Search

Field investigations and back analyses were conducted on a rockfall hazard. The flexible barrier protection system constructed along the roadside was damaged by the rockfall impact and lost its mitigation ability. Vital physical characteristics such as rockfall trajectory and kinetic energy were presumed based on the data from the aerial survey and the slope digital model. A numerical model, including slope, rockfalls, and flexible barrier, was created and thus the impacting process was reproduced. It demonstrates that the impact kinetic energy of the rockfall is only around 40 % of its design protection energy. The improper connections of members are the leading causes of damage, which prevent the flexible barrier from producing significant deformation and reduce its capacity to absorb impact force. The damage can be avoided by changing the connections of the members to improve the ability of the nets and ropes to slide and deform. The calculation results indicate that the impact resistance of the optimized model is 3 times better than the actual project. The findings can be used as a guide when designing a flexible protection system that performs better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Silurian–Devonian transition experienced dramatic changes of climates, global carbon cycles and faunas, but detailed documentation of the environments and biotas during this transitional interval in the South China Block is needed. The upper Silurian–Lower Devonian sequence of Qujing, Yunnan, southwestern China, represents one of the rare stratigraphic records of this transition in the South China Block. In this study, the Xiaxishancun Formation of Qujing, a unit generally considered earliest Devonian in age, is studied in terms of sedimentology and ichnology. The results show that the Xiaxishancun Formation typically records the deposition of hyperpycnal flow systems, which have been rarely reported in the Paleozoic. Three facies associations, including mudstone-dominated association, heterolithic association, and sandstone-dominated association, represent different parts of the channels and lobes of hyperpycnal subaqueous deltas on the shelf. Nineteen ichnogenera and 32 ichnospecies were distinguished in the Xiaxishancun Formation, and grouped into two ichnoassemblages, the Lockeia - Ptychoplasma - Oravaichnium ichnoassemblage in hummocky/swaley cross-stratified sandstones, and the Cruziana - Diplichnites - Monomorphichnus ichnoassemblage in thin rippled sandstone beds. The hyperpycnal depositional processes of the Xiaxishancun Formation created nutrient-rich, oxygen-rich, siliciclastic environments that supported diverse benthic ecosystems. Our study provides new insights into the understanding of marginal-marine environments and biotas of South China, immediately following the Silurian–Devonian transition event. • 32 ichnospecies reported from the Lower Devonian Xiaxishancun Formation. • Ichnoassemblages are helpful to analyze the sedimentary process of hyperpycnites. • Hyperpycnites developed in South China during the earliest Devonian. • Inceased terrestrial inputs improved Early Devonian marine community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trace fossil Rhizocorallium is abundant in the shallow‐marine settings of the Upper Devonian Wangguangou Formation in Xichuan, Henan Province, northern margin of the South China block. Based on its morphological characteristics, the studied Rhizocorallium is attributed to Rhizocorallium commune var. auriforme. There is a significant compositional difference between the fillings of the marginal tube and the spreite. The fillings in the marginal tube are similar to the surrounding rock, with abundant bioclasts. The fillings in the spreite are relatively fine‐grained and obviously affected by biological activities. Four types of pyrite framboids (pyritohedral, octahedron, cube and spherical) have been found within the Rhizocorallium. Moreover, the ratio of pyrite framboids diameter (D) to submicron crystal diameter (d) is <10, suggesting that they were formed by microbial activities. Relatively large pyrite framboids with smooth surface mainly occur in the marginal tube, while small pyrite framboids with sheath are abundant in the spreite. Energy spectrometer (EDS) analysis showed that the S/Fe ratio in the pyrite increased with decreasing crystal diameter, indicating different redox conditions in the marginal tube and the spreite. These features indicate that Rhizocorallium from the Xichuan section is not simply a foraging trace, but is probably a multi‐functional, complex burrow system utilized for living, caching and farming microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to systematically evaluate the accuracy of nCD64 in diagnosing infection in patients with autoimmune diseases. Studies were searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and Chongqing VIP databases up to October 2018. There was no restriction for language and age. Prospective studies examining the accuracy of nCD64 in diagnosing infection in patients with autoimmune diseases were included. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool was used to assess the quality of eligible studies. Stata 15.1 and Meta-DiSc 1.4 software were used for data analysis. Eleven studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria (677 patients, 229 patients with bacterial infection, and 448 without infection). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of nCD64 were 89% (95% confidence interval (CI) 82–93) and 94% (95% CI 91–96), respectively. The pooled positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 14.9 (95% CI 9.3–23.8) and 0.12 (95% CI 0.07–0.20), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve were 123 (95% CI 53–283) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.95–0.98), respectively. The univariate meta-regression analysis showed that region, type of disease, antibiotic therapy, and presentation of nCD64 measurement results were responsible for the heterogeneity. The Deeks' funnel plot asymmetry test showed that there was no publication bias (p = 0.15). nCD64 has a good overall diagnostic performance for differentiating infection from disease flare in patients with autoimmune diseases. Further studies are needed to confirm the optimized cutoff value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New ichnological data from the Lower Triassic (Induan) Dongchuan Formation (Longmendong, South China) record the recovery interval of marginal-marine communities following the end-Permian mass extinction. Here, we document six ichnogenera from the upper part of the Dongchuan Formation of Dienerian (Early Triassic) age in the Longmendong area, Sichuan Province, South China. These are Cylindrichnus , Diplocraterion , Palaeophycus , Planolites , Siphonichnus , and Teichichnus , illustrating a depauperate Cruziana Ichnofacies. Facies analysis suggests that the depauperate Cruziana Ichnofacies is present in deposits recording the transition from fluvial to tide-dominated estuarine settings. Compilation of worldwide brackish-water ichnofaunas from Permian (average alpha ichnodiversity = 6.2) to Triassic (average alpha ichnodiversity = 5.5) suggests that no significant ichnodiversity decrease took place in these settings as a result of the mass extinction and further implies that the impact of the mass extinction may have been less severe in marginal-marine settings. Ichnofaunas in pre- and post-extinction marginal-marine environments are remarkably similar and tend to be dominated by facies-crossing ichnotaxa (e.g., Diplocraterion , Palaeophycus , Planolites ) produced by opportunistic faunas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effects of ancient Chinese medical formula Xiayuxue Decoction (下瘀血汤, XYXD) on activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and defenestration of sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) in CCl-induced fibrotic liver of mice. Methods: High performance liquid chromatography was used to identify the main components of XYXD and control the quality of extraction. C57BL/6 mice were induced liver fibrosis by CCl exposure and administered with XYXD for 6 weeks simultaneously. Liver tissue was investigated by hematoxylin-eosin and Sirius-red staining. Sinusoidal fenestrations were observed by scanning electronic microscopy and fluorescent immunohistochemistry of PECAM-1 (CD31). Whole liver lysates were detected of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type-I collagen by Western blot. Primary rat HSCs-T6 cells were analyzed by detecting α-SMA, F-actin, DNA fragmentation through confocal microscopy, Western blot, terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and cellomics arrayscan, respectively. Results: Amygdalin and emodin in XYXD were identified. XYXD (993 mg/kg) inhibited Sirius red positive area up to 70.1% ( P<0.01), as well as protein levels of α-SMA and type-I collagen by 42.0% and 18.5% ( P<0.05) respectively. In vitro, XYXD (12.5 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL) suppressed the activation of HSCs and reversed the myofibroblastic HSCs into quiescent, demonstrated as inhibition of fluorescent F-actin by 32.3% and 46.6% ( P<0.05). Besides, XYXD induced the apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells by 20.0% ( P<0.05) and 49.5% ( P<0.01), evidenced by enhanced TUNEL positivity. Moreover, ultrastructural observation suggested XYXD inhibited defenestration of SECs, which was confirmed by 31.1% reduction of protein level of CD31 ( P<0.05). Conclusions: XYXD inhibited both HSCs activation and SECs defenestration which accompany chronic liver injuries. These data may help to understand the underlying mechanisms of XYXD for prevetion of chronic liver diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we determined the nearly complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Chrysochares punctatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Eumolpinae), an important insect pest on Apocynum venetum in Northwestern China. This mitogenome was 14,451 bp long, encoding 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 21 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and 2 ribosomal RNA genes. The C. punctatus mitogenome presented an A + T content of 75.11%, with a positive AT-skew (0.064) and a negative GC-skew (−0.192). Ten PCGs started with a typical ATN codon, whereas the remaining three PCGs started with AAC (cox1) and TTG (nad1 and nad2). All tRNAs had a typical secondary cloverleaf structure, except for trnS1 which lacked the dihydrouridine arm. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequences of 13 PCGs recovered a phylogeny within Chrysomelidae: (((Chrysomelinae + Galerucinae), (((Eumolpinae, Lamprosomatinae), Cassidinae), Criocerinae)), Bruchinae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Widespread oceanic anoxia has been implicated as a killing mechanism during the end-Permian mass extinction (EPME). A high-resolution investigation of pyrite framboids and bioturbation structures in the Shangsi section of South China has revealed repeated and frequent fluctuations of coupled anoxic/euxinic to dysoxic/oxic episodes in the latest Permian, immediately preceding the EPME. Anoxic bottom waters and interstitial water conditions are documented by the smallest pyrite framboids (3–5 μm) and the absence of bioturbation, and dysoxic bottom waters and anoxic interstitial waters are inferred from larger pyrite framboids (6–10 μm) and the occurrence of Zoophycos. In comparison, oxic conditions for both bottom waters and interstitial waters are revealed by a high bioturbation index (BI = 4) and the occurrence of mid-tier Thalassinoides. Fluctuating pyrite framboid sizes and bioturbation structures suggest that bottom and interstitial oxygen levels were neither fully, nor persistently, anoxic/euxinic before the EPME, and instead recorded frequent periodic fluctuations between anoxic/euxinic and dysoxic/oxic conditions. The paleoceanic redox variation appears to correlate with the 405-ka eccentricity cycles in the anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) series, suggesting that fluctuations might have been controlled by Milankovitch cycles. The role of fluctuations between anoxic/euxinic and dysoxic/oxic episodes in the latest Permian to the EPME is unclear, but it seems plausible that they represent a prelude to the highly stressed conditions that are characteristic of the EPME. • High-resolution of pyrite framboids and Bioturbation index was studied in the latest Permian. • Fluctuation of anoxic/euxinic–dysoxic/aerobic episodes during the latest Permian. • Upwelling controlled by Milankovitch cycles correlated with the paleoceanic redox change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dictyodora has been generally considered an ichnogenus with a restricted temporal range from the Cambrian to the Mississippian. Until now, there have been no reports of Dictyodora after the Mississippian. Here we report on well-preserved and abundant Dictyodora from deep-sea sediments of the Lopingian Maomaolong Formation in West Qinling, central China, which is hitherto the youngest occurrence of Dictyodora and extends the stratigraphic range of Dictyodora to the Late Permian. Two ichnospecies of Dictyodora are distinguished: D. zimmermanni and D. cf. scotica. Unlike the small-sized Dictyodora in the pre-Pennsylvanian, the three-dimensional morphology of Dictyodora studied here shows larger amplitudes and longer limbs with clearly inclined walls and basal burrows, which are interpreted to have been made by a soft-bodied worm-like organism with a snorkel-like organ as similarly documented in previous studies. Detailed systematic ichnological features and SEM and EDS results indicate that Dictyodora here is not simply a respiration structure made during the locomotion of the trace maker, but resulted from active filling by the trace maker. Dictyodora is probably not a good indicator of the deep-marine environment in the Paleozoic. From our dataset, Dictyodora originated from the shallow-marine environment in the early Cambrian, then migrated into the deep sea in the Ordovician and the marginal-marine setting in the Wenlock, and was finally restricted to the deep-marine environment in the Carboniferous and Permian. Both Psammichnites and Dictyodora are structures made by organisms with snorkel-like organs, and both were eliminated during the end-Permian mass extinction. • The youngest known Dictyodora was reported in the Late Permian. • The three radiation trends of Dictyodora were proposed in the Paleozoic. • Both Dictyodora and Psammichnites were extinct in the EPME. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three undescribed sesquiterpenes, designed as pichinenoid A-C (1 – 3), along with nine known ones (4 – 12) were isolated from the stems and leaves of Picrasma chinensis. The new isolates including their absolute configurations were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic methods, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) experiments, as well as comparison with literature data. Structurally, compounds 1 and 2 are descending sesquiterpenes, while pichinenoid C (3) is a rare sesquiterpene bearing a 2-methylenebut-3-enoic acid moiety at the C-6 side chain. All the isolated compounds were tested for their neuroprotective effects against the H 2 O 2 -induced damage on human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, and most of them showed moderate neuroprotective activity. Especially, compounds 1 , 3 – 5 , and 7 showed a potent neuroprotective effect at 25 or 50 μM. Moreover, the neuroprotective effects of compounds 1 and 4 were tested on a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) mouse model. Results of western blot and immunofluorescence indicated that compound 4 significantly counteract the toxicity of MPTP, and reversed the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in substantia nigra (SN) and striatum (ST) of the mouse brain. Interestingly, western blot data suggested compound 4 also enhanced B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expressions in the brain tissues from MPTP damaged mouse. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large numbers of densely distributed Rhizocorallium provide a window to understanding the behavioural and functional changes of the trace maker after extreme environmental events. This study focuses on the analysis of Rhizocorallium from the Middle Triassic (Anisian) limestones in the Boyun section, Yunnan Province, Southwest China to investigate the ecological strategies and ethological signatures of its producers before and after storm events. Based on its morphological features, the studied Rhizocorallium is attributed to two ichnospecies Rhizocorallium jenense and R. commune , the latter showing two varieties R. commune var. auriforme and R. commune var. irregulare. In addition to Rhizocorallium , the trace fossil assemblage consists of Arenicolites , Palaeophycus , Planolites and Thalassinoides , which allows assignation to the Cruziana ichnofacies associated with the shallow marine environment. The studied ichnofossil-bearing intervals in the Boyun section are usually high bioturbated, with BPBI (bedding plane bioturbation index) around 5. The ichnoassemblage has a relatively low ichnodiversity and shows high density of Rhizocorallium , which is interpreted as the result of the opportunist strategy when the Rhizocorallium trace makers exploited the quiet, nutrient-rich substrates after storm events. Crosscutting relationships between multiple levels of Rhizocorallium indicate that earlier burrows were reworked by later ones due to successive storm events and erosion of the shallow-tier burrows. Orientation of the marginal tubes of Rhizocorallium jenense shows a bidirectional pattern at 295°NW and 160°SE, which may record the changes of the main flow direction. Diameter measurements support the total recovery of the macrobenthic trace makers during the Middle Triassic (Anisian). • Abundant Rhizocorallium in Anisian carbonates was studied quantitatively. • Distribution and density of Rhizocorallium suggests a r-selected strategy. • This Rhizocorallium record is associated to storm events. • The behavioural pattern of Rhizocorallium trace makers is reconstructed. • The total recovery of the ecosystem occurred during the Middle Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Two types of quartz with distinct trace element chemistry present in the Xiangzhong metallogenic province. • Relative acidic and stable ore-forming fluid from the Xikuangshan deposit experienced water–rock reaction. • Less acidic ore-forming fluids underwent fluid mixing in the Woxi, Banxi and Zhazixi deposits. • Magmatic-hydrothermal system possibly provided some ore-forming fluid for the Woxi, Banxi, and Zhazixi deposits. Despite the Xiangzhong metallogenic province being globally the most important ore-concentrated area of antimony (Sb) mineralization, the genesis of Sb-(Au-W) deposits in this region is still under debate. In this study, trace element compositions of hydrothermal quartz from four representative Sb-(Au-W) deposits (Xikuangshan, Woxi, Banxi, and Zhazixi) in the Xiangzhong metallogenic province have been investigated to constrain the origin of ore-forming fluids and physiochemical conditions of Sb mineralization. The fs LA-ICP-MS data indicate that Li, B, Na, Al, P, K, and Sb are relatively enriched in quartz, probably mainly incorporated into the quartz crystal lattice, and dominated by the coupled substitution of (Al3+, Sb3+, B3+) + (Li+, Na+, K+, H+) ↔ Si4+ and (Al3+, Sb3+, B3+) + P5+ ↔ 2Si4+. In the Xikuangshan Sb deposit, charge-neutrality conditions of cations reveal that (Al3+, Sb3+) + Li+ ↔ Si4+ is the most important substitution mechanism in quartz from early-stage Sb mineralization (quartz-stibnite veins), whereas (Al3+, Sb3+) + (Li+ + H+) ↔ Si4+ may control the trace element contents in quartz from late-stage Sb mineralization (calcite-quartz-stibnite veins). The relatively high Al content and the low variability in trace element content suggest that quartz from the Xikuangshan Sb deposit may have precipitated from a relatively acidic and stable ore-forming