RESUMO Introdução Aplicação do método de aprendizagem baseada em problemas (PBL) ao ensino da fisiologia do esporte. Objetivos Este estudo explorou o mecanismo do método PBL para ampliar o interesse e a eficácia da aprendizagem dos estudantes. Métodos Vinte estudantes do sexo masculino da Faculdade de Educação Física da Universidade Hubei Minzu foram divididos randomicamente em um grupo PBL (10) e um grupo de método de ensino tradicional (TTM). Durante o teste, os participantes do grupo TTM ficaram sentados e em silêncio ouvindo o professor experiente, enquanto os do grupo PBL ficaram sentados e participaram de uma discussão em grupo de 20 minutos de acordo com a orientação do mesmo professor. A pressão parcial do oxigênio transcutâneo (TcPO2), a perfusão sanguínea microcirculatória (MPB) e a potência das bandas alfa e beta foram monitoradas no início e durante o teste. Resultados A média do escore do questionário do grupo PBL foi significativamente maior do que a do grupo TTM. No grupo PBL, o poder alfa dos estudantes diminuiu em termos estatísticos nos canais F3, T3, P3 e O1 e o poder beta dos estudantes aumentou nos canais F7, F3, T3, C3, P3 e O1 em comparação com os valores basais. Conclusão O PBL pode ser um mecanismo eficaz de aprendizagem, uma vez que os estudantes ficam ativamente engajados no ensino da fisiologia do esporte. Nível de Evidência I; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction Applying the problem-based learning (PBL) method to the teaching of sports physiology. Objective This study explored the mechanism of the PBL method to improve the interest and learning effectiveness of students. Methods Twenty male students at the Physical Education College of Hubei Minzu University were randomly divided into a PBL group (10) and a traditional teaching method group (TTM). During the test, the subjects in the TTM group sat quietly listening to the experienced teacher, while the subjects in PBL group sat quietly and participated in a 20-minute group discussion under the guidance of the experienced teacher. Transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen (TcPO2), microcirculatory blood perfusion (MBP), and alpha- and beta-band power were monitored at the beginning of and during the test. Results The mean of the PBL-group quiz score was significantly higher than that of the TTM group. In the PBL group, the alpha power of the students decreased statistically in the F3, T3, P3, and O1 channels and the beta power of the students increased statistically in the F7, F3, T3, C3, P3, and O1 as compared to the baseline values. Conclusion PBL can be an effective learning mechanism, since the students are actively engaged in the teaching of sports physiology. Level of Evidence I; Therapeutic studies - Investigating treatment results.

RESUMEN Introducción Aplicación del método de Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas (PBL), a la enseñanza de la fisiología del deporte. Objetivos Este estudio exploró el mecanismo del método PBL para ampliar el interés y la eficacia del aprendizaje de los estudiantes. Métodos Veinte estudiantes varones de la Facultad de Educación Física de la Universidad de Hubei Minzu fueron divididos aleatoriamente en el grupo PBL (10) y en un grupo de método de enseñanza tradicional (TTM). Durante la prueba, los participantes del grupo TTM permanecieron sentados y escuchando en silencio al profesor experimentado, mientras que los del grupo PBL permanecieron sentados y participaron en un debate de grupo de 20 minutos de acuerdo con la orientación del mismo profesor. La presión parcial de oxígeno transcutáneo (TcpO2), la perfusión sanguínea microcirculatoria (MBP) y la potencia de las bandas alfa y beta se monitorizaron al inicio y durante la prueba. Resultados La puntuación media del cuestionario del grupo PBL fue significativamente mayor que la del grupo TTM. En el grupo PBL, la potencia alfa de los estudiantes disminuyó estadísticamente en los canales F3, T3, P3 y O1 y la potencia beta de los estudiantes aumentó en los canales F7, F3, T3, C3, P3 y O1 en comparación con los valores de referencia. Conclusión El PBL puede ser un mecanismo de aprendizaje eficaz, ya que los estudiantes participan activamente en la enseñanza de la fisiología del deporte. Nivel de evidencia I; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Abstract In order to investigate the controlled release and antifungal effect of thyme essential oil on peach fruit, the four polysaccharides such as xanthan gum, gum tragacanth, arabic gum and pullulan were used to construct the essential oil-chitosan based composite film. The physical and chemical properties of composite film and its inhibition effect on Monilinia fructicola of peach fruit in vitro and in vivo were evaluated. The results showed that thyme essential oil contained some antifungal compounds such as 2-methoxy-3- (2-propenyl)-phenol, D-limonene and thymol. The addition of four polysaccharides decreased the tensile strength and elongation at break of composite film, and caused obvious fluctuation in the peak at 3263, 2884, 1552 and 1025 cm-1. Particularly, the strong interaction was found between chitosan and arabic gum which improved the antifungal effect of thyme essential oil in vitro. Moreover, the chitosan composite film combined with arabic gum exhibited the best inhibition effect on Monilinia fructicola of peach fruit in vivo regardless of the coating of film solution or film fumigation method. The work showed that chitosan-arabic gum composite film would be a potential application for improving the antifungal effect of essential oil on the preservation of peach fruit.

