Rosiglitazone Promotes Microglial Distribution via Activation of PPARγ and CD36 in the ICH Rat Model

OBJECTIVES

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a serious public health problem with high mortality and morbidity. The current study aims to investigate the effects of rosiglitazone on the microglial distribution and the expression of PPARγ and CD36 in the ICH rat model.

METHODS NEW

Sprague-Dawley male rats (n=116) were randomly divided into four groups: control, ICH, rosiglitazone, and PPARγ antagonist (GW9662). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the brain edema in the ICH rat model. The effect of rosiglitazone on the expression of OX-42, a microglial marker, was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blot were utilized to assess the role of rosiglitazone in the expression of PPARγ and CD36.

RESULTS

ICH rats exhibited a remarkable brain edema at 72 h. OX-42 expression was significantly increased in brain tissues of ICH rats. Rosiglitazone remarkably promoted the OX-42 expression in ICH rats, whereas GW9662 suppressed OX-42 expression. In addition, immunohistochemistry analysis showed that rosiglitazone markedly enhanced the expression of PPARγ and CD36 in brain tissues around the hematoma in ICH rats, while GW9662 inhibited their expression in ICH rats. Moreover, rosiglitazone significantly promoted the mRNA and protein expression of PPARγ and CD36 in the brain tissues of ICH rats, while GW9662 showed the opposite trend.

CONCLUSION

Rosiglitazone may improve microglial distribution via promoting the expression of PPARγ and CD36 around the hematoma in the ICH rat model, which may provide effective therapeutic targets for the treatment of ICH.

The protective effects of Irbesartan in cognitive impairment in hypertension

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is claimed as the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease (AD), in which hypertension is a critical inducer. Currently, hypertension-induced cognitive impairment lacks clinical treatments. Irbesartan is a long-acting angiotensin receptor antagonist with promising antihypertensive properties. Our research will focus on the potential function of Irbesartan on hypertension-induced cognitive impairment. Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats were orally dosed with normal saline or 20 mg/kg/day Irbesartan for 14 consecutive days, with 4 groups divided shown as below: WKY, Irbesartan, SHR, SHR+ Irbesartan. Firstly, the markedly increased systolic blood pressure observed in SHR rats was signally repressed by Irbesartan on Day 7 and 14 post-dosing. Moreover, notably decreased time of exploring the novel object in the object recognition task (ORT) test, elevated escape latency, and reduced time in the target quadrant in the Morris water maze (MWM) test were observed in SHR rats, which were prominently reversed by Irbesartan. Furthermore, the declined superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) level, increased cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (CDK5) activity, and enhanced protein level of p35/p25, p-Tau (pSer214)/Tau46, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were memorably rescued by Irbesartan. Lastly, the activity of cAMP/cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) signaling in the hippocampus of SHR rats was markedly repressed, accompanied by an upregulation of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B), which was observably rescued by Irbesartan. Collectively, Irbesartan protected against the hypertension-induced cognitive impairment in SHR rats by regulating the cAMP/CREB signaling.

[Progress of researches on molecular mechanisms underlying helminth infection-mediated type 1/2 host immune responses]

Helminth infections are widespread worldwide, and pose a serious threat to human health and animal husbandry development. Understanding of helminth-host interactions is critical to effective control and ultimate eradication of helminthiasis. Following host infections, helminth infections firstly initiate innate immune responses and then mediate adaptive immune responses. Type 1 immune responses are predominant at early stage of helminth infections, which mainly play anti-infective actions, and type 2 immune responses are predominant at late stage of infections, which are associated with helminth immune evasion and aggravation of tissue damages. This review summarizes the progress of researches on type 1/2 immune responses-associated signaling pathways mediated by helminth infections in hosts.

