Objective:To explore the efficacy of a flat ground exoskeleton robot in improving the walking ability of stroke survivors.Methods:Fifty-eight stroke survivors with mobility difficulties were randomly divided into a robot group ( n=29) and a control group ( n=29). In addition to routine rehabilitation, the control group received conventional walking training, while the robot group underwent exoskeleton robot-assisted gait training. The 30-minute training sessions were held twice a day, 5 days per week for 5 weeks. Before as well as after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, everyone′s walking ability was tested using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and functional ambulation scale (FAC). General lower limb motor function was quantified using the Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity assessment (FMA-LE). Moreover, gait analysis was conducted before and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results:After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, the average 6MWT times of both groups were significantly better than before the treatment, with the improvement of the robot group significantly greater than that of the control group after 2 weeks. After 2 and 4 weeks the average FMA-LE and FAC scores of both groups had improved significantly compared with before treatment. After 4 weeks the stride frequency and gait cycle of both groups had improved significantly.Conclusions:Exoskeleton robot-assisted gait training can improve walking ability and lower limb motor function of stroke survivors about as well as conventional walking training.

The parahippocampal gyrus-orbitofrontal cortex (PHG-OFC) circuit in humans is homologous to the postrhinal cortex (POR)-ventral lateral orbitofrontal cortex (vlOFC) circuit in rodents. Both are associated with visuospatial malfunctions in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we explored the relationship between an impaired POR-vlOFC circuit and visuospatial memory deficits through retrograde tracing and in vivo local field potential recordings in 5XFAD mice, and investigated alterations of the PHG-OFC circuit by multi-domain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients on the AD spectrum. We demonstrated that an impaired glutamatergic POR-vlOFC circuit resulted in deficient visuospatial memory in 5XFAD mice. Moreover, MRI measurements of the PHG-OFC circuit had an accuracy of 77.33% for the classification of amnestic mild cognitive impairment converters versus non-converters. Thus, the PHG-OFC circuit explains the neuroanatomical basis of visuospatial memory deficits in AD, thereby providing a potential predictor for AD progression and a promising interventional approach for AD.

Objective To explore the correlation between childhood obesity and adult metabolic diseases. Methods A total of 3 542 people who underwent physical examination in the General Hospital of Fuming from January 2018 to January 2019 were selected as research subjects. They were divided into childhood obesity group and control group according to the childhood body mass index (BMI). Single factor and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed on relevant factors that may affect adult metabolic diseases by comparing clinical data with laboratory parameters. Results A total of 113 adult patients with metabolic diseases were found in the control group, with an incidence rate of 4.56%. In the childhood obesity group, 322 adult patients with metabolic diseases were found, with an incidence rate of 30.32%. The incidence of adult metabolic diseases in the childhood obesity group was significantly higher than that of the control group, while the HDL-C level in the childhood obesity group was significantly lower than that in the control group. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that the gender and childhood obesity were significantly correlated to adult metabolic diseases (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the childhood obesity was an independent risk factor for adult metabolic diseases (P<0.05). Conclusion There was a difference in the incidence of adult metabolic diseases and laboratory indicators in the adulthood between childhood obese patients and childhood non-obese patients. Childhood obesity is an independent risk factor for adult metabolic diseases.

