Body mass index influences age-related cataracts: an updated meta-analysis and systemic review / O índice de massa corporal é o fator de influência da catarata relacionada à idade: uma meta-análise atualizada e revisão sistêmica

ABSTRACT Purpose: Visual impairment and blindness caused by cataracts are major public health problems. Several factors are associated with an increased risk of age-related cataracts, such as age, smoking, alcohol consumption, and ultraviolet radiation. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between body mass index and age-related cataracts. Methods: Studies on weight and age-related cataracts published from January 2011 to July 2020 were reviewed by searching PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science databases. The random-effects and fixed-effects models were used for the meta-analysis, and the results were reported as odd ratios. Results: A total of nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. No correlation was found between underweight and nuclear cataracts (OR=1.31, 95% CI [-0.50 to 3.12], p=0.156). The results of the random-effects model showed that overweight was significantly associated with age-related cataracts and reduced the risk of age-related cataracts (OR=0.91, 95% CI [0.80-1.02], p<0.0001; I2=62.3%, p<0.0001). Significant correlations were found between overweight and cortical, nuclear, and posterior subcapsular cataracts (OR=0.95, 95% CI [0.66-1.24], p<0.0001; OR=0.92, 95% CI (0.76-1.08), p<0.0001; OR=0.87, 95% CI [0.38-1.02], p<0.0001). Significant correlations were found between obesity and cortical, nuclear, and posterior subcapsular cataracts (OR=1.00, 95% CI [0.82-1.17], p<0.0001; OR=1.07, 95% CI [0.92-1.22], p<0.0001; OR=1.14, 95% CI [0.91-1.37], p<0.0001). Conclusion: This finding suggested a significant correlation between body mass index and age-related cataracts, with overweight and obesity reducing or increasing the risk of age-related cataracts, respectively.

RESUMO Objetivo: A deficiência visual e a cegueira causadas pela catarata são um grande problema de saúde pública. Há vários fatores associados a um risco maior de catarata relacionada à idade na população mundial, tais como idade, tabagismo, consumo de álcool e radiação ultravioleta. Esta meta-análise foi realizada para avaliar a associação entre o índice de massa corporal e a catarata relacionada à idade. Métodos: Foi revisada a literatura sobre catarata relacionada a peso e idade publicada de janeiro de 2011 a julho de 2020, através de buscas nos bancos de dados PubMed, Medline e Web of Science. Na meta-análise, foram utilizados modelos de efeito aleatórios e de efeitos fixos e os resultados foram apresentados como razões de chances (OR). Resultados: Um total de 9 estudos foi incluído na meta-análise. Não houve correlação entre ausência de sobrepeso e cataratas nucleares (OR=1,31, IC 95%: -0,50-3,12, p=0,156). Os resultados do modelo de efeitos aleatórios mostraram que o excesso de peso estava significativamente associado a uma redução do risco de catarata relacionada à idade (OR=0,91, IC 95%: 0,80-1,02, p<0,0001, I2=62,3%, p<0,0001). Houve correlações significativas entre o excesso de peso e cataratas corticais (OR=0,95, IC 95%: 0,66-1,24, p<0,0001), nucleares (OR=0,92, IC 95%: 0,76-1,08, p<0,0001) e subcapsulares posteriores (OR=0,87, IC 95%: 0,38-1,02, p<0,0001) relacionadas à idade. Houve correlações significativas entre obesidade e cataratas corticais (OR=1,00, IC 95%: 0,82-1,17, p<0,0001), nucleares (OR=1,07, IC 95%: 0,92-1,22, p<0,0001) e subcapsulares posteriores (OR=1,14, IC 95%: 0,91-1,37, p<0,0001) relacionadas à idade. Conclusão: Estes achados sugeriram uma correlação significativa entre o índice de massa corporal e a catarata relacionada à idade, com o excesso de peso e a obesidade reduzindo e aumentando o risco de catarata relacionada à idade, respectivamente.

