Verifying and refining early statuses in Alzheimer's disease progression: a possibility from deep feature comparison.

Defining the early status of Alzheimer's disease is challenging. Theoretically, the statuses in the Alzheimer's disease continuum are expected to share common features. Here, we explore to verify and refine candidature early statuses of Alzheimer's disease with features learned from deep learning. We train models on brain functional networks to accurately classify between amnestic and non-amnestic mild cognitive impairments and between healthy controls and mild cognitive impairments. The trained models are applied to Alzheimer's disease and subjective cognitive decline groups to suggest feature similarities among the statuses and identify informative subpopulations. The amnestic mild cognitive impairment vs non-amnestic mild cognitive impairments classifier believes that 71.8% of Alzheimer's disease are amnestic mild cognitive impairment. And 73.5% of subjective cognitive declines are labeled as mild cognitive impairments, 88.8% of which are further suggested as "amnestic mild cognitive impairment." Further multimodal analyses suggest that the amnestic mild cognitive impairment-like Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment-like subjective cognitive decline, and amnestic mild cognitive impairment-like subjective cognitive decline exhibit more Alzheimer's disease -related pathological changes (elaborated ß-amyloid depositions, reduced glucose metabolism, and gray matter atrophy) than non-amnestic mild cognitive impairments -like Alzheimer's disease, healthy control-like subjective cognitive decline, and non-amnestic mild cognitive impairments -like subjective cognitive decline. The test-retest reliability of the subpopulation identification is fair to good in general. The study indicates overall similarity among subjective cognitive decline, amnestic mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease and implies their progression relationships. The results support "deep feature comparison" as a potential beneficial framework to verify and refine early Alzheimer's disease status.

Positive rate and quantification of amyloid pathology with [18F]florbetapir in the urban Chinese population.

OBJECTIVES: Amyloid deposition is considered the initial pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Personalized management requires investigation of amyloid pathology and the risk factors for both amyloid pathology and cognitive decline in the Chinese population. We aimed to investigate amyloid positivity and deposition in AD patients, as well as factors related to amyloid pathology in Chinese cities. METHODS: This cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in Shanghai and Zhengzhou, China. All participants were recruited from urban communities and memory clinics. Amyloid positivity and deposition were analyzed based on amyloid positron emission tomography (PET). We used partial least squares (PLS) models to investigate how related factors contributed to amyloid deposition and cognitive decline. RESULTS: In total, 1026 participants were included: 768 participants from the community-based cohort (COMC) and 258 participants from the clinic-based cohort (CLIC). The overall amyloid-positive rates in individuals with clinically diagnosed AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and normal cognition (NC) were 85.8%, 44.5%, and 26.9%, respectively. The global amyloid deposition standardized uptake value ratios (SUVr) (reference: cerebellar crus) were 1.44 ± 0.24, 1.30 ± 0.22, and 1.24 ± 0.14, respectively. CLIC status, apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4, and older age were strongly associated with amyloid pathology by PLS modeling. CONCLUSION: The overall amyloid-positive rates accompanying AD, MCI, and NC in the Chinese population were similar to those in published cohorts of other populations. ApoE ε4 and CLIC status were risk factors for amyloid pathology across the AD continuum. Education was a risk factor for amyloid pathology in MCI. Female sex and age were risk factors for amyloid pathology in NC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This study provides new details about amyloid pathology in the Chinese population. Factors related to amyloid deposition and cognitive decline can help to assess patients' AD risk. KEY POINTS: • We studied amyloid pathology and related risk factors in the Chinese population. •·The overall amyloid-positive rates in individuals with clinically diagnosed AD, MCI, and NC were 85.8%, 44.5%, and 26.9%, respectively. • These overall amyloid-positive rates were in close agreement with the corresponding prevalence for other populations.

Brain glucose metabolism and dopamine transporter changes in rats with morphine-induced conditioned place preference.

