Behavioral Characteristics of Pharmacologically Selected Lines of Rats: Relevance to Depression

This brief review discusses the behavioral consequences of two pharmacologically selected lines of rats. Flinders Sensitive (FSL) and Flinders Resistant (FRL) Lines of rats were selected on the basis of differential hypothermic and behavioral responses to the anticholinesterase, diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP). FSL rats are more sensitive to the hypothermic effects of cholinergic, serotonergic, and dopaminergic agonists but less sensitive to the locomotor or stereotypic effects of dopamine agonists. FSL rats exhibit greater immobility in the forced swim test and reduced social interaction compared with FRL rats, but do not differ in saccharin intake, behavior in the elevated plus maze, or responses for rewarding brain self-stimulation. The exaggerated immobility and reduced social interaction are counteracted by chronic treatment with antidepressants. Because FSL rats were more sensitive to 5-HT1A receptor agonists, high (HDS) and low (LDS) 8-OH-DPATsensitive lines were selectively bred for differential hypothermic responses to the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). HDS rats were also more sensitive to the hypothermic effects of oxotremorine, a cholinergic agonist, but selection for this response did not diverge with later selection. HDS rats exhibited greater immobility in the forced swim test than LDS rats and this correlated response could be seen early in selection (generation 3). HDS rats also showed reduced social interaction compared to LDS rats, but did not differ in behavior in the elevated plus maze. These findings confirm that selection for hypothermic responses to pharmacological agents do have behavioral consequences, notably the production of depressive-like phenotypes, which can be counteracted by chronic antidepressant treatment. Because increased 5-HT1A receptor sensitivity was common to both selected lines (FSL and HDS), neurobiological processes dependent on this receptor could contribute to the abnormal behaviors that manifest in these rat lines and thus suggesting a mechanism underlying depressive behaviors in humans. However, available human data are inconsistent with this hypothesis and suggest that other mechanisms underlie these behavioral abnormalities in HDS and FSL rats. These mechanisms as well as additional behavioral testing in these rat lines will be discussed.

Comparison of Age and Gender Differences of Tryptophan Metabolites in Patients of Major Monopolar and Bipolar Depression

Background: No research has been done for the determination of plasma levels of tryptophan metabolites in patients of monopolar and bipolar depression. Methods: Ultra high-speed liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry has been used for the simultaneous determination of plasma levels of tryptophan metabolites in depressive patients. Results: No significant age and gender differences were shown in monopolar depressive patients and some differences were shown in bipolar patients. The administration of drugs such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers do not seem to have affected the results. Conclusion: In patients of major monopolar depression age and gender differences of plasma levels of tryptophan metabolites disappear although significant differences are observed in healthy volunteers. Some differences of age and gender differences were shown between monopolar and bipolar depressive patients.

The Gold Coast Colony’s Infant Welfare Clinics During the Great Depression

This paper employs archival documents to research how the Gold Coast colonial government worked with European women medical doctors at preventive health to sustain infant and child welfare clinics.After the First World War,the objective of the colonial government and medical officers was to prevent child mortality and child morbidity.European women medical doctors working with the government and in private practice at infant and child welfare clinics cared for African pregnant women,mothers,and children not older than three years old.European women medical doctors at infant and child welfare clinics educated the community.In 1932,the Great Depression peaked and Percy Selwyn-Clarke in the health service needed to increase funds and staff.Selwyn-Clarke established the Gold Coast Local Branch of the British Red Cross Society to work at the infant and child welfare clinics.

Predator stress-induced depression is associated with inhibition of hippocampal neurogenesis in adult male mice

Stress has been suggested to disturb the 5-hydroxytryptamine system and decrease neurogenesis, which contribute to the development of depression. Few studies have investigated the effect of predator stress, a type of psychological stress, on depression and hippocampal neurogenesis in adult mice; we therefore investigated this in the present study. A total of 35 adult male Kunming mice were allocated to a cat stress group, cat odor stress group, cat stress + fluoxetine group, cat odor stress + fluoxetine group, or a control group(no stress/treatment). After 12 days of cat stress or cat odor stress, behavioral correlates of depression were measured using the open field test, elevated plus maze test, and dark-avoidance test. The concentrations of hippocampal 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection. Neurogenesis was also analyzed using a bromodeoxyuridine and doublecortin double-immunostaining method. Cat stress and cat odor stress induced depression-like behaviors; this effect was stronger in the cat stress model. Furthermore, compared with the control group, cat stress mice exhibited lower 5-hydroxytryptamine concentrations, higher 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentrations, and significantly fewer bromodeoxyuridine+/doublecortin+-labeled cells in the dentate gyrus, which was indicative of less neurogenesis. The changes observed in the cat stress group were not seen in the cat stress + fluoxetine group, which suggests that the effects of predator stress on depression and neurogenesis were reversed by fluoxetine. Taken together, our results indicate that depression-like behaviors induced by predator stress are associated with the inhibition of hippocampal neurogenesis.

