CNTF protects neurons from hypoxic injury through the activation of STAT3pTyr705.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) plays its neuroprotective role following hypoxic injury through the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling. Firstly, to determine whether CNTF exerts its effects via STAT3 following hypoxic injury, cultured neurons from the cerebral cortex of mice were prepared and a neuronal model of hypoxia was then established. The neurons exposed to hypoxia were then pre-treated with CNTF and transfected with small interference RNA (siRNA) targeting STAT3 (STAT3 siRNA) using polybrene, or with STAT3Tyr705 mutant or STAT3Ser727 mutant using an electroporation system.

CD31(+) cell transplantation promotes recovery from peripheral neuropathy.

Recently, we reported that human peripheral blood (PB)-derived CD31(+) cells are highly angiogenic. In this study, we investigated the beneficial effects of CD31(+) cells on peripheral neuropathy in mice. CD31(+) cells were collected from the peripheral blood using magnetic activated cell sorting.

Prognostic value of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in patients with stroke.

We aimed to evaluate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] levels and both clinical severity at admission and outcome at discharge in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). From June 2012 to October 2013, consecutive first-ever AIS patients admitted to the Department of Emergency of The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China were identified. Clinical information was collected.

A meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry studies on unilateral refractory temporal lobe epilepsy.

Purpose: To identify consistent results of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies in unilateral refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

Methods: Whole-brain VBM studies comparing refractory TLE patients with healthy controls (HC) were systematically searched in PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Embase, and Medline databases from January 1990 to May 2011. Coordinates were extracted from clusters with significant difference in gray matter volume (GMV) between refractory TLE patients and HC.

[Changes in plasma content of matrix metallo proteinase-9 in acute cerebral infarction patients before and after thrombolytic therapy and its significance].

Objective: To investigate the changes in the content of plasma matrix metallo proteinase-9 (MMP-9) in patients with acute cerebral infarction before and after thrombolytic therapy and its clinical significance.

Methods: The levels of MMP-9 were determined in 34 patients with acute cerebral infarction before and after thrombolytic therapy, and 34 healthy individuals served as healthy control.

Results: Compared with the healthy controls, the levels of plasma MMP-9 before thrombolytic therapy were not significantly increased [(13.