Correlation of serum Orexin-A level with cognitive function and serum inflammatory cytokines in epileptic patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to analyze the associations of serum Orexin-A level with cognitive function and serum inflammatory cytokines in epileptic patients. METHODS: Totally 77 epileptic patients treated in Suqian First Hospital between January 2019 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed as the observation group, and 65 healthy individuals who had a physical examination in Suqian First Hospital during the same period were enrolled as the control group. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was conducted in participants in the two groups, and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted for quantifying serum Orexin-A, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Additionally, the Pearson correlation test was used for analyzing the associations of Orexin-A with MMSE, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α in the patients, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn for determining the diagnostic value of Orexin-A in epilepsy and cognitive dysfunction in epileptic patients. The independent risk factors for cognitive impairment in epileptic patients were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Epileptic patients showed a significantly lower serum Orexin-A level than the control group (P < 0.05), and the area under the curve (AUC) of Orexin-A in epilepsy diagnosis was 0.879. Additionally, epileptic patients had notably lower MMSE scores than the control group (P < 0.05). The Pearson correlation test revealed a positive association of Orexin-A with MMSE score and negative correlations of Orexin-A with IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels (P < 0.05). The AUC of Orexin-A in diagnosing cognitive dysfunction in epileptic patients was 0.908. According to multivariate analysis, lower education level, more severe EEG abnormalities and a lower Orexin-A level were independent risk factors for cognitive impairment in epileptic patients. CONCLUSION: Orexin-A can act as a diagnostic marker for epileptic patients, and its level is positively related with cognitive function of patients, but negatively related to the degree of inflammation. It is promising to be an early warning index for epilepsy and cognitive dysfunction in patients.

Functionalized Ferroferric Oxide Nanomagnetic Beads for Extraction of Nucleic Acid and Its Application in Early Screening of Colorectal Cancer.

Early screening is an important way to reduce the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC). Fecal DNA testing stands out among many screening methods due to its high sensitivity. However, at this stage, researchers have not found a high-efficiency method for fecal DNA extraction. To this end, this work carried out a new round of exploration. Here, this experiment synthesized a kind of nanomagnetic beads (NH2-SiO2@Fe3O4) with good stability for nucleic acid extraction. A comparative study with the centrifugal adsorption column method revealed the significant advantages of the magnetic bead method in extracting fecal DNA. The DNA extracted by the magnetic bead method is of high purity, can also achieve high-throughput tests, and is more suitable for polymerase chain reaction detection, greatly simplifying the stool DNA detection process and providing a basis for the widespread promotion of early screening.

Value of Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Tensor Imaging Combined with Quantitative Electroencephalogram in Diagnosis of Neurocognitive Impairment in Patients with White Matter Demyelination.

This paper aimed to explore the clinical value of combined adoption of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) in assessing microstructure changes and mild neurocognitive dysfunction in patients with white matter demyelination. 128 cases of white matter demyelination admitted to the hospital from October 2018 to October 2019 were rolled into the research group, and 100 healthy patients physically examined during the same period were rolled into the control (ctrl) group. QEEG and magnetic resonance DTI examinations were performed for all patients. The wave power of δ, θ, α, and ß and the ratio of α/θ and (δ + θ)/(α + ß) were recorded. The FA values of white matter fibers in different brain areas were measured, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Addenbrooke Cognitive Evaluation rating (ACE-R) were adopted to assess the neurocognitive function of patients. It was found that the dominant frequency of each brain area in the research group was 8-9 Hz slow α wave. In contrast with the ctrl, the α wave and α/θ values in the research group were lower, while θ wave and δ + θ/α + ß values were higher (P < 0.05); the scores of ACE-R and MoCA were lower (P < 0.01); the fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the right frontal lobe white matter (0.335 ± 0.068), the left temporal lobe white matter (0.391 ± 0.032), and the corpus callosum knee white matter (0.658 ± 0.053) were lower (P < 0.05). The FA values of these three areas were positively correlated with attention and calculation, memory, and memory of MoCA scale, respectively (P < 0.05). The FA value of the right frontal white matter was positively correlated with the attention and calculation score of the ACE-R scale (P < 0.05). In conclusion, magnetic resonance DTI combined with QEEG could reflect the microstructural changes of white matter, which may be associated with mild neurocognitive impairment. The primary objective of the study was to explore the clinical value of combined adoption of magnetic resonance DTI and QEEG in assessing microstructure changes and mild neurocognitive dysfunction in patients with white matter demyelination, expected to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of white matter demyelination.

