ESAT-6 protein suppresses allograft rejection by inducing CD4Foxp3 regulatory T cells through IκBα/cRel pathway.

Background: Maintenance immunosuppression is required for suppression of alloimmunity or allograft rejection. However, continuous use of immunosuppressants may lead to various side effects, necessitating the use of alternative immunosuppressive drugs. The early secreted antigenic target of 6 kDa (ESAT-6) is a virulence factor and immunoregulatory protein of mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), which alters host immunity through dually regulating development or activation of various immune cells.

Electroacupuncture of ST36 and PC6 for postoperative gastrointestinal recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This study was designed to determine the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoints ST36 and/or PC6 for postoperative gastrointestinal (GI) recovery.

Method: Studies were retrieved from the PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and Airiti library databases from inception to January 23, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effect of EA at ST36 and/or PC6 on postoperative GI recovery were reviewed.

Endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) can potentially be used as therapeutic drugs to reduce hypertension caused by small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

The emergence of targeted anti-tumor drugs has significantly prolonged the lifespan and improved the prognosis of cancer patients. Among these drugs, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors, particularly novel small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), are extensively employed as VEGF inhibitors; however, they are also associated with a higher incidence of complications, with hypertension being the most prevalent cardiovascular toxic side effect. Currently, it is widely accepted that TKIs-induced hypertension involves multiple mechanisms including dysregulation of the endothelin (ET) axis, reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), imbalance in NO-ROS equilibrium system, vascular rarefaction, and activation of epithelial sodium calcium channels; nevertheless, excessive activation of ET system appears to be predominantly responsible for this condition.

Surgical interventions for degenerative cervical disease: Impact on patient quality of life, mental health, pain relief, and spiritual health.

Introduction: Degenerative cervical diseases can severely affect patients' quality of life (QOL), mental health, and physical function. While surgical intervention is a common treatment, its impact on holistic well-being, including spiritual health, has not been thoroughly explored. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of surgery on QOL, pain-related disability, mental health, and spiritual well-being in patients with degenerative cervical diseases.

Evaluation of leukocyte depletion of packed red blood cells for the prevention of clinically observed transfusion reactions at a medical center in Eastern Taiwan.

Objectives: The incidence of febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs) is correlated with the level of cytokines released by donor leukocytes in blood bags during storage, which is the most common transfusion reaction. The study aimed to reveal whether the use of leukocyte-poor red blood cells (LPRBCs) can reduce the incidence of transfusion reactions to promote patient safety.

Materials And Methods: From January 2014 to June 2022, 158,122 blood transfusion reports were collected from a medical center in Eastern Taiwan.