Abstract Objective Dizziness or vertigo in older population frequently presents in clinical settings, yet its etiology remains elusive. The objective of this study was to delineate global trends and identify frontiers in research concerning dizziness or vertigo among older population. Methods We searched the research literature published from 2003 to 2022 on older population with dizziness or vertigo using two databases from the Web of Science Core Collection. A bibliometric and visualization analysis was conducted. Bibliometric tools facilitated co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence analyses, encompassing countries or regions, institutions, authors, journals, and references. Results The analysis included 1322 publications authored by 6524 individuals from 2244 institutions across 67 countries or regions, spanning 92 subject categories. A steady increase in publications was noted from 2003 to 2022. The University of Munich, Harvard University, and the University of California System emerged as leading institutions with the highest publication outputs. The United States, Germany, and China were predominant in publication counts. Eva Grill was identified as the most prolific author. Otology & Neurotology and Geriatrics & Gerontology emerged as the most prolific journal and subject category, respectively. The most prevalent keywords were “dizziness”, “vertigo”, “falls”, and “geriatric”, with “management”, “gait”, and “association” recognized as the principal research hotspots. Conclusion This study provides a systematic analysis of global scientific research on older population dizziness/vertigo, revealing significant advancements in understanding over the past two decades. Management, gait, and association have emerged as the primary research focuses on recent years. These findings offer valuable insights for directing current research efforts to capture prevailing trends and explore new frontiers in this field. settings elusive 200 202 Collection conducted coauthorship, coauthorship co authorship, authorship co-authorship cocitation, cocitation citation, citation co-citation cooccurrence occurrence analyses regions authors journals references 132 652 224 6 9 categories Munich outputs States Germany counts author category respectively dizziness, , “dizziness” vertigo, “vertigo” falls, falls “falls” geriatric, geriatric “geriatric” management, management “management” gait “gait” “association hotspots dizzinessvertigo dizziness/vertigo decades Management years field 20 13 65 22 “dizziness “vertigo “falls “geriatric “management “gait 2 1

ABSTRACT Objective: MCM3AP-AS1 has been characterized as an oncogenic long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in several cancers including papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), but its role in PTC has not been fully elucidated. Considering the critical role of lncRNAs in cancer biology, further functional analysis of MCM3AP-AS1 in PTC may provide novel insights into PTC management. Subjects and methods: Paired tumor and non-tumor tissues were collected from 63 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients. Expression levels of MCM3AP-AS1 , miR-218 and GLUT1 in tissue samples were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Cell transfection was performed to explore the interactions among MCM3AP-AS1 , miR-218 and GLUT1 . Cell proliferation assay was performed to evaluate the effects of MCM3AP-AS1 and miR-218 on cell proliferation. Results: MCM3AP-AS1 accumulated to high levels in PTC tissues and was affected by clinical stage. MCM3AP-AS1 showed a positive correlation with GLUT1 across PTC tissues. RNA interaction prediction showed that MCM3AP-AS1 could bind to miR-218 , which can directly target GLUT1 . MCM3AP-AS1 and miR-218 showed no regulatory role regulating the expression of each other, but overexpression of MCM3AP-AS1 upregulated GLUT1 and enhanced cell proliferation. In contrast, overexpression of miR-218 downregulated GLUT1 and attenuated cell proliferation. In addition, miR-218 suppressed the role of MCM3AP-AS1 in regulating the expression of GLUT1 and cell proliferation. Conclusions: MCM3AP-AS1 may serve as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-218 to upregulate GLUT1 in PTC, thereby promoting cell proliferation. The MCM3AP-AS1/miR-218/GLUT1 pathway characterized in the present study might serve as a potential target to treat PTC. Objective MCM3APAS1 MCMAPAS MCM3AP AS1 MCM AP AS MCM3AP-AS noncoding non coding lncRNA (lncRNA elucidated biology management methods nontumor 6 (PTC patients miR218 miR 218 miR-21 GLUT qRTPCR. qRTPCR qRT PCR. PCR qRT-PCR Results stage other contrast addition Conclusions MCM3APAS1/miR218/GLUT1 MCM3APAS1miR218GLUT1 MCMAPASmiRGLUT AS1/miR 218/GLUT1 MCM3AP-AS1/miR-218/GLUT APAS MCM3APAS MCMAP miR21 21 miR-2 MCM3APAS1/miR218/GLUT MCM3APAS1miR218GLUT AS1miR ASmiR 218GLUT1 218/GLUT miR2 2 miR- 218GLUT

Abstract Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic commonly used to treat Gram-positive bacterial infections in the clinic. The aim of this study was to provide a therapeutic reference for the clinical application and dosage regimen adjustment of teicoplanin by identifying factors associated with its plasma trough concentration (Ctrough). A retrospective study was performed on patients with suspected or documented Gram-positive infections who were hospitalized from November 2017 to January 2020 and treated with teicoplanin while undergoing routine therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). A total of 112 Ctrough trough measurements were obtained from 72 patients were included in this study. SPSS software was used for correlation analysis and receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. The Ctrough for teicoplanin showed statistically significant relationships (P<0.05) with PLT, Scr, CLcr, eGFR, BUN and Cys-C. ROC curve analysis revealed that CLcr and eGFR were more sensitive and specific for Ctrough compared to the other factors. These findings should be considered in the clinical application of teicoplanin and for its dosage adjustment. Grampositive Gram positive clinic Ctrough. . (Ctrough) 201 202 TDM. TDM (TDM) 11 7 (ROC P<0.05 P005 P 0 05 (P<0.05 PLT Scr CysC. CysC Cys C. C Cys-C (Ctrough 20 (TDM 1 P<0.0 P00 (P<0.0 2 P<0. P0 (P<0. P<0 (P<0 P< (P< (P

Abstract Objective To compare the clinical features, risk factors, distribution of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) subtypes, and effectiveness of canalith repositioning between geriatric and non-geriatric patients with BPPV. Methods A total of 400 patients with BPPV were enrolled. Canalith repositioning was performed according to the semicircular canals involved. Patients were divided by age into a geriatric group (≥60 years) and a non-geriatric group (20-59 years). Clinical characteristics, potential age-related risk factors, distribution of subtypes, and effectiveness of canalith repositioning were compared between the groups. Results Female sex was significantly more common in all age groups, with a peak female-to-male ratio of 5.1:1 in the group aged 50-59 years. There was a higher proportion of men in the geriatric group. A history of disease associated with atherosclerosis was significantly more common in the geriatric group (p< 0.05). Migraine was significantly more common in the non-geriatric group (p= 0.018), as was posterior canal BPPV. The horizontal canal BPPV (especially horizontal canal BPPV-cupulolithiasis), and multicanal BPPV subtypes were more common in the geriatric group, whereas anterior canal BPPV was more common in the non-geriatric group. Two canalith repositioning sessions were effective in 58.0% of the geriatric cases and in 72.6% of the non-geriatric cases (p= 0.002). There was a tendency for the effectiveness of canalith repositioning to decrease with increasing age. Conclusion BPPV was more common in women. However, the proportion of men with BPPV increased with age. Elderly patients often had a history of diseases associated with atherosclerosis (i.e., hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia). The horizontal canal BPPV (particularly horizontal canal BPPV-cupulolithiasis) and multicanal BPPV subtypes were more common and the anterior canal BPPV subtype was less common in elderly patients. The effectiveness of canalith repositioning may decrease with age. Therefore, older patients should receive more comprehensive medical treatment. Level of evidence: 4. features factors (BPPV nongeriatric non 40 enrolled involved ≥60 60 (≥6 years 2059 20 59 (20-5 . characteristics agerelated related groups femaletomale female male 5.11 511 5.1 1 5 5.1: 5059 50 50-5 p< p (p 0.05. 005 0.05 0 05 0.05) p= 0.018, 0018 0.018 , 018 0.018) especially BPPVcupulolithiasis, BPPVcupulolithiasis cupulolithiasis 580 58 58.0 726 72 6 72.6 0.002. 0002 0.002 002 0.002) women However i.e., ie i e (i.e. hypertension diabetes hyperlipidemia. hyperlipidemia hyperlipidemia) particularly BPPV-cupulolithiasis Therefore treatment evidence 4 ≥6 (≥ 205 2 (20- 11 51 5. 505 50- 00 0.0 001 0.01 01 58. 7 72. 000 0.00 i.e. (i.e ≥ ( (20 0. i.e (2

RESUMEN Introducción: El programa de entrenamiento de fuerza y acondicionamiento conocido como CrossFit ha demostrado gran capacidad de optimización en resistencia cardiorrespiratoria y muscular, fuerza, flexibilidad, potencia, velocidad, coordinación, agilidad, equilibrio y precisión. Se cree que los atletas de baloncesto pueden obtener beneficios de su práctica. Objetivo: Explorar los efectos de la práctica de CrossFit en el rendimiento deportivo de atletas de baloncesto. Métodos: Dieciséis atletas fueron divididos aleatoriamente en grupo experimental y grupo control. El grupo experimental realizó un entrenamiento adaptado basado en CrossFit, mientras que el grupo control se mantuvo con el entrenamiento tradicional. Los índices relevantes para el estudio fueron capturados antes y después de la intervención, analizados estadísticamente y discutidos teniendo en cuenta la literatura actual. Resultados: El índice medio de grasa corporal del grupo experimental se redujo del 22,33% al 17,68%, la capacidad vital media aumentó de 6210,08 ml a 6270,44 ml; el tiempo medio de la carrera de 3000 m se aceleró de 14,00 min a 12,50 min, y el valor medio de la fuerza de tracción horizontal aumentó de 63,02 kg a 79,84 kg; y el índice medio de golpeos de balón en un minuto aumentó del 31,06% al 40,17%. Conclusión: La aplicación del entrenamiento basado en CrossFit demostró mejorar eficazmente el nivel físico, la forma física y el rendimiento deportivo en jugadores de baloncesto, y puede aplicarse al entrenamiento diario. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento. Introducción muscular flexibilidad potencia velocidad coordinación agilidad precisión Objetivo Métodos tradicional intervención actual Resultados 2233 22 33 22,33 1768 17 68 17,68% 621008 6210 08 6210,0 627044 6270 44 6270,4 300 1400 14 00 14,0 1250 12 50 12,5 6302 63 02 63,0 7984 79 84 79,8 3106 31 06 31,06 4017 40 40,17% Conclusión físico diario II tratamiento 223 2 3 22,3 176 1 6 17,68 62100 621 0 6210, 62704 627 4 6270, 30 140 14, 125 5 12, 630 63, 798 7 8 79, 310 31,0 401 40,17 22, 17,6 62 31, 40,1 17, 40,

RESUMO Introdução: O programa de treinamento de força e condicionamento conhecido como CrossFit tem demonstrado grande capacidade de otimização na resistência cardiorrespiratória e muscular, força, flexibilidade, potência, velocidade, coordenação, agilidade, equilíbrio e precisão. Acredita-se que os atletas de basquetebol possam obter benefícios com a sua prática. Objetivo: Explorar os efeitos da prática de CrossFit sobre o desempenho esportivo de atletas de basquetebol. Métodos: Dezesseis atletas foram divididos aleatoriamente em grupo experimental e grupo de controle. O grupo experimental executou um treinamento adaptado baseado em CrossFit, enquanto o grupo controle permaneceu com o treinamento tradicional. Os índices relevantes ao estudo foram captados antes e após a intervenção, analisados estatisticamente e discutidos considerando a literatura atual. Resultados: A taxa média de gordura corporal do grupo experimental foi reduzida de 22,33% para 17,68%, a capacidade média vital aumentou de 6210,08 ml para 6270,44 ml; o tempo médio da corrida de 3000 m foi acelerado de 14,00 min para 12,50 min, e o valor médio da força de tração horizontal foi aumentado de 63,02 kg para 79,84 kg; e a taxa média de acertos de bola em um minuto aumentou de 31,06% para 40,17%. Conclusão: A aplicação do treinamento baseado em CrossFit demonstrou melhorar efetivamente o nível físico, a aptidão física e o desempenho esportivo nos jogadores de basquetebol, podendo ser aplicado ao treinamento cotidiano. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento. Introdução muscular flexibilidade potência velocidade coordenação agilidade precisão Acreditase Acredita se Objetivo Métodos tradicional intervenção atual Resultados 2233 22 33 22,33 1768 17 68 17,68% 621008 6210 08 6210,0 627044 6270 44 6270,4 300 1400 14 00 14,0 1250 12 50 12,5 6302 63 02 63,0 7984 79 84 79,8 3106 31 06 31,06 4017 40 40,17% Conclusão físico cotidiano II tratamento 223 2 3 22,3 176 1 6 17,68 62100 621 0 6210, 62704 627 4 6270, 30 140 14, 125 5 12, 630 63, 798 7 8 79, 310 31,0 401 40,17 22, 17,6 62 31, 40,1 17, 40,

ABSTRACT Introduction: The strength training and conditioning program known as CrossFit has demonstrated a great capacity for optimization in cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and precision. It is believed that basketball athletes may derive benefits from their practice. Objective: Explore the effects of CrossFit practice on the sport performance of basketball athletes. Methods: Sixteen athletes were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed adapted CrossFit-based training, while the control group remained with traditional training. The indices relevant to the study were captured before and after the intervention, statistically analyzed, and discussed considering the current literature. Results: The average body fat rate of the experimental group was reduced from 22.33% to 17.68%, the average vital capacity increased from 6210.08 ml to 6270.44 ml; the average time of the 3000 m run was accelerated from 14.00 min to 12.50 min, and the average horizontal pull force value was increased from 63.02 kg to 79.84 kg; and the average ball hit rate in one minute increased from 31.06% to 40.17%. Conclusion: The application of CrossFit-based training was shown to effectively improve the physical level, fitness, and sports performance of basketball players, and can be applied to everyday training. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes. Introduction endurance flexibility power speed coordination agility balance precision Objective Methods groups CrossFitbased based intervention analyzed literature Results 2233 22 33 22.33 1768 17 68 17.68% 621008 6210 08 6210.0 627044 6270 44 6270.4 300 1400 14 00 14.0 1250 12 50 12.5 6302 63 02 63.0 7984 79 84 79.8 3106 31 06 31.06 4017 40 40.17% Conclusion level fitness players II outcomes 223 2 3 22.3 176 1 6 17.68 62100 621 0 6210. 62704 627 4 6270. 30 140 14. 125 5 12. 630 63. 798 7 8 79. 310 31.0 401 40.17 22. 17.6 62 31. 40.1 17. 40.

Abstract The seed shattering trait has been repeatedly reshaped during rice evolution. Reduced in cultivated rice and increased in weedy rice, shattering is of great agronomic importance because of its association with yield losses. Since its first descriptions, the phenotypic patterns and the genetic regulation of cultivated and weedy rice seed shattering have been extensively studied, with a variety of methods and techniques. The aim of this review is to discuss and recommend the most suitable experimental methods for phenotypic and molecular evaluation of seed shattering in cultivated and weedy rice. Rice seed shattering must be quantified, preferably, by breaking tensile strength (BTS) assays, because other methods are more prone to human errors. The evaluation time is particularly important, and the developmental stages of the panicles measured need to be recorded. QTL analyses and GWAS studies are suitable for discovery of genes influencing shattering, but the resulting genes may only be relevant in the parental lines or the populations used. The variety of cultivated rice and evolutionary origin of weedy rice accessions has a great influence on results of rice seed shattering phenotypic and genotypic analyses and needs to always be taken into account. evolution losses descriptions studied techniques quantified preferably BTS (BTS assays errors important recorded used account

Abstract Objective The current work aimed to investigate the expression and potential clinical significance of C-type Lectin domain family 14 (CLEC14A) in hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods The relative expressions of CLEC14A in the Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) tissue and adjacent normal tissue of 105 HCC patients were examined using RT-qPCR methods. Furthermore, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn for exploring the diagnostic value of CLEC14A. Next, the expressions of CLEC14A in HCC cell lines and normal liver epithelial cells were compared, and the effects of knockdown of CLEC14A on the growth and apoptosis of HCC cells were examined. Results The authors found that the expression of CLEC14A was markedly increased in hepatocellular carcinoma tumors in comparison with the adjacent tissue, and the expression level of CLEC14A was positively correlated with the size and differentiation of the tumor. Moreover, results of ROC analysis showed CLEC14A might function as a sensitive diagnostic biomarker for HCC. Furthermore, CLEC14A was up-regulated in HCC cell lines, and transient over-expression of CLEC14A decreased the proliferation and increased the apoptosis of HCC cells in vitro. Conclusions Our results suggested that CLEC14A was up-regulated in HCC and might function as a potential diagnostic marker.

ABSTRACT Sarcopenia, a concept reflecting the loss of skeletal muscle mass, was reported to be associated with the prognosis of several tumors. However, the prognostic value of sarcopenia in patients with renal cancer remains unclear. We carried out this metaanalysis and systematic review to evaluate the prognostic value of sarcopenia in patients with renal cell carcinomas. We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to December 2018. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled together. A total of 5 studies consisting of 771 patients were enrolled in this quantitative analysis, 347 (45.0%) of which had sarcopenia. Patients with sarcopenia had a worse OS compared with those without sarcopenia (HR=1.76; 95%CI, 1.35-2.31; P <0.001). In the subgroup of patients with localized and advanced/metastatic diseases, sarcopenia was also associated with poor OS (HR=1.48, P=0.039; HR=2.14, P <0.001; respectively). With a limited sample size, we did not observe difference of PFS between two groups (HR=1.56, 95% CI, 0.69-3.50, P=0.282). In the present meta-analysis, we observed that patients with sarcopenia had a worse OS compared with those without sarcopenia in RCC. Larger, preferably prospective studies, are needed to confirm and update our findings.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Explorar a associação do polimorfismo do gene fator neurotrófico derivado do cérebro (BDNF) com o endofenótipo cognitivo latente de transtorno de estresse pós-traumático (TEPT) após grandes desastres naturais na província de Hainan, China. MÉTODOS Um total de 300 doentes com TEPT e 150 controles saudáveis (HC) foi investigado pela escala de psicanálise para avaliar as suas funções cognitivas. A reação em cadeia polimerase (PCR) e a eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida (Page) foram usadas para detectar o polimorfismo do gene BDNF. RESULTADOS Em termos de função cognitiva, as pontuações no grupo TEPT foram piores do que as do grupo HC (P<0,05 ou P<0,01). Houve uma diferença significativa na distribuição do genótipo de BDNF e frequência do alelo entre os dois grupos (P<0,05). Os endofenótipos de TEPT foram significativamente diferentes entre os genótipos de BDNF do grupo TEPT (P≤0,01). CONCLUSÃO Existe uma diferença estatisticamente significativa no polimorfismo do gene BDNF entre o TEPT e os grupos HC, e os alelos estão associados à incidência do TEPT. Assim, pode ser um fator de risco para TEPT.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To explore the association of brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) polymorphism with the latent cognitive endophenotype of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after major natural disasters in Hainan Province, China. METHODS A total of 300 patients with PTSD and 150 healthy controls (HC) were surveyed by psychoanalysis scale to assess their cognitive functions. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) were used to detect the BDNF gene polymorphism. RESULTS In terms of the cognitive function, the scores in the PTSD group were worse than those of the HC group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). There was a significant difference in the distribution of BDNF genotype and allele frequency between the two groups (P < 0.05). PTSD endophenotypes were significantly different among the BDNF genotypes in the PTSD group (P ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION There is a statistically significant difference in the polymorphism of BDNF gene between PTSD and HC groups, and the alleles are associated with the incidence of PTSD. Thus, it may be a risk factor for PTSD.

Abstract The pericarp of Trapa natans L., an annual aquatic floating herb belonging to Lythraceae family, is used as a folk medicine in China. In this study, extracts of Trapa natans pericarp were tested both in vitro and in vivo through a high-fat diet with a single medium dosage streptozotocin injection induced type 2 diabetic mice. Different solvent extracts of Trapa natans pericarp showed α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. After four weeks administration, the ethyl acetate extract of Trapa natans pericarp (50 and 100 mg/kg b.w.) reduced fasting blood glucose level, ameliorated oral glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, improved serum lipids alterations in type 2 diabetic mice as well. Additionally, ethyl acetate extract significantly elevated the insulin receptor substrate 1 and Akt serine/threonine kinase phosphorylation compared to diabetic group. HPLC-MS and HPLC-DAD analysis showed that the ethyl acetate extract was rich in hydrolysable tannins. Results support the notion that Trapa natans pericarp extract has a potential hypoglycemic activity.

Duplex Ni-P-TiO2/Ni-P coatings were electrodeposited onto brass substrates. High phosphorus Ni-P coatings were plated as the inner layer to improve the corrosion resistance, while low phosphorus sol-enhanced Ni-P-TiO2 coatings were deposited on the top to strengthen the mechanical property. The microstructure, morphology, mechanical property and corrosion resistance of coatings were investigated systematically. The results show that duplex coatings exhibit both excellent mechanical property and good corrosion resistance. The hardness was further improved from ~545 HV50 of duplex Ni-P/Ni-P coating to ~622 HV50 of duplex Ni-P-12.5mL/L TiO2/Ni-P coating, while the hardness of single Ni-P coating was only ~387 HV50. The corrosion resistance of duplex coatings improved significantly by adding a suitable amount of TiO2 sol. Duplex Ni-P-12.5mL/L TiO2/Ni-P coating presented the highest corrosion resistance. However, adding excessive quantities of sol (more than 12.5mL/L) caused nanoparticle agglomeration and created a porous structure in the outer layer, deteriorating the properties of coatings.

The influence of temperature on devulcanization of waste sidewall rubber via supercritical ethanol was investigated. The effect of parameters on devulcanizing process was analyzed by a full factorial experimental design. The devulcanized products at different temperatures were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry and derivative thermogravimetry (TG-DTG) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry. In addition, the kinetics analysis for the devulcanizing process via supercritical ethanol was established. It was found that the reaction temperature was the only significant parameter. When the temperature rose above 240 ºC, the reaction rate increased dramatically. A special phenomenon was observed that the devulcanizing reaction rate of natural rubber (NR) was faster than that of butadiene rubber (BR) in supercritical ethanol. Moreover, when the reaction temperature reached 270 ºC, the use of the devulcanizing reagent did not significantly affect the sol fraction. The analysis of experimental results indicated that supercritical ethanol beyond the critical temperature could strongly promote the devulcanizing reaction, maintaining polymer structure of products as the most intact state.

ABSTRACT Twelve known compounds, including eight alkaloids, three lignans and one gossypol derivative, were isolated from the branches of Polyalthia rumphii (Blume ex Hensch.) Merr., Annonaceae. The chemical structures were determined by spectroscopic methods and comparison with literature data. All the isolates were evaluated the cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines: Hela, MCF-7 and A549, the results showed that partial of isolates displayed weak cytotoxicities with the IC50 values ranging from 25 to 40 µg/ml.

A simple and rapid high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method was developed for simultaneous quantification of three chemical types of bioactive compounds including an alkaloid (epigoitrin), six nucleosides (uracil, cytidine, hypoxanthine, uridine, guanosine and adenosine), and four phenylpropanoids (syringin, clemastanin B, indigoticoside A and isolariciresinol) in Radix Isatidis and its relevant pharmaceutical dosage forms. The developed method was successfully applied to analyze 32 batches of samples with good linearity (R2, 0.9966-0.9999), precisions (relative standard deviation (RSD), 0.24-4.61%), repeatability (RSD, 0.39-4.93%), stability (RSD, 1.18-4.29%) and recovery (range, 95.4-104.6%) of the eleven compounds. The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) of the method ranged 0.0383-0.1744 and 0.1550-0.5467 µg mL-1, respectively. The results indicated that the newly established HPLC-DAD method was sensitive, precise, accurate and reproducible. It could be applied to the quality control of Radix Isatidis and its relevant pharmaceutical dosage forms.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o papel do receptor de hidrocarboneto arílico (AhR) nos linfócitos T CCR6+ CD4+ e CD4+ CD25+ no sangue periférico de pacientes com artrite reumatoide (AR). Métodos: Foi aplicada citometria de fluxo para determinar a proporção de células AhR positivas em linfócitos CCR6+ CD4+ e CD4+ CD25+ do sangue periférico e células mononucleares periféricas de cada indivíduo. Os níveis de expressão relativa de ácido ribonucleico mensageiro (do inglês ribonucleic acid, RNAm,) de AhR e RNAm de enzima de primeiro estágio essencial para o AhR (CYP1A1) foram testados por reação em cadeia de polimerase (do inglês polymerase chain reaction, PCR,) em tempo real. Resultados: A percentagem de células AhR positivas nas células mononucleares do sangue periférico foi maior no grupo com AR do que nos indivíduos saudáveis [(35,23 ± 10,71)% vs. (18,83 ± 7,32)%, (p < 0,01)]. Os níveis de expressão de AhR e CYP1A1 estavam aumentados em pacientes com AR quando comparados com os controles [(3,71 ± 1,63) vs. (2,00 ± 1,27), p = 0,002; (2,62 ± 2,08) vs. (0,62 ± 0,29), p < 0,01, respectivamente]. Em pacientes com AR, a percentagem de células AhR positivas nos linfócitos T CD4+ CD25+ foi significativamente inferior à dos controles [17,90 (6,10 ± 80,10)]% vs. (52,49 ± 19,18)%, p < 0,01]; em controles saudáveis, a percentagem de células AhR positivas nos linfócitos T CD4+ CD25+ foi significativamente mais elevada do que nos linfócitos T CCR6+ CD4+ e também foi significativamente maior do que nas células mononucleares do sangue periférico (do inglês peripheral blood mononuclear cells, PBMC,) [(52,49 ± 19,18)% vs. (23,18 ± 5,62)% vs. (18,06 ± 7,80)%, X 2 = 24,03, p < 0,01]; em pacientes com AR, a percentagem de células AHR positivas nos linfócitos T CCR6+ CD4+ era significativamente maior em comparação com os linfócitos T CD4+ CD25+ e PBMC (46,02 ± 14,68)% vs. [17,90 (6,10 ± 80.10)]% vs. (34,22 ± 10,33)%, X2 = 38,29, p < 0,01]; no entanto, não foi encontrada correlação estatisticamente significativa entre os dados clínicos e células AhR positivas em linfócitos T CCR6+ CD4+ e CD4+ CD25+. Conclusão: O Ahr pode participar do progresso patológico da AR ao controlar a diferenciação de linfócitos Th17 e Treg no sangue periférico.

ABSTRACT Objective: The goal of this study was to analyze the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in peripheral blood CCR6+CD4+ and CD4+CD25+T cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Flow cytometry was applied to determine the proportion of AhR positive cells in CCR6+CD4+T, CD4+CD25+T and peripheral blood peripheral mononuclear cells from each subject. AhR mRNA and CYP1A1 mRNA relative expression levels were tested by real-time PCR. Results: The percentage of AhR positive cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was higher in RA group than that in healthy cases [(35.23 ± 10.71)% vs. (18.83 ± 7.32)%, p < 0.01]. The expression levels of AhR and CYP1A1 were both increased in patients with RA while compared to controls [(3.71 ± 1.63) vs. (2.00 ± 1.27), p = 0.002; (2.62 ± 2.08) vs. (0.62 ± 0.29), p < 0.01, respectively]. In RA patients, the percentage of AhR positive cells in CD4+CD25+T cells was significantly lower than that from controls [17.90 (6.10 ± 80.10)% vs. (52.49 ± 19.18)%, p < 0.01]; In healthy controls, the percentage of AhR positive cells in CD4+CD25+T cells was significantly higher than that in CCR6+CD4+T cells, and was also significantly higher than that in PBMCs [(52.49 ± 19.18)% vs. (23.18 ± 5.62)% vs. (18.06 ± 7.80)%, X 2 = 24.03, p < 0.01]; in RA patients, the percentage of AhR positive cells in CCR6+CD4+T cells was significantly increased than that in CD4+CD25+T cells and PBMCs [(46.02 ± 14.68)% vs. 17.90 (6.10 ± 80.10)% vs. (34.22 ± 10.33)%, X 2 = 38.29, p < 0.01]; Nevertheless, no statistically significant relationship was found between clinical data and AhR positive cells in CCR6+CD4+T and CD4+CD25+T cells. Conclusion: AhR may participate in the pathological progress of RA by controlling the differentiation of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood.