Abstract Objective MicroRNA-29a-3p has been reported in a variety of cancers, but its role in hypopharyngeal cancer remains unclear. This study was to determine the role of microRNA-29a-3p in the occurrence and development of hypopharyngeal cancer. Methods 40 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent surgery in the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from April 2013 to November 2017 were selected for this study. The cancer tissue samples of the patients were collected, and the patients were followed up for three years. The expression of microRNA-29a-3p in tissue samples was detected by in situ hybridization with fluorescent probe, and the relationships among microRNA-29a-3p and clinicopathological factors, postoperative recurrent-metastasis, survival time were studied. Immunohistochemical was used to detect the expression of Ki67 and E-cadherin in tissue samples. Results Combined with HE staining results showed that microRNA-29a-3p expression was relatively high in non-cancer tissue cells (red blood cells and fibroblasts in tumor interstitial vessels), but was relatively low in cancer tissue and cells. According to the follow-up data of 40 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer, tumor size, T-stage, tumor differentiation, postoperative recurrent-metastasis of hypopharyngeal cancer patients were significantly negatively correlated with microRNA-29a-3p (p< 0.05). Immunohistochemica results further confirmed that microRNA-29a-3p was negatively correlated with the expression of Ki67 and E-cadherin. The survival time of patients positively related with microRNA-29a-3p expression (p< 0.05). Moreover, ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the combined detection of miRNA-29a-3p+Ki67+E-cadherin was larger than that of the single detection of the three indexes. Conclusions The expression of microRNA-29a-3p is closely related to the occurrence, development and prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer, and it affects the proliferation and invasion. This indicates that microRNA-29a-3p serves as a therapeutic target for the occurrence and development of hypopharyngeal cancer. The evidence of study designs of this study is IV using “Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence”.

RESUMO Introdução Métodos de exercício com postura incorreta ou movimentos repetitivos inadequados podem causar danos corporais irreversíveis à longo prazo. Há um crescente interesse sobre a ergonomia nas artes marciais porém o taekwondo carece de estudos. Objetivo Avaliar o impacto da ergonomia postural nas lesões e a reabilitação em atletas de taekwondo. Métodos 13 membros da equipe de taekwondo de uma academia esportiva tiveram suas posturas e características de lesão avaliadas. Usando método de pesquisa, experimental e estatística matemática, investigou-se os dados de diagnóstico postural e corporal dos esportistas confrontando as informações com o histórico de lesões, dor e tempo de lesão. Resultados Há 9 atletas que sofreram lesões e dores na cintura pélvica e articulações do tornozelo, as probabilidades são de 69,23%, as articulações da cintura pélvica e do tornozelo têm a maior frequência de lesões; seguida por lesões no joelho (46,15%), e as articulações dos pés (30,77%). Lesões nas coxas, articulações do pulso e ombros foram detectadas em 23,08% esportistas. Conclusões Os resultados deste estudo mostram que as disfunções posturais podem ser corrigidas com avaliação da função motora e a reabilitação precoce baseados na postura ergonômica do esporte. Nível de evidência II; Estudos Terapêuticos - Investigação de Resultados.

ABSTRACT Introduction Exercise methods with incorrect posture or inadequate repetitive movements may cause irreversible long-term body damage. There is a growing interest in ergonomics in martial arts, but taekwondo lacks studies. Objective Evaluate the postural ergonomics impact on injuries and rehabilitation in taekwondo athletes. Methods 13 taekwondo team members from a sports academy had their posture and injury characteristics evaluated. Research methods, experimental and mathematical statistics investigated the athletes’ postural and body diagnosis, confronting the information with their injury history, pain, and injury duration. Results Nine athletes suffered injuries and pain in the pelvic girdle and ankle joints; the odds are 69.23%, pelvic girdle and ankle joints have the highest frequency of injuries, followed by knee injuries (46.15%), and foot joints (30.77%). Injuries to the thigh, wrist, and shoulder joints were detected in 23.08% of athletes. Conclusions The results of this study indicate postural dysfunctions can be corrected with motor function evaluation and early rehabilitation based on ergonomic sports posture. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.