SUMMARY: To know the nerve variations of brachial plexus and its branches is very important in the management of upper limb nerve injuries. Variations of the brachial plexus are not uncommon, but types of variations are diverse. The unusual communication branches between the musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) and the median nerve (MN) in course were found during routine dissection on the two different left arms of formalin fixed male cadavers. Depending on the position related to the coracobrachial muscle (CBM), one MCN pierced the CBM, the other did not in the two cases. The branches of MCN emerged interior to the coracoid process to innervate the CBM. The present case reports of anatomical variations of nerves can help to manage nerve injuries and plan surgical approaches during surgical procedures.

RESUMEN: Conocer las variaciones nerviosas del plexo braquial y sus ramas es muy importante en el tratamiento de las lesiones nerviosas de los miembros superiores. Las variaciones del plexo braquial no son infrecuentes, sin embargo los tipos de variaciones son diversos. Los ramos inusuales de comunicación entre el nervio musculocutáneo (NMC) y el nervio mediano (NM) en curso fueron descubiertos durante la disección de rutina en dos miembros superiores izquierdos de dos cadáveres de sexo masculino fijados con formalina. Un NMC atravesó el MCB, otro no lo hizo en los dos casos. Los ramos de NMC emergieron a nivel del proceso coracoideo para inervar el MCB. Los presentes informes de casos de variaciones anatómicas de los nervios pueden ayudar a tratar las lesiones nerviosas y planificar los abordajes quirúrgicos durante los procedimientos quirúrgicos.

Abstract Introduction: The mouse heterotopic cardiac transplant model has been extensively used to explore transplant immunity. Although the cuff technique facilitates the operation, the procedure remains difficult, and vessel eversion is the most difficult step. Cuff movement and everted vessel wall slippage are the main adverse factors in vessel eversion. Traditional strategies to prevent these factors focus on cuff fixation, while more steps or surgical instruments would be required. Methods: According to the reported protocols and our experience, the vessel eversion skills were modified and used for transplantation. Cardiac grafts from C57BL/6(H-2b) or BALB/c(H-2d) mice were transplanted into C57BL/6(H-2b) mice. The operating times of recent 90 operations, which were divided into 9 groups according to their sequence, were summarized and analyzed. Results: The mouse cervical cardiac transplantation was successfully performed by using the modified vessel eversion skills. The cuff movement, which is the most important adverse factor to prevent vessel eversion, was effectively prevented. In the recent 90 operations, the total operating time was 47.3±7.9 min and the success rate was 98%. Conclusions: The modified surgical skills simplify the vessel eversion in mouse cervical cardiac transplantation with cuff technique, characterized by less cuff movement, fewer steps, and surgical instruments. Using these surgical skills, the transplant can be performed in a short time.

