Circular RNA (circRNA) is a new group of endogenous non-coding RNAs produced by back-splicing, which has multiple molecular functions such as acting as microRNA sponges, regulators of transcription and splicing, adaptors for protein-protein interaction. Recent studies have shown that circRNA play an essential role in development and progression of retinal microvascular dysfunction, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, eye diseases caused by hyperhomocysteine and ocular malignancy. In pathological conditions, the differential expression of circRNA alters the transcription and translation of corresponding genes, thus changing the activity and function of cells. CircRNA may become a new marker and prognostic indicator of fundus diseases, and its targeted intervention may also become a potential treatment for fundus diseases.
The present paper is to evaluate the scientific research level and development trends of biomedical engineering in China using metrology analysis on Chinese biomedical engineering scientific literatures. Pubmed is used to search the biomedical engineering publications in recent 5 years which are indexed by Science Citation Index, and the number and cited times of these publications and the impact factor of the journals are analyzed. The results show that comparing with the world, although the number of the publication in China has increased in recent 5 years, there is still much room for improvement. Among Chinese mainland, Hongkong and Taiwan, Chinese mainland maintains the obvious advantage in this subject, but Hongkong has the highest average cited number. Shanghai and Beijing have better research ability than other areas in Chinese mainland.
Objective To evaluate the safety and tolerance of medicinal charcoal enteric-coated tablets in healthy volunteers. Methods A total of 44 healthy volunteers were randomly divided into 6 single-dose groups (0.5 g, 2 g, 4 g, 6 g, 8 g and 10 g) and a multiple-dose group (3 g, 3 times a day, for 14 days). The safety profile and tolerance were evaluated by observing symptoms, vital signs, and laboratory tests. Results No serious adverse event was reported for any volunteer. Abdominal distension occurred in 2 volunteers in the 4 g dose group and the 6 g dose group. One volunteer in the 8 g dose group experienced nausea and vomiting. Transient decrease in white blood cell count was observed in one volunteer in the 10 g dose group. Abdominal distension occurred in 2 volunteers of the multiple-dose group. Conclusion Based on our findings, the maximum tolerated dose of medicinal charcoal enteric-coated tablets in Chinese healthy volunteers is 10 g. The recommended dose for subsequent clinical trials is 3 g, 3 times a day.