Objective To investigate the correlation between ankle-brachial index (ABI) and early neurological deterioration (END) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to hospital within 7 d after onset from January 2014 to December 2014 were enroled. Bidirectional Doppler flow detector was used to detect ABI. END was defined as the increased National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥2 or the increased motor score ≥1. The demographic characteristics, vascular risk factors, laboratory parameters, and the incidence of END were identified and analyzed. Results A total of 210 patients with acute ischemic stroke were enroled, including 51 had END and 159 did not have END. Univariate analysis showed that the proportion of patient with ABI ≤0. 9 of the END group was significantly higher than that of the non-END group (43. 1% vs. 22. 0% ; χ2 = 8. 714, P =0. 003). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that ABI ≤0. 9 (odds ratio 2. 688, 95% confidence interval 1. 265 - 5. 052; P = 0. 009) was independently associated with END in patients with ischemic stroke after adjusting for the confounding factors, such as age, sex, baseline systolic blood pressure, and ischemic heart disease. Conclusion The low ABI was associated with the occurrence of END in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Objective To explore the diagnositic value of dual-phase contrast enhancement CT combined with virtual non-enhanced images by dual-energy CT in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.Methods Sixty patients who were suspected of clear cell renal cell carcinoma underwent non-enhanced CT and contrast enhancement CT of early interface-phase between cortex -medulla and parenchymal phase on a dual-energy CT.The true non-enhanced kidney CT(TNCT) was performed in a single-energy acquisition mode,but the dual-phase contrast enhancement CT were performed in a dual-energy mode of 80 kV and 140 kV respectively.The virtual non-enhanced CT ( VNCT ) images were derived from the data of early interfacephase using liver virtual non-contrast software.The diagnosises according to VNCT combined dual-phase contrast enhancement CT and dual-phase contrast enhancement CT only were made respeetively and compared with x2 test.Between the true non-contrast CT and the virtual non-contrast CT,the image quality was compared with Wilcoxon test ; The radiation dose of volume CT dose index ( CTDlvol ) and dose length product(DLP) in a single-phase and total examination,the mean CT HU values of the tumours werecompared with t test.Results The accuracy of VNCT combined dual-phase contrast enhancement CT was higher than that of dual-phase contrast enhancement CT only [93.3％ ( 56/60 ) vs.78.3％ ( 47/60 ) ; x2 =5.6,P ＜0.05].The detective ability (score) of VNCT was near to that of TNCT and the difference was not obvious( Z =0.00,P ＞ 0.05 ). The radiation dose of volume CT dose index ( CTDIvol ) and dose length product(DLP) in a single phase and total examination of VNCT[(8.85 ± 1.28) mGy,(196.45 ±21.12) mGy·cm,(17.69±2.35) mGy,(392.90±42.25) mGy · cm] were lower than that of TNCT [( 10.20 ± 1.44 ) mGy,( 218.29 ± 29.60 ) mGy · cm,( 30.61 ± 3.27 ) mGy and ( 654.86 ± 88.81 ) mGy ·cm],t =4.21,3.58,23.63,16.12 respectively,P ＜0.05.The mean CT HU values of tumours on VNCT images was higher than that on TNCT images and the difference was significant [(39.37 ± 6.35 ) vs.(34.94 ± 7.00 )HU,t =- 14.39,P ＜ 0.05].Conclusions The diagnositic value of dual-phase contrast enhancement CT combined virtual non-enhanced CT by dual-energy CT for clear cell renal cell carcinoma was obvious,most tumours can be diagnosed correctly,and the radiate dose can be decreased obviously,the normal single-energy non-enhanced and contrast enhancement CT might be replaced in the future.

