Fundamental motor skills of kindergarten children in different environments and ethnic groups in Northwest China.

BACKGROUND: The status of children's early motor skills play an important role during childhood and across lifetime. This study described FMS proficiency among boys (n = 189) and girls (n = 179) kindergarten children from 3 to 6 years old (4.4 s 0.7, mean ± SD) in northwest China. The differences in FMS proficiency of boys and girls from different environments, ethnic groups were analyzed respectively. METHODS: TGMD-3 was used to assess FMS. FMS mastery level was defined according to the correct performance of all criteria over two trials. The correlation between BMI and FMS and the interaction of environmental and ethnic on FMS were analyzed. The general linear model was used to evaluate the differences of boys and girls among environment groups (urban/suburban/county), and ethnic groups (Han/Hui/Tibetan) on the FMS subsets respectively. RESULTS: FMS proficiency was assessed in 368 3- to 6-year-old children (n = 156 urban, n = 101 suburban, n = 111 county)/(n = 208 Han, n = 107 Hui, n = 53 Tibetan). Overall, the highest skill performance was the run, with 86% achieving mastery level, and the poorest performance was the FH strike, at only 19%. Correlation between BMI and FMS is minimal. According to TGMD-3 scores, there was no significant difference between boys and girls in total FMS (p = 0.38). In terms of locomotor skills, boys performed better than girls in the hop, skip and slide (p < 0.05). County children performed significantly difference than urban and suburban children. Some skills performed less proficiently, (boys in 6 of 13 skills: run, HJ, slide, TH strike, FH strike and kick; girls in 4 of 13 skills: run, slide, TH strike and kick) and some skills performed more proficiently (boys in dribble; girls in hop and dribble). Tibetan children performed significantly difference than Han and Hui children. Some skills performed less proficiently, (boys in 6 of 13 skills: run, HJ, slide, TH strike, FH strike and kick; girls in TH strike) and some skills performed more proficiently (boys and girls were all in dribble). CONCLUSION: Children in northwest China showed certain characteristics in FMS, the county/Tibetan boys and girls performed poorer than others in ability to execute particular process characteristics of some skills and performed more outstanding in other skills. It suggests that a certain group population may need specific focus on interventions to improve their FMS level.

Air quality characteristics in Wuhan (China) during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

Understanding the relationship between air quality, pollution emission control measures, and meteorological conditions is important for developing effective air quality improvement policies. In this study, we used pollution monitoring and meteorological data from January to May 2020 to analyze the air quality characteristics during the COVID-19 lockdown in Wuhan, which lasted from January 23 to April 8, 2020. Compared with the same period in 2019, the air quality in 2020 was significantly better. The total excellent and good air quality rates increased by 17.58%-90.08% in 2020; concentrations of NO2, particulate matter with a diameter <10 µm (PM10) and <2.5 µm (PM2.5), and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) also decreased by 38.23%, 30.25%, 32.92%, and 39.80%, respectively. Moreover, the number of days with NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 as the primary pollutants decreased by approximately 10%, 9%, and 15%, respectively. We compared the wind direction, wind speed, temperature, and relative humidity in January-April 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 and found no obvious correlation between meteorological factors and improved air quality during the 2020 lockdown. The implementation of strict lockdown measures, such as home quarantining, traffic restrictions, and non-essential enterprise shutdowns, was the dominant cause for the substantial air quality improvement during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown in Wuhan.

Rice Big Grain 1 promotes cell division to enhance organ development, stress tolerance and grain yield.

