Effects and safety of Ginkgo biloba on depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Because depression is a major factor contributing to the global disease burden, we tried to analyze the effects and safety of Ginkgo biloba (GKB) on patients with depression. Methods: We conducted a literature search for articles published between January 2002 and May 2022 in seven online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure). A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed to compare the effects and safety of GKB on patients with depression, including subjective and objective indicators of depression evaluation. Results: In total, 21 eligible articles with nine indicators among 2074 patients were included. Several outcomes showed a difference, and the GKB group had better results than the control group, including the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), after taking GKB for 4 weeks (MD = -2.86, 95%CI [-4.27, -1.46], p < 0.01), 6 weeks (mean difference (MD) = -3.36, 95%CI [-4.05, -2.67], p < 0.01), and 8 weeks (MD = -4.58, 95% CI [-6.11, -3.05], p < 0.01), modified Barthel index (MBI) (MD = 14.86, 95%CI [12.07, 17.64], p < 0.01), modified Edinburgh-Scandinavian stroke scale (MESSS) (MD = -4.57, 95%CI [-6.34, -2.79], p < 0.01), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (MD = 16.35, 95%CI [7.34, 25.36], p < 0.01), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) (MD = 4.57, 95%CI [3.08, 6.05], p < 0.01), and clinical efficacy (risk ratio, RR = 1.24, 95%CI [1.17, 1.32], p < 0.01). However, there were no differences in adverse events between GKB and controls. Conclusion: In conclusion, the main finding was that patients treated with GKB had better MBI, MESSS, BDNF, 5-HT, and HAMD values after 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks than the control group. GKB might reduce the risk of depression or depressive symptoms with safe clinical efficacy. Systematic Review Registration: identifier (INPLASY2023100052).

High α-diversity of skin microbiome and mycobiome in Japanese patients with vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by depigmented patches on the skin that majorly impact patients' quality of life. Although its etiology involves genetic and environmental factors, the role of microorganisms as environmental factors in vitiligo pathology remains under-researched. OBJECTIVES: Our study explored the presence of characteristic bacterial and fungal flora in vitiligo-affected skin and investigated their potential roles in vitiligo pathogenesis. METHODS: We sequenced bacterial 16S rRNA and the fungal ITS1 region from skin swabs collected at frequently affected sites, namely the forehead and back, of patients with vitiligo. We analyzed bacterial and fungal flora in lesional and non-lesional areas of patients with vitiligo compared with corresponding sites in age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. RESULTS: Our findings revealed elevated α-diversity in both bacterial and fungal flora within vitiligo lesions compared with healthy controls. Notably, bacterial flora exhibited a distinctive composition in patients with vitiligo, and the proportional representation of Enterococcus was inversely correlated with the degree of vitiligo progression. Gammaproteobacteria, Staphylococcus spp., and Corynebacterium spp. were more abundant in vitiligo patients, with notable Staphylococcus spp. prevalence during the stable phase on the forehead. Conversely, the proportion of Malassezia sympodialis was lower and that of Malassezia globosa was higher in the progressive phase on the back of vitiligo patients. CONCLUSION: Our study identified some characteristic bacterial and fungal groups associated with vitiligo activity and prognosis, highlighting the potential roles of microorganisms in pathogenesis and offering insights into personalized disease-management approaches.

Atypical and delayed spinal cord MRI features of COVID-19-associated myelopathies: a report of four cases and literature review.

We reported four patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated myelopathies, highlighting the delayed and atypical spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and the literature review. All four patients were males, aged 37 to 72 years old. The latencies from COVID-19 to the onset of myelitis were 5, 15, 30, and 80 days. The initial symptoms were numbness and weakness of lower limbs in three cases, and back pain with weakness of lower limbs in one case. The peak symptoms included paraplegia, sphincter dysfunction, sensory disturbance level, and spastic gait. The EDSS scores were 7.5, 9.0, 9.0, and 7.5, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed delayed atypical spinal cord lesions at onset, i.e., two cases without lesions, one with linear spinal meningeal enhancement, and one with punctate lesions on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). During the follow-up period, punctate, linear, and cloudy lesions in the lateral and posterior funiculus were seen on T2WI in the peak stage. The prominent features of spinal cord lesions were linear spinal meningeal enhancement, the mismatch of deteriorated clinical symptoms, and inapparent MRI findings. All four patients were left with an obvious disability, with two patients completely bedridden and two who could stand with support. This report highlights the recognition of COVID-19-associated myelopathy even months after initial infection, especially in patients with delayed and atypical spinal cord findings on MRI.

