Application Progress of the Case Teaching Method in Standardized Training for Rehabilitation Nurses.

Context: In China, the dearth of adept rehabilitation nurses has escalated into a pressing concern. Conventional nursing education has stymied nurses' autonomous scholarly pursuits. The case-teaching methodology can augment students' competencies and zeal, culminating in the enrichment of educational excellence. Objective: The study intended to elucidate the principles, taxonomy, and enactment of the case-teaching methodology and examine its salutary impacts on nursing practitioners and educators. Design: The research team performed a narrative review by searching BMJ Best Practice, OVID EBM, NGC et al databases. The search used the keywords 'Rehabilitation nursing', 'nursing', 'case teaching method'. Setting: The study took place at the Rehabilitation Medicine Center at West China Hospital of Sichuan University in Chengdu, China. Results: The current study scrutinizes the assimilation of the case-teaching methodology within the realm of nursing, dissects emerging paradigms in the standardized training of rehabilitation nursing staff, and furnishes precedents for the evolution of training frameworks in the field of rehabilitative care. Conclusions: The case-teaching methodology not only serves as an instructional tool but also embodies a fundamental transformation in the modernization of nursing education, embodying the aspiration for excellence, the desire for continuous improvement, and a dedication to the highest standards of patient care.

Curculigoside facilitates fear extinction and prevents depression-like behaviors in a mouse learned helplessness model through increasing hippocampal BDNF.

Curculigoside (CUR) is the main active component of traditional Chinese medicine Curculigoorchioides Gaertn (Xianmao in Chinese), which exhibits a variety of pharmacological activities. In this study we investigated the effects of CUR on fear extinction and related depression-like behaviors in mice. In fear conditioning task, we found that administration of CUR (1.6, 8, 40 mg·kg-1·d-1, ip, for 7 days) did not affect memory consolidation, but CUR at higher doses (8, 40 mg·kg-1·d-1) significantly facilitated fear extinction, especially on D3 and D4. Moreover, CUR administration significantly ameliorated the fear conditioning-induced depression-like behaviors, likely through promoting fear extinction. We showed that CUR increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylation of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in the hippocampus, and activated protein kinase B (Akt)-mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Administration of the selective TrkB agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF, 5 mg·kg-1·d-1, ip) also facilitated fear extinction, ameliorated depression-like behaviors. We established a mouse learned helplessness (LH) model to evaluate the antidepressant activity of CUR. The spatial memory was assessed in Morris water maze. We showed that LH-induced depression-like behaviors, including prolonged immobility times in forced swim and tail suspension tests as well as spatial memory impairments; LH also downregulated BDNF expression and the Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in the hippocampus. Administration of CUR (1.6, 8, 40 mg·kg-1·d-1, ip, for 14 days) or 7,8-DHF (5 mg·kg-1·d-1, ip, for 3 days) prevented LH-induced depression-like behaviors and promoted BDNF expression and the Akt-mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, CUR can accelerate the fear memory extinction and ameliorate depression-like behaviors in mice via promoting BDNF expression and activating the Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in the hippocampus.

Pharmacological postconditioning with Neuregulin-1 mimics the cardioprotective effects of ischaemic postconditioning via ErbB4-dependent activation of reperfusion injury salvage kinase pathway.

