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Previous researches demonstrate that mean arterial pressure (MAP) is associated with major cardiovascular events, but there are few research on the correlation between MAP and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (BaPWV). Thus, the present study is designated to examine the association between MAP and BaPWV. Our study is a cross-sectional study in Japanese. They participated in a medical check-up program which included BaPWV and standardized questionnaires. The main measurements include systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, BaPWV, ankle-brachial index (ABI), fatty liver diagnosed by ultrasonography, etc. It needs to be emphasized that Fukuda et al. finished the study and their data are used for secondary analysis. MAP is positively related with BaPWV [effect size = 10.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 9.2-11.6] after adjusting age, sex, BMI, smoking status, alcohol consumption, exercise, glutamyltranspeptidase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), fatty liver, fasting-blood glucose, uric acid, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and ABI. The nonlinear association is identified between MAP and BaPWV whose inflection point is 94 mmHg. The effect size and 95% CI on the bilateral sides of the inflection point are 8.0 (4.4-11.6) and 14.8 (12.5-17.1), respectively. Subgroup analysis indicates that MAP has a more significantly positive association with BaPWV in ex-smokers, old people (age ≥60), and participants with lower HDL (

To study the pharmacological mechanism of Guanxin II formula (冠心II号方) for treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD). A network pharmacology-based method was utilized. First candidate compounds, targets of GX II were collected using PharmMapper, BATMAN-TCM, DrugBank and SwissTargetPrediction, and targets on CHD were mined from GeneCards, DisGenet, DrugBank and GEO. Afterwards, the big hub compounds and targets were chosen in the candidate compounds-direct therapeutic targets on the CHD (C-T) network and the direct therapeutic targets on the CHD (T-D) network. Furthermore, the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis were performed to identify the enriched terms. Finally, a molecular docking simulation strategy was adopted to verify the binding capacity between the big hub compounds and big hub targets on CHD. First, 114 candidate compounds were selected with the following criteria: OB⩾30%, DL⩾0.18, and HL ⩾4 h. Then, 1,035 targets of GX II were gathered, while 928 targets on CHD were collected. Afterwards, 196 common targets of compound targets and therapeutic targets on CHD were defined as direct therapeutic targets acting on CHD. In addition, the contribution index (CI) in the C-T network was calculated, and 4 centrality properties, including degree, betweenness, closeness and coreness, in the T-D network, 4 big hub compounds, and 6 big hub targets were eventually chosen. Furthermore, the GO and KEGG analysis indicated that GX II acted on CHD by regulating the reactive oxygen species metabolism, steroid metabolism, lipid metabolism, inflammatory response, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The docking results manifested excellent binding capacity between the 4 big hub compounds and 6 big hub targets on CHD. This network pharmacology-based exploration revealed that GX II might prevent and inhibit the primary pathological processes of CHD.

Background: GLI-Kruppel family member 3 (GLI3), a zinc finger transcription factor of the sonic hedgehog pathway, is essential for organ development. Mutations in GLI3 cause several congenital conditions, including Pallister-Hall syndrome (PHS), which is characterized by polydactyly and hypothalamic hamartoma. Most patients are diagnosed soon after birth, and surgical removal of hypothalamic hamartoma in the very young is rarely performed because of associated risks.Case presentation: A 7-month-old boy with PHS features, including a suprasellar lesion, bifid epiglottis, tracheal diverticulum, laryngomalacia, left-handed polydactyly and syndactyly, and omental hernia was referred to our service. His suprasellar lesion was partially removed, and whole-exome sequencing was applied to the resected tumor, his peripheral blood, and blood from his parents. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of hypothalamic hamartoma, and molecular profiling revealed a likely pathogenic de novo variant, c.2331C>G (p. H777Q), in GLI3. Magnetic resonance imaging follow-up 1 year later showed some residual tumor, and the patient experienced normal development post operation.Conclusions: We presented a case of PHS that carries a novel GLI3 variant. Hypothalamic hamartoma showed a distinct genetic landscape from germline DNA. These data offer insights into the underlying etiology of hypothalamic hamartoma development in patients with PHS.

Background Albumin (ALB) levels are negatively associated with mortality in patients with sepsis. However, among sepsis patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), there has been no similar study on the correlation between ALB levels and mortality alone. This study tested the hypothesis that ALB levels are negatively associated with mortality among such patients. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of 794 patients with sepsis who were diagnosed with AKI and underwent CRRT in South Korea. For the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, Cox proportional hazards models were used to study the hypotheses, with adjustments for the pertinent covariables. Results The ALB level was an independent prognostic factor for death at 28 and 90 days after CRRT initiation (HR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.62–0.90, P=0.0024 for death at 28 days and HR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.63–0.86, P3 levels (P for interaction=0.0235), and there was a significantly increased mortality at 90 days among patients with high CRP levels (P for interaction=0.0195). Conclusion A 1 g/dL increase in ALB levels was independently associated with a 25% and 27% decrease in the risk of death at 28 and 90 days, respectively. It is feasible to predict mortality using ALB levels in sepsis patients with AKI undergoing CRRT.

Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of frameless stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrode implantation in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy using the VarioGuide system. Methods The VarioGuide frameless navigation system was used to implant SEEG electrodes in patients with medically drug-resistant epilepsy. Demographic data, surgery duration, number of electrodes, and complications were retrospectively analyzed. Accuracy was compared by measuring the distance between the planned and actual electrode positions as determined by postoperative computed tomography images. Results A total of 141 SEEG electrodes were implanted in 19 patients from May 2015 to December 2018 with an average of 7.42 (range: 4–10) leads per patient. The average entry point localization error (EPLE) was 1.96 ± 0.47 mm (range: 0.32–3.29) and average target point localization error (TPLE) was 2.47 ± 0.79 mm (range: 0.72–4.83). The average operating time per lead (OTPL) was 14.16 ± 2.68 minutes (range: 8.64–21.58). No complications occurred. Conclusion The VarioGuide frameless navigation system can be an effective method for SEEG electrode implantation in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly when the electrodes are concentrated in a relatively small region and the number of implanted electrodes is small.

CuCrO2 is one of the most promising p-type transparent conductive oxide (TCO) materials. Its electrical properties can be considerably improved by Mg doping. In this work, Cr-deficient CuCrO2 thin films were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering based on 5 at.% Mg doping. The influence of Cr deficiency on the film&rsquo, s optoelectronic properties was investigated. As the film&rsquo, s composition varied, CuO impurity phases appeared in the film. The mixed valency of Cu+/Cu2+ led to an enhancement of the hybridization between the Cu3d and O2p orbitals, which further reduced the localization of the holes by oxygen. As a result, the carrier concentration significantly improved. However, since the impurity phase of CuO introduced more grain boundaries in Cu[Cr0.95&minus, xMg0.05]O2, impeding the transport of the carrier and incident light in the film, the carrier mobility and the film&rsquo, s transmittance reduced accordingly. In this work, the optimal optoelectronic performance is realized where the film&rsquo, s composition is Cu[Cr0.78Mg0.05]O2. Its Haacke&rsquo, s figure of merit is about 1.23 &times, 10&minus, 7 &Omega, &minus, 1.

Liraglutide, one of the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, has been demonstrated to protect brain damage produced by ischemic stroke. However, it remains unknown whether liraglutide attenuates early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage. The present study was performed to explore the effect of liraglutide on early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats, and further investigate the potential mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) by endovascular perforation, then received subcutaneous injection with liraglutide (50 or 100 μg/kg) or vehicle after 2 and 12 h of SAH. SAH grading, neurological scores, brain water content, and Evans Blue extravasation were measured 24 h after SAH. Immunofluorescent staining was performed to detect the extent of microglial activation in rat brain 24 h after SAH. TUNEL staining was performed to evaluate neuronal apoptosis in rat brain of SAH. Expression of GLP-1R, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 in rat brain were determined by western blot. Expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in rat brain was assessed by ELISA. Neurological dysfunction, brain water content, Evans Blue extravasation, microglial activation, and neuronal apoptosis were significantly reduced by GLP-1R agonist liraglutide. Expression of GLP-1R in rat brain was decreased after SAH, which is significantly elevated by liraglutide. Expression of inflammatory mediates like COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β was increased after SAH, which were significantly inhibited by liraglutide. Furthermore, SAH caused the elevated expression of pro-apoptotic factors Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in rat brain, both of which were inhibited by liraglutide. In addition, liraglutide reversed the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Our results demonstrated that liraglutide reduces early brain injury and attenuates inflammatory reaction and neuronal apoptosis in rats of SAH. Liraglutide provides neuroprotection against SAH, which might be associated with the inhibition of inflammation and apoptosis.

This study aimed to analyze and evaluate the feasibility of using carbon nanoparticles (CNs) to track lymph nodes (LNs) metastases in right colon tumors, especially for patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted radical right hemicolectomy. A total of 99 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study between November 2015 and September 2017 (control group n = 47). One day before surgery, 1 ml of CNs suspension was injected into the submucosal layer around the site of the primary lesions by colonoscopy. Then complete mesocolic excision (CME) of laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was performed. CNs-stained LNs were identified and counted from all dissected LNs after surgery. The dates showed that the number of total harvested LNs and the number of positive patients in the experimental group increased significantly compared with the control group (respectively, P

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of combining paraspinal keyhole surgery with a tubular retractor system for the microsurgical removal of lumbar intraspinal extramedullary schwannomas. A retrospective analysis was conducted of 56 patients with lumbar intraspinal extramedullary schwannomas who were treated using the microsurgical paraspinal keyhole approach with a tubular retractor system. The mean ± standard deviation was calculated for the following parameters: Surgery time (96.21±14.64 min), hemorrhagic volume (28.54±9.72 ml), bed rest (2.55±0.5 days) and hospital stay (5.68±0.72 days). Two patients presented with cerebrospinal fluid leakage and one patient exhibited a nerve root injury. At a 6-month follow-up visit, postoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were evaluated. The mean ± standard deviation JOA scores were 12.00±2.07 for preoperative, 14.73±2.05 for 1 week postoperative, 20.07±2.32 for 3 months postoperative and 21.75±2.18 for 6 months postoperative. The improvement rate was 16.07, 47.48 and 59.77%, respectively. The mean ± standard deviation VAS scores were 6.64±1.31 for preoperative, 3.82±1.51 for 1 week postoperative, 2.11±1.17 for 3 months postoperative and 1.50±1.51 for 6 months postoperative. The JOA and VAS scores improved significantly (P

Purpose Posterior fossa epidural hematomas (PFEDH) are uncommon in children but usually require timely surgical intervention due to the risk of life-threatening brainstem compression. We attempt to make the surgical procedure less invasive by treating selected pediatric patients with trephination mini-craniectomy. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical courses, radiological findings, surgical procedures, and prognoses of the pediatric patients who were treated in our departments for traumatic PFEDH from January 2010 to January 2015. Results During this period, a total of 17 patients were surgically treated for PFEDH and 7 were managed with trephination mini-craniectomy for hematoma evacuation. The outcomes were good in all 7 patients as evaluated with Glasgow Outcome Score. There was no mortality in this series. The on average 30-month clinical follow-up showed that patients experienced satisfactory recoveries without complications. Conclusion Our results suggest that trephination mini-craniectomy is a safe surgical technique for selected PFEDH patients with moderate hematoma volume and stabilized neurological functions. However, standard craniectomy is recommend when there are rapid deteriorations in patients' neurological functions or the hematomas are large and exerted severe mass effects.

In-Sn-Zn oxide (ITZO) thin films have been studied as a potential material in flat panel displays due to their high carrier concentration and high mobility. In the current work, ITZO thin films were deposited on glass substrates by high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) at room temperature. The influence of the sputtering power on the microstructures and electrical performance of ITZO thin films was investigated. The results show that ITZO thin films prepared by HiPIMS were dense and smooth. There were slight variations in the composition of ITZO thin films deposited at different sputtering powers. With the sputtering power increasing from 100 W to 400 W, the film&rsquo, s crystallinity was enhanced. When the sputtering power was 400 W, an In2O3 (104) plane could be detected. Films with optimal electrical properties were produced at a sputtering power of 300 W, a carrier mobility of 31.25 cm2&middot, V&minus, 1&middot, s&minus, 1, a carrier concentration of 9.11 &times, 1018 cm&minus, 3, and a resistivity of 2.19 &times, 10&minus, 4 &Omega, &middot, m.

Background: Our previous study showed that propofol, one of the widely used anesthetic agents, can attenuate subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-induced early brain injury (EBI) via inhibiting inflammatory and oxidative reaction. However, it is perplexing whether propofol attenuates inflammatory and oxidative reaction through modulating PI3K/Akt pathway. The present study investigated whether PI3K/Akt pathway is involved in propofol's anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and neuroprotection against SAH-induced EBI. Materials and methods: Adult Sprague-Dawley rats underwent SAH and received treatment with propofol or vehicle after 2 and 12 hours of SAH. LY294002 was injected intracerebroventricularly to selectively inhibit PI3K/Akt signaling. Mortality, SAH grading, neurological scores, brain water content, evans blue extravasation, myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were measured 24 hours after SAH. Immunoreactivity of p-Akt, t-Akt, nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-κB) p65, nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in rat brain was determined by western blot. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in rat brain were examined by ELISA. Results: Propofol significantly reduces neurological dysfunction, BBB permeability, brain edema, inflammation, and oxidative stress, all of which were reversed by LY294002. Propofol significantly upregulates the immunoreactivity of p-Akt, Nrf2, and NQO1, all of which were abolished by LY294002. Propofol significantly downregulates the overexpression of NF-κB p65, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-1β, all of which were inhibited by LY294002. Conclusion: These results suggest that propofol attenuates SAH-induced EBI by inhibiting inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress, which might be associated with the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Previous studies have demonstrated that inflammation and disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are important pathological processes during focal cerebral ischemia. Therefore, the present study evaluated the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol against brain damage, inflammation and BBB disruption in rats with focal cerebral ischemia and assessed the potential underlying molecular mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR) and then received intraperitoneal resveratrol (10 and 100 mg/kg) 2 h following the onset of ischemia. Following 24 h of ischemia, neurological deficit scores, cerebral infarctions, morphological characteristics, cerebral water content, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and Evans blue extravasation were assessed. Additionally, the protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 were detected using western blot analyses, the mRNA expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were examined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β blood levels were determined by ELISA. Resveratrol significantly reduced neurological deficit scores, cerebral infarct sizes, neuronal injury, MPO activity and EB content. Cerebral ischemia increased the expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, COX-2, MMP-9, TNF-α and IL-1β, but all of these factors were reduced by resveratrol. In conclusion, the present data suggest that resveratrol reduces inflammation, BBB disruption and brain damage in rats following focal cerebral ischemia. Additionally, the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol against cerebral ischemia may be associated with downregulation of the TLR4 pathway.

This work aims to give readers a comprehensive understanding of the optoelectronic properties of the CuCrO2 delafossite oxide. CuCrO2 is a transparent conductive thin film material with excellent intrinsic p-type conductivity. Lots of excellent properties of CuCrO2 have been investigated extensively, such as its photocatalytic properties, thermoelectric properties and ferromagnetic properties, etc. This work generally introduces the various properties and applications of CuCrO2. With introducing its lattice diagram and XRD spectrum, the crystal structure of CuCrO2 is discussed in detail, which shows that the 3R-CuCrO2 is more stable than 2H-CuCrO2. After comparison the optoelectronic properties between CuCrO2 and other delafossite oxides, we conclude that CuCrO2 possesses best optoelectronic performance among those delafossite materials. Then the current work summarizes the advantages of CuCrO2 employed in optoelectronic devices. Furthermore, the band structure of CuCrO2 calculated by PBE, PBE+U and HSE functionals are discussed in detail. The p-type conductivity of CuCrO2 is analyzed and explained through the spin density function image, which indicates that the holes are deduced from the copper vacancies, interstitial oxygen, and other extrinsic acceptor defects. Finally, the recent progress on the intrinsic CuCrO2 and Mg/Ni doping CuCrO2 are discussed, while the possible research directions of CuCrO2 in the near future are also prospected.

Objective: Network pharmacology was utilized to explore the mechanism of Guanxinning (GXN) tablet for the treatment of stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). Materials and Methods: First, active ingredients and therapeutic targets were predicted by databases and gene chip. Then, we constructed the compound-target (C-T) network and target-disease (T-D) network to screen hub compounds and therapeutic targets based on contribution index (CI), degree, closeness, betweenness, and coreness in the networks. Enrichment analysis was performed on hub therapeutic targets, and finally, the verification of hub ingredients and hub therapeutic targets was performed through molecular docking. Results: With “oral bioavailability ≥30%, druglikeness ≥0.18, and half-life ≥4 h” as screening conditions, 58 active ingredients were obtained. Seven hundred and seventeen compound targets and 636 SCAD targets were retrieved using databases and gene chip, and the intersection of both (139 targets) was defined as therapeutic targets. According to CI, degree, betweenness, closeness, and coreness, 2 hub compounds and 13 hub therapeutic targets were chosen from the C-T network and T-D network, respectively. The Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis indicated that GXN treated SCAD from several aspects including inflammatory reaction, oxidative stress, nutritional metabolism, blood pressure regulation, ventricular remodeling, vascular smooth muscle proliferation, angiogenesis, and platelet aggregation. Tissue enrichment analysis revealed that the therapeutic targets were enriched in multiple organs and tissues. The excellent binding force between the hub compounds and hub therapeutic targets was verified by molecular docking. Conclusions: The treatment of SCAD by GXN has the characteristics of multiple ingredients, multiple targets, and multiple approaches. Consequently, it may theoretically treat SCAD from multiple angles and levels.

In the era of big data, large volumes of data have been accumulated in different fields. To help make decisions by using the accumulated data, this paper proposes a data-driven decision model based on dynamical classifier selection (DCS). Under the framework of multi-criteria decision making, historical data including individual assessments on criteria and overall assessments are collected and represented by interval-valued numbers. A set of base classifiers is selected and trained using historical data. For each new alternative, its similar historical alternatives are identified from historical data through using its prediction derived from each trained classifier. By using the predictive accuracy of each base classifier and the average similarity between the new alternative and its similar historical alternatives, a new DCS strategy is developed to select an appropriate classifier from base classifiers for the new alternative. The developed DCS strategy effectively avoids the subjective determination of the size of the local region in the field of DCS. Based on the similar historical alternatives determined by the selected base classifier, an optimization model is constructed to learn criterion weights from the individual assessments of the alternatives on criteria and the predicted overall assessments derived from the selected base classifier. Then, the explainable decisions are generated with the learned criterion weights. The proposed decision model is used to aid the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Through its comparison with traditional decision model and three representative DCS methods, the advantage of the proposed decision model in balancing accuracy and interpretability is validated.

The severe internal heat generation of the motorized spindle system causes uneven temperature distribution, and will affect the vibration characteristics of the system. Based on the thermal analysis about the motorized spindle by finite element method (FEM), the thermal deformations of the spindle system are calculated by the thermal structure coupling simulation, and the thermal deformations of the rotor and the bearing units are extracted to analyze the bearing stiffness changes so that the modal characteristics of the rotor can be simulated in different thermal state conditions. And then the rotor thermal deformation experiment and the modal experiment of spindle by exciting with hammer are performed. The result shows that the thermal state of the motorized spindle system has a significant influence on the natural frequency of the rotor, which can be carefully treated when a spindle system is designed.

Surgical management of cranial burst fracture (CBF) usually involves craniotomy to remove the devitalized brain tissues, followed by watertight repair of dural tears. However, there were times when the dural tear was so extensive that a substantially large bone flap would have to be removed in order to expose the retracted dural margins before it could be repaired. In such cases, strict dural repair would incur a significantly higher risk of damages to the surrounding neural tissues and severe bleeding, especially when the fracture was in the vicinity of eloquent cortical areas and sinus. Basing on our own clinical experiences, we suggest strict dural closure is not mandatory for these selected patients. A retrospective review of patients who underwent cranial surgery for CBF at our hospital was performed. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were performed to evaluate the extent of dural and brain laceration and the existence of extra-cranial cerebral tissues. Routine craniotomy was delivered to remove the lacerated brain tissues and evacuate the hematoma. The dural defect was only partially fixed with patient’s own tissues or artificial dura patch. Then the fractured bone flaps were restored using titanium micro plates and screws. Data including preoperative neurological status, surgery related complications, postoperative cranial fracture healing, and clinical outcomes were obtained through clinical and radiological examinations. From October 2004 to March 2013, a total of four patients diagnosed with CBF were treated by this dural closure sparing technique. Their average age was 18.4 months old and the average area of the skull defects was 91 cm2, with an average interval between primary injury and surgery of 13 days. The diagnosis of CBF was confirmed by intraoperative findings like extrusion of cerebral tissues out of the lacerated dura mater and skull defects. The postoperative courses were uneventful and all patients’ neurological functions improved after surgery. Postoperative three dimensional CT reconstruction of the cranial vault showed the skull fractures healed properly in all patients. No patient developed posttraumatic cerebrospinal fluid leak or epilepsy during the on average 24-month follow-up period. In those selected cases of CBF in whom an extraordinary large craniotomy would be required to expose the entire retracted dura margins, given satisfactory evacuation of devitalized brain tissues and restoration of the bone flaps were achieved, we suggest strict dura closure is not compulsory.

Previous studies from our laboratories showed that an anti-inflammatory drug, 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor zileuton, attenuates ischemic brain damage via inhibiting inflammatory reaction. However, it was elusive whether zileuton attenuates inflammatory reaction and ischemic brain damage through the modulation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In the present study, we, for the first time, investigated whether PI3K/Akt pathway was involved in zileuton's anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties against brain damage following experimental ischemic stroke. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), then received treatment with zileuton or vehicle after the onset of ischemia. LY294002 was injected intracerebroventricularly to inhibit the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway selectively. Neurological deficit scores, cerebral infarct volume, morphological characteristic and cerebral water content were assessed 24 h after cerebral ischemia. The enzymatic activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was measured 24 h after cerebral ischemia. Expression of p-Akt, t-Akt and COX-2 in ischemic brain were determined by western blot. NF-κB p65 immuno-positive cells in ischemic brain were detected 24 h after cerebral ischemia. The content of TNF-α in blood was examined by ELISA. 5-LOX inhibitor zileuton significantly reduces neurological deficit scores, cerebral infarct volume, cerebral water content, ischemic neuronal injury and the enzymatic activity of MPO, all of which were abolished by LY294002 administration. Zileuton significantly up-regulates the expression of p-Akt, which was inhibited by LY294002 administration. Zileuton significantly down-regulates the over-expression of NF-κB p65 and COX-2, and attenuates the release of TNF-α, all of which were disminished by LY294002 administration. These results suggest that zileuton attenuates ischemic brain damage by inhibiting inflammatory reaction through the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Cu2O thin film has been widely studied due to its intrinsic p-type conductivity. It can be used as p-type transparent conductive electrode or hole transport layer in various potential applications. However, its intrinsic p-type conductivity is very limited, which needs to be optimized by introducing acceptor defects. In this work, the electrical properties of the Cu2O films was improved through introducing interstitial oxygen in the films those were deposited via direct current sputtering assisted by oxygen ion beam. The results show that with oxygen ion beam current increase, the carrier concentration effectively improves. However, with more interstitial oxygen introduced, the film&rsquo, s crystallinity significantly reduces, as well as the carrier mobility decreases. Meanwhile, all of the Cu2O films present moderate transmittance in the visible region (400&ndash, 800 nm), but ideal transmittance in the near infrared (NIR) light region (800&ndash, 2500 nm). When compared with the strong reflection of the n-type transparent conductive film to the near infrared light, the Cu2O film is transparent conductive in NIR region, which expands its application in the fabrication of NIR electrical devices.

Our previous studies demonstrated that propofol protects rat brain against focal cerebral ischemia. However, whether propofol attenuates early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats remains unknown until now. The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of propofol on early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats and further explore the potential mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) by endovascular perforation then received treatment with propofol (10 or 50 mg/kg) or vehicle after 2 and 12 h of SAH. SAH grading, neurological scores, brain water content, Evans blue extravasation, the myeloperoxidase activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured 24 h after SAH. Expression of nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression in rat brain were detected by Western blot. Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were assessed by ELISA. Neurological scores, brain water content, Evans blue extravasation, the myeloperoxidase activity, and MDA content were significantly reduced by propofol. Furthermore, expression of Nrf2 in rat brain was upregulated by propofol, and expression of NF-κB p65, AQP4, COX-2, MMP-9, TNF-α, and IL-1β in rat brain were attenuated by propofol. Our results demonstrated that propofol improves neurological scores, reduces brain edema, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, inflammatory reaction, and lipid peroxidation in rats of SAH. Propofol exerts neuroprotection against SAH-induced early brain injury, which might be associated with the inhibition of inflammation and lipid peroxidation.

Despite the application of nerve grafts and considerable microsurgical innovations, the functional recovery across a long peripheral nerve gap is generally partial and unsatisfactory. Thus, additional strategies are required to improve nerve regeneration across long nerve gaps. Hydrogen possesses antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, which could be neuroprotective in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury; however, such a possibility has not been experimentally tested in vivo. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of hydrogen-rich saline in promoting nerve regeneration after 10-mm sciatic nerve autografting in rats. The rats were randomly divided into two groups and intraperitoneally administered a daily regimen of 5 ml/kg hydrogen-rich or normal saline. Axonal regeneration and functional recovery were assessed through a combination of behavioral analyses, electrophysiological evaluations, Fluoro-Gold™ retrograde tracings and histomorphological observations. The data showed that rats receiving hydrogen-rich saline achieved better axonal regeneration and functional recovery than those receiving normal saline. These findings indicated that hydrogen-rich saline promotes nerve regeneration across long gaps, suggesting that hydrogen-rich saline could be used as a neuroprotective agent for peripheral nerve injury therapy.

To investigate the changes in respiratory function of COPD patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) after kyphoplasty (KP). Pain scores, pulmonary function parameters (PFT), and local kyphotic angle (LKA) were measured in 31 older patients (25 women, 6 men) with OVCFs before, 3 days after and 3 months after kyphoplasty. The preoperative and postoperative (3 days, 3 months) PFT parameters were as follows: % pred FVC, 74.33 ± 12.35, 85.23.8 ± 13.23, and 84.86 ± 14.01; % pred FEV1, 60.23 ± 11.2, 60.02 ± 11.90, and 60.78 ± 12.70; FEV1/FVC ratio (%), 68.22 ± 16.74, 59.56 ± 13.23, and 60.77 ±12.28, % pred MVV 52.46 ± 14.37, 55.23 ± 15.68, and 62.12 ± 14.48, respectively. The preoperative mean VAS score was 8.01 ± 1.41 and significantly decreased to 2.52 ± 0.89 and 2.34 ± 0.78 at 3 days, 3 months after kyphoplasty, respectively. The preoperative local kyphotic angle degree was 21.96 ± 5.75°, significantly decreased to 13.48 ± 6.12° 3 days after KP, and maintained 3 month after KP. The decrease in the VAS scores correlated with the PFT parameters; however, there were no significant correlations between the PFT parameters and the LKA, the VAS scores and the LKA. Kyphoplasty under local anesthesia is a safety treatment for the COPD patients with OVCFS, and is able to improve the lung function impaired by OVCFs.

Colonic schwannomas are rare gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors, and only a limited number of cases has been reported. The occurrence of these tumors is less common in the large intestine than in the stomach. The present study reports a case of colonic schwannoma in a 62-year-old female patient with no specific symptoms. The patient was diagnosed with a mass in the ascending colon by colonoscopy and abdominal computed tomography scanning. A right hemicolectomy was performed. The postoperative pathological diagnosis was ascending schwannoma. This case is noteworthy as colonic schwannomas are rare and are typically treated as colon cancer. No recurrence of the lesion was observed after 24 months of follow-up.

Background Although technically regarded as a simple procedure, titanium mesh cranioplasty could lead to various surgical complications, including postoperative implant exposure. However, there is little data available on the occurrence and risk factors of this complication in the pediatric population. Cases presentation Two pediatric male patients, one 12-year-old and one 7-year-old, had decompressive craniectomy after traumatic brain injuries and subsequent cranioplasty with titanium mesh. However, both patients had skin defects developed gradually at the scalp adjacent to the surgical incisions, 11 and 7 months after cranioplasty, respectively. Implants removal surgeries were then delivered and, during the operation, some bone debris were found just beneath the skin defects in both patients. Because microbiological culture results of the exudations were negative, in addition to the long interval between cranioplasty and developments of skin defects, surgical infections might not be major causes of the observed titanium implants exposures. On the other hand, local osteogenesis and impaired scalp blood supply might contribute to their occurrence. Conclusions Efforts should be made to achieve complete clearance of bone debris and protect scalp blood supply during the initial decompressive craniectomy in order to minimize the risks of subsequent titanium mesh exposures.

// Yuandong Zhuang 1, * , Wei Zhao 1, * , Weiqiang Zhang 1 , Hao Wei 1 , Xinming Huang 2 , Gangfeng Cai 1 , Chaofeng Fu 1 , Chunhua Wang 1 , Rui Wang 1 , Songsheng Shi 1 , Weizhong Yang 1 , Chunmei Chen 1 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China 2 Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China * These authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Chunmei Chen, email: chenchunmei_fjmu@163.com , cmchen2009@hotmail.com Keywords: intramedullary spinal cord glioma, animal model, RG2 glioma Received: January 25, 2017 Accepted: February 28, 2017 Published: March 09, 2017 ABSTRACT Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) are lethal diseases to many patients. The lack of adequate animal model has hampered the development of novel treatments. In the current study, a rodent intramedullary glioma model is established to study IMSCT progression. Fischer 344 rats received a intramedullary implantation of RG2 glioma cells. The neurological state of each rat was evaluated on daily basis using the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scale. Rats implanted with RG2 cells developed significant hind limb paraplegia 20 days after implantation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans after three weeks revealed significant intramedullary RG2 tumors in the rats. Forty days post implantation, rats were sacrificed for histopathological examination. Neuro-imaging and HE staining cross sections confirmed intramedullary RG2 glioma cells invading to the spinal cord. Thus, our model displayed many of the same invasive characteristics as human IMSCTs. This model should be a reliable and reproducible methodology to correlate well with the features of human IMSCT.

