Dynamic brain networks in spontaneous gestural communication.

Gestures accent and illustrate our communication. Although previous studies have uncovered the positive effects of gestures on communication, little is known about the specific cognitive functions of different types of gestures, or the instantaneous multi-brain dynamics. Here we used the fNIRS-based hyperscanning technique to track the brain activity of two communicators, examining regions such as the PFC and rTPJ, which are part of the mirroring and mentalizing systems. When participants collaboratively solved open-ended realistic problems, we characterised the dynamic multi-brain states linked with specific social behaviours. Results demonstrated that gestures are associated with enhanced team performance, and different gestures serve distinct cognitive functions: interactive gestures are accompanied by better team originality and a more efficient inter-brain network, while fluid gestures correlate with individual cognitive fluency and efficient intra-brain states. These findings reveal a close association between social behaviours and multi-brain networks, providing a new way to explore the brain-behaviour relationship.

[Chemical components and in vitro anti-aging activity of Yangxue Qingnao Wan based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS].

The main chemical components of Yangxue Qingnao Wan(YXQNW) were analyzed and identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). According to the mass spectrometry information, Mass Hunter 10.0 analysis software was used to compare the collected quasi-molecular ion peaks and secondary fragment ions with literature and reference substances. A total of 131 compounds were identified from YXQNW, including 11 phenylpropanoids, 11 flavonoids, 42 nitrogen-containing compounds, 12 terpenoids, 17 phthalides, 23 quinones, and 15 other compounds. The anti-aging activity of YXQNW and six compounds from YXQNW, including rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, rutin, umbelliferone, hyperoside, and vanillic acid, were evaluated by D-galactose(D-gal)-induced HT22 cell senescence model. The effects of the compounds on HT22 cell damage and individual cell proliferation ability were observed from overall and individual perspectives by the Beyo Click~(TM) EdU-555 cell proliferation kit, and apoptosis was detected by the Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining apoptosis detection kit. Finally, the anti-aging effect of the compounds was tested by a cell senescence ß-galactosidase staining kit. This study provides a more comprehensive analysis of the chemical components of YXQNW and evaluates its anti-aging effect, which will provide a scientific basis for basic research on the efficacy of YXQNW for the treatment of various neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease(AD), headache, and memory loss.

Training Data Diversity Enhances the Basecalling of Novel RNA Modification-Induced Nanopore Sequencing Readouts.

Accurately basecalling sequence backbones in the presence of nucleotide modifications remains a substantial challenge in nanopore sequencing bioinformatics. It has been extensively demonstrated that state-of-the-art basecallers are less compatible with modification-induced sequencing signals. A precise basecalling, on the other hand, serves as the prerequisite for virtually all the downstream analyses. Here, we report that basecallers exposed to diverse training modifications gain the generalizability to analyze novel modifications. With synthesized oligos as the model system, we precisely basecall various out-of-sample RNA modifications. From the representation learning perspective, we attribute this generalizability to basecaller representation space expanded by diverse training modifications. Taken together, we conclude increasing the training data diversity as a novel paradigm for building modification-tolerant nanopore sequencing basecallers.

G4LDB 3.0: a database for discovering and studying G-quadruplex and i-motif ligands.

Non-canonical nucleic acid structures, such as G-quadruplex (G4) and i-Motif (iM), have garnered significant research interest because of their unique structural properties and biological activities. Thousands of small molecules targeting G4/iM structures have been developed for various chemical and biological applications. In response to the growing interest in G4-targeting ligands, we launched the first G4 Ligand Database (G4LDB) in 2013. Here, we introduce G4LDB 3.0 (http://www.g4ldb.com), an upgraded version featuring extensive enhancements in content and functionality. The new version includes over 4800 G4/iM ligands and approximately 51 000 activity entries. Key upgrades include advanced search capabilities, dynamic knowledge graphs, enhanced data visualization, along with a new dynamic analysis function that automatically displays ligand structure clustering results and chemical space distribution. With these updates, G4LDB 3.0 further evolves into a comprehensive resource and valuable research tool. The significant improvements address the increasing demand for efficient data handling and user experience, highlighting the critical role of G4LDB in advancing research on G-quadruplexes and i-motifs.

Effect of sarcopenia on liver cirrhosis with complicating oesophageal and gastric varices after endoscopic therapy.

