Topological structures of DNA octahedrons determined by the number of ssDNA strands.

How to control the nontrivial topological structures of DNA nanocages by the number of ssDNA strands is a fundamental problem for polyhedra assembly. In this paper, oriented octahedral links have been established as topological structure models to characterize DNA octahedrons with double helix edges assembled from one or more ssDNA strands. Here a program "Octa-links" has been developed in Python language to give all octahedral links and their components (number). There are 1566 types of octahedral links generated by considering all orientations calculated and the allowable tangle types on each edge. Note that all same orientations and links have been excluded by introducing 24 symmetric operations of octahedra. Furthermore, a new algorithm is proposed to give each component of each octahedral link as a series of vertex arcs, obtaining that the component number of all links fills the integer interval [1, 8]. Hence our program designed according to this algorithm paves an effective approach to calculate the component number of polyhedral links, making up the gap in the computer program on this aspect. Also, our work provides a complete list of topological structures with different component number for new DNA octahedrons assembled by adjusting the number of ssDNA strands.

Comparative Physiological and Transcriptome Analysis of Crossostephium chinense Reveals Its Molecular Mechanisms of Salt Tolerance.

Crossostephium chinense is a wild species with strong salt tolerance that has great potential to improve the salt tolerance of cultivated chrysanthemums. Conversely, the unique salt-tolerant molecular mechanisms of Cr. chinense are still unclear. This study performed a comparative physiological and transcriptome analysis of Cr. chinense, Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium, and three hybrids to investigate the salt-tolerant molecular mechanisms of Cr. chinense. The physiological results showed that Cr. chinense maintained higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, alleviating oxidative damage to the membrane. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that plant hormone signaling transduction and the MAPK signaling pathway were mostly enriched in Cr. chinense and hybrids under salt stress. Further weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of DEGs suggested that abscisic acid (ABA) signaling transduction may play a significant role in the salt-tolerant mechanisms of Cr. chinense and hybrids. The tissue-specific expression patterns of the candidate genes related to ABA signaling transduction and the MAPK signaling pathway indicate that genes related to ABA signaling transduction demonstrated significant expression levels under salt stress. This study offers important insights into exploring the underlying salt-tolerant mechanisms of Cr. chinense mediated by ABA signaling transduction and broadens our understanding of the breeding strategies for developing salt-tolerant cultivars utilizing salt-tolerant chrysanthemum germplasms.

Aphid Resistance Evaluation and Constitutive Resistance Analysis of Eighteen Lilies.

Lilies (Lilium spp.) are famous bulb flowers worldwide, with high ornamental value. Aphid damage has seriously constrained the development of the lily industry. In this study, the aphid resistance of 16 lily cultivars and 2 wild lily species was characterized in the field and greenhouse. Leaf color parameters, stomatal density and size, thickness of leaf layers, leaf waxy content, and leaf water content were determined to explore the constitutive resistance of lilies. The results show that there was a significant positive correlation between the number of aphids in the field and in the greenhouse (p ≤ 0.05, r = 0.47). This indicated that the level of aphid infestation in both the field and the greenhouse is generally consistent across different types of lily plants. Among these 18 lilies, 'Palazzo', 'Nymph', 'Cameleon' and L. lancifolium were resistant to A. gossypii, while 'Black Beauty' and 'Magnefique' had poor resistance. The correlation analysis results showed that the number of aphids was negatively correlated with leaf abaxial surface a*, stomatal size, water content, and thickness of leaf palisade tissue and positively correlated with leaf distal axial surface b*, C*, and waxy content. Among them, the correlation between the number of aphids and the thickness of leaf palisade tissue reached a significant level (p ≤ 0.05, r = -0.521). This indicated that the thickness of the palisade tissue of lily leaves might be an important factor influencing the proliferation of aphids. This study not only screened out aphid-resistant lilies but also established a crucial research foundation for the targeted breeding and molecular breeding of lilies with aphid resistance.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance phosphate uptake and alter bacterial communities in maize rhizosphere soil.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can symbiose with many plants and improve nutrient uptake for their host plant. Rhizosphere microorganisms have been pointed to play important roles in helping AMF to mobilize soil insoluble nutrients, especially phosphorus. Whether the change in phosphate transport under AMF colonization will affect rhizosphere microorganisms is still unknown. Here, we evaluated the links of interactions among AMF and the rhizosphere bacterial community of maize (Zea mays L.) by using a maize mycorrhizal defective mutant. Loss of mycorrhizal symbiosis function reduced the phosphorus concentration, biomass, and shoot length of maize colonized by AMF. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon high-throughput sequencing, we found that the mutant material shifted the bacterial community in the rhizosphere under AMF colonization. Further functional prediction based on amplicon sequencing indicated that rhizosphere bacteria involved in sulfur reduction were recruited by the AMF colonized mutant but reduced in the AMF- colonized wild type. These bacteria harbored much abundance of sulfur metabolism-related genes and negatively correlated with biomass and phosphorus concentrations of maize. Collectively, this study shows that AMF symbiosis recruited rhizosphere bacterial communities to improve soil phosphate mobilization, which may also play a potential role in regulating sulfur uptake. This study provides a theoretical basis for improving crop adaptation to nutrient deficiency through soil microbial management practices.

