Expression and clinical significance of interferon regulatory factor 4 and soluble suppression of tumorigenesis 2 in conjunctival epithelial cells and tears of patients with dry eye / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the expression and clinical significance of interferon regulatory factor 4(IRF4)and soluble suppression of tumorigenesis 2(sST2)in conjunctival epithelial cells and tears of patients with dry eye.METHODS: A total of 94 patients with dry eye who admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 were selected as the dry eye group, and 97 physical examiners who underwent ophthalmic examination were selected as the control group at the same time. The conjunctival epithelial cells and tears of the subjects were collected, and the clinical indicators, including tear film break-up time(BUT), corneal fluorescein staining(CFS)score, and Schirmer Ⅰ test(SⅠt)were recorded. The levels of IRF4 and sST2 in conjunctival epithelial cells were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR), and the levels of IRF4 and sST2 in tears were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Pearson method was used to analyze the correlation between IRF4 and sST2 levels in conjunctival epithelial cells and tears and clinical indicators of dry eye patients.RESULTS: The levels of IRF4 and sST2 in conjunctival epithelial cells and tears in dry eye group before treatment were significantly higher than those in control group(P<0.001). The levels of IRF4 and sST2 in conjunctival epithelial cells and tears of dry eye patients at 4wk after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.001). The BUT and SⅠt of dry eye patients increased significantly at 4wk after treatment, and the CFS score decreased significantly(P<0.001). The levels of IRF4 and sST2 in conjunctival epithelial cells and tears of dry eye patients before treatment were positively correlated with CFS score before treatment and negatively correlated with BUT and SⅠt before treatment(P<0.001).CONCLUSION: The levels of IRF4 and sST2 in conjunctival epithelial cells and tears of patients with dry eye are increased, and are significantly correlated with BUT, SⅠt and CFS scores, which has potential to become a new therapeutic target for dry eye.

Biomechanical Effects of Jumping Distance on Stress Distributions of Anterior Dental Implant with Socket-Shield Technique / 医用生物力学

Objective To study the biomechanical effect of jumping distance on dental implants with socket-shield technique (SST), so as to provide references for clinical standards of jump distance. Methods Based on clinical characteristics, four groups of three-dimensional (3D) SST implant system models with 0, 0. 5, 1 and 1. 5 mm jumping distance were established, and the corresponding material parameters were assigned. The peak stress and stress distributions on models were simulated under specific occlusal condition. Results When the jumpingdistance was non-zero, namely, the implant was not in contact with the retained root fragment, the stress of the implant and abutment increased with the increase of jumping distance, and the peak stress in root fragment and periodontal membrane decreased with the increase of jumping distance. When the jumping distance was zero, the peak stress of the implant, abutment, root fragment and periodontal membrane reached the maximum, far exceeding that of the other groups. Conclusions The jumping distance has a significant effect on the SST implant system. It is recommended to take a larger jumping distance in clinical practices. The edge of the root fragment should be rounded, and the size of the lower edge should not be too small.

Correlation Of Core Muscle Strength and Lower Limb Muscle Strength With Lower Limb Functional Status In Healthy Middle Old Population

Background: Aging is a gradual, life-long process and highly variable, characterized by a progressive and cumulative generalized impairment of physiological functions which in turn reduces functional performance and disturbs ADL's & may lead to significant impact on core & lower limb muscles, which are important in functioning. Thus, the study aimed at assessing correlation amongst the core & lower limb muscles and functional status. Methods and procedures: 84 participants between 70-79 years of age (Male:Female = 1:1) were assessed for core strength, Lower limb strength and functional mobility using pressure biofeedback, five times sit to stand and timed up and go test respectively and data was tabulated & analyzed further in SPSS. Results: Spearman's correlation was used in this study which showed significant positive correlation between core strength and lower limb strength with lower limb functional status. (r(Core)=0.813, r(5SST) =0.893; p(Core)=0.00, p(5SST) =0.00) Discussion: Optimal core stability helps maintain the center of gravity within the altered base of support and this could be a reason for individuals with good core strength having better functional mobility. Also force of muscle contraction is directly proportional to velocity of movement which is seen reduced in lower limb musculature because of aging in this population. Conclusion: The present study concluded that strong correlation of core strength and lower limb strength with functional mobility exists among middle old elderly population.

