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Objective Nurse practitioners (NPs) have drawn significant attention recently and played a major role in healthcare. We aim to find the evaluation of NPs through published studies and then visualize the research status and hotspots in this field. Methods All data came from the Web of Science Core Collection, and the data were counted and entered into Excel 2016. The key documents nodes were excavated by analyzing the knowledge network map using CiteSpaceV software. In this study, these nodes of “author, country, institution, keyword, co-citation (reference\cited-author\cited-journal), and grant” were harvested for analysis and comparison. Results A total of 4912 records, which were published between 2007 and 2018 and pertained to NPs, were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database (WoSCC) from a diversity of languages. The total and the annual number of publications and citations of these continually increased over time. Most publications were in 2018 (618 records). This study involved 8241 authors located in 98 countries and 4557 institutions totally. The United States (2737 records) and the University of Michigan (90 records) dominated in publication frequency. There are 902 journals and 2449 articles with funding support that have been analyzed. Most articles were from JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association (1386, IF = 47.661), followed by the Journal of Advanced Nursing (1359, IF = 2.267), and The New England Journal of Medicine (1109, IF = 79.258). The reference “The Role of Nurse Practitioners in Reinventing Primary Care” was co-cited most frequently, which revealed it as the highest landmark article in NP. The top-ranked keyword was “Care,” other than “Nurse practitioner,” which has an ultra-high frequency. Some of the high-frequency keywords represent the significant direction of NPs. Conclusions NPs are at the crux of health-care delivery and play an important role in providing high-quality nursing. Publications on NPs in WoSCC have increased notably during the recent years, and have appeared in some journals that have a high impact factor. Research frontiers and developmental trends were revealed by the analysis in this study, which can be used to forecast future research developments in NPs and taken as a reference to choose the right directions by subsequent researchers who wish to use these results. However, the grant support from administration or research institutions is still in need of improvement and the scope of research in NPs should be broadened in the future.

In mammals, mature miR-122 is 22 nucleotides long and can be involved in regulating a variety of physiological and biological pathways. In this study, the expression profile and effects of grouper Epinephelus coioides miR-122 response to Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) infection were investigated. The sequences of mature microRNAs (miRNAs) from different organisms are highly conserved, and miR-122 from E. coioides exhibits high similarity to that from mammals and other fish. The expression of miR-122 was up-regulated during SGIV infection. Up-regulation of miR-122 could significantly enhance the cytopathic effects (CPE) induced by SGIV, the transcription levels of viral genes (MCP, VP19, LITAF and ICP18), and viral replication; reduce the expression of inflammatory factors (TNF-a, IL-6, and IL-8), and the activity of AP-1 and NF-κB, and miR-122 can bind the target gene p38α MAPK to regulate the SGIV-induced cell apoptosis and the protease activity of caspase-3. The results indicated that SGIV infection can up-regulate the expression of E. coioides miR-122, and up-regulation of miR-122 can affect the activation of inflammatory factors, the activity of AP-1 and NF-κB, and cell apoptosis to regulate viral replication and proliferation.

PurposeTo explore the effect of half 18F-FDG dose on image quality of pediatric oncological patients using total-body PET/CT. and investigate the ultra-low dose of administered tracer activity. Methods100 pediatric oncological patients who underwent total-body PET/CT using the uEXPLORER scanner with half 18F-FDG dose (1.85 MBq/kg) were retrospectively enrolled. The PET images were firstly reconstructed using all the 600s data, and then split into 300s, 180s, 60s, 40s and 20s duration groups. The subjective analysis method was assessed using a 5-point Likert scales. Objective quantitative metrics included the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), SUVmean, standard deviation (SD), signal to noise ratio (SNR) and SNRnorm of the backgrounds. The variability in lesion SUVmean, SUVmax, and tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) were also calculated. ResultsThe overall image quality scores in Group 600s, 300s, 180s and 60s were 4.9 ± 0.2, 4.9 ± 0.3, 4.4±0.5 and 3.5±0.5 respectively. All the lesions identified in half-dose images were localised down to G60s (1/20-dose) images; while 56% of the lesion could be clearly identified in G20s (1/60-dose) images. With stimulated reduced doses, SUVmax and SD of backgrounds were gradually increased, while TBR values showed no statistically significant deviation among all the groups (all p > 0.1). Using the half-dose images as reference, the variability of lesion SUVmax gradually increased from G180s to G20s, while lesion SUVmean remained stable for all the age groups. SNRnorm was highly correlated with the age in a negative direction.ConclusionsThe total-body PET/CT with half 18F-FDG dose achieved good performance in pediatric patients considering the sufficient image quality and lesion conspicuity. Sufficient image quality and lesion conspicuity could be maintained with an administered dose reduced down to 1/20-dose (0.185 MBq/kg, , estimated effective dose: 0.18–0.26 mSv).

