Effects of Breathing Patterns on Amide Proton Transfer MRI in the Kidney: A Preliminary Comparative Study in Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Tumors.

BACKGROUND: The amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) imaging for kidney diseases is important. However, the breathing patterns on APTw imaging remains unexplored. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of intermittent breath-hold (IBH) and free breathing (FB) on renal 3D-APTw imaging. STUDY TYPE: Healthy volunteers were enrolled prospectively, and renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC) patients were included retrospectively. POPULATION: 58 healthy volunteers and 10 RCCC patients. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3-T, turbo spin echo, and fast field echo. ASSESSMENT: 3D-APTw imaging was scanned using the IBH and FB methods in volunteers and using the IBH method in RCCC patients. The image quality was evaluated by three observers according to the 5-point Likert scale. Optimal images rated at three points or higher were used to measure the APT values. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The measurement repeatability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altman plot. The APT values were analyzed using McNemar's test, one-way analysis of variance, and t test. RESULTS: 50 healthy volunteers and 8 RCCC patients were enrolled. Renal 3D-APTw imaging using the IBH method revealed a higher success rate (88% vs 78%). The ICCs were excellent in the IBH group (ICCs > 0.74) and were good in the FB group (ICCs < 0.74). No significant differences in the APT values among various zones using the IBH (P = 0.263) or FB method (P = 0.506). The mean APT value using the IBH method (2.091% ± 0.388%) was slightly lower than the FB method (2.176% ± 0.292%), but no significant difference (P = 0.233). The APT value of RCCC (4.832% ± 1.361%) was considerably higher than normal renal using the IBH method. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that the IBH method substantially increased the image quality of renal 3D-APTw imaging. Furthermore, APT values may vary between normal and tumor tissues. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

[Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy recognition of metabolic patterns in fecal extracts for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer].

Objective: To characterize the metabolic " fingerprint" of fecal extracts for diagnosis of early-stage colorectal cancer(CRC)using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(1H-NMR)-based metabolomics coupled with pattern recognition. Methods: From January 2014 to December 2014, we collected fecal samples at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, from 25 patients with colorectal adenomas(CR-Ad), 20 with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ CRC, and 32 healthy controls(HCs). The patients were diagnosed by histopathology. No subjects had any complicating diseases. HCs showed no abnormalities from blood tests, endoscopic examination, diagnostic imaging, and/or medical interviews. We excluded participants who used antibiotics, NSAIDS, statins, or probiotics within two months of study participation, and any patients who underwent chemotherapy or radiation treatments prior to surgery. We used orthogonal partial least-squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA)for pattern recognition(dimension reduction)on 1H-NMR processed data(1H frequency of 400.13 MHz), to find metabolic differences among CR-Ad, carcinoma and HC fecal samples; and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis to determine the diagnostic value of the fecal metabolic biomarkers. Results: Fecal samples were collected from 20 patients with Stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ CRC(11 M, 9 F, median age(52±13)years), 25 with CR-Ad(14 M, 11 F, median age(53 ± 11)years)and 32 HCs(15 M, 17 F, median age(53 ± 14)years). OPLS-DA clearly distinguished CR-Ad and stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ CRC from HC samples, based on their metabolomic profiles. Relative signal intensities in HCs were significantly lower than in the cancer patients for butyrate(HC: 23.0±6.0; CR-Ad: 18.0±5.0; CRC: 14.0±6.0; Z=-2.07, P=0.008), acetate(HC: 45.0±11.0; CR-Ad: 31.0±11.0; CRC: 24.0±8.0; Z=- 2.32, P=0.011), propionate(HC: 26.0 ± 7.0; CR-Ad: 22.0 ± 6.0; CRC: 19.0 ± 5.0; Z=- 2.43, P=0.032), glucose(HC: 37.0±7.0; CR-Ad: 31.0±7.0; CRC: 26.0±8.0; Z=-2.07, P=0.044)and glutamine(HC: 4.5±2.0; CR-Ad: 4.9 ± 1.0; CRC: 5.4 ± 1.0; Z=2.21, P=0.044). However, relative signal intensities in HCs were significantly higher than in patients for lactate(HC: 4.8±1.0; CR-Ad: 6.9±2.0; CRC: 4.8± 1.0; Z=2.02, P= 0.038), glutamate(HC: 3.2 ± 2.0; CR-Ad: 4.9 ± 1.0; CRC: 3.2 ± 2.0; Z=2.21, P=0.044)and succinate(HC: 12.0±2.0; CR-Ad: 15.0±3.0; CRC: 12.0± 2.0; Z=2.25, P=0.011). Among the potential biomarkers, acetate at 1.92 ppm, and succinate at 2.41 ppm displayed relatively high area under ROC, with sensitivity and specificity both >90%, to distinguish early-stage CRC patients from HCs. Conclusion: Fecal metabolic profiles distinguish of HCs from patients with CRC patients, even in the early stages(stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ), highlighting the potential of NMR-based fecal metabolomic fingerprinting as tools for early CRC diagnosis.