RESUMEN Introducción Los métodos de ejercicio con posturas incorrectas o movimientos repetitivos inadecuados pueden causar daños corporales irreversibles a largo plazo. Existe un creciente interés por la ergonomía en las artes marciales, pero el taekwondo carece de estudios. Objetivo Evaluar el impacto de la ergonomía postural en las lesiones y en la rehabilitación de los atletas de taekwondo. Métodos Se evaluaron las posturas y las características de las lesiones de 13 miembros del equipo de taekwondo de una academia deportiva. Utilizando el método de investigación, experimental y estadística matemática, se investigaron los datos de diagnóstico postural y corporal de los atletas, confrontando la información con su historial de lesiones, el dolor y el tiempo de lesión. Resultados Hay 9 atletas que sufrieron lesiones y dolor en las articulaciones de la cintura pélvica y el tobillo, las probabilidades son del 69,23%, las articulaciones de la cintura pélvica y el tobillo tienen la mayor frecuencia de lesiones; seguidas de las lesiones de rodilla (46,15%), y las articulaciones del pie (30,77%). Se detectaron lesiones en las articulaciones del muslo, la muñeca y el hombro en el 23,08% de los atletas. Conclusiones Los resultados de este estudio muestran que las disfunciones posturales pueden corregirse con la evaluación de la función motora y la rehabilitación temprana basada en la postura deportiva ergonómica. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de resultados.

Resumen La cirugía desempeña un papel insustituible en la prevención, diagnóstico, estadificación, reconstrucción y rehabilitación en el tratamiento global del cáncer. Sin embargo, es difícil que cirujanos y personal de enfermería tengan en cuenta todos los aspectos de la gestión de la medicación, como el impacto de la cirugía en la función física del paciente y la complejidad del tratamiento antitumoral con sus comorbilidades. Los servicios de atención farmacéutica que anteriormente prestaban los farmacéuticos en oncología se centraban más en aspectos de la medicina interna, y no ampliamente en el ámbito quirúrgico. En la actualidad, el modo de trabajo farmacéutico en la cirugía oncológica aún no está definido en China, y existe una necesidad de mejorar la gestión de la medicación de todo el proceso asistencial. En 2015, la Asociación Farmacéutica de GuangDong propuso la creación del rol de farmacéutico quirúrgico en China y posteriormente creó su puesto de trabajo. En 2021, la Asociación Farmacéutica de GuangDong estableció una nueva disciplina denominada “farmacia quirúrgica”, que es el área de conocimiento de los farmacéuticos quirúrgicos, y también intentó diferenciar la farmacia quirúrgica en distintas subáreas, como la farmacia quirúrgica oncológica. Este artículo presenta el modo de trabajo de los farmacéuticos quirúrgicos en China, que proporciona servicios de atención farmacéutica en el periodo perioperatorio de los pacientes incorporando los distintos aspectos del tratamiento antitumoral, control de infecciones, anestesia, anticoagulación, control de la presión arterial y la glucosa en sangre, nutrición y tratamiento del dolor, con el objetivo de mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes.

Abstract Surgery plays an irreplaceable role in the prevention, diagnosis, staging, reconstruction, and rehabilitation in the overall management of cancer. Nevertheless, it is difficult for surgeons and nurses to take into account the details of medication management, considering the impact of surgery on the patient’s physical function and the complexity of anti-tumor treatment with comorbidity. The pharmaceutical care services previously provided by pharmacists in oncology focus more on the internal medicine system, not widely the surgical field. At present, the pharmaceutical working mode in oncology surgery has not well been formed around China, and the whole process medication management needs to be improved. In 2015, the GuangDong Pharmaceutical Association came up with the concept of surgical pharmacist in China and subsequently created its position. In 2021, the GuangDong Pharmaceutical Association established a new discipline termed “surgical pharmacy”, which is the knowledge system of surgical pharmacists, and also tried to differentiate surgical pharmacy into diverse areas, such as oncology surgical pharmacy. This article introduced a working mode of surgical pharmacists in China that providing pharmaceutical care services in perioperative period around anti-tumor, anti-infection, anesthesia, anticoagulation, blood pressure, blood glucose, nutrition, and pain management, to improve quality of life for patients.

