International Cooperation Project Research Articles

Endothelial‐derived microparticles activates TLR4/JAK3/STAT3 pathway to induce acute lung injury

We previously reported that endothelial‐derived microparticles (EMP) could induce acute lung injury (ALI) and the mechanism is still not fully understood. Toll‐like receptor 4(TLR4) cascade has been considered to be involved in innate immune inflammation. As its downstream, janus kinases/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT), acts as a key signal pathway for immune responses. However, it remains unclear whether systemic circulating EMP could trigger TLR4‐pomoted JAK/STAT signaling contributing to ALI. EMP were isolated from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated with plasminogen activated inhibitor‐1. HUVECs were treated with/without different concentration of EMP. EMP induced inflammatory cytokines in cultured HUVECs. EMP could activated TLR4 and the downstream JAK3/STAT3 pathway. Silencing TLR4 inhibited the EMP‐induced JAK3/STAT3 pathway. EMP‐induced inflammatory response in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, inflammatory cells infiltration. edema and JAK3/STAT3 pathway in the lung tissue, and ALI in C57BL6 mice. However, These effect induced by EMP were depressed in TLR4−/− mice. Our data demonstrated that EMP induce ALI by activating TLR4/JAK3/STAT3 pathway to promote inflammatory response. Our findings present the novel mechanisms by which EMP induce ALI.Support or Funding InformationThis research was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grants 81670392, 81600382, 81770241, 81830013, 81970363 and Distinguished Young Scholar Grant 81325001), 973 project (2009CB522104) and International Cooperation project (2015DFA31070) from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Guangdong Natural Science Fund Committee (Grant 2015A030312009), the Changjiang Scholars Program from the Ministry of Education of China, the Sun Yat‐sen University Clinical Research 5010 Program.

Old drug repurposing for neglected disease: Pyronaridine as a promising candidate for the treatment of Echinococcus granulosus infections.

BackgroundCystic echinococcosis (CE), a condition caused by the larval stage of the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto, is a globally distributed zoonotic disease. Current treatment options for CE are limited, and an effective and safe anti-echinococcal drug is urgently required.MethodsDrug repurposing strategy was employed to identify new therapeutic agents against echinococcal cysts. An in vitro protoscolicidal assay along with in vivo murine models was applied in the drug screening. A microinjection procedure was employed to mimic the clinical PAIR (puncture, aspiration, injection and reaspiration) technique to evaluate the potential application of the candidate drug in clinical practice.FindingsWe repurposed pyronaridine, an approved antimalarial drug, for the treatment of CE. Following a three-dose intraperitoneal regimen (57 mg/kg, q.d. for 3 days), pyronaridine caused 100% cyst mortality. Oral administration of pyronaridine at 57 mg/kg, q.d. for 30 days significantly reduced the parasitic burden in the pre-infected mice compared with albendazole group (p < 0.001). Using a microinjection of drug into cysts, pyronaridine (200 μM) showed highly effective in term of inhibition of cyst growth (p < 0.05, compared with saline group). Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that pyronaridine was highly distributed in the liver and lungs, the most affected organs of CE. Function analysis showed that pyronaridine inhibited the activity of topoisomerase I (IC50 = 209.7 ± 1.1 μM). In addition, classical apoptotic hallmarks, including DNA fragmentation and caspase activation, were triggered.InterpretationGiven its approved clinical safety, the repurposing of pyronaridine offers a rapidly translational option for treating CE including PAIR.FundNational Natural Science Foundation of China and International Cooperation Project of the Qinghai Science and Technology Department.

SVOM: a Joint Gamma-ray Burst Detection Mission

SVOM (Space-based multi-band astronomical Variable Objects Monitor) is an international cooperation project led by the Chinese National Space Agency (CNSA) and the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales of France (CNES). SVOM focuses on the detection of Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). It is developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), CNES, and several other French laboratories. With the multi-band observation, fast manoeuvrability, flexible operation, and the capability of ground follow-up observation, the SVOM project will be the most important GRB detection mission after the SWIFT project, and will open a wide exploration field. In this paper, the project management, science objectives, the satellite platform and payloads, the ground segment, and operation concept are illustrated.

