PurposeTo investigate the performance of hematoma shape, hematoma size, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, and intracerebral hematoma (ICH) score in predicting the 30-day mortality for ICH patients. To examine the influence of the estimation error of hematoma size on the prediction of 30-day mortality.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study, approved by a local institutional review board with written informed consent waived, recruited 106 patients diagnosed as ICH by non-enhanced computed tomography study. The hemorrhagic shape, hematoma size measured by computer-assisted volumetric analysis (CAVA) and estimated by ABC/2 formula, ICH score and GCS score was examined. The predicting performance of 30-day mortality of the aforementioned variables was evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, paired t test, nonparametric test, linear regression analysis, and binary logistic regression. The receiver operating characteristics curves were plotted and areas under curve (AUC) were calculated for 30-day mortality. A P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsThe overall 30-day mortality rate was 15.1% of ICH patients. The hematoma shape, hematoma size, ICH score, and GCS score all significantly predict the 30-day mortality for ICH patients, with an AUC of 0.692 (P = 0.0018), 0.715 (P = 0.0008) (by ABC/2) to 0.738 (P = 0.0002) (by CAVA), 0.877 (P<0.0001) (by ABC/2) to 0.882 (P<0.0001) (by CAVA), and 0.912 (P<0.0001), respectively.ConclusionOur study shows that hematoma shape, hematoma size, ICH scores and GCS score all significantly predict the 30-day mortality in an increasing order of AUC. The effect of overestimation of hematoma size by ABC/2 formula in predicting the 30-day mortality could be remedied by using ICH score.

Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation is an emerging strategy for restoring neuronal function in neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), which is characterized by a profound and selective loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Adult neurogenesis generates newborn neurons that can be observed at specialized niches where endothelial cells (ECs) play a significant role in regulating the behavior of NSCs, including self-renewal and differentiating into all neural lineage cells. In this minireview, we highlight the importance of establishing an appropriate microenvironment at the target site of NSC transplantation, where grafted cells integrate into the surroundings in order to enhance DA neurotransmission. Using a novel model of NSC-EC coculture, it is possible to combine ECs with NSCs, to generate such a neurovascular microenvironment. With appropriate NSCs selected, the composition of the transplant can be investigated through paracrine and juxtacrine signaling within the neurovascular unit (NVU). With target site cellular and acellular compartments of the microenvironment recognized, guided DA differentiation of NSCs can be achieved. As differentiated DA neurons integrate into the existing nigrostriatal DA pathway, the symptoms of PD can potentially be alleviated by reversing characteristic neurodegeneration.

Objective Interest in perineural platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) injections for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has increased in recent years. However, evidence supporting the long-term effectiveness of PRP is lacking. Therefore, the aim of our cross-sectional cohort study was to investigate the long-term results of PRP injections for CTS. Methods Eighty-one patients diagnosed with CTS of any grade who received a single PRP injection at least 2 years prior were enrolled. Through structured telephone interviews, all patients were asked of their post-injection outcomes compared to their pre-injection condition. Symptom relief ≥50%, compared to the pre-injection condition, was considered an effective outcome. Binary logistic regression was applied to analyze each baseline variable as a regressor for determining the prognostic outcome factors. Results In total, 70% of patients reported positive outcomes ≥2 years post-injection. Shorter duration of symptoms before treatment (odds ratio: 0.991; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.983–0.999; p = 0.023) and lower electrodiagnostic severity of CTS were the main prognostic factors for an effective outcome (mild grade vs. severe grade, odds ratio: 17.652; 95% CI 1.43–221.1; p = 0.025). Although there was a trend toward positive outcomes at longer follow-up durations (2–3 years vs. 3–4 years vs. 4–5 years), the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion A single perineural PRP injection has a long-term analgesic effect on CTS, especially in mild-to-moderate cases.