Grain/seed yield and plant stress tolerance are two major traits that determine the yield potential of many crops. In cereals, grain size is one of the key factors affecting grain yield. Here, we identify and characterize a newly discovered gene Rice Big Grain 1 (RBG1) that regulates grain and organ development, as well as abiotic stress tolerance. Ectopic expression of RBG1 leads to significant increases in the size of not only grains but also other major organs such as roots, shoots and panicles. Increased grain size is primarily due to elevated cell numbers rather than cell enlargement. RBG1 is preferentially expressed in meristematic and proliferating tissues. Ectopic expression of RBG1 promotes cell division, and RBG1 co-localizes with microtubules known to be involved in cell division, which may account for the increase in organ size. Ectopic expression of RBG1 also increases auxin accumulation and sensitivity, which facilitates root development, particularly crown roots. Moreover, overexpression of RBG1 up-regulated a large number of heat-shock proteins, leading to enhanced tolerance to heat, osmotic and salt stresses, as well as rapid recovery from water-deficit stress. Ectopic expression of RBG1 regulated by a specific constitutive promoter, GOS2, enhanced harvest index and grain yield in rice. Taken together, we have discovered that RBG1 regulates two distinct and important traits in rice, namely grain yield and stress tolerance, via its effects on cell division, auxin and stress protein induction.

Use of the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) in cardiovascular disease patients.

Da Silva et al. showed that the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index was positively associated with a higher prevalence of symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD). TyG has been used in healthy individuals as a marker of insulin resistance. The use of this index as a marker of atherosclerosis in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients might be influenced by diabetes and the hyperlipidemic state that led to CVD. Certain considerations might be necessary before we conclude that the TyG index can be used as a marker of atherosclerosis in CVD patients. These factors can highlight the role of fasting blood glucose and triglyceride levels that are used in the TyG formula. Comparing the fasting blood glucose and/or triglyceride levels with the TyG index in these patients to show how much value the TyG index can add to clinical practice seems to be necessary. Conclusions of such studies might be biased by these facts. Stratification by CAD disease category cannot help achieve an understanding of the role of TyG in CVD. Correlations do not imply causation, so the use of the TyG index as an index in CAD patients is questionable.

Using the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI) or the Mathematical Correction Form (CAVI0) in Clinical Practice.

Tonhajzerova et al [...].

Histological and Radiological Evaluation of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Versus Whole Body Vibration on Healing of Mandibular Bone Defects in Rats.

Background and Objectives: Mechanical stimulation can improve the structural properties of the fracture site and induce the differentiation of different cell types for bone regeneration. This study aimed to compare the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) versus whole body vibration (WBV) on healing of mandibular bone defects. Materials and Methods: A mandibular defect was created in 66 rats. The rats were randomly divided into two groups of rats. Each group was subdivided randomly by three groups (n = 11) as follows: (I) control group, (II) treatment with LIPUS, and (III) treatment with WBV. The radiographic changes in bone density, the ratio of lamellar bone to the entire bone volume, the ratio of the newly formed bone to the connective tissue and inflammation grade were evaluated after 1 and 2 months. Results: LIPUS significantly increased the radiographic bone density change compared to the control group at the first and second month postoperatively (p < 0.01). WBV only significantly increased the bone density compared to the control group at the second month after the surgery (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Application of LIPUS and WBV may enhance the regeneration of mandibular bone defects in rats. Although LIPUS and WBV are effective in mandibular bone healing, the effects of LIPUS are faster and greater than WBV.

[Investigation of chemical profile of bile acids and determination of them in cultured Bovis Calculus with UPLC-QDA].

In this study, 10 batches of samples of cultured Bovis Calculus(cow-bezoar) were determined for the investigation of chemical profile of bile acids with the UPLC-QDA method established. The results showed that nine common bile acids, cholic acid(CA), deoxycholic acid(DCA), chenodeoxycholic acid(CDCA), taurocholic acid(TCA), taurodeoxycholic acid(TDCA), taurochenodeoxycholic acid(TCDCA), glycocholic acid(GCA), glycodeoxycholic acid(GDCA) and glycochenodeoxycholic acid(GCDCA), were founded in samples and 7 bile acids were quantified except GDCA and GCDCA. In these samples, unconjugated bile acids, the major type of bile acids, accounted for more than 97% of all types of bile acids. As for unconjugated bile acids, CA was the most major bile acid in cultured cow-bezoar and it was about twice as much as DCA. The relative low-cost method established in the current study is accurate, rapid and sensitive, which is suitable for the studies of other drugs from animal bile.

