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Summary: In this study, we found out a previously undefined function of icariin which restored the dynamic balance between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in patients with osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) via ABCB1-promoter demethylation. These findings provided important information regarding potential implication of icariin targeting epigenetic changes for the treatment of steroid -associated ONFH. Introduction: Here, we investigated whether icariin can also exert a beneficial role in the reactivation of MSCs in the patients with steroid-associated ONFH via ABCB1-promoter demethylation. Methods: Bone marrow was collected from the proximal femur in patients with steroid-associated ONFH ( n = 20) and patients with new femoral neck fractures ( n = 22), and then MSCs were isolated. We investigated cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity, the transcript levels of ABCB1 and oxidative stress-related genes, methylation extent at CpG islands of ABCB1 promoter, and osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation ability of MSCs from the femoral neck fractures group and from the steroid-associated ONFH group treated with or without icariin. Results: We observed that MSCs from the steroid-associated ONFH group showed reduced proliferation ability, elevated ROS level, depressed MMP, weakened osteogenesis, and enhanced adipogenesis while low P-gp activity, transcription level of ABCB1, and oxidative stress-related genes as well as aberrant CpG islands hypermethylation of ABCB1 were also noted in steroid-associated ONFH group. Treatment with icariin obviously induced de novo P-gp expression, decreased oxidative stress, and promoted osteogenesis. Conclusion: Icariin may be a potential drug targeting epigenetic changes for the treatment of steroid-associated ONFH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cosmetics have a long history in China, but their origins remain unclear. Cosmetic industry potentially originated in the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 bce), but little is known about the early manufacture and use of cosmetics. The Liujiawa site, located on the southern edge of the Loess Plateau in northern China, was the late capital of the ancient Rui state in the early to mid‐Spring and Autumn Period. During the excavation, a sealed small and exquisite container with suspected cosmetic use was unearthed from tomb M49 belonging to a male associated with the aristocratic class. We report in this paper the multidisciplinary application of ATR‐FTIR, XRD, SEM, stable isotope analysis, GC‐MS and GC‐C‐IRMS analysis of the residue inside the container, demonstrating that the residue, which was made of ruminant adipose fat mixed with monohydrocalcite from cave moonmilk, was likely used as cosmetic face cream by the nobleman of the Rui state. This study provides an early example of cosmetic production in China, and, together with the prevalence of similar cosmetic containers during this period, it suggests the rise of an incipient cosmetics industry. Furthermore, the exploitation of moonmilk, a special stalactite in some limestone caves, reflects the link between early Taoist School and cosmetic production encouraged by the aristocratic class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Epidemiological data evaluating sleep problems in clinical nurses in mainland China are scarce and an association between sleep problems and occupational stress has not been investigated. Aims To assess the prevalence of sleep problems and associated factors and determine their association with occupational stress among clinical nurses in general hospitals. Methods Nurses were selected through random cluster sampling. They answered a self-administered questionnaire, which included sociodemographic and occupational variables, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scoring system and the Job Content Questionnaire for evaluating occupational stress. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with sleep problems. Results There were 5012 participants. Mean PSQI score of 4951 subjects included in the final analysis was 7.32 ± 3.24, with 2713 subjects having PSQI ≥8, accounting for 55% of participants. Female subjects in the intensive care unit and emergency departments were at higher risk of sleep problems. The following factors also presented a risk for sleep problems: multiple years of service, high monthly night shift frequency, primary and intermediate professional status, temporary employment status and high occupational stressors (including high psychological job demands, low job control and low workplace's social support). Conclusions The overall prevalence rate of sleep problems among clinical nurses in general hospitals in mainland China was high. Many factors could affect the sleep quality of nurses, although occupational stress facilitates development of sleep problems. Various risk factors associated with sleep problems among nurses should be studied extensively and measures for relieving occupational stress should be undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault slip rates are critical to quantify continental deformation. Those along the Karakax fault (northwestern Altyn Tagh Fault: ATF) have been debated, even though it is one of Tibet's most outstanding active faults. At Taersa, using LiDAR measurements of terrace and fan riser offsets (∼6 to ∼500 m) and 10Be/26Al dating of alluvial surfaces (<210 ka), we obtain a late Quaternary slip rate of ∼2.5 ± 0.5 mm/yr. This doubles the ∼2.6 ± 0.5 mm/yr rate time span found to the east and west. We interpret the ∼150 km‐long, free‐faced rupture along the fault to be that of the M ∼ 7.6 event felt in Hotan in 1882. Characteristic slip (∼6 m) during four large earthquakes since ∼10 ka implies a ∼2500 ± 500 years return time. A ∼3 mm/yr rate is consistent with the ∼80 km offset of the Karakax river since uplift of the West Kunlun range and sediment deposition in the Tarim foreland accelerated, ∼24 Ma ago. The faster slip rate (∼10.5 mm/yr) on the central ATF matches the sum of those along the reactivated West Tibetan terrane boundaries (Karakax and Longmu‐Gozha Co faults) at the Uzatagh triple junction (∼36°N, 83°E). The