ABSTRACT Introduction: Cherry extract has a high amount of anthocyanins and flavonoids containing antioxidant effects. Its high antioxidant characteristics have been shown to reduce markers of delayed muscle soreness (DOMS) and exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) to improve recovery after exercise. Objective: Verify the effects of the cherry extract on post-exercise muscle damage. Methods: Google scholar, Medline, and Scopus were systematically searched until February 2022. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was applied to determine the risks of bias. Results: The results showed that cherry extract administration did not have a decreasing impact on creatine kinase levels overall: (WMD = 12.85 IU. L-1, 95% CI: −35.94, 61.64; P = 0.606). Considerable heterogeneity was observed among the articles (Cochran's Q-test = 990.80, P = 0.000, I2 = 96.7 %). However, there is a significant reducing effect on pain sensation by the consumption of cherry extract (WMD = −6.105 mm; 95% CI: −11.193 −1.017; p = 0.019). Conclusion: Cherry extract consumption effectively reduced late-onset muscle pain among participants in the overall and subgroup analysis. Thus, the cherry extract may be a complementary alternative in recovery after exercise. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - Manuscript review.

RESUMEN Introducción: El extracto de cereza tiene una gran cantidad de antocianinas y flavonoides con efectos antioxidantes. Se ha demostrado que sus altas características antioxidantes reducen los marcadores de dolor muscular retardado (DOMS) y el daño muscular inducido por el ejercicio (EIMD) para mejorar la recuperación después del ejercicio. Objetivo: Verificar los efectos del extracto de cereza en el daño muscular posterior al ejercicio. Métodos: Se realizaron búsquedas sistemáticas en Google scholar, Medline y Scopus hasta febrero de 2022. Se aplicó la herramienta de colaboración Cochrane para determinar los riesgos de sesgo. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que la administración de extracto de cereza no tuvo un impacto decreciente en los niveles de creatina quinasa en general: (WMD = 12,85 UI. L-1, IC del 95%: −35,94, 61,64; P = 0,606). Se observó una considerable heterogeneidad entre los artículos (prueba Q de Cochran = 990,80, P = 0,000, I2 = 96,7 %). Sin embargo, el consumo de extracto de cereza tiene un efecto significativo de reducción del dolor (WMD = −6,105 mm; IC del 95%: −11,193 −1,017; p = 0,019). Conclusión: El consumo de extracto de cereza fue eficaz para reducir el dolor muscular de aparición tardía entre los participantes en el análisis global y de subgrupos. Así, el extracto de cereza puede ser una alternativa complementaria en la recuperación después de los ejercicios. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Revisión de manuscritos.

RESUMO Introdução: O extrato de cereja tem uma alta quantidade de antocianinas e flavonóides contendo efeitos antioxidantes. Suas altas características antioxidantes demonstraram reduzir os marcadores de dor muscular retardada (DOMS) e dano muscular induzido pelo exercício (EIMD) para melhorar a recuperação após o exercício. Objetivo: Verificar os efeitos do extrato de cereja nos danos musculares pós-exercício. Métodos: Google scholar, Medline e Scopus foram sistematicamente pesquisados até fevereiro de 2022. A ferramenta de colaboração da Cochrane foi aplicada para determinar os riscos de viés. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que a administração do extrato de cereja não teve um impacto decrescente nos níveis de creatina quinase em geral: (WMD = 12,85 IU. L-1, 95% CI: −35,94, 61,64; P = 0,606). Uma heterogeneidade considerável foi observada entre os artigos (teste Q da Cochran = 990,80, P = 0,000, I2 = 96,7 %). Porém, há um efeito redutor significativo na sensação de dor pelo consumo de extrato de cereja (WMD = −6,105 mm; 95% CI: −11,193 −1,017; p = 0,019). Conclusão: O consumo de extrato de cereja foi efetivo na redução de dores musculares de início tardio entre os participantes, na análise geral e nos subgrupos. Assim, o extrato de cereja pode ser uma alternativa complementar na recuperação após os exercícios. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - Revisão de manuscritos.

