Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes of ses Stent in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease After Intracoronary Stenting in Small Vessels

Background:Limited data are available for sirolimus-eluting stent(SES,Cypher)implantation in patients with coronary artery disease in small vessels.The clinical longtermoutcomes of SES in patients with coronary artery disease after intracoronary stenting in small vessels has not been yet evaluated.

Ultrasound-assessed non-culprit and culprit coronary vessels differ by age and gender

AIM: To investigate age-and gender-related differences in non-culprit versus culprit coronary vessels assessed with virtual histology intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS). METHODS: In 390 patients referred for coronary angiography to a single center (Luzerner Kantonsspital, Switzerland) between May 2007 and January 2011, 691 proximal vessel segments in left anterior descending, circumflex and/or right coronary arteries were imaged by VH-IVUS. Plaque burden and plaque composition(fibrous, fibro-fatty, necrotic core and dense calcium volumes) were analyzed in 3 age tertiles, according to gender and separated for vessels containing non-culprit or culprit lesions. To classify as vessel containing a culprit lesion, the patient had to present with an acute coronary syndrome, and the VH-IVUS had to be performed in a vessel segment containing the culprit lesion according to conventional coronary angiography. RESULTS: In non-culprit vessels the plaque burden increased significantly with aging (in men from 37% ± 12% in the lowest to 46% ± 10% in the highest age tertile, P < 0.001; in women from 30% ± 9% to 40% ± 11%, P < 0.001); men had higher plaque burden than women at any age (P < 0.001 for each of the 3 age tertiles). In culprit vessels of the lowest age tertile, plaque burden was significantly higher than that in non- culprit vessels (in men 48% ± 6%, P < 0.001 as compared to non-culprit vessels; in women 44% ± 18%, P = 0.004 as compared to non-culprit vessels). Plaque burden of culprit vessels did not significantly change during aging (plaque burden in men of the highest age tertile 51% ± 9%, P = 0.523 as compared to lowest age tertile; in women of the highest age tertile 49% ± 8%, P = 0.449 as compared to lowest age tertile). In men, plaque morphology of culprit vessels became increasingly rupture-prone during aging (increasing percentages of necrotic core and dense calcium), whereas plaque morphology in non-culprit vessels was less rupture-prone and remained constant during aging. In women, necrotic core in non-culprit vessels was very low at young age, but increased during aging resulting in a plaque morphology that was very similar to men. Plaque morphology in culprit vessels of young women and men was similar. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that age-and gender-related differences in plaque burden and plaque composition significantly depend on whether the vessel contained a non-culprit or culprit lesion.

Bio-Inspired Screwed Conduits from the Microfluidic Rope-Coiling Effect for Microvessels and Bronchioles

Tubular microfibers have recently attracted extensive interest for applications in tissue engineering.However,the fabrication of tubular fibers with intricate hierarchical structures remains a major challenge.Here,we present a novel one-step microfluidic spinning method to generate bio-inspired screwed conduits(BSCs).Based on the microfluidic rope-coiling effect,a viscous hydrogel precursor is first curved into a helix stream in the channel,and then consecutively packed as a hollow structured stream and gelated into a screwed conduit(SC)via ionic and covalent crosslinking.By taking advantage of the excellent fluid-controlling ability of microfluidics,various tubes with diverse structures are fabricated via simple control over fluid velocities and multiple microfluidic device designs.The perfusability and permeability results,as well as the encapsulation and culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs),human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells(HPAs),and myogenic cells(C2C12),demonstrate that these SCs have good perfusability and permeability and the ability to induce the formation of functional biostructures.These features support the uniqueness and potential applications of these BSCs as biomimetic blood vessels and bronchiole tissues in combination with tissue microstructures,with likely application possibilities in biomedical engineering.