Zeolite-like Topology Oxonitridosilicate La3.6Ba1.7Si5N10O2.1 with Potential Applications in Nonlinear Optical Materials

A novel zeolite-like topology oxonitridosilicate La3.6Ba1.7Si5N10O2.1 with the space group Amm2 (no. 38) and lattice parameters a = 9.5193 (3) Å, b = 16.7011 (5) Å, c = 26.0279 (8) Å, and Z = 12 has been synthesized by a high-temperature solid-state reaction. The crystal structure of La3.6Ba1.7Si5N10O2.1 has four different kinds of tiling, and the cages in the structure are filled with La, Ba, and O atoms. The presence of a noncentrosymmetric space group further suggests its potential for nonlinear optical (NLO) applications, and La3.6Ba1.7Si5N10O2.1 demonstrated a stronger second-harmonic generation (SHG) response than that of SiO2.

Changes in bone mineral density in Down syndrome individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Data evaluating changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in Down syndrome (DS) individuals remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to better understand associations between BMD and DS. A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up until 1st January 2021 was conducted. We used the keywords "bone mineral density" and "Down Syndrome." Fifteen studies were included. Overall, our results showed a significant decrease in BMD of total body (TB BMD) [MD =  - 0.18; 95% CI (- 0.23 and - 0.12), P < 0.00001, I2 = 89%], total hip (TH BMD) [MD =  - 0.12; 95% CI (- 0.15 and - 0.10), P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%], lumbar spine (LS BMD) [MD =  - 0.12; 95% CI (- 0.14 and - 0.09), P < 0.00001, I2 = 18%], and femoral neck (FN BMD) [MD =  - 0.08; 95% CI (- 0.10 and - 0.06), P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%] in DS individuals when compared with controls. Moreover, the volumetric BMD of lumbar spine (LS vBMD) [MD =  - 0.01; 95% CI (- 0.02 and - 0.01), P = 0.0004, I2 = 19%] also showed a decreasing tendency while the volumetric BMD of the femoral neck (FN vBMD) [MD = 0.01; 95% CI (0.00 and 0.02), P = 0.02, I2 = 0%] was elevated in DS individuals versus controls. These findings demonstrated that individuals with DS had a decreased total and regional (TH, LS, and FN) BMD when compared with the general population. Additionally, when BMD was adjusted for skeletal volume, LS vBMD was also lower, while FN vBMD was elevated in DS individuals versus controls.

NPD1 inhibits excessive autophagy by targeting RNF146 and wnt/β-catenin pathway in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Objective: Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common pathological feature in ischemic stroke. Autophagy plays a key role in I/R-induced neuronal death. Neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1) is a docosahexaenoic acid derivative with neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediatory role of NPD1 on I/R-induced injury and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved in this process.Methods: An I/R injury model was established in PC12 cells induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). NPD1 at increasing doses (5, 10, 20, 50, 100 nM) were added to cells one hour before OGD/R. To investigate the effect of ring finger protein 146 (RFP146) deficiency in I/R injury, PC12 cells were transiently transfected with small interfering RNF146 before further experiment.Results: Compared to the controls, OGD/R-challenged cells exhibited significantly decreased cell viability, induced oxidative stress, and excessive autophagic cell death following OGD/R. Pretreatment with NPD1 protected cells against ischemic injury as evidenced by enhanced cell survival, decreased oxidative stress markers, and a lower level of autophagy compared to drug-free group. OGD/R also increased the level of RFP146 and inhibited the expression of β-catenin in PC12 cells. NPD1 treatment promoted the production of RNF146 and β-catenin in cells following OGD/R experiment. Moreover, RNF146 deficiency significantly inhibited β-catenin expression and reversed the protective effects of NPD1 in OGD/R-induced cells.Conclusion: NPD1 alleviated excessive autophagy via regulating RNF146 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, suggesting the potential therapeutic use of NPD1 for the protection against cerebral I/R injury.

Linear polarization grating combining a circular polarization grating with a special cycloidal diffractive quarter waveplate

We introduce and demonstrate a switchable novel linear polarization grating (LPG) consisting of a circular polarization grating (CPG) and a special cycloidal diffractive quarter waveplate (CQWP). The CQWP is developed that marvelously matches the polarization-state of beams passing through the CPG. Such an LPG is so polarization-sensitive that it can split an incident linear polarized beam into two proportionally controllable left- or right-handed circularly polarized lights. We establish rigorous simulation model based on finite element method to investigate near-field polarization-state distribution of CPGs. Furthermore, LPGs are demonstrated and the diffraction properties are obtained with simulation and Jones Matrix analysis. The combination of CPGs and CQWPs is achieved with polymerizable liquid crystal. The experimental results of deflection angle and polarization selectivity of LPGs are consistent with those of simulation.

