OBJECTIVES: To investigate the associations between Tau protein deposition and brain biochemical metabolites detected by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-MRS) in patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: From April, 2022 to December, 2024, 64 Tau-positive AD patients and 29 healthy individuals underwent ¹⁸F-APN-1607 PET/MR and simultaneously acquired multi-voxel ¹H-MRS in the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital. Visual analysis and voxel-based analysis of PET/MR data were performed to investigate the Tau protein deposition patterns in AD patients. Valid voxels within the ¹H-MRS field of view were selected, and their standardized uptake value ratio (SUVr) in PET and metabolite levels of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), NAA/Cr, and Cho/Cr were recorded. The Tau-positive (Tau⁺) voxels and Tau-negative (Tau^-) voxels of the AD patients were compared for PET and ¹H-MRS parameters, and the correlations between the metabolites and Tau PET SUVr within Tau⁺ voxels were analyzed. RESULTS: Significant Tau protein deposition were observed in the AD patients, involving mainly the bilateral frontal lobes (30.07%), parietal lobes (29.96%), temporal lobes (21.07%), and occipital lobes (15.89%). A total of 1422 valid voxels in AD group (including 994 Tau⁺ and 428 Tau^- voxels) and 814 voxels in the control group were selected. The AD patients showed significantly decreased NAA level and increased SUVr compared with the control group (P<0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed that Tau⁺ voxels had higher SUVr and lower Cr and Cho/Cr than Tau^- voxels (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, Tau⁺ voxels exhibited higher SUVr and lower Cr (P<0.05), while Tau^- voxels showed lower NAA (P=0.004). No significant differences were found in Cho or NAA/Cr among the subgroups (P>0.05). Within Tau⁺ voxels, NAA, Cho, and Cr were negatively correlated with SUVr (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The patients with progressive AD have significant Tau protein deposition in the brain, which is correlated with alterations in metabolite levels. Decreased NAA is more prominent in early or pre-tau deposition stages, while Cr changes is more significant in the regions with Tau protein deposition, suggesting the potential of NAA and Cr as biomarkers for Tau protein deposition in AD for disease monitoring and treatment evaluation.
Humans ; Alzheimer Disease/diagnostic imaging* ; Aspartic Acid/metabolism* ; tau Proteins/metabolism* ; Creatine/metabolism* ; Brain/metabolism* ; Biomarkers/metabolism* ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Male ; Female ; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Choline/metabolism* ; Aged ; Middle Aged

The concept of combined neuro-cardiac imaging emphasizes the systemic interconnection between cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases,representing a significant direction in advancement of precision medicine.With superior soft-tissue contrast and multiparametric imaging,MRI provides significant advantages for one-stop,rapid and comprehensive neuro-cardiac evaluation and diagnosis of relative diseases.This consensus systematically outlined the technical specifications for combined neuro-cardiac MRI and proposed strategies for specific patients such as acute ischemic stroke,arrhythmias and renal dysfunction,in order to promote standardized clinical application of MRI led combined neuro-cardiac imaging and enhance precise diagnosis of coexisting cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases.

Objective To observe the changes of left ventricular systolic function in children with sepsis by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging(2D-STI).Methods A total of 29 children with sepsis were retrospectively enrolled and divided into severe sepsis group(n=10)and non-severe sepsis group(n=19)according to relevant diagnostic criteria,while 21 healthy children were taken as controls(control group).Conventional echocardiographic parameters and 2D-STI parameters were compared among 3 groups and between each 2 groups.Results Significant differences of left atrial diameter(LAD),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD)and right atrial diameter(RAD)were found among 3 groups(all P＜0.05),while no significant difference of right ventricular end-diastolic diameter(RVEDD)nor left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)was noticed(both P＞0.05).Meanwhile,significant differences of left ventricular global longitudinal strain(LVGLS)and basal anterior(BA),basal anterolateral(BAL),basal inferolateral(BIL),mid-anterior(MA),mid-anterolateral(MAL),mid-inferolateral(MIL),apical anterior(APA),apical lateral(APL),apical inferior(API)and apex cap(APEX)segment longitudinal strain(LS)were found among 3 groups(all P＜0.05),also of LVGLS between each 2 groups,of LS in BAL,BIL,MA,MAL,MIL,APA,APL,API and APEX segments between severe sepsis group and control group,of LS in BAL and MAL segments between non-severe sepsis group and control group,and of LS in BA,M A,APL,API and APEX segments between severe sepsis group and non-severe sepsis group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Left ventricular 2D-STI parameters in children with sepsis changed when LVEF was still in normal range,and some parameters were related to the severity of disease.

