Relationship of vitamin D with the anthropometric indicators and lifestyle of adults. Medellín. Colombia

Introduction: Serum vitamin D levels depend on sunlight, diet, and other factors. Objective: We aimed to determine serum vitamin D levels and evaluate their relationship with anthropometric indicators and lifestyle habits in apparently healthy volunteers. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study (n=75), socio-demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle habit-related data were collected. Serum vitamin D levels were determined with high performance liquid chromatography, food intake was measured by semiquantitative frequency and nutritional status was assessed by anthropometry. Chi-square test and also principal component analysis were used to analyze the relationship between some variables and vitamin D status. Spearman's test was used to determine correlations between quantitative variables. Results: 73% were women and 61% belonged to medium socio-economic level. Median vitamin D intake was 137 (83.1­227.3) IU/day. Based on body mass index (BMI), 44% individuals had overweight/obesity. The 68% exhibited deficient/insufficient vitamin D levels (Hypovitaminosis D). BMI classification and waist circumference (CW) were not related with vitamin D status; however, activities with higher sun exposure were highly related (p = 0.013). Sun exposure time explained variation in component 2 (16.60%), where most of the individuals with normal level were grouped. Sun exposure time was positively correlated with vitamin D status (r = 0.263; p = 0.023). Discussion: Excess weight and abdominal obesity are not always associated with hypovitaminosis D. Conclusions: The majority of individuals showed hypovitaminosis D but their status was not related with anthropometric indicators. A Sun exposure time was the only factor positively correlated with vitamin D status.

Introducción: Los niveles séricos de vitamina D dependen de la luz solar, la dieta y otros factores. Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo fue determinar los niveles séricos de vitamina D y evaluar su relación con indicadores antropométricos y estilos de vida en voluntarios aparentemente sanos. Materiales y métodos: En este estudio trasversal (n=75) se recogieron datos sociodemográficos, antropométricos y aquellos relacionados con hábitos y estilos de vida. La vitamina D se determinó por cromatografía liquida de alta eficiencia; la ingesta de alimentos, mediante frecuencia semicuantitativa, y el estado nutricional por antropometría. Para analizar la relación entre algunas variables y el estado de la vitamina D se usó la prueba de Chi cuadrado y también el análisis de componentes principales. Se empleó la prueba de Spearman para determinar la correlación entre variables cuantitativas. Resultados: El 73% eran mujeres y el 61% pertenecían a un estrato socioeconómico medio. La mediana de la ingesta de vitamina D fue de 137 (83,1­227,3) UI/día. Según el índice de masa corporal (IMC), el 44% de los individuos tenían sobrepeso/obesidad. El 68% mostro deficiencia/insuficiencia de vitamina D (hipovitaminosis D). La clasificación del IMC y la circunferencia abdominal no se relacionaron con el estado de la vitamina D; sin embargo, las actividades con una mayor exposición solar estuvieron altamente relacionadas (p=0,013). El tiempo de exposición solar explico la variación en el componente 2 (16,60%) donde se agruparon la mayoría de los individuos con niveles normales. El tiempo de exposición solar tuvo una correlación positiva con el estado de la vitamina D (r = 0,263; p = 0,023). Discusión: El exceso de peso y la obesidad abdominal no siempre se relacionan con la hipovitaminosis D. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los individuos presentaron hipovitaminosis D, pero su estado no se relacionó con los indicadores antropométricos. El tiempo de exposición al sol fue el único factor que se correlaciono positivamente con el estado de la vitamina D.

Introdução: Os níveis séricos de vitamina D dependem da luz solar, da dieta e de outros fatores. Objetivo: Nosso objetivo foi determinar os níveis séricos de vitamina D e avaliar sua relação com indicadores antropométricos e hábitos de vida em voluntários aparentemente saudáveis. Materiais e métodos: Neste estudo transversal (n=75), foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, antropométricos e relacionados a hábitos de vida. Os níveis séricos de vitamina D foram determinados por cromatografia liquida de alto desempenho, a ingestão de alimentos foi medida por frequência semiquantitativa e o estado nutricional foi avaliado por antropometria. O teste do qui-quadrado e a análise de componentes principais foram utilizados para analisar a relação entre algumas variáveis e o estado da vitamina D. O teste de Spearman foi usado para determinar as correlações entre as variáveis quantitativas. Resultados: 73% eram mulheres e 61% pertenciam a um nível socioeconômico médio. A ingestão media de vitamina D foi de 137 (83,1-227,3) UI/dia. Com base no índice de massa corporal (IMC), 44% dos indivíduos tinham sobrepeso/obesidade. Os 68% apresentaram níveis deficientes/insuficientes de vitamina D (hipovitaminose D). A classificação do IMC e a circunferência da cintura (CW) não foram relacionadas ao status da vitamina D; entretanto, as atividades com maior exposição ao sol foram altamente relacionadas (p = 0,013). O tempo de exposição ao sol explicou a variação no componente 2 (16,60%), onde a maioria dos indivíduos com nível normal foi agrupada. O tempo de exposição ao sol foi positivamente correlacionado com o status de vitamina D (r = 0,263; p = 0,023). Discussão: O excesso de peso e a obesidade abdominal nem sempre estão associados com a hipovitaminose D. Conclusões: A maioria dos indivíduos apresentou hipovitaminose D, mas seu status não foi relacionado com indicadores antropométricos. O tempo de exposição ao sol foi o único fator positivamente correlacionado com o status da vitamina D.