Two-dimensional symmetrical radial sub-aperture coherence and the local precision defect elimination method for high-precision beam steering

Sub-aperture coherence (SAC) is a classical phase control method for high-precision beam steering using liquid crystal optical phased arrays (LCOPA). On this basis, radial sub-aperture coherence (RSAC) and symmetrical radial sub-aperture coherence (SRSAC) were proposed, which guarantee the stability of steering angles when the beam aperture and incident position fluctuate. In this article, the pre-existing one-dimensional SRSAC was firstly extended to a more universal 2D phase generation algorithm. Meanwhile, for the intractable problem of local precision defects caused by the basic two-dimensional variable period grating (2D-VPG) algorithm, we tracked their locations accurately and designed a targeted elimination method carefully. So these remarkable error peaks could be thoroughly removed by using 2D-SRSAC optimized by the local precision defect elimination method. Since then, all the excellent performance of 1D-SRSAC can be perfectly transplanted to 2D, which makes the non-mechanical beam steering technology using LCOPA more mature and competitive in the applications required ultra-high precision.

Radial sub-aperture coherence method used to achieve beam steering with high precision and stability

Sub-aperture coherence (SAC) algorithm, which is based on the classical phase modulation method called variable period grating (VPG), was usually used to control liquid crystal optical phased arrays (LCOPA) to achieve agile beam steering with high precision. However, the beam steering angle of SAC is severely affected by the beam aperture, which limits the generality of the algorithm distinctly. In this article, two kinds of new phase modulation method have been proposed to solve this problem, which were named as radial sub-aperture coherence (RSAC) and symmetrical radial sub-aperture coherence (SRSAC). By using RSAC, the holistic drift of steering angle, which is caused by the variation of beam aperture, can be effectively avoided. In addition, a series of equidistant steering points with ultra-high precision can be obtained. Upon this basis, SRSAC greatly enhances the steering angle's stability in the presence of system alignment error and relative vibration. Thus, the practicability of LCOPA for beam steering can be improved effectively.

Gradient cross-correlation algorithm for scene-based Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensing

Scene-based wavefront sensing currently uses the periodic-correlation algorithm based on fast Fourier transforms. However, when the object scene contains features at the field edges, the performance of the algorithm is poor due to the periodicity of fast Fourier transforms, called wraparound effect. In this paper, we propose an algorithm based on the gradient cross-correlation. Both simulation and experiment results show its dramatic effectiveness against the wraparound effect, and a considerable improvement is obtained in image resolution with closed loop adaptive optics correction.

High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over the left DLPFC for major depression: Session-dependent efficacy: A meta-analysis

Background

Depression is a major debilitating psychiatric disorder. Current antidepressant drugs are often associated with side effects or treatment resistance. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate therapeutic effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) in major depression (MD).

Methods

The medical data bases of PubMed, Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the therapeutic effects of high-frequency rTMS for depression, which were published in English between January 1990 and June 2016. The index terms were “depress*”, “depression” and “transcranial magnetic stimulation”. Depression outcome data of different sessions (5, 10, 15, and 20 sessions of rTMS treatment) were extracted and synthesized by calculating standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) by using a random-effect model. Within each session group, the subgroup analyses based on the number of pulses (≤ 1000, 1200–1500, 1600–1800, and 2000–3000) were also conducted.

Results

Thirty RCTs with a total of 1754 subjects including 1136 in the rTMS group and 618 in the sham group were included in this meta-analysis. rTMS had a significant overall therapeutic effect on depression severity scores (SMD = −0.73, P < 0.00001). The five, 10, 15, 20 sessions of rTMS treatments yielded the significant mean effect sizes of −0.43, −0.60, −1.13, and −2.74, respectively. In the four groups (5, 10, 15, 20 sessions), the maximal mean effect size was all obtained in the subgroup of 1200–1500 pulses per day (−0.97, −1.14, −1.91, −5.47; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The increasing of HF-rTMS sessions is associated with the increased efficacy of HF-rTMS in reducing depressed patients’ symptom severity. A total number of pulses of 1200–1500 per day appear to deliver the best antidepressant effects of HF-rTMS.

