Overexpression of Taetr1-1 promotes enhanced seed dormancy and ethylene insensitivity in wheat.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Taetr1-1 can promote enhanced seed dormancy and ethylene insensitivity in wheat, indicating a conserved function of ETR1 in regulating seed dormancy. Lots of wheat cultivars have weak dormant seed. Weak seed dormancy can cause pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) in grain which significantly reduces grain yield and quality. The mining of causal genes of PHS resistance will serve to enhance breeding selection and cultivar development. In a previous study in Arabidopsis, we identified reduced dormancy 3 as a loss-of-function mutant of the ethylene receptor 1 (ETR1), which can control seed dormancy through the ERF12-TPL-DOG1 pathway. However, it is unknown whether ETR1 also functions in the regulation of wheat seed dormancy. To identify the regulatory role of ETR1 in wheat, we cloned TaETR1 and overexpressed the gain-of-function mutant Taetr1-1. The result indicated that overexpression of Taetr1-1 can promote enhanced seed dormancy and ethylene insensitivity in wheat. This study contributed to our understanding of the molecular basis for the regulation of wheat PHS resistance.

Intra and inter: Alterations in functional brain resting-state networks in patients with functional constipation.

Background: Functional constipation (FCon), is a symptom-based functional gastrointestinal disorder without an organic etiology and altering brain structure and function. However, previous studies mainly focused on isolated brain regions involved in brain plasticity. Therefore, little is known about the altered large-scale interaction of brain networks in FCon. Methods: For this study, we recruited 20 patients with FCon and 20 healthy controls. We used group independent component analysis to identify resting-state networks (RSNs) and documented intra- and inter-network alterations in the RSNs of the patients with FCon. Results: We found 14 independent RSNs. Differences in the intra-networks included decreased activities in the bilateral caudate of RSN 3 (strongly related to emotional and autonomic processes) and decreased activities in the left precuneus of RSN 10 (default mode network). Notably, the patients with FCon exhibited significantly decreased interactive connectivity between RSNs, mostly involving the connections to the visual perception network (RSN 7-9). Conclusion: Compared with healthy controls, patients with FCon had extensive brain plastic changes within and across related RSNs. Furthermore, the macroscopic brain alterations in FCon were associated with interoceptive abilities, emotion processing, and sensorimotor control. These insights could therefore lead to the development of new treatment strategies for FCon.

Genome-wide association study reveals a NAC transcription factor TaNAC074 linked to pre-harvest sprouting tolerance in wheat.

KEY MESSAGE: Twelve QTL associated with pre-harvest sprouting tolerance were identified using association analysis in wheat. Two markers were validated and a candidate gene TaNAC074 for Qgpf.cas-3B.2 was verified using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is a considerable global threat to wheat yield and quality. Due to this threat, breeders must identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) and genes conferring PHS-tolerance (PHST) to reduce the negative effects of PHS caused by low seed dormancy. In this study, we evaluated a panel of 302 diverse wheat genotypes for PHST in four environments and genotyped the panel with a high-density wheat 660 K SNP array. By using a genome-wide association study (GWAS), we identified 12 stable loci significantly associated with PHST (P < 0.0001), explaining 3.34 - 9.88% of the phenotypic variances. Seven of these loci co-located with QTL and genes reported previously. Five loci (Qgpf.cas-3B.2, Qgpf.cas-3B.3, Qgpf.cas-3B.4, Qgpf.cas-7B.2, and Qgpf.cas-7B.3), located in genomic regions with no known PHST QTL or genes, are likely to be new QTL conferring PHST. Additionally, two molecular markers were developed for Qgpf.cas-3A and Qgpf.cas-7B.3, and validated using a different set of 233 wheat accessions. Finally, the PHST-related function of candidate gene TaNAC074 for Qgpf.cas-3B.2 was confirmed by CAPS (cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences) marker association analysis in 233 wheat accessions and by expression and phenotypic analysis of transgenic wheat. Overexpression of TaNAC074 significantly reduced seed dormancy in wheat. This study contributes to broaden the genetic basis and molecular marker-assisted breeding of PHST.

Combining QTL mapping and gene co-expression network analysis for prediction of candidate genes and molecular network related to yield in wheat.

