Multi-method characterization of groundwater nitrate and sulfate contamination by karst mines in southwest China.

Groundwater contamination by nitrate and sulfate in mining areas is a significant challenge. Consequently, the inputs sources of these contaminants and their evolution have received considerable attention, with the knowledge gained critical for improved management of water quality. This study integrated data on multiple stable isotopes and water chemistry data and a Bayesian isotope mixing model to investigate the relative contributions of inputs sources of sulfate and nitrate sources to bodies of water in a karst mining area in southwest China. The outcomes indicated that hydrochemical component in the water bodies of the study area is mainly derived from the dissolution of silicate rocks, carbonate rocks and sulfate minerals as well as the oxidation of sulfides. The human and agricultural wastewater, soil nitrogen, and fertilizers were the predominant inputs sources of nitrate to the mine water environment; the predominant inputs sources of sulfide were mineral oxidation, evaporite dissolution, atmospheric deposition, and sewage. Groundwater is mainly recharged from atmospheric precipitation, and surface water is closely hydraulically connected to groundwater. Nitrogen and oxygen isotope composition and water chemistry indicative of nitrification dominate the nitrogen cycle in the study area. The oxidation of pyrite and bacterial sulfate reduction (SRB) had no significant impact on the stable isotopes of groundwater. The results of this study demonstrate the inputs of different sources to nitrate and sulfate in karst mines and associated transformation processes. The results of this study can assist in the conservation of groundwater quality in mining areas and can act as a reference for future related studies.

ASF1A-dependent P300-mediated histone H3 lysine 18 lactylation promotes atherosclerosis by regulating EndMT.

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a key driver of atherosclerosis. Aerobic glycolysis is increased in the endothelium of atheroprone areas, accompanied by elevated lactate levels. Histone lactylation, mediated by lactate, can regulate gene expression and participate in disease regulation. However, whether histone lactylation is involved in atherosclerosis remains unknown. Here, we report that lipid peroxidation could lead to EndMT-induced atherosclerosis by increasing lactate-dependent histone H3 lysine 18 lactylation (H3K18la) in vitro and in vivo, as well as in atherosclerotic patients' arteries. Mechanistically, the histone chaperone ASF1A was first identified as a cofactor of P300, which precisely regulated the enrichment of H3K18la at the promoter of SNAI1, thereby activating SNAI1 transcription and promoting EndMT. We found that deletion of ASF1A inhibited EndMT and improved endothelial dysfunction. Functional analysis based on Apoe KO Asf1a ECKO mice in the atherosclerosis model confirmed the involvement of H3K18la in atherosclerosis and found that endothelium-specific ASF1A deficiency inhibited EndMT and alleviated atherosclerosis development. Inhibition of glycolysis by pharmacologic inhibition and advanced PROTAC attenuated H3K18la, SNAI1 transcription, and EndMT-induced atherosclerosis. This study illustrates precise crosstalk between metabolism and epigenetics via H3K18la by the P300/ASF1A molecular complex during EndMT-induced atherogenesis, which provides emerging therapies for atherosclerosis.

Four novel Cit7GlcTs functional in flavonoid 7-O-glucoside biosynthesis are vital to flavonoid biosynthesis shunting in citrus.

Citrus fruits have abundant flavonoid glycosides (FGs), an important class of natural functional and flavor components. However, there have been few reports about the modification of UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) on flavonoids in citrus. Notably, in flavonoid biosynthesis, 7-O-glucosylation is the initial and essential step of glycosylation prior to the synthesis of flavanone disaccharides, the most abundant and iconic FGs in citrus fruits. Here, based on the accumulation of FGs observed at the very early fruit development stage of two pummelo varieties, we screened six novel flavonoid 7-O-glucosyltransferase genes (7GlcTs) via transcriptomic analysis and then characterized them in vitro. The results revealed that four Cg7GlcTs possess wide catalytic activities towards various flavonoid substrates, with CgUGT89AK1 exhibiting the highest catalytic efficiency. Transient overexpression of CgUGT90A31 and CgUGT89AK1 led to increases in FG synthesis in pummelo leaves. Interestingly, these two genes had conserved sequences and consistent functions across different germplasms. Moreover, CitUGT89AK1 was found to play a role in the response of citrus to Huanglongbing infection by promoting FG production. The findings improve our understanding of flavonoid 7-O-glucosylation by identifying the key genes, and may help improve the benefits of flavonoid biosynthesis for plants and humans in the future.

Unraveling the mechanisms and responses of aniline-degrading biosystem to salinity stress in high temperature condition: pollutants removal performance and microbial community.

To explore the intrinsic influence of different salinity content on aniline biodegradation system in high temperature condition of 35±1 °C, six groups at various salinity concentration (0.0%-5.0%) were applied. The results showed that the salinity exerted insignificant impact on aniline removal performance. The low-level salinity (0.5%-1.5%) stimulated the nitrogen metabolism performance. The G5-2.5% had excellent adaptability to salinity while the nitrogen removal capacity of G6-5.0% was almost lost. Moreover, high throughput sequencing analysis revealed that the g__norank_f__NS9_marine_group, g__Thauera and g__unclassified_f__Rhodobacteraceae proliferated wildly and established positive correlation each other in low salinity systems. The g__SM1A02 occupying the dominant position in G5 ensured the nitrification performance. In contrast, the Rhodococcus possessing great survival advantage in tremendous osmotic pressure competed with most functional genus, triggering the collapse of nitrogen metabolism capacity in G6. This work provided valuable guidance for the aniline wastewater treatment under salinity stress in high temperature condition.

Ginkgo biloba for Tardive Dyskinesia and Plasma MnSOD Activity: Association with MnSOD Ala-9Val Variant.

BACKGROUND: Excessive free radicals are implicated in the pathophysiology of tardive dyskinesia (TD), and Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) scavenges free radicals, thereby enhancing antioxidant enzymes such as mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). This study examined whether EGb761 treatment would improve TD symptoms and increase MnSOD activity, particularly in TD patients with specific MnSOD Val-9Ala genotype. METHODS: An EGb761 (240 mg/day) 12-week double-blind clinical trial with 157 TD patients was randomized. The severity of TD was measured by the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) and plasma MnSOD activity was assayed before and after 12 weeks of treatment. Further, in an expanded sample, we compared MnSOD activity in 159 TD, 227 non-TD and 280 healthy controls, as well as the allele frequencies and genotypes for the MnSOD Ala-9Val polymorphism in 352 TD, 486 non-TD and 1150 healthy controls. RESULTS: EGb761 significantly reduced TD symptoms and increased MnSOD activity in TD patients compared to placebo (both p < 0.01). Moreover, we found an interaction between genotype and treatment response (p < 0.001). Furthermore, in the EGb761 group, patients carrying the Ala allele displayed a significantly lower AIMS total score than patients with the Val/Val genotype. In addition, MnSOD activity was significantly lower at baseline in TD patients compared with healthy controls or non-TD patients. CONCLUSION: EGb761 treatment enhanced low MnSOD activity in TD patients and produced greater improvement in TD symptoms in patients with the Ala allele of the MnSOD Ala-9Val polymorphism.

Deciphering the influence of salinity stress on the biological aniline degradation system: Pollutants degradation performance and microbial response.

In order to evaluate the impact of salinity gradients on the aniline biodegradation system, six reactors at salinity concentrations (0%-5%) were established. The results presented the salinity except for 5% imposed negligible effects on aniline degradation performance. Nitrification had prominent resistance to salinity (0%-1.5%) while were significantly restrained when salinity increased. The total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency of Z4 (1.5%) was 20.5% higher than Z1 (0%) during the stable operation phase. Moreover, high throughput sequencing analysis showed that halophilic bacterium, such as Halomonas, Rhodococcus, remained greater survival advantages in high salinity system. The substantial enrichment of Flavobacterium, Dokdonella, Paracoccus observed in Z4 ensured its excellent nitrogen removal performance. The close cooperation among dominant functional bacteria was strengthened when salt content was below 1.5% while exceeding 1.5% led to the collapse of metabolic capacity through integrating the toxicity of aniline and high osmotic pressure.

Longitudinal albuminuria patterns predict coronary artery calcification progression: Findings from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Albuminuria is an established risk factor for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, few studies have characterized longitudinal albuminuria patterns based on long-term measurement of urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) levels. We aimed to evaluate the association between longitudinal albuminuria patterns in midlife adults and subsequent CAC progression. METHODS: We included 1919 participants with CAC assessment by computed tomography from CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study. CAC progression was determined for each individual as the difference of logarithmic CAC scores at follow-up and baseline. Albuminuria patterns across a 10-year span were estimated by longitudinal UACR levels. Multivariable general linear models were used to evaluate the association of long-term albuminuria patterns with CAC progression. RESULTS: Of the 1919 included participants, 583 (30.4 %) participants experienced CAC progression, and the mean (SD) age was 50.4 (3.5) years at year 25. A total of four dynamic albuminuria patterns were identified. After multivariable adjustment, there were significant differences in CAC progression by albuminuria patterns as demonstrated as percent change in CAC with 36.0 % (SE, 1.5) progression for mid- and late-life normoalbuminuria group, 46.0 % (SE, 7.6) for midlife normoalbuminuria and late-life high albuminuria group, 52.4 % (SE, 7.1) for midlife high albuminuria and late-life normoalbuminuria group, and 54.5 % (SE, 8.7) for mid- and late-life high albuminuria group (p = 0.019). Similar findings were also observed in CAC volume score changes. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal albuminuria patterns across a 10-year span were associated with worse CAC progression independent of baseline CAC level and albuminuria changes, suggesting that it may provide early identification of high-risk individuals with dynamic rises in albuminuria who may benefit from aggressive risk factor modification.

The Association Between Rumination and Craving in Chinese Methamphetamine-Dependent Patients: The Masking Effect of Depression.

BACKGROUND: Craving is a core feature of addiction. Rumination and depression play a crucial role in the process of methamphetamine addiction. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between rumination, depression and craving in methamphetamine patients, which has not been explored yet. METHODS: A total of 778 patients with methamphetamine user disorder (MUD) at the Xinhua Drug Rehabilitation Center, located in Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, China. We used a set of self-administered questionnaires that included socio-demographic, detailed drug use history, rumination, depression and craving information. The Rumination Response Scale (RRS) was used to measure rumination, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to measure depression and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to measure craving. RESULTS: There was a significant positive correlation between rumination and craving, or depression, and between depression and craving. Furthermore, depression mediated between rumination and craving, with a mediation effect of 160%. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that there is a close interrelationship between rumination, craving and depression in MUD patients, and that depression may play a mediating role between rumination and craving.

This is the first study to investigate the relationship between rumination and craving during withdrawal in methamphetamine dependent patients and the mediating role of depression.Among methamphetamine patients, it was found that reflection was positively correlated with rumination and depression, depression and craving, rumination and craving, and depression plays the mediating role between rumination and craving.These findings suggest that interventions to reduce depression and rumination may also be effective for withdrawal and relapse reduction in methamphetamine patients, providing further rationale for the treatment of methamphetamine patients.

Small diameter vascular grafts: progress on electrospinning matrix/stem cell blending approach.

The exploration of the next-generation small diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs) will never stop until they possess high biocompatibility and patency comparable to autologous native blood vessels. Integrating biocompatible electrospinning (ES) matrices with highly bioactive stem cells (SCs) provides a rational and promising solution. ES is a simple, fast, flexible and universal technology to prepare extracellular matrix-like fibrous scaffolds in large scale, while SCs are valuable, multifunctional and favorable seed cells with special characteristics for the emerging field of cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Both ES matrices and SCs are advanced resources with medical application prospects, and the combination may share their advantages to drive the overcoming of the long-lasting hurdles in SDVG field. In this review, the advances on SDVGs based on ES matrices and SCs (including pluripotent SCs, multipotent SCs, and unipotent SCs) are sorted out, and current challenges and future prospects are discussed.

Harnessing Nanochaperone-Mediated Autophagy for Selective Clearance of Pathogenic Tau Protein in Alzheimer's Disease.

Accumulation of pathological tau is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which correlates more closely with cognitive impairment than does the amyloid-ß (Aß) burden. Autophagy is a powerful process for the clearance of toxic proteins including aberrant tau. However, compromised autophagy is demonstrated in neurodegeneration including AD, and current autophagy inducers remain enormously challenging due to inability of restoring autophagy pathway and lack of targeting specificity. Here, pathogenic tau-specific autophagy based on customized nanochaperone is developed for AD treatment. In this strategy, the nanochaperone can selectively bind to pathogenic tau and maintain tau homeostasis, thereby ensuring microtubule stability which is important for autophagy pathway. Meanwhile, the bound pathogenic tau can be sequestered in autophagosomes by in situ autophagy activation of nanochaperone. Consequently, autophagosomes wrapping with pathogenic tau are able to be trafficked along the stabilized microtubule to achieve successful fusion with lysosomes, resulting in the enhancement of autophagic flux and pathologic tau clearance. After treatment with this nanochaperone-mediated autophagy strategy, the tau burden, neuron damages, and cognitive deficits of AD mice are significantly alleviated in the brain. Therefore, this work represents a promising candidate for AD-targeted therapy and provides new insights into future design of anti-neurodegeneration drugs.

Childhood abuse and craving in methamphetamine-dependent individuals: the mediating role of alexithymia.

Individuals with a history of childhood abuse (CA, including neglect and abuse by caregivers before the age of 18 years) have more severe substance dependence problems than those without a history of childhood abuse. However, whether a history of CA exacerbates craving and the mechanism of this effect remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the role of alexithymia in the effects of CA on craving in a large sample of methamphetamine-dependent individuals based on latent vulnerability theory. A total of 324 methamphetamine-dependent individuals who met DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorder were recruited. CA, alexithymia, and craving data were collected from the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, and the Obsessive Compulsive Drug Use Scale, respectively. t tests and ANCOVA were conducted to compare variables between the CA and non-CA groups, while partial correlation and mediation analyses were conducted to examine the potential mediating role of alexithymia in the relationship between CA and craving. Abused methamphetamine-dependent individuals reported higher levels of craving and higher levels of alexithymia than those of non-abused methamphetamine-dependent individuals. Alexithymia partially mediated the link between CA and craving, especially the effect of CA on craving frequency was fully mediated by alexithymia. Our findings reveal that a history of childhood abuse has a lasting effect on craving in stimulant-dependent individuals, and alexithymia contributes to some extent to the severity of substance abuse problems in abused methamphetamine-dependent individuals.

Comparison of the gene expression profile of testicular tissue before and after sexual maturity in Qianbei Ma goats.

BACKGROUND: With long-term research on the reproductive ability of Qianbei Ma goat, we found that the puberty of the male goats comes at the age of 3 months and reaches sexual maturity at 4 months,the male goats are identified as physically mature at 9 months and able to mate. Compared with other kinds of breeds of goats, Qianbei Ma goat is featured with more faster growth and earlier sexual maturity.Therefore, in order to explore the laws of growth of Qianbei Ma goat before sexual maturity(3-month-old)and after sexual maturity (9-month-old). The testicular tissue was collected to explore their changes in morphology through HE staining, the serum was collected to detect the hormone content, and the mRNA expression profile of the testis was analyzed by transcriptomics. In this way, the effect of testicular development on the reproduction of Qianbei ma goats was further analyzed. RESULTS: The results showed that the area and diameter of spermatogenic tubules were larger at 9 months than 3 months, and the number of spermatocytes, interstitial cells, spermatogonia and secondary spermatocytes in the lumen of the tubules showed a similar trend. The appearance of spermatozoa at age 3 months indicated that puberty had begun in Qianbei Ma goats. The Elasa test for testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and anti-Müllerian hormone showed that the levels of these hormones in the serum at age 9 months were all highly significantly different than those at age 3 months (P < 0.01). There were 490 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the (|log2(fold change)| > 1 and p value < 0.05) 3-month-old and 9-month-old groups, of which 233 genes were upregulated and 257 genes were downregulated (3 months of age was used as the control group and 9 months of age was used as the experimental group). According to the GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of DEGs, PRSS58, ECM1, WFDC8 and LHCGR are involved in testicular development and androgen secretion, which contribute to the sexual maturation of Qianbei Ma goats. CONCLUSIONS: Potential biomarker genes and relevant pathways involved in the regulation of testicular development and spermatogenesis in Qianbei Ma goats were identified, providing a theoretical basis and data support for later studies on the influence of testicular development and spermatogenesis before and after sexual maturity in Qianbei Ma goats.

Neofunctionalization of an OMT cluster dominates polymethoxyflavone biosynthesis associated with the domestication of citrus.

Polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) are a class of abundant specialized metabolites with remarkable anticancer properties in citrus. Multiple methoxy groups in PMFs are derived from methylation modification catalyzed by a series of hydroxylases and O-methyltransferases (OMTs). However, the specific OMTs that catalyze the systematic O-methylation of hydroxyflavones remain largely unknown. Here, we report that PMFs are highly accumulated in wild mandarins and mandarin-derived accessions, while undetectable in early-diverging citrus species and related species. Our results demonstrated that three homologous genes, CreOMT3, CreOMT4, and CreOMT5, are crucial for PMF biosynthesis in citrus, and their encoded methyltransferases exhibit multisite O-methylation activities for hydroxyflavones, producing seven PMFs in vitro and in vivo. Comparative genomic and syntenic analyses indicated that the tandem CreOMT3, CreOMT4, and CreOMT5 may be duplicated from CreOMT6 and contributes to the genetic basis of PMF biosynthesis in the mandarin group through neofunctionalization. We also demonstrated that N17 in CreOMT4 is an essential amino acid residue for C3-, C5-, C6-, and C3'-O-methylation activity and provided a rationale for the functional deficiency of OMT6 to produce PMFs in early-diverging citrus and some domesticated citrus species. A 1,041-bp deletion in the CreOMT4 promoter, which is found in most modern cultivated mandarins, has reduced the PMF content relative to that in wild and early-admixture mandarins. This study provides a framework for reconstructing PMF biosynthetic pathways, which may facilitate the breeding of citrus fruits with enhanced health benefits.

Multiomics integrated with sensory evaluations to identify characteristic aromas and key genes in a novel brown navel orange (Citrus sinensis).

'Zong Cheng' navel orange (ZC) is a brown mutant of Lane Late navel orange (LL) and emits a more pleasant odor than that of LL. However, the key volatile compound of this aroma and underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, sensory evaluations and volatile profiling were performed throughout fruit development to identify significant differences in sensory perception and metabolites between LL and ZC. It revealed that the sesquiterpene content varied significantly between ZC and LL. Based on aroma extract dilution and gas chromatography-olfactometry analyses, the volatile compound leading to the background aroma of LL and ZC is d-limonene, the orange note in LL was mainly attributed to octanal, whilst valencene, ß-myrcene, and (E)-ß-ocimene presented balsamic, sweet, and herb notes in ZC. Furthermore, Cs5g12900 and six potential transcription factors were identified as responsible for valencene accumulation in ZC, which is important for enhancing the aroma of ZC.

Controlled Refolding of Denatured IL-12 Using In Situ Antigen-Capturing Nanochaperone Remarkably Reduces the Systemic Toxicity and Enhances Cancer Immunotherapy.

Cytokines are powerful in cancer immunotherapy, however, their therapeutic potential is limited by the severe systemic toxicity. Here a potent strategy to reduce the toxicity of systemic cytokine therapy by delivering its denatured form using a finely designed nanochaperone, is described. It is demonstrated that even if the denatured protein cargos are occasionally released under normal physiological conditions they are still misfolded, while can effectively refold into native states and release to function in tumor microenvironment. Consequently, the systemic toxicity of cytokines is nearly completely overcome. Moreover, an immunogenic cell death (ICD)-inducing chemotherapeutic is further loaded and delivered to tumor using this nanochaperone to trigger the release of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) that are subsequently captured in situ by nanochaperone and then reflows into lymph nodes (LNs) to promote antigen cross-presentation. This optimized personalized nanochaperone-vaccine demonstrates unprecedented suppressive effects against large, advanced tumors, and in combination with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy results in a significant abscopal effect and inhibition of postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis. Hence, this approach provides a simple and universal delivery strategy to reduce the systemic toxicities of cytokines, as well as provides a robust personalized cancer vaccination platform, which may find wide applications in cancer immunotherapy.

Flavor characterization of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Citrus reticulata 'Chachiensis') with different aging years via sensory and metabolomic approaches.

Guangchenpi (GCP), which is the peel of Citrus reticulata 'Chachiensis', is widely used as an herbal medicine, tea and food ingredient in southeast Asia. Prolonging its aging process results in a more pleasant flavor and increases its profitability. Through the integration of sensory evaluation with flavoromic analysis approaches, we evaluated the correlation between the flavor attributes and the profiles of the volatiles and flavonoids of GCP with various aging years. Notably, d-limonene, γ-terpinene, dimethyl anthranilate and α-phellandrene were the characteristic aroma compounds of GCP. Besides, α-phellandrene and nonanal were decisive for consumers' perception of GCP aging time due to changes of their odor activity values (OAVs). The flavor attributes of GCP tea liquid enhanced with the extension of aging time, and limonene-1,2-diol was identified as an important flavor enhancer. Combined with machine learning models, key flavor-related metabolites could be developed as efficient biomarkers for aging years to prevent GCP adulteration.

Apoptotic body-inspired nanotherapeutics efficiently attenuate osteoarthritis by targeting BRD4-regulated synovial macrophage polarization.

Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is the most well-studied BET protein that is important for the innate immune response. We recently revealed that targeting BRD4 triggers apoptosis in tumor-associated macrophages, but its role in synovial macrophages and joint inflammation is largely unknown. Herein, we demonstrated that BRD4 was highly expressed in the iNOS-positive M1 macrophages in the human and mouse osteoarthritis (OA) synovium, and conditional knockout of BRD4 in the myeloid lineage using Lyz2-cre; BRD4flox/flox mice significantly abolished anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)-induced M1 macrophage accumulation and synovial inflammation. Accordingly, we successfully constructed apoptotic body-inspired phosphatidylserine-containing nanoliposomes (PSLs) loaded with the BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 to regulate inflammatory macrophages. JQ1-loaded PSLs (JQ1@PSLs) exhibited a higher cellular uptake by macrophages than fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in vitro and in vivo, as well as the reduction in proinflammatory M1 macrophage polarization. Intra-articular injections of JQ1@PSLs showed prolonged retention within the joint, and remarkably reduced synovial inflammation and joint pain via suppressing M1 polarization accompanied by reduced TRPA1 expression by targeted inhibition of BRD4 in the macrophages, thus attenuating cartilage degradation during OA development. The results show that BRD4-inhibiting JQ1@PSLs can targeted-modulate macrophage polarization, which opens a new avenue for efficient OA therapy via a "Trojan horse".

Differences in the prevalence and clinical correlates of depressive symptoms in male patients with methamphetamine and heroin use disorder in a Chinese Han population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Comorbidity of substance use disorders and depression is a common phenomenon. It is well known that opioid addiction is neurobiologically distinct from psychostimulant addiction. However, direct comparisons of comorbid depressive symptoms in patients with methamphetamine (METH) use disorder (MAUD) and heroin use disorders (HUD) have been lacking until now. METHODS: A total of 353 patients with methamphetamine use disorder, 76 patients with HUD, and 203 healthy controls were recruited. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-SF), the Desires for Drug Questionnaire (DDQ) and the short form of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF) were used to measure participants' depressive symptoms, drug craving, and childhood abuse or neglect, respectively. RESULTS: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 35.41% (125/353) in MAUD and 56.57% (43/76) in MAUD, significantly higher than the 22.66% (46/203) in healthy controls. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the total BDI score between the MAUD and HUD groups (F = 5.02, df = 1, 372, p = .026). Among MAUD, years of education, history of incarceration, month of abstinence and negative reinforcement scores were associated with depressive symptoms (all p < .05). Among HUD, duration of drug use, childhood emotional abuse and sexual abuse were associated with depressive symptoms (all p < .05). CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: The prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms differ between MAUD and HUD, adding to the existing literature. Therefore, treatment and intervention programs should be designed to address these unique correlates in HUD and MAUD patients.

Overexpressed FAM111B degrades GSDMA to promote esophageal cancer tumorigenesis and cisplatin resistance.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin are commonly used in patients with clinically unresectable or recurrent esophageal cancer (ESCA). However, patients often develop resistance to cisplatin, which in turn leads to a poor prognosis. Studies have shown that FAM111B may be involved in the development of tumors as an oncogene or tumor suppressor gene. However, the pathological role and corresponding mechanism of FAM111B in ESCA are still unclear. METHODS: The GEPIA web tool, ENCORI Pan-Cancer Analysis Platform and UALCAN-TCGA database were used to study the expression of FAM111B in ESCA. CCK-8, angiogenesis, Transwell and xenograft assays were applied to explore the biological function of FAM111B in ESCA. Western blot, RT-qPCR, and RNA-seq analyses were applied to study the FAM111B/GSDMA axis in the progression of ESCA cells. CCK-8 and xenograft assays were used to study the role of the FAM111B/GSDMA axis in determining the sensitivity of ESCA to cisplatin. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that FAM111B is highly expressed in ESCA tissues compared to normal tissues. We showed that FAM111B promotes the progression of ESCC cells by binding to GSDMA and that the trypsin protease domain is essential for the activity of FAM111B. Furthermore, we showed that the FAM111B/GSDMA axis regulates cisplatin sensitivity in ESCA. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, we identified a novel FAM111B/GSDMA axis regulating ESCA tumorigenesis and chemosensitivity, at least in ESCC cells.

lncRNA JPX-Enriched Chromatin Microenvironment Mediates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Senescence and Promotes Atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Senescence is a series of degenerative changes in the structure and physiological function of an organism. Whether JPX (just proximal to XIST)-a newly identified age-related noncoding RNA by us-is associated with atherosclerosis is still unknown. Our study was to investigate the role of JPX and provide insights into potential therapies targeting atherosclerosis. METHODS: We analyzed clinical data from multiple tissues including meniscus tissue, leukemia cells, and peripheral blood monocytes to identify age-related noncoding RNAs in senescent vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The molecular mechanism of JPX was investigated by capture hybridization analysis of RNA targets and chromatin immunoprecipitation. IGVTools and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the JPX expression during phenotype regulation in age-related disease models. The therapeutic potential of JPX was evaluated after establishing an atherosclerosis model in smooth muscle-specific Jpx knockout mice. RESULTS: JPX expression was upregulated in activated ras allele (H-rasV12)-induced senescent VSMCs and atherosclerotic arteries. JPX knockdown substantially reduced the elevation of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) genes in senescent VSMCs. Cytoplasmic DNA leaked from mitochondria via mitochondrial permeability transition pore formed by VDAC1 (voltage-dependent anion channel 1) oligomer activates the STING (stimulator of interferon gene) pathway. JPX could act as an enhancer for the SASP genes and functions as a scaffold molecule through interacting with phosphorylated p65/RelA and BRD4 (bromodomain-containing protein 4) in chromatin remodeling complex, promoting the transcription of SASP genes via epigenetic regulation. Smooth muscle knockout of Jpx in ApoeKO mice resulted in a decrease in plaque area, a reduction in SASP gene expression, and a decrease in senescence compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: As an enhancer RNA, JPX can integrate p65 and BRD4 to form a chromatin remodeling complex, activating SASP gene transcription and promoting cellular senescence. These findings suggest that JPX is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of age-related atherosclerosis.