Parametric study of the clustering transition in vibration driven granular gas system**Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. U1738120, 11474326, and 11705256), Young Scholar of CAS “Light of West China” Program for Guanghui Yang (Grant No. 2018-98), the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. XDA21010202), and the International Cooperation Project

A parametric study of the clustering transition of a vibration-driven granular gas system is performed by simulation. The parameters studied include the global volume fraction of the system, the size of the system, the friction coefficient, and the restitution coefficient among particles and among particle–walls. The periodic boundary and fixed boundary of sidewalls are also checked in the simulation. The simulation results provide us the necessary “heating” time for the system to reach steady state, and the friction term needed to be included in the “cooling” time. A gas-cluster phase diagram obtained through Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K–S) test analysis using similar experimental parameters is given. The influence of the parameters to the transition is then investigated in simulations. This simulation investigation helps us gain understanding which otherwise cannot be obtained by experiment alone, and makes suggestions on the determination of parameters to be chosen in experiments.

Introduction to APOSOS project: 15 cm aperture electro-optical telescopes to track space objects

Asia-Pacific ground-based Optical Space object Observation System (APOSOS) is an international cooperation project, which is initiated and supported by Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO). Currently, APOSOS consists of three Observation Nodes in Pakistan, Peru and Iran, and a Data and Operation Management Center in National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Each Observation Node is equipped with a dedicated 15 cm aperture refracting telescope, which is capable of real-time astrometric data reduction. APOSOS aims to develop a tracking network of space object to acquire accurate astrometric measurements of space objects owned by APSCO member states. In this paper, we present an overview of APOSOS’s design and development. The APOSOS’s detecting capability of tracking a space object is darker than 12m in LEO or 16m in GEO, the size of which is equivalent to a diameter of 10-cm class in LEO or meter class in GEO respectively. A parametric estimation model is setup to profile APOSOS’s capability in different tracking missions, which is verified by experimental observations. Preliminary results of tracking observations of SLR satellites showed that RMS of APOSOS astrometric measurements in RA/DEC is better than 5″.

Validation of Marine Geoid Models by Utilizing Hydrodynamic Model and Shipborne GNSS Profiles

An essential role of the FAMOS international cooperation project is to obtain new marine gravity observations over the Baltic Sea for improving gravimetric geoid modelling. To achieve targeted 5 cm modelling accuracy, it is important to acquire new gravimetric data, as the existing data over some regions are inaccurate and sparse. As the accuracy of contemporary geoid models over marine areas remains unknown, it is important to evaluate geoid modelling outcome by independent data. Thus, this study presents results of a shipborne marine gravity and GNSS campaign for validation of existing geoid models conducted in the eastern section of the Baltic Sea. Challenging aspects for utilizing shipborne GNSS profiles tend to be with quantifying vessel’s attitude, processing of noise in the data and referencing to the required datum. Consequently, the novelty of this study is in the development of methodology that considers the above-mentioned challenges. In addition, tide gauge records in conjunction with an operational hydrodynamic model are used to identify offshore sea level dynamics during the marine measurements. The results show improvements in geoid modelling due to new marine gravimetric data. It is concluded that the marine GNSS profiles can potentially provide complementary constraints in problematic geoid modelling areas.

Consolidating information on disability-inclusive policies: a case study on white papers in Mongolia from the perspective of international technical cooperation

ABSTRACTThis exploratory and practical case study examines one country’s white papers on disability policies whilst drawing upon experiences of an international technical cooperation project. The creation process, contents, and functions of white papers on disability in Mongolia are analysed descriptively using document data and the author’s field notes. This case study on the practice which can be considered macro social work reveals that the creation of the Mongolian white papers was a constructive and dynamic process, participated in by both domestic and international actors. It was found that white papers have multiple functions, such as sharing fundamental information to promote the participation of disabled people and to monitor disability-inclusive policies. This article evinces how white papers on disability can be a foundation of knowledge and information on disability-inclusive policies and development for various stakeholders.

International Cooperation in Developing Countries: Reducing Fatalism and Promoting Self-Efficacy to Ensure Sustainable Cooperation

International cooperation projects aim to support populations in developing countries or affected by emergency situations and to promote their wellbeing in a coherent way and in line with the 10th Sustainable Development Goal and with the principles of the psychology of sustainability and sustainable development. This study analyzed the ways in which such projects influence two psychosocial variables, fatalism and self-efficacy, which are of great importance in determining the attitude of people to promoting change and improving their living conditions by themselves. The sample (N = 510) consists of adult users of Caritas Italiana projects in developing countries, namely, 161 individuals in Argentina, 123 in Bosnia, 96 in Sierra Leone, and 130 in Sri Lanka. The results indicate that the very fact of being involved in cooperation projects, both economic welfare and social promotion projects, favors a reduction in fatalistic attitudes and that greater perception of self-efficacy predicts a reduction in fatalism. Specific effects are presented in relation to the different cultures, and education levels of the countries analyzed.