Dynamic changes of behaviors, dentate gyrus neurogenesis and hippocampal miR-124 expression in rats with depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress

The depression-like behavior phenotype,neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and miR-124 expression in the hippocampus are the focus of current research on the pathogenesis of depression and antidepressant therapy.The present study aimed to clarify the dynamic changes of depression-like behavior,dentate gyrus neurogenesis and hippocampal miR-124 expression during depression induced by chronic stress to reveal pathological features at different stages of depression and to further provide insight into depression treatment.Chronic unpredictable mild stress depression models were established by exposing Sprague-Dawley rats to various mild stressors,including white noise,thermal swimming,stroboscopic illumination,soiled cages,pairing with three other stressed animals,cold swimming,tail pinch,restraint and water and food deprivation.Chronic unpredictable mild stress model rats underwent dynamic observation from 1 to 8 weeks and were compared with a control group(normal feeding without any stressors).To observe changes in the depression-like behavior phenotype during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression,a sucrose preference test was used to evaluate the degree of anhedonia.An open-field test was used to evaluate locomotor activity and anxiety status.Compared with the control group,chronic unpredictable mild stress rats lost weight but did not have a depression-like behavioral phenotype at 1-4 weeks.Chronic unpredictable mild stress rats presented decreased sucrose preference and locomotor activity at 5-8 weeks.In addition,chronic unpredictable mild stress rats did not have significant anxiety-like behavior during 1-8 weeks of modeling.To observe neurogenesis dysfunctions and changes in neuronal number in the dentate gyrus during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression,markers(DCX and DCX/BrdU)of neural proliferation and differentiation and the neuronal marker NeuN were assessed by immunofluorescence.Compared with the control group,neurogenesis and the neuronal number in the dentate gyrus did not change from 2 to 6 weeks;however,neural proliferation and differentiation in the dentate gyrus decreased,and the number of neurons decreased until the eighth week in the chronic unpredictable mild stress group.Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to measure the expression of hippocampal miR-124 during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression.The results showed that the expression of hippocampal miR-124 was unchanged during the first 4 weeks but increased from 5 to 6 weeks and decreased from 7 to 8 weeks compared with the control group.These findings indicate that during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression,the behavioral phenotype,miR-124 expression in the hippocampus,neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and neuronal numbers showed dynamic changes,which suggested that various pathological changes occur at different stages of depression.All experimental procedures and protocols were approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine of China in March 2015.

Pharmacologic approaches to treatment resistant depression:Evidences and personal experience