fluid. Combined with the high Sr and Rb contents of quartz, a plausible explanation is that acidic hydrothermal fluids promoted water–rock reaction that dissolved large amounts of Sr and Rb, resulting in the high Al, Rb, and Sr contents in crystallized quartz from the Xikuangshan Sb deposit. In contrast, the relatively low but inhomogeneous Al content indicates that quartz from the Woxi and Banxi Sb-(Au-W) deposits may have precipitated from a less acidic ore-forming fluid and supports the idea of fluid mixing. More importantly, the relatively high contents of Rb, Ge, and Ti in quartz from the Woxi and Banxi Sb-(Au-W) deposits, combined with the low Al and Sr contents, imply that magmatic-hydrothermal systems possibly contributed to the ore-forming fluids. Based on the trace element compositions of quartz, two major types of Sb deposits were identified in the Xiangzhong metallogenic province: the giant Xikuangshan epithermal deposit in which the ore-forming fluids are relatively acidic, stable and have experienced water–rock reaction, generally similar to the Qinglong Sb deposit in the Youjiang metallogenic province. The second type is the orogenic-type deposit represented by the Woxi Sb-Au-W deposit, including the Banxi Sb deposit, where the ore-forming fluids have undergone fluid mixing and relatively weak water–rock reaction, and may have been joined by a small amount of magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. Together with the recently published Sb mineralization ages (149–144 Ma) of the Woxi Sb-Au-W deposit, it supports the idea that this type of Sb deposit is related to the Mesozoic magmatism. The Zhazixi Sb-W deposit shows transitional features between these two types of Sb deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High-throughput screening enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (HTS-ELISA) method was used for screening of hybridoma cells that secret high-affinity anti-zearalenone (ZON) monoclonal antibody (mAb). Recovery rate of ZON from spiked corn samples was between 80% and 128%. The cross-reactivities of the anti-ZON mAb against ZON, β-zearalenol, α-zearalanol, β-zearalanol, deoxynivalenol and aflatoxin B1 were 100%, 24.1%, 189.1%, 43.9%, <1.0%, <1.0%, respectively. The limit of detection for ZON was 0.1 ng/g. The linear range for the developed indirect competitive ELISA was 0.5–10 ng/g. The half maximal (50%) inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the anti-ZON mAb was 1.79 ng/g. In total, 137 samples of corn, powdered corn, and processed corn products were collected from farms and supermarkets in northeastern China. Of 42 corn samples tested, 4 (9.5%) samples contained ZON 5–60 ng/g, 4 (9.5%) samples contained 60–500 ng/g, In 34 (81%) samples ZON was not detected. Of 15 powered corn samples, only 1 (6.7%) sample contained 5–60 ng/g, and no ZON was detected in 80 processed corn products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs)-α,-β/δ and -γ are the ligand-activated transcription factors that function as the master regulators of glucose, fatty acid and lipoprotein metabolism, energy balance, cell proliferation and differentiation, inflammation and atherosclerosis. This study examined the main effects of both single-locus and multilocus interactions among genetic variants in Chinese Han individuals to test the hypothesis that PPAR-α/δ/γ polymorphisms may contribute to the etiology of hypertriglyceridemia independently and/or through such complex interactions. We genotyped 9 single nucleotide polymorphisms for PPAR-α/δ/γ. Participants were recruited from the Prevention of MetS and Multi-metabolic Disorders in Jiangsu Province of China Study. 820 subjects (474 non-hypertriglyceridemia subjects, 346 hypertriglyceridemia subjects) were randomly selected. Single-locus analyses showed that after adjusted for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, waist circumference and fasting glucose, rs1800206, rs9794, rs3856806 and rs1805192 were significantly associated with hypertriglyceridemia, the OR (95% CI) were 4.43(3.08–6.37), 1.49(1.10–2.02), 1.56(1.16–2.08), 2.43(1.80–3.29), respectively. Further, generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction method analysis showed that two-to-six-locus and eight-locus models were significant (p<0.05), which indicated a potential gene–gene interaction among PPAR-α/δ/γ polymorphisms. The results suggest that PPAR-α/δ/γ polymorphisms may contribute to the risk of hypertriglyceridemia independently and/or in an interactive manner. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The carbonate rocks of the Ordovician Majiagou Formation from the northwestern part of Henan Province and their diverse trace fossils provide an outcrop analogue for bioturbated, low porosity and low permeability carbonate reservoirs. Three ichnofabrics can be defined based on the ichnotaxonomy, ichnodiversities, individual abundances and overall bioturbation indices. The Balanoglossites ichnofabric represented medium to relatively high-energy sedimentary environments such as intertidal zone and subtidal shoals in the carbonate platform. The Planolites ichnofabric suggested relatively low-energy, protected sedimentary environments such as lagoons in a restricted carbonate platform, but also occurs in the deeper-water depressions in the open carbonate platform. The Chondrites ichnofabric characterized low-energy and reduced oxygen conditions, with burrows penetrating below a shallow redox interface in deeper-water settings that include the distal slope as well as local depressions in the open carbonate platform. Our analysis suggests that the modifications of petrophysical parameters are controlled or influenced by the ichnofabric characteristics (burrow architecture, burrow cross-cutting relationship, degree of bioturbation and burrow connectivity), the permeability contrast between burrow-fills and matrix, and the dolomitization of burrow-fills. The micritic host sediments have negligible porosity and permeability. The bioturbated sediments have significant differences in fabric, texture, porosity and permeability. The burrow-fills are very commonly dolomitised. Each of the burrow-types can enhance reservoir properties, but the greatest differences are associated with the Balanoglossites ichnofabric, in which porosity and permeability can reach over 2% and 70 mD. Preliminary stratigraphic studies indicate that reservoir potential in the subsurface will be linked to an understanding of the distribution of shoal and intertidal facies as well as their associated Balanoglossites ichnofabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tephritis angustipennis (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Campiglossa loewiana (Diptera: Tephritidae) are phytophagous pests in China. Their damage has significantly impacted the collection and cultivation of germplasm resources of native Asteraceae plants. However, the genetic characteristics and structure of their population are unclear. This study focused on the highly damaging species of T. angustipennis and C. loewiana collected from the three-river source region (TRSR). We amplified the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene sequences of these pests collected from this area and compared them with COI sequences from GenBank. We also analyzed their genetic diversity and structure. In T. angustipennis, 5 haplotypes were identified from 5 geographic locations; the genetic differentiation between France population FRPY (from Nylandia, Uusimaa) and China populations GLJZ (from Dehe Longwa Village, Maqin County), GLDR (from Zhique Village, Dari County), and GLMQ (from Rijin Village, Maqin County) was the strongest. GLJZ exhibited strong genetic differentiation from GLDR and GLMQ, with relatively low gene flow. For C. loewiana, 11 haplotypes were identified from 5 geographic locations; the genetic differentiation between the Chinese population GLMQ-YY (from Yangyu Forest Farm, Maqin County) and Finnish population FDNL (from Nylandia, Uusimaa) was the strongest, with relatively low gene flow, possibly due to geographical barriers in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. Only 1 haplotype was identified across GLDR, GLMQ, and GLBM. High gene flow between distant locations indicates that human activities or wind dispersal may facilitate the dispersal of fruit flies and across different geographic. Geostatistical analysis suggested a recent population expansion of these 2 species in TRSR. Our findings provide technical references for identifying pests in the TRSR region and theoretical support for managing resistance, monitoring pest occurrences, analyzing environmental adaptability, and formulating biological control strategies for Tephritidae pests on Asteraceae plants., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America.)

Thalassemia is a highly prevalent hematologic disease in Guizhou, China. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological characteristics of thalassemia in couples at childbearing age and assess the neonatal risk of thalassemia in this subpopulation. A cohort of 4481 couples at childbearing age were recruited for thalassemia carrier screening by both traditional hematological tests and next-generation sequencing. Of them, 1314 (14.66%) thalassemia carriers were identified, including 857 (9.76%) α-thalassemia, 391 (4.36%) β-thalassemia, and 48 (0.54%) composite α and β-thalassemia. A total of 12 α-globin gene alterations and 16 β-globin mutations were detected, including four novel thalassemia mutations. SEA was the most common α-thalassemia genotype (26.86%), CD41-42 the most common β-thalassemia genotype (36.57%), and αα/- α3.7 + CD41-42 the most common composite α- and β-thalassemia genotype (18.75%). Ethnically, the Zhuang had the highest rate of thalassemia gene carriers among the ethnic groups. Geographically, Qiannan had the highest rate of thalassemia gene carriers. In addition, 38 of the 48 couples with composite α- and β-thalassemia were high-risk thalassemia carriers, and 4 carrying the -SEA/αα gene needed fertility guidance., (© 2024. Japanese Society of Hematology.)

