Transcriptome analysis of Saposhnikovia divaricata and mining of bolting and flowering genes / 中草药·英文版

OBJECTIVE@#Early bolting of Saposhnikovia divaricata has seriously hindered its medicinal value and sustainable development of resources. The molecular mechanism of bolting and flowering of S. divaricata is still unclear and worth of research. In our study, we explored the transcriptome of the genes related to the bolting and flowering of S. divaricata.@*METHODS@#The transcriptome library was constructed, sequenced, assembled and annotated from the bolting and unbolting leaves of S. divaricata by high-throughput sequencing at the bud and flowering stage. Focus on the pathways related to bolting and flowering in plants, and exploring genes. The expression of seven candidate genes was verified by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR).@*RESULTS@#Transcriptome results showed that 249 889 422 high-quality clean reads were obtained. A total of 67 866 unigenes were assembled with an average length of 948.1 bp. Trinity de Novo assembly produced 67 866 unigenes with an average length of 948.1 bp. Among 993 differentially expressed genes, 484 genes were significantly up-regulated and 509 genes were down-regulated in the SdM group. A total of 79 GO terms were significantly enriched for differentially expressed genes. KEGG results showed that 11 154 unigenes were enriched in 89 pathways. And 21 candidate genes related to bolting and flowering of S. divaricata were excavated. The qRT-PCR results showed that expression trends of HDA9, PHYB, AP2, TIR1, Hsp90, CaM, and IAA7 were consistent with transcriptomic sequencing results. In addition, RNA-seq had identified 10 740 transcription factors and classified them into 58 families by their conserved domains. Further studies showed that the transcription factors regulating the flowering of S. divaricata were mainly distributed in the NAC, MYB_related, HB-other, ARF, and AP2 families.@*CONCLUSION@#Based on the results of this study, it was found that the plant hormone signal transduction pathway was one of the decisive factors to control bolting and flowering. Among them, auxin related genes IAA and TIR1 are the key genes in the bolting and flowering process of S. divaricata.

Ocorrência de florações de cianobactérias e consequências para a saúde pública no Nordeste do Brasil / Ocurrence of cyanobacterial bloom and consequences for public health in Northeastern Brazil / Ocurrencia de las floraciones de cianobacterias y consecuencias para la salud pública en el Nordeste de Brasil

As florações são resultado de interações entre fatores físicos, químicos e biológicos, sendo caracterizadas pelo crescimento massivo de microrganismos. As proliferações de cianobactérias indicam a deterioração na qualidade da água e podem ser consideradas problemas de saúde pública, devido à capacidade de produção e liberação de toxinas pelas cianobactérias nos ambientes aquáticos, especialmente nos reservatórios de abastecimento. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar, a partir de uma revisão de literatura, a ocorrência de florações de cianobactérias e cianotoxinas e os efeitos especialmente para saúde pública. A metodologia utilizada foi revisão narrativa de trabalhos selecionados seguindo os critérios de inclusão. Foi verificada a ocorrência de 74 espécies de cianobactérias, sendo Microcystis aeruginosa e Raphidiopsis raciborskii as predominantes. Espécies potencialmente tóxicas foram encontradas em todas as florações relatadas nos trabalhos realizados na região Nordeste. As florações de cianobactérias ocorreram principalmente em reservatórios da região Nordeste, juntamente com cianotoxinas (microcistinas, cilindrospermopiscina e saxitoxina). Têm sido frequentes florações com cianotoxinas em sistemas aquáticos, ocasionando alterações no ambiente aquático. Essas modificações alcançam diversos níveis tróficos e podem alcançar o homem, sendo problema de saúde pública.

The blooms are the result of interactions between physical, chemical, and biological factors, and are characterized by the explosive growth of microorganisms. The proliferations of cyanobacteria indicate deterioration in quality and can be considered public health problems due to the ability of cyanobacteria to produce and release toxins in aquatic environments, especially in supply reservoirs. Thus, this study aimed to review the literature to verify the occurrence of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin blooms and the effects especially for public health. The methodology used was narrative review of selected papers according to the inclusion criteria. The occurrence of 74 cyanobacteria species was verified, with Microcystis aeruginosa and Raphidiopsis raciborskii being the predominant ones. Potentially toxic species were found in all blooms studies carried out in the Northeast region. Cyanobacterial blooms were found mainly in reservoirs in the Northeast region, along with cyanotoxins (microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, and saxitoxin). Blooms with cyanotoxins have been frequent in aquatic systems, causing changes in the aquatic environment. These changes reach several trophic levels, and can reach man, being a public health problem.

