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Typhoons and their associated disaster chains pose serious threats to the lives and property of coastal residents, and they remain a focal point for research and response. Previous studies on typhoon disaster chains often employed high-dimensional symmetric Copula models to establish the joint distribution of multiple hazard factors, however they failed to explore the complex nonlinear and asymmetric dependencies among them. This study aimed to depict these complex relationships more comprehensively and efficiently to provide a more accurate typhoon hazard assessment. Focusing on Zhoushan, a city comprising numerous islands in Zhejiang Province that faces multiple typhoon threats, this study employed the C-Vine Copula function to model the complex dependencies among "strong wind-rainstorm-storm surge" in the typhoon disaster chain. Utilizing observational data from 1979 to 2018, this study involves three main steps: first, fitting the marginal distribution of each hazard factor and identifying the best one from Lognormal, Gamma, GEV (Generalized Extreme Value), and Burr functions based on the K-S test; second, fitting the bivariate joint distributions of wind speed-rainfall and wind speed-storm surge using Gaussian, Clayton, Gumbel, Frank, and Joe Copula functions, and determining the best fit based on the AIC (Akaike Information Criterion); and finally, estimating the trivariate joint probability distribution and corresponding return periods for wind speed-rainfall-storm surge using the C-Vine Copula function. This revealed (1) a strong correlation between wind speed and rainfall observed within regular value ranges (non-extreme conditions), were best represented by the Frank Copula, In addition, wind speed and storm surge exhibit an upper-tail dependence, best captured by the Gumbel Copula. (2) The rainfall distribution under certain wind speed conditions revealed dual peaks, whereas the storm surge distribution maintained a uniform pattern, with the best joint distribution fitting the Gumbel Copula. (3) Considering a 100-year return period for individual variables, the bivariate return periods for wind speed-rainfall and wind speed-storm surge events were significantly reduced to 29 and 30 years, respectively, while the trivariate return period for the wind speedrainfall- storm surge combination was further reduced to 17 years. Overall, the C-Vine Copula function effectively characterizes the complex nonlinear and asymmetric dependencies among the typhoon disaster chain "strong wind-rainstorm-storm surge", reducing high-dimensional parameter estimation complexity. This method provides new insights for constructing joint probability and return period models for multiple hazard factors and offers a scientific basis for disaster risk assessment and management strategies. Therefore, this enhances the accuracy of disaster prevention and mitigation efforts. Additionally, the application of the C-Vine Copula assists to deeply understand the mechanisms and development processes of natural disasters, providing new tools for on-site emergency response and decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the global population ages, the number of patients with osteoporosis is rapidly rising. The existing first-line clinical drugs are bone resorption inhibitors that have difficulty restoring the bone mass of elderly patients to the safe range. The range and period of use of existing peptides and monoclonal antibodies are limited, and small-molecule bone formation–promoting drugs are urgently required. We established an I-9 synthesis route with high yield, simple operation, and low cost that was suitable for future large-scale production. I-9 administration promoted bone formation and increased bone mass in mice with low bone mass in an aged C57 mouse model. Our findings revealed a hitherto undescribed pathway involving the BMP2–ERK–ATF4 axis that promotes osteoblast differentiation; I-9 has favorable biosafety in mice. This study systematically investigated the efficacy, safety, and mechanism of I-9 for treating osteoporosis and positions this drug for preclinical research in the future. Thus, this study has promoted the development of small-molecule bone-promoting drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNA) have been reported to be involved in the progression of cerebral infarction. The purpose of this study was to reveal the role and potential molecular mechanism of circZfp609 (mmu_circ_0001797) in cerebral infarction. Methods: C57BL/6J mice was used to construct middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice model, and primary mouse astrocytes were treated with oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) process. The circZfp609, microRNA (miR)-145a-5p and BTB and CNC homology 1 (BACH1) expression levels were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by cell counting kit 8 assay, EdU assay and flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to measure protein levels, and ELISA assay was utilized to detect the levels of inflammation factors. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was measured by LDH Assay Kit. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, RIP assay and RNA pull-down assay were used to evaluate RNA interaction. Results: CircZfp609 was upregulated in MCAO mice and OGD/R-induced astrocytes. Knockdown of circZfp609 promoted cell proliferation, while suppressed apoptosis and inflammation in OGD/R-induced astrocytes. CircZfp609 served as a sponge for miR-145a-5p, and miR-145a-5p inhibitor reversed the regulation of circZfp609 knockdown on OGD/R-induced astrocyte injury. BACH1 was a target of miR-145a-5p, and its overexpression abolished the inhibition effect of miR-145a-5p on OGD/R-induced astrocyte injury. Besides, circZfp609 downregulation also relieved the brain injury of MCAO mice through miR-145a-5p/BACH1 axis. Conclusion: Our data showed that circZfp609 might promote cerebral infarction by regulating the miR-145a-5p/BACH1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Circular RNA (circRNA) has been found to play an important role in the progression of many diseases, including ischemic stroke. However, the regulatory mechanism of circSEC11A in ischemic stroke progression need to further investigation. METHODS: Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) were stimulated by oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD). CircSEC11A, SEC11A mRNA and miR (microRNA)-29a-3p were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). SEMA3A, BAX and BCL2 protein level was quantified by western blot. Oxidative stress, cell proliferation, angiogenesis and apoptosis abilities were gauged by oxidative stress assay kit, 5-Ethynyl-2'-Deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, tube formation assay and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Direct relationship between miR-29a-3p and circSEC11A or SEMA3A was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RIP assay and RNA pull-down assay. RESULTS: CircSEC11A was upregulated in OGD-induced HBMECs. OGD promoted the oxidative stress and apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation and angiogenesis, while circSEC11A knockdown relieved the effects. CircSEC11A functioned as the sponge for miR-29a-3p, and miR-29a-3p inhibitor reversed the effects of si-circSEC11A on OGD-induced HBMECs oxidative injuries. Moreover, SEMA3A served as the target gene of miR-29a-3p. MiR-29a-3p inhibition ameliorated OGD-induced HBMECs oxidative injuries, while SEMA3A overexpression rescued the impacts of miR-29a-3p mimic. CONCLUSION: CircSEC11A promoted the malignant progression in OGD-induced HBMECs through the mediation of miR-29a-3p/SEMA3A axis. This study has provided the new insight into the underlying application of circSEC11A in cell model of ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bone marrow microenvironment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) consists of various cell types and signaling factors, which serve as a niche supporting leukemia cells in their invasion of the human body. However, a systematic landscape of metabolic heterogeneity and its relationship with immunity in the AML microenvironment at single-cell resolution has not yet been established. Herein, we addressed this issue by analyzing 208,543 bone marrow cells from 40 AML patients and 3 healthy donors obtained from GSE130756. We focused on the metabolic preference of AML progenitor cells and diverse immune cells, especially myeloid immune cells and T cells. Accordingly, the immune evasion mechanism of leukemia cells was proposed from the view of the allocation of energy and oxygen, providing a novel direction of treatment. Finally, we tentatively proposed potential targets for AML metabolic therapy, including ENO1, GSTP1, MT-ND4L and UQCR11. Collectively, our analysis facilitates the development of personalized therapies targeting unique immunometabolic profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an urgent need to develop new effective therapies for HCC. Our previous study identified ULK1 as the potential target for HCC therapy and screened the compound XST-14 as a specific inhibitor of ULK1 to suppress HCC progression. However, the poor manufacturability of XST-14 impeded the process of its clinical translation. In this study, we first generated pharmacophore models of ULK1 based on the X-ray structure of UKL1 in complex with ligands. We then screened the Specs chemical library for potential UKL1 inhibitors. By molecular docking, we screened out the 19 compounds through structure-based virtual screening. Through CCK8 activity screening on HCC cells, we found that ZZY-19 displayed obvious cell killing effects on HCC cells. SPR assay indicated that ZZY-19 had a higher binding affinity for ULK1 than XST-14. Moreover, ZZY-19 induced the effects of