Subsyndromal depression leads to early under-activation and late over-activation during inhibitory control: an ERP study.

Individuals with depressive disorders have deficits in inhibitory control and exhibit symptoms of impaired cognitive and emotional functioning. Individuals with subsyndromal depression are intermediate between the healthy group and clinically diagnosed patients with depressive disorders, and studying the characteristics of their inhibitory control functioning can help to investigate the mechanisms underlying the development of depressive disorders. Using two classical paradigms of inhibitory control, Flanker and Go/NoGo, the present study explored the differences in inhibitory control between individuals with subsyndromal depression and healthy individuals from the perspectives of both response inhibition and interference control. Behavioral results showed that both groups did not differ in response time and accuracy; in terms of event-related potentials, individuals with subsyndromal depression presented smaller N2 amplitudes as well as larger P3 amplitudes in the NoGo condition of the Go/NoGo paradigm; and smaller N2 amplitudes in the incongruent condition of the Flanker paradigm. Moreover, the depression-prone group showed lower theta power compared to the healthy group in the NoGo condition of the NoGo paradigm and the incongruent condition of the Flanker paradigm. The present study reveals that the depression-prone group may have a compensatory mechanism in the response inhibition, which is mainly manifested as early under-activation as well as late over-activation.

Effects of working memory training on different goals of cognitive reappraisal.

Working memory training (WMT) has shown potential benefits in emotion regulation (ER), mainly in terms of improved ability to downregulate negative emotions in cognitive reappraisal. However, the goal of cognitive reappraisal can be not only to reduce negative emotion but also to increase negative emotion. It is not clear what effect WMT has on the upregulation of negative emotion. In the current study, we conducted a 20-day WMT with participants to explore the effects of training on the down- and upregulation of negative emotion and followed participants for 3 months after training to examine the persistent effects of training. Our results suggest that participants in the training group improved their ability to regulate negative emotions in both the down- and upregulation conditions. Notably, benefits from training were also observed in the look negative condition, suggesting that WMT may elicit general cognitive enhancement that is broadly transferable to any kind of negative situation to help individuals regulate the effects of negative emotions. In addition, our study also showed that the improvement in negative ER by training could last even over 3 months. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

MSEDNet: Multi-scale fusion and edge-supervised network for RGB-T salient object detection.

RGB-T Salient object detection (SOD) is to accurately segment salient regions in both visible light images and thermal infrared images. However, most of existing methods for SOD neglects the critical complementarity between multiple modalities images, which is beneficial to further improve the detection accuracy. Therefore, this work introduces the MSEDNet RGB-T SOD method. We utilize an encoder to extract multi-level modalities features from both visible light images and thermal infrared images, which are subsequently categorized into high, medium, and low level. Additionally, we propose three separate feature fusion modules to comprehensively extract complementary information between different modalities during the fusion process. These modules are applied to specific feature levels: the Edge Dilation Sharpening module for low-level features, the Spatial and Channel-Aware module for mid-level features, and the Cross-Residual Fusion module for high-level features. Finally, we introduce an edge fusion loss function for supervised learning, which effectively extracts edge information from different modalities and suppresses background noise. Comparative demonstrate the superiority of the proposed MSEDNet over other state-of-the-art methods. The code and results can be found at the following link: https://github.com/Zhou-wy/MSEDNet.

Working memory training for reward processing in university students with subsyndromal depression: The influence of baseline severity of depression.

