Changes In FA Research Articles

White matter disruption in obsessive-compulsive disorder revealed by meta-analysis of tract-based spatial statistics.

Exploring white matter (WM) microstructural alterations is a momentous step for gaining insights about underlying mechanisms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and improving the efficacy of therapies for this condition. Many tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) studies have revealed abnormalities of fractional anisotropy (FA; an index of WM integrity) in OCD. However, research works have not drawn robust conclusions. Therefore, we integrated the findings of TBSS studies to identify the most consistent FA changes in OCD using meta-analytical approach. Online databases were systematically searched for all TBSS studies comparing FA between patients with OCD and controls. A coordinate-based meta-analysis was performed using anisotropic effect size version of the seed-based d mapping software. Meanwhile, meta-regression was used to explore the potential association of clinical characteristics with regional FA abnormalities. Our meta-analysis included 488 OCD patients and 519 controls across 17 datasets. FA reductions were identified in the genu of the corpus callosum and the left orbitofrontal WM in OCD patients relative to controls. Metaregression analyses showed that the FA in the left orbitofrontal WM was negatively and independently correlated with symptom severity and illness duration in patients withOCD. The current study provides a quantitative overview of TBSS findings in OCD and demonstrates the most prominent and replicable WM abnormalities in OCD are in the anterior part of the brain including interhemispheric connection and orbitofrontal region. Additionally, our findings suggest that FA reduction in the orbitofrontal WM might be a potential biomarker in predicting disease severity and progression in patients with OCD.

Enhancement of the Adhesive Properties by Optimizing the Water Content in PNIPAM-Functionalized Complex Coacervates

Most commercially available soft tissue glues offer poor performance in the human body. We have developed an injectable adhesive whose setting mechanism is activated by a change in environmental fa...

Detection of Glioblastoma Subclinical Recurrence Using Serial Diffusion Tensor Imaging.

Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain tumor with a propensity for intracranial recurrence. We hypothesized that tumors can be visualized with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) before they are detected on anatomical magnetic resonance (MR) images. We retrospectively analyzed serial MR images from 30 patients, including the DTI and T1-weighted images at recurrence, at 2 months and 4 months before recurrence, and at 1 month after radiation therapy. The diffusion maps and T1 images were deformably registered longitudinally. The recurrent tumor was manually segmented on the T1-weighted image and then applied to the diffusion maps at each time point to collect mean FA, diffusivities, and neurite density index (NDI) values, respectively. Group analysis of variance showed significant changes in FA (p = 0.01) and NDI (p = 0.0015) over time. Pairwise t tests also revealed that FA and NDI at 2 months before recurrence were 11.2% and 6.4% lower than those at 1 month after radiation therapy (p < 0.05), respectively. Changes in FA and NDI were observed 2 months before recurrence, suggesting that progressive microstructural changes and neurite density loss may be detectable before tumor detection in anatomical MR images. FA and NDI may serve as non-contrast MR-based biomarkers for detecting subclinical tumors.

Diabetes Mellitus Severity and a Switch From Using Lipoprotein Lipase to Adipose-Derived Fatty Acid Results in a Cardiac Metabolic Signature That Embraces Cell Death.