Background and purpose:Senescent cancer-associated ifbroblasts (CAFs) in tumor microenvi-ronment are known to mediate the invasion and radio- or chemo-resistance of epithelial cancers. The inflammatory cytokine IL-6 derived from CAFs may promote the invasion and radio-resistance of epithelial cervical cancer. However, the detailed mechanism is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of IL-6 on CAFs senescence, cervical cancer cell invasiveness and radio-resistance.Methods:CAFs from cervical cancer, normal ifbroblasts (NFs) from nor-mal cervical tissues, and cervical cancer cell lines including HeLa, Siha and ME180 were used in this study. Different treatments of cells with IL-6 and inhibitors of STAT3 and Notch were conducted to investigate the alterations of cellular senescence, STAT3/Notch signaling, cell invasiveness, and radiotherapy-induced apoptosis by using cell staining, immunolfuorescence, Western blot, and lfow cytometery.Results:This study found that the conditioned medium (CM) of CAFs or IL-6 could activate the STAT3 and Notch signaling to promote cellular senescence and cervical cancer cell invasiveness. Co-culture of cervical cancer cells HeLa or Siha along with CAFs also increased the invasiveness of can-cer cells, but further treatments of cells by addition of an IL-6 antibody or the inhibitors of STAT3 (S31-201) or Notch (DAPT) blocked the cancer cell invasion. Meanwhile, this study also found that STAT3 functions at the upstream of the Notch signaling to up-regulate Jagged-1, one of the key ligands of Notch in ifbroblasts or epithelial cancer cells through IL-6-mediated autocrine or paracrine pathways, which eventually confers the radio-resistance of cervical cancer cells/tissues.Conclusion:CAFs in tumor microenvironment could induce cervical cancer cell invasiveness and radio-re-sistance through IL-6/STAT3-mediated Notch activation, and that targeting of the STAT3/Notch signaling-associated molecules may improve the effcacy of radiotherapy for cervical cancer.

Objective To explore the effect of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) on nervous function in rats with focal cerebral ischemia.Methods The MSCs were cultivated,purified,and proliferated in vitro by density gradient and adherence to plastic dishes method.The models of Wistar rats were prepared after middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) of right lasted 90 min and reperfusion 1 h.Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group(A,n=10),sham operation group(B,n=10),no-handle group after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (C,n=10),free-serm DMEM transplantation group after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion(D,n=10),MSCs transplantation group after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion(E,n=10).After identified by flow cytometry,5 ?L 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine(BrdU) labeled MSCs(4?105? ?L-1) and 5 ?L serum-free DMEM were respectively injected intracerebraly into ischemic boundary zone of right in D and E groups.Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression and survival of BrdU-labeled MSCs in vivo.Nervous function behavioral tests were performed on 1st,3th,7th and 28th day after transplantation by forelimb use asymmetry test and postural reflex test.Results MSCs were successfully purified and proliferated in vitro.The MSCs expressed CD29,CD44,but didn't expressed CD34,CD45,CD31 identified by flow cytometry.transplanted MSCs survived and were localized to the ischemic boundary zone.Behavioral tests of every group were improved with time prolonged.However,MSCs transplantation group was significantly better than any other groups(P

BACKGROUND:Bone marrow mesenchyme stem cells are important non-hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, which can stimulate angiogenesis. While, Slit can also stimulate angiogenesis, as many studies have proved. OBJECTIVE:To review the biological functions, clinical application and effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and Slit2 on promoting angiogenesis. METHODS:A computer-based online research of CNKI and PubMed databases was performed to col ect articles published between 1980 and 2014 with the keywords“MSCs”and“Slit2”in Chinese and English. There were 436 articles after the initial survey. Final y, 65 articles were included according inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Both bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and Slit2 play an important role in promoting angiogenesis, but the relevance of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and Slit2 is stil controversial. If assuming that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells secrete Slit2, more researches should be done to reveal whether bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promoting angiogenesis is relevant to Slit2 and through which signaling pathway Slit2/Robo functions to adjust bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells thus to promote angiogenesis. If relevant, the transplantation of the Slit2 and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells wil be a promising treatment of cerebral infarction and other central nervous injuries.

