β-Elemene induces apoptosis and autophagy in colorectal cancer cells through regulating the ROS/AMPK/mTOR pathway / 中国天然药物

β-Elemene is an effective anti-cancer ingredient extracted from the genus Curcuma (Zingiberaceae familiy). In the present study, we demonstrated that β-elemene inhibited the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells and induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. In addition, β-elemene induced nuclear chromatin condensation and cell membrane phosphatidylserine eversion, decreased cell mitochondrial membrane potential, and promoted the cleavage of caspase-3, caspase-9 and PARP proteins, indicating apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. At the same time, β-elemene induced autophagy response, and the treated cells showed autophagic vesicle bilayer membrane structure, which was accompanied by up-regulation of the expression of LC3B and SQSTM1. Furthermore, β-elemene increased ROS levels in colorectal cancer cells, promoted phosphorylation of AMPK protein, and inhibited mTOR protein phosphorylation. In the experiments in vivo, β-elemene inhibited the tumor size and induced apoptosis and autophagy in nude mice. In summary, β-elemene inhibited the occurrence and development of colon cancer xenografts in nude mice, and significantly induced apoptosis and autophagy in colorectal cancer cells in vitro. These effects were associated with regulation of the ROS/AMPK/mTOR signaling. We offered a molecular basis for the development of β-elemene as a promising anti-tumor drug candidate for colorectal cancer.

The effect of recombinant human interferon α1b treatment of infants hospitalized with lower respiratory tract infection on subsequent wheezing

Abstract Objective: To investigate the impact of recombinant human interferon α1b (rhIFNα1b) treatment in infants hospitalized with lower respiratory tract infections on subsequent wheezing. Methods: The clinical data of infants (n = 540) with viral pneumonia, wheezy bronchitis, or bronchiolitis hospitalized in 19 Chinese hospitals from June 2009 to June 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The parameters relevant to wheezing episodes within the last year were collected by telephone and questionnaires. The rhIFNα1b treatment group (n = 253) and control group (n = 287) were compared in terms of wheezing episodes within the last year. Moreover, the wheezing group (95 cases) and non-wheezing group (445 cases) were compared. Results: Out of 540 cases, 95 (17.6%) experienced wheezing episodes, 13.8% (35/253) cases treated with rhIFNα1b, and 20.9% (60/287) cases without rhIFNα1b experienced wheezing episodes within the last year. The rhIFNα1b treatment significantly improved wheezing episodes within the last year, compared with the control peers (p = 0.031). Single-factor regression showed statistically significant differences between the wheezing and non-wheezing groups in terms of age, rhIFNα1b use, childhood and family history of allergy, housing situation, and feeding history (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression showed a childhood history of allergy (OR = 2.14, p = 0.004), no rhIFNα1b use (OR = 1.70, p = 0.028), and living in a crowded house (OR = 1.92, p = 0.012) might be risk factors of subsequent wheezing. Accordingly, breastfeeding (OR = 0.44, p = 0.008) and hospitalization age of 1-year-old (OR = 0.58, p = 0.024) were protective factors. Conclusions: Early use of rhIFNα1b in infants hospitalized with lower respiratory tract infections and breastfeeding could prevent subsequent wheezing. Living in a crowded house could promote subsequent wheezing.

Prostatic anatomical parameters correlate with clinical characteristics suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

We conducted the present study to assess the correlation of the prostatic anatomical parameters, especially the ratio of peripheral zone thickness and transitional zone thickness, with clinical and uroflowmetry characteristics suggestive of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). A total of 468 consecutive patients with a detailed medical history were identified. All patients were evaluated by scoring subjective symptoms with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life (QoL). The prostatic anatomical parameters were measured using transrectal ultrasonography, and postvoid residual urine and maximum flow rate (Q