Machine Learning Models of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Prediction After Cardiac Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to use machine learning algorithms to build an efficient forecasting model of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery, and to compare the predictive performance of machine learning to traditional logistic regression. DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING: Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 1,400 patients who underwent valve and/or coronary artery bypass grafting surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass from September 1, 2013 to December 31, 2018. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Two machine learning approaches (gradient-boosting decision tree and support-vector machine) and logistic regression were used to build predictive models. The performance was compared by the area under the curve (AUC). The clinical practicability was assessed using decision curve analysis. Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred in 519 patients (37.1%). The AUCs of the support-vector machine, logistic regression, and gradient boosting decision tree were 0.777 (95% CI: 0.772-0.781), 0.767 (95% CI: 0.762-0.772), and 0.765 (95% CI: 0.761-0.770), respectively. As decision curve analysis manifested, these models had achieved appropriate net benefit. CONCLUSION: In the authors' study, the support-vector machine model was the best predictor; it may be an effective tool for predicting atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.

Identification and Expression Analysis of Chemosensory Genes in the Antennal Transcriptome of Chrysanthemum Aphid Macrosiphoniella sanborni.

As one of the most destructive oligophagous pests, the chrysanthemum aphid (Macrosiphoniella sanborni) has seriously restricted the sustainable development of the chrysanthemum industry. Olfaction plays a critical role in the environmental perception of aphids, but very little is currently known about the chemosensory mechanism of M. sanborni. In this study, four MsanOBPs, four MsanCSPs, eight MsanORs, two MsanIRs and one MsanSNMP were identified among the 28,323 unigenes derived from the antennal transcriptome bioinformatic analysis of M. sanborni adults. Then, comprehensive phylogenetic analyses of these olfactory-related proteins in different aphid species were performed using multiple sequence alignment. Subsequently, the odor-specific and wing-specific expression profiles of these candidate chemosensory genes were investigated using quantitative real-time PCR. The data showed that most of these chemosensory genes exhibited higher expression levels in alate aphids. Among them, MsanOBP9, MsanOR2, MsanOR4, MsanOR43b-1, MsanCSP1, MsanCSP2, MsanCSP4, MsanIR25a and MsanIR40a in alate aphids showed remarkably higher expression levels than in apterous aphids under the effect of the host plant volatiles, indicating that these genes may take part in the specific behaviors of alate adults, such as host recognition, oviposition site selection and so on. This study lays the groundwork for future research into the molecular mechanism of olfactory recognition in M. sanborni.

Integrated Analyses of the Gut Microbiota, Intestinal Permeability, and Serum Metabolome Phenotype in Rats with Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome.

The etiology of alcohol dependence is not completely understood. Increasing evidence reveals that gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with certain psychiatric disorders, including alcoholism, through the "microbiota-gut-brain" axis. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of alcohol abuse on the gut microbiota, intestinal permeability and serum metabolic profile and to determine whether alcohol-induced alterations in gut microbiota are correlated with gut permeability and serum metabolic phenotype changes. 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing and nontarget metabolomics techniques were applied in an alcohol-dependent rat model in the present study. The results showed that alcohol intake altered the composition and structure of the colonic microbiota, especially the relative abundances of commensal microbes in the families Lachnospiraceae and Prevotellaceae, which were significantly decreased. Alcohol-dependent rats developed gut leakiness and a serum metabolic phenotype disorder. The valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis pathways and arginine and proline metabolism pathways were obviously influenced by alcohol intake. Moreover, alcohol consumption disturbed the brain's neurotransmitter homeostasis. Regression analysis showed that alcohol-induced colonic microbiota dysbiosis was strongly associated with increased intestinal permeability and serum metabolic phenotype and neurotransmitter disorders. These results revealed that gut microbiota dysbiosis and serum metabolite alteration might be a cofactor for developing of alcohol dependence. IMPORTANCE Gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with certain psychiatric disorders through the "microbiota-gut-brain" axis. Here, we revealed that alcohol consumption induced colonic microbiota dysbiosis, increased intestinal permeability, and altered the serum metabolic phenotype in rats, and there was a strong correlation between gut microbiota dysbiosis and serum metabolite disorders. Thus, gut microbiota dysbiosis and serum metabolite alteration may be a cofactor for development of alcohol dependence.