BackgroundFatty acid (FA) provision to the heart is from cardiomyocyte and adipose depots, plus lipoprotein lipase action. We tested how a graded reduction in insulin impacts the source of FA used by cardiomyocytes and the cardiac adaptations required to process these FA.Methods and ResultsRats injected with 55 (D55) or 100 (D100) mg/kg streptozotocin were terminated after 4 days. Although D55 and D100 were equally hyperglycemic, D100 showed markedly lower pancreatic and plasma insulin and loss of lipoprotein lipase, which in D55 hearts had expanded. There was minimal change in plasma FA in D55. However, D100 exhibited a 2‐ to 3‐fold increase in various saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FA in the plasma. D100 demonstrated dramatic cardiac transcriptomic changes with 1574 genes differentially expressed compared with only 49 in D55. Augmented mitochondrial and peroxisomal β‐oxidation in D100 was not matched by elevated tricarboxylic acid or oxidative phosphorylation. With increasing FA, although control myocytes responded by augmenting basal respiration, this was minimized in D55 and reversed in D100. Metabolomic profiling identified significant lipid accumulation in D100 hearts, which also exhibited sizeable change in genes related to apoptosis and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling–positive cells.ConclusionsWith increasing severity of diabetes mellitus, when the diabetic heart is unable to control its own FA supply using lipoprotein lipase, it undergoes dramatic reprogramming that is linked to handling of excess FA that arise from adipose tissue. This transition results in a cardiac metabolic signature that embraces mitochondrial FA overload, oxidative stress, triglyceride storage, and cell death.

The effect of white matter hyperintensities on regional brain volumes and white matter microstructure, a population-based study in HUNT

Even though age-related white matter hyperintensities (WMH) begin to emerge in middle age, their effect on brain micro- and macrostructure in this age group is not fully elucidated. We have examined how presence of WMH and load of WMH affect regional brain volumes and microstructure in a validated, representative general population sample of 873 individuals between 50 and 66 years. Presence of WMH was determined as Fazakas grade ≥1. WMH load was WMH volume from manual tracing of WMHs divided on intracranial volume. The impact of age appropriate WMH (Fazakas grade 1) on the brain was also investigated. Major novel findings were that even the age appropriate WMH group had widespread macro- and microstructural changes in gray and white matter, showing that the mere presence of WMH, not just WMH load is an important clinical indicator of brain health. With increasing WMH load, structural changes spread centrifugally. Further, we found three major patterns of FA and MD changes related to increasing WMH load, demonstrating a heterogeneous effect on white matter microstructure, where distinct patterns were found in the proximity of the lesions, in deep white matter and in white matter near the cortex. This study also raises several questions about the onset of WMH related pathology, in particular, whether some of the aberrant brain structural and microstructural findings are present before the emergence of WMH. We also found, similar to other studies, that WMH risk factors had low explanatory power for WMH, making it unclear which factors lead to WMH.

Diffusion Imaging Biomarkers of Corpus Callosum Injury and Dose-Dependent Volumetric Changes Correlate with Attention and Processing Speed Changes after Brain Radiotherapy

Attention and processing speed are core cognitive functions subserved by the corpus callosum (CC), a critical white matter structure. We hypothesized that CC volume changes and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) biomarkers of CC injury would correlate with changes in attention and processing speed function after brain radiotherapy (RT). We prospectively studied 29 patients with primary brain tumors who received fractionated RT. Patients underwent formal neuropsychological testing and high resolution volumetric MRI with DWI (b-values 0, 500, 1500 s/mm2 fit to single tensor) prior to and 6 months post RT. Auditory attention was measured with the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) Digit Span Forward test; processing speed was measured with the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Trail Making number sequencing (TM-NS) and letter sequencing (TM-LS) subtests. Reliable change indices accounting for practice effects (RCI-PE) were calculated to determine 0-6 month change on each measure. Image processing at each time point included auto-segmentation with volume calculations of regions of interest (ROIs): the entire CC and anterior, mid-anterior, central, mid-posterior, and posterior subdivisions. Tumor, tumor bed, edema, and segmentation errors were censored. DWI biomarkers including mean diffusivity (MD, increases with injury) and fractional anisotropy (FA, decreases with injury) were calculated. Mean dose to each ROI was determined. One sample t-tests (H0=0) were performed to determine significant group cognitive decline. Pearson correlation coefficients evaluated the relationship between RCI-PEs and clinical variables, dose, changes in volume, MD, and FA. Statistical significance was set at α=0.05. Processing speed (TM-LS) significantly declined 6-months post-RT (mean change -0.472, p = 0.003). Age and years of education did not influence attention or processing speed changes. Significant dose-dependent atrophy was seen in the mid-anterior (r = -0.432, p = 0.024), mid-posterior (r = -0.408, p = 0.031), and posterior CC (r = -0.600, p = 0.001). Smaller mid-anterior CC volume was associated with worse processing speed (TM-LS, r = 0.424, p = 0.031). Decreased FA in the anterior CC was associated with worse attention (digits forward, r = 0.401, p = 0.038) and decreased FA in the posterior CC was correlated with worse processing speed (TM-LS, r = 0.444, p = 0.02). Increased MD in the anterior CC (r = -0.386, p = 0.046) was correlated with worse attention (digits forward). In this prospective study, dose-dependent atrophy of CC subdivisions was seen after fractionated brain RT. Microstructural damage, including atrophy and white matter injury, within CC subdivisions was significantly associated with worse attention and processing speed. Damage to this critical structure is highly implicated in attention/processing speed changes after brain RT.