Previous studies have tentatively suggested that working memory training (WMT) has the potential to improve reward processing, but it is not known how long this improvement lasts, whether there is a lag effect, or whether it is reflected in neurophysiological indicators. In this study, 40 university students with subsyndromal depression were randomly assigned to a training group or a control group and completed a 20-day working memory training task and a simple memory task, respectively. All participants completed the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPS) and a doors task with electroencephalogram (EEG) signals recorded simultaneously on a pre- and post-test and a 3-month follow-up. The reward-related positivity (RewP) amplitude, theta power, and their differences between conditions (i.e., ΔRewP and Δtheta power, respectively) in the doors task were the primary outcomes, and the score on TEPS was the secondary outcome. The results indicated no group-related effects were demonstrated in primary and secondary outcomes at post-test and 3-month follow-up. Furthermore, the differences in the pre- and post-test in Δtheta power were moderated by the baseline severity of depression. This was primarily driven by the fact that the change values in the control group increased with the severity of depression, while the change values in the training group had high homogeneity. Our findings did not provide support for the effect of WMT on reward processing across the whole sample, but without intervention, there would be high heterogeneity in the change in the cognitive control ability to loss feedback, which is detrimental to individuals with high depression severity.

Long noncoding RNA Regulating ImMune Escape regulates mixed lineage leukaemia protein-1-H3K4me3-mediated immune escape in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Predictive biomarkers for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) immunotherapy are lacking, and immunotherapy resistance remains to be addressed. The role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in ESCC immune escape and immunotherapy resistance remains to be elucidated. METHODS: The tumour-associated macrophage-upregulated lncRNAs and the exosomal lncRNAs highly expressed in ESCC immunotherapy nonresponders were identified by lncRNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction assays. CRISPR-Cas9 was used to explore the functional roles of the lncRNA. RNA pull-down, MS2-tagged RNA affinity purification (MS2-TRAP) and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) were performed to identify lncRNA-associated proteins and related mechanisms. In vivo, the humanized PBMC (hu-PBMC) mouse model was established to assess the therapeutic responses of specific lncRNA inhibitors and their combination with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody (mAb). Single-cell sequencing, flow cytometry, and multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry were used to analyze immune cells infiltrating the tumour microenvironment. RESULTS: We identified a lncRNA that is involved in tumour immune evasion and immunotherapy resistance. High LINC02096 (RIME) expression in plasma exosomes correlates with a reduced response to PD-1 mAb treatment and poor prognosis. Mechanistically, RIME binds to mixed lineage leukaemia protein-1 (MLL1) and prevents ankyrin repeat and SOCS box containing 2 (ASB2)-mediated MLL1 ubiquitination, improving the stability of MLL1. RIME-MLL1 increases H3K4me3 levels in the promoter regions of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1), constitutively increasing the expression of PD-L1/IDO-1 in tumour cells and inhibiting CD8+ T cells infiltration and activation. RIME depletion in huPBMC-NOG mice significantly represses tumour development and improves the effectiveness of PD-1 mAb treatment by activating T-cell-mediated antitumour immunity. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that the RIME-MLL1-H3K4me3 axis plays a critical role in tumour immunosuppression. Moreover, RIME appears to be a potential prognostic biomarker for immunotherapy and developing drugs that target RIME may be a new therapeutic strategy that overcomes immunotherapy resistance and benefits patients with ESCC.

Strong synergistic toughening and compatibilization enhancement of carbon nanotubes and multi-functional epoxy compatibilizer in high toughened polylactic acid (PLA)/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blends.

Different carbon nanotubes (CNTs) contents on high-toughness polylactic acid (PLA)/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blends were prepared by one-step melt blending using multifunctional epoxy oligomers (ADR) as reactive compatibilizer. During reactive blending, the PLA or PBAT chains were grafted onto the CNTs by allowing the carboxyl or hydroxyl groups to react with epoxy groups and form a branched CNTs-based copolymer. The branched copolymer at the interface between PLA and PBAT was dispersed through emulsion to improve the polymer-polymer or polymer-nanoparticle entanglement between the molecular chains. Interfacial adhesion, interface layer stability, and system viscoelasticity and compatibility were improved as indicated by rheological curves and dynamic mechanical analysis. The strength and toughness of the sample were simultaneously improved by the addition of CNTs and ADR. The impact strength reached 35.3 kJ/m2, which was approximately 7 times that of the PLA/PBAT blend, and the tensile strength was also increased from 33.6 MPa to 42.8 MPa. The properties of PLA/PBAT blend synergistically modified by ADR and CNTs were obviously better than those of PLA/PBAT blend modified by ADR or CNTs. The toughening synergistic effect of ADR and CNTs on PLA/PBAT was observed with efficiency reaching 3.05. With the further understanding of the toughening mechanism, the branched CNTs-based copolymers and CNTs clusters induce a synergistic effect, which increased the interfacial adhesion and ability of energy dissipation and stress transmission.