RESUMO Introdução: O Taekwondo é o esporte mais completo com natureza combativa entre os esportes relacionados. Seus atletas precisam ter maior força de ataque nas pernas e um corpo com sensibilidade e estabilidade relativamente altas. O centro de produção de força, de onde se originam todos os movimentos é chamado de core. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é analisar as possíveis alterações físicas nos atletas de Taekwondo provocadas pelo fortalecimento do core. Métodos: Dados basais do treinamento no core foram registrados usando uma variedade de métodos de análise científica. Foram empregados também, rigorosos métodos de comparação. Os 6 índices de capacidade atlética foram testados em grupos experimentais e de controle nos atletas de Taekwondo. Resultados: Os dados na força dos atletas e nos estilos de exercício antes e depois do fortalecimento do core mostraram grandes diferenças. Conclusão: O fortalecimento no core dos atletas pode melhorar rapidamente o desenvolvimento da força física. O fortalecimento do core mostrou-se um procedimento eficaz de melhora no treinamento de força nos atletas de Taekwondo. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Taekwondo is a complete sport with combative nature among related sports. Their athletes need a higher strike force in the legs and a body with relatively high sensitivity and stability. The center of force production, from which all movements originate, is called the core. Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze possible physical changes in Taekwondo athletes caused by strengthening the core. Methods: Baseline data from core training was recorded using various scientific analysis methods. Rigorous methods of comparison were also employed. The six indices of athletic ability were tested in experimental and control groups in Taekwondo athletes. Results: The data in the athletes’ strength and exercise styles before and after core strengthening showed significant differences. Conclusion: Strengthening the core of athletes can rapidly improve the development of physical strength. Core strengthening is an effective procedure for improving strength training in Taekwondo athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: El taekwondo es el deporte de naturaleza combativa más completo entre los deportes relacionados. Sus atletas necesitan tener una mayor fuerza de ataque en las piernas y un cuerpo con una sensibilidad y estabilidad relativamente altas. El centro de producción de la fuerza, desde donde se originan todos los movimientos, se llama core. Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio es analizar los posibles cambios físicos en los atletas de Taekwondo causados por el fortalecimiento del core. Métodos: Se registraron los datos de referencia del entrenamiento básico utilizando diversos métodos de análisis científico. También se emplearon métodos rigurosos de comparación. Los 6 índices de capacidad atlética se probaron en grupos experimentales y de control en atletas de Taekwondo. Resultados: Los datos en la fuerza de los atletas y en los estilos de ejercicio antes y después del fortalecimiento del core mostraron grandes diferencias. Conclusión: El fortalecimiento del core de los atletas podría mejorar rápidamente el desarrollo de la fuerza física. Se ha demostrado que el fortalecimiento del core es un procedimiento eficaz para mejorar el entrenamiento de la fuerza en los atletas de taekwondo. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Abstract To investigate the value of edible horticultural therapy (EHT) for long-term-hospitalized (LTH) female patients who suffered from schizophrenia. 60 female schizophrenic patients hospitalized in our hospital were randomly divided into EHT group and control group, with 30 cases in each group. The EHT group was combined with EHT on the basis of drug treatment, and the control group was only treated with drug treatment. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Chinese version Scale of Social Functioning for Psychotic Inpatients (SSFPI), and the Life Satisfaction Index A (LSIA) were compared and analyzed between two groups. After 6 weeks of treatment, the SSFPI score of EHT group increased and was significantly higher than that of the control group. After treatment, the LSIA index of EHT group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The BPRS index of EHT group was significantly lower than that before treatment, but there was little change in the control group. There was significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). EHT maybe valuable for improving clinical symptoms of schizophrenia and recovery of social function. Clinical registration number:researchregistry7590

Resumo Fundamento A doença Coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19), causada pela síndrome respiratória aguda grave Coronavírus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), espalhou-se pelo mundo. Objetivo Investigar a associação entre a hipertensão e a gravidade/mortalidade de pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19 em Wuhan, China. Métodos Um total de 337 pacientes diagnosticados com COVID-19 no Sétimo Hospital da cidade de Wuhan, de 20 de janeiro a 25 de fevereiro de 2020, foram inseridos e analisados em um estudo de caso unicêntrico e retrospectivo. O nível de significância adotado para a análise estatística foi 0,05. Resultados Dos 337 pacientes com diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19, 297 (87.8%) tiveram alta do hospital e 40 pacientes (22,9%) morreram. A idade média foi de 58 anos (variando de 18 a 91 anos). Havia 112 (33,2%) pacientes diagnosticados com hipertensão no momento da internação (idade média, 65,0 anos [variação, 38-91 anos]; sendo 67 homens [59,8%, IC95%: 50,6%-69,0%], p=0,0209). Pacientes com hipertensão apresentaram uma porção significativamente maior de casos graves (69 [61,6%, IC95%: 52,5%-70,8%] vs. 117 [52,0%, IC95%: 45,4%-58,6%] em pacientes graves e 23 [19,3%, IC95%: 12,9%-28,1%] vs. 27 [12,0%, IC95%: 7,7%-16,3%] em pacientes críticos, p=0,0014) e maiores taxas de mortalidade (20 [17,9%, IC95%: 10,7%-25,1%] vs. 20 [8,9%, IC95%: 5,1%-12,6%, p=0,0202). Além disso, pacientes hipertensos apresentaram níveis anormais de vários indicadores, como linfopenia e inflamação, e nas funções cardíacas, hepáticas, renais e pulmonares no momento da internação. O grupo de pacientes com hipertensão também demonstrou níveis maiores de TNT e creatinina próximo da alta. Conclusão A hipertensão está altamente associada à gravidade ou mortalidade da COVID-19. Um tratamento agressivo deve ser considerado para pacientes hipertensos com COVID-19, principalmente com relação a lesões cardíacas e dos rins.