BACKGROUND: The protective effect of Neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) on heart failure is well established. In this study, we assessed whether NRG-1 could protect the heart by mimicking the cardioprotective effects of ischaemic postconditioning (IP). METHODS: We used a myocardial reperfusion injury rat model in vivo to compare the cardioprotective effects of NRG-1(3 µg/kg, iv. at the onset of reperfusion) and IP. In Langendorff isolated heart perfusion experiments, we used the erythroblastic leukaemia viral oncogene homolog 4 (ErbB4) inhibitor AG1478, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 and a mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059 to clarify whether the protective effects of NRG-1and IP depend on the NRG-1/ErbB4 signals and the reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK) pathway. Infarct size was detected by Evans blue and TTC. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assays. The expression of NRG-1/ErbB4 and downstream ERK1/2, AKT, AMPK and p70s6K were detected by western blotting. Hematoxylin/eosin (H&E) staining was used for histological analysis. RESULTS: We found that NRG-1 and IP had similar effects on reducing myocardial infarct size and apoptosis in vivo. NRG-1 heart protein levels were upregulated in the IP group. Phosphorylation of AKT, ERK1/2 and ErbB4 were also increased in both the IP and NRG-1 groups. Furthermore, in Langendorff analyses, the ErbB4 inhibitor AG1478 suppressed the phosphorylation of ErbB4 and the RISK pathway and aggravated myocardial edema and fiber fracture, thereby inhibited the cardioprotective effects in both the IP and NRG-1 groups. For assessment of downstream signals, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and the MEK inhibitor PD98059 suppressed the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK1/2 respectively and abolished the cardioprotective effects induced by IP and NRG-1. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, both IP and NRG-1 could reduce infarct size and apoptosis through ErbB4-dependent activation of the RISK pathway in the same model; these results indicated the therapeutic potential of NRG-1 as a pharmacological postconditioning agent against myocardial reperfusion injury.

Taxonomic notes on the genus Itea (Iteaceae).

The genus Itea (Iteaceae) is recognised as a genus with about 21 extant species of shrubs and trees. Within the genus, most species have oblong to elliptical leaves. The lanceolate and obolanceolate leaves are only found in three species, vix Iteaamoena Chun, Iteariparia Collett & Hemsl. and Iteatenuinervia S. Y. Liu. The results of our examination of literature, specimens and living plants in the wild have shown that Iteatenuinervia is conspecific with Iteariparia and is here reduced to a synonym of the latter species. The morphological description, colour pictures, voucher specimens, distribution map of Iteariparia and its related Iteaamoena, together with the morphological comparisons between the two species, are provided in this study.

Glochidionyangchunense (Phyllanthaceae), a new species with discoid flowers from Guangdong Province, China.

Phyllanthodendron can be readily morphologically distinguished from Glochidion, but recent molecular evidence showed that Phyllanthodendron is paraphyletic due to Glochidion being nested within it. In this study, a new species of the former Phyllanthodendron is described and illustrated as Glochidionyangchunense Z.Q. Song & Gang Yao from the limestone areas of South China. This is a peculiar new species and morphologically distinguished by its discoid flowers, T-shaped disc segments, and glabrous flowering branches. A key to Glochidionyangchunense and related species in China is provided here.

Thermochromic hydrogel-based energy efficient smart windows: fabrication, mechanisms, and advancements.

Thermochromic smart windows are regarded as highly cost-effective and easily implementable strategies with zero energy input among the smart window technologies. They possess the capability to spontaneously adjust between transparent and opaque states according to the ambient temperatures, which is essential for energy-efficient buildings. Recently, thermochromic smart windows based on hydrogels with various chromic mechanisms have emerged to meet the increasing demand for energy-saving smart windows. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in hydrogel-based thermochromic smart windows, focusing on fabrication strategies, chromic mechanisms, and improvements in responsiveness, stability and energy-saving performance. Key developments include dual-responsiveness, tunable critical transition temperatures, freezing resistance, and integrations with radiative cooling/power generation technologies. Finally, we also offer a perspective on the future development of thermochromic smart windows utilizing hydrogels. We hope that this review will enhance the understanding of the chromic mechanism of thermochromic hydrogels, and bring new insights and inspirations on the further design and development of thermochromic hydrogels and derived smart windows.

Planar Deposition via In Situ Conversion Engineering for Dendrite-Free Zinc Batteries.

