RESUMEN Se informa de un lipoblastoma perineal en una niña de 5 años localizado en el labio mayor derecho. La lesión aumentó gradualmente en 6 meses. En la ecografía y la resonancia magnética (RM), se observó un tumor heterogéneo sólido limitado con componente graso. Tras su extirpación quirúrgica, el estudio anatomopatológico confirmó un lipoblastoma. El lipoblastoma es un tumor mesenquimatoso benigno poco frecuente de la lactancia y la primera infancia. Los síntomas varían en función de la localización; pueden observarse signos de compresión de los órganos adyacentes. Este tipo de tumores inusuales de los tejidos blandos son más frecuentes en menores de 3 años. Los lipoblastomas se localizan predominantemente en las extremidades, pero también pueden encontrarse en la cabeza y el cuello, el tronco, el mediastino, el riñón, el mesenterio, el retroperitoneo y el perineo. Se debe sospechar su presencia en función de los hallazgos de la ecografía y la RM.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly. We aimed to identify baseline predictors of visual prognosis after intravitreal conbercept injection for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 58 patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration who were treated with intravitreal injections of conbercept 0.5 mg in routine clinical practice. Basic information such as age, sex, intraocular pressure, and disease course was collected. Best-corrected visual acuity, mean retinal sensitivity, and optical coherence tomography findings were recorded at baseline and 6 months after treatment. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of best-corrected visual acuity at 6 months after treatment. Results: After the 6-month treatment, the mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 1.10 ± 0.42 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) to 0.41 ± 0.18 logMAR, the mean retinal sensitivity increased from 5.13 ± 0.86 dB to 7.32 ± 1.21 dB, the mean central retinal thickness decreased from 440.38 ± 61.05 μm to 260.01 ± 24.86 μm, and the total number of hyperreflective dots and the number of hyperreflective dots in each retina layer were significantly reduced as compared with those before treatment (all p<0.05). Twenty-two patients showed improved vision, and 36 had unimproved vision. Multivariate analyses revealed that the number of subretinal hyperreflective dots, the state of external limiting membrane, baseline best-corrected visual acuity, and age were independent predictors of best-corrected visual acuity (all p<0.05). Conclusion: Poor recovery of patients after intravitreal conbercept injection may be related to the number of subretinal hyperreflective dots, the state of external limiting membrane, baseline best-corrected visual acuity, and age, which may be used as predictors of short-term visual outcomes and should be fully evaluated before operation.

RESUMO Objetivo: A degeneração macular neovascular relacionada à idade é a principal causa de perda de visão em idosos. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os preditores iniciais que afetam o prognóstico visual após a injeção intravítrea de combercepte para degeneração macular neovascular relacionada à idade. Métodos: Esta é uma revisão retrospectiva de 58 pacientes com degeneração macular neovascular relacionada à idade que foram tratados com injeções intravítreas de 0,5 mg de combercepte na prática clínica de rotina. Foram coletadas informações básicas, tais como idade, sexo, pressão intraocular e evolução da doença. A melhor acuidade visual corrigida, as sensibilidades retinianas médias e varreduras de tomografia de coerência óptica foram registradas no início do estudo e 6 meses após o tratamento. Foi efetuada uma análise de regressão logística para determinar os preditores independentes da melhor acuidade visual corrigida 6 meses após o tratamento. Resultados: Após 6 meses de tratamento, a média da acuidade visual melhor corrigida melhorou de 1,10 ± 0,42 para 0,41 ± 0,18 logMAR; as sensibilidades retinianas médias aumentaram de 5,13 ± 0,86 para 7,32 ± 1,21 dB; a espessura retiniana central média diminuiu de 440,38 ± 61,05 para 260,01 ± 24,86 μm; e os pontos hiper-reflexivos, tanto em números totais quanto em cada camada de retina, foram significativamente reduzidos em comparação com os valores de antes do tratamento (todos com p<0,05). Houve 22 pacientes com visão melhorada e 36 pacientes com visão não melhorada. As análises multivariadas mostraram que o número de pontos hiper-reflexivos sub-retinianos, o estado da membrana limitante externa, a melhor acuidade visual corrigida inicial e a idade foram preditores independentes para a melhor acuidade visual corrigida (todos com p<0,05). Conclusão: A má recuperação de pacientes após a injeção de combercepte intravítreo pode estar relacionada ao número de pontos hiper-reflexivos sub-retinianos, ao estado da membrana limitante externa, à acuidade visual corrigida inicial e à idade, parâmetros que podem ser usados como preditores de resultados visuais de curto prazo e devem ser totalmente avaliados antes da cirurgia.