Las floraciones son el resultado de interacciones entre factores físicos, químicos y biológicos, caracterizadas por el crecimiento explosivo de microorganismos. La proliferación de cianobacterias indica un deterioro de la calidad y puede considerarse un problema de salud pública debido a la capacidad de las cianobacterias de producir y liberar toxinas en ambientes acuáticos, especialmente en los embalses de abastecimiento. Así, este estudio tenía como objetivo revisar la literatura para verificar la ocurrencia de floraciones de cianobacterias y cianotoxina, así como sus efectos especialmente en la salud pública. La metodología utilizada fue la revisión narrativa de los documentos seleccionados de acuerdo con los criterios de inclusión. Se verificó la aparición de 74 especies de cianobacterias, de las cuales Microcystis aeruginosa y Raphidiopsis raciborskii fueron las más predominantes. Se encontraron especies potencialmente tóxicas en todos los estudios de floración realizados en los estados de la región Nordeste de Brasil. Las floraciones de cianobacterias se encontraron principalmente en embalses en la región Nordeste, junto con cianotoxinas (microcistinas, cilindrospermopsinas y saxitoxinas). Ha habido frecuentes floraciones con cianotoxinas en los sistemas acuáticos, causando cambios en el medio acuático. Estos cambios alcanzan varios niveles tróficos y pueden llegar al hombre, siendo un problema de salud pública.

Floración algal nociva del dinoflagelado Blixaea quinquecornis en el Perú / Harmful algal bloom of dinoflagellate Blixaea quinquecornis in Peru

Resumen En el presente trabajo, se registra por primera vez floraciones algales nocivas del dinoflagelado Blixaea quinquecornis (Abé) Gottschling, 2017 para aguas costeras del mar peruano. La determinación taxonómica de esta especie se realizó mediante microscopia de luz, electrónica de barrido y contraste interferencial diferencial (DIC). La fórmula tecal encontrada fue: pp, 3', 2a, 7'',5c, 5"' y 2''' 4s. Blixaea quinquecornis fue registrada en las bahías Sechura, Miraflores y Paracas entre el 2014 y 2017, usualmente con altas densidades de 3.2 x105 cel.L-1 (Miraflores) y 2.11x105 cel.L-1 (Paracas) en verano y 4.11 x104 (Paracas) en otoño 2016. Blixaea quinquecornis estuvo alternando con floraciones algales del dinoflagelado atecado Akashiwo sanguinea. El florecimiento de B. quinquecornis se observó con TSM entre 18.5 a 26.6 °C, salinidades entre 34.70 y 35.32 ups, pH entre 7.32 y 8.82 y oxígeno disuelto entre 3.8 y 12.5 mL/L. En Bahía Miraflores, la floración de B. quinquecornis fue asociado positivamente con el incremento de la TSM, salinidad y negativamente con la concentración de nitratos, mientras que las floraciones algales de A. sanguinea se correlacionó positivamente con la concentración de fosfatos y oxígeno disuelto. El registro de la floración de B. quinquecornis en las bahías de Miraflores y Paracas, coincidió con eventos de inusual calentamiento del mar asociado con el evento cálido El Niño 2015-2016.

Abstract In the present work, harmful algal blooms of the dinoflagellate Blixaea quinquecornis (Abé) Gottschling, 2017 are recorded for the first time for coastal waters of the Peruvian sea. The taxonomic determination of this species was done with light microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscopy. The thecal formula is: pp, 3', 2a, 7'', 5c, 5"' and 2''' 4s. Blixaea quinquecornis was recorded in Sechura, Miraflores and Paracas bays between 2014 - 2016, mainly with algal blooms of 3.2 x105 cel.L-1 (Miraflores) and 2.11x105 cel.L-1 (Paracas) and 4.11 x104 cel.L-1 (Paracas) in autumn of 2016. Blixaea quinquecornis was found alternating with algal bloom produced by the athecate dinoflagellate Akashiwo sanguinea. The physicochemical variables associated with the bloom of B. quinquecornis were SST (18.5 to 26.6° C), salinities (34.7 to 35.325), pH (7.32 to 12.5), and dissolved oxygen (3.8 to 12.5 mL/L). The bloom of B. quinquecornis in Miraflores Bay was positively associated with the increase in SST, salinity and negatively with the concentration of nitrates, whereas the algal blooms of A. sanguinea were positively correlated with the concentration of phosphates and oxygen. The record of the bloom of B. quinquecornis in the 3 bays coincided with unusual sea warming event associated with the El Niño phenomenon 2015-2016.