Aptamer Structure Switch Fluorescence Anisotropy Assay for Small Molecules Using Streptavidin as an Effective Signal Amplifier Based on Proximity Effect.

Fluorescence polarization/anisotropy (FP/FA) approaches are appealing for targets sensing in homogeneous solution due to simplicity, reproducibility and sensitivity. Taking advantage of aptamers, aptamer structure switch FA methods are unique for small molecule detection based on the competition between aptamer-target binding and the hybridization of aptamer and complementary DNA (cDNA). However, usually small FA change is generated in these aptamer assays that only rely on size change caused by hybridization of an oligonucleotide because of the rapid local rotation of fluorophores and small mass change. Here we describe a simple and general aptamer structure switch FA assay for small molecules by employing a large-sized streptavidin (SA) as an effective signal amplifier based on proximity effect to reduce local rotation of fluorophore. In this design, the SA-labeled cDNA hybridizes with fluorescein (FAM)-labeled aptamer, drawing FAM close to SA and bringing a much higher FA value due to restricted local rotation of FAM. Small molecule-aptamer probe binding causes displacement of the SA-labeled cDNA and great decrease of FA. The closeness of SA to FAM in the duplex is key for this proposed strategy to produce large FA changes in target detection. Our method enabled to detect 60 pM aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), 1 nM ochratoxin A (OTA), and 0.5 μM adenosine triphosphate (ATP), respectively. This aptamer FA method combines the merits of aptamers and FA analysis, and it is promising in applications of detection of small molecules with good sensitivity.

Photosynthetic Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Effects on Daytime NEE Partitioning in a Subtropical Mixed Conifer Plantation

Isoflux-based isotopic flux partitioning (isoflux-based IFP) separates net ecosystem exchange flux (NEE) into net photosynthesis (FA) and nonfoliar respiration (FNR), and avoids the spurious correlation of component fluxes found in statistical flux partitioning. Canopy photosynthetic discrimination (Δcanopy) is a key variable in isoflux-based IFP, but it ignores diffusional and respiratory fractionations, with unclear consequences for isoflux-based IFP. We used three versions of the Farquhar model (Δclassical, Δdiffusion, and Δsimple) to estimate Δcanopy based on in-situ measurements of CO2 isotope ratios and flux during a dry period (I; DOY 205–219, 2015) and a humid period (II; DOY 285–299, 2015) in a subtropical mixed conifer plantation. We found no significant differences in Δcanopy between Δclassical and Δdiffusion which ignored respiratory fractionations during photorespiration and dark respiration. The average differences between Δclassical and Δsimple, which ignored respiratory and diffusional fractionations across the leaf boundary layer and mesophyll, were 2.88 ± 2.34‰ and 2.16 ± 2.18‰ for the two periods. Similarly, there were no significant differences in FA with isoflux-based IFP using Δclassical and Δdiffusion to obtain Δcanopy; FA using Δsimple was 102 and 117% higher than that using Δclassical for the dry and humid periods. Moreover, using Δclassical and Δdiffusion captured the reduction in daytime respiration during the dry period; this may be associated with the Kok effect and seasonal drought. Sensitivity analysis showed that changes in mesophyll and stomatal conductances of ±50% resulted in > 15% change in FA. Diffusional fractionations in mesophyll and stoma are critical limitations to isoflux-based IFP, while photorespiratory fractionation is an unignorable component of Δcanopy and isoflux-based IFP.

