Mathematical models to describe the growth curves of Vietnamese Ri chicken / Modelos matemáticos para descrever as curvas de crescimento do frango Ri vietnamita

Abstract Ri chicken is the most popular backyard chicken breed in Vietnam, but little is known about the growth curve of this breed. This study compared the performances of models with three parameters (Gompertz, Brody, and Logistic) and models containing four parameters (Richards, Bridges, and Janoschek) for describing the growth of Ri chicken. The bodyweight of Ri chicken was recorded weekly from week 1 to week 19. Growth models were fitted using minpack.lm package in R software and Akaike's information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), and root mean square error (RMSE) were used for model comparison. Based on these criteria, the models having four parameters showed better performance than the ones with three parameters, and the Richards model was the best one for males and females. The lowest and highest value of asymmetric weights (α) were obtained by Bridges and Brody models for each of sexes, respectively. Age and weight estimated by the Richard model were 8.46 and 7.51 weeks and 696.88 and 487.58 g for males and for females, respectively. Differences in the growth curves were observed between males and female chicken. Overall, the results suggested using the Richards model for describing the growth curve of Ri chickens. Further studies on the genetics and genomics of the obtained growth parameters are required before using them for the genetic improvement of Ri chickens.

Resumo O frango Ri é a raça de frango de quintal mais popular do Vietnã, mas pouco se sabe sobre a curva de crescimento dessa raça. Este estudo comparou o desempenho de modelos com três parâmetros (Gompertz, Brody e Logistic) e modelos contendo quatro parâmetros (Richards, Bridges e Janoschek) para descrever o crescimento do frango Ri. O peso corporal do frango Ri foi registrado semanalmente da semana 1 à semana 19. Os modelos de crescimento foram ajustados usando o pacote minpack.lm no software R e o critério de informação de Akaike (AIC); critério de informação bayesiano (BIC) e erro quadrático médio (RMSE) foram usados ​​para comparação de modelos. Com base nesses critérios, os modelos com quatro parâmetros apresentaram melhor desempenho do que os com três parâmetros, sendo o modelo de Richards o melhor para homens e mulheres. O menor e o maior valor dos pesos assimétricos (α) foram obtidos pelos modelos Bridges e Brody para cada um dos sexos, respectivamente. A idade e o peso estimados pelo modelo de Richard foram de 8,46 e 7,51 semanas e 696,88 e 487,58 g para homens e mulheres, respectivamente. Diferenças nas curvas de crescimento foram observadas entre frangos machos e fêmeas. No geral, os resultados sugeriram o uso do modelo de Richards para descrever a curva de crescimento de frangos Ri. Mais estudos sobre a genética e genômica dos parâmetros de crescimento obtidos são necessários antes de usá-los para o melhoramento genético de frangos Ri.

O Sistema de Saúde japonês e seus mecanismos de enfrentamento à COVID-19 / The Japanese Health System and its coping mechanisms against COVID-19

RESUMO: Introdução: apesar de ser o país de maior média de idade no mundo, o Japão tem se destacado no combate à pandemia da COVID-19 (do inglês Coronavirus Disease 2019) ao apresentar reduzidas taxas de contaminação pelo vírus e de mortalidade. Objetivo: discutir acerca das estratégias em saúde adotadas pelo Japão diante da pandemia da doença da COVID-19, bem como avaliar os dados sobre contaminação e mortalidade japoneses em comparação com os outros quatro países com maior média de idade do mundo (Itália, Alemanha, Portugal e Espanha) e o Brasil. Metodologia: para avaliação das estratégias em saúde japonesas foi realizada busca nas bases de dados: PubMed, Cochrane e Scielo, utilizando-se combinação dos termos "Japão", "covid", "coronavirus" e "sistemas de saúde", nos idiomas Inglês, Espanhol e Português. Os dados de infecção da COVID-19 foram extraídos do site Our World in Data, correspondendo ao período de 25 de janeiro de 2020 a 30 de julho de 2020. Resultados: dentre as medidas adotadas pelo país no enfrentamento à pandemia, destacam-se o diagnóstico e resposta precoces à infecção, o rastreamento de contatos, o diagnóstico precoce e disponibilidade de cuidados intensivos para pacientes graves e estímulo a medidas comportamentais de distanciamento. Dentre os países analisados, o Japão apresenta as menores taxas de contaminação e mortalidade em termos absolutos pela COVID-19. Conclusões: medidas de distanciamento social, diagnóstico e tratamento precoces parecem ter contribuído para o sucesso no combate à COVID-19 no Japão. No período estudado, em milhão de habitantes, o Japão teve 6,13 casos de Covid, enquanto o Brasil apresentou 218,26 casos. Já no número de mortes confirmadas pela doença, o primeiro teve uma taxa de 0,23 enquanto o segundo de 5,16 casos por milhão de habitantes. É possível, a partir do conhecimento dessas medidas, buscar mecanismos semelhantes ao traçar políticas de saúde no enfrentamento de pandemias em outros países. (AU)

