RESUMEN Introducción: En detrimento de la sobrevaloración de la formación intelectual contemporánea, la forma física de los universitarios se ha vuelto precaria. Este déficit gradual requiere soluciones innovadoras destinadas a inhibir los impactos negativos sobre la calidad física, que inevitablemente repercuten en la capacidad de aprendizaje de los alumnos. Objetivo: Verificar los impactos de cargas variadas en ejercicios de fuerza muscular en estudiantes universitarios y su repercusión práctica en el desarrollo diversificado de las clases de educación física. Métodos: Se seleccionaron 90 estudiantes universitarios de áreas no deportivas, sedentarios y sin enfermedades físicas, divididos en grupo experimental 1 con carga de intensidad media, grupo experimental 2 con carga de intensidad baja y grupo control. Antes y después del experimento, se evaluaron los indicadores de aptitud pertinentes y, por último, se integraron y analizaron estadísticamente los datos. Resultados: El grupo 1 aumentó de 52,25 ± 5,57 kg antes del entrenamiento a 54,56 ± 6,02 kg, con un cambio muy significativo; el grupo experimental 2 aumentó de 53,32 ± 4,89 kg antes del entrenamiento a 54,21 ± 5,22 kg, mostrando también un cambio muy significativo. Conclusión: Establecer la intensidad del entrenamiento muscular de carga de forma científica y racional puede mejorar la calidad física y la fuerza muscular de los estudiantes universitarios, así como promover el desarrollo saludable y coordinado de su calidad psicológica y física. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento. Introducción contemporánea precaria alumnos Objetivo Métodos 9 deportivas físicas media control experimento último datos Resultados 5225 52 25 52,2 557 5 57 5,5 5456 54 56 54,5 602 6 02 6,0 significativo 5332 53 32 53,3 489 4 89 4,8 5421 21 54,2 522 22 5,2 Conclusión II tratamiento 52, 55 5, 545 54, 60 0 6, 533 3 53, 48 8 4, 542

RESUMO Introdução: Em detrimento da supervalorização da educação intelectual contemporânea, o condicionamento físico dos estudantes universitários tem se tornado precário. Este déficit gradual requer soluções inovadoras visando inibir os impactos negativos à qualidade física que inevitavelmente repercutiram sobre a capacidade de aprendizagem dos estudantes. Objetivo: Verificar os impactos de cargas variadas no exercício de força muscular sobre os estudantes universitários e sua repercussão prática sobre o desenvolvimento diversificado das aulas de educação física. Métodos: Foram selecionados 90 estudantes universitários de áreas não esportivas, sedentários e sem doenças físicas, divididos em grupo experimental 1 com carga de média intensidade, grupo experimental 2 com carga de baixa intensidade e grupo de controle. Antes e depois do experimento, os indicadores de aptidão física relevantes foram avaliados, e finalmente os dados foram integrados estatisticamente e analisados. Resultados: O grupo 1 aumentou de 52,25 ± 5,57kg antes do treinamento para 54,56 ± 6,02kg, com uma mudança muito significativa; o grupo experimental 2 aumentou de 53,32 ± 4,89kg antes do treinamento para 54,21 ± 5,22kg, apresentando alteração também muito significativa. Conclusão: Estabelecer a intensidade do treinamento muscular de carga no treinamento muscular de forma científica e racional pode melhorar a qualidade física e a força muscular dos estudantes universitários, além de promover o desenvolvimento sadio e coordenado da qualidade psicológica e física desses estudantes. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento. Introdução contemporânea precário Objetivo Métodos 9 esportivas físicas controle experimento avaliados analisados Resultados 5225 52 25 52,2 557kg kg 5 57kg 5456 54 56 54,5 602kg 6 02kg 6,02kg significativa 5332 53 32 53,3 489kg 4 89kg 5421 21 54,2 522kg 22kg 5,22kg Conclusão II tratamento 522 52, 545 54, 533 3 53, 542

