How the root bacterial community of Ficus tikoua responds to nematode infection: enrichments of nitrogen-fixing and nematode-antagonistic bacteria in the parasitized organs.

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are among the most damaging pathogens to host plants. Plants can modulate their associated bacteria to cope with nematode infections. The tritrophic plant-nematode-microbe interactions are highly taxa-dependent, resulting in the effectiveness of nematode agents being variable among different host plants. Ficus tikoua is a versatile plant with high application potential for fruits or medicines. In recent years, a few farmers have attempted to cultivate this species in Sichuan, China, where parasitic nematodes are present. We used 16S rRNA genes to explore the effects of nematode parasitism on root-associated bacteria in this species. Our results revealed that nematode infection had effects on both endophytic bacterial communities and rhizosphere communities in F. tikoua roots, but on different levels. The species richness increased in the rhizosphere bacterial communities of infected individuals, but the community composition remained similar as compared with that of healthy individuals. Nematode infection induces a deterministic assembly process in the endophytic bacterial communities of parasitized organs. Significant taxonomic and functional changes were observed in the endophytic communities of root knots. These changes were characterized by the enrichment of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, including Bradyrhizobium, Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium, and nematode-antagonistic bacteria, such as Pseudonocardia, Pseudomonas, Steroidobacter, Rhizobacter, and Ferrovibrio. Our results would help the understanding of the tritrophic plant-nematode-bacterium interactions in host plants other than dominant crops and vegetables and would provide essential information for successful nematode management when F. tikoua were cultivated on large scales.

[Oral absorption and effect of macromolecules in traditional Chinese medicine: a new perspective and research mode of phase structure].

Protein polypeptides and polysaccharides, the indispensable macromolecular active components in traditional Chinese medicine, are widely found in Chinese medicine decoction after the decoction of traditional Chinese medicine. However, through oral administration, these macromolecules are digested by the stomach and intestine and thus fail to be absorbed in prototype. This is inconsistent with the actual clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine decoction. According to modern research, new phase structures and effects of the macromolecules emerge during the decoction of traditional Chinese medicine, but the phase change law caused by the interaction among the components of traditional Chinese medicine and the relationship between phase structure and effect are still unclear. Thus, this study reviewed the oral absorption of macromolecular components of traditional Chinese medicine, analyzed the internal relationship of the form of macromolecules in traditional Chinese medicine with the absorption and effect based on phase structure, and summarized the research mode of oral absorption and effect of macromolecules in traditional Chinese medicine with phase structures as the core, providing new ideas and methods for future research.

Regulatory effect of long-stranded non-coding RNA-CRNDE on neurodegeneration during retinal ischemia-reperfusion.

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common pathological mechanism involved in many ocular diseases. I/R is characterized by microvascular dysfunction and neurodegeneration. However, the mechanisms of neurodegeneration induced by I/R remain largely unknown. This study showed that the expression of long non-coding RNA-CRNDE was significantly upregulated after retinal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR). LncRNA-CRNDE knockdown alleviated retinal neurodegeneration induced by RIR injury, as shown by decreased reactive gliosis and reduced retinal cells loss. Furthermore, lncRNA-CRNDE knockdown directly regulated Müller cell function and indirectly affected RGC function in vitro. In addition, lncRNA-CRNDE knockdown led to a significant reduction in the release of several cytokines after RIR. This study suggests that lncRNA-CRNDE is a promising therapeutic target for RIR.

Model-Informed Drug Development of New Cefoperazone Sodium and Sulbactam Sodium Combination (3:1): Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Analysis and Antibacterial Efficacy Against Enterobacteriaceae.

