Three-stage Dynamic Brain-cognitive Model of Understanding Action Intention Displayed by Human Body Movements.

The ability to comprehend the intention conveyed through human body movements is crucial for effective interpersonal interactions. If people can't understand the intention behind other individuals' isolated or interactive actions, their actions will become meaningless. Psychologists have investigated the cognitive processes and neural representations involved in understanding action intention, yet a cohesive theoretical explanation remains elusive. Hence, we mainly review existing literature related to neural correlates of action intention, and primarily propose a putative Three-stage Dynamic Brain-cognitive Model of understanding action intention, which involves body perception, action identification and intention understanding. Specifically, at the first stage, body parts/shapes are processed by those brain regions such as extrastriate and fusiform body areas; During the second stage, differentiating observed actions relies on configuring relationships between body parts, facilitated by the activation of the Mirror Neuron System; The last stage involves identifying various intention categories, utilizing the Mentalizing System for recruitment, and different activation patterns concerning the nature of the intentions participants dealing with. Finally, we delves into the clinical practice, like intervention training based on a theoretical model for individuals with autism spectrum disorders who encounter difficulties in interpersonal communication.

Retrospective analysis of Advanced Heart Failure and/or Cardiogenic Shock in Patients with Aortic Valve Stenosis Treated by Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and a Nomogram Model Construction.

Objective: Currently, there is little information about the risk of sudden cardiac death and its predictors in aortic valve stenosis patients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Therefore, we conducted a large sample cohort study on TAVR patients to evaluate the predictive factors and incidence of heart failure death caused by advanced heart failure (AHF) and sudden cardiac death. Furthermore, a nomogram model to predict its risk was constructed. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the data of 241 consecutive participants who had received TAVR treatment for aortic valve stenosis in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2022. The characteristics of the subjects, including myocardial zymogram, renal function, biochemical parameters, and cardiac ultrasound parameters, were collected. Moreover, a nomogram was constructed to predict the risk of sudden cardiac death and its predictors in patients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The model was validatedinternally using measures of calibration and decision curve analysis. Results: Six independent risk factors(Age, smoking, diabetes, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and fasting blood glucose) were finally recruited into the nomogram model to predict the risk of advanced heart failure and/or cardiogenic shock in AS patients treated by TAVR. Besides, the decision curve analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that the nomogram prediction models showed positive clinical benefits. Conclusions: The Age, smoking, diabetes, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and fasting blood glucose are the independent risk factors for advanced heart failure and/or cardiogenic shock in AS patients treated by TAVR. The construction of nomograms is beneficial in predicting the risk of advanced heart failure and/or cardiogenic shock in AS patients treated by TAVR.

Visible-Light Paternò-Büchi Reaction for Lipidomic Profiling at Detailed Structure Levels.

The Paternò-Büchi (PB) derivatization of carbon-carbon double bond (C═C) has been increasingly employed with tandem mass spectrometry to analyze unsaturated lipids. It enables the discovery of altered or uncanonical lipid desaturation metabolism, which would be otherwise undetected by conventional methods. Although highly useful, the reported PB reactions only provide moderate yield (∼30%). Herein, we aim to determine the key factors that affect the PB reactions and develop a system with improved capabilities for lipidomic analysis. An Ir(III) photocatalyst is chosen as the triplet energy donor for the PB reagent under 405 nm light irradiation, while phenylglyoxalate and its charge-tagging version, pyridylglyoxalate, are developed as the most efficient PB reagents. The above visible-light PB reaction system provides higher PB conversions than all previously reported PB reactions. Around 90% conversion can be achieved at high concentrations (>0.5 mM) for different classes of lipids but drops as the lipid concentration decreases. The visible-light PB reaction has then been integrated with shotgun and liquid chromatography-based workflows. The limits of detection for locating C═C in standard lipids of glycerophospholipids (GPLs) and triacylglycerides (TGs) are in the sub-nM to nM range. More than 600 distinct GPLs and TGs have been profiled at the C═C location level or the sn-position level from the total lipid extract of bovine liver, demonstrating that the developed method is capable of large-scale lipidomic analysis.

Mapping the distribution of double bond location isomers in lipids across mouse tissues.