Medidas de efeito das intervenções em vozes saudáveis: uma revisão de escopo / Measurements of the effect of interventions on heathly voices: a scope review

RESUMO Objetivo mapear as medidas de avaliação vocal utilizadas para verificar o efeito da intervenção em indivíduos vocalmente saudáveis. Estratégia de pesquisa trata-se de uma revisão de escopo baseada na questão de pesquisa: "Quais as medidas de avaliação vocal utilizadas para verificar o efeito da intervenção em indivíduos vocalmente saudáveis?" A busca foi realizada de forma eletrônica nas bases de dados MEDLINE (PubMed), LILACS (BVS), Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate), Embase e Cochrane. Critérios de seleção a seleção dos estudos foi baseada na leitura dos títulos, resumos, palavras-chave e textos completos, aplicando-se os critérios de elegibilidade. Foram extraídos os dados relacionados às informações bibliográficas da publicação, características da amostra e da intervenção, os efeitos da intervenção nas medidas de autoavaliação, perceptivo-auditivas, acústicas, aerodinâmicas, eletroglotográficas, resultado do exame laríngeo, entre outros. Os dados foram resumidos e apresentados de forma quantitativa e descritiva. Resultados foram selecionados 97 artigos, entre os 979 estudos mapeados nesta revisão. A análise acústica foi a medida mais utilizada (n=70, 72,3%) para verificar os efeitos do treinamento vocal nos estudos selecionados, seguida pela eletroglotografia (n= 55, 56,7%), autoavaliação (n= 38, 39,2%), aerodinâmica (n= 33, 34,0%), julgamento perceptivo-auditivo (n= 22, 22,7%) e exame laríngeo (n= 16, 16,5%). Conclusão a análise acústica é a medida utilizada na maioria dos estudos para verificar o efeito da intervenção em indivíduos vocalmente saudáveis.

ABSTRACT Purpose to map the vocal assessment measures used to verify the effect of the intervention in vocally healthy individuals. Research strategy This is a scope review based on the research question: What vocal assessment measures are used to verify the effect of the intervention in vocally healthy individuals? The search was carried out electronically in MEDLINE (PubMed), LILACS (BVS), Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate), Embase and Cochrane databases. Selection criteria The selection of studies was based on reading the titles, abstracts, keywords and full texts, applying the eligibility criteria. Data related to the publication's bibliographic information, sample and intervention characteristics, the effects of the intervention on self-assessment, auditory-perceptual, acoustic, aerodynamic, electroglottographic measures, laryngeal examination results, among others, were extracted. The data were summarized and presented in a quantitative and descriptive way. Results 97 articles were selected, among the 979 studies mapped in this review. Acoustic analysis was the most used measure (n=70, 72.3%) to verify the effects of vocal training in the selected studies, followed by electroglottography (n= 55, 56.7%), self-assessment (n= 38, 39 .2%), aerodynamics (n= 33, 34.0%), auditory-perceptual judgment (n= 22, 22.7%) and laryngeal examination (n= 16, 16.5%). Conclusion Acoustic analysis is the measure used in most studies to verify the effect of the intervention in vocally healthy individuals.

Interferon-related gene array in predicting the efficacy of interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis B / 生物医学工程学杂志

This study aims to clarify host factors of IFN treatment in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients by screening the differentially expressed genes of IFN pathway CHB patients with different response to interferon (IFN) therapy. Three cases were randomly selected in IFN-responding CHB patients (Rs), non-responding CHB patients (NRs) and healthy participants, respectively. The human type I IFN response RT 2 profiler PCR array was used to detect the expression levels of IFN-related genes in peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) from healthy participants and CHB patients before and after Peg-IFN-α 2a treatment. The results showed that more differentially expressed genes appeared in Rs group than NRs group after IFN treatment. Comparing with healthy participants, IFNG, IL7R, IRF1, and IRF8 were downregulated in both Rs and NRs group before IFN treatment; CXCL10, IFIT1, and IFITM1 were upregulated in the Rs; IL13RA1 and IFI35 were upregulated in the NRs, while IFRD2, IL11RA, IL4R, IRF3, IRF4, PYHIN1, and ADAR were downregulated. The expression of IL15, IFI35 and IFI44 was downregulated by 4.09 ( t = 10.58, P < 0.001), 5.59 ( t = 3.37, P = 0.028) and 10.83 ( t = 2.8, P = 0.049) fold in the Rs group compared with the NRs group, respectively. In conclusion, IFN-response-related gene array is able to evaluate IFN treatment response by detecting IFN-related genes levels in PBMC. High expression of CXCL10, IFIT1 and IFITM1 before treatment may suggest satisfied IFN efficacy, while high expression of IL13RA1, IL15, IFI35 and IFI44 molecules and low expression of IFRD2, IL11RA, IL4R, IRF3, IRF4, PYHIN1 and ADAR molecules may be associated with poor IFN efficacy.

Resting-state electroencephalogram relevance state recognition of Parkinson's disease based on dynamic weighted symbolic mutual information and k-means clustering / 生物医学工程学杂志

At present, the incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD) is gradually increasing. This seriously affects the quality of life of patients, and the burden of diagnosis and treatment is increasing. However, the disease is difficult to intervene in early stage as early monitoring means are limited. Aiming to find an effective biomarker of PD, this work extracted correlation between each pair of electroencephalogram (EEG) channels for each frequency band using weighted symbolic mutual information and k-means clustering. The results showed that State1 of Beta frequency band ( P = 0.034) and State5 of Gamma frequency band ( P = 0.010) could be used to differentiate health controls and off-medication Parkinson's disease patients. These findings indicated that there were significant differences in the resting channel-wise correlation states between PD patients and healthy subjects. However, no significant differences were found between PD-on and PD-off patients, and between PD-on patients and healthy controls. This may provide a clinical diagnosis reference for Parkinson's disease.