Cadmium exposure during puberty damages testicular development and spermatogenesis via ferroptosis caused by intracellular iron overload and oxidative stress in mice.

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental pollutant and a reproductive toxicant. It has been proved that Cd can reduce male fertility, however, the molecular mechanisms remain unveiled. This study aims to explore the effects and mechanisms of pubertal Cd exposure on testicular development and spermatogenesis. The results showed that Cd exposure during puberty could cause pathological damage to testes and reduce sperm counts in mice in adulthood. Moreover, Cd exposure during puberty reduced GSH content, induced iron overload and ROS production in testes, suggesting that Cd exposure during puberty may induce testicular ferroptosis. The results in vitro experiments further strengthened that Cd caused iron overload and oxidative stress, and decreased MMP in GC-1 spg cells. In addition, Cd disturbed intracellular iron homeostasis and peroxidation signal pathway based on transcriptomics analysis. Interestingly, these changes induced by Cd could be partially suppressed by pretreated with ferroptotic inhibitors, Ferrostatin-1 and Deferoxamine mesylate. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that Cd exposure during puberty maybe disrupted intracellular iron metabolism and peroxidation signal pathway, triggered ferroptosis in spermatogonia, and ultimately damaged testicular development and spermatogenesis in mice in adulthood.

Effect of maleic anhydride grafted poly(lactic acid) on rheological behaviors and mechanical performance of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA/PEG) blends.

A series of polylactic acid (PLA)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) blends was prepared by melt blending using PEG as a plasticizer to address the disadvantages of PLA brittleness. PEG can weaken the intermolecular chain interactions of PLA and improve its processing properties. PLA-grafted maleic anhydride (GPLA) was reactively blended with PLA/PEG to obtain a high tenacity PLA/PEG/GPLA blend. GPLA was prepared by melt grafting using diisopropyl peroxide as the initiator and maleic anhydride as the graft. The effects of different PEG molecular weights (1000-10 000 g mol-1) on the properties of PLA/PEG/GPLA blends were investigated. GPLA reacted with PEG1000 (M w = 1000 g mol-1) to form short PLA branched chains and reacted with PEG10000 (M w = 10 000 g mol-1) to form a small number of PLA branched chains, which was unconducive to increasing the intermolecular chain entanglement. The branched PLA formed by the reaction between PEG6000 (M w = 6000 g mol-1) and GPLA had a remarkable effect on increasing intermolecular chain entanglement. The complex viscosity, modulus, and melt strength values of PLA/PEG6000/GPLA blends were relatively large. The elongation at break of the blends reached 526.9%, and the tensile strength was 30.91 MPa. It provides an effective way to prepare PLA materials with excellent comprehensive properties.

Strategies and techniques for improving heat resistance and mechanical performances of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biodegradable materials.

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has attracted much attention as a substitute for petroleum-based plastics, but its low heat resistance limits its application range in packaging fields and disposable products. This paper summarizes the structural factors affecting the heat resistance of PLA and systematically summarizes methods to improve its heat resistance. PLA is a semi-crystalline polymer, and crystallinity, crystal size, and other factors are important factors affecting heat resistance. This paper systematically analyzes the means to control the crystallization behavior of PLA, and summarizes the effects of nucleating agents, cross-linking, grafting, and annealing processes on the crystallization behavior and heat resistance of PLA. The effects of PLA molecular chain cross-linking and grafting on the motility of PLA molecular chains and the heat resistance of PLA materials are further discussed from the perspective of PLA molecular chain segment movement. The research work on combining PLA with reinforcements such as high heat-resistant polymer materials, fiber, and nanoparticles to improve the mechanical properties and heat resistance of PLA by introducing rigid groups or structures is described in detail. Improving the heat resistance of PLA material is an important strategy to promote the application of biodegradable materials, and has broad research value and application prospects.