Abstract Background The main features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are abnormal follicular development and ovulatory dysfunction, which are caused by excessive apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells. Acupuncture has been shown to improve follicular development abnormalities in patients with PCOS, but its mechanism is unknown. This study hypothesized that the mechanism of acupuncture on follicular development abnormalities in PCOS patients is the inhibition of granulosa cell apoptosis through LncMEG3-mediated regulation of miR-21-3p. Methods A PCOS-like rat model was established using subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Acupuncture was performed on rats for 15 d (CV-4, RN-3, CV-6, SP-6 and EX-CA 1). Ovarian morphology was observed by HE staining, and sex hormone and AMH levels were detected by ELISA. Primary granulosa cells were isolated from each group of rats to assess the association of acupuncture treatment, LncMEG3, miR-21-3p, and granulosa cell apoptosis in rats with PCOS. Results LncMEG3 and miR-21-3p were highly expressed in the ovarian granulosa cells of rats with PCOS, and LncMEG3-mediated regulation of miR-21-3p was involved in the development of PCOS in rats. Silencing of MEG3 attenuated sex hormone dysregulation and ovarian histopathological changes in PCOS rats and promoted follicle cell development and maturation. In addition, silencing MEG3 increased the viability and number of granulosa cells. In addition, silencing MEG3 further inhibited early and late apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in PCOS rats. Acupuncture improved polycystic ovarian morphology and sex hormone levels in PCOS rats. Acupuncture intervention increased the viability and number of granulosa cells. Acupuncture intervention inhibited early and late apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in PCOS rats by targeting miR-21-3p via LncMEG3. Conclusion These results suggest that acupuncture can downregulate LncMEG3, thereby targeting and regulating miR-21-3p to suppress early and late granulosa cell apoptosis and normalize their proliferation. These factors ultimately compensate for abnormal follicular development. These findings shed light on the clinical potential of acupuncture as a safe treatment for follicular developmental abnormalities in PCOS. Highlights LncMEG3-mediated inhibition of miR-21-3p regulates ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. LncMEG3 and miR-21-3p are involved in the occurrence and development of PCOS-related abnormal follicular development. CuONPs induce co-occurrence of autophagy activation and autophagic flux blockade. Acupuncture can improve the sex hormone levels and follicular development in the context of PCOS. The underlying mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of PCOS abnormal follicular development was revealed.

The mutations of breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) play an important role in inherited breast cancers. Thus, the sensitive assay of the BRCA1 gene is extremely important for disease diagnosis and human health. Herein, a fast, sensitive and selective assay technique has been constructed based on fluorescent copper nanoclusters (CuNCs). The CuNCs were successfully formed with poly(AT-TA) double stranded DNA (dsDNA) as template. In the absence of the target, a strong red emission was observed under 365 nm ultraviolet (UV) lamp and a big fluorescence response was obtained. However, in the presence of BRCA1 gene, there was only weak red emission and a low response signal was produced because of the target-proximity induced quenching of the fluorescence of CuNCs. The linear range for the BRCA1 gene assay was 2-600 nM, and the limit of detection was 2 nM. The assay technique showed good selectivity, good stability and satisfactory recoveries for the detection of BRCA1 gene in diluted serum samples. Moreover, by integrating a UV lamp and a smartphone, the fluorescence sensor would be transferred to a microfluidic chip, providing a prospective application in point-of-care for monitoring breast cancer risk.