RESUMO: As respostas de duas cultivares de milho (Zea mays L.), ‘LY336’ (tolerante à sombra) e ‘LC803’ (sensível à sombra), ao estresse de sombra em um experimento em vaso conduzido nas safras de 2015 e 2016 foram investigadas. O impacto do tratamento de estresse de sombra de 50% na biomassa da parte aérea, parâmetros fotossintéticos, fluorescência da clorofila e teor de malondialdeído (MDA) foi avaliado. A biomassa da parte aérea dos dois híbridos de milho foi reduzida significativamente pelo tratamento de estresse de sombra, para estresse de sombra 7 d, o LC803 e LY336 foram reduzidos em 56,7% e 44,4% em comparação com a luz natural. Os parâmetros de fluorescência da clorofila de LY336 não foram significativamente afetados pelo estresse de sombra, enquanto aqueles de LC803 foram significativamente afetados, o Fo aumentou sob estresse de sombra, porém Fm, FV / FM e ΦPSII diminuíram sob estresse de sombra. Entre os parâmetros fotossintéticos medidos, a taxa fotossintética líquida (Pn), a condutância estomática (Gs) e a taxa de transpiração diminuíram significativamente em comparação com a luz natural, redução de LY336 e LC803 em 28,0%, 22,2%, 57,7% e 35,5%, 18,9%, 62,4 %, porém a concentração intercelular de CO2 (Ci) aumentou significativamente para as duas cultivares. Sob estresse de sombra para diferentes durações (1, 3, 5, 7 d), os teores de Pn, Gs, Ci e MDA diferiram significativamente entre as duas cultivares. Os resultados indicam que diferentes genótipos de milho apresentam diferentes respostas ao sombreamento. Os genótipos tolerantes à sombra são apenas fracamente afetados pelo estresse de sombra.

ABSTRACT: The responses of two maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars, ‘LY336’ (shade tolerant) and ‘LC803’ (shade sensitive), to shade stress in a pot experiment conducted in the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons were investigated. The impact of 50% shade stress treatment on shoot biomass, photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content was evaluated. The shoot biomass of the two maize hybrids was decreased significantly by shade stress treatment, for shade stress 7 d, the LC803 and LY336 were reduced by 56.7% and 44.4% compared with natural light. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of LY336 were not significantly affected by shade stress, whereas those of LC803 were significantly affected, the Fo increased under shade stress; however Fm, FV/FM and ΦPSII were decreased under shade stress. Among photosynthetic parameters measured, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration rate were significantly decreased compared with natural light, LY336 and LC803 reduction by 28.0%, 22.2%, 57.7% and 35.5%, 18.9%, 62.4%; however, intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) was significantly increased, for the two cultivars. Under shade stress for different durations (1, 3, 5, 7 d), Pn, Gs, Ci, and MDA content differed significantly between the two cultivars. Results indicated that different maize genotypes showed different responses to shading. Shade-tolerant genotypes are only weakly affected by shade stress.

Resumo: As margens do “caos” do sistema de inovação têm um forte potencial de inovação e facilitam a formação e o desenvolvimento de redes de inovação em tecnologias emergentes. Em combinação com a teoria do ciclo de vida, o processo de formação de tecnologias emergentes e sua relação com a trajetória de desenvolvimento de tecnologias pré-existentes são analisados e o mecanismo de evolução das redes de inovação na indústria transformadora avançada é aprofundado. A análise empírica foi realizada através da coleta de dados sobre patentes na área de robôs industriais, utilizando a avaliação de citação de patentes combinada com a análise de redes sociais para mapear a rede de coatualização do IPC e a de citação de titulares de patentes e para verificar as características técnicas e de fluxo de conhecimento da rede de inovação de fabricação avançada calculando os indicadores da rede. Os resultados empíricos mostram que: as redes de fluxo de conhecimento têm um efeito de pequeno mundo, apresentam características de fácil fluxo, fluxo amplo, alta eficiência, fronteiras de rede ambíguas e um núcleo de temas de inovação numerosos e diversificados.