New risk score for predicting progression of membranous nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) have various outcomes. The aim of this study is to construct a tool for clinicians to precisely predict outcome of IMN. METHODS: IMN patients diagnosed by renal biopsy from Shanghai Ruijin Hospital from 2009.01 to 2013.12 were enrolled in this study. Primary outcome was defined as a combination of renal function progression [defined as a reduction of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equal to or over 30% comparing to baseline], ESRD or death. Risk models were established by Cox proportional hazard regression analysis and validated by bootstrap resampling analysis. ROC curve was applied to test the performance of risk score. RESULTS: Totally 439 patients were recruited in this study. The median follow-up time was 38.73 ± 19.35 months. The enrolled patients were 56 (15-83) years old with a male predominance (sex ratio: male vs female, 1:0.91). The median baseline serum albumin, eGFR-EPI and proteinuria were 23(8-43) g/l, 100.31(12.81-155.98) ml/min/1.73 m2 and 3.98(1.50-22.98) g/24 h, respectively. In total, there were 36 primary outcomes occurred. By Cox regression analysis, the best risk model included age [HR: 1.04(1.003-1.08), 95% CI from bootstrapping: 1.01-1.08), eGFR [HR: 0.97 (0.96-0.99), 95% CI from bootstrapping: 0.96-0.99) and proteinuria [HR: 1.09 (1.01-1.18), 95% CI from bootstrapping: 1.02-1.16). One unit increasing of the risk score based on the best model was associated with 2.57 (1.97-3.36) fold increased risk of combined outcome. The discrimination of this risk score was excellent in predicting combined outcome [C statistics: 0.83, 95% CI 0.76-0.90]. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated that older IMN patients with lower eGFR and heavier proteinuria at the time of renal biopsy were at a higher risk for adverse outcomes. A risk score based on these three variables provides clinicians with an effective tool for risk stratification.

Association of Kidney Function Tests with a Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index in Community-Dwelling Individuals with a Normal or Mildly Decreased Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate.

Background and objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Previous studies reported controversial results about the independence of CKD as a risk factor for atherosclerosis. In this study, we tried to determine whether the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and other renal function tests are independent factors associated with arterial stiffness in community-dwelling individuals with a normal (≥90) or slightly decreased eGFR (60-90). Materials and Methods: Data of 164 community individuals were analyzed, and demographic information, related disease history, atherosclerosis risk factors, certain laboratory tests, the estimated eGFR, and urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) were recorded for each individual. Results: The age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), hypertension (HTN), and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) significantly differed between individuals with a normal and those with a slightly decreased eGFR. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glycated hemoglobin (HBA1c), and the eGFR significantly differed between the high- and low-CAVI groups and were also significantly correlated with the CAVI. The relationship between the eGFR and CAVI was shown to be independent of other atherosclerosis risk factors in a multiple linear regression model. Conclusions: We concluded that evaluations of the eGFR, HTN, body-mass index, and SBP can be used in a model for arterial stiffness risk assessments for community-dwelling individuals with a normal or slightly decreased eGFR.

[Relationship of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Expression with Clinical Features and Prognosis in Patients with Acute Leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein in patients with acute leukemia and its relationship to clinical features and prognosis of acute leukemia. METHODS: A total of115 patients with acute leukemia were enrolled in the experimental group and 20 healthy individuals were used as control. Peripheral blood or bone marrow samples were collected, and mononuclear cells were isolated. The expression of CFTR protein was detected by Western blot. The relationships of CFTR protein expression to clinical features and prognosis was analyzed. RESULTS: The expression of CFTR protein was not detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of normal control, while it was positive in more than half of acute leukemias including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but negative in the patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (M3). In the patients with AML, there was no difference in peripheral white blood cells (WBC), peripheral blast cells, platelet and hemoglobin (HGB) between CFTR-positive and CFTR-negative patients. There was no relationship between the expression of CFTR protein and gene mutations such as NPM1, CEBPA, FLT3-ITD, and C-Kit. Complete remission (CR) rate after two course in CFTR-negative patients was slightly higher than that in positive patients. The survival time of CFTR-negative patients was little longer than that of positive patients, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of CFTR protein seems not associated with clinical features, treatment response and prognosis in the patients with acute leukemia.