[High-resolution Estimation of Spatio-temporal Variation in PM2.5 Concentrations in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region].

This study developed a two-stage statistical model (linear mixed effect (LME) model+geographical weight regression (GWR) model) to determine the spatio-temporal variation of PM2.5 concentrations in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region with full-coverage, high resolution, and high accuracy. The model employs multi-angle implementation of atmospheric correction aerosol optical depth (MAIAC AOD) data, with a 1 km spatial resolution, as the main predictor and meteorological data/land-use data as the auxiliary predictors. To determine the characteristics of heavy PM2.5 pollution in the BTH region, unique predictors such as AOD2 were also introduced into the two-stage model. The two-stage model was used to estimate the daily PM2.5 concentrations with a 1 km resolution. After being cross-validated against ground observations, the R2 of PM2.5 was found to be 0.94, with a slope value of 0.95 and RMSPE value of 13.14 µg·m-3. Compared to previous studies such as LME, the two-stage model has much higher accuracy, suitable for estimating PM2.5 concentrations. The PM2.5 concentration in the BTH region ranged from 0 to 89.89 µg·m-3 in 2017, with a mean value of 44.96 µg·m-3. The spatio-temporal variability of PM2.5 over the BTH region was significant, exhibiting high values over the southwestern plain, moderate values over the northeastern plain, and low values over the mountainous plateau. In terms of seasonal variation, PM2.5 concentrations were high in winter, low in summer, and moderate in spring and autumn. The estimated PM2.5 concentrations, with high spatio-temporal resolution, are useful for exposure assessments in epidemiological studies and identifying the spatio-temporal variation of pollution sources at a fine spatial scale. The results show that the locations of vital pollution sources over the severely polluted south-central Hebei piedmont plain may have changed since the implementation of the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan. This study could provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of air pollution in the BHT region.

[Combination of apparent diffusion coefficient and amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram to predict the outcome of comatose patients with severe traumatic brain injury].

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the combination of quantitative regional apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) can predict the outcome of comatose patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). METHODS: A prospective study was conducted. The patients with coma caused by sTBI [Glasgow coma scale (GCS) < 8] admitted to Suqian First Hospital from January 2016 to June 2019 were enrolled. All patients underwent aEEG examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan within 1 week after emergency treatment. The ADC values of 9 regions of interest (frontal gray matter and white matter, parietal gray matter and white matter, temporal gray matter and white matter, caudate nucleus of basal ganglia, lenticular nucleus and thalamus) were measured by head MRI, and the mean ADC values of frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe and basal ganglia were calculated respectively. According to the follow-up results after 12 months, the differences of each index between patients with poor prognosis [Glasgow outcome score (GOS) 1-2] and patients with good prognosis (GOS 3-5) were compared; the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to evaluate the predictive ability of aEEG and ADC for the good prognosis of patients with sTBI, and the predictive value of the combination of aEEG and ADC. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients with sTBI were enrolled, with mean age of (36.7±13.9) years old, 35 of whom were male. Within 12 months follow-up, 29 patients had achieved favorable outcomes and 23 patients had unfavorable outcome. There were 21, 17 and 14 patients with aEEG, and grade, respectively, and 19, 10 and 0 patients had good prognosis respectively. ADC values of 9 regions of interest in patients with good prognosis were significantly higher than those in patients with poor prognosis (×10-6 mm2/s: 924±107 vs. 531±87 in frontal gray matter, 804±95 vs. 481±74 in frontal white matter, 831±93 vs. 683±72 in temporal gray matter, 726±87 vs. 654±63 in temporal white matter, 767±79 vs. 690±75 in parietal gray matter, 716±84 vs. 642±62 in parietal white matter, 689±70 vs. 465±68 in caudate nucleus, 723±84 vs. 587±71 in lenticular nucleus, 807±79 vs. 497±67 in thalamus, all P < 0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under ROC curve (AUC) of aEEG for predicting good prognosis of sTBI patients was 0.826, when the cut-off value of aEEG was < 1.5, the sensitivity was 94.7% and the specificity was 72.8%. Among the ADC value prediction abilities in the interested areas, the prediction of ADC value in frontal lobe and basal ganglia area were better than that in sTBI patients. AUC was 0.817 and 0.903 respectively. The best cut-off values were > 726×10-6 mm2/s and > 624×10-6 mm2/s respectively, the sensitivity of predicting prognosis were both 100%, and the specificity was 63.4% and 61.8%. A model combining frontal ADC and basal ganglia ADC with aEEG was 91.0% sensitive and 93.7% specific for favorable outcome of sTBI patients. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of the quantitative measurement of regional ADC and aEEG may be useful for predicting the outcome of the patients with sTBI.