Refractory diet-dependent changes in neural microstructure: Implications for microstructural endophenotypes of neurologic and psychiatric disease

Alterations in gut microbiome populations via dietary manipulation have been shown to induce diet-dependent changes in white matter microstructure. The purpose of this study is to examine the durability of these diet-induced microstructural alterations. We implemented a crossover experimental design where post-weaned male rats were assigned to one of four experimental diets. Following the administration of experimental diets and again following crossover and resumption of a normal diet, brains were imaged ex-vivo with diffusion tensor imaging. Following standard image preprocessing, tract-based spatial statistics and region-of-interest measurements were then calculated for all diffusion tensor indices. Voxel-wise differences in FA were identified in the high fat diet group when compared to animals receiving a control diet. Following crossover, there were new voxel-wise changes in both FA and TR that do not correspond to the regions previously identified. Animals crossed over from the high fiber diet demonstrate widespread and global changes in the diffusion tensor that stand in stark contrast to the minimal changes identified before crossover. While no significant differences between any of the diffusion metrics were identified in the high protein group before crossover, statistically significant decreased RD values were observed following resumption of a normal diet. Diet-induced changes in neural microstructure are durable changes that are unrecoverable following the resumption of a normal diet. We further show that in certain experimental diets, resumption of a normal diet can lead to further marked and unanticipated changes in white matter microstructure.

Diffusion tensor imaging of white matter lesions with cognitive impairment

Objective To explore abnormal microstructural changes of white matter in patients with white matter lesions using diffusion tensor imaging(DTI), and to determine the association of such abnormalities of DTI parameters with cognitive function. Methods The objects who have already confirmed with WML were collected from March 2012 to February 2018 through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan from the neurology department of Beijing Tiantan Hospital.Use The hamilton depression scale(HAMD) and the hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA) to eliminate anxiety and depression, and divided into WML-CN group, WML-VCIND group and WML-VAD group with Mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA)and clinical dementia rating(CDR). In addition, select the healthy elderly people without WML by MRI scan as the normal control group.All of the subjects were detected with the superconduct magnetic resonance imaging system (German SIEMENS 3.0T ) for the DTI scanning.Original images were processed with VBA.Then explore the changes of FA and MD of DTI in whole brain and regions of interest in NC group, WML-CN group, WML-VCIND group and WWML-VAD group, and its correlation with the severity of cognitive impairment in patients with WML. Results The damage degree of the fiber microstructure of brain white matter was significantly correlated with the total grade point of MoCA (P<0.01). In figure FA, the variance analysis of F test results showed that the significant brain areas were the splenium of the corpus callosum, the genu of corpus callosum, bilateral posterior internal capsule, retrolenticular part of internal capsule, anterior thalamic radiation, partial inferior longitudinal fasciculus and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, cingulate, external capsule, upper and posterior part of the radiation crowns, partial superior longitudinal fasciculus, etc.(P<0.05 after FWE correction based on TFCE method). In Figure MD, the variance analysis of F test results showed that the statistically significant brain areas mainly included the left external capsule and hook, partial genu and splenium of corpus callosum, Bilateral, bilateral inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, anterior thalamic radiation, retrolenticular part of internal capsule, cingulate, etc (P<0.05 after FWE correction based on TFCE). Conclusion No matter whether cognitive impairment exists in patient with WML or not, all DTI parameters are different from those of normal people.The integrity of white matter fiber has been damaged with different degrees.The more severe the cognitive impairment in the external manifestations of patients with WML, the greater the damage to the intrinsic white matter microstructure. Key words: White matter lesions; Cognitive impairment; Diffusion tensor imaging; White matter fiber

Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) induces FAS dependent apoptosis in human vascular smooth muscle cells.