Analysis of drug resistance and its influencing factors in different infection sites of patients / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract： Objective　To analyze the characteristics and corresponding drug resistance of pathogenic bacterial spectrum in eight major infection sites of hospitalized patients, and to provide epidemiological data for the rational selection of antibiotics in clinical practice. Methods　A total of 396 bacterial strains isolated from clinical specimens of hospitalized patients in member institutions of the Hainan Provincial Bacterial Resistance Monitoring Network from September 1, 2020, to September 30, 2022, were included in this study. Data were screened and filtered from the database of MH120 Microbial Identification and Drug Sensitivity Analysis System based on the technical scheme of the National Bacterial Drug Resistance Surveillance Network and Science and Technology Basic Resources Investigation Project research plan in 2020. The testing data were integrated, summarized, and analyzed using EXCEL and WHONET 5.6 software, and statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0 software. Results　Among of 396 strains of bacteria, 78 (19.7%) were isolated from respiratory tract specimens, 74 (18.7%) from urinary tract specimens, 72 (18.2%) from blood specimens, 54 (13.6%) from abdominal cavity specimens, 48 (12.1%) from skin and soft tissue specimens 48 strains (12.1%), 30 (7.6%) from reproductive tract specimens, 22 (5.6%) from central nervous system specimens, 18 (4.5%) from digestive tract specimens. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 69.4% of the isolates, while gram-positive bacteria accounted for 30.6%. The top five gram-negative bacteria isolated were Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.9%), Escherichia coli (14.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.4%), Acinetobacter baumannii (5.3%), and Salmonella species (4.5%). The top five gram-positive bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (11.1%), Streptococcus agalactis (7.8%), Enterococcus faecalis (3.0%), Enterococcus faecium (2.8%), and Streptococcus suis (1.8%). Respiratory failure and bloodstream infection were independent influencing factors of treatment response (P<0.01). The resistance rate of Escherichia coli to ampicillin was 81.4%, and the resistance rate of Staphylococcus aureus to gentamicin and levofloxacin were both below 7%. Conclusions　The pathogen spectra vary with different infection sites of patients, and rational selection of antibiotics based on drug susceptibility testing is crucial to shorten the treatment time of patients and avoid the unnecessary emergence of drug-resistant strains caused by drug abuse.

Research hotspots and trends of artificial intelligence in diabetic retinopathy based on bibliometrics and high-impact papers / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To analyze research hotspots and trends of artificial intelligence in diabetic retinopathy(DR)based on bibliometrics and high-impact papers.METHODS: Papers on artificial intelligence in DR research published in the Web of Science Core Collection(WoSCC)from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2022 were retrieved. The data was analyzed by CiteSpace software to examine annual publication number, countries, institutions, source journal, research categories, keywords, and to perform an in-depth analysis of high-impact papers.RESULTS: A total of 1 009 papers on artificial intelligence in DR from 79 countries were included in the study, with 272 papers published in 2022. Notably, China and India contributed 287 and 234 papers, respectively. The United Kingdom exhibited a centrality score of 0.31, while the United States boasted an impressive H-index of 48. Three prominent institutions in the United Kingdom(University of London, Moorfields Eye Hospital, and University College London)and one institution in Egypt(Egyptian Knowledge Bank)all achieved a notable H-index of 14. The primary academic disciplines associated with this research field encompassed ophthalmology, computer science, and artificial intelligence. Burst keywords in the years 2021～2022 included transfer learning, vessel segmentation, and convolutional neural networks.CONCLUSION: China emerged as the leading contributor in terms of publication number in this field, while the United States stood out as a key player. Notably, Egyptian Knowledge Bank and University of London assumed leading roles among research institutions. Additionally, IEEE Access was identified as the most active journal within this domain. The research focus in the field of artificial intelligence in DR has transitioned from AI applications in disease detection and grading to a more concentrated exploration of AI-assisted diagnostic systems. Transfer learning, vessel segmentation, and convolutional neural networks hold substantial promise for widespread applications in this field.