Silica-Organometallic One-Dimensional Hybrid Employing a Ag-πC═C Bond Connecting Alternating Ag4(NO3)4 and Octavinylsilsesquioxane.

Layering AgNO3 in alcohol onto octavinylsilsesquioxane (OVS) in CHCl3 results in a one-dimensional coordination polymer, {Ag4(NO3)4(OVS)·solvents}n (SD/Ag4a-d), consisting of unprecedented flat weakly bonded Ag4(NO3)4 alternating with the firmly covalent OVS through AgI-πC═C bonds. The preferential assembling medium for SD/Ag4a is proven to be alcohols, where a 4:1 silver-OVS adduct is detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The present outcomes may assist our knowledge of particular interactions for supramolecular architectures of a polynuclear silver system built from OVS containing eight pendent olefin tails.

Chemerin: A Potential Regulator of Inflammation and Metabolism for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) features chronic inflammatory reactions of both intra- and extrapulmonary nature. Moreover, COPD is associated with abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism in patients, which influences the prognosis and chronicity of this disease. Abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism are also closely related to inflammation processes. Further insights into the interactions of inflammation and glucose and lipid metabolism might therefore inspire novel therapeutic interventions to promote lung rehabilitation. Chemerin, as a recently discovered adipokine, has been shown to play a role in inflammatory response and glucose and lipid metabolism in many diseases (including COPD). Chemerin recruits inflammatory cells to sites of inflammation during the early stages of COPD, leading to endothelial barrier dysfunction, early vascular remodeling, and angiogenesis. Moreover, it supports the recruitment of antigen-presenting cells that guide immune cells as part of the body's inflammatory responses. Chemerin also regulates metabolism via activation of its cognate receptors. Glucose homeostasis is affected via effects on insulin secretion and sensitivity, and lipid metabolism is changed by increased transformation of preadipocytes to mature adipocytes through chemerin-binding receptors. Controlling chemerin signaling may be a promising approach to improve various aspects of COPD-related dysfunction. Importantly, several studies indicate that chemerin expression in vivo is influenced by exercise. Although available evidence is still limited, therapeutic alterations of chemerin activity may be a promising target of therapeutic approaches aimed at the rehabilitation of COPD patients based on exercises. In conclusion, chemerin plays an essential role in COPD, especially in the inflammatory responses and metabolism, and has a potential to become a target for, and a biomarker of, curative mechanisms underlying exercise-mediated lung rehabilitation.

The rat model of COPD skeletal muscle dysfunction induced by progressive cigarette smoke exposure: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) skeletal muscle dysfunction is a prevalent malady that significantly affects patients' prognosis and quality of life. Although the study of this disease has attracted considerable attention, a definite animal model is yet to be established. This study investigates whether smoke exposure could lead to the development of a COPD skeletal muscle dysfunction model in rats. METHODS: Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into model (MG, n = 8) and control groups (CG, n = 6). The MG was exposed to cigarette smoke for 16 weeks while the CG was not. The body weight and forelimb grip strength of rats were monitored monthly. The pulmonary function and the strength of tibialis anterior muscle were assessed in vitro and compared after establishing the model. The histological changes in lung and gastrocnemius muscles were observed. The expressions of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were detected by ELISA, while the expressions of Atrogin-1 and MuRF1 in the gastrocnemius muscle were determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: Smoke exposure slowly increases the body weight and forelimb grip strength of MG rats, compared to CG rats. However, it significantly decreases the pulmonary ventilation function and the skeletal muscle contractility of the MG in vitro. Histologically, the lung tissues of MG show typical pathological manifestations of emphysema, while the skeletal muscles present muscular atrophy. The expressions of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in MG rats are significantly higher than those measured in CG rats. Increased levels of Atrogin-1 and MuRF1 were also detected in the gastrocnemius muscle tissue of MG. CONCLUSION: Progressive smoking exposure decreases the contractile function of skeletal muscles, leading to muscular atrophy. It also increases the expressions of inflammatory and muscle protein degradation factors in COPD rats. This indicates that smoke exposure could be used to establish a COPD skeletal muscle dysfunction model in rats.