Objective: Cefoperazone/sulbactam is a commonly used antibiotic combination against the extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs)-producing bacteria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new cefoperazone/sulbactam combination (3:1) for Enterobacteriaceae infection via model-informed drug development (MIDD) approaches. Methods: Sulperazon [cefoperazone/sulbactam (2:1)] was used as a control. Pharmacokinetic (PK) data was collected from a clinical phase I trial. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using two-fold broth microdilution method. The percent time that the free drug concentration exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration (%fT>MIC) was used as the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic indicator correlated with efficacy. Models were developed to characterize the PK profile of cefoperazone and sulbactam. Monte Carlo simulations were employed to determine the investigational regimens of cefoperazone/sulbactam (3:1) for the treatment of infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae based on the probability of target attainment (PTA) against the tested bacteria. Results: Two 2-compartment models were developed to describe the PK profiles of cefoperazone and sulbactam. Simulation results following the single-dose showed that the regimens of cefoperazone/sulbactam combinations in the ratios of 3:1 and 2:1 achieved similar PTA against the tested bacteria. Simulation results from the multiple-dose showed that the dosing regimen of cefoperazone/sulbactam (4 g, TID, 3 g:1 g) showed slightly better antibacterial effect than cefoperazone/sulbactam (6 g, BID, 4 g:2 g) against the Escherichia coli (ESBL-) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-). For the other tested bacteria, the above regimens achieved a similar PTA. Conclusions: Cefoperazone/sulbactam (3:1) showed similar bactericidal activity to sulperazon [cefoperazone/sulbactam (2:1)] against the tested bacteria. For the ESBL-producing and cefoperazone-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae, Cefoperazone/sulbactam (3:1) did not exhibit advantage as anticipated. Our study indicated that further clinical trials should be carried out cautiously to avoid the potential risks of not achieving the expected target.

FX5, a non-steroidal glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, ameliorates diabetic cognitive impairment in mice.

Diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) is a common diabetic complication characterized by learning and memory deficits. In diabetic patients, hyperactivated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis leads to abnormal increase of glucocorticoids (GCs), which causes the damage of hippocampal neurons and cognitive impairment. In this study we investigated the cognition-improving effects of a non-steroidal glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist 5-chloro-N-[4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]thiophene-2-sulfonamide (FX5) in diabetic mice. Four weeks after T1DM or T2DM was induced, the mice were administered FX5 (20, 40 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) for 8 weeks. Cognitive impairment was assessed in open field test, novel object recognition test, Y-maze test, and Morris water maze test. We showed that FX5 administration significantly ameliorated the cognitive impairments in both type 1 and 2 diabetic mice. Similar cognitive improvement was observed in diabetic mice following brain GR-specific knockdown by injecting AAV-si-GR. Moreover, AAV-si-GR injection occluded the cognition-improving effects of FX5, suggesting that FX5 functioning as a non-steroidal GR antagonist. In PA-treated primary neurons (as DCI model in vitro), we demonstrated that FX5 (2, 5, 10 µM) dose-dependently ameliorated synaptic impairment via upregulating GR/BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway, protected against neuronal apoptosis through repressing GR/PI3K/AKT/GSK3ß-mediated tauopathy and subsequent endoplasmic reticulum stress. In LPS-treated primary microglia, FX5 dose-dependently inhibited inflammation through GR/NF-κB/NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway. These beneficial effects were also observed in the hippocampus of diabetic mice following FX5 administration. Collectively, we have elucidated the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of non-steroidal GR antagonist FX5 on DCI and highlighted the potential of FX5 in the treatment of the disease.

Waist-hip ratio related genetic loci are associated with risk of impaired fasting glucose in Chinese children: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: The meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies identified several waist-hip ratio (WHR) related loci in individuals of European ancestry. Since the pattern of fat distribution and the relationship between fat distribution and glucose metabolism disturbance in Chinese are different from those in Europeans, the present study aimed to explore the individual and cumulative effects of WHR-related loci on glycemic phenotypes in Chinese children. METHODS: A total of 2030 children were recruited from two independent studies. Eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected and genotyped using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Logistic regression and linear regression model were used to examine the association of 11 SNPs and genetic risk score (GRS) with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), respectively. RESULTS: Three SNPs (rs6795735, rs984222 and rs1011731) were nominally associated with IFG (all P < 0.05). Each WHR-increasing (C) allele of rs6795735 (ADAMTS9) was associated with a 40.1% increased risk of IFG (OR = 1.401, 95% CI = 1.131-1.735, P = 0.002), which remained significant after Bonferroni correction. We observed no association of both weighted and unweighted GRS with FPG and IFG (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We identified individual effects of rs6795735 (ADAMTS9), rs984222 (TBX15-WARS2), and rs1011731 (DNM3-PIGC) on glycemic phenotypes in Chinese children for the first time. The study suggests that genetic predisposition to central obesity is associated with impaired fasting glucose, providing more evidence for the pathogenesis of diabetes.