Orthogonal design in the optimization of a start codon targeted (SCoT) PCR system in Roegneria kamoji Ohwi

Roegneria kamoji Ohwi is an excellent forage grass due to its high feeding value and high resistance to some biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the start codon targeted (SCoT) polymorphism has not been conducted on R. kamoji. In this study, an orthogonal L₁₆ (4⁵) design was employed to investigate the effects of five factors (Mg²⁺, dNTPs, Taq DNA polymerase, primer, and template DNA) on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the optimal SCoT-PCR system for R. kamoji. The results showed that the most suitable conditions for SCoT-PCR in R. kamoji included 1.5 mM Mg²⁺, 0.15 mM dNTPs, 1.0 U Taq DNA polymerase, 0.4 pM primer, and 40 ng template DNA. SCoT primers 39 and 41 were used to verify the stability of the optimal reaction system, and amplification bands obtained from diverse samples were found to be clear, rich, and stable in polymorphisms, indicating that this reaction system can be used for SCoT-PCR analysis of R. kamoji. We have developed a simple and rapid way to study the mutual effects of factors and to obtain positive results through the use of an orthogonal design L₁₆ (4⁵) to optimize the SCoT-PCR system. This method may provide basic information for molecular marker-assisted breeding and analyses of genetic diversity in R. kamoji.

Calpain-activated mTORC2/Akt pathway mediates airway smooth muscle remodelling in asthma

BACKGROUND

Allergic asthma is characterized by inflammation and airway remodelling. Airway remodelling with excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and larger smooth muscle mass are correlated with increased airway responsiveness and asthma severity. Calpain is a family of calcium-dependent endopeptidases, which plays an important role in ECM remodelling. However, the role of calpain in airway smooth muscle remodelling remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of calpain in asthmatic airway remodelling as well as the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

The mouse asthma model was made by ovalbumin sensitization and challenge. Calpain conditional knockout mice were studied in the model. Airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) were isolated from smooth muscle bundles in airway of rats. Cytokines IL-4, IL-5, TNF-α, and TGF-β1, and serum from patients with asthma were selected to treated ASMCs. Collagen-I synthesis, cell proliferation, and phosphorylation of Akt in ASMCs were analysed.

RESULTS

Inhibition of calpain using calpain knockout mice attenuated airway smooth muscle remodelling in mouse asthma models. Cytokines IL-4, IL-5, TNF-α, and TGF-β1, and serum from patients with asthma increased collagen-I synthesis, cell proliferation, and phosphorylation of Akt in ASMCs, which were blocked by the calpain inhibitor MDL28170. Moreover, MDL28170 reduced cytokine-induced increases in Rictor protein, which is the most important component of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2). Blockage of the mTORC2 signal pathway prevented cytokine-induced phosphorylation of Akt, collagen-I synthesis, and cell proliferation of ASMCs and attenuated airway smooth muscle remodelling in mouse asthma models.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Our results indicate that calpain mediates cytokine-induced collagen-I synthesis and proliferation of ASMCs via the mTORC2/Akt signalling pathway, thereby regulating airway smooth muscle remodelling in asthma.

Spontaneous renal hemorrhage caused by invasive mole: a case report

CASE

The authors report a case with spontaneous renal hemorrhage caused by invasive mole. The diagnosis was gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), with metastasis to brain, kidneys, and lungs at Stage IV. The patient was given etoposide-methotrexate-actinomycin D plus cyclophosphamide-vincristine (EMACO) treatment regimen for 11 times including three times with consolidation chemotherapies. Laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) + laparoscopic-assisted left renal excision + evacuation of the left perirenal hematoma were performed during the eighth chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Post-operational pathological examination revealed trophoblasts within the lesions present in uterine fundus and the residue images of a few trophoblasts present in the left renal mass.

