Tanshinone ⅡA improves Alzheimer’s disease via RNA nuclearenriched abundant transcript 1/microRNA-291a-3p/member RAS oncogene family Rab22a axis

BACKGROUND Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.Tanshinone ⅡA(Tan-ⅡA),a bioactive compound isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza plants,has shown potential neuroprotective effects;however,the mechanisms underlying such a function remain unclear.AIM To investigate potential Tan-ⅡA neuroprotective effects in AD and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms.METHODS Hematoxylin and eosin staining was utilized to analyze structural brain tissue morphology.To assess changes in oxidative stress and neuroinflammation,we performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting.Additionally,the effect of Tan-ⅡA on AD cell models was evaluated in vitro using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay.Genetic changes related to the long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1(NEAT1)/microRNA(miRNA,miR)-291a-3p/member RAS oncogene family Rab22a axis were assessed through reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS In vivo,Tan-ⅡA treatment improved neuronal morphology and attenuated oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the brain tissue of AD mice.In vitro experiments showed that Tan-ⅡA dose-dependently ameliorated the amyloid-beta 1-42-induced reduction of neural stem cell viability,apoptosis,oxidative stress,and neuroinflammation.In this process,the lncRNA NEAT1-a potential therapeutic target-is highly expressed in AD mice and downregulated via Tan-ⅡA treatment.Mechanistically,NEAT1 promotes the transcription and translation of Rab22a via miR-291a-3p,which activates nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)signaling,leading to activation of the pro-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein and inhibition of the anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 protein,which exacerbates AD.Tan-ⅡA intervention effectively blocked this process by inhibiting the NEAT1/miR-291a-3p/Rab22a axis and NF-κB signaling.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that Tan-ⅡA exerts neuroprotective effects in AD by modulating the NEAT1/miR-291a-3p/Rab22a/NF-κB signaling pathway,serving as a foundation for the development of innovative approaches for AD therapy.

Expression of insulin-like growth factor Ⅱ and its receptor in liver cells of chronic liver diseases

AIM To clarify the relationship between the Insulin like growth factor Ⅱ (IGF Ⅱ), IGF Ⅱ receptor and chronic liver diseases and to provide evidences for basic and clinical researches for exploring the potential mechanisms of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The poly (A)+ mRNA translation of IGF Ⅱ and IGF Ⅱ receptor in dysplasia liver cell (DLC n =10), liver cirrhosis (LC n =9) and chronic active hepatitis (CAH n =9) were analyzed with RNA gel electrophoresis, Northern blot and hybridization using human IGF Ⅱ and IGF Ⅱ receptor DNA probes labelled with 32 P through Nick translation and autoradiography. RESULTS The overexpression of IGF Ⅱ in DLC (10/10, 100%) was apparently higher than that in CAH (3/9, 33%) and LC (3/9, 33%), ( P <0 01). The overexpression of IGF Ⅱ receptor in DLC (7/10, 70%) was significantly higher than that in CAH (2/9, 22%) and LC (3/9, 33%), respectively. The data of HBV infection from different chronic liver diseases were analyzed. CONCLUSION The overexpression of IGF Ⅱ and IGF Ⅱ receptor in DLC was related to the preceeding of malignant phenotype of hepatocyte, which provided a diagnostic value for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Persistent HBV infection is strongly associated with abnormal activation of IGF Ⅱ and IGF Ⅱ receptor, which might indicate a stimulating mechanism of autocrine or paracrine growth involved in live cell carcinogenesis.