Association Study of Three Gene Polymorphisms Recently Identified by a Genome-Wide Association Study with Obesity-Related Phenotypes in Chinese Children.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine associations of three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with obesity-related phenotypes in Chinese children. These SNPs were identified by a recent genome-wide association (GWA) study among European children. Given that varied genetic backgrounds across different ethnicity may result in different association, it is necessary to study these associations in a different ethnic population. METHODS: A total of 3,922 children, including 2,191 normal-weight, 873 overweight and 858 obese children, from three independent studies were included in the study. Logistic and linear regressions were performed, and meta-analyses were conducted to assess the associations between the SNPs and obesity-related phenotypes. RESULTS: The pooled odds ratios of the A-allele of rs564343 in PACS1 for obesity and severe obesity were 1.180 (p = 0.03) and 1.312 (p = 0.004), respectively. We also found that rs564343 was nominally associated with BMI, BMI standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We showed for the first time that the rs564343 in PACS1 was associated with risk of severe obesity in a non-European population. This SNP was also found to be associated with common obesity and various obesity-related phenotypes in Chinese children, which had not been reported in the original study. The results demonstrated the value of conducting genetic researches in populations with different ethnicity.

Association of common variants identified by recent genome-wide association studies with obesity in Chinese children: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Large-scale genome-wide association studies have identified multiple genetic variants that are associated with elevated body mass index (BMI) or the risk of obesity in Caucasian or Asian populations. We examined whether these variants are individually associated with obesity in Chinese children, and also assessed their cumulative effects and predictive value for obesity risk in Chinese children. METHODS: We genotyped 40 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and conducted association analyses for 32/40 SNPs with an estimated minor allele frequency >1% in 2 030 unrelated Chinese children, including 607 normal-weight, 718 overweight, and 705 obese individuals from two cross-sectional study groups. Logistic regression and linear regression under the additive model were used to examine associations, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCROC) was reported as prediction summary. RESULTS: We identified obesity association for 6 SNPs near SEC16B, RBJ, CDKAL1, TFAP2B, MAP2K5 and FTO (odds ratios (ORs) ranged from 1.19 to 1.41, nominal two-sided P-values < 0.05). Association (Bonferroni corrected) of rs543874 near SEC16B and rs2241423 near MAP2K5 had presumably stronger effects on obesity in Chinese children than in Caucasian populations. Their risk alleles were also associated with BMI standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) variability. We demonstrated the cumulative effects of the 32 SNPs on obesity risk (per risk allele: OR = 1.06, 95 % CI: 1.03-1.11, P = 4.84 × 10(-4)) and BMI-SDS (ß = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.02-0.06, P = 3.69 × 10(-7)). The difference in AUCROC for a model with covariates (age, age square, sex and study group) and the model including covariates and all 32 SNPs was 2.8% (P = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: While six SNPs were individually associated with obesity in Chinese children, the 32 common variants identified by recent GWA studies had cumulative effects and resulted in a limited increase in the AUCROC predictive value for childhood obesity.

Study on the effect of BMSCs-EGFP-tk as mediator of HSV1-tk/GCV suicide gene therapy directed against A549 in vitro.

This study aims to observe the expression of HSV1-tk in mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs-EGFP-tk) and detect the inhibition and killing effects of BMSCs as mediator of HSV1-tk/GCV on A549 cells in vitro, which can provide the experimental basis for gene therapy of lung cancer. We constructed the recombinant plasmid Vector pDON-AI-2 Neo-HSV1-tk-IRES2-EGFP with genetic engineering methods. Then we obtained the virus-like particles with infection ability after packaging the virus. The recombinant plasmid was transfected into mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. The expressions of EGFP in cells were observed by fluorescence microscopy and HSV1-tk gene was detected with RT-PCR. At last, the A549 cells and BMSCs-EGFP-tk cells were co-cultured with in vitro contact method, and the effect of BMSCs-EGFP-tk/GCV system was determined by MTT. Results indicated that the biological characteristics of BMSCs-EGFP-tk were consistent with those of BMSCs and fluorescent light expression and HSV1-tk gene expression can persist at least 15 days. The A549 cells and BMSCs-EGFP-tk cells were co-cultured and BMSCs-EGFP-tk:A549 = 2:1, adding 1 µg/mL GCV, the theory mortality is 58.44%, but actually the mortality is 90%. There is almost no difference between BMSCs-EGFP-tk and BMSCs cells in biological characteristics. The growth of A549 cells have an obviously inhibition and the bystander effect is outstanding in vitro after co-culture and this experiment lays solid foundation for the future research.