Response of the critically endangered Przewalski's gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) to selenium deprived environment.

Selenium (Se) is an essential mineral nutrient for animals. Se deprivation can lead to many disorders and even death. This study investigated the response of Przewalski's gazelle (P. przewalskii) to Se-deprived environment. We found that Se deprivation in soil and forage not only influenced the mineral contents of the blood and hair in P. przewalskii, but also severely disrupted their blood parameters. We identified significant changes in the abundance of 146 proteins and 25 metabolites (P < 0.05) in serum, including the selenoproteins L8IG93 (glutathione peroxidase) and F4YD09 (Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase). Furthermore, the major known proteins and metabolites associated with the Se stress response in P. przewalskii were Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, the vitamin K-dependent protein C, the C4b-binding protein alpha chain, complement component C7, lipase linoleic acid, peptidase D, thymidine, pseudo-uridine, L-phenylalanine, L-glutamine, PGA1, and 15-deoxy-delta-12,14-PGJ2. The main signaling pathways involved included complement and coagulation cascades, metabolic pathways, and stress granule formation. Our results indicate that the intake of Se-deficient forage elicited an oxidative stress response in P. przewalskii. These findings provide insights into the response mechanisms of this threatened gazelle to Se stress, and enable the development of conservation strategies to protect populations on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. SIGNIFICANCE: This study is the first to point out the presence of oxidative stress in P. przewalskii in selenium-deficient areas through proteomics and metabolomics studies. These findings should prove helpful for conservation efforts aimed at P. przewalskii populations and maintenance of the integrity of their ecological environment.

Effects of Nano-copper on Antioxidant Function in Copper-Deprived Guizhou Black Goats.

Guizhou black goats are essential to the production system in the Wumeng prairie in the Western China. This study aimed to determine the influence of nano-copper on antioxidant system in copper-deprived Guizhou black goats. We analyzed mineral contents in soil, forage, and goats' tissues. Blood parameters were also determined. The results showed that copper concentrations in soil and forage were significantly lower, and the iron content was significantly higher in affected compared with healthy area (P < 0.01). Copper concentrations in animal tissues (blood, liver, and hair) were significantly lower and iron content was significantly higher in affected compared with healthy goats (P < 0.01). After supplementation of nano-copper or copper sulfate, copper concentration in blood was significantly increased and iron content was significantly lower (P < 0.01). Compared with nano-copper group, the effect of copper sulfate was slower. Hemoglobin levels, erythrocyte count, and packed cell volume from nano-copper and copper sulfate groups were significantly higher than those in copper-deprived goats (P < 0.01). Compared with the copper-deprived Guizhou black goats, serum ceruloplasmin levels in nano-copper and copper sulfate groups were significantly increased, while serum lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Compared with the copper-deprived animals, serum superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity in nano-copper and copper sulfate groups were significantly higher, while serum malondialdehyde content was significantly lower (P < 0.01). The effect of copper sulfate group was significantly lower than that in nano-copper group (P < 0.01). Consequently, nano-copper could not only markedly increase the copper content in blood in copper-deprived Guizhou black goats but also much improves the antioxidant capacity.

Effects of Nano-Zinc on Immune Function in Qianbei-Pockmarked Goats.

Qianbei-pockmarked goats are vital to the production system of western China. This study aimed to determine the influence of nano-zinc on immune function in zinc-deprived goats. We analyzed the mineral concentrations in soil, forage, and animal tissue. Blood parameters and immune indexes were also determined. Results showed that the zinc concentrations in soil and forage from affected area were significantly lower than those in control area (P < 0.01). Zinc contents in tissues (blood and hair) from affected Qianbei-pockmarked goats were also significantly lower than those in healthy animals (P < 0.01). Levels of hemoglobin, erythrocyte count, and packed cell volume from affected animals were markedly lower than those in healthy animals (P < 0.01). Levels of lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxide, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity in serum in affected animals were significantly lower, and aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, malondialdehyde in serum were significantly higher than those in healthy goats (P < 0.01). The contents of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin G, interleukin-2, interleukin 6, and interleukin-1ß from affected animals were significantly lower than those in healthy animals (P < 0.01). The affected Qianbei-pockmarked goats were treated orally with nano-zinc, the concentration of zinc in blood significantly increased, and serum immune indexes greatly returned to that within the healthy range. It was concluded that nano-zinc could not only markedly increase the zinc content in blood of zinc-deprived goats but also much improve the immune function.

