Abstract Chickpea starch was modified by heat-moisture treatment (HMT). The effect of heat-moisture treatment on the amylose content of chickpea starch was studied, and the physicochemical properties, gelatinization properties, texture properties and digestion properties of modified chickpea starch were compared and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). After HMT, the amylose content of chickpea starch increased. Compared with the natural starch, the morphology of starch granule was changed and destroyed under the condition of higher water content (30%). It was found that the crystalline morphology had no obvious change, and the structure was still C-type. In FT-IR spectra, the position of characteristic absorption peak had no obvious change, and the internal structure and main components of chickpea starch had no obvious change. The solubility, swelling power, transparency, freeze-thaw stability and gelation ability of chickpea starch treated with HMT decreased, while the thermal stability increased and the anti-digestibility enhanced.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The sports psychology of athletes and public service policies in various places have been adjusted under the influence of the epidemic of COVID-19. However, team sports also need adjustments, and the paucity of evidence prevents safe decision-making. Objective: Research the current model to outline optimizations to team sports public service during the epidemic of COVID-19. Methods: The mechanism of athletes’ satisfaction was investigated, mainly involving organizing activities in sports venues, including geographical distribution, technical guidance, health services, etc. Results: According to the survey, the first concern was “organization of activities,” with a score of 3.783; followed by “number of places,” with a score of 3.252; and “health service,” with a score of 3.142. In the athletes’ satisfaction score relative to supply and demand, the first concern highlighted was “distribution of seats”, with a score of 3.682; followed by “number of seats”, with a score of 3.484; and “organization of activities”, with a score of 3.112. Conclusion: In optimizing the public team sports service model, the actual needs of the facilities should be fully considered to achieve scientific optimization of supply and demand. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: Tanto la psicología deportiva de los atletas como las políticas de servicios públicos en diversos lugares se han ajustado bajo la influencia de la epidemia de COVID-19. Los deportes de equipo también necesitan ajustes y la escasez de pruebas impide tomar decisiones seguras al respecto. Objetivo: Investigar el modelo actual para delinear optimizaciones al servicio público de los deportes de equipo durante la epidemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Se investigó el mecanismo de satisfacción de los atletas, que involucra principalmente la organización de actividades en las instalaciones deportivas, incluyendo la distribución geográfica, la orientación técnica, los servicios de salud, etc. Resultados: Según la encuesta realizada, la primera preocupación era la “organización de las actividades”, con una puntuación de 3,783; seguida del “número de plazas”, con una puntuación de 3,252; y del “servicio sanitario”, con una puntuación de 3,142. En la puntuación de satisfacción de los atletas en relación con la oferta y la demanda, la primera preocupación destacada fue la “distribución de los lugares”, con una puntuación de 3,682; seguida del “número de lugares”, con una puntuación de 3,484; y de la “organización de las actividades”, con una puntuación de 3,112. Conclusión: En el proceso de optimización del modelo de servicio público de deportes de equipo, deben tenerse plenamente en cuenta las necesidades reales de las instalaciones para lograr una optimización científica de la oferta y la demanda. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: Tanto a psicologia esportiva dos atletas quanto as políticas de serviço público em vários lugares foram ajustadas sob a influência da epidemia da COVID-19. Os esportes em equipe também necessitam de adaptações e a escassez de evidências impede tomadas de decisões seguras neste aspecto. Objetivo: Pesquisar o modelo atual para traçar otimizações ao serviço público esportivo de equipe durante a epidemia da COVID-19. Métodos: O mecanismo de satisfação dos atletas foi investigado, envolvendo principalmente a organização de atividades em locais esportivos, incluindo distribuição geográfica, orientação técnica, serviços de saúde, etc. Resultados: De acordo com a pesquisa levantada, a primeira preocupação foi “organização de atividades”, com pontuação de 3.783; seguido de “número de vagas”, com pontuação de 3.252; e “serviço de saúde”, com pontuação de 3.142. Na pontuação de satisfação das atletas relativa à oferta e demanda, a primeira preocupação destacada foi “distribuição de lugares”, com pontuação de 3,682; seguida de “número de lugares”, com pontuação de 3,484; e “organização de atividades”, com pontuação de 3,112. Conclusão: No processo de otimização do modelo de serviço público esportivo de equipes, as necessidades reais das instalações devem ser plenamente consideradas, a fim de alcançar a otimização científica da oferta e da demanda. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