BACKGROUND: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important cereal crop. Increasing grain yield for wheat is always a priority. Due to the complex genome of hexaploid wheat with 21 chromosomes, it is difficult to identify underlying genes by traditional genetic approach. The combination of genetics and omics analysis has displayed the powerful capability to identify candidate genes for major quantitative trait loci (QTLs), but such studies have rarely been carried out in wheat. In this study, candidate genes related to yield were predicted by a combined use of linkage mapping and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) in a recombinant inbred line population. RESULTS: QTL mapping was performed for plant height (PH), spike length (SL) and seed traits. A total of 68 QTLs were identified for them, among which, 12 QTLs were stably identified across different environments. Using RNA sequencing, we scanned the 99,168 genes expression patterns of the whole spike for the recombinant inbred line population. By the combined use of QTL mapping and WGCNA, 29, 47, 20, 26, 54, 46 and 22 candidate genes were predicted for PH, SL, kernel length (KL), kernel width, thousand kernel weight, seed dormancy, and seed vigor, respectively. Candidate genes for different traits had distinct preferences. The known PH regulation genes Rht-B and Rht-D, and the known seed dormancy regulation genes TaMFT can be selected as candidate gene. Moreover, further experiment revealed that there was a SL regulatory QTL located in an interval of about 7 Mbp on chromosome 7A, named TaSL1, which also involved in the regulation of KL. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of QTL mapping and WGCNA was applied to predicted wheat candidate genes for PH, SL and seed traits. This strategy will facilitate the identification of candidate genes for related QTLs in wheat. In addition, the QTL TaSL1 that had multi-effect regulation of KL and SL was identified, which can be used for wheat improvement. These results provided valuable molecular marker and gene information for fine mapping and cloning of the yield-related trait loci in the future.

Emerging roles of growth differentiation factor-15 in brain disorders (Review).

Brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and cerebral stroke, are an important contributor to mortality and disability worldwide, where their pathogenesis is currently a topic of intense research. The mechanisms underlying the development of brain disorders are complex and vary widely, including aberrant protein aggregation, ischemic cell necrosis and neuronal dysfunction. Previous studies have found that the expression and function of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF15) is closely associated with the incidence of brain disorders. GDF15 is a member of the TGFß superfamily, which is a dimer-structured stress-response protein. The expression of GDF15 is regulated by a number of proteins upstream, including p53, early growth response-1, non-coding RNAs and hormones. In particular, GDF15 has been reported to serve an important role in regulating angiogenesis, apoptosis, lipid metabolism and inflammation. For example, GDF15 can promote angiogenesis by promoting the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, apoptosis of prostate cancer cells and fat metabolism in fasted mice, and GDF15 can decrease the inflammatory response of lipopolysaccharide-treated mice. The present article reviews the structure and biosynthesis of GDF15, in addition to the possible roles of GDF15 in Alzheimer's disease, cerebral stroke and Parkinson's disease. The purpose of the present review is to summarize the mechanism underlying the role of GDF15 in various brain disorders, which hopes to provide evidence and guide the prevention and treatment of these debilitating conditions.

The impact of visceral obesity on chronic constipation, inflammation, immune function and cognitive function in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity has gained attention among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The impact of visceral obesity on chronic constipation, inflammation, immune function and cognition after diagnosis of IBD is still unknown. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 150 IBD patients. Patients' visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were measured and were grouped according to visceral obesity. The potential impact of visceral obesity on cognitive function were evaluated using Mini-Mental State Examination. We evaluated patients' incidence of chronic constipation, levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), T cells and body mass index in two groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of visceral obesity was 51% (37 out of 72) for Crohn's disease (CD) patients and 26% for UC patients (20 out of 78 patients). CD patients with visceral obesity has higher incidence of chronic constipation (81% vs. 57%, P = 0.028), higher IL-6 levels (15.28 pg/ml vs. 9.429 pg/ml, P = 0.007) and lower CD4+ T cells (32.7% vs. 44.0%, P < 0.001). VAT/SAT ratio is associated with BMI (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: IBD patients had high risks of visceral obesity. CD Patients with visceral obesity had higher prevalence of chronic constipation, higher inflammation levels, decreased immune function.