Responses of Przewalski's Gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) to Zinc Nutrition in Physical Habitat.

To study responses of Procapra przewalskii to zinc (Zn) nutrition in physical habitat, we analyzed the content of mineral elements in soil, forage, and animal tissues. Physiological and biochemical indexes were also determined. The results showed that Zn contents in the soil and forage from affected pasture were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those in unaffected areas. Zn concentrations in the blood, liver, and hair from affected P. przewalskii were also significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those in healthy animals. The levels of hemoglobin, erythrocyte count, and packed cell volume from affected P. przewalskii were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those in healthy animals. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase activities were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in affected P. przewalskii than in healthy animals, while serum lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in affected compared with healthy animals. The activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in serum were significantly lower and the malondialdehyde content was significantly higher (all P < 0.01) in affected compared with healthy animals. Affected P. przewalskii were treated orally with ZnSO4. The Zn content in the blood increased gradually and serum antioxidant indexes gradually returned to within the healthy range. Zn deprivation in forage thus not only influenced the blood mineral content but also severely disrupted blood parameters and antioxidant function in P. przewalskii.

Responses of Chinese Merino Sheep (Junken Type) on Copper-Deprived Natural Pasture.

To research responses of Chinese Merino Sheep (Junken type) to copper-deprived natural pasture, we analyzed mineral contents in soil, forage, and sheep tissues. Physiological and biochemical parameters were also determined. Results showed that copper concentrations in soil and forage from affected pastures were significantly lower than those in healthy ranges (P < 0.01). Copper contents in animal tissues (blood, liver, and wool) from affected Chinese Merino Sheep were also significantly lower than those in healthy sheep (P < 0.01). Hemoglobin levels, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin from affected Chinese Merino Sheep were significantly lower than those in healthy animals (P < 0.01). Serum ceruloplasmin was significantly lower in affected Chinese Merino Sheep than that in healthy animals, while activities of lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase in serum were significantly higher in affected compared with healthy animals (P < 0.01). The levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and catalase in serum were significantly lower, and the malondialdehyde content was significantly higher in affected compared with healthy sheep (P < 0.01). The levels of interleukin-2, interleukin 6, interleukin-1ß, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin M, and immunoglobulin G in copper-deprived sheep were significantly lower than those in healthy animals (P < 0.01). Copper deprivation in forage not only influenced the mineral content in blood but also severely disrupted blood parameters (physiology, biochemistry, immunity, and antioxidant) in Chinese Merino Sheep.

Limb-shaking transient ischemic attack with facial muscles involuntary twitch successfully treated with internal carotid artery stenting.

INTRODUCTION: Limb-shaking transient ischemic attack (LS-TIA) is a clinical disease with severe carotid stenosis, which is characterized by unilateral rhythmic dance or tremor like involuntary movements of arms and/or legs, but facial muscles are usually unaffected. METHODS: Today, we report a 42-year-old man with transient ischemic attack who suffered from right limb shaking and right facial muscle twitching due to the obvious stenosis of left internal carotid artery (ICA). Written informed consent was obtained from participants according to the Declaration of Helsinki, and a local ethic committee approved the study. ICA angioplasty and stent implantation were performed as treatment attempts. A brain protection device was navigated through the lesion and placed at the distal end of the stenosis. RESULT: The patient successfully completed the recanalization through stent placement, and the involuntary shaking of limbs and face was improved. During the 3-month follow-up, the patient's symptoms disappeared completely and did not attack again. CONCLUSION: This case report highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment, because treatment-related carotid artery occlusion can not only eliminate the attack, but also reduce the risk of future stroke.

Effects of Nano-Copper Poisoning on Immune and Antioxidant Function in the Wumeng Semi-Fine Wool Sheep.

The Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep is vital to the production system of the Wumeng mountainous area in Southwest China. To study the effect of nano-copper poisoning in the Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep, nano-copper poisoning model was established in sheep. We determined blood physiological and biochemical parameters, immune indexes, and antioxidant indicators. The results showed that Hb, RBC, and PCV levels in blood from the nano-copper group were markedly lower (P < 0.01) than those in the control group. Serum LDH, AST, ALT, CPK, and Cp from the nano-copper group were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than those in control animals. Serum SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, and T-AOC from the nano-copper group were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those in control sheep, and MDA content in serum from the nano-copper group were markedly higher (P < 0.01) than those in control sheep. The levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-1ß, IgA, IgM, and IgG from the nano-copper group were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those in the control group. It was concluded that nano-copper poisoning could not only affect the immune function of Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep but also reduce the antioxidant capacity.