ABSTRAC: Introduction: despite being the country with the highest average age globally, Japan has stood out in the fight against the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic by presenting low contamination rates by the virus and mortality. Objective: we aim to discuss the health strategies adopted by Japan in the face of the COVID-19 disease pandemic, as well as to evaluate data on Japanese contamination and mortality compared to the other four countries with the highest average age in the world (Italy, Germany, Portugal and Spain) and Brazil. Methodology: the search was carried out to evaluate Japanese health strategies by using the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, and Scielo using a combination of the terms "Japan", "covid", "coronavirus" and "health systems" in English, Spanish and Portuguese. The COVID-19 infection data was extracted from the Our World in Data website, from January 25, 2020, to July 30, 2020. Results: Among the measures adopted by the country to face the pandemic, the early diagnosis and response to infection, contact tracing, early diagnosis and availability of intensive care for critically ill patients, and encouraging behavioral distancing measures stand out. Among the countries analyzed, Japan has the lowest rates of contamination and mortality in absolute terms by COVID-19. Conclusions: social distancing measures, early diagnosis, and treatment seem to have contributed to the success in combating COVID-19 in Japan. In the studied period, in a million inhabitants, Japan had 6.13 cases of covid while Brazil had 218.26 cases. As for the number of deaths confirmed by the disease, the first had a rate of 0.23 while the second had 5.16 cases per million inhabitants. Based on the knowledge of these measures, it is possible to seek similar mechanisms when designing health policies to face pandemics in other countries.(AU)

Evaluation of the nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of Bjerkandera adusta

Abstract Bjerkandera adusta, a globally distributed fungus, is commonly used in the nutritional practices of the East Asian population. In this study, we evaluated the nutritional composition of the lyophilized mycelium of B. adusta as well as the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of its extracts. The mycelium exhibited moisture (7.97 %), ash (3.27 %), and fiber (5.31 %) content values similar to the established values reported in the available literature. In addition, a high protein (9.32 %) and carbohydrate (63.45 %) content was shown, with a low lipid (1.36 %) content. The energy value per 100 g sample of mycelium was 1445.85 kJ. The results obtained indicated a statistically significant variation (p < 0.05) in the phenolic composition (81.84-110.96 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per g of extract), free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity (IC50 29.05-340.46 µg·mL-1), phosphomolybdenum antioxidant content (34.89-55.64 %), reduction of ferricyanide ion (66.55-69.4 %), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values (44.66-133.03 %). These results are unprecedented for this species and emphasize its nutraceutical potential.

Ligustrazine suppresses platelet aggregation through inhibiting the activities of calcium sensors

Abstract Ligustrazine is widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in traditional Chinese medication. It has been reported that Ligustrazine decreases the concentration of intracellular calcium ions (Ca2+); however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In the present study, the effect of Ligustrazine on adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation was evaluated using a turbidimetric approach. The changes in concentration of intracellular Ca2+ stimulated by ADP was measured using fluo-4, a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator dye. The mRNA expression of stromal interaction molecule l (STIM1) and Orai1, calcium sensor, was determined using real-time PCR. In addition, the protein expression of STIM1, Orai1, and serum/glucocorticoid-regulated protein kinase 1 (SGK1) was determined using Western blot analysis. The data demonstrated that Ligustrazine significantly suppressed platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner and reduced the concentration of intracellular Ca2+ triggered by ADP. Our data showed that Ligustrazine treatment inhibited the expression of STIM1 and Orai1 induced by ADP at both mRNA and protein levels, and suppressed the protein expression of SGK1. Taken together, our data indicated that Ligustrazine suppressed platelet aggregation by partly inhibiting the activities of calcium sensors, thereby suggesting that Ligustrazine may be a promising candidate for the treatment of platelet aggregation.

Xuezhikang alleviates lipid accumulation via AMPK activation in hepatocellular steatosis model

Abstract Xuezhikang (XZK) is an extract of Chinese red yeast rice. It has multiple protective effects in cardiovascular systems. However, the underlying mechanism by which XZK affects free fatty acid (FFA)-induced lipogenesis in hepatocellular steatosis model is still unknown. Herein, we investigated this mechanism in HepG2 cells. The HepG2 cells were treated with palmitate acid (PA) to induce lipogenesis. Then the PA-induced HepG2 cells were subsequently treated with XZK. After 24 h of treatment, we determined the intracellular triglyceride (TG) contents and average areas of lipid droplets. To study the involvement of AMPK signaling pathway, we pre-treated the PA-induced HepG2 cells with Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, before XZK treatment. Expressions of p-AMPK and AMPK were determined by Western blot. The results showed that XZK decreased TG content and lipid accumulation in hepatocellular steatosis model. Compound C abolished the effects of XZK. These results demonstrated for the first time that XZK protects hepatocytes against lipid accumulation induced by free fatty acids. Its effects may be mediated by the activation of AMPK pathway.