Over expression of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP-3) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induces apoptosis and reduces neointima formation occurring after saphenous vein interposition grafting or coronary stenting. In studies to address the mechanism of TIMP-3-driven apoptosis in human VSMCs we find that TIMP-3 increased activation of caspase-8 and apoptosis was inhibited by expression of Cytokine response modifier A (CrmA) and dominant negative FAS-Associated protein with Death Domain (FADD). TIMP-3 induced apoptosis did not cause mitochondrial depolarisation, increase activation of caspase-9 and was not inhibited by over-expression of B-cell Lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), indicating a mitochondrial independent/type-I death receptor pathway. TIMP-3 increased levels of the First Apoptosis Signal receptor (FAS) and depletion of FAS with shRNA showed TIMP-3-induced apoptosis was FAS dependent. TIMP-3 induced formation of the Death-Inducing Signalling Complex (DISC), as detected by immunoprecipitation and by immunofluorescence. Cellular-FADD-like IL-1 converting enzyme-Like Inhibitory Protein (c-FLIP) localised with FAS at the cell periphery in the absence of TIMP-3 and this localisation was lost on TIMP-3 expression with c-FLIP adopting a perinuclear localisation. Although TIMP-3 inhibited FAS shedding, this did not increase total surface levels of FAS but instead increased FAS levels within localised regions at the cell surface. A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) is inhibited by TIMP-3 and depletion of ADAM17 with shRNA significantly decreased FAS shedding. However ADAM17 depletion did not induce apoptosis or replicate the effects of TIMP-3 by increasing localised clustering of cell surface FAS. ADAM17-depleted cells could activate caspase-3 when expressing levels of TIMP-3 that were otherwise sub-apoptotic, suggesting a partial role for ADAM17 mediated ectodomain shedding in TIMP-3 mediated apoptosis. We conclude that TIMP-3 induced apoptosis in VSMCs is highly dependent on FAS and is associated with changes in FAS and c-FLIP localisation, but is not solely dependent on shedding of the FAS ectodomain.

Proliferation of Bilateral Nerve Fibers Following Thalamic Infarction Contributes to Neurological Function Recovery: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) Study.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the reorganization in ipsilesional and contralesional thalamic radiation fibers after unilateral focal thalamic stroke in sensory disturbance patients.Material/MethodsWe recruited 12 patients with acute unilateral thalamic infarction and sensory disturbance and 12 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. All patients underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and were assessed with National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), Barthel index (BI), and paragraph 8 of NIHSS (NIHSS8) at 1 week (W1), 4 weeks (W4), 3 months (M3), and 6 months (M6) after thalamic infraction. The relationship between FA changes and the clinical scores changes were then examined.ResultsNIHSS and NIHSS8 scores decreased while BI scores increased gradually from W1 to M6 in patients, but not in controls. FA values of the patients gradually increased in ipsilesional and contralesional thalamic radiation fibers from W1 to M6. In addition, the FA values in patients were significantly higher at M3 and M6 compared to W1. No significant changes were observed in the controls. Regarding the relationship between FA changes and the clinical scores changes, the FA increases were negatively correlated with NIHSS and NIHSS8 decrease while FA increases were positively correlated with BI increases.ConclusionsOur results indicate that reorganization occurred after unilateral focal thalamic infarct not only in ipsilesional, but also in contralesional thalamic radiation fibers in patients with sensory disturbance. In addition, the results suggested that the reorganization can support and promote stroke restoration.

Diffusion tensor imaging changes following mild, moderate and severe adult traumatic brain injury: a meta-analysis.