Abstract: As the “chaotic” edge of innovation system has strong innovation potential and is easy to form and develop the emerging technology innovation network, the formation process of emerging technologies and their relationship with the development trajectory of original technologies are analyzed, and the evolution mechanism of innovation network of advanced manufacturing industry is deeply studied combined with life cycle theory. Firstly, empirical analysis is carried out by collecting patents data in the industrial robotics field. Then, the IPC co-occurrence network and patentee citation network are plotted by combining patents citation analysis with social network analysis. Next, the technical characteristics and knowledge flow characteristics of an advanced manufacturing innovation network are verified by calculating various indicators of the network. Finally, the empirical results show that the technology structure in the field of industrial robotics has high heterogeneity, wide integration among technical fields, and knowledge flow network has a small-world effect, characterized by easy flow, wide flow direction, high efficiency, fuzzy network boundary, and numerous and diversified core the key players in innovation.

Resumo Fundamento: A doença cardiovascular é a principal causa de morte em todo o mundo. A apoptose mediada por hipóxia em cardiomiócitos é uma das principais causas de distúrbios cardiovasculares. O tratamento com a proteína do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular (VEGF, do inglês vascular endothelial growth factor) foi testado, mas as dificuldades operacionais limitaram seu uso. Entretanto, com os avanços da terapia gênica, aumentou o interesse na terapia gênica baseada no VEGF em doenças cardiovasculares. No entanto, o mecanismo preciso pelo qual a reposição de VEGF resgata os danos pós-hipóxia em cardiomiócitos não é conhecido. Objetivos: Investigar o efeito da expressão de VEGF121 pós-hipóxia utilizando cardiomiócitos de ratos neonatos. Métodos: Cardiomiócitos isolados de ratos neonatos foram utilizados para estabelecer um modelo in vitro de lesão cardíaca induzida por hipóxia. O efeito da superexpressão de VEGF, isolado ou em conjunto com inibidores de moléculas pequenas que têm como alvo os canais de cálcio, receptores sensíveis ao cálcio (CaSR, do inglês calcium-sensitive receptors) e calpaína, no crescimento e proliferação celular em lesão de cardiomiócitos induzidos por hipóxia, foram determinados com ensaio de MTT, coloração TUNEL, coloração com Anexina V/PI, lactato desidrogenase e atividade da caspase. Para análise estatística, um valor de p<0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: Verificou-se que o efeito do VEGF121 foi mediado por CaSR e calpaína, mas não foi dependente dos canais de cálcio. Conclusões: Nossos resultados, mesmo em um ambiente in vitro, estabelecem as bases para uma validação futura e testes pré-clínicos da terapia gênica baseada em VEGF em doenças cardiovasculares.

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death worldwide. Hypoxia-mediated apoptosis in cardiomyocytes is a major cause of cardiovascular disorders. Treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein has been tested but operational difficulties have limited its use. However, with the advancements of gene therapy, interest has risen in VEGF-based gene therapy in cardiovascular disorders. However, the precise mechanism by which VEGF replenishment rescues post-hypoxia damage in cardiomyocytes is not known. Objectives: To investigate the effect of post-hypoxia VEGF121 expression using neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Methods: Cardiomyocytes isolated from neonatal rats were used to establish an in vitro model of hypoxia-induced cardiac injury. The effect of VEGF overexpression, alone or in combination with small-molecule inhibitors targeting calcium channel, calcium sensitive receptors (CaSR), and calpain on cell growth and proliferation on hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte injury were determined using an MTT assay, TUNEL staining, Annexin V/PI staining, lactate dehydrogenase and caspase activity. For statistical analysis, a value of P<0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: The effect of VEGF121 was found to be mediated by CaSR and calpain but was not dependent on calcium channels. Conclusions: Our findings, even though using an in vitro setting, lay the foundation for future validation and pre-clinical testing of VEGF-based gene therapy in cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract We studied the correlation between the soil microbial status and the crop yield or medicinal properties of Angelica s.. Soil from different counties of China were collected and used in this study. Readfq, SOAP denovo, MetaGeneMark, and DIAMOND Resistance Gene Identifier (RGI) software were used in the analysis. A total of 131,345 genes of high quality were obtained, with the number of genes in all samples ranging from 483-42,545 and the average length ranging from 354.88-523.47. The acidobacteria in the non-sterilized group were significantly increased by comparing with the sterilized group, while actinobacteria in the non-sterilized group were significantly reduced by comparing with the sterilized group. There was a strong correlation between the two groups of the planting group and the two groups of the non-planting group, while the correlation between the planting and non-planting group was very weak. There were significant differences in the soil microbial community structure between Min county and Yunnan, as well as significant differences between the dominant genera of Min county and Yunnan. In summary, our study showed that the soil microbial flora in different areas affected the characteristics of Angelica s. roots, while sterilized soil was not conducive to the growth of Angelica s.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the underlying mechanism of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) induced by Gynura segetum by measuring autophagy in mouse models. Methods: The model group was administered G. segetum (30 g/kg/d) by gavage, while the normal control group was administered an equal volume of saline daily for five weeks. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hepatic histopathological examinations, and Masson staining were performed to evaluate liver injury. Liver intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and P-selectin were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Hepatocellular apoptosis was assessed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Protein expression levels of autophagy markers were measured using Western blot analysis. Results: Gynura segetum was found to significantly induce liver injury compared with control mice, as evidenced by the increase of serum transaminases, a decrease in triglyceride levels, and histopathological changes in mice. Gynura segetum remarkably induced hepatocellular apoptosis and upregulated the expressions of ICAM-1 and P-selectin and also downregulated the protein expression levels of LC3, Atg12 and cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein. Conclusions: Our results suggested that G. segetum induced liver injury with HSOS, and it was partly due to its ability to impair the autophagy pathway.

