Abnormal fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in MOG-lgG optic neuritis patients: a resting-state functional MRI study.

Optic neuritis (ON) is a general term for inflammation of any part of the optic nerve resulting from demyelination or infection. The number of patients with MOG-lgG antibody-related optic neuritis is increasing recently. Our study uses the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) method to compare the activity of specific brain regions in MOG-lgG ON patients and healthy controls (HCs).

[Relations between self-discrimination of MSM and sexual behavior and psychological factors].

Objective: To understand the self-discrimination experience of MSM and its relationship with sexual behavior and psychological factors.

Methods: By respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method, a call-for action and anonymous self-administration questionnaire investigation was carried out in Mianyang city on experience of self-discriminations, sexual partners and behaviors and depression symptom, etc. The first 12 qualified people were designated as the "root" in the whole investigation from different MSM subgroups.

[Intervention trial on HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men based on venues and peer network].

Objective: To determine feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention on HIV/AIDS among MSM based on venues and peer network.

Methods: The intervention trial was conducted in Mianyang and Yibin in Sichuan province, where the cultural and social environment were similar. These two cities have no HIV/AIDS intervention conducted yet before this study.

Hepatocyte growth factor prevents advanced glycation end products-induced injury and oxidative stress through a PI3K/Akt-dependent pathway in human endothelial cells.

Aims: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) trigger an oxidative reaction which then accelerates endothelial cell apoptosis; this is a critical event in the process of diabetic vascular complications. We previously demonstrated that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) protects human endothelial cells against AGE-induced injury. The present study was designed to investigate the possible involvement of MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling in the action of HGF.

Expanding expression of the 5-lipoxygenase/leukotriene B4 pathway in atherosclerotic lesions of diabetic patients promotes plaque instability.

Emerging evidence now indicates that the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and restenosis. The expression of 5-LO by activated macrophages in symptomatic plaques leads to leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) accumulation and enhanced synthesis and release of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that can promote plaque rupture. However, the role of 5-LO pathway in diabetic vascular disease has not been previously reported.