Emoticons in text may function like gestures in spoken or signed communication.

We draw parallels between emoticons in textual communication and gesture in signed language with respect to the interdependence of codes by describing two contexts under which the behavior of emoticons in textual communication resembles that of gesture in speech. Generalizing from those findings, we propose that gesture is likely characterized by a nuanced interdependence with language whether signed, spoken or texted.

Intestinal Parasite Infections among Inhabitants in Yanbian Prefecture, Jilin Province, China.

To investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections in Yanbian Prefecture, Jilin Province, China, epidemiological surveys were conducted on a collaboration basis between the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Yanbian Center for Disease Control and Prevention. A total of 8,396 (males 3,737 and females 4,659) stool samples were collected from 8 localities and examined with the formalin-ether sedimentation technique, and additionally examined with the cellotape anal swab to detect Enterobius vermicularis eggs. The overall rate of intestinal parasites was 1.57%. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was the highest (0.80%), followed by Entamoeba spp. (0.23%), heterophyid flukes (0.15%), Clonorchis sinensis (0.08%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.07%), hookworms (0.06%), Trichostrongylus spp. (0.06%), Giardia lamblia (0.04%), Paragonimus spp. (0.02%), Diphyllobothrium spp. (0.02%), Trichuris trichiura (0.02%). The prevalence by sex was similar, 1.58% (n=59) in males and 1.57% (n=73) in females. By the present study, it is partly revealed that the prevalences of intestinal parasite infections are relatively low among the inhabitants of Yanbian Prefecture, Jilin Province, China.

Prediction of self-care behaviour on the basis of knowledge about chronic kidney disease using self-efficacy as a mediator.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was to investigate: (1) the important factors in the self-care of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and (2) the mediating effects of self-efficacy on knowledge and self-care. BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease has become a major global health issue and is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in Taiwan where the dialysis population ranks first in the world. The number of patients with poor self-care behaviours continues to rise despite ongoing health education. Knowledge and self-efficacy are important factors that influence self-care behaviour; however, very few articles have examined the relationships among them. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and correlational design. METHODS: Subject recruitment was conducted by purposive sampling in the renal outpatient clinics and dialysis centres of two teaching hospitals in northern Taiwan. A total of 247 patients with chronic kidney disease (stages 1-5) were enrolled. RESULTS: (1) Knowledge was positively correlated with self-efficacy (r = 0·41, p < 0·01) and with self-care (r = 0·18, p < 0·01). Self-efficacy (r = 0·44, p < 0·01) as well as age (r = 0·15, p < 0·01) were positively correlated with self-care. (2) The relationship between knowledge and self-care was fully mediated by self-efficacy (z = 4·82, p < 0·001) and the effect was 50%. CONCLUSION: The results showed that self-efficacy was a crucial mediator between knowledge and self-care. In addition to providing knowledge to chronic kidney disease patients, healthcare professionals should also offer strategies that can enhance self-efficacy to increase self-care behaviours in chronic kidney disease patients and implement effective disease management. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Incorporate self-efficacy strategies into the process of health education to improve knowledge and the effectiveness of self-care. The findings of this study provide evidence of effectiveness of the use of group activity through self-management and self-efficacy enhancement programmes and may influence the policy makers to consider adding or modifying the reimbursement criteria.