anti-proliferation, anti-invasion and anti-migration in HCC cells. Mechanistically, ZZY-19 induces autophagy inhibition by reducing the expression of ULK1 on HCC cells. Especially, the combination of ZZY-19 with sorafenib synergistically suppresses the progression of HCC in vivo. Taken together, ZZY-19 was a potential candidate compound that targeted ULK1 and possessed promising anti-HCC activities by inhibiting autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated habitat suitability index (HSI) model was developed in this study for Dosidicus gigas in the eastern equatorial waters of the Pacific Ocean to explore climate-related spatial and temporal variability in the habitat distribution pattern based on three crucial environmental variables: sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface salinity (SSS) and chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a). Results revealed that the HSI model could accurately predict potential habitats for D. gigas. The habitat suitability varied significantly by month, with highest suitability in April and lowest in March. Besides, from December to May, the longitudinal gravity center of the fishing grounds (LONG) and the HSI overall shifted eastward and the latitudinal gravity center shifted northward then southward. In comparison to the warm ENSO phases in 2019, the cold ENSO phases in 2018 produced increased suitable habitat from December to May, leading to a significantly higher CPUE. Prospective high-quality habitats in 2018 primarily occurred in the western regions, with the exception of December, which resulted in a more westward distribution of LONG from January to May. High-quality habitats moved northward from December to February and southward from March to May 2018, compared to minor latitudinal movement in 2019. It was inferred that annual variations in squid abundance and distribution were largely affected by the SST-related habitat pattern of D. gigas in the eastern equatorial waters. Our findings suggested that D. gigas habitats clearly varied by month and year and were greatly influenced by climate-induced environmental changes. • A habitat model was first built for Dosidicus gigas in the eastern equatorial waters. • The habitat suitability of Dosidicus gigas showed clear spatio-temporal variations. • ENSO-related habitat pattern largely affected variations in squid abundance and distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming is exacerbating flood hazards, making the robustness of flood risk management a critical issue. Without considering future scenarios, flood risk analysis built only on historical knowledge may not adequately address the coming challenges posed by climate change. A comprehensive risk analysis framework based on both historical inundations and future projections to tackle uncertainty is still lacking. In this view, a scenario-based, data-driven risk analysis framework that for the first time integrates recent historical floods and future risk trends is here presented, consisting of flood inundation-prone and high-risk zones. Considering the Poyang Lake Eco-Economic Zone (PLEEZ) in China as the study area, we reproduced historical inundation scenarios of major flood events by using Sentinel-1 imagery from 2015 to 2021, and used them to build the risk baseline model. The results show that 11.7% of the PLEEZ is currently exposed to the high-risk zone. In the SSP2-RCP4.5 scenario, the risk would gradually decrease after peaking around 2040 (with a 19.3% increase in high-risk areas), while under the traditional fossil fuel-dominated development pathway (SSP5-RCP8.5), the risk peak would occur with a higher intensity about a decade earlier. The attribution analysis results reveal that the intensification of heavy rainfall is the dominant driver of future risk increase and that the exploitation of unused land such as wetlands induces a significant increase in risk. Finally, a hierarchical panel of recommended management measures was developed. We hope that our risk analysis framework inspires newfound risk awareness and provides the basis for more effective flood risk management in river basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method was developed for the determination of the mycotoxin ochratoxin A in dried jujube (Zizyphus jujubaMiller) using alkaline methanolic extraction, immunoaffinity column clean-up (IAC) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) determination. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.01 μg kg–1and limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.03 μg kg–1. The average recoveries were 82%, 98% and 115% at 5, 0.5 and 0.1 μg kg–1spiked levels with relative standard deviations (RSD) of 2.9%, 5.2% and 9.2% accordingly. The method showed good linearity for both solvent standard calibration and matrix-matched standard calibration with correlation coefficients of 0.9998 and 0.9997 respectively. The intra-day precision RSD was 3.3% and the inter-day precision RSD was 4.0%. In addition, there was almost no matrix interference in LC-MS/MS detection after the IAC clean-up process. The proposed analytical set-up was successfully used to test 20 samples that were collected from local markets and stores. The results showed that all the samples were positive and the amount of OTA ranged from < 0.01 to 0.18 μg kg–1, with a mean level of 0.14 μg kg–1. In spite of the high positive rate, samples with this level would not cause significant health effects after consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vestibular disruption on autophagy-related proteins and the tumour-associated pathway P13K/Akt in rat sleep and its hypothalamus tissue and to examine whether catechins trigger tumour autophagy. Healthy adult male rats were randomly selected and divided into the vestibular damage group, the sham operation group, and the control group, with 8 rats in each group. A vestibular damage model was established through penetrating the tympanic membrane of the external auditory canal by injecting sodium p-aminophenylarsonate. The electroencephalogram (EGG) activity was used to record the sleep-wakefulness cycle of rats, and the expression levels of hypothalamic orexin (orexin) mRNA and autophagy proteins were detected. Primary hippocampal neurons were intervened with orexin at different concentrations and at different times to detect cell viability and the expression of autophagy protein and P13K/Akt signal pathway protein. The results showed that compared with the control group and the sham operation group, NREM duration in the vestibular damage group decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while its W time increased significantly (P < 0.05). The expression level of orexin mRNA in the hypothalamus of the vestibular damage group was significantly higher than that of the other two groups (P < 0.05), the expression of autophagy microtubule-related proteins LC3B and Beclin-1 increased significantly (P < 0.05), and the protein expression level of p62 decreased significantly (P < 0.05). After orexin intervention, compared with the control group, the expression of Beclin-1 protein that positively correlated with autophagy decreased significantly (P < 0.05) and the expression of mTOR, PDK1, and Akt protein increased significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with the orexin intervention group, the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3B proteins in cells of the orexin receptor inhibitor (Almorexant) group, the autophagy activator (Rapamycin) group, the orexin + Almorexant group, and the orexin + Rapamycin group increased significantly (P < 0.05), and the expression of mTOR, PDK1, and Akt proteins decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Catechins trigger autophagy in part by regulating the p-Akt/p-mTOR and P13K pathways and by stimulating the MAPK pathway. Catechins initiate apoptosis in common tumour types of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by activating autophagy-related pathways. The conclusion is that vestibular damage can affect the sleep-wakefulness cycle of rats; the level of autophagy in hypothalamic tissue is upregulated and may affect cell proliferation and activity through mTOR-P13K/Akt, which has a certain reference value for tumor formation and provides a basis for the research of insomnia or sleep disorders caused by tumors. Autophagy activation is a key process by which catechins promote apoptosis in tumour cells, providing an avenue for more research on the use of catechins-rich diets for cardiovascular protection in the treatment of tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) is a familiar neurological disorder. Emerging reports manifest that microRNAs (miRs) are related to the progression of HIBD. The goal of this study is to explore the mechanism of miR-192-5p in HIBD via regulation of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1)-mediated Hippo signaling pathway. The miR-192-5p, YAP1, and Hippo pathway-related factors Phospho (p)-Triaminoguanidinium azide (TAZ) in hippocampal tissues and neurons were detected. The regulatory relationship between miR-192-5p and YAP1 was verified. Neonatal hypoxic ischemia and oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) were used to simulate HIBD in vivo and in vitro. The neurobehavioral impairment, neuronal damage and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression of neonatal rats in each group were detected. The viability, apoptosis and VEGF expression of hippocampal neurons in each group were also examined. MiR-192-5p expression was elevated while YAP1 expression was reduced in hippocampal tissues of HIBD rats in vivo and OGD neurons in vitro. MiR-192-5p had a targeting relation with YAP1. Suppressed miR-192-5p or overexpressed YAP1 in HIBD rats alleviated neurobehavioral impairment and neuronal damage, and decreased the expression levels of p-TAZ and VEGF expression in