Effect of Heavy Metal Contamination in the Environment on Antioxidant Function in Wumeng Semi-fine Wool Sheep in Southwest China.

Many environmental accidents have led to worldwide heavy metal pollution, raising concern about heavy metal toxicity in Southwest China. To study the effects of Cd and Pb in the environment on antioxidant function in Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep, contents of Cu, Zn, Mn, Mo, Fe, Se, Cd, and Pb were measured in irrigation water, soil, herbage, and animal tissues. Hematological and biochemical parameters were also determined. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in affected samples of irrigation water, soil, herbage, and tissues were significantly higher than those in the control (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in other element contents between affected pastures and control areas. The occurrence of anemia affected Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep. The activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in affected animals were significantly decreased than those in the control (P < 0.01). Content of MDA in serum in affected animals was significantly increased than that in control (P < 0.01). Serum T-AOC in affected animal was significantly lower than that in control (P < 0.01). Consequently, it is suggested that heavy metal contamination in natural habitat caused serious harm to antioxidant function in Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep.

Effects of Environmental Zinc Deficiency on Antioxidant System Function in Wumeng Semi-fine Wool Sheep.

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of zinc deficiency on the antioxidant system function in Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep. The content of mineral elements in soil, forage, and animal tissues were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The blood parameters were analyzed by automatic blood cell analyzer, and the serum biochemical indexes were analyzed by automatic biochemical analyzer. The results showed that the concentrations of zinc in soil and herbage were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in affected than control pasture, and calcium content was also significantly higher (P < 0.01). The concentrations of zinc in blood and liver from the affected animals were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those in healthy animals, and calcium content was also significantly higher (P < 0.01). The content of hemoglobin, erythrocyte number, packed cell volume, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase activity in the blood from affected areas were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those in healthy animals. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase were also higher (P < 0.01). Serum superoxide dismutase, serum glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and catalase from affected areas were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those in healthy animals. Malondialdehyde content was also higher (P < 0.01). There were no differences in other blood mineral element concentrations, blood indexes, and serum biochemical values. It was concluded that zinc deficiency in the Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep is mainly caused by the low content of zinc in soil and forage, and the zinc deficiency seriously affected the antioxidant system function.

Studies of Selenium Deficiency in the Wumeng Semi-Fine Wool Sheep.

Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep are affected by a disease, characterized by emaciation, stiffness and trembling of the limbs, weakness and inability to stand, and sudden death. The objective of the study was to determine possible relationships between the disease and mineral deficiencies. Samples of wool, blood, and liver were collected from affected and healthy sheep. Samples of soil and forage were collected from affected and unaffected areas. The samples were used for hematological and biochemical analyses and mineral nutrient measurements. Results showed that selenium concentrations in forage and soil samples from affected areas were significantly lower than those from unaffected areas (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, selenium concentrations of wool, blood, and liver from the affected sheep were also significantly lower than those from the healthy sheep (P < 0.01). The mean concentration of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) from the affected sheep were significantly lower than those from the healthy sheep (P < 0.01). Serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity in the affected sheep were significantly lower than those in the healthy sheep (P < 0.01). Serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and malondialdehyde (MDA) values in the affected sheep were significantly higher than those in the healthy sheep (P < 0.01). Serum concentrations of free triiodothyronine (FT3) and triiodothyronine (TT3) in the affected sheep were significantly lower than those in the healthy sheep; serum concentrations of free tetraiodothyronine (FT4) and tetraiodothyronine (TT4) in the affected sheep were significantly higher than those in the healthy sheep (P < 0.01). But the administration of selenium and vitamin E by hypodermic injection prevented and cured the disease. The injection contains 0.1% and 5% of sodium selenite and vitamin E, respectively. A single dose is 6, 6, and 2 mL for mature ewe, mature ram, and lamb, respectively, repeated only once 15 days later. This study demonstrated that the disorder of Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep was mainly caused by the selenium deficiency in soil and forage.

iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis to identify molecular mechanisms of the selenium deficiency response in the Przewalski's gazelle.