Lipids are highly diverse and essential biomolecules in all living systems. As lipid homeostasis is often perturbed in metabolic diseases, these molecules can serve as both biomarkers and drug targets. The development of modern mass spectrometry (MS) provided the platform for large-scale lipidomic studies at the level of molecular species. Traditionally, more detailed structural information, such as the C[double bond, length as m-dash]C location, was mostly assumed instead of properly measured, though the specific isomers were indicated as potential biomarkers of cancers or cardiovascular diseases. Recent C[double bond, length as m-dash]C localization methods, including the Paternò-Büchi (PB) reaction, have shown the prevalent and heterogeneous distribution of C[double bond, length as m-dash]C location in lipids across tissues. Mapping the lipidome of model animals at the level of C[double bond, length as m-dash]C position would increase the understanding of the metabolism and function of lipid isomers, facilitating clinical research. In this study, we employed an online PB reaction on a liquid chromatography-high resolution MS platform to map C[double bond, length as m-dash]C location isomers in five different murine tissues. We analyzed phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, and sphingomyelins; we relatively quantified and mapped the distribution of ∼30 groups of co-existing isomers, characterized by different chain lengths and degrees of unsaturation. More specifically, we performed relative quantitation of four isomers of the C16:1 fatty acyl, which included rarely reported n-10 and n-5 species besides n-9 and n-7 isomers. We showed a small variation of the isomers' relative composition among individual animals (<20%) but significant differences across different lipid species and mouse tissues. Our results provided an initial database to map alternative lipid metabolic pathways at the tissue level.

Single-atomic cobalt sites embedded in hierarchically ordered porous nitrogen-doped carbon as a superior bifunctional electrocatalyst.

Exploring efficient and cost-effective catalysts to replace precious metal catalysts, such as Pt, for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) holds great promise for renewable energy technologies. Herein, we prepare a type of Co catalyst with single-atomic Co sites embedded in hierarchically ordered porous N-doped carbon (Co-SAS/HOPNC) through a facile dual-template cooperative pyrolysis approach. The desirable combination of highly dispersed isolated atomic Co-N4 active sites, large surface area, high porosity, and good conductivity gives rise to an excellent catalytic performance. The catalyst exhibits outstanding performance for ORR in alkaline medium with a half-wave potential (E1/2) of 0.892 V, which is 53 mV more positive than that of Pt/C, as well as a high tolerance of methanol and great stability. The catalyst also shows a remarkable catalytic performance for HER with distinctly high turnover frequencies of 0.41 and 3.8 s-1 at an overpotential of 100 and 200 mV, respectively, together with a long-term durability in acidic condition. Experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the atomically isolated single Co sites and the structural advantages of the unique 3D hierarchical porous architecture synergistically contribute to the high catalytic activity.

Rational Design of Single Molybdenum Atoms Anchored on N-Doped Carbon for Effective Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

The highly efficient electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) provides a promising pathway to resolve energy and environment problems. An electrocatalyst was designed with single Mo atoms (Mo-SAs) supported on N-doped carbon having outstanding HER performance. The structure of the catalyst was probed by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC-STEM) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, indicating the formation of Mo-SAs anchored with one nitrogen atom and two carbon atoms (Mo1 N1 C2 ). Importantly, the Mo1 N1 C2 catalyst displayed much more excellent activity compared with Mo2 C and MoN, and better stability than commercial Pt/C. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation revealed that the unique structure of Mo1 N1 C2 moiety played a crucial effect to improve the HER performance. This work opens up new opportunities for the preparation and application of highly active and stable Mo-based HER catalysts.

Characteristics of psychological time in patients with depression and potential intervention strategies.

Psychological time reveals information about an individual's psychological state and psychopathological traits and, thus, has become a new perspective through which the occurrence and development of depression can be examined. Psychological time includes time perception, time perspective, circadian rhythms, and passage of time. Patients with depression are characterized by inaccurate time interval estimation, habitual negative thoughts about the past and future, evening-type circadian rhythms, and slow passage of time. Habitual negative thoughts about the past and future and evening-type circadian rhythms influence the formation of depression, and poor time interval estimation and slow passage of time may result from depression. Further study is needed accurately exploring psychological time and influencing factors in patients with depression, and prospective cohort studies could further clarify this complex relationship. In addition, the study of psychological time has important implications for developing effective interventions to reduce depression.

Lipidome-wide characterization of phosphatidylinositols and phosphatidylglycerols on CC location level.

Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) are two essential classes of glycerophospholipids (GPs), playing versatile roles such as signalling messengers and lipid-protein interaction ligands in cell. Although a majority of PG and PI molecular species contain unsaturated fatty acyl chain(s), conventional tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) methods cannot discern isomers different in carbon-carbon double bond (CC) locations. In this work, we paired phosphate methylation with acetone Paternò-Büchi (PB) reaction, aiming to provide a solution for sensitive and structurally informative analysis of these two important classes of GPs down to the location of CC. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) workflow was established. Offline methylated PG or PI mixtures were subjected to hydrophilic interaction chromatographic separation, online acetone PB reaction, and MS/MS via collision-induced dissociation (CID) for CC location determination in positive ion mode. This method was sensitive, offering limit of identification at 5 nM for both PG and PI standards down to CC locations. On molecular species level, 49 PI and 31 PG were identified from bovine liver, while 61 PIs were identified from human plasma. This workflow also enabled ratiometric comparisons of CC location isomers (C18:1 Δ9 vs. Δ11) of a series of PIs from type 2 diabetes (T2D) plasma to that of normal plasma samples. PI 16:0_18:1 and PI 18:0_18:1 were found to exhibit significant changes in CC isomeric ratios between T2D and normal plasma samples. The above results demonstrate that the developed LC-PB-MS/MS workflow is applicable to different classes of lipids and compatible with other established lipid derivatization methods to achieve comprehensive lipid analysis.