"Houxi (SI 3) communicating the governor vessel" verified with the infrared thermal imaging technology / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effect on facial acupoint temperature between acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) and Dazhui (GV 14) so as to verify "Houxi (SI 3) communicating the governor vessel" based on the infrared thermal imaging technology.@*METHODS@#Thirty-five healthy subjects (5 cases dropped off) were collected and before-after study in the same subject was adopted. The subjects were successively assigned into a sham-acupuncture group, a Houxi group, a Wangu group and a Dazhui group. Sham-acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) on the left, acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) on the left, Wangu (SI 4) on the left and Dazhui (GV 14) were given respectively. One intervention was given and the needles were retained for 30 min in each group. 30 min before and after acupuncture, the infrared thermal images of the face were collected, and the facial temperature was compared among the following 5 acupoints, i.e. Yintang (GV 24+), Suliao (GV 25), Shuigou (GV 26), Duiduan (GV 27) and Chengjiang (CV 24).@*RESULTS@#After acupuncture, the facial temperature at Yintang (GV 24+) and Chengjiang (CV 24) was increased compared before acupuncture in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The facial temperature at Suliao (GV 25) in the Houxi group was reduced after acupuncture (P<0.05). In the Wangu group, the temperature at Yintang (GV 24+) was increased compared before acupuncture (P<0.01). The facial temperature was increased at Duiduan (GV 27) and Chengjiang (CV 24) compared before acupuncture in the Dazhui group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The differences of facial temperature at Chengjiang (CV 24) and Suliao (GV 25) after acupuncture were larger than before acupuncture in the Houxi group and the Dazhui group (P<0.01). In comparison with the temperature at Suliao (GV 25) of the same group, the differences of facial temperature before and after acupuncture at Yintang (GV 24+), Shuigou (GV 26), Duiduan (GV 27) and Chengjiang (CV 24) were increased in the Houxi group (P<0.01, P<0.05); while, the increase was also obtained at Yintang (GV 24+), Shuigou (GV 26), Duiduan (GV 27) and Chengjiang (CV 24) in the Dazhui group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The difference of facial temperature at Yintang (GV 24+) before and after acupuncture was increased compared with Suliao (GV 25) in the Wangu group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) generates a similar thermal effect as Dazhui (GV 14). It regulates and dissipates the core temperature to "govern the yang qi of the whole body".

Research on phase modulation to enhance the feature of high-frequency steady-state asymmetric visual evoked potentials / 生物医学工程学杂志

High-frequency steady-state asymmetric visual evoked potential (SSaVEP) provides a new paradigm for designing comfortable and practical brain-computer interface (BCI) systems. However, due to the weak amplitude and strong noise of high-frequency signals, it is of great significance to study how to enhance their signal features. In this study, a 30 Hz high-frequency visual stimulus was used, and the peripheral visual field was equally divided into eight annular sectors. Eight kinds of annular sector pairs were selected based on the mapping relationship of visual space onto the primary visual cortex (V1), and three phases (in-phase[0º, 0º], anti-phase [0º, 180º], and anti-phase [180º, 0º]) were designed for each annular sector pair to explore response intensity and signal-to-noise ratio under phase modulation. A total of 8 healthy subjects were recruited in the experiment. The results showed that three annular sector pairs exhibited significant differences in SSaVEP features under phase modulation at 30 Hz high-frequency stimulation. And the spatial feature analysis showed that the two types of features of the annular sector pair in the lower visual field were significantly higher than those in the upper visual field. This study further used the filter bank and ensemble task-related component analysis to calculate the classification accuracy of annular sector pairs under three-phase modulations, and the average accuracy was up to 91.5%, which proved that the phase-modulated SSaVEP features could be used to encode high- frequency SSaVEP. In summary, the results of this study provide new ideas for enhancing the features of high-frequency SSaVEP signals and expanding the instruction set of the traditional steady state visual evoked potential paradigm.

Is there an association between quadriceps muscle endurance and performance on activities of daily living in individuals with COPD? / Existe associação entre a resistência muscular do quadríceps e o desempenho nas atividades da vida diária em indivíduos com DPOC?

Abstract Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by limited airflow associated with inflammatory response and systemic manifestations, such as dyspnea, as well as physical inactivity and intolerance to exercise. The sum of these changes can lead to peripheral muscle fatigue and exert an impact on the performance of activities of daily living (ADL). Objective To investigate the possible association between peripheral muscle fatigue and performance on ADL in individuals with COPD, and to compare the results to those of healthy age-matched individuals. Methods Individuals with a diagnosis of COPD and healthy volunteers aged 60 years or older were submitted to evaluations of peripheral muscle fatigue (using surface electromyography) and performance on the Glittre-ADL test. Results Nine individuals with COPD and ten controls were evaluated. Median isometric quadriceps contraction time was 72 [38] and 56 [51] seconds, respectively. Execution time on the ADL test was 6.1 [4] and 3.6 [1.3] minutes for COPD and control group respectively, with a significant difference between groups (p < 0.05). However, no significant correlation was found between the evaluations. Conclusion No association was found between quadriceps muscle fatigue and performance on ADL in the sample studied. In the intergroup comparison, the individuals with COPD exhibited worse ADL time execution, but no significant difference was found regarding quadriceps muscle fatigue.