[Explorations of epileptic network with cortico-cortical evoked potential].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cortico-cortical evoked potential (CCEP) in exploring the network in epileptics. METHODS: Two patients with intractable epilepsy underwent chronic intracranial electrode placement. According to the distribution of icta onset zones and the functional brain mapping, alternating 1 Hz electrical stimuli were delivered to the target electrodes. And CCEPs were recorded by averaging electrocorticograms time-locked to stimuli from subdural electrodes. Then icta onset zones, eloquent areas identified by electrical cortical mapping and CCEP distributions were compared. RESULTS: Typical CCEP responses were observed. The data of one patient was useful for investigating the connectivity associated with various brain networks while another patient was useful for evaluating the cortical excitability. CONCLUSION: The exploration of epileptic network is achieved through cortico-cortical evoked potential by investigating the connectivity associated with various brain networks and cortical excitability.

Preliminary study on the computer-based optokinetic nystagmus analyzer to detect the visual acuity of preschool children.

The purpose of this study is to examine the viability, precision, and consistency of a computer-based optokinetic nystagmus analyzer (nystagmus meter) for diagnosing eyesight in preschoolers. A total of 59 subjects who could pass the log of minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) visual acuity chart were divided into three groups by age, 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old groups, and their visual acuity was tested with nystagmus meter. The percentage of children in each age group that could be detected by nystagmus was recorded along with the differences between these groups. The correlation between the test results from the two methods was found for each age group using the correlation coefficient method. Repeated measurements were used to assess the two visual acuity values of the measured nystagmus, and the repeatability of the two measurement techniques for different age groups was compared. The overall measurability of the visual acuity detected by nystagmus was 93.22%, and the measurability of the 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old groups was 90%, 95%, and 94.74%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the measurability of subjects among all age groups (P = 1.0). The outcomes of the LogMAR visual acuity chart had a negative correlation with the visual acuity measured by the nystagmus meter. The overall correlation coefficient R value was -0.80, and the correlation coefficient R value of the 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old groups was -0.79, -0.76, and -0.87, respectively. The nystagmus meter has good feasibility, accuracy, and stability in visual acuity testing and can be used for visual acuity testing in children.

Financial development, technological innovation and urban-rural income gap: Time series evidence from China.

The main purpose of the paper is to investigate the relationship between technological innovation and income inequality for China based on the financial Kuznets curve (FKC) hypothesis. The study uses time-series data from 1985 to 2019. We employ the Johansen cointegration, ARDL model and VECM Granger causality techniques to analyze the links between the variables. We also use the DOLS, FMOLS and CCR mechanisms to estimate the long-run parameters. The paper finds that the FKC is valid for China's economy in the long run. Technological innovation positively affects the urban-rural income gap, while there is an inverted-U shaped between financial development and the urban-rural income gap. The relationship between financial development and the urban-rural income gap is bi-directional causality. Technological innovation and the urban-rural income gap cause each other. Empirical results suggest a twofold policy meaning: i) to further the financial system and ii) to eliminate the adverse impacts of technological innovations on income distribution.

16O/18O- exchange internal standard preparation enhancing reliability of bio-sample natural bioactive compounds absolute quantitation.

Natural bioactive compounds (NBCs) are regarded as candidates for many medical applications widely. Due to the complicated structure and biosynthesis source, only a few NBCs were supplied with commercial isotopic labeled standards. This shortage resulted in poor quantitation reliability in bio-samples for most NBCs, considering the remarkable matrix effects. NBCs metabolism and distribution studies would be restricted consequently. Those properties played critical roles in drug discovery and development. In this study, a fast, convenient, widely adopting 16O/18O exchange reaction was optimized for stable, available, affordable NBCs 18O-labeled standards preparation. With 18O- labeled internal standard, a UPLC-MRM-based NBCs pharmacokinetics analysis strategy was formed. Pharmacokinetics of caffeic acid with Hyssopus Cuspidatus Boriss extract (SXCF) dosed mice was carried out by established strategy. Compared with traditional external standards quantitation, adapting 18O-labeled internal standards, both accuracy and precision were enhanced significantly. Thus, the platform built by this work would accelerate the pharmaceutical research with NBCs, by providing a reliable, wide-adapted, affordable, isotopic internal standard-based bio-samples NBCs absolute quantitation strategy.