Evaluation of Serum Interleukin-33 and Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) Receptors in Patients with and without Periodontal Disease

Context: Interleukin?33 and its receptor soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) play an important role in inflammation and its role in periodontal disease is yet unclear. The role of both IL?33 and sST2 together in periodontal disease as biomarkers has never been studied. Aim: To assess the levels of IL?33 and sST2 in serum samples of patients with periodontitis and healthy subjects. Methods: A total of 71 subjects (30 healthy subjects and 41 patients with periodontal disease) were included in the cross?sectional study. Community Periodontal Index (CPI) was used to assess periodontal health by utilizing a mouth mirror and a CPI probe. Venous blood was collected and serum was separated. Serum levels of IL?33 and sST2 were determined by the enzyme?linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay. Statistical Analysis: Graph Pad Prism 5 was used for statistical analysis. Mann Whitney test was applied to compare the two groups. Results: The level of IL?33 was not found to be elevated among healthy subjects and sST2 was found elevated among patients with periodontal disease. The serum concentration of IL?33 was found at 472 ± 114 pg/ml and 282 ± 77 pg/ml among healthy subjects and patients with periodontal disease respectively. Significantly higher values of sST2 at 28 ± 2 ng/ml were found among periodontal patients as compared to healthy subjects with values of 18 ± 1 ng/ml. No significant differences were noted between mild to moderate and severe periodontitis for IL?33 and sST2 between the two groups. Conclusion: This study shows alteration in serum levels of IL?33 and sST2 in periodontitis patients. IL?33 and sST2 may be potential inflammatory markers of periodontitis. Further studies are required on a large sample size for better understanding. This pilot study is the first to assess the serum levels of both IL?33 and sST2 together among patients with and without periodontal disease.

Effects of social skills training on school climate / Efeitos de um treinamento de habilidades sociais sobre o clima escolar / Efectos de la capacitación en habilidades sociales sobre el clima escolar

Studies point out that the development of social skills can interfere in the students' behavior and consequently in the environment, favoring the school climate and the acquisition of knowledge. Thus, this research aimed to identify the effects of a Social Skills Training (SST) on the school climate. 21 students from the 9th grade of Elementary School participated (11 from the Experimental group and 10 from the Control group) aged between 14 and 16 years old (MD = 14.38; SD = 1.07). The instruments used were: Inventory of Social Skills for Adolescents and the Climate Scale of the Delaware Student School. Ten sessions were held, with weekly meetings of 50 minutes. For data analysis, the following tests were used: Spearman's rô, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney for independent samples. There were positive correlations, from moderate to strong, between the factors of social skills and the dimensions of the climate for all participants in the intervention group. In the control group, negative and positive correlations were identified.

Estudos apontam que o desenvolvimento de habilidades sociais pode interferir no comportamento dos alunos e por consequência no ambiente, favorecendo o clima escolar e a aquisição do conhecimento. Dessa forma, esta pesquisa objetivou identificar os efeitos de um treinamento de habilidades sociais (THS) no clima escolar. Participaram 21 estudantes do nono ano do ensino fundamental (11 do grupo experimental e dez do grupo controle) com idades entre 14 e 16 anos (MD = 14,38; DP = 1,07). Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Inventário de Habilidades Sociais para Adolescentes e a Escala de Clima da Escola de Delaware-Estudante. Realizaram-se dez sessões, com encontros semanais de 50 minutos. Para análise de dados, utilizaram-se os testes rô de Spearman, Wilcoxon e Mann-Whitney para amostras independentes. Observaram-se correlações positivas de moderada a forte entre os fatores das habilidades sociais e as dimensões do clima para todos os participantes do grupo intervenção. No grupo controle, identificaram-se correlações negativas e positivas.

Los estúdios señalan que el desarrollo de habilidades sociales puede interferir em el comportamiento de los estudiantes y consecuentemente em el entorno, favoreciendo el clima escolar y la adquisición de conocimientos. Por lo tanto, esta investigación tuvo como objetivo identificar los efectos de un Entrenamiento de habilidades sociales (EHS) en el clima escolar. Participaron 21 alumnos de 9º de primaria (11 del grupo experimental y diez del grupo control) con edades comprendidas entre 14 y 16 años (DM = 14,38; DT = 1,07). Los instrumentos utilizados fueron: Inventario de Habilidades Sociales para Adolescentes y Escala de Clima de la Escuela de Delaware-Estudiantes. Se realizaron diez sesiones, con reuniones semanales de 50 minutos. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizaron las pruebas: rô de Spearman, Wilcoxon y Mann-Whitney para muestras independientes. Hubo correlaciones positivas de moderadas a fuertes entre los factores de habilidades sociales y las dimensiones del clima para todos los participantes en el grupo de intervención. Em el grupo de control se identificaron correlaciones negativas y positivas.