Addiction to morphine is a chronic brain disease leading to compulsive abuse. Drug addiction animal models with and without conditioned place preference (CPP) training have been used to investigate cue-elicited drug craving. We used 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18 F-FDG) and 11 C-2-ß-carbomethoxy-3-ß-(4-fluorophenyl)tropane (11 C-CFT) micro-PET/CT scans to examine the regional changes in brain glucose metabolism and dopamine transporter (DAT) availability to study their relationship underlying drug memory in morphine-treated rat models with and without CPP. Standardized uptake value ratio (SUVr) of 18 F-FDG significantly decreased in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and cingulate with short-term morphine administration compared with the baseline condition. Voxelwise analysis indicated glucose metabolism alterations in the somatosensory cortex, hippocampus and cingulate in morphine-treated rats and in the striatum, thalamus, medial prefrontal cortex, primary motor cortex and many regions in the cortex in the CPP group compared with the baseline condition. Alterative glucose metabolism was also observed in the striatum, primary somatosensory cortex and some cortical regions in the CPP group compared with morphine alone group. DAT expression alterations were only observed in the long-term morphine compared with the short-term morphine group. This study shows that cerebral glucose metabolism significantly altered during morphine administration and CPP process mainly in the mPFC, striatum and hippocampus, which indicates that the function of these brain regions is involved in cue-induced craving and memory retrieval.

Comparison of [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 and [18F]-FDG for the detection of primary and metastatic lesions in patients with gastric cancer: a bicentric retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The low sensitivity of [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]-FDG) for the diagnosis of gastric cancer limits its application. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential advantage of [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 over [18F]-FDG in the evaluation of gastric cancer. METHODS: This was a bicentric retrospective analysis of a prospective parent study (clinical trial: HS-KY-2020-826 (Huashan Hospital) and DF-2020-102 (Shanghai East Hospital)). Thirty-eight patients with gastric cancer (31 with adenocarcinoma and 7 with signet ring cell carcinoma) were included in this study. All of the participants underwent [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 and [18F]-FDG imaging by positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) or PET/magnetic resonance (MR). The scans were interpreted by two experienced nuclear medicine physicians, and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was calculated. Histopathological findings obtained from biopsy or resected surgical specimens were used as a reference for the final diagnosis. RESULTS: For the detection of primary gastric cancer, the sensitivities of [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET and [18F]-FDG PET were 100% (38/38) and 82% (31/38), respectively (P = 0.016). Four cases of adenocarcinoma and three cases of signet ring cell carcinoma were missed by [18F]-FDG PET. The mean SUVmax of [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 in tumours greater than 4 cm (11.0 ± 4.5) was higher than that in tumours less than 4 cm (4.5 ± 3.2) (P = 0.0015). The mean SUVmax of [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 was higher in T2-4 tumours (9.7 ± 4.4) than in T1 tumours (3.1 ± 1.5) (P = 0.0002). For the detection of metastatic lesions, the sensitivities of [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET and [18F]-FDG PET in 10 patients with regional lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis were 6/10 and 5/10, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this selected cohort, [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET had a superior detection rate than [18F]-FDG PET for primary gastric cancer. [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET could provide better performance with regard to gastric cancer diagnosis and staging. Prospective clinical trials are warranted.

Changes in brain glucose metabolism and connectivity in somatoform disorders: an 18F-FDG PET study.

