Abstract The image of an athlete's ankle joint injury can help to check whether the athlete's ankle joint is damaged, and plays a very important role in clinical diagnosis. To address the problem of poor segmentation effect of traditional athletes' ankle injury image segmentation algorithm, an ankle injury image segmentation algorithm based on residual double attention U-Net model is proposed. First, the region of interest is extracted from the original ankle injury image. After translation, rotation and turnover, the image data is expanded. Second, the residual structure is used to adjust the gradient propagation and residual feedback of the segmentation framework, extract the attribute information in the region of interest, and combine the two to retain more image features. Finally, combined with the double attention module to improve the weight ratio of image features, the athlete ankle injury image segmentation is realized in the image segmentation framework based on residual double attention U-Net model. The results demonstrate that the maximum values of DSC, ASSD, PM, and CR for the proposed algorithm are 0.93, 0.1, 0.96, and 0.95, respectively, and the F1 score is 95.7%, indicating that the segmentation effect of this algorithm is closer to the theoretical segmentation effect, and higher precision in segmentation, and the segmented image has a high degree of similarity to the original image, resulting in excellent segmentation performance.

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the design of a safflower picking robot control system and focuses on a navigation control subsystem based on multisensor fusion. A navigation subsystem, an identification and positioning subsystem, a picking subsystem, and a levelling subsystem are designed. The hardware and software of the navigation subsystem are designed in detail, and a multisensor fusion positioning method based on extended Kalman fusion technology is proposed. The accuracy and stability levels of different combined navigation methods are compared. To test the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method, an outdoor test is carried out. The test results show that the outdoor fusion positioning accuracy of the robot is less than 8 cm, and when the satellite signal is lost, the navigation control subsystem can still provide high positioning accuracy. The final positioning result obtained using the integrated positioning method of the wheel odometer + IMU + DGNSS is approximately 52% higher than that of the odometer, approximately 29% higher than that of the wheel odometer + IMU, and approximately 11% higher than that of the IMU + DGNSS.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The step movement in volleyball is a fundamental skill that volleyball players must master, being the basis of the support of all other techniques of this sport. Objective: Explore the effect of ladder training on the mobility of high school volleyball players. Methods: Twenty high school male volleyball players aged 16-17 were selected as experimental volunteers. Randomly divided into experimental and control groups, 10 individuals in each group received a training intervention for 8 weeks, with ladder training added to the experimental group. Results: Both pieces of training resulted showed positive effects on the improvement of movement ability and speed and could effectively improve the athletes’ movement speed ability. Conclusion: Through systematic ladder training, the excitatory conduction time in the reflex arc of athletes was significantly reduced, leading to a faster response to various signal stimuli, bringing the athletes’ central nervous system to a state more prepared for sports practice. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: El movimiento de paso en el voleibol es una habilidad fundamental que los jugadores de voleibol deben dominar, siendo la base del apoyo de todas las demás técnicas de este deporte. Objetivo: Explorar el efecto del entrenamiento en escalera sobre la movilidad de los jugadores de voleibol de secundaria. Métodos: Se seleccionaron 20 jugadores de voleibol masculinos de secundaria de entre 16 y 17 años como voluntarios experimentales. Divididos aleatoriamente en grupo experimental y grupo de control, 10 individuos en cada grupo, recibieron una intervención de entrenamiento durante 8 semanas, con entrenamiento de escalera añadido al grupo experimental. Resultados: Ambos entrenamientos mostraron efectos positivos en la mejora de la capacidad de movimiento y la velocidad, y pudieron mejorar efectivamente la capacidad de velocidad de movimiento de los atletas. Conclusión: Mediante el entrenamiento sistemático en escalera, se redujo significativamente el tiempo de conducción excitatoria en el arco reflejo de los atletas, lo que condujo a una respuesta más rápida a diversos estímulos de señal, llevando el sistema nervioso central de los atletas a un estado más preparado para la práctica deportiva. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: O movimento dos passos no voleibol é uma habilidade fundamental que os praticantes de voleibol devem dominar, sendo a base da sustentação de todas as demais técnicas desse esporte. Objetivo: Explorar o efeito do treinamento de escada sobre a mobilidade dos jogadores de voleibol do ensino médio. Métodos: Vinte jogadores de voleibol masculino com idade entre 16 a 17 anos do ensino médio foram selecionados como voluntários experimentais. Divididos aleatoriamente em grupo experimental e controle, 10 indivíduos em cada grupo, receberam uma intervenção de treinamento por 8 semanas, sendo acrescido ao grupo experimental o treinamento em escada. Resultados: Ambos treinamentos resultaram apresentaram efeitos positivos na melhoria da capacidade e velocidade de movimento, podendo efetivamente melhorar a capacidade de velocidade de movimento dos atletas. Conclusão: Através do treinamento sistemático por escada, o tempo de condução excitatória no arco reflexo dos atletas foi reduzido significativamente, levando a uma resposta mais rápida a vários estímulos de sinal, aproximando o sistema nervoso central dos atletas a um estado mais preparado para a prática esportiva. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Physical training is essential to physical fitness in freestyle skiers. The domain of stability in the technical movements is a determinant of the competition, always constantly improving. Objective: Develop a physical training program adapted to freestyle skiing. Methods: Twelve freestyle skiers were selected as volunteers for the experiment. This paper compares athletes’ physical qualities and individual abilities before and after physical training. Through recent research, the athletes’ physical condition was comprehensively evaluated to test the effectiveness of their physical training. results: Freestyle skiers showed good anaerobic fitness. A relationship was found between the maximum number of thrusts, the degree of spin in the air, the maximum power duration, and the power decay rate (P<0.05). In the body balance test, the lower limbs showed deficiencies in anteroposterior mobility, while bipodal balance showed no significantly statistical differences (P>0.05). Conclusion: This paper systematically studies body composition, the center of gravity strength, anaerobic capacity, and balance in freestyle skiers. The results provide a good assessment of the effect of fitness training on freestyle ski athletes. These results have particular guiding significance for formulating and implementing training programs focused on the sport. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: El entrenamiento físico es una parte esencial de la aptitud física en los esquiadores de estilo libre. El dominio de la estabilidad en los movimientos técnicos es determinante sobre las competiciones, estando siempre en constante mejora. Objetivo: Desarrollar un programa de entrenamiento físico adaptado al deporte del esquí de estilo libre. Métodos: Se seleccionaron doce esquiadores de estilo libre como voluntarios para el experimento. Este artículo compara las cualidades físicas y las capacidades individuales de los atletas antes y después del entrenamiento físico. Mediante una investigación reciente, se evaluó exhaustivamente la condición física de los atletas para comprobar la eficacia de su entrenamiento físico. Resultados: Los esquiadores de estilo libre mostraron una buena aptitud anaeróbica. Se encontró una relación particular entre el número máximo de empujes y el grado de giro en el aire, la duración de la potencia máxima y la tasa de disminución de la potencia (P<0,05). En la prueba de equilibrio corporal, los miembros inferiores mostraron deficiencias en la movilidad anteroposterior, mientras que el equilibrio bipodal no mostró diferencias estadísticas significativas (P>0,05). Conclusión: Este artículo proporciona un estudio sistemático de la composición corporal, la fuerza gravitatoria central, la capacidad anaeróbica y el equilibrio en esquiadores de estilo libre. Los resultados proporcionan una buena evaluación del efecto del entrenamiento físico en los atletas de esquí de estilo libre. Estos resultados tienen una especial importancia orientativa para la formulación y aplicación de programas de entrenamiento centrados en este deporte. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: O treinamento físico é parte essencial da aptidão física em esquiadores de estilo livre. O domínio da estabilidade nos movimentos técnicos é determinante sobre as competições, estando sempre em constante aprimoramento. Objetivo: Elaborar um programa de treinamento físico adaptado ao esporte do esqui de estilo livre. Métodos: Selecionou-se 12 esquiadores de estilo livre como voluntários ao experimento. Este artigo compara as qualidades físicas e habilidades individuais dos atletas antes e depois do treinamento físico. Através de pesquisas recentes, avaliou-se de forma abrangente a condição física dos atletas para testar a eficácia de seu treinamento físico. Resultados: Os esquiadores de estilo livre apresentaram uma boa praticabilidade anaeróbica. Foi encontrada uma relação particular entre o número máximo de propulsões e o grau de giro no ar, a duração máxima da potência e a taxa de decaimento da potência (P<0,05). No teste de equilíbrio corporal, os membros inferiores apresentaram deficiências de mobilidade anteroposterior, enquanto o equilíbrio bipodal não apresentou diferenças significativamente estatísticas (P>0,05). Conclusão: Este artigo fornece um estudo sistemático da composição corporal, força do centro gravitacional, capacidade anaeróbica e equilíbrio em esquiadores de estilo livre. Os resultados proporcionam uma boa avaliação do efeito de treinamento de aptidão física nos atletas de esqui de estilo livre. Estes resultados têm um significado orientador particular para a formulação e implementação de programas de treinamento focados na modalidade. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Herein, we examined the protective effect of metoprolol combined with atractylenolide I (Atr I) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by regulating the SIRT3 (silent information regulator 3)/β-catenin/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) signaling pathway. Briefly, 50 rats were randomly divided into the sham operation, model, metoprolol, Atr I, and combination metoprolol with Atr I groups (combined treatment group). The AMI model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. After treatment, infarct size, histopathological changes, and cell apoptosis were examined using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the TUNEL assay. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were detected by echocardiography. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Furthermore, we measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) isoenzyme (CK-MB), and CK levels. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression of SIRT3, β-catenin, and PPAR-γ. Herein, the combined treatment group exhibited increased levels of LVEF, LVFS, and NO, whereas LVMI, ET-1, TNF-α, IL-6, LDH, CK-MB, and CK levels were decreased. Importantly, the underlying mechanism may afford protection against AMI by increasing the expression levels of SIRT3, β-catenin, and PPAR-γ.