Glucose metabolism inhibitor PFK-015 combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor is an effective treatment regimen in cancer.

Metabolic inhibition via PFKFB3 inhibition has demonstrated considerable tumor inhibitory effects in various studies; however, PFKFB3 inhibition did not show satisfactory tumor inhibition when used in clinical trials. PFKFB3 is a crucial metabolic enzyme that is highly upregulated in cancer cells and directly affects tumor glycolysis. Here, we showed that PFKFB3 inhibition suppresses tumors in vitro and in vivo in immune-deficient xenografts. However, this inhibition induces the upregulation of PD-L1 levels, which inactivated cocultured T-cells in vitro, compromises anti-tumor immunity in vivo, and reduced anti-tumor efficacy in an immune-competent mouse model. Functionally, PD-1 mAb treatment enhances the efficacy of PFKFB3 inhibition in immunocompetent and hu-PBMC NOG mouse models. Mechanistically, PFKFB3 inhibition increases phosphorylation of PFKFB3 at residue Ser461, which increases interaction with HIF-1α, and their colocalization into the nucleus, where HIF-1α transcriptionally upregulate PD-L1 expression and causes subsequent tumor immune evasion. Higher phos-PFKFB3 correlated with higher PD-L1 expression, lower CD8 and GRZMB levels, and shorter survival time in ESCC patients.

COVID-19 and income profile: How communities in the United States responded to mobility restrictions in the pandemic's early stages.

Mobility interventions in communities play a critical role in containing a pandemic at an early stage. The real-world practice of social distancing can enlighten policymakers and help them implement more efficient and effective control measures. A lack of such research using real-world observations initiates this article. We analyzed the social distancing performance of 66,149 census tracts from 3,142 counties in the United States with a specific focus on income profile. Six daily mobility metrics, including a social distancing index, stay-at-home percentage, miles traveled per person, trip rate, work trip rate, and non-work trip rate, were produced for each census tract using the location data from over 100 million anonymous devices on a monthly basis. Each mobility metric was further tabulated by three perspectives of social distancing performance: "best performance," "effort," and "consistency." We found that for all 18 indicators, high-income communities demonstrated better social distancing performance. Such disparities between communities of different income levels are presented in detail in this article. The comparisons across scenarios also raise other concerns for low-income communities, such as employment status, working conditions, and accessibility to basic needs. This article lays out a series of facts extracted from real-world data and offers compelling perspectives for future discussions.

Recent progress of preparation of branched poly(lactic acid) and its application in the modification of polylactic acid materials.

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) with branched structure has abundant terminal groups, high melt strength, good rheological properties, and excellent processability; it is a new research and application direction of PLA materials. This study mainly summarizes the molecular structure design, preparation methods, basic properties of branched PLA, and its application in modified PLA materials. The structure and properties of branched PLA prepared by ring-opening polymerization of monomer, functional group polycondensation, and chain extender in the processing process were introduced. The research progress of in situ formation of branched PLA by initiators, multifunctional monomers/additives through dynamic vulcanization, and irradiation induction was described. The effect of branched PLA on the structure and properties of linear PLA materials was analyzed. The role of branched PLA in improving the crystallization behavior, phase morphology, foaming properties, and mechanical properties of linear PLA materials was discussed. At the same time, its research progress in biomedicine and tissue engineering was analyzed. Branched PLA has excellent compatibility with PLA, which has important research value in regulating the structure and properties of PLA materials.