O ensino dos jogos chineses: uma experiência nas aulas de educação físic / The teaching of chinese games: an experience in physical education classes / La ensenãnza de juegos chinos: una experiencia em clases de educación física

Este estudo objetivou analisar as contribuições interculturais do ensino dos jogos chineses para a formação dos estudantes nas aulas de Educação Física. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como qualitativa do tipo participante, em que, para a coleta dos dados, foram utilizadas as filmagens e a observação-participante, e para a análise nos subsidiamos da técnica de análise de conteúdo. Os dados obtidos indicaram que ensinar os jogos chineses nas aulas de Educação Física contribuiu significativamente para que os estudantes reconhecessem outra cultura e desenvolvessem competências através da sua prática. Assim, concluímos que a sua presença no ambiente escolar favorece a formação intercultural de um sujeito crítico e conhecedor de outros contextos que transcendem a sua própria realidade (AU)

The study aimed to analyze the intercultural contributions of the teaching of Chinese games to the training of students in Physical Education classes. The research is characterized as qualitative of the participant type, where filming and participant observation were used for data collection, and for the analysis we subsidized the content analysis technique. The data obtained indicated that teaching Chinese games in Physical Education classes, significantly contributed for students to recognize another culture and develop skills through their practice. Thus, we conclude that their presence in the school environment favors the intercultural formation of a critical subject who knows other contexts that transcend their own reality (AU).

El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar las contribuciones interculturales de la enseñanza de juegos chinos a la formación de los estudiantes en las clases de Educación Física. La investigación se caracteriza por ser cualitativa del tipo participante, donde se utilizó el rodaje y la observación participante para la recolección de datos, y para el análisis subsidiamos la técnica de análisis de contenido. Los datos obtenidos indicaron que la enseñanza de juegos chinos en las clases de Educación Física, contribuyó significativamente a que los estudiantes reconocieran otra cultura y desarrollaran habilidades a través de su práctica. Así, concluimos que su presencia en el ámbito escolar favorece la formación intercultural de un sujeto crítico que conoce otros contextos que trascienden su propia realidad

Functional action biological image data screening method to reduce sports injury / Método de triagem de dados biológicos de ação funcional para reduzir lesões esportivas / Método de selección de datos de imágenes biológicas de acción funcional para reducir las lesiones deportivas