A Molécula de Lesão Renal-1 está Associada à Nefropatia Induzida por Contraste em Pacientes Idosos com IAMSSST / Kidney Injury Molecule-1 Is Associated with Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Elderly Patients with Non-STEMI

Resumo Fundamento A nefropatia induzida por contraste (NIC) está associada a um risco aumentado de eventos cardiovasculares adversos maiores (ECAM), e a associação entre NIC e mecanismos oxidativos está bem documentada. Objetivo Este estudo visou avaliar a relação entre os níveis séricos da molécula de lesão renal-1 (KIM-1) e a NIC em pacientes idosos com infarto do miocárdio sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMSSST). Métodos O presente estudo incluiu um total de 758 pacientes com IAMSSST que foram submetidos a intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP); 15 desenvolveram NIC após a ICP e outros 104 constituíram o grupo controle, pareado por idade > 65 anos. Foram registrados os valores laboratoriais desde a linha de base até o período entre 48 e 72 horas e os achados clínicos. Os pacientes foram acompanhados durante um ano. Foram considerados significativos valores de p < 0,05. Resultados A NIC foi observada em 12,60% dos pacientes. A KIM-1 sérica foi significativamente mais alta no grupo com NIC que no grupo sem NIC (14,02 [9,53 - 19,90] versus 5,41 [3,41 - 9,03], p < 0,001). O escore Mehran foi significativamente mais alto no grupo com NIC do que no grupo sem NIC (14 [5 - 22] versus 5 [2 - 7], p = 0,001). Os ECAM foram significativamente maiores no grupo com NIC do que no grupo sem NIC (7 [46,70%] versus 12 [11,50%], p = 0,001). A análise de regressão logística multivariada mostrou que o nível de KIM-1 basal (OR = 1,652, IC 95%: 1,20 - 2,27, p = 0,002) e o escore Mehran (OR = 1,457, IC 95%: 1,01 - 2,08, p = 0,039) foram preditores independentes da NIC em pacientes idosos com IAMSSST. Conclusão A concentração sérica basal de KIM-1 e o escore de Mehran são preditores independentes de NIC em pacientes idosos com IAMSSST. Além disso, todas as causas de mortalidade, morte cardiovascular, reinfarto do miocárdio, acidente vascular cerebral e MACE foram significativamente maiores no grupo CIN no acompanhamento de um ano. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Abstract Background Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and the association between CIN and oxidative mechanisms is well documented. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and CIN in elderly patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Methods This study included a total of 758 patients with NSTEMI, who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); 15 developed CIN after PCI, and another 104 were the control group, matched for age > 65 years. Baseline to 48-to-72-hour laboratory values and clinical outcomes were recorded. Patients were followed during one year. P values of < 0.05 were considered significant. Results CIN was observed in 12.60% of the patients. Serum KIM-1 was significantly higher in the CIN group than in the non-CIN group (14.02 [9.53 - 19.90] vs. 5.41 [3.41 - 9.03], p < 0.001). The Mehran score was significantly higher in the CIN group than in the non-CIN group (14 [5 - 22] vs. 5 [2 - 7], p = 0.001). MACE were significantly higher in the CIN group than in the non-CIN group (7 [46.70%] vs. 12 [11.50%], p = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that baseline KIM-1 level (OR = 1.652, 95% CI: 1.20 - 2.27, p = 0.002) and Mehran score (OR = 1.457, 95% CI: 1.01 - 2.08, p = 0.039) were independent predictors of CIN in elderly patients with NSTEMI. Conclusion Baseline serum KIM-1 concentration and Mehran score are independent predictors of CIN in elderly patients with NSTEMI. Additionally, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, myocardial reinfarction, stroke, and MACE were significantly higher in the CIN group at one-year follow-up. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Clinical value of sST2 in replacement of NT-proBNP in cardiac function evaluation in renal failure patients after cardiac surgery / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To explore the clinical value of soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2) in replacement of N-terminal fragment of the brain natriuretic peptide precursor (NT-proBNP) in cardiac function evaluation in renal failure patients after cardiac surgery. Methods    Sixty patients with renal insufficiency after cardiac surgery from January 2019 to June 2019 were divided into a test group, including 34 males and 26 females, with an average age of 49-78 (63.3±4.5) years. Another 60 patients with normal renal function were divided into a control group, including 37 males and 23 females, with an average age of 53-77 (61.7±3.8) years. The perioperative left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac troponin T, creatine kinase-MB, sST2 and NT-proBNP were compared. Results    In patients of the test group, the NT-proBNP level increased significantly during perioperative period, and the change range was different from other cardiac function indexes. The change of sST2 in perioperative period was similar to other cardiac function indexes, which could reflect the change degree of cardiac function after operation. Conclusion    sST2 is more important to reflect the change degree of cardiac function in patients with renal dysfunction after cardiac surgery than NT-proBNP.