Objective:To analyse the effects of meteorological factors on plague epidemic in Himalayana marmot plague natural foci in Subei and Sunan counties of Gansu Province. Methods:The surveillance data of plague from 1973 to 2016 in Himalayan marmot foci of Subei and Sunan counties (from Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention) and the meteorological factors (rainfall, temperature, relative humidity) of current, preceding first, second and third years (the first, second and third years before the reference year, from China Meteorological Data Sharing Service System) were collected. In order to build generalized additive model (GAM), the positive rate of plague was used as dependent variable while meteorological factors of the current, preceding first, second and third years were used as independent variables. The influence of meteorological factors on plague was quantitatively analyzed by using R2.3.2 software. Results:In 2006 - 2016, compared with 1974 - 1983, the average temperature in Subei rose by 0.99 ℃, the average relative humidity rose by 3.55%RH, and the average rainfall rose by 12.16 mm; in Sunan County, the average temperature rose by 1.00 ℃, the average relative humidity rose by 2.01%RH, and the average rainfall rose by 14.60 mm. From 1973 to 2016, 11 cases of human plague with 7 cases of dead (12 cases of attack) occurred in the investigated district. The average rainfall of the preceding third year of Subei rose every 1.00 mm within a certain range, the animal plague occurred rose by 0.40%. The average relative humidity of preceding second year of Subei rose every 1.00%RH within a certain range, animal plague occurred rose by 11.66%. The average rainfall of the preceding first year of Sunan rose every 1.00 mm within a certain range, the animal plague occurred rose by 1.32%. The average relative humidity of preceding third year of Sunan rose every 1.00%RH within a certain range, animal plague occurred rose by 11.96%. The average temperature of the preceding second year of Subei, Sunan rose every 1.00 ℃ within a certain range, animal plague rose 73.17%, 70.18%, respectively.Conclusions:The occurrence and prevalence of plague in Himalayana marmot are closely related to meteorological factors, and the temperature within a certain range (but not continuously) not only promotes the epidemic of plague, but also has a lag effect. In addition, the effects of different types of climate in the same foci on the prevalence of animal plague vary.

Objective:To study the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) loci polymorphism of Yersinia pestis and its area distribution in Gansu province. Methods:A total of 203 strains of Yersinia pestis isolated from 1962 to 2014 were selected for the culture and extraction of DNA. Three pairs of CRISPR primers were used to amplify the strain DNA by PCR, and the PCR products were sequenced. The groups and genotypes of strains were determined according to the spacer and spacer arrangement of CRISPR loci in the strain. Cluster analysis was done by using the software BioNumerics 5.10. Results:A total of 16 spacers, including 9 species of YPa loci, 4 species of YPb loci and 3 species of YPc loci, were found in the 203 strains of Yersinia pestis. A new spacer of a1′ was found. The 203 strains were divided into 5 CRISPR genotypes and classified into 5 CRISPR clusters (Cb2, Ca7, Ca7′, CaΔ5′ and Ca35′). Each cluster showed significant area-specific characteristics, Cb2 was mainly distributed in Huining country and Pingchuan district, Ca7 was mainly found in Aksai Kazak autonomous country, Ca7′ was mainly found in Xiahe country, Ca35′ was mainly found in Subei Mongolia autonomous county and Yumen city and CaΔ5′ was mainly distributed in Sunan Yugur autonomous county. Conclusions:The strains from different plague foci in Gansu were distinguished by CRISPR, all kinds of clusters showed the obvious area specific characteristics. It is important to study the evolution of Yersinia pestis in Gansu and trace the molecular biology origin of human plague.

Objective To compare the clinical effects of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) combined with different bone graft materials, including Bio-Gene, Bone3 and Bio-Oss, in the treatment of periodontal intra-bony defects. Methods Eighteen patients with chronic periodontitis with periodontal intra-bony defects were randomly divided into the Bio-Gene group, the Bone3 group and Bio-Oss group. After periodontal debridement, periodontal bone grafting combined with GTR surgery was performed in all patients. The clinical and radiographic parameters of patients were collected before surgery, suture removal (2 weeks after surgery), and 6 months after surgery, including periodontal exploration depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), gingival recession (GR), and residual alveolar bone height (RBH). Results The wounds healed well in all patients when the suture was removed. The stage Ⅰ healing was obtained without infection or wound dehiscence, and the postoperative discomfort was acceptable. At 6 months after periodontal bone grafting combined with GTR treatment, the PD and CAL indexes in the three groups were significantly improved compared with those before surgery (all P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in PD and CAL between the three groups (all P>0.05). Imaging results showed that new bone formation was observed in the original bone defect area in all three groups after 6 months of the treatment, the bone density was similar to the surrounding bone tissue. Besides, the RBH％increased significantly compared with that before the treatment (all P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in RBH％among the three groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions Bio-Gene, Bone3 and Bio-Oss are all reliable bone graft materials for the treatment of alveolar bone defects caused by periodontitis, which can significantly improve the osteogenesis effect.

