Fermented Aronia melanocarpa pomace improves the nutritive value of eggs, enhances ovarian function, and reshapes microbiota abundance in aged laying hens.

Introduction: There is a decline in the quality and nutritive value of eggs in aged laying hens. Fruit pomaces with high nutritional and functional values have gained interest in poultry production to improve the performance. Methods: The performance, egg nutritive value, lipid metabolism, ovarian health, and cecal microbiota abundance were evaluated in aged laying hens (320 laying hens, 345-day-old) fed on a basal diet (control), and a basal diet inclusion of 0.25%, 0.5%, or 1.0% fermented Aronia melanocarpa pomace (FAMP) for eight weeks. Results: The results show that 0.5% FAMP reduced the saturated fatty acids (such as C16:0) and improved the healthy lipid indices in egg yolks by decreasing the atherogenicity index, thrombogenic index, and hypocholesterolemia/hypercholesterolemia ratio and increasing health promotion index and desirable fatty acids (P < 0.05). Additionally, FAMP supplementation (0.25%-1.0%) increased (P < 0.05) the ovarian follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estrogen 2 levels, while 1.0% FAMP upregulated the HSD3B1 expression. The expression of VTG II and ApoVLDL II in the 0.25% and 0.5% FAMP groups, APOB in the 0.5% FAMP group, and ESR2 in the 1% FAMP group were upregulated (P < 0.05) in the liver. The ovarian total antioxidant capacity was increased (P < 0.05) by supplementation with 0.25%-1.0% FAMP. Dietary 0.5% and 1.0% FAMP downregulated (P < 0.05) the Keap1 expression, while 1.0% FAMP upregulated (P < 0.05) the Nrf2 expression in the ovary. Furthermore, 1.0% FAMP increased cecal acetate, butyrate, and valerate concentrations and Firmicutes while decreasing Proteobacteria (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, FAMP improved the nutritive value of eggs in aged laying hens by improving the liver-blood-ovary function and cecal microbial and metabolite composition, which might help to enhance economic benefits.

Altered executive control network and default model network topology are linked to acute electronic cigarette use: A resting-state fNIRS study.

In recent years, electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) have gained popularity as stylish, safe, and effective smoking cessation aids, leading to widespread consumer acceptance. Although previous research has explored the acute effects of combustible cigarettes or nicotine replacement therapy on brain functional activities, studies on e-cigs have been limited. Using fNIRS, we conducted graph theory analysis on the resting-state functional connectivity of 61 male abstinent smokers both before and after vaping e-cigs. And we performed Pearson correlation analysis to investigate the relationship between alterations in network metrics and changes in craving. E-cig use resulted in increased degree centrality, nodal efficiency, and local efficiency within the executive control network (ECN), while causing a decrease in these properties within the default model network (DMN). These alterations were found to be correlated with reductions in craving, indicating a relationship between differing network topologies in the ECN and DMN and decreased craving. These findings suggest that the impact of e-cig usage on network topologies observed in male smokers resembles the effects observed with traditional cigarettes and other forms of nicotine delivery, providing valuable insights into their addictive potential and effectiveness as aids for smoking cessation.

Semantic associative abilities and executive control functions predict novelty and appropriateness of idea generation.

Novelty and appropriateness are two fundamental components of creativity. However, the way in which novelty and appropriateness are separated at behavioral and neural levels remains poorly understood. In the present study, we aim to distinguish behavioral and neural bases of novelty and appropriateness of creative idea generation. In alignment with two established theories of creative thinking, which respectively, emphasize semantic association and executive control, behavioral results indicate that novelty relies more on associative abilities, while appropriateness relies more on executive functions. Next, employing a connectome predictive modeling (CPM) approach in resting-state fMRI data, we define two functional network-based models-dominated by interactions within the default network and by interactions within the limbic network-that respectively, predict novelty and appropriateness (i.e., cross-brain prediction). Furthermore, the generalizability and specificity of the two functional connectivity patterns are verified in additional resting-state fMRI and task fMRI. Finally, the two functional connectivity patterns, respectively mediate the relationship between semantic association/executive control and novelty/appropriateness. These findings provide global and predictive distinctions between novelty and appropriateness in creative idea generation.