ABSTRACT Introduction: Due to the excessive value of contemporary intellectual education, the physical fitness of college students has become precarious. This gradual deficit requires innovative solutions to inhibit the negative impacts on the physical quality that inevitably impact students' learning ability. Objective: Verify the impacts of varied loads in muscular strength exercise on college students and their practical repercussions on the diversified development of physical education classes. Methods: We selected 90 non-sporting college students, sedentary and without physical diseases, divided into experimental group 1 with medium intensity load, experimental group 2 with a low-intensity load, and a control group. Before and after the experiment, the relevant fitness indicators were evaluated, and finally, the data were statistically integrated and analyzed. Results: Group 1 increased from 52.25 ± 5.57kg before training to 54.56 ± 6.02kg, with a very significant change; experimental group 2 increased from 53.32 ± 4.89kg before training to 54.21 ± 5.22kg, showing a very significant change as well. Conclusion: Establishing the intensity of load muscle training scientifically and rationally can improve college students' physical quality and muscle strength, and promote the healthy and coordinated development of their psychological and physical quality. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes. Introduction precarious ability Objective classes Methods 9 nonsporting non sporting diseases lowintensity low experiment evaluated finally analyzed Results 5225 52 25 52.2 557kg kg 5 57kg 5456 54 56 54.5 602kg 6 02kg 6.02kg 5332 53 32 53.3 489kg 4 89kg 5421 21 54.2 522kg 22kg 5.22kg well Conclusion II outcomes 522 52. 545 54. 533 3 53. 542

RESUMEN Introducción: El voleibol exige que los atletas tengan una alta capacidad deportiva global. Los ejercicios compuestos requieren más de un grupo muscular trabajando en conjunto para completar un movimiento determinado, siendo ideal para el desarrollo del salto en el deporte del voleibol por replicar la forma en que el cuerpo del atleta se mueve naturalmente. Sin embargo, los atributos relevantes para esta técnica no se conocen del todo. Objetivo: Estudiar los efectos del ejercicio compuesto sobre la capacidad de salto de los jugadores de voleibol. Métodos: Se utilizó el método de experimento controlado en 30 voluntarios distribuidos equitativamente en dos grupos, con una duración de 8 semanas. El grupo de control recibió formación tradicional. El grupo experimental recibió sesiones de entrenamiento dirigidas por ejercicios compuestos. Las sesiones se aplicaron dos veces por semana, con una duración de 80 minutos por sesión, incluidos 15 minutos de calentamiento y 10 minutos de enfriamiento. Los indicadores se recogieron individualmente antes y después del experimento, se analizaron los datos y se confrontaron estadísticamente. Resultados: El grupo experimental mostró mejores resultados en la altura de salto vertical de pie, la altura de toque y la altura de bloqueo tras el ejercicio compuesto. Conclusión: El ejercicio compuesto propuesto puede mejorar la calidad física de los jugadores, repercutiendo en la calidad profesional, con la premisa de garantizar el interés deportivo. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento. Introducción global determinado naturalmente embargo todo Objetivo Métodos 3 grupos semanas tradicional semana sesión 1 enfriamiento estadísticamente Resultados pie Conclusión profesional deportivo II tratamiento

RESUMO Introdução: O voleibol exige que os atletas tenham alta capacidade esportiva global. Os exercícios compostos requerem mais de um grupo muscular trabalhando em conjunto para completar um determinado movimento, sendo ideal para o desenvolvimento de salto no esporte do voleibol por replicar a maneira como o corpo do atleta move-se naturalmente. Porém, os atributos relevantes para essa técnica não estão totalmente esclarecidos. Objetivo: Estudar os efeitos do exercício composto na capacidade de salto dos jogadores de voleibol. Métodos: Utilizou-se o método de experimento controlado em 30 voluntários igualmente distribuídos em dois grupos, com duração de 8 semanas. O grupo controle recebeu o treinamento tradicional. Treinamentos direcionados foram direcionados por exercícios compostos ao grupo experimental. A sessões foram aplicadas duas vezes por semana, com duração de 80 minutos por sessão, incluindo 15 minutos de aquecimento e 10 minutos resfriamento. Os indicadores forem coletados individualmente antes e depois do experimento, os dados foram analisados e confrontados estatisticamente. Resultados: O grupo experimental apresentou melhores resultados sobre a altura do salto vertical em pé, altura de toque e altura de bloqueio após o exercício composto. Conclusão: O exercício composto proposto pode melhorar a qualidade física dos jogadores, impactando na qualidade profissional, com a premissa de garantir o interesse esportivo. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento. Introdução global movimento movese move se naturalmente Porém esclarecidos Objetivo Métodos Utilizouse Utilizou 3 grupos semanas tradicional semana sessão 1 resfriamento estatisticamente Resultados pé Conclusão profissional esportivo II tratamento

