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The first integrals of n -th order autonomous systems are considered. By getting integrating factors using n − 1 first integrals of the systems, a necessary condition on the existence of global first integrals of n -th order autonomous systems is presented. It is also proved that n − 1 functionally independent first integrals of an n -th order autonomous system can be obtained if the system possesses n − 1 functionally independent integrating factors. Based on one-parameter Lie groups admitted by n -th order autonomous systems, several methods to obtain first integrals of the systems are presented. Simultaneously, several related examples are given to illustrate the feasibility and the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been generally accepted that alternatively activated macrophages (M2), which can be induced by type 2 cytokines such as IL-4, is responsible for tissue repair. However, the function of JNK in IL-4-induced M2 macrophage polarization remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that M0 macrophages can be polarized into M2 status in response to IL-4 stimulation with the increased expression of the M2-specific molecular markers. We also found that IL-4 induced higher expression of JNK and transcription factor c-Myc in M2 macrophages. Our Q-PCR and Western blot results showed that JNK increased the expression of c-Myc and M2 markers Arg1, Mrc1. We also demonstrated c-Myc was the downstream of IL-4-JNK pathway. Further, the depletion of c-Myc, Arg1 and Mrc1 could inhibit the migration ability of M2 macrophages. Taken together, our data establishes a new role for JNK signaling in IL-4-induced alternative activation of macrophages and may provide a novel strategy for immune therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inverse integrating factor for some classes of higher order autonomous differential systems is studied in this paper. Some sufficient conditions on the existence of the inverse integrating factors of certain classes of n -th order autonomous differential systems are presented. Also, the explicit forms of the inverse integrating factors can be shown. Simultaneously, some related examples are given to illustrate the feasibility and the effectiveness of the proposed results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The method of obtaining inverse integrating factors of n-th order autonomous systems using one-parameter Lie groups admitted by the systems is given. By describing n-th order autonomous systems with differential form systems, the properties of inverse integrating factors of the n-th order autonomous systems are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract During kidney development, the balance between self-renewal and differentiation of metanephric mesenchyme (MM) cells, mainly regulated by Sine oculis-related homeobox 2 (Six2), is critical for forming mature kidney. L-gulono-γ-lactone oxidase (Gulo), a crucial enzyme for vitamin C synthesis, reveals a different expression at various stages during kidney development, but its function in the early renal development remains unknown. In this work, we aim to study the role of Gulo in MM cells at two differentiation stages. We found that Gulo expression in undifferentiated MM (mK3) cells was lower than in differentiated MM (mK4) cells. Over-expression of Gulo can promote mesenchymal-to-epithelial transformation (MET) and apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation in mK3 cells. Knock-down of Gulo in mK4 cells made its epithelial character cells unstabilized, facilitated the proliferation and restrained the apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that Six2 was negatively regulated by Gulo, and over-expression or knock-down of Six2 was able to rescue partially the MET, proliferation and apoptosis of MM cells caused by Gulo. In conclusion, these findings reveal that Gulo promotes the MET and apoptosis, and inhibits proliferation in MM cells by down-regulating Six2. Graphical abstract Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Neutrophils recruited early in the inflammatory response further promote inflammation after activation of Chemerin. • Chemerin can promote the production of inflammatory factors in periodontal tissue through the Chemerin/ChemR23 axis, but excessive Chemerin also promotes the absorption of inflammation. • Chemerin can be used as a prognostic marker for gastrointestinal cancer, liver cancer, etc. Chemerin is a protein encoded by the Rarres2 gene that acts through endocrine or paracrine regulation. Chemerin can bind to its receptor, regulate insulin sensitivity and adipocyte differentiation, and thus affect glucose and lipid metabolism. There is growing evidence that it also plays an important role in diseases such as inflammation and cancer. Chemerin has been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and metabolic diseases caused by leukocyte chemoattractants in a variety of organs, but its biological function remains controversial. In conclusion, the exciting findings collected over the past few years clearly indicate that targeting Chemerin signaling as a biological target will be a major research goal in the future. This article reviews the pathophysiological roles of Chemerin in various systems and diseases,and expect to provide a rationale for its role as a clinical therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chili pepper and its major active compound capsaicin have long been used not only a daily food additive but also medication worldwide. Like in other human organs and systems, capsaicin has multiple actions in gastrointestinal (GI) physiology and pathology. Numerous studies have revealed that capsaicin acts on GI tract in TRPV1-dependent and –independent manners, mostly depending on its consumption concentrations. In this review, we will focus on the beneficial role of capsaicin in GI tract, a less highlighted aspect, in particular how dietary capsaicin affects GI health, the mechanisms of actions and its preventive/therapeutic potentials to several GI diseases. Dietary capsaicin affects GI tract not only via TRPV1-derpendent and independent manners, but also via acute and chronic effects. Although high dose intake of dietary capsaicin is harmful to human health sometimes, current literatures suggest that appropriate dose intake is likely beneficial to GI health and is preventive/therapeutic to GI disease in most cases as well. With extensive and intensive studies on its GI actions, capsaicin, as a daily consumed food additive, has potential to become a safe drug for the treatment of several GI diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]