Neural basis of reward expectancy inducing proactive aggression.

Proactive aggression refers to deliberate and unprovoked behavior, typically motivated by personal gain or expected reward. Reward expectancy is generally recognized as a critical factor that may influence proactive aggression, but its neural mechanisms remain unknown. We conducted a task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment to investigate the relationship between reward expectancy and proactive aggression. 37 participants (20 females, mean age = 20.8 ± 1.42, age range = 18-23 years) completed a reward-harm task. In the experiment, reward valence expectancy and reward possibility expectancy were manipulated respectively by varying amounts (low: 0.5-1.5 yuan; high: 10.5-11.5 yuan) and possibilities (low: 10%-30%; high: 70%-90%) of money that participants could obtain by choosing to aggress. Participants received fMRI scans throughout the experiment. Brain activation regions associated with reward expectancy mainly involve the middle frontal gyrus, lingual gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, anterior cuneus, caudate nucleus, inferior frontal gyrus, cingulate gyrus, anterior central gyrus, and posterior central gyrus. Associations between brain activation and reward expectancy in the left insula, left middle frontal gyrus, left thalamus, and right middle frontal gyrus were found to be related to proactive aggression. Furthermore, the brain activation regions primarily involved in proactive aggression induced by reward expectancy were the insula, inferior frontal gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, pallidum, and caudate nucleus. Under conditions of high reward expectancy, participants engage in more proactive aggressive behavior. Reward expectancy involves the activation of reward- and social-cognition-related brain regions, and these associations are instrumental in proactive aggressive decisions.

Initiating PeriCBD to probe perinatal influences on neurodevelopment during 3-10 years in China.

Adverse perinatal factors can interfere with the normal development of the brain, potentially resulting in long-term effects on the comprehensive development of children. Presently, the understanding of cognitive and neurodevelopmental processes under conditions of adverse perinatal factors is substantially limited. There is a critical need for an open resource that integrates various perinatal factors with the development of the brain and mental health to facilitate a deeper understanding of these developmental trajectories. In this Data Descriptor, we introduce a multicenter database containing information on perinatal factors that can potentially influence children's brain-mind development, namely, periCBD, that combines neuroimaging and behavioural phenotypes with perinatal factors at county/region/central district hospitals. PeriCBD was designed to establish a platform for the investigation of individual differences in brain-mind development associated with perinatal factors among children aged 3-10 years. Ultimately, our goal is to help understand how different adverse perinatal factors specifically impact cognitive development and neurodevelopment. Herein, we provide a systematic overview of the data acquisition/cleaning/quality control/sharing, processes of periCBD.

Noninvasive brain stimulations modulated brain modular interactions to ameliorate working memory in community-dwelling older adults.

Non-invasive brain stimulations have drawn attention in remediating memory decline in older adults. However, it remains unclear regarding the cognitive and neural mechanisms underpinning the neurostimulation effects on memory rehabilitation. We evaluated the intervention effects of 2-weeks of neurostimulations (high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation, HD-tDCS, and electroacupuncture, EA versus controls, CN) on brain activities and functional connectivity during a working memory task in normally cognitive older adults (age 60+, n = 60). Results showed that HD-tDCS and EA significantly improved the cognitive performance, potentiated the brain activities of overlapping neural substrates (i.e. hippocampus, dlPFC, and lingual gyrus) associated with explicit and implicit memory, and modulated the nodal topological properties and brain modular interactions manifesting as increased intramodular connection of the limbic-system dominated network, decreased intramodular connection of default-mode-like network, as well as stronger intermodular connection between frontal-dominated network and limbic-system-dominated network. Predictive model further identified the neuro-behavioral association between modular connections and working memory. This preliminary study provides evidence that noninvasive neurostimulations can improve older adults' working memory through potentiating the brain activity of working memory-related areas and mediating the modular interactions of related brain networks. These findings have important implication for remediating older adults' working memory and cognitive declines.