High-Toughness Poly(Lactic Acid)/Starch Blends Prepared through Reactive Blending Plasticization and Compatibilization.

In this study, poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/starch blends were prepared through reactive melt blending by using PLA and starch as raw materials and vegetable oil polyols, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and citric acid (CA) as additives. The effects of CA and PEG on the toughness of PLA/starch blends were analyzed using a mechanical performance test, scanning electron microscope analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, rheological analysis, and hydrophilicity test. Results showed that the elongation at break and impact strength of the PLA/premixed starch (PSt)/PEG/CA blend were 140.51% and 3.56 kJ·m-2, which were 13.4 and 1.8 times higher than those of pure PLA, respectively. The essence of the improvement in the toughness of the PLA/PSt/PEG/CA blend was the esterification reaction among CA, PEG, and starch. During the melt-blending process, the CA with abundant carboxyl groups reacted in the amorphous region of the starch. The shape and crystal form of the starch did not change, but the surface activity of the starch improved and consequently increased the adhesion between starch and PLA. As a plasticizer for PLA and starch, PEG effectively enhanced the mobility of the molecular chains. After PEG was dispersed, it participated in the esterification reaction of CA and starch at the interface and formed a branched/crosslinked copolymer that was embedded in the interface of PLA and starch. This copolymer further improved the compatibility of the PLA/starch blends. PEGs with small molecules and CA were used as compatibilizers to reduce the effect on PLA biodegradability. The esterification reaction on the starch surface improved the compatibilization and toughness of the PLA/starch blend materials and broadens their application prospects in the fields of medicine and high-fill packaging.

Circular RNA: metabolism, functions and interactions with proteins.

Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are single-stranded, covalently closed RNA molecules that are ubiquitous across species ranging from viruses to mammals. Important advances have been made in the biogenesis, regulation, localization, degradation and modification of circRNAs. CircRNAs exert biological functions by acting as transcriptional regulators, microRNA (miR) sponges and protein templates. Moreover, emerging evidence has revealed that a group of circRNAs can serve as protein decoys, scaffolds and recruiters. However, the existing research on circRNA-protein interactions is quite limited. Hence, in this review, we briefly summarize recent progress in the metabolism and functions of circRNAs and elaborately discuss the patterns of circRNA-protein interactions, including altering interactions between proteins, tethering or sequestering proteins, recruiting proteins to chromatin, forming circRNA-protein-mRNA ternary complexes and translocating or redistributing proteins. Many discoveries have revealed that circRNAs have unique expression signatures and play crucial roles in a variety of diseases, enabling them to potentially act as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review systematically evaluates the roles and mechanisms of circRNAs, with the hope of advancing translational medicine involving circRNAs.

Human mobility trends during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

In March of this year, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, and it continues to threaten public health. This global health crisis imposes limitations on daily movements, which have deteriorated every sector in our society. Understanding public reactions to the virus and the non-pharmaceutical interventions should be of great help to fight COVID-19 in a strategic way. We aim to provide tangible evidence of the human mobility trends by comparing the day-by-day variations across the U.S. from January 2020 to early April 2020. Large-scale public mobility at an aggregated level is observed by leveraging mobile device location data and the measures related to social distancing. Our study captures spatial and temporal heterogeneity as well as the sociodemographic variations and teleworking trends regarding the pandemic propagation and the non-pharmaceutical mobility interventions. All metrics adapted capture decreased public movements after the national emergency declaration. The population staying home has increased in all states before the stay-at-home mandates implemented and becomes more stable after the order with a smaller range of fluctuation. The public had been taking active responses, voluntarily staying home more, to the in-state confirmed cases while the stay-at-home orders stabilize the variations. As the estimated teleworking rates also continue to incline throughout the study period, the teleworking trend can be another driving factor for the growing stay-at-home population. We confirm that there exists overall mobility heterogeneity between the income or population density groups. The study suggests that public mobility trends are in line with the government message urging to stay home. We anticipate our data-driven analysis offers integrated perspectives and serves as evidence to raise public awareness and, consequently, reinforce the importance of social distancing while assisting policymakers.