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication of diabetes that has a serious impact on the quality of life of patients. VEGFA is necessary in the physiological state to maintain endothelial activity and physical properties of blood vessels. VEGFA plays an important role in the promotion of neovascularization; therefore, inhibition of VEGFA can degrade the structure of blood vessels and reduce neovascularization. In the present study, HERB, a high-throughput experimental and reference-oriented database of herbal medicines, was used for compound mining targeting VEGFA. The compounds most likely to interact with VEGFA were screened by molecular docking. Next, the compounds were used to verify whether it could inhibit the activity of the VEGF signaling pathway

Viral infections seriously affect the health of organisms including humans. Now, more and more researchers believe that microRNAs (miRNAs), one of the members of the non-coding RNA family, play significant roles in cell biological function, disease occurrence, and immunotherapy. However, the roles of miRNAs in virus infection (entry and replication) and cellular immune response remain poorly understood, especially in low vertebrate fish. In this study, based on the established virus-cell infection model, Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV)-infected cells were used to explore the roles of miR-124 of Epinephelus coioides, an economically mariculture fish in southern China and Southeast Asia, in viral infection and host immune responses. The expression level of E. coioides miR-124 was significantly upregulated after SGIV infection; miR-124 cannot significantly affect the entry of SGIV, but the upregulated miR-124 could significantly promote the SGIV-induced cytopathic effects (CPEs), the viral titer, and the expressions of viral genes. The target genes of miR-124 were JNK3/p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Overexpression of miR-124 could dramatically inhibit the activation of NF-κB/activating protein-1 (AP-1), the transcription of proinflammatory factors, caspase-9/3, and the cell apoptosis. And opposite results happen when the expression of miR-124 was inhibited. The results suggest that E. coioides miR-124 could promote viral replication and negatively regulate host immune response by targeting JNK3/p38α MAPK, which furthers our understanding of virus and host immune interactions.

Recently, a skin ulcerative disease caused by Vibrio mimicus has led to heavy economic losses in catfish, including yellow catfish, southern catfish, and Zhengchuan catfish in China. Currently, there was no effective method of controlling the outbreak of this disease. In this study, the bacterial isolates were obtained from dying channel catfish and identified as V. mimicus, which consist of formalin-inactivated V. mimicus (antigen). After first immunization, four weeks later, fishes were exposed to V. mimicus and the immune response was analyzed: Fish survival, respiratory burst activity of blood leukocytes, serum agglutination titers, and lysozyme activity, every week (during four weeks). Survival was up 90%. Respiratory burst activity of blood leukocytes, serum agglutination titers, and lysozyme activity were determined at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after primary immunization. Immunization of channel catfish protected hosts against V. mimicus infection with a survival percentage of more than 90%. Respiratory burst activity of blood leukocytes was not affected by vaccination. Serum agglutination titer and lysozyme activity were significantly increased after immunization, in comparison with un-vaccinated control fish. The obtained results indicated that vaccination is an effective method to control the outbreaks of V. mimicus through regulation of the humoral immune response. Key words: Vibrio mimicus, catfish, skin ulcer, vaccine.

AIM: To identify the disease-causing mutation in a four-generation Chinese family diagnosed with Nance-Horan syndrome (NHS). METHODS: A Chinese family, including four affected patients and four healthy siblings, was recruited. All family members received ophthalmic examinations with medical histories provided. Targeted next-generation sequencing approach was conducted on the two affected males to screen for their disease-causing mutations. RESULTS: Two male family members diagnosed with NHS manifested bilateral congenital cataracts microcornea, strabismus and subtle facial and dental abnormalities, while female carriers presented posterior Y-sutural cataracts. A novel frameshift mutation (c.3916_3919del) in the NHS gene was identified. This deletion was predicted to alter the reading frame and generate a premature termination codon after a new reading frame. CONCLUSION: The study discovers a new frameshift mutation in a Chinese family with NHS. The findings broaden the spectrum of NHS mutations that can cause NHS in Chinese patients.

This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO) for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Two researchers independently assessed the quality and validity of included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in 7 electronic databases. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane handbook guidelines. Twenty seven trials which include 1,979 patients were involved for analysis. Comparison of the same intervention strategies revealed significant differences in total effectiveness rates between BEBO and conventional therapy group (Risk Ratio [RR], 6.36, [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.20, 12.64], P < 0.00001); MEBO combined with standard therapy (Risk Ratio [RR], 1.19, [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08, 1.31], P = 0.0007); and healing time of DFU (Mean Difference [MD], 14.15, [95% confidence interval (CI), -18.14, -10.17], P < 0.00001). MEBO may be effective for treating DFU. However, a firm conclusion could not be reached because of the poor quality of the included trials. Further trials with higher quality are justified. Key words: Exposed wound ointment (MEBO), diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), recombinant bovine, basic fibroblast growth factor (rb-bFGF), vacuum sealing drainage (VSD).

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of moisture exposed burn ointment (MEBO) on phlebitis, seven electronic databases where checked until September, 2016 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of MEBO on phlebitis. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane handbook guidelines. Thirty eight randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria in which the aggregated results indicated that comparison revealed significant differences in total effectiveness rate of MEBO versus conventional therapy (RR=1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.06, 1.52, and P=0.009), and there were some beneficial evidence regarding the effects on reducing incidence of phlebitis MEBO versus conventional therapy in preventing phlebitis (RR=2.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.94, 3.85, and P

For many years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat patients with intestinal adhesion. However, no meta-analysis has been previously conducted to investigate the benefits of TCM therapy in patients with such disorder. This paper aims to summarize the beneficial effects of applying TCM as an adjuvant in patients with intestinal adhesion through conducting a meta-analysis. Until October 2016, seven databases have been retrieved to conduct randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and investigate the effects of applying TCM as an adjuvant treatment in patients with the mentioned disorder. The risk of bias has been assessed according to Cochrane Handbook guidelines. 24 of the 169 potentially relevant trials met the inclusion criteria. However, their methodological qualities were low. The application of TCM as an adjuvant was associated with a significantly lower incidence of intestinal adhesion, as well as higher total effective rate. Compared with the controls as adjuvant treatment, TCM therapy promoted incision healing and reduced the recovery time of borborygmus, anal exhaust time and first defecation time as well as gastrointestinal decompression duration. However, the pooled data for the studies showed there was no difference in blood plasma fibrinogen (FIB). This meta-analysis suggests that TCM therapy appears to cause additional beneficial effects in patients with intestinal adhesion. However, available studies are not adequate to draw a conclusion on the efficacy of TCM due to the methodological flaws of the included trials. Hopefully this work will provide useful experience for further studies; better designed trials are needed to confirm the findings in this study. Key words: Traditional Chinese medicine, intestinal adhesion, meta-analysis

Background: Several studies were published to assess the association between serum uric acid levels and atrial fibrillation risk, but no consistent results were reported. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the evidence of the association between hyperuricemia and atrial fibrillation risk. Material/Methods: Pubmed and Embase databases were searched for prospective cohort studies assessing the association between hyperuricemia and atrial fibrillation risk. Relative risks (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were pooled using random-effect of meta-analysis to assess the risk of atrial fibrillation in individuals with hyperuricemia. Results: Six cohort studies were finally included into the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of those 6 studies showed that hyperuricemia was significantly associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation (RR = 1.49, 95%CI 1.24-1.79, P < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis by omitting single study sequentially by turns did not have any obvious influence on the pooled risk estimates. There was no obvious risk of publication bias in the meta-analysis. Conclusions: Based on the currently available data, hyperuricemia is associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation.