AIM: To review evidence supporting pharmacological treatments for treatment-resistant depression(TRD) and to discuss them according to personal clinical experience.METHODS: Original studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses addressing pharmacological treatment for TRD in adult patients published from 1990 to 2013 were identified by data base queries(Pub Med, Google Scholar e Quertle Searches) using terms: "treatment resistant depression", "treatment refractory depression", "partial response depression", "non responder depression", "optimization strategy", "switching strategy", "combination strategy", "augmentation strategy", selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors antidepressants(SSRI), tricyclic antidepressants(TCA), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors antidepressants, mirtazapine, mianserine, bupropione, monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant(MAOI), lithium, thyroid hormones, second generation antipsychotics(SGA), dopamine agonists, lamotrigine, psychostimulants, dextromethorphan, dextrorphan, ketamine, omega-3 fatty acids, S-adenosil-L-metionine, methylfolat, pindolol, sex steroids, glucocorticoid agents. Other citations of interest were further identified from references reported in the accessed articles. Selected publications were grouped by treatment strategy:(1) switching from an ineffective antidepressant(AD) to a new AD from a similar or different class;(2) combining the current AD regimen with a second AD from a different class; and(3) augmenting the current AD regimen with a second agent not thought to be an antidepressant itself.RESULTS: Switching from a TCA to another TCA provides only a modest advantage(response rate 9%-27%), while switching from a SSRI to another SSRI is more advantageous(response rate up to 75%). Evidence supports the usefulness of switching from SSRI to venlafaxine(5 positive trials out 6), TCA(2 positive trials out 3), and MAOI(2 positive trials out 2) but not from SSRI to bupropione, duloxetine and mirtazapine. Three reviews demonstrated that the benefits of intraand cross-class switch do not significantly differ. Data on combination strategy are controversial regarding TCA-SSRI combination(positive results in old studies, negative in more recent study) and bupropion-SSRI combination(three open series studies but not three controlled trails support the useful of this combination) and positive regard mirtazapine(or its analogue mianserine) combination with ADs of different classes. As regards the augmentation strategy, available evidences supported the efficacy of TCA augmentation with lithium salts and thyroid hormone(T3), but are conflicting regard the SSRI augmentation with these two drugs(1 positive trial out of 4 for lithium and 3 out of 5 for thyroid hormone). Double-blind controlled studies showed the efficacy of AD augmentation with aripiprazole(5 positive trials out 5), quetiapine(3 positive trials out 3) and, at less extent, of fluoxetine augmentation with olanzapine(3 positive trials out 6), so these drugs received the FDA indication for the acute treatment of TRD. Results on AD augmentation with risperidone are conflicting(2 short term positive trials, 1 short-term and 1 long-term negative trials). Case series and open-label trials showed that AD augmentation with pramipexole or ropinirole, two dopamine agonists, could be an effective treatment for TRD(response rate to pramipexole 48%-74%, to ropinirole 40%-44%) although one recent double-blind placebo-controlled study does not support the superiority of pramipexole over placebo. Evidences do not justify the use of psychostimulants, omega-3 fatty acids, S-adenosil-Lmetionine, methylfolate, pindolol, lamotrigine, and sex hormone as AD augmentation for TRD. Combining the available evidences with our experience we suggest treating non-responders to one SSRI bupropion or mirtazapine trial by switching to venlafaxine, and nonresponders to one venlafaxine trial by switching to a TCA or, if TCA are not tolerated, combining mirtazapine with SSRI or venlafaxine. In non-responders to two or more ADs(including at least one TCA if tolerated) current AD regimen could be augmented with lithium salts(mainly in patients with bipolar depression or suicidality), SGAs(mostly aripiprazole) or DA-agonists(mostly pramipexole). In patients with severe TRD, i.e., non-responders to combination and augmentation strategies as well as to electroconvulsive therapy if workable, we suggest to try a combination plus augmentation strategy.CONCLUSION: Our study identifies alternative effective treatment strategies for TRD. Further studies are needed to compare the efficacy of different strategies in more homogeneous subpopulations.

Reservoir controlling differences between consequent faults and antithetic faults in slope area outside of source: A case study of the south-central Wenan slope of Jizhong Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, East China

The control effects of different occurrence faults on oil and gas accumulation and distribution in the outer slope area of oil and gas reservoirs were studied taking the south-central Wen’an slope of the Jizhong depression in the Bohai Bay Basin as an example.Based on 3D seismic data and the distribution of oil and water,the controlling differences between consequent fault and antithetic fault were analyzed and compared from the formation and evolution rule of faults and the formation mechanism of fault traps,including development positions of the consequent fault traps and antithetic fault traps,oil and gas distribution horizon adjusted by fault and formation period of fault traps.The differences between consequent faults and antithetic faults in controlling reservoirs have three main aspects:(1)Consequent fault traps and antithetic fault traps are in different positions,the consequent fault traps are at the segmented growing point in the hanging wall of"hard-linkage"faults,while the antithetic fault traps are developed in the position with the largest throw in the footwall because of tilting action;(2)The two kinds of faults result in different oil and gas distribution vertically,oil and gas adjusted by consequent faults is distributed in a single layer or multi-layers,while oil and gas adjusted by antithetic faults occur in single layers;(3)The two kinds of fault traps are formed in different periods,the consequent fault traps are formed at the time when the related faults enter the stage of"hard-linkage",while the antithetic fault traps are formed at the beginning of the fault active period.