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Functional Movement Test (FMS) is an evaluation method for the basic movement patterns of the human body that is designed by Gray Cook. Objective: This paper explores the application value of functional action test (FMS) biological image data in the risk assessment of sports injuries of Chinese rugby players. Methods: Taking the active national football team and provincial football players as the object, the standard FMS test is used to collect the data to determine the best deadline for the total FMS score. Results: The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the overall athletes, men and women was significantly different from the assumption of AUC=0.5, which were 0.780 (P=0.000), 0.877 (P=0.001), 0.7130 (P=0.013); The best cutoff points corresponding to the total score of FMS are 13.5 points, 15.5 points, and 13.5 points, respectively. The chi-square test showed that the prevalence of the positive group (the total FMS score was less than the corresponding cutoff point) was significantly higher than the negative group (the total FMS score was greater than the corresponding cutoff point) (P<0.01). The OR values of the total athlete, male and female FMS total score positive groups were 25.85 (95%CI: 3.34∼200.23), 25.00 (95%CI: 2.36∼264.80), 14.22 (95%CI: 1.76∼114.92). Conclusions: Among Chinese rugby players, the total score of FMS has a strong correlation with non-contact sports injuries. The score is 13.5 for women and 15.5 for men. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: O Teste de Movimento Funcional (FMS) é um método de avaliação dos padrões básicos de movimento do corpo humano, projetado por Gray Cook. Objetivo: Este artigo explora o valor da aplicação de dados de imagem biológica do teste de ação funcional (FMS) na avaliação do risco de lesões esportivas em jogadores de rúgbi chineses. Métodos: visando a seleção nacional de futebol e jogadores de futebol da província, o teste FMS padrão foi usado para coletar os dados e determinar o melhor limite para o escore total do FMS. Resultados: A área sob a curva ROC (AUC) dos atletas em geral, homens e mulheres, foi significativamente diferente da suposição de AUC = 0,5, que foi 0,780 (P = 0,000), 0,877 (P = 0,001), 0,7130 (P = 0,013); Os melhores pontos de corte para o escore total da FMS são 13,5 pontos, 15,5 pontos e 13,5 pontos, respectivamente. O teste do qui-quadrado mostrou que a prevalência do grupo positivo (a pontuação total da FMS foi menor do que o ponto de corte correspondente) foi significativamente maior do que a do grupo negativo (a pontuação total da FMS foi maior do que o ponto de corte correspondente) (P <0,01). Os valores de OR do total de atletas, homens e mulheres, grupos positivos de pontuação total de FMS foram 25,85 (IC 95%: 3,34 ∼ 200,23), 25,00 (IC 95%: 2,36 ∼ 264,80), 14,22 (IC 95%: 1,76 ∼ 114,92). Conclusões: Entre os jogadores de rúgbi chineses, a pontuação total da FMS tem uma forte correlação com lesões esportivas sem contato. A pontuação é de 13,5 para mulheres e 15,5 para homens. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos- investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La prueba de movimiento funcional (FMS) es un método de evaluación de los patrones de movimiento básicos del cuerpo humano diseñado por Gray Cook. Objetivo: Este artículo explora el valor de la aplicación de los datos de imágenes biológicas de la prueba de acción funcional (FMS) en la evaluación del riesgo de lesiones deportivas de los jugadores de rugby chinos. Métodos: Tomando como objeto el equipo nacional de fútbol y los jugadores de fútbol provinciales, se utilizó la prueba estándar de FMS para recopilar los datos y determinar el mejor límite para la puntuación total de FMS. Resultados: El área bajo la curva ROC (AUC) de los atletas en general, hombres y mujeres fue significativamente diferente del supuesto de AUC = 0.5, que fue 0.780 (P = 0.000), 0.877 (P = 0.001), 0.7130 (P = 0,013); Los mejores puntos de corte correspondientes a la puntuación total de FMS son 13,5 puntos, 15,5 puntos y 13,5 puntos, respectivamente. La prueba de chi-cuadrado mostró que la prevalencia del grupo positivo (la puntuación total de FMS fue menor que el punto de corte correspondiente) fue significativamente más alta que la del grupo negativo (la puntuación total de FMS fue mayor que el punto de corte correspondiente) (P <0.01). Los valores de OR del total de atletas, hombres y mujeres, grupos positivos de puntuación total de FMS fueron 25,85 (95% CI: 3,34 ∼ 200,23), 25,00 (95% CI: 2,36 ∼ 264,80), 14,22 (95% CI: 1,76 ∼ 114,92). Conclusiones: Entre los jugadores de rugby chinos, la puntuación total de FMS tiene una fuerte correlación con las lesiones de deportes sin contacto. La puntuación es de 13,5 para las mujeres y 15,5 para los hombres. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos-investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Bibliometrics of Cambodian Science: subjects, researchers and impact in the Science Citation Index Expanded / Bibliometría de la ciencia camboyana: temas, investigadores e impacto en el Science Citation Index Expanded

Abstract Introduction: Cambodia is a small agricultural tropical country for which only two small scientometric studies, published five years ago, were available until now. Objective: To identify, for Cambodian research, subjects, outlets, authors, institutions, citations and recommendations. Methods: The data were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded (January 04, 2021) using the word "Cambodia" for the period 1972 to 2019. Results: We retrieved 3 689 documents: for the half century covered, the yearly presence of Cambodia in the index has grown strongly, to 325 articles and 6 555 authors in 2019 alone. Most documents are articles in English about health, particularly infectious and tropical diseases. Most international collaboration is done, by country, with the USA, France, and Thailand; and by institution, with Mahidol University, the Pasteur Institute and Oxford University. The most productive institutions are the Cambodian Ministry of Health and the Cambodian National Center for Parasitology. The main outlets are PLoS One, Malaria and PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Cambodian articles are cited for up to 33 years, with a peak of 4.5 citations within the first two years. Those in English, or from well-funded foreign projects, have more citations in this particular index; especially if they are about malaria, hepatitis or influenza. Conclusions: The nature and impact of Cambodian science outside the SCI-EXPANDED remain unknown, but publications in that index have increased, concentrate on solving local problems, and depend heavily on international collaboration, following a well-known pattern of science in tropical countries. We suggest a funding system based on international peers who assign funds to the most productive researchers with minimal bureaucracy, so that local research is done on a greater variety of topics and with less participation of Cambodian researchers as low-level members in foreign projects.

