Assessment of serum Tim-3 and Gal-9 levels in predicting the risk of infection after kidney transplantation.

Infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality after kidney transplantation (KT). Reliable biomarkers to predict post-transplant infection are lacking. We investigated the predictive performance of pre- and post-transplant levels of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (Tim-3) and Galectin-9 (Gal-9), two pleiotropic immunomodulatory molecules, in early identification of infection.

Hsa-miR-329 exerts tumor suppressor function through down-regulation of MET in non-small cell lung cancer.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as key regulators of multiple cancers. Hsa-miR-329 (miR-329) functions as a tumor suppressor in some malignancies. However, its role on lung cancer remains poorly understood.

Sulforaphane Attenuates Muscle Inflammation in Dystrophin-deficient mdx Mice via NF-E2-related Factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated Inhibition of NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Inflammation is widely distributed in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and ultimately leads to progressive deterioration of muscle function with chronic muscle damage, oxidative stress, and reduced oxidative capacity. NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a critical role in defending against inflammation in different tissues via activation of phase II enzyme heme oxygenase-1 and inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. However, the role of Nrf2 in the inflammation of dystrophic muscle remains unknown.

Serum Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and Functional Outcome in Older Patients with Hip Fracture.

The aim was to assess prognostic value of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH] D) levels in older Chinese patients with hip fracture. From June, 2012 to February, 2014, older patients with hip fracture were included. Serum 25(OH) D levels were measured at admission.

IL-1beta sensitizes rat intervertebral disc cells to Fas ligand mediated apoptosis in vitro.

Aim: To determine the apoptotic effect of recombinant rat Fas Ligand on rat intervertebral disc cells pre-treated with IL-1beta in vitro, and the expression of Fas in cultured rat intervertebral disc cells.

Methods: Cells were isolated from the inner annulus fibrosus and transition zones of lumbar discs from Sprague-Dawley rats. The cells were grown in monolayer and divided in 5 treatment groups.

[Percutaneous vertebroplasty with EH composite material: an experiment study].

Objective: To investigate the appropriate ratio of liquid/powder and use of radiopaque agent in EH composite material for percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP).

Methods: (1) EH composite material was divided into 6 groups. The material without contrast with the liquid/powder ratios 8:9, 8:8, and 8:7 was classifieds as groups I, II, and III; and the EH composite material with the liquid/powder ratios 8:9, 8:8, and 8:7 and with the addition of 20% barium sulfate by weight was classified as the groups IV, V, and VI.