Progression from in vivo validation to in vitro screening in hazard assessment for leukoderma-inducible chemicals.

Chemicals are representative environmental factors that affect human health. Recently, external exposure to a chemical of rhododenol (RD) caused chemical leukoderma, an acquired patchy hypopigmentation, in about 20,000 Asian people. The development of a hazard assessment system for accurate determination of leukoderma-inducible chemicals is required for the prevention of such tragedies. Case studies in humans have shown 6 chemicals, including RD, with a constitutive leukoderma-inducible potency and 3 chemicals with a photosensitive but not a constitutive leukoderma-inducible potency. In this study, the 6 positive and 3 negative control chemicals with or without constitutive leukoderma-inducible potencies were investigated by our previously developed in vivo hazard assessment system using tail skin of mice. Based on the results of validation, this study aimed to develop an in vitro hazard assessment system to correctly determine chemicals with a constitutive leukoderma-inducible potency. As expected, external exposure to the 6 positive control chemicals, but not external exposure to the 3 negative control chemicals, resulted in development of constitutive leukoderma in mouse tail skin with a decreased level of skin melanin and decreased number of melanocytes. Moreover, the 6 positive and 3 negative control chemicals were correctly distinguished by the presence or absence of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induction, but not by tyrosinase-dependent cell death or production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), in immortalized normal melanocytes. The hazard assessment system using tail skin could be a solid in vivo tool to reliably determine the chemical potency of a chemical for constitutive leukoderma induction. The hazard assessment system focusing on ER stress induction in normal melanocytes might be a novel and convenient in vitro tool for accurately evaluating chemicals with leukoderma-inducible potencies. Thus, this study contributed to environmentology through the development of a screening system for preventing an environmental factor-related disease.

Antidepressant Effect and Mechanism of Picea mariana Essential Oil on ReserpineInduced Depression Model Mice.

The disturbance of brain biochemical substances serves as a primary cause and aggravating factor of depression. This study aimed to investigate the principal components of Picea mariana and its effect on reserpine-induced depression mice,w ith its relationship with brain central transmitters and related proteins. Methods: The main constituents of Picea mariana essential oil (PMEO) were analyzed by GC-MS spectrometry. The quiescent time in the tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST), along with the weight change of the mice was detected. The number of normal neurons was quantified through Nissl staining. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the levels of 5HT-1A and 5HT-2A in the brain. Western blotting was utilized to detect 5HT-2A, CRF and TrkB protein levels. RTqPCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of 5HT-1A, 5HT-2A, TrkB, CRF, and BDNF. The main active ingredients of PMEOs were (-) -bornyl acetate (44.95%), γ-Terpinene (14.17%), and ß-Pinene (10.12%). PMEOs effectively improved the retardation and weight loss due to anorexia in depression-like mice. This improvement was associated with an increase in the number of normal neurons. After administering different doses of PMEOs, the levels of 5HT-1A, 5HT-2A, CRF, and TrkB were found to be increased in brain tissue. RT-qPCR revealed that the mRNA levels of CRF, 5HT-1A, and 5HT-2A were generally upregulated, whereas TrkB and BDNF were downregulated. Conclusion: PMEO can effectively alleviate depression induced by reserpine, which may be attributed to its regulation of 5HT-1A, 5HT-2A, CRF and TrkB protein expression, thus reducing brain nerve injury.

Advancements in removing common antibiotics from wastewater using nano zero valent iron.

The pollutants such as heavy metals, organic matter, and nitrates in soil and water pose challenges to environmental remediation technology. Nano zero valent iron has shown enormous potential in the field of environmental remediation due to its excellent adsorption performance. By using carbon based materials, rock minerals, biomolecules, etc., as supporting materials for nZVI, and through structural and performance modifications, its performance has been successfully optimized, reducing defects such as aggregation and easy oxidation of the material. This article compares and summarizes the modification effects of different loadings on nZVI, and comprehensively reviews the latest progress, preparation methods, and application of nZVI particles in soil and water remediation. Specifically, this article explores in detail the impact and mechanism of nZVI particles in commonly used antibiotics contaminated environments. Firstly, the combination methods of different types of materials with zero valent iron, as well as the synthesis methods and application scenarios of nZVI, were integrated. Secondly, the interaction mechanism between pollutants and nZVI was introduced in detail, including adsorption, redox reactions, and co-precipitation. Subsequently, environmental factors that affect repair efficiency were emphasized, such as pH value, coexisting components, oxygen, contact time, and temperature. Finally, the challenges faced by the application of nZVI in actual polluted soil and water bodies, as well as the prospects for its long-term efficacy and safety evaluation, are proposed to promote further development in the future.