Objective: To investigate the correlation of meteorological factors with the numbers of marmots and parasitic fleas in the plague foci of Himalayan marmot in Subei County and Sunan County of Gansu Province. Methods: The surveillance data(from Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention) of natural plague foci of Subei, Sunan of Himalayan marmot from 1982 to 2016 and the meteorological factors data (from China Meteorological Data Sharing Service Network) such as annual average temperature, rainfall and relative humidity during the same period were collected. The correlation between marmot density, body flea index and meteorological factors were analyzed by SAS 9.3 software. Based on the meteorological data as an independent variable in current year and previous 1, 2, and 3 years (relative to previous 1, 2, and 3 years as the reference), the marmot density as the dependent variable, the time series semiparametric generalized additive model (GAM) was established to quantitatively study the nonlinear effect of meteorological factors on the marmot density by R2.3.2 software. Results: From 1982 to 2016, the marmot density in Subei County of Gansu Province was 0.29-6.63 per hectare, and the body flea index range was 0.04-4.56; the marmot density in Sunan County of Gansu Province was 1.22-7.92 per hectare, and the body flea index range was 0.06-0.42. In Subei County, the marmot density was correlated with the previous 1 year rainfall and relative humidity, respectively (r= 0.43, 0.36, P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with the average temperature of the year and the previous 1, 3 years (r=-0.58,-0.55,-0.41, P < 0.05). In Sunan County, the marmot density was correlated with the relative humidity of the year and the previous 1 year rainfall and relative humidity, respectively (r= 0.36, 0.57, 0.43, P < 0.05). In Subei County, the body flea index was negatively correlated with the average temperature of the year and the previous 1, 2, 3 years, respectively(r=-0.57,-0.43,-0.31,-0.37, P < 0.05). In Sunan County, there was a negative correlation between the body flea index and the average temperature of the year and the previous 1, 2, 3 years (r=-0.71,-0.46,-0.38,-0.40, P < 0.05). After controlling other influencing factors, the results of the GAM showed that for every 1 mm increase in rainfall of the year in Subei County, the marmot density increased 0.93%; for every 1% increase in relative humidity of the previous 3 year in Subei County, the marmot density increased 25.34%; for every 1 mm increase in rainfall of the previous 3 year in Sunan County, the marmot density increased 1.69%. Conclusions The numbers of marmots in the plague foci of Himalayan marmot in Subei County and Sunan County of Gansu Province are closely related to rainfall and relative humidity, and the influence has different hysteresis effects. Surface temperature is a important factor affecting the population of parasitic fleas.

Objective To analyze the relationship between meteorological variables and the prevalence of marmot plague in the Himalayan marmot foci of Subei County,Gansu Province.Methods The surveillance data (from Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention) on human plague,the meteorological factors (average rainfall,temperature,relative humidity) data (from China Meteorological Data Sharing Service Network) of the current and preceding (relative to current year as a reference) first,second and third years and meteorological factors data of the current and preceding first,second and third months in Subei of Himalayan marmot foci from 1973 to 2014 were collected.The association of positive rate of plague bacteriological detection and meteorological factors was evaluated by using SAS 9.3 software.The influence of meteorological factors on the epidemic of marmot plague was analyzed by the logistic regression analysis.Results From 1973 to 2014,6 human plague cases with 5 dead cases occurred in Subei County.The positive rate of plague bacteriological detection was positively correlated with the average relative humidity of current year and the average temperature of preceding first year (r =0.366,0.385,P ＜ 0.05),and it was negatively correlated with the average relative humidity of preceding third year (r =-0.304,P ＜ 0.05);the positive rate of plague bacteriological detection was positively correlated with the average rainfall of preceding first month (r =0.212,P ＜ 0.05),and it was negatively correlated with the average relative humidity of preceding second and third months (r =-0.196,-0.201,P ＜ 0.05).The risk factor of animal plague epidemic in marmot foci in Subei County was average temperature of current month [odds ratio (OR) =1.304,95％ confidence intervals (CI):1.195-1.422],and the protective factor was average relative humidity of preceding third month (OR =0.960,95％CI:0.932-0.988).Conclusions The prevalence of marmot plague is closely associated with meteorological factors in the natural plague foci of Subei County of Gansu Province.The temperature not only plays a role in promoting the prevalence of plague,but also has a lagging effect.Therefore,the meteorological factors can be considered as a reference of the plague prevalence in Himalayan marmot plague foci.