Neural correlates of aggression outcome expectation and their association with aggression: A voxel-based morphometry study.

BACKGROUND: Aggression outcome expectation is an important cognitive factor of aggression. Discovering the neural mechanism of aggression outcome expectation is conducive to developing aggression research. However, the neural correlates underlying aggression outcome expectation and its effect remain elusive. METHODS: We utilized voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to unravel the neural architecture of aggression outcome expectation measured by the Social Emotional Information Processing Assessment for Adults and its relationship with aggression measured by the Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire in a sample of 185 university students (114 female; mean age = 19.94 ± 1.62 years; age range: 17-32 years). RESULTS: We found a significantly positive correlation between aggression outcome expectation and the regional gray matter volume (GMV) in the right middle temporal gyrus (MTG) (x = 55.5, y = -58.5, z = 1.5; t = 3.35; cluster sizes = 352, p < 0.05, GRF corrected). Moreover, aggression outcome expectation acted as a mediator underlying the association between the right MTG volume and aggression. CONCLUSIONS: These results revealed the neural correlates of aggression outcome expectation and its effect on aggression for the first time, which may contribute to our understanding of the cognitive neural mechanism of aggression and potentially identifying neurobiological markers for aggression.

Choice overload interferes with early processing and necessitates late compensation: Evidence from electroencephalogram.

Having a multitude of choices can be advantageous, yet an abundance of options can be detrimental to the decision-making process. Based on existing research, the present study combined electroencephalogram and self-reported methodologies to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of choice overload. Behavioural data suggested that an increase in the number of options led to negative evaluations and avoidance of choice tendencies, even in the absence of time pressure. Event-related potential results indicated that the large choice set interfered with the early visual process, as evidenced by the small P1 amplitude, and failed to attract more attentional resources in the early stage, as evidenced by the small amplitude of P2 and N2. However, the LPC amplitude was increased in the late stage, suggesting greater investment of attentional resources and higher emotional arousal. Multivariate pattern analysis revealed that the difference between small and large choice set began at around 120 ms, and the early and late stages were characterised by opposite activation patterns. This suggested that too many options interfered with early processing and necessitate continued processing at a later stage. In summary, both behavioural and event-related potential (ERP) results confirm the choice overload effect, and it was observed that individuals tend to subjectively exaggerate the choice overload effect.

Increased ventral anterior insular connectivity to sports betting availability indexes problem gambling.

With the advent of digital technologies, online sports betting is spurring a fast-growing expansion. In this study, we examined how sports betting availability modulates the brain connectivity of frequent sports bettors with [problem bettors (PB)] or without [non-problem bettors (NPB)] problematic sports betting. We conducted functional connectivity analyses centred on the ventral anterior insular cortex (vAI), a brain region playing a key role in the dynamic interplay between reward-based processes. We re-analysed a dataset on sports betting availability undertaken in PB (n = 30) and NPB (n = 35). Across all participants, we observed that sports betting availability elicited positive vAI coupling with extended clusters of brain activation (encompassing the putamen, cerebellum, occipital, temporal, precentral and central operculum regions) and negative vAI coupling with the orbitofrontal cortex. Between-group analyses showed increased positive vAI coupling in the PB group, as compared with the NPB group, in the left lateral occipital cortex, extending to the left inferior frontal gyrus, the anterior cingulate gyrus and the right frontal pole. Taken together, these results are in line with the central assumptions of triadic models of addictions, which posit that the insular cortex plays a pivotal role in promoting the drive and motivation to get a reward by 'hijacking' goal-oriented processes toward addiction-related cues. Taken together, these findings showed that vAI functional connectivity is sensitive not only to gambling availability but also to the status of problematic sport betting.

Sequence-based design and construction of synthetic nanobody library.