Occupational Health Risk Assessment of Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene in Shanghai / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Objective@#This study was designed to conduct a retrospective and systematic occupational health risk assessment (OHRA) of enterprises that used benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) in Shanghai, China.@*Methods@#All data for the study were obtained from 1,705 occupational health examination and evaluation reports from 2013 to 2017, and a semiquantitative model following Chinese OHRA guidelines (GBZ/T 298-2017) was applied for the assessment.@*Results@#The selected enterprises using BTX were mainly involved in manufacturing of products. Using the exposure level method, health risk levels associated with exposure to BTX were classified as medium, negligible, or low. However, the risk levels associated with benzene and toluene were significantly different according to job types, with gluers and inkers exhibiting greater health risks. For the same job type, the health risk levels assessed using the comprehensive index method were higher than those using the exposure level method.@*Conclusion@#Our OHRA reveals that workers who are exposed to BTX still face excessive health risk. Additionally, the risk level varied depending on job categories and exposure to specific chemicals. Therefore, additional control measures recommended by OHRA guidelines are essential to reduce worker exposure levels.

Comparative assessment of effect of malt with different bud length on prolactin in hyperprolactinemia rat

Malt is the mature fruit of Hordeum vulgare L. after germination and drying and has been applied for treatment female abnormal galactorrhea. Previous studies have showed total alkaloids in malt have anti-HPRL effect. However, total alkaloids of malt change with the growth cycle, and the specified levels of total alkaloids in different bud length of malt have not been decided. To determine the definitive level of total alkaloids in different buds of malt and the most suitable bud length for clinical application by comparing effects on hyperprolactinemia rat. During the budding of malt, the content of total alkaloids first increased and then decreased, and it peaked at a bud length of 0.75 cm. Treated the HPRL model rats with different buds of malt, the PRL level was decreased, the number of PRLpositive cells and the mRNA expression level in the pituitary were significantly declined, and the number of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the hypothalamus was increased. The above changes were most significant in 0.75 cm bud. These results suggest that in terms of the content of effective substance and the effects on HPRL model rats, a malt bud length of 0.75 cm is optimal for clinical application.

Role of Salivary Immune Parameters in Patients With Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Several factors, including clinical manifestations and laboratory data, have been used to evaluate the disease activity of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). We investigated saliva indicators of disease activity in primary SS patients. METHODS: We enrolled 138 Taiwanese patients with primary SS and 100 Taiwanese normal controls. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and rheumatoid factor (RF)-IgA levels in saliva samples were measured using ELISA or fluorescent enzyme-linked immunoassay. Serum IgG, IgA, and IgM levels were measured by nephelometry. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was measured with an automatic ESR analyzer. The t-test and Pearson correlation test were used. RESULTS: IL-6 level was higher in primary SS patients than in normal controls (14.23±14.77 vs 9.87±7.32, P=0.012), but there were no significant differences in IL-17A, TNF-α, and RF-IgA levels. In primary SS patients, IL-6 level correlated weakly with ESR and IgG levels (r=0.252, P=0.015, and r=0.248, P=0.017, respectively), and TNF-α level correlated weakly with IgG level (r=0.231, P=0.024). CONCLUSIONS: IL-6 may play a role in SS pathogenesis. Saliva IL-6 might be an indicator of disease activity in primary SS patients.

miR-375 affects the proliferation and invasion of hepatoma cells via targetingYAP / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@# Objective: To investigate the mechanisms of miR-375 affecting the proliferation and invasion of hepatoma cells via targeting YAP (Yes-associated protein). Methods: The cancerous tissues and corresponding para-cancerous tissues of 70 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent surgical resection at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2015 to December 2016, as well as the hepatoma cell lines SMMC-7721, Hb611, HepG2 and BEL-7405 were collected for this study. qPCR method was used to detect the expression level of miR-375 in collected HCC tissues and different hepatoma cell lines; Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the interaction between miR-375 and YAP; The relationship between miR-375 and clinicopathological features of HCC patients was also analyzed; MTT assay was used to detect the effect of miR375 on the proliferation of hepatoma cells; Transwell invasion assay was used to detect the invasive ability of hepatoma cells after inhibiting the expression of miR-375; Western blotting was used to detect the expression of YAP in HepG2 cells. The nude mouse model of subcutaneously transplanted xenograft was established, and the tumor volume and mass of transplanted hepatoma cells were detected after inhibiting the expression of miR-375. The expression of YAP in xenograft of nude mice was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Results: The expression of miR-375 and YAP in HCC tissues was significantly higher than that in para-cancerous tissues (all P<0.05). The expression of miR-375 in HepG2 cells was the highest (P<0.05). miR-375 could specifically bind to the 3' UTR of YAP and regulate the expression activity of YAP. After inhibiting the expression of miR-375, the proliferation and invasion abilities of HepG2 cells were reduced (all P<0.05); The tumor volume and mass of transplanted xenografts were significantly reduced (both P<0.05); The expression of YAP protein in the transplanted xenografts was down-regulated (P<0.05). Conclusion: miR-375 plays an important role in the occurrence and development of liver cancer, and can influence the malignant biological behaviors of hepatoma cells by targeting and regulating the expression ofYAP.

