Downregulated microRNA-92a-3p inhibits apoptosis and promotes proliferation of pancreatic acinar cells in acute pancreatitis by enhancing KLF2 expression.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is known worldwide as one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases, prospectively leading to hospitalization coupled with increasing incidence. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be potential biomarkers for pancreatitis. In this study, we verified the hypothesis that miR-92a-3p is implicated in the development of AP by controlling the proliferation and apoptosis of pancreatic acinar cells (PACs) through the modulation of the Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) and inflammatory factors in rats.

Protective effect of acacetin on sepsis-induced acute lung injury via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activity.

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome with no effective protective or therapeutic treatments. Acacetin, a natural flavonoid compound, has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects which can potentially work to reduce sepsis. We investigated the potential protective effect of acacetin on sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) ALI and dissect out the underlying mechanisms.

Lung ultrasonography: an effective way to diagnose community-acquired pneumonia.

Purpose: To analyse the ultrasonographic findings of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and its efficacy for diagnosis of CAP compared with chest X-ray (CXR).

Methods: Patients who presented to the Emergency Department with suspected CAP were included in the study. Bedside ultrasonography was performed at each intercostal space in the midclavicular, anterior axillary, midaxillary and paravertebral lines.

Elevated platelet activating factor level in ischemia-related arrhythmia and its electrophysiological effect on myocardium.

Objective: The mechanism through which platelet activating factor (PAF) induces cardiac electrical activity and arrhythmia is not well understood and previous studies have suggested a potential involvement of ion channels in its action. The present study was aimed to clarify the role of PAF in fatal arrhythmias following acute myocardia infarction (AMI) and the underlying mechanism.

Methods: (1) Blood PAF levels were measured among 72 AMI patients at the time of diagnosis with AMI and 48 h later, and their electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded continuously.

[Comparison between tow methods of acute physiology and chronic health evaluation III and acute lung injury scale to evaluate the severity and prognosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome].

Objective: To evaluate the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation III (APACHE III) and acute lung injury (ALI) scale in the severity and prognosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Methods: The clinical data of 38 SARS patients, including survivors (24 cases) and no survivors (14 cases) were collected and evaluated with APACHE III and ALI scoring systems. The correlation of scores and prognosis was evaluated.