Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome mimicking herpes simplex encephalitis: A case report.

Mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome presents with the features of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE), which is rare and has been described in only a few case reports. Our case describes a 17-year-old female with no significant previous medical history presenting with an acute onset of fever, headache, and epilepsy, similar to HSE. Computed tomography of the brain showed bilateral basal ganglia calcification. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated gyriform restricted diffusion with T2-weighted images prolongation. Further investigation showed elevated blood lactate concentration at rest. Hence, MELAS was suspected and the diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of a nucleotide 3243 A→G mutation in the mitochondrial DNA. The clinical presentation and imaging studies of MELAS are variable and may mimic those of HSE. Infection may have also precipitated MELAS manifestation in this patient. Laboratory features, such as elevated lactate, basal ganglia calcification, and gyriform restricted diffusion may be helpful in identifying patients with MELAS.

Autoimmune diseases in HIV-negative cryptococcal meningitis.

Aim: The purpose of our study was to assess the differences between HIV-negative cryptococcal meningitis (CM) patients with and without autoimmune diseases. Methods: A total of 43 CM patients with autoimmune diseases and 67 without autoimmune diseases were enrolled for analysis. Results: CM patients with autoimmune diseases had higher fever, modified Rankin Scale scores, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, but had lower rates of visual and hearing symptoms, ventriculoperitoneal shunts, MRI meningeal enhancement and amphotericin B treatment, as well as lower cerebrospinal fluid pressure and fungal counts. When divided according to gender, each group had lower intracranial pressure and higher inflammation indicators. No differences in outcomes, sequelae and mortality hazard were found. Fluconazole treatment was a prognostic factor for CM without autoimmune diseases. Conclusions: Both antifungal and anti-inflammatory therapy should be considered in CM patients with autoimmune diseases.

Soybean residue based biochar prepared by ball milling assisted alkali activation to activate peroxydisulfate for the degradation of tetracycline.

The advanced oxidation process (AOPs) has caused great concern in recent years. Among them, biochar has been widely studied as a catalyst for advanced oxidation process because of its low price and low environmental risk. In this study, a novel ball milling assisted KOH activation biochar (MKBC) was prepared and applied in peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation to degrade tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-H). In comparison with the oxidation (3.48%) by PDS alone and adsorption (36.19%) by MKBC alone, the removal rate of TC-H was increased to 84.15% in the MKBC/PDS system, indicating that MKBC can successfully activate PDS. Besides, the catalytic activity of the MKBC to activate PDS for the degradation of TC-H is 58.33% higher than that of pristine biochar (PBC). In addition, MKBC has outstanding stability that after three repeated experiments, the removal rate of TC-H by the MKBC/PDS system still remains 77.35%. Meanwhile, the mechanism was investigated that the singlet oxygen (1O2) seized the principal position in the degradation of TC-H in the PDS/MKBC system. This study explored a novel, solvent-free and economic method to propose this extraordinary biochar, which provided a new strategy for the future research of biochar.

Unique MIL-53(Fe)/PDI Supermolecule Composites: Z-Scheme Heterojunction and Covalent Bonds for Uprating Photocatalytic Performance.

It is important to find an effective way to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of metal-organic frameworks. In this work, an organic supermolecule perylene diimide (PDI) semiconductor with a carboxyl terminal was added into the synthesis process of MIL-53(Fe) crystals. The PDI/MIL-53(Fe) (PM) composite photocatalyst was first obtained. The TC-H photodegradation rate of the most efficient 5PM was nearly 94.08% within 30 min, whose apparent reaction rate constant (k) is 4 times that of PDI and 33 times that of MIL-53(Fe), respectively. By investigation and characterization, it has been found that PDI nanofibers were dispersed and fixed in MIL-53(Fe) and bonded to each other by covalent bonds. The radical trap experiments and electron spin resonance analysis illustrated that hydroxyl radical (·OH), superoxide radical (·O2-), and photogenerated holes (h+) were active species. Combined with the band structure of PDI and MIL-53(Fe), it is proposed that the PM photocatalyst was a Z-scheme heterojunction mechanism. Therefore, PM photocatalysts showed excellent charge separation and transfer ability. The performance improvement of 5PM is due to enhanced visible light absorption, efficient charge separation, and excellent redox potential. Five cyclic photocatalytic tests and experiments further demonstrate that the 5PM photocatalyst has a promising future for pollutant removal.

Rapid removal of organic pollutants by a novel persulfate/brochantite system: Mechanism and implication.

Using natural minerals as persulfate activators can develop effective and economical in situ chemical oxidation technology for environmental remediation. Yet, few natural minerals can provide a high activation efficiency. Here, we demonstrate that brochantite (Cu4SO4(OH)6), a natural mineral, can be used as a persulfate activator for the rapid degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-H). Approximately 70% of TC-H was removed in Cu4SO4(OH)6/PDS within 5 min, which much higher than that of Cu3P (61.99%), CuO (29.75%), CNT (25.83%), Fe2O3, (14.48%) and MnO2 (9.76%). Experiments and theoretical calculations suggested that surface copper acts as active sites induce the production of free radicals. The synergistic effect of Cu/S promotes the cycle between Cu+/Cu2+. Sulfate radicals and hydroxyl radicals are the main reactive oxygen species that are responsible for the rapid removal of TC-H. The findings of this work show a novel persulfate/brochantite system and provide useful information for the environmental remediation.

Transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells is associated with neural differentiation and functional improvement in a rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage.

AIMS: To examine whether transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) induces neural differentiation and improves neural function in a rat intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) model. METHODS: Adipose-derived stem cells cells were isolated from inguinal fat pad of rat. ICH was induced by injection of collagenase type IV into the right basal ganglia of rat. Forty-eight hours after ICH, ADSCs cells (10 µL of 2-4 × 10(7) cells/mL) were injected into the right lateral cerebral ventricle. The differentiation of ADSCs was detected in vitro and in vivo. The neural function was evaluated with Zea Longa 5-grade scale at day 1, 3, 7, 14, or 28. RESULTS: Our data demonstrated that ADSCs differentiated into cells that shared the similarities of neurons or astrocytes in vitro. Transplantation of ADSCs decreased cell apoptosis and the transplanted ADSCs were able to differentiate into neuron-like and astrocyte-like cells around the hematoma, accompanied with upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression and improvement of neural function. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that transplantation of ADSCs could be a therapeutic approach for ICH stroke.

Neurogenesis of adipose-derived stem cells in hydrogel.

Adipose tissue is a readily available source of adult stem cells with multipotent properties suitable for tissue engineering and regenerative medical applications. Peptide hydrogel is a novel biomaterial which provides three-dimensional microenvironments for a variety of cells for tissue grafting. In this study, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were isolated from rats, seeded into the peptide hydrogel polymer scaffolds and cultured in Neurobasal (NB) media supplemented with B27, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Ten days after the culture, some cells were expanded into clonal populations in which the expression of both Nestin and Brdu was detected but only Brdu expression was detected in the cells that were not expanded into clonal populations. Our results suggested that ADSCs in peptide hydrogel polymer scaffolds can be induced to differentiate into cells capable of expressing the neuron-associated markers, self-renewal and self-propagation.

Clinical study of PTAS therapy for patients with ischemia cerebrovascular disease caused by artery stenosis.

The curative efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) in the treatment of patients with ischemia cerebrovascular disease caused by artery stenosis was explored. The clinical data of 111 patients with ischemia cerebrovascular disease receiving PTAS in Guangdong Province General Hospital from Aug. 2007 to Nov. 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. In total 132 stents were implanted in the 111 patients. The mortality and rate of neural and non-neural complications were assessed perioperatively. Outcomes [including the frequency of transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, or death from vascular diseases) were assessed after operation. NIHSS rating was performed in all cases before and at first week, 6th month and 12th month after the operation. The PTAS success rate was 100%. The degree of stenosis was reduced after PTAS. The total complication rate during perioperative period was 15.3% (the rate of neural complications was 3.6%). Sixty-seven patients were followed up. Three patients (4.48%) developed cerebrovascular events within 1 month, containing one case of TIA, one case of ipsilateral mild stroke and one case of contralateral mild stroke. No severe stroke or death was observed. During a follow-up period of 12 months 7 patients had cerebrovascular events (10.44%), including 2 cases of ipsilateral TIA (2.99%), 2 cases of ipsilateral mild stroke and 2 cases of contralateral mild stroke (2.99%), one case of severe stroke (1.49%). In 13 patients receiving DSA re-examination one year after PTAS, 2 patients (15.38%) had in-stent restenosis. NIHSS scores were obviously decreased during a follow-up period as compared with those pre-operation (P<0.05). It was concluded that PTAS could significantly alleviate the neural function deficit of the patients with ischemia cerebrovascular disease. The success rate of PTAS was high, and the rate of complications was lower and the clinical outcomes were satisfactory. PTAS is a safe and effective therapeutic method, though the long-term outcomes need further study.