Polyimides have attracted considerable attention owing to their excellent properties; however, their hydrophilicity makes them susceptible to hydrolytic degradation. In this study, polyaryletherketones (PAEKs) with different fluorine contents were coated onto the surface of the polyimide films to fabricate the hydrophobic surface. The wettability of the films changed, with a transition from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity, upon coating with PAEKs. Thus, the coated films exhibited low moisture absorption. Due to the excellent thermal stability of fluorinated polyaryletherketones (F-PAEKs), the coated polyimide films retained their hydrophobicity even after extreme treatment. Furthermore, the dielectric properties of the coated polyimide film were superior to those of the unmodified film. The hydrophobic polyimide film can meet the requirements of extreme environments.

Abstract The power of computed tomography (CT) radiomics for preoperative prediction of microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) demonstrated in current research is variable. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the value of CT radiomics for MVI prediction in HCC, and to investigate the methodologic quality in the workflow of radiomics research. Databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched. The methodologic quality of included studies was assessed. Validation data from studies with Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) statement type 2a or above were extracted for meta-analysis. Eleven studies were included, among which nine were eligible for meta-analysis. Radiomics quality scores of the enrolled eleven studies varied from 6 to 17, accounting for 16.7%-47.2% of the total points, with an average score of 14. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and Area Under the summary receiver operator Characteristic Curve (AUC) were 0.82 (95% CI 0.77-0.86), 0.79 (95% CI 0.75-0.83), and 0.87 (95% CI 0.84-0.91) for the predictive performance of CT radiomics, respectively. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses showed radiomics model based on 3D tumor segmentation, and deep learning model achieved superior performances compared to 2D segmentation and non-deep learning model, respectively (AUC: 0.93 vs. 0.83, and 0.97 vs. 0.83, respectively). This study proves that CT radiomics could predict MVI in HCC. The heterogeneity of the included studies precludes a definition of the role of CT radiomics in predicting MVI, but methodology warrants uniformization in the radiology community regarding radiomics in HCC.

