic characteristics, CWDV, and suicide attempt history items as well as the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and Affect Lability Scale-18 (ALS-18). Overall, 43.03% of the respondents reported CWDV, including 44.87% of males and 42.09% of females. Higher frequencies of CWDV were found to be related to the following factors: unstable marital status of parents; not being an only child; being a left-behind child, family financial difficulties, consumption of alcohol in the past year, and being in relatively poor physical condition. Among males, ERQ suppression scores were significantly higher for those men who experienced "often or every day" CWDV than for men who indicated that they did not have any history of CWDV (Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.047). More frequent CWDV was associated with higher ALS-18 scores and increased risk of suicide attempts in males and females (p < 0.05), and emotion regulation (suppression) was found to mediate the association between CWDV and affective lability among males. This study revealed high rates of CWDV, and serious impacts of CWDV on mental health in male and female Chinese college students. In males, but not females, emotion regulation strategy use, use of suppression, was found to act as a mediator in the association of CWDV with affective lability. Our findings suggest that interventions for individuals with CWDV should focus on the emotional regulation, which may help them improve mental health, especially in males.

Emotion Regulation and Depressive Symptoms Mediate the Association Between Schizotypal Personality Traits and Suicidality in Chinese College Students.

OBJECTIVE: The psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between schizotypal personality traits and suicidality are not understood. This study investigated the association of schizotypal personality traits with suicidality and explored the mediating role of cognitive appraisal and depression in the relationship between those two variables in a sample of Chinese college students. METHOD: Participants (N = 2457) completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire, the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale, and three questions related to suicidality. RESULTS: The cognitive reappraisal score was lower in the students with suicidality than the students without suicidality, whereas scores for depression and schizotypal personality traits were higher in the students with suicidality than the students without suicidality. Schizotypal personality traits and depression were risk factors for suicidality. Depression mediated the association between schizotypal personality traits and suicidality. Cognitive reappraisal negatively affected symptoms of depression and had a significant mediating effect on the association between schizotypal personality traits and suicidality. CONCLUSIONS: Schizotypal personality traits and depression are risk factors for suicidality. Cognitive reappraisal and depression mediate the association between schizotypal personality traits and suicidality.

Epidemiology of Sleep Disturbances and Their Effect on Psychological Distress During the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Large National Study in China.

Background: The purpose of the current study was to assess the prevalence of sleep disturbances among Chinese people during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large national survey, analyze the relationship between sleep disturbances and mental health status, and explore the influencing factors of the relationship between sleep disturbances and mental health status. Methods: An online survey was accessed by 19,740 people throughout China from February 14 to 21, 2020. The survey included the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) to measure psychological distress and two questions about sleep disturbances. Logistic regression analyses and moderation analysis were performed. Results: (1) Among the 14,505 respondents included in analyses, 3,783 (26.08%) reported sleep disturbances at least 3 days during the past week. (2) Sleep disturbances increased the risk of depression, anxiety, and stress (p < 0.05). (3) Gender, age, education, occupation, frequency of attending to epidemic information, nervousness about supplies, receiving provisions of living necessities from the service department during the outbreak, number of correct responses to questions about the epidemic, and isolation/quarantine affected the risk of mental health problems among participants experiencing sleep disturbances (p < 0.05). (4) A moderation analysis found that sleep problems were more likely to affect depression, anxiety, and stress scores in men than women during the COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 outbreak, 26.08% people surveyed experienced sleep disturbances, and the presence of sleep disturbances was positively related to depression, anxiety, and stress, especially among front-line anti-epidemic workers, younger people, people living in isolation/quarantine, people with a college or greater education, and males.

Analysis of features of social anxiety and exploring the relationship between childhood major adverse experiences and social anxiety in early adulthood among Chinese college students.

INTRODUCTION: Prior studies have explored the prevalence of social anxiety disorders and found that childhood major adverse experiences increased the risk of social anxiety. However, few studies analyzed features of social anxiety and explored the mediation mechanism of the relationship between childhood major adverse experiences and social anxiety in early adulthood. METHODS: Two thousand seven hundred and fifty-nine college students from Hunan, China participated in the survey-based study. They completed questionnaires on major adverse childhood experiences, social anxiety symptoms, and a sense of security during a study conducted from 2017 to 2018. RESULTS: 1) 33.38% of the students reported experiencing at least one social anxiety symptom; the highest detection rate (20.22%) was social anxiety symptoms related to participants' nervousness when in large groups. 2) Females and individuals who consumed alcohol in the past year and individuals with a poor physical condition had a significantly higher risk of having social anxiety symptoms (p<0.05). 3) Childhood major adverse events experience increased the risk of some social anxiety symptoms, especially experiencing 3 or more adverse events (p<0.05). 4) A sense of security mediated the relationship between childhood major adverse events experience and social anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive detection rate of social anxiety symptoms existed among college students, early adversities increased the risk of social anxiety in early adulthood, and the relationship between childhood major adversity and social anxiety was affected by sense of security.

Association between schizotypal personality traits and emotional instability: mediation and moderation analysis among Chinese college students.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies identified an association between schizophrenia and emotional instability. However, the relationship between schizotypal personality traits and emotional instability has not been explored to date. Furthermore, both mediating and moderating factors need to be identified. METHODS: A total of 2936 students completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), the Affective Lability Scale-Short Form (ALS-SF), and the Davos Assessment of Cognitive Biases Scale (DACOBS). RESULTS: 1) The total scores of DACOBS (and all dimensions) and ALS-SF (and all dimensions) in the high schizotypal personality trait group were higher than in the low schizotypal personality trait group (all P < 0.05). 2) SPQ score and DACOBS social cognition problems, subjective cognitive problems, jumping to conclusions bias, and external attribution bias subscale scores positively predicted the total score of ALS-SF (or the dimensions of ALS-SF) in both male and female populations (all P < 0.05). 3) In the male population, DACOBS social cognition problems, subjective cognitive problems, jumping to conclusions bias, and external attribution bias subscale scores mediated the relationship between SPQ score and ALS-SF total score (or its subscales). In the female population, DACOBS attention for threat bias, external attribution bias, jumping to conclusions bias, social cognition problems, and subjective cognitive problems subscale scores mediated the relationship between SPQ score and ALS-SF total score (or its subscales). 4) Gender exerted a moderating effect on this relationship between SPQ score and ALS-SF total/anxiety-depression score (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Schizotypal personality traits might influence emotional instability through cognitive biases, and the degree of this influence varies depending on gender.