Abstract Background Fever is a common symptom of Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). However, the exact correlation between fever and the prognosis of IIM is still unclear. This study aims to clarify if the IIM patients initiated with fever are associated with poorer outcomes. Methods This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Data were collected from 79 newly diagnosed, treatment-naive IIM patients in the Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Wuxi, Jiangsu, China) from November 2016 to June 2020. According to the presence or absence of fever at the onset, the IIM patients were divided into two groups(fever group n = 28, without fever group n = 51) Clinical characteristics, laboratory data, treatment, and outcomes were recorded. The Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used to compare the all-cause mortality, relapse rate, and acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (AE-ILD) incidence. The association of fever with the outcomes was assessed in the unadjusted and adjusted forward logistic regression model. Results Compared with the non-fever group, the age at onset of the fever group was higher, and mechanic's hands (MH) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) were more common. Systemic inflammation (CRP and ESR) was significantly higher in the fever group, while the level of albumin(ALB) and muscle enzymes were lower. The fever group seemed to be received more aggressive treatment, with higher dose glucocorticoids and higher rates of intravenous immunoglobulins(IVIG) use. The all-cause mortality rate and the incidence rate of AE-ILD were higher in the fever group. Even adjusted for the age at onset and treatments, fever was significantly associated with AE-ILD and all-cause mortality. Conclusion Our study has demonstrated that fever at initial diagnosis is associated with AE-ILD and mortality. Fever should serve as an early clinical warning sign for poor outcomes in IIM patients.

Abstract Background Dexmedetomidine (DEX), a specific α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is protective against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI). However, the association between DEX preconditioning-induced cardioprotection and mitophagy suppression remains unclear. Objective Hence, we aimed to investigate whether DEX preconditioning alleviates MIRI by suppressing mitophagy via α2-adrenergic receptor activation. Method Sixty isolated rat hearts were treated with or without DEX before inducing ischemia and reperfusion; an α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, yohimbine (YOH), was also administered before ischemia, alone or with DEX. The heart rate (HR), left ventricular diastolic pressure (LVDP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), maximal and minimal rate of left ventricular pressure development (±dp/dtmax), and myocardial infarction size were measured. The mitochondrial ultrastructure and autophagosomes were assessed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using JC-1 and dichloride hydrofluorescein diacetate assays, respectively. The expression levels of the mitophagy-associated proteins Beclin1, LC3II/I ratio, p62, PINK1, and Parkin were detected by western blotting. Results Compared with the control group, in the ischemia/reperfusion group, the HR, LVDP, and ±dp/dtmax were remarkably decreased (p< 0.05), whereas LVEDP and infarct sizes were significantly increased (p< 0.05). DEX preconditioning significantly improved cardiac dysfunction reduced myocardial infarction size, maintained mitochondrial structural integrity, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibited autophagosomes formation, and decreased ROS production and Beclin1, LC3II/I ratio, PINK1, Parkin, and p62 expression(p< 0.05). When DEX and YOH were combined, YOH canceled the effect of DEX, whereas the use of YOH alone had no effect. Conclusion Therefore, DEX preconditioning was cardioprotective against MIRI in rats by suppressing mitophagy via α2-adrenergic receptor activation.