Several investigators have reported that sarcopenia is common in patients with liver cirrhosis. However, few studies have probed the association between sarcopenia and liver cirrhosis complicated with oesophageal and gastric variceal bleeding (LC-EGVB). We aimed to investigate the impact of sarcopenia on rebleeding after endoscopic therapy in patients with LC-EGVB. Computed tomography (CT) radiographs from the third lumbar vertebra were selected to analyse body composition, including skeletal muscle tissue, visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue using SliceOmatic software. Sarcopenia was defined using validated cutoff values for patients with liver cirrhosis: 44.77 cm2/m2 for men and 32.50 cm2/m2 for women. A total of 187 patients with LC-EGVB and 309 controls were included in this study. The rate of sarcopenia in controls (17.4 %) was significantly lower than that in patients with LC-EGVB (41.2 %). Patients with LC-EGVB exhibiting sarcopenia showed a high prevalence of portal vein thrombosis and rebleeding rate at 1 year. The rate of sarcopenia in the rebleeding group was significantly higher than that in the non-rebleeding group. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that sarcopenia was an independent risk factor for rebleeding within 1 year in patients with LC-EGVB. Patients with LC-EGVB displayed a high prevalence of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was observed to be an independent risk factor for rebleeding within 1 year.

An Iterative Approach to Polish the Nanopore Sequencing Basecalling for Therapeutic RNA Quality Control.

Nucleotide modifications deviate nanopore sequencing readouts, therefore generating artifacts during the basecalling of sequence backbones. Here, we present an iterative approach to polish modification-disturbed basecalling results. We show such an approach is able to promote the basecalling accuracy of both artificially-synthesized and real-world molecules. With demonstrated efficacy and reliability, we exploit the approach to precisely basecall therapeutic RNAs consisting of artificial or natural modifications, as the basis for quantifying the purity and integrity of vaccine mRNAs which are transcribed in vitro , and for determining modification hotspots of novel therapeutic RNA interference (RNAi) molecules which are bioengineered (BioRNA) in vivo .

The multiple topological phases in a new family of compounds ACrTe (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs) predicted by first-principles calculations.

Based on first-principles calculations, we predict a new family of chromium-based compounds, ACrTe (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs), which share the same structure as the iron-based superconductor LiFeAs. We show that all these materials are narrow-gap antiferromagnetic (AFM) semiconductors. The AFM order is of the checkerboard type within Cr layers, while the interlayer coupling changes from ferromagnetic (FM) for NaCrTe to AFM for KCrTe, RbCrTe and CsCrTe. Interestingly, we find that the small gap is sensitive to in-plane biaxial strain and magnetic fields, which can tune the bulk compounds to become Dirac and Weyl semimetals and tune the monolayer case to exhibit quantum spin and anomalous Hall effects. Significantly, both Dirac and Weyl semimetals show clean topological structures with a long-sought single pair of Dirac and Weyl points at the Fermi level. Our studies may provide an ideal candidate material to study Dirac and Weyl physics and to realize clean quantum spin and anomalous Hall effects.

The relationship between anger and creative performance: a three-level meta-analysis.

A substantial body of empirical research has focused on the interaction between creativity and mood, yet the results regarding the impact of anger on creative performance are notably varied. To clarify the overall relationship between the two, a three-level meta-analysis employing a random effects model was conducted. This analysis reviewed 115 effect sizes from 2,413 participants, revealing that anger is significantly positively correlated with creative performance (r = 0.184, 95% CI [0.111, 0.254]). The strength of this correlation was found to be moderated by the general and malevolent facets of creativity, as well as the procedures used for mood induction. Specifically, anger appears to enhance creative performance, particularly when it is elicited through imaginative processes and directed towards malevolent facet of creativity. However, the link between anger and creative performance was not influenced by the type of creative task used, the reported creative outcome, or the time limitation of the task. These findings contribute to refining the theoretical frameworks of mood and creativity and highlight the practical implications of utilising anger to moderate creative performance.

Adapting nanopore sequencing basecalling models for modification detection via incremental learning and anomaly detection.

We leverage machine learning approaches to adapt nanopore sequencing basecallers for nucleotide modification detection. We first apply the incremental learning (IL) technique to improve the basecalling of modification-rich sequences, which are usually of high biological interest. With sequence backbones resolved, we further run anomaly detection (AD) on individual nucleotides to determine their modification status. By this means, our pipeline promises the single-molecule, single-nucleotide, and sequence context-free detection of modifications. We benchmark the pipeline using control oligos, further apply it in the basecalling of densely-modified yeast tRNAs and E.coli genomic DNAs, the cross-species detection of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in mammalian mRNAs, and the simultaneous detection of N1-methyladenosine (m1A) and m6A in human mRNAs. Our IL-AD workflow is available at: https://github.com/wangziyuan66/IL-AD .

