The liquid Kangfuxin (KFX) has efficient antifungal activity and can be used in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis in mice.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an infectious disease caused mainly by Candida albicans. Kangfuxin (KFX) is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation made from Periplaneta americana extracts, which promotes wound healing and enhances body immunity and also acts as an antifungal agent. Here, we evaluated the effect of KFX in the treatment of VVC in vitro and in vivo. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50 ) of KFX against C. albicans ranged from 7·65 to 20·57%. In addition, KFX was more efficient than fluconazole (FLC) in inhibiting the drug-resistant C. albicans, and the effect was more intense after 8 h. The KFX treatment also exhibited good activity in vivo. It restored the body weight and reduced the vulvovaginal symptoms in mice induced with VVC. It downregulated the expression of the hyphae-related gene, HWP1, thus inhibiting the growth and development of C. albicans hyphae. It also increased the number of neutrophils and promoted the secretion of interleukin-17A (IL-17A); however, the levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) decreased in mice with VVC. We deduce that KFX effectively treats vaginal candidiasis in two ways: by inhibiting the growth and development of mycelia to reduce colonization of C. albicans and by promoting the secretion and release of IL-17A and neutrophils in high numbers to fight C. albicans infection. This study provides a theoretical basis for the use of KFX for the clinical treatment of VVC.

[Epidemiological analysis of Plague in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan province, 1950-2019].

Objective: To analyze the epidemic situation and influencing factors of plague in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous prefectures (Dehong) from 1950 to 2019, for the improvement of strategies on prevention and control of the disease. Methods: The epidemic situation and surveillance data of animal and human plague in Dehong prefecture from 1950 to 2019 were collected and analyzed by descriptive epidemiological methods. Multiple linear regression equations were established by SPSS 20.0 software to analyze the relationship between plague among animals and rat density and flea index, as well as the relationship between human plague and plague among animals. Results: In Dehong prefecture, plague experienced a phenomenon of epidemic-resting-epidemic-resting cycle, between 1950 and 2019. During this period, 614 epidemic spots were identified in 36 townships of five counties/cities,. Human plague had been prevalent for 15 years, with 1 153 human cases and 379 deaths involved. Between 1982 and 2019, 261 319 rodents were captured, of which Rattus flavipectus accounted for 70.95%(185 421/261 319). A total of 70 124 fleas were seized with 76.65%(53 752/70 124), xenopsylla cheopis as fleas. The index of fleas and free fleas were 0.57 and 0.22 respectively. A total of 1 577 strains of Yersinia pestis were isolated from 285 091 animal specimens and 418 strains of Yersinia pestis were isolated from 60 119 groups of fleas, with 255 F1 antibody positive samples were detected from 64 157 sera samples. Neither Yersinia pestis nor the outbreak of plague had been noticed since 2008. Correlations between both animal plagues and rat density, as well as human plague and animals plague were noticed from the regression analysis. Conclusions: The epidemics of plague were with long-term and stable nature, in Dehong prefecture. Affected by many factors, plague seemed in a resting period currently. However, we should be reminded that the fact that outbreak of plague may revive at some uncertaint point. Hence in order to prevent human plague, strategies as careful surveillance programs on animals, need to be strenthened.

[Study on handgrip strength of elderly ≥60 years old from longevity areas in China].