Effect of nuclear factor-κB and angiotensin Ⅱ receptor type 1 on the pathogenesis of rat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

AIM: To investigate the roles of nuclear factor(NF)-κB and angiotensin Ⅱ receptor type 1(AT1R) in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS: Forty-two healthy adult male SpragueDawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:the control group(normal diet), the model group,and the intervention group(10 wk of a high-fat diet feeding, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of PDTC); 6 rats in each group were sacrificed at 6, 10,and 14 wk. After sacrifice, liver tissue was taken,paraffin sections of liver tissue specimens were prepared, hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining was performed, and pathological changes in liver tissue(i.e., liver fibrosis) were observed by light microscopy.NF-κB expression in liver tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of AT1 R in the liver tissue was detected by reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). The data are expressed as mean ± SD. A two-sample t test was used to compare the control group and the model group at different time points, paired t tests were used to compare the differences between the intervention group and the model group, and analysis of variance was used to compare the model group with the control group. Homogeneity of variance was analyzed with single factor analysis of variance. H variance analysis was used to compare the variance. P < 0.05 wasconsidered statistically significant.RESULTS: The NAFLD model was successful after 6wk and 10 wk. Liver fibrosis was found in four rats in the model group, but in only one rat in the intervention group at 14 wk. Liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis were gradually increased throughout the model. In the intervention group, the body mass,rat liver index, serum lipid, and transaminase levels were not increased compared to the model group.In the model group, the degree of liver steatosis was increased at 6, 10, and 14 wk, and was significantly higher than in the control group(P < 0.01). In the model group, different degrees of liver cell necrosis were visible and small leaves, punctated inflammation,focal necrosis, and obvious ballooning degeneration were observed. Partial necrosis and confluent necrosis were observed. In the model group, liver inflammatory activity scores at 6, 10, and 14 wk were higher than in the control group(P < 0.01). Active inflammation in liver tissue in the intervention group was lower than in the model group(P < 0.05). HE staining showed liver fibrosis only at 14 wk in 4/6 rats in the model group and in 1/6 rats in the intervention group. NF-κB positive cells were stained yellow or ensemble yellow,and NF-κB was localized in the cytoplasm and/or nucleus. The model group showed NF-κB activation at6, 10, and 14 wk in liver cells; at the same time points,there were statistically significant differences in the control group(P < 0.01). Over time, NF-κB expression increased; this was statistically lower(P < 0.05) at14 weeks in the intervention group compared to the model group, but significantly increased(P < 0.05)compared with the control group; RT-PCR showed that AT1 R mRNA expression increased gradually in the model group; at 14 wk, the expression was significantly different compared with expression at 10 weeks as well as at 6 weeks(P < 0.05). In the model group, AT1 R mRNA expression was significantly higher than at the same time point in the control group(P <0.01).CONCLUSION: With increasing severity of NAFLD,NF-κB activity is enhanced, and the inhibition of NF-κB activity may reduce AT1 R mRNA expression in NAFLD.

Decreased plasma urotensin Ⅱ levels inversely correlate with extent and severity of coronary artery disease

Objective To determine the plasma urolensin Ⅱ(UII) levels in various types of coronary heart disease and to clarify how the plasma UII levels correlate with the clinical presentation, extent and severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis (CAD). Methods: One hundred and three aged patients undergoing elective diagnostic coronary angiography for proven or clinical suspected coronary heart disease were enrolled in this study. The extent and severity of coronary artery disease were evaluated by vessel score and Gensini score, respectively. Plasma UII levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results: The plasma UII levels in the patients with modest to severe coronary stenosis (3.03±0.34 pg/ml, 1.83±0.67 pg/ml) were significantly lower than that in subjects with normal coronary artery (4.80±1.11 pg/ml, P<0.001). The plasma UII levels in patients with coronary heart disease were also significantly lower than that in patients with insignificant coronary stenosis (P < 0. 001). Compared to patients with stable angina pectoris, plasma UII levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome were significantly decreased (1.89±0.51 pg/ml vs 2.42±0.77 pg/ml, P < 0.001). Plasma UII levels were found to be negatively correlated with the severity of coronary artery stenosis (r = -0.488, P<0.001), as well as the vessel score (r = -0.408, P<0.05) in the patients with CAD. Conclusion: Significant inverse correlations exist between the plasma UII levels, and the extent and severity of coronary artery stenosis. These findings suggest that plasma UII contribute to the development and progression of coronary artery stenosis, and may be a novel marker to predict clinical types, as well as the extent and severity of coronary artery disease in the patients.