Resumo Fundamento A dexmedetomidina (DEX), um agonista específico do receptor α2-adrenérgico, é protetora contra lesão de isquemia/reperfusão miocárdica (I/R). No entanto, a associação entre a cardioproteção induzida pelo pré-condicionamento DEX e a supressão da mitofagia permanece pouco clara. Objetivo Portanto, nosso objetivo foi investigar se o pré-condicionamento com DEX alivia a I/R, suprimindo a mitofagia via ativação do receptor α2-adrenérgico. Método Sessenta corações de ratos isolados foram tratados com ou sem DEX antes de induzir isquemia e reperfusão; um antagonista do receptor α2-adrenérgico, a ioimbina (YOH), também foi administrado antes da isquemia, isoladamente ou com DEX. A frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo (PDVE), pressão diastólica final do ventrículo esquerdo (PDFVE), taxa máxima e mínima de desenvolvimento da pressão ventricular esquerda (±dp/dtmax) e tamanho do infarto do miocárdio foram medidos. A ultraestrutura mitocondrial e as autofagossomas foram avaliadas por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. O potencial de membrana mitocondrial e os níveis de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) foram medidos usando os ensaios JC-1 e diacetato de diclorodi hidrofluoresceína, respectivamente. Os níveis de expressão das proteínas associadas à mitofagia Beclin1, relação LC3II/I, p62, PINK1 e Parkin foram detectados por western blotting. Resultados Em comparação com o grupo controle, no grupo isquemia/reperfusão, a FC, PDVE e ±dp/dtmax foram notavelmente diminuídas (p<0,05), enquanto os tamanhos da PDFVE e do infarto aumentaram significativamente (p<0,05). O pré-condicionamento com DEX melhorou significativamente a disfunção cardíaca, reduziu o tamanho do infarto do miocárdio, manteve a integridade estrutural mitocondrial, aumentou o potencial de membrana mitocondrial, inibiu a formação de autofagossomas e diminuiu a produção de ROS e a relação Beclin1, relação LC3II/I, expressão PINK1, Parkin e p62(p<0,05). Quando DEX e YOH foram combinados, o YOH cancelou o efeito da DEX, enquanto o uso de YOH sozinha não teve efeito. Conclusão Portanto, o pré-condicionamento DEX foi cardioprotetor contra I/R em ratos, suprimindo a mitofagia por meio da ativação do receptor α2-adrenérgico.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar o efeito antiproliferativo de poli (lactídeo-coglicolídeo) com superfície modificada carregada com carboplatina contra células de retinoblastoma. Métodos: Preparou-se poli (lactídeo-co-glicolídeo) carregado com carboplatina com ou sem alginato de sódio para modifição da superfície, poli com alginato de sódio (lactídeo-co-glicolídeo) e poli (lactídeo-co-glicolídeo). O potencial zeta e o comportamento de liberação de carboplatina foram investigados. A captação celular do fármaco liberado foi observada na linha celular de retinoblastoma Y79. O efeito inibitório das nanopartículas carregadas com carboplatina contra a linha celular Y79 foi avaliado através do ensaio de metiltiazol tetrazólio e Western-blot. Carboplatina nativa e nanopartículas vazias sem carga de carboplatina serviram como controles. Resultados: O potencial zeta de poli carregado com carboplatina (lactídeo-co-glicolídeo) foi - (26,1 ± 3,1) mV versus - (43,1 ± 8,1) mV em poli com alginato de sódio carregado com carboplatina (lactídeo-co-glicolídeo). A percentagem de libertação de explosão de poli carregado com carboplatina (lactídeo-co-glicolídeo) e poli com alginato de sódio (lactídeo-co-glicolídeo) foram (40,0 ± 8,2)% e (18,9 ± 4,3)% às 24 horas, respectivamente. Uma diferença significativa foi identificada em relação à liberação de fármaco entre poli com alginato de sódio carregado com carboplatina (lactídeo-co-glicolídeo) e poli carregado com carboplatina (lactídeo-co-glicolídeo). A detecção de fluorescência revelou que a carboplatina foi assimilada intensamente no citoplasma da linha celular Y79 que foi exposta ao poli com alginato de sódio carregado com carboplatina (lactídeo-co-glicolídeo). A exposição de poli carregada com carboplatina (lactídeo-co-glicolídeo) ou poli com alginato de sódio (lactídeo-co-glicolídeo) inibiu a expressão de antígeno nuclear de proliferação celular em células Y79 no 3º dia. A extensão da exposição no 5º dia revelou que poli com alginato de sódio (lactídeo-co-glicolídeo) para modificação da superfície foi superior a poli (lactídeo-co-glicolídeo) em termos de inibição do antígeno nuclear de proliferação celular. O teste de viabilidade celular via metiltiazol tetrazólio mostrou um efeito inibitório semelhante. Além disso, as nanopartículas carregadas com carboplatina de concentração mais baixa inibiram a viabilidade celular mais fortemente em comparação com a carboplatina nativa de concentração mais alta no ensaio de metiltiazol tetrazólio. Conclusões: Poli com alginato de sódio carregado com carboplatina (lactídeo-co-glicolídeo) inibiu a proliferação de células de retinoblastoma com efeito superior em contraste com poli (lactídeo-co-glicolídeo) e carboplatina nativa. O alginato de sódio para modificação da superfície oferece uma estratégia potencial para o sistema de liberação de carboplatina sustentada.