“The speed of the political is not that of the scientific”: on the time of development in an agricultural technology transfer program

Abstract In this article I seek to present certain problematics related to the ProSAVANA agricultural development program, highlighting a mismatch between a political sphere and a scientific sphere, which allowed me to reflect on some effects of the technical discourse that has guided the implementation of this international cooperation project. From research that sought to do an ethnography on the operationalization of this program, I intend to present the manner in which such technopolitical breakdowns in the proposed “technologies transfer” have produced a composition of different temporalities, which conferred a particular pace to the effectiveness of ProSAVANA. In order to describe this strange relation between different forms of knowledge that are expressed in the time of accomplishing a development project - unfolding at different speeds -, I follow the idea of Mbembe (2011) that in the postcolony, time is constantly emerging. In this sense, throughout this article I seek to describe how, by decomposing these different speeds, it is possible to understand the temporalities that emerge from the particular entanglement of technopolitical relations that confer the materiality of this development project.

La construcción del Capitolio de La Habana

Este año (2019), la Oficina del Historiador de la Ciudad de La Habana ha finalizado la restauración del Capitolio Nacional de Cuba. Este artículo describe los métodos constructivos utilizados en su ejecución, entre 1926 y 1929, poniendo énfasis en las proezas que lograron finalizar la obra en un plazo de ejecución brevísimo para las condiciones y técnicas del momento: tan solo tres años. Ello ha sido posible gracias a un proyecto de cooperación internacional subvencionado por la Universidad de Alicante, que permitió varias estancias de investigación allí. Se consultaron las pocas publicaciones históricas que existen en los archivos cubanos, así como los escritos y planos originales del Capitolio, realizados a mano, y se realizaron múltiples visitas in situ, para elaborar un análisis del estado de conservación de la obra y del método constructivo empleado, que ha permitido conocer y valorar mejor la obra y facilitar el proceso de intervención arquitectónica.

Influences of grain size and microstructure on optical properties of microcrystalline diamond films**Project supported by the Key Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. U1809210), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 50972129 and 50602039), the International Science Technology Cooperation Program of China (Grant No. 2014DFR51160), the National Key Research and Development Program of

Microcrystalline diamond (MCD) films with different grain sizes ranging from 160 nm to 2200 nm are prepared by using a hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) system, and the influences of grain size and structural features on optical properties are investigated. The results show that the film with grain size in a range of 160 nm–310 nm exhibits a higher refractive index in a range of (2.77–2.92). With grain size increasing to 620±300 nm, the refractive index shows a value between 2.39 and 2.47, approaching to that of natural diamond (2.37–2.55), and a lower extinction coefficient value between 0.08 and 0.77. When the grain size increases to 2200 nm, the value of refractive index increases to a value between 2.66 and 2.81, and the extinction coefficient increases to a value in a range of 0.22–1.28. Visible Raman spectroscopy measurements show that all samples have distinct diamond peaks located in a range of 1331 cm−1–1333 cm−1, the content of diamond phase increases gradually as grain size increases, and the amount of trans-polyacetylene (TPA) content decreases. Meanwhile, the sp2 carbon clusters content and its full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) value are significantly reduced in MCD film with a grain size of 620 nm, which is beneficial to the improvement of the optical properties of the films.

Compounds targeting YadC of uropathogenic Escherichia coli and its host receptor annexin A2 decrease bacterial colonization in bladder.

BackgroundUropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the leading cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), and fimbrial tip adhesins, play important roles in UPEC colonization. Few fimbrial tip adhesins and their receptors on host cells, which have the potential to be the therapeutic targets, have been identified.Methodsthe UPEC wild-type strain CFT073, ΔyadC and the complemented strain were used to perform assays in vitro and in vivo. The effects of D-xylose targeting YadC on UPEC colonization were evaluated. A YadC receptor was identified by far-western blotting, LC-MS/MS and co-immunoprecipitation. The effects of compounds targeting the receptor on UPEC colonization were tested.FindingsYadC was investigated for its mediation of UPEC adhesion and invasion to bladder epithelial cells in vitro; and its promotion of UPEC colonization in bladder in vivo. D-xylose, targeting YadC, showed prophylactic and therapeutic effects on UPEC colonization. Annexin A2 (ANXA2) was identified as a YadC receptor, involved in UPEC infection. ANXA2 inhibitors attenuated UPEC infections. The yadC gene was widely present in UPEC clinical isolates and phylogenetic analysis of yadC was performed.InterpretationYadC and its receptor ANXA2 play important roles in UPEC colonization in bladder, leading to novel treatment strategies targeting YadC or ANXA2 for acute UTIs.FundThis study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Programs (31670071 and 31970133), the National Key Technologies R&D Program, Intergovernmental international innovation cooperation (2018YFE0102000), Tianjin Science and Technology Commissioner Project (18JCZDJC36000), the Science & Technology Development Fund of Tianjin Education Commission for Higher Education (2017ZD12). The Science Foundation of Tianjin Medical University (2016KY2M08).

LncRNA PVT1 Overexpression Improves Premature Ovarian Insufficiency by Inhibiting Granulosa Cell Apoptosis

Background: Long noncoding RNA PVT1 (plasmacytoma variant translocation 1) is aberrantly expressed in a variety of cancers. However, whether PVT1 is aberrantly expressed in granulosa cells from premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) patients and the role of PVT1 in POI is largely unknown. Methods: The interaction between PVT1 and Foxo3a was confirmed by RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Methylation level in PVT1 promoter region was detected by methylation-specific PCR. The subcellular location of PVT1 was detected by FISH assay. Granulosa cell apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry. The effect of PVT1 on the transcriptional activity of Foxo3a was detected by luciferase reporter assay. Results: PVT1 was down-regulated in ovarian tissues of POI group than control group, which was regulated by high methylation level. PVT1 was mainly localized in cytoplasm of granulosa cells. In addition, we determined PVT1 interacted with Foxo3a, down-regulation of PVT1 inhibited Foxo3a phosphorylation, resulting in the suppression of Foxo3a degradation and the increase of Foxo3a transcriptional activity. Moreover, down-regulation of PVT1 promoted granulosa cell apoptosis through Foxo3a. Finally, in vivo experiment showed that overexpression of PVT1 restored ovarian function in POI mice. Conclusion: Down-regulation of PVT1 inhibits Foxo3a phosphorylation that suppresses its degradation and activates the transcriptional activity of Foxo3a, thereby promoting granulosa cell apoptosis in POI. Funding Statement: This study was supported by International (Regional) Cooperation and Exchange (ICE) Projects of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (Grant No. 81820108016), Clinical Medical Research Fund of Chinese Medical Association-Reproductive Medicine Research and Development Projects for Youth Grant: Application study of human fetal primordial germ cells to oocyte differentiation and development in vitro (Grant No. 17020210690), and Henan Provincial Science and Technology Project: Study on the mechanism of meiosis initiation induced by human primordial germ cells to oocytes in vitro (Grant No. 182102310139). Declaration of Interests: All authors declare that they have no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the first affiliated hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethical review number: 2019-KY-158). Written informed consents were obtained from all the patients involved. The animal experiment was approved by the Ethics Committee of the first affiliated hospital of Zhengzhou University.

Collaborative virtual community to share class plans for STEAM education

This research presents an international community of practice for teachers using the VISIR remote lab. Throughout the research, it was necessary to study about communities of practice and their potential use in remote laboratories; identify practices with collaborative potential in the institutions and with the participating teachers; develop the necessary technological environment to support the proposed community of practice; validate the proposal with four institutions (four countries - Brazil, Portugal, Spain and Argentina) to evaluate the proposed model. The motivation for developing this research came from the history of the Remote Experimentation Laboratory (REXLAB) with the project VISIR+: Educational Modules for Electric and Electronic Circuits Theory and Practice following an Enquiry based Teaching and Learning Methodology supported by VISIR+”. The VISIR + project is an international cooperation project with the participation of 21 Ibero-American partner institutions between October 2015 and April 2018. The platform, called Labs4STEAM, was developed using Dokuwiki, an open source wiki software that contains a large number of plugins. From the data collection it was possible to receive a mostly positive feedback, but several improvement opportunities were pointed out, which will be performed soon. Thus, from the developed platform one can plan future work, taking into account the results obtained and experience and partnerships with the VISIR + project.