Background The present meta-analysis aimed to summarize the inconsistent findings on the association of apolipoprotein M gene (ApoM) rs805296 polymorphism with the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), and to obtain a more authentic result about this topic. Material/Methods A total of 7 available articles were identified through electronic databases – PubMed, EMBASE, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) – and their useful data were carefully extracted. The relationship between ApoM rs805296 polymorphism and CAD risk was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), which were calculated using the fixed- or random-effects model, according to the degree of heterogeneity. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test, sensitivity test, and publication bias examination were also performed in this meta-analysis. Results According to the pooled results, ApoM rs805296 polymorphism conferred an increased risk of CAD under all the genetic contrasts: CC versus TT, CC + TC versus TT, CC versus TT+TC, C versus T, and TC versus TT (OR=2.13, 95% CI=1.16–3.91; OR=1.80, 95% CI=1.50–2.17; OR=1.91, 95% CI=1.04–3.51; OR=1.72, 95% CI=1.45–2.04; OR=1.78, 95% CI=1.47–2.15). Conclusions ApoM rs805296 polymorphism may be a risk factor for developing CAD.

Background: Acarbose and voglibose are alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and they are an effective therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus. Our aim is to directly compare the efficacy and safety of acarbose and voglibose for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: We searched the international web databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science) with an English language restriction (up to August, 2016). In addition, we checked bibliographies of each included study and the latest reviews to identify additional studies. For each clinical outcome, dichotomous data were analyzed by using the risk ratio (RR) with the 95% confidence interval (CI). Continuous outcomes measured on the same scale and units were analyzed by using weighted mean differences (WMD) with the 95% confidence interval (CI); if continuous outcomes were measured on the different scale or units, it were analyzed by using standardised mean differences (SMD) with the 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: There are no differences in glycemic control between acarbose and voglibose while adverse events in acarbose group were higher than voglibose group.Conclusion: Our limited evidence finds that voglibose is more suitable for the treatment of type 2 diabetes compared with acarbose. Further well-designed and multicentric RCTs with larger sample are required to confirm these findings.

Effect of different Sn contents on combustion synthesis of Ti2SnC was studied using elemental Ti, Sn, C and TiC powders as raw materials in the Ti-Sn-C and Ti-Sn-C-TiC system, in which the molar ratio of Ti/C was set as 2:1. The reaction mechanism for the formation of Ti2SnC was also investigated. The results showed that the amount of Ti2SnC in combustion products firstly increased with increasing of Sn content (0.6 to 0.8 mol), and then decreased with further increasing of Sn content (1.0 to 1.2 mol). Upon addition of 15 % TiC instead of Ti and C, the optimum addition of Sn decreased to 0.7 mol and a higher purity of Ti2SnC was obtained. The Ti2SnC powders were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).

Preparation of fine TiC powders by carbothermal reduction of titania/charcoal at vacuum condition was investigated by XRD, SEM, element analysis instrument and Laser Particle Sizer. Experimental results indicate that the formation sequence of products should be Magneli phase (Ti4O7), Ti3O5, Ti2O3, TiCxO1 − x and TiC with increasing reaction temperature. The crystal grain grows up and agglomerates gradually in the initial reaction process. Then it diminishes with the liberation of much gas CO. At last, it grows up slightly with the formation of plentiful TiC at higher temperature. Fine TiC powders (D50, 2.05 μm) with low impurities were obtained at 1450 °C for 8 h when the system pressure was about 1–60 Pa.

Wei Liu1,*, Jun-yu Peng2,*, Fen Li1, Hong-yan Sun3, Ying Ding1, Jing He1, Yi Liu11College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha; 2NeX Eco-Agriculture Technologies, Inc, Chenzhou, Hunan; 3Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology of Guangdong Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workBackground: In this study, methods for the in vitro microculture of Histomonas meleagridis were defined to lay the foundation for further study of its diagnosis, life cycle, and pathogenic mechanism.Methods: After serial dilutions of H. meleagridis, a single parasite was taken and cultured at 40°C. Its proliferation was checked by microscopy, and an 18S rRNA gene fragment of H. meleagridis was amplified using specific primers (Hmf/Hmr) and sequenced. The sequences were assembled manually and aligned using the Clustal X 1.81 program.Results: Two tubes showed proliferation of parasites and, after infection with parasites from these tubes, acute histomoniasis was rapidly induced in turkeys. 18S rRNA gene fragments of the two strains were 492 and 495 base pairs in length, respectively, and the sequence homologies with known H. meleagridis sequences were both 99.4%. Sequence homology between these two strains was 99.6%, and the variation between the two sequences and Trichomonas was more than 20%.Conclusion: We conclude that microculture can produce high-purity and highly pathogenic H. meleagridis. Keywords: Histomonas meleagridis, microculture technology, polymerase chain reaction, identification&nbsp