Vulnerability and Resilience to Stress and Immune and Neuroendocrine Function in Portuguese Subjects with Psychic Anomaly (Anxiety and Depression)

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of chronic psychosocial stress and resilience, including at a biological level (immune and neuroendocrine function) in Portuguese citizens with psychic anomaly/mental disorder. The sample aggregated 69 participants. It has been used the following psychometric instruments: 21-item depression, anxiety and stress scales (DASS-21), in the Portuguese validated version;measuring state resilience (MSR), in the Portuguese validated version;the Portuguese scale of 23 questions on vulnerability to stress. Serum levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, antibodies anti-viral capsid antigen of Epstein-Barr virus, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and body mass index have been measured. It has been concluded that factors of vulnerability to stress and chronic stress, of social nature (lack of social support, adverse living conditions), correlate positively with depression, anxiety and stress, and, through alostatic load, are involved in a greater propensity for immune and neuroendocrine dysfunction in this population.

Risk factors for depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND The prevalence of depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)ranges from 10%to 42%,but the diagnosis of depression in patients with COPD is often unrecognized and untreated.Unrecognized depression has major implications for compliance with medical treatment,prolonged lengths of stay,increased frequency of hospital admissions,and increased consultations with primary care physicians.Many studies have attempted to identify risk factors for progression,prognosis and response to therapy in patients with depression.However,few studies have examined the risk factors for depression in patients with COPD,and some results remain controversial.AIM To identify the potential risk factors to define patients with COPD who are at“high risk”of depression.METHODS The clinical data of 293 patients with COPD were reviewed from January 2017 to December 2018.The correlations between demographics,clinical characteristics and depression were analyzed.The risk factors for depression in patients with COPD were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.The cutoff value,sensitivity and specificity of the independent correlation factors were calculated with a receiver operating characteristic curve.RESULTS Of the 293 patients included,65(22.18%)individuals were identified to have depression.Significant differences were detected between patients with and without depression in terms of body mass index(BMI),forced expiratory volume in 1 s(FEV1),and COPD assessment test(CAT)score(all P<0.05).Low BMI,low FEV1,and high CAT were independent risk factors for depression in patients with COPD and the cutoff values of BMI,FEV1,and CAT scores were 21.373 kg/m2,0.855 L and 12.5,respectively.CONCLUSION Low BMI,low FEV1,and high CAT score were identified as independent risk factors for depression in patients with COPD.

Structural and functional damage to the hippocampal neurovascular unit in diabetes-related depression

Previous studies have shown that models of depression exhibit structural and functional changes to the neurovascular unit. Thus, we hypothesized that diabetes-related depression might be associated with damage to the hippocampal neurovascular unit. To test this hypothesis, neurons, astrocytes and endothelial cells were isolated from the brain tissues of rat embryos and newborn rats. Hippocampal neurovascular unit co-cultures were produced using the Transwell chamber co-culture system. A model of diabetes-related depression was generated by adding 150 mM glucose and 200 μM corticosterone to the culture system and compared with the neuron + astrocyte and astrocyte + endothelial cell co-culture systems. Western blot assay was used to measure levels of structural proteins in the hippocampal neurovascular unit co-culture system. Levels of basic fibroblast growth factor, angiogenic factor 1, glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor, transforming growth factor β1, leukemia inhibitory factor and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the hippocampal neurovascular unit co-culture system were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining was used to assess neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampal neurovascular unit. The neurovascular unit triple cell co-culture system had better barrier function and higher levels of structural and secretory proteins than the double cell co-culture systems. In comparison, in the model of diabetes-related depression, the neurovascular unit was damaged with decreased barrier function, poor structural integrity and impaired secretory function. Moreover, neuronal apoptosis was markedly increased, and 5-hydroxytryptamine levels were reduced. These results suggest that diabetes-related depression is associated with structural and functional damage to the neurovascular unit. Our findings provide a foundation for further studies on the pathogenesis of diabetes-related depression.

A Newly Discovered Oil-bearing Mesoproterozoic Erathem within the Niu D1 Well, Liaoxi Depression, Yanliao Faulted Depression Zone, NE China

Objective The Yanshan Fold Belt is located within the northern margin of the North China platform and contains welldeveloped and widespread Neoproterozoic and Mesoproterozoic sedimentary units with a total thickness of up to 9000 m.Previous studies identified many oil seedlings as well as asphalt and ancient hydrocarbon reservoirs in Northern Hebei depression and western Liaoning depression.This research indicates that the Mesoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic sedimentary units are ideally suited for the formation of significant oil and gas resources.The Niu D1 well was drilled by the China Geological Survey(CGS)in the Niuyingzi area and intercepted oil immersions and oil-and gas-bearing units within a limestone reservoir in the middle Proterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation(Fig.1).This study presents new biomarker compound and carbon isotope data that indicate that the oil within this formation was derived from hydrocarbon source rocks of the Hongshuizhuang Formation,part of the Mesoproterozoic Jixian Series,and the reservoir type is overthrust fault fractured anticline hydrocarbon reservoir.The oil reservoir within the Gaoyuzhuang Formation limestone might represent the oldest oil reservoir discovered to date within the Yanliao faulted depression zone.