Experimental and numerical study of hypervelocity impact damage on composite overwrapped pressure vessels

Ground-based tests are important for studying hypervelocity impact(HVI)damage to spacecraft pressure vessels in the orbital debris environment.We analyzed the damage to composite overwrapped pressure vessels(COPVs)in the HVI tests and classified the damage into non-catastrophic damage and catastrophic damage.We proposed a numerical simulation method to further study non-catastrophic damage and revealed the characteristics and mechanisms of non-catastrophic damage affected by impact conditions and internal pressures.The fragments of the catastrophically damaged COPVs were collected after the tests.The crack distribution and propagation process of the catastrophic ruptures of the COPVs were analyzed.Our findings contribute to understanding the damage characteristics and mechanisms of COPVs by HVIs.

Predictive visual field outcomes after optic chiasm decompressive surgery by retinal vessels parameters using optical coherence tomography angiography

AIM:To evaluate the predictive value of superficial retinal capillary plexus(SRCP)and radial peripapillary capillary(RPC)for visual field recovery after optic cross decompression and compare them with peripapillary nerve fiber layer(pRNFL)and ganglion cell complex(GCC).METHODS:This prospective longitudinal observational study included patients with chiasmal compression due to sellar region mass scheduled for decompressive surgery.Generalized estimating equations were used to compare retinal vessel density and retinal layer thickness preand post-operatively and with healthy controls.Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between preoperative GCC,pRNFL,SRCP,and RPC parameters and visual field recovery after surgery.RESULTS:The study included 43 eyes of 24 patients and 48 eyes of 24 healthy controls.Preoperative RPC and SRCP vessel density and pRNFL and GCC thickness were lower than healthy controls and higher than postoperative values.The best predictive GCC and pRNFL models were based on the superior GCC[area under the curve(AUC)=0.866]and the tempo-inferior pRNFL(AUC=0.824),and the best predictive SRCP and RPC models were based on the nasal SRCP(AUC=0.718)and tempo-inferior RPC(AUC=0.825).There was no statistical difference in the predictive value of the superior GCC,tempo-inferior pRNFL,and tempo-inferior RPC(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Compression of the optic chiasm by tumors in the saddle area can reduce retinal thickness and blood perfusion.This reduction persists despite the recovery of the visual field after decompression surgery.GCC,pRNFL,and RPC can be used as sensitive predictors of visual field recovery after decompression surgery.

Nomogram prediction of vessels encapsulating tumor clusters in small hepatocellular carcinoma≤3 cm based on enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND Vessels encapsulating tumor clusters(VETC)represent a recently discovered vascular pattern associated with novel metastasis mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,it seems that no one have focused on predicting VETC status in small HCC(sHCC).This study aimed to develop a new nomogram for predicting VETC positivity using preoperative clinical data and image features in sHCC(≤3 cm)patients.AIM To construct a nomogram that combines preoperative clinical parameters and image features to predict patterns of VETC and evaluate the prognosis of sHCC patients.METHODS A total of 309 patients with sHCC,who underwent segmental resection and had their VETC status confirmed,were included in the study.These patients were recruited from three different hospitals:Hospital 1 contributed 177 patients for the training set,Hospital 2 provided 78 patients for the test set,and Hospital 3 provided 54 patients for the validation set.Independent predictors of VETC were identified through univariate and multivariate logistic analyses.These independent predictors were then used to construct a VETC prediction model for sHCC.The model’s performance was evaluated using the area under the curve(AUC),calibration curve,and clinical decision curve.Additionally,Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to confirm whether the predicted VETC status by the model is associated with early recurrence,just as it is with the actual VETC status and early recurrence.RESULTS Alpha-fetoprotein_lg10,carbohydrate antigen 199,irregular shape,non-smooth margin,and arterial peritumoral enhancement were identified as independent predictors of VETC.The model incorporating these predictors demonstrated strong predictive performance.The AUC was 0.811 for the training set,0.800 for the test set,and 0.791 for the validation set.The calibration curve indicated that the predicted probability was consistent with the actual VETC status in all three sets.Furthermore,the decision curve analysis demonstrated the clinical benefits of our model for patients with sHCC.Finally,early recurrence was more likely to occur in the VETC-positive group compared to the VETC-negative group,regardless of whether considering the actual or predicted VETC status.CONCLUSION Our novel prediction model demonstrates strong performance in predicting VETC positivity in sHCC(≤3 cm)patients,and it holds potential for predicting early recurrence.This model equips clinicians with valuable information to make informed clinical treatment decisions.