Current State and Prospects of Russia – China Trade Development in the BRICS Format

Motivation: The substantiation of the scientific problem and the practical value of the study are determined by the enhanced cooperation of the BRICS countries, in particular the growing weight of Russia and China on the world stage. The main objective of the study: is to analyze the problems of the development of bilateral trade between China and Russia and to provide a statistically proven forecast for this trade for 2019-2020, as well as to develop recommendations for the improvement of bilateral trade relations. Novelty: The author’s statistical model was developed and its testing was presented through confirming the 24-month forecast of bilateral trade between Russia and China. The model involves solving various problems of bilateral trade. Recommendations for improvement of bilateral trade relations are proposed through formation of an investment and innovation model of bilateral trade. Methodology and Methods: The work used the method of forecasting time series, which suggested the use of a model to predict future values based on previously observed values. To evaluate the modern prospects of the trade between the countries, the authors produced a forecast of the goods turnover trend for 2019-2020. The forecast was issued via the software tool Statgraphics Centurion 18. A reasonable model of the 24-month forecast based on the statistical model Random Walk is developed. The adequacy of the proposed forecast model was subjected to statistical tests. To verify the statistical adequacy of the model the relevant tests were done to determine the compliance of the model with the informational criteria ME (Mean Error), MSE (Mean Squared Error), МРЕ (Mean Absolute Error), МРРЕ (Mean Absolute Percentage Error), МРЕ (Mean Percentage Error). However, it should be noted that the forecast was issued in accordance with the trends which had been identified in the preceding periods. Data and empirical analysis: The factors influencing bilateral trade are analyzed, as well as examples of implemented projects of international cooperation between Russia and China are presented. The current dynamics of sales turnover between Russia and China for the period of 2010-2018 with the use of various statistical and analytical methods is studied, and a reasonable model of the 24-month forecast based on the statistical model Random Walk is developed. The adequacy of the proposed forecast model was subjected to statistical tests. The basic hypothesis is suggested for the upward trend based on reference time series. Policy considerations: It can be said with certainty that the level of technological development of BRICS countries will help Russia and China to start building their cooperation in many fields at a completely new level, taking into account their joint experience in overcoming global crises and Western sanctions. International cooperation between Russia and China in the innovation field will help them unite their efforts and achieve significant synergy. Coordination of countries on this issue will help to reduce production costs, cooperation of production, joint research and development, as well as increase bilateral trade turnover.

The PCNP/β-Catenin Axis Promotes Ovarian Cancer Progression

PCNP is associated with human cancers including neuroblastoma and lung cancer. However, the role and underlying molecular mechanism of PCNP have not been plenty elucidated. Herein, we first investigated the effects of PCNP in ovarian cancer proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion and determined the molecular mechanism of PCNP in ovarian cancer progression. The results indicated that PCNP was significantly overexpressed in human ovarian cancer tissues and cells, and related to poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. In addition, we also detected that PCNP promoted ovarian cancer cells growth, migration and invasion, as well as inhibited ovarian cancer cells apoptosis. Mechanistically, PCNP bound to β-catenin, promoted β-catenin nuclear translocation and further activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, PCNP regulated the expression of genes involved in EMT and further triggered EMT occurrence. Together, these results summarized that PCNP/β-catenin axis may promote ovarian cancer progression, supplying a novel and promising targets to improve prognosis and treat ovarian cancer. Funding Statement: The research was supported by two National Natural Science Foundation of China (81670088, 81602708) and Henan Provincial Science and Technology Department International Cooperation Project (172102410019). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was reviewed and approved by the Ethical Board at Henan University. All animal procedures were manipulated with the approval of the Medical and Research Ethics Committee of Henan University Medical School.