Owing to the considerable capacity, high safety, and abundant zinc resources, zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have been garnering much attention. Nonetheless, the unsatisfactory cyclic lifespan and poor reversibility originate from side reactions and dendrite obstacles to their practical applications. In addition to inhibiting the corrosion of aqueous electrolytes, regulating planar deposition is a key strategy to enhance their long-term stability. Herein, an in situ conversion strategy is reported to construct a protective "dual-layer" structure (VZSe/V@Zn) on zinc metal, consisting of the VSe2-ZnSe outer layer with low lattice mismatch to Zn (002) plane, and corrosion-resistant nanometallic V inner layer. Such design integrates superior interfacial ionic/electronic transfer, corrosion resistance, and unique planar deposition regulation capability. The as-prepared VZSe/V@Zn demonstrates remarkable durability of 238 h at 50 mA cm-2 with a high depth of discharge (68.3% DOD) in the Zn||Zn symmetric cell. Even in the anode-free system, the as-prepared protective layer can extend the cycle life up to 2000 cycles, with an outstanding capacity retention of 93.1% and ultra-high average coulombic efficiency of 99.998%. This work delineates an effective strategy for fabricating lattice-matching protective layers, with profound implications for elucidating zinc deposition mechanisms and paving the way for the development of high-performance zinc batteries.

Dendrite-free zinc metal anode for long-life zinc-ion batteries enabled by an artificial hydrophobic-zincophilic coating.

Considering the desired energy density, safety and cost-effectiveness, rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are regarded as one of the most promising energy storage units in next-generation energy systems. Nonetheless, the service life of the current ZIBs is significantly limited by rampant dendrite growth and severe parasitic reactions occurring on the anode side. To overcome these issues caused by poor interfacial ionic conduction and water erosion, we have developed a facile strategy to fabricate a uniform zinc borate layer at the zinc anode/electrolyte interface (ZnBO). Such protective layer integrates superhydrophobic-zincopholic properties, which can effectively eliminate the direct contact of water molecules on the anode, and homogenize the interfacial ionic transfer, thereby enhancing the cyclic stability of the zinc plating/stripping. As a result, the as-prepared ZnBO-coated anode exhibits extended lifespan of 1200 h at 1 mA cm-2 and demonstrates remarkable durability of 570 h at 20 mA cm-2 in Zn||Zn symmetric cells. Additionally, when coupled to an NH4V4O10 (NVO) cathode, it also delivers a superior cyclability (203.5 mAh/g after 2000 cycles at 5 A/g, 89.3 % capacity retention) in coin full cells and a feasible capacity of 2.5 mAh at 1 A/g after 200 cycles in pouch full cells. This work offers a unique perspective on integrating hydrophobicity and zincophilicity at the anode/electrolyte interface through an artificial layer, thereby enhancing the cycle lifespan of ZIBs.

Detecting the Deformation Behavior of Bimodal Ti-6Al-4V Using a Digital Image Correlation Technique.

The evolution of a local strain of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy subjected to tensile loading was investigated in situ by using the digital image correlation technique. The results show that some local strain concentration areas have already appeared in the elastic deformation stage, which then connected and became concentrated in the gauge region when the specimen yielded. The strain compatibility of grains in the macroscopic region is kept constant. The deformation process is further divided into six parts based on the development of the maximum strain gradient, and the strain compatibility of each stage of the alloy is summarized and analyzed. The quasi-in situ experiment reveals that the primary α(αp) grains undertake the main deformation at the micro-scale.

Retention modeling and adsorption mechanisms in reversed-phase liquid chromatography.

To interpret the dependence of solute retention behavior on modifier content in reversed-phase liquid chromatography, a theoretical framework, based on the concentration dependence of solvophobic forces imposed on solutes and the competitive adsorptions of solutes and solvent modifiers, was proposed. The generality of the developed model was demonstrated by comparing the model with conventional retention models. The linear dependence of the Gibbs energy change of solute adsorption with respect to the modifier concentration was assumed, and the model was fitted to the experimental results, with good agreement demonstrated between the experimental data and the model. Retention behaviors were inferred to be determined by two key dimensionless groups that represented the reductions in the retention factors resulting from a weakened solvophobic interaction and modifier competitive adsorption. The retention behaviors were successfully deconvoluted for each contribution as a function of the modifier concentration by using the fitted parameters. The effects of both contributions on the retention behaviors were enhanced for the solutes with aromatic groups. The standard Gibbs energy change SLo of benzene adsorption was found to depend linearly on the number of modifier molecules present but independent of modifier identity. For the solutes associated with hydrogen-bonding groups, the degree of reduction in the solvophobic interactions was considerably reduced. Hence, the relative contributions of both mechanisms to solute retention depend greatly on the solute structure. Perturbation method was performed to investigate the modifier adsorption mechanisms. The results show that the standard Gibbs energy change SLo for the first-layer adsorption of modifiers changed linearly with the carbon number of modifier molecule. These results demonstrated that the proposed model can offer a physically consistent quantitative description of retention when solvent composition is varied.

Linking tree water use efficiency with calcium and precipitation.

Water use efficiency (WUE) is a key physiological trait in studying plant carbon and water relations. However, the determinants of WUE across a large geographical scale are not always clear, limiting our capacity to predict WUE in response to future global climate change. We propose that tree WUE is influenced by calcium (Ca) availability and precipitation. In addition, although it is well-known that transpiration is the major driving force for passive nutrient uptake, the linkage between these two processes has not been well-established. Because Ca uptake is an apoplastic and passive process that purely relies on transpiration, and there is no translocation once assimilated, we further developed a theoretical model to quantify the relationship between tree Ca accumulation and WUE using soil-to-plant calcium ratio (SCa/BCa) and tree WUE derived from δ13C. We tested our theoretical model and predicted relationships using three common tree species across their native habitats in Northern China, spanning 2300 km and a controlled greenhouse experiment with soil Ca concentrations manipulated. We found that tree WUE was negatively related to precipitation of the growing season (GSP) and positively with soil Ca. A multiple regression model and a path analysis suggested a higher contribution of soil Ca to WUE than GSP. As predicted by our theoretical model, we found a positive relationship between WUE and SCa/BCa across their distribution ranges in all three tree species and in the controlled experiment for one selected species. This relationship suggests a tight coupling between water and Ca uptake and the potential use of SCa/BCa to indicate WUE. A negative relationship between SCa/BCa and GSP also suggests a possible decrease in tree Ca accumulation efficiency in a drier future in Northern China.

Improved thin-layer chromatography bioautographic assay for the detection of actylcholinesterase inhibitors in plants.

INTRODUCTION: Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) bioautographic method is a simple and rapid method to screen acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from plant extracts. However, the high consumption of enzyme (6 U/mL) in current methods makes the procedure expensive, which is an obstacle to scientific research centers lacking funding. OBJECTIVE: To develop a new low-cost TLC bioautographic method. METHODOLOGY: A series of compounds, as substrates, were synthesised and their ability to be hydrolysed by acetylcholinesterase was evaluated by the HPLC method. RESULTS: 4-Methoxyphenyl acetate (14) was proved to be an appropriate substrate for TLC bioautographic assay. Therefore a new and cheap TLC bioautographic assay was set up. The mechanism of this new method is that the enzyme converts 4-methoxylphenyl acetate into 4-methoxyphenol, which reacts with a solution of potassium ferricyanide ([K3(FeCN)6]) and iron chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3·6H2O) to make an aquamarine blue coloured background on the TLC plates. Regions of the TLC plate which contain acetylcholinesterase inhibitors show up as light yellow spots against the background. The consumption of enzyme (1 U/mL) in the new method is low and the detection limit of two known acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, huperzine A (0.0001 µg) and physostigmine (0.001 µg), for this assay are close to published values. CONCLUSION: A low-cost TLC bioautographic method was developed, which will benefit research groups pursuing natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