Retinal capillary plexus in Parkinson’s disease using optical coherence tomography angiography

AIM:To evaluate the alterations of the retinal microvasculature and foveal avascular zone in patients with Parkinson’s disease(PD)using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCT-A).METHODS:A retrospective study of PD patients examined in the Ophthalmology Department of the General Hospital of Athens,“Georgios Gennimatas”from March 2021 to March 2022 was conducted.Totally 44 patients with PD were included and 18 healthy controls were examined,hence a total of 124 eyes were enrolled in the study.The foveal and parafoveal superficial and deep capillary plexus vascular density(fSCP-VD,fDCP-VD,pSCP-VD,pDCP-CD)and foveal avascular zone(FAZ)were quantified with OCTA.Optical coherence tomography(OCT)was used to measure macular thickness.Our statistical analysis was conducted by using a mixed effect linear regression model.RESULTS:After adjustment for age and gender,the mean parafoveal superficial capillary plexus vascular density(pSCP-VD)and mean parafoveal deep capillary plexus vascular density(pDCP-VD)were significantly decreased in individuals with PD(P<0.001 in both)by-2.35(95%CI-3.3,-1.45)and-7.5(95%CI-10.4,-4.6)respectively.fSCP-VD and fDCP-VD didn’t approach statistical significance.The FAZ area and perimeter were significantly decreased(P<0.001 in both)by-0.1 mm^(2)(95%CI-0.13,-0.07)and-0.49 mm^(2)(95%CI-0.66,-0.32)respectively.Circularity didn’t approach statistical significance.Central retinal thickness(CRT)was significantly decreased in individuals with PD(P<0.001)by-23.1μm(95%CI-30.2,-16)and temporal retinal thickness(TRT)was decreased(P=0.025)by-11μm(95%CI-22,-1.5)while nasal retinal thickness(NRT)only approached statistical significance(P=0.066).CONCLUSION:The mean pSCP-VD,pDCP-VD,CRT and TRT are significantly decreased and FAZ is altered in individuals with PD.These findings can be potentially used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and evaluation of early PD.

In Vitro Biological Activity of Anti-C Ⅱ TA Hammerhead Ribozyme——A Novel Approach for Autoimmune Diseases

This study investigated the feasibility of using an hammerhead ribozyme against C Ⅱ TA, a major regulator of MHC Ⅱ antigens, to repress the expression of MHC Ⅱ molecules on Hela cells. A hammerhead ribozyme (Rz464) specific to 463-465 GUC triplet of C Ⅱ TA and its target gene were transcribed, then mixed up and incubated in vitro . The cleavage products were analyzed by PAGE and silver staining. Rz464 was then inserted into the pIRES2 EGFP vector (pRz464). Stable transfectants of Hela with pRz464 were tested for class Ⅱ MHC induction by recombinant human interferon gamma (IFN γ). mRNA of C Ⅱ TA was measured by RT PCR. Our results showed that Rz464 could exclusively cleave C Ⅱ TA RNA. When induced with IFN γ, the expression of HLA DR, DP, DQ on pRz464 + Hela was induced, and the mRNA content of C Ⅱ TA decreased too. It is concluded that Rz464 could inhibit C Ⅱ TA and thus the family of genes was regulated by C Ⅱ TA:MHC Ⅱ molecules. These results provided insight into the future application of Rz464 as a new nucleic acid drug against auto immune diseases.