Response inhibition function in patients with drug-naive bulimia nervosa / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective • To investigate the change of response inhibition function in patients with drug-naive bulimia nervosa (BN) and its relationship with eating disorders and self-reporting impulsiveness. Methods • Thirty-five drug-naive BN patients who accepted psychological counseling in Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine between Aug. 2018 and Jun. 2019, and 23 healthy controls (HC) were recruited. The eating disorder and impulsiveness were compared between the two groups by using the Chinese version of Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire 6.0 (EDE-Q 6.0) and Barrett Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), respectively. The stop signal task (SST) was used to assess response inhibition function. The scale scores and SST results were compared between the two groups, and the correlation of stop signal reaction time (SSRT) with BIS-11 score, EDE-Q 6.0 score, the age of onset and the duration of illness was analyzed. Results • Compared with the HC group, the BN group demonstrated significantly longer SSRT in the SST (P=0.003), and had a higher total score of BIS-11 (P=0.004), attentional impulsiveness score (P=0.008) and non-planning impulsiveness score (P=0.002). SSRT was positively associated with the age of onset (r=0.503,P=0.006), negatively associated with the score of weight concern subscale (r=-0.337, P=0.048), and not correlated with the BIS-11 score and the duration of illness in drug-naive BN patients. Conclusion • Drug-naive BN patients have high impulsiveness, and their defects in response inhibition are associated with the age of onset and weight concern.

Dendroecology of Macrolobium acaciifolium (Fabaceae) in Central Amazonian floodplain forests / Dendroecologia de Macrolobium acaciifolium (Fabaceae) em florestas alagáveis da Amazônia central

The forest dynamics in the Amazonian floodplains is strongly triggered by the flood pulse. Trees respond to unfavorable growth conditions during the flood period by cambial dormancy, which results in the formation of annual growth rings. We determined tree age and compared the mean annual rates of increase in the diameter of Macrolobium acaciifolium with hydrological and climatic factors in three regions of central Amazonian floodplain forest. A wood sample was obtained from each tree using an increment borer. Ring growth was assessed by marginal parenchyma bands to determine tree age and the mean diameter increment. Ring widths were indexed to construct cross-dating chronologies and correlated with climatic and hydrological variables. The analyses demonstrate that the mean annual diameter increment did not differ between the three study sites. The chronologies correlated significantly with the terrestrial phase. There was no significant difference in the ring-width index between El Niño years and other years, and between La Niña and other years. These results show that the hydrological variables can be considered crucial to the rates of tree growth and diameter increment in floodplains, and El Niño signals were not detected in the tree-ring chronologies.

A dinâmica das florestas alagáveis da Amazônia é fortemente influenciada pelo pulso anual de inundação. As árvores respondem às condições de crescimento desfavoráveis durante o período de inundação através da dormência cambial, resultando na formação de anéis de crescimento anuais. Neste estudo, determinamos a idade das árvores e comparamos as taxas anuais médias de incremento em diâmetro de Macrolobium acaciifolium com fatores hidrológicos e climáticos em três regiões de florestas alagáveis na Amazônia central. Para cada árvore, uma amostra de madeira foi obtida usando uma broca dendrocronológica. O crescimento do anel foi avaliado por bandas de parênquima marginal, para determinar a idade da árvore e o incremento médio em diâmetro. As séries de anéis foram indexadas, para construir cronologias, e correlacionadas com variáveis climáticas e hidrológicas. Nossas análises demonstraram que o incremento anual médio em diâmetro não diferiu entre os três locais de estudo. As cronologias correlacionaram-se significativamente com a fase terrestre. Não houve diferença significativa no índice de largura dos anéis entre os anos de El Niño e outros anos, e entre os anos de La Niña e outros anos. Estes resultados mostraram que as variáveis hidrológicas podem ser consideradas cruciais para as taxas de crescimento e de incremento em diâmetro das árvores em florestas alagáveis, e que não foram detectados sinais de El Niño nas cronologias das árvores analisadas.