RESUMO Introdução: A partida é uma etapa importante na corrida de cem metros. A velocidade de reação no início estabelece a base psicológica para o desempenho normal e a melhoria do desempenho nas três fases seguintes. Objetivo: Investigar o tempo de reação de atletas no estágio inicial da corrida de 100 metros rasos. Isso ajudará a analisar o mecanismo de resposta interno do corpo, que recebe sinais e responde a ações. Métodos: Pesquisa bibliográfica com comparação experimental e estatísticas matemáticas para estudar o tempo de reação inicial de corredores. Resultados: O tempo de reação inicial de corredores do sexo feminino ou masculino foi basicamente o mesmo. Conclusões: O tempo de reação inicial dos corredores chineses precisa ser melhorado. Corredores dos 400 metros, especialmente, devem dedicar mais tempo de treinamento ao tempo de reação inicial. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos – investigação de resultados de tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The start of a sprint race is one of its most important stages. The reaction time at the start lays a psychological foundation for normal performance and performance improvement in its next three stages. Objective: To research the reaction time of athletes in the starting stage of the 100-meters sprint race. This helps analyze the internal reaction mechanism of the body, which receives signals and responds to actions. Methods: We use a bibliographical research, experimental comparison, and mathematical statistics to study the starting reaction time of sprinters. Results: The starting reaction time of male and female sprinters was basically at the same level. Conclusion: The starting time of Chinese sprinters needs to be improved. 400-m sprinters, especially, should devote more training to their starting reaction time. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMEN Introducción: La partida es una etapa importante en la corrida de cien metros. La velocidad de reacción en el inicio establece la base psicológica para el desempeño normal y la mejoría del desempeño en las tres fases siguientes. Objetivo: Investigar el tiempo de reacción de atletas en la etapa inicial de la corrida de 100 metros. Esto ayudará a analizar el mecanismo de respuesta interno del cuerpo, que recibe señales y responde a acciones. Métodos: Investigación bibliográfica con comparación experimental y estadísticas matemáticas para estudiar el tiempo de reacción inicial de corredores. Resultados: El tiempo de reacción inicial de corredores del sexo femenino o masculino fue básicamente el mismo. Conclusiones: El tiempo de reacción inicial de los corredores chinos necesita ser mejorado. Corredores de 400 metros, especialmente, deben dedicar más tiempo de entrenamiento al tiempo de reacción inicial. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos – investigación de resultados de tratamiento.

Abstract The aim of this study was to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from Sichuan pickle and to assess their probiotic potential. Total of 66 LAB were isolated from 2 types of Sichuan pickle based on their morphological, physiological, biochemical, and genotypic characteristics. Then, 6 strains (BH6, BH9, BH18, BH46, BH48, BH59) were selected as candidates for further studies. The in vitro experiment showed that the cholesterol degradation rate of 4 strains BH6, BH9, BH59 exceeded 60%. And the triglyceride degradation rate of 3 strains BH6, BH9, BH18 was more than 17%. Out of 6 tested LAB strains, most of them (BH6, BH9, BH18, BH48, BH59) exhibited moderate to high survivability (59%-90%) under high concentration of bile salt (3%) and their survival rate was 72%-95% (BH6,BH18,BH46,BH48,BH59) at low pH conditions. The in vitro experiment showed that all LAB strains inhibited the growth of tested pathogenic microorganisms. Based on the results of presently in vitro experiments, it was concluded that the BH6 isolate had better cholesterol lowering ability (65.36%), triglyceride degradation ability (18.97%), bile salt tolerance and bacteriostatic ability. The potential LAB strain, BH6 was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum by 16S rRNA sequencing. In conclusion, the strain BH6 screened from Sichuan pickle had good ability to degrade cholesterol and triglyceride; and it had better tolerance to acid and bile salt; which also had good bacteriostatic ability. Therefor the strain BH6 has the potential to be used as edible probiotics.

Abstract Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can produce extracellular polysaccharides that can be used as thickeners, emulsifiers, and gels in foods. The immobilization technology can effectively simplify and improve the separation and regeneration of extracellular polysaccharides. In this study, six strains of LAB, including the extracellular polysaccharide-producing strain Lactobacillus plantarum, were screened. The different immobilized carriers of sodium alginate, agar, gelatin-glutaraldehyde, and carrageenan were assessed for fermentation by these six LAB. Different diameters of beads were selected, and the optimum culture temperature, carrier concentration, and inoculum volume were evaluated. The results showed that the agar-embedding method was the best immobilization method and the optimum process conditions were as follows: 3% inoculum of L. plantarum, 30 g/L of agar as immobilization carrier with a particle diameter of 1 cm, and fermentation at 37 °C for 24 h. Through orthogonal experiments, the maximum exopolysaccharide (EPS) yield obtained was 1489.9 mg/L.