Abstract Triptolide is a natural active compound that has significant neuroprotective properties and shows promising effects in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent studies have shown that autophagy occurs in AD. In this study, we determined whether autophagy regulated by triptolide ameliorates neuronal death caused by amyloid-Beta1-42 (Aβ1-42). We examined the effects of triptolide on cell viability, autophagy, apoptosis, and the protein kinase B/mammalian target of the rapamysin/70 kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (Akt/mTOR/p70S6K) signaling pathway in PC12 cells. The results indicated that triptolide treatment exhibited a cytoprotective effect against cell injury induced by Aβ1-42. Triptolide also reduced apoptosis and enhanced cell survival by decreasing autophagosome accumulation and inducing autophagic degradation. Furthermore, our results also showed that activating the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K mechanism was one reason for the protection of triptolide. Triptolide treatment protected against Aβ1-42-induced cytotoxicity by decreasing autophagosome accumulation, and inducing autophagic degradation in PC12 cells. These findings also suggest that the reduction of autophagosome accumulation observed in triptolide-treated cells was Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway dependent. Overall, triptolide exhibits a neuron protective effect and this study provides new insight into AD prevention and treatment.

Abstract Gut bacterial β-glucuronidase (GUS) can reactivate xenobiotics that exert enterohepatic circulation- triggered gastrointestinal tract toxicity. GUS inhibitors can alleviate drug-induced enteropathy and improve treatment outcomes. We evaluated the inhibitory effect of Polygonum cuspidatum Siebold & Zucc. and its major constituents against Escherichia coli GUS (EcGUS), and characterized the inhibitory mechanism of each of the components. Trans-resveratrol 4’-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (HZ-1) and (-)-epicatechin gallate (HZ-2) isolated from P. cuspidatum were identified as the key components and potent inhibitors. These two components displayed strong to moderate inhibitory effects on EcGUS, with Ki values of 9.95 and 1.95 μM, respectively. Results from molecular docking indicated that HZ-1 and HZ-2 could interact with the key residues Asp163, Ser360, Ile 363, Glu413, Glu504, and Lys 568 of EcGUS via hydrogen bonding. Our findings demonstrate the inhibitory effect of P. cuspidatum and its two components on EcGUS, which supported the further evaluation and development of P. cuspidatum and its two active components as novel candidates for alleviating drug-induced damage in the mammalian gut.