Background: Natural medicines have a long history in the prevention and treatment of various diseases in East Asian region, especially in China. Modern research has proved that the pharmacological effects of numerous natural medicines involve the participation of ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). UPS can degrade the unwanted and damaged proteins widely distributed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of various eukaryotes., Purpose: The objective of the present study was to review and discuss the regulatory effects of natural products and extracts on proteasome components, which may help to find new proteasome regulators for drug development and clinical applications., Methods: The related information was compiled using the major scientific databases, such as CNKI, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpringerLink, Wiley Online, and GeenMedical. The keywords "natural product" and "proteasome" were applied to extract the literature. Nature derived extracts, compounds and their derivatives involved in proteasome regulation were included, and the publications related to synthetic proteasome agents were excluded., Results: The pharmacological effects of more than 80 natural products and extracts derived from phytomedicines related to the proteasome regulation were reviewed. These natural products were classified according to their chemical properties. We also summarized some laws of action of natural products as proteasome regulators in the treatment of diseases, and listed the action characteristics of the typical natural products., Conclusion: Natural products derived from nature can induce the degradation of damaged proteins through UPS or act as regulators to directly regulate the activity of proteasome. But few proteasome modulators are applied clinically. Summary of known rules for proteasome modulators will contribute to discover, modify and synthesize more proteasome modulators for clinical applications., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier GmbH.)

Objectives: The development and emergence of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) have become a major public-health problem worldwide. This study aimed to analyse the antimicrobial susceptibility and molecular characteristics of NG isolates in Shenzhen, China., Methods: A total of 1282 NG isolates were consecutively collected between 2010 and 2017. Patient demographic information was also collected. MICs of ceftriaxone, spectinomycin, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin and penicillin were determined by agar dilution. Isolates were genotyped using N. gonorrhoeae multi-antigen sequence typing (NG-MAST)., Results: Among the isolates, 97.4% were resistant to ciprofloxacin and 68.2% to penicillin. Moreover, 5.0% showed decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone (CRO D ) and 17.3% were resistant to azithromycin (AZM-R); 1.3% were simultaneously CRO D and AZM-R. All isolates were susceptible to spectinomycin. Increasing ceftriaxone MICs were found from 2010 to 2017. A total of 427 sequence types (STs) and 68 genogroups were identified from 724 isolates. ST5061, ST3741 and ST1766 were observed across the study years. ST14638 (n = 3) was predominant among 32 CRO D isolates. Prevalent STs were ST5061 (n = 6), ST1866 (n = 5) and ST11133 (n = 5) among 96 AZM-R isolates., Conclusions: A high prevalence of isolates resistant to ciprofloxacin and penicillin was found in this study. Azithromycin, one antimicrobial of dual antimicrobial therapy recommended by the WHO, showed a high prevalence of resistance. The other, ceftriaxone, can be used continuously in this region owing to lower resistance levels. However, the emergence of CRO D and decreasing susceptibility to ceftriaxone indicate that continuous antimicrobial resistance surveillance is essential., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Introduction: Maternal vitamin D deficiency has been associated with a number of fetal and neonatal health problems. Preterm birth is one of the most detrimental, and the role of maternal vitamin D deficiency in preterm births has not been universally acknowledged. There had been limited epidemiological studies of vitamin D deficiency on the Chinese population., Subjects and Methods: 1103 women delivered in Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University from January 1(st), 2012 to January 1(st), 2013. Finally, 821 mother-newborn pairs which contained 143 mother-newborn pairs who were preterm delivery were recruited for analysis., Results: There was significant difference between spring and summer (P<0.0001) as well as spring and autumn (P<0.01). Compared to those in summer and autumn, the 25 (OH) D level was significantly lower in winter (summer vs winter P<0.0001, autumn vs winter P<0.0001). Maternal vitamin D level showed obvious variation with months and seasons, with higher level in summer months and lower level in winter months. There were significant difference between the vitamin D level of the very preterm group and the mildly preterm groups (P<0.01), as well as the very preterm group and the in-term groups (P<0.001). Prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency occurred in 63.04% of pregnant women in very preterm group, compared with 36.61% in in-term group., Conclusion: Vitamin D nutritional status of pregnant women and their newborns in Shenyang were relatively good compared to cities in similar latitudes. Vitamin D deficiency was most severe in late spring and least in summer. Severe preterm births before 31 weeks of gestation was associated with maternal vitamin D deficiency.