Resumo Introdução A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) é caracterizada por fluxo aéreo limitado associado à resposta inflamatória e manifestações sistêmicas, como dispneia, além de inatividade física e intolerância ao exercício. A soma dessas alterações pode levar à fadiga muscular periférica e exercer impacto no desempenho das atividades de vida diária (AVD). Objetivo Investigar a possível associação entre fadiga muscular periférica e desempenho em AVD em indivíduos com DPOC e comparar os resultados com indivíduos saudáveis da mesma faixa etária. Métodos Indivíduos com diagnóstico de DPOC e voluntários saudáveis com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos foram submetidos a avaliações de fadiga muscular periférica (por meio de eletromiografia de superfície) e desempenho no teste Glittre-ADL. Resultados Foram avaliados nove indivíduos com DPOC e dez controles. O tempo médio de contração isométrica do quadríceps foi de 72 [38] e 56 [51] segundos, respectivamente. O tempo de execução do teste de AVD foi de 6,18 [4,09] e 3,67 [1,3] minutos para DPOC e grupo controle, respectivamente, com diferença significativa entre os grupos (p < 0,05). No entanto não encontrou-se correlação significativa entre as avaliações. Conclusão Não encontrou-se associação entre a fadiga muscular do quadríceps e o desempenho nas AVD na amostra estudada. Na comparação intergrupos, os indivíduos com DPOC apresentaram pior tempo de execução das AVD, mas não encontrou-se diferença significativa em relação à fadiga muscular do quadríceps.

Metabolic study of trimetazidine using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract In the present study, the application of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry allowed us to study of known-as well as hitherto unknown-trimetazidine (TMZ) metabolites in human urine and to propose their renal excretion profiles. Urine samples from a healthy volunteer were analyzed at baseline and at 0-4 h, 4-8 h, 8-12 h, and 12-24 h after a single dose of TMZ. A dilute-and-shoot procedure was used as sample treatment before separation. Full-scan spectra of possible metabolites were acquired. Additionally, product ion scan spectra of precursor ions of interest were also acquired at two collision energies. Intact TMZ was a major excretion product, with a maximum concentration at 4-8 h after administration. Moreover, five minor metabolites were observed, namely trimetazidine-N-oxide (M1), N-formyl trimetazidine (M2), desmethyl-trimetazidine O-sulfate (M3), desmethyl-trimetazidine O-glucuronide (M4), and desmethyl-trimetazidine-N-oxide-O-glucuronide (M5). Metabolite M5 has not previously been reported. Excretion curves were constructed based on the chromatographic peak areas of specific mass transitions (precursor ion > product ion) related to each of the detected metabolites

Analysis of postural control and muscle function performance of older adults participating in a multicomponent exercise program in primary health care / Análise do desempenho do controle postural e da função muscular de idosos participantes de um programa de exercício multicomponente na Atenção Primária à Saúde

Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate (1) postural control performance in different postural tasks and (2) muscle strength and power of the hip, knee, and ankle of active vs inactive older adults. Methods: The sample consisted of 61 healthy community-dwelling older adults, classified into 2 groups: active, consisting of participants of a multicomponent exercise program offered through the Exercise Orientation Service; and inactive. Participants were considered physically active/inactive in the past 3 months. Postural control was assessed using a force plate in 8 postural tasks. Muscle function was evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer. T-tests were used to compare clinical characteristics between the groups. ANCOVA and MANCOVA were used to compare differences in variables of postural control and muscle function. Results: Active participants had higher levels of physical activity, clinical balance, and quality of life than inactive participants. The active group had lower values for area (center of pressure) than the inactive group under the following conditions: bipedal stance on an unstable surface with eyes open and with eyes closed, and semi-tandem stance on an unstable surface with eyes open. The active group showed greater muscle power, with higher mean power values for hip abduction and adduction, knee extension, and knee flexion and shorter time to peak torque for hip adduction and ankle dorsiflexion than the inactive group. Conclusions: Multicomponent exercise programs delivered in primary health care settings contributed to improving postural control and muscle power in this sample of older adults, which can potentially help prevent falls and improve quality of life.

Objetivo: Este estudo transversal visou investigar: (1) o desempenho no controle postural em diferentes tarefas e (2) a força e a potência musculares de quadril, joelho e tornozelo de idosos ativos vs. inativos. Metodologia: A amostra foi composta de 61 idosos comunitários saudáveis, classificados em dois grupos: os ativos, participantes do programa de exercício multicomponente ofertado pelo Serviço de Orientação ao Exercício, e os inativos. Os participantes foram considerados fisicamente ativos/inativos nos três meses anteriores. O controle postural foi avaliado em oito tarefas usando-se uma plataforma de força. A função muscular foi mensurada com um dinamômetro isocinético. Foram utilizados testes t para comparar as características clínicas entre os grupos. Análise de covariância e análise multivariada de covariância foram utilizadas para comparar diferenças nas variáveis de controle postural e função muscular. Resultados: Os participantes ativos apresentaram maiores níveis de atividade física, equilíbrio e qualidade de vida que os inativos. O grupo ativo apresentou menores valores de área (centro de pressão) que o inativo nas seguintes condições: base bipodal em superfície instável com olhos abertos e fechados e base semitandem em superfície instável com olhos abertos. O grupo ativo apresentou maior potência que o inativo, com maior valor de potência média para abdução e adução de quadril, extensão e flexão de joelho, e menor tempo de pico de torque para adução de quadril e dorsiflexão de tornozelo. Conclusão: Programas de exercício multicomponente ofertados na Atenção Primária à Saúde contribuíram para melhorar o controle postural e a potência muscular nesta a

Development and validation of a simple and noninvasive method for salivary uric acid: potential applications for monitoring the salivary uric acid level in healthy volunteers and gout patients

Abstract Serum uric acid (UA) is a traditional biomarker in the clinical diagnosis of gout and hyperuricemia. However, serum treatment and storage are cumbersome, and wounds are susceptible to infection. Therefore, in this study, a simple and noninvasive method was developed to detect the UA in human saliva to monitor the gout. An Inertsil ODS-3 column was used for the analysis under the condition of isocratic elution with the mixed solution phosphate buffer (74 mM, pH=2.2): Methanol=98:2 (v:v) and the UV detection at 284 nm. Using salivary UA data from healthy volunteers (HVs) (n=68) and gout patients (GPs) (n=14), we examined the salivary UA difference in their content. The intra-and inter-day accuracy and precision (RSD %) were less than 2.56%, the limit of detection (LOD) of UA was 5.0 ng/mL, the mean recoveries of the corresponding compounds were 102.48%. Saliva levels of UA in HVs and GPs were 35.26±14.06 µg/mL and 91.96±23.90 µg/mL, respectively. The concentrations of salivary UA in GPs were significantly higher than those in HVs ( p < 0.001). This method was also expected to monitor the hyperuricemia and other metabolic disorders in the future

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): evaluation of AKT protein kinase and microRNA gene expression related to disease pathogenesis

Abstract The present study evaluated 56 patients diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and a control group of 44 clinically healthy subjects with no previous history of leukemia. Genetic expressions of AKT and microRNAs were evaluated by quantitative PCR (qPCR). A significant increase in AKT gene expression in patients when compared to controls was observed (p = 0.017). When the patients were stratified according to Binet subgroups, a significant difference was observed between the subgroups, with this protein kinase appearing more expressed in the B+C subgroup (p = 0.013). Regarding miRNA expression, miR-let-7b and miR-26a were reduced in CLL patients, when compared to controls. However, no significant differences were observed in these microRNA expressions between the Binet subgroups (A versus B+C). By contrast, miR-21 to miR-27a oncogenes showed no expression difference between CLL patients and controls. AKT protein kinase is involved in the signaling cascade that occurs with BCR receptor activation, leading to increased lymphocyte survival and protection against the induction of cell death in CLL. Thus, increased AKT protein kinase expression and the reduction of miR-let-7b and miR-26a, both tumor suppressors, may explain increased lymphocyte survival in CLL patients and may be promising markers for the prognostic evaluation of this disease.

Níveis de Tiol Sérico e Homeostase Tiol/Dissulfeto em Pacientes com Doença Valvar Mitral Reumatismal e em Sujeitos Saudáveis / Serum Thiol Levels and Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis in Patients with Rheumatic Mitral Valve Disease and Healthy Subjects

Resumo Fundamento A doença valvar mitral reumatismal (DVMR) é a apresentação mais comum das doenças cardíacas reumáticas (DCR). Os processos de inflamação e fibrose também têm papéis significativos em sua patogênese. Estudos recentes demonstram que os tióis e o tiol-dissulfeto são marcadores de stress oxidativo inéditos e promissores. Objetivos O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar diferenças entre os níveis de tiol sérico e de tiol-dissulfeto em pacientes com DVMR e no grupo de controle. Métodos Noventa e dois pacientes com DVMR foram cadastrados no estudo. Cinquenta e quatro sujeitos saudáveis, e com correspondência de sexo e idade em relação ao grupo de estudo, também foram incluídos no estudo como um grupo de controle. Foram investigados os níveis de tiol nos pacientes com DVMR e o grupo de controle. Os p-valores menores que 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados Os pacientes com DVMR apresentaram pressão sistólica da artéria pulmonar (PSAP) e níveis de diâmetro do átrio esquerdo (AE) mais altos que os do grupo de controle. Os níveis de tiol nativo (407±83 μmol/L vs. 297±65 μmol/L, p<0,001) e tiol total (442±82 μmol/L vs. 329±65 μmol/L, p<0,001) são mais altos no grupo de controle. Níveis de dissulfeto (16,7±4,9 μmol/L vs. 14,8±3,7 μmol/L, p=0,011) são mais altos no grupo de pacientes com DVMR. Foi identificada uma correlação positiva entre as razões dissulfeto/tiol nativo e dissulfeto/tiol total com PSAP, diâmetro de AE, e gravidade da EMi. A razão dissulfeto/tiol total é significativamente mais alta em pacientes com EMi grave que em pacientes com EMi leve a moderada. Conclusões Até onde se sabe, este é o único estudo que avaliou a homeostase tiol/dissulfeto como um preditor inédito, que está relacionado de forma mais próxima à DVMR e à gravidade da EMi.