A new strategy employed for identification of sweet orange cultivars with RAPD markers

We optimized RAPD techniques by increasing the length of RAPD primers and performing a strict screening of PCR annealing temperature to distinguish 60 sweet orange cultivars from the Research Institute of Pomology at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. A new approach called cultivar identification diagram (CID) was used to improve the efficiency of RAPD markers for cultivar identification. Thirteen effective primers were first screened from 54 RAPD arbitrary 11-mer primers based on their amplification products and amplified polymorphic bands; they were then used for PCR amplification of all 60 cultivars. All cultivars were manually and completely separated by the polymorphic bands appearing in DNA fingerprints from 13 primers; a CID of the 60 sweet orange cultivars was then constructed. This CID separated all the cultivars from each other, based on the polymorphic bands; the corresponding primers were marked in the correct positions on the sweet orange CID. The CID strategy facilitates the identification of fruit cultivars with DNA markers. This CID of sweet orange cultivars will be very useful for the protection of cultivar rights and for early identification of seedlings in the nursery industry.

Binding of carbon nanotube to BMP receptor 2 enhances cell differentiation and inhibits apoptosis via regulating bHLH transcription factors

Biomaterials that can drive stem cells to an appropriate differentiation level and decrease apoptosis of transplanted cells are needed in regenerative medicine. Nanomaterials are promising novel materials for such applications. Here we reported that carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT 1) promotes myogenic differentiation of mouse myoblast cells and inhibits cell apoptosis under the differentiation conditions by regulating basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors. MWCNT 1 attenuates bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR) signaling activity by binding to BMPR2 and attenuating the phosphorylation of BMPR1. This molecular understanding allowed us to tune stem cell differentiation to various levels by chemical modifications, demonstrating human control of biological activities of nanoparticles and opening an avenue for potential applications of nanomaterials in regenerative medicine.

Occult hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report of a special icteric-type hepatoma and literature review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presenting with obstructive jaundice due to bile duct tumour thrombi is classified as icteric-type hepatoma. This report describes a case of unusual icteric-type HCC with common bile duct thrombus, which is herein named 'occult HCC', as no detectable primary lesion in liver was defined pre-operatively and intra-operatively. A thrombectomy followed by a T biliary drainage tube placement was carried out, and the final post-operative pathological evaluation demonstrated the tumour thrombus originated from a moderately differentiated HCC. The clinicopathological features and logical clinical interventions of this rare type of HCC were discussed with a review of the literature. The HCC patients with bile duct thrombi receiving palliative biliary drainage alone had a poor outcome. With respect to improving prognosis, a curative resection of primary HCC and tumour thrombi was suggested on the basis of performing an intensive post-operative monitoring for early detection of primary liver lesion.

Leiocyclocin C and D, two cyclopeptides from Goniothalamus leiocarpus

Two new cyclopeptides, leiocyclocin C (1) and D (2), were isolated from the seeds of Goniothalamus leiocarpus (Annonaceae). Their structures were determined as cyclo-(Gly1-Ser-Pro2-Tyr2-Gly2-Tyr1-Pro1-Pro3) and cyclo-(Gly1-Leu-Pro1-Gly2-Phe-Tyr-Pro2), respectively, by means of spectral and chemical methods.

A study of hemorheological behaviour for patients with Alzheimer's disease at the early stages

To evaluate the change of hemorheological indexes for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) at the early stages and to discuss effects of these changes on AD, high shear value of whole blood viscosity (etabh), reduced high shear value of whole blood viscosity (retabh), low shear value of whole blood viscosity (etabl), reduced low shear, value of whole blood viscosity (retabl), KT value of whole blood viscosity, hematocrit (HCT) and blood plasma viscosity (etaP) were measured in 31 patients with probable AD at the early stages and 33 age-matched healthy subjects. There were significant differences of all hemorheological indexes between AD group and control group except HCT. Step discriminant analysis revealed 81.25% of overall group-classified accuracy in a hemorheological discriminant function consisting of etabl, retabl, retabh and HCT. Significant difference of hemorheological indexes existed between AD and age-matched healthy control subjects. The results showed that measurement of hemorheological indexes could be used as one of reference standards of diagnosis in AD.

Bombesin-like peptides and receptors in normal fetal baboon lung: roles in lung growth and maturation

Previously, we have shown that bombesin-like peptide (BLP) promotes fetal lung development in rodents and humans but mediates postnatal lung injury in hyperoxic baboons. The present study analyzed the normal ontogeny of BLP and BLP receptors as well as the effects of BLP on cultured normal fetal baboon lungs. Transcripts encoding gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), a pulmonary BLP, were detectable on gestational day 60 (ED60), peaked on approximately ED90, and then declined before term (ED180). Numbers of BLP-immunopositive neuroendocrine cells peaked from ED80 to ED125 and declined by ED160, preceding GRP-receptor mRNAs detected from ED125 until birth. BLP (0.1-10 nM) stimulated type II cell differentiation in organ cultures as assessed by [(3)H]choline incorporation into surfactant phospholipids, electron microscopy, and increased surfactant protein (SP) A- and/or SP-C-immunopositive cells and SP-A mRNA. BLP also induced neuroendocrine differentiation on ED60. Cell proliferation was induced by GRP, peaking on ED90. Similarly, blocking BLP degradation stimulated lung growth and maturation, which was completely reversed by a BLP-specific antagonist. The dissociation between GRP and GRP-receptor gene expression during ontogeny suggests that novel BLP receptors and/or peptides might be implicated in these responses.

Calcitonin driven v-Ha-ras induces multilineage pulmonary epithelial hyperplasias and neoplasms

We initiated a transgenic model for primary pulmonary neuroendocrine cell (PNEC) hyperplasia/neoplasia using v-Ha-ras driven by the neural/neuroendocrine (NE)-specific calcitonin promoter (rascal). Previously, we showed that nitrosamine treated rodents develop PNEC hyperplasia but non-NE lung tumors, with variable outcomes presumably reflecting ras activation in multiple cell lineages. Interestingly, all rascal transgenic mouse lineages develop hyperplasias of NE and non-NE cells but mostly non-NE lung carcinomas, with rascal mRNA in differentiated PNECs and tumor cells. Analyses of embryonic lung demonstrate rascal mRNA in undifferentiated epithelium, consistent with expression in a common pluripotent precursor cell. These unexpected observations indicate that v-Ha-ras can lead to both NE and non-NE hyperplasia/neoplasia in vivo, opening new avenues for studies of lung carcinogenesis.

A quantitative MR study of the hippocampal formation, the amygdala, and the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle in healthy subjects 40 to 90 years of age

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Several investigators have defined normal age-specific values for the medial temporal lobe structures in neurologically normal elderly subjects, but, to our knowledge, no one has reported those values for a large sample of healthy volunteers. The purpose of our study was to define normal age-specific values for the hippocampal formation, the amygdala, and the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle by age group, ranging from 40 to 90 years, in order to generate a guideline for the quantitative MR diagnosis and differential diagnosis for early Alzheimer disease.

METHODS

MR-based volumetric measurements of the hippocampal formation, the amygdala, and the temporal horn, standardized by total intracranial volume, were obtained from oblique coronal and sagittal T1-weighted MR images in 619 healthy volunteers and two cadaveric specimens.

RESULTS

Differences in standardized volumes of the hippocampal formation, the amygdala, and the temporal horn were significant among the 61- to 70-year-old, 71- to 80-year-old, and 81- to 90-year-old groups, and were not significant between the 40- to 50-year-old and 51- to 60-year-old groups. We found no significant differences in side or sex among the age groups for any of the structures.

CONCLUSION

Differences in the mean value and in the 95% normal range of standardized volumes of the hippocampal formation, the amygdala, and the temporal horn correspond to differences in age among healthy subjects; therefore, age should be considered a factor in correlative research, especially in that involving patients in the early stages of Alzheimer disease.

[Chemical constituents of Coleus carnosifolius Dunn]

Four compounds were isolated from Coleus carnosifolius. They were identified as betulic acid, betulin, oleanic acid and beta-sitosterol by spectral analysis and comparison with authentic samples.