Supplementation with turmeric residue increased survival of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) under high ambient temperatures / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Turmeric residue (TR), containing residual levels of curcumin, is a solid by-product waste generated after the extraction and separation of curcumin from turmeric root. A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of TR on the survival of Chinese soft-shelled turtles (SSTs), Pelodiscus sinensis, under a high ambient temperature. A total of 320 female SSTs were assigned randomly to two diets: basal diet (the control group, n=160) and an interventional diet supplemented with 10% TR (the TR group, n=160). Our results demonstrated that supplementation of TR increased the SST survival rate by 135.5%, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of SST liver by 112.8%, and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of SST liver by 36.4%, compared to the control group. The skin of the SST fed TR showed a golden color. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicated that the concentrations of curcumin in TR and the skin of the SST fed TR were (1.69±0.30) and (0.14±0.03) μg/g, respectively. Our observation suggests that supplementation of TR increased the survival rate of SST under high ambient temperatures. We speculated that the increased survival rate and tolerance at the high ambient temperature were associated with the anti-oxidation activity of curcumin from TR. Moreover, curcumin in TR could be deposited in SST skin, which made it more favored in the market of China. Our findings provide new knowledge and evidence to effectively reuse TR as a feed additive in animal and aquatic farming.

Usefulness of Enhanced Liver Fibrosis, Glycosylation Isomer of Mac-2 Binding Protein, Galectin-3, and Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 for Assessing Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Liver Diseases

BACKGROUND: Liver biopsies have been partially replaced by noninvasive methods for assessing liver fibrosis. We explored the usefulness of four novel biomarkers, enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF), glycosylation isomer of Mac-2 binding protein (M2BPGi), galectin-3, and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), in association with liver fibrosis. METHODS: ELF, M2BPGi, galectin-3, and sST2 were assayed in 173 patients with chronic liver diseases. The results were analyzed according to fibrosis grade (F0/1, F2, and F3/4) by transient elastography (TE). RESULTS: ELF, M2BPGi, galectin-3, and sST2 values differed significantly according to TE grade; ELF and M2BPGi values were higher in F2 and F3/4 than in F0/1 (P≤0.001, all), sST2 values were higher in F3/4 than in F0/1 and F2 (P < 0.05), and galectin-3 values were higher in F3/4 than in F0/1 (P=0.0036). ELF and M2BPGi showed good TE fibrosis detection performance (area under the curves [AUC], 0.841 and 0.833 for ≥F2; and 0.837 and 0.808 for ≥F3). The sensitivity and specificity for predicting TE grade F≥2 were 84.1% and 76.7% for ELF and 63.6% and 91.5% for M2BPGi. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to compare the liver fibrosis assessment of four novel biomarkers: ELF, M2BPGi, galectin-3, and sST2. The biomarkers varied significantly according to TE grade, and each biomarker showed a different trend. ELF and M2BPGi seem to have comparable good performance for detecting liver fibrosis.

The relationship between the serum level of soluble ST2 and the severity and prognosis of heart failure / 天津医药

Objective To investigate serum levels of soluble matrix lysin 2 (sST2) in patients with different stages of heart failure and its relationship with prognosis. Methods Data of 300 patients with heart failure of stages A, B, C and D were included in this study. Thirty-three cases of healthy elderly population for physical examination were used as control group. The general information, echocardiography and related biochemical tests containing sST2 and NT-proBNP were collected in the two groups. The survival periods of patients were evaluated according to the Seattle heart failure mode (SHFM). Patients were followed up for 1 year to record the occurrence of adverse events. Results The sST2 level was higher in heart failure group than that of control group. The sST2 level began to increase in stage B, and which increased with the development of cardiac function staging. The sST2 levels were significantly higher in stages B, C and D than those of stage A, and which were significantly higher in stage D than those of stages B and C (P<0.05). There were significantly higher incidence rates of adverse events, left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in the patients with high sST2 level than those of patients with lower sST2 level (P<0.05). Values of sST2, NT-proBNP, LVEDD and LVMI were significantly higher, and values of LVEF and SHFM life expectancy were significantly lower, in patients with adverse events than those of patients without adverse events (P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between sST2 and LVEF, and positive correlation between sST2 with NT-proBNP, LVEDD and LVMI (P<0.05). The size under ROC curve, which was used to predict the cardiovascular endpoint events judged by sST2 was 0.665 (95％CI:0.574-0.757, P<0.01), and the one by NT-proBNP was 0.790 (95％ CI: 0.731-0.848, P<0.01). The best cut-off value of predicting the clinical adverse events was 139.27μg/L by sST2 and 855.35μg/L by NT-proBNP. Conclusion The serum level of sST2 is early indicator of heart failure, which not only reflects the severity of ventricular remodeling but also is one of indicators to estimate the prognosis of heart failure in one year.