Clinical Study of PTAS Therapy for Patients with Ischemia Cerebrovascular Disease Caused by Artery Stenosis / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The curative efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) in the treatment of patients with ischemia cerebrovascular disease caused by artery stenosis was explored.The clinical data of 111 patients with ischemia cerebrovascular disease receiving PTAS in Guangdong Province General Hospital from Aug.2007 to Nov.2009 were retrospectively analyzed.In total 132 stents were implanted in the 111 patients.The mortality and rate of neural and non-neural complications were assessed perioperatively.Outcomes [including the frequency of transient ischemic attack (TIA),stroke,or death from vascular diseases) were assessed after operation.NIHSS rating was performed in all cases before and at first week,6th month and 12th month after the operation.The PTAS success rate was 100％.The degree of stenosis was reduced after PTAS.The total complication rate during perioperative period was 15.3％ (the rate of neural complications was 3.6％).Sixty-seven patients were followed up.Three patients (4.48％) developed cerebrovascular events within 1 month,containing one case of TIA,one case of ipsilateral mild stroke and one case of contralateral mild stroke.No severe stroke or death was observed.During a follow-up period of 12 months 7 patients had cerebrovascular events (10.44％),including 2 cases of ipsilateral TIA (2.99％),2 cases of ipsilateral mild stroke and 2 cases of contralateral mild stroke (2.99％),one case of severe stroke (1.49％).In 13 patients receiving DSA re-examination one year after PTAS,2 patients (15.38％) had in-stent restenosis.NIHSS scores were obviously decreased during a follow-up period as compared with those pre-operation (P＜0.05).It was concluded that PTAS could significantly alleviate the neural function deficit of the patients with ischemia cerebrovascular disease.The success rate of PTAS was high,and the rate of complications was lower and the clinical outcomes were satisfactory.PTAS is a safe and effective therapeutic method,though the long-term outcomes need further study.

Neurogenesis of Adipose-derived Stem Cells in Hydrogel / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Adipose tissue is a readily available source of adult stem cells with multipotent properties suitable for tissue engineering and regenerative medical applications.Peptide hydrogel is a novel biomaterial which provides three-dimensional microenvironments for a variety of cells for tissue grafting.In this study,adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were isolated from rats,seeded into the peptide hydrogel polymer scaffolds and cultured in Neurobasal (NB) media supplemented with B27,basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF).Ten days after the culture,some cells were expanded into clonal populations in which the expression of both Nestin and Brdu was detected but only Brdu expression was detected in the cells that were not expanded into clonal populations.Our results suggested that ADSCs in peptide hydrogel polymer scaffolds can be induced to differentiate into cells capable of expressing the neuron-associated markers,self-renewal and self-propagation.

[Clinical efficacy of clot aspiration in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage by reviewing papers].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of clot aspiration in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) by reviewing literatures. METHODS: All studies assigned into two groups of hard or soft tunnel aspiration of clots (HTAC or STAC) on the basis of surgical approaches were obtained by searching four major Chinese medical databases. And the surgical outcomes were descriptively analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1205 reports (72,855 patients) met the eligibility criteria. The trials (34.0%) with 80% - 89% of clot removal ratio were the most in all HTAC papers and those (37.7%) with 50% - 69% of clot removal ratio were the most in all STAC papers. The mortality and re-bleeding rate in HTAC and STAC group were 14.0% vs 14.5% and 7.2% vs 7.6% respectively (P > 0.05). As compared with the conventional medical group, the mortalities in HTAC and STAC groups were 13.4% vs 36.0% and 14.3% vs 36.1% (P < 0.001) and the re-bleeding rates 9.3% vs 10.6% and 12.2% vs 16.1% (P > 0.05) respectively. As compared with the craniotomy group, the mortalities in HTAC and STAC groups were 14.4% vs 24.1% and 16.7% vs 24.8% (P < 0.01) and the re-bleeding rates 9.1% vs 13.9% (P > 0.05) and 7.1% vs 14.7% (P < 0.01) respectively. CONCLUSION: Aspiration of clots can effectively remove hematoma and reduce the mortality. But it does not increase the risk of re-bleeding. The outcome of HTAC is similar to that of STAC. HTAC has the advantage of clot removal over STAC.

In vitro evaluation of the compatibility of a novel collagen-heparan sulfate biological scaffold with olfactory ensheathing cells.

BACKGROUND: Stroke and traumatic injury to the nerve system may trigger axonal destruction and the formation of scar tissue, cystic cavitations and physical gaps. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) can secrete neurotrophic factors to promote neurite growth and thus act as a prime candidate for autologous transplantation. Biological scaffolds can provide a robust delivery vehicle to injured nerve tissue for neural cell transplantation strategies, owing to the porous three-dimensional structures (3D). So transplantation of the purposeful cells seeded scaffolds may be a promising method for nerve tissue repair. This study aimed to evaluate the compatibility of a novel collagen-heparan sulfate biological scaffold with olfactory ensheathing cells in vitro. METHODS: Collagen-heparan sulfate (CHS) biological scaffolds were made, and then the scaffolds and OECs were co-cultured in vitro. The viability of OECs was tested by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay at days 1, 3, 5 and 7. Statistical analysis was evaluated by student's t test. Significance was accepted at P < 0.05. OECs were labeled with carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE), and the CFSE-labeled OECs were seeded into CHS scaffolds. The attachment and growth of OECs in CHS scaffolds were observed and traced directly by fluorescent microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). RESULTS: CHS biological scaffolds had steady porous 3D structures and no cytotoxicity to OECs (F = 0.14, P = 0.9330). CHS biological scaffolds were good bridging materials for OECs attachment and proliferation, and they promoted the axonal growth. CONCLUSION: The compatibility of CHS biological scaffolds with OECs is pretty good and CHS biological scaffold is a promising cell carrier for the implantation of OECs in nerve tissue bioengineering.