Nanobody (Nb), the smallest antibody fragments known to bind antigens, is now widely applied to various studies, including protein structure analysis, bioassay, diagnosis, and biomedicine. The traditional approach to generating specific nanobodies involves animal immunization which is time-consuming and expensive. As the understanding of the antibody repertoire accumulation, the synthetic library, which is devoid of animals, has attracted attention widely in recent years. Here, we describe a synthetic phage display library (S-Library), designed based on the systematic analysis of the next-generation sequencing (NGS) of nanobody repertoire. The library consists of a single highly conserved scaffold (IGHV3S65*01-IGHJ4*01) and complementary determining regions of constrained diversity. The S-Library containing 2.19 × 108 independent clones was constructed by the one-step assembly and rapid electro-transformation. The S-Library was screened against various targets (Nb G8, fusion protein of Nb G8 and green fluorescent protein, bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin, and acetylcholinesterase). In comparison, a naïve library (N-Library) from the source of 13 healthy animals was constructed and screened against the same targets as the S-Library. Binders were isolated from both S-Library and N-Library. The dynamic affinity was evaluated by the biolayer interferometry. The data confirms that the feature of the Nb repertoire is conducive to reducing the complexity of library design, thus allowing the S-Library to be built on conventional reagents and primers.

Analyzing the relationship between the efficiency and safety of a turbo roundabout by the factor analysis method.

The construction of cities and economic development lead to more and more serious environmental pollution, and the concept of green and low-carbon city has been proposed. Therefore, a series of requirements have been put forward for transportation. CO and other pollutants will be produced in the exhaust of conventional fuel vehicles, which will seriously affect the urban environment, especially at intersections with large passenger and vehicle flows. When multiple roads, especially more than 4 roads, intersect on urban roads, traffic organization can usually be achieved by using a roundabout. However, due to the limited capacity of the conventional roundabout, with the rapid increase of the traffic volume, and there are many vehicles in the circle lane change and interweaving behavior. This has caused serious congestion at the roundabout, the significantly increase in pollutants emissions and the decline in air quality. As an unconventional design, the turbo roundabouts use canalized traffic to allowed drivers to select the appropriate lanes in advance depending on their destinations so that different lanes within the circle do not interfere with one another, which improves the safety of the intersection while ensuring capacity. The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the traffic efficiency and safety of the conventional roundabout scheme and turbo roundabout scheme for five-way intersections. Using VISSIM to simulate different forms of roundabout and analyzing the six selected evaluation indicators. The number of vehicles in different entrance lanes and the diameter of the circle are selected as sensitivity factors for sensitivity analysis. Finally, the factor analysis method (FAM) is used to classify the six indicators into two categories: traffic efficiency and traffic safety, so as to comprehensively evaluate the different schemes. The results show that the difference in performance between the two schemes was not significant at low traffic volumes. At high traffic volumes, the turbo roundabout was better than the conventional roundabout in terms of emissions, safety and throughput efficiency. CO emissions from vehicles on conventional roundabout are generally higher than those on turbo roundabout, up to 53.62%. Therefore, the turbo roundabout is more appropriate for heavy traffic conditions.

Sex modulated the relationship between trait approach motivation and decision-making.

It has been observed that one's Behavioral Approach System (BAS) can have an effect on decision-making under uncertainty, although the results have been mixed. To discern the underlying neural substrates, we hypothesize that sex may explain the conflicting results. To test this idea, a large sample of participants was studied using resting state fMRI, utilizing fractional Amplitude of Low Frequency Fluctuations (fALFF) and Resting-State Functional Connectivity (rsFC) techniques. The results of the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) revealed an interaction between sex and BAS, particularly in the last 60 trials (decision-making under risk). Males with high BAS showed poorer performance than those with low BAS. fALFF analysis showed a significant interaction between BAS group and sex in the left superior occipital gyrus, as well as the functional connectivity between this region and the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. Additionally, this functional connectivity was further positively correlated with male performance in the IGT, particularly in the decision-making under risk stage. Furthermore, it was found that the functional connectivity between left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and left superior occipital gyrus could mediate the relationship between BAS and decision-making in males, particularly in the decision-making under risk stage. These results suggest possible sex-based differences in decision-making, providing an explanation for the inconsistent results found in prior research. Since the research was carried out exclusively with Chinese university students, it is essential to conduct further studies to investigate whether the findings can be generalized.