Abstract Background Rheumatic mitral valve disease (RMVD) is the most common presentation of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Inflammation and fibrosis processes also play significant roles in its pathogenesis. Recent studies showed that thiols and thiol-disulfide are promising novel oxidative stress markers. Objectives The present study aimed to evaluate differences in the serum thiol and thiol-disulfide levels in patients with RMVD and the control group. Methods Ninety-two patients with RMVD were enrolled in the study. Fifty-four healthy subjects, age, and gender-matched with the study group, were also included in the study as a control group. This study investigated thiol levels in patients with RMVD and the control group. P-values lower than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results The patients with RMVD presented higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) and left atrial (LA) diameter levels than the control group. Native thiol (407±83 μmol/L vs. 297±65 μmol/L, p<0.001) and total thiol (442±82 μmol/L vs. 329±65 μmol/L, p<0.001) levels were higher in the control group. Disulfide (16.7±4.9 μmol/L vs. 14.8±3.7 μmol/L, p=0.011) levels were higher in the group of patients with RMVD. A positive correlation was found between disulfide/native and disulfide/total thiols ratio with SPAP, LA diameter, and MS severity. Disulfide/total thiols ratio was significantly higher in patients with severe MS than with mild to moderate MS patients. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the only study of its kind that has evaluated thiol/disulfide homeostasis as a novel predictor, which was more closely related to RMVD and the severity of MS.

Efeito da bandagem elástica na atividade eletromiográfica de músculos periescapulares em indivíduos saudáveis / Effect of the kinesio tape on the electromyographic activity of periscapular muscles in healthy subjects

Introdução: A bandagem elástica é uma fita elástica adesiva utilizada na prevenção e reabilitação do complexo do ombro. Entretanto, existem divergências na literatura sobre seus efeitos na atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos periescapulares durante exercícios com carga. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da bandagem elástica na atividade eletromiográfica de músculos periescapulares durante o movimento de flexão do ombro sem carga e com halter em indivíduos saudáveis. Métodos: Vinte e seis indivíduos do sexo masculino realizaram o movimento de flexão do ombro sem carga e com halter com a bandagem elástica sobre o trapézio descendente. Foram avaliadas as atividades eletromiográficas de trapézio descendente, trapézio ascendente e serrátil anterior. São comparados os valores de pico e RMS em percentual da contração isométrica voluntária máxima através da ANOVA One Way. Resultados: Na flexão de ombro com halter ocorreu diminuição do pico da atividade eletromiográfica do trapézio descendente (p = 0,035). Não houve influência sobre os demais músculos periescapulares (p > 0,05). Conclusão: A bandagem elástica diminuiu o pico da atividade eletromiográfica do trapézio descendente durante a flexão do ombro com halter. Pode-se aplicar este resultado na prevenção de indivíduos que podem tender a aumentar a atividade do trapézio descendente. (AU)

Introduction: The kinesio tape is an elastic adhesive tape used in the prevention and rehabilitation of the shoulder complex. However, there are divergences in the literature about its effects on the electromyographic activity of the periescapular muscles during load exercises. Objective: To evaluate the effects of kinesio tape on the electromyographic activity of the periescapular muscles during the flexion of the shoulder without load and with a dumbbell in healthy subjects. Methods: Twenty-six male individuals perform the flexion movement of the shoulder without load and halter with and kinesio tape over the upper trapezius muscle. The electromyographic activities of upper trapezius, lower trapezius and anterior serratus were evaluated. Normalized Peak and RMS through percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contraction were compared using ANOVA One Way. Results: During flexion of the shoulder with a dumbbell, the electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius (p = 0.035) decreased. We did not observe influence on the other periescapular muscles (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The kinesio tape decrease the peak value of the upper trapezius during the flexion of the shoulder with dumbbell. We can apply this result to individuals who may increase the activity of the upper trapezius. (AU)

An open-label, exploratory documentation of proving-symptoms of CVN01 (Coronavirus nosode from the clinical sample) in healthy volunteers

Homeopathic Pathogenetic Trials (Proving) are human studies to examine the pathogenetic effects of investigational drugs in high dilution on healthy volunteers. As a part of the new coronavirus nosode development process for prophylactic use, the phase 1 study was conducted. The documentation of proving symptoms for a fast-track nosode development for a pandemic condition was the objectives of this study. An open-label trial to evaluate the safety and proving symptoms of Coronavirus nosode given orally to 10 volunteers (18-65 years age and of both the genders). Volunteers were administered 6 doses of nosode as 6 pills twice daily for 3 consecutive days. Pre and post examinations (physical), vital signs, and laboratory investigations, were done at day 0, 17, 34. Symptoms experienced by the volunteers were recorded. RESULTS Symptoms reported by volunteers were analyzed. The symptoms reported were mild to severe but reversible and matching with the symptoms produced by the viral infection. There were no serious/fatal adverse events during the study. The basic biochemistry and Liver Function tests were not affected by the Nosode. New nosode developed during a pandemic condition produced certain symptoms in the homeopathic pathogenetic trial as a part of the Phase 1 study.

Comparison of static and dynamic balance measurements among chronic and episodic migraine patients / Comparação de medidas de equilíbrio estático e dinâmico em pacientes com migrânea crônica ou episódica

ABSTRACT Background: Migraine is one of the most frequent and incapacitating headaches, with a high degree of impairment of balance control and postural stability. Objective: To investigate the effects of episodic and chronic migraine on postural balance through using static and dynamic balance tests. Methods: The study included 32 chronic and 36 episodic migraine patients and a control group of 36 healthy volunteers. Right/left single-leg static and dynamic balance tests were performed in each group with eyes open and closed using a posturographic balance platform (Techno-body Prokin). Results: No significant difference was found among episodic and chronic migraine patients and control subjects with regard to eyes-open and eyes-closed area values (eyes-open area values: p=0.559, p=0.414 and p=0.906; eyes-closed area values: p=0.740, p=0.241 and p=0.093, respectively). However, the area values were significantly higher in episodic and chronic migraine patients than in the control group, which indicates that migraine patients may have lower balance performance. Perimeter values were relatively higher which supports the idea that migraine patients have lower balance performance. Additionally, the average number of laps was significantly lower among migraine patients than in the control group, which also implies that migraine patients may have lower balance performance. Conclusion: Although no significant difference was detected between chronic and episodic migraine patients and the control group and between chronic and episodic migraine patients with regard to balance performance, chronic migraine patients seemed to have relatively lower performance than episodic migraine patients. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed, to investigate the relationship between these parameters and balance.

RESUMO Introdução: A enxaqueca é uma das dores de cabeça mais frequentes e incapacitantes, com alto grau de comprometimento do controle do equilíbrio e estabilidade postural. Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos da enxaqueca episódica e crônica no equilíbrio postural por meio de testes de equilíbrio estático e dinâmico. Métodos: O estudo incluiu 32 pacientes com enxaqueca crônica e 36 com enxaqueca episódica e um grupo controle de 36 voluntários saudáveis. Os testes de equilíbrio estático e dinâmico unipodal direito/esquerdo foram realizados em cada grupo, com os olhos abertos e fechados, por meio de uma plataforma de equilíbrio posturográfico (Techno-body Prokin). Resultados: Nenhuma diferença significativa foi encontrada entre pacientes com enxaqueca episódica e crônica e indivíduos controle em relação aos valores da área de olhos abertos e olhos fechados (valores de área de olhos abertos: p=0,559, p=0,414 e p=0,906; valores de área de olhos fechados: p=0,740, p=0,241 e p=0,093, respectivamente). No entanto, os valores de área foram significativamente maiores em pacientes com enxaqueca episódica e crônica do que no grupo controle, o que indica que pacientes com enxaqueca podem ter desempenho de equilíbrio inferior. Os valores do perímetro foram relativamente mais altos, o que sustenta a hipótese de que os pacientes com enxaqueca apresentam desempenho de equilíbrio inferior. Além disso, o número médio de voltas foi significativamente menor entre os pacientes com enxaqueca do que no grupo controle, o que também implica que os pacientes com enxaqueca possam ter um desempenho de equilíbrio inferior. Conclusão: Embora nenhuma diferença significativa tenha sido detectada entre os pacientes com enxaqueca crônica e episódica e o grupo controle e entre os pacientes com enxaqueca crônica e episódica no que diz respeito ao desempenho do equilíbrio, os pacientes com enxaqueca crônica parecem ter um desempenho relativamente inferior do que os pacientes com enxaqueca episódica. Outros estudos com maior número de pacientes são necessários para investigar a relação entre esses parâmetros e o equilíbrio.

Densidad vascular/de perfusión en dos protocolos de angiotomografía de coherencia óptica ¿Intercambiables? / Vessel/ perfusion density in two optical coherence tomography angiography protocols. Interchangeable?

Resumen Introducción: Distintos protocolos de angiotomografía de coherencia óptica evalúan la mácula. Objetivo: R2) entre las densidades vascular y de perfusión de dos protocolos de angiotomografía de coherencia óptica, para determinar si sus mediciones podían intercambiarse. Método: Estudio observacional, comparativo, prospectivo, transversal entre dos protocolos de angiotomografía de coherencia óptica (AngioPlex, Zeiss) en sujetos sanos. Se identificó la R2 entre las densidades vascular y de perfusión central, interna y completa (protocolo de 3 x 3 mm), y central, interna, externa y completa (protocolo de 6 x 6 mm). Resultados: 78 ojos, mediana de edad 23 años. Hubo R2 altas entre las densidades interna y completa del protocolo de 3 x 3 mm (0.96), externa y completa del de 6 x 6 mm (0.96), y centrales vasculares y de perfusión (≥ 0.96); la R2 entre las densidades centrales vascular y de perfusión de distintos protocolos fue ≤ 0.71. Conclusiones: Las densidades vasculares y de perfusión tienen R2 alta dentro de un protocolo, pero no entre protocolos, porque estos miden preferentemente zonas distintas, lo cual limita intercambiar mediciones.

Abstract Introduction: Different optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) scanning protocols evaluate the macula. Objective: To compare the determination coefficients (R2) between vessel and perfusion densities of two OCTA scanning protocols, to learn whether their metrics could be interchanged. Method: Non-experimental, comparative, prospective, observational, cross-sectional study, between two OCTA scanning protocols (Angioplex, Zeiss) in healthy subjects. We found the R2 between central, inner, and full densities (3 x 3 mm protocol), and between central, inner, outer and full densities (6 x 6 mm protocol), both for vessel and perfusion densities. Results: 78 eyes, median age 23 years. There were high R2 between inner and full densities in the 3 x 3 mm protocol (0.96), between outer and full densities in the 6 x 6 mm protocol (0.96) and between central vessel and perfusion densities (≥0.96); R2 between central vessel and perfusion densities of different protocols (≤0.71). Conclusions: Vessel and perfusion densities have high determination coefficients within a scanning protocol, but not between protocols, because each preferentially measures different macular areas. The metrics of different protocols should not be interchanged for follow-up.

Limited cardiopulmonary capacity in patients with liver cirrhosis when compared to healthy subjects

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: The present study compared cardiorespiratory capacity between cirrhotic patients and healthy subjects. METHODS: Nineteen cirrhotic patients and 19 healthy subjects, paired by age and gender, participated in the study. Volunteers performed an incremental cardiopulmonary test with a ramp protocol, a ventilatory and metabolic variables were obtained and analyzed. The recovery was analyzed by calculating the time needed for 50% of oxygen consumption (VO2) recovery to occur as the median between the peak of the exercise and the end of recovery on the VO2 curve (T1/2). The VE/VCO2 slope were performed by the linear regression of ventilation (VE) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) data. RESULTS: During resting condition, cirrhotic patients presented significantly higher levels of VO2 compared to healthy subjects. The VE/ VO2 and VE/ VCO2 values were significantly higher in the control group at the anaerobic threshold and at the peak of the test compared to cirrhotic patients. Time under effort was significantly higher for healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, it is possible to conclude that liver cirrhosis can compromise the patients' quality of life, mainly by inducing metabolic alterations which can impair functional capacity and lead to a sedentary lifestyle.

Diferencias fenotípicas de fibroblastos gingivales en sujetos con hiperplasia gingival idiopática frente a sujetos periodontalmente sanos: estudio piloto / Phenotypic differences of gingival fibroblasts in subjects with idiopathic gingival hyperplasia versus periodontally healthy subjects: a pilot study

Objetivo: identificar, describir y diferenciar las características fenotípicas de los fibroblastos gingivales (FGs) en pacientes con hiperplasia gingival idiopática (HGI) e individuos periodontalmente sanos. Métodos: los FGs fueron aislados a partir de tejido gingival de individuos periodontalmente sanos (n=2) y pacientes con HGI (n=2). Los FGs se cultivaron en el medio DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified of Eagle Medium) a 37°C con 5% de CO2. La identificación y localización de la actina, vimentina y mitocondrias en FGs fue realizada y evaluada microscópicamente mediante inmunofluorescencia con anticuerpos monoclonales. La capacidad de migración de los FGs en los pacientes con HGI e individuos sanos también fue estudiada. Resultados: todos los FGs fueron mononucleares, fusiformes y con prolongaciones citoplasmáticas visibles. La faloidina permitió identificar una densa red de actina en los FGs de pacientes con HGI, contrariamente a los FGs de individuos periodontalmente sanos. La vimentina y mitocondrias fueron identificadas en los FGs de individuos sanos y pacientes con HGI sin ninguna alteración en su expresión y localización. La migración de la monocapa de los FGs indicó una actividad de migración celular importante en los FGs de los pacientes con HGI, en relación a los FGs de los individuos periodontalmente sanos. Conclusión: los FGs de pacientes con HGI conservan características fenotípicas celulares similares a los FGs de individuos periodontalmente sanos. Sin embargo, los FGs de pacientes con HGI simulan tener una mayor capacidad migratoria que amerita ser explorada en futuros trabajos de investigación.

Objective: To identify and to describe the phenotypic characteristics of gingival fibroblasts from patients with idiopathic gingival hyperplasia (IGH) and periodontally healthy individuals. Methods: Gingival fibroblasts (GFs) were isolated from gingival tissue from periodontally healthy individuals (n=2) and patients with IGH (n=2). The GFs were grown in DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified of Eagle Medium) at 37°C with 5% CO2. The identification and location of actin, vimentin and mitochondria in GFs were performed and evaluated microscopically by immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies. The migration capacity of GFs from IGH and healthy individuals was also studied. Results: All the GFs were mononuclear, fusiform and with visible cytoplasmic extensions. The phalloidin allowed to identify a dense actin network in the GFs of patients with IGH, contrary to the GFs of periodontally healthy individuals. Vimentin and mitochondria were identified in the GFs of healthy individuals and patients with IGH without any alteration in their expression and location. Monolayer migration of GFs indicates significant cell migration activity in the GFs of patients with IGH in relation to the GFs of periodontally healthy individuals. Conclusion: GFs from patients with IGH retain cellular phenotypic characteristic similar to GFs from periodontally healthy individuals. However, the GFs of patients with IGH simulate having a greater migratory capacity that deserves to be explored in future research works.

Reproducibility and validity of food group intake in a short food frequency questionnaire for the middle-aged Japanese population

PURPOSE@#The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility and validity of a short food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for food group intake in Japan, the reproducibility and partial validity of which were previously confirmed for nutrients.@*METHODS@#A total of 288 middle-aged healthy volunteers from 11 different areas of Japan provided nonconsecutive 3-day weighed dietary records (DRs) at 3-month intervals over four seasons. We evaluated reproducibility based on the first (FFQ1) and second (FFQ2) questionnaires and their validity against the DRs by comparing the intake of 20 food groups. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (SRs) were calculated between energy-adjusted intake from the FFQs and that from the DRs.@*RESULTS@#The intake of 20 food groups estimated from the two FFQs was mostly equivalent. The median energy-adjusted SRs between the FFQ1 and FFQ2 were 0.61 (range 0.38-0.86) for men and 0.66 (0.45-0.84) for women. For validity, the median de-attenuated SRs between DRs and the FFQ1 were 0.51 (0.17-0.76) for men and 0.47 (0.23-0.77) for women. Compared with the DRs, the proportion of cross-classification into exact plus adjacent quintiles with the FFQ1 ranged from 58 to 86% in men and from 57 to 86% in women. According to the robust Z scores and the Bland-Altman plot graphs, the underestimation errors in the FFQ1 tended to be greater in individuals with high mean levels of consumption for meat for men and for other vegetables for both men and women.@*CONCLUSION@#The FFQ demonstrated high reproducibility and reasonable validity for food group intake. This questionnaire is short and remains appropriate for identifying associations between diet and health/disease among adults in Japan.