MiR-21 suppression in macrophages promotes M2-like polarization and attenuates kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury.

MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is one of the most frequently upregulated miRNAs in response to kidney ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, exhibiting both protective and pathogenic effects depending on the cell type, disease state, and target signaling. In this study, we analyzed the function of miR-21 in various cell types to elucidate its role in ischemia-induced inflammation and acute kidney injury (AKI). Utilizing a mouse model of IR injury, we observed significant upregulation of miR-21 in renal tubular epithelial cells and macrophages following IR.

FTO-mediated m6A mRNA demethylation aggravates renal fibrosis by targeting RUNX1 and further enhancing PI3K/AKT pathway.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health burden, with ineffective therapies leading to increasing morbidity and mortality. Renal interstitial fibrosis is a common pathway in advanced CKD, resulting in kidney function and structure deterioration. In this study, we investigate the role of FTO-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and its downstream targets in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis.

Biofilm Alterations on the Stepwise Acquisition of Fluconazole-resistant Isolates.

Unlabelled: By assessing and comparing the phenotypic changes on the stepwise acquisition of fluconazole resistant isolates, we could find and describe the relationship between drug resistance and biofilm formation ability in a series of clonal strains.

Methods: We performed antifungal susceptibility of five drugs (fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin and amphotericin B) to further verify the antifungal activity of the six isolates . Then we combined hyphal formation assay, cell surface hydrophobicity test positively related to adherence ability, and biofilm assays to observe and compare the phenotypic characteristics of our six clonal strains.

Relationship between frailty and long-term care needs in Chinese community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between the severity of frailty and the long-term care (LTC) needs of older adults from Chinese communities.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Setting: Three Chinese community health centres.

Association of Apolipoprotein E Polymorphisms with White Matter Lesions and Brain Atrophy.

Objective: Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is mainly synthesized in the liver. So far, it is unknown the relationship among APOE gene polymorphisms and WML, brain atrophy. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the associations of APOE gene polymorphisms in patients with WML and brain atrophy.

Modelling effects of public health educational campaigns on drinking dynamics.

This paper deals with the global property of a drinking model with public health educational campaigns. With the help of Lyapunov function, global stability of equilibria of the model is derived. The alcohol-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable and the alcohol problems are eliminated from population if [Formula: see text].

Effects of electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) on inflammatory cytokines in a rat model of smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Objective: Improvement in lung function was reported after acupuncture treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Because an immune response imbalance could be seen in COPD, we hypothesize that electroacupuncture (EA) may play a role in regulating inflammatory cytokines and contribute to lung protection in a rat model of smoke-induced COPD.

Methods: A COPD model using male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to cigarette smoke was established.

Orexin-A and respiration in a rat model of smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

1. Orexins are neuropeptides synthesized in the hypothalamus that regulate many physiological functions, including energy homeostasis, stress responses, sleep/wake states etc. It is now emerging that orexins may also regulate breathing, but little is known as to how they do this, particularly in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).