Engeletin is a natural derivative of Smilax glabra rhizomilax that exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and suppresses lipid peroxidation. In the present study, we sought to elucidate the mechanistic basis for the neuroprotective and pro-angiogenic activity of engeltin in a human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) model system and a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. These analyses revealed that engeletin (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg) was able to reduce the infarct volume, increase cerebral blood flow, improve neurological function, and bolster the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vasohibin-2 (Vash-2), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), phosphorylated human angiopoietin receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (p-Tie2), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31) in MCAO rats. Similarly, engeletin (100, 200, or 400 nM) markedly enhanced the migration, tube formation, and VEGF expression of HUVECs in an OGD/R model system, while the VEGF receptor (R) inhibitor axitinib reversed the observed changes in HUVEC tube formation activity and Vash-2, VEGF, and CD31 expression. These data suggested that engeletin exhibited significant neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats, and improved cerebrovascular angiogenesis by modulating the VEGF/vasohibin and Ang-1/Tie-2 pathways.

Abstract The potential astringency of eight grape cultivars was evaluated based on polyphenol/protein binding. The parameters such as weights, sizes, total phenols, flavanols and tannins of different grape tissues were determined, and the polyphenol/protein binding was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and spectroscopy. The Cabernet Sauvignon had the highest skin proportion, while the Blue French had the highest seed proportion. The Blue French seeds had the highest total phenolic content, while the Cabernet Sauvignon skins had the highest total phenolic content. SDS-PAGE showed that the seed extracts had a better affinity than skin extracts for saliva proteins, but fluorescence spectra demonstrated that the interactions of skin polyphenols with protein were more complex. These results may provide some useful information on grape potential astringency’s evaluation and wine-making in China.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to determine the differences in learning style preferences among bachelor degree nursing students at Central South University and associate degree nursing students at the Vocational Health School in China. Methods This study was a cross-sectional survey using the Chinese version of the VARK questionnaire to assess preferred learning styles: 159 enrolled bachelor degree nursing students and 199 enrolled associate degree nursing students completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 96.8%. Results The bachelor degree nursing students tend to prefer a multimodal learning style (58.49%), which significantly differed from that of associate degree nursing students (45.77%). The kinaesthetic modality was the predominant unimodal learning style among the bachelor degree and associate degree nursing students (18.20% and 33.67%), and the read-write modality was the least popular modality (2.5% and 4.02%). Conclusion There are both differences and similarities between the learning style preferences of bachelor degree and associate degree nursing students. Educational background is one of the most critical factors that influence the learning style preference of nursing students. This finding may be necessary and beneficial for carrying out future curricula reform. In addition, further comprehensive research should be conducted to examine the relationships between learning style preferences and academic performance, as well as learning style preferences and teaching methods.

Abstract Culture influences the level of materialism of a society as well as its propensity for consumption of luxury goods and its responsibility in the use of credit (Belk, 1985; Ger y Belk, 1996). In this study, we analyze how these variables are related, comparing Chinese and Mexican consumers who are immersed in a different cultural heritage. A survey of 250 Chinese and 250 Mexicans was performed and analyzed using a Variance Analysis model. A Structural Equation Model study was also carried out to analyze the relationship between these variables in greater depth. A higher level of materialism was found among Chinese consumers than Mexican consumers. Mexicans showed that they are more eager to purchase luxury goods than Chinese consumers and Chinese consumers have better credit use compared to Mexicans. This study contributes to the literature to understand cultural differences between Mexico and China.

Resumen La cultura influye en el nivel de materialismo de una sociedad, así como su propensión al consumo de bienes suntuarios y su responsabilidad en el uso del crédito (Belk, 1985; Ger y Belk, 1996). En este estudio analizamos cómo se relacionan estas variables, para lo cual se comparan consumidores chinos y mexicanos que están inmersos en una herencia cultural diferente. Se realizó una encuesta a 250 chinos y 250 mexicanos, la cual se analizó con un modelo de análisis de varianza (ANOVA). Igualmente se realizó un estudio de modelo de ecuaciones estructurales (MES) para analizar con mayor profundidad la relación entre estas variables. Se encontró en los consumidores chinos mayor nivel de materialismo que en los consumidores mexicanos. Los mexicanos demostraron que están más ávidos por adquirir bienes suntuarios que los consumidores chinos, y los chinos tienen un mejor uso de crédito, comparados con los mexicanos. Este estudio contribuye a entender las diferencias culturales entre México y China.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to determine the differences in learning style preferences among bachelor degree nursing students at Central South University and associate degree nursing students at the Vocational Health School in China. Methods This study was a cross-sectional survey using the Chinese version of the VARK questionnaire to assess preferred learning styles: 159 enrolled bachelor degree nursing students and 199 enrolled associate degree nursing students completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 96.8%. Results The bachelor degree nursing students tend to prefer a multimodal learning style (58.49%), which significantly differed from that of associate degree nursing students (45.77%). The kinaesthetic modality was the predominant unimodal learning style among the bachelor degree and associate degree nursing students (18.20% and 33.67%), and the read-write modality was the least popular modality (2.5% and 4.02%). Conclusion There are both differences and similarities between the learning style preferences of bachelor degree and associate degree nursing students. Educational background is one of the most critical factors that influence the learning style preference of nursing students. This finding may be necessary and beneficial for carrying out future curricula reform. In addition, further comprehensive research should be conducted to examine the relationships between learning style preferences and academic performance, as well as learning style preferences and teaching methods.

ABSTRACT: Chickens are considered to be potential reservoirs of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). In this study, six Newcastle disease virus strains were isolated and characterized in Tibetan chickens. The HN gene was sequenced, and phylogenetic relationship to reference strains was studied. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that these six isolated strains were closely related to NDV isolates of the reference strains GQ245823, KT002186, KU527561, KJ563939, AY225110, EU305607, KM056357, Y18898, GQ245832, AF077761 and lasota strain. Among them, EU305607, KJ563939 and KM056357 were isolated from India, while lasota strain came from attenuated vaccine widely used in China. Then, mean death time (MDT) and intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) were used to estimate the pathogenicity of the isolates. Pathogenicity experiment showed HNH1 and HN17 to be virulent. Our results indicated that genetically diverse viruses circulate in Tibetan chickens, and based upon the phlogeographic analysis, we estimated the origin of ancestral viruses of the isolates and its sister strains located in India and China (lasota strain). It indicates the importance of continuous surveillance to enhance current understanding of the genetic evolution of the NDV strains.