HNF-1 binding point mutation of the AFP gene promotes cirrhosis in post-menopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: α-fetoprotein (AFP) expression is activated during the embryonic stage or hepatocellular carcinogenesis, so it is presumed that AFP is a key endogenous molecule to promote cell proliferation or differentiation. We carried out gene screening in an unknown family with hyper-alpha-fetoproteinemia and some sporadic menopausal women, and discussed the relationship between AFP expression and liver cirrhosis. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples from family members, patients with malignant liver tumors, and normal controls were collected. Full-length sequence of AFP was amplified and directly sequenced, and compared with normal controls. HNF-1α and HNF-1ß in plasma levels of family members, patients with liver cancer, newborns, pregnant women, and normal subjects were detected by ELISA, and the relationship between HNF-1 and AFP mutation or high expression was evaluated. RESULTS: There was a mutation in AFP promoter region at c.-200 C>T, which was located at the binding site of AFP hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (HNF-1). AFP was higher than 4000 ng/L in all members carrying the mutation, but liver cancer was excluded in the family with hyper-alpha-fetoprotein. However, cirrhosis occurred in post-menopausal women. The cases reviewed showed that unknown hyper-alpha-fetoprotein was closely related to HNF-1 binding point of AFP in post-menopausal women with cirrhosis (7/11), while the plasma levels of HNF-1α and HNF-1ß were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: The mutation of the HNF-1 binding point of AFP may lead to an abnormal high expression of AFP by altering the binding of HNF transcription factors, which is closely related to cirrhosis in menopausal women.

Effect of Xiao-Ai-Ping injection on paclitaxel pharmacokinetics in rats by LC-MS/MS method.

Xiao-Ai-Ping injection (XAP) has been shown to be clinically effective in treatment of gastric carcinoma, liver cancer and lung cancer, when it was combined with anticancer drug paclitaxel (PTX). To analyze the effect of XAP on the pharmacokinetics of PTX, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LCMS/MS) assay method was developed and validated to quantify PTX simultaneously and its main metabolite 3'-p-hydroxypaclitaxel (C3'-OHP) in rat plasma. PTX and C3'-OHP were quantified using positive MRM mode. The analysis method was validated for specificity, recovery, carry-over, accuracy, precision, sample stability and dilution integrity under various storage conditions. The pharmacokinetic parameters were determined in rats after tail intravenous administration of 6 mg/mL PTX in the absence (control group) or presence of intraperitoneal administration of 10 mL/kg、20 mL/kg XAP (study groups). Compared to control group, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of PTX and C3'-OHP in study groups increased significantly following consecutive administration with XAP for 10 days. In conclusion, pretreatment with XAP enhanced the exposure of PTX and C3'-OHP. There would be herb-drug interaction happening between XAP and PTX in rats.

[Evaluation of the performance of a minimally invasive thoracic drainage tube in a rabbit model of hemothorax].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of a minimally invasive thoracic drainage tube (14 F) made of polyurethane (PU) in a rabbit model of hemothorax in comparison with the conventional 28 F chest tube (CCT). METHODS: Thirty New Zealand rabbits were divided into experimental chest tube (ECT) group (n=9), CCT group (n=6), and blood provider group (n=15). Blood samples (20 mL) collected from the blood providing rabbits were injected into the chest cavity of the rabbits in the other two groups, and the time taken for closed drainage of the thoracic cavity was recorded. The rabbits in ECT and CCT groups were subjected to blood injections (20 mL for each injection) into the chest cavity every 20 min for 5 times, and the volumes of blood drained by ECT and CCT were measured. Two hours later, the rabbits were sacrificed and the residual blood and blood clots in the chest cavities were observed. RESULTS: Compared with CCT, the use of ECT significantly shortened the operation time (P<0.05) and produced more effective blood drainage at 20 min and 40 min after the placement of the drainage tube (P<0.05). No significant difference was found in the total blood volume drained between ECT and CCT groups, but the volume of residual blood in the thoracic cavity was significantly smaller in ECT group than in CCT group. No post-operative complications were found in the rabbits in ECT group while all the rabbits in CCT group had abutment pressure to the lung. CONCLUSION: Compared to CCT, ECT is less invasive and allows more effective thoracic drainage with more convenient operation and reduced postoperative complications, suggesting its potential for use in closed thoracic drainage in single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or in pediatric patients.

Age-related changes of yolk precursor formation in the liver of laying hens.