Practice of reflective teaching method based on Bloom's educational theory in the standardized residency training of gynecology / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To explore the practical role of reflective teaching based on Bloom's educational theory in the standardized residency training of gynecology.Methods:A total of 31 residents who participated in the standardized residency training in the Gynecology Department of Beijing Shijitan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from July 2019 to January 2020 were classified as the control group, and 33 residents who participated in the standardized training from March 2020 to September 2020 were assigned to the observation group. The control group was given routine teaching, and the observation group was given reflective teaching based on Bloom's educational theory. The theoretical test scores and skill operation test scores before and after the training were compared between the two groups, and the clinical ability and teaching satisfaction of the two groups of residents were compared. SPSS 25.0 was used for t-test and Chi-square test. Results:After the standardized training, the scores of theoretical examination [(88.78±5.69) vs. (84.56±5.23)] and skill operation test [(89.37±5.75) vs. (85.22±5.34)] in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences. After the standardized training, the team cooperation ability, diagnosis and treatment technology operation ability, problem analysis and solving ability, clinical thinking ability and doctor-patient communication ability of the observation group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant. After the standardized training, the satisfactions with teaching mode, stimulating learning interest, improving self-study ability, improving diagnosis and treatment thinking ability, and improving problem analysis and solving ability in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant.Conclusion:Reflective teaching based on Bloom's educational theory can improve the professional theoretical knowledge level, clinical operation level, clinical ability and satisfaction of the gynecological residents, and help them to adapt to the clinical work faster.

Bacterial community associated with Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum during late exponential growth phase based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis

Aims@#Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum is one of the principal causal agents of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the coastal waters of Sabah, Malaysia. Seafood and aquaculture products tainted with lethal concentrations of the principal neurotoxin, saxitoxin, have been implicated in mortality and morbidity. The bacteria-algae association may play a key role in paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) production during a toxic bloom event. The production of PST during a harmful bloom is unclear and research on the bacterial diversity associated with Sabah P. bahamense is scarce. The present study examined the cultivable bacteria diversity associated with P. bahamense through 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequence analysis.@*Methodology and results@#The V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene sequence was amplified and used to identify bacterial populations associated with P. bahamense var. compressum. A total of 62 isolates were successfully isolated, belonging to three different phyla, which were Proteobacteria; 55 (89%), Bacteroidetes; 6 (10%) and Actinobacteria; 1 (1%). Out of 55 Proteobacteria, 27 isolates were gamma-Proteobacteria (Marinobacter salsuginis) and 28 of the isolates were alpha-Proteobacteria; Mameliella atlantica (13), Roseibium denhamense (10) and Roseibium hamelinense (5). The remaining bacteria isolates from the phyla Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria were identified as Muricauda lutimaris (6) and Micrococcus luteus (1), respectively.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The analysis of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene revealed multiple bacterial taxa associated with the toxic P. bahamense var. compressum bloom. The findings of the present work will pave the way for further studies aimed at isolating and characterizing genes involved in the saxitoxin biosynthesis in the associated bacteria.

Application of Bloom target teaching theory combined with PBL teaching mode in standardized residency training of respiratory / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To explore the application of Bloom target teaching theory combined with PBL teaching mode in standardized residency training of respiratory.Methods:A total of 44 residents of Batch 2019 who had been in respiratory department of our hospital for 2 months on rotation were selected as the control group, and traditional teaching training was adopted in the group. In addition, 41 residents of Batch 2020 who were enrolled in the respiratory department of our hospital for a 2-month residency training rotation were selected as the research group, and Bloom target teaching theory combined with PBL teaching mode was applied in the group. After the residency training, the teaching effect of the two groups of training residents was evaluated by theoretical examination, practical skill operation examination and questionnaire survey. SPSS 22.0 was used to conduct t test. Results:The results of theoretical assessment and practical skills operation assessment of students in the study group were better than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The subjective satisfaction of the training residents and the tutors were scored respectively. The results showed that the scores of residents in the study group were higher than those in the control group, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The subjective satisfaction score of residents on the assessment results of this stage showed that residents in the study group had higher scores than the control group, with statistical significance ( P<0.05). The tutor's subjective satisfaction score of the assessment results at this stage showed that the scores of the residents in the study group were higher than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The combination of Bloom target teaching theory and PBL teaching mode can improve the theoretical and practical operation ability of students in respiratory department, improve their learning initiative, enthusiasm and teaching satisfaction, and then improve the teaching quality.

Relationships between Bloom's taxonomy, judges' estimation of item difficulty and psychometric properties of items from a progress test: a prospective observational study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Progress tests are longitudinal assessments of students' knowledge based on successive tests. Calibration of the test difficulty is challenging, especially because of the tendency of item-writers to overestimate students' performance. The relationships between the levels of Bloom's taxonomy, the ability of test judges to predict the difficulty of test items and the real psychometric properties of test items have been insufficiently studied. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the psychometric properties of items according to their classification in Bloom's taxonomy and judges' estimates, through an adaptation of the Angoff method. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective observational study using secondary data from students' performance in a progress test applied to ten medical schools, mainly in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: We compared the expected and real difficulty of items used in a progress test. The items were classified according to Bloom's taxonomy. Psychometric properties were assessed based on their taxonomy and fields of knowledge. RESULTS: There was a 54% match between the panel of experts' expectations and the real difficulty of items. Items that were expected to be easy had mean difficulty that was significantly lower than that of items that were expected to be medium (P < 0.05) or difficult (P < 0.01). Items with high-level taxonomy had higher discrimination indices than low-level items (P = 0.026). We did not find any significant differences between the fields in terms of difficulty and discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that items with high-level taxonomy performed better in discrimination indices and that a panel of experts may develop coherent reasoning regarding the difficulty of items.