Different neural correlates of deception: Crafting high and low creative scams.

Deception is a complex social behavior that manifests in various forms, including scams. To successfully deceive victims, liars have to continually devise novel scams. This ability to create novel scams represents one kind of malevolent creativity, referred to as lying. This study aimed to explore different neural substrates involved in the generation of high and low creative scams. A total of 40 participants were required to design several creative scams, and their cortical activity was recorded by functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed that the right frontopolar cortex (FPC) was significantly active in scam generation. This region associated with theory of mind may be a key region for creating novel and complex scams. Moreover, creativity-related regions were positively involved in creative scams, while morality-related areas showed negative involvement. This suggests that individuals might attempt to use malevolent creativity while simultaneously minimizing the influence of moral considerations. The right FPC exhibited increased coupling with the right precentral gyrus during the design of high-harmfulness scams, suggesting a diminished control over immoral thoughts in the generation of harmful scams. Additionally, the perception of the victim's emotions (related to right pre-motor cortex) might diminish the quality of highly original scams. Furthermore, an efficient and cohesive neural coupling state appears to be a key factor in generating high-creativity scams. These findings suggest that the right FPC was crucial in scam creation, highlighting a neural basis for balancing malevolent creativity against moral considerations in high-creativity deception.

Brain to brain musical interaction: A systematic review of neural synchrony in musical activities.

The use of hyperscanning technology has revealed the neural mechanisms underlying multi-person interaction in musical activities. However, there is currently a lack of integration among various research findings. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the social dynamics and brain synchronization in music activities through the analysis of 32 studies. The findings illustrate a strong correlation between inter-brain synchronization (IBS) and various musical activities, with the frontal, central, parietal, and temporal lobes as the primary regions involved. The application of hyperscanning not only advances theoretical research but also holds practical significance in enhancing the effectiveness of music-based interventions in therapy and education. The review also utilizes Predictive Coding Models (PCM) to provide a new perspective for interpreting neural synchronization in music activities. To address the limitations of current research, future studies could integrate multimodal data, adopt novel technologies, use non-invasive techniques, and explore additional research directions.

In silico degradation of fluoroquinolones by a microalgae-based constructed wetland system.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs) have been used worldwide due to their extended antimicrobial spectrum. However, the overuse of FQs leads to frequent detection in the environment and cannot be efficiently removed. Microalgae-based constructed wetland systems have been proven to be a relatively proper method to treat FQs, mainly by microalgae, plants, microorganisms, and sediments. To improve the removal efficiency of microalgae-constructed wetland, a systematic molecular design, screening, functional, and risk evaluation method was developed using three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship models, molecular dynamics simulation, molecular docking, and TOPKAT approaches. Five designed ciprofloxacin alternatives with improved bactericidal effects and lower human health risks were found to be more easily degraded by microalgae (16.11-167.88 %), plants (6.72-58.86 %), microorganisms (9.10-15.02 %), and sediments (435.83 %-1763.51 %) compared with ciprofloxacin. According to the mechanism analysis, the removal effect of the FQs can be affected via changes in the number, bond energy, and molecular descriptors of favorable and unfavorable amino acids. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study of improving the microalgae, plants, microorganisms, and sediment removal efficiency of FQs in constructed wetlands, which provides theoretical support for the treatment of FQ pollution.

Construction of an antidepressant priority list based on functional, environmental, and health risks using an interpretable mixup-transformer deep learning model.

As emerging pollutants, antidepressants (AD) must be urgently investigated for risk identification and assessment. This study constructed a comprehensive-effect risk-priority screening system (ADRank) for ADs by characterizing AD functionality, occurrence, persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity based on the integrated assignment method. A classification model for ADs was constructed using an improved mixup-transformer deep learning method, and its classification accuracy was compared with those of other models. The accuracy of the proposed model improved by up to 23.25 % compared with the random forest model, and the reliability was 80 % more than that of the TOPSIS method. A priority screening candidate list was proposed to screen 33 high-priority ADs. Finally, SHapley Additive explanation (SHAP) visualization, molecular dynamics, and amino acid analysis were performed to analyze the correlation between AD structure and toxic receptor binding characteristics and reveal the differences in AD risk priority. ADs with more intramolecular hydrogen bonds, higher hydrophobicity, and electronegativity had a more significant risk. Van der Waals and electrostatic interactions were the primary influencing factors, and significant differences in the types and proportions of the main amino acids in the interaction between ADs and receptors were observed. The results of the study provide constructive schemes and insights for AD priority screening and risk management.