Diffusion tensor imaging quantifies the asymmetry (fractional anisotropy; FA) and amount of water diffusion (mean diffusivity/apparent diffusion coefficient; MD/ADC) and has been used to assess white matter damage following traumatic brain injury (TBI). In healthy brains, diffusion is constrained by the organization of axons, resulting in high FA and low MD/ADC. Following a TBI, diffusion may be altered; however the exact nature of these changes has yet to be determined. A meta-analysis was therefore conducted to determine the location and extent of changes in DTI following adult TBI. The data from 44 studies that compared the FA and/or MD/ADC data from TBI and Control participants in different regions of interest (ROIs) were analyzed. The impact of injury severity, post-injury interval (acute: ≤ 1 week, subacute: 1 week-3 months, chronic: > 3 months), scanner details and acquisition parameters were investigated in subgroup analyses, with the findings indicating that mild TBI should be examined separately to that of moderate to severe injuries. Lower FA values were found in 88% of brain regions following mild TBI and 92% following moderate-severe TBI, compared to Controls. MD/ADC was higher in 95% and 100% of brain regions following mild and moderate-severe TBI, respectively. Moderate to severe TBI resulted in larger changes in FA and MD/ADC than mild TBI. Overall, changes to FA and MD/ADC were widespread, reflecting more symmetric and a higher amount of diffusion, indicative of white matter damage.

Diffusion tensor imaging MRI of sickle cell kidney disease: initial results and comparison with iron deposition

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs in over one-third of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and can progress to end-stage renal disease. Unfortunately, current clinical assessments of kidney function are insensitive to early-stage CKD. Previous studies have shown that diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can sensitively detect regional renal microstructural changes associated with early-stage CKD. However, previous MRI studies in patients with SCD have been largely limited to the detection of renal iron deposition assessed by T2 * relaxometry. In this pilot imaging study, we compare MRI assessments of renal microstructure (diffusion) and iron deposition (T2 *) in patients with SCD and in non-SCD control subjects. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and T2 * relaxometry MRI data were obtained for pediatric (n = 5) and adult (n = 4) patients with SCD, as well as for non-SCD control subjects (n = 10), on a Siemens Espree 1.5-T MRI scanner. A region-of-interest analysis was used to calculate mean medullary and cortical values for each MRI metric. MRI findings were also compared with clinical assessments of renal function and hemolysis. Patients with SCD showed a significant decrease in medullary fractional anisotropy (FA, p = 0.0001) in comparison with non-SCD subjects, indicative of microstructural alterations in the renal medulla of patients with SCD. Cortical and medullary reductions in T2 * (increased iron deposition, p = ≤0.0001) were also observed. Significant correlations were also observed between kidney T2 * assessments and multiple measures of hemolysis. This is the first DTI MRI study of patients with SCD to demonstrate reductions in medullary FA despite no overt CKD [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 100mL/min/1.73m2 ]. These medullary FA changes are consistent with previous studies in patients with CKD, and suggest that DTI MRI can provide a useful measure of kidney injury to complement MRI assessments of iron deposition.

Fatty Acid Proportions in Plasma Cholesterol Esters and Phospholipids Are Positively Correlated in Various Swedish Populations