A rapid decline in egg production of laying hens begins after 480 d of age. Such a rapid decrease results predominantly from the ovarian aging, accompanied by endocrine changes, decreased yolk synthesis and accumulation, and the reduction in follicles selected into the preovulatory hierarchy. In this study, hens at 90, 150, 280, and 580 d old (D90, D150, D280, and D580, respectively) were compared for yolk precursor formation in the liver to elucidate effects of aging on laying performance. The results showed that liver lipid synthesis increased remarkably in hens from D90 to D150, but decreased sharply at D580 as indicated by the changes in triglyceride (TG) levels. This result was consistent with the age-related changes of the laying performance. The levels of liver antioxidants and total antioxidant capacity decreased significantly in D580 hens and the methane dicarboxylic aldehyde in D580 hens was much higher than that at other stages. The serum 17ß-estradiol level increased from D90 to D280, but decreased at D580 (P<0.05). The expression of estrogen receptor α and ß mRNAs in the liver displayed similar changes to the serum 17ß-estradiol in D580 hens. Expressions of the genes related to yolk precursor formation and enzymes responsible for fat acid synthesis were all decreased in D580 hens. These results indicated that decreased yolk precursor formation in the liver of the aged hens resulted from concomitant decreases of serum 17ß-estradiol level, transcription levels of estrogen receptors and critical genes involved in yolk precursor synthesis, and liver antioxidant status.

Age-related changes of yolk precursor formation in the liver of laying hens / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

A rapid decline in egg production of laying hens begins after 480 d of age. Such a rapid decrease results predominantly from the ovarian aging, accompanied by endocrine changes, decreased yolk synthesis and accumulation, and the reduction in follicles selected into the preovulatory hierarchy. In this study, hens at 90, 150, 280, and 580 d old (D90, D150, D280, and D580, respectively) were compared for yolk precursor formation in the liver to elucidate effects of aging on laying performance. The results showed that liver lipid synthesis increased remarkably in hens from D90 to D150, but decreased sharply at D580 as indicated by the changes in triglyceride (TG) levels. This result was consistent with the age-related changes of the laying performance. The levels of liver antioxidants and total antioxidant capacity decreased significantly in D580 hens and the methane dicarboxylic aldehyde in D580 hens was much higher than that at other stages. The serum 17β-estradiol level increased from D90 to D280, but decreased at D580 (P<0.05). The expression of estrogen receptor α and β mRNAs in the liver displayed similar changes to the serum 17β-estradiol in D580 hens. Expressions of the genes related to yolk precursor formation and enzymes responsible for fat acid synthesis were all decreased in D580 hens. These results indicated that decreased yolk precursor formation in the liver of the aged hens resulted from concomitant decreases of serum 17β-estradiol level, transcription levels of estrogen receptors and critical genes involved in yolk precursor synthesis, and liver antioxidant status.

Neural Basis of Enhanced Executive Function in Older Video Game Players: An fMRI Study.

Video games have been found to have positive influences on executive function in older adults; however, the underlying neural basis of the benefits from video games has been unclear. Adopting a task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study targeted at the flanker task, the present study aims to explore the neural basis of the improved executive function in older adults with video game experiences. Twenty video game players (VGPs) and twenty non-video game players (NVGPs) of 60 years of age or older participated in the present study, and there are no significant differences in age (t = 0.62, p = 0.536), gender ratio (t = 1.29, p = 0.206) and years of education (t = 1.92, p = 0.062) between VGPs and NVGPs. The results show that older VGPs present significantly better behavioral performance than NVGPs. Older VGPs activate greater than NVGPs in brain regions, mainly in frontal-parietal areas, including the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the left supramarginal gyrus, the right angular gyrus, the right precuneus and the left paracentral lobule. The present study reveals that video game experiences may have positive influences on older adults in behavioral performance and the underlying brain activation. These results imply the potential role that video games can play as an effective tool to improve cognitive ability in older adults.

Specific Detection of Carcinoembryonic Antigen Based on Fluorescence Quenching of Hollow Porous Gold Nanoshells with Roughened Surface.