Abstract Objective: This study aims to identify the effect of miR-146a-5p on trophoblast cell invasion as well as the mechanism in preeclampsia (PE). Methods: Expression levels of miR-146a-5p and Wnt2 in preeclamptic and normal placentae were quantified. Trophoblast cells (HTR-8) were separately transfected with miR-146a-5p mimic, miR-146a-5p inhibitor, pcDNA3.1-Wnt2 or sh-Wnt2, and then the expression levels of miR-146a-5p, Wnt2, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins (Vimentin, N-cadherin and E-cadherin) were measured. Moreover, the proliferative, migratory and invasive capacities of trophoblast cells were detected, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter assay determined the binding of miR-146a-5p and Wnt2. Results: Compared with normal placental tissues, the placentae from PE patients showed higher miR-146a-5p expression and lower Wnt2 expression. Transfection of miR-146a-5p inhibitor or pcDNA3.1-Wnt2 exerted pro-migratory and pro-invasive effects on HTR-8 cells and encouraged EMT in HTR-8 cells; transfection with miR-146a-5p mimic or sh-Wnt2 weakened the proliferative, migratory and invasive capacities as well as reduced EMT process of HTR-8 cells. Moreover, Wnt2 overexpression could partially counteract the suppressive effects of miR-146a-5p overexpression on the progression and EMT of HTR-8 cells. Conclusion: miR-146a-5p mediates trophoblast cell proliferation and invasion through regulating Wnt2 expression.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos A administração pré‐operatória de Flurbiprofeno Axetil (FA) é amplamente usada para a modulação da analgesia. No entanto, a relação entre FA e fármacos sedativos permanece obscura. Neste estudo, nosso objetivo foi investigar os efeitos de diferentes doses de FA na Concentração Efetiva mediana (CE50) do propofol. Métodos Noventa e seis pacientes (ASA I ou II, com idades de 18–65 anos) foram alocados aleatoriamente em quatro grupos na proporção de 1:1:1:1. Dez minutos antes da indução, o Grupo A (grupo controle) recebeu 10 mL de Intralipid, enquanto os grupos B, C e D receberam FA na dose de 0,5 mg.kg‐1; 0,75 mg.kg‐1 e 1 mg.kg‐1, respectivamente. A profundidade da anestesia foi medida pelo Índice Bispectral (BIS). O método up‐and‐down foi usado para calcular a CE50 do propofol. Durante o período de equilíbrio, se o valor do BIS fosse ≤ 50 ou BIS > 50, o próximo paciente tinha a infusão de propofol ajustada para uma concentração alvo‐controlada 0,5 µg.mL‐1 inferior ou superior, respectivamente. Os dados hemodinâmicos foram registrados no início do estudo, 10 minutos após a administração de FA, após a indução, após a intubação e 15 minutos após a intubação. Resultados A CE50 do propofol foi menor no Grupo C (2,32 µg.mL‐1, Intervalo de Confiança de 95% [95% IC] 1,85–2,75) e D (2,39 µg.mL‐1, 95% IC 1,91–2,67) do que no Grupo A (2,96 µg.mL‐1; 95% IC 2,55–3,33) (p = 0,023, p = 0,048, respectivamente). Não houve diferenças significantes na CE50 entre o Grupo B (2,53 µg.mL‐1, 95% IC 2,33–2,71) e o Grupo A (p > 0,05). Não houve diferenças significantes na Frequência Cardíaca (FC) entre os grupos A, B e C. A FC foi significantemente menor no grupo D do que no grupo A após a intubação (66 ± 6 vs. 80 ± 10 bpm, p < 0,01) e 15 minutos após a intubação (61 ± 4 vs. 70 ± 8 bpm, p < 0,01). Não houve diferenças significantes entre os quatro grupos na Pressão Arterial Média (PAM) em qualquer momento. A PAM dos quatro grupos foi significantemente menor após a indução, após a intubação e 15 minutos após a intubação do que na linha de base (p < 0,05). Conclusão FA em altas doses (0,75 mg.kg‐1 ou 1 mg.kg‐1) reduz a CE50 do propofol, e 1 mg.kg‐1 de FA reduz a FC durante níveis adequados de anestesia em pacientes não estimulados. Embora esse resultado deva ser investigado na presença de estimulação cirúrgica, sugerimos que a pré‐administração de FA pode reduzir a necessidade de propofol durante anestesia cuja profundidade seja monitorada pelo BIS.

Abstract Background and objectives Preoperative use of flurbiprofen axetil (FA) is extensively adopted to modulate the effects of analgesia. However, the relationship between FA and sedation agents remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of FA on the median Effective Concentration (EC50) of propofol. Methods Ninety-six patients (ASA I or II, aged 18–65 years) were randomly assigned into one of four groups in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. Group A (control group) received 10 mL of Intralipid, and groups B, C and D received 0.5 mg.kg−1, 0.75 mg.kg−1 and 1 mg.kg−1 of FA, respectively, 10 minutes before induction. The depth of anesthesia was measured by the Bispectral Index (BIS). The “up-and-down” method was used to calculate the EC50 of propofol. During the equilibration period, if BIS ≤ 50 (or BIS > 50), the next patient would receive a 0.5 µg.mL−1-lower (or -higher) propofol Target-Controlled Infusion (TCI) concentration. The hemodynamic data were recorded at baseline, 10 minutes after FA administration, after induction, after intubation and 15 minutes after intubation. Results The EC50 of propofol was lower in Group C (2.32 µg.mL−1, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] 1.85–2.75) and D (2.39 µg.mL−1, 95% CI 1.91–2.67) than in Group A (2.96 µg.mL−1, 95% CI 2.55–3.33) (p = 0.023, p = 0.048, respectively). There were no significant differences in the EC50 between Group B (2.53 µg.mL−1, 95% CI 2.33–2.71) and Group A (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in Heart Rate (HR) among groups A, B and C. The HR was significantly lower in Group D than in Group A after intubation (66 ± 6 vs. 80 ± 10 bpm, p < 0.01) and 15 minutes after intubation (61 ± 4 vs. 70 ± 8 bpm, p < 0.01). There were no significant differences among the four groups in Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) at any time point. The MAP of the four groups was significantly lower after induction, after intubation, and 15 minutes after intubation than at baseline (p < 0.05). Conclusion High-dose FA (0.75 mg.kg−1 or 1 mg.kg−1) reduces the EC50 of propofol, and 1 mg.kg−1 FA reduces the HR for adequate anesthesia in unstimulated patients. Although this result should be investigated in cases of surgical stimulation, we suggest that FA pre-administration may reduce the propofol requirement when the depth of anesthesia is measured by BIS.