BACKGROUND: Transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been used in the field of repair of nerve injury. Brain stereotactic transplantation and transvascular transplantation are two transplantation methods. OBJECTIVE: We infused MSCs into rat peripheral cerebral infarct focus, in order to investigate the improvement of rat neurological dysfunction by forelimb use asymmetry test and postural reflex test.DESIGN: A randomized controlled animal experiment. SETTING: Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Jilin University.MATERIALS: This study was performed at the Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, Jilin University between October 2006 and April 2007. Healthy male Wistar rats of clean grade, weighing 250-280 g, were provided by the Laboratory Animal Center of Jilin University. The protocol was performed in accordance with ethical guidelines for the use and care of animals.METHODS: MSCs from healthy adult volunteers were in vitro cultured and proliferated by density gradient separation and adherence screening method. Their immunophenotypes were identified by a flow cytometer. The Wistar rats were randomized into 5 groups with 10 rats in each: normal control group, sham-operated group, model group, serum-free DMEM-treated group (DMEM group) and MSCs -treated group (MSCs group). Rat models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion were developed by occluding rat right middle cerebral artery following suture occlusion method modified by Longa et al. Rats in the normal control group were untouched. In the sham-operated group, operation was not ended till cervical interior and exterior arteries were exposed and sutured, and the other disposals were the same as those in the model group. At ischemia 90 minutes reperfusion 1 hour, a stereotaxic apparatus was used to take rat right peripheral cerebral ischemic region as transplantation site: 3 mm lateral to, 1mm caudal to and 4 mm posterior to Bregma. Rats in the MSCs group were slowly injected 5 μL BrdU-labeled MSCs (4×1011 L-1) serum-free medium. Rats in the DMEM group were injected 5 μL serum-free medium. After perfusion, inserted needle was retained for 5 minutes and then slowly withdrawn in order to avoid the back flow of liquid from needle pole. The survival of MSCs in rats was detected by immunohistochemical technique, and rat behavioral changes of observed on days1, 3, 7 and 28 after transplantation by forelimb use asymmetry test and postural reflex test.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① The immunophenotype of MSCs were identified by a flow cytometer. ② The survival of transplanted MSCs in the rat brain. ③ Rat behavioral changes. RESULTS: All the 50 rats were included in the final analysis. ① High purity of MSCs were harvested in the experiment. Flow cytometer detection showed that both CD44 and CD29 were positive, while CD34, CD45 and CD31 were negative. ② MSCs transplanted into the brains of rats in the MSCs group gathered in the peripheral cerebral ischemic region and survived. ③ Behavioral scores of rats in the MSCs group were significantly lower than those in the other groups (P < 0.05). They were gradually decreased with time after transplantation, and reached the valley value on day 7 after transplantation (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Neurological function of rats recovers in all the groups except normal control group. But the recovery differs in different groups, and neurological function of rats in the MSCs group recovers better than that in other groups.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can accelerate neovascularization and, as a multifunctional cytokine, performs critical functions via its receptors in angiogenesis.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of VEGF and its receptor FLT-1 and FLK-1 mRNA during the early stage of acute focal cerebral brain ischemia, and examine the relationship between the timing and location of their expressions.DESIGN: Randomized controlled study.SETTING: Department of Neurology of the First Hospital Affiliated to Jilin University and Teaching and Research Section of Pathology, Bethune Medical College of Jilin University.MATERIALS: This study was carried out between June 2001 and April 2002. Totally 130 adult SD rats were selected, with male and female in half, and randomly divided into normal control group (n=10), sham operation group (n=10), and cerebral ischemia group (n=110). The rats in cerebral ischemia group were further divided equally into 11 subgroups and examined at 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 24, 48 hours and 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks after cerebral ischemia model establishment, respectively.METHODS: Permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established in rats in cerebral ischemia group by ligation of the left common carotid artery, while the rats in the sham operation group received no artery ligation but with identical other treatments. The rats in the control group did not have any treatment. Reverse transcriptional (RT) PCR was used to detect the expression of VEGF and its receptor mRNA at different time points after ischemic model establishment, and neovascularization in the rats'brain was observed.