vivo. Reduced miR-192-5p or augmented YAP1 decelerated the neuron apoptosis, decreased the p-TAZ level and VEGF level and promoted cell viability of OGD hippocampal neurons in vitro. The study highlights that inhibited miR-192-5p protects against HIBD via regulation of YAP1 and Hippo signaling pathway, which is beneficial for HIBD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The secretions of the venom glands, dry skin and whole body of several Bufo species have been used as traditional medicines in East Asia to treat heart failure and cancer. Due to the highly similar morphological features of Bufo species and their derived commercial crude drugs, along with the high similarity of chemical composition of the secretions of venom glands, it is very challenging to identify the medicinal toads and the related crude drugs. The cyt-b sequences provide useful information to authenticate medicinal Bufo species. Based on the cyt-b sequences, a simple PCR-RFLP method was established for the identification of the medicinally used Bufo species as well as their derived crude drugs. The 23 specimens from three medicinally used Bufo species, B. bufo gargarizans (Bbg), B. melanostictus (Bm) and B. raddei (Br), were clearly divided into 3 groups according to the sequences of amplified cyt-b regions, which could be digested by specific restriction enzymes Nco I, Eco RV and Bst XI, respectively. Then the specific PCR-RFLP method was further used to identify 9 samples of commercial crude drugs even with serious degradation of DNA, and all nine samples were identified as B. bufo gargarizans. The method is suitable for identification of medicinally used Bufo species and the related crude drugs. [Display omitted] • A simple PCR-RFLP method for identification and detection of medicinal toad and its crude drug. • Nco I, Eco RV and Bst XI could be used for rapid identification for Bufo gargarizans , Bufo melanostictus , and Bufo raddei. • No need to purify or clone the PCR product and suitable for high throughput identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the significance of electron microscope tomography in the investigation of biological structure at nanometer scales, ongoing improvement efforts have been continuous over recent years. This is particularly true in the case of software developments. Nevertheless, verification of improvements delivered by new algorithms and software remains difficult. Current analysis tools do not provide adaptable and consistent methods for quality assessment. This is particularly true with images of biological samples, due to image complexity, variability, low contrast and noise. We report an electron tomography (ET) simulator with accurate ray optics modeling of image formation that includes curvilinear trajectories through the sample, warping of the sample and noise. As a demonstration of the utility of our approach, we have concentrated on providing verification of the class of reconstruction methods applicable to wide field images of stained plastic-embedded samples. Accordingly, we have also constructed digital phantoms derived from serial block face scanning electron microscope images. These phantoms are also easily modified to include alignment features to test alignment algorithms. The combination of more realistic phantoms with more faithful simulations facilitates objective comparison of acquisition parameters, alignment and reconstruction algorithms and their range of applicability. With proper phantoms, this approach can also be modified to include more complex optical models, including distance-dependent blurring and phase contrast functions, such as may occur in cryotomography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of 9 different solvents on the measurement of the total phenolics and antioxidant activities of mulberry fruits were studied using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). Sixteen to 22 types of phenolics (flavonols, flavan-3-ols, flavanol, hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, and stilbenes) from different mulberry extracts were characterized and quantified using HPLC-MS/MS. The principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine the suitable solvents to distinguish between different classes of phenolics. Additionally, the phenolic extraction abilities of ASE and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) were compared. The highest extraction efficiency could be achieved by using 50% acidified methanol (50MA) as ASE solvents with 15.14 mg/gallic acid equivalents g dry weight of mulberry fruit. The PCA results revealed that the 50MA followed by 50% acidified acetone (50AA) was the most efficient solvent for the extraction of phenolics, particularly flavonols (627.12 and 510.31 μg/g dry weight, respectively), while water (W) was not beneficial to the extraction of all categories of phenolics. Besides, the results of 3 antioxidant capability assays (DPPH, ABTS free radical-scavenging