Discordance of Estrogen Receptor,Progesterone Receptor,Cerb-B2,Ki-67 Index and P53 Expressions between Primary and Recurrent or Metastatic Sites in Breast Cancer Patients / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To approach the discordance of estrogen receptor(ER),progesterone receptor(PR),Cerb-B2,Ki-67 index and P53 expressions between primary and regional or distant recurrent lesions in recurrent or metastatic breast cancer patients.Methods Clinical and pathological data of 56 recurrent or metastatic breast cancer patients who were treated in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2001 to February 2015 were retrospectively analyzed.The changes in the expressions of ER,PR,Cerb-B2,Ki-67 index,and P53 status were analyzed.Results The hormone receptor positive rate between primary tumor and recurrent or metastatic sites decreased from 60.7% to 57.1% for ER and from 55.4% to 44.6% for PR,respectively.Changes in hormone receptor status were seen at the rate of 12.5%(7/56)and 16.1%(9/56)for ER and PR,respectively.Cerb-B2 receptor positive rate increased from 19.1% to 29.5% and the discordance rate was 9.1%(4/44).The discordance rate of Ki-67 index was 24.5%(12/49).The P53 receptor positive rate increased from 37.5% to 55.6% and the discordance rate was 13.3%(6/45).Conclusion Although the relevant rules of above changes are still controversial,these findings still have great clinical significance for making effective treatment decisions of recurrent or metastatic breast cancer.

Exploration of Service Objects Extension of Psychiatric Hospitals in Internet Era / 中国医院管理

The method of using internet to take advantages of tertiary psychiatric hospitals is explored.Tertiary psychiatric hospitals expand the service objects,improve the accessibility of mental health services,and realize the mental health care services extension and high-quality medical resources sinking by signing the technical guide agreement with primary health care institutions and internet plus,to explore a new type integrated management mode of mental diseases prevention,treatment and rehabilitation based on the psychiatric specialized hospitals.

Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B cirrhosis patients given treatment with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: With the continuous development of mesenchymal stem cell therapy, it has been reported that stem cell therapy is likely to cause the occurrence and development of tumors. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential risks of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis after receiving human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) transplantation. METHODS: The study collected the information of patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis treated with hUC-MSCs, admitted at the Infectious Disease Department of the 105thHospital of PLA from January 2011 to December 2013. The following investigation lasted 36 months. The follow-up was terminated at the time of diagnostic confirmation. The risk factors that may affect the occurrence of HCC were analyzed by univariate Logistic and multivariate unconditional Logistic regression analyses. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) A total of 386 patients were followed up, including 171 patients who received hUC-MSCs transplantation as the observation group and 215 patients only given general internal medicine treatment as the control group. (2) At the follow-up of 12 months, the incidence of HCC in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). At the follow-up of 36 months, the incidence of HCC was 11.7% in the observation group and 9.8% in the control group (P > 0.05). (3) Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the HCC patients had higher age, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), alpha-fetoprotein variants (AFP-L3), AFP-L3 ratio (AFP-L3%), and Golgi glycoprotein 73 (GP73) than those with no HCC in both control and observation groups (P < 0.05). Multivariate unconditional Logistic regression analysis showed that only APF-L3% was an independent risk factor for HCC in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis undergoing hUC-MSCs transplantation. Overall, hUC-MSCs transplantation does not increase the HCC incidence in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis within 3 years, but it may lead to an early onset of HCC. AFP-L3% can be used as an early predictor of HCC in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis undergoing hUC-MSCs transplantation.

Effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs administered at different time points on the incidence of cystoid macular edema following phacoemulsification: a Meta-analysis / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To systematically evaluate the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)administrated at different time points on the incidence of cystoid macular edema (CME) following phacoem ulsification.METHODS:The Cochrane Library,PubMed,BMC,National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI),and VIP databases were searched to identify the clinical randomized controlled trials of comparing effects of NSAIDs administered at different time points on the incidence of CME and the central foveal thickness following phacoemulsification.The experiment group received topical NSAIDs preoperatively and postoperatively,while the control group received topical NSAIDs postoperatively.The RevMan software 5.2 and Stata software 12.0 were used in the Meta-analysis.RESULTS:Six studies were included in this Meta-analysis.No statistically differences were observed in the incidence of CME after 1wk postoperatively (OR=1.58,95％CI:0.48-5.18,P＞0.05),in the incidence of CME after 1 mo postoperatively (OR=0.78,95％CI:0.30-2.00,P＞ 0.05),in the central foveal thickness after 1wk postoperatively (WMD=-7.20,95％ CI:-15.17 to 0.77,P＞0.05),and in the central foveal thickness after 1mo postoperatively (WMD=-3.98,95％ CI:-14.05 to 6.08,P＞0.05).However,statistically significant differences were found in the incidence of CME after 3mo postoperatively (OR=0.22,95％ CI:0.11-0.43,P＜0.01)and in the central foveal thickness after 3mo postoperatively (WMD=-18.25,95 ％ CI:-33.80 to-2.70,P＜0.05).CONCLUSION:A combination of NSAIDs administrated preoperatively and postoperatively can reduce the incidence of the CME and the thickness of the macular centrall.Thereby,the effects of administrating NSAIDs both preoperatively and postoperatively have more advantages than that of administrating NSAIDs postoperatively alone.

Effect of phacoemulsification on ocular surface and corneal endothelial cells in cataract patients with diabetes mellitus / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

·AIM:To study the effects of phacoemulsification on ocular surface and corneal endothelial cells in cataract patients with diabetes mellitus.·METHODS:This study used a retrospective analysis of the clinical data to compare curative effect, the research object was 98 cases ( 98 eyes ) of cataract patients with phacoemulsification from January 2016 to December 2016 in our hospital. Patients were divided into the observation group and the control group according to whether diabetes merged. The observation group had 50 cases of cataract patients with diabetes, the control group had 48 cases of pure cataract patients. Two groups of patients underwent phacoemulsification surgery and transparent corneal incision, surgeries were completed by the same doctor, no xeroma before surgery. Preoperative glycemic control was normal for diabetic patients, no changes in eye fundus. Observation of ocular surface at postoperative 1, 3, 7d and 1mo was taken. Dry eye symptoms, lacrimal film breakup time ( BUT ) , corneal fluorescein staining ( FL ) score, SchirmerⅠtest ( SⅠt ) and corneal endothelial cell density were compared.·RESULTS: Dry eye symptom score of the two groups before and after operation had significant difference;data of the observation group at postoperative 7d and 1mo was significantly higher than that of the control group, there was statistical significance (P<0. 05), there was no significant difference at 1 and 3d after operation (P>0. 05 ). BUT of the two groups before and after surgery showed significant difference; data of the observation group at 7d and 1mo after operation was significantly lower than that of the control group, there was statistical significance ( P<0. 05 ); at 1 and 3d after operation there was no significant difference (P>0. 05). The FL score of the two groups before and after surgery had significant difference, and at 3, 7d and 1mo after operation, data of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group, there was statistical significance ( P< 0. 05 ); there was no significant difference at postoperative 1d (P>0. 05). The two groups' before and after surgery SⅠt had significant difference, at 1, 3, 7d and 1mo after operation, data of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group, there was statistical significance (P< 0. 05 ). Corneal endothelial cell density showed apparent difference of the two groups before and after surgery;at 1, 3, 7d and 1mo after operation, data of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group, there was statistical significance ( P<0. 05).· CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification has significant effects on tear film break-up time, SⅠt and dry eye symptoms in patients with diabetes mellitus, which may be related to the impaired repair ability of diabetic patients.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on insulin resistance and blood glucose in people who are obese or people with abnormal glucose metabolism:A meta-analysis / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To systematically review the evidence for the effect of vitamin D supplementation on insulin resistance and blood glucose in people who are obese or people with abnormal glucose metabolism. Methods We searched databases including Pubmed, Elsevier, Web of Science, and WANFANG Database etc. for randomized controlled trials comparing vitamin D or analogues with placebo. We extracted data on insulin resistance and blood glucose, including homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance( HOMA-IR), fasting blood glucose, HbA1C (% ). A1l data were analyzed using Review Manager 5. 0. Results Nine studies involving 867 participants were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: ( 1 ) For people who are obese and with abnormal glucose metabolism, meta-analysis showed a small improvement in HOMA-IR(SMD -0. 34,95% CI -0. 61 to -0. 06, P<0. 05) and a small effect on fasting glucose (SMD -0. 41 mmol/ L, 95% CI -0. 68 to -0. 15, P<0. 05),while such effects were not seen in people who are obese but with normal blood glucose. (2) No serious adverse events were associated with the administration of vitamin D. Conclusion vitamin D supplementation may be benefit for improving insulin resistance and fasting blood glucose in people who are obese and with abnormal glucose metabolism, but has no effect on obese people with normal blood glucose.