Olea europaea leaf exosome-like nanovesicles encapsulated in a hyaluronic acid / tannic acid hydrogel dressing with dual "defense-repair" effects for treating skin photoaging.

Photoaging, primarily caused by ultraviolet (UV) light, is the major factor in extrinsic skin aging. Existing anti-photoaging strategies mainly focus on early sun protection or repairing damaged skin, lacking a comprehensive treatment strategy. Therefore, this study developed a dressing that actively shields against UV radiation and repairs photoaged skin, offering double protection. This study utilized exosome-like nanovesicles derived from Olea europaea leaves (OLELNVs), enhancing them into a potent core biomaterial with high-dose effects and skin-friendly, non-cytotoxic inhibition of cell aging. These nanovesicles were incorporated into a cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) and tannic acid (TA) hydrogel with strong UV-absorbing properties, creating the OLELNVs@HA/TA hydrogel system. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that OLELNVs@HA/TA hydrogel can effectively reduce UV-induced skin damage and promote skin repair and regeneration. Additionally, RNA-seq and clustering analysis of miR168a-5p predicted targets revealed significant down-regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, mediating inflammatory aging responses. Overall, the OLELNVs@HA/TA hydrogel represents a novel dual-strategy approach for clinical application in combating photoaging.

Isolation, Purification, and Identification of Bacitracin-producing Bacillus licheniformis from Fresh Feces of Healthy Pigs.

Bacillus licheniformis and bacitracin have a huge application market and value in the fields of medicine, chemistry, aquaculture, agricultural, and sideline products. Therefore, the selection of B. licheniformis with high production of bacitracin is of great importance. In this experimental protocol, Bacillus with a high yield of bacitracin was isolated, purified, and identified from the fresh feces of healthy pigs. The inhibitory effect of secondary metabolite bacitracin on Micrococcus luteus was also tested. Thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography were used for the qualitative and quantitative detection of bacitracin. The physiological and biochemical characteristics of B. licheniformis were determined by relevant kits. The phylogenetic relationships of B. licheniformis were determined and constructed using gene sequence detection. This protocol describes and introduces the standard isolation, purification, and identification process of B. licheniformis from animal fresh feces from multiple perspectives, providing a method for the large-scale utilization of B. licheniformis and bacitracin in factories.

Tunable Magnetism in Atomically Thin Itinerant Antiferromagnet with Room-Temperature Ferromagnetic Order.

Addressing the need for modulated spin configurations is crucial, as they serve as the foundational building blocks for next-generation spintronics, particularly in atomically thin structures and at room temperature. In this work, we realize intrinsic ferromagnetism in monolayer flakes and tunable ferro-/antiferromagnetism in (Fe0.56Co0.44)5GeTe2 antiferromagnets. Remarkably, the ferromagnetic ordering (≥1 L) and antiferromagnetic ordering (≥4 L) remain discernible up to room temperature. The TC (∼310 K) of the monolayer flakes sets a record high for known exfoliated monolayer van der Waals magnets. Within the framework of A-type antiferromagnetism, a notable odd-even layer-number effect at elevated temperatures (T = 150 K) is observed. Of particular interest is the strong ferromagnetic order in even-layer flakes at low temperatures. The intricate interplay among magnetic field strength, layer number, and temperature gives rise to a diverse array of phenomena, holding promise not only for new physics but also for practical applications.

Elemental diet preventative effects for adverse events during chemotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: The effectiveness of an elemental diet (ED) for preventing adverse events (AEs) during chemotherapy for patients with esophageal cancer (EC) remains unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis was to comprehensively assess the efficacy of ED for preventing AE in EC patients during chemotherapy. Medline (via PubMed), Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched to retrieve prospective and randomized studies published before April 12, 2023. The odds ratio (OR) of each AE was calculated using Review Manger 5.4.1. The risk of bias was assessed, and a random effect model-based meta-analysis was used to analyze the available data. Four prospective and randomized studies involving 237 patients were identified after a systematic search. Regarding gastrointestinal toxicities, the findings indicated a trend toward a decrease in the risk of mucositis (OM) (OR = 0.54, 95 % CI: 0.25-1.14), constipation (OR = 0.87, 95 % CI: 0.49-1.53), and anorexia (OR = 0.99, 95 % CI: 0.32-3.05), as well as an increasing trend in the risk of diarrhea (OR = 1.48, 95 % CI: 0.79-2.79), among patients treated with ED. However, none of these reached statistical significance. For hematological toxicities, the risk of all-grade neutropenia (OR = 0.28, 95 % CI: 0.14-0.57), grade ≥ 2 leucopenia (OR = 0.43, 95 % CI: 0.22-0.84), grade ≥ 2 neutropenia (OR = 0.34, 95 % CI: 0.17-0.67), and grade ≥ 3 neutropenia (OR = 0.28, 95 % CI: 0.12-0.63) was significantly decreased. There is no firm evidence confirming the preventive effect of an ED against OM or diarrhea. However, an ED may potentially be helpful in preventing neutropenia and leucopenia.