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread worldwide. Objective To investigate the association between hypertension and severity/mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China. Methods A total of 337 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at the Seventh Hospital of Wuhan City, from January 20 to February 25, 2020, were enrolled and analyzed in a retrospective, single-center case study. The significance level adopted in the statistical analysis was 0.05. Results Of the 337 patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, 297 (87.8%) were discharged from the hospital and 40 patients (22.9%) died. The median age was 58 years (range, 18-91 years). There were 112 (33.2%) patients diagnosed with hypertension at admission (median age, 65.0 years [range, 38-91 years]; 67 [59.8%, 95%CI: 50.6%-69.0%] men, p=0.0209). Patients with hypertension presented a significantly higher portion of severe cases (69 [61.6%, 95%CI:52.5%-70.8%] vs. 117 [52.0%, 95%CI: 45.4%-58.6%] in severe patients and 23 [19.3%, 95%CI:12.9%-28.1%] vs. 27 [12.0%, 95%CI: 7.7%-16.3%] in critical patients, p=0.0014) and higher mortality rates (20 [17.9%, 95%CI: 10.7%-25.1%] vs. 20 [8.9%, 95%CI: 5.1%-12.6%, p=0.0202). Moreover, hypertensive patients presented abnormal levels of multiple indicators, such as lymphopenia, inflammation, heart, liver, kidney, and lung function at admission. The hypertension group still displayed higher levels of TnT and creatinine at approaching discharge. Conclusion Hypertension is strongly associated with severity or mortality of COVID-19. Aggressive treatment may be considered for COVID-19 patients with hypertension, especially regarding cardiac and kidney injury.

ABSTRACT Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread worldwide. The aim this study was to investigate the association of diabetes with severity and mortality among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China. Subjects and methods: This retrospective, single-center case study enrolled a total of 564 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at the Seventh Hospital of Wuhan City, between January 20 and March 15, 2020. Results: Among the 564 patients with confirmed COVID-19, 509 (85.1%) were discharged and 55 (9.8%) died. The median age was 59 years (range, 10-93 years). A total of 85 (15.1%) patients were diagnosed with diabetes on admission (median age, 65.0 [range, 34-91] years). Patients with diabetes had significantly higher proportions of critical cases (24 [28.2%] vs. 66 [13.8%]) and in-hospital mortality (17 [20%] vs. 38 [7.9%]). Moreover, patients with diabetes presented abnormal levels of multiple indicators concerning lymphopenia, inflammation, heart, liver, kidney, and lung function on admission, while diabetic patient group still display higher troponin T (TnT) levels when approaching discharge. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve indicated a trend toward poorer survival in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients, also evidenced by abnormal laboratory biomarker changes regarding multiple system impairments among COVID-19 patients with diabetes with in-hospital death. Conclusion: The detailed clinical investigation of 564 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 indicated a considerable association between diabetes and COVID-19 severity or mortality. Thus, more intensive treatment may be considered for COVID-19 patients with diabetes, especially regarding to cardiac injury.

Resumo Introdução: A quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide, uma serina/treonina quinase que funciona downstream da via de sinalização PI3K, desempenha um papel crítico nos processos neoplásicos. É expressa por vários tumores e contribui para a carcinogênese. Objetivo: Investigar a expressão de quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide no carcinoma nasofaríngeo, estudar os efeitos antitumorais do shRNA da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide, que inibem sua expressão em células de carcinoma nasofaríngeo, e discutir as implicações potenciais de nossos achados. Método: A expressão de proteína quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide em linhagens de células de carcinoma nasofaríngeo (CNE-1, CNE-2, HNE-1, HONE-1 e SUNE-1) e a linhagem de células humanas imortalizadas do epitélio nasofaríngeo NP69 foram avaliadas por Western blot. A expressão da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide em 42 tecidos de CNF embebidos em parafina foi feita por imuno-histoquímica. Testes com MTT, citometria de fluxo e testes de raspagem foram feitos após as células CNE-2 terem sido transfectadas com o melhor plasmídeo shRNA da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide selecionado por Western blot, com o uso de lipofectamina para estudar seu efeito na proliferação, apoptose e migração celular. Resultados: Foi observada uma sobre-expressão da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide em tecidos e células de carcinoma nasofaríngeo humanas. A expressão de quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide diminuiu acentuadamente após as células CNE-2 terem sido transfectadas com o shRNA da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide, conduzindo a forte inibição de proliferação e migração celular. Além disso, a taxa de apoptose aumentou nas células CNE-2 após o knockdown da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide. Conclusão: A expressão de quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide foi observada com maior frequência à medida que o epitélio nasofaríngeo progride de tecido normal para carcinoma. Isso sugere que a quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide contribui para o processo multietapas da carcinogênese do carcinoma nasofaríngeo. A quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide representa um alvo para a terapia do carcinoma nasofaríngeo e há uma base para a investigação adicional dessa modalidade de tratamento adjuvante para o carcinoma nasofaríngeo.