Resumen Introducción: Camboya es un país tropical asiático pequeño y "subdesarrollado", con una economía basada en la agricultura, para el que hasta ahora solo estaban disponibles dos pequeños estudios cienciométricos, publicados hace cinco años. Objetivo: Identificar, para la investigación camboyana, qué se estudia; quién hizo la investigación; dónde y cuándo se publicó; y los factores que afectan su citación. Métodos: Usamos el Science Citation Index Expanded (4 de enero de 2021) utilizando la palabra "Camboya" y se limitaron al período 1972 a 2019. Resultados: Hallamos 3 689 documentos; durante el medio siglo cubierto, la presencia anual de Camboya en el índice ha aumentado considerablemente, con 325 artículos y 6 555 autores incorporados tan solo en 2019. La mayoría son artículos en inglés sobre salud, particularmente enfermedades infecciosas y tropicales. La mayor parte de la colaboración internacional se realiza, por país, con EE. UU., Francia y Tailandia; y por institución, con la Universidad Mahidol, el Instituto Pasteur y la Universidad de Oxford. Las instituciones más productivas son el Ministerio de Salud de Camboya y el Centro Nacional de Parasitología de Camboya. Las principales revistas son PLoS One, Malaria y PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Los artículos camboyanos se citan hasta por 33 años, con un máximo de 4.5 citas en los dos primeros años. Los que son en inglés, o de proyectos dirigidos por el extranjero, tienen más citas en esta base de datos; particularmente si se trata de malaria, hepatitis o influenza. Conclusiones: La naturaleza y el impacto de la ciencia camboyana fuera del SCI-EXPANDED siguen sin conocerse, pero las publicaciones en ese índice han aumentado, se concentran en resolver problemas locales y dependen en gran medida de la colaboración internacional, siguiendo un patrón bien conocido en los países tropicales. Sugerimos un sistema de financiación basado en pares internacionales que asignen, con burocracia mínima, fondos a los investigadores más productivos, de modo que la investigación local se realice en una mayor variedad de temas y con una menor participación de investigadores camboyanos como miembros de bajo nivel en proyectos extranjeros.

IL-4-C-590T locus polymorphism and susceptibility to asthma in children: a meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives The study aimed to evaluate the link between the IL-4-C590T polymorphism and asthma susceptibility in children by meta-analysis. Sources The study collected all the case-control studies found in PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and other databases until September 2019. Stata v. 15.0 was used to conduct meta-analysis, calculate the combined OR and its 95% CI, and then conduct subgroup analysis. Summary of the findings Seven studies were included in the study, containing 860 cases and 810 controls. Relative to the C allele, the T allele at the IL-4-C590T locus was associated with susceptibility to asthma in children (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.05-2.01). The results of ethnicity subgroup analysis showed that there was statistical significance, with OR = 1.61 (95% CI: 1.01-2.57) in the Asian population. In the dominant and recessive genetic models, the overall test and the Asian population subgroup analysis were statistically significant. In the homozygous model, there was statistical significance, but no statistical significance in heterozygous model. Conclusions The IL-4-C590T polymorphism was associated with asthma susceptibility, and T allele and TT genotype may increase the risk of asthma susceptibility in children, especially in the Asian population.

Paralisia Periódica Hipocalêmica Tireotóxica: relato de caso / Thyrotoxic Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis: case report

A paralisia periódica hipocalêmica tireotóxica é uma complicação rara do hipertireoidismo. Caracteriza-se por episódios de fraqueza muscular recorrente, associado à tireotoxicose e hipocalemia. Ocorre frequentemente em pacientes do sexo masculino e de origem asiática. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste estudo é descrever o relato de caso de um paciente acometido por paralisia periódica hipocalêmica tireotóxica com redução acentuada da qualidade de vida e internações recorrentes devido a quadro agudo de tetraparesia flácida ascendente associado a hipocalemia grave por não adesão ao tratamento do hipertireoidismo. A paralisia periódica hipocalêmica tireotóxica apresenta evolução favorável quando reconhecida e tratada com controle inicial dos sintomas para normalização sérica do potássio e posterior resolução do quadro tireotóxico.

Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism. The issue has been characterized by episodes of recurrent muscle weakness associated with thyrotoxicosis and hypokalemia. It occurs most often in male patients of Asian origin. This study aims on describing the case report of a patient affected by thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis with intense reduction in life quality and recurrent hospitalizations due to ascending acute flaccid tetraparesis associated with severe hypokalemia due to non-adherence to treatment of hyperthyroidism. Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis presents a favorable evolution when identified and treated with initial symptom control for serum potassium normalization and subsequent resolution of the thyroid toxicity.

Examination of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis in 4082 Chinese patients

The objective of this study was to analyze the infection rate and drug resistance of Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and Mycoplasma hominis (MH) in the genitourinary tract of Chinese patients. From December 2018 to June 2019, vaginal secretion or urinary secretion of outpatients in our hospital were selected for culture and drug sensitivity analysis of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis. In 4082 Chinese samples, 1567 Mycoplasma were detected, a detection rate of 38.39%, among which 1366 cases were UU single positive, accounting for 33.47%, 15 cases were MH single positive, accounting for 0.36%, 186 cases were UU and MH mixed positive, accounting for 4.56%. The most affected age groups were 21-30 years and 31-40 years, accounting for 19.09 and 15.05%, respectively. The results of drug sensitivity showed that doxycycline, minocycline, josamycin, clarithromycin, and roxithromycin were more sensitive to mycoplasma infection. The distribution of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis in the human genitourinary system and their sensitivity to antibiotics is different for sex and age groups.

Relationship of gender and age on thyroid hormone parameters in a large Chinese population

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to present the impact of age and gender on thyroid hormone levels in a large Chinese population with sufficient iodine intake. Subjects and methods A total of 83643 individuals were included and were stratified by age and gender. The median, 2.5th and 97.5th of thyrotropin (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and FT3/FT4 ratio were calculated for both genders for every decade from 18 to over 80 years. TSH, FT3, FT4, FT3/FT4 distribution in each age group was evaluated for females and males using smoothing splines in the generalized additive models (GAM). TSH concentrations were compared in the different age groups in gender. Results In the over 80s age group, the TSH level (median: 2.57 mIU/L, 2.5th-97.5th: 0.86-7.56 mIU/L) was significantly higher than other age groups, irrespective to gender (P<0.001). Females had a higher TSH value than males in all age groups (P<0.001). Results of the smoothing curves showed that TSH increased with age, FT3 concentration was higher in males than in females and the tendency of the FT3/FT4 ratio was basically similar to that of FT3. TSH concentration in the 50s age group (median 2.48 mIU/L for females versus 2.00 mIU/L for males) was significantly higher than that in the 30s age group (median 2.18 mIU/L for females versus median 1.85 mIU/L for males). Conclusions In accord with increasing TSH values during aging, females and older adults have lower FT3 values and lower FT3/FT4 ratios, while the FT4 values remain stable.

Association of ESRα XbaI A > G, ESRα PvuII T > C and ESRβ AlwNI T > C Polymorphisms with the Risk of Developing Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review and Genetic Meta-analysis / Associação dos polimorfismos ESRα XbaI A > G, ESRα PvuII T > C e ESRβ AlwNI T > C com o risco de desenvolver escoliose idiopática da adolescência: Revisão sistemática e metanálise genética

Abstract Several association studies of genes polymorphisms on estrogen receptors-α and β with respect to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have been published in the past two decades. However, the association with AIS, especially among different ethnic subgroups, still remains controversial. Thus, we investigated these inconclusive data by performing a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the association. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, ISI Web of Science, EMBASE, SCOPUS, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang databases until January 20, 2018. The strength of relationship was assessed using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). A total of 12 case-control studies with 4,304 cases of AIS and 3,123 controls met our criteria. The pooled ORs indicated that the ESRα XbaI A > G, ESRα PvuII T > C and ESRβ AlwNI T > C polymorphisms were not significantly associated with the risk of developing AIS in the overall analysis. However, we found a significant association between the ESRα XbaI A > G polymorphism and AIS under the homozygote model (GG versus AA; OR = 1.448, 95%CI: 1.052-1.993; p = 0.023). The present meta-analysis suggests that the ESRα XbaI A > G, ESRα PvuII T > C and ESRβ AlwNI T > C polymorphisms may not be associated with the risk of developing AIS in the overall analysis. However, ESRα XbaI A > G might have an influence on the susceptibility to develop AIS among Asians. Considering the limited sample size and ethnicity, further larger studies are needed to provide a more precise estimation of the associations.

Resumo Vários estudos de associação entre os polimorfismos genéticos nos receptores α e β de estrogênio e a escoliose idiopática da adolescência (EIA) foram publicados nas últimas duas décadas. No entanto, a associação com a EIA, especialmente em diferentes subgrupos étnicos, continua a ser controversa. Assim, o presente estudo investigou esses dados inconclusivos por meio de uma metanálise para avaliar sistematicamente essa associação. Uma pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, ISI Web of Science, EMBASE, SCOPUS, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) e Wanfang até 20 de janeiro de 2018. A força de associação foi avaliada por meio de razões de probabilidades (RPs) e intervalos de confiança de 95% (ICs95%). Um total de 12 estudos de caso-controle, com 4.304 casos de EIA e 3.123 controles, atenderam aos critérios de inclusão do presente estudo. As RPs combinadas indicaram que os polimorfismos ESRα XbaI A > G, ESRα PvuII T > C e ESRβ AlwNI T > C podem não estar significativamente associados ao risco geral de desenvolvimento de EIA. No entanto, observou-se uma associação significativa entre o polimorfismo ESRα XbaI A > G e a EIA sob o modelo homozigótico (GG versus AA; RP = 1,448; IC95%: 1,052-1,993; p = 0,023). Esta metanálise sugere que os polimorfismos ESRα XbaI A > G, ESRα PvuII T > C e ESRβ AlwNI T > C podem não estar associados ao risco geral de desenvolvimento de EIA. No entanto, ESRα XbaI A > G pode influenciar a suscetibilidade de desenvolver EIA entre indivíduos asiáticos. Considerando o tamanho e a variação étnica limitada da amostra, outros estudos de maior escala são necessários para obter uma estimativa mais precisa das associações.