Preoperatively predicting vessels encapsulating tumor clusters in hepatocellular carcinoma:Machine learning model based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography

BACKGROUND Recently,vessels encapsulating tumor clusters(VETC)was considered as a distinct pattern of tumor vascularization which can primarily facilitate the entry of the whole tumor cluster into the bloodstream in an invasion independent manner,and was regarded as an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).AIM To develop and validate a preoperative nomogram using contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CECT)to predict the presence of VETC+in HCC.METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 190 patients with pathologically confirmed HCC who underwent CECT scanning and immunochemical staining for cluster of differentiation 34 at two medical centers.Radiomics analysis was conducted on intratumoral and peritumoral regions in the portal vein phase.Radiomics features,essential for identifying VETC+HCC,were extracted and utilized to develop a radiomics model using machine learning algorithms in the training set.The model’s performance was validated on two separate test sets.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis was employed to compare the identified performance of three models in predicting the VETC status of HCC on both training and test sets.The most predictive model was then used to constructed a radiomics nomogram that integrated the independent clinical-radiological features.ROC and decision curve analysis were used to assess the performance characteristics of the clinical-radiological features,the radiomics features and the radiomics nomogram.RESULTS The study included 190 individuals from two independent centers,with the majority being male(81%)and a median age of 57 years(interquartile range:51-66).The area under the curve(AUC)for the combined radiomics features selected from the intratumoral and peritumoral areas were 0.825,0.788,and 0.680 in the training set and the two test sets.A total of 13 features were selected to construct the Rad-score.The nomogram,combining clinicalradiological and combined radiomics features could accurately predict VETC+in all three sets,with AUC values of 0.859,0.848 and 0.757.Decision curve analysis revealed that the radiomics nomogram was more clinically useful than both the clinical-radiological feature and the combined radiomics models.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the potential utility of a CECT-based radiomics nomogram,incorporating clinicalradiological features and combined radiomics features,in the identification of VETC+HCC.

Reduction of photodynamic damage of blood vessels in the protected region by(–)-epigallocatechin gallate

Photodynamic therapy(PDT)has been increasingly used in the clinical treatment of neoplastic,inflammatory and infectious skin diseases.However,the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS)may induce undesired side effects in normal tissue surrounding the treatment lesion,which is a big challenge for the clinical application of PDT.To date,(–)-Epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG)has been widely proposed as an antiangiogenic and antitumor agent for the protection of normal tissue from ROS-mediated oxidative damage.This study evaluates the regulation ability of EGCG for photodynamic damage of blood vessels during hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether(Hemoporfin)-mediated PDT.The quenching rate constants of EGCG for the triplet-state Hemoporfin and photosensitized 1O2 generation are determined to be 6.8×10^(8)M^(−1)S^(−1),respectively.The vasoconstriction of blood vessels in the protected region treated with EGCG hydrogel after PDT is lower than that of the control region treated with pure hydrogel,suggesting an efficiently reduced photodamage of Hemoporfin for blood vessels treated with EGCG.This study indicates that EGCG is an efficient quencher for triplet-state Hemoporfin and 1O2,and EGCG could be potentially used to reduce the undesired photodamage of normal tissue in clinical PDT.

Drug-coated balloons for treating de novo lesions in large coronary vessels:A case report

BACKGROUND Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty,while an effective intervention,can frequently lead to acute occlusion with severe consequences.Although clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of drug-coated balloons(DCB)in treating acute coronary artery occlusion and in preventing restenosis,there has been limited exploration on the use of DCB in treating de novo lesions in large vessels.Currently,DCB are only recommended for patients with small vessel lesions and in-stent restenosis lesions,those at high risk of bleeding,and other special groups of patients.CASE SUMMARY This report presents a case of successful drug-coated balloon treatment of de novo lesions in large coronary vessels.Postoperatively,the patient demonstrated favorable recovery,with subsequent examination results revealing no significant differences from the previous examination.CONCLUSION The successful treatment of the patient in our case highlights the potential of DCB in the treatment of de novo lesions in large coronary vessels.