Objective: To assess the status of handgrip strength of elderly population from longevity areas in China, and to analyze the correlative factors of handgrip strength of elderly people. Methods: Data from Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) in 2012 was used, from which1 967 participants aged ≥60 years old with valid data of grip strength value from 8 Chinese longevity areas were included. Information on demographics characteristic, life style and health status was collected using questionnaires. The handgrip strength of both left and right hands were measured by grip dynamometer. The different characteristics of group of participants with different grip strength were compared and then analyzed by adopting the Cumulative odds Logistic regression model to identify main factors associated with hand grip strength. Results: The P(50) (P(25)-P(50)) of hand grip strength of elderly people from the eight longevity areas was 20 (11-28) kg; The hand grip strength of males was 26 (18-34) kg, which was higher than that of females(14 (9-20) kg) (P<0.001). Cumulative odds Logistic regression model showed that the hand grip strength of females was lower than males, whose ß value (95%CI) was-1.22 (-1.43--1.00). The elderly who was at a higher age, smoking, drinking or with anemia, had a comparatively lower handgrip strength, whose ß (95%CI) value were separately-0.08(-0.09~-0.07),-0.29(-0.56~-0.02),-0.54(-0.80~-0.28), and-0.41(-0.62~-0.20). And the elderly who had a higher boby mass index, drinking tea and outdoor activities, had a comparatively higher handgrip strength, whose ß(95%CI) value were separately 0.28 (0.15-0.40), 0.25(0.03-0.47) and 0.51(0.30-0.71). Conclusion: Age and gender were the main correlative factors, lifestyles and physical conditions might also be correlative factors of hand grip strength of the elderly from longevity areas in China.

[Association between biomarkers and activities of daily living in the elderly ≥65 years old from longevity areas in China].

Objective: To explore the association between biomarkers and activities of daily living (ADL) in the elderly over 65 years old from longevity areas in China. Methods: A total of 2 439 people from 8 longevity areas were included in our baseline survey in 2012. Using questionnaires, body measurements, and blood biochemical examinations, information on demographics characteristic, life style, ADL, blood pressure and biomarkers were collected. Based on these six items of ADL (bathing, dressing, indoor activities, toileting, eating, bowel and bladder control), we constructed a dichotomous indicator for ADL. A respondent was defined as ADL disabled if any difficulty in one or more of the above six activities was reported. Information were collected in the follow-up in 2014 using the same questionnaires and examinations. We excluded information on the elderly who lacked ADL or biomarkers test results or with ADL disability at baseline study. Finally 938 elderly people over 65 years old were included in this analysis. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influence factors of ADL disability. Results: During the 2-year follow-up, 100 (10.7%) participants developed into ADL disability, with a rate at 10.7%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that each year increase in age or each 1 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) would cause the risk of ADL disability to increase 9% or 1%, whose OR (95%CI) were separately 1.09 (1.06-1.12), 1.01 (1.00-1.02). Han nationality or cognitive impairment increased the risk of ADL disability, whose OR (95%CI) values were separately 4.90 (1.13-21.24), 2.47 (1.44-4.25), while increased lymphocyte count (>1.60×10(9)/L), being married, or participating in recreational activities decreased the risk of ADL disability, whose OR (95%CI) values were separately 0.51 (0.31-0.82), 0.52 (0.28-0.96), 0.43 (0.23-0.80). Conclusion: In the elderly elevated lymphocyte count was associated with lower risk of ADL disability. In addition, incresed age, increased SBP, unmarried, Han nationality or cognitive impairment were associated with the increasing risk of ADL disability in older people, while participating in recreational activities would reduce the risk.

[A perspective cohort study on influence factors of survival outcome among the elderly aged ≥80 years old from longevity areas in China].