Introducción: La efectividad de una dieta elemental (DE) para prevenir eventos adversos (EA) durante la quimioterapia en pacientes con cáncer de esófago (CE) sigue sin estar clara. Este metaanálisis evalúa la eficacia de DE para prevenir EA en pacientes con CE durante quimioterapia. Se realizaron búsquedas en Medline (con PubMed), Embase, Biblioteca Cochrane y Web of Science para recuperar estudios prospectivos y aleatorios publicados antes del 12/04/2023. La razón de probabilidad (RP) de cada EA se calculó usando Review Manger 5.4.1. Se evaluó el riesgo de sesgo y se utilizó un metaanálisis basado en modelo de efectos aleatorios para analizar los datos disponibles. Después de una búsqueda sistemática, se identificaron cuatro estudios prospectivos y aleatorios con 237 pacientes. En cuanto a las toxicidades gastrointestinales, los hallazgos indicaron una tendencia hacia una disminución en el riesgo de mucositis (OM) (OR = 0,54, IC 95 %: 0,25-1,14), estreñimiento (OR = 0,87, IC 95 %: 0,49-1,53) y anorexia (OR = 0,99, IC 95 %: 0,32-3,05) y una tendencia creciente en el riesgo de diarrea (OR = 1,48, IC 95 %: 0,79-2,79) entre los pacientes tratados con DE. Sin embargo, no hubo muestras estadísticas significativas. Para toxicidades hematológicas, el riesgo de neutropenia de todos los grados (RP = 0,28; IC del 95 %: 0,14-0,57), leucopenia grado ≥ 2 (RP = 0,43; IC del 95 %: 0,22-0,84), neutropenia grado ≥ 2 (RP = 0,34; IC del 95 %: 0,17-0,67) y neutropenia grado ≥ 3 (RP = 0,28; IC del 95 %: 0,12-0,63) disminuyó significativamente. Ninguna evidencia firme confirmó el efecto preventivo de DE frente a OM o la diarrea. Una DE sería útil previniendo neutropenia y leucopenia.

Research on the function of CsMYB36 based on an effective hair root transformation system.

The hairy root induction system was used to efficiently investigate gene expression and function in plant root. Cucumber is a significant vegetable crop worldwide, with shallow roots, few lateral roots, and weak root systems, resulting in low nutrient absorption and utilization efficiency. Identifying essential genes related to root development and nutrient absorption is an effective way to improve the growth and development of cucumbers. However, genetic mechanisms underlying cucumber root development have not been explored. Here, we report a novel, rapid, effective hairy root transformation system. Compared to the in vitro cotyledon transformation method, this method shortened the time needed to obtain transgenic roots by 13 days. Furthermore, we combined this root transformation method with CRISPR/Cas9 technology and validated our system by exploring the expression and function of CsMYB36, a pivotal gene associated with root development and nutrient uptake. The hairy root transformation system established in this study provides a powerful method for rapidly identifying essential genes related to root development in cucumber and other horticultural crop species. This advancement holds promise for expediting research on root biology and molecular breeding strategies, contributing to the broader understanding and improvements crop growth and development.

Transcription factor CsMYB36 regulates fruit neck length via mediating cell expansion in cucumber.

The fruit neck is an important agronomic trait of cucumber (Cucumis sativus). However, the underlying genes and regulatory mechanisms involved in fruit neck development are poorly understood. We previously identified a cucumber yellow-green peel (ygp) mutant, whose causal gene is MYB DOMAIN PROTEIN 36 (CsMYB36). This study showed that the ygp mutant exhibited a shortened fruit neck and repressed cell expansion in the fruit neck. Further functional analysis showed that CsMYB36 was also a target gene, and its expression was enriched in the fruit neck. Overexpression of CsMYB36 in the ygp mutant rescued shortened fruit necks. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis and reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays revealed that CsMYB36 positively regulates the expression of an expansin-like A3 (CsEXLA3) in the fruit neck, which is essential for cell expansion. Yeast 1-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays revealed that CsMYB36 regulates fruit neck elongation by directly binding to the promoter of CsEXLA3. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that CsMYB36 is an important gene in the regulation of fruit neck length in cucumber plants.