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the antiproliferative effect of carboplatin-loaded surface-modified poly(lactide-co-glycolide) on retinoblastoma cells. Methods: Carboplatin-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) with or without sodium alginate surface modification was prepared using sodium alginate-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide). The zeta potential and carboplatin release behavior were investigated. The cellular uptake of the released drug was observed in the retinoblastoma cell line Y79. The inhibitory effect of carboplatin-loaded nanoparticles against the Y79 cell line was evaluated using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay and western blot. Native carboplatin and void nanoparticles without carboplatin loading were used as controls. Results: The zeta potential was -(26.1 ± 3.1) mV for carboplatin-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and-(43.1 ± 8.1) mV for carboplatin-loaded sodium alginate-poly(lactide-co-glycolide). The burst release percentages of carboplatin-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and sodium alginate-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) were (40.0% ± 8.2%) and (18.9% ± 4.3%) at 24 hours, respectively. A significant difference was identified regarding drug release between carboplatin-loaded sodium alginate-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and carboplatin-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide). Fluorescence detection revealed that intense uptake of carboplatin into the cytoplasm of the Y79 cell line that was exposed to carboplatin-loaded sodium alginate-poly(lactide-co-glycolide). Carboplatin-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) or sodium alginate-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) exposure inhibited proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in Y79 cells on day 3. Extension of exposure to day 5 revealed that the sodium alginate-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) surface modification was superior to that of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) in terms of proliferating cell nuclear antigen inhibition. The cell viability test using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium revealed a similar inhibitory effect. Furthermore, the carboplatin-loaded nanoparticles of lower concentration inhibited cell viability more strongly than native carboplatin of higher concentration in methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. Conclusions: Carboplatin-loaded sodium alginate-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) inhibited retinoblastoma cell proliferation with superior effect as compared with poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and native carboplatin. Sodium alginate surface modification offers a potential strategy for the sustained carboplatin release system.

Abstract: Due to the advantages of short treatment period, no wastewater and oil produced, the CO2 laser is applied as an environment friendly thermal treatment for wood materials to improve the wood properties, such as appearance, color and wettability, among others. However, the morphological features of treated wood surface are also changed, which have negative effects on wooden product properties. To reveal the change tendency of surface roughness during laser irradiation, the common indexes of average roughness (Ra) and mean peak-to-valley height (Rz) were chosen to evaluate the surface roughness. The response surface methodology was selected to arrange the experiments and analyze the influences of laser parameters on surface roughness. The results showed that the poplar wood got rougher with the increased laser power, but the surface roughness decreased with increased feed speed and path spacing, due to the total heat absorption varied under different combination of laser parameters. The ANOVA results showed that the selected quadratic models for Ra∥, Rz∥, Ra⊥and Rz⊥were significant due to the values of probability value (“Prob>F”) less than 0,05. In this case, all the input laser parameters were also the significant model terms for variation of surface roughness. The values of correlation coefficient were very close to 1, which meant the selected quadratic models could give accurate prediction of surface roughness for laser treated wood. Therefore, it is of great significance to predict the surface roughness of the modified wood surface scientifically and to guide the selection of reasonable modification process parameters.

Abstract Study on the effects and mechanisms of different oils on spatial learning and memory in developing rats. Fifty-six Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with primary weaning were randomly divided into the 7 groups, DHA, walnut oil, perilla oil, safflower seed oil, α-linoleic acid, and Essential fatty acid (EFA)-deficient and negative control. Morris water maze behavioral test was performed after 8 weeks of continuous feeding. Real-time fluorescence quantification and immunoblotting were performed to evaluate changes in the expression of NR1, CREB and c-Fos in rat hippocampus, qPCR detected the expression in hippocampal cells. The results showed that the rats fed various oils significant improvement in the Morris water maze test. The mRNA expression of NR1, CREB and c-Fos in the hippocampus of rats fed with various oils were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05 and P<0.01), and CREB and c-Fos proteins expression were up-regulated (P<0.05). The expression of genes and proteins in hippocampus of EFA-deficient control was not significantly different from negative control. It is suggested that polyunsaturated fatty acids could significantly improve the learning and memory ability of rats, which may be through regulating the mRNA expression of cfos, CREB and NR1 in rat hippocampus and the synthesis of CREB and c-Fos proteins.