Abstract Introduction: Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3, a serine/threonine kinase that functions downstream of the PI3K signaling pathway, plays a critical role in neoplastic processes. It is expressed by various tumors and contributes to carcinogenesis. Objective: The objective was to investigate serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, to study the anti-tumor effects of serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 shRNA by inhibiting its expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and to discuss the potential implications of our findings. Methods: Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 protein expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines (CNE-1, CNE-2, HNE-1, HONE-1, and SUNE-1) and the human immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelium cell line NP69 were assayed by western blotting. Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 expression in 42 paraffin-embedded nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues were performed by immunohistochemistry. MTT assay, flow cytometry, and scratch tests were performed after CNE-2 cells were transfected with the best serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 shRNA plasmid selected by western blotting using lipofectamine to study its effect on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. Results: Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 was overexpressed in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and cells. Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 expression decreased markedly after CNE-2 cells were transfected with the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 shRNA, leading to strong inhibition of cell proliferation and migration. In addition, the apoptosis rate increased in CNE-2 cells after serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 knockdown. Conclusion: Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 expression was more frequently observed as the nasopharyngeal epithelium progresses from normal tissue to carcinoma. This suggests that serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 contributes to the multistep process of NPC carcinogenesis. Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 represents a target for nasopharyngeal carcinoma therapy, and a basis exists for the further investigation of this adjuvant treatment modality for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Abstract A numerical material model for composite laminate, was developed and integrated into the nonlinear dynamic explicit finite element programs as a material user subroutine. This model coupling nonlinear state of equation (EOS), was a macro-mechanics model, which was used to simulate the major mechanical behaviors of composite laminate under high-velocity impact conditions. The basic theoretical framework of the developed material model was introduced. An inverse flyer plate simulation was conducted, which demonstrated the advantage of the developed model in characterizing the nonlinear shock response. The developed model and its implementation were validated through a classic ballistic impact issue, i.e. projectile impacting on Kevlar29/Phenolic laminate. The failure modes and ballistic limit velocity were analyzed, and a good agreement was achieved when comparing with the analytical and experimental results. The computational capacity of this model, for Kevlar/Epoxy laminates with different architectures, i.e. plain-woven and cross-plied laminates, was further evaluated and the residual velocity curves and damage cone were accurately predicted.

The oncogene Bmi-1 is a member of the Polycomb group gene family. Its expression is found to be greatly increased in a number of malignant tumors including breast cancer. This could suggest Bmi-1 as a potent therapeutic target. In this study, RNAi was introduced to down-regulate the expression of Bmi-1 in a highly malignant breast adenocarcinoma cell line, MCF-7. A thorough study of the biological behavior and chemosensitivity changes of the MCF-7 cells was carried out in context to the therapeutic potential of Bmi-1. The results obtained indicated that siRNA targeting of Bmi-1 could lead to an efficient and specific inhibition of endogenous Bmi-1 activity. The mRNA and protein expression of Bmi-1 were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Furthermore, silencing of Bmi-1 resulted in a drastic inhibition of the growth of MCF-7 cells as well as G1/S phase transition. The number of target cells was found to increase in phase G0/G1 and decrease in the S phase, but no increase in the basal level of apoptosis was noticed. On the other hand, a reduction in the expression of cyclin D1 and an increase in the expression of p21 were also noticed. Silencing of Bmi-1 made the MCF-7 cells more sensitive to the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin and induced a significantly higher percentage of apoptotic cells. Here, we report on a study regarding the RNAi-mediated silencing of the Bmi-1 gene in breast cancer.