Expressing the maize anthocyanin regulatory gene Lc increased flavonoid content in the seed of white pericarp rice and purple pericarp rice.

The colour of red, purple, brown and white occurs in pericarp of rice. Here, the maize anthocyanin regulatory gene Lc under control of the promoter of the rice glutelin gene Gt1 was introduced in the white pericarp rice "Chao2-10" and purple pericarp rice "Qingjiaozidao". The results demonstrated that some transgenic "Chao2-10" rice pericarps became brown, and the total flavonoid contents in the unpolished rice of the two transgenic rices increased significantly compared with their respective controls. Unpolished rice kernel thickness and weight in the two transgenic rices decreased slightly.

[Descriptive analysis of fracture hospitalization rate in adults from 10 regions of China].

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological distributions of fracture hospitalization. Methods: The present study included participants who participated in the baseline survey of China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) and excluded participants who were lost to follow up or died before 2009, leaving a total of 506 004 participants. Negative binomial regression models were used to analyze the epidemiological distribution of any fracture and fracture at five specific body sites (upperlimb, lowerlimb, spine, pelvis and hip) from 2009 to 2016 in 10 regions. Results: During a median follow-up of (7.7±1.2) years (total person-years 3 899 814), we documented 17 118 cases of fracture hospitalizations. The crude fracture hospitalization rate was 4.39/1 000 person-years. After controlling for the increasing age of the fixed cohort, the hospitalization rates of fractures at various body sites increased from 2009 to 2016, with an annual growth rate (95%CI) of 9.1% (8.3%-9.9%) for any fracture. The fracture hospitalization rate was higher in rural than in urban areas except for hip fractures (P<0.05) and the hospitalization rate of any fracture were 5.42/1 000 and 3.24/1 000 person-years in rural and urban areas, respectively. Fracture hospitalization rate increased by age. In participants aged <50 years, men had higher fracture hospitalization rates than women except for pelvis fracture, while in those aged ≥50 years, women had higher fracture hospitalization rates than men. Conclusions: Fracture hospitalization rates increased by age and also showed upward selular trends. As China has begun the aging process, fractures impose a heavier burden on society. It is of great significance to prevent osteoporosis-related and injury-related fractures in order to reduce fractures incidence.

MTIM affects retinal ganglion cells through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the main cells that form vision in the retina. MT1M is involved in the occurrence and progression of various diseases. However, the role of MTIM in RGCs cells remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RGCs were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into control group, MT1M group (transfected with MT1M-pcDNA3.1 plasmid), and MT1M siRNA group (transfected with MT1M siRNA) followed by measuring MT1M and NT-3 expression by real time PCR and Western blot, cell proliferation by MTT assay, secretion of IL-2 and IL-6 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), SOD activity and ROS content. In addition, expression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway protein was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: MT1M expression in MT1M group was significantly increased, which promoted cell proliferation, increased NT-3 expression, and decreased Caspase 3 activity and IL-2 and IL-6 secretion. Meanwhile, SOD activity was increased, ROS content was decreased and PI3K/AKT protein phosphorylation was elevated. The differences were statistically significant compared with control group (p < 0.05). MT1M siRNA decreased MT1M expression, inhibited cell proliferation, decreased NT-3, and increased Caspase 3 activity and IL-2 and IL-6 secretion. In addition, MT1M siRNA decreased SOD activity, increased ROS content and reduced PI3K/AKT protein phosphorylation. Compared with control group, the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Up-regulation of MT1M can inhibit RGC cell apoptosis and inflammation, and promote RGC cell proliferation through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

[Association between height loss and calcaneus bone mineral density in Chinese adults].