Widespread use of anti-retroviral therapy elevated the prevalence of dyslipidemia in HIV-infected Chinese patients

With the widespread use of high-efficiency antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the life expectancy of HIV-infected patients has been significantly extended. However, the metabolic complications among HIV-infected patients treated with HAART have become the most common problem in the world. It is very important to explore the incidence of dyslipidaemia and studies on the role of potential risk factors in HIV-infected Chinese patients treated with HAART are sparse. Therefore, we designed current study, to investigate the effects of therapeutic intervention and continuous information support on the lifestyle of HIV/AIDS patients with dyslipidaemia. Three hundred and six HIV/AIDS patients admitted to the AIDS clinic in Beijing from January 2016 to January 2017 were recruited and assigned into two groups: the treatment group (n=64) and the control group (n=64). The median age of the participants was 38.8±11.0 years (range 20-75 years). The prevalence of dyslipidemia in control and treatment group was (59/64) 92.2% and (53/64) 82.8%, respectively. In this study, low HDL-cholesterol (HDLC) led to abnormalities 47/64 (73.3%) in the control group and 35/64 (54.7%) in HAART-treatment group. Additionally, HAART group showed higher triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (246.1±171.8, 1.73±1.61 mmol/L, 4.46±1.1 mmol/L, 2.54±0.74 mmol/L). In multivariate analysis, gender, marital status, high BMI, dietary habits and physical activity were potential risk factors for dyslipidemia in HIV-infected Chinese patients. In this study, we reported high prevalence dyslipidemiain two HIV infected groups. We suggest that the appropriate diagnosis should be performed for analyzing the metabolic complications in HIV-infected Chinese patients. Further studies are very important to understand the role of potential risk factors in metabolic complications.

Stature estimate of children with cerebral palsy through segmental measures: a systematic review / Estimativa de estatura em crianças com paralisia cerebral por meio de medidas segmentares: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Objective: To review studies that evaluate the correspondence between the estimate height via segmental measures and the actual height of children with cerebral palsy. Data sources: Systematic literature review between 1995-2018, guided by the PRISMA criteria (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), in PubMed, BVS, MEDLINE and Lilacs databases. The descriptors, connected by the AND Boolean Operators, were: anthropometry, cerebral palsy, child and body height. The research comprised papers in Portuguese, English and Spanish, with Qualis-CAPES equal or superior to B3 that addressed the question: "Is there any correlation between estimate height by equations and direct height measures in children with cerebral palsy?" 152 studies were recovered and seven were selected. Their methodological quality was assessed by the scale of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Data synthesis: Most studies showed no correspondence between estimated and real height. Studies that showed coincidence of the measures contain limitations that could jeopardize the results (sample losses, small samples and exclusion of patients with severe contractures, scoliosis and severe cerebral palsy). Japanese researchers developed an equation which harmoniously aligns the statures; the study comprised only Japanese patients, though. Conclusions: Given the importance of accuracy in height measures to evaluate infant health, it is crucial to carry out more researches in order to safely establish an association between both estimate and real statures. The development of anthropometric protocols, emerged from such researches, would benefit the follow-up of children with severe psychomotor disabilities.

RESUMO Objetivo: Revisar estudos que avaliam correspondência entre a altura estimada por medidas segmentares e a estatura real de crianças com paralisia cerebral. Fonte de dados: Revisão sistemática da literatura entre 1995 e 2018, guiada pela diretriz Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), nas bases de dados PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS). Os descritores, combinados pelo operador booleano "and", foram: "anthropometry", "cerebral palsy", "child" e "body height". A pesquisa englobou artigos em português, inglês e espanhol, classificadas pelo Quali-CAPES igual ou superior a B3 e que respondiam à questão guia: "Existe correlação entre a altura estimada por equações em crianças com paralisia cerebral e as medidas diretas de altura?". Dos 152 artigos inicialmente recuperados, sete foram selecionados e sua qualidade metodológica foi avaliada pela escala da Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Síntese dos dados: A maioria dos trabalhos não encontrou correspondência entre altura real e estimada. Estudos que exibiram coincidência das medidas apresentaram limitações que poderiam comprometer os resultados (perda de amostra, amostra pequena e exclusão de indivíduos com contraturas severas, escoliose e paralisia cerebral grave). Pesquisadores japoneses desenvolveram equação que apresenta boa concordância entre as estaturas. Contudo, o estudo compreendeu apenas indivíduos japoneses. Conclusões: Dada a importância da precisão das medidas de estatura para avaliar a saúde infantil, tornam-se necessárias mais pesquisas visando estabelecer, de maneira mais segura, a associação entre a estatura estimada e a real. O desenvolvimento de protocolos antropométricos, resultantes dessas pesquisas, beneficiaria o acompanhamento de crianças com sequelas psicomotoras graves.

