Icaritin attenuates recurrent spontaneous abortion in mice by modulating Treg/Th17 imbalance via TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway.

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a challenging global issue. Although the cause is unknown, increasing evidence suggests that immunological factors play a crucial role in RSA development. Icaritin (ICT), a natural compound derived from Epimedium, has demonstrated diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory effects.

[Three-Dimensional Nonlinear Finite Element Modeling and Analysis of Concomitant Atlanto-Occipital Fusion and Atlantoaxial Joint Dislocation].

Objective: To establish, with finite element technology, a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model of the normal occipital bone, atlas and axis and a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model of concomitant atlanto-occipital fusion and atlantoaxial dislocation, providing a biomechanical method for clinical research on the upper cervical spine.

Methods: Finite element analysis was conducted with the CT data of a 27-year-old male volunteer, and a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model, i.e.

[A Case Report of Ectopic Sweat Duct Ectasia of Conus Medullaris].

A healthy 52-year-old woman presented with 10-days history of back pain. Neurologic testing failed to detect any functional deficits in the upper and lower extremities, and the patient had a full range of cervical spine motion without associated pain. Spinal CT and MRI revealed a well-circumscribed intradural mass located at conus medullaris.

Polymorphism of CLOCK gene rs 4580704 C > G is associated with susceptibility of Alzheimer's disease in a Chinese population.

Background And Aims: The association of polymorphism of circadian locomotor output cycle kaput (CLOCK) gene rs 4580704 C/G with susceptibility of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was examined in the present study.

Methods: This was a case/control study and investigated the association of polymorphism of CLOCK gene rs 4580704 C/G with susceptibility of AD. Genotypes of apolipoprotein E (APOE) and CLOCK gene rs 4580704 C/G were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) detection method.

One-stage removal of a giant thoracic paraspinal shamrock-shaped schwannoma via modified hemilaminectomy and posterolateral thoracotomy.

Background Context: Paraspinal neurogenic tumors in the thoracic region are not a rare clinical entity in neurosurgical practice. They usually consist of intrathoracic and intraspinal parts, namely dumb-bell type. However, in some rare cases, they might display a bidirectional extraspinal growing pattern, compromising three components with intraspinal, intrathoracic, and subcutaneous parts, thus appearing to be shamrock-like.

Minimally-invasive treatment of communicating hydrocephalus using a percutaneous lumboperitoneal shunt.

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of a minimally-invasive treatment of communicating hydrocephalus using a percutaneous lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt.

Method: The clinical and long-term follow-up data of 256 patients suffering from communicating hydrocephalus and undergoing percutaneous LP shunt during 1998 to 2008 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: After the follow-up, which lasted 6 months to 10 years, 219 cases of communicating hydrocephalus recovered well (ventricular size returned to normal and symptoms completely disappeared), 25 cases were brought under control (ventricle size reduced by 50% and symptoms partially abated), and 12 cases showed no obvious changes.

[Clinical analysis of 542 intraspinal tumors microsurgically resected by hemilaminectomy].

Objective: To investigate the advantages, disadvantages and indications of hemilaminectomy for microsurgical resection of intraspinal tumors.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the clinical data of 542 cases of intraspinal tumors microsurgically resected by hemilaminectomy during the period from January 2005 to December 2008.

Results: The tumors were totally removed in 501 cases (92%).

Surgical excision of extensive sacrococcygeal chordomas assisted by occlusion of the abdominal aorta.

Object: An extensive sacrococcygeal chordoma is considered a challenge for neurosurgeons. Because of the complex anatomy of the sacral region, the risk of uncontrollable intraoperative hemorrhage, and the typically large tumor size at presentation, complete resections are technically difficult and the tumor recurrence rate is high. The aim of this study was to assess the value of using occlusion of the abdominal aorta by means of a balloon dilation catheter and electrophysiological monitoring when an extensive sacrococcygeal chordoma is removed.

The epidemiology and clinical management of craniocerebral injury caused by the Sichuan earthquake.

Background: Earthquake is one of the most devastating natural disasters that threaten human lives. Worldwide more than 3 million deaths have been caused by earthquakes in recent 20 years.

Aim: To analyze clinical features of head injuries after Sichuan earthquake.

[Efficacy of total removal or subtotal removal combined gamma knife radiation on giant pituitary adenoma: a report of 160 cases].

Background & Objective: Pituitary adenoma, a kind of familiar benign intracranial tumor, is mainly treated with surgical operation, medication, and radiation. However, the outcome, especially for giant pituitary adenoma, is not very satisfactory. This study was to explore the efficacy of total tumor removal or subtotal tumor removal combined gamma knife radiation on giant pituitary adenoma.