Somatoform disorders (SFD) are defined as a syndrome characterized by somatic symptoms which cannot be explained by organic reasons. Chronic or recurrent forms of somatization lead to heavy emotional and financial burden to the patients and their families. However, the underlying etiology of SFD is largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the changed brain glucose metabolic pattern in SFD. In this study, 18 SFD patients and 21 matched healthy controls were enrolled and underwent an 18F-FDG PET scan. First, we explored the altered brain glucose metabolism in SFD. Then, we calculated the mean 18F-FDG uptake values for 90 AAL regions, and detected the changed brain metabolic connectivity between the most significantly changed regions and all other regions. In addition, the Pearson coefficients between the neuropsychological scores and regional brain 18F-FDG uptake values were computed for SFD patients. We found that SFD patients showed extensive hypometabolism in bilateral superolateral prefrontal cortex, insula, and regions in bilateral temporal gyrus, right angular gyrus, left gyrus rectus, right fusiform gyrus, right rolandic operculum and bilateral occipital gyrus. The metabolic connectivity between right insula and prefrontal areas, as well as within prefrontal areas was enhanced in SFD. And several brain regions were associated with the somatic symptoms, including insula, putamen, middle temporal gyrus, superior parietal gyrus and orbital part of inferior frontal gyrus. Our study revealed widespread alterations of the brain glucose metabolic pattern in SFD patients. Those findings might elucidate the neuronal mechanisms with glucose metabolism and shed light on the pathology of SFD.

Genotype and phenotype analysis of a cohort of patients with congenital hyperinsulinism based on DOPA-PET CT scanning.

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a clinically, genetically, and morphologically heterogeneous disorder. 18F DOPA-PET CT scanning greatly improves its clinical outcome. Here, we presented the first Chinese 18F DOPA-PET CT scanning-based CHI cohort highlighting the variable ethic clinical phenotypes and genotypes. Fifty CHI patients were recruited. Median age at presentation was 2 days. Median fasting time was 2 h. Mean insulin level was 25.6 µIU/ml. Fifty-two percent of patients were diazoxide-unresponsive with significantly shorter fasting tolerance time and higher serum insulin level compared with the responsive patients. Seventy-four percent of patients experienced at least one adverse drug reaction. Tremendously increased focal lesions (32%) were detected and 75% of them were cured through surgery. Thirty-one nucleotide sequence changes were identified in 48% patients. Four novel variants (Q608X, Q1347X, Q289X, F1489S) in ABCC8 gene and 2 novel variants (G132A, V138E) in KCNJ11 gene were detected. Of the variants, 87.1% harbored in ABCC and KCNJ11 genes. T1042Qfs*75 in ABCC8 gene was the most common mutation.Conclusion: Highly increased portion of focal lesion was presented in Chinese CHI patients compared with that of the previous reports. Intolerance to diazoxide was much more evident in Chinese or East Asian than other populations. Certain hotspot mutations harbored in Chinese CHI patients. What is Known: • 18F DOPA-PET CT scanning can provide informative guidance for surgical procedure when medical therapy is not well responded in CHI patients. What is New: • Intolerance to diazoxide is much more evident in Chinese and East Asian CHI patients compared with the other ethnic populations. • Novel mutations were detected in ABCC8 and KCNJ11 gene. Hotspot mutations such as T1042Qfs*75, I1511K, E501K, G111R in ABCC8 gene, and R34H in KCNJ11 gene are predominantly responsible for Chinese CHI patients.

Identifying the redox activity of cation-disordered Li-Fe-V-Ti oxide cathodes for Li-ion batteries.

Cation-disordered oxides have recently shown promising properties on the way to explore high-performance intercalation cathode materials for rechargeable Li-ion batteries. Here, stoichiometric cation-disordered Li2FeVyTi1-yO4 (y = 0, 0.2, 0.5) nanoparticles are studied. The substitution of V for Ti in Li2FeVyTi1-yO4 increases the content of active transition metals (Fe and V) and accordingly the amount of Li(+) (about (1 + y)Li(+) capacity per formula unit) that can be reversibly intercalated. It is found that Fe(3+)/Fe(2+) and V(4+)/V(3+) redox couples contribute to the overall capacity performance, whereas Ti(4+) remains mainly inert. There is no evidence for the presence of Fe(4+) species after charging to 4.8 V, as confirmed from the ex situ(57)Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy and the Fe K-edge absorption spectra. The redox couple reactions for iron and vanadium are examined by performing in situ synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy. During charging/discharging, the spectral evolution of the K-edges for Fe and V confirms the reversible Fe(3+)/Fe(2+) and V(4+)/V(3+) redox reactions during cycling between 1.5 and 4.8 V.