Exploration on the Optimization Strategy for the Layup of Composite Material Pressure Vessels Based on Advanced Algorithms

This study aims to explore the influence of the laying angle on the pressure shell structure made of composite materials under the condition of a fixed shape. By using a composite material composed of a mixture of T800 carbon fiber and AG80 epoxy resin to design pressure vessels, this material combination can significantly improve the interlaminar shear strength and heat resistance. The article elaborates on the basic concepts and failure criteria of composite materials, such as the maximum stress criterion, the maximum strain criterion, the Tsai-Hill criterion, etc. With the help of the APDL parametric modeling language, the arc-shaped, parabolic, elliptical, and fitting curve-shaped pressure vessel models are accurately constructed, and the material property settings and mesh division are completed. Subsequently, APDL is used for static analysis, and the genetic algorithm toolbox built into Matlab is combined to carry out optimization calculations to determine the optimal laying angle. The research results show that the equivalent stress corresponding to the optimal laying angle of the arc-shaped pressure vessel is 5.3685e+08 Pa, the elliptical one is 5.1969e+08 Pa, the parabolic one is 5.8692e+08 Pa, and the fitting curve-shaped one is 5.36862e+08 Pa. Among them, the stress distribution of the fitting curve-shaped pressure vessel is relatively more uniform, with a deformation of 0.568E−03 m, a minimum equivalent stress value of 0.261E+09 Pa, a maximum equivalent stress value of 0.537E+09 Pa, and a ratio of 0.48, which conforms to the equivalent stress criterion. In addition, the fitting curve of this model can adapt to various models and has higher practical value. However, the stress distribution of the elliptical and parabolic pressure vessels is uneven, and their applicability is poor. In the future, further exploration can be conducted on the application of the fitting curve model in composite materials to optimize the design of pressure vessels. This study provides important theoretical support and practical guidance for the design of composite material pressure vessels.

Meningeal lymphatic vessel crosstalk with central nervous system immune cells in aging and neurodegenerative diseases

Meningeal lymphatic vessels form a relationship between the nervous system and periphery, which is relevant in both health and disease. Meningeal lymphatic vessels not only play a key role in the drainage of brain metabolites but also contribute to antigen delivery and immune cell activation. The advent of novel genomic technologies has enabled rapid progress in the characterization of myeloid and lymphoid cells and their interactions with meningeal lymphatic vessels within the central nervous system. In this review, we provide an overview of the multifaceted roles of meningeal lymphatic vessels within the context of the central nervous system immune network, highlighting recent discoveries on the immunological niche provided by meningeal lymphatic vessels. Furthermore, we delve into the mechanisms of crosstalk between meningeal lymphatic vessels and immune cells in the central nervous system under both homeostatic conditions and neurodegenerative diseases, discussing how these interactions shape the pathological outcomes. Regulation of meningeal lymphatic vessel function and structure can influence lymphatic drainage, cerebrospinal fluid-borne immune modulators, and immune cell populations in aging and neurodegenerative disorders, thereby playing a key role in shaping meningeal and brain parenchyma immunity.

Congenital anomalies of coronary artery misdiagnosed as coronary dilatations in Kawasaki disease:A clinical predicament

BACKGROUND 2D-echocardiography(2DE)has been the primary imaging modality in children with Kawasaki disease(KD)to assess coronary arteries.AIM To report the presence and implications of incidental congenital coronary artery anomalies that had been misinterpreted as coronary artery abnormalities(CAAs)on 2DE.METHODS Records of children diagnosed with KD,who underwent computed tomography coronary angiography(CTCA)at our center between 2013-2023 were reviewed.We identified 3 children with congenital coronary artery anomalies in this cohort on CTCA.Findings of CTCA and 2DE were compared in these 3 children.RESULTS Of the 241 patients with KD who underwent CTCA,3(1.24%)had congenital coronary artery anomalies on CTCA detected incidentally.In all 3 patients,baseline 2DE had identified CAAs.CTCA was then performed for detailed evaluation as per our unit protocol.One(11-year-boy)amongst the 3 patients had complete KD,while the other two(3.3-year-boy;4-month-girl)had incomplete KD.CTCA revealed separate origins of left anterior descending artery and left circumflex from left sinus[misinterpreted as dilated left main coronary artery(LCA)on 2DE],single coronary artery(interpreted as dilated LCA on 2DE)and dilated right coronary artery on 2DE in case of anomalous origin of LCA from the main pulmonary artery.The latter one was subsequently operated upon.CONCLUSION CTCA is essential for detailed assessment of coronary arteries in children with KD especially in cases where there is suspicion of congenital coronary artery anomalies.Relying solely on 2DE may not be sufficient in such cases,and findings from CTCA can significantly impact therapeutic decision-making.