Abstract In order to optimize the performance of chitosan-tea polyphenols composite films, effects of glycerol and Tween on the antioxidative activities and physical performance of chitosan composite films were evaluated. The results indicated that both flexibility and water vapour permeability of chitosan/tea polyphenols films were improved with the addition of glycerol, meanwhile the solubility and swelling degree decreased. Moreover, the release time of antioxidants from films was delayed with the addition of glycerol. The presence of Tween 20 had no significant effect on the tensile strength of films, but changed the DPPH radical scavenging activity depending on the blend ratio of glycerol and Tween. DSC, FTIR and X-ray analysis showed strong interaction among chitosan, tea polyphenols, glycerol and Tween. The optimum ratio was 0.5% tea polyphenols, 1.2% glycerol and 0.1% Tween. This study provided a reference that an optimized chitosan/tea polyphenols composite film could be obtained by the regulation of glycerol and Tween.

Abstract In this paper, the microstructure, water properties and browning control of Chinese water chestnut (CWC) after harvest were studied. Results showed that the tuber cell contained a large number of starch granules (5-10 μm for each one). The water-holding capacity of tuber cell was weak and T2 relaxation time was 28.5-75.6 ms. Sucrose was the main sugar component in Chinese water chestnut, which account for 84.8% of total sugar. In addition, potassium sorbate, green tea polyphenol and chitosan decreased the browning of fresh-cut CWC compared with the other anti-browning agents such as acetic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, vitamin C and thyme oil. Moreover, chitosan coating combined with potassium sorbate and green tea polyphenol delayed weight loss and decay of fresh-cut tubers, also maintained a higher soluble solids and ascorbic acid content. The study provided an alternative method for controlling CWC browning, which would be helpful for the application of anti-browning agents in CWC processing.

ABSTRACT Objectives: Our study aimed to investigate the associations of glucose tolerance status with insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and other clinical laboratory parameters of acromegalic patients before and after the patients underwent transsphenoidal adenomectomy (TSA) by conducting a single-center, retrospective study. Subjects and methods: A total of 218 patients with acromegaly who had undergone TSA as the first treatment were retrospectively analyzed. Serum IGF-I, growth hormone (GH) and glucose levels were measured before and after surgery. Results: The follow-up levels for random GH, GH nadir, and the percentage of the upper limit of normal IGF-I (%ULN IGF-I) were decreased significantly. The percentages of normal (39.0%), early carbohydrate metabolism disorders (33.0%) and diabetes mellitus (28.0%) changed to 70.2%, 16.5% and 13.3%, respectively, after TSA. %ULN IGF-I at baseline was higher in the diabetes mellitus (DM) group than in the normal glucose tolerance group and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) /impaired fasting glucose (IFG) groups before TSA, and the DM group exhibited a greater reduction in %ULN IGF-I value after surgery. The follow-up %ULN IGF-I value after surgery was significantly lower in the improved group, and Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that the reductions in %ULN IGF-I corresponded with the reductions in glucose level. Conclusion: This study examined the largest reported sample with complete preoperative and follow-up data. The results suggest that the age- and sex-adjusted IGF-I level, which reflects altered glucose metabolism, and the change of it are associated with improved glucose tolerance in acromegalic patients both before and after TSA.

Abstract Background: Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality worldwide, which seriously affects human health. Gramicidin is a short peptide antibiotic which could be used for treating infection induced by bacteria or fungi. However, the anti-cancer effect of gramicidin on gastric cancer cells and its underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Results: Gastric cancer cells SGC-7901, BGC-823 and normal gastric mucosal cells GES-1 were treated with different concentrations of gramicidin respectively. The results of CCK-8 experiment revealed cellular toxicity of gramicidin to cancer cells while cell colony formation assay showed that gramicidin significantly inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells, but had little effect on normal gastric mucosal cells. In addition, the wound healing assay showed that gramicidin inhibited the migration of SGC-7901 cell. Meanwhile, apoptosis and cell cycle analysis revealed that gramicidin induced cell apoptosis with G2/M cell cycle inhibition. Furthermore, western blot analysis demonstrated that gramicidin down-regulated the expression of cyclinD1 and Bcl-2 as well as the FoxO1 phosphorylation. Conclusions: The current study illustrated the anti-tumor activity of gramicidin on gastric cancer cells, providing a possibility for gramicidin to be applied in clinical practice for the treatment of gastric cancer.

ABSTRACT Anaerobic digestion is important for the management of livestock manure with high ammonia level. Although ammonia effects on anaerobic digestion have been comprehensively studied, the molecular mechanism underlying ammonia inhibition still remains elusive. In this study, based on metatranscriptomic analysis, the transcriptional profile of microbial community in anaerobic digestion under low (1500 mg L-1) and high NH4 + (5000 mg L-1) concentrations, respectively, were revealed. The results showed that high NH4 + concentrations significantly inhibited methane production but facilitated the accumulations of volatile fatty acids. The expression of methanogenic pathway was significantly inhibited by high NH4 + concentration but most of the other pathways were not significantly affected. Furthermore, the expressions of methanogenic genes which encode acetyl-CoA decarbonylase and methyl-coenzyme M reductase were significantly inhibited by high NH4 + concentration. The inhibition of the co-expressions of the genes which encode acetyl-CoA decarbonylase was observed. Some genes involved in the pathways of aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and ribosome were highly expressed under high NH4 + concentration. Consequently, the ammonia inhibition on anaerobic digestion mainly focused on methanogenic process by suppressing the expressions of genes which encode acetyl-CoA decarbonylase and methyl-coenzyme M reductase. This study improved the accuracy and depth of understanding ammonia inhibition on anaerobic digestion.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Analgesia pós-operatória é fundamental para o exercício funcional precoce logo após a artroplastia total de joelho. O objetivo foi investigar a eficácia clínica do bloqueio contínuo do nervo femoral guiado por ultrassom e estimulador de nervo em analgesia após artroplastia total do joelho. MÉTODOS: Receberam analgesia pós-operatória, de outubro de 2012 a janeiro de 2013, 46 pacientes, estado físico ASA I-III, submetidos à artroplastia total de joelho. Em 22 pacientes, o bloqueio femoral contínuo foi guiado por ultrassom e estimulador de nervo para analgesia (grupo BFC); em 24 pacientes, analgesia foi administrada por via epidural (grupo ACP). Os efeitos analgésicos, efeitos colaterais, a recuperação articular e as complicações foram comparados entre os dois grupos. RESULTADOS: Às seis e 12 horas após a cirurgia, os escores de dor no joelho (escore EVA) durante os testes funcionais após exercício ativo e passivo foram significativamente menores no grupo BFC do que no grupo ACP. A quantidade usada de parecoxib nos pacientes do grupo BFC foi significativamente menor em comparação com o grupo ACP. Quarenta e oito horas após a cirurgia, o grau de força muscular no grupo BFC foi significativamente maior e o tempo de atividade ambulatória foi menor do que no grupo ACP. A incidência de náusea e vômito em pacientes do grupo BFC foi significativamente menor em comparação com o grupo ACP. CONCLUSÃO: O bloqueio femoral contínuo guiado por ultrassom e estimulador do nervo proporcionou melhor analgesia às seis e 12 horas, demonstrada por EVA-R e EVA-P. A quantidade de parecoxib também foi menor, a incidência de náusea e vômito diminuiu, a influência sobre a força muscular é comprometida e os pacientes podem fazer atividade ambulatorial sob essa condição.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postoperative analgesia is crucial for early functional excise after total knee arthroplasty. To investigate the clinical efficacy of ultrasound and nerve stimulator guided continuous femoral nerve block analgesia after total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: 46 patients with ASA grade I-III who underwent total knee arthroplasty received postoperative analgesia from October 2012 to January 2013. In 22 patients, ultrasound and nerve stimulator guided continuous femoral nerve block were performed for analgesia (CFNB group); in 24 patients, epidural analgesia was done (PCEA group). The analgesic effects, side effects, articular recovery and complications were compared between two groups. RESULTS: At 6 h and 12 h after surgery, the knee pain score (VAS score) during functional tests after active exercise and after passive excise in CFNB were significantly reduced when compared with PCEA group. The amount of parecoxib used in CFNB patients was significantly reduced when compared with PCEA group. At 48 h after surgery, the muscle strength grade in CFNB group was significantly higher, and the time to ambulatory activity was shorter than those in PCEA group. The incidence of nausea and vomiting in CFNB patients was significantly reduced when compared with PCEA group. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound and nerve stimulator guided continuous femoral nerve block provide better analgesia at 6 h and 12 h, demonstrated by RVAS and PVAS. The amount of parecoxib also reduces, the incidence of nausea and vomiting decreased, the influence on muscle strength is compromised and patients can perform ambulatory activity under this condition.

JUSTIFICACIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: La analgesia postoperatoria es fundamental para el ejercicio funcional precoz posteriormente a la artroplastia total de rodilla. El objetivo fue investigar la eficacia clínica del bloqueo continuo del nervio femoral guiado por ultrasonido y estimulador de nervio en analgesia después de la artroplastia total de la rodilla. MÉTODOS: Cuarenta y seis pacientes, con estado físico ASA I-III, sometidos a artroplastia total de rodilla recibieron analgesia postoperatoria de octubre de 2012 a enero de 2013. En 22 pacientes, el bloqueo femoral continuo fue guiado por ultrasonido y estimulador de nervio para analgesia (grupo BFC); en 24 pacientes, la analgesia fue administrada por vía epidural (grupo ACP). Los efectos analgésicos, efectos colaterales, recuperación articular y las complicaciones fueron comparados entre los 2 grupos. RESULTADOS: A las 6 y 12 h después de la operación, las puntuaciones de dolor en la rodilla (puntuación EVA) durante los test funcionales después del ejercicio activo y pasivo fueron significativamente menores en el grupo BFC que en el grupo ACP. La cantidad usada de parecoxib en los pacientes del grupo BFC fue significativamente menor en comparación con el grupo ACP. Cuarenta y ocho horas después de la operación, el grado de fuerza muscular en el grupo BFC fue significativamente mayor y el tiempo de actividad ambulatoria fue menor que en el grupo ACP. La incidencia de náuseas y vómitos en pacientes del grupo BFC fue significativamente menor en comparación con el grupo ACP. CONCLUSIÓN: El bloqueo femoral continuo guiado por ultrasonido y estimulador del nervio proporcionaron una mejor analgesia a las 6 y 12 horas, lo que quedó demostrado por EVA-R y EVA-P. La cantidad de parecoxib también fue menor, la incidencia de náuseas y vómito disminuyó, la influencia sobre la fuerza muscular está comprometida y los pacientes pueden realizar una actividad ambulatoria bajo esa condición.

Variations in the brachial plexus and the distribution patterns of its branches are not uncommon. A communicating branch, which is the most frequent variation, often arises from musculocutaneous nerve to median nerve. However, the branches arising from lateral cord of the brachial plexus and median nerve instead of musculocutaneous nerve are very rare. Detailed description of the abnormalities is important for surgical procedures. Our case study reports the musculocutaneous nerve was absent, a branch from the medial cord innervated the coracobrachialis muscle and two branches from the median nerve innervated the biceps and brachialis muscles, respectively. Moreover, the median nerve gave off the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve. This report provides evidence of such possible anatomical variations to surgeons, anesthetists and neurologists during clinical practice.

Las variaciones en el plexo braquial y los patrones de distribución de sus ramos no son infrecuentes. Un ramo comunicante, que es la variante más frecuente, a menudo surge desde el nervio musculocutáneo al nervio mediano. Sin embargo, los ramos que surgen del fascículo lateral del plexo braquial y nervio mediano en vez de nervio musculocutáneo son muy raros. La descripción detallada de las anomalías es importante para procedimientos quirúrgicos. En nuestro caso el nervio musculocutáneo estaba ausente, un ramo del fascículo medial inervó el músculo coracobraquial y dos ramos del nervio mediano inervaron los músculos bíceps y braquial, respectivamente. Por otra parte, el nervio mediano originó al nervio cutáneo antebraquial lateral. Este informe proporciona evidencia de algunas variaciones anatómicas útiles para cirujanos, anestesistas y neurólogos durante la práctica clínica.