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① Expression of VEGF and its receptor mRNA and ② neovascularization in the brain tissue at different time points of cerebral ischemia.RESULTS: Data of the 130 mice were statistically analyzed without losses.At 3, 6, 24, and 48 hours of ischemia, the number of cells positive for VEGF expression was 31.13±2.21, 43.11±2.43, 85.41±2.75 and 98.66±1.76 in each vision filed in the surrounding ischemic region, greater than the numbers in the central ischemic region at the corresponding time points (13.32±1.31, 19.40±3.22, 47.63±2.45, 57.32±3.35 in each vision field, respectively, P ＜ 0.05). VEGF mRNA expression gradually decreased since 48 hours after model establishment till recovering the control level by 2weeks. The expression of VEGF receptor FLT-1 mRNA, determined by the number of positive cells in each vision field at 3, 6, 24, and 48 hour after the ischemia in each vision field for FLK-1 mRNA at these time points in the peripheral ischemic regions, higher than those in the central ischemic regions (P ＜ 0.05), which recovered the control level 3 weeks after the ischemia (P ＜ 0.05). At 48 hours and 1 week after the ischemia, the number of microvessels in each vision field was 47.2±2.11 and 199.2±3.45 in the peripheral ischemic region, significantly higher than the number in the central ischemic region (29.4±2.37 and 76.6±4.62, P ＜ 0.05).CONCLUSION: VEGF and its receptors FLT-1 and FLK-1 mRNA are expressed in the neurons, glial cells and endothelial cells during the early stage of acute focal cerebral ischemia, and the expressions are significantly enhanced in response to ischemia, exhibiting temporal and spatial expression patterns.

OBJECTIVETo investigate gay identity status of men who have sex with men(MSM) in Xinjiang, and analyze its association with sexual behaviors.

METHODSFrom May to August in 2013, an anonymous questionnaire survey with convenience sampling was conducted among MSM in Urumqi, Kashgar, Aksu and Yining cities of Xinjiang. Those who were ≥ 16 years of age and claimed to have male-to-male sex behaviors were eligible for the survey. A total of 1 467 participants were recruited. Chi square analysis was performed for examining the association between ego-identity, social-identity and relevant sexual behaviors. Selected variables associated with ego-identity, social-identity in the univariate analysis were subsequently assessed in a multivariate analysis using logistic regression.

RESULTSThe MSM with positive ego-identity accounted for 44.7% (656/1 467), and positive social-identity accounted for 29.1% (427/1 467). For ego-identity, Uyghur MSM were less positive than Han MSM (OR (95%CI) was 0.43 (0.32-0.58) ) ; those who were over 20 years of age when accepting their sexual orientation were less positive than those who were younger than 20 years of age when accepting their sexual orientation (OR (95%CI) was 0.61 (0.47-0.80) );and homosexuals were more positive than bisexuals (OR (95%CI) was 1.98 (1.50-2.61) ). For social-identity, Hui MSM were less positive than Han MSM (OR (95%CI) was 0.61 (0.42-0.88) ); those whose education level was higher than college were less positive than those with junior high education (OR (95%CI) was 0.60 (0.40-0.89) ); famers/herdsmen were more positive than students (OR (95%CI) was 4.17 (2.13-8.17) ); the divorced/widowed were more positive than the singles (OR (95%CI) was 2.40 (1.34-4.29) ); those who were over 20 years of age when accepting their sexual orientation were less positive than those who were younger than 20 years of age when accepting their sexual orientation (OR (95%CI) was 0.59 (0.44-0.81) ). Among the MSM with negative ego-identity and negative social-identity, the proportion of planning to get married with women was 66.8% (267/400) and 76.5% (306/400), respectively, which were higher than those with positive ego-identity (33.2% (133/400)) and positive social-identity (23.5% (94/400)) ; their proportion of intending to have offspring was 62.0% (287/463) and 73.4% (340/463), respectively, which were higher than those with positive ego-identity