Improving physical function by focusing on sports archery training / Aprimoramento da função física pelo foco no treinamento com arco esportivo / Mejora de la función física centrándose en el entrenamiento del arco deportivo

ABSTRACT Introduction: Physical training of high-level archers is a very critical point. It is now known that the ultimate goal of athletes' training is to achieve a good competitive state in their physical training. This has revealed that the relationship between athletes' attention stability and their performance in archery competitions also needs to be explored. Objective: Analyze the fitness training methods for Chinese archers. In addition, this paper also explores the relationship between attention and performance in competitions. Methods: By random sampling method, 24 archery athletes were investigated. They were divided into three groups: A, B, and C. Group A represented excellent scores (8), group B with good scores (8), and group C with average scores (8). Statistical methods were used to analyze and infer the data. Using the SPSS program, mathematical statistics were performed to objectify the data collected. Results: Athletes in group A had the greatest increase in attention after training, showing statistical significance (P<0.01). The comparison between groups B and C also showed statistical significance (P<0.01). Significant differences were found in the stability of attention between the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: The sport bow practice method can effectively improve athletes' concentration. This training method showed a significant effect on improving archers' attention and concentration. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: O treinamento físico dos arqueiros de alto nível é um ponto muito crítico e atualmente sabe-se que o objetivo final do treinamento dos atletas é alcançar um bom estado competitivo em seu treinamento físico. Isso tem revelado que a relação entre a estabilidade da atenção dos atletas e seu desempenho nas competições com arco também precisa ser explorada. Objetivo: Analisar os métodos de treinamento de aptidão física para os arqueiros chineses. Além disso, este documento também explora a relação entre a atenção e o desempenho nas competições. Métodos: Pelo método de amostragem aleatória investigou-se 24 atletas de arco e flecha. Eles foram divididos em três grupos: A, B, e C. O grupo A representando excelentes resultados (8); O grupo B com boas notas (8), e o grupo C com notas médias (8). Utilizou-se métodos estatísticos para analisar e inferir os dados. Utilizando o programa SPSS, foram realizadas as estatísticas matemáticas para objetivar os dados coletados. Resultados: Os atletas do grupo A tiveram o maior aumento na atenção após o treinamento, apresentando significância estatística (P<0,01). A comparação entre os grupos B e C também apresentou significância estatística significativa (P<0,01). Foram encontradas diferenças significativas na estabilidade da atenção entre os grupos experimental e controle. Conclusão: O método de prática com arco esportivo pode efetivamente melhorar a concentração dos atletas. Este método de treinamento apresentou um efeito significativo na melhoria da atenção e concentração dos arqueiros. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La preparación física de los arqueros de alto nivel es un punto muy crítico y hoy en día se sabe que el objetivo final del entrenamiento de los deportistas es alcanzar un buen estado competitivo en su preparación física. Esto ha revelado que la relación entre la estabilidad de la atención de los atletas y su rendimiento en las competiciones de tiro con arco también debe ser explorada. Objetivo: Analizar los métodos de entrenamiento físico de los arqueros chinos. Además, este trabajo también explora la relación entre la atención y el rendimiento en las competiciones. Métodos: Mediante un método de muestreo aleatorio se investigaron 24 atletas de tiro con arco. Se dividieron en tres grupos: A, B y C. El grupo A, que representa resultados excelentes (8); el grupo B, con buenos resultados (8), y el grupo C, con resultados medios (8). Se utilizaron métodos estadísticos para analizar e inferir los datos. Utilizando el programa SPSS, se realizaron estadísticas matemáticas para objetivar los datos recogidos. Resultados: Los atletas del grupo A tuvieron el mayor aumento de la atención después del entrenamiento, mostrando significación estadística (P<0,01). La comparación entre los grupos B y C también presentó significación estadística (P<0,01). Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la estabilidad de la atención entre los grupos experimental y de control. Conclusión: El método de práctica del arco deportivo puede mejorar eficazmente la concentración de los deportistas. Este método de entrenamiento mostró un efecto significativo en la mejora de la atención y la concentración de los arqueros. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Core strength training in university female tennis players / Treino de fortalecimento do core em tenistas universitárias / Entrenamiento de la fuerza del core en tenistas universitarias

ABSTRACT Introduction Core strength training has been extensively used in competitive sports training, achieving remarkable results in the most competitive sports training by maximizing athletes' strength and accuracy. It is believed that a specific protocol for female university tennis players can bring the same results. Objective Verify the effectiveness of core strength training in the performance of female university tennis players. Methods Randomized controlled trial of female university tennis players (n=40) with a specific core strength training protocol versus traditional strength training methods. Changes in tactical skills pre and post-experiment were compared. Descriptive statistical treatment of the collected results was confronted with current literature. Results Compared with traditional strength training, core strength training proved to be more conducive to developing core strength in female college tennis players. Conclusion Core strength training assists in the development of skills and tactics in female college tennis players. Evidence level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the results.