BackgroundFatty acid (FA) proportions in cholesterol esters (CEs) and plasma phospholipids are widely used as dietary biomarkers. Information on how proportions in these fractions correlate could have implications for interpretation and use of FA biomarkers in observational and interventional studies. ObjectiveWe investigated correlations between FA proportions in CEs and phospholipids in free-living individuals and assessed how diet-induced alterations of FA proportions correlate between fractions. MethodsSpearman's rank correlation coefficients (rs) between FA proportions (percentage of total FAs) in circulating CEs and phospholipids were calculated separately in 8 individual study populations including Swedish females and males (N = 2052; age range: 11–84 y), and pooled by inverse-variance weighted meta-analysis. In addition, study populations were stratified by age, sex, body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2), and diabetes status, and strata-specific rs were pooled by meta-analysis. In 2 randomized trials (N = 79) in which dietary saturated FAs were isocalorically replaced with unsaturated FAs, treatment-wise calculations of rs were conducted between FA changes in CEs and phospholipids. ResultsOverall, FA proportions in CEs and phospholipids correlated well and especially strongly for polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), with pooled rs (95% CIs) ranging from 0.74 (0.72, 0.76) for α-linolenic acid to 0.92 (0.91, 0.93) for eicosapentaenoic acid. Weak correlations (pooled rs < 0.4) were observed only for palmitic acid and stearic acid, with pooled rs (95% CIs): 0.29 (0.24, 0.33) and 0.30 (0.25, 0.34), respectively. Overall, correlations were not affected by age, sex, BMI, or diabetes status. Strong correlations (rs ≥ 0.6) between diet-induced FA changes in CEs and phospholipids were observed for most PUFAs. ConclusionsProportions of most FAs in CEs and phospholipids ranked individuals similarly, suggesting that FA proportions in these fractions can be used interchangeably in populations of diverse age, sex, body composition, and diabetes status. Caution is advised, however, when comparing results from studies assessing palmitic acid or stearic acid in different lipid fractions.

不同年龄和性别精神分裂症患者脑白质扩散张量成像的临床研究*

Objective: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to analyze the changes of white matter fiber FA in patients with schizophrenia of different ages and genders, and to explore the reference of clinical imaging. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia patients and healthy subjects in all 50 cases, were given routine examination of brain MRI parallel diffusion tensor imaging, comparison of different age and gender in different parts of the brain white matter changes of FA value. Results : (1) the FA values of white matter in different age groups were different between the patients and the normal group ( P < 0.05). The normal group right superior frontal gyrus, left parietal lobe and left anterior cingulate gyrus of the cerebral white matter fiber FA value increased gradually before the age of 30, at the age of 30 and reached the peak gradually decreased after 30 years old. The left frontal gyrus and corpus callosum in patients with group pressure (after) of cerebral white matter fiber FA value increased gradually before the age of 30, at the age of 30 and reached the peak gradually decreased after 30 years old. (2) the FA values of white matter in different parts of male and female patients were different (P < 0.05). The white matter fiber FA in the left anterior capsule of the normal group was higher in males than in females. The FA value of bilateral occipital white matter in male patients was lower than that in female; the FA values of the central white matter in the left and right sides of the brain stem were higher in males than in females. Conclusion : the changes of FA value in the white matter of some parts of the brain in the normal group and the patient group are influenced by age and sex.

The details of structural disconnectivity in psychotic disorder: A family-based study of non-FA diffusion weighted imaging measures

BackgroundDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies in psychotic disorder have shown reduced FA, often interpreted as disturbed white matter integrity. The observed ‘dysintegrity’ may be of multifactorial origin, as changes in FA are thought to reflect a combination of changes in myelination, fiber organization and number of axons. Examining the structural substrate of the diffusion tensor in individuals with (risk for) psychotic disorder may provide better understanding of the underlying structural changes. MethodsDTI scans were acquired from 85 patients with psychotic disorder, 93 siblings of patients with psychotic disorder and 80 controls. Cross-sectional group comparisons were performed using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) on six DTI measures: axial diffusivity (AXD), radial diffusivity (RD), mean diffusivity (MD), and the case linear (CL), case planar (CP) and case spherical (CS) tensor shape measures. ResultsAXD did not differ between the groups. RD and CS values were significantly increased in patients compared to controls and siblings, with no significant differences between the latter two groups. MD was higher in patients compared to controls (but not siblings), with no difference between siblings and controls. CL was smaller in patients than in siblings and controls, and CP was smaller in both patients and siblings as compared to controls. ConclusionThe differences between individuals with psychotic disorder and healthy controls, derived from detailed diffusion data analyses, suggest less fiber orientation and increased free water movement in the patients. There was some evidence for association with familial risk expressed by decreased fiber orientation.

Short-Term Internet-Search Training Is Associated with Increased Fractional Anisotropy in the Superior Longitudinal Fasciculus in the Parietal Lobe.