Protocol to study the effects of AMPK-mTOR/PINK-Parkin dual signaling pathways on the formation of coronary heart disease showing blood stasis symptom pattern based on traditional Chinese medicine theory of“heart governing blood and vessels”

In this study,we aim to combine gene transfection techniques with the modeling methods previously employed by the research group to deeply investigate the corresponding theories of traditional Chinese medicine regarding“myocardial energy metabolism”and“aortic thrombosis”.Our goal is to elucidate the biological mechanism underlying the occurrence and development of coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome from the perspectives of“heart and vessels”and“Qi(in traditional Chinese medicine,it refers to the most fundamental and subtle substances that constitute the human body and maintain life activities.At the same time,it also has the meaning of physiological function.In terms of traditional Chinese medicine,Qi and different words are used together to express different meanings)and blood”.The research content is divided into four modules as follows:1.establishment of an animal model of coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome through fibrinogen overexpression.2.Investigation of the mitochondrial quality control system in coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome under fibrinogen overexpression.3.Study of platelet autophagy in coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome under fibrinogen overexpression.4.Examination of the relationship between the AMPK-mTOR pathway and metabolism in platelet autophagy of coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome under fibrinogen overexpression.Ninety-six Sprague Dawley rats will be randomly assigned to the following groups:control group,model group,fibrinogen group and adeno-associated virus group.All rats will undergo a 14-week model construction process,and modern molecular biology methods will be employed to evaluate the model and examine relevant research indicators.The obtained data will be analyzed according to a predefined statistical analysis plan.

The Clinical and Angiograghic Outcome of 190 Cases after Stent Placement in Small Coronary Vessels

Objectives To invest the success procedure, immediate outcome after procedure, the rate of main adverse cardiac events after procedure and restenosis after stent placement in small coronary vessels. Methods 290 patients with selected or emergency stent implantation in small vessels from April, 1997 to March,2002. Total 299 vessels,304 lesions and 316 stents were statisted. The successs rate of procedure, immediate outcome after procedure, the rate of main adverse cardiac events after procedure and restenosis after stent placement in small coronary vessels were assessed. The patients were followed up 1 month to 4 years. Re-catheter angiography were done in 122/290 patients. Results The narrow rate of lesion dropped from 89% ± 12% before procedure to 5% ±5% after procedure (diameter). 202 patients were followed up 1 month (69.7%). 197/202 cases were survival. 5/202 cases died in 3hrs to 7days. 2/5 cases died of persistent hypotension after procedure. 1/5 case died of acute left heart failure. 2/5 cases died of sudden death. 180 cases were followed up 5 months to 4 years. The non-event survival (NES) rate was 73.3% (132/180). The re-angiography were done in 122 cases. Restenosis happened in 39 cases (30.3%). 37 patients repeated PCI. 2 patients went to CABG. 2 cases got angina recurrence and were proved second time restenosis by re-angiography. The third time PCI was done in 1 patient. The other patients went to CABG. 1 case died of chronic heart failure after 2 years, 1 case suffered acute myocardial infarction on artery stent implanted. Conclusions There are high success rate of procedure and perfect immediate outcome in stent placement in small vessels. Main adverse cardiac events did not increased. Non-event survial was satisfied in long term follow -up. Restenosis rate was showed slightly higher than the one of main vessels.