A metagenomic study of bacterial communities associated with the saxitoxin producing dinoflagellate, Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum

@#Aim: A number of reports have implicated the role of the symbiotic bacterial communities associated with toxic dinoflagellates in the biosynthesis of saxitoxin during harmful algal blooms (HABs). However, the exact mechanisms by which the bacteria facilitate toxin production remain inconclusive. The toxic dinoflagellate, Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum, is the causative organism responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning in the coastal waters of Sabah, and it is caused by the consumption of filter-feeding shellfish contaminated with the neurotoxin, saxitoxin. The present study aimed at characterizing the species diversity of symbiotic bacteria occurring within a monoalgal culture of P. bahamense var. compressum. Methodology and results: The total bacterial DNA was amplified using paired-end 16S community sequencing on the Illumina platform, targeting the V3–V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Bacteria were classified into 20 classes, 43 orders, 60 families, and 105 genera. A total of 10 phyla were present, where the major phylum was Proteobacteria (69.5%). The major genera were Pseudoruegeria (32%), Roseibium (16%), Hyphomonas (16%), Phaeobacter (7%), Lutimaribacter (5%) and Methylophaga (5%). This study showed that the previous method of assessing microbial diversity occurring in P. bahamense var. compressum has underestimated the actual species diversity. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The high-throughput sequencing of the 16S metagenomes revealed hitherto unreported bacterial taxa associated with P. bahamense var. compressum. The findings of the present work will pave the way for further studies aimed at isolating and characterizing symbiotic bacteria that are likely to be associated with the biosynthesis of toxins.

Using distribution models to estimate blooms of phytosanitary cyanobacteria in Brazil / Usando modelos de distribuição para estimar florações de cianobactérias fitossanitárias no Brasil

Abstract: The multiple uses of aquatic ecosystems by humankind and the continuous interference of their activities have contributed to the emergence of potentially toxic cyanobacteria blooms. Here, we firstly created a database of occurrences of cyanobacteria blooms in Brazil through a systematic review of the scientific literature available in online platforms (e.g. Web of Science, Capes Thesis Catalogue). Secondly, we carried out ecological niche models with occurrence data obtained from these studies to predict climatically suitable areas for blooms. We select 21 bioclimatic variables input environmental data. We used five modeling methods for the current climate scenario: (1) Maxent; (2) Support Vector Machines; (3) Random Forest; (4) Maximum Likelihood e (5) Gaussian. We found that the number of publications about bloom events was higher in 2009 with a decline in the years 2012, 2013 and 2017. Furthermore, the years with the higher records of blooms in freshwater environments were 2005, 2011 e 2014. These events occurring mainly in public supply reservoirs and are mostly of the genera Microcystis Lemmermann, 1907, Dolichospermum (Ralfs ex Bornet & Flahault) P.Wacklin, L.Hoffmann & J.Komárek, 2009 and Raphidiopsis F.E.Fritsch & F.Rich, 1929. Modeling the potential distribution of blooms, we found sampling gaps that should be targeting for future researches, especially in the Amazon biome. Overall, the models did not predict highly suitable areas in the /north of Brazil, while other regions were relatively well distributed with a higher number of occurrence records in the Southeast region.

Resumo: Os múltiplos usos dos ecossistemas aquáticos pela humanidade e a contínua interferência das suas atividades têm contribuído para o surgimento de florações de cianobactérias potencialmente tóxicas. Aqui, primeiramente criamos um banco de dados de ocorrências de floração de cianobactérias no Brasil por meio de uma revisão sistemática da literatura científica disponível em plataformas on-line (por exemplo, Web of Science, Catálogo de Teses da Capes). Em segundo lugar, realizamos modelos de nicho ecológico com dados de ocorrência obtidos a partir desses estudos para prever áreas climaticamente adequadas para as florações. Selecionamos 21 variáveis bioclimáticas como dados ambientais de entrada. Usamos cinco métodos de modelagem diferentes para no cenário climático atual: (1) Maxent; (2) Support Vector Machines; (3) Random Forest; (4) Maximum Likelihood e (5) Gaussian. Encontramos que o número de publicações sobre eventos de floração foi maior em 2009 com um declínio nos anos de 2012, 2013 e 2017. Além disso, os anos com os registros mais altos de florescimento em ambientes de água doce foram 2005, 2011 e 2014. Esses eventos ocorrem principalmente em reservatórios de abastecimento público e são na sua maioria dos gêneros Microcystis Lemmermann, 1907, Dolichospermum (Ralfs ex Bornet & Flahault) P.Wacklin, L.Hoffmann & J.Komárek, 2009 e Raphidiopsis F.E.Fritsch & F.Rich, 1929. Modelando a distribuição potencial das florações, encontramos lacunas de amostragem que devem ser direcionadas para futuras pesquisas, especialmente no bioma Amazônia. Em geral, os modelos não previram áreas altamente adequadas no norte do Brasil, enquanto outras regiões estavam relativamente bem distribuídas com um número maior de registros de ocorrência na região Sudeste.

An analysis of verbs used in the course outcomes of outcome-based integrated courses at a medical school based on the taxonomy of educational objectives / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to analyze the course outcomes of integrated courses of a medical school that introduced an outcome-based curriculum and to suggest ways to improve techniques in the description of outcomes. METHODS: In order to investigate the course outcomes of 39 courses in the first and second grades at Kyungpook National University School of Medicine in Korea, verbs for the course outcome were classified according to Bloom’s taxonomy and frequency analysis was completed. The appropriateness of use of verbs in description of the outcomes was also analyzed. RESULTS: The total number of course outcomes for both grades was 497. The number of course outcomes per credit ranged from a minimum of 0.9 to a maximum of 22.0. Most of the course outcomes were classified as the comprehension domain according to Bloom’s taxonomy. The most frequently used verb was “explain,” accounting for 61.0% (n=303) of the entire course outcome verbs. Some verbs in the outcomes, however, were unmeasurable. CONCLUSION: The major findings of this study include the followings. First, the number of course outcomes varied according to courses. Second, several course outcomes included unmeasurable verbs. Finally, most of the verbs used to describe course outcome belonged to the two lower levels of Bloom’s taxonomy—knowledge and comprehension. In order to improve the description of course outcomes, this study suggests that it is necessary to adjust the number of course outcomes, applicate overt behavior verbs, and elevate the level of course outcomes from the lower memorizing level to the higher application level.

Analysis of Knowledge in Nursing Management Educational Objectives based on Anderson's Revision of Bloom's Taxonomy / 간호행정학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the Nursing management educational objectives and nurse duties required to be achieved in the nursing management curriculum in nursing job analysis. METHODS: Nursing management educational objectives and knowledge to be achieved in a nursing management curriculum in nursing job analysis were analyzed using Anderson's Revision of Bloom's taxonomy of Educational Objectives. RESULTS: The analysis showed that 172 (59.3%) of the 290 educational objectives of the nursing management corresponded to ‘conceptual knowledge’ and 167 (57.6%) of the ‘cognitive process dimension’ were ‘understanding’. In the job analysis, 29 out of 57 (50.9%) were procedural knowledge. The finding indicates that ‘health promotion and maintenance’ duty was excluded from the job analysis, but included in the nursing management curriculum and objectives. CONCLUSION: The results of this study contribute to the foundation of nursing management as a practical study by analyzing the goal of nursing management learning in connection with the job analysis required in the field.

Flipped Histology Classes – Ascending Bloom’s Taxonomy To Achieve Effective Learning: A Pilot Feasibility Study

Introduction: Learning histology often pose a unique challenge to first year students. It has a central visualcomponent by which students have to analyse and interpret the micrographic images. Development of an activelearning strategy where students understand the rationale of what they learn and apply the newly gained knowledgeto specific problems. Flipping the class allows the students to go over the lower levels of learning in Bloom’staxonomy (knowledge and understanding) individually. The aim of the present pilot initiative was to assess theeffectiveness of flipped classroom teaching in improving students’ learning outcomes.Methodology: In the present study, a pilot histology curriculum of three systems was implemented among 150first year medical students in a flipped classroom format at our institute. We developed a learner-centredinstructional design model and applied strategies reflecting Kolb’s four styles of learning. A questionnaire wasadministered to document the perceptions of students.Results: 45% of students agreed and 41% students strongly agreed that the sessions were useful in learninghistology in a better way; Majority of students agreed that the sessions were useful in understanding the topic asa whole. 98% students felt that flipped histology teaching method was more effective than the traditional methodfor improving their knowledge on histology and found the sessions interesting and more engaging.Discussion: This pilot study suggests that flipped classroom approach can be used to improve histology educationamong first year medical students. We hope that by applying the principles of adult learning and learner-centredinstructional design to design laboratory sessions could help us in developing self-directed learners. However,further concrete studies are required before reliably implementing our format as a teaching modality.

Regulation Effect of Glycyrrhetinic Acid on the Expression of BLM and Proliferation Apoptosis and Invasion Migration of PC3 Cells / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of glycyrrhetinic acid on the proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis of PC3 cells and the expression of BLM and Caspase-3. METHODS: The cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis were monitored by MTT assay, Transwell, scratch and Hoechst/PI double staining method. The transcription levels of BLM and Caspase-3 gene were tested by Real-time quantitative PCR, as well as their expression levels of protein were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: MTT results revealed that the effect on cell proliferation was not significant when the concentration of glycyrrhetic acid under 0.12 mol•L-1. The proliferation of the cell was gradually decreased when the concentration of glycyrrhetic acid is greater than 0.12 mol•L-1. The results of invasion and migration of the cells showed that it is decreased obviously when the concentration of glycyrrhetinic acid was above 0.16 mol•L-1. Hoechst/PI double staining showed that the cell apoptosis was obvious when the concentration of glycyrrhetinic acid was above 0.12 mol•L-1. Fluorescence quantitative PCR results showed that the expression of the BLM gene decreased significantly and the expression of the Caspase-3 gene increased significantly in PC3 cells compared with the control group when the concentration of glycyrrhetinic acid was above 0.12 mol•L-1. Western-blot results showed that BLM protein expression was significantly reduced while the expression of the Caspase-3 protein was significantly increased when the concentration of glycyrrhetinic acid in 0.12 mol•L-1. CONCLUSION: Glycyrrhetinic acid inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of the PC3 cells is related to the low expression of the BLM, whereas promoted apoptosis of the PC3 cells and is related to the high expression of Caspase-3.

Clinical and molecular analysis of two Chinese siblings with Bloom syndrome / 中华儿科杂志

Objective@#To expand the knowledge of the clinical and molecular characteristics of the children with Bloom syndrome.@*Methods@#Clinical data of two siblings with classic Bloom syndrome of Shanghai Children's Medical Center from January 2009 to June 2017 were obtained and analyzed. The DNA of peripheral blood was collected from two Bloom syndrome siblings and their parents during 2015. The mutations were detected with high-throughput sequencing by Illumina sequencing platform.@*Results@#The two siblings (probands) visited our department for short stature and growth retardation, they had full-term normal delivery after normal pregnancy of their mother. Both cases presented with feeding difficulties, malnutrition, microcephaly and mental retardation, repeated infection, symmetrical short stature and special faces. At first, the proband was an 8-year-3-month old girl, her height was 99.7 cm, body mass index (BMI) 12.07 kg/m2, head circumference was 45.5 cm, and birth weight was 1.6 kg. Her younger brother was 3-year-11-month old, his height was 86.6 cm, BMI was 14 kg/m2, birth weight was 1.95 kg, and the head circumference reached 36 cm at 16 months. No evidence of cancer and characteristic rash was detected at 8-year follow-up. Pathogenic complex heterozygous mutations c.772_773delCT, p.Leu258Glufs*7 and c.959+ 2T>A in BLM gene were detected in both siblings, which were separately inherited from their unaffected parents. Besides , c.959 + 2T>A has not been reported previously.@*Conclusions@#Children with Bloom syndrome are characterized by short stature, microcephaly, special faces, feeding difficulties, and immunodeficiency. And butterfly erythematous rash may be absent. The c.959+2T>A mutation detected in our patients maybe a novel pathogenic mutation.

Perfil clínico y epidemiológico de lactantes menores o igual a 1 año con microcefalia que son evaluados en la consulta externa de neurología del Hospital Nacional de Niños Benjamín Bloom de enero de 2015 a diciembre de 2016 / Clinical and epidemiological profile of infants less than or equal to 1 year with microcephaly who are evaluated in the neurology external consultation of the Benjamín Bloom National Children's Hospital from January 2015 to December 2016

El presente estudio da a conocer el perfil clínico y epidemiológico de lactantes menores o igual a 1 año con microcefalia, evaluados en la consulta externa de neurología del Hospital Nacional de Niños Benjamín Bloom (HNNBB), de enero de 2015 a diciembre de 2016, con el objetivo de determinar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas presentes en los lactantes evaluados en la consulta. Se realizó un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, descriptivo, de corte transversal; por medio de la revisión de expedientes clínicos de los lactantes que asistieron a la consulta de neurología, y que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. A partir de esta revisión se obtuvo un total de 41 lactante, y para fines de este estudio se utilizó al 100% de la población

Perfil clínico y epidemiológico de los neonatos menores o iguales a 1500 gramos que ingresan a la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales del Hospital Nacional de Niños Benjamín Bloom durante el periodo de enero 2015 a noviembre 2016 / Clinical and epidemiological profile of newborns less than or equal to 1500 grams admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the Benjamin Bloom National Children's Hospital during the period from January 2015 to November 2016