Objective: To examine the association between height loss and calcaneus bone mineral density (BMD) through data gathered from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB). Methods: The present study included 24 231 participants who attended the CKB resurvey during 2013-2014, in which calcaneus BMD was measured by quantitative ultrasound method for the first time. Height loss was calculated according to the differences appeared in height measurement between baseline and resurvey. We used linear regression models to estimate the association between height loss and BMD measures. Results: The mean interval between baseline and resurvey was (8.0±0.8 ) years. 33.0% of the participants showed a height loss of ≥1.0 cm, and another 3.7% were with height loss of ≥3.0 cm. After adjustment for potential confounders, there was a linear correlation seen between height loss and BMD (P for all linear trend were <0.001). The ßs (95%CIs) for each 1.0 cm of height loss were -0.79 (-0.95--0.63) for broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), -2.74 (-3.35--2.13) for speed of sound (SOS), and -1.29 (-1.54--1.04) for stiffness index (SI). Compared with participants with stable height, the multivariate-adjusted ßs (95%CIs) for those with height loss of ≥3.0 cm were -3.29 (-4.08--2.50) for BUA, -10.70 (-13.66--7.73) for SOS, and -5.16 (-6.36--3.96) for SI, respectively. According to the subgroup analyses, the association of height loss with BMD measures seemed to be more apparent among females, in those aged ≥55 years, and those being less physically active. Conclusions: BMD became lower with the increase of height loss. Regular height measurement may contribute to the early diagnosis and prevention of osteoporosis.

Effects of Acute Alcohol Consumption on the Human Brain: Diffusional Kurtosis Imaging and Arterial Spin-Labeling Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Brain function and microstructure are affected by alcohol consumption. Until recently, the effect of alcohol on neural mechanisms has not been fully elucidated. Our aim was to explore the acute effects of alcohol on healthy human brains by diffusional kurtosis imaging and 3D arterial spin-labeling and elucidate structural and functional changes in the brain on acute alcohol intake. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conventional MR imaging, diffusional kurtosis imaging, and 3D arterial spin-labeling were performed on 24 healthy volunteers before and 0.5 and 1 hour after drinking alcohol. Participants were divided into 2 groups according to the response to alcohol: blushing (n = 12) and unblushing (n = 12) groups. Twenty brain regions were analyzed. RESULTS: Diffusional kurtosis imaging revealed an increase in mean kurtosis and fractional anisotropy at 0.5 hour post-alcohol intake in most brain regions, whereas mean diffusion was decreased in several brain regions at 1 hour after drinking. 3D arterial spin-labeling showed increased cerebral blood flow in most brain regions, particularly in the frontal regions. However, perfusion in the anterior commissure decreased. Regional changes in the brain correlated with various behavioral performances with respect to blush response and sex. In general, blushing individuals and men are more sensitive to alcohol with acute effects. CONCLUSIONS: Physiologic and microstructural alterations in the brain on alcohol consumption were examined. Brain areas with blood flow alteration detected by 3D arterial spin-labeling were highly consistent with susceptible areas detected by diffusional kurtosis imaging. The current study provides new insight into the effects of alcohol on the brain and behavioral performance in different blush response and sex populations.

[Epidemiological characteristics and correlated factors of habitual snoring among Chinese aged 30 to 79 year-old].

Objective: To describe the characteristics of habitual snoring among adults from 10 regions engaged in the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) study. Methods: The baseline survey of CKB was conducted from 2004 to 2008. Data was collected regarding the information on socio- demographic characteristics, lifestyle, sleeping habits, and results from the physical examination of the participants. Logistic regression models were used to compare the regional differences and to estimate the associations of other baseline characteristics on snoring habit. Results: A total of 512 713 participants were included in this study. The overall prevalence of habitual snoring was 21.2%, higher among men, in south regions and urban areas, but no difference observed among people with different socioeconomic status after adjusting for age, regions, BMI, waist circumference or lifestyle factors. Results showed that the prevalence of habitual snoring under the multivariable adjusted model increased among current and ever smokers, also among current and ever alcohol consumers. The risk of habitual snoring was increased by 19% per 1 kg/m(2) and 6% per 1 cm increment in BMI or waist circumference, respectively. Among participants with similar BMI, central obese individuals were more likely to be habitual snorers. For individuals with similar waist circumference, the prevalence of habitual snoring was higher among those with higher BMI. Conclusion: The prevalence of habitual snoring varied across regions. Substantial differences in habitual snoring were also seen among people with different lifestyles and body sizes.

[Relationship between educational level and long-term changes of body weight and waist circumference in adults in China].

