OBJECTIVE Increasing evidence has demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the progression of metabolic disorders, including obesity-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In the present study, the expression and function of miR-367 were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS C57BL/6 male mice aged 8 weeks were fed with a normal diet (ND) or high-fat-diet (HFD). T...

BACKGROUND Postoperative morbidity in patients with obstructive jaundice remains high because of increased susceptibility to endotoxin and the inflammatory cascade. AIMS An experimental study was designed to investigate the efficacy of protegrin peptide IB-367, an antimicrobial positively charged peptide, in neutralising Escherichia coli 0111:B4 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in bile duct ligated r...

Human schistosomiasis is widespread in tropical and subtropical environments. In this study, a novel open cell with liquid medium perfusion system for electrorotation measurement to detect the viability of schistosomal eggs is proposed. With no solid top or bottom surface, the liquid medium perfusion system solves some of the problems of conventional electrorotation testing systems. This kind o...

The world’s marine resources have long been viewed as inexhaustible supplies of protein and other products for the human population. However, as the adverse effects of human activity on marine and coastal ecosystems have become better understood, views of the sustainability of resource use have changed. Globally, there are increasing concerns about the sustainability of marine and coastal fishe...

The Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway is one of the key regulators of metazoan development. Hh proteins have been shown to play roles in many developmental processes and have become paradigms for classical morphogens. Dysfunction of the Hh pathway underlies a number of human developmental abnormalities and diseases, making it an important therapeutic target. Interest in Hh signalling thus extend...

Background: Postoperative morbidity in patients with obstructive jaundice remains high because of increased susceptibility to endotoxin and the inflammatory cascade. Aims: An experimental study was designed to investigate the efficacy of protegrin peptide IB-367, an antimicrobial positively charged peptide, in neutralising Escherichia coli 0111:B4 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in bile duct ligated r...