BACKGROUND:The extracellular-regulated protein kinase 5(ERK5)signaling protein is essential for the survival of organisms,and resveratrol can promote osteoblast proliferation through various pathways.However,whether resveratrol can regulate osteoblast function through the ERK5 signaling protein needs further verification. OBJECTIVE:To explore the regulatory effect of ERK5 on the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and related secreted proteins,and to further verify whether resveratrol can complete the above process by activating ERK5. METHODS:Mouse MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts were treated with complete culture medium,XMD8-92(an ERK5 inhibitor),epidermal growth factor(an ERK5 activator),resveratrol alone,XMD8-92+EGF,and resveratrol+XMD8-92,respectively.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of ERK5 and p-ERK5 proteins,proliferation-related proteins Cyclin D1,CDK4 and PCNA,and osteoblast-secreted proteins osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in MC3T3-E1 cells of each group.The fluorescence intensity of ERK5,osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in each group was detected by cell immunofluorescence staining,and cell proliferation was detected by EdU staining,respectively.The appropriate concentration and time of resveratrol intervention in MC3T3-E1 cells were determined by cell morphology observation and cell counting kit-8 assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The activation of ERK5 signaling protein could effectively promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells,up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand ratio.The appropriate concentration and time for resveratrol intervention in MC3T3-E1 cells was 5 μmol/L and 24 hours,respectively.Resveratrol could activate ERK5 signaling protein,thereby promoting osteoblast proliferation and up-regulating the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio.All these results indicate that resveratrol can promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio by activating the ERK5 signaling protein.

The concept of combined neuro-cardiac imaging emphasizes the systemic interconnection between cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases,representing a significant direction in advancement of precision medicine.With superior soft-tissue contrast and multiparametric imaging,MRI provides significant advantages for one-stop,rapid and comprehensive neuro-cardiac evaluation and diagnosis of relative diseases.This consensus systematically outlined the technical specifications for combined neuro-cardiac MRI and proposed strategies for specific patients such as acute ischemic stroke,arrhythmias and renal dysfunction,in order to promote standardized clinical application of MRI led combined neuro-cardiac imaging and enhance precise diagnosis of coexisting cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases.

Objective To observe the changes of left ventricular systolic function in children with sepsis by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging(2D-STI).Methods A total of 29 children with sepsis were retrospectively enrolled and divided into severe sepsis group(n=10)and non-severe sepsis group(n=19)according to relevant diagnostic criteria,while 21 healthy children were taken as controls(control group).Conventional echocardiographic parameters and 2D-STI parameters were compared among 3 groups and between each 2 groups.Results Significant differences of left atrial diameter(LAD),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD)and right atrial diameter(RAD)were found among 3 groups(all P＜0.05),while no significant difference of right ventricular end-diastolic diameter(RVEDD)nor left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)was noticed(both P＞0.05).Meanwhile,significant differences of left ventricular global longitudinal strain(LVGLS)and basal anterior(BA),basal anterolateral(BAL),basal inferolateral(BIL),mid-anterior(MA),mid-anterolateral(MAL),mid-inferolateral(MIL),apical anterior(APA),apical lateral(APL),apical inferior(API)and apex cap(APEX)segment longitudinal strain(LS)were found among 3 groups(all P＜0.05),also of LVGLS between each 2 groups,of LS in BAL,BIL,MA,MAL,MIL,APA,APL,API and APEX segments between severe sepsis group and control group,of LS in BAL and MAL segments between non-severe sepsis group and control group,and of LS in BA,M A,APL,API and APEX segments between severe sepsis group and non-severe sepsis group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Left ventricular 2D-STI parameters in children with sepsis changed when LVEF was still in normal range,and some parameters were related to the severity of disease.

Objective: Self-determination theory (SDT) deems that people have three causality orientations: autonomy orientation, control orientation, and impersonal orientation. Previous studies suggested that lower autonomy orientation or higher control and impersonal orientations may be associated with more addictive behaviors. Our study aimed to investigate if these associations exist in Internet gaming disorder (IGD), and if sensation seeking, anxiety, and depression could influence the associations between causality orientations and IGD symptoms. Methods: A total of 1,400 college students completed the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, General Causality Orientation Scale, Brief Sensation Seeking Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire. Correlation, multiple linear regressions, structural equation model (SEM) analyses, and moderation analyses were conducted to explore the associations. Results: The control and impersonal orientations were positively associated with IGD symptoms, while the autonomy orientation was negatively associated with them. Moreover, SEM analyses showed that the autonomy-IGD relationship was totally mediated by anxiety and depression, the impersonal-IGD relationship was partially mediated by anxiety, and the control-IGD relationship was partially mediated by depression. Finally, the effects of causality orientations on IGD were moderated by sensation seeking. Conclusion Overall, autonomy orientation is linked to fewer gaming problems, whereas control and impersonal orientations are associated with more gaming problems. Moreover, the relationships between causality orientations and IGD symptoms are mediated by anxiety and depression and moderated by sensation seeking. Our findings inform theory on the motivations of gaming behaviors and may shed light on the prevention and intervention of IGD from the perspective of SDT.