ABSTRACT Introduction: Volleyball requires athletes to have high global sport capacity. Compound exercises require more than one muscle group to complete a given movement. They are ideal for jump development in volleyball because they replicate how the athlete's body moves naturally. However, the attributes relevant to this technique are not fully understood. Objective: Study compound exercise's effects on volleyball players’ jumping ability. Methods: The controlled experiment method was used in 30 volunteers equally distributed in two groups, with a duration of 8 weeks. The control group received traditional training. The experimental group received training sessions directed by compound exercises. The sessions were applied twice a week, lasting 80 minutes per session, including 15 minutes of warm-up and 10 minutes of cool-down. The indicators were collected individually before and after the experiment, and the data were analyzed and statistically confronted. Results: The experimental group showed better results on standing vertical jump height, touch height, and blocking height after the compound exercise. Conclusion: The proposed compound exercise can improve players’ physical quality, impacting their professional quality, to ensure sporting interest. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes. Introduction capacity movement athlete s naturally However understood Objective players ability Methods 3 groups weeks week session 1 warmup warm up cooldown. cooldown cool down. down cool-down confronted Results Conclusion quality interest II outcomes

RESUMO Introdução Muitos atletas sofrem lesões esportivas durante o exercício e estão propensos a sequelas por uma variedade de complicações do pós-acidente que ocorre no processo das atividades esportivas. Prevenir essas lesões no treinamento físico, impacta positivamente no físico dos atletas. Objetivo Estudar o hábito esportivo e a aptidão física regional, explorando as estratégias de prevenção nas principais lesões desportivas. Métodos Este artigo elabora questionários direcionados (n=568) incluindo proporção de gênero, aptidão, frequência, duração e intensidade do exercício da aptidão regional atual, bem como as motivações dos atletas em uma cidade chinesa. Resultados O entusiasmo dos atuais moradores urbanos pela aptidão física é alto, porém devido à falta de condições, os atletas tendem a optar por alguns esportes com menor complexidade (circuitos, 65,06%; corrida, 48,84%; caminhada, 40,46%). A maioria das lesões causadas por esse tipo de esportes são abrasões de pele. A gravidade dessas lesões não é alta. Conclusão Fornecer a orientação efetiva dos exercícios para seus praticantes pode melhorar sua cognição esportiva, construir uma base para o sistema esportivo profissional e proporcionar conhecimentos relevantes sobre os tratamentos emergenciais. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction Many athletes suffer sports injuries during exercise and are susceptible to sequelae due to a variety of post-injury complications that occur in the process of sports activities. Preventing these injuries in physical training, impacts positively on the athletes’ physique. Objective Study the sports habit and regional physical fitness, exploring the prevention strategies in the main sports injuries. Methods This paper elaborates targeted questionnaires (n=568) including proportion of gender, fitness, exercise frequency, duration and intensity of current regional fitness, as well as athletes’ motivations in a Chinese city. Results Current urban residents’ enthusiasm for fitness is high, however due to lack of conditions, athletes tend to choose some sports with lower complexity (circuits, 65.06%; running, 48.84%; walking, 40.46%). Most of the injuries caused by these types of sports are skin abrasions. The severity of these injuries is not high. Conclusion Providing effective exercise guidance to its practitioners can improve their sports cognition, build a foundation for the professional sports system, and provide relevant knowledge about emergency treatments. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMEN Introducción Muchos atletas sufren lesiones deportivas durante el ejercicio y son propensos a sufrir secuelas debido a una variedad de complicaciones posteriores a la lesión que se producen en el proceso de las actividades deportivas. Prevenir estas lesiones en el entrenamiento físico, repercute positivamente en el físico de los deportistas. Objetivo Estudiar el hábito deportivo y la aptitud física regional, explorando las estrategias de prevención en las principales lesiones deportivas. Métodos Este trabajo elabora cuestionarios específicos (n=568) que incluyen la proporción de género, la condición física, la frecuencia de ejercicio, la duración y la intensidad de la condición física regional actual, así como las motivaciones de los deportistas en una ciudad china. Resultados El entusiasmo de los residentes urbanos actuales por la aptitud física es alto, sin embargo, debido a la falta de condiciones, los atletas tienden a elegir algunos deportes de menor complejidad (circuitos, 65,06%; correr, 48,84%; caminar, 40,46%). La mayoría de las lesiones causadas por este tipo de deportes son abrasiones de la piel. La gravedad de estas lesiones no es elevada. Conclusión Proporcionar una orientación eficaz sobre el ejercicio a sus practicantes puede mejorar su cognición deportiva, construir una base para el sistema deportivo profesional y proporcionar conocimientos relevantes sobre los tratamientos de emergencia. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: O nível do atletismo do futebol desenvolve-se rapidamente, exigindo que os atletas sejam mais capazes de treinar, fortalecerem-se e prepararem-se para a competição. Muitas vezes, essas características são comprometidas por lesões evitáveis resultantes de treinamento excessivo ou irracional, especialmente no inverno. O resultado é a ausência do atleta nos jogos durante a temporada, comprometendo a qualificação da equipe. Objetivo: Melhorar o tratamento e a prevenção das maiores lesões ocasionadas aos atletas de futebol durante o inverno. Metodologia: As principais lesões resultantes do mau treinamento e as melhores práticas de conscientização e recuperação foram pesquisadas. As ações selecionadas foram implementadas em dez atletas com acompanhamento durante toda a temporada anual, totalizando 50 jogos. Resultados: Um aumento no número de atletas ativos durante a fase de competição foi observado em 7 jogos, e a eficiência da competição foi aumentada em 14%. Conclusão: Os jogadores de futebol podem obter melhor reabilitação através de treinamento prático de manutenção de força na fase de reabilitação entre o treinamento de inverno e as competições. Esse método científico e racional tem um efeito significativamente positivo sobre o desempenho físico dos atletas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos Terapêuticos - Investigação de Resultados.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The level of soccer athletics develops rapidly, requiring athletes to be more capable of training, strengthening, and competitive readiness. Often, these characteristics are compromised by preventable injuries resulting from excessive or unreasonable training, especially in winter. The outcome is the athlete’s absence from games during the season, compromising the team’s qualification. Objective: Improve the treatment and prevention of the major injuries caused to soccer athletes in winter. Methodology: The main injuries resulting from poor training and the best practices of awareness and recovery were researched. The selected actions were implemented on ten athletes with follow-up during the entire annual season, totaling 50 games. Results: An increase in the number of active athletes during the competition phase was observed in 7 games, and competition efficiency was increased by 14%. Conclusion: Soccer players can get better rehabilitation through practical strength maintenance training in the rehabilitation phase between winter training and competitions. This scientific and rational method has a significantly positive effect on the physical performance of athletes. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies – Investigating the results.

RESUMEN Introducción: El nivel del atletismo de fútbol se desarrolla rápidamente, lo que exige de los atletas una mayor capacidad de entrenamiento, fortalecimiento y preparación para la competición. Con frecuencia, estas características se ven comprometidas por lesiones evitables derivadas de un entrenamiento excesivo o no adecuado, en particular durante el invierno. El resultado es la no participación del atleta en los partidos de la temporada, lo que compromete la clasificación del equipo. Objetivo: Mejorar el tratamiento y la prevención de las principales lesiones causadas a los deportistas de fútbol en el invierno. Metodología: Se investigaron las principales lesiones derivadas de un mal entrenamiento y las mejores prácticas de sensibilización y recuperación. Las acciones seleccionadas se aplicaron en diez atletas con seguimiento durante toda la temporada anual, con un total de 50 partidos. Resultados: Se observó un aumento del número de atletas activos durante la fase de competición en 7 partidos, y la eficacia de la competición se incrementó en un 14%. Conclusión: Los futbolistas pueden conseguir una mejor rehabilitación mediante un entrenamiento práctico de mantenimiento de la fuerza en la fase de rehabilitación entre el entrenamiento invernal y las competiciones. Este método científico y racional tiene un efecto significativamente positivo en el rendimiento físico de los atletas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de resultados.