Abstract Phase transition of lysozyme/carrageenan (Ly/CRG) complex system with different ratios, pH, ionic strength and temperature conditions was explored through ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer, fluorescence spectrophotometer, fluorescence microscope, Zeta potential. The results showed that the main force between Ly and CRG is electrostatic interaction, and the Ly/CRG composite system has undergone three phase transition states: co-solubilization, gelation and aggregation. At pH = 1-3, the oppositely charged CRG and Ly form complexes based on electrostatic interaction. Whereas at pH = 12, both CRG and Ly are negatively charged and they repel each other electrostatically. The electrostatic shielding effect of salt ions had a greater impact on the formation of Ly/CRG complex. Temperature had a certain degree of influence on the structure and turbidity of the composite system. The interaction between polysaccharides and proteins can have a significant impact on the structure and stability of complex systems and the study of polysaccharide and protein complexes which will help to expand their application in food and medicine.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar o efeito inibidor da fluorofenidona contra a proliferação e a transição epitélio-mesenquimal induzida pelo fator de transformação do crescimento β2 na linha HLEC FHL 124 e seu mecanismo potencial. Métodos: Avaliou-se o efeito in vitro da fluorofenidona na proliferação e na transição epitelial-mesenquimal da linha FHL 124 de células epiteliais do cristalino humano. Após tratamento com fluorofenidona nas concentrações de 0, 0,1, 0,2, 0,4, 0,6 e 1,0 mg/mL, a proliferação celular foi medida através de um ensaio de MTT. A viabilidade celular foi avaliada pela atividade da lactato-desidrogenase liberada por células danificadas. As células FHL 124 foram tratadas com diferentes concentrações do fator de transformação do crescimento β2 (0-10 ng/mL) por 24 horas e a expressão de CTGF, α-SMA, COL-I, E-caderina e Fn foram avaliadas por qPCR e Western blot. Após tratamento com 0, 0,2 e 0,4 mg/mL de fluorofenidona, as expressões do fator de transformação do crescimento β2 e de SMADs foram detectadas com PCR em tempo real e Western blot. As expressões do CTGF, α-SMA, COL-I e Fn foram analisadas através de um ensaio imunocitoquímico. Resultados: A viabilidade das células FHL 124 não foi inibida com concentrações de fluorofenidona menores ou iguais a 0,4 mg/mL após 24 horas de tratamento. Não foi detectada nenhuma citotoxicidade pelo ensaio da lactato-desidrogenase após 24 e 36 horas de tratamento com 0,2 e 0,4 mg/mL de fluorofenidona. O fator de transformação do crescimento β2 aumentou a expressão de mRNA e proteína do CTGF, α-SMA, COL-I e Fn. Porém, a fluorofenidona suprimiu significativamente a expressão de SMADs, CTGF, α-SMA, COL-I e Fn, tanto na ausência quanto na presença de estimulação pelo fator de transformação do crescimento β2. Conclusões: A fluorofenidona inibiu significativamente a expressão de SMADs, CTGF, α-SMA, COL-I e Fn em células FHL 124. Devido à ausência de incompatibilidade em lactentes, a fluorofenidona pode vir a se tornar um novo medicamento contra a opacificação capsular posterior em lactentes.

ABSTRACT Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of fluorofenidone against transforming growth factor β2-induced proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human lens epithelial cell line FHL 124 and its potential mechanism. Methods: We evaluated the effect of fluorofenidone on proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human lens epithelial cell line FHL 124 in vitro. After treatment with 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 1.0 mg/mL fluorofenidone, cell proliferation was measured via MTT assay. Cell viability was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase activity from damaged cells. FHL 124 cells were treated with different transforming growth factor β2 concentrations (0-10 ng/mL) for 24 h and the expression of CTGF, α-SMA, COL-I, E-cadherin, and Fn were detected via quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. After treatment with 0, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/ml fluorofenidone, the expressions of transforming growth factor β2 and SMADs were detected with real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Expressions of CTGF, α-SMA, COL-I, and Fn were analyzed by immunocytochemistry assay. Results: The viability of FHL 124 cells was not inhibited when the fluorofenidone concentration was ≤0.4 mg/mL after the 24h treatment. Cytotoxicity was not detected via lactate dehydrogenase assay after the 24h and 36h treatment with 0.2 and 0.4 mg/mL fluorofenidone. Transforming growth factor β2 increased mRNA and protein expression of CTGF, α-SMA, COL-I, and Fn. However, fluorofenidone significantly suppressed expression of SMADs, CTGF, α-SMA, COL-I, and Fn in the absence or presence of transforming growth factor β2 stimulation. Conclusions: Fluorofenidone significantly inhibited expression of SMADs, CTGF, α-SMA, COL-I, and Fn in FHL 124 cells. Due to noncompliance in infants, fluorofenidone may become a novel therapeutic drug against posterior capsular opacification in infants.

A new naphthalene, 8-methoxy-2,7-dihydroxyl-4-(1'-hydroxyl-isopropyl)-6-methyl-1-naphthaldehyde, together with twelve known compounds were isolated from the tubers of Kosteletzkya virginica. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 1D-, 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution time of flight electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRTOFESIMS). Some compounds were evaluated for their potential in scavenging diphenyl-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH•), inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and cytotoxic activity. The new compound showed activities against DPPH•, NO, human acute promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) and human colorectal adenocarcinoma (LOVO), with IC50 of 34.6, 12.5, 40.5, 31.7 μmol L-1 respectively.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of obstructive sleep apnea and continuous positive airway pressure treatment on serum butyrylcholinesterase activity and ischemia-modified albumin levels. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with obstructive sleep apnea and 30 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled and underwent a diagnostic polysomnogram. The serum butyrylcholinesterase activity, ischemia-modified albumin levels, metabolic parameters, and polysomnography scores were detected and evaluated. Nine patients were studied before and after treatment with continuous positive airway pressure. RESULTS: The serum ischemia-modified albumin levels were significantly higher and the butyrylcholinesterase activity was significantly lower in patients with obstructive sleep apnea than in the controls (p<0.001). The continuous positive airway pressure treatment decreased the modified albumin levels and elevated the buthrylcholinesterase activity (p = 0.019 and p = 0.023, respectively). The modified albumin levels were positively correlated with the apnea-hypopnea index (r = 0.462, p = 0.008) at baseline. Elevated ischemia-modified albumin levels can be more accurate than butyrylcholinesterase activity at reflecting the presence of obstructive sleep apnea. Receiver operating characteristic curves revealed a significant difference between the areas under the curve 0.916 for ischemia-modified albumin and 0.777 for butyrylcholinesterase (z = 2.154, p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: The elevated ischemia-modified albumin level was significantly associated with obstructive sleep apnea and was more sensitive than butyrylcholinesterase activity in reflecting obstructive sleep apnea. The continuous positive airway pressure treatment helped to ameliorate the imbalance.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a expressão de neurotrofinas e mudança no efeito neurotrófico de células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs) sob diferentes tipos de estimulação. MÉTODOS: Os ratos foram expostos em 10.000 lux de luz branca para desenvolver a lesão da retina induzida por luz. Os sobrenadantes de homogeneizado de retina (SHR) quer a partir de retina normal ou da lesada por luz, foram usados para estimular as células-tronco mesenquimais. O RT-PCR quantitativa e ELISA foram realizados para análise da alteração de expressão do fator básico de crescimento de fibroblastos (bFGF), do fator neurotrófico derivado do cérebro (BDNF) e do fator neurotrófico ciliar (CNTF) em MSCs após a estimulação. O meio condicionado de células-tronco mesenquimais estimuladas por SHR e controles foram coletadas para avaliação de seu efeito sobre os explantes de retina. RESULTADOS: SHR de retinas de rato lesadas por luz promoveram aumento significativo de secreção de neurotrofinas em MSCs (p<0,01). O meio condicionado de SHR lesado por luz reduziu significativamente a fragmentação do DNA de MSCs (p<0,01), elevação de Bcl-2 (p<0,01) e redução de bax (p<0,01) em explantes de retina, mostrando um aumento do efeito protetor. CONCLUSÕES: A lesão da retina induzidos pela luz é capaz de aumentar a secreção de neurotrofinas e promover o efeito neurotrófico de células-tronco mesenquimais.

