Correlation of glymphatic system abnormalities with Parkinson's disease progression: a clinical study based on non-invasive fMRI.

BACKGROUND: The glymphatic system is reportedly involved in Parkinson's disease (PD). Based on previous studies, we aimed to confirm the correlation between the glymphatic system and PD progression by combining two imaging parameters, diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS), and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS). METHODS: Fifty-one PD patients and fifty healthy control (HC) were included. Based on the Hoehn-Yahr scale, the PD group was divided into early-stage and medium-to late-stage. All PD patients were scored using the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS). We assessed the DTI-ALPS indices in the bilateral hemispheres and EPVS numbers in bilateral centrum semiovale (CSO), basal ganglia (BG), and midbrain. RESULTS: The DTI-ALPS indices were significantly lower bilaterally in PD patients than in the HC group, and EPVS numbers in any of the bilateral CSO, BG, and midbrain were significantly higher, especially for the medium- to late-stage group and the BG region. In PD patients, the DTI-ALPS index was significantly negatively correlated with age, while the BG-EPVS numbers were significantly positively correlated with age. Furthermore, the DTI-ALPS index was negatively correlated with UPDRS II and III scores, while the BG-EPVS numbers were positively correlated with UPDRS II and III scores. Similarly, the correlation was more pronounced in the medium- to late-stage group. CONCLUSION: The DTI-ALPS index and EPVS numbers (especially in the BG region) are closely related to age and PD progression and can serve as non-invasive assessments for glymphatic dysfunction and its interventions in clinical studies.

A nondestructive solution to quantify monosaccharides by ATR-FTIR and multivariate regressions: A case study of Atractylodes polysaccharides.

The quality evaluation of nature polysaccharides is a tough nut to crack because of its high Mw distributions and larger polarity property. It is well-known that infrared spectroscopy and multiple regression modeling have been used for quantitative examinations in multiple fields, but it has not been applied to the compositional analysis of polysaccharides. In this study, attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is used to simultaneously quantify aldoses, ketose and uronic acids in Atractylodes polysaccharides by a combination of multivariate regressions. After experience of different data processing pretreatments, the resulting spectrum contains maximum amount of information of monosaccharide contents in Atractylodes polysaccharides. In this case, different smoothing points, derivatives, SNV and MSC are used in the pre-modeling spectrum processing and VIP screening is used to reduce the number of variables to simplify the calculation of the model. All the most optimal prediction models have both good prediction ability (R2 ≥ 0.9 and RPD > 3) and no over fitting (RMSEP/RMSEC < 3). This strategy has opened a new possibility for the nondestructive determination of complex monosaccharide compositions of natural polysaccharides in a short detection time, low equipment requirement and high experimental safety.

A tract-based spatial statistics study of white matter integrity in epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the changes of cerebral white matter diffusion tensor in epilepsy. METHODS: This study was a retrospective study based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Twenty-six epileptic patients and 42 normal controls matched for sex, age and handedness were enrolled in our research. Based on the method of tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS), we analyzed the changes of each relevant parameter index of DTI in white matter of the brain in all subjects, including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD). RESULTS: In comparison with the control group, epileptic patients had decreased FA and elevated MD, AD, and RD in the anterior thalamic radiation, corticospinal tract, forceps major, forceps minor, cingulum, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, superior longitudinal fasciculus and uncinate fasciculus (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Widespread white matter integrity was observed in epileptic patients, which may be the structural basis for the development of affective disorders, impaired cognition, and motor abnormalities.

Discrimination and characterization of Panax polysaccharides by 2D COS-IR spectroscopy with chemometrics.

In this study, a novel two-dimensional correlation infrared spectroscopy (2DCOS-IR) is presented to rapidly characterize and discriminate polysaccharides in Panax ginseng (PGP), P. notoginseng (PNP), and P. quinquefolius (PQP) using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-based on single-characteristic temperature as the external disturbance (2D-sATR-FTIR). Compared with two existing 2DCOS-IR methods based on gradient heating pathways using KBr pellet (100 min; 2D-KBr-FTIR) and attenuated total reflection (30 min; 2D-gATR-FTIR), the new procedure took an average of just 2 min to finish a sample measurement, which resolved previously tedious and time-consuming dilemmas. It offered advantages in the quality evaluation of natural polysaccharides and featured nondestructive, high-throughput, and high-efficiency characteristics. An intuitive analysis of the 2D-sATR-FTIR demonstrated that PNP was first identified because it had fewer auto-peaks. Posteriorly, PGP and PQP were distinguished according to the ratio of the auto-peaks 6 and 9, with the former greater than 1 and the latter less than 1. Furthermore, characteristic auto-peaks 1, 5, and 6 were unambiguously determined as Quality-markers using PCA and PLS-DA for visualized identifications. LDA was successfully used to establish a predictive model of the PGP, PNP, and PQP based on the positions and intensity of these three characteristic auto-peaks.