A 60-month follow-up of a naturalistic study of integrative treatment for real-life geriatric patients with depression, dementia and multiple chronic illnesses

Background: In the past we have shown the preservation and improvement of cognitive tasks in depressed and demented patients after 24 and 36 months of combined pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. Here we present the results of our ongoing, naturalistic study, in the same outpatient setting, at 60 month follow up. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 156 medically ill, physically disabled patients with mild to moderate dementia and depression. Patients were treated with antidepressants, cholinesterase inhibitors, and NMDA antagonists, along with their regular medication regimen. Non-pharmacological intervention was centered on a home-based program of physical and cognitive exercises paired with vitamins and supplements (multivitamins, vitamin E, L-methylfolate, alphalipoic acid, acetyl-L-carnitine, omega-3, and coenzyme Q-10) and diet modification. Cognitive assessments were performed yearly. Results: After 60 months of treatment, performance of all tasks remained at or above baseline. The MMSE, Cognistat-Attention, Cognistat-Judgment, and RFFT-Total Unique Designs demonstrated significant improvement. Conclusion: Our results, for the first time, demonstrate arrest in cognitive decline in demented/depressed patients with multiple medical co-morbidities for 60 months. Future investigations addressing the application of a combined, integrative treatment model are warranted.

Hemispheric asymmetries and network dysfunctions in adolescent depression:A neuroimaging study using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND Currently,adolescent depression is one of the most significant public health concerns,markedly influencing emotional,cognitive,and social maturation.Despite advancements in distinguish the neurobiological substrates underlying depression,the intricate patterns of disrupted brain network connectivity in adolescents warrant further exploration.AIM To elucidate the neural correlates of adolescent depression by examining brain network connectivity using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI).METHODS The study cohort comprised 74 depressed adolescents and 59 healthy controls aged 12 to 17 years.Participants underwent rs-fMRI to evaluate functional connectivity within and across critical brain networks,including the visual,default mode network(DMN),dorsal attention,salience,somatomotor,and frontoparietal control networks.RESULTS Analyses revealed pronounced functional disparities within key neural circuits among adolescents with depression.The results demonstrated existence of hemispheric asymmetries characterized by enhanced activity in the left visual network,which contrasted the diminished activity in the right hemisphere.The DMN facilitated increased activity within the left prefrontal cortex and reduced engagement in the right hemisphere,implicating disrupted self-referential and emotional processing mechanisms.Additionally,an overactive right dorsal attention network and a hypoactive salience network were identified,underscoring significant abnormalities in attentional and emotional regulation in adolescent depression.CONCLUSION The findings from this study underscore distinct neural connectivity disruptions in adolescent depression,underscoring the critical role of specific neurobiological markers for precise early diagnosis of adolescent depression.The observed functional asymmetries and network-specific deviations elucidate the complex neurobiological architecture of adolescent depression,supporting the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.

Differences of Plasma Levels of Tryptophan, Serotonin, 5-Hydroxyindole Acetic Acid, and Kynurenine between Healthy People and Patients of Major Monopolar Depression at Various Age and Gender

Background: It is not well analyzed whether there are differences in plasma levels of tryptophan (TRP) metabolites between healthy control people (HC) and patients of major monopolar depression (MMD). Methods: Ultra high-speed liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry has been used for the simultaneous determination of plasma levels of tryptophan metabolites in depressive patients. Results: There are no significant differences between plasma levels of TRP between HC and MMD. Plasma levels of TRP of HC are higher in young men, young women, old men, and old women in this order. Serotonin (5-HT) levels are higher in MMD than HC. Plasma levels of 5-HIAA of HC are also higher than those of patients of MMD. Plasma levels of kynurenine (KYN) of healthy old men and old women are higher than those of young men and old women. Plasma levels of KYN are higher in old women and young men of MMD than those of HC. Conclusion: Plasma levels of 5-HT are higher in patients of MMD than those of HC, which may suggest that use of drugs inhibiting the 5-HT transportation may increase plasma levels of 5-HT in MMD.