RESUMO Introdução O treino de fortalecimento do core tem sido amplamente utilizado no treinamento esportivo competitivo, alcançando resultados notáveis no treino esportivo mais acirrado ao maximizar a força e precisão dos atletas. Acredita-se que um protocolo específico para as tenistas universitárias possa causar os mesmos resultados. Objetivo Verificar a eficácia do treinamento de força do core no treinamento de tenistas universitárias. Métodos Estudo randomizado controlado de tenistas universitárias (n=40) com protocolo específico de fortalecimento de core para fortalecimento versus métodos tradicionais de treino de força. Foram comparadas as alterações das habilidades táticas pré e pós experimento. O tratamento estatístico descritivo dos resultados coletados foi confrontado com a literatura atual. Resultados Comparado com o treinamento de força tradicional, o treinamento de força do core revelou-se mais propício ao desenvolvimento da força do core em tenistas universitárias. Conclusão O treinamento de força do core auxilia no desenvolvimento da habilidade e tática das tenistas universitárias. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação de resultados.

RESUMEN Introducción El entrenamiento de la fuerza del core se ha utilizado ampliamente en el entrenamiento deportivo de competición, logrando resultados notables en el entrenamiento deportivo más competitivo al maximizar la fuerza y la precisión de los atletas. Se cree que un protocolo específico para los tenistas universitarios puede provocar los mismos resultados. Objetivo Comprobar la eficacia del entrenamiento de la fuerza del core en el entrenamiento de las tenistas universitarias. Métodos Estudio controlado aleatorio de jugadoras de tenis universitarias (n=40) con un protocolo específico de entrenamiento de la fuerza del core para el fortalecimiento frente a los métodos tradicionales de entrenamiento de la fuerza. Se compararon los cambios en las habilidades tácticas antes y después del experimento. El tratamiento estadístico descriptivo de los resultados recogidos se confrontó con la literatura actual. Resultados En comparación con el entrenamiento de fuerza tradicional, el entrenamiento de fuerza del core demostró ser más propicio para el desarrollo de la fuerza del core en las tenistas universitarias. Conclusión El entrenamiento de la fuerza del core ayuda al desarrollo de la habilidad y la táctica de las tenistas universitarias. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de resultados.

Fatal Balamuthia mandrillaris infection with red plaques on the nasal dorsum as the first presentation

Abstract Balamuthia mandrillaris infection is a rare infectious disease around the world, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Its early and correct diagnosis is a big challenge for us, and without it the delay in starting effective treatment can lead to the development of encephalitis. This is a report of a case of Balamuthia mandrillaris infection in a Chinese boy, with red plaques on the nasal dorsum as the first presentation, who finally developed into fatal encephalitis. The authors have reviewed the related literature and share the special skin features in order to favor the early diagnosis of the disease and increase the chances of survival.

Analysis of influencing factors of quality of life of patients with pneumoconiosis in Chongqing based on a structural equation model / 中国职业医学

@#Objective To analyze the influencing factors of quality of life of patients with occupational pneumoconiosis in Methods Chongqing using a structural equation model. A total of 1 181 pneumoconiosis patients in Chongqing were selected - as the research subjects using convenient sampling method. The Chinese version of the SF 36 Scale was used to investigate the quality of life of the patients. Amos 24.0 software was used to construct a structural equation model reflecting the quality of life of Results ， （ ），（ ） （ ）， patients. The scores of physical health mental health and quality of life were 61.7±18.5 68.7±20.5 and 64.7±16.8 respectively. The scores of the eight dimensions of the quality of life of the research subjects were lower than that of the （ P ） Chongqing City municipal and national norms all <0.01 . Multiple linear regression results showed that personal monthly ， ， ， income pneumoconiosis stage complications employment status and smoking were the influencing factors of the quality of life （ P ） ， of pneumoconiosis patients all <0.05 . The results of the structural equation model showed that the stage of pneumoconiosis ， ， complications personal monthly income and pulmonary rehabilitation treatment could directly affect the physical and mental （ P ） ， health of the research subjects all <0.05 . In addition the stage of pneumoconiosis and complications indirectly affected the （ P ）Conclusion physical and mental health of patients by affecting pulmonary rehabilitation treatment all <0.05 . The structural equation model can be used to verify the influencing factors of the quality of life of patients with occupational pneumoconiosis. ， Complications personal monthly income and pneumoconiosis stage are the main factors affecting the quality of life of patients with occupational pneumoconiosis.