Volume of the Dentate Gyrus/CA4 Hippocampal subfield mediates the interplay between sleep quality and depressive symptoms / El volumen del subcampo del giro dentado/hipocampo CA4 media la interacción entre la calidad del sueño y los síntomas depresivos

Background: Emerging evidence increasingly suggests that poor sleep quality is associated with depressive symptoms. The hippocampus might play a crucial role in the interplay between sleep disturbance and depressive symptomatology, e.g., hippocampal atrophy is typically seen in both insomnia disorder and depression. Thus, examining the role of hippocampal volume in the interplay between poor sleep quality and depressive symptoms in large healthy populations is vital. Methods: We investigated the association between self-reported sleep quality, depressive symptoms, and hippocampal total and subfields’ volumes in 1603 healthy young adults from the Behavioral Brain Research Project. Mediation analysis explored the mediating role of hippocampal volumes between sleep quality and depressive symptoms. Results: Self-reported sleep quality and depressive symptoms were positively correlated. In addition, it negatively related to three hippocampal subfields but not total hippocampal volume. In particular, hippocampal subfield DG and CA4 volumes mediated the interrelationship between poor sleep quality and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Our findings improved the current understanding of the relationship between sleep disturbance, depressive symptomatology, and hippocampal subfields in healthy populations. Considering the crucial role of DG in hippocampal neurogenesis, our results suggest that poor sleep quality may contribute to depression through a reduction of DG volume leading to impaired neurogenesis which is crucial for the regulation of mood.(AU)

Dietary Chinese herbal formula supplementation improves yolk fatty acid profile in aged laying hens.

Chinese herbal formula (CHF) has the potential to improve the performance of aged laying hens through integrated regulation of various physiological functions. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary CHF supplementation on the yolk fatty acid profile in aged laying hens. A total of 144 healthy 307-day-old Xinyang black-feather laying hens were randomly allocated into two groups: a control group (CON, fed a basal diet) and a CHF group (fed a basal diet supplemented with 1% CHF; contained 0.30% Leonurus japonicus Houtt., 0.20% Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., 0.25% Ligustrum lucidum Ait., and 0.25% Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz. for 120 days). The fatty acid concentrations in egg yolks were analyzed using a targeted metabolomics technology at days 60 and 120 of the trial. The results showed that dietary CHF supplementation increased (p < .05) the concentrations of several saturated fatty acids (SFA, including myristic acid and stearic acid), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, including petroselinic acid, elaidic acid, trans-11-eicosenoic acid, and cis-11-eicosenoic acid), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, including linolelaidic acid, linoleic acid, γ-linolenic acid, α-linolenic acid, 11c,14c-eicosadienoic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, homo-γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid), and fatty acid indexes (total MUFA, n-3 and n-6 PUFA, PUFA/SFA, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratio, health promotion index, and desirable fatty acids) in egg yolks. Collectively, these findings suggest that dietary CHF supplementation could improve the nutritional value of fatty acids in egg yolks of aged laying hens, which would be beneficial for the production of healthier eggs to meet consumer demands.

Sex-based differences in fairness norm compliance and neural circuitry.

Human behavior often aligns with fairness norms, either voluntarily or under external pressure, like sanctions. Prior research has identified distinct neural activation patterns associated with voluntary and sanction-based compliance or non-compliance with fairness norms. However, an investigation gap exists into potential neural connectivity patterns and sex-based differences. To address this, we conducted a study using a monetary allocation game and functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine how neural activity and connectivity differ between sexes across three norm compliance conditions: voluntary, sanction-based, and voluntary post-sanctions. Fifty-five adults (27 females) participated, revealing that punishment influenced decisions, leading to strategic calculations and reduced generosity in voluntary compliance post-sanctions. Moreover, there were sex-based differences in neural activation and connectivity across the different compliance conditions. Specifically, the connectivity between the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right dorsal anterior insular appeared to mediate intuitive preferences, with variations across norm compliance conditions and sexes. These findings imply potential sex-based differences in intuitive motivation for diverse norm compliance conditions. Our insights contribute to a better understanding of the neural pathways involved in fairness norm compliance and clarify sex-based differences, offering implications for future investigations into psychiatric and neurological disorders characterized by atypical socialization and mentalizing.