Objective: To evaluate the association of educational level with anthropometric measurements at different adult stages and their long-term changes in adults who participated in the second re-survey of China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB). Methods: The present study excluded participants who were aged >65 years, with incomplete or extreme measurement values, or with major chronic diseases at baseline survey or re-survey. The weight at age 25 years was self-reported. Body height, body weight and waist circumference at baseline survey (2004-2008) and re-survey (2013-2014) were analyzed. Results: The present study included 3 427 men and 6 320 women. Both body weight and waist circumference (WC) increased with age. From age 25 years to baseline survey (mean age 45.2±6.5), the mean weight change per 5-year was (1.70±2.63) kg for men and (1.27±2.10) kg for women. From baseline survey to re-survey (53.2±6.5), the mean changes per 5-year for body weight were (1.12±2.61) kg for men and (0.90±2.54) kg for women; and that for WC was (3.20±3.79) cm for men and (3.83±3.85) cm for women. Among women, low educational level was consistently associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and WC at age 25 years, baseline survey and re-survey. Among men, low educational level was associated with higher BMI at age 25 years. At baseline survey and re-survey, the educational level in men was not statistically associated with BMI; but men who completed junior or senior high school showed slight higher WC and increase of WC from baseline survey to re-survey than other male participants. Conclusions: Body weight and WC increased with age for both men and women. The associations of educational level with BMI and WC were different between men and women.

Bioequivalence of Sarpogrelate in Healthy Chinese Subjects Under Fasting and Fed Conditions: A 4-Way Replicate Crossover Investigation by a Reference-Scaled Average Bioequivalence Approach.

Sarpogrelate is widely used to treat peripheral vascular disorders. However, it has been demonstrated to have a poor pharmacokinetic (PK) profile and marked within-subject variability. Here, the bioequivalence of 2 formulations of sarpogrelate (100-mg tablets) was assessed by using the reference-scaled average bioequivalence (RSABE) method, and the PK parameters were quantified in healthy Chinese subjects under fasting (n = 38) and fed (n = 35) conditions. In this open and randomized 4-way replicate study, a single dose of sarpogrelate was administered followed by a 3-day washout period. The sarpogrelate concentration in blood samples was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry within 6 hours (fasting) or 10 hours (fed) of drug administration, and the PK parameters were determined by a noncompartmental model. The bioequivalence of the 2 formulations under both conditions was assessed using the ratios of ln(peak concentration [Cmax ]) and ln(area under the concentration-time curve [AUC]) within the limits based on the RSABE method. The 90% CIs for the ratios of lnCmax , lnAUC0-t , and lnAUC0-∞ were 0.8531-1.1100, 0.9616-1.0737, and 0.9550-1.0684, respectively, under fasting conditions and 0.8918-1.1076, 0.9818-1.0694, and 0.9818-1.0686, respectively, under fed conditions, which were within the RSABE acceptance limits. Food intake decreased the systemic exposure and the Cmax of sarpogrelate by 0.9-fold and 0.5-fold, respectively.

[Association between the frequency of bowel movements and the risk of colorectal cancer in Chinese adults].

Objective: To examine the association between the frequencies of bowel movement (BMF) and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: In this study, 510 134 participants from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) were included, after excluding those who reported as having been diagnosed with cancer at the baseline survey. The baseline survey was conducted from June 2004 to July 2008. The present study included data from baseline and follow-up until December 31, 2016. We used the Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate the HR and the 95%CI of incident CRC with BMF. Results: During an average follow-up period of 9.9 years, 3 056 participants were documented as having developed colorectal cancer. In the site-specific analysis, 1 548 colon cancer and 1 475 rectal cancer were included. Compared with participants who had bowel movements on the daily base, the multivariable-adjusted HR (95%CI) for those who had more than once of BMF were 1.24 (1.12-1.39) for CRC, 1.12 (0.95-1.31) for colon cancer, and 1.37 (1.18-1.59) for rectal cancer. We further examined the association between BMF and CRC, according to the stages of follow-up, the corresponding HR (95%CI) for CRC, colon and rectal cancer were 1.59 (1.36-1.86), 1.43 (1.14- 1.80), and 1.76 (1.41-2.19) for the first five years, while such associations became statistically insignificant in the subsequent follow-up (P for all interactions were <0.05), as time went on. As for CRC, colon or rectal cancers among participants who had lower bowel movements, the risks were not significantly different from those who had bowel movements everyday. Conclusions: Participants who had BMF more than once a day, appeared an increased risk of CRC in the subsequent five years. Since abnormal increase of bowel movements is easily recognizable, programs should be set up on health self- management and early screening for CRC.

Membrane glycoproteins and plant and animal proteins with lectin or lectin-like properties.