The gene-gene interaction of INSIG-SCAP-SREBP pathway on the risk of obesity in Chinese children.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity has become a global public health problem in recent years. This study aimed to explore the association of genetic variants in INSIG-SCAP-SREBP pathway with obesity in Chinese children. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted, including 705 obese cases and 1,325 nonobese controls. We genotyped 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of five genes in INSIG-SCAP-SREBP pathway, including insulin induced gene 1 (INSIG1), insulin induced gene 2 (INSIG2), SREBP cleavage-activating protein gene (SCAP), sterol regulatory element binding protein gene 1 (SREBP1), and sterol regulatory element binding protein gene 2 (SREBP2). We used generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) and logistic regression to investigate gene-gene interactions. RESULTS: Single polymorphism analyses showed that SCAP rs12487736 and rs12490383 were nominally associated with obesity. We identified a 3-locus interaction on obesity in GMDR analyses (P = 0.001), involving 3 genetic variants of INSIG2, SCAP, and SREBP2. The individuals in high-risk group of the 3-locus combinations had a 79.9% increased risk of obesity compared with those in low-risk group (OR = 1.799, 95% CI: 1.475-2.193, P = 6.61 × 10(-9)). CONCLUSION: We identified interaction of three genes in INSIG-SCAP-SREBP pathway on risk of obesity, revealing that these genes affect obesity more likely through a complex interaction pattern than single gene effect.

[Association of rs2228314 polymorphism in SREBP2 with serum lipid levels and obesity among children and adolescents].

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between rs2228314 polymorphism in sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 gene (SREBP2) and obesity, serum lipid levels in children and adolescents. METHODS: In our study, 2 030 children and adolescents aged from 7 to 18 years participated. Anthropometric measurements, including height and weight, were performed. Their serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were detected. The matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was used to detect rs2228314 genotypes. RESULTS: The GC/CC genotypes of rs2228314 polymorphisms had lower HDL-C levels than GG genotype [(0.10 ± 0.35) mmol/L vs. (0.14 ± 0.36) mmol/L, P=0.020]. The rs2228314 polymorphism was associated with the abnormal HDL-C level under the dominant model after adjustment for study samples, sex and age (OR=1.400, 95% CI: 1.027-1.907, P=0.033). The rs2228314 polymorphism was not associated with obesity under the dominant model after adjustment for study samples, sex, age and HDL-C level (OR=1.178,95% CI: 0.971-1.430, P=0.096). CONCLUSION: The GC/CC genotype carriers of SREBP2 rs2228314 polymorphism have higher risk of abnormal HDL-C level than the individuals with GG genotype among children and adolescents.

Association study of childhood obesity with eight genetic variants recently identified by genome-wide association studies.

BACKGROUND: Being overweight or obese is becoming increasingly common in low- and middle-income countries. The present study aimed to examine association of eight genetic variants with obesity and to estimate the cumulative effects of these variants in Chinese children. METHODS: We conducted the case-control study in a total of 2,030 subjects. Genotyping of seven novel variants was performed with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry, while rs9939609 was genotyped with tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system analysis. RESULTS: The association of two fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs9939609 and rs62048402) with body mass index (BMI) or obesity reached nominal significance at P < 0.05. We found a cumulative effect of five SNPs on the risk of overweight and obesity (odds ratio (OR) = 1.197, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.068-1.342, P = 0.002). Subjects carrying 9 or more effect alleles had a 127% increased risk of overweight and obesity (OR = 2.270, 95% CI = 1.403-3.671, P = 0.001) compared with subjects who carry 6 or fewer effect alleles. CONCLUSION: We confirmed two FTO SNPs (rs62048402 and rs9939609) had nominal significant effects on BMI or obesity. We identified the cumulative effect of five SNPs on risk of overweight and obesity. The results provided evidence for identifying genetic factors related to childhood obesity.