The Current Status of Vaccine Uptake and the Impact of COVID-19 on Intention to Vaccination in Patients with COPD in Beijing.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 tends to cause more severe disease in patients with COPD once they are infected. We aimed to investigate the rates of influenza, pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccination uptake in patients with COPD and to determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread vaccination against COVID-19 had any impact on the intention to accept influenza vaccines in these patients. Methods: We conducted a multi-center and cross-sectional survey in seven tertiary hospitals in Beijing and consecutively recruited outpatients with COPD from June 1st to July 30th, 2021. The survey included patient's clinical characteristics, uptake of influenza, pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccination, vaccine knowledge, attitude towards vaccines, and the change of intention to receive influenza vaccination after COVID-19 epidemic and COVID-19 vaccination in Beijing. Results: A total of 264 patients were enrolled. The rate of COVID-19 vaccination during the study period was 39.0%. The rates of influenza vaccination in the past season and pneumococcal vaccination in the past year were 22.7% and 5.7%, respectively. Of the patients who had not received COVID-19 vaccination (n = 161), only 16.2% reported that COVID-19 vaccination was recommended by clinicians, while 23.5% had no knowledge regarding COVID-19 vaccination. About 51.1% of the patients reported that their intention to receive influenza vaccination was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 vaccination was independently associated with a positive change in intention to receive influenza vaccination. Conclusion: The coverage rate of COVID-19 vaccination among patients with COPD in Beijing was 39.0%, and that of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination was very low. The COVID-19 pandemic and the COVID-19 vaccination campaign showed a significant, positive impact on patients with COPD in terms of influenza vaccination. Improving awareness of the effectiveness and safety of vaccines among both healthcare professionals and patients could increase vaccination coverage in patients with COPD.

Sphingolipid profiles and their relationship with inflammatory factors in asthmatic patients of different sexes.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with distinct prevalence and manifestation between sexes. This study was to identify sex-specific features of asthma via metabolomic analysis of sphingolipids. METHODS: Forty-two asthma patients (27 women and 15 men) admitted to the Peking University Third Hospital from January 2015 to December 2015 were enrolled. Peripheral venous blood was collected for metabolomic analysis by targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Sex hormones(estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and androstenedione) and multiple inflammatory factors (periostin, leptin, IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, and IFN-γ) were also assessed. The eosinophil percentage in induced sputum was also detected. All these data were applied to comparative analysis between sexes. RESULTS: Testosterone was negatively related to periostin (ρ = -0.420, P = 0.009) and IL-5 (ρ = -0.540, P = 0.012), while estradiol was positively related to the blood eosinophil percentage (ρ = 0.384, P = 0.025). Among the eighteen species of sphingolipids detected in the 42 patients, five ceramide (Cer) species (Cer16:0, Cer:20:0, Cer22:0, Cer24:0, and Cer26:0) and one sphingomyelin (SM) species (SM38:0) were significantly higher in male than in female patients. Further investigation found that the correlation between Cer20:0 and IL-5 was positive in males (ρ = 0.943, P = 0.005) but negative in females (ρ = -0.561, P = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone was negatively correlated with eosinophil inflammatory factors, but estradiol was positively correlated. Male asthma patients had higher ceramide and sphingomyelin levels than female patients. Different sexes had opposite correlations with ceramide and IL-5, respectively, suggesting that therapeutic strategies targeting ceramide should be different between sexes.

Neonatal LPS Administered Before Sensitization Reduced the Number of Inflammatory Monocytes and Abrogated the Development of OVA-Induced Th2 Allergic Airway Inflammation.