Tin thiocarbonohydrazone complexes: synthesis, crystal structures and biological evaluation.

In this article, three organotin complexes formulated as [(Me)2Sn(H2L1)] (1), [(Ph)2Sn(H2L1)]·MeOH (2) and [(Me)2Sn(HL2)(OAc)]4(Me)2O (3) (H4L1 = bis(2-hydroxybenzaldehyde) thiocarbohydrazone and H2L2 = bis(2-acetylpyrazine) thiocarbonohydrazone) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Growth inhibition assays indicated that both the proligands and the three complexes are capable of showing anticancer activity against the human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells with H2L2 and complex 3 showing much higher cytotoxic potential. Subsequent toxicity studies on normal QSG7701cells showed that complex 3 has the highest tumor cell selectivity, and its IC50 value on QSG7701 cells is 8.48 fold higher than that in HepG2 cells. In acute toxicity experiments, complex 3 produces a dose-dependent effect in NIH mice with a LD50 value of 17.2 mg kg-1.

Behavior of Zein in Aqueous Ethanol under Atmospheric Pressure Cold Plasma Treatment.

The effects of atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) on zein in aqueous ethanol (80%, v/v) were investigated including particle size distribution, molecular structure, and content of free sulfhydryl (free-SH) group and disulfide bond, etc. The film-forming properties of zein films were also characterized. After ACP treatment, the particle size of zein aggregates showed a remarkable decrease and uniform particle distribution. There was a downward trend both in pH value and viscosity with the increasing ACP treatment intensity. Moreover, the increase of disulfide bonds concentration was suggested to be correlated to the compact structure strengthened by cross-linking between zein molecules. It was proved from SEM micrographs that plasma could significantly decrease the aggregation degree of zein micelles. There was a slight decrease of the peak intensity in UV and fluorescence spectra compared with native zein, indicating the bulk structure of zein solution had not been disrupted. The reinforced flexibility and tensile strength of zein films had been observed after treatment on film-forming solution. This study provided an experimental basis for the investigation on behavior of plasma-treated protein in solution.

The HepaRG cell line, a superior in vitro model to L-02, HepG2 and hiHeps cell lines for assessing drug-induced liver injury.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a leading cause of discontinuation of new drug approval or withdrawal of marketed medicine based on safety due to organ vulnerability. The aim of this research is to investigate the potential abilities of four different in vitro cell models (L-02, HepG2, HepaRG, and hiHeps cell lines) in assessing marketed drugs labeled with apparently different types of liver injury. A total of 17 drugs with versatile pharmacological profiles were chosen, of which, 14 drugs are recognized as DILI agents and 3 drugs are DILI irrelevant. Preliminary cellular screening assays indicated that the HepaRG cell line had an advantage over other cell lines in predicting drugs associated with DILI in vitro as it had the highest Youden's index (71.4%). A multi-parametric screening assay showed that oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and disorders of neutral lipid metabolism were changed notably in the HepaRG cell line after DILI-related drugs exposure, accounting for its high sensitivity in comparison with other three cell lines. In addition, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) all correlated with the cytotoxic effects of diclofenac sodium (p < 0.05), buspirone hydrochloride (p < 0.01), and danazol (p < 0.01) in the HepaRG cell line. We conclude that the HepaRG cell line is a superior in vitro cell model to other three cell lines for evaluating drugs with DILI potential.

Full genome sequence of a bovine enterovirus isolated in china.

We report the full genome sequence of an isolate of bovine enterovirus type B from China. The virus (BEV-BJ001) was isolated from Beijing, China, from fecal swabs of cattle suffering from severe diarrhea. This genome sequence will give useful insight for future molecular epidemiological studies in China.

[Comparison of two gastric cancer screening schemes in a high-risk population].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of two gastric cancer screening schemes for early detection of gastric cancer in a high-risk population. METHODS: A cluster random sampling method was used to select local residents aged 40-69 years from Linqu County, Shandong Province. "Serum pepsinogen initial screening combined with further endoscopic examination (PG scheme)" and "direct endoscopic examination (endoscopy scheme)" were conducted. The associations between screening schemes and detection rates of gastric cancer, and early gastric cancer/high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia were evaluated by unconditional logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 3654 and 2290 participants completed PG and endoscopy schemes, respectively. A total of 11 (0.30%) cases of gastric cancer and 10 (0.27%) cases of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia were detected by PG scheme, of which 7 (0.19%) cases were early gastric cancer. While, 19 (0.83%) cases of gastric cancer and 10 (0.44%) cases of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia were detected by endoscopy scheme, with 12 (0.52%) cases of early gastric cancer. Compared with the PG scheme, the endoscopy scheme had a significantly higher detection rates of gastric cancer (OR = 2.83, 95%CI 1.34-5.98), and early gastric cancer/high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (OR = 2.12, 95%CI 1.12-4.02). CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopy scheme is more effective in the detection of gastric cancer in a high-risk population, particularly for early gastric cancer/high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia than the PG scheme.

[Spectral response of maize leaves and prediction of their nitrogen content].

In the present study, a 2-year maize field experiment with different fertilizer dose was conducted. The spectral response sensitive area of maize leaves in different levels was discussed using hyperspectral technology at booting stage. Based on the correlation analysis of original reflectivity and its first derivation with maize leaf nitrogen contents, prediction models were constructed. The results indicated that under different fertilizer dose spectral response sensitive areas of maize leaves were in visible band around 550 and 761-1 300 nm; under different levels which was in visible band around 550 nm; maize leaf nitrogen contents were significantly correlated with spectral reflectance and its first derivative in 470-760 nm band. Through further comparison and selection, the index prediction models built with spectral indices DSI(564, 681) and DSI(681, 707) were the best prediction models, the prediction accuracy were 93.43% and 93.39%, therefore nitrogen content of maize leaves could be effectively estimated.

Joint ecotoxicology of cadmium and metsulfuron-methyl in wheat (Triticum aestivum).

Herbicide is indispensable for crop production. However, substantial usage of herbicide has led to its increasing accumulation in soils and crops. In addition, cadmium has become one of the widely occurring contaminants in soils due to its significant release into environment via anthropogenic activities. In this study, ecotoxicological investigations were made by exposing the food crop wheat to joint contaminations of Cd and metsulfuron-methyl, a sulfonylurea herbicide. We analyzed growth and physiological and molecular responses in wheat exposed to 0.5 mg kg(-1) Cd and 0.02 mg kg(-1) metsulfuron-methyl (MSM). Soils contaminated with Cd and MSM complex caused significantly detrimental effect on wheat growth and physiological process. Combinative treatments with Cd and MSM damage more severely the plant cells as compared with Cd or MSM treatment alone. Compared with the growth parameter, the biochemical and molecular responses of wheat appeared more pronounced to Cd and MSM complex. Furthermore, compared with control, wheat plants exposed to Cd + MSM generated more O(2-.)and H2O2, both of which were shown to be the cause of enhanced activity of several antioxidant enzymes. Native polyacrylamide gel eletrophoresis and molecular response analyses were performed to validate the results indicated above. Our results indicated that joint contamination with Cd and MSM was more toxic to wheat than a single contamination. These sensitive biological parameters can be used as biomarkers monitoring the ecotoxicological process in plants.

[Hyperspectral prediction model for maize leaf SPAD in the whole growth period].

In the present article, a 2-year maize field experiment for the whole growth period was conducted. Hyperspectral data and chlorophyll contents (SPAD) of maize leaves were measured respectively using portable spectrometer and SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter. Various spectral parameters were selected to build construct prediction models for maize leaf SPAD in annual growth periods based on correlation analysis of the two factors, and detailed validation and evaluation were made. The results showed that there was little difference between the mean curves of spectral reflectance or its first derivative in the two years; the sensitive areas were basically the same about the correlation coefficient curves of leaf SPAD and spectral reflectance or its first derivative; prediction models built with spectral parameters based on first derivative were unstable; prediction models built with LCI, DSI(R(550around), R(680around)) and DSI(R(680around), R(710around)) were all in good conditions, and maize leaf SPAD could be effectively predicted.