The self-management experiences of individuals who perceive health as beyond their control: An interpretive phenomenological study of individuals with ischemic heart disease.

This qualitative study aimed to gain an understanding of what it means to live with ischemic heart disease for individuals who perceive health as beyond their control and how these individuals navigate their choices regarding adhering or not adhering to self-management behavior. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Content analysis was employed to identify themes and subthemes in the interview data. The theme, "attribution of ischemic heart disease," revealed that the participants attributed their condition to lifestyle, critical events, and the natural aging process. The theme, "experiences of self-management," highlighted the different behaviors among participants who perceived health to be beyond their control. The theme, "barriers and facilitators," identified factors such as a strong sense of responsibility toward family members, the work environment, and access to medical resources. Our study showed that despite perceiving their health to be beyond their control, some individuals may still adhere to self-management practices. Understanding factors such as "attribution" and "barriers and facilitators" can provide nurses with insights into the patients' decisions to adhere or not adhere to self-management behaviors.

Rhizoma Paridis saponins attenuate Gram-negative bacteria-induced inflammatory acne by binding to KEAP1 and modulating Nrf2 and MAPK pathways.

Acne vulgaris represents a chronic inflammatory condition, the pathogenesis of which is closely associated with the altered skin microbiome. Recent studies have implicated a profound role of Gram-negative bacteria in acne development, but there is a lack of antiacne agents targeting these bacteria. Polyphyllins are major components of Rhizoma Paridis with great anti-inflammatory potential. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antiacne effects and the underlying mechanisms of PPH and a PPH-enriched Rhizoma Paridis extract (RPE) in treating the Gram-negative bacteria-induced acne. PPH and RPE treatments significantly suppressed the mRNA and protein expressions of interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 and HaCaT cells, along with the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore, PPH and RPE inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) P65 in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Based on molecular docking, PPH could bind to kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) protein. PPH and RPE treatments could activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and upregulate haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Moreover, RPE suppressed the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Therefore, PPH-enriched RPE showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects in vitro, which is promising for alternative antiacne therapeutic.

Coping target checklist for home-based older adults living with disabilities and their spousal caregivers.

BACKGROUND: The substantial rise in the population of older adults living with disabilities is a prominent concern, presenting a profound challenge for healthcare and social welfare systems. Community-based home care is seen as an effective approach to meet the care needs of older adults living with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: To construct a coping target checklist for home-based older adults living with disabilities and their spousal caregivers. METHODS: The initial draft was developed based on a comprehensive literature review, followed by two rounds of Delphi correspondence final version. RESULTS: A comprehensive literature review resulted in the development of 7 modules, 20 topics. After round 1, 3 items were removed, 3 sections, 1 topic and 1 objective were new additions, 16 items were modified, split or combined. Four sections, 3 sections (Individual coping target for spousal caregivers, Individual coping target for older adults living with disabilities, and Shared coping target), 7 modules, 18 topics and 49 objectives were finally identified in round 2. The content of the list tool is derived from three perspectives: self-management strategies for older adults living with disabilities, caregiving strategies for spousal caregivers, and combined. CONCLUSIONS: The coping target checklist was intended to be evidence-based and reflective of a practical direction for home-based older adults living with disabilities and their spousal caregivers living at home.

Empowerment and quality of life: the mediating role of self-efficacy and health literacy among spousal caregivers in China.