Objective: To investigate the influence factors of survival outcome among elderly aged ≥80 years old. Methods: In baseline survey in 2009, 930 participants aged ≥80 years old were enrolled from 7 longevity areas, to collect the information of socioeconomic factors, life style, cognitive function, activities of daily living and diseases, as well as physical examination to test biomarkers of blood and urine. The survival status was followed up at 2012 and 2014 survey. Stepwise Cox proportional hazards models were used to screen influence factors of 5-year survival. Results: During 5 years of follow-up, 571 participants died, 133 participants were lost to follow up, and the all-cause mortality was 63.4%. In stepwise Cox proportional hazards models, male, unmarried, self-reported poor life quality, disability in daily life, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, chronic kidney diseases were risk factors for elderly survival outcome, with the HR (95%CI) at 1.75 (1.40-2.12), 1.49 (1.10-2.03), 1.40 (1.16-1.69), 1.37 (1.11-1.70), 1.51 (1.22-1.88), 1.62 (1.18-2.23) and 1.48 (1.23-1.77) respectively. Each 1 year increase in age corresponded to 4% increase in mortality risk (HR (95%CI)=1.04 (1.02-1.05)); each 1 kg/m(2) increase in BMI corresponded to 5% increase in mortality risk (HR (95%CI)=0.95 (0.93-0.98)); each 1.0×10(9)/L increase in total lymphocyte count (TLC) corresponded to 13% increase in mortality risk (HR (95%CI)=0.87 (0.76-0.99)). Additionally, the mortality risk decreased 19% (HR (95%CI)=0.81 (0.66-0.98)) in participants with regularly physical exercise compared to those without; and the mortality risk decreased 41% (HR (95% CI)=0.59 (0.40-0.88)) in participants with elevated triglycerides (TG, ≥2.26 mmol/L) compared to those without. Conclusion: In Chinese longevity areas, some nutritional and immune indices such as relatively higher level of BMI, TLC and TG were independent protective factors for 5-year survival outcome, which was different from general adults and younger elderly.

[Follow-up study on the effects of lipid ratios on all-cause mortality among elderly adults in longevity areas of China].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between lipid ratios and all-cause mortality among elderly adults aged 80 years and older living in longevity areas of China. METHODS: A total of 874 participants in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey during June 2009 were included in our baseline survey. Lipid concentrations were measured and lipid ratios including LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and atherosclerosis index (AI) were calculated at baseline, and the information on questionnaires, body measurement, and blood biochemical profiles was collected. Survival time and survival status were followed up in August 2012. Subjects were stratified into three groups (low, middle and high) by tertiles of lipid ratios. All-cause mortality was calculated. Cox regression models were used to assess the association of lipid ratios with mortality. RESULTS: During 38 months of follow-up, a total of 427 participants had died, 378 participants survived, and 69 participants were lost to follow-up; overall mortality was 50.5%. For these participants, P50 (P25-P75) values for LDL-C/HDL-C were 1.68 (1.22-2.05), 1.85 (1.34-2.16), and 1.78 (1.33-2.08), respectively (H=6.93, P=0.025); values for TG/HDL-C were 1.00 (0.79-1.34), 1.20 (0.97-1.53), and 1.23 (0.95-1.72), respectively (H=9.18, P=0.008). AIs were 2.12 (1.72-2.61), 2.27 (1.84-2.75), and 2.13 (1.80-2.58), respectively (H=6.37, P=0.041). Values for 38-month all-cause mortality were 53.1%, 50.0%, and 44.0% among participants with low, middle, and high LDL-C/HDL-C ratios (<1.39, 1.39-1.92, ≥1.92), respectively (χ(2)=7.54, P=0.024); these values were 54.8%, 46.4%, and 45.3% among participants with low, middle, and high AIs (<1.83, 1.83-2.39, ≥2.39), respectively (χ(2)=6.67, P=0.035). Each 1 unit increase of LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C , and AI corresponded to a 17%, 15%, and 13% decrease in 38-month all-cause mortality, respectively; adjusted HRs were 0.83 (0.72-0.97), 0.85 (0.74-0.99), and 0.87 (0.76-0.99), respectively. Compared with participants who had low LDL-C/HDL-C ratios, high ratios were associated with lower risk of mortality (HR 0.88; (95% CI: 0.78-0.99)). Compared with low AIs, middle and high values were associated with lower risk of mortality HRs (95%CI) were 0.84 (0.72-0.98) and 0.87 (0.78-0.98);respectively. CONCLUSION: LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and AI were negatively associated with all-cause mortality among elderly adults aged 80 years and older living in longevity areas of China.

[Association between oxygen saturation and cognitive function in older adults from longevity areas in China].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between oxygen saturation (SpO2) and cognitive function in older adults from longevity areas in China. METHODS: A total of 2 285 participants aged ≥65 years according to the 2012 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey were included in this study. Among them, 1 739 participants aged 65-99 years were randomly selected, and 546 participants aged ≥100 years were totally involved. A standardized questionaire was used to collect the information of demographic characteristics, life styles, disease history, etc. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini Mental State Examination Scale. Arterial oxygen saturation and heart rate were measured by pulse oximetry. Differences in cognitive function between the low SpO2 group (<0.94) and normal SpO2 group (≥0.94) were analyzed, and logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between SpO2 and cognitive function. RESULTS: The total score of cognitive function was 22.6±9.7 for the 1 922 participants in the normal SpO2 group, and 18.8 ± 11.0 for the 363 participants in the low SpO2 group (t=6.11, P<0.001). The proportion of cognitive impairment in the low SpO2 group was 36.6% (n=133), and 22.9% (n=441) in the normal SpO2 group (χ(2)=30.44, P<0.001). RESULTS from stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of cognitive impairment increased with each year of increased age (OR 1.07; (95% CI: 1.05-1.09), P<0.001). Low SpO2, vision disorders, impaired activities of daily living, dyslipidemia, unmarried status, and lack of exercise were also associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment (OR 1.64; (95% CI: 1.11-2.43), OR 1.73; (95% CI: 1.27-2.35), OR 3.54; (95% CI: 2.62-4.79), OR 1.38; (95% CI: 1.02-1.86), OR 2.05; (95% CI: 1.34-3.13), OR 1.83; (95% CI: 1.13-2.97), respectively, P<0.05). Stratified analysis by age group showed that the association between SpO2 and cognitive impairment was most significant in participants aged ≥90 years (OR 1.58; (95% CI: 1.09-2.28), P=0.016). CONCLUSION: Low oxygen saturation was associated with higher risk of cognitive impairment in our population of elderly adults.

Improved Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and high efficiency of root formation from hypocotyl meristem of spring Brassica napus 'Precocity' cultivar.

Rape seed (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oil seed crops in the world. Genetic manipulation of rapeseed requires a suitable tissue culture system and an efficient method for plant regeneration, as well as an efficient transformation procedure. However, development of transgenic B. napus has been problematic, and current studies are limited to cultivated varieties. In this study, we report a protocol for regeneration of transgenic rape after Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of hypocotyls from the spring B. napus 'Precocity' cultivar. We analyzed the effects of plant growth regulators in the medium on regeneration. Additionally, factors affecting the transformation efficiency, including seedling age, Agrobacterium concentration, infection time, and co-cultivation time, were assessed by monitoring GUS expression. Results from these experiments revealed that transformation was optimized when the meristematic parts of the hypocotyls were taken from 8 day-old seedlings, cultured on Murashinge and Skoog basal media containing 0.1 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid and 2.5 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine, and incubated in Agrobacterium suspension (OD600 = 0.5) for 3 to 5 min, followed by 2 days of co-cultivation. Integration of T-DNA into the plant genome was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), b-glucuronidase histochemical staining, and quantitative real-time PCR. The protocols developed for regeneration, transformation, and rooting described in this study could help to accelerate the development of transgenic spring rape varieties with novel features.

The role of renin-angiotensin system blockade therapy in the prevention of atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Current evidence suggests that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) have emerged as novel drugs for preventing the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). A meta-analysis was performed of 26 randomized controlled clinical trials evaluating the effect of ACEIs or ARBs on the prevention of AF. Overall, ACEIs and ARBs revealed statistically significant preventive effects on AF (odds ratio (OR), 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55-0.76). The preventive effect was similar in the two classes of drugs (ACEI: OR, 0.68; ARB: OR, 0.69). ACEIs and ARBs showed greater preventive effects on recurrent AF (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.31-0.65) than on new-onset AF (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70-0.92). Prevention was greatest in patients with AF who were receiving amiodarone as a basic treatment drug (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.26-0.48). In patients with heart failure, there appeared to be a large effect (OR, 0.497), but the credible interval (CrI) limits were wide (95% CrI, 0.187-1.161).