Immune indicators and depression in adolescents:Associations with monocytes,lymphocytes,and direct bilirubin

BACKGROUND Depression is a significant psychiatric disorder with particularly high prevalence among adolescents.This mental health condition can have severe consequences,including academic failure,social withdrawal,and suicidal behavior.Given the increasing rate of depression in this age group,understanding the underlying biological mechanisms is essential for early detection and intervention.Recent studies have suggested that immune markers play a role in the pathophysiology of depression,prompting further investigation of their potential association with depressive symptoms in adolescents.AIM To investigate the relationship between immune markers(monocytes,lymphocytes,and direct bilirubin)and the incidence and severity of depression among adolescents.METHODS This cross-sectional study recruited 145 adolescent patients with depression[male(M)/female(F)=38/107]from Jiangbin Hospital in Guangxi,Zhuang and 163 healthy controls(M/F=77/86)from routine health check-ups.Blood samples were collected after an overnight fast.Depression severity was measured using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale.The inclusion criteria were age 12-24 years,diagnosis of depressive disorder(ICD-10),and no recent antidepressant use.The exclusion criteria included psychiatric comorbidities and serious somatic diseases.Key statistical methods included group comparisons and correlation analyses.RESULTS There was a higher prevalence of females in the depression group(P<0.001).Significant age differences were observed between the groups(Z=9.43,P<0.001).The depression group had higher monocyte(Z=3.43,P<0.001)and lymphocyte(t=2.29,P<0.05)counts,and higher serum direct bilirubin levels(Z=4.72,P<0.001).Monocyte count varied significantly according to depression severity,with lower counts in the mild group(Z=-2.90,P<0.05).A negative correlation between age and lymphocyte counts was observed(ρ=-0.22,P<0.01).Logistic regression analysis showed that serum direct bilirubin levels significantly predicted depression.CONCLUSION The potential role of elevated levels of immune markers in the early detection of depression in adolescents has been highlighted.Therefore,it is necessary to explore further the relationships between these immune markers and depression.

Addressing social function in the treatment of depression:A call for holistic approaches

This article discusses the importance of addressing social functioning impairment in patients with residual depressive symptoms,as highlighted in the study by Liao et al.The authors showed that social dysfunction persists in many patients despite symptom remission.This observation calls for a shift in depression treatment strategies,with an emphasis on integrating social functioning as a key treatment goal.This article suggests targeted interventions that focus on both symptomatic relief and the restoration of social function.

Characteristics and Natural Gas Origin of Middle-Late Triassic Marine Source Rocks of the Western Sichuan Depression, SW China

A scientific exploration well(CK1) was drilled to expand the oil/gas production in the western Sichuan depression, SW, China. Seventy-three core samples and four natural gas samples from the Middle–Late Triassic strata were analyzed to determine the paleo-depositional setting and the abundance of organic matter(OM) and to evaluate the hydrocarbon-generation process and potential. This information was then used to identify the origin of the natural gas. The OM is characterized by medium n-alkanes(n C15–n C19), low pristane/phytane and terrigenous aquatic ratios(TAR), a carbon preference index(CPI) of ~1, regular steranes with C29 > C27 > C28, gammacerane/C30 hopane ratios of 0.15–0.32, and δDorg of-132‰ to-58‰, suggesting a marine algal/phytoplankton source with terrestrial input deposited in a reducing–transitional saline/marine sedimentary environment. Based on the TOC, HI index, and chloroform bitumen "A" the algalrich dolomites of the Leikoupo Formation are fair–good source rocks;the grey limestones of the Maantang Formation are fair source rocks;and the shales of the Xiaotangzi Formation are moderately good source rocks. In addition, maceral and carbon isotopes indicate that the kerogen of the Leikoupo and Maantang formations is type Ⅱ and that of the Xiaotangzi Formation is type Ⅱ–Ⅲ. The maturity parameters and the hopane and sterane isomerization suggest that the OM was advanced mature and produced wet–dry gases. One-dimensional modeling of the thermal-burial history suggests that hydrocarbon-generation occurred at 220–60 Ma. The gas components and C–H–He–Ar–Ne isotopes indicate that the oilassociated gases were generated in the Leikoupo and Maantang formations, and then, they mixed with gases from the Xiaotangzi Formation, which were probably contributed by the underlying Permian marine source rocks. Therefore, the deeply-buried Middle–Late Triassic marine source rocks in the western Sichuan depression and in similar basins have a great significant hydrocarbon potential.