The aim of this study was to explore the chain mediation model of self-efficacy and health literacy between empowerment and quality of life among spousal caregivers of disabled elderly based on 'Marriage Binding'. From December 2020 to June 2022, the cross-sectional study was conducted in hospitals and communities, in Guangdong, Fujian, Sichuan, Hunan, Jiangxi, Guangxi and Yunnan provinces, China. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographic data and four main variables, including empowerment, self-efficacy, health literacy and quality of life. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the four main research variables. Multiple Linear Regression and bootstrap analysis were used to analyze the direct and indirect effects among them. Any two variables of spousal caregivers were correlated among empowerment, self-efficacy, health literacy and quality of life. Self-efficacy and health literacy can separately and sequentially mediate the relationship between empowerment and quality of life. To improve the quality of life of spousal caregivers of disabled elderly, the mediating role of self-efficacy, the mediating role of health literacy and the chain mediating role of self-efficacy and health literacy should take effect. In the future, some intervention studies should be taken to enhance the effects of those variables that may be beneficial for improving quality of life of spousal caregivers of disabled elderly.

Health empowerment and health-related quality of life in older individuals with disabilities and their spouse carers: A cross-sectional study.

The stress of disability significantly impacts an individual's quality of life and that of a spouse. Health empowerment, based on the idea that individuals may be successful despite disability, may be meaningful to disabled persons and their spouse carers. This cross-sectional survey study aimed to explore the effect of health empowerment on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of older individuals with disabilities and their spouse carers on both a personal (actor effect) and interpersonal level (partner effect). A total of 1092 dyads of older individuals with disabilities and their spouse carers residing in communities were recruited from seven provinces in China. Two separate Actor-Partner Interdependence Model analyses were conducted to examine the impact of health empowerment on the two domains of HRQOL: the Physical Component Score (PCS) and the Mental Component Score (MCS). The results revealed that health empowerment had actor effects on the PCS and MCS of older individuals with disabilities, as well as on the PCS and MCS of their spouse carers. However, no significant partner effects of health empowerment on the PCS and MCS of either the individuals with disabilities or their spouse caregivers were observed. Empowering individuals with disabilities and their spouse carers may help them enhance their own HRQOL, both physically and mentally. However, more research is required to determine the interpersonal effect of health empowerment on the HRQOL.

Global Transcriptome and Co-Expression Network Analyses Revealed Hub Genes Controlling Seed Size/Weight and/or Oil Content in Peanut.

Cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important economic and oilseed crop worldwide, providing high-quality edible oil and high protein content. Seed size/weight and oil content are two important determinants of yield and quality in peanut breeding. To identify key regulators controlling these two traits, two peanut cultivars with contrasting phenotypes were compared to each other, one having a larger seed size and higher oil content (Zhonghua16, ZH16 for short), while the second cultivar had smaller-sized seeds and lower oil content (Zhonghua6, ZH6). Whole transcriptome analyses were performed on these two cultivars at four stages of seed development. The results showed that ~40% of the expressed genes were stage-specific in each cultivar during seed development, especially at the early stage of development. In addition, we identified a total of 5356 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ZH16 and ZH6 across four development stages. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) based on DEGs revealed multiple hub genes with potential roles in seed size/weight and/or oil content. These hub genes were mainly involved in transcription factors (TFs), phytohormones, the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, and fatty acid synthesis. Overall, the candidate genes and co-expression networks detected in this study could be a valuable resource for genetic breeding to improve seed yield and quality traits in peanut.

Enhanced overexpression of secreted enzymes by discrete repeat promoters in Streptomyces lividans.

Streptomyces lividans is an efficient host for extracellular overproduction of recombinant proteins. To enhance the overexpression strength of S. lividans, we designed several kinds of expression plasmids with different positioning of repeat promoters. The effect of repeat promoters was evaluated by measuring the accumulated amounts of a stable transglutaminase or an unstable carboxypeptidase that was secreted into the medium. Successive tandem positions of repeat promoters upstream of the normal promoter did not enhance the expression of transglutaminase. Discrete positions of repeat promoters both upstream and downstream of the normal promoter enhanced the expression of transglutaminase to 2-fold, and the downstream ones also enhanced the expression of carboxypeptidase to 1.7-fold. On the other hand, there were still some constructs of plasmids with discrete repeat promoters that did not promote the expression of the target enzymes, indicating the complexity of the mechanisms of repeat promoters working on gene expression.

