Test-retest reliability of graph metrics in high-resolution functional connectomics: a resting-state functional MRI study.

BACKGROUND: The combination of resting-state functional MRI (R-fMRI) technique and graph theoretical approaches has emerged as a promising tool for characterizing the topological organization of brain networks, that is, functional connectomics. In particular, the construction and analysis of high-resolution brain connectomics at a voxel scale are important because they do not require prior regional parcellations and provide finer spatial information about brain connectivity. However, the test-retest reliability of voxel-based functional connectomics remains largely unclear. AIMS: This study tended to investigate both short-term (∼20 min apart) and long-term (6 weeks apart) test-retest (TRT) reliability of graph metrics of voxel-based brain networks. METHODS: Based on graph theoretical approaches, we analyzed R-fMRI data from 53 young healthy adults who completed two scanning sessions (session 1 included two scans 20 min apart; session 2 included one scan that was performed after an interval of ∼6 weeks). RESULTS: The high-resolution networks exhibited prominent small-world and modular properties and included functional hubs mainly located at the default-mode, salience, and executive control systems. Further analysis revealed that test-retest reliabilities of network metrics were sensitive to the scanning orders and intervals, with fair to excellent long-term reliability between Scan 1 and Scan 3 and lower reliability involving Scan 2. In the long-term case (Scan 1 and Scan 3), most network metrics were generally test-retest reliable, with the highest reliability in global metrics in the clustering coefficient and in the nodal metrics in nodal degree and efficiency. CONCLUSION: We showed high test-retest reliability for graph properties in the high-resolution functional connectomics, which provides important guidance for choosing reliable network metrics and analysis strategies in future studies.

7-Difluoromethyl-5,4'-dimethoxygenistein, a novel genistein derivative, has therapeutic effects on atherosclerosis in a rabbit model.

Genistein is a phytoestrogen that is known to have a protective effect on the vascular endothelial wall. However, it exhibits poor bioavailability, which limits the use of genistein to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. A novel genistein derivative, 7-difluoromethyl-5,4'-dimethoxygenistein (dFMGEN), has shown a better protective effect on vascular endothelial damage in vitro than genistein. In this study, we further evaluated therapeutic effects of dFMGEN on the vascular endothelial wall and atherosclerosis in a rabbit model in vivo. There were 5 groups: the GEN group (genistein 5 mg/kg per day), lovastatin group (lovastatin 5 mg/kg per day), dFMGEN group (dFMGEN 5 mg/kg per day), model control group (the same amount of vehicle solvent), and the normal control group; all feedings administered via intragastric administration. We demonstrated that dFMGEN (1) attenuated the development of atherosclerosis, (2) reduced serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, (3) decreased lipid peroxidation in the rabbit atherosclerosis model, and (4) increased smooth muscle cell and collagen content in atheroma of thoracic aortas. These results provide an experimental foundation for dFMGEN's potential effects in preventing and treating atherosclerosis, acute coronary syndromes, and potentially ischemia-reperfusion injury during acute myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction.

[Study of differentation of HL-60 cells by induction of SPGL].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of differentiation of HL-60 cells by induction of SPGL. METHODS: Cell differentiation was analyzed by using Wrigh-Giemsa staining to observe the morphology changes of cells with microscope, NBT reductant test, surface differentiation antigen (CD11b and CD14) test in HL-60 cells treated by different doses (1 x 10(-5) - 5 x 10(-4) ng/ml) of SPGL at the 3th day. RESULTS: The morphological changes showed cell differentiation characteristics; NBT reductant was significantly increased, and the number of NBT positive cells were related to dose of SPGL (in dose-dependent manner); Expression of CD11b and CD14 increased obviously. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the effect of differentiation of HL-60 cells by induction of SPGL and it induces the cells to differentiate along the monocyte and granulocyte lineage.