abrupt termination and altitude drop of the Karakorum range where the Longmu Co and Karakorum faults meet (Angmong junction), also reflect triple junction kinematics. Such localized changes account for the rise of the Karakorum and West Kunlun ranges and support lithospheric block tectonics rather than diffusely distributed deformation. Plain Language Summary: How the Tibetan plateau rose to ∼4500 m and deforms today remain outstanding questions. Tibet's northern edge follows the ∼2000 km‐long ATF, whose westernmost branch is the Karakax fault. Despite the spectacular escarpments and offsets observed along that fault, its slip rate, critical to quantify continental deformation, has remained controversial. Here, we corroborate that, for the last ∼210,000 years, that rate has been ∼2.5 ± 0.5 mm/yr, based on high‐resolution topography and dating of left‐laterally offset fluvial surfaces. The ∼80 km offset of the Karakax river implies that this rate may have remained constant since the rise of the Kunlun range above the Tarim basin started ∼24 Ma ago. The sharp fault trace reflects the exceptional preservation, since ∼10,000 years ago, of four M ∼ 7.6 earthquake ruptures (the last in 1882), each with ∼6 m of slip (∼2500 years return time). Fault slip rates, GPS vectors and mountain altitudes across western Tibet reflect block motions and triple junction kinematics rather than continuum deformation. Specifically, localized velocity changes appear to account for the rise of the West Kunlun and Karakorum ranges. Our results bridge the gaps between present and long‐term geological history, and broad‐scale geodesy and local field evidence. Key Points: The ∼400 km‐long, left‐lateral Karakax fault (western Altyn Tagh fault) slip rate has been ∼2.5 ± 0.5 mm/yr for ∼210 kaFour M ∼ 7.6 earthquakes (150 km rupture length; 2.5 ka return time) have offset Holocene terraces (6, 12, 18, and 24 m characteristic slip)Block tectonics and triple junction kinematics account for 24 Ma deformation of west Tibet and rise of ≥8000 m‐high Karakorum range [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined the rate of secondary infection among contacts of individuals with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hangzhou according to the type of contacts, the intensity of contacts, and their relationship with the index patient. This is a retrospective cohort study. The analysis used the data of 2994 contacts of 144 individuals with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The contacts were categorized according to the information source, type of contact, location, intensity of contact, and relationship with the index patient. The incidence of infection differed significantly according to contact type. Of the contacts, 186 (6.2%) developed symptoms, and 71 (2.4%) had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The main symptoms were cough and fever. Compared with those who had brief contact with the index case, those who had dined with the index case had 2.6 times higher risk of acquiring infection; those who had shared transport with, had visited, or had contact with the index case in a medical institution had 3.6 times higher risk of acquiring infection; and household contacts had 41.7 times higher risk of acquiring infection. Family members had 31.6 times higher risk of acquiring infection than healthcare providers or other patients exposed to an index case. The form and frequency of contact are the main factors affecting the risk of infection among contacts of individuals with COVID-19. Centralized isolation and observation of close contacts of individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, in addition to population-based control measures, can reduce the risk of secondary infections and curb the spread of the infection. • The incidence of infection differed significantly according to contact type. • Contact form and frequency are important to the risk of COVID-19. • Centralized isolation and observation of contacts curbed the spread of the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: To investigate whether peer support would reduce diabetes distress and improve glycaemic control when added to usual diabetes education among adults with Type 2 diabetes in China. Methods: We conducted a cluster randomized trial involving 400 adults with Type 2 diabetes from eight communities in Nanjing. All participants received usual education for an average of 2 h each month from physicians, certified diabetes educators, dieticians, psychologists and podiatric nurses. Peer support was led by trained peer leaders and included diabetes knowledge‐ and skills‐sharing at least once a month, as well as peer‐to‐peer communication. The primary outcome was diabetes distress measured using the Diabetes Distress Scale at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included fasting plasma glucose, 2‐h postprandial glucose and HbA1c concentration. Outcome data were collected from all participants at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Results: From 2012 to 2013, there were 200 participants in each study arm at baseline. Compared with the usual education arm, the peer support with usual education arm had greater reductions in regimen‐related distress (1.4 ± 0.6 vs 1.2 ± 0.4; P=0.004) and total distress (1.3 ± 0.4 vs 1.2 ± 0.3; P=0.038) at 6 months. At 12 months, the scores for emotional burden (1.2 ± 0.3 vs 1.4 ± 0.6; P=0.002), physician‐related distress (1.1 ± 0.3 vs 1.3 ± 0.4; P=0.001) and total scores (1.2 ± 0.3 vs 1.3 ± 0.4; P=0.002) were significantly lower in the peer support with usual education arm than in the usual education arm. Fasting plasma glucose levels were lower in the peer support with usual education arm than in the usual education arm at 6 months (7.5 ± 1.95 vs 8.0 ± 2.2; P=0.044) and 12 months (7.0 ± 2.3 vs 7.6 ± 1.5; P=0.008). Conclusions: Beyond the benefits of usual education, peer support was effective in reducing diabetes distress for Type 2 diabetes mellitus. (Clinical Trials Registry no: NCT02119572) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A human skull, buried about 2500 years ago in a Bronze Age cemetery at Jinggouzi, a site of an important ethnic group in ancient China, appeared to have characteristics of fibrous dysplasia. The CT images indicated a reduction