The fat cell, chiefly from porcine greater omentum, was treated with hypertonic sodium chloride and membranes left over from exuded fat were extracted with Triton X-100 and the extract subjected to gel electrophoresis. Of the 20 or more bands which showed on the gel, at least five were periodate-Schiff positive. By the treatment of the glycoproteins with Con A, followed by DEAE-cellulose, one with an apparent molecular weight of 74 kDA was obtained pure. The other components are not yet purified. However, two glycoproteins of apparent molecular weights of 89 and 112 kDa were obtained from the fat cell membrane by affinity chromatography. These were apparently lectins, since they possessed hemagglutinating activity and specificity towards maltose and caused adhesion among cells (erythrocytes) and aggregation of fat cells. The properties of lectins from various sources have also been studied: rice germ lectin, Allium sativum lectin, a lectin from a species of silkworm and one from loquat leaves. A crystalline protein called pinellin was isolated from Pinella ternata. Since it has been shown to exhibit cell aggregation and mitogenic activity, it is also a lectin, showing species as well as cell type specificity. Preliminary studies have also been made of the binding of pinellin to its receptor on fat cells. The protein has also been shown to possess an anti-implantation effect in rabbits. Studies have been made of membrane proteins on ram spermatozoa and Con A receptors on squamous epithelial cancer cells.

[Characterization of a cloned DNA fragment of rice chloroplast and location rbcL gene in the recombinant plasmid].

The pure rice (Oryza sativa, subsp. Indica, cv. Zhenshan 97B) chloroplast DNA was digested by restriction enzyme BamHI and the resulting fragments were ligated to the BamHI site of pBR322. One recombinant plasmid which contains a 19.3kb insertel DNA fragment was isolated from the clone bank and was named pOSB1. A physical map of the recombinant plasmid was constructed by cleavage with ten restriction endonucleases, and the gene rbcL was located on the pOSB1.

Note: A new angle-resolved proton energy spectrometer.

In typical laser-driven proton acceleration experiments Thomson parabola proton spectrometers are used to measure the proton spectra with very small acceptance angle in specific directions. Stacks composed of CR-39 nuclear track detectors, imaging plates, or radiochromic films are used to measure the angular distributions of the proton beams, respectively. In this paper, a new proton spectrometer, which can measure the spectra and angular distributions simultaneously, has been designed. Proton acceleration experiments performed on the Xtreme light III laser system demonstrates that the spectrometer can give angle-resolved spectra with a large acceptance angle. This will be conductive to revealing the acceleration mechanisms, optimization, and applications of laser-driven proton beams.

Quantification of brain creatine concentration using PRESS sequence and LCModel: comparison with HPLC method.

To investigate the accuracy for quantification of brain total creatine (Cr) concentration using in vivo long echo time (TE) PRESS sequence with an external standard and LCModel. Ten swine and an external standard containing a detectable compounds of known concentration were studied by using 1.5 T GE Signa scanner and the standard head coil; the single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) data was acquired from the 20-mm cubic VOI which was placed in the swine brain and external standard respectively by using the PRESS sequence with TE=135 msec, TR=1500 msec, and 128 scan averages. The quantification of Cr was accomplished by the linear combination of model spectra (LCModel). After MRS examination, each animal was sacrificed, and in vitro Cr concentration was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In the MRS group, the mean concentration of Cr was 9.37+/-0.137mmol/kg; in the HPLC group, the mean concentration of Cr was 8.905+/-0.126 mmol/kg. There were no statistically significant differences between two methods (P=0.491), which indicated that long TE PRESS sequence with an external standard can accurately detect the brain Cr concentration. The application of LCModel introduces more convenience for the MRS quantification.

Isolation, characterization, and localization of the zona pellucida binding proteins of boar sperm.

In order to isolate the putative zona pellucida-binding proteins (ZPBPs) from boar spermatozoa, a new, simple method has been developed. The new isolation strategy made the most of the highly specific interactions between the components of the gametes. Detergent-extracted boar sperm proteins were submitted to affinity chromatography on a ZP-Sepharose column. SDS-PAGE analyses of the retained fraction under reducing conditions revealed that in addition to a component of Mr 38,000, the predominant ZPBPs contained at least three low molecular weight proteins (Mr less than 20 kDa). The isolated ZPBPs were effective in blocking sperm-oocyte binding in vitro. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, the ZPBPs were shown to be localized primarily in the sperm head, especially in the acrosomal cap region.

Preliminary studies on a lectin on the surface of adipocytes.

A lectin-like component on the surface of porcine adipocytes was identified, chiefly by means of the cell adhesion and hemagglutination assays. This component, named porcine adipocyte lectin (PAL), was isolated with Triton X-100 solubilization followed by affinity chromatography. By SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, two hands of PAL stained with Coomassie blue were revealed with the apparent molecular weights of 112,000 and 89,000. Moreover, the glycoprotein nature of PAL, was demonstrated by periodic-Schiff reagent staining. PAL was able to recognize maltose, mannose and mannan and glycoproteins with analogous sugar structure in the presence of Ca. By the finding that adipocytes in suspension could be aggregated by adding PAL, the hypothesis was advanced that PAL may be involved in the recognition and adhesion of adipocytes in vivo.