Coping style predicts sense of security and mediates the relationship between autistic traits and social anxiety: Moderation by a polymorphism of the FKBP5 gene.

The mechanism underlying the relationship between autistic traits and social anxiety still remains unknown. It is therefore necessary to investigate potential psychological and biological mechanisms. A total of 2695 college students were samples for this research during 2017-2018. The assessed variables included demographic characteristics and measures of autistic traits, sense of security, coping styles, and social anxiety. Blood samples were collected from which DNA was extracted. Regression analysis indicated that autistic traits and negative coping were positively associated with social anxiety; furthermore, positive coping, interpersonal security, and sense of control were negatively associated with social anxiety. Further analyses demonstrated that the relationship between autistic traits and social anxiety was mediated by coping styles (both positive coping and negative coping) and sense of security (both interpersonal security and sense of control), and coping style predicted the sense of security. The FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) gene rs3800373 moderated the association between autistic traits and social anxiety. The present study is the first to demonstrate that both coping style and sense of security play an intermediate role between autistic traits and social anxiety in a sample of Chinese college students; moreover, the FKBP5 gene moderates this association between autistic traits and social anxiety.

Epidemiology of major childhood adversities and its effect on depression and suicide attempts in Chinese college students.

BACKGROUND: Childhood adversity is related to poor mental health outcomes in adulthood. However, few studies have examined the epidemiology of major childhood adversities and their effects on depression and suicide attempts in Chinese college students. METHODS: 2755 students completed a questionnaire of 10 items about major childhood adversities, one item about suicide attempts, and the Zung self-rating depression scale. Single-factor analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to explore the association between different types of adversity/different numbers of types of adversity and suicide attempts/depression. RESULTS: 1916 (69.55%) respondents reported they had experienced major childhood adversities. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that witnessing a crash or murder, abuse by family members, and abuse by other adults or children were positively related to suicide attempts (OR: 1.712-2.222, all p<0.05). Abuse by other adults or children (OR=1.648, p<0.05) and serious injury during childhood (OR=1.494, p<0.05) were risk factors for depression. Those who had experienced 3 or more types of adversity were more likely to have depression (OR=1.806, p=0.002)and to have committed suicide attempts (OR= 3.307,p<0.001)compared to those without any adversities. CONCLUSION: The incidence of major childhood adversity is high among Chinese college students. Childhood adversity increases the risk of depression and suicide attempts. As the number of types of childhood adversity experienced by an individual increases, their risk ratio for suicide attempts and depression increases. To promote mental health, special attention should be given to those who have suffered childhood adversities.

K27Q/K29Q mutations in sphingosine kinase 1 attenuate high-fat diet induced obesity and altered glucose homeostasis in mice.

Obesity and its associated metabolic disorders are increasingly impacting public health worldwide. Sphingosine kinase 1 (Sphk1) is a critical enzyme in sphingolipid metabolism that has been implicated in various metabolic syndromes. In this study, we developed a mouse model constitutively expressing pseudoacetylated mouse Sphk1 (QSPHK1) to study its role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. The results showed that QSPHK1 mice gained less body weight than wide type (WT) mice on a high-fat diet, and QSPHK1 mice had improved glucolipid metabolism and insulin. Moreover, QSPHK1 mice had alleviated hepatic triglyceride accumulation and had high-fat-diet-induced hepatic steatosis that occurred as a result of reduced lipogenesis and enhanced fatty acid oxidation, which were mediated by the AMPK/ACC axis and the FGF21/adiponectin axis. Collectively, this study provided evidence that the K27Q/K29Q mutations of Sphk1 could have a protective role in preventing obesity and the related metabolic diseases. Hence, our results contribute to further understanding of the biological functions of Sphk1, which has great pharmaceutical implications.

Self-reported sensory responsiveness patterns in typically-developing and early-onset schizophrenia adolescents: Its relationship with schizotypal and autistic traits.

Altered behavioural responses to sensory stimuli, including both hypo- and hyper-reactivity, have been found in individuals with schizophrenia. However, how specific sensory responsiveness patterns are associated with symptomatology of schizophrenia remains largely unknown. The present study aimed to examine sensory responsiveness in typically-developing (TD) adolescents (n = 98) and adolescents with early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) (n = 29) and investigate the relationship between schizotypal traits and sensory responsiveness patterns. All participants completed the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile (AASP), the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) and the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Results showed that higher levels of hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity coexisted in EOS patients and were correlated with positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Atypical sensory experiences except for sensory seeking were found to be positively correlated with higher levels of schizotypal traits regardless of diagnostic status. Moreover, the strength and pattern of such correlations were comparable in both EOS and TD groups. This study also provided evidence that higher levels of autistic traits would intensify the positive correlation between schizotypal traits and sensory responsiveness abnormalities, suggesting an additive effect of co-occurring schizotypal and autistic traits on atypical sensory experiences. These findings extend previous research by depicting sensory responsiveness patterns in younger populations with schizophrenia, and may have implications for future development of sensory-related interventions in clinical settings.