PURPOSE: To investigate neurotrophins expression and neurotrophic effect change in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) under different types of stimulation. METHODS: Rats were exposed in 10,000 lux white light to develop light-induced retinal injury. Supernatants of homogenized retina (SHR), either from normal or light-injured retina, were used to stimulate MSCs. Quantitative real time for polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were conducted for analysis the expression change in basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) in MSCs after stimulation. Conditioned medium from SHR-stimulated MSCs and control MSCs were collected for evaluation their effect on retinal explants. RESULTS: Supernatants of homogenized retina from light-injured rats significantly promoted neurotrophins secretion from MSCs (p<0.01). Conditioned medium from mesenchymal stem cells stimulated by light-injured SHR significantly reduced DNA fragmentation (p<0.01), up-regulated bcl-2 (p<0.01) and down-regulated bax (p<0.01) in retinal explants, displaying enhanced protective effect. CONCLUSIONS: Light-induced retinal injury is able to enhance neurotrophins secretion from mesenchymal stem cells and promote the neurotrophic effect of mesenchymal stem cells.

OBJETIVOS: Investigar mutações no gene da peroxidase da tireoide (TPO) em irmãos chineses com hipotireoidismo congênito com bócio (HCB). SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: O probando, sua irmão e seus pais foram analisados. Todos os sujeitos passaram por exames clínicos e laboratoriais. A análise para mutações do gene TPO foi feita por meio de sequenciamento de fragmentos amplificados do DNA genômico extraído. RESULTADOS: Os irmãos foram diagnosticados com HCB e déficits de desenvolvimento neurológico. Duas mutações compostas, heterozigotas, inativadoras foram observadas nos dois pacientes: uma mutação frameshift entre as posições 2268 e 2269 (c.2268-2269 insT), e uma mutação missense em c.2089 G>A (p.G667S) do gene TPO. Os pais apresentaram níveis normais de hormônios da tiroide e eram heterozigotos para mutações em c.2268-2269 insT e c.2089 G>A, respectivamente. Foram detectados polimorfismos de c.1207 G>T, c.1283 G>C, e c.2088 C>T na família. CONCLUSÕES: O HCB dos irmãos chineses foi devido a mutações no gene TPO (c.2268-2269 insT e c.2089 G>A). Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(9):614-7

OBJECTIVES: To investigate thyroid peroxidase gene (TPO) mutations in a Chinese siblings with congenital goitrous hypothyroidism (CGH). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The proband, his sister, and their parents were enrolled. All subjects underwent clinical examination and laboratory tests. Mutation screening of the TPO gene was performed by sequencing fragments amplified from extracted genomic DNA. RESULTS: The siblings were diagnosed as CGH with neurodevelopmental deficits. Two compound heterozygous inactivating mutations were found in the two patients: a frameshift mutation between positions 2268 and 2269 (c.2268-2269 insT) and a missense mutation at c.2089 G>A (p.G667S) of the TPO gene. Their parents, with normal thyroid hormone levels, were heterozygous for mutations c.2268-2269 insT and c.2089 G>A, respectively. The polymorphisms of c.1207 G>T, c.1283 G>C, and c.2088 C>T were detected in the family. CONCLUSIONS: CGH of the Chinese siblings was due to the TPO gene mutations (c.2268-2269 insT and c.2089 G>A). Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(9):614-7

This study investigated the prevalence of the precore G1896A mutation in Chinese patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negative HBV infection and its relation to serum HBV pre-S1 antigen. The overall prevalence of the precore G1896A mutation was 72.6% in HBeAg-negative Chinese patients with detectable serum HBV DNA. The prevalence of the precore G1896A is significantly higher in Chinese HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B than that in inactive HBV carriers with detectable serum HBV DNA. Serum pre-S1 and the precore G1896A mutation were simultaneously detected in most of Chinese HBeAg-negative patients.