Abstract: Most multinational/transnational manufacturers that own internal supply chains and operate in turbulent world markets apply strategies related to product quality, low-cost, and timely delivery. This study aims to assist such firms with making accurate decisions to enable their competitive strategies and cope with the realities of limited capacity and unreliable equipment. We examine a vendor-buyer coordinated system featuring batch fabrication, outsourcing, quality reassurance, discontinuous deliveries, and an unreliable machine. The system outsources a portion of a lot to reduce manufacturing uptime, and the in-house fabrication system experiences undesirable defective items and Poisson distributed breakdowns. In each cycle, corrective action and rework/disposal of defective stocks are undertaken as these incidents occur, and upon receipt of outsourced products and when the entire batch is quality ensured, it makes multiple deliveries of the end products. Using modeling, formulation, derivation, and an optimization methodology, we obtain the problem’s cost function and justify its convexity. We then apply differential calculus and propose a recursive algorithm to derive the problem’s optimal replenishment runtime. A numerical illustration is offered to show the applicability of the result that reveals various important system characteristics/ capabilities, such as the distinct and combined influences of breakdowns, outsourcing, rework, scrap, and delivery-frequency factors on various system parameters, performance, and optimal runtime. The methods proposed here can facilitate managerial operations planning and strategic decision making in an intra-supply chain setting in practice.

Background: Acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF) is an acute deteriorating liver disease and rapidly progresses to multiple organ failure. There is currently no adequate accurate predictive models of ACHBLF prognosis. Aims: To identify the methylation frequency of the estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) promoter in ACHBLF and analyze the associated prognostic significance. Methods: Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was used to determine the methylation frequency of the ESR1 promoter in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a training and validation cohort of patients. The training cohort included 113 patients with ACHBLF, 73 with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 40 healthy controls (HCs). The validation cohort consisted of 37 patients with ACHBLF. Another 18 patients with pre-ACHBLF who progressed to ACHBLF were used to dynamically evaluate ESR1 promoter methylation changes associated with a severe clinical condition. Results: Death from ACHBLF was associated with hyperbilirubinemia, a higher score in the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), a higher incidence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and an increased frequency of ESR1 promoter methylation during the 28 day follow-up. HE, MELD score and ESR1 promoter methylation were the independent risk factors associated with 28-day mortality from ACHBLF. The frequency of ESR1 promoter methylation was significantly higher than in patients with CHB and HCs. Albumin and the MELD score were significantly associated with ESR1 promoter methylation. Moreover, ESR1 promoter methylation frequency increased with ACHBLF progression. More importantly, ESR1 promoter methylation was an independent risk factor and had a high value to predict 28-day mortality from ACHBLF. Conclusions: Abnormal ESR1 methylation could be a prognostic biomarker for ACHBLF.

Background: Betatrophin is a novel adipokine that provokes pancreatic β-cell proliferation and is involved in lipid metabolism. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the role of serum betatrophin in metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: A hospital-based, age-/gender-matched case control study was conducted. The serum betatrophin level was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum concentrations of 12 adipokines were measured to assess their associations with serum betatrophin, using commercial Adipokine Magnetic Bead Panel kits. Statistical analyses included bivariate correlation, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and multivariate stepwise linear regression. Results: Serum betatrophin showed a higher level in MetS patients (997.36 ± 475.92 pg/ml, p = 0.001) compared with controls (735.35 ± 526.51 pg/ml). Compared with the lowest tertile, the highest tertile of serum betatrophin level indicated an association with higher risk of MetS (adjusted odds ratio = 3.521, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.191-10.413], p = 0.023). ROC curve of betatrophin was developed to predict the presence of MetS (area under ROC = 0.682 [95% CI, 0.597-0.767], p < 0.001). Furthermore, betatrophin correlated with several parameters, e.g. age (r = 0.286, p < 0.001), body mass index (r = 0.160, p = 0.046), waist-to-hip ratio (r = 0.241, p = 0.002), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.167, p = 0.037), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.195, p = 0.015), fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.266, p = 0.001), hemoglobin A1C (r = 0.314, p < 0.001), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r = 0.272, p = 0.001), and various adipokines, e.g. resistin (r = 0. 571, p < 0.001), interleukin-8 (r = 0.435, p < 0.001), tumor necrosis factor-α (r = 0.295, p = 0.011) and lipocalin-2 (r = 0.346, p = 0.003). Conclusions: This study supports that serum betatrophin plays an important role in MetS, involving the regulations of glucose and lipid metabolism and inflammation.

Introducción: la betatrofina es una novedosa adipoquina que provoca la proliferación de células β pancreáticas e interviene en el metabolismo de los lípidos. Objetivos: el propósito de este estudio es evaluar el papel de la betatrofina en el síndrome metabólico. Método: se llevó a cabo un estudio hospitalario de casos y controles según sexo y edad. El nivel de betatrofina en suero fue evaluado mediante ensayo por inmunoabsorción ligado a enzimas. Se midieron las concentraciones en suero de 12 adipoquinas para evaluar las asociaciones con la betatrofina usando los kits comerciales Adipokine Magnetic Bead Panel. Los análisis estadísticos incluyeron correlación bivariada, análisis de curva ROC y análisis de regresión lineal multivariable. Resultados: el nivel de betatrofina en suero fue más elevado en pacientes con síndrome metabólico (997,36 ± 475,92 pg/ml, p = 0,001) que en los controles (735,35 ± 526,51 pg/ml). Frente al tercil más bajo, el tercil más alto del nivel de betatrofina mostró una asociación con mayor riesgo de síndrome metabólico (odds ratio ajustado = 3,521, intervalo de confianza [IC] 95% [1,191-10,413], p = 0,023). Se desarrolló la curva ROC de betatrofina para pronosticar la presencia de síndrome metabólico (área bajo la curva ROC = 0,682 [95% IC, 0,597-0,767], p < 0,001). Además, la betatrofina mostró correlación con distintos parámetros, como edad (r = 0,286, p < 0,001), índice de masa corporal (r = 0,160, p = 0,046), índice cintura-cadera (r = 0,241, p = 0,002), lipoproteína de alta densidad (r = -0,167, p = 0,037), lipoproteína de baja densidad (r = -0,195, p = 0,015), glucosa plasmática en ayunas (r = 0,266, p = 0,001), hemoglobina A1C (r = 0,314, p < 0,001), índice de resistencia a la insulina mediante HOMA (r = 0,272, p = 0,001) y diversas adipoquinas, entre ellas resistina (r = 0,571, p < 0,001), interleucina-8 (r = 0,435, p < 0,001), factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (r = 0,295, p = 0,011) y lipocalina-2 (r = 0,346, p = 0,003). Conclusiones: este estudio demuestra que la betatrofina en suero desempeña una importante labor en el síndrome metabólico, implicando la regulación del metabolismo de la glucosa y los lípidos y la inflamación.

ABSTRACT This research aimed to discover the distribution and the primary influence factors of Cu in the soil-rice systems of tropical farmland. Soil samples of farmland and rice plant (stalk and polished rice) from the western region of Hainan Island were collected and studied. The results showed that the average Cu content in the topsoil of the study area was 15.75 mg kg-1; the highest Cu content (45.92 mg kg-1) was found in the rice fields of the northern area, where pyroclastic parent material is distributed. Thus, there is a potential for Cu contamination of the rice grown in this region. The average contents of Cu in the rice stalks and polished rice were 16.9 and 5.68 mg kg-1, respectively, indicating that the stalks had a larger capacity for Cu bioaccumulation than the polished rice. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of Cu in rice was found to decrease with increased Cu contents in the soil. In regards to the northern farmlands with high Cu contents in the soil derived from pyroclastic deposits, an alkaline fertilizer should be used to prevent the risk of Cu pollution in the polished rice, as soil acidification can promote the uptake and accumulation of Cu to some extent.