Nanoscale spinel LiFeTiO4 for intercalation pseudocapacitive Li(+) storage.

Intercalation pseudocapacitive Li(+) storage has been recognized recently in metal oxide materials, wherein Li(+) intercalation into the lattice is not solid-state diffusion-limited. This may bridge the performance gap between electrochemical capacitors and battery materials. To date, only a few materials with desired crystal structure and with well-defined nanoarchitectures have been found to exhibit such attractive behaviour. Herein, we report for the first time that nanoscale spinel LiFeTiO4 as a cathode material for Li-ion batteries exhibits intercalation pseudocapacitive Li(+) storage behaviour. Nanoscale LiFeTiO4 nanoparticles with native carbon coating were synthesized by a sol-gel route. A fast and large-amount of Li(+) storage (up to 1.6 Li(+) per formula unit over cycling) in the nanoscale LiFeTiO4 host has been achieved without compromising kinetics.

Li(+) intercalation in isostructural Li2VO3 and Li2VO2F with O(2-) and mixed O(2-)/F(-) anions.

Mixed-anion materials for Li-ion batteries have been attracting attention in view of their tunable electrochemical properties. Herein, we compare two isostructural (Fm3̅m) model intercalation materials Li2VO3 and Li2VO2F with O(2-) and mixed O(2-)/F(-) anions, respectively. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction and pair distribution function data confirm large structural similarity over long-range and at the atomic scale for these materials. However, they show distinct electrochemical properties and kinetic behaviour arising from the different anion environments and the consequent difference in cationic electrostatic repulsion. In comparison with Li2VO3 with an active V(4+/5+) redox reaction, the material Li2VO2F with oxofluoro anions and the partial activity of V(3+/5+) redox reaction favor higher theoretical capacity (460 mA h g(-1)vs. 230 mA h g(-1)), higher voltage (2.5 V vs. 2.2 V), lower polarization (0.1 V vs. 0.3 V) and faster Li(+) chemical diffusion (∼10(-9) cm(2) s(-1)vs. ∼10(-11) cm(2) s(-1)). This work not only provides insights into the understanding of anion chemistry, but also suggests the rational design of new mixed-anion battery materials.

Coupling Between Human Brain Cortical Thickness and Glucose Metabolism from Regional to Connective Level: A Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

Background: Balance between brain structure and function is implicated in aging and many brain disorders. This study aimed to investigate the coupling between brain structure and function using 18F-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: One hundred thirty-eight subjects who underwent brain 18F-FDG PET/MRI were recruited. The structural and functional coupling at the regional level was explored by calculating within-subject Spearman's correlation between glucose metabolism (GluM) and cortical thickness (CTh) across the cortex for each subject, which was then correlated with age to explore its physiological effects. Then, subjects were divided into groups of middle-aged and young adults and older adults (OAs); structural connectivity (SC) based on CTh and functional connectivity (FC) based on GluM were constructed for the two groups, respectively, followed by exploring the connective-level structural and functional coupling on SC and FC matrices. The global and local efficiency values of the brain SC and FC were also evaluated. Results: Of the subjects, 97.83% exhibited a significant negative correlation between regional CTh and GluM (r = -0.24 to -0.71, p < 0.05, FDR correction), and this CTh-GluM correlation was negatively correlated with age (R = -0.35, p < 0.001). For connectivity matrices, many regions showed positive correlation between SC and FC, especially in the OA group. Besides, FC exhibited denser connections than SC, resulting in both higher global and local efficiency, but lower global efficiency when the network size was corrected. Conclusions: This study found couplings between CTh and GluM at both regional and connective levels, which reflected the aging progress, and might provide new insight into brain disorders. Impact statement The intricate interplay between brain structures and functions plays a pivotal role in unraveling the complexities inherent in the aging process and the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. This study revealed that 97.83% subjects showed negative correlation between the brain's regional cortical thickness and glucose metabolism, while at the connective level, many regions showed positive correlations between structural and functional connectivity. The observed coupling at the regional and connective levels reflected physiological progress, such as aging, and provides insights into the brain mechanisms and potential implications for the diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders.

Dysfunctions of multiscale dynamic brain functional networks in subjective cognitive decline.

Subjective cognitive decline is potentially the earliest symptom of Alzheimer's disease, whose objective neurological basis remains elusive. To explore the potential biomarkers for subjective cognitive decline, we developed a novel deep learning method based on multiscale dynamical brain functional networks to identify subjective cognitive declines. We retrospectively constructed an internal data set (with 112 subjective cognitive decline and 64 healthy control subjects) to develop and internally validate the deep learning model. Conventional deep learning methods based on static and dynamic brain functional networks are compared. After the model is established, we prospectively collect an external data set (26 subjective cognitive decline and 12 healthy control subjects) for testing. Meanwhile, our method provides monitoring of the transitions between normal and abnormal (subjective cognitive decline-related) dynamical functional network states. The features of abnormal dynamical functional network states are quantified by network and variability metrics and associated with individual cognitions. Our method achieves an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.807 ± 0.046 in the internal validation data set and of 0.707 (P = 0.007) in the external testing data set, which shows improvements compared to conventional methods. The method further suggests that, at the local level, the abnormal dynamical functional network states are characterized by decreased connectivity strength and increased connectivity variability at different spatial scales. At the network level, the abnormal states are featured by scale-specifically altered modularity and all-scale decreased efficiency. Low tendencies to stay in abnormal states and high state transition variabilities are significantly associated with high general, language and executive functions. Overall, our work supports the deficits in multiscale brain dynamical functional networks detected by the deep learning method as reliable and meaningful neural alternation underpinning subjective cognitive decline.

The associations between synaptic density and "A/T/N" biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease: An 18F-SynVesT-1 PET/MR study.

A newly developed SV2A radiotracer, 18F-SynVesT-1, was used in this study to investigate synaptic density and its association with Alzheimer's disease (AD) "A/T/N" biomarkers. The study included a cohort of 97 subjects, consisting of 64 patients with cognitive impairment (CI) and 33 individuals with normal cognition (CU). All subjects underwent 18F-SynVesT-1 PET/MR and 18F-florbetapir PET/CT scans. Additionally, a subgroup of individuals also underwent 18F-MK-6240, 18F-FDG PET/CT, plasma Aß42/Aß40 and p-tau181 tests. The differences in synaptic density between the groups and the correlations between synaptic density and AD "A/T/N" biomarkers were analyzed. The results showed that compared to the CU group, the CI with Aß+ (CI+) group exhibited the most pronounced synapse loss in the hippocampus, with some loss also observed in the neocortex. Furthermore, synaptic density in the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus showed associations with AD biomarkers detected by both imaging and plasma tests in the CI group. The associations between synaptic density and FDG uptake and hippocampal volume were also observed in the CI+ group. In conclusion, the study demonstrated significant synaptic density loss, as measured by the promising tracer 18F-SynVesT-1, and its close correlation with "A/T/N" biomarkers in patients with both Alzheimer's clinical syndrome and pathological changes.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) is associated with neurodegeneration and amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's disease: A [18F]PSS232 PET/MRI study.

BACKGROUND: Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) is involved in regulating integrative brain function and synaptic transmission. Aberrant mGluR5 signaling and relevant synaptic failure play a key role in the initial pathophysiological mechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study aims to investigate the association between mGluR5 availability and AD's biomarkers and cognitive function. METHODS: We examined 35 individuals with mGluR5 tracer [18F]PSS232 to assess mGluR5 availability, and with [18F]Florbetapir PET to assess global amyloid deposition, and [18F]FDG PET to assess glucose metabolism. The plasma neurofilament light (NfL) and p-tau181 levels in a subset of individuals were measured (n = 27). The difference in mGluR5 availability between the AD and normal control (NC) groups was explored. The associations of mGluR5 availability with amyloid deposition, glucose metabolism, gray matter volume (GMV), neuropsychological assessment scores, and plasma biomarkers were analyzed. RESULTS: The mGluR5 availability was significantly reduced in AD patients' hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus compared to NCs. Global amyloid deposition was positively associated with mGluR5 availability in the AD group and reversely associated in the NC group. The mGluR5 availability was positively correlated with regional glucose metabolism in the overall and stratified analyses. The availability of mGluR5 in the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus demonstrated a strong relationship with the GMV of the medial temporal lobe, plasma p-tau181 or NfL levels, and global cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS: [18F]PSS232 PET can quantify the changes of mGluR5 availability in the progression of AD. mGluR5 availability correlated not only with neuropathological biomarkers of AD but also with neurodegenerative biomarkers and cognitive performance. mGluR5 may be a novel neurodegenerative biomarker, and whether mGluR5 could be a potential therapeutic target for AD needs to be further studied.

Giant neurogenic tumors of mediastinum: report of two cases and literature review.

Neurogenic tumors are commonly found in the mediastinum, especially in the posterior mediastinum or in the chest wall, neurogenic tumors may reach large size before becoming symptomatic. If the neurogenic tumor occupied more than half size of the chest wall accompanied by mediastinal shift, tracheal compression, or superior vena reflux disorder, it may be called giant intrathoracic neurogenic tumors. Giant intrathoracic neurogenic tumors are relatively rare. Most of intrathoracic neurogenic tumors were benign or low-grade malignant tumors in nature. Complete surgical excision should be the rule for these patients. We report two cases of giant neurogenic tumors, and study the clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, surgical management, and prognosis in the light of the most important published data.

18F-FDG PET and a classifier algorithm reveal a characteristic glucose metabolic pattern in adult patients with moyamoya disease and vascular cognitive impairment.

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is a critical issue in moyamoya disease (MMD). However, the glucose metabolic pattern in these patients is still unknown. This study aimed to identify the metabolic signature of cognitive impairment in patients with MMD using 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) and establish a classifier to identify VCI in patients with MMD. One hundred fifty-two patients with MMD who underwent brain 18F-FDG PET scans before surgery were enrolled and classified into nonvascular cognitive impairment (non-VCI, n = 52) and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI, n = 100) groups according to neuropsychological test results. Additionally, thirty-three health controls (HCs) were also enrolled. Compared to HCs, patients in the VCI group exhibited extensive hypometabolism in the bilateral frontal and cingulate regions and hypermetabolism in the bilateral cerebellum, while patients in the non-VCI group showed hypermetabolism only in the cerebellum and slight hypometabolism in the frontal and temporal regions. In addition, we found that the patients in the VCI group showed hypometabolism mainly in the left basal ganglia compared to those in the non-VCI group. The sparse representation-based classifier algorithm taking the SUVr of 116 Anatomical Automatic Labeling (AAL) areas as features distinguished patients in the VCI and non-VCI groups with an accuracy of 82.4%. This study demonstrated a characteristic metabolic pattern that can distinguish patients with MMD without VCI from those with VCI, namely, hypometabolic lesions in the left hemisphere played a more important role in cognitive decline in patients with MMD.

The Effect of Gender and APOE ɛ4 Status on Brain Amyloid-ß Deposition in Different Age Groups of Mild Cognitively Impaired Individuals: A PET-CT Study.

BACKGROUND: Gender, APOE ɛ4 status and age have different effects on brain amyloid deposition in patients with mild cognitively impaired (MCI). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of gender×APOE ɛ4 status interaction on Aß deposition in the brains of individuals with MCI in different age groups by PET scanning. METHODS: 204 individuals with MCI were classified into younger or older groups based on whether they were under or over 65 years of age. APOE genotyping, structural MRI, amyloid PET scans, and neuropsychological tests were performed. The effect of gender×APOE ɛ4 status interaction on Aß deposition was assessed in different age groups. RESULTS: APOE ɛ4 carriers had higher amyloid deposition than noncarriers in the whole group. Females with MCI had more amyloid deposition in the medial temporal lobe than males in the whole cohort and younger group. Older individuals with MCI had higher amyloid deposition than younger individuals. In stratified analysis by age, female APOE ɛ4 carriers had significantly increased amyloid deposition compared to their male counterparts only in the medial temporal lobe in the younger group. Amyloid deposition was increased in female APOE ɛ4 carriers compared to noncarriers in the younger group, whereas higher amyloid deposition was observed in male APOE ɛ4 carriers in the older group. CONCLUSION: Women in the younger group with MCI who were APOE ɛ4 carriers had more amyloid deposition in the brain, while men in the older group with MCI who were APOE ɛ4 carriers had higher amyloid deposition.

Synthesis and structural characteristics analysis of melanin pigments induced by blue light in Morchella sextelata.

Morchella sextelata, a highly sought-after edible mushroom worldwide, is evaluated based on its cap color as an essential commercial property indicator. In the present study, the effects of blue light on cap pigmentation in M. sextelata, as well as the synthesis and structural characteristics of melanin pigments within the cap were examined. The results showed that an increase in the proportion of blue light within the lighting environment promoted melanin synthesis and melanization of the cap. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy revealed the localization of melanin within the mycelium and its ultrastructural characteristics. The UV-visible analysis demonstrated that melanin exhibited a maximum absorption peak at 220 nm and possessed high alkaline solubility as well as acid precipitability. The structural characteristics of melanin were analyzed using FTIR, NMR, HPLC, and elemental analysis, which confirmed the presence of eumelanin, pheomelanin, and allomelanin in both brown and black caps. Furthermore, blue light can stimulate the synthesis of both eumelanin and pheomelanin. The obtained results can serve as the foundation for comprehending the mechanism by which light regulates color formation in mushrooms.

Comparative analysis of the nutritional and biological properties between the pileus and stipe of Morchella sextelata.

Morchella sextelata is a highly prized edible mushroom and is widely consumed for its distinctive taste and texture. The stipe of M. sextelata is significantly lower in priced compared to the pileus. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of the nutritional and biological properties between the pileus and stipe of M. sextelata. The results revealed that the stipe exhibited comparable levels of various nutrients and bioactive compounds to those found in the pileus. The stipe showed significantly higher levels of crude dietary fiber, various mineral elements, vitamins, amino acids, 5'-nucleotides, fatty acids, and specific sugars. Additionally, it also demonstrated significant abundance in bioactive compounds such as total flavonoids and ergothioneine. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into unlocking further knowledge about M. sextelata's nutritional composition while highlighting its potential health benefits associated with different parts of this highly esteemed edible mushroom.

Brain Functional Alterations and Association with Cognition in People with Preclinical Subjective Cognitive Decline and Objective Subtle Cognitive Difficulties.

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and objective subtle cognitive difficulties (Obj-SCD) are considered the initial stages of aberrant cognition prior to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aimed to determine the difference of brain function of SCD and Obj-SCD, furthermore, to figure out which one could be the marker of early AD. One hundred and eighty-five participants were enrolled in this study to determine the amyloid pathology and glucose metabolism changes in SCD and Obj-SCD. The association of amyloid deposition and glucose metabolism with cognitive domains were also investigated. Obj-SCD displayed significantly increased amyloid deposition in frontal and temporal lobes compared to SCD and normal cognitive control (NCC). No difference of amyloid deposition between SCD and NCC, and no difference of glucose metabolism among the three groups were observed. Amyloid deposition was associated with function of memory, language and executive domains, and glucose metabolism was only associated with executive function in Obj-SCD. Amyloid deposition was only associated with executive function in SCD. Obj-SCD could be the early stage of AD, which displayed significant increased amyloid deposition, and the increased amyloid deposition was associated with cognitive function in different domains.