The first reported outbreak of an undetermined species of human infection with spotted fever group Rickettsia in Lu'an, China.

Objective: On May 2, 2017, an outbreak of unexplained fever with rashes was reported in Lu'an, China. In this study, we aimed to identify the possible pathogens, epidemiological characteristics, and risk factors of this outbreak.

Methods: We conducted descriptive field epidemiological studies.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus infection in endemic areas.

Background: To determine the seroprevalence, latent infection rate and risk factors for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) infection, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the general population of the Western region of Anhui Province of China from 1 September to 31 December 2014.

Methods: Twelve villages with the highest rates of endemic SFTS infection were selected from six towns in two counties in the western region of Anhui Province. Blood samples were collected and tested for the presence of SFTSV-IgG antibodies by ELISA.

Role of D2 dopamine receptor in adrenal cortical cell proliferation and aldosterone-producing adenoma tumorigenesis.

Aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia are the two characteristic types of primary aldosteronism. Dysregulation of adrenal cortical cell proliferation contributes to both diseases. We previously demonstrated that APA expressed less dopamine D2 receptor than the respective non-tumor tissue and might contribute to the overproduction of aldosterone.

In rat renal fibroblasts, mycophenolic acid inhibits proliferation and production of the chemokine CCL2, stimulated by tumour necrosis factor-alpha.

Background And Purpose: Renal fibroblasts play a pivotal role in the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis, a condition highly predictive of progression towards end-stage renal disease. The present study investigated the anti-mitogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of an inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, mycophenolic acid (MPA) and the mechanisms underlying its action in normal rat kidney fibroblasts (49F cells).

Experimental Approach: Proliferation of 49F cells was studied by tetrazole 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test, bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and flow cytometry.

Impact of spiritual and religious activity on quality of sleep in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Sleep disorders are common in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study examined the relationship between quality of sleep (QoS) and religious/spiritual activity in HD patients.

Methods: The study subjects were 861 HD patients from 14 dialysis clinics in Taiwan.

D4 dopamine receptor enhances angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone secretion through PKC-epsilon and calcium signaling.

Aldosterone secretion is subjected to dopaminergic regulation. Our previous study showed that both human D2 and D4 dopamine receptors (D2R and D4R) modulate aldosterone secretion, but in opposing directions. The inhibitory effect of D2R is mediated by attenuating protein kinase C-micro (PKC-micro) and calcium-dependent signaling.

Risk factors of early redialysis after weaning from postoperative acute renal replacement therapy.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for redialysis in postoperative patients with acute renal failure (ARF) who had previously been weaned from acute dialysis. Although recovery of renal function is anticipated in patients with ARF, no data have been reported on successful weaning from acute dialysis.

Design And Setting: Retrospective observational case-control study in a 64-bed surgical ICU.

Early renal replacement therapy in patients with postoperative acute liver failure associated with acute renal failure: effect on postoperative outcomes.

Background: Acute liver failure after major surgical procedures is associated with a high risk of multiple organ failure, including acute renal failure. The optimal time to initiate renal replacement therapy for acute renal failure is controversial because of the poor overall clinical outcomes.

Study Design: From July 2002 to January 2005, all patients who had no history of liver disease, but developed acute liver failure and subsequent renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy after major surgery, at a surgical intensive care unit, were retrospectively analyzed.

Down-regulation of D2 dopamine receptor and increased protein kinase Cmu phosphorylation in aldosterone-producing adenoma play roles in aldosterone overproduction.

Context: The mechanism associated with the overproduction of aldosterone by aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) is unknown.

Objective: The objective of the study was to explore the role of the D2 dopamine receptor (D2R) on aldosterone synthesis and secretion and clarify the clinical importance of this role on aldosterone overproduction in APA.

Results: D2R expression in APA was examined in 24 patients and was much less than that in the nontumorous adrenal cortex.

Renal hypouricemia is an ominous sign in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome.

Background: The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and significance of hypouricemia in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Pulmonary lesions in patients with SARS are thought to result from proinflammatory cytokine dysregulation. Acute renal failure has been reported in patients with SARS, but whether cytokines can injure renal tubules is unknown.