Abstract Character strengths could effectively prevent negative psychological outcomes in adults. However, there was little research conducted among early adolescents. The present study aimed to explore character strengths that were independently related to fewer behavior problems in early adolescents. In total, 521 early adolescents (mean age 10.92 ± 0.04, range 10–12 years) were recruited from primary schools in Sichuan, China. Character strengths were measured using the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth (VIA-Youth). Behavior problems were measured using the Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ). The results showed that behavior problems were negatively correlated with character strengths ( r = −0.14 to −0.3, p < 0.05 Bonferroni corrected). Character strengths explained a significant proportion of additional variance (14–22%) in five types of behavior problems after controlling the effect of demographic factors (residence, left-behind experiences, maternal education level). Moreover, several specific character strengths showed an independent contribution ( β = −0.34 to −0.14 for self-regulation, perseverance, zest, humility, and leadership; β = 0.21 to 0.34, for hope; all p < 0.05) to behavior problems. Our study revealed that character strengths were protective factors against behavior problems in early adolescents.

Resumo Fundamento A relação direta entre a doença arterial coronariana (DAC) e o câncer de pulmão não é bem conhecida. Objetivo Investigar a associação entre a gravidade anatômica da DAC e do câncer de pulmão. Métodos Trezentos pacientes, incluindo 75 recém-diagnosticados com câncer de pulmão e 225 pacientes correspondentes sem câncer, foram submetidos à angiografia coronária durante a internação, sem intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) prévia nem enxerto de bypass da artéria coronária (CABG). O escore SYNTAX foi utilizado para avaliar a gravidade da DAC. Uma pontuação alta no escore foi definida como > 15 (o maior quartil do escore SYNTAX). O teste de tendência de Cochran-Armitage foi utilizado para verificar a distribuição dos escores dos pacientes. Uma análise de regressão logística foi utilizada para avaliar a associação entre a gravidade da DAC e o câncer de pulmão. Os valores de p foram estabelecidos quando o nível de significância era 5%. Resultados A tendência de distribuição dos escores SYNTAX dos pacientes por quartis foi diferente entre aqueles com câncer de pulmão e controles (do quartil mais baixo ao mais alto: 20,0%; 20,0%; 24,0%; 36,0% vs. 26,7%; 26,2%; 25,8%; 21,3%; p=0,022). A pontuação no escore SYNTAX foi mais alta em pacientes com câncer do que nos pacientes controle (36,0% vs. 21,3%, p=0,011).O maior quartil do escore demonstrou mais riscos de desenvolver câncer de pulmão em comparação ao quartil mais baixo (OR: 2.250, IC95%: 1.077 a 4.699 ; P -trend= 0,016). Após ajustes, os pacientes no maior quartil do escore SYNTAX tinham mais risco de desenvolver câncer de pulmão (OR: 2.1o49, IC95%: 1.008 a 4.584; P -trend= 0,028). Pacientes com escores SYNTAX alto (> 15) tinham 1.985 mais chances de ter câncer de pulmão (IC95%: 1.105–3.563, P= 0,022). Conclusão A gravidade anatômica da DAC está associada ao risco de câncer de pulmão, o que indica que um rastreamento completo deste tipo de câncer possa ser mais significativo entre pacientes com DAC.

Abstract Background The direct relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and lung cancer is not well known. Objective To investigate the association between the anatomical severity of CAD and lung cancer. Methods Three-hundred study patients, including 75 recently diagnosed lung cancer patients and 225 matched non-cancer patients, underwent coronary angiography during hospitalization without previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The SYNTAX score (SXscore) was used to assess the severity of CAD. A high SXscore (SXhigh) grade was defined as SXscore > 15 (the highest quartile of the SXscore). The Cochran-Armitage test for trend was used to assess the distribution of patients’ SXscores. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between the severity of CAD and lung cancer. P-values were set when significance level was 5%. Results The distribution trend of patients’ SXscore by quartiles was different between lung cancer patients and control patients (from the lowest to the highest quartile: 20.0%, 20.0%, 24.0%, 36.0% vs. 26.7%, 26.2%, 25.8%, 21.3%, p=0.022). The SX high rate was higher in lung cancer patients than in control patients (36.0% vs. 21.3%, p=0.011).The highest quartile of the SXscore showed higher risk of lung cancer in comparison to the lowest quartile (OR: 2,250, 95%CI: 1,077 to 4,699 ; P-trend= 0.016). After adjustment, patients in the highest quartile of the SXscore had higher risk of lung cancer (OR: 2,149, 95%CI: 1,008 to 4,584; P-trend= 0.028). Patients with high SXscore (> 15) had 1,985 times more chances of having lung cancer (95%CI: 1,105–3,563, P= 0.022). Conclusions The anatomical severity of CAD is associated with the risk of lung cancer, which indicates that a thorough lung cancer screening may be significant among severe CAD patients.