Activation of zona incerta gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic neurons alleviates depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors induced by chronic restraint stress

BACKGROUND Depression is a prevalent affective disorder,but its pathophysiology remains unclear.Dysfunction in the gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)-ergic system may contribute to its onset.Recently,antidepressants(e.g.,brexanolone,zuranolone)targeting the GABA-A receptor were introduced.The zona incerta(ZI),an inhibitory subthalamic region mainly composed of GABAergic neurons,has been implicated in emotional regulation.Deep brain stimulation of the ZI in humans affects anxiety and depression symptoms,while activation of ZI neurons in mice can either worsen or alleviate anxiety.Currently,there is no direct evidence linking GABAergic neurons in the ZI to depression-like behaviors in rodents.AIM To explore the relationship between GABAergic neurons in the ZI and depression-like behaviors in mice.METHODS A chronic restraint stress(CRS)model was utilized to induce depression in mice.Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings assessed the excitability changes of GABAergic neurons in the ZI.Additionally,chemogenetic techniques were employed to modulate ZI GABAergic neurons.The performance of the mice in behavioral tests for depression and anxiety was observed.RESULTS The findings indicated that GABAergic neurons in the ZI were closely associated with depression-like behaviors in mice.Twenty-eight days after the CRS model was established,depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors were observed in the mice.The excitability of GABAergic neurons in the ZI was reduced.Chemogenetic activation of these neurons alleviated CRS-induced depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors.Conversely,inhibition of GABAergic neurons in the ZI led to changes in emotion-related behavioral outcomes in mice.CONCLUSION Activity of GABAergic neurons in the ZI was closely associated with depression-like phenotypes in mice,suggesting that these neurons could be a potential therapeutic target for treating depression.

Nursing interventions based on Snyder’s hope theory for depression following percutaneous coronary interventions:A clinical study

BACKGROUND Patients with depression following coronary heart disease often exhibit insufficient psychological resilience and self-care abilities;therefore,emphasis must be placed on nursing interventions.AIM To analyze the application value of problem-oriented education combined with nursing interventions based on the Snyder hope theory model in depressed patients after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).METHODS This study included 150 patients diagnosed with PCI postoperative depression because of coronary heart disease between February 2022 and February 2024.Participants were divided into two groups:A control group(n=75)receiving problem-oriented education and an observation group(n=75)receiving combined nursing interventions based on the Snyder hope theory model.Depression status,psychological resilience,self-care ability,and quality of life were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Before nursing interventions,there were no significant differences between the two groups(P>0.05).After the interventions,depression scores decreased while psychological resilience,self-care ability,and quality of life scores increased significantly in the observation group compared to that in the control group,with statistically significant differences noted(P<0.05).This combined approach can enhance psychological resilience,improve self-care abilities,and elevate the overall quality of life,warranting further promotion in clinical practice.CONCLUSION Combination of problem-oriented education and nursing interventions based on the Snyder hope theory model effectively alleviates depression in patients following PCI for coronary heart disease.

Platelets and depression in cardiovascular disease:A brief review of the current literature

Major depression is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. The exact mechanisms linking depression and increased cardiovascular risk remain poorly understood. Several mechanisms have been proposed including increased platelet reactivity. This review focuses on the current literature that examines the platelet hypothesis of depression. To date studies show increased serotonin response, increased platelet serotonin receptor density, decreased serotonin transporter binding, and decreased platelet serotonin levels in individuals with depression. However other studies have shown no change in serotonin uptake. In addition to platelet serotonin specific pathways, other platelet pathways that have shown significant changes in depressed individuals include blunting of the platelet adenosine response, increased platelet thrombin response, increased glycoprotein Ⅰb expression, increased P-selectin, β thromboglobulin, and platelet factor four, as well as decreased platelet brain derived neurotrophic factor. However there are other studies that show conflicting evidence of increased platelet activation as measured by integrin receptor α2b β3. Other conflictingdata include α adrenergic density and platelet response to augmented serotonin. The direction of future research in platelet functional changes in depression and coronary artery disease should continue to focus on serotonin specific pathways with emphasis on potential mechanisms of specific pathway changes.