The experiences of caring for disabled older adults in long-term: A qualitative study from the perspective of spousal caregivers.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the care experiences of spouses as long-term and primary caregivers for disabled older adults in China. METHODS: A descriptive phenomenological method was used in this study, as well as purposive and convenient sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 spousal caregivers in Guangdong, China, from March to December 2021. Interview audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim and data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method. RESULTS: We identified four themes from the data: spousal care motivation; sacrifices in caregiving; obstacles in caregiving; spousal caregivers' positive experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Spouses took responsibility for providing care for their disabled partners regardless of their willingness. They had positive experiences while providing care, but negative experiences were dominant, especially for spouses of severely disabled older adults. Spouses are always perfect in caregiving roles, although they may also need medical assistance. To prevent a decline in spousal caregivers' quality of life and relieve their care burdens, health care providers should support them as soon as possible or offer formal care for disabled older adults. It is necessary to intervene considering disabled older adults and their spousal caregivers as a unit to empower their confidence in coping with life together.

Construction and development of a novel dual-gene coexpression system to promote heterologous protein secretion for Streptomyces.

Streptomyces lividans is a potent host for the extracellular overproduction of heterologous proteins. To further improve the usability and productivity of S. lividans, a dual gene expression vector of "pTSKr duet" containing two strong constitutive promoters, scmpPc and kasOp*, was constructed. The success in the overproduction of two secretory enzymes simultaneously without interference with each other indicated that the "pTSKr duet" vector can realize the coexpression of two genes simultaneously and independently. Further, using the two-gene coexpression vector, we screened the effects of the overexpression of five factors that possibly promote secretion on the extracellular overproduction of heterologous secretory proteins. Interestingly, the coexpression of a quality control regulator (CssR) promoted the overproduction level to 1.3-fold for a stable heterologous protein of SMTG (transglutaminase from S. mobaraensis), while other four factors limited the overproduction of SMTG at different degrees.

Differential alternative splicing genes and isoform co-expression networks of Brassica napus under multiple abiotic stresses.

Alternative splicing (AS) is an important regulatory process that affects plant development and stress responses by greatly increasing the complexity of transcriptome and proteome. To understand how the AS landscape of B. napus changes in response to abiotic stresses, we investigated 26 RNA-seq libraries, including control and treatments with cold, dehydration, salt, and abscisic acid (ABA) at two different time points, to perform comparative alternative splicing analysis. Apparently, AS events increased under all stresses except dehydration for 1 h, and intron retention was the most common AS mode. In addition, a total of 357 differential alternative splicing (DAS) genes were identified under four abiotic stresses, among which 81 DAS genes existed in at least two stresses, and 276 DAS genes were presented under only one stress. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) based on the splicing isoforms, rather than the genes, pinpointed out 23 co-expression modules associated with different abiotic stresses. Among them, a number of significant hub genes were also found to be DAS genes, which encode key isoforms involved in responses to single stress or multiple stresses, including RNA-binding proteins, transcription factors, and other important genes, such as RBP45C, LHY, MYB59, SCL30A, RS40, MAJ23.10, and DWF4. The splicing isoforms of candidate genes identified in this study could be a valuable resource for improving tolerance of B. napus against multiple abiotic stresses.

Whole-process nursing management for laparo-gastroscopic esophagectomy.

Background: Advances in surgical, anesthesia, and nursing techniques have allowed the development of laparo-gastroscopic esophagectomy (LGE) as a minimally invasive treatment of esophageal cancer. This study summarizes the experience of patient whole-process nursing management for patients who received LGE. Methods: The implementation of LGE at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, was initiated in June 2020. The procedure is indicated for patients with thoracic conditions that can compromise the outcomes of traditional surgical procedures, and is performed coordinately by thoracic surgeons and endoscopists. A whole-process nursing protocol covering peri-operative patient management was proposed based on the LGE procedure. The operative outcomes were analyzed in this study. Results: The data of 10 consecutive patients who received LGE and the whole-process nursing protocol were analyzed, and all patients were compliant with the nursing protocol. Intra-operatively, there were no complications or conversions to other surgical methods. Post-operatively, pulmonary complications occurred in 2 cases [1 patient experienced aspiration, underwent preventive tracheotomy, and was discharged on postoperative day (POD) 10; 1 patient developed a left pleural effusion requiring puncture and drainage, and was discharged on POD 7]. The 30-day mortality was not recorded from the primary LGE cohort. Conclusions: The whole-process nursing protocol showed safety and feasibility for patients who underwent LGE. In the future, more specialized and whole-process nursing management will be carried out for patients undergoing such operations.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of compatible and incompatible Brassica napus-Xanthomonas campestris interactions.