Effect and mechanism of Tricholoma matsutake extract combined with bakuchiol and ergothioneine on UVB-induced skin aging.

BACKGROUND: Aging is a physiological phenomenon in the process of life, and skin aging has a significant impact on human appearance. Therefore, the search for methods to delay skin aging is of great significance for improving the quality of human life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study investigated the anti-photoaging effect of Tricholoma matsutake (T) extract composition combined with bakuchiol (B) and ergothioneine (E), and explored its potential mechanism through transcriptome, metabolomics, and network pharmacology. RESULTS: 57 main chemical components are identified from the ethanol extract of T. matsutake (T), including D-carnitine (24.55%), α,α-trehalose (15.56%), DL malic acid (8.99%), D-(-)-quinic acid (7.46%), erucamide (7.04%) and so on. After TBE treatment, inflammation of the mice dorsal skin is significantly minimized. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and toluidine blue staining reveal that TBE has an anti-inflammatory effect on the back skin tissue of mice. Masson staining shows that TBE has a repair effect on mice dorsal skin tissue. In addition, the inflammatory factors (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α) in the mice dorsal skin tissues are significantly reduced but collagen (COL-1) is significantly increased. By cellular immunofluorescence assay, TBE is shown to promote PPAR-α expression in cells. Transcriptomics, metabolomics, and network pharmacology have revealed that TBE can regulate exogenous stimuli and cancer-related signaling pathways to prevent skin aging. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that TBE can be a beneficial supplement to natural anti-aging.

Assessing green production efficiency and spatial characteristics of China's real estate industry based on the undesirable super-SBM model.

As China strives to balance rapid urbanization with environmental conservation, increasing attention is being paid to the pursuit of green production efficiency (GPE) in the real estate industry. The undesirable super-SBM model was used to calculate the GPE of China's real estate industry from 2001 to 2020. Additionally, GPE spatial distribution characteristics in China's real estate industry were analyzed using the standard deviation ellipse (SDE), Moran's index, Theil index, random kernel density estimation (RKDA), and spatial Markov chain (SMC) methods. The GPE exhibited a U-shaped trend, with 2008 as the inflection point, first decreasing and then increasing. It reached a maximum value of 0.747 in 2020. The Theil index increased from 0.043 to 0.121 nationwide, indicating the overall characteristics of low-level slow growth, and imbalance. Discrepancies in input-output scales, the southward shift of economic centers, and population movements contribute significantly to the disparities between the east and west, north and south, and regions divided by the Hu Huanyong Line (Hu Line). The GPE exhibited club convergence characteristics; however, polarization phenomena exist in local areas. Spatial spillover effects were also observed in GPE. Finally, we provide recommendations for promoting green development in the real estate industry, including green building technology, fiscal subsidy investment, and population migration management.

Comparative analysis of genomic characteristics and immune response between Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains cultured continuously for 25 years and H37Rv.

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a significant global health challenge, emphasizing the critical need for effective preventive measures. Although many studies have tried to develop new attenuated vaccines, there is no effective TB vaccine. In this study, we report a novel attenuated Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) strain, CHVAC-25, cultured continuously for 25 years in the laboratory. CHVAC-25 exhibited significantly reduced virulence compared to both the virulent H37Rv strain in C57BL/6J and severe combined immunodeficiency disease mice. The comparative genomic analysis identified 93 potential absent genomic segments and 65 single nucleotide polymorphic sites across 47 coding genes. Notably, the deletion mutation of ppsC (Rv2933) involved in phthiocerol dimycocerosate synthesis likely contributes to CHVAC-25 virulence attenuation. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of immune responses between H37Rv- and CHVAC-25-infected macrophages showed that CHVAC-25 triggered a robust upregulation of 173 genes, particularly cytokines crucial for combating M. tb infection. Additionally, the survival of CHVAC-25 was significantly reduced compared to H37Rv in macrophages. These findings reiterate the possibility of obtaining attenuated M. tb strains through prolonged laboratory cultivation, echoing the initial conception of H37Ra nearly a century ago. Additionally, the similarity of CHVAC-25 to genotypes associated with attenuated M. tb vaccine positions it as a promising candidate for TB vaccine development.

The Impact of Centralized Procurement on Treatment Patterns for Myocardial Infarction and More Principled Utilization of Coronary Stents.

Reducing the price of expensive medical products through centralized procurement is generally considered an effective way to save public medical resources. Against this background, this paper presents an analysis of the impact of centralized procurement in China by comparing the treatment costs and patterns for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients before and after the introduction of this method of purchasing, with specific reference to the use of coronary stents. We found that, after the implementation of centralized procurement for coronary stents, the total expenditure of AMI cases receiving percutaneous coronary interventions with stent implantation (PCI with stents) dropped by 23.4%. The use rate of PCI with stents decreased by 32.5%, with the most significant decrease being evident in cases in which two stents were used simultaneously (32.9%). Meanwhile, percutaneous coronary interventions with balloon implantation (PCI with balloons) increased by 31.5% and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) increased by 80.3%. Based on these patterns, it can be observed that the use of centralized procurement significantly reduced the profits of the relevant medical manufacturers, forcing them to decrease their marketing investments, weakening their influence on providers, and ultimately resulting in a more principled use of coronary stents. We therefore conclude that, with reference to the data cited, the centralized procurement program led not only to a reduction in procurement prices but also to decreased overuse of these expensive medical products.

Quantitative analysis of the lysine acetylome reveals the role of SIRT3-mediated HSP60 deacetylation in suppressing intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis survival.

Protein acetylation and deacetylation are key epigenetic modifications that regulate the initiation and development of several diseases. In the context of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), these processes are essential for host-pathogen interactions and immune responses. However, the specific effects of acetylation and deacetylation on cellular functions during M. tb infection are not fully understood. This study employed Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) labeling for quantitative proteomic profiling to examine the acetylproteome (acetylome) profiles of noninfected and M. tb-infected macrophages. We identified 715 acetylated peptides from 1,072 proteins and quantified 544 lysine acetylation sites (Kac) in 402 proteins in noninfected and M. tb-infected macrophages. Our research revealed a link between acetylation events and metabolic changes during M. tb infection. Notably, the deacetylation of heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), a key chaperone protein, was significantly associated with this process. Specifically, the deacetylation of HSP60 at K96 by sirtuin3 (SIRT3) enhances macrophage apoptosis, leading to the elimination of intracellular M. tb. These findings underscore the pivotal role of the SIRT3-HSP60 axis in the host immune response to M. tb. This study offers a new perspective on host protein acetylation and suggests that targeting host-directed therapies could be a promising approach for tuberculosis immunotherapy. IMPORTANCE: Protein acetylation is crucial for the onset, development, and outcome of tuberculosis (TB). Our study comprehensively investigated the dynamics of lysine acetylation during M. tb infection, shedding light on the intricate host-pathogen interactions that underlie the pathogenesis of tuberculosis. Using an advanced quantitative lysine proteomics approach, different profiles of acetylation sites and proteins in macrophages infected with M. tb were identified. Functional enrichment and protein-protein network analyses revealed significant associations between acetylated proteins and key cellular pathways, highlighting their critical role in the host response to M. tb infection. Furthermore, the deacetylation of HSP60 and its influence on macrophage-mediated clearance of M. tb underscore the functional significance of acetylation in tuberculosis pathogenesis. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing host immune responses to M. tb infection and offers promising avenues for developing novel therapeutic interventions against TB.

Removal mechanism of Pb(ii) from soil by biochar-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron composite materials.