ABSTRACT The root of Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag., Asteraceae, is very widely used for treating various diseases in Traditional Uygur Medicine, particularly in the treatment of vitiligo. However, there have been few studies on the quality standards of A. pyrethrum in China. A. pyrethrum contains abundant N-alkylamides, which are considered to be the principal components. Therefore, based on the previous research in our group, six N-alkylamides were obtained by using column chromatography. We used ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry to determine the mass spectrometry cleavage mechanism of these six monomer components and established the mass spectrometry cleavage law of N-alkylamides. Then, we used the ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method to rapidly identify and analyze the N-alkylamide components of the A. pyrethrum methanol extract. Finally, twenty N-alkylamides were identified, including eleven N-isobutylamides, two N-methyl isobutylamides, six 4-hydroxyphenylethyl-amide and one 2-phenylethylamide. Five of these compounds were identified as new compounds that have not been reported to date. Two of these compounds were identified for the first time in this herb. Therefore, this work provides an approach for the quality analysis of N-alkylamides in the root of A. pyrethrum. A search of the literature showed that the content determination in the A. pyrethrum quality standard is still a remaining problem. N-alkylamides are the main components of A. pyrethrum. Even though ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry has the advantages of lower time and higher efficiency compared to high-performance liquid chromatography, considering the ease of repeatability and universality of the quality control method, we chose to use high-performance liquid chromatography for content determination. In this experiment, high-performance liquid chromatography was used for the first time to establish a simple, rapid and accurate method for evaluating the N-alkylamide content in A. pyrethrum with five N-alkylamides used as the standards. Finally, this work provides a qualitative and quantitative method for the analysis of N-alkylamides in A. pyrethrum, improving the quality control standards for A. pyrethrum.

Abstract Toona sinensis (Juss.) M.Roem, Meliaceae, a deciduous plant native to eastern and southeastern Asia, is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This paper was aimed to summarize the current advances in traditional usage, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of T. sinensis. In this review, various types of data of T. sinensis are discussed in the corresponding parts of this paper, and perspectives for possible future studies of this plant are discussed. The main constituents of T. sinensis are terpenoids, phenylpropanoids and flavonoids, etc., and its pharmacological activities include anti-tumor effects, antioxidant activities, anti-diabetic effects and anti-inflammatory effects. Although a series of phytochemical and pharmacological researches of this plant have been conducted, the active constituents and action mechanism of these activities should be also further explored. Furthermore, the present review also indicates that T. sinensis has potentials to develop into drugs for treating various diseases with high efficacy and low toxicity, particularly in cancer, diabetes and inflammatory disorders. In conclusion, the paper provides a full-scale profile of the traditional usage, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of T. sinensis, and also provides potential therapeutic uses and drug development prospects of this plant.

Regucalcin is a soluble protein that is principally expressed in hepatocytes. Studies of regucalcin have mainly been conducted in animals due to a lack of commercially available kits. We aimed to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to quantify serum regucalcin in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related disease. High-titer monoclonal antibodies and a polyclonal antibody to regucalcin were produced, a double-antibody sandwich ELISA method was established, and serum regucalcin was determined in 47 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, 91 HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) patients, and 33 healthy controls. The ELISA demonstrated an appropriate linear range, and high levels of reproducibility, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and stability. The median serum regucalcin concentrations in HBV-ACLF and CHB patients were 5.46 and 3.76 ng/mL, respectively (P<0.01), which were much higher than in healthy controls (1.72 ng/mL, both P<0.01). For the differentiation of CHB patients and healthy controls, the area under curve (AUC) was 0.86 with a cut-off of 2.42 ng/mL, 85.7% sensitivity, and 78.8% specificity. In contrast, the AUC of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was lower (AUC=0.80, P=0.01). To differentiate ACLF from CHB, the AUC was 0.72 with a cut-off of 4.26 ng/mL, 77.0% sensitivity, and 61.2% specificity while the AUC of ALT was 0.41 (P=0.07). Thus, we have developed an ELISA that is suitable for measuring serum regucalcin and have shown that serum regucalcin increased with the severity of liver injury due to HBV-related diseases, such that it appears to be more useful than ALT as a marker of liver injury.