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) may represent a potential noninvasive molecular biomarker for various pathological conditions. Moreover, the detection of circulating miRNAs can provide important novel disease-related information. In particular, inflammation-associated miR-155 and endothelial-enriched miR-126 are reported to be associated with vascular homeostasis. Vascular damage is a common event described in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We hypothesized that miR-155 and miR-126 may be detectable in the circulation and serve as potential biomarkers for risk stratification. In this study, we assessed miR-155 and miR-126 in the plasma of 30 ESRD patients and 20 healthy controls using real-time quantification RT-PCR. The circulating levels of miR-155 and miR-126 were significantly reduced in patients with ESRD compared to healthy controls. However, there was no significant difference of circulating miR-155 and miR-126 levels between prehemodialysis and posthemodialysis patients. Furthermore, both circulating miR-126 and miR-155 correlated positively with estimated glomerular filtration rate (miR-126: r = 0.383, P = 0.037; miR-155: r = 0.494, P = 0.006) and hemoglobin (miR-126: r = 0.515, P = 0.004; miR-155: r = 0.598, P < 0.001) and correlated inversely with phosphate level (miR-126: r = -0.675, P < 0.001; miR-155: r = -0.399, P = 0.029). Pearson’s correlation was used to compare circulating levels of miRNAs with clinical parameters. These results suggested that circulating miR-155 and miR-126 might be involved in the development of ESRD. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the role of circulating miR-155 and miR-126 as candidate biomarkers for risk estimation.

A determinação da alteração na mobilidade eletroforética (EMSA), o método de mais ampla utilização para o estudo das interações proteínaácidos nucléicos, é tediosa e difícil de dominar. De acordo com os protocolos dacumentados e com base em nossa prática, nós modificamos os diversos processos principais dessa determinação incluindo no que diz respeito a extração de proteiínas nucleicas, marcação das provas e radioautografia. A determinação modificada requer menor tempo, simplifica a extração de ácidos nucleicos, eleva a radioatividade da prova marcada, evita o processo tedioso de secagem do gel e produz claras imagens. Seus resultados são comparáveis, reproduzíveis e estáveis, merecendo, desse modo, ampla aplicação.

In this work, several major procedures of the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were modified including swift extraction of the nucleic protein, labeling of the probe and radioautography. The modified assay required shorter time, simplified the nucleic protein extraction, increased the radioactivity of the labeling probe, skipped the tedious process of gel drying, and produced clear images. Its results were comparable, reproducible and stable. It thus has merited for wide application.

Os autores relatam o caso de uma paciente de 20 anos de idade, sem antecedentes patológicos, que apresentou quadro de abdome agudo obstrutivo. Realizou exames radiológicos, ultra-som e tomografia computadorizada, seguidos de laparotomia exploradora, sendo constatadas: a) rotação hepática completa para o hipocôndrio esquerdo; b) hipotensão severa por compressão da veia cava inferior; c) malformação congênita dos ligamentos falciforme e coronários; d) obstrução do cólon transverso por bridas constritivas congênitas; e) importante distensão gasosa de alças cólicas no hipocôndrio direito. Foram ressecadas as bandas pericólicas, com redução imediata da dilatação no hemiabdome direito, havendo retorno espontâneo do fígado à posição anatômica. Esta condição ímpar, e os outros três casos similares já descritos na literatura mundial, são comentados neste trabalho.

The authors report a case of a 20-year-old patient with the following clinical features: a) complete rotation of the liver into the left upper quadrant; b) severe hypotension secondary to inferior vena cava compression; c) congenital malformation of falciform and coronary ligaments; d) obstruction of the transverse colon due to congenital peritoneal fibrotic bands; e) massive colonic dilatation in the right upper quadrant. The patient was treated by resection of the pericolonic bands, and during the operation the liver returned to its anatomic position, in the right upper abdomen. This unique condition, and the three other similar cases reported in the world literature are discussed.