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has been demonstrated to provide a neuroprotection against brain damage produced by focal cerebral ischemia. However, it is elusive whether ischemic preconditioning attenuates ischemic brain damage through modulating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway. In the present study, we first explored the best scheme of repetitive ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) to protect rat brain against ischemic damage and then further investigated the underlying mechanisms in RIPC's neuroprotection. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent ischemic preconditioning or (and) middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). LY294002 or (and) PD98059 were injected intracerebroventricularly to selectively inhibit the activation of PI3K/Akt or ERK1/2. Neurological deficit scores, cerebral infarct volume, and morphological characteristic were detected at corresponding time after cerebral ischemia. The enzymatic activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was measured 24 h after cerebral ischemia. Expressions of p-Akt, t-Akt, p-ERK1/2, t-ERK1/2, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in ischemic brain were determined by Western blot. The release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in blood was examined by ELISA. In the various schemes of RIPC, IPC2 × 5 min causes less neuronal damage in the cortex and subcortex of ischemic brain and provides an obvious alleviation of cerebral infarction and neurological deficit after lethal ischemia. IPC2 × 5 min significantly reduces cerebral infarct volume, neurological deficit scores, and MPO activity; all of which were diminished by LY294002 or (and) PD98059. IPC2 × 5 min significantly upregulates the expressions of p-Akt and p-ERK1/2, which were inhibited by LY294002 or (and) PD98059. IPC2 × 5 min significantly downregulates the expressions of NF-κB p65 and COX-2 and attenuates the release of TNF-α; all of which were abolished by LY294002 or (and) PD98059. IPC2 × 5 min is the best scheme of RIPC to protect rat brain against cerebral ischemia. IPC2 × 5 min attenuates brain damage in rats subjected to lethal ischemia, and this neuroprotection is associated with inhibition of neuroinflammation through modulating PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Tubular structure can be damaged severely by collision accident. To study the failure mechanism of tubular joint under lateral impact force, typical tubular K-joint is selected as basic theoretical analysis model and it is simulated by nonlinear finite element software ABAQUS. On the base of numerical analysis, the development law of deformation and stress is clarified, and the failure mode of tubular K-joint is analyzed in the course of impacting.

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy (HALC) and open colectomy (OC) for patients with slow transit constipation (STC). Methods Data of patients with STC who underwent total colectomy from January 2008 to December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed after clinical evaluation and an exclusion of secondary causes. These patients were further divided into the HALC and OC groups. Patients' outcomes, including intraoperative and postoperative data on their recovery and complications were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 68 patients with STC were finally enrolled in the study, including 32 in the HALC group and 36 in the OC group. The baseline characteristics did not significantly differ between the two groups. Compared with the OC group, patients in the HALC group had a shorter length of incision, a longer operative time and less blood loss volume. There was no conversion to OC for patients undergoing HALC and no intraoperative complications in both groups. Furthermore, after operation, patients in HALC group experienced less pain (3.4 ± 0.7 vs 4.8 ± 1.0), earlier first passage of flatus (58.3 ± 6.3 h vs 73.4 ± 13.0 h), shorter length of postoperative hospital stay (8.8 ± 1.2 days vs 11.3 ± 1.7 days) but higher medical cost (RMB 33 979 ± 3 135 vs RMB 29 828 ± 3 216). The overall postoperative complications and the satisfaction in defecation were comparable in the two groups. Conclusion HALC is a safe, minimally invasive and effective surgical alternative for treating STC, which is comparable to OC.

Based on the nanoporous network structure features of silica aerogel, the gas-solid coupled heat transfer model of silica aerogel is analyzed, and the calculation formulas of the gas-solid coupled, the gas thermal conductivity and the heat radiation within the aerogel are derived. The thermal conductivity of pure silica aerogel is calculated according to the derived heat transfer model and is also experimentally measured. Moreover, measurements on the thermal conductivities of silica aerogel composites with different densities at ambient conditions are performed. And finally, a novel design of silica aerogel based integrated structure and thermal insulation used for withstanding the harsh thermal environment on the Martin surface is presented.

Our previous studies demonstrated that inflammatory reaction and neuronal apoptosis are the most important pathological mechanisms in ischemia-induced brain damage. Propofol has been shown to attenuate ischemic brain damage via inhibiting neuronal apoptosis. The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of propofol on brain damage and inflammatory reaction in rats of focal cerebral ischemia. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, then received treatment with propofol (10 or 50 mg/kg) or vehicle after 2 h of ischemia. Neurological deficit scores, cerebral infarct size and morphological characteristic were measured 24 h after cerebral ischemia. The enzymatic activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was assessed 24 h after cerebral ischemia. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 expression in ischemic rat brain was detected by western blot. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in ischemic rat brain was determined by immunohistochemistry. ELISA was performed to detect the serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Neurological deficit scores, cerebral infarct size and MPO activity were significantly reduced by propofol administration. Furthermore, expression of NF-κB, COX-2 and TNF-α were attenuated by propofol administration. Our results demonstrated that propofol (10 and 50 mg/kg) reduces inflammatory reaction and brain damage in focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Propofol exerts neuroprotection against ischemic brain damage, which might be associated with the attenuation of inflammatory reaction and the inhibition of inflammatory genes.

In the CFD(computational fluid dynamics) study of hydrocyclones, the grid is a important factor to predicting the flow field. An attempt has been made in this study, in the same turbulence model and boundary conditions, three different structures of grid, the structured grid, the unstructured grid and the hybrid grid, are compared for the predictions of the axial, radial and tangential velocities. It has been observed that the memory space structured grid is large, and there are much number grid of the unstructured grid. The structured grid led to an improved turbulence field prediction and thereby to predict the velocity fields of single phase flow field more accurately. The unstructured grids is used to simulate the process of oil-water separation.

In order to truly reflect dynamic performance, the test machine for high speed precision micro bearing is obtained in this paper which includes gas generator part, measuring device body part, power controlling part and display part and so on, based on the technology of aerostatic bearing. Meanwhile, dynamic characteristic test and principle are elaborated at length. The result shows the test method and principle of the test machine are very effective.

Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated that zileuton, a selective 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitor, attenuates ischemic brain damage in rats of focal cerebral ischemia. Enormous evidences showed that inflammatory reaction and neuronal apoptosis are the two important pathophysiological events in ischemia-induced brain damage. Our previous studies demonstrate that zileuton attenuates ischemic brain damage via inhibiting inflammatory reaction. The present study was performed to explore whether 5-LOX inhibitor zileuton attenuates neuronal apoptosis following focal cerebral ischemia and further investigate the potent mechanisms underlying its neuroprotection. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 72 h, then received intragastric gavage with zileuton or vehicle as a bolus after the onset of MCAO. Neurological deficit scores, cerebral infarct volume, and neuronal damage were measured 72 h after MCAO. TUNEL staining was performed to measure the extent of neuronal apoptosis. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the expression of caspase-1 mRNA. Western blot was performed to determine the expression of procaspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 in rat brain. Neurological deficit scores, infarct volume, and neuronal damage were significantly attenuated by administration of zileuton. MCAO caused the elevation of neuronal apoptosis, which was significantly inhibited by the administration of zileuton. MCAO caused the over-expression of caspase-1 and cleaved caspase-3, both of which were significantly inhibited by the administration of zileuton. Expression of procaspase-3 was reduced after MCAO, which was significantly up-regulated by administration of zileuton. Our studies suggested that 5-LOX inhibitor zileuton reduces MCAO-induced brain damage and neuronal apoptosis, which might be associated with the inhibition of caspase-1 and the regulation of caspase-3.

Salidroside (SDS), a phenylpropanoid glycoside isolated from Rhodiola rosea L., has been reported to be neuroprotective in vitro, which raises the possibility of using SDS as a neuroprotective agent after nerve injuries. In the present study, the possibly beneficial effect of SDS on promoting nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve crush injury in rats was investigated. Rats with sciatic nerve crush injury were administered intraperitoneally daily with 5 or 10 mg/kg body weight of SDS for 4 weeks. Rats that received mecobalamin or saline were considered as a positive or a negative control, respectively. Morphometric analysis of regenerated nerves and Fluoro-Gold retrograde tracing was used to evaluate axonal regeneration, whereas walking track analysis, electrophysiological assessment, and histological appearance of target muscles were carried out to evaluate the recovery of motor function. The results showed that SDS achieved functionally successful nerve regeneration in the rat sciatic nerve crush injury model, indicating that SDS holds potential as a neuroprotective agent for peripheral nerve therapies.

According to the RNG model and the Euler method, the flow field inside hydrocyclone is simulated by the CFD. The results show that: the internal flow field of the hydrocyclone is quite complicated, which means that the fluid flow parameters in the same location vary widely within different directions, such as track, velocity, separation and so on. The flows of cylindrical section and conical section are very different, at the same time, the main separation process is completed in the conical section. In the hydrocyclone with single entry, the center of the flow field is not in the position of geometric center; which will influence the stability of the flow field and the separation.

This paper presents a numerical study of the oil-water two phase flow in hydrocyclone. Oil-water two phase separation was simulated by using Reynolds Stress Model and Mixer model of multi-phase models. The oil-water separation process, oil-phase volume fraction distribution, and trajectory about the water-oil two phase liquid flowing within hydrocyclone were obtained. The study show that the separation of water-oil two phases is mainly in the swirl-chamber and cone section in hydrocyclone, however, the cylindrical section plays an inessential role in stabilizing the flow field during separation process.

A novel method, aiming at solving the problem that the ultra-high-speed electric spindle tends to vibrate as its stiffness is small, using the repulsion of permanent magnets based on the theory that repulsion increased while the two magnets come close, is provided in this paper to design a electric spindle within additional support bearing system consist of two radial permanent magnet rings against each other. This paper also analyses the dynamic performance of radial permanent magnet bearings additional supporting system for ultra-high speed electric rotor system, result shows that the radial permanent magnetic bearings additional supporting system designed for improving the critical speed of the rotor system, reducing the rotor radial dynamic response, can effectively improve the dynamic performance and operational stability of ultra-high speed electric spindle rotor system.

Objective: Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is the current mainstay of treatment for children with tuberculous meningitis with hydrocephalus. However, ventriculoperitoneal shunting is highly associated with complications, and more importantly, long-term, indwelling shunt devices may adversely affect children’s spirits and psychological health. Therefore, there is clearly a need to explore methods of CSF diversion to avoid ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Methods: We studied 6 cases of children with tuberculous meningitis with hydrocephalus in whom external drainage from the ventricle to the subcutaneous abdomen was adopted. Outcomes were assessed over a 6- to 9-month follow-up period based on improvements in radiological features, such as ventricular morphology, as well as the need for ventriculoperitoneal shunting and any complications. Results: The drainage tubes were removed in 4 cases 4–6 months after the modified external ventricular drainage surgery, and 2 patients went on to receive a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. All patients’ CSF protein and cell counts returned to normal, and imaging showed improved ventricular morphology and no intracranial secondary infection. Conclusion: In our preliminary study, the modified ventricular drainage device can produce satisfactory outcomes and relatively safe effects and may help some patients to avoid ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement.

In some applications, especially for the attitude control of navigation system, the friction moment of instrument ball bearings is one of the much more important factors. Its magnitude and fluctuation affect not only the energy transfer but also the accuracy of signal transfer even though the bearings work at very low speed. Experimental analysis showed that the cage rotated with a minor fluctuation along its orbital axis and even this minor fluctuation could also make a great contribution to the moment for the ball bearing. A simplified model of deformation within the contact of ball and cage was built to deduce the contact time. Combined with the experimental results, the angular acceleration were obtained by the model of contact, then the value of moment due to sliding, which induced the fluctuation of cage, between ball and ribbon cage pockets of miniature bearing were obtained.

