Publications by authors named "Xue-mei Shi"

Objective: This study aimed to expound on the correlation between facial skin microbiome and sensitive skin (SS) using a novel sequencing technique.

Methods: We applied the 2bRAD sequencing for the microbiome, which enables accurate characterization of the low-biomass microbiome at species resolution to profile facial skin microbes in SS and non-SS groups. Further, the bacterial colonies were isolated and cultured from skin surfaces to study the pro-inflammatory effect on human keratinocytes by ELISA.

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Background: Sensitive skin (SS) is a clinical syndrome defined by the occurrence of unpleasant sensations (such as stinging, burning, pain, pruritus, and tingling) in response to stimuli that normally should not provoke them. According to growing evidence, transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) has elevated expression in individuals with SS and is linked with the severity of SS symptoms. However, its pathogenesis is still unknown.

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Targeting excessive osteoclast differentiation and activity is considered a valid therapeutic approach for osteoporosis. Zoledronic acid (ZOL) plays a pivotal role in regulating bone mineral density. However, the exact molecular mechanisms responsible for the inhibitory effects of ZOL on receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)‑κB ligand (RANKL)‑induced osteoclast formation are not entirely clear.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study aimed to explore how lead exposure during the development phases of rats affects leptin levels in various body fluids and its potential link to cognitive impairment.
  • Rats were divided into control and lead-exposed groups based on different lead acetate concentrations in their drinking water, with various methods used to measure lead and leptin levels.
  • Results indicated that lead exposure increased lead content in the rats while significantly reducing leptin levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, suggesting a connection between decreased leptin and cognitive impairments due to lead toxicity.
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Salt absorption via alveolar epithelial Na(+) channels (ENaC) is a critical step for maintaining an airspace free of flooding. Previously, we found that 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-Na (CPT-cGMP) activated native and heterologous ENaC. To investigate the potential pharmacological relevance, we applied this compound intratracheally to human lungs and found that ex vivo alveolar fluid clearance was increased significantly.

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Background: The decrease of surfactant protein (SP) secreted by the alveolar type II cell is one of the important causes of limiting air of pulmonary emphysema. However, the SP-A gene and protein changes in this disease are rarely studied. This study was undertaken to investigate alterations in SP-A gene activity and protein, and to explore their roles in the pathogenesis of emphysematous changes.

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Objective: To explore the protective effect of tanshinone II A on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury in rats, and possible mechanism.

Methods: LPS (O(111): B4) was used to produce a rat model of acute lung injury. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (8 in each group): the control group, the model group (ALI group), and the tanshinone II A treatment group.

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