[Effects of Chinese herbal medicine Xifeng Capsule on multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 expression in hippocampus and cortex of rats with lithium-pilocarpine-induced epilepsy].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Xifeng Capsule, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, combined with carbamazepine on spontaneous epileptic seizure induced by lithium and pilocarpine in rats and the expression level of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1). METHODS: Lithium and pilocarpine were used to induce epilepsies in rats. All epileptic rats were randomly divided into model, high-dose Xifeng Capsule, medium-dose Xifeng Capsule, low-dose Xifeng Capsule, high-dose Xifeng Capsule plus carbamazepine (CBZ) (combined high-dose group), high-dose Xifeng Capsule plus half dose of CBZ (combined low-dose group) and CBZ groups with 10 rats in each group. And another 10 normal rats served as control. After treating 28 d, immunohistochemical method was used to detect the MRP1 expression in cortex and hippocampus of the epileptic rats. RESULTS: MRP1 expression in hippocampus of the treated groups was higher than that of the normal control group, with wider range and darker positive particles, but was lower than that of the model group. In the cortical areas, the differences between the combined high-dose group or the combined low-dose group and the model group were statistically significant (P<0.05). Regardless of the hippocampus CA1, CA3, gyrus or cortical areas, the influence of high-dose Xifeng Capsule on MRP1 distribution was superior to that of low-dose Xifeng Capsule; Xifeng Capsule combined with CBZ had better effects than low-dose Xifeng Capsule, medium-dose Xifeng Capsule and CBZ used alone (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Xifeng Capsule used alone or combined with CBZ can effectively inhibit MRP1 expression in hippocampus and cortex of epileptic rats.

Toxicology of isoproturon to the food crop wheat as affected by salicylic acid.

PURPOSE: Isoproturon, a herbicide belonging to the phenylurea family, is widely used to kill weeds in soils. Recent study indicated that isoproturon has become a contaminant in ecosystems due to its intensive use, thus bringing environmental risks to crop production safety. Salicylic acid (SA) is one of the components in plant defense signaling pathways and regulates diverse physiological responses to biotic and environmental stresses. The purpose of the study is to help to understand how SA mediates the biological process in wheat under isoproturon stress. METHODS: Wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum, cv. Yangmai 13) were surface-sterilized and placed on moist filter paper for germination. After 24 h, the germinating seeds were placed on a plastic pot (1 L) containing 1,120 g soil mixed with isoproturon at 4 mg kg(-1) soil. After 4 days, wheat leaves were sprayed with 5 mg L(-1) SA. The SA treatment was undertaken once a day and lasted for 6 days, when the third true leaf was well developed. For control seedlings, only water was sprayed. Seedlings were grown under a light intensity of 300 µmol m(-2) s(-1) with a light/dark cycle of 12/12 h at 25°C, and watered to keep 70% relative water content in soils. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We investigated the role of SA in alleviating isoproturon-induced toxicity in the food crop wheat (T. aestivum). Plants exposed to 4 mg kg(-1) isoproturon showed growth stunt and oxidative damage, but concomitant treatment with 5 mg L(-1) SA was able to attenuate the toxic effect. Isoproturon in soils was readily accumulated by wheat, but such accumulation can be blocked significantly by SA application. Treatment with SA decreased the abundance of O(2) (.-) and H(2)O(2), as well as activities of antioxidant enzymes, and increased activities of catalase in isoproturon-exposed plants. The enzyme activities were confirmed by the native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Further, an RT-PCR-based assay was performed to show that several transcripts coding antioxidant enzymes were increased with isoproturon but decreased by SA. CONCLUSION: The present results indicate that exogenous SA is able to improve the wheat tolerance to isoproturon toxicity.

[Fluorescence fingerprint transformation of municipal wastewater caused by aerobic treatment].

The conventional parameters such as COD and BOD only could represent information about total organic content. Fluorescence spectrum can display organic composition and it is unique for each sample, so it is referred as "fluorescence fingerprint". In the present study transformation of excitation-emission matrix of municipal wastewater with sewage as major components after aerobic treatment was investigated and then the zones of biodegradable and non-biodegradable organic matters were figured out: the fluorescence at excitation wavelength/emission wavelength of about 280/340 nm and 225/240 nm derived from biodegradable organics and those of the zone of excitation wavelength above 300 nm and the zone of excitation wavelength below 300 nm and emission wavelength above 400 nm were mainly related with non-biodegradable organics. The above-mentioned results indicated that fluorescence fingerprint could be used to evaluate the performance and instruct design and operation of aerobic systems.

RNA editing of mitochondrial functional genes atp6 and cox2 in maize (Zea mays L.).

RNA editing of two mitochondrial or organs genes, atp6 and cox2, in different tissues were analyzed using homonucleic but alloplasmic, and homoplasmic but heteronucleic maize (zea mays L.) as experimental materials. A total of 18 and 26 editing sites for atp6 conservative region transcript were identified by direct and clone sequencing, respectively. By direct sequencing 23 and 22 editing sites for cox2 transcript were identified in 48-2 and Huangzaosi nuclear backgrounds, respectively. From the direct sequencing results, the occurrence rates of different transcripts generally increase in sterile lines. It is concluded that RNA editing of atp6 and cox2 might have a certain relationship with maize CMS.