It is important to build the models for calculating the cutting-forces in high-speed machining, but it is difficult as the special test-bed with the cutting-force measurement system is complicated, cost much and cannot be applied directly on general machining tools. Aiming at the problems above, a new method was put forward about cutting-force modeling based on the current of high-speed electric spindles, in which the cutting-force models could be gained indirectly by analyzing the built-in motor current and the data gotten from cutting experiments on those general machining tools which are installed with electric spindles. Then on a vertical milling machine tool which is equipped with a high-speed electric spindle, a model for calculating the milling force was gotten using the method put forward by this paper. The results show that the method is simple and easy to be used in routine machine tools in plant spots and need no any special test-beds and any complicated measurement systems possessed only in the laboratory conditions.

Aiming at the problem of analyzing for the dynamic performances of the spindle bearings running at an extreme ultra-high-speed in high-speed electric spindles, a model is built by taking the inertia effects and EHL at the extreme ultra-high-speed into account. Based on the system simulation about a bearing on the movements of every ball, the contact areas states and the lubrication states between balls and both ring raceways, the thermal state inside the bearing and so on, the internal state performances such as the movements and the inertia forces of all the balls, the contact forces and the lubrication films and the temperatures in the contact areas between balls and both ring raceways are analyzed in some different working conditions and configurations. The simulation results showed that the main factors affecting the state performances of a bearing running at an extreme ultra-high-speed are the inertia effects of the balls and the overheating in the contact areas between the balls and both ring raceways, which indicates that it can be improved by adopting the ball material with smaller mass density and the structure with a smaller ball diameter and more ball elements.

This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of a minimally invasive approach to manage patients with epidural haematoma (EDH). The surgical indication and key points were investigated.Descriptive, retrospective study.Twenty-one patients with traumatic EDH were treated through the following method: After anaesthesia, twist drill trepanations were performed followed by a placement of drainage tubes. Twenty ku urokinase in 3 ml saline was injected into the haematoma cyst through the tube, which was closed for 3 hours before connection to a vacuum ball with negative pressure. The injection was repeated three times a day after operation. The fibrinolytic agents were not used in the 'acute group' because of the risk of rebleeding. CT scans were performed according to the changes of clinical manifestations.The drainage tubes were left for 3-5 days before most clots were resolved. The patients discharged after 7 days' hospitalization on average. No infections or recurrence of EDHs were observed in this series.Drilling skull plus injection of urokinase through drainage tube is a safe and effective method with less injury in the treatment of a selected part of patients with EDHs.

Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is a sacrococcygeal neoplasm derived from more than one primitive germ layer and is only occasionally encountered in adults. The primary treatment for all primary SCTs is surgical excision. The present study reports the case of a giant SCT in a middle-aged female with a history lasting >3 decades. Multi-staged surgical treatment was performed, including ileostomy plus tumor excision, four debridement plus flap repair procedures, and closure of the ileostomy. Follow-up showed improved quality of life without evidence of local recurrence after resection. The study also presents a brief overview of the relevant literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of multi-staged surgical treatment for giant SCT in an adult patient.

Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2/4) and the downstream nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, which mediate the inflammatory reaction in cerebral ischemia, were demonstrated to be involved in the extension of cerebral infarction and the aggravation of ischemic brain damage. Reports showed that curcumin provides neuroprotection against ischemic brain damage. In this study, we investigated whether curcumin inhibits the activation of TLR2/4-NF-κB signaling pathway in rats of permanent focal cerebral ischemia. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). Curcumin was administered by intraperitoneal injection twice at 2 and 12 h after the onset of ischemia. Neurological deficit scores, cerebral infarct size, morphological characteristic, and cerebral water content were measured after 24 h of pMCAO. The enzymatic activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was assessed after 24 h of pMCAO. Expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in ischemic brain was determined by western blot. Expression of NF-κB p65 in ischemic brain was detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot. The release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in blood was examined by ELISA. Curcumin significantly reduced neurological deficit scores, cerebral infarct size, neuronal damage, cerebral water content, and MPO activity. It also inhibited the expression of TLR2/4 and decreased the expression and activity of NF-κB p65 in rat brain. In addition, curcumin attenuated the release of TNF-α and IL-1β in blood. Our results suggest that curcumin reduces inflammatory reaction and brain damage in a rat model of permanent focal cerebral ischemia. The neuroprotective effect and anti-inflammatory property of curcumin in cerebral ischemia might be associated with the inhibition of TLR2/4-NF-κB signaling pathway.

Recently, accumulating data have demonstrated that triptolide exhibits neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. However, the role of triptolide in repair and regeneration of peripheral nerve injury (PNI) has rarely been performed. The current study was designed to observe the possible beneficial effect of triptolide on promoting peripheral nerve regeneration in rats. Rats with sciatic nerve crush injury were administered daily with triptolide for 7 days. Axonal regeneration was evaluated by morphometric analysis and Fluoro-gold retrograde tracing. Motor functional recovery was evaluated by walking track analysis, electrophysiological assessment and histological appearance of target muscles. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines within injured nerves were also determined. The results demonstrated that triptolide was capable of promoting peripheral nerve regeneration. Additionally, triptolide significantly decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines within injured nerves. These findings indicate the possibility of developing triptolide as a therapeutic agent for PNI. The neuroprotective effects of triptolide might be associated with its anti-inflammatory properties.

A 35-year-old man presented with right lower extremity numbness and weakness. CT demonstrated an irregular left parietal hypoattenuation with a punctuate calcification. MRI revealed a T1 low signal and T2 high signal lesion with extensive surrounding edema. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI showed an irregular enhancing lesion. F-FDG and C-methionine PET both demonstrated high uptake in the left parietal lesion. Lesion SUV was 7.5 for F-FDG and 3.0 for C-methionine. Surgical pathology demonstrated cerebral sparganosis.