PtAl truncated octahedron nanocrystals for improved formic acid electrooxidation.

We successfully obtained truncated octahedron PtAl alloy nanocrystals (∼10 nm) via a facile one-pot strategy. The PtAl nanocrystals exhibited enhanced activity in formic acid electrooxidation compared to commercial Pt/C, which could be ascribed to the large density of defects on the surface as well as the synergy between Pt and Al.

Protective effect and mechanism of rat recombinant S100 calcium-binding protein A4 on oxidative stress injury of rat vascular endothelial cells.

The aim of the present study was to examine the protective effects and mechanisms of S100 calcium-binding protein A4 (S100A4) on endothelial cell apoptosis induced by oxidative stress injury. Endothelial cells were cultured and divided into control and oxidative stress injury groups, with the latter state induced by H2O2. Endothelial cells in every group were incubated with or without 50 or 100 µM S100A4. The cell viability and amounts of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and lactate dehydrogenase in the culture medium were measured. The apoptotic index was detected by TUNEL staining. Western blot and immunoprecipitation analyses were used to detect the expression levels and the association between S100A4 and P53. H2O2 treatment led to oxidative stress injury in the cultured vascular endothelial cells, a decrease in the cell viability and an increase in the rate of apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells compared with the negative control group. Exogenous S100A4 serves a significant function against oxidative stress injury (P<0.05), increasing the viability and attenuating the apoptotic rate of endothelial cells. Western blotting results suggested that the protein levels of S100A4 and P53 increased subsequent to oxidative stress injury and that exogenous S100A4 increased the expression of P53 in the cytoplasm and decreased the expression of P53 in nucleus. The immunoprecipitation assay results revealed a protein-protein interaction between S100A4 and P53. These results suggested that rat recombinant S100A4 serves an anti-apoptotic function in oxidative stress injury. This effect of S100A4 is mediated, at least in part, via the inhibition of the translocation of P53 to the nucleus.

Single Tungsten Atoms Supported on MOF-Derived N-Doped Carbon for Robust Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution.

Tungsten-based catalysts are promising candidates to generate hydrogen effectively. In this work, a single-W-atom catalyst supported on metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived N-doped carbon (W-SAC) for efficient electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), with high activity and excellent stability is reported. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy analysis indicate the atomic dispersion of the W species, and reveal that the W1 N1 C3 moiety may be the favored local structure for the W species. The W-SAC exhibits a low overpotential of 85 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and a small Tafel slope of 53 mV dec-1 , in 0.1 m KOH solution. The HER activity of the W-SAC is almost equal to that of commercial Pt/C. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation suggests that the unique structure of the W1 N1 C3 moiety plays an important role in enhancing the HER performance. This work gives new insights into the investigation of efficient and practical W-based HER catalysts.

Functional expression, characterization, and application of human S100B.

The EF-hand calcium-binding protein S100B presents a wide range of biological activities and functions. This binding protein is involved in various human diseases, including cancer, brain trauma and ischemia, neuro-degenerative disease (Alzheimer's disease), and psychiatric disorders. In this study, we prepared human S100B protein and its monoclonal antibodies. Human S100B protein was expressed in Escherichia coli, successfully purified by diethylaminoethyl cellulose anion-exchange chromatography, and then identified by western blot analysis. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced by the standard hybridoma method and validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot analysis. The prepared human S100B protein and its mAbs demonstrated potential biological activities. The KD of one mAb is approximately 4.72x10-8 mol/l, and its cross reactivity is low with human S100A4, mouse S100A4, and human S100A1. Recombinant Soluble S100B can promote the migration and invasion of HeLa cells. The expression of S100B protein in tumor tissues can be detected effectively by using the prepared monoclonal antibodies. Increasing concentration of the anti-human S100B mAbs showed a reduced expression of the S100B protein. Subsequently, the expression of p53 increased significantly (P<0.05) in A375 cells. A significant increase in apoptosis in A375 cells was observed with increasing S100B mAb concentration. Results showed that our prepared S100B mAbs were suitable for detecting S100B expression in human tissues, furnishing promising tools for further functional investigation and clinical applications.