Association of urotensin Ⅱ with angiographic severity of coronary artery disease

Objective The goal of this study was to examine the association between urotensin Ⅱ (U Ⅱ) concentration and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods We studied U Ⅱ concentrations in 100 patients with known or suspected CAD referred for cardiac catheterization. Based on coronary angiograms, subjects were classified as having no or mild CAD (stenosis <50%) and significant CAD (stenosis=50%). Micheal score system was used to estimate the severity of CAD. Result U Ⅱ concentration in the significant CAD group had no difference compared with the no or mild CAD group (1.95±1.18pmol/L vs 2.04±1.47pmol/L, P>0.05), but higher in the severe group (score =9) than in the normal or nearly normal group (score<3)(2.50±1.62pmol/L vs 1.61±1.05pmol/L, P=0.03). UⅡ concentration had no relationship with other known risk factors, but it correlated with CAD severity (r=0.213, P=0.034). In multiple regression analysis, U Ⅱ is one of the determinants of the severity of CAD, other than age, abnormal glucose, hypertension and gender. Conclusios U Ⅱ is elevated in severe CAD and there is a significant relationship between U Ⅱ concentration and CAD severity. (J Geriatr Cardiol 2007;4:229-232.)

Combined effects of hypertension and angiotensin Ⅱ on the risk of coronary heart disease:a population-based prospective cohort study among Inner Mongolians in China

Objective To investigate the combined effects of hypertension and angiotensinⅡon the risk of coronary heart disease(CHD)on the basis of a 10-year prospective study in an Inner Mongolian population of China.Methods Based on a cross-sectional survey,a prospective cohort study was conducted from June 2003 to July 2012 among 2,530 Mongolian people.

EFFECTS OF CEREALS FROM KASHIN－BECK DISEASE ENDEMIC AREA ON FIBRILLOGENESIS IN VITRO OF CARTILAGE COLLAGEN TYPE Ⅱ IN RATS

In this feeding trial rats were fed on diets of cereals from Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD) endemic area, Se-supplemented cereals from the above area, and cereals from Non-KBD endemic area. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effects of cereals from KBD endemic area and Se on the formation kinetics of cartilage type Ⅱ collagen fibril, the stability and ultrastructure of fibrils formed in vitro. The results indicated that low-selenium cereals from KBD endemic area resulted in a decelerated rate and extant of forming the type Ⅱ collagen fibril, the fibril stability reduced, fibril diameters diminished, and fibril banding periods increased or decreased in vitro. Sesupplemented cereals from KBD endemic area partially rectified the pathologic changes mentioned above. These data are important for further studying the etiology and pathology of KBD.

Urotensin Ⅱ level is elevated in inflammatory bowel disease patients

It was reported that the urotensin Ⅱ(U-Ⅱ) level in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) patients are significantly higher than in controls. To provide future guidance for the management of cardiovascular risk factors in IBD patients, the sample size of the current study appears to be limited, and more clinical samples to compare U-Ⅱ levels in IBD patients and controls are needed. This will clarify the possible roles of inflammation factors and related signaling pathways(like EPK1/2, NF-κB and Rho/ROCK) in the pathophysiology of IBD. Therefore, large multicenter studies should be done to confirm the findings and underlying mechanisms in the future.

Current Role of Platelet Glycoprotein Ⅱ b/Ⅲ a Receptor Inhibitors in Clinical Trials of Cardiovascular Diseases

Thrombosis formation on disrupted atherosclerotic plaque is the most common acuse of cardiovascular diseases, in the pathophysiology, increased platelet reactivity is a descriptor of the risk of cardiovascular events in healthy persons and in patients with overt coronary artery disease. Regardless of the stimulus for activation platelet-platelet interation and thrombus formation is ultimately regulated through the GP Ⅱ b/Ⅲ a receptor

Study on Model Establishment of Regionalization Management of Specific Equine Disease-free Zone

[Objective]The model of regionalization management of specific equine disease-free zone were analysed and discussed. [Methods]International animal epidemics regionalization management experience and specific equine disease-free zone establishment were analysed and discussed based on the State and OIE principles. [Results]The regionalization management of specific equine disease-free zone with county administrative regions level of international recognition was established first in China,combined with the region＇s geographical barrier and animal health. [Conclusion]The aim is to to provide experience and reference for other areas to establish specific disease-free zone.