and social-identity (38.0% (176/463), 26.6% (123/463)) (χ(2) = 39.61 and 7.90, respectively, both P values were <0.05). Among the MSM with negative social-identity, the proportion of looking for male sexual partners in toilets or parks was 18.1% (188/1 040), in bathhouse or sauna was 17.3% (180/1 040), and through internet was 82.0% (853/1 040), which were higher than those with positive social-identity (8.9% (38/427), 9.8% (42/427) and 61.6% (263/427)) (χ(2) = 66.78, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONIn 2013, the gay identity of MSM in Xinjiang was relatively poor, and the factors associated with it included ethnicity, occupation, marital status and education level. The MSM with negative identity tended to involve in risk sexual behaviors, and had increased risk of HIV infection.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bisexuality ; China ; Data Collection ; Demography ; Female ; HIV Infections ; Homosexuality, Male ; Humans ; Male ; Risk Factors ; Risk-Taking ; Self Concept ; Sexual Behavior ; Sexual Partners ; Social Identification ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics and BRAF V600E mutation of brain tumors associated with epilepsy. Methods: Totally 250 patients with brain tumors associated with epilepsy were included from March 2008 to August 2017 retrospectively at Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University.The clinical manifestations, histological features and BRAF V600E mutation results were collected and analyzed. Results: There were 132 males and 118 females, and the male to female ratio was 1.1∶1.0. The age of patients ranged from 2 to 67 years(mean 22 years). The tumors had obvious local space occupying effect on MRI. The temporal lobe was the most common site (44.4%, 111/250). There were 58.4% (146/250) of ganglioglioma (GG), 24.0% (60/250) of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT), 12.8% (32/250) of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma(PXA), 4.0% (10/250) of angiocentric glioma (AG) and 0.8% (2/250) of papillary glioneuronal tumor (PGNT). Mixed GG, PXA and DNT morphological structures were found in 9 of patients. Among 250 cases, 35 cases were accompanied by focal cortical dysplasia(FCD). BRAF V600E was seen in 43 of 74 (58.1%) GG and 13 of 28 (46.4%) PXA. The most common pathologic grade of GG, DNT, AG and PGNT was WHO I. Some of the tumor cells from GG (34 cases) showed higher proliferative activity (WHO Ⅱ/Ⅲ). Most cases of PXA were WHOⅡand high proliferative activity was seen in nine cases. Conclusions The association of low-grade glioneuronal tumors with intractable epilepsy was well-recognized. The most common low-grade glioneuronal tumors were GG.GG may occur in any part of the central nervous system, with a predilection for temporal lobe. Each type of low-grade glioneuronal tumors has its own unique histological morphology, but some may show complex features with 2 or 3 mixed components. The occurrence of BRAF V600E mutations in GG is common, and their detection may be valuable for the diagnosis and treatment in GG.

We applied literature review and the Delphi method to develop technical operation of manual lactation technique. The databases and websites were systematically searched, such as UpToDate, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, and SinoMed. The evidence related to the technique was evaluated by Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE Ⅱ), and A Measure Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2). the included evidence was classified and summarized to form the preliminary draft of the technical operation specification. A total of 26 experts were selected to evaluate the draft, and some recommendations were deleted and modified according to the screening criteria and expert opinions, resulting in the final technical specifications for manual lactation technique applicable to health care professionals. The study included 4 guidelines, 5 expert consensus articles, 2 clinical decisions, and 3 systematic reviews, and the overall quality of the evidence was fair. A total of 26 questionnaires were collected in each of 2 rounds of expert consultation, with a 100% return rate and an overall authority coefficient of 0.91. The technical practice specification was formed in 11 aspects, including assessment content, indications, contraindications, operation methods, adverse events, and treatment methods, with a total of 50 recommendations. The technical operation specification is comprehensive, and the recommendations are clearly expressed, which is in line with the real clinical situation and can provide effective reference for the clinical practice of this technique.