Volume of the Dentate Gyrus/CA4 Hippocampal subfield mediates the interplay between sleep quality and depressive symptoms.

Background: Emerging evidence increasingly suggests that poor sleep quality is associated with depressive symptoms. The hippocampus might play a crucial role in the interplay between sleep disturbance and depressive symptomatology, e.g., hippocampal atrophy is typically seen in both insomnia disorder and depression. Thus, examining the role of hippocampal volume in the interplay between poor sleep quality and depressive symptoms in large healthy populations is vital. Methods: We investigated the association between self-reported sleep quality, depressive symptoms, and hippocampal total and subfields' volumes in 1603 healthy young adults from the Behavioral Brain Research Project. Mediation analysis explored the mediating role of hippocampal volumes between sleep quality and depressive symptoms. Results: Self-reported sleep quality and depressive symptoms were positively correlated. In addition, it negatively related to three hippocampal subfields but not total hippocampal volume. In particular, hippocampal subfield DG and CA4 volumes mediated the interrelationship between poor sleep quality and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Our findings improved the current understanding of the relationship between sleep disturbance, depressive symptomatology, and hippocampal subfields in healthy populations. Considering the crucial role of DG in hippocampal neurogenesis, our results suggest that poor sleep quality may contribute to depression through a reduction of DG volume leading to impaired neurogenesis which is crucial for the regulation of mood.

Comparison of percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureterorenoscopy in the treatment of single upper ureteral calculi measuring 1 to 2 centimeters: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) and flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) in the treatment of single upper ureteral calculi measuring 1 to 2 centimeters. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis that combines a review of medical records with an outcomes management database. A total of 163 patients who underwent MPCNL and 137 patients who had FURS were identified between January 2017 and December 2021. Demographic data, operation time, hospitalization time, stone-free rate, and complication rate were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Preoperative general data of sex, age, BMI, serum creatinine, time of stone existence, stone hardness, stone diameter, preoperative hydronephrosis, and preoperative infection of the MPCNL group have no statistically significant difference with that of the FURS group. All MPCNL or FURS operations in both groups were successfully completed without any instances of reoperation or conversion to another surgical procedure. Patients who underwent MPCNL had a considerably reduced operation time (49.6 vs. 72.4 min; P<0.001), but a higher duration of hospitalization (9.1 vs. 3.9 days; P<0.001) compared to those who underwent FURS. The stone-free rate in the MPCNL group was superior to that of the FURS group, with a percentage of 90.8% compared to 71.5% (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant disparity in the rate of complications between the two groups (13.5% vs. 15.3%; P = 0.741). CONCLUSION: Both MPCNL and FURS are viable and secure surgical choices for individuals with solitary upper ureteral calculi measuring 1 to 2 cm. The FURS procedure resulted in a shorter duration of hospitalization compared to MPCNL. However, it had a comparatively lower rate of successfully removing the stones and required a longer duration for the operation.There were no substantial disparities observed in the complication rate between the two groups.FURS is the preferable option for treating uncomplicated upper ureteral calculi, whereas MPCNL is the preferable option for treating complicated upper ureteral calculi.Prior to making treatment options, it is crucial to take into account the expertise of surgeons, the quality of the equipment, and the preferences of the patient. TRIAL REGISTRATION: No.

Elevated BMI impacts brain-state dynamics within the sensorimotor-to-transmodal hierarchy.