El presente estudio da a conocer el perfil clínico y epidemiológico de los neonatos menores o iguales a 1500 gramos que ingresaron a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales (UCIN) del Hospital Nacional de Niños Benjamín Bloom (HNNBB) durante el periodo de Enero de 2015 a Noviembre de 2016 con el objetivo de poder describir las principales causas de morbilidad-mortalidad neonatal y a la vez la evolución clínica de los prematuros menores o iguales a 1500 gramos. Los recién nacidos pre-término son una causa importante de morbilidad neonatal debido a la ausencia de los mecanismos de transición así como la inadecuada adaptación respiratoria, control de temperatura y glicémico en comparación con los nacidos de término. A partir de esta revisión se obtuvo un total de 132 neonatos y para fines de este estudio se utilizó al 100% de la población. Resultados: Demográficamente el 25% de neonatos fueron referidos al HNNBB provenientes de la zona central, seguidos de 21.2% de occidente y 20.5% de la zona paracentral y un 4% del total de los recién nacidos eran procedentes de Honduras. El 52.3% fueron del sexo masculino y el 47.7% del sexo femenino, el mayor porcentaje de pacientes que ingresaron a la UCIN según su peso se encuentran en la clasificación de Muy Bajo Peso al Nacer (Menores de 1500 gramos) en un 46.2%; y según su edad gestacional un 43.2% de los ingresos se encontraron entre las 28 y 32 semanas de edad gestacional. Conclusiones: Se evidencio que los principales factores de riesgo que contribuyeron al nacimiento de pacientes prematuros son el embarazo en la adolescencia, la falta de controles prenatales o la inscripción tardía de los mismos, la pobre ingesta de micronutrientes y el aumento de infecciones durante la gestación

Water residence time affecting phytoplankton blooms: study case in Ibitinga Reservoir (São Paulo, Brazil) using Landsat/TM images / Efeito de variações no tempo de residência hidráulica sobre a ocorrência de florações de fitoplâncton: estudo de caso no Reservatório de Ibitinga (SP) com o uso de imagens Landsat/TM

Abstract Satellite images are an effective tool for the detection of phytoplankton blooms, since they cause striking changes in water color. Bloom intensity can be expressed in terms of chlorophyll-a concentration. Previous studies suggest the use of Landsat TM4/TM3 reflectance ratio to retrieve surface chlorophyll-a concentration from aquatic systems. In this study we assumed that a remote sensing trophic state index can be applied to investigate how changes in HRT along the hydrologic year affect the spatial distribution of the phytoplankton blooms at Ibitinga’s reservoir surface. For that, we formulated two objectives: (1) apply a semi-empirical model which uses this reflectance ratio to map chlorophyll-a concentration at Ibitinga reservoir along the 2005 hydrologic year and (2) assess how changes in hydraulic residence time (HRT) affect the spatial distribution of phytoplankton blooms at Ibitinga Reservoir. The study site was chosen because previous studies reported seasonal changes in the reservoir limnology which might be related to the reservoir seasonality and hydrodynamics. Six Landsat/TM images were acquired over Ibitinga reservoir during 2005 and water flow measurements provided by the Brazilian Electric System National Operator - ONS were used to compute the reservoir´s residence time, which varied from 5.37 to 52.39 days during 2005. The HRT in the date of image acquisition was then compared to the distribution of chlorophyll-a in the reservoir. The results showed that the HRT increasing implies the increasing of the reservoir surface occupied by phytoplankton blooms.

Resumo As imagens de satélite são frequentemente usadas para a identificação de florações de fitoplâncton porque sua presença causa mudanças significativas na cor da água. A abundância das florações pode ser quantificada por medidas de concentração de clorofila-a. Diversos estudos sugerem o uso da razão de reflectância das bandas TM4/TM3 Landsat, para determinar as concentrações de clorofila-a em sistemas aquáticos. Este trabalho tem como objetivos: (1) aplicar um modelo semi-empírico que usa essa razão para mapear a concentração de clorofila-a no reservatório de Ibitinga ao longo do ano hidrológico de 2005; (2) avaliar como as mudanças no tempo de residência hidráulica afetaram a distribuição de florações na superfície do reservatório. O reservatório de Ibitinga foi selecionado porque estudos prévios indicavam mudanças sazonais nas propriedades limnológicas do reservatório, as quais poderiam estar relacionadas à sazonalidade e à hidrodinâmica. Seis imagens TM/Landsat foram adquiridas sobre o reservatório de Ibitinga durante o ano de 2005. Foi então usada uma tabela associando intervalos de razão de banda a intervalos de concentração de clorofila-a. Medidas de vazão fornecidas pelo Operador Nacional do Sistema Elétrico – ONS foram utilizadas para calcular o tempo de residência hidráulica do reservatório, que variou entre 5,37 e 52,39 dias durante 2005. O tempo de residência hidráulica em cada data de aquisição da imagem foi então comparado com a área ocupada pelas florações de fitoplancton. Os resultados indicaram uma forte relação entre o tempo de residência hidráulica e a área ocupada por florações. Em junho de 2005, quando o reservatório atingiu seu menor tempo de residência hidráulica, apenas 20% de sua área estiveram ocupadas por florações. Em setembro e outubro, quando a residência hidráulica atinge o seu máximo, mais que 80% da superfície do reservatório foram ocupadas por florações de fitoplancton.