Abstract Nowadays brown rice (BR) and germinated brown rice (GBR) have aroused great interest of consumers, due to the higher nutrition compared with polished rice. In this study, the nutritional and bioactive compositions of BR and GBR samples prepared by 6 early indica rice cultivars and 12 middle indica rice cultivars from three producing areas were investigated. The free amino acid (215.75 mg/100 g), γ-aminobutyric acid (18.04 mg/100 g) and ferulic acid (195.9 μg/ g) content in early indica rice cultivars after germinated were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of other cultivars. In addition, principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis models were able to identify BR and GBR, quercetin and p-coumaric acid were the most differential metabolites of all tested rice samples after germinated. The results provided the potential of early indica rice on functional food processing.

Resumo Introdução: A fístula congênita do seio piriforme é uma doença relativamente rara na prática clínica; a maioria se manifesta na infância; entretanto, os médicos geralmente têm conhecimento insuficiente sobre essa condição clínica e seu diagnóstico é facilmente feito de forma errônea. Objetivo: Identificar as características do abscesso cervical profundo devido à fístula congênita de seio piriforme em crianças. Método: Estudo retrospectivo de 21 casos de janeiro de 2016 a agosto de 2018 em nosso hospital. Idade de início, características clínicas, exames auxiliares e tratamento clínico dos pacientes foram resumidos para analisar o diagnóstico, as características do tratamento e o prognóstico. Resultados: Foram incluídas crianças de 11 dias a 12 anos, com média de 3,5 anos. Vinte pacientes tinham fístula congênita de seio piriforme no lado esquerdo e um no lado direito; a tomografia computadorizada cervical com contraste mostrava distribuição líquido-gasosa ou sombra aérea nos abscessos em 18 casos. O ultrassom cervical demonstrou eco gasoso na região da tireoide em 10 casos. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a plasma de baixa temperatura para queimar a fístula interna e retornaram ao hospital para exame com laringoscópio eletrônico e ultrassonografia cervical aos 3 meses, 6 meses e um ano após a cirurgia. Não houve recorrências. Conclusão: A fístula congênita de seio piriforme é uma causa importante de abscesso cervical profundo em crianças. A presença de conteúdo líquido-gasoso purulento ou sombra gasosa na tomografia computadorizada ou no ultrassom cervical sugere uma alta possibilidade da presença de uma fístula interna e a ablação endoscópica a baixa temperatura pode ser feita ao mesmo tempo que a endoscopia diagnóstica.

Abstract Introduction: Congenital piriform sinus fistula is a relatively rare type of disease in clinical practice, most occurring during childhood, but doctors have insufficient knowledge regarding this disease, easily misdiagnosing it. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the characteristics of deep neck abscess due to congenital piriform sinus fistula in children. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 21 cases from January 2016 to August 2018 in our hospital. The onset age, clinical characteristics, auxiliary examination and clinical treatment of the patients was summarized to analyze the diagnosis, treatment characteristics and prognosis. Results: Children from 11 days to 12 years-old were enrolled, with an average age of 3.5 years. Twenty patients had left congenital piriform sinus fistula and 1 had right congenital piriform sinus fistula. Cervical enhanced computed tomography imaging showed gas-liquid equilibrium or air-shadow in the abscesses in 18 cases, and neck ultrasound demonstrated gas echo in the thyroid region in 10 cases. All patients underwent low temperature plasma to seal the internal fistula and returned to the hospital for electronic laryngoscope and neck ultrasound examination at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after the surgery. No recurrence occurred in any patient. Conclusion: Congenital piriform sinus fistula is an important cause of deep neck abscess in children. The presence of purulent gas-liquid equilibrium or air shadow in cervical-enhanced computed tomography or ultrasound suggests a high possibility of the presence of an internal fistula, and endoscopic low temperature ablation can be done at the same time as the diagnostic endoscopy.