Padrões de saúde e segurança no trabalho e extrativismo: o caso de comunidades rurais da Amazônia brasileira / Health and safety standards in labor and extractivism: the case of rural communities in Brazilian Amazon

Resumo Este artigo é resultado de pesquisa de campo realizada junto aos coletores de sementes e frutos oleaginosos - Produtos Florestais Não Madeireiros (PFNMs) - em áreas rurais de Salvaterra e Bragança, no estado do Pará. O objetivo é contribuir com os estudos empíricos sobre saúde e segurança ocupacional no extrativismo, ainda incipientes no Brasil, por falta de amparo técnico-científico relacionado à atividade extrativista e por falta de regulamentação específica para a área. A pesquisa, realizada a partir da coleta de dados primários e observacionais, aponta os riscos de saúde e segurança aos quais os coletores estão expostos e os métodos de prevenção de acidentes, a fim de identificar possíveis melhorias nas condições de trabalho em um contexto onde a regulamentação de padrões trabalhistas para autônomos, informais e extrativistas na Amazônia é praticamente inexistente. A metodologia se caracteriza como estudo de caso em profundidade com coleta de dados primários com adoção de métodos mistos para sua sistematização. Os resultados demonstram que novas práticas e normas precisam ser adotadas para que os riscos à saúde e à segurança dos coletores sejam minimizados, além de garantir fiscalização, incentivo e monitoramento de práticas de segurança adequadas à atividade e específicas para cada região.

Abstract This article is the result of a field research conducted among collectors of oleaginous seeds and fruits - Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) - in the rural areas of Salvaterra and Bragança, in the state of Pará, Brazil. It aimed to contribute to empirical studies on health and occupational safety in extractivism, still incipient in Brazil due to the lack of technical-scientific support and the lack of specific regulation on the area. The research was conducted by the collection of primary and observational data that point out the risks to health and safety to which collectors are exposed to and the methods to prevent accidents in order to identify possible improvements to working conditions in a context in which labor regulation standards for autonomous, informal and extractive workers in the Amazon is practically inexistent. This paper's methodology is characterized as an embedded case study along with the collection of quantitative and qualitative data with the adoption of mixed methods for their systematization. The results show that new practices and norms should be adopted so the risks to health and safety of collectors are minimized, besides ensuring the inspection, incentives and monitoring of safety practices that are adequate to the activity and specific to each region.

Correlation Study Between Serum Soluble ST2 Level and the Early Clinical Prognosis in Patients With Acute ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction / 中国循环杂志

Objective: To preliminarily investigate the relationship between the baseline level of serum soluble ST2 (sST2) and 30-day MACE occurrence rate in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: A total of 121 patients with confirmed diagnosis of STEMI in our hospital from 2015-05-01 to 2015-07-30 were consecutively enrolled. According to baseline sST2 level, the patients were divided into 2 groups:Low sST2 group, the patients with sST2≤56.68 ng/ml, n=61 and High sST2 group, the patients with sST2>56.68 ng/ml, n=60. Clinical condition and 30-day MACE (defined as death and new onset of congestive heart failure) occurrence rate were compared between 2 groups. Results: ① The systolic blood pressure (SBP), Killip class≥II grade, blood levels of cTNI, NT-proBNP, hs-CRP and LVEF were different between 2 groups, all P56.68 ng/ml was the risk factor for 30-day MACE occurrence (HR=1.152, 95%CI 1.078-1.231, P=0.000). Conclusion: Increased baseline level of sST2 implied the higher incidence of death and new onset of congestive heart failure in STEMI patients.