The detection of tumor biomarkers in the early stage is highly desirable for the therapy of cancer. However, rapid, low-cost, sensitive, and selective detection of biomarkers remains a challenge owing to the sequence homology, short length, and low abundance. This Research Article describes the synthesis of a novel carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) probe using hollow porous gold nanoparticles (HPGNPs) with roughened surface based on fluorescence quenching. For specific detection of CEA, the surface of HPGNP is modified by carboxyl modification, carboxyl activation, and antibody conjugation. Furthermore, to enhance the detection performance, we have systematically optimized the parameters, such as particle size, surfactants, surface roughness, surface hole size, and the molecule-particle distance (MPD). The results demonstrate that the fluorescence quenching efficiency would be enhanced with a larger particle size and surface hole size, roughened surface and a greater MPD. Also, with careful inspection of different surfactants of CTAB and PVP, we find that PVP has the optimal performance on fluorescence quenching. Under these optimized conditions, CEA could be detected with an ultralow detection limit of 1.5 pg/mL, and the probe shows a linear range from 2 to 100 pg/mL. The limit of detection is an order of intensity lower than related methods. Interference experiment results have shown that the influence of the interfering proteins could be neglected in the detection procedure.

Migraine and percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and migraine with aura (MA) is well established. However, the benefits of PFO closure are less certain in patients with migraine without aura (MwoA). METHODS: We systematically searched Pubmed for pertinent clinical studies published from January 2000 to July 2015. The primary end-point was the elimination or significant improvement of migraine symptoms after PFO closure. RESULTS: Upon screening an initial list of 315 publications, we identified eight studies that included 546 patients. Overall, our analysis indicated a significant improvement of migraine in 81% of MA cases compared to only 63% of MwoA cases. The summary odds ratio was 2.5 (95% confidence interval 1.09-5.73), and the benefits of PFO closure were significantly greater for patients with MA compared to patients with MwoA (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of aura provides a reference standard for the clinical selection of patients with migraine for PFO closure intervention.

Age-Related Cognitive Effects of Videogame Playing Across the Adult Life span.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies found positive influences of videogame playing on cognition. However, the age-related and task-related effects of videogame experience across the adult life span are still unknown. The current study aimed to systematically investigate this question. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current study used the cross-sectional approach. A total of 166 participants (84 videogame players [VGPs], 82 nonvideogame players [NVGPs]) at the age of 18-80 in the present study were recruited, including 62 young adults aged from 18 to 34 (35 VGPs, 27 NVGPs), 55 middle-aged adults aged between 35 and 59 (24 VGPs, 31 NVGPs), and 49 older adults aged between 60 and 80 (25 VGPs, 24 NVGPs).1,2 A series of neuropsychological tests from different cognitive domains, including processing speed, visuospatial, attention, memory, and executive function, were conducted on participants. RESULTS: The age-related effects demonstrated that young and older adults benefited more from videogame experience than middle-aged adults. The task-related effects showed that VGPs benefited more from videogame experience in processing speed and visuospatial processing; next was executive function and attention, while no benefits in memory. The effect sizes suggested that the difference in extent between VGPs and NVGPs in processing speed and visuospatial processing is moderate, in attention and executive function is small, and in memory is negligible. CONCLUSION: The current findings support the beneficial effects and transfer effects of videogame experience; however, the effects presented age-specific and task-specific characteristics. The results provide useful insights for future videogame intervention studies for healthy adults of different ages.

Action Video Game Training for Healthy Adults: A Meta-Analytic Study.

Action video game (AVG) has attracted increasing attention from both the public and from researchers. More and more studies found video game training improved a variety of cognitive functions. However, it remains controversial whether healthy adults can benefit from AVG training, and whether young and older adults benefit similarly from AVG training. In the present study, we aimed to quantitatively assess the AVG training effect on the cognitive ability of adults and to compare the training effects on young and older adults by conducting a meta-analysis on previous findings. We systematically searched video game training studies published between January 1986 and July 2015. Twenty studies were included in the present meta-analysis, for a total of 313 participants included in the training group and 323 participants in the control group. The results demonstrate that healthy adults achieve moderate benefit from AVG training in overall cognitive ability and moderate to small benefit in specific cognitive domains. In contrast, young adults gain more benefits from AVG training than older adults in both overall cognition and specific cognitive domains. Age, education, and some methodological factors, such as the session duration, session number, total training duration, and control group type, modulated the training effects. These meta-analytic findings provide evidence that AVG training may serve as an efficient way to improve the cognitive performance of healthy adults. We also discussed several directions for future AVG training studies.

Effect of Boric Acid Supplementation on the Expression of BDNF in African Ostrich Chick Brain.

The degree of brain development can be expressed by the levels of brain brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF plays an irreplaceable role in the process of neuronal development, protection, and restoration. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of boric acid supplementation in water on the ostrich chick neuronal development. One-day-old healthy animals were supplemented with boron in drinking water at various concentrations, and the potential effects of boric acid on brain development were tested by a series of experiments. The histological changes in brain were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining. Expression of BDNF was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR), and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Apoptosis was evaluated with Dutp-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) reaction, and caspase-3 was detected with QRT-PCR. The results were as follows: (1) under the light microscope, the neuron structure was well developed with abundance of neurites and intact cell morphology when animals were fed with less than 160 mg/L of boric acid (groups II, III, IV). Adversely, when boric acid doses were higher than 320 mg/L(groups V, VI), the high-dose boric acid neuron structure was damaged with less neurites, particularly at 640 mg/L; (2) the quantity of BDNF expression in groups II, III, and IV was increased while it was decreased in groups V and VI when compared with that in group I; (3) TUNEL reaction and the caspase-3 mRNA level showed that the amount of cell apoptosis in group II, group III, and group IV were decreased, but increased in group V and group VI significantly. These results indicated that appropriate supplementation of boric acid, especially at 160 mg/L, could promote ostrich chicks' brain development by promoting the BDNF expression and reducing cell apoptosis. Conversely, high dose of boric acid particularly in 640 mg/L would damage the neuron structure of ostrich chick brain by inhibiting the BDNF expression and increasing cell apoptosis. Taken together, the 160 mg/L boric acid supplementation may be the optimal dose for the brain development of ostrich chicks.

[Design and study of middle infrared spectrum system with variational field of view].

In order to track and capture target at the same time with a set of equipment, a middle infrared spectrum variational field of view (fov) detection system with a large focal plane array was designed for a 640 x 512 novel large focal plane array infrared detector with the picture element size of 15 m x 15 m. The spectrum range was 3.7-4.8 m, F number was 4.0, narrow FOV and wide FOV was 0.45 and 0.90 respectively. The manner of variational FOV was accomplished by pitching two lenses into the narrow FOV system layout with mechanism framework. Reimaging technology not only minished the diameter of front fixed group, but also met 100% cold shield efficiency to minish stray light into the infrared detector. Two common infrared materials Ge and Si were used in the variational FOV detection system. The aspheric technology was used in order to correct the off axis aberration and higher order aberration and assure the fixedness of image plane. At the spatial frequency 33 lp x mm(-1), the modulation transfer function(MTF) was above 0.2 for both the narrow FOV and wide FOV. Moreover, the distortion is below 0.5%. The middle infrared spectrum variational FOV detection system has excellent image. The image quality of the middle infrared spectrum variational field of view detection system changed little in the working temperature range -35-55 degrees C.

Surface-based regional homogeneity in first-episode, drug-naïve major depression: a resting-state FMRI study.

BACKGROUND: Previous volume-based regional homogeneity (ReHo) studies neglected the intersubject variability in cortical folding patterns. Recently, surface-based ReHo was developed to reduce the intersubject variability and to increase statistical power. The present study used this novel surface-based ReHo approach to explore the brain functional activity differences between first-episode, drug-naïve MDD patients and healthy controls. METHODS: Thirty-three first-episode, drug-naïve MDD patients and 32 healthy controls participated in structural and resting-state fMRI scans. MDD patients were rated with a 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression prior to the scan. RESULTS: In comparison with the healthy controls, MDD patients showed reduced surface-based ReHo in the left insula. There was no increase in surface-based ReHo in MDD patients. The surface-based ReHo value in the left insula was not significantly correlated with the clinical information or the depressive scores in the MDD group. CONCLUSIONS: The decreased surface-based ReHo in the left insula in MDD may lead to the abnormal top-down cortical-limbic regulation of emotional and cognitive information. The surface-based ReHo may be a useful index to explore the pathophysiological mechanism of MDD.

Psychometric properties of the suicidal ideation questionnaire among Chinese high school students.

OBJECTIVES: To test the psychometric properties of the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (SIQ) among Chinese high school students. METHODS: The reliability and validity of SIQ were analyzed with data of 505 high school students in Jinan, China. RESULTS: The Cronbach's coefficient alpha of SIQ was above 0.95 and the Cronbach's coefficients alphas of SIQ when each item was deleted were relatively stable. The convergent validity analyses showed that there were statistically significant correlations between SIQ total scores and DSD total scores by gender. Exploratory factor analysis produced four factors of SIQ. CONCLUSION: The SIQ has a high level of reliability and validity and should be a reliable measure for suicide ideation in Chinese high school students.