Risk Assessment and Comprehensive Control of Insect and Wild Animal Vectors in the Prevalence of Related Equine Diseases in the Specific Equine Disease-free Zone of Guangzhou Asian Games

[ Objective] In order to construct the specific equine disease-free zone of of the Guangzhou Asian Games, to ensure that the equestrian events of Guangzhou Asian Games be smoothly held. [Methods] The species, quantities, distribution and seasonal variations of insects and wild animals in related zones were investigated from 2008 to 2010, and the collected samples of the insects and wild animals were tested in laboratory for related equine diseases. [Results] The investigations indicated that there were some mosquitoes, flies, horseflies, punkies, ticks, bats, wild birds and wild bears in equastrianism venue and peripheral regions of disease-free zone of the Guangzhou Asian Games, the laboratory results of Japa- nese encephalitis, vesicular stomatitis, Nipah virus disease, West Nile fever, and Trypanosomiasis evansi, were all negative. According to the in- vestigations and test results, the risk assessments of insect and wild animal vectors in the prevalence of related equine diseases were made to con- firm that the risk was relatively low or very low, and comprehensive prevention and control measures with prevention as major measures and insecti- cides application and environment managements as supplementary means were made on the basis of the risk assessment conclusions. [ Conclu- sions] This research has laid a solid foundation for the successful building of the first specific equine disease-free zone in our country, ensured the smooth holding of the 16th equastdan competition in Guangzhou Asian Games.

Assessment of natural and interleukin-2-induced production of interferon-gamma in patients with liver diseases

AIMS To clarify whether the lower interferon gamma (IFNγ) production by lymphocytes in patients with liver diseases is due to defects of lymphocytes themselves or of other cofactors such as interleukin-2(IL-2). METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with various liver diseases were cultured with or without PHA and IL-2. The cells were harvested and counted and the su- pernatants were tested for IFNγ by a sensitive and quantitative ABC-ELISA. RESULTS IFNγ was not round in serum samples from patients as well as normal individuals. However,in supernatants of non-in- duced and induced PBMCs,IFN7 was detected by ABC-ELISA. In non-induced PBMCs (group 1),the content of IFNγ in super- natants from control,CAH,CPH and HCC was 8.72 μg/L, 5.03 μg/L,6.02 μg/L and 4.91 μg/L respectively. The pro- duction of IFNγ in liver disease was significantly decreased,com- pared to control. In group 2 in which PBMCs were stimulated with PHA,the content of IFNγ was 22.71,17.12,14.54 and 17.63 μg/L respectively. In group 3 in which PBMCs were in- duced by IL-2,the amount of IFN7 in supernatant from control (60.67 μg/L) was much larger than those from CAH (21.70 μg/ L),CPH (24.00 μg/L) and HCC (19.15 μg/L) (P<0.01). Comparing the amount of IFNγ in group 3 (IL-2-induced) with that in group 1 (non-induced),we found that IFNγ production was en- hanced by nearly 4 folds in liver diseases and by over 7 folds in control,Whereas the number of PBMCs,whether from liver dis- eases or from control,was increased by only approximately 3 folds. CONCLUSIONS The decreased production of IFNγ in liver dis- eases including HCC is mainly due to endogenous defects of lym- phocytes though the defects of stimulating cofactors such as IL-2 may also be involved.