assay, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay) showed that water-based organic solvents increased the antioxidant capabilities of the extracts compared with water or pure organic solvents. ASE was more suitable for the extraction of phenolics than UAE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FOXM1 signalling pathways are highly expressed in multiple human cancers. Based on the crystal structure of the FOXM1 DNA binding domain, our preliminary research found ethylene glycol (4-benzyloxyphenyl) cyclopentylaminoethyl ether XST20 , which could inhibit ovarian cancer cell proliferation and showed a medium affinity for the truncated protein FOXM1. This study intended to develop a FOXM1 inhibitor with stronger affinity and higher efficiency to be utilized as a molecular tool and drug candidate. We evaluated the optimization direction through molecular docking and systematically modified the structure of XST20. A novel class of ethylene glycol phenyl aminoethyl ether derivatives were synthesized, their anticancer activity and mechanism were evaluated, and the structure-activity relationship was summarized. Compound S2 showed a stronger affinity for FOXM1 and improved its activity with a broad-spectrum anticancer effect. S2 displayed selective antiproliferative activity against cancer cells with high expression levels of FOXM1 proteins. S2 should be a good chemobiological tool and a potential leading compound for future studies of anticancer drugs targeting FOXM1. [Display omitted] • 40 ethylene glycol phenyl aminoethyl ether derivatives were designed and synthesized as FOXM1 inhibitors. • SAR studies led to the identification of compound S2 with stronger affinity to FOXM1 and efficacy against cancer cells. • Compound S2 showed potent activity to FOXM1-overexpressing cancer cells SKOV3, HepG2 and HCT116 (IC 50 : 2–15 μM). • Compound S2 could bind to and inhibit FOXM1 expression and downstream PLK1 and CDC25B expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, sensitive and reliable quantification and identification method was developed for simultaneous analysis of ochratoxin A (OTA) and its related metabolites ochratoxin alpha (OTα), ochratoxin B (OTB) and mellein. The method was assessed by spiking analytes into blank culture media and dried vine fruits. Performance was tested in terms of accuracy, selectivity and repeatability. The method involves an ultrasonic extraction step for culture samples using methanol aqueous solution (7:3, v/v); the mycotoxin is quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionisation and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-ESIMS/ MS). The recoveries were 74.5-108.8%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.4-8.4% for fungal culture. The limits of detection (LODs) were in the range of 0.03-0.87 μg l-1, and the limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.07 to 2.90 μg l-1. In addition, the extraction solutions and clean-up columns were optimised specifically for dried vine fruit samples to improve the performance of the method. Methanol-1% sodium bicarbonate extraction solution (6:4, v/v) was determined to be the most efficient. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) was performed as a clean-up step prior to HPLC-MS/MS analysis to reduce matrix effects. Recoveries ranged from 80.1% to 110.8%. RSDs ranged from 0.1% to 3.6%. LODs and LOQs ranged from 0.06 to 0.40 μg kg-1 and from 0.19 to 1.20 μg kg-1, respectively. The analytical method was established and used to identify and quantify OTA and related compounds from Aspergillus carbonarius and Aspergillus ochraceus in cultures and dried vine fruits. The results showed that A. carbonarius produced OTα, OTB and OTA, whereas A. ochraceus produced OTB, OTA and mellein after 7 days of cultivation. Of 30 commercial samples analysed, 10 were contaminated with ochratoxins; OTB, OTα and mellein were also detected in different samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 56 dried vine fruits, including 31 sultanas and 25 currants, were selected from Chinese markets in 2012. All samples were analysed for Ochratoxin A (OTA) using solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. It turned out that 58.9% of the samples were positive and the OTA amount ranged from <0.07 to 12.83 μg/kg, with a mean level of 0.99 μg/kg. Only one sample exceeded the European Union (EU) maximum level of 10 μg/kg. Meanwhile, it was shown that OTA contamination increased among north-western, northern and southern China, which showed OTA means of 0.08, 0.99 and 2.01 μg/kg, respectively. Moreover, in samples of products sold in sealed plastic bags, i.e. consumer-size packages (n = 19, mean = 0.30 μg/kg) less OTA was detected when compared with sampled bulk packages (n = 37, mean = 1.67 μg/kg). In addition, sultanas (mean = 0.92 μg/kg) had less OTA contamination than currants (mean = 1.22 μg/kg). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]