ABSTRACT
Medicinal and edible Armeniacae Semen Amarum (ASA) is susceptible to fungal contamination because it is rich in oil and other nutrients. In this study, the fungal community diversity in ASA samples was analyzed based on a DNA metabarcoding technique to provide evidence for its safe use. Twelve batches of ASA samples samples from four medicinal material markets and three processing approaches were collected. Total DNA was extracted, the ITS2 sequences were amplified, and high-throughput sequencing was performed using the Illumina MiSeq PE300 platform. The results show that Ascomycota was the most dominant fungus in ASA samples. The predominant genus in sample SW1_P was Diutina, whereas the most predominant genus in the other samples was Aspergillus. Three harmful fungi were identified, namely, Aspergillus flavus, Wallemia sebi, and Rhizopus arrhizus. In addition, significant differences were observed in the relative abundance of Botryosphaeriales and Alternaria in ASA samples from different collection sites. Meanwhile, there were significant differences in the relative abundance of Hypocreales and Cladosporium in ASA samples from different processing approaches. In summary, the DNA metabarcoding technique can effectively clarify the fungal community diversity and quickly detect potential toxigenic fungi in ASA samples, thus providing a warning for mycotoxin contamination.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the correlation of brain stem diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion score with vertebrobasilar artery stenosis as revealed by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in patients with acute brain stem infarction. Methods A total of 253 patients diagnosed as acute brain stem infarction by means of brain magnetic resonance imaging were analyzed retrospectively. Of them 211 patients were enrolled in the present study, and they were qualified with the enrolling standard, and they underwent examination of brain DWI and MRA simultaneously. The DWI lesion scores and imaging data were analyzed comparatively and statistically. Results Significant correlation was found between DWI lesion score and the main trunk stenosis degree of vertebrobasilar artery in patients with acute brain stem infarction (P=0.009). An increase in overall stenosis degree was found along with an increase in DWI lesion score (P=0.005). When the DWI lesion score was ≥4, occlusion of the main trunk of vertebrobasilar artery could be predicted with sensitivity of 74.5% and specificity of 93.2%, respectively (P=0.000). Conclusions The DWI lesion score increases as the degree of main trunk stenosis of vertebrobasilar artery increased in patients with acute brain stem infarction. The DWI lesion score, in certain extent, may predict the existence and degree of stenosis of the main trunk of vertebrobasilar artery.