This meta-analysis was designed to elucidate whether preoperative signal intensity changes could predict the surgical outcomes of patients with cervical spondylosis myelopathy on the basis of T1-weighted and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging images. We searched the Medline database and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for this purpose and 10 studies meeting our inclusion criteria were identified. In total, 650 cervical spondylosis myelopathy patients with (+) or without (-) intramedullary signal changes on their T2-weighted images were examined. Weighted mean differences and 95g% confidence intervals were used to summarize the data. Patients with focal and faint border changes in the intramedullary signal on T2 magnetic resonance imaging had similar Japanese Orthopaedic Association recovery ratios as those with no signal changes on the magnetic resonance imaging images of the spinal cord did. The surgical outcomes were poorer in the patients with both T2 intramedullary signal changes, especially when the signal changes were multisegmental and had a well-defined border and T1 intramedullary signal changes compared with those without intramedullary signal changes. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging including T1 and T2 imaging can thus be used to predict postoperative recovery in cervical spondylosis myelopathy patients.

Background Carboxyl-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized via chemical co-precipitation method and modified with oleic acid which was oxidized by potassium permanganate, and κ-carrageenase from Pseudoalteromonas sp. ASY5 was subsequently immobilized onto them. The immobilization conditions were further optimized, and the characterizations of the immobilized κ-carrageenase were investigated. Results The κ-carrageenase was immobilized onto magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, and the bonding was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The optimal conditions for κ-carrageenase immobilization were 2.5% (w/v) glutaraldehyde, 13.9 U κ-carrageenase for 20 mg of magnetic nanoparticles, a 2-h cross-linking time, and a 2-h immobilization time at 25°C. Under these conditions, the activity of the immobilized enzyme and the enzyme recovery rate were 326.0 U · g- 1 carriers and 46.9%, respectively. The properties of the immobilized κ-carrageenase were compared with those of the free enzyme. The optimum temperatures of the free and immobilized κ-carrageenase were 60 and 55°C, respectively, and the optimum pH of κ-carrageenase did not change before and after immobilization (pH 7.5). After immobilization, κ-carrageenase exhibited lower thermal stability and improved pH stability, as well as better storage stability. The immobilized κ-carrageenase maintained 43.5% of the original activity after being used 4 times. The kinetic constant value (Km) of κ-carrageenase indicates that the immobilized enzyme had a lower binding affinity for the substrate. Conclusions Under optimal conditions, the activity of the immobilized enzyme and enzyme recovery rate were 326.0 U · g- 1·κ-carrageenase-CMNPs and 46.9%, respectively. The thermal, pH, and storage stabilities of κ-carrageenase-CMNPs were relatively higher than those of free κ-carrageenase.

A toxoplasmose é uma zoonose global causada pelo Toxoplasma gondii, o qual pode infectar animais de sangue quente e seres humanos. Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de investigar a soroprevalência em cavalos para T. gondii, na região de Xinjiang, no Noroeste da China. Em 2011, foram recolhidas 637 amostras de sangue em sete distritos da Prefeitura Autônoma de Changji Hui do Xinjiang, as quais foram testadas para a presença de anticorpos, utilizando-se o teste de aglutinação modificado (MAT). Foram estimados fatores de risco relacionados com a soroprevalência (idade, sexo e distrito), através de uma análise de regressão logística multivariada. Um total de 200 equinos (31,4%, 95% IC 27,79 – 35,00) foi positivo para T. gondii. Idade, sexo e região estudada não apresentaram associação com a soroprevalência (p>0,05) na análise de regressão logística. Os resultados revelam que a infecção por T. gondii tem uma prevalência generalizada em todo o território de Xinjiang, no Noroeste da China, constituindo uma séria ameaça à saúde de animais e de humanos. Consequentemente, propõe-se que sejam adotadas medidas reforçadas para o controle e prevenção da infecção de cavalos por T. gondii, no Xinjiang, Noroeste da China.

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect warm-blooded animals and humans. The present study was performed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in horses in Xinjiang, northwestern China. A total of 637 blood samples were collected from seven regions in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang in 2011 and assayed for T. gondiiantibodies using the modified agglutination test (MAT). Risk factors (age, gender, and region) related to seroprevalence were determined by a multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 200 horses (31.4%, 95% CI 27.79–35.00) were seropositive for T. gondii. Age, gender, and region present no association with seroprevalence (p>0.05) in the logistic regression analysis. The results indicated that T. gondii is widely prevalent in horses in Xinjiang, northwestern China, representing a serious threat to animal and human health. Therefore, more careful measures should be performed to control and prevent T. gondii infection in horses from Xinjiang, northwestern China.