International journal of clinical and experimental medicine
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The angiotensinogen M235T polymorphism was associated with ischemic stroke risk. However, the results were controversial. Thus, a meta-analysis was conducted. ⋯ In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, we found that this polymorphism was significantly associated with ischemic stroke in Asian (OR = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.45-2.35; P < 0.001). In the age subgroup, we found that angiotensinogen M235T polymorphism could increase both early-onset ischemic stroke risk (OR = 1.88; 95% CI, 1.33-2.43; P < 0.001) and late-onset ischemic stroke risk (OR = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01-1.39; P = 0.04). This meta-analysis suggested that angiotensinogen M235T polymorphism was associated with ischemic stroke.
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Sarcopenia is closely associated with poor performance status and high mortality in cancer patients. The present study is to determine the correlation between sarcopenia and prognosis of hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis-associated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHHCC). ⋯ Preoperative sarcopenia is an independent biomarker of poor prognosis in IHHCC patients following hepatectomy. The identification of sarcopenia may enhance a clinical consideration on decision making for IHHCC patients before surgery.
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Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to infection and includes severe sepsis, septic shock and death. Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) is one cell adhesion molecule expressed on platelets and leukocytes. It regulates platelet activation and mediates transendothelial migration of leukocytes, thus maintaining the integrity of the vasculature. ⋯ Among sepsis patients, the serum levels of sPECAM-1 were significantly higher in CG and GG genotype than in CC genotype. In septic shock patients, nonsurvivors (83.7 ± 12.6 ng/ml, n = 69) had a significantly higher serum sPECAM-1 level than the survivors (76.9 ± 12.7 ng/ml, n = 53) (P<0.01). In conclusion, PECAM-1 Leu125Val polymorphism and its sPECAM-1 levels are associated with sepsis severity and susceptibility to septic shock.
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The influence of bone marrow stem cells on regeneration of spinal cord in rats was investigated. Young adult male Wistar rats were used (n=22). Focal injury of spinal cord white matter at Th10 level was produced using our original non-laminectomy method by means of high-pressured air stream. ⋯ Number of brain stem and motor cortex FG-positive neurons in experimental group was significantly higher than in control. Obtained data showed that bone marrow stem cells are able to induce the repair of injured spinal cord white matter. The route of cells application via cisterna magna appeared to be useful for their delivery in spinal cord injury therapy.
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Transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (TEAS) at Jiaji acupuncture points has therapeutic potential for relieving viscera pain and opioid-related side effects. This prospective, randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was to investigate the efficacy of TEAS on abdominal pain after colonoscopy. ⋯ Pretreatment with TEAS can reduce post-procedural discomfort, provide more efficient medical resources utilization, and improved patient's satisfaction and colonoscopy acceptance.