A series of carbon nanotube (CNTs)-supported copper-cobalt catalysts were prepared and investigated in a slurry reactor for their ability to selectively convert syngas into higher carbon number alcohols. The 7.5Cu7.5Co/CNTs catalyst achieved superior selectivity towards the formation of ethanol (30.1%) and C2+ alcohols (57.7%), while the 10Co5Cu/CNTs catalyst exhibited the largest alcohol space-time yield (372.9 mg gcat -1 h-1). However, the pure Cu (15Cu/CNTs) catalyst displayed negligible activity. Cobalt reduction was enhanced in the presence of copper. In addition to the Cu0-Co0 center, Co0-Co2+ also presented dual active sites for higher alcohols synthesis, the Co2+ site could terminate carbon chain growth to produce alcohols. The ratio of Cu/Co considerably influences the metal particle properties-synergistically effecting the active species.

Abstract: Inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus and linear psoriasis are sometimes hard to differentiate clinically and pathologically. Although immunohistochemical expression of keratin 10 (K10), K16, Ki-67, and involucrin may be useful for differentiating both entities, these results have been reported in only a few cases. We collected data from 8 patients with inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus, 11 with psoriasis vulgaris, and 8 healthy controls and evaluated immunohistochemical expression of Ki-67, K16, involucrin, and filaggrin among them. Ki-67 and K16 overexpression was similar in inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus and psoriasis vulgaris compared with normal skin. Although staining for involucrin showed discontinuous expression in parakeratotic regions in 4 inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus cases, it was continuous in the other 4 cases and in all psoriasis vulgaris cases. Filaggrin expression was present in hyperkeratotic regions but scarce in parakeratotic areas in both inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus and psoriasis vulgaris. The immunostaining pattern of Ki-67, K16, involucrin, and filaggrin may be insufficient to discriminate inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus from psoriasis vulgaris.

Resumo Introdução Atualmente, são limitadas as informações acerca da relação entre o polimorfismo C47T de superóxido dismutase 2 (SOD2) dependente de manganês e suscetibilidade à perda auditiva induzida pelo ruído (PAIR). Objetivo O objetivo desta metanálise foi esclarecer a associação entre o polimorfismo C47T de SOD2 e PAIR. Método Foram feitas buscas no PubMed e Web of Science para coleta de dados. Foram incluídos todos os estudos no idioma inglês, com dados suficientes e completos de casos e controles sobre a relação entre o polimorfismo C47T de SOD2 e PAIR. Foram identificados três estudos qualificados, que abrangeram 1.094 indivíduos. Foram calculadas as razões das chances (odds ratio, OR) acumuladas e intervalos de confiança (IC) de 95% para que fosse avaliada a potência da associação entre o polimorfismo C47T de SOD2 e PAIR. Resultados Não foi encontrada uma associação significativa entre o polimorfismo C47T de SOD2 e risco de PAIR com as seguintes combinações: T vs. C (OR = 0,83, IC 95% = 0,63-1,09); TT vs. CC (OR = 0,49, IC 95% = 0,22-1,09); CT vs. CC (OR = 0,54, IC 95% = 0,25-1,17); TT vs. CC + CT (OR = 0,82, IC 95% = 0,50-1,32); CC vs. TT + TC (OR = 0,49, IC 95% = 0,23-1,04). Contudo, na análise de subgrupo, foi encontrada uma associação significativa para TT vs. CC + CT (OR = 0,77, 95% CI = 0,42-1.41) na população chinesa. Conclusão A presente metanálise sugere que o polimorfismo C47T de SOD2 demonstra associação significativa com maior risco de PAIR na população chinesa. Há necessidade de novos estudos de grande porte bem concebidos, para confirmação dessa associação.

