ALKBH5 promotes cardiac fibroblasts pyroptosis after myocardial infarction through Notch1/NLRP3 pathway.

Through bioinformatics screening, we previously found that AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) expression, an mA demethylase, was higher in patients with heart failure than in the normal population. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which ALKBH5 regulates heart failure. We established a myocardial infarction (MI)-induced heart failure model in rats in vivo and an in vitro hypoxia model using rat primary cardiac fibroblasts (RCFs).

Epigenetic Regulation of Macrophage Polarization in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of hospitalization and death worldwide, especially in developing countries. The increased prevalence rate and mortality due to CVDs, despite the development of several approaches for prevention and treatment, are alarming trends in global health. Chronic inflammation and macrophage infiltration are key regulators of the initiation and progression of CVDs.

A community-based comprehensive intervention to reduce syphilis infection among low-fee female sex workers in China: a matched-pair, community-based randomized study.

Background: Low-fee female sex workers (FSWs) are at high risk of acquiring and spreading human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in China. There is an urgent need to develop comprehensive intervention measures targeted towards low-fee FSWs to reduce HIV/STD infections. Thus, this study aimed to reduce HIV/STD infections among low-fee FSW through a matched-pair, community-based randomized intervention trial carried out in 12 cities in three provinces in China.

[Investigation on the risk factors for HIV infection among elderly male clients of the commercial female sex-workers in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, in 2012].

Objective: To monitor the current HIV prevalence, related risk behaviors and factors for HIV infection among the elderly male clients of the commercial female sex-workers (CFSW)in Guangxi.

Methods: Face to face interview on male clients aged ≥40 years old was carried out in April to July, 2012. Information on demography, awareness of HIV prevention, related risk behaviors, history on HIV testing etc.

The effect of a structural intervention for syphilis control among 3597 female sex workers: a demonstration study in South China.

Background: Syphilis has made a rapid resurgence in China, especially among high-risk groups including female sex workers (FSWs).

Methods: Two cities in each of 3 provinces in South China were chosen and allocated to intervention or control arms. The intervention consisted of enhancing community-based syphilis screening outreach intervention with comprehensive sexually transmitted infection services at designated clinics while the control maintained routine intervention activities.

Acceptability of hypothetical microbicides among women in sex establishments in rural areas in Southern China.

Objectives And Goal: The objectives of this study were to measure the potential acceptability of a hypothetical microbicide among women in sex establishments in rural areas of Southern China and demographic, behavioral, and social context factors likely to affect microbicide acceptability.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional survey, using a quota sampling, among 300 women from sex establishments in 3 rural towns. An interviewer-administered standardized questionnaire was used to measure the acceptability score of hypothetical microbicides' characteristics, as well as sexual relationships and behaviors and other contextual factors.