Induction of animal model of Graves' disease in BALB/c mice

Objective To construct an animal model of Graves’ disease(GD)by immunizing BALB/c mice with hM12 cells co-expressing major histocompatibility complex(MHC)class II molecules and human thyrotropin receptor(TSHR)molecules.Methods BALB/c mice in experimental group(H-2d)were immunized with hM12 cells intraperitoneally every 2 weeks for six times,while mice in control group were immunized with M12 cells.Five weeks later,the thyroids were histologically examined,and serum samples were tested for thyroid-stimulating antibodies(TSAb)and thyroid hormone levels.Results One BALB/c mouse in experimental group developed Graves’-like disease.Total T4 and T3 levels in this mouse were above the upper limit of normal,TSAb activity was displayed in its serum.The thyroid histologically showed the features of thyroid hyperactivity including thyrocyte hypercellularity and colloid ABSorption.None of control mice developed Graves’-like disease.Conclusion An animal model with some characteristics of human Graves’ disease was successfully induced and the model will facilitate studies aimed directly at understanding the pathogenesis of autoimmunity in Graves’ disease.

GIS-Based Situational Analysis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Disease (CLD) in Sri Lanka

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a severe health problem and a parasitic disease on human dermal and widely pervades tropical and subtropical developing counties. The study is mainly focused on Geographic Information System (GIS) based Situational Analysis (SA). The clinically recorded 394 CL patients’ information was obtained from the District General Hospital of Polonnaruwa (DGHP) for 2017 and 2018. The spatial distribution of these patients was collected using Global Positing System (GPS). Moran’s I Index spatial autocorrelation technique and Getis-Ord Gi were used to identify the study site’s hot spot and cold spot areas. More than 75% of the CL patients’ population were highly involved with agricultural activities, and they are the highly exposed group of the CL in the study area. Also, 75% of the CL population were men, and the highly vulnerable age group was 35 - 39 men and 40 - 44 women. The generated Moran’s I Index indicates 0.0321, representing a randomly distributed pattern of CL patients over the District, and the Getis-Ord Gi Z Score value was >1.96 (p < 0.05). It is revealed that, during and in the post-harvesting periods of paddy cultivation, farmers are highly exposed to sandflies becoming CL patients. Due to this situation, the researchers observed that the highest number of patients have reported in May of both years and the infection period is two to four weeks earlier than the reported month. Hence to prevent the disease spread, it is essential to implement an awareness program regarding sandflies’ behaviour and CLD.

The Diseases of Coffee under the Changing Climate： The Established Situation in Kenya

The distribution of key diseases of coffee particularly the Coffee berry disease （CBD） and Coffee leaf rust （CLR） in Kenya depended on coffee growing agro-ecological zones, which have varied climatic conditions. Under the changing climate, there has been an observed shift in their altitudinal distribution. To ascertain whether these diseases have shifted in their distribution, an extensive field survey covering 120 coffee farmers/households in all the coffee growing agro ecological zones was conducted. The survey established four coffee diseases; -viz. Coffee berry disease, Coffee leaf rust, Fusarium root disease （FRD） and Bacterial blight of coffee （BBC） as of economic importance to the farming community. The CBD, CLR and FRD were widely distributed in all coffee growing agro ecological zones. Of the four diseases, the CBD （65%） and CLR （63.3%） were most common as reported by the farmers, however these diseases dominated in their respective agro ecological zones; CBD （72.2%） in Upper Midland 1 （UM1） and CLR （75.0%） in Upper Midland 2 （UM2）. Both diseases equally infected coffee farms （69.2%） in main coffee zone （UM2）. According to the survey said diseases have increased their altitudinal range, a trend that will increase diseases pressure in coffee growing areas.

