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MR Fingerprinting (MRF) is a relatively new imaging framework capable of providing accurate and simultaneous quantification of multiple tissue properties for improved tissue characterization and disease diagnosis. While 2D MRF has been widely available, extending the method to 3D MRF has been an actively pursued area of research as a 3D approach can provide a higher spatial resolution and better tissue characterization with an inherently higher signal-to-noise ratio. However, 3D MRF with a high spatial resolution requires lengthy acquisition times, especially for a large volume, making it impractical for most clinical applications. In this study, a high-resolution 3D MR Fingerprinting technique, combining parallel imaging and deep learning, was developed for rapid and simultaneous quantification of T1 and T2 relaxation times. Parallel imaging was first applied along the partition-encoding direction to reduce the amount of acquired data. An advanced convolutional neural network was then integrated with the MRF framework to extract features from the MRF signal evolution for improved tissue characterization and accelerated mapping. A modified 3D-MRF sequence was also developed in the study to acquire data to train the deep learning model that can be directly applied to prospectively accelerate 3D MRF scans. Our results of quantitative T1 and T2 maps demonstrate that improved tissue characterization can be achieved using the proposed method as compared to prior methods. With the integration of parallel imaging and deep learning techniques, whole-brain (26 × 26 × 18 cm3) quantitative T1 and T2 mapping with 1-mm isotropic resolution were achieved in ~7 min. In addition, a ~7-fold improvement in processing time to extract tissue properties was also accomplished with the deep learning approach as compared to the standard template matching method. All of these improvements make high-resolution whole-brain quantitative MR imaging feasible for clinical applications.

Preclinical applications of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) offer the possibility to non-invasively probe whole-brain network dynamics and to investigate the determinants of altered network signatures observed in human studies. Mouse rsfMRI has been increasingly adopted by numerous laboratories worldwide. Here we describe a multi-centre comparison of 17 mouse rsfMRI datasets via a common image processing and analysis pipeline. Despite prominent cross-laboratory differences in equipment and imaging procedures, we report the reproducible identification of several large-scale resting-state networks (RSN), including a mouse default-mode network, in the majority of datasets. A combination of factors was associated with enhanced reproducibility in functional connectivity parameter estimation, including animal handling procedures and equipment performance. RSN spatial specificity was enhanced in datasets acquired at higher field strength, with cryoprobes, in ventilated animals, and under medetomidine-isoflurane combination sedation. Our work describes a set of representative RSNs in the mouse brain and highlights key experimental parameters that can critically guide the design and analysis of future rodent rsfMRI investigations.

Phytochemicals have multifunctional bioactivities, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity activities. However, there are still relatively few studies that have investigated the possible anti-fatigue of functional phytochemical compounds (such as resveratrol, triterpenoids, and catechins) in animal models. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop of in vitro models as tools for cellular and molecular studies of anti-fatigue. C2C12 myotubes were used for evaluating in vitro the anti-fatigue of functional compounds. The results indicated that treatment with some functional compounds (including resveratrol, quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate, and epicatechin) significantly increased the expression of mitochondrial DNA genes (including cytochrome b and cytochrome c oxidase subunit II) and the activities of mitochondrial enzymes (including citrate synthase and cytochrome c oxidase) in C2C12 myotubes. These results demonstrated that resveratrol, quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate, and epicatechin have great potential as novel mitochondrial-activating agents that may play an important role in anti-fatigue.

Garlic and its related products (such as black garlic) exhibit multiple biological functions and attributed to the presence of organo-sulphur compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of garlic-derived organo-sulphur compounds [including diallyl sulphide (DAS), diallyl disulphide (DADS), diallyl trisulphide (DATS), S-allylcysteine (SAC), and S-allyl-L-cysteine sulphoxide (alliin)] on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The result indicated that DATS significantly decreased the intracellular triacylglycerol, oil red O-stained material (OROSM), and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity and significantly increased the adiponectin production in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Real-time RT-PCR analysis showed that DATS decreased the gene levels of adipogenesis (C/EBPα, PPARγ, ACC, and FAS), fatty acid transport (aP2, CD36, and LPL), and adipocytokines (leptin, MCP-1, PAI-1, and resistin), and increased the gene levels of fatty acid oxidation (PGC-1β and UCP1) and adiponectin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. DATS is capable of inhibiting adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes possibly through regulation of gene levels of lipogenesis, lipolysis, and adipokines.

The objective of this study was to determine if methanolic extract of black garlic (MEBG) has antiobesity effects via regulating lipid metabolism in an animal model. The results indicate that supplementation with MEBG decreased the final body weight; the relative masses of the liver and fat tissues; serum triacylglyceride levels; and hepatic oxidative stress and increased faecal lipid contents in HFD rats. Supplementation with MEBG upregulated AMPK, FOXO1, Sirt1, ATGL, HSL, perilipin, ACO, CPT-1, and UCP1 in the adipose tissues of HFD rats, whereas it downregulated CD36. Meanwhile, MEBG upregulated adiponectin and downregulated PAI-1, resistin, TNF-α, and GLUT4 in the adipose tissues of HFD rats. Regarding hepatic gene expression, MEBG upregulated AMPK, Sirt1, and PPARα but downregulated SREBP-1c, ACC, FAS, and SCD1. Therefore, MEBG can be developed as a potential nutraceutical ingredient for the prevention of obesity in a niche market.