A study on the mechanism of biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its relationship with drug resistance / 预防医学

Objective To compare antibiotic resistance of pseudomonas aeruginosa in biofilms and in planktonic state,so as to provide practical guidance and theoretical support for clinical treatment of drug. Methods pseudomonas aeruginosa were divided into control culture group( group A),medium group of biological membrane after culture( group B) and the biofilm culturing silica film adhesion group( group C). Three groups were observed by silver staining,extracellular sugar staining and scanning of electron microscope. These groups were cultured with different antibiotic medium,and the situation of bacterial resistance was observed by the method of k-B. Results There was no significant difference in drug resistance and minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)between group A and B(p >0. 01). Compared with group A, group C showed that their drug resistance on meropenem,cefepime,ceftazidime,ceftriaxone,amoxicillin and levofloxacin were much higher(p<0. 01). The minimal biofilm eradication concentration(MBEC)of group C was about 100 times than that of group A and group B. Conclusion The assay of establishment of pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm and the methods observed by silver stainingin vitro is convenient and feasible. At the same time,pseudomonas aeruginosa in biofilm exhibits far more resistance to antimicrobial than its planctonic counterparts does.

Improvement of butanol production by Escherichia coli via Tn5 transposon mediated mutagenesis / 生物工程学报

For engineering an efficient butanol-producing Escherichia coli strain, many efforts have been paid on the known genes or pathways based on current knowledge. However, many genes in the genome could also contribute to butanol production in an unexpected way. In this work, we used Tn5 transposon to construct a mutant library including 1 196 strains in a previously engineered butanol-producing E. coli strain. To screen the strains with improved titer of butanol production, we developed a high-throughput method for pyruvate detection based on dinitrophenylhydrazine reaction using 96-well microplate reader, because pyruvate is the precursor of butanol and its concentration is inversely correlated with butanol in the fermentation broth. Using this method, we successfully screened three mutants with increased butanol titer. The insertion sites of Tn5 transposon was in the ORFs of pykA, tdk, and cadC by inverse PCR and sequencing. These found genes would be efficient targets for further strain improvement. And the genome scanning strategy described here will be helpful for other microbial cell factory construction.