Objective To explore the optimization for parameters of 5.0T pseudo continuous arterial spin labeling(pCASL)MRI of whole brain.Methods Nine healthy adults were prospectively enrolled,and single-delay pCASL scanning was performed based on a 5.0T MR scanner with 3 sets of labeling gradients:Group A,average gradient(Gavg)=1 mT/m and the ratio of maximum gradient(Gmax)to Gavg(Gratio)=10,group B,Gavg=0.6 mT/m and Gratio=10,group C,Gavg=0.3 mT/m and Gratio=9.The labeling efficiency and cerebral blood flow(CBF)of 3 groups were compared to screen the best labeling gradient group.Results When the marked average blood flow velocity was 40 cm/s,the gradient field tolerance of group C was better than that of group A and B at the situation of reduced B1+and larger B0 offset frequency range.Under the gradient field of group C,the level of labeled artery B1 ranged from 54.19％to 75.36％,with an average of 64.71％.The labeling efficiencies of group C were all ≥85％,and all ≥90％at the average B1 level(64.71％).In the whole gray matter and almost all brain regions,CBF on pCASL under gradient field of group C was significantly higher than that of group A and B(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Low Gavg and low Gmax were the optimal parameters for 5.0T whole brain pCASL MRI.

Objective: Self-determination theory (SDT) deems that people have three causality orientations: autonomy orientation, control orientation, and impersonal orientation. Previous studies suggested that lower autonomy orientation or higher control and impersonal orientations may be associated with more addictive behaviors. Our study aimed to investigate if these associations exist in Internet gaming disorder (IGD), and if sensation seeking, anxiety, and depression could influence the associations between causality orientations and IGD symptoms. Methods: A total of 1,400 college students completed the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, General Causality Orientation Scale, Brief Sensation Seeking Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire. Correlation, multiple linear regressions, structural equation model (SEM) analyses, and moderation analyses were conducted to explore the associations. Results: The control and impersonal orientations were positively associated with IGD symptoms, while the autonomy orientation was negatively associated with them. Moreover, SEM analyses showed that the autonomy-IGD relationship was totally mediated by anxiety and depression, the impersonal-IGD relationship was partially mediated by anxiety, and the control-IGD relationship was partially mediated by depression. Finally, the effects of causality orientations on IGD were moderated by sensation seeking. Conclusion Overall, autonomy orientation is linked to fewer gaming problems, whereas control and impersonal orientations are associated with more gaming problems. Moreover, the relationships between causality orientations and IGD symptoms are mediated by anxiety and depression and moderated by sensation seeking. Our findings inform theory on the motivations of gaming behaviors and may shed light on the prevention and intervention of IGD from the perspective of SDT.

Objective: Self-determination theory (SDT) deems that people have three causality orientations: autonomy orientation, control orientation, and impersonal orientation. Previous studies suggested that lower autonomy orientation or higher control and impersonal orientations may be associated with more addictive behaviors. Our study aimed to investigate if these associations exist in Internet gaming disorder (IGD), and if sensation seeking, anxiety, and depression could influence the associations between causality orientations and IGD symptoms. Methods: A total of 1,400 college students completed the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, General Causality Orientation Scale, Brief Sensation Seeking Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire. Correlation, multiple linear regressions, structural equation model (SEM) analyses, and moderation analyses were conducted to explore the associations. Results: The control and impersonal orientations were positively associated with IGD symptoms, while the autonomy orientation was negatively associated with them. Moreover, SEM analyses showed that the autonomy-IGD relationship was totally mediated by anxiety and depression, the impersonal-IGD relationship was partially mediated by anxiety, and the control-IGD relationship was partially mediated by depression. Finally, the effects of causality orientations on IGD were moderated by sensation seeking. Conclusion Overall, autonomy orientation is linked to fewer gaming problems, whereas control and impersonal orientations are associated with more gaming problems. Moreover, the relationships between causality orientations and IGD symptoms are mediated by anxiety and depression and moderated by sensation seeking. Our findings inform theory on the motivations of gaming behaviors and may shed light on the prevention and intervention of IGD from the perspective of SDT.