Black rot caused by the vascular pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is widespread in Brassicaceae plants and an infectious disease that causes large yield losses in oil seed rape (Brassica napus L.). Improvement of resistance through breeding is a crucial strategy to prevent black rot disease in B. napus, but presently hampered by insufficient understanding of Xcc-Brassica interactions. This study compares two EMS-mutagenized B. napus lines that show contrasting resistance levels to their susceptible progenitor. Patterns of differential gene expression between these B. napus lines were evaluated at three time points post inoculation by comparative RNA-seq analysis. In line with the observed disease phenotypes, the susceptible line ZS9mXccS-1 displayed a steady amount of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at different time points of infection, whereas the resistant line ZS9mXccR-1 displayed a gradual increase in DEGs throughout the course of infection. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) pinpointed multiple defense-related hub genes with potential central roles in immunity, including the cell surface receptor genes CRK11 and BIR1, and the associated downstream regulatory genes WRKY11 and PBL30. KEGG analysis of DEGs belonging to two distinct co-expression modules revealed enriched pathways associated with defense, including Ca2+-signaling, receptor-mediated immunity, and phytohormone balance. Taken together, our comparative transcriptome analysis provides new avenues to unravel the mechanisms underlying black rot resistance in B. napus.

Analysis of Tissue-Specific Defense Responses to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Brassica napus.

Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (S. sclerotiorum) is the main disease threat of oilseed rape (Brassica napus), resulting in huge economic losses every year. SSR resistance manifests as quantitative disease resistance (QDR), and no gene with complete SSR resistance has been cloned or reported so far. Transcriptome analysis has revealed a large number of defense-related genes and response processes. However, the similarities and differences in the defense responses of different tissues are rarely reported. In this study, we analyzed the similarities and differences of different tissues in response to S. sclerotiorum at 24 h post inoculation (hpi) by using the published transcriptome data for respective leaf and stem inoculation. At 24 hpi, large differences in gene expression exist in leaf and stem, and there are more differentially expressed genes and larger expression differences in leaf. The leaf is more sensitive to S. sclerotiorum and shows a stronger response than stem. Different defense responses appear in the leaf and stem, and the biosynthesis of lignin, callose, lectin, chitinase, PGIP, and PR protein is activated in leaf. In the stem, lipid metabolism-mediated defense responses are obviously enhanced. For the common defense responses in both leaf and stem, the chain reactions resulting from signal transduction and biological process take the primary responsibility. This research will be beneficial to exploit the potential of different tissues in plant defense and find higher resistance levels of genotypic variability in different environments. Our results are significant in the identification of resistance genes and analysis of defense mechanisms.

Sex-different interrelationships of rs945270, cerebral gray matter volumes, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a region-wide study across brain.

Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) reported that the allele C of rs945270 of the kinectin 1 gene (KTN1) most significantly increased the gray matter volume (GMV) of the putamen and modestly regulated the risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). On the other hand, ADHD is known to be associated with a reduction in subcortical and cortical GMVs. Here, we examined the interrelationships of the GMVs, rs945270 alleles, and ADHD symptom scores in the same cohort of children. With data of rs945270 genotypes, GMVs of 118 brain regions, and ADHD symptom scores of 3372 boys and 3129 girls of the Adolescent Brain Cognition Development project, we employed linear regression analyses to examine the pairwise correlations adjusted for the third of the three traits and other relevant covariates, and examine their mediation effects. We found that the major allele C of rs945270 modestly increased risk for ADHD in males only when controlling for the confounding effects of the GMV of any one of the 118 cerebral regions (0.026 ≤ p ≤ 0.059: Top two: left and right putamen). This allele also significantly increased putamen GMV in males alone (left p = 2.8 × 10-5, and right p = 9.4 × 10-5; α = 2.1 × 10-4) and modestly increased other subcortical and cortical GMVs in both sexes (α < p < 0.05), whether or not adjusted for ADHD symptom scores. Both subcortical and cortical GMVs were significantly or suggestively reduced in ADHD when adjusted for rs945270 alleles, each more significantly in females (3.6 × 10-7 ≤ p < α; Top two: left pallidum and putamen) and males (3.5 × 10-6 ≤ p < α), respectively. Finally, the left and right putamen GMVs reduced 14.0% and 11.7% of the risk effects of allele C on ADHD, and allele C strengthened 4.5% (left) and 12.2% (right) of the protective effects of putamen GMVs on ADHD risk, respectively. We concluded that the rs945270-GMVs-ADHD relationships were sex-different. In males, the major allele C of rs945270 increased risk for ADHD, which was compromised by putamen GMVs; this allele also but only significantly increased putamen GMVs that then significantly protected against ADHD risk. In females, the top two GMVs significantly decreasing ADHD risk were left pallidum and putamen GMVs. Basal ganglia the left putamen in particular play the most critical role in the pathogenesis of ADHD.

Improvement in hyperexpression with a combination of truncated scmp promoter and Streptomyces lividans.

We have previously reported a powerful promoter from the Streptomyces cinnamoneus TH-2 strain named "scmp" and created an expression vector of pTONA5a for expression using S. lividans. The full-length scmp promoter sequence consists of 424 bp upstream of a metalloendoprotease gene in the S. cinnamoneus TH-2 genome. The promoter works in the presence of inorganic phosphate and glucose. In this study, we present the essential region of the scmp promoter (promoter C), which lacks 358 bp of the 5' region of the full-length promoter. Promoter C was very short and contained only 63 bp. Using promoter C, we succeeded in the extracellular production of the Streptomyces enzymes of leucine aminopeptidase, ferulic acid esterase, and transglutaminase, which possessed signal peptides for secretion via the type II secretion pathway, at high levels.

Increased Magnetic Susceptibility in the Deep Gray Matter Nuclei of Wilson's Disease: Have We Been Ignoring Atrophy?

Background: Histopathological studies in Wilson's disease (WD) have revealed increased copper and iron concentrations in the deep gray matter nuclei. However, the commonly used mean bulk susceptibility only reflects the regional metal concentration rather than the total metal content, and regional atrophy may affect the assessment of mean bulk susceptibility. Our study aimed to quantitatively assess the changes of metal concentration and total metal content in deep gray matter nuclei by quantitative susceptibility mapping to distinguish patients with neurological and hepatic WD from healthy controls. Methods: Quantitative susceptibility maps were obtained from 20 patients with neurological WD, 10 patients with hepatic WD, and 25 healthy controls on a 3T magnetic resonance imaging system. Mean bulk susceptibility, volumes, and total susceptibility of deep gray matter nuclei in different groups were compared using a linear regression model. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated by receiver characteristic curve to analyze the diagnostic capability of mean bulk susceptibility and total susceptibility. Results: Mean bulk susceptibility and total susceptibility of multiple deep gray matter nuclei in patients with WD were higher than those in healthy controls. Compared with patients with hepatic WD, patients with neurological WD had higher mean bulk susceptibility but similar total susceptibility in the head of the caudate nuclei, globus pallidus, and putamen. Mean bulk susceptibility of putamen demonstrated the best diagnostic capability for patients with neurological WD, the AUC was 1, and the sensitivity and specificity were all equal to 1. Total susceptibility of pontine tegmentum was most significant for the diagnosis of patients with hepatic WD, the AUC was 0.848, and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.7 and 0.96, respectively. Conclusion: Brain atrophy may affect the assessment of mean bulk susceptibility in the deep gray matter nuclei of patients with WD, and total susceptibility should be an additional metric for total metal content assessment. Mean bulk susceptibility and total susceptibility of deep gray matter nuclei may be helpful for the early diagnosis of WD.