Muscle metabolomics analysis reveals potential biomarkers of exercise­dependent improvement of the diaphragm function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Decreased diaphragm function is a crucial factor leading to reduced ventilatory efficiency and worsening of quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exercise training has been demonstrated to effectively improve the function of the diaphragm. However, the mechanism of this process has not been identified. The emergence of metabolomics has allowed the exploration of new ideas. The present study aimed to analyze the potential biomarkers of exercise­dependent enhancement of diaphragm function in COPD using metabolomics. Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: COPD + exercise group (CEG); COPD model group (CMG); and control group (CG). The first two groups were exposed to cigarette smoke for 16 weeks to establish a COPD model. Then, the rats in the CEG underwent aerobic exercise training for 9 weeks. Following confirmation that exercise effectively improved the diaphragm function, a gas chromatography tandem time­of­flight mass spectrometry analysis system was used to detect the differential metabolites and associated pathways in the diaphragm muscles of the different groups. Following exercise intervention, the pulmonary function and diaphragm contractility of the CEG rats were significantly improved compared with those of the CMG rats. A total of 36 different metabolites were identified in the comparison between the CMG and the CG. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these different metabolites were involved in 17 pathways. A total of 29 different metabolites were identified in the comparison between the CMG and the CEG, which are involved in 14 pathways. Candidate biomarkers were selected, and the pathways analysis of these metabolites demonstrated that 2 types of metabolic pathways, the nicotinic acid and nicotinamide metabolism and arginine and proline metabolism pathways, were associated with exercise­induced pulmonary rehabilitation.

Effects of resistance training on exercise capacity in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to summarize and determine the effectiveness of resistance training on exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and two Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang Data) to identify articles written in English or Chinese and published from January 2000 to January 2019. Randomized controlled trials were included if they evaluated the effects of resistance training on exercise capacity in COPD patients. We assessed the quality of the trials using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale. Data from these studies were pooled to calculate weighted mean difference (WMD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Eleven studies with a total of 405 participants met the inclusion criteria. Compared with the non-exercise control group, resistance training significantly improved 6-min walking distance (WMD, 54.52; 95% CI 25.47-83.56; I2 = 43%; P = 0.14), transfer numbers for the 6-min pegboard and ring test (WMD, 25.17; 95% CI 10.17-40.16; I2 = 0%; P = 0.55), and tolerance time for the unsupported upper-limb exercise test (SMD, 0.41; 95% CI 0.03-0.79; I2 = 0%; P = 0.83). There were no significant differences in constant work rate endurance test results or in peak oxygen uptake between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance training was an effective approach to improve functional exercise capacity, endurance exercise capacity, and peak exercise capacity in COPD patients.

Effects of Home-Based Breathing Exercises in Subjects With COPD.

BACKGROUND: We sought to investigate the effects of home-based breathing exercises on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, dyspnea, and health-related quality of life in patients with COPD. METHODS: All randomized, controlled trials involving the use of home-based breathing exercises as an intervention in patients with COPD were searched on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, CNKI, and Wangfang Data databases from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2018. Two researchers independently extracted data and assessed the quality of the literature that met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies were included, with a total of 998 subjects. The intervention methods consisted of diaphragmatic breathing, yoga breathing, breathing gymnastics, and singing. Meta-analysis showed that, compared with the control group, home-based breathing exercises had significant effects on the percent of predicted FEV1 (mean difference = 3.26, 95% CI 0.52-5.99, P = .02), FEV1/FVC (mean difference = 2.84, 95% CI 1.04-4.64, P = .002), maximum inspiratory pressures (mean difference = 20.20, 95% CI 11.78-28.61, P < .001), maximum expiratory pressures (mean difference = 26.35, 95% CI 12.64 to 40.06, P < .001), 6-min walk distance (mean difference = 36.97, 95% CI 25.06-48.89, P < .001), the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mean difference= -0.80, 95% CI -1.06 to -0.55, P < .001), and the St George Respiratory Questionnaire (mean difference= -8.62, 95% CI -13.09 to -4.16, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: As an alternative method of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program, breathing exercises can improve pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, dyspnea, health-related quality of life in patients with COPD.

Evaluation of isokinetic muscle strength of upper limb and the relationship with pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in stable COPD patients.

Background: Upper limb muscle strength plays an important role in respiratory and pulmonary function, and limited research focuses on the role of strength and endurance of the elbow extensor and flexor. This study was conducted to accurately assess upper limb muscle function and quantified associations with pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients with stable COPD treated in Yue-Yang Integrative Medicine Hospital from March 2014 to March 2016 were recruited. All participants underwent a pulmonary function test (forced expiratory volume in first second/forced vital capacity, FEV1/FVC; percentage value of predicted FEV1, FEV1%pred), a respiratory muscle strength test (maximal inspiratory pressure, MIP; maximal expiratory pressure, MEP), and an isokinetic test of dominant upper limb after a 24-hr interval (peak torque, PT; PT/body weight, PT/BW; total work, TW; endurance ratio, ER). Results: A total of 88 patients with stable COPD (age: 65.5±8.7 years) were recruited, of which 73% (64 patients) were male. In the multiple stepwise regression analysis, sex remained as significant impactors in the final model for FEV1%pred (adjusted R2=0.243, P<0.001). Elbow flexor PT/BW and ER, sex, and BMI remained as significant impactors in the final model for FEV1/FVC (adjusted R2=0.255, P<0.01). Elbow flexor TW remained as significant impactors for MIP (adjusted R2=0.112, P=0.001), while elbow extensor PT and PT/BW and sex remained as significant impactors for MEP (adjusted R =0.385, P<0.01). Conclusion: In stable COPD, pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength are associated with upper limb muscle strength. In particular, elbow flexor endurance is likely an important impactor for pulmonary function and inspiratory muscle strength, while elbow extensor strength is of importance for expiratory muscle strength.

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

As a systemic disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the respiratory system, inducing restless and exercise dyspnea. It also impacts exercise capacity and forms a vicious circle in which it further aggravates the condition of patients and accelerates disease progression. As a functional holistic exercise, traditional Chinese exercises (TCE) play an important role in the rehabilitation of COPD on the basis of adjusting the breath and performing coordinated movements. This study investigates the effects of prescribed pulmonary exercises (which are modified from TCE) on exercise capacity of upper and lower limbs, endurance exercise capacity, and quality of life in stable COPD patients. The goal is to determine the accessibility of these prescribed exercises in COPD rehabilitation. Participants are randomly divided into a non-exercise control group (CG) or prescribed pulmonary exercise group (PG) at a ratio of 1: 1. The PG receives intervention for 60 min twice per day, 7 days a week, for a total of 3 months. The intensity is measured using the Borg category-ratio 10 scale and with a heart-rate monitor. Then, an exercise capacity test and quality of life questionnaire are scheduled at 1 week before and after the formal intervention. After 3 months of intervention, the 30 s arm curl test, 30 s sit-to-stand test, 6 min walking test, and quality of life show significant improvement in COPD patients (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that prescribed pulmonary exercises can be applied as alternative, convenient, and effective home- and community-based exercises for stable COPD patients.

Effects of home-based prescribed pulmonary exercise by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) not only affects pulmonary function but also leads to skeletal muscle dysfunction. The various characteristics of different forms of traditional Chinese exercise lead to inconsistent clinical effects in COPD patients. Hence, the present study carefully combined and rearranged liuzijue, wuqinxi, baduanjin, and yijinjing into a pulmonary exercise program targeting COPD patients. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. A random number table will be generated by an independent person. Each number will be placed in a sealed opaque envelop to blind assignment. All outcome assessors will be blinded to group assignment. COPD patients between 40 and 80 years of age, with stable medical treatment and no regular participation in regular exercise in the last 6 months will be included. All participants will be recruited from the Respiratory Medicine Department of Yue-Yang Integrative Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. All participants will continue to follow their medical treatment. They will be randomly assigned to one of four groups in a 1:1:1:1 ratio: (1) usual care (control group, CG), (2) pulmonary exercise group (PG), (3) resistance exercise group (RG), or (4) combined pulmonary exercise and resistance exercise group (PRG). CG participants will receive medical treatment only. PG participants will perform 60 min of exercise twice a day 7 days a week for 3 months, with 1 day's exercise per week at hospital under guidance and supervision. RG participants will perform 60 min of resistance exercise once a day, three times a week for 3 months, with 1 day's exercise per week at hospital under guidance and supervision. PRG participants will perform 60 min of prescribed pulmonary exercise combined with resistance exercise for 3 months. The outcomes include the isokinetic strength of peripheral skeletal muscle, surface electromyography, 6-min walking distance, 30-s arm curl test, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea, body composition, physical activity, quality of life, and Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy Scale. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will compensate for the current inadequate understanding of prescribed pulmonary exercise and may provide a new, simple, convenient, and effective home-based exercise intervention for COPD patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-1800017405 . Registered on 28 July 2018.