Comparison Between Soluble ST2 and High-Sensitivity Troponin I in Predicting Short-Term Mortality for Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department With Chest Pain

BACKGROUND: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) and the soluble isoform of suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) are useful prognostic biomarkers in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of this study was to test the short term prognostic value of sST2 compared with hs-cTnI in patients with chest pain. METHODS: Assays for hs-cTnI and sST2 were performed in 157 patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) for chest pain at arrival. In-hospital and 30-day follow-up mortalities were assessed. RESULTS: The incidence of ACS was 37%; 33 patients were diagnosed with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and 25 were diagnosed with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Compared with the no acute coronary syndrome (NO ACS) group, the median level of hs-cTnI was higher in ACS patients: 7.22 (5.24-14) pg/mL vs 68 (15.33-163.50) pg/mL (P35 ng/mL at ED arrival died during the 30-day follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: sST2 has a greater prognostic value for 30-day cardiac mortality after discharge in patients presenting to the ED for chest pain compared with hs-cTnI. In STEMI patients, an sST2 value >35 ng/mL at ED arrival showed the highest predictive power for short-term mortality.

The predicting value of serum sST2 on condition and prognosis in elderly patients with acute heart failure / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate the predicting value of serum sST2 on risk stratification and prognosis in elderly patients with acute heart failure (AHF).Methods Total of 75 AHF patients aged 60 to 93 were selected in our study who were in Beijing Hospital during 2013.1-2014.8,including 40 cases of male and 35 cases of female.Moreover,38 healthy people aged 70 to 80 were chosen as control group,which contains 18 cases of male and 20 cases of female.Follow-up was performed 1 year after acute attack.We defined the end of observation as recurrence of heart failure or any causes of death.The data was analyzed by SPSS19.0.Results Compared with control group,sST2 level (pg/mL) was significantly elevated in AHF group [(596.9 ±181.2) vs.(1 698.9 ±797.0),P ＜0.001].No significant difference was found between male and female (1 713.1 ± 1 322.2 vs.1 727.5 ±867.1,P =0.956).sST2 level was significantly different between patients with different clinical heart function grade [1 439.5 ±694.5 (mild-Ⅰ and Ⅱ grade) vs.2 057.8 ± 1428.6 (severeⅢ and Ⅳ grade),P =0.026].Among the 75 AHF patients,sST2 level was higher in patients with endpoint events than those without endpoint events [(2 234.4 ± 1 308.5) vs.(1 162.3 ±452.6),P=0.000].According to the independent risk factors of unconditioned logistic bivariate regression model analysis,the levels of sST2,NT-proBNP and the clinical heart function Grade had independent predicting value of AHF (OR value were 1.003,1.001 and 7.46 respectively).We found that the cutoff value of sST2 (1 760 pg/mL) may be an valuable evaluation marker of prognosis,the sensitivity and specificity was 64％ and 92％,and the positive and negtive predictive rate were 89％ and 70％.The accuracy rate was 77％.Combined with NT-proBNP to predict the prognosis of AHF,the result would be more exciting.The area under the ROC curve is 0.889.The endpoint event rate of the patients whose level of sST2 was below 1400pg/mL and NT-proBNP level below 4000pg/mL was 7％,while the data in patients whose level of sST2 is above 1400 pg/mL and NT-proBNP above 4000pg/mL was 95％.Conclusions Early at admission of AHF in elderly patients,sST2 began to elevate markedly related with the extent of heart failure.The result shows that the level of sST2 may be used to evaluate patient.The elevation of sST2 has independent predictive value to the prognosis of AHF.It will be better to predict the prognosis combining ST2 with other biomarkers such as NT-proBNP.

Prognostic Value of Soluble ST2 During Hospitalization for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND: Studying the role of soluble ST2 (sST2) during hospitalization for myocardial infarction (MI) can be helpful for predicting the course of the hospitalization and development of complications. METHODS: We included 88 patients with MI (median age, 58 yr). Depending on the course of the hospitalization, the patients were divided into two groups: the favorable (n=58) and unfavorable (n=30) outcome groups. On days 1 and 12 after MI, serum sST2 and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: On day 1, the concentrations of sST2 and NT-proBNP increased 2.4- and 4.5-fold, compared with the controls. Measurements on day 12 showed a significant decrease in the sST2 level (P=0.001), whereas the NT-proBNP level did not change. On day 1, the sST2 level in the unfavorable outcome group was 2-fold higher than that in the favorable outcome group and 3.7-fold higher than in the controls. On day 12, the marker level decreased in both groups. On day 1, the NT-proBNP level in the unfavorable outcome group was 6.8-fold higher than in the controls and 1.8-fold higher than in the favorable outcome group. On day 12, the level of NT-proBNP remained elevated in both groups. Determining the levels of both sST2 and NT-proBNP increases their diagnostic significance (odds ratio [OR], 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-3.2; areas under curve [AUC] 0.89; P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The level of sST2 is a more sensitive indicator during MI hospitalization than NT-proBNP.

Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 and Echocardiography in Sepsis

Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) has emerged as a biomarker of cardiac stretch or remodeling, and has demonstrated a role in acutely decompensated heart failure. However, its role in sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction is still unknown. We explored whether sST2 serum concentration reflects either systolic or diastolic dysfunction as measured by Doppler echocardiography. In a total of 127 patients with sepsis, correlations between sST2 and blood pressure, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, LV diastolic filling (ratio of early transmitral flow velocity to early diastolic mitral annulus velocity), and resting pulmonary arterial pressure were evaluated. Correlations between sST2 and other sepsis biomarkers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP] and procalcitonin) were also examined. sST2 showed a moderate correlation with mean arterial pressure (r=-0.3499) but no correlation with LV ejection fraction, diastolic filling, or resting pulmonary hypertension. It showed moderate correlations with hs-CRP and procalcitonin (r=0.2608 and r=0.3829, respectively). sST2 might have a role as a biomarker of shock or inflammation, but it cannot reflect echocardiographic findings of LV ejection fraction or diastolic filling in sepsis.

The biological characteristics and clinical significance of a novel heart failure marker：sST2 / 中华检验医学杂志

Soluble ST2 ( sST2 ) is protein of interleukin-1 ( IL-1 ) receptor family present in the blood which have been identified has the ability to capture IL-33, thereby inhibiting IL-33/ST2 signaling, the mechanical properties overload of myocardial cells was significantly increased .Thus, when at the onset of heart failure or chronic heart failure deteriorated , or at scarring resulted by myocardial infarction , soluble ST2 can be detected in the blood .The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of soluble ST 2 ( sST2) as a new cardiovascular marker.

Short-term movements and habitat preferences of sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus (Istiophoridae), along the southeast coast of Brazil

Pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs) were deployed on four sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus, in the coastal waters of Rio de Janeiro State in southeast Brazil during January and February of 2009 (sailfish I and II) and between November 2010 and January 2011 (sailfish III and IV). The total number of days monitored (i.e., time that the tags remained attached) were 12 (sailfish I), 51 (sailfish II), 16 (sailfish III) and 43 days (sailfish IV). The results indicate a clear pattern of vertical habitat utilization with the majority of the time spent concentrated near the uniform sea surface layer occupying a relatively narrow temperature range. Despite the clear preference for epipelagic surface waters, sailfish regularly undertook vertical excursions into deeper waters (>50 m) within three to six hour intervals. "Most Probable Tracks" (estimated from raw geolocations using the state-space Kalman filter model) and linear displacements suggested that tagged sailfish did not move significant distances from the tagging site. In brief, our report provides information regarding the biology of sailfish in the southwestern Atlantic and how vertical distributions during the day and night are influenced by water temperature and how this information can improve sailfish stock assessments in southwestern Atlantic Ocean.

Quatro exemplares de agulhão-vela foram marcados com marcas eletrônicas monitoradas por satélite ('Pop-up satellite archival tags - PSATs') nas águas costeiras do Rio de Janeiro, sudeste do Brasil, durante janeiro e fevereiro de 2009 (agulhão-vela I e II) e entre novembro de 2010 e janeiro de 2011 (agulhão-vela III e IV). O número total de dias monitorados (ou seja, o tempo que as marcas permaneceram implantadas nos peixes) foram 12 (agulhão-vela I), 51 (agulhão-vela II), 16 (agulhão-vela III) e 43 dias (agulhão-vela IV). Os resultados demonstram um padrão claro de utilização do hábitat com a maior parte do tempo despendido predominantemente próximo à superfície do mar ocupando águas com uma faixa de temperatura restrita. Apesar da preferência por águas superficiais, os agulhões frequentemente realizaram mergulhos para águas mais profundas (ca. > 50 m) em intervalos de três a seis horas. A "rota mais provável" estimada a partir dos dados brutos de geolocalização e o modelo 'State-Space Kalman Filter' sugerem que os agulhões marcados não realizaram migrações significativas a partir do local de marcação. Em resumo, nossos resultados apresentam informações sobre a biologia da espécie no Atlântico Sudoeste e como as migrações verticais durante o dia e a noite são influenciadas pela temperatura da água e como essa informação pode auxiliar as avaliações de estoques de agulhão-vela no sudoeste do Atlântico.