[Association between abdominal obesity and blood pressure among 7 to 10 years old Chinese children].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between abdominal obesity and blood pressure among 7-10 years old Chinese children. METHODS: A total of 40 495 children aged 7-10 years with complete height, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure data were chosen from the data of 2010 Chinese National Survey on Students Constitution and Health. Based on the "Reference Norms for Screening Overweight and Obesity in Chinese Children and Adolescents" developed by Working Group Obesity in China (WGOC) and the waist to height ratio reference value for children (WHtR ≤ 0.46) , the children were divided into 4 body types (normal weight, simple abdominal obesity, combined obesity and other types). High blood pressure was defined as the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) higher than the P 95 blood pressure value of 2010 national student of the same gender and age. The prevalence of simple abdominal obesity, combined obesity and high blood pressure were described. Three groups (with 2165 children in each) of children with normal weight, simple abdominal obesity, combined obesity respectively were selected from the chosen ones matched by gender, age (within ± 0.5 years old) and height (within ± 0.3 cm) at the ratio of 1: 1: 1. The value of blood pressure and prevalence of high blood pressure were described.χ(2) test, analysis of variance and multilevel models were used to analyze the relationship between obesity and blood pressure. RESULTS: A total of 40 475 children were selected from the database, including 20 175 boys and 20 320 girls. The prevalence of simple abdominal obesity was 6.36% (2576/40 495), the prevalence of boys and girls was 7.41% (1494/20 175) and 5.32% (1082/20 320) respectively. The prevalence of combined obesity was 16.33% (6611/40 495), the prevalence of boys and girls was 21.30% (4298/20 175) and 11.38% (2313/20 320) respectively. There were statistical differences in the body type distribution of both boys and girls (χ(2) = 869.01, P < 0.01). The prevalence of high blood pressure was 9.62% (3896/40 495), the prevalence of boys (10.05% (2028/20 175)) was higher than girls (9.19% (1868/20 320)) (χ(2) = 8.59, P < 0.01). The value of SBP and DBP among combined obesity group (boys: (103.8 ± 11.3), (64.7 ± 10.1) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa); girls: (102.9 ± 12.1), (64.5 ± 10.0) mm Hg) > simple abdominal obesity group (boys: (99.5 ± 11.2), (61.6 ± 9.9) mm Hg; girls: (99.6 ± 11.4), (62.6 ± 9.3) mm Hg)> normal weight group (boys: (97.4 ± 10.8), (60.5 ± 9.4) mm Hg; girls: (97.2 ± 10.8), (60.8 ± 9.4) mm Hg), and the differences were statistical significant (Fboys: 113.22, 62.05; Fgirls: 54.19, 32.31, P < 0.01). According to the results of multilevel model, among boys, compared with the normal weight group, the SBP of combined obesity group and simple abdominal obesity group was 6.0 and 1.8 mm Hg higher respectively (Wald χ(2): 17.55, 204.94, P < 0.01); the DBP was 4.0 and 0.9 mm Hg higher respectively (Wald χ(2): 6.37, 114.05, P < 0.05). Among girls, the SBP was 5.0 and 2.1 mm Hg higher respectively (Wald χ(2):16.47, 92.52, P < 0.01); the DBP was 3.5 and 1.6 mm Hg higher respectively (Wald χ(2): 12.29, 57.52, P < 0.01). Comparing with normal group, the risk of high SBP among boys with simple abdominal obesity was higher (OR = 1.48; 95%CI: 1.06-2.06), and both the boys (SBP: OR = 3.06; 95%CI: 2.28-4.11) ; DBP: OR = 2.72; 95%CI: 1.99-3.72) and girls (SBP: OR = 2.48; 95%CI: 1.75-3.53; DBP: OR = 2.64; 95%CI: 1.82-3.93) in combined obesity group had a higher risk of high SBP and high DBP. CONCLUSION: Simple abdominal obesity is associated with the increasing of blood pressure in children, and combined obesity has a closer ties than simple abdominal obesity.

[Association between physical development and spermatorrhea during puberty among boys aged 11 to 15 years in China].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between spermatorrhea and physical development during puberty for boys aged 11 to 15 years old in China. METHODS: The height, weight, chest circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference and the station of spermatorrhea of boys aged 11-15 years old were selected from the data of 2010 National Survey on Students Constitution and Health. Body mass index (BMI) and waist to height ratio were calculated. After 1: 1 random matching in every 0.1 year of age, 6880 boys (3440 with spermatorrhea and 3440 without spermatorrhea) were included in our study. t-test was used to analyze differences in anthropometry measurements between boys with spermatorrhea and boys without spermatorrhea in each age group. Multilevel model was used to analyze the relationship between anthropometry measurements and spermatorrhea. RESULTS: A total of 6880 boys were put in this research. Heights of boys with spermatorrhea aged 11 to 15 years old were (150.96 ± 8.01), (159.46 ± 8.03), (163.76 ± 7.43), (167.03 ± 7.12) and (169.50 ± 6.64) cm, respectively, while heights of boys without spermatorrhea aged 11 to 15 were (147.38 ± 6.54), (153.55 ± 8.68), (160.35 ± 8.66), (164.44 ± 7.98) and (167.98 ± 7.80) cm, respectively. The differences were significant (t values were 3.70, 9.96, 10.76, 8.26, and 3.21 respectively with all P values < 0.01). RESULTS: of multilevel analysis showed that the differences of weight were the largest from 11 to 13 years old, boys with spermatorrhea having a 4.20, 7.23 and 3.93 kg (Waldχ(2) values were 13.11, 70.73 and 72.93 respectively, all P values < 0.01) larger weight than boys without spermatorrhea, respectively. Differences of height were the largest from 14 to 15 years old, boys with spermatorrhea having a 2.81 and 1.99 cm (Waldχ(2) values were 87.80 and 19.54, P < 0.01) larger height than boys without spermatorrhea. The trends of the differences between boys with spermatorrhea and boys without spermatorrhea (ß value) with age were parabolic on weight, BMI, height, chest circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist to height ratio. The ß values reached maximum at 12 years old, which were 7.23 kg, 1.64 kg/m(2), 5.55 cm, 4.40 cm, 4.63 cm, 4.94 cm, and 0.015, respectively. The ß values reached minimum at 15 years old, which were -0.39 kg, -0.56 kg/m(2), 1.99 cm, -0.57 cm, -1.59 cm, -0.42 cm and -0.015, respectively. CONCLUSION: There is an association between spermatorrhea and physical development among boys aged 11 to 15 years in China , which has a parabolic trend with age.

[Analysis of influencing factors on physical endurance of Chinese primary and middle school students aged 10 to 17].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influencing factors on physical endurance among Chinese primary and middle school students aged 10-17. METHODS: Data was used from "2010 National Physical Fitness and Health Surveillance", from which 68 458 primary and middle school students with complete information were selected. Good physical endurance was defined as endurance running time ≤ P 25 of same gender and age, poor physical endurance as ≥ P 75 of same gender and age. Difference of endurance running time in different physical endurance groups was compared; chi-square test, logistic regression and multiple level model were used to analyze influence of region, BMI, diet, exercise and exercise willingness on physical endurance. RESULTS: There were 34 293 (50.0%) students of good physical endurance and 34 219 (50.0%) ones of poor physical endurance in 68 458 subjects. Percentage of good physical endurance was 53.8% (18 285/33 996) in rural students, higher than urban ones (46.3% (15 954/34 462)) (χ(2) = 384.16, P < 0.01). Percentage of good physical endurance was 12.2% (448/3660) in obese students, lower than normal (55.2% (28 183/51 028)), overweight (29.3% (2012/6874)) and emaciated ones (52.1% (3596/6896)) (χ(2) = 3840.08, P < 0.01). Percentage of good physical endurance was 52.5% (25 534/48 679) in students having breakfast everyday, higher than ones never having breakfast or 1-2 times per week (41.3% (3209/7768))(χ(2) = 438.31, P < 0.01). Percentage of good physical endurance was 51.7% (11 580/22 379) in students having milk everyday, slightly higher than ones never or sometimes having milk (49.2% (22 659/46 079)) (χ(2) = 39.84, P < 0.01). Percentage of good physical endurance was 55.3% (18 961/34 314) in students with adequate physical education class, higher than ones with inadequate class (44.7% (15 278/34 144)) (χ(2) = 756.41, P < 0.01). Percentage of good physical endurance was 58.6% (9484/16 195) in students with one hour exercise or more per day, higher than ones with less than one hour exercise (47.4% (24 755/52 263)) (χ(2) = 619.82, P < 0.01). Percentage of good physical endurance was 60.1% (19 287/32 118) in students who were "very willing" to take part in endurance running, higher than "generally willing" ones (45.4% (10 569/23 272)) and "not willing" ones (33.5% (4383/13 068)) (χ(2) = 2909.61, P < 0.01). Multiple level analysis revealed that risk of poor physical endurance was lower in rural students (OR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.77-0.82) than urban ones. Risk in emaciated students (OR = 1.11, 95%CI: 1.05-1.17), overweight students (OR = 2.69, 95%CI: 2.55-2.85) and obese students (OR = 7.71, 95%CI: 6.97-8.52) was higher than normal ones. Concerning diet, risk of poor physical endurance in students never having breakfast or once to twice per week was highest (OR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.13-1.26), followed by students having breakfast three to five times per week (OR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.08-1.18); risk in students having one bag of milk per day was higher (OR = 1.09, 95%CI: 1.02-1.17) than ones having two bags. Concerning exercise, risk of poor physical endurance in students with inadequate physical education class (OR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.13-1.26) and less than one hour exercise per day (OR = 1.34, 95%CI: 1.29-1.40) was higher than ones with adequate physical education class and one hour exercise or more respectively. Risk of poor physical endurance in students who were "generally willing" (OR = 1.67, 95%CI: 1.61-1.73) and "not willing" (OR = 2.72, 95%CI: 2.60-2.85) to take part in endurance running was higher than "very willing" ones. CONCLUSION: Urban and rural residence, BMI, breakfast, milk, physical education class, exercise time and exercise willingness were related to primary and middle school students'physical endurance.

[Association between early menarche and physical fitness among adolescent girls in China].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between early menarche and physical fitness among adolescent girls in China. METHODS: Research material was selected from the data of "2010 National Physical Fitness and Health Survey". Probability unit regression method was used to calculate the age of 10th percentile at menarche and menarche age before the 10th percentile was defined as early menarche(9.0-11.6 years old). A total of 1072 girls with early menarche were selected. Each girl with early menarche was matched with one girl from the same urban or rural locations who hadn't achieved menarche with the age difference less than 0.1 years. A total of 1072 girls without menarche were selected. Indicators of physical fitness included 50 m running, standing broad jump, 50 m×8 shuttle running and sit-ups. Differences of physical fitness between early menarche and without menarche were analyzed using t test stratified by age and urban/rural area. The multilevel models of single dependent variable and multiple dependent variables were used to analyze association between early menarche and physical fitness. RESULTS: A total of 2144 students were put in this research. Among girls (11.0-11.6 years old) in urban areas, 50 m running, standing broad jump and sit-ups was (9.78 ± 0.85) s, (153.81 ± 18.59) cm, and 27.79 ± 10.25, respectively for those with early menarche, while in girls without menarche was (10.01 ± 0.90) s, (149.71 ± 18.72) cm and 26.28 ± 10.11, respectively. There were significant differences between two groups on all above variables (t values were 4.02, 3.43 and 2.31, respectively with all P values <0.01). Among girls in rural, 50 m×8 shuttle-running and sit-ups was (125.22 ± 15.57) s and 24.96 ± 8.97 for those with early menarche, while it was (120.92 ± 13.06) s and 22.96 ± 9.83 for those without menarche. There were significant differences between two groups on both variables(t values were 3.89 and 2.77 with both P values < 0.01). In addition, 50 m×8 shuttle-running in girls (10.0-10.9 years old) with early menarche was (128.52 ± 15.74) s and it was (123.89 ± 13.50) s in girls without menarche. The difference was significant (t = 2.14, P < 0.05). The multilevel analysis showed that 50 m running, standing broad jump and sit-ups in girls with early menarche was 0.12 s, 3.14 cm and 1.11 higher than girls without menarche (Waldχ(2) values were 4.00, 6.22 and 4.07, respectively with all P values < 0.05). But 50 m×8 shuttle-running in girls with early menarche was 1.95 s less than girls without menarche (Waldχ(2) = 3.96, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Early menarche may be associated with higher speed fitness, leg power and muscle power and lower physical stamina.

Digestive tract hemorrhage due to complications with gastrointestinal stromal tumor treated with sunitinib: A case report.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare, and account for 1% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. GISTs are the most frequent mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the clinical and pathological characteristics of these neoplasms are not adequately understood. The best treatment approach for GISTs remains unclear. In the present study, we report a case of a GIST originating from the stomach. A digestive tract hemorrhage occurred as a complication of sunitinib treatment. This is the first report of a digestive tract hemorrhage due to sunitinib treatment.

Reproduction allocation and potential mechanism of individual allelopathic rice plants in the presence of competing barnyardgrass.

BACKGROUND: In spite of increasing knowledge of allelopathic rice as an efficient component involved in paddy weed management, relatively little is known about its reproduction in response to competing weeds. Reproduction allocation of individual allelopathic rice plants in relation to monoculture and mixed culture with competing barnyardgrass in a paddy field was studied, along with analyses of soil nutrients and microbial communities to understand the potential mechanism. RESULTS: At a 1:1 barnyardgrass and rice mixture proportion identified from a replacement series study, biomass, grain yield and major parameters of individual allelopathic rice plants at the mature stage were increased by competing barnyardgrass. There was no difference in allelopathic rice root-zone soil ammonium N and Olsen P between monoculture and mixed culture. However, mixed culture altered soil microbial biomass C and communities. When mixed with barnyardgrass, allelopathic rice root zone had an 87% increase in soil microbial biomass C. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiling indicated that the signature lipid biomarkers of bacteria, actinobacteria and fungi were affected by mixed culture. Principal component analysis clearly identified differences in the composition of PLFA in different soil samples. CONCLUSION: Allelopathic rice specific changes in soil microbial communities may generate a positive feedback on its own growth and reproduction in the presence of competing barnyardgrass in a given paddy system.

[Relationship between heat shock protein 70 expression and radiotherapeutic effect in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression and radiotherapeutic sensitivity. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted for HSP70 expression in surgical specimens of 70 patients with esophageal cancer and their radiotherapy effect; the siRNA plasmids were prepared to inhibit HSP70 expression. After culturing, the plasmids were transfected into EC9706 cells. After γ-ray irradiation, the cell numbers were compared with the control group. And the contents of HSP70 protein were measured by Western blot in transfected cells. RESULTS: In HSP positive group, patients with chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy had a lower 2-year recurrence rate than the radiotherapy group (35% vs 55%). In HSP-negative group, there was no significant difference. After γ-ray irradiation, the number of RNA interference cell lines was significantly less than that of the RNA expression cell lines. Western blot showed that, after γ-ray irradiation, HSP70 expression increased, peaked at 16 hours and began to decline at 20 hours. CONCLUSION: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is not sensitive to radiotherapy. The interference of HSP70 protein synthesis may become a new method of improving the efficacy of radiotherapy.

[Clinical characteristics and treatment analysis of primary breast lymphoma: 49 cases report].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the morbidity, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, metastasis, treatment and prognosis of primary breast lymphoma (PBL). METHODS: From January 1960 to August 2007, 49 cases with PBL were treated among 22811 cases of breast malignancy and 7337 cases of malignant lymphoma. The clinical data of these 49 patients, included gender, age, pathologic type, breast X ray and B ultrasound examination results, involved lymph nodes and organs, treatment, survival time, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: From 1960 to 2007, the incidence rate of PBL in Tianjin Municipality was 59/10 millions; in details, the incidence rate of PBL for every 10 years was 2/10 millions, 3/10 millions, 0, 13/10 millions and 32/10 millions, respectively. According to circle graph of age, PBL occurred frequently in female aged 30 to 59 years. Most of this group of PBL was non-Hodgkin lymphoma (48 cases). No typical characteristics was found with the examination of breast X ray, B ultrasound and frozen section pathology. Bone marrow (9 cases), lung (7 cases), meninges (4 cases) and ovary (4 cases) were frequently involved organs. The overall 5-year survival rate was 6.1% for the group. The prognosis in patients with radical mastectomy combined chemotherapy was much better than that in patient received super to local mastectomy plus chemotherapy or simple tumor resection plus chemotherapy (5-year survival rates were 21.4%, 0, 0, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: PBL is a kind of rare lymphoma with incidence increasing sharply in the past few decades. The clinical manifestation is atypical. Diagnosis of PBL should adopt histological examination. Radical mastectomy combined chemotherapy could bring better prognosis, but the prognosis is still poor.