Resumo Introdução: Evidências emergentes indicam que as condições fisiológicas e patológicas do nariz são reguladas pós-transcripcionalmente por microRNAs, uma classe de pequenos RNAs não codificantes. Recentemente, o microRNA-223-3p tem sido cada vez mais implicado na modulação da rinite alérgica. Objetivo: Avaliar o papel e o mecanismo do microRNA-223-3p em um modelo de rinite alérgica em camundongos. Método: O nível de expressão do microRNA-223-3p foi medido no soro de 41 pacientes com rinite alérgica e 39 controles saudáveis com polimerase chain reaction quantitativo em tempo real. Camundongos BALB/c foram usados para estabelecer um modelo de rinite alérgica através de sensibilização intraperitoneal e teste de provocação nasal com ovalbumina. O microRNA-223-3p agomir/antagomir foi então administrado por via intranasal a camundongos após provocação com ovabulmina por mais uma semana. Os sintomas de prurido nasal e espirros foram registrados. A concentração sérica de imunoglobulina E específica para ovalbumina, expressão de microRNA-223-3p e níveis de citocinas pró-inflamatórias (IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ) na mucosa nasal foram medidos por ELISA e polimerase chain reaction quantitativo, respectivamente. As alterações histopatológicas foram avaliadas com coloração com hematoxilina e eosina. Resultados: Os níveis de microRNA-223-3p aumentaram significativamente em ambos os pacientes e camundongos com rinite alérgica. Além disso, a suprarregulação dos níveis de microRNA-223-3p através da administração nasal de microRNA-223-3p agomir também aumentou significativamente a concentração de IgE específica para ovalbumina, as frequências de prurido nasal e espirros, os níveis de citocinas pró-inflamatórias (IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ) e infiltração de eosinófilos na mucosa nasal de camundongos com rinite alérgica. Além disso, o microRNA-223-3p antagomir pareceu melhorar significativamente os sintomas e a doença da mucosa nasal. Posteriormente, demonstramos pela primeira vez que o microRNA-223-3p regulou negativamente a expressão de INPP4A ao se ligar à região 3’ não traduzida 3'UTR) do gene INPP4A. Conclusões: Esses achados indicam que o microRNA-223-3p desempenha um papel importante na regulação da doença e dos sintomas da rinite alérgica, tem como alvo o gene INPP4A.

Abstract Introduction: Emerging evidence indicates that physiological and pathological conditions of the nose are posttranscriptionally regulated by microRNAs, a class of small noncoding RNAs. Recently, microRNA-223-3p has been increasingly implicated in the modulation of allergic rhinitis Objective: This study aimed to assess the role and mechanism of microRNA-223-3p in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis. Methods: The expression level of miR-223-3p was measured in the serum of 41 allergic rhinitis patients and 39 healthy controls using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. BALB/c mice were used to establish an allergic rhinitis model by intraperitoneal sensitization and intranasal challenge with ovalbumin. MicroRNA-223-3p agomir/antagomir was then intranasally administered to mice after ovalbumin challenge for another week. The symptoms of nasal rubbing and sneezing were recorded. Serum ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E concentration, microRNA-223-3p expression and proinflammatory cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ) levels in nasal mucosa were measured by ELISA and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Histopathologic changes were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: MicroRNA-223-3p levels increased significantly in both allergic rhinitis patients and allergic rhinitis mice. In addition, upregulation of microRNA-223-3p levels by nasal administration of microRNA-223-3p agomir also markedly increased the concentration of ovalbumin -specific IgE, the frequencies of nasal rubbing and sneezing, the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ) and eosinophil infiltration in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis mice. Moreover, microRNA-223-3p antagomir appeared to strongly ameliorate the symptoms and pathology in nasal mucosa. Subsequently, we demonstrated for the first time that microRNA-2233p negatively regulated INPP4A expression by binding with the 3 untranslated region 3'UTR) of INPP4A. Conclusions: These findings indicate that microRNA-223-3p plays an important role in regulating the pathology and symptoms of allergic rhinitis by targeting INPP4A.