Protection effect of sanguinarine on whole-body exposure of X radiation in BALB/c mice

To investigate the effects of sanguinarine (SAN) on acute radiation induced injury in mice, 45 mice were randomly divided into control, 10 Gy and SAN+10 Gy groups. Mice in the 10 Gy and SAN+10 Gy groups were exposed to single X-ray radiation with an accumulated dose of 10 Gy. Mice in the SAN+10 Gy group were administered intraperitoneally with 2.5 mg/kg body weight of SAN before radiation. Five days after radiation exposure, 5 mice from each group were sacrificed and samples of the small intestine, lung, spleen and liver were fixed for histopathological examinations. Compared with the 10 Gy group, radiation sickness was obviously delayed or attenuated in the SAN+10 Gy group. Survival analysis showed a significant difference between 2 radiation groups (P<0.05) and mean survival time was 3 days longer in the SAN+10 Gy group than in the 10 Gy group (7.21±0.19 vs. 4.20±0.13, P<0.001). Radiation-induced organ damage, based on histopathological examinations, was decreased by SAN pretreatment. Chiu’s pathology grading scores, which is an index of intestinal damage, was significantly lower in the SAN+10 Gy group than in the 10 Gy group (2.77±0.48 vs. 4.37±0.31, P<0.01). A similar result was obtained in the pathological score of lung (1.67±0.21 vs. 2.33±0.38, P<0.01). Our preliminary findings demonstrated that SAN protects animals against radiation-induced sickness and acute damage to organs and following animal death.

Para investigar os efeitos da sanguinarina (SAN) em lesões induzidas em ratos por radiação aguda, 45 ratos foram aleatoriamente divididos em grupo controle, grupo 10 Gy e grupo SAN+10 Gy. Os ratos dos grupos 10 Gy e SAN+10 Gy foram expostos à radiação de raio-X simples com uma dose acumulada de 10 Gy. Aos ratos do grupo SAN+10 Gy administraram-se, intraperitonealmente, 2.5 mg/kg de peso de SAN antes da radiação. Aos 5 dias de exposição à radiação, sacrificaram-se 5 ratos de cada grupo e retiraram-se amostras do intestino delgado, pulmões, baço e fígado para exames histopatológicos. Comparando com o grupo 10 Gy, a doença por radiação foi claramente atrasada e atenuada no grupo SAN+10 Gy. A análise de sobrevivência mostrou diferença significativa entre os dois grupos de radiação (P<0.05) e o tempo de sobrevivência média foi de mais 3 dias no grupo SAN+10 Gy do que no grupo 10 Gy (7.21±0.19 vs 4.20±0.13, P<0.001). Danos induzidos nos órgãos por radiação, baseados em exames histopatológicos, foram reduzidos pelo pré-tratamento com SAN. As pontuações de classificação da patologia Chiu, um índice para os danos intestinais, foi significativamente menor no grupo SAN+10 Gy do que no grupo 10 Gy (2.77±0.48 vs 4.37±0.31, P<0.01). Resultado semelhante foi obtido na pontuação patológica do pulmão (1.67±0.21 vs 2.33±0.38, P<0.01). As nossas descobertas preliminares mostram que SAN protege os animais contra doenças induzidas pela radiação e danos agudos nos órgãos seguidos de morte animal.

Expression and significance of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, transforming growth factor-β1 and Twist in prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE@#To study the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, TGF-β1 and Twist protein and investigate its significance in the occurrence and development of prostate cancer.@*METHODS@#The expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, TGF-β1 and Twist protein in 59 prostate cancer tissues and 21 adjacent tissues were detected by immunohistochemical SABC staining, and the correlation with clinicopathological features was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Positive rates of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, TGF-β1 and Twist were 32.2%, 54.2%, 71.2% and 74.6%, respectively, in prostate cancer tissues and 85.7%, 9.52%, 19.0% and 9.52%, respectively, in cancer-adjacent tissues, with significant differences between the two groups (P20μg/L group, but the positive expression of Twist was not significant between groups. The expression of E-cadherin was highly negatively correlated with that of N-cadherin and also highly negatively correlated with that of Twist. The expression of TGF-β1 was correlated with those of E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Twist.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The reduced expression of E-cadherin, abnormal expression of N-cadherin, transformation form E-cadherin to N-cadherin and the increased expression of TGF-β1 and Twist play an important role in the occurrence and development of prostate cancer.

Developing controllable hypermutable Clostridium cells through manipulating its methyl-directed mismatch repair system

Development of controllable hypermutable cells can greatly benefit understanding and harnessing microbial evolution. However, there have not been any similar systems developed for Clostridium, an important bacterial genus. Here we report a novel two-step strategy for developing controllable hypermutable cells of Clostridium acetobutylicum, an important and representative industrial strain. Firstly, the mutS/L operon essential for methyldirected mismatch repair (MMR) activity was inactivated from the genome of C. acetobutylicum to generate hypermutable cells with over 250-fold increased mutation rates. Secondly, a proofreading control system carrying an inducibly expressed mutS/L operon was constructed. The hypermutable cells and the proofreading control system were integrated to form a controllable hypermutable system SMBMutC, of which the mutation rates can be regulated by the concentration of anhydrotetracycline (aTc). Duplication of the miniPthl-tetR module of the proofreading control system further significantly expanded the regulatory space of the mutation rates, demonstrating hypermutable Clostridium cells with controllable mutation rates are generated. The developed C. acetobutylicum strain SMBMutC2 showed higher survival capacities than the control strain facing butanol-stress, indicating greatly increased evolvability and adaptability of the controllable hypermutable cells under environmental challenges.

Management status of type 2 diabetes mellitus in tertiary hospitals in Beijing: gap between guideline and reality / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Diabetes has become one of the most common chronic diseases and the third leading cause of death in China. Many programs have been initiated at national and local levels to address the illness. However, the effect of these programs in daily outpatient clinics is still unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the management status of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and factors associated with it in diabetes clinics of tertiary hospitals in Beijing.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six tertiary hospitals in Beijing. Control criteria were defined based on 2007 China guideline for type 2 diabetes (CGT2D).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A sample of 1151 patients, age (60.8 ± 9.2) years, and with a median disease duration of 7.3 years was included. The hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) mean level was (7.15 ± 1.50)%, the percentage of patients achieving the targets for HbA1c was 37.8%, blood pressure 65.6%, triglyceride (TG) 48.8%, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 59.2%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) 34.0%, and total cholesterol (TC) 42.0%. The factors independently associated with glycemic control were diabetes duration (odds ratio (OR) = 0.95; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.919 - 0.982, P < 0.01), body mass index (BMI) (OR = 0.914, 95%CI: 0.854 - 0.979, P = 0.01) and smoking (OR = 0.391, 95%CI: 0.197 - 0.778, P < 0.01). The factors independently associated with blood pressure control were BMI (OR = 0.915, 95%CI: 0.872 - 0.960, P < 0.01) and male gender (OR = 0.624, 95%CI: 0.457 - 0.852, P < 0.01). The factor independently associated with LDL control was education level (OR = 1.429, 95%CI: 1.078 - 1.896, P = 0.013).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The management status of T2DM patients in tertiary hospitals in Beijing has improved remarkably. However, there is still room for further improvement to reach the guideline target. Long diabetes duration, high BMI, smoking, male gender and low education level were independently associated with poor metabolic control.</p>

The assessment of reliability and validity of musculoskeletal questionnaire / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the reliability and validity of musculoskeletal questionnaire.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A self-administered modified musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to investigate 12 098 workers from eight occupations, i.e. coal mining, petroleum, metallurgical, mechanical manufacturing, chemical, garment and railroad transportation industries and education. The Cronbach's α coefficient, analysis of covariance and multiple logistic regression were used to assess the reliability and validity of musculoskeletal questionnaire.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The consistent test between total items of Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and each factor showed that the range of Cronbach's α was 0.52 ∼ 0.92, except from vibration factor, other Cronbach's α was more than 0.7. All 55 items of Musculoskeletal Questionnaire were subjected to factor analysis, and ten latent factors were identified, which explained 55.17% of the total variance. The potentially hazardous working conditions could be categorized into seven dimensions (force, dynamic load, static load, repetitive load, climate factors, vibration exposure and environmental ergonomic factor), which consisted with the theory model. The results of covariance analysis indicated that there were significant difference among 7 dimension indices in different jobs (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The modified Musculoskeletal Questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for measuring musculoskeletal workload.</p>