Mycorrhizal association is known to be important to orchid species, and a complete understanding of the fungi that form mycorrhizas is required for orchid ecology and conservation. Liparis japonica (Orchidaceae) is a widespread terrestrial photosynthetic orchid in Northeast China. Previously, we found the genetic diversity of this species has been reduced recent years due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, but little was known about the relationship between this orchid species and the mycorrhizal fungi. The Rhizoctonia-like fungi are the commonly accepted mycorrhizal fungi associated with orchids. In this study, the distribution, diversity and specificity of culturable Rhizoctonia-like fungi associated with L. japonica species were investigated from seven populations in Northeast China. Among the 201 endophytic fungal isolates obtained, 86 Rhizoctonia-like fungi were identified based on morphological characters and molecular methods, and the ITS sequences and phylogenetic analysis revealed that all these Rhizoctonia-like fungi fell in the same main clade and were closely related to those of Tulasnella calospora species group. These findings indicated the high mycorrhizal specificity existed in L. japonica species regardless of habitats at least in Northeast China. Our results also supported the wide distribution of this fungal partner, and implied that the decline of L. japonica in Northeast China did not result from high mycorrhizal specificity. Using culture-dependent technology, these mycorrhizal fungal isolates might be important sources for the further utilizing in orchids conservation.

Background: Several published articles investigated the relationship between a polymorphism -148C>T in the β-fibrinogen gene (FGB) and risk of ischemic stroke, and did not reach the same conclusion. To shed light on these inconclusive findings, we performed a meta-analysis of studies relating the FGB genetic polymorphism (-148C>T) to the risk of ischemic stroke., Methods: We identified articles by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases (CNKI), and Wanfang database in China and by reviewing the references of retrieved articles. We included studies that reported odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between the FGB -148C>T polymorphism and stroke risk. Data from eligible studies were extracted for meta-analysis. Stroke risk associated with FGB -148C>T polymorphism was estimated by pooled ORs and 95% CIs. The software Review Manager (version 5.2) was utilized for meta-analysis. Publication bias was tested by funnel plot., Results: Eighteen independent case-control studies containing 2159 ischemic stroke patients and 3222 control subjects were included. Our results showed that -148C>T polymorphism in the FBG gene was associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke ([TT+CT] vs. CC: OR=1.40, 95% CI [1.20-1.45], p<0.0001; T vs. C: OR=1.35, 95% CI [1.18-1.56], p<0.0001, respectively] by a meta-analysis., Conclusion: The results of our meta-analysis suggested that the-148C>T polymorphism in the FGB gene is a susceptibility marker of ischemic stroke.

Background: The oriental fruit moth (OFM) is a worldwide fruit-boring insect pest. In China, OFM monitoring traps use a sex pheromone lure, but their overall design is varied. As such, there is a critical need to develop a standardised OFM trap design. In this field study, ten different trap shapes in varying combinations of colours and sizes (such as trap length and surface area) were examined., Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference in the trapping efficiency between eight colours. The ship-shaped trap could kill more OFM in a short period, whereas the automatic watering basin trap could be more effective in the long run. The optimal trapping diameter of the basin trap was 25 cm. The trapping efficiency of triangle traps with diameters of less than 10 cm was better than that of triangle traps with diameters of over 30 cm. The trapping number of pasteboard traps obviously declined when the surface area increased, and the pasteboard trap with a single board possessed excellent trapping efficiency., Conclusion: The results provide useful information for the design of standardised sex pheromone traps for monitoring as well as trapping of OFM in the field., (© 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.)

A randomized, two-way, crossover study was conducted in 18 healthy male Chinese volunteers to compare pharmacokinetics profiles of galantamine hydrobromide dispersible tablet with that of conventional tablet. A single oral dose of 10 mg galantamine was administrated to each volunteer. Plasma concentrations of galantamine were determined by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with fluorescence detection, which allowed 1 ng/mL to be assayed as the lowest quantifiable concentration. From plasma concentrations, AUC(0-->t) (the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to the last sampling time, 32 hr), