Family and job microsystems as mediators between social integration and depression among rural-to-urban migrant workers in China: does having sons make a difference?

Background: Rural-to-urban migrant workers are a vulnerable group at risk of developing depression. Based on the social-ecological systems theory, this study investigates the impact of the lack of social integration on depression, considering the mediating roles of migrant workers' microsystems (family happiness and job burnout). Additionally, the study explores whether having sons influences these associations. Methods: The sample of 4,618 rural-to-urban migrant workers was obtained from the 2018 wave of the China Labor Force Dynamics Survey (CLDS). All the measures in the survey exhibited good reliability, including the Center for Epidemiological Research Depression Scale (CES-D), family happiness, job burnout, and social integration. The data were primarily analyzed using a structural equation model. Results: Social integration had a direct impact on depression among migrant workers. Additionally, it indirectly affected depression through the mediating roles of family happiness not job burnout. The moderating effect of having sons mainly occurred on the path from social integration to family happiness. Limitations: The cross-sectional design impeded the ability to draw causal inferences. Conclusion: This finding highlights the potential benefits of social integration and family happiness in promoting early prevention of depression among migrant workers. It indicates that the inclination toward having sons among migrant workers continues to impact their mental health.

Impact of microorganisms on key processes of organic acid metabolism during the occurrence and disappearance of paocai pellicle.

In vegetable fermentation, pellicle is a common quality deterioration phenomenon. This study investigates the characteristics of glucose, organic acids, amino acids, and biogenic amines during the pellicle occurrence and disappearance of paocai. The results revealed a slight increase in pH of the fermentation system after pellicle occurred, and glucose was the main carbohydrate that microbial activity primary relied on. The microorganisms responsible for pellicle formation consumed organic acids in brine, but the lactic acid in paocai gradually increased and exceeded 25 mg/g. The appearance of pellicle caused a decrease in total free amino acids from 200.390 mg/100 g to 172.079 when pellicle occurred, whereas its impact on biogenic amines was not apparent. Through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment of metagenomics sequencing data, screening, and sorting of the key enzymes involved in organic acid metabolism, it was observed that the composition and species of the key microorganisms capable of metabolizing organic acids were more abundant before the appearance of pellicle. When pellicle occurred, lactic acid may be metabolized by Lactobacillus plantarum; in contrast, Lactobacillus and Pichia were associated with citric acid metabolism, and Lactobacillus, Pichia, Saccharomycodes, and Kazachstania were linked to malic acid metabolism. Moreover, Prevotella, Kazachstania, Lactobacillus, Vibrio, and Siphonobacter were implicated in succinic acid metabolism. Additionally, the production of tartaric acid and oxalic acid in paocai and brine resulted from abiotic effects. This knowledge offers a theoretical basis for precise control of paocai fermentation process. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Our study revealed the specific situation of the metabolites produced by the microorganisms during the pollution and recovery process of pellicle in paocai fermentation, especially the effect of pellicle on the key process of organic acid metabolism. These research results provided theoretical basis for precise control of paocai fermentation.

Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis unveils macrophage-associated genes for establishing an abdominal aortic aneurysm diagnostic model and molecular therapeutic framework.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a highly lethal cardiovascular disease. The aim of this research is to identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the treatment of such deadly diseases. METHODS: Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and CIBERSORT algorithms were used to identify distinct immune cell infiltration types between AAA and normal abdominal aortas. Single-cell RNA sequencing data were used to analyse the hallmark genes of AAA-associated macrophage cell subsets. Six macrophage-related hub genes were identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and validated for expression in clinical samples and AAA mouse models. We screened potential therapeutic drugs for AAA through online Connectivity Map databases (CMap). A network-based approach was used to explore the relationships between the candidate genes and transcription factors (TFs), lncRNAs, and miRNAs. Additionally, we also identified hub genes that can effectively identify AAA and atherosclerosis (AS) through a variety of machine learning algorithms. RESULTS: We obtained six macrophage hub genes (IL-1B, CXCL1, SOCS3, SLC2A3, G0S2, and CCL3) that can effectively diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysm. The ROC curves and decision curve analysis (DCA) were combined to further confirm the good diagnostic efficacy of the hub genes. Further analysis revealed that the expression of the six hub genes mentioned above was significantly increased in AAA patients and mice. We also constructed TF regulatory networks and competing endogenous RNA networks (ceRNA) to reveal potential mechanisms of disease occurrence. We also obtained two key genes (ZNF652 and UBR5) through a variety of machine learning algorithms, which can effectively distinguish abdominal aortic aneurysm and atherosclerosis. CONCLUSION: Our findings depict the molecular pharmaceutical network in AAA, providing new ideas for effective diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

ANK3 rs10994336 and ZNF804A rs7597593 polymorphisms: genetic interaction for emotional and behavioral symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a complex condition associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD), characterized by significant variations in symptom severity among patients. The psychological and emotional symptoms accompanying AWS significantly contribute to withdrawal distress and relapse risk. Despite the importance of neural adaptation processes in AWS, limited genetic investigations have been conducted. This study primarily focuses on exploring the single and interaction effects of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the ANK3 and ZNF804A genes on anxiety and aggression severity manifested in AWS. By examining genetic associations with withdrawal-related psychopathology, we ultimately aim to advance understanding the genetic underpinnings that modulate AWS severity. METHODS: The study involved 449 male patients diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) were used to assess emotional and behavioral symptoms related to AWS. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood, and genotyping was performed using PCR. RESULTS: Single-gene analysis revealed that naturally occurring allelic variants in ANK3 rs10994336 (CC homozygous vs. T allele carriers) were associated with mood and behavioral symptoms related to AWS. Furthermore, the interaction between ANK3 and ZNF804A was significantly associated with the severity of psychiatric symptoms related to AWS, as indicated by MANOVA. Two-way ANOVA further demonstrated a significant interaction effect between ANK3 rs10994336 and ZNF804A rs7597593 on anxiety, physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility. Hierarchical regression analyses confirmed these findings. Additionally, simple effects analysis and multiple comparisons revealed that carriers of the ANK3 rs10994336 T allele experienced more severe AWS, while the ZNF804A rs7597593 T allele appeared to provide protection against the risk associated with the ANK3 rs10994336 mutation. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the gene-gene interaction between ANK3 and ZNF804A, which plays a crucial role in modulating emotional and behavioral symptoms related to AWS. The ANK3 rs10994336 T allele is identified as a risk allele, while the ZNF804A rs7597593 T allele offers protection against the risk associated with the ANK3 rs10994336 mutation. These findings provide initial support for gene-gene interactions as an explanation for psychiatric risk, offering valuable insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in AWS.

Mental toughness in adolescents: bridging family relationships and depression across personality traits.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a pivotal stage vulnerable to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. While family relationships, mental toughness, and personality traits are known to impact adolescent mental health, their interactive and moderating roles are not fully understood. AIM: This study aims to investigate the mediating role of mental toughness in the relationship between family relationships and depression among high school students, and to examine the varying impacts of personality traits on this mediation. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 734 adolescents. Participants completed measures assessing family relationships, mental toughness, personality traits, and mental health outcomes (depression). Latent Profile Analysis, Multiple Regression Analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling, to investigate these relationships. RESULTS: The study found that mental toughness significantly mediates the relationship between family relationships and depression. Notably, this mediating effect varied between personality type; it was more pronounced in the moderate-reserved type compared to the proactive-engaged type. LPA identified two distinct personality types of students based on their personality traits, with differential patterns of family relationships, mental toughness, and depression. Multiple regression analysis indicated that character and adaptability, components of mental toughness, were significant negative predictors of depression. CONCLUSION: The study contributes to understanding the dynamics of adolescent mental health, particularly in the context of Chinese high school students. It underscores the importance of considering family dynamics, personality traits, and mental toughness in developing effective mental health interventions for adolescents.

Alexithymia and peer victimisation: interconnected pathways to adolescent non-suicidal self-injury.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents underscores the importance of understanding the complex factors that drive this behaviour. Framed within broader constructs of emotional regulation theories, alexithymia and peer victimisation are thought to interact to influence NSSI behaviours. AIM: This research addresses whether alexithymia and peer victimisation serve as risk factors for NSSI and, if so, how these factors interact with each other. METHOD: This quantitative study analysed data from 605 adolescents, using a range of validated self-report measures including the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Statistical analyses including one-way analysis of variance, multiple regression and structural equation modelling were employed to scrutinise the relationships among the variables. RESULTS: Alexithymia and peer victimisation significantly predicted NSSI behaviours. Specifically, the 'difficulty in identifying feelings' subscale of alexithymia emerged as a noteworthy predictor of NSSI (P < 0.001). Peer victimisation mediated the relationship between alexithymia and NSSI, explaining approximately 24.50% of alexithymia's total effect on NSSI. In addition, age was a significant predictor of NSSI, but gender and education years were not (P > 0.05). These relationships were found to be invariant across genders. CONCLUSIONS: This study enriches our understanding of the interplay between alexithymia, peer victimisation and NSSI, particularly within the Chinese context. Its findings have significant implications for a rethinking of alexithymia's theoretical construct and interventions targeting emotional literacy and peer dynamics among adolescents. Future research could benefit from a longitudinal design to establish causality.

Impulsivity and aggression in alcohol withdrawal syndrome is modulated by the interaction of ZNF804A and mTOR polymorphism.

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a poorly studied phenotype of alcohol use disorder. Understanding the relationship between allelic interactions and AWS-related impulsivity and aggression could have significant implications. This study aimed to investigate the main and interacting effects of ZNF804A and mTOR on impulsivity and aggression during alcohol withdrawal. 446 Chinese Han adult males with alcohol dependence were included in the study. Impulsivity and aggression were assessed, and genomic DNA was genotyped. Single gene analysis showed that ZNF804A rs1344706 (A allele/CC homozygote) and mTOR rs1057079 (C allele/TT homozygote) were strongly associated with AWS-related impulsivity and aggression. In the allelic group, MANOVA revealed a significant gene x gene interaction, suggesting that risk varied systematically depending on both ZNF804A and mTOR alleles. Additionally, a significant interactive effect of ZNF804A rs1344706 and mTOR rs7525957 was found on motor impulsivity and physical aggression, and the ZNF804A rs1344706 gene variant had significant effects on motor impulsivity and physical aggression only in mTOR rs7525957 TT homozygous carriers. The study showed that specific allelic combinations of ZNF804A and mTOR may have protective or risk-enhancing effects on AWS-related impulsivity and aggression.

The interplay of self-acceptance, social comparison and attributional style in adolescent mental health: cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a pivotal stage vulnerable to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Although self-acceptance and social comparison are known to affect adolescent mental health, their interactive and moderating roles are not fully understood. AIMS: To explore the role of self-acceptance, social comparison and attributional style in predicting these mental health outcomes among adolescents in clinical settings. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 242 adolescents. Participants completed measures assessing self-acceptance, social comparison, attributional style and mental health outcomes (depression and anxiety). Mediation models and multi-group analysis were used to examine the relationships among these variables. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrated a significant relationship between self-acceptance, social comparison, depression and anxiety (rs = 0.32-0.88). Specifically, lower self-acceptance and higher social comparison were associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety. Additionally, individuals with external attributional tendencies reported higher depression (Cohen's d = 0.61) and anxiety (d = 0.58) compared with those with internal tendencies. Mediation modelling showed that social comparison is a mediator between self-acceptance and depression (effect size -0.04, 95% CI -0.08 to -0.01) and anxiety (effect size -0.06, 95% CI -0.10 to -0.02). Crucially, multi-group analysis showed that the impact of social comparison on mental health outcomes varied significantly based on attributional style. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the importance of considering self-acceptance, social comparison and attributional style in understanding and addressing mental health challenges during adolescence. This could inform the development of targeted interventions to promote mental health and well-being among adolescents. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings in diverse populations and to explore the underlying mechanisms in greater detail.

Changes in the structural and physicochemical characteristics of sonicated potato flour.

Ultrasound has been widely used for physical modifications of starch because of its effectiveness and environment friendliness; however, only a few reports have focused on the effect of varying ultrasonic treatments on the physicochemical properties of potato flour. In the present study, ultrasound at varying power levels (200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 W) and time intervals (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 min) were used to obtain sonicated flour. Sonicated potato flour exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in blue value and oil holding capacity but an increase in swelling power, water solubility, syneresis rate, and transparency. Moreover, ultrasound decreased the RDS content while increasing RS and SDS contents. Thermal properties demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) increases in T0 (64.39℃-83.52℃) and TC (144.29℃-146.87℃) but a decrease in ΔH of the sonicated flour. SEM revealed wrinkles, less debris, and larger particle size at the surface of the sonicated flour. FTIR profiles of all samples exhibited similar characteristics peaks, but the sonicated flour had a higher R1047/1022 value. Additionally, ultrasound did not affect crystalline patterns, but it increased the crystallinity of the sonicated flour. Our study contributes to the understanding of physicochemical property changes of sonicated potato flour, which could have industrial applications.

CD300ld on neutrophils is required for tumour-driven immune suppression.

The immune-suppressive tumour microenvironment represents a major obstacle to effective immunotherapy1,2. Pathologically activated neutrophils, also known as polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs), are a critical component of the tumour microenvironment and have crucial roles in tumour progression and therapy resistance2-4. Identification of the key molecules on PMN-MDSCs is required to selectively target these cells for tumour treatment. Here, we performed an in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 screen in a tumour mouse model and identified CD300ld as a top candidate of tumour-favouring receptors. CD300ld is specifically expressed in normal neutrophils and is upregulated in PMN-MDSCs upon tumour-bearing. CD300ld knockout inhibits the development of multiple tumour types in a PMN-MDSC-dependent manner. CD300ld is required for the recruitment of PMN-MDSCs into tumours and their function to suppress T cell activation. CD300ld acts via the STAT3-S100A8/A9 axis, and knockout of Cd300ld reverses the tumour immune-suppressive microenvironment. CD300ld is upregulated in human cancers and shows an unfavourable correlation with patient survival. Blocking CD300ld activity inhibits tumour development and has synergistic effects with anti-PD1. Our study identifies CD300ld as a critical immune suppressor present on PMN-MDSCs, being required for tumour immune resistance and providing a potential target for cancer immunotherapy.

The interaction between the major vault protein rs4788186 polymorphism, alcohol dependence, and depression among male Chinese problem drinkers.

Objective: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the second most prevalent mental disorder and might be related to depression. Major vault protein (MVP) is a cytoplasmic protein related to vesicle transport. The present study aimed to investigate the interaction between a genetic variant (MVP rs4788186) and depression in adult male Han Chinese with AUD during withdrawal. Methods: All participants (N = 435) were diagnosed with AUD. Alcohol dependence level was measured using the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test, and depression was measured using the self-rating depression scale. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and genotyped. Results: Hierarchical regression analysis identified an interaction between MVP rs4788186 and alcohol dependence level for depression (ß = -0.17, p < 0.05). Then, a region of significance test was performed to interpret the interaction effect. Re-parameterized regression models revealed that the interaction between MVP rs4788186 and alcohol problem severity fit the strong differential susceptibility model (R2 = 0.08, p < 0.001), suggesting that the AA homozygotes would be more likely subjects with the G allele to experience major depression symptoms. Conclusion: Carriers of the AA homozygote of MVP rs4788186 may be more susceptible to severe alcohol problems and higher levels of depression during withdrawal.

The establishment of comprehensive quality evaluation model for flavor characteristics of green Sichuan pepper (Zanthoxylum armatum DC.) in Southwest China.

In this study, the quality indexes and sensory evaluation of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. from the main production areas in Southwest China were analyzed. Further, correlation analysis (CRA), principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) were used to comprehensively evaluate the quality characteristics of Z. armatum. The results showed that the sensory indexes and physicochemical indexes of Z. armatum were significantly correlated. Five principal component factors were extracted from 12 indexes by PCA, and a comprehensive evaluation model of quality was established with Y = 0.2943Y1 + 0.2387Y2 + 0.1896Y3 + 0.1679Y4 + 0.1094Y5. On this basis, 21 producing areas were grouped into 4 groups and 3 groups by Q-type CA, respectively. R-type CA showed that the content of hydroxyl-sanshools, linalool content and b* value were the quality characteristic indexes of Z. armatum in Southwest China. This work provided an important theory and practice reference for Z. armatum quality evaluation and in-depth product development.

Antibiofilm Activity and Mechanism of Linalool against Food Spoilage Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

Pellicle biofilm-forming bacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens are the major spoilage microorganisms of soy products. Due to their inherent resistance to antibiotics and disinfectants, pellicle biofilms formed are difficult to eliminate and represent a threat to food safety. Here, we assessed linalool's ability to prevent the pellicle of two spoilage B. amyloliquefaciens strains. The minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of linalool against B. amyloliquefaciens DY1a and DY1b was 4 µL/mL and 8 µL/mL, respectively. The MBIC of linalool had a considerable eradication rate of 77.15% and 83.21% on the biofilm of the two strains, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy observations revealed that less wrinkly and thinner pellicle biofilms formed on a medium supplemented with 1/2 MBIC and 1/4 MBIC linalool. Also, linalool inhibited cell motility and the production of extracellular polysaccharides and proteins of the biofilm matrix. Furthermore, linalool exposure reduced the cell surface hydrophobicity, zeta potential, and cell auto-aggregation of B. amyloliquefaciens. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated that linalool interacted strongly with quorum-sensing ComP receptor and biofilm matrix assembly TasA through intermolecular hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic contacts, and van der Waals forces interacting with site residues. Overall, our findings suggest that linalool may be employed as a potential antibiofilm agent to control food spoilage B. amyloliquefaciens.

The oxytocin receptor rs2254298 polymorphism and alcohol withdrawal symptoms: a gene-environment interaction in mood disorders.

Objective: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common mental disorder characterized by repeated withdrawal episodes. Negative emotions during withdrawal are the primary factors affecting successful abstinence. Oxytocin is a critical modulator of emotions. OXTR, the oxytocin receptor, may also be a promising candidate for treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Previous studies indicated that people with different genotypes of OXTR rs2254298 were reported to suffer from more significant depressive or heightened anxiety symptoms when experiencing early adversity. The present study aims to explore the modulatory role of the polymorphism OXTR rs2254298 on mood disorders during alcohol withdrawal and to help researchers better understand and develop effective relapse prevention and interventions for alcohol use disorders. Methods: We recruited 265 adult Chinese Han men with AUD. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale. Alcohol dependence levels were measured using Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test. Genomic DNA extraction and genotyping from participants' peripheral blood samples. Result: First, a multiple linear regression was used to set the alcohol dependence level, OXTR.rs2254298, interaction terms as the primary predictor variable, and depression or anxiety as an outcome; age and educational years were covariates. There was a significant interaction between OXTR rs2254298 and alcohol dependence level on anxiety (B = 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01-0.45) but not on depression (B = -0.06, 95% CI: -0.30 - 0.18). The significance region test showed that alcohol-dependent men who are GG homozygous were more likely to experience anxiety symptoms than subjects with the A allele (A allele: ß = 0.27, p < 0.001; GG homozygote: ß = 0.50, p < 0.001). Finally, re-parameterized regression analysis demonstrated that this gene-environment interaction of OXTR rs2254298 and alcohol dependence on anxiety fits the weak differential susceptibility model (R2 = 0.17, F (5,259) = 13.46, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study reveals a gene-environment interactive effect between OXTR rs2254298 and alcohol withdrawal on anxiety but not depression. From the perspective of gene-environment interactions, this interaction fits the differential susceptibility model; OXTR rs2254298 GG homozygote carriers are susceptible to the environment and are likely to experience anxiety symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Ang-(1-7) attenuates podocyte injury induced by high glucose in vitro.

Objective: The incidence of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is gradually increasing worldwide. Podocyte injury, such as podocyte apoptosis and loss of the slit diaphragm (SD)-specific markers are early pathogenic features of DN. Materials and methods: The cultured mouse podocytes were separated into a high glucose-treated (HG, 30mM) group to mimic DN in vitro, a low glucose-treated (LG, 5mM) group as a control and HG+ angiotensin-(1-7)(Ang-(1-7)) and HG+Ang-(1-7) + D-Ala7-Ang-(1-7) (A779, Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor antagonist) experimental groups. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) method and flow cytometry was used to detect podocyte activity and podocyte apoptosis respectively. The expression of angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R), Mas receptor (MasR) and podocyte-specific markers were examined by q-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results: The results showed that the decrease in podocyte activity; the increase in podocyte apoptosis; the decreased mRNA and protein expression of nephrin, podocin, WT-1 and MasR; and the upregulated expression of AT1R induced by HG could be reversed by Ang-(1-7). However, these effects were blocked by A779. The possible mechanisms of the Ang-(1-7)-mediated effect depended on MasR. In addition, the protective effect of Ang-(1-7) on podocyte activity was dose-dependent and most obvious at 10 µM. A779 had the greatest antagonistic action against Ang-(1-7) at a concentration of 10 µM. Conclusion: This study reveals that binding of Ang-(1-7) to its specific receptor MasR may counteract the effects of Ang II mediated by AT1R to significantly attenuate podocyte injury induced by high glucose. Ang-(1-7)/MasR targeting in podocytes may be a therapeutic approach to attenuate renal injury in DN.

RETN gene polymorphisms interact with alcohol dependence in association with depression.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that alcohol dependence is associated with increased risk of depression. The occurrence of depressive symptoms is related to polymorphisms in various genetic regions. This study aimed to investigate the interaction of RETN gene polymorphisms (rs1477341, rs3745368) with alcohol dependence on depressive symptoms in adult male during acute alcohol withdrawal. METHODS: A total of 429 male adults were recruited in this study. Alcohol dependence was assessed using the Michigan alcoholism screening test (MAST). Depression was assessed using the 20-item self-rating depression scale (SDS). Hierarchical regression analysis was used to evaluate the interaction between genes and alcohol dependence on depression. Region of significance (ROS) test was used to explain the interaction effect. The strong and weak forms of the differential susceptibility and diathesis models were used to determine which fits the data better. RESULTS: Our results showed that MAST scores were significantly positively associated with SDS scores (r = 0.23, p < 0.01) in alcohol-dependent patients during alcohol withdrawal. The interaction between genotype and alcohol dependence was significant (ß = -0.14, p < 0.05) in a strong diathesis-stress model. Susceptibility for depression symptoms was associated with alcohol dependence in RETN rs1477341 A carriers. Specifically, those that showed more alcohol dependence and the A allele of RETN rs1477341 exhibited more depression symptoms. However, RETN rs3745368 had no significant interaction with alcohol dependence. CONCLUSIONS: The A allele of RETN rs1477341 may correlate with susceptibility to depression symptoms in alcohol-dependent individuals during acute alcohol withdrawal.

Relationship Between Mycotoxin Production and Gene Expression in Fusarium graminearum Species Complex Strains Under Various Environmental Conditions.

The Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) can produce various mycotoxins and is a major concern for food quantity and quality worldwide. In this study, we determined the effects of water activity (aw), temperature, incubation time and their interactions on mycotoxin accumulation and the expression levels of biosynthetic genes in FGSC strains from maize samples in China. The highest deoxynivalenol (DON), 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol(3ADON) and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15ADON) levels of the F. boothii and F. graminearum strains were observed at 0.98 aw/30 °C or 0.99 aw/25 °C. F. asiaticum and F. meridionale reached maximum nivalenol (NIV) and 4-acetylnivalenol (4ANIV) contents at 0.99 aw and 30 °C. With the extension of the incubation time, the concentrations of DON and NIV gradually increased, while those of their derivatives decreased. F. boothii, F. meridionale and one F. asiaticum strain had the highest zearalenone (ZEN) values at 0.95 aw and 25 °C, while the optimum conditions for the other F. asiaticum strain and F. graminearum were 0.99 aw and 30 °C. Four genes associated with trichothecene and zearalenone synthesis were significantly induced under higher water stress in the early stage of production. The results indicated independence of mycotoxin production and gene expression, as maximum amounts of these toxic metabolites were observed at higher aw in most cases. This study provides useful information for the monitoring and prevention of such toxins entering the maize production chain.

Low-dose metronomic gemcitabine pretreatments overcome the resistance of breast cancer to immune checkpoint therapy.

Aims: Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer management. However, response to immunotherapy is heterogeneous. Thus, strategies to improve antitumor immune responses in resistant tumors, such as breast cancer, are urgently needed. Methods: Established murine tumors were treated with anti-CTLA4 or anti-PD-1 alone or combined with metronomic gemcitabine (met-GEM). Tumor vascular function, immune cell tumor infiltration and gene transcription were determined. Results: Low-dose met-GEM (2 mg/kg) treatments improved tumor vessel perfusion and increased tumor-infiltrating T cells. Notably, low-dose met-GEM pretreatments converted resistant tumors to respond to immunotherapy. Moreover, combined therapy reduced tumor vessel density, improved tumor vessel perfusion, increased T-cell tumor infiltration and upregulated the expression of some anticancer genes. Conclusion: Low-dose met-GEM pretreatment reconditioned the tumor immune microenvironment and improved immunotherapy efficacy in murine breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women globally. However, only a small subset of breast cancer patients benefits from treatment with immunotherapy. Thus, strategies aiming to enhance the antitumor effects of immunotherapies in breast cancer are an urgent requirement. We found that low-dose metronomic gemcitabine treatments improved tumor vessel function and increased tumor-infiltrating T cells, and did not deplete myeloid-derived suppressor cells, but did not affect tumor growth in the murine breast cancer model. Notably, however, low-dose metronomic gemcitabine pretreatments sensitized breast cancers to immunotherapy. Our findings provide important insights into the optimal strategies for combining immunotherapy with improved tumor vessel perfusion.

Separation and Purification of Hydroxyl-α-Sanshool from Zanthoxylum armatum DC. by Silica Gel Column Chromatography.

Hydroxyl-α-sanshool is the main alkylamide produced by Zanthoxylum armatum DC., and it is responsible for numbness after consuming Z. armatum-flavored dishes or food products. The present study deals with the isolation, enrichment, and purification of hydroxyl-α-sanshool. The results indicated that the powder of Z. armatum was extracted with 70% ethanol and then filtrated; the supernatant was concentrated to get pasty residue. Petroleum ether (60-90 °C) and ethyl acetate at a 3:2 ratio, with an Rf value of 0.23, were chosen as the eluent. Petroleum ether extract (PEE) and ethyl acetate-petroleum ether extract (E-PEE) were used as the suitable enriched method. Afterward, the PEE and E-PEE were loaded onto silica gel for silica gel column chromatography. Preliminary identification was carried out by TLC and UV. The fractions containing mainly hydroxyl-α-sanshool were pooled and dried by rotary evaporation. Lastly, all of the samples were determined by HPLC. The yield and recovery rates of hydroxyl-α-sanshool in the p-E-PEE were 12.42% and 121.65%, respectively, and the purity was 98.34%. Additionally, compared with E-PEE, the purity of hydroxyl-α-sanshool in the purification of E-PEE (p-E-PEE) increased by 88.30%. In summary, this study provides a simple, rapid, economical, and effective approach to the separation of high-purity hydroxyl-α-sanshool.