Estendemos estudos anteriores a respeito do nível de caixa e seus determinantes de modo a analisar a relação entre o grau de internacionalização e o nível de caixa das empresas. Diferente das empresas domésticas, as empresas internacionalizadas possuem mais oportunidades de investimento e enfrentam mais adversidades em seus negócios. Utilizamos, para tanto, uma amostra de empresas de capital aberto não financeiras do Brasil e do México para o período de 2006 a 2010. Regressões em painel com efeitos fixos foram aplicadas. Nossos resultados sugerem que o grau de internacionalização é um determinante de caixa e que o nível de caixa aumenta de forma quadrática à medida que o grau de internacionalização da empresa aumenta. Esse comportamento é diferente daquele de empresas norte-americanas, estudadas por Chiang e Wang (2011). Assim como a estudos anteriores, tanto previsões de Trade-Off quanto Pecking Order são relevantes como variáveis de controle em nosso modelo. Por fim, observou-se que, no período antecedente à crise, as empresas seguraram menos caixa em seus balanços.

This research expands on previous studies of cash holdings and their determinants by studying the relationship between the degree of internationalization and the level of corporate cash holdings. We used a sample of non-financial, publicly traded companies from Brazil and Mexico for the period from 2006 to 2010. Our results suggest that the degree of internationalization is a determinant of cash, and that cash holding increases quadratically as the degree of company internationalization grows. Such behavior was different from the North American company studies in Chiang and Wang (2011). Similar to previous studies, both Trade-off and Pecking Order predictions are relevant control variables in our model. Finally, companies held less cash on their balance sheets during the pre-crisis period.

Objective: To investigate the genome-wide promoter methylation and gene expression for the identification of methylation markers in obesity. Methods: Using a high-fat, diet-induced obese mouse model, we performed comprehensive DNA methylation profiling of gene promoters to determine the differentially methylated genes using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation followed by hybridization to the NimbleGen MM8 CpG plus Promoter Microarray. We further integrated epigenomics data with gene expression profiling to identify promoters exhibiting an association between methylation status and the expression of downstream genes. Results: A total of 24 hypermethylated promoters and 42 hypomethylated promoters in epididymal fat were selected as methylation markers, which were associated with downregulated and upregulated gene expression, respectively. The promoter methylation and differential gene expression of three markers (Mmp2, Foxj3 and Ube2q2) in the fat were validated by sequencing bisulfite-modified DNA and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. The genes with these differentially methylated promoters and the associated transcriptional expression in the fat were primarily involved in biological activities in lipid metabolism and storage, cellular differentiation, immunity and the pathogenesis of obesity-related complications. Conclusions: This study represents the first effort to determine methylation markers in obese mice that may regulate gene transcription in obesity. Our approach has potential relevance for clinical applications by identifying markers useful in elucidating the mechanisms of obesity pathogenesis and its complications.

Objetivo: Investigar la metilación pangenómica del promotor y la expresión génica para la identificación de los marcadores de metilación en la obesidad. Métodos: Empleando un modelo de ratón con obesidad inducida por la dieta con alto contenido en grasa, realizamos un perfil exhaustivo de la metilación del ADN de los genes promotores para determinar los genes metilados diferencialmente utilizando la inmunoprecipitación del ADN metilado seguida de la hibridación del NimbleGen MM8 CpG y el Promoter Microarray. Posteriormente, integramos los datos de la epigenómica con el perfil de expresión génica para identificar los promotores que mostraban una asociación entre el estado de metilación y la expresión de los genes sucesivos. Resultados: Se seleccionó un total de 24 promotores hipermetilados y 42 promotores hipometilados en la grasa epididimaria como marcadores de la metilación, que se asociaron con la expresión génica regulada al alza y a la baja, respectivamente. La metilación del promotor y la expresión génica diferencial de tres marcadores (Mmp2, Foxj3 y Ube2q2) de la grasa se validaron mediante secuenciación del ADN modificado por bisulfito y por PCR de la transcriptasa reversa en tiempo real. Los genes con estos promotores metilados de forma diferencial y la expresión transcripcional asociada en la grasa estaban implicados primariamente en las actividades biológicas del metabolismo y almacenamiento de los lípidos, la diferenciación celular, la inmunidad y la patogenia de las complicaciones relacionadas con la obesidad. Conclusiones: Este estudio representa el primer intento por determinar los marcadores de la metilación en los ratones obesos que pueden regular la transcripción génica en la obesidad. Nuestro abordaje tiene una relevancia potencial por sus aplicaciones clínicas al identificar marcadores útiles en la dilucidación de los mecanismos de la patogenia de la obesidad y sus complicaciones.

ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and feasibility of self-retaining bidirectional barbed absorbable suture application in retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy.Materials and MethodsFrom Sep 2011 and Aug 2012, 76 cases of retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy were performed at our hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: self-retaining barbed suture (SRBS) group (n = 36) and non-SRBS group (n = 40). There was no significant difference in age, sex, tumor size and location between the two groups. Clinical data and outcomes were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsAll 76 cases of retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy were successfully performed, without conversion to open surgery or serious intraoperative complications. In the SRBS group, the suture time, warm ischemia time and operation blood loss were significantly shorter than that of non-SRBS group (p < 0.01), and operation time and hospital stay were shorter than that of non-SRBS group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe application of self-retaining bidirectional barbed absorbable suture in retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy could shorten suture time and warm ischemia time, with good safety and feasibility, worthy of being used in clinic.

Visceral hypersensitivity plays an important role in motor and sensory abnormalities associated with irritable bowel syndrome, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The present study was designed to evaluate the expression of the 5-HT4 receptor and the serotonin transporter (SERT) as well as their roles in chronic visceral hypersensitivity using a rat model. Neonatal male Sprague-Dawley rats received intracolonic injections of 0.5% acetic acid (0.3-0.5 mL at different times) between postnatal days 8 and 21 to establish an animal model of visceral hypersensitivity. On day 43, the threshold intensity for a visually identifiable contraction of the abdominal wall and body arching were recorded during rectal distention. Histological evaluation and the myeloperoxidase activity assay were performed to determine the severity of inflammation. The 5-HT4 receptor and SERT expression of the ascending colon were monitored using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses; the plasma 5-HT levels were measured using an ELISA method. As expected, transient colonic irritation at the neonatal stage led to visceral hypersensitivity, but no mucosal inflammation was later detected during adulthood. Using this model, we found reduced SERT expression (0.298 ± 0.038 vs 0.634 ± 0.200, P < 0.05) and increased 5-HT4 receptor expression (0.308 ± 0.017 vs 0.298 ± 0.021, P < 0.05). Treatment with fluoxetine (10 mg·kg-1·day-1, days 36-42), tegaserod (1 mg·kg-1·day-1, day 43), or the combination of both, reduced visceral hypersensitivity and plasma 5-HT levels. Fluoxetine treatment increased 5-HT4 receptor expression (0.322 ± 0.020 vs 0.308 ± 0.017, P < 0.01) but not SERT expression (0.219 ± 0.039 vs 0.298 ± 0.038, P = 0.654). These results indicate that both the 5-HT4 receptor and SERT play a role in the pathogenesis of visceral hypersensitivity, and its mechanism may be involved in the local 5-HT level.

We investigated the association between myeloperoxidase gene -463G > A polymorphism and premature coronary artery disease (CAD) in two Chinese population samples: 229 patients and 230 controls. Genotypes were determined by ligase detection reaction-polymerase chain reaction sequencing and the grouping technique. We found lower frequencies of both the A/A genotype and the A allele in patients (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that the risk of premature CAD in subjects carrying the AA genotype was reduced by 83% in relation to individuals carrying the G/G genotype (OR = 0.172, 95% CI: 0.057-0.526, p = 0.002). Our results indicate that -463G > A polymorphism of the myeloperoxidase gene is associated with premature CAD in Chinese individuals, suggesting that the AA genotype is a protective factor against premature CAD.