Significance of prognostic indicators in infiltrating duct carcinoma breast: Scenario in developing country.

CONTEXT: Carcinoma of the breast is one of the most common malignant tumors and is the most common cause of death from cancers in females. Early diagnosis and assessing the prognosis for each patient is essential for a better therapeutic plan and management. AIMS: To evaluate the significance of various prognostic indicators of breast carcinoma by correlating with Nottingham modification of Scarff Bloom‑Richardson’s grading system (NMBGS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty four patients who underwent mastectomy for breast carcinoma at a tertiary care centre in South India over a period of 2 years have been evaluated to note the importance of the various prognostic factors correlating them with NMBGS. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A Chi‑square test was used to determine possible association between the various prognostic factors. RESULTS: Eighty percent of the tumors were infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC), and it is seen that the larger tumor size, higher histopathological grade, increased lymphovascular invasion, lymphnode metastasis, tumor necrosis, microvessel density, estrogen and progesterone receptor negativity, and HER‑2/neu positivity were associated with higher grade of tumor. CONCLUSIONS: The traditional morphological factors including the histological type, grade, tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node status, presence of necrosis, stromal reaction, and microvascular density (MVD) count are relatively simple but robust prognostic factors to assess, while the hormonal and genetic status not only have prognostic value but are useful predictive marker for adjuvant chemotherapy. Hence, the status of these various prognostic factors should form the basis of all routine histopathological reports in cases of breast cancer for better management.

Inhibitory effect of Bloom helicase gene targeted RNA interference vector against prostate cancer PC3 cells / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To explore the inhibitory effect of down-regulating Bloom helicase gene using RNA interference (RNAi) vectors on prostate cancer PC3 cells. Methods The BLM-RNAi vectors constructed previously in our lab were transfected into prostate cancer PC3 cells, and the proliferation ability of PC3 cells was detected with MTT at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after transfection of recombinant vectors. At 48 h, the invasion and migration ability was detected with Transwell chamber assay, migration distance was examined with cell scratch test, and cell apoptosis was detected with Hoechst/PI. Results The proliferation ability of cells after transfection was significantly weaker than that in the blank control group (P<0.05), the number of cells across Transwell membrane after transfection was significantly less than that in the blank control group (invasion ability: 119±24, 118±30 vs 227±38, P<0.05; migration ability: 122±13, 121±47 vs 277±32, P<0.05), cell scratch test also showed that the wound healig rate and cell migration distance in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the blank control group (P<0.05), and cell apoptosis in the experimental group was more notable compared with the blank control group. Conclusion RNAi vectors targeting Bloom helicase gene can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of prostate cancer PC3 cells, and increase the cell apoptosis, which may cast new lights on the gene therapy of prostate cancer.

Florecimientos algales nocivos producidos por Pyrodinium bahamense en Oaxaca, México (2009-2010) / Harmful algal blooms produced by Pyrodinium bahamense in Oaxaca, Mexico (2009-2010)

Objetivo. Monitorear el dinoflagelado Pyrodinium bahamense y sus toxinas en ostión de roca Striostrea prismatica en Santiago Astata y en Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, de septiembre de 2009 a junio de 2010. Material y métodos. Se analizó mensualmente la abundancia de Pyrodinium bahamense mediante el método de Sedgewick-Rafter y la concentración de toxinas paralizantes y perfil tóxico en tejido blando del molusco en muestras compuestas de cada zona por el método de cromatografía líquida de alta resolución. Resultados. Se encontró alta abundancia de Pyrodinium bahamense en Santiago Astata en diciembre, febrero, abril y junio, y en Puerto Escondido en abril y junio. Los niveles de toxinas paralizantes fueron superiores al límite permisible para consumo humano en Santiago Astata en noviembre, diciembre, enero, febrero y junio; en la zona de Puerto Escondido, en diciembre y junio. Conclusiones. Estos niveles de toxinas representaron riesgo para la salud pública en la zona de estudio.

Objective. Pyrodinium bahamense monitoring in water and their toxins in rock oyster Striostrea prismatica in Santiago Astata and Puerto Escondido Oaxaca was performed from September 2009 to July 2010. Materials and methods. Pyrodinium bahamense abundance in water, and concentration and toxic profile of paralytic shellfish toxins were analyzed monthly in soft tissue of mollusk in composite samples in high performance liquid chromatography. Results. High abundance of Pyrodinium bahamense was found in Santiago Astata on December, February, April and June; and in Puerto Escondido on April and June. The concentrations of the paralyzing toxin that exceeded the regulatory limit for human consumption of mollusks (800 µg STX eq. kg-1) were presented in Santiago Astata on November, December, January, February and June; and in Puerto Escondido on December and June. Conclusions. For several months there was risk to public health due to the presence of paralytic shellfish toxins above the regulatory limit in oysters from the study area.