The ratio of high aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase: an independent risk factor associated with poor prognosis in IgA nephropathy.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio (AAR) and the prognosis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN).

Methods: Clinical, pathological and follow-up data of 271 patients with IgAN from January 1, 2013, to July 31, 2023, were collected. A 50% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was used as renal composite end point events.

Analysis of predictive factors of thrombosis in autogenous arteriovenous fistula.

Purpose: To investigate the predictors of early diagnosis of thrombus of autogenous arteriovenous fistula (aAVF).

Methods: The included patients were divided into the thrombus group with aAVF failure or thrombosis and the control group with good internal fistula function. The general data of the patients, including age, sex, diabetes mellitus, were collected.

AKT1 phosphorylates RBM17 to promote Sox2 transcription by modulating alternative splicing of FOXM1 to enhance cancer stem cell properties in colorectal cancer cells.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. The existence of cancer stem cells (CSC) causes tumor relapses, metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapy. Alternative splicing has been shown to affect physiological and pathological processes.

Features of the Influence of a DNA Sequence on Its Adjacent Sequence.

To explore the features of the influence of a DNA sequence (here called sequence A) on its adjacent sequence (here called sequence B), we linked some DNA repeated sequences to the 5'-end of the T7 promoter in the plasmid pET-42a (+) or the 5'- and/or 3'-end(s) of the EcoRI site in some DNA fragments using PCR and other molecular cloning methods. As a result, we found that the efficiency of the T7 promoter and EcoRI could be impacted by some flanking sequences, indicating that sequence B could be impacted by sequence A. The features of such influence include the following: (i) sequence A can directly impact sequence B without changing/modifying the base composition of sequence B or destroying the inherent connection between sequence B and its function-related sequences; (ii) such influence does not need the participation of trans-acting factors or products of sequence A (if any); (iii) such an influence might be undetectable when the activities of trans-acting factors of sequence B are normal but might become detectable when those are lower than the normal one; (iv) such an influence might be enhancive, inhibitory, or unobvious; (v) the influence of sequence A linked to the 5'-end of sequence B might be the same as or opposite to that of sequence A linked to the 3'-end; and (vi) the influences of sequence A linked to different ends of sequence B could enhance or partially when sequence A is linked to both 5'- and 3'-ends of sequence B.

Effects of psychoeducation for depression on help-seeking willingness: biological attribution versus destigmatization.

Existing literature shows that the level of biological attribution and stigma of depression influences willingness to seek help. However, no study has used experimental methods to explore the question whether increasing biological attribution and decreasing blameworthy attitude towards depression will enhance willingness to seek help. In so doing, 299 college students were randomly assigned to biological, destigmatization, combined, and control groups.