The Przewalski's gazelle shows long-term survival in a selenium (Se)-deficient environment, but fails to exhibit obvious pathological manifestations. To reveal proteomic changes in the Przewalski's gazelle in response to Se-deficiency, twenty Przewalski's gazelle were randomly divided into control group and Se-deficient group. After induction of Se-deficiency animal model, blood samples were collected from eight animals. An isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) proteomics approach was employed to explore blood protein alterations and potential mechanisms of the response to Se-deficiency challenge. Se deficiency contributed to a remarkable change in blood Se levels and routine blood indexes. In proteomic analyses, 130 proteins were differentially accumulated in the Se-deficient and control groups. The differentially expressed proteins were annotated mainly as single-organism process, extracellular region, or binding, respectively, and they were highly enriched in the coagulation and complement cascades. Protein-protein interaction analysis showed several important nodal proteins involved in the regulation of binding, cellular biochemical processes, and signal transduction pathways. To our knowledge, this study is the first to comprehensively analyze blood protein changes in the Przewalski's gazelle under Se-deficient conditions, which reveal that this species has developed physiological mechanisms of adaptation in response to Se-deficiency stress. SIGNIFICANCE: The present study is the first to comprehensively analyze alterations in the protein profiles induced by Se deficiency in the blood of the Przewalski's gazelle, showing that Se-deficiency contributed to a significant reduction in blood Se levels and marked changes in blood parameters, which will likely contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the changes in protein abundance in the Przewalski's gazelle in response to Se-deficiency stress.

The comparison of clonidine, arginine and both combined: a growth hormone stimulation test to differentiate multiple system atrophy from idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

This study was aimed at comparing the diagnostic accuracy of the growth hormone (GH) response to clonidine, arginine and both combined in order to establish a more reliable test to differentiate parkinsonism type multiple system atrophy (MSA-p) from Parkinson's disease (PD). Twenty-four patients with MSA-p and 26 cases with PD entered the study. They were submitted to treatments of clonidine, arginine and a combination of the two in a random manner on three different nonconsecutive days. The GH peak in serum at different times was evaluated and used as a primary variable for analysis of the stimulation test. By ROC analysis, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of tests of clonidine, arginine and both combined. After clonidine administration, the maximal average was significantly lower in patients with MSA-p than in those with PD (3.62 +/- 0.81 vs. 6.91 +/- 1.13; P < 0.05) with a sensitivity and specificity of 82.61 and 76.92%. After arginine administration, the maximal average GH concentration in serum at 30 min was also significantly lower in patients with MSA-p than in those with PD (4.07 +/- 0.80 vs. 7.89 +/- 1.29; P < 0.05) with a sensitivity and specificity of 78.26 and 73.08%. The sensitivity and specificity in differentiating MSA-p from PD was higher in the clonidine GH stimulation test than in the arginine GH stimulation test. However, when the clonidine and arginine were applied combined, the contrast of the maximal average GH concentration in serum in two groups was markedly increased (5.02 +/- 1.12 vs. 10.75 +/- 1.11; P < 0.05) with a sensitivity and specificity of 73.91 and 92.31%, and the specificity was notably increased in the combined GH stimulation test. Compared to the arginine GH stimulation test, the clonidine GH stimulation displayed a higher sensitivity and specificity; combined GH stimulation test of clonidine plus arginine could significantly enhance the specificity in differential diagnosis of MSA-p from PD.

Sinomenine, an antirheumatic alkaloid, ameliorates clinical signs of disease in the Lewis rat model of acute experimental autoimmune encephalolmyelitis.

The therapeutic value of an antirheumatic alkaloid, sinomenine (SIN), was investigated in the acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis (MS). SIN is a bioactive alkaloid derived from the Chinese medicinal plant, Sinomenium acutum REHDER & E. H. WILSON (Family Menispermaceae). Chinese doctors have utilized this plant to treat rheumatic and arthritic diseases for over one thousand years. Experiments in which EAE-induced Lewis rats exhibit an acute monophasic episode of disease demonstrated that SIN is effective in preventing clinical signs of disease. The therapeutic effect on disease activity was observed at preonset administration times and at various doses tested. Consistent with disease activity in vivo, SIN-treated animals have reduced cellular infiltration within the spinal cord along with decreased TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma expression levels. SIN can significantly inhibit proliferation response of splenocytes induced by MBP(68-82). TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, secreted by splenocytes induced by MBP(68-82) are inhibited by SIN by dose-dependence manner. The mRNA levels of CC chemokines, RANTES, MIP-1alpha and MCP-1, are inhibited in SIN-treated EAE rats. The data in this proof of concept study support the premise that SIN may be a promising new therapeutic intervention in MS.