in bone density and relatively homogeneous lesions. More features were revealed using CT reconstruction techniques. Lesions seen in low‐magnification images using a 3D deep‐field microscope had an irregular honeycomb‐like structure. At higher magnification, the trabeculae morphology and the gaps between the trabeculae were irregular and varied in size and shape. Paraffin‐embedded specimens stained with HE showed trabeculae with tortuous irregular arrangements varying in shape and width. The irregular trabeculae of woven bone has been described as having fibrous dysplasia. Molecular analysis of the GNAS gene indicated no mutation. This provides a non‐invasive approach for us to make more comprehensive diagnoses and to assist research into ancient human diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Our aim is to evaluate the expression of SATB1 in human oral squamous cell carcinomas ( OSCC) and its role in the invasiveness and metastasis of OSCC. Subjects and methods A human OSCC tissue microarray was used to evaluate the expression pattern of SATB1. SATB1 mRNA knockdown was performed in human OSCC cell lines SCC25 and Cal27 to assess the function of SATB1 in the invasiveness and metastasis of OSCC. Results SATB1 is highly expressed in human OSCC determined by immunohistochemistry, and its nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio of histoscore is significantly correlated with patients' prognosis. Reduced cell motility, invasiveness, expression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition ( EMT) markers (N-cadherin and β-catenin), and elevated expression of epithelial markers were observed in SATB1-knockdown cells in in vitro studies. Depletion of SATB1 also restored a cobblestone-like morphology in TGF-β1-treated cells. Conclusions These findings suggest SATB1 may play an important role in OSCC invasiveness and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological outbreak investigations were conducted on NADC30-like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus ( PRRSV) to investigate the prevalence of the disease in south-east China in 2015. Two more provinces were found to have NADC30-like PRRSV circulating besides previously reported six provinces. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these virus isolates were clustered in an independent branch and shared high nucleotide similarity to NADC30, a type 2 PRRSV that has been isolated in Unite States in 2008. One NADC30-like PRRSV strain from Henan province was successfully isolated on porcine alveolar macrophages and was tested on 6-week-old specific pathogen-free pigs for pathogenic study. The virus-inoculated pigs showed typical PRRSV clinical symptoms, but all pigs survived throughout the study with a period of 14 days. At necropsy, the lungs of infected pigs developed PRRSV-specific interstitial pneumonia, and virus antigen was detected in lung samples. Therefore, our results indicated NADC30-like PRRSV has widely spread in China and could cause clinical disease on pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address severe grassland degradation, the Chinese government implemented national restoration programmes, which in turn drove a research focus towards assessment of the environmental effectiveness of such initiatives. In this study, net primary productivity ( NPP) was used as an indicator for assessing the impacts of land use and cover change ( LUCC), improved land-use management and climate change on the grassland ecosystem of the Shiyanghe River Basin. NPP was calculated on the basis of the Carnegie- Ames- Stanford Approach model, which is driven by a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer ( MODIS) normalized difference vegetation index and meteorological data. The LUCC data for 2001 and 2009 were derived from MODIS land-cover data. During the study period, the net increase in grassland development was 5105·5 km2, with 80·4% of the newly developed grasslands attributed to desert-to-grassland conversion. The total NPP of grasslands in 2009 increased by 659·62 Gg C compared with that in 2001. The contributions of human activity and climate change to total NPP increase were 133 and −33% respectively. Land conversion and improved management measures directly increased grassland NPP. These factors are dominant positive driving forces, whereas warm and dry climates impose adverse effects on grassland restoration in the study site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acupuncture at right Dazhong ( KI 4) mostly affects functional magnetic resonance imaging signal in the right inferior frontal gyrus, right insular lobe, right thalamus, right middle frontal gyrus and right orbitofrontal cortex, which are associated with governing executive functions, emotional activities and social behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on wave measurements lasting four and a half years, wave characteristics in a lagoon of the South China Sea are discussed in this paper. The significant wave height (H s), mean periods (T z) and wind speed (W s) are mostly smaller than 1 m, 6 s and 15 m/s, respectively. Based on the monthly average H s , there exists a transition season between winter and summer in the first half of the year. Waves of the transition season are very small, which is helpful for fishing and tourism. To characterize the seasonal cycle of wind and waves, a monsoon index based on the H s and the wind direction (W d) is proposed. It is verified by the monthly average air temperature. Finally, waves of winter (monsoon indexes < -0.25) are studied in detail. It shows that most of these waves come from the north, and are driven by the northeast monsoon and the cold-air from the mainland of China. Besides, locally generated fetch waves are common in winter. These waves can be identified by the Gaussian kernel clustering method. The relationship between peak energy density S (f p) and g −1/2 H s 5/2 is also verified for these waves. • A transition season between winter and summer in the first half of the year has been found. • A monsoon index based on the Hs and the wind direction is proposed to characterize the seasonal cycle of wind and waves. • It is found that waves of winter are mostly locally generated fetch waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]