As an adsorbent, biochar has a highly porous structure and strong adsorption capacity, and can effectively purify the environment. In response to the increasingly serious problem of heavy metal pollution in water, this study used nano zero valent iron and rice husk biochar to prepare a new type of magnetic sheet-like biochar loaded nano zero valent iron (BC-nZVI) composite material through rheological phase reaction, showing remarkable advantages such as low cost, easy preparation, and superior environmental remediation effect. The physical and chemical properties and structure of the material were extensively characterized using various methods such as HRTEM, XPS, FESEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, and RAMAN. Concurrently, batch experiments were undertaken to assess the removal efficiency of Pb(ii) by BC-nZVI, with investigations into the influence of pH value, temperature, soil water ratio, and initial concentration of heavy metal ion solution on its removal efficiency. The results indicate that the removal of Pb(ii) by BC-nZVI reaches an equilibrium state after around 120 minutes. Under the conditions of pH 6, temperature 20 °C, soil water ratio 1 : 5, and BC-nZVI dosage of 1 g L-1, BC-nZVI can reduce the Pb(ii) content in wastewater with an initial concentration of 30 mg L-1 to trace levels, and the treatment time is about 120 minutes. The analysis of adsorption kinetics and isotherms indicates that the adsorption process of Pb(ii) by BC-nZVI adheres to the quasi-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir model, suggesting a chemical adsorption process. Thermodynamic findings reveal that the adsorption of Pb(ii) by BC-nZVI is spontaneous. Furthermore, BC-nZVI primarily accumulates Pb(ii) through adsorption co-precipitation. BC-nZVI serves as an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and highly efficient adsorbent, showing promising capabilities in mitigating Pb(ii) heavy metal pollution. Its recoverability and reusability facilitated by an external magnetic field make it advantageous for remediating and treating lead-contaminated sites.

Tea for histamine anti-allergy: component analysis of tea extracts and potential mechanism for treating histamine anti-allergy.

In China, Camellia plants are widely used to reduce atopic dermatitis and inflammation-related diseases, but their protective mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the anti-allergic dermatitis, anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation effect and underlying mechanism of five Camellia species, including Camellia ptilophylla Chang, Camellia assamica Chang var. Kucha Chang, Camellia parvisepala Chang, Camellia arborescens Chang, and C. assamica M. Chang. A total of about 110 chemical compositions were detected from five Camellia teas extracts. The level of mast cell infiltration in the model mice skin was determined by HE (Hematoxylin and eosin) staining and toluidine blue staining, and the level of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and nerve growth factor was detected by immunohistochemistry. The five Camellia tea leaf extracts have histamine-induced allergic dermatitis. Lipopolysaccharide (Lipopolysaccharide)-induced murine macrophage RAW264.7 inflammation model was found to secrete NF-κB factor, as shown by immunofluorescence, and reactive oxygen species secretion and related cytokine levels were detected. The results suggested that Camellia's five tea extracts had the ability to resist cellular oxidative stress. In addition, the results of cell inflammatory cytokines including fibronectin (FN) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) suggested that the five tea extracts of Camellia had anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it is suggested that five Camellia teas may possess inhibitory properties against allergic reactions, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and may prove beneficial in the treatment of allergies.

Assessing the impact of mega-city construction engineering on urban livability: an explorative study of Yan'an.

Yan'an City is a typical squeezed city in China and faces the challenge of limited living space. The adoption of the "Mountain Excavation and City Construction (MECC)" program was poised to elevate the city's livability. Despite the importance of megacity construction projects, few studies have examined their impact on urban livability. This study aims to fill this gap by analyzing the effects of MECC and the satisfaction characteristics of urban livability in Yan'an City, based on survey data from both old and new urban areas. Employing factor analysis and multiple linear regression, this paper assesses the influence of MECC on urban livability across different demographic groups, including age, educational background, and occupation. The empirical findings demonstrate a significant positive effect of the MECC project on urban livability. However, during categorization discussions, some respondents expressed concerns about its negative impact. The results of multiple linear regression indicate that factors such as career prospects, residential satisfaction, interpersonal relationships, and transportation level significantly influence livability (R2 = 0.607 in ND and R2 = 0.609 in OD).

Examining the complex relationship between Urbanization and ecological environment in ecologically fragile areas: a case study in Southwest China.

The sustainable development of ecologically fragile areas and the implementation of regional coordinated development strategies cannot be separated from the coordinated development and common progress of urbanization and the ecological environment, and this is particularly the case in Southwest China. This study examines the interplay between urbanization and the ecological environment across 26 cities in Southwest China from 2009 to 2019, utilizing 30 statistical indicators to analyze their coupling coordination relationship and its spatiotemporal evolution. The Entropy TOPSIS method, the coupling coordination degree model, and the obstacle factors model were used to calculate the subsystem score, coupling coordination degree, and obstacle factors, respectively. Our findings reveal an upward trajectory in urbanization scores across the 26 cities, juxtaposed with a fluctuating downward trend in ecological environment scores. The coupling coordination degree of urbanization and ecological environment in most cities maintained a rapid upward trend and showed spatial distribution characteristics of "strong core, weak middle, and edge." Moreover, our analysis identified public transport facilities, aggregate purchasing power, and cultural supply service services as primary obstacle factors impeding the development of coupling coordination degrees. These research results offer valuable insights for informing future endeavors in achieving high-quality development and fostering ecological civilization.

Versatile triblock peptides mimicking ABC-type heterotrimeric collagen with stabilizing salt bridges.

Type IV collagen, a principal constituent of basement membranes, consists of six distinct α chains that assemble into both ABC and AAB-type heterotrimers. While collagen-like peptides have been investigated for heterotrimer formation, the construction of ABC-type heterotrimeric collagen mimetic peptides remains a formidable challenge, primarily due to the intricate composition and arrangement of the chains. We have herein for the first time reported the development of a versatile triblock peptide system to mimic ABC-type heterotrimeric collagen stabilized by salt bridges. The triblock peptides A, B, and C incorporate functional natural type IV collagen sequences in the center, along with charged amino acids at their N and C-terminals. By leveraging electrostatic repulsion at these charged termini, the formation of homotrimers is effectively inhibited, while stable ABC-type heterotrimers are generated through the establishment of salt bridges between oppositely charged terminals. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy demonstrated that peptides A, B, and C existed as individual monomers, while they effectively formed stable ABC-type heterotrimers upon being mixed at a molar ratio of 1:1:1. Additionally, fluorescence quenching results indicated that fluorescence-labeled peptides A', B', and C' formed ABC-type heterotrimer, exhibiting comparable thermal stability as determined by CD spectroscopy. Molecular dynamics simulations elucidated the role of salt bridges between arginine and aspartic acid residues at N- and C-terminals in maintaining a unique chain register in the ABC-type heterotrimers. These triblock peptides offer a robust approach for replicating the structural and functional characteristics of type IV collagen, with promising applications in elucidating the biological roles and pathologies associated with heterotrimeric collagen.

Metrnl inhibits choroidal neovascularization by attenuating the choroidal inflammation via inactivating the UCHL-1/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Objective: Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) represents the predominant form of advanced wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (wAMD). Macrophages play a pivotal role in the pathological progression of CNV. Meteorin-like (Metrnl), a novel cytokine known for its anti-inflammatory properties in macrophages, is the focus of our investigation into its mechanism of action and its potential to impede CNV progression. Methods: Cell viability was evaluated through CCK-8 and EdU assays following Metrnl treatment. Expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and proteins were assessed using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and western blot techniques. Protein-protein interactions were identified through protein mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Additionally, in vivo and in vitro neovascularization models were employed to evaluate angiogenesis. Results: Our results revealed downregulated Metrnl levels in the choroid-sclera complex of CNV mice, the aqueous humor of wAMD patients, and activated macrophages. Metrnl overexpression demonstrated a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine production, influenced endothelial cell function, and suppressed angiogenesis in choroid explants and CNV models. Through protein mass spectrometry and Co-IP, we confirmed Metrnl binds to UCHL-1 to modulate the NF-κB signaling pathway. This interaction inhibited the transcription and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, ultimately suppressing angiogenesis. Conclusion: In summary, our findings indicate that Metrnl down-regulates macrophage pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion via the UCHL-1/NF-κB signaling pathway. This mechanism alleviates the inflammatory microenvironment and effectively inhibits choroidal neovascularization.

The Effect of α-Arbutin on UVB-Induced Damage and Its Underlying Mechanism.

Ultraviolet radiation can heighten tyrosinase activity, stimulate melanocyte production, impede the metabolism of numerous melanocytes, and result in the accumulation of plaques on the skin surface. α-Arbutin, a bioactive substance extracted from the arbutin plant, has been widely used for skin whitening. In this study, the whitening effect of α-arbutin by inhibiting tyrosinase activity and alleviating the photoaging effect induced by UVB are investigated. The results indicate that α-arbutin can inhibit skin inflammation, and its effectiveness is positively correlated with concentration. Moreover, α-arbutin can reduce the skin epidermal thickness, decrease the number of inflammatory cells, and down-regulate the expression levels of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α, which are inflammatory factors. It also promotes the expression of COL-1 collagen, thus playing an important role in anti-inflammatory action. Network pharmacology, metabolomics and transcriptomics further confirm that α-arbutin is related to the L-tyrosine metabolic pathway and may interfere with various signaling pathways related to melanin and other photoaging by regulating metabolic changes. Therefore, α-arbutin has a potential inhibitory effect on UVB-induced photoaging and possesses a whitening effect as a cosmetic compound.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of Tuberculosis and COVID-19 Co-infection: Prevalence, fatality, and treatment considerations.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 co-infection poses a significant global health challenge with increased fatality rates and adverse outcomes. However, the existing evidence on the epidemiology and treatment of TB-COVID co-infection remains limited. METHODS: This updated systematic review aimed to investigate the prevalence, fatality rates, and treatment outcomes of TB-COVID co-infection. A comprehensive search across six electronic databases spanning November 1, 2019, to January 24, 2023, was conducted. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist assessed risk of bias of included studies, and meta-analysis estimated co-infection fatality rates and relative risk. RESULTS: From 5,095 studies screened, 17 were included. TB-COVID co-infection prevalence was reported in 38 countries or regions, spanning both high and low TB prevalence areas. Prevalence estimates were approximately 0.06% in West Cape Province, South Africa, and 0.02% in California, USA. Treatment approaches for TB-COVID co-infection displayed minimal evolution since 2021. Converging findings from diverse studies underscored increased hospitalization risks, extended recovery periods, and accelerated mortality compared to single COVID-19 cases. The pooled fatality rate among co-infected patients was 7.1% (95%CI: 4.0% ~ 10.8%), slightly lower than previous estimates. In-hospital co-infected patients faced a mean fatality rate of 11.4% (95%CI: 5.6% ~ 18.8%). The pooled relative risk of in-hospital fatality was 0.8 (95% CI, 0.18-3.68) for TB-COVID patients versus single COVID patients. CONCLUSION: TB-COVID co-infection is increasingly prevalent worldwide, with fatality rates gradually declining but remaining higher than COVID-19 alone. This underscores the urgency of continued research to understand and address the challenges posed by TB-COVID co-infection.

Relationship between social inequality perception patterns and depressive symptoms among Chinese adults: A national representative longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: The rising prevalence of depressive symptoms presents a pressing global public health concern, exacerbated by prevailing social inequality. AIM: This study seeks to identify latent profiles of social inequality perception and explore their associations with depressive symptoms. METHODS: Data were obtained from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) involving 10,529 residents aged 18 years and above. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify different patterns of social inequality perception. Multiple linear regression analysis examined the links between these patterns and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Three distinct patterns of social inequality perception were identified: the disappointed pattern (TDP), the neutral pattern (TNP), and the positive pattern (TPP). Perceived social inequality was significantly associated with short-term and long-term depressive symptoms (ß = .51, 95% CI [0.29, 0.72] vs. ß = .51, 95% CI [0.27, 0.74]). Increases in social inequality perception patterns were also related to more severe depressive symptoms (ß = .55, 95% CI [0.36, 0.74]). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing perceived social inequality is closely linked to elevated depressive symptoms in Chinese adults. This underscores the need for tailored strategies aimed at addressing heightened perceptions of social inequality to reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.

Resveratrol ameliorates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis by acting on mouse gut microbiota.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a multi-faceted, recurrent immune disorder caused by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The intestinal microbiota has multiple functions in the host, so UC requires long-term potent medication. The effect of resveratrol (RSV) has seldom been reported, and this study researched that. Herein, the effect of RSV and Grape seed oil that anti-inflammatory ability in experimental mice was explored, also why RSV altered Gut Microbiota has been researched. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experiment, the effects of experimental drugs on colon length in mice with DSS-induced colitis were compared. H&E Staining was performed on serial sections of colon tissues and histological scores were determined for all groups. The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the colon tissue of mice was detected by immunohistochemical staining. In the end, the α-diversity index, sobs index, and rarefaction curve of the cecal and colon microbiota of different groups of mice were measured. Bray-Curtis-based Venn diagram of PCoA (principal coordinate analysis) and OTUs distribution in mouse gut microbiota were obtained. RESULTS: The results showed that the use of 40 mg/kg RSV (high dose) significantly reduced the severity of UC. The use of 10 mg/kg RSV (low dose) significantly reduced the effect of shortened colon length in DSS mice. Compared with the DSS-treated group, the levels of COX-2 and TNF-α in the colon tissues of RSV + DSS-treated mice were significantly decreased. According to this experiment, 19 mouse gut microbiota species had a relative abundance greater than 0.1%, with Beerella, Bacteroides, Helicobacter, Oscillator, and cecum pylori being more abundant in the colon than in the colon. A higher relative abundance of Lachnospira NK4A136 was observed in DSS and RSV groups compared with the control group, whereas the opposite was observed for Alloprevotella. This proves that resveratrol increases the uniformity and diversity of gut microbes to a certain extent, and has a protective effect on the gut.

Effect of glabridin combined with bakuchiol on UVB-induced skin damage and its underlying mechanism: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Research has demonstrated the anti-photoaging properties of glabridin and bakuchiol. METHODS: The impact of glabridin, glabridin + bakuchiol, and bakuchiol on the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) in mice skin fibroblasts was observed. Furthermore, we investigated the potential roles of fibronectin (FN), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-22 (IL-22), and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) in the tissues, and evaluated their impact on the enzymatic levels in the skin. In conjunction with transcriptomic analysis, metabolomic profiling, and network pharmacology, all samples underwent comprehensive metabolomic and principal component analysis. The Venny2.1 method was utilized to identify variances in shared metabolites between the treatment group and the UVB group, as well as between the UVB group and the control group. Subsequently, a cluster heat map was generated to forecast and analyze metabolic pathways and targets. RESULTS: The outcomes from the hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue staining revealed that glabridin and bakuchiol markedly decreased dermal thickness and suppressed mast cell infiltration in photoaged mice. Immunohistochemistry and Elisa analysis revealed that glabridin and bakuchiol effectively attenuated the levels of pro-inflammatory factors, including IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-22, and IFN-γ. Furthermore, an increase in the levels of anti-inflammatory factors such as FN and TGF-ß was also observed. The determination of the contents of superoxide dismutase, hydroxypropyltransferase and malondialdehyde in mice dorsal skin revealed that glabridin and bakuchiol not only elevated the levels of superoxide dismutase and hydroxyproline, but also reduced malondialdehyde content. Due to the limited number of shared differential metabolites exclusively within Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, comprehensive pathway enrichment analysis was not feasible. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that glabridin and bakuchiol effectively impede photoaging and alleviate skin inflammation in mice.

Anti-Psoriatic Activity of Black, Green and White Tea Extracts from Southeastern China.

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory disease, but most of its current treatments come with a high risk of side effects. As one of the world's top three beverages, tea has a traditional history of being used as a treatment for skin conditions due to its high safety profile, anti-inflammatory and other properties. In this study, we investigated the anti-psoriasis effects of ethanol extracts of black tea, green tea and white tea from southeastern China. The compositions of the tea extracts (TEs) were first determined by UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap MS and then genetic analysis, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunocompetence assays were performed. Imiquimod was used to establish a mouse model of psoriasis-like dermatitis and treating with the extracts to examine their efficacy. A total of 88 chemical components, mainly phenols and organic acids, were identified from the TEs. These TEs ameliorated skin damage and they all reduced the expression of cytokines IL-17 and TNF-α. By analyzing the genes, TEs may affect the inflammatory signaling pathway by regulating the metabolic changes. In addition, TEs can significantly scavenge ROS, NO, and inhibit cellular inflammation. In conclusion, this study examined the inhibitory effects of three TEs on psoriasis and their potential as nutritional supplements for the treatment of skin inflammation.