The neuroprotective effects of Lutongkeli in traumatic brain injury rats by anti-apoptosis mechanism

Purpose: To explore the neuroprotective effects of Lutongkeli (LTKL) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and detect the related mechanism. Methods: TBI model was established with LTKL administration (2 and 4 g/kg/d, p.o.). Motor function of rats was examined by Rotarod test. Nissl staining was used to show neuron morphology. Furthermore, the disease-medicine common targets were obtained with the network pharmacology and analyzed with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Lastly, the predicted targets were validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: After LTKL administration, neural behavior was significantly improved, and the number of spared neurons in brain was largely increased. Moreover, 68 bioactive compounds were identified, corresponding to 148 LTKL targets; 2,855 genes were closely associated with TBI, of which 87 overlapped with the LTKL targets and were considered to be therapeutically relevant. Functional enrichment analysis suggested LTKL exerted its pharmacological effects in TBI by modulating multiple pathways including apoptosis, inflammation, etc. Lastly, we found LTKL administration could increase the mRNA level of Bcl-2 and decrease the expression of Bax and caspase-3. Conclusions: This study reported the neuroprotective effect of LTKL against TBI is accompanied with anti-apoptosis mechanism, which provides a scientific explanation for the clinical application of LTKL in the treatment of TBI.

Betaine supplementation improved L-threonine fermentation of Escherichia coli THRD by upregulating zwf (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) expression

BACKGROUND: The supplementation of betaine, an osmoprotective compatible solute, in the cultivation media has been widely used to protect bacterial cells. To explore the effects of betaine addition on industrial fermentation, Escherichia coli THRD, an L-threonine producer, was used to examine the production of L-threonine with betaine supplementation and the underlying mechanism through which betaine functions was investigated. RESULTS: Betaine supplementation in the medium of E. coli THRD significantly improved L-threonine fermentation parameters. The transcription of zwf and corresponding enzyme activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were significantly promoted by betaine addition, which contributed to an enhanced expression of zwf that provided more nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) for L-threonine synthesis. In addition, as a result of the betaine addition, the betaine-stimulated expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the zwf promoter within a plasmid-based cassette proved to be a transcription-level response of zwf. Finally, the promoter of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene ppc in THRD was replaced with that of zwf, while L-threonine fermentation of the new strain was promoted by betaine addition. Conclusions: We reveal a novel mode of betaine that facilitates the microbial production of useful compounds. Betaine supplementation upregulates the expression of zwf and increases the NADPH synthesis, which may be beneficial for the cell growth and thereby promote the production of L-threonine. This finding might be useful for the production of NADPH-dependent amino acids and derivatives in E. coli THRD or other E. coli strains.

lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 regulates proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells via targeting miR-506-5p / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#Objective: To investigate whether long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) FOXD2-AS1 targets miR-506-5p to regulate proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. Methods: Human normal cervical cells Ect1/E6E7 and cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa, Siha and Caski) were cultured in vitro, and the expression levels of FOXD2-AS1 and miR-506-5p in cells were detected by qPCR. The cervical cancer cells with FOXD2-AS1 knockdown and miR-506-5p over-expression were constructed by liposome transfection technology, and the proliferation and apoptosis of cells were detected by MTT assay and flow cytometry respectively, the expression of proliferation-related proteins CyclinD1, p21, p27 and apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2, BAX, cleaved-capase-3 were detected by WB. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify whether FOXD2-AS1 would target miR-506-5p; and the effects of simultaneous inhibition of FOXD2-AS1 and miR-506-5p on proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells were also analyzed. Results: Compared with Ect1/E6E7 cells, the expression of FOXD2-AS1 significantly increased while the expression of miR-506-5p significantly decreased in cervical cancer HeLa, Siha and Caski cells (all P<0.01). FOXD2-AS1 knockdown significantly inhibited the protein expressions of CyclinD1, Bcl-2 and cell proliferationin cervical cancer cells, but promoted the protein expressions of p21, p27, BAX, cleavedcapase-3, and cell apoptosis (all P<0.01). miR-506-5p over-expression significantly inhibited the protein expressions of CyclinD1, Bcl2 and cell proliferation in cervical cancer cells, but promoted the protein expressions of p21, BAX, and cell apoptosis (all P<0.01). Dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that FOXD2-AS1 negatively regulated the expression of miR-506-5p in cervical cancer cells (P<0.01). Inhibition of miR-506-5p expression reversed the effect of FOXD2-AS1 knockdown on proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer cell (P<0.01). Conclusion: FOXD2-AS1 modulates proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by negatively regulating the expression of miR-506-5p.

Relationship between the after-school schedule and bone mineral density in middle-school students in Shanghai / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To investigate the relationship between after-school schedule and bone mineral density in middle-school students in Shanghai, to provide a reference for taking targeted measures.@*Methods@#From November 2017 to April 2018，eighteen classes of six middle schools in Shanghai (from urban districts, urban-suburb combined districts and suburban districts, respectively) were selected based on cluster random sampling. In each school, 2-4 classes were further randomly chosen in the 6th grade. Questionnaires were completed by 518 students and their parents, as well as physical examination and bone mineral density assessment.@*Results@#The average time spent on after-school academic learning during weekends was 4.0 (IQR: 2.0, 6.0) h. The Z-score of bone density was 0.3 (IQR: -0.7, 1.0). The smooth curve fit model showed a non-linear relationship between after-school academic learning time during weekends and the Z-scores of bone mineral densities. A two-stage multiple linear regression analysis was further applied according to the fit results, and the results showed that when total afterschool academic learning time <4.5 hours during weekends, the learning time was inversely correlated with the bone density Z-scores (β=-0.11,P=0.01), and when the learning time ≥4.5 hours, there was no significant correlation between the learning time and bone density Z-scores (β=0.02, P=0.65). Parent and student questionnaires showed that there was a non-linear relationship between students’ daily time spent on outdoor sports-related activities and bone density Z-scores. When time spent on the outdoor activities ≥45 minutes per day, outdoor activities were positively correlated with bone density Z-scores (P<0.05). However, when the time spent on outdoor activities <45 minutes per day, there was no significant relationship between outdoor activities and bone density Z-scores (P>0.05).@*Conclusion@#Too much time on after-school academic learning during weekends or limited time on outdoor activities are both related to impaired bone mineral densities. Therefore, a reasonable after-school schedule for middle-school students is important for physical development, especially during weekends.

Effect of shRNA interfering BAMBI on malignant biological behaviors of human colon cancer SW480 cell / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@# Objective: To explore the effect of shRNA interfering BAMBI (bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane bound inhibitor) on the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration of human colon cancer SW480 cells and the possible mechanisms. Methods: After successful transfection with sh-BAMBI in SW480 cells, the mRNA and protein epxressions of BAMBI were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT; apoptosis was tested by Hoechst33258 staining; cell invasion was detected by transwell assay; and cell migration was measured by wound healing assay. The expressions of TGF-β/ Smad/2 signaling pathway related proteins were detected by Western blotting. Results: The mRNA and protein levels of BAMBI in shBAMBI group were lower than those of control group (P<0.05). Compared with control group, cell proliferation in sh-BAMBI group was obviously decreased (P<0.05), while apoptosis was obviously increased (P<0.01); in the meanwhile, cell invasion and migration in sh-BAMBI group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). In addition, the protein level of TGF-β and the ratio of p-Smad/2/ Smad/2 in shBAMBI group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Interference of BAMBI by shRNA inhibits proliferation, invasion and migration but induces apoptosis of human colon cancer SW480 cells and activates TGF-β/Smad/2 pathway.

Research progress of exosomes in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#外泌体通过胞内体内陷形成多泡体再与质膜融合后释放，其内含有蛋白质、脂质、核酸等生物活性物质。外泌体通过 与受体细胞融合，将其内含的生物活性物质作为信号分子传递给受体细胞，从而介导细胞间信号交流。胃癌细胞分泌大量的外 泌体，可影响周围细胞的功能，在调控胃癌的生物学行为中发挥重要作用。外泌体在胃癌相关研究中取得较多新进展，包括对胃 癌的生长、转移、免疫逃避、耐药性等生物学行为的影响及相关机制，以及作为药物载体在胃癌靶向治疗中的临床应用。

Multiple vulvar dilated pores in a postmenopausal woman

Abstract: Winer's dilated pore is an infrequent appendageal tumor characterized by a giant comedone on the face, neck, and upper trunk in adults. We report a 57-year-old woman who developed multiple asymptomatic black papules on both labia majora. Histopathology showed grouped dilated follicles lined by keratinizing squamous epithelium in the superficial dermis. The superficial lining epithelium and interfollicular epidermis were atrophic, while the deep epithelium showed mild proliferation and melanin pigmentation with a few short projections extending into the surrounding dermis. We diagnosed multiple Winer's dilated pores based on late-onset lesions and pathological features. This patient may represent the first case of multiple vulvar Winer's dilated pores. We suggest that electrocautery may be effective for treating this type of superficial entity.

The impact of a discrepancy between actual and preferred living arrangements on life satisfaction among the elderly in China

OBJECTIVES:To explore the effects of a discrepancy between actual and preferred living arrangements on the relationship between living arrangements and life satisfaction among the elderly in China.METHODS:Secondary analysis of the 2005 dataset of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey was performed. A binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between life satisfaction and living arrangements.RESULTS:Among those with concordant actual and preferred living arrangements, living in a nursing home increased the likelihood of life satisfaction, whereas living alone and living with a spouse decreased the likelihood of life satisfaction compared to living with the next generation and a spouse. Among those with discordant living arrangements, there were no differences in life satisfaction between the various living arrangements, except that living with a spouse increased life satisfaction compared to living with the next generation and a spouse.CONCLUSIONS:A discrepancy between actual and preferred living arrangements modifies the relationship between life satisfaction and actual living arrangement. Living in a nursing home is a good option for Chinese elder care only if the older individual emotionally accepts it. Living alone or with a spouse is not a good arrangement for elder care, even though it is often preferred by the elderly. Those with discordant living arrangements are more satisfied living with their spouses.

Fermentation optimization of maltose-binding protein fused to neutrophil-activating protein from Escherichia coli TB1

Background The fermentation conditions of recombinant maltose-binding protein fused to neutrophil-activating protein (rMBP-NAP) of Helicobacter pylori were optimized from Escherichia coli TB1 with varying medium, inoculum age and size, time, inducer, pH and temperature in batch fermentation. Results It was revealed that the optimal conditions for the production of rMBP-NAP in shake flask were as follows: M9 medium (with 3% yeast extract powder added), inoculum age of 19 h, inoculum size of 6%, initial pH of 6.6, temperature of 37°C, and 0.7 mmoL/L IPTG inducted 21 h in a 50 mL/250 mL shake flask. The recombinant protein yield was increased from 59 to 592 mg/L after optimization. Fermentation process conducted in a 10 L fermenter with similar conditions could get 30 g/L wet cell and 1.738 g/L soluble protein with the rMBP-NAP expression level of 11.9%. Conclusion The results improve the expression level of rMBP-NAP, and it is expected that these optimized conditions can be well applied for large scale production of rMBP-NAP.

Research Progress in Effective Constituents and Pharmacological Effects of Gardenia Jasminoides / 中国药师

Traditional Chinese medicineZhizi is the dry ripe fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, which belongs to the family of Rubiaceae. The main effective constituents of gardenia include iridoid, gardenia yellow pigment and organic acid. Modern pharmaco-logical studies showed that the main pharmacological effects of gardenia included anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects, liver protection, cholagogue, antilipidemic effect, antithrombus, nerve protection and anti-Alzheimer' s disease. In this paper, the ef-fective constituents and pharmacological effects of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis were reviewed to provide available information for further research.