J Formos Med Assoc
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Human infections by a new avian influenza A (H7N9) virus have been reported. As of April 23, 2013, there were 108 confirmed cases including 22 deaths in China. ⋯ The new H7N9 is an avian influenza A virus; however, it does harbor several human virus-like signatures, which raises great concern that it may have a higher probability to cross species barriers and infect humans.
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One cornerstone of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is fibrosis, as kidneys are susceptible due to their high vascularity and predisposition to ischemia. Presently, only therapies targeting the angiotensin receptor are used in clinical practice to retard the progression of CKD. ⋯ Several independent laboratories have identified a number of microRNAs that are dysregulated in human and animal models of CKD. This review will explore the evidence suggesting that by blocking the activity of such dysregulated microRNAs, new therapeutics could be developed to treat the progression of CKD.