Diterpene Ginkgolides Exert an Antidepressive Effect Through the NT3-TrkA and Ras-MAPK Pathways

Depression is a highly prevalent mental illness that severely impacts the quality of life of affected individuals. Our recent studies demonstrated that Diterpene Ginkgolides (DG) have antidepressive effects in mice. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remained much unclear. In this study, we assessed the antidepressive effects of chronic DG therapy in rats by evaluating depression-related behaviors, and we examined potential side effects using biochemical indicators. Furthermore, we performed an in-depth molecular network analysis of gene-protein-metabolite interactions on the basis of metabolomics. Chronic DG treatment significantly ameliorated the depressive-like behavioral phenotype. Furthermore, the neurotrophin signaling-related NT3-TrkA and Ras-MAPK pathways may play an important role in the antidepressive effect of DG in the hippocampus. These findings provide novel insight into the mechanisms underlying the antidepressive action of DG, and should help advance the development of new therapeutic strategies for depression. Funding: This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No. 2017YFA0505700), the Non-profit Central Research Institute Fund of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2019PT320002), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 8190050191), the National Key Program International Cooperation Project (No. 81820108015) and the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing, China (Grant No. cstc2019jcyj-msxm0236). Declaration of Interest: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest. Ethical Approval: All animal experiments were approved by the Ethics Committee of Chongqing Medical University (permit number: 20120126), and were in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

The supporting of national natural science foundation of China in international research projects cooperation: Taking Peking University Health Science Center as an example

Objective To explore ways to promote international research cooperation, enhance research innovation and international impact of Peking University Health Science Center (PKUHSC), we analyzed the international (regional) cooperation and exchange program of National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). Methods Taking the major international (regional) joint research projects as an example, we analyzed the current situation of international research collaboration of PKUHSC and proposed possible suggestions. Results PKUHSC is active in international research cooperation and gained advantage in undertaking major international (regional) joint research projects. To further enhance our international competitiveness, the international research cooperation projects need to be further optimized. Conclusions It is necessary to further explore the international cooperation mode of project-talent-base , and enhance international level of scientific and technological innovation. Key words: International cooperation; Scientific research; Project; Medicine

Plasma CXCL16 May Predict Renal Inflammation and the Progression of Immunoglobulin a Nephropathy

Background. A recognized non-invasive biomarker to improve risk stratification of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients is scarce. CXCL16 has been shown to play a key role in inflammatory disease as chemoattractant, adhesion and even fibrosis factor. The current study assessed possibility of plasma CXCL16 as a novel biomarker in IgAN patient. Methods. Plasma CXCL16 was measured in 230 patients with renal biopsy consistent IgAN from 2012 to 2014, and clinical, pathological and prognostic relationships were analyzed. Results. The plasma CXCL16 levels in IgAN patients were significantly correlated with the uric acid and estimated glomerular filtration rate by both univariate and multivariate analysis. Tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis score was still significantly correlated with the plasma CXL16 levels even after adjustment for other potential predictor variables by multivariate analysis. In addition, the counts of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and CD20+ B cells in renal biopsies of IgAN patients were significantly correlated with the plasma CXCL16 levels, but not CD68+ macrophage. Finally, we concluded that patients with higher plasma CXCL16 levels had higher risk of poor renal outcome compared with those with lower plasma CXCL16 levels. No association was observed between the CXCL16 polymorphisms and clinical parameters including plasma CXCL16 levels and prognosis. Human kidney cells (HK2) expression of CXCL16 was up-regulated by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) via p65 pathway and recombinant CXCL16 promoted the chemotaxis of Jurkat T cells. Conclusions: Plasma CXCL16 levels were associated with creatinine level, 24-urine protein, tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis pathological damage, the CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and CD20+ B cells infiltration in renal tissue and renal outcome in IgAN patients. Plasma CXCL16 might be a potential prognosis novel predictor in Chinese patients with IgAN. Funding: This work was financially supported by the Major Research Plan of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 91742204); International (regional) cooperation and exchange projects, (NSFC-DFG, Grant No. 81761138041), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grants 81470948, 81670633, 81570667), National key research and development program (Grants 2016YFC0906103) and The National Key Technology R&D Program (Grant 2013BAI09B06, 2015BAI12B07). Declaration of Interest: We declare no competing interests. Ethical Approval: This study conformed with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Tongji Hospital Ethics Committee on Human Experimentation. Written informed consent was obtained from each patient.

Contribution of short-term global clinical health experience to the leadership competency of health professionals: a qualitative study

ObjectivesGlobalisation has increased the opportunities for health professionals working in developed countries to provide clinical and educational support in developing countries. However, how these experiences contribute to the leadership competency...