OBJECTIVE: Overweight and obesity, as commonly indicated by a higher BMI, are associated with functional alterations in the brain, which may potentially result in cognitive decline and emotional illness. However, the manner in which these detrimental impacts manifest in the brain's dynamic characteristics remains largely unknown. METHODS: Based on two independent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data sets (Behavioral-Brain Research Project of Chinese Personality, n = 1923; Human Connectome Project, n = 998), the current study employed a Hidden Markov model to identify the spatiotemporal features of brain activity states. Subsequently, the study examined the changes in brain-state dynamics and the corresponding functional outcomes that arise with an increase in BMI. RESULTS: Elevated BMI tends to shift the brain's activity states toward a greater emphasis on a specific set of states, i.e., the metastate, that are relevant to the joint activities of sensorimotor systems, making it harder to transfer to the metastate of transmodal systems. These findings were reconfirmed in a longitudinal sample (Behavioral-Brain Research Project of Chinese Personality, n = 34) that exhibited a significant increase in BMI at follow-up. Importantly, the alternation of brain-state dynamics specifically mediated the relationships between BMI and adverse functional outcomes, including cognitive decline and symptoms of mental illness. CONCLUSIONS: The altered brain-state dynamics within the sensorimotor-to-transmodal hierarchy provide new insights into obesity-related brain dysfunctions and mental health issues.

Parental warmth, stressful life events, and impulsivity: A gene-environment-wide interaction study.

OBJECTIVE: Impulsivity is influenced by genetic, neural, and environmental factors, but no study has examined how these factors work together to generate individual differences in impulsivity. The present study aimed to define the functional network that subserves impulsivity and test its relations with the gene-environment interactions found in the gene-environment-wide interaction study. METHOD: This study used a sample of healthy Chinese college students (N = 1,145) to identify gene-environment interactive effects on impulsivity, then defined the functional brain network related to impulsivity in an independent sample (N = 483), and explored the gene-brain associations using polygenic risk score. RESULTS: The present study found that 14 genes showed significant interactive effects with parental warmth (a protective environmental factor) and that six genes showed significant interactive effects with stressful life events (a risk environmental factor). The polygenic risk score for parental warmth was significantly correlated with functional connectivity especially the left middle frontal gyrus (MFG)-left inferior occipital and left MFG-left superior frontal gyrus functional connectivity, while the polygenic risk score for more stressful life events was significantly correlated with functional connectivity of left dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) to other regions. These associations were stronger in more adverse environments (i.e., low parental warmth or high stressful life events). CONCLUSIONS: This was the first gene-environment-wide interaction study of impulsivity. Future studies should replicate our results and explore the underlying mechanisms of these interactions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Functional Connectome Hierarchy in Schizotypy and Its Associations With Expression of Schizophrenia-Related Genes.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Schizotypy has been conceptualized as a continuum of symptoms with marked genetic, neurobiological, and sensory-cognitive overlaps to schizophrenia. Hierarchical organization represents a general organizing principle for both the cortical connectome supporting sensation-to-cognition continuum and gene expression variability across the cortex. However, a mapping of connectome hierarchy to schizotypy remains to be established. Importantly, the underlying changes of the cortical connectome hierarchy that mechanistically link gene expressions to schizotypy are unclear. STUDY DESIGN: The present study applied novel connectome gradient on resting-state fMRI data from 1013 healthy young adults to investigate schizotypy-associated sensorimotor-to-transmodal connectome hierarchy and assessed its similarity with the connectome hierarchy of schizophrenia. Furthermore, normative and differential postmortem gene expression data were utilized to examine transcriptional profiles linked to schizotypy-associated connectome hierarchy. STUDY RESULTS: We found that schizotypy was associated with a compressed functional connectome hierarchy. Moreover, the pattern of schizotypy-related hierarchy exhibited a positive correlation with the connectome hierarchy observed in schizophrenia. This pattern was closely colocated with the expression of schizophrenia-related genes, with the correlated genes being enriched in transsynaptic, receptor signaling and calcium ion binding. CONCLUSIONS: The compressed connectome hierarchy suggests diminished functional system differentiation, providing a novel and holistic system-level basis for various sensory-cognition deficits in schizotypy. Importantly, its linkage with schizophrenia-altered hierarchy and schizophrenia-related gene expression yields new insights into the neurobiological continuum of psychosis. It also provides mechanistic insight into how gene variation may drive alterations in functional hierarchy, mediating biological vulnerability of schizotypy to schizophrenia.