Effects of long-term home-based Liuzijue exercise combined with clinical guidance in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the effects of long-term home-based Liuzijue exercise combined with clinical guidance in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Forty patients with COPD at stages II-III of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease were enrolled. The subjects were randomly allocated to the Liuzijue exercise group (LG) or control group (CG) in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the LG performed six Liuzijue training sessions, including 4 days at home and 2 days in the hospital with clinical guidance for 60 minutes/day for 6 months. Participants in the CG conducted no exercise intervention. In addition, lung function test, 6-minute walking test (6MWT), 30-second sit-to-stand test (30 s SST), and the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were conducted at the baseline and at the end of the intervention. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients completed the study. The patients' lung function improved significantly (p < 0.05) in the LG as well as the 6MWT, 30 s SST, and SGRQ score (p < 0.01). While the SGRQ total score, activity, and impact scores increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the CG. In addition, there were significant differences between the groups (p < 0.01) in regard to the values of forced expiratory volume in 1 second as a percentage of the predicted volume, 6MWT, 30 s SST, and SGRQ. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term home-based Liuzijue exercise combined with clinical guidance can effectively improve the pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and quality of life of elderly patients with moderate to severe COPD.

Interaction of earthworms-microbe facilitating biofilm dewaterability performance during wasted activated sludge reduction and stabilization.

Sludge dewaterability was chemically and morphologically explored during sewage sludge treatment by vermifiltration. The results, with a conventional biofilter (BF, no earthworms) as a control, demonstrated that the capillary suction time(CST) and specific resistance of filtration(SRF) of vermifilter (VF, with earthworms) treated sludge were 64.9±1.7s and (23.1±1.3)×1012m/kg,16.8% and 36.0% lower than that of the BF, respectively. Additionally, the VF could efficiently decompose loosely bound extracellular polymeric substances (LB-EPS), releasing more water trapped inside biofilm. Furthermore, the VF enable to reduce the electrostatic repulsive forces between particles, verified by 9.61±0.19mV of the absolute value of zeta potential, 19.6% lower than that of the BF. Notably, based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, the fractal dimension (Df) of sludge floc structure stated that more small and loose sludge flocs tended to aggregate into bigger inorganic particles. Therefore sludge flocs with highly compacted structure and smooth surface can transform part of vicinal water and water of hydration into easier-removed interstitial water, improving the dewaterability.

Two-stage brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula for chronic haemodialysis access.

BACKGROUND: Many haemodialysis patients are unable to have or maintain distal upper limb arteriovenous (AV) fistulas because of inadequate veins or arteries and therefore require more proximal access. We have reviewed our experience with a two-stage brachiobasilic AV haemodialysis fistula fashioned in the arm. METHODS: Ninety-one brachiobasilic AV fistulas were fashioned in 87 patients between August 1999 and October 2004. Four AV fistulas failed because of early thrombosis. The second stage 'superficialization' was carried out at a median (range) of 73 days (32-1827 days) after fistula formation and involved mobilizing the arterialized basilic vein through a curved longitudinal incision on the anteromedial aspect of the arm and transposing it beneath the skin incision. RESULTS: Primary and secondary patency rates were 87 and 89%, respectively, at 1 year and 78 and 84%, respectively, at 2 years. Early complications included infection (3%) and haemorrhage (4%) and late complications included thrombosis (15%) and stenosis (14%). CONCLUSION: The two-stage superficialized brachiobasilic AV fistula described in this article has good patency. The operative techniques are straightforward, have relatively low complication rates and result in a large-diameter fistula on the anteromedial aspect of the arm allowing easy and painless cannulation for haemodialysis.