The Internet search engine has become an indispensable tool for many people, yet the ways in which Internet searching may alter brain structure and function is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the influence of short-term Internet-search “training” on white matter microstructure using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Fifty-nine valid subjects (Experimental group, 43; Control group, 16) completed the whole procedure: pre- DTI scan, 6-day's training and post- DTI scan. Using track-based spatial statistics, we found increased fractional anisotropy in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus at post-test as compared to pre-test in experimental group. Within the identified region of the right superior longitudinal fasciculus, decreased radial diffusivity (RD), and unchanged axial diffusivity (AD) were observed. These results suggest that short-term Internet-search training may increase white-matter integrity in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus. A possible mechanism for the observed FA change may involve increased myelination after training, although this possibility warrants additional investigation.

Efectos de la inducción inhalatoria con sevoflurano sobre la función ventricular izquierda

ObjectiveIn the present study, we studied the effect of inhalational induction with sevoflurane on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. Patients and methodsA prospective study was carried out on 58 healthy patients, ASA I-II, aged 18- 60 years and scheduled for general surgery. After administration of 0.05mg kg–1 of intravenous midazolam, transthoracic echocardiography was performed, measuring: fractional shortening (FA), ejection fraction (EF), cardiac output (CO) and left ventricular end diastolic area index (LVEDAI). Subsequently, we used an apical four chambers view for measuring transmitral Doppler, calculating: wave E peak velocity (pE), wave A peak velocity (pA), E/A ratio (E/A) and deceleration time (DT). Immediately after an inhalational anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane 8% through a face mask maintaining spontaneous ventilation and when the end tidal of sevoflurane reached a value of 4% a new echocardiography was performed by the same observer measuring the same parameters. ResultsWe observed a decrease in mean arterial pressure of 8.33% (95% CI –11.77% - –4.90%), an increase in cardiac output 7.8% (CI95% 0.08%-15.52%) and an increase in E/A ratio 5.92% (95% CI 2.45%-9.38%), all with statistical significance. However, we found no statistically significant changes in heart rate, FA, FE, IC, PE, PA or DT. ConclusionsAccording to our study, induction with sevoflurane does not cause significant changes in systolic left ventricular function.

Study on age and white matter neuronal integrity in healthy volunteers based on automating fiber-tract quantification

Objective: To analyze age-related change in cerebral matter tract, especially fractional anisotropy, based on automating fiber-tract quantification(AFQ). Methods: A total of 64 years old normal persons and 43 young volunteers were enrolled respectively from the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School and community from January 2015 to June 2016.All of them underwent MRI scan, which included DTI and 3D T(1)WI sequence .All cases were divided into 3 groups according to their ages, the young group 20-35 years old, the middle old group 60-75 years old, the old group 76-90 years old.AFQ was used to identify 20 major white matter tracts in brains of all subjects and make measurements at anatomically equivalent locations along their trajectories. Results: The FA change trend of each fiber was similar among three groups. The old and the middle old group had different FA value in both sides of inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus(left t=-2.73, right t=-6.12, P<0.05), thalamic radiation(left t=-4.79, right t=-19.61, P<0.05), arcuate(left t=10.53, right t=-2.72, P<0.05), callosum forceps(genu t=-2.66, splenium t=28.64, P<0.05), cingulum(left t=-4.53, right t=-2.22, P<0.05)and right corticospinal tract(t=3.10, P<0.05), among which each location of callosum forceps minor was different between the old group and the young group, and this area decreased in the middle group. The old group had different FA value in both sides of uncinate fasciculus(left t=-4.52, right t=-4.53, P<0.05), left corticospinal tract(t=-2.19, P<0.05)and right inferior longitudinal fasciculus(t=11.12, P<0.05). Compared to the young group, there was no statistical difference in the FA of both superior longitudinal fasciculus and left inferior longitudinal fasciculus in the old and the middle old group. Conclusion: AFQ has an impact on the further specific study of the age-related white matter tract.