It is becoming increasingly clear that environment factors during early life play a pivotal role in the development of allergic asthma. Among these, a traditional farm is one of the strongest protective environments, and the protective effects have been, at least in part, attributed to the high-level exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on farms. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive, especially in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced neonatal allergic asthma model. Here, we used the OVA-induced asthma model in two age groups, neonatal and adult, when mice were first sensitized with peritoneal OVA/alum as neonates and adults, respectively. LPS was injected in the peritoneal cavity before OVA/alum sensitization. The effects of LPS treatment on allergic airway inflammation in the lung and the immune milieu in the peritoneal cavity were determined and compared between these two age groups. We found that LPS treatment abrogated the development of Th2 allergic airway responses in the neonatal group. In the adult group, the ameliorated Th2 allergic responses were accompanied with Th17 responses and neutrophil infiltration upon LPS treatment. We further investigated the immune milieu in the peritoneal cavity to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this age-dependent difference. Our data show that in neonatal mice, LPS treatment significantly reduced the number of inflammatory monocytes in the peritoneal cavity. In the adult group, LPS treatment shifted the function of these cells which associated with Th1 and Th17 polarization. Our results provide more evidence that immunity in early life is distinct from that in adults, especially in the peritoneal cavity, and emphasize the importance of timing for the intervention of allergic asthma. Our results suggest that LPS treatment during early life is protective for the development of Th2 allergic responses. On the other hand, it might lead to a more severe phenotype of asthma when dampening the Th2 responses in adult mice.

Immune Phenotyping of Patients With Acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome Before and After Glucocorticoids Therapy.

Previous studies have established that disturbed lymphocytes are involved in the pathogenesis of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome. Accordingly, glucocorticoids (GCs), with their well-recognized immune-suppressive function, have been widely used for treatment of VKH patients with acute relapses. However, the systemic response of diverse immune cells to GC therapy in VKH is poorly characterized. To address this issue, we analyzed immune cell subpopulations and their phenotype, as well as cytokine profiles in peripheral blood from VKH patients (n=25) and health controls (HCs, n=21) by flow cytometry and luminex technique, respectively. For 16 patients underwent GC therapy (methylprednisolone, MP), the aforementioned measurements as well as the transcriptome data from patients before and after one-week's GC therapy were also compared to interrogate the systemic immune response to GC therapy. Lymphocyte composition in the blood was different in VKH patients and HCs. VKH patients had significantly higher numbers of T cells with more activated, polarized and differentiated phenotype, more unswitched memory B cells and monocytes, as compared to HCs. MP treatment resulted in decreased frequencies of T cells and NK cells, inhibited NK cell activation and T cell differentiation, and more profoundly, a marked shift in the distribution of monocyte subsets. Collectively, our findings suggest that advanced activation and differentiation, as well as dysregulated numbers of peripheral lymphocytes are the major immunological features of VKH, and GC therapy with MP not only inhibits T cell activation directly, but also affects monocyte subsets, which might combinatorically result in the inhibition of the pathogenic immune response.

Corrigendum: Immune Phenotyping of Patients With Acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome Before and After Glucocorticoids Therapy.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.659150.].

Genomic characterization of a proventriculitis-associated infectious bronchitis coronavirus.

Transmissible proventriculitis associated with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) was at first seen in eastern China in mid-1995, and is now endemic in China. Herein, the complete genome sequence of a proventiculitis-associated infectious bronchitis coronavirus (ZJ971) was sequenced and analyzed. Compared with the genome of the vaccine strain H120, ZJ971 had 54 nucleotide substitutions and a deletion in the 3'-UTR. The substitutions were in the regions of nsp2-nsp5, nsp7, nsp12, nsp13, nsp15, S and N genes, and the untranslating region. The results indicated that ZJ971 could be a variant of IBV strain H120.

Taxonomic revision of the genus Glochidion (Phyllanthaceae) in Taiwan, China.

A comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus Glochidion J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. from Taiwan in China was carried out based on the examination of herbarium specimens and filed investigations. Eight species and three varieties are recognized, including a new species endemic to Taiwan, G. lanyuense Gang Yao & S.X. Luo, which is described and illustrated. Three names, viz. G. chademenosocarpum Hayata, G. kusukusense Hayata, and G. ovalifolium F.Y. Lu & Y.S. Hsu, are reduced to the new synonyms of G. rubrum Blume, G. lanceolatum Hayata, and G. ellipticum Wight, respectively. Two names, viz. G. lanceolatum Hayata and G. suishaense Hayata, are lectotypified here. A key to the Glochidion species in Taiwan is provided.