Objective Pneumosilicosis is characterized by pulmonary fibrosis and cannot be effectively treated at present. This study was to explore the changes of monocyte subsets in the mouse model of silicon dioxide-induced experimental pneumosilicosis and the correlation of the changes with lung inflammatory injury and pulmonary fibrosis. Methods A total of 100 male C57BL/6J mice weighing 18-22 g were equally randomized into a normal saline (NS) group and a silicon dioxide (quartz) group.The model of experimental pneumosilicosis was established by oropharyngeal aspiration of quartz suspension.At 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after treat-ment, the mice were sacrificed and the proportions of different circulating monocyte subpopulations determined by flow cytometry.Dif-ferent types of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid ( BALF) were routinely counted.The inflammation score and col-lagen volume fraction ( CVF) of the lung tissue were obtained by HE and picrosirius red staining. Results At 7 days after quartz treatment, silicotic nodules were observed in the lung tissue.Compared with the NS controls, the model mice showed significantly in-creased inflammation score and CVF at 7 days (0.920 ±0.049 vs 1.400 ±0.089, P<0.01;0.525 ±0.048 vs 1.950 ±0.065, P<0.01) and 28 days (0.800 ±0.089 vs 1.520 ±0.136, P<0.01;0.850 ±0.050 sv 5.300 ±0.776, P<0.01).In comparison with the NS group, the quartz group also exhibited significant increases in the number of total cells at days 1-28 (P<0.01) and the count of neutrophils at days 1-14 (P<0.01) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the model mice, as well as in the number of macrophages in the BALF at 3 days (0.980 ±0.663 vs 6.821 ±2.627, P<0.01), 7 days (1.225 ±0.601 vs 6.697 ±1.864, P<0.01), 14 days (1.492 ±0.438 vs 2.574 ±0.396, P<0.01), and 28 days (2.035 ±0.456 vs 3.249 ±0.492, P<0.01).The count of neutrophilic granulocytes in the BALF was remarkably higher in the quartz than in the NS group at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days (P<0.01) but not at 28 days (P>0.05).Compared with the NS controls, the quartz-treated mice showed markedly increased proportion of Ly6Chimonocytes at all time points, which peaked at 7 days (58.750 ±2.386 vs 78.300 ±2.517, P<0.01), with a positive corre-lation with the inflammation score (P<0.01) and CVF of the lung tissue (P<0.01) at 7 and 28 day. Conclusion The propor-tions of circulating Ly6Chi and Ly6Clo monocytes changed dynamically in the murine model of quartz-induced experimental pneumosilico-sis.The increased proportion of the Ly6Chi monocyte subpopulation might be closely related with lung inflammatory injury and pulmona-ry fibrosis in pneumosilicosis.

AIM: To establish a cell line of stable silencing of P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) expression through short hairpin RNA ( shRNA)-mediated interference in murine RAW264.7 macrophages, and to investigate the proliferation and apoptosis in the cell line.METHODS:Stable silencing of P2X7 R gene in the RAW264.7 cells was achieved by re-combinant shRNA plasmid targeting murine P2X7 R gene via liposome mediated transfection, followed by G418 selection. The efficacy of plasmid transfection and P2X7 R silencing in G418 resistant cells was verified by immunofluorescent micros-copy and real-time PCR, respectively.The proliferative activity was analyzed by CCK-8 assay and EdU cell proliferation as-say.The cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry.RESULTS:The expression of P2X7 R at mRNA and protein levels was down-regulated by 80% in shP2X7 R group compared with negative control ( NC) plasmid transfection.In addition, P2X7 R-silencing cells exhibited higher proliferative activity compared with NC and wild-type RAW264.7 cells (P<0.05).Compared with NC cells, P2X7R silencing resulted in an increase in the phagocytosis of the cells ( P<0.05) .CONCLUSION:A cell line RAW264.7 of stable silencing of P2X7 R expression was successfully es-tablished.P2X7 R gene silencing stimulates the proliferation, and changes phagocytic function in murine RAW264.7 macro-phages.