Studies on the Molecular Structure of Vessels in Secondary Xylem of Stem from Three Carambola Varieties

[Objective] The aim of this study was to provide the theoretical basis for variety identification of carambola and pomiculture.[Method] The molecular structure of vessels in stem secondary xylem from three carambola varieties of Malaysia 8,Misi and Malaysia B17 were studied by cell image analysis system and microphotography.[Result] The molecular structure of vessels in stem secondary xylem from carambola was as follows:the first type had tails in two ends,the second type had tail in one end,and the third type had no tails in two ends.The average length of vessel elements was from 328.88 to 366.09 μm,while its average width was from 44.61 to 52.43 μm.Most of the end wall was simple perforation plates,while the alternate-opposite pitting was the major forms of pitting.[Conclusion] Most characteristics of vessel elements from carambola were evolutionary characters of vessel elements in the process of phylogeny,but there were more primitive characters,for example,both two ends of vessel had tails or just one end had tail,and end wall was inclined.The molecular structure of vessel from carambola was in accordance with its ecological adaptability,and the growth characteristics of different varieties were also in accordance with the difference of molecular structure of vessel.

Choke Vessels扩展的研究进展

穿支皮瓣是创伤修复的研究热点,穿支皮瓣研究的重点和难点则在于choke vessels。我们对近年来choke vessels扩展研究的相关文献进行综述,目前的研究主要聚焦于形态学的描述,其扩张机制很可能是剪切力变化,激活TRPV4,通过NF-kb通路而导致choke vessels扩张。

穿支皮瓣choke vessels新生的研究进展

大量研究资料显示：每一皮肤穿支均有一个明确的供血范围,并与周围其它穿支的分支相互吻合形成血管网,即choke vessels。作为血管体间桥梁结构的choke vessels在跨区皮瓣的设计和切取方面起到十分重要的作用。近年来,有关穿支皮瓣跨区供血的基础研究-[1-3]和临床报道-[4-6]屡见不鲜,而本文就其中与choke vessels新生相关的研究综述如下。

Choke vessels与穿支皮瓣的扩展

近年来随着临床解剖学研究的深入,在皮瓣的血供研究方面取得了新进展。1987年,Taylor等[1]提出了＂血管体（angiosomes）＂理论,所谓血管体是指某一源动脉呈树形分布的所有解剖学区域（anatomical territory）,包括皮肤、浅筋膜、深筋膜及其深层的各种组织。血管体呈树形分支,其口径逐渐变细并与周围邻近血管体的类似血管形成血管网相连接,这种口径逐渐减小而互相吻合的血管网被称之为＂choke vessels＂。

糖尿病足相关的choke vessels微环境特征研究进展

近年来,糖尿病人群越来越多,其发病率逐年升高,其并发症糖尿病足患者也随之增多。很多学者从基础和临床的角度对糖尿病足进行了大量研究,对其形成机制、相关影响因素及治疗方面均取得进展,但糖尿病足相关的choke vessels微环境的特征还有待进一步研究。本文就糖尿病足溃疡周围的choke vessels相关的研究情况及存在的问题综述如下。

Electro-acupuncture at Conception and Governor vessels and transplantation of umbilical cord bloodderived mesenchymal stem cells for treating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation is a novel means of treating cerebral ischemia/reper- fusion, and can promote angiogenesis and neurological functional recovery. Acupuncture at Conception and Governor vessels also has positive effects as a treatment for cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion. Therefore, we hypothesized that electro-acupuncture at Conception and Governor vessels plus mesenchymal stem cell transplantation may have better therapeutic effects on the promotion of angiogenesis and recovery of neurological function than either treatment alone. In the present study, human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells were isolated, cultured, identified and intracranially transplanted into the striatum and subcortex of rats at 24 hours following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Subsequently, rats were electro-acupunctured at Conception and Governor vessels at 24 hours after transplantation. Modified neurological severity scores and immunohistochemistry findings revealed that the combined interventions of electro-acupuncture and mesenchymal stem cell transplantation clearly improved neurological impairment and up-regulated vascular endothelial growth factor expression around the isch- emic focus. The combined intervention provided a better outcome than mesenchymal stem cell transplantation alone. These findings demonstrate that electro-acupuncture at Conception and Governor vessels and mesenchymal stem cell transplantation have synergetic effects on promot- ing neurological function recovery and angiogenesis in rats after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.