Abstract Introduction Currently, there is limited information about the relationship between manganese superoxide dismutase (sod2) c47t polymorphism and susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Objective The aim of this meta-analysis was to clarify the association between SOD2 C47T polymorphism and NIHL. Methods A search in PubMed and Web of Science was performed to collect data. All full-text, English-written studies containing sufficient and complete case-and-control data about the relationship between SOD2 C47T polymorphism and NIHL were included. Three eligible studies, comprising 1094 subjects, were identified. pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the association between SOD2 C47T polymorphism and NIHL. Results No significant association between C47T polymorphism and risk of NIHL was found with the following combinations: T vs. C (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.63–1.09); TT vs. CC (OR = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.22–1.09); CT vs. CC (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.25–1.17); TT vs. CC + CT (OR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.50–1.32); CC vs. TT + TC (OR = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.23–1.04). However, in subgroup analysis, a significant association was found for TT vs. CC + CT (OR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.42–1.41) in the Chinese population. Conclusion The present meta-analysis suggests that SOD2 C47T polymorphism is significantly associated with increased risk of NIHL in the Chinese population. Further large and well-designed studies are needed to confirm this association.

Boron is an essential trace element which plays an important role in process of metabolism and the function of the tissues. However, the effects of boron on the intestinal cells in African ostrich chicks are poorly reported. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the role of boron on proliferation and apoptosis of the intestinal cells. A total of 36, ten day-old ostrich chicks were randomly divided into six groups and fed on the same basal diet supplemented with 0, 40, 80, 160, 320 and 640 mg/L boric acid in drinking water for 80 days. Proliferatingcell nuclearantigen (PCNA) wasused to test the proliferation indexof intestine in different group byimmunohistochemicalstaining (IHC). Apoptoticcellsofintestinewere detectedbyDutp-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) reaction and evaluated by integral optical density (IOD). Results showed that proliferationof intestinal cells significantly increased in groups of 80, 160, 320 and 640 mg/L. TUNEL reaction showed that apoptosis significantly decreased in 80 mg/L groups, while significantly increased in high dose of boron groups (320 and 640 mg/L), especially inepithelium. In conclusion, low dose of boron-supplemented water could promote cell proliferation and depress apoptosis, while high dose of boron could cause intestinal apoptosis and thus we found increased proliferation of intestine cell as a compensatory adaption. These findings may support optimal dosage of boron that could protect the development of ostrich intestine, while high dosage of boron could suppress it, or even has toxic effects on it.

El boro es un elemento esencial que desempeña un importante rol en el proceso del metabolismo y en la función de los tejidos. Sin embargo, existe poca información de los efectos del boro en las células intestinales de polluelos de avestruz Africana. Por lo tanto, este estudio fue diseñado para investigar el papel del boro sobre la proliferación y la apoptosis de las células intestinales. Un total de 36 polluelos de avestruz de diez días se dividieron, aleatoriamente, en seis grupos y se alimentaron con una misma dieta basal suplementada con 0, 40, 80, 160, 320 y 640 mg/L de ácido bórico en agua potable durante 80 días. Se utilizó el antígeno nuclear celular de células en proliferación (PCNA) para probar el índice de proliferación de intestino en diferentes grupos por tinción inmunohistoquímica. Las células apoptóticas del intestino fueron detectadas por dUTP-biotina nick etiquetado para reacción (TUNEL) y evaluadas por la densidad óptica integrada (DOI). Los resultados mostraron que la proliferación de las células intestinales aumentó significativamente en los grupos de 80, 160, 320 y 640 mg /L. La reacción TUNEL mostró que la apoptosis se redujo significativamente en los grupos de 80 mg/L, mientras que el aumento fue significativo en grupos tratados con dosis alta de boro (320 y 640 mg/L), especialmente en el epitelio. En conclusión, la baja dosis de boro en agua suplementada podría promover la proliferación celular y deprimir la apoptosis, mientras que altas dosis de boro podrían provocar apoptosis intestinal y, por lo tanto, se halló una mayor proliferación de las células del intestino como una adaptación compensatoria. Estos hallazgos indican que una dosis óptima de boro podría proteger el desarrollo del intestino del avestruz, mientras que altas dosis de boro podrían suprimirla, o incluso tener efectos tóxicos sobre ella.