Super tough poly(lactic acid) blends: a comprehensive review.

Poly(lactic acid) or poly(lactide) (PLA) is a renewable, bio-based, and biodegradable aliphatic thermoplastic polyester that is considered a promising alternative to petrochemical-derived polymers in a wide range of commodity and engineering applications. However, PLA is inherently brittle, with less than 10% elongation at break and a relatively poor impact strength, which limit its use in some specific areas. Therefore, enhancing the toughness of PLA has been widely explored in academic and industrial fields over the last two decades. This work aims to summarize and organize the current development in super tough PLA fabricated via polymer blending. The miscibility and compatibility of PLA-based blends, and the methods and approaches for compatibilized PLA blends are briefly discussed. Recent advances in PLA modified with various polymers for improving the toughness of PLA are also summarized and elucidated systematically in this review. Various polymers used in toughening PLA are discussed and organized: elastomers, such as petroleum-based traditional polyurethanes (PUs), bio-based elastomers, and biodegradable polyester elastomers; glycidyl ester compatibilizers and their copolymers/elastomers, such as poly(ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (EGMA), poly(ethylene-n-butylene-acrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (EBA-GMA); rubber; petroleum-based traditional plastics, such as PE and PP; and various biodegradable polymers, such as poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and natural macromolecules, especially starch. The high tensile toughness and high impact strength of PLA-based blends are briefly outlined, while the super tough PLA-based blends with impact strength exceeding 50 kJ m-2 are elucidated in detail. The toughening strategies and approaches of PLA based super tough blends are summarized and analyzed. The relationship of the properties of PLA-based blends and their morphological parameters, including particle size, interparticle distance, and phase morphologies, are presented.

Fused-ring pyrazine derivatives for n-type field-effect transistors.

Three new fused-ring pyrazine derivatives end-functionalized with trifluoromethylphenyl groups have been synthesized. The effect of a fused-ring pyrazine core on the thermal, electronic, optical, thin film morphology, and organic field-effect transistor (OFET) properties was investigated both experimentally and theoretically. Electrochemistry measurements and density functional theory calculations suggest that the pyrazine core plays a significant role in tuning the electron affinities of these compounds. The optical absorption and fluorescence properties are also sensitive to the pyrazine core. The OFET devices based on the fused-ring pyrazine compounds exhibit electron mobilities as high as ca. 0.03 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) under nitrogen, and their performance is sensitive to the pyrazine core. The larger pyrazine core leads to a lower LUMO level and lower reorganization energy, to more ordered thin film morphology with larger grain size, and finally to higher mobilities.

6-(4-Methyl-phen-yl)-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-phen-yl)-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole.

In the mol-ecule of the title compound, C(19)H(18)N(4)O(3)S, the central heterocylic ring system is oriented with respect to the trimethoxy-phenyl and 4-methyl-phenyl rings at dihedral angles of 1.1 (5) and 15.1 (5)°, respectively. The dihedral angle between the two benzene rings is 16.1 (4)°. In the crystal structure, mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, and an intra-molecular C-H⋯N inter-action also occurs.

5-(1H-Inden-2-yl)-1,3-benzodioxole.

In the title compound, C(16)H(12)O(2), the non-H atoms are coplanar with a mean r.m.s. deviation of 0.0260 (2) Å. The deviations of the bond angles from normal values at the indenyl junction C atom and the indenyl bridgehead C atom nearest the junction are imposed by the five-membered ring geometry. Due to conjugation, the single bond linking the two ring systems [1.455 (3) Å] is significantly shorter than the formal single bonds in the five-membered carbocyclic ring [1.500 (3) and 1.489 (3) Å].