Retinal thickness and vascular parameters using optical coherence tomography in Alzheimer's disease:a meta-analysis

Examining the retinal tissue has the potential to provide a unique method and technique to quantify Alzheimer’s disease-related changes in participants at various stages of the disease.In this metaanalysis,we aimed to investigate the association of various optical coherence tomography parameters with Alzheimer’s disease and whether retinal measurements can be used to diffe rentiate between Alzheimer’s disease and control subjects.Scientific databases including Google Schola r,Web of Science,and PubMed were systematically searched for published articles that evaluated retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and retinal microvascular network in Alzheimer’s disease and control subjects.Seventy-three studies(5850 participants,including 2249 Alzheimer’s disease patients and 3601controls) were included in this meta-analysis.Relative to controls,Alzheimer’s disease patients had a significantly lower global retinal nerve fiber layer thickness(standardized mean difference [SMD]=-0.79,95% confidence intervals [CI]:-1.03 to-0.54,P <0.00001) as well as each quadrant being thinner in Alzheimer’s disease versus controls.Regarding macular paramete rs,values measured by optical coherence tomography were significantly lower in Alzheimer’s disease than controls for macular thickness(pooled SMD:-0.44,95% CI:-0.67 to-0.20,P=0.0003),foveal thickness(pooled SMD=-0.39,95% CI:-0.58 to-0.19,P <0.0001),ganglion cell inner plexiform layer(SMD=-1.26,95% CI:-2.24 to-0.27,P=0.01) and macular volume(pooled SMD=-0.41,95% CI-0.76 to-0.07,P=0.02).Analysis using optical coherence tomography angiography parameters revealed mixed results between Alzheimer’s disease and controls.Superficial vessel density(pooled SMD=-0.42,95% CI:-0.68 to-0.17,P=0.0001) and deep vessel density(pooled SMD=-0.46,95% CI:-0.75 to-0.18,P=0.001) were found to be thinner in Alzheimer’s disease patients whereas the foveal avascular zone(SMD=0.84,95% CI:0.17-1.51,P=0.01) was larger in controls.Vascular density and thickness of various retinal laye rs were decreased in Alzheimer’s disease patients compared to controls.Our results provide evidence for optical coherence tomography technology having the potential to detect retinal and microvascular changes in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and aid in monito ring and early diagnosis methods.

Research progress in the efficacy of deep brain stimulation with different targets in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease(PD)is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease.Deep brain stimulation(DBS)is an effective treatment for patients with advanced PD.There are many DBS targets for PD,including subthalamic nucleus(STN),globus pallidus(GPi),meso-ventral thalamic nucleus(VIM),pontine peduncle nucleus(PPN),posterior subthalamic region(PSA)and zonation of undetermined zone(ZI).This paper summarizes the efficacy of each target in the treatment of PD with DBS,not only makes a systematic analysis and comparison of motor symptoms,but also makes a detailed description of the efficacy of non-motor symptoms,so as to provide a personalized treatment basis for PD patients to select appropriate target targets in DBS.

Space-Time Analysis of Foot-and-Mouth Disease from 2005 to 2014 among Cattle Populations in Benin:A Retrospective Study

Many cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) are reported every year in Benin. In order to elucidate the epidemiology of this disease, a space-time analysis was carried out in all the 77 municipalities of the country aiming to identify high risk areas as well as risk factors such as season and transhumance on the period of 2005 to 2014. Data were collected retrospectively from the Directory of Animal Production of Benin. The method of Kulldorff was used with the software SaTScanTM for the space-time analysis while a script was designed in the software R to generate new sizes with three different models of transhumance. From 2005 to 2014, 434 foci were recorded. Many outbreaks occurred in August, September and October. This period corresponds to the small rainy season in the South and the rainy season of the North. The municipality of Parakou was regarded as the source FMD outbreaks in Benin because it hosts one of the largest livestock markets in the country and many rivers. It was the municipality at the highest risk. The other municipalities at risk were Nikki, Pèrèrè and Kalaléas well as Karimama (hosting the national parkW), Kouandé and Toucountouna located nearby Pendjari’s national park. This study revealed that the space-time configuration is real and the main factors of persistence and dissemination of FMD virus were national parks, classified forests and the livestock market of Parakou all located in the North. The variation of the number of cattle due to their transhumance from the North to the South did not influence the zones at risk. Therefore, Northern Benin is probably at high risk of FMD.