For whom is it worth lying? Prosocial lies in school children / Por quem vale a pena Mentir? A mentira Pró-Social em crianças escolares / ¿Por quién conviene mentir? La mentira Prosocial en escolares

Abstract A prosocial lie is a false statement intended to help and not to harm someone. The present study investigated possible effects of age and culture in 97 Brazilian children's responses (7 to 11 years of age) in a prosocial lying task, designed for a previous study with Canadian and Chinese children. The task consisted in presenting four dilemmas followed by questions about what children should do: tell the truth or lie to protect the self, a friend or a group? No effect of age was found for the lying scores, but the lying-for-friend scores were significantly higher than the lying-for-self and lying-for-collective scores. This pattern of results suggests that, in contrast to Chinese and Canadian children, Brazilian children find it more worthwhile to tell a lie that protects a friend than a lie that protects self-interests or those of a group.

Resumo A mentira pró-social é uma declaração falsa contada com o objetivo de ajudar e não prejudicar alguém. Este estudo teve por objetivo investigar possíveis efeitos de idade e cultura sobre as respostas de 97 crianças brasileiras (7 a 11 anos) em uma tarefa de mentira pró-social, criada para um estudo prévio com crianças canadenses e chinesas. A tarefa consistiu na apresentação de quatro dilemas seguidos de perguntas sobre como as crianças agiriam: contariam a verdade ou mentiriam para proteger a si mesmas, um amigo ou o grupo? Não foi encontrado um efeito de idade sobre os escores de mentira, mas os escores de mentira para beneficiar um amigo foram significativamente maiores que os escores mentir-por-si e mentir-pelo-coletivo. Esse padrão de resultados sugere que, em contraste às crianças chinesas e canadenses, para as brasileiras, vale mais a pena contar uma mentira para proteger um amigo do que para proteger interesses próprios ou coletivos.

Resumen La mentira prosocial es una declaración falsa con el fin de ayudar y no perjudicar a alguien. Este estudio pretende investigar la posible influencia de la edad y la cultura en las respuestas de 97 niños brasileños (de 7 a 11 años) en una tarea de mentira prosocial diseñada en un estudio previo con niños canadienses y chinos. La tarea consistió en presentar cuatro dilemas seguidos de preguntas sobre cómo actuarían los niños: diría la verdad o diría una mentira para proteger a sí mismo, a un amigo o al grupo. No se encontró ninguna influencia de la edad en los puntajes de mentira, sin embargo, los puntajes de mentira para beneficiar a un amigo fueron los más altos significativamente que los puntajes de mentir por sí mismo y mentir por el colectivo. Este patrón de resultados evidencia que, a diferencia de los niños chinos y canadienses, los niños brasileños consideran que vale más la pena mentir para proteger a un amigo que para proteger a sus propios intereses o del colectivo.

Sex Identification Based on Tooth Crown Trait Analysis Among the Mongoloid Race

Abstract Objective: To determine whether anterior and posterior tooth crown traits exhibit sexual dimorphism and identify traits characteristic to the Mongoloid race, especially among the Indonesian population. Material and Methods: This study cross-sectional study analyzed 108 dental casts from 36 males and 72 females. The traits analyzed included winging, shoveling, double shoveling, canine mesial ridge, canine distal accessory ridge, hypocone, metaconule, Carabelli's cusp, protostylid, metaconulid, enteconulid, and hypoconulid. All tooth crown traits were scored based on the ASUDAS scoring system. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the absolute and relative frequencies. The Chi-square tests was used to determine significant differences in anterior and posterior tooth crown traits between males and females. Level of significance was set at 5%. Results: None of the traits showed sexual dimorphism. Moreover, the most common traits among the Mongoloid race were hypocone (94.4%) and shoveling (86.1%). Conclusion: Although none of the traits exhibited sexual dimorphism, most of them had a higher incidence among females than males. Nonetheless, further research including adequate samples and a similar number of females and males, is needed, especially for population studies.

Soft Tissue Cephalometric Measurements Among Malaysian Malays and Chinese

Abstract Objective: To obtain the standardized values of individuals of Malaysian Malay and Chinese for further relevant research, such as treatment planning and aesthetical considerations. Material and Methods: In this retrospective study, 440 (305 were Malays and 135 were Chinese) standardized lateral cephalometric radiographs of orthodontic patients selected through simple random sampling are profiled using Holdaway's analysis. The independent t-test was used to assess the disparities in race and gender. The significant level was p<0.05. Results: Significant differences were found between the Malays and Chinese in their skeletal profile convexity, superior sulcus depth, inferior sulcus to the H line and nose prominence. Between Malay females and males, there are significant differences in superior sulcus depth, soft tissue subnasale to H line, basic upper lip thickness, upper lip thickness and nose prominence. Between Chinese males and females, there were differences in their skeletal profile convexity, upper lip to H line, basic upper lip thickness and upper lip thickness. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated the difference between standardized norms and the unique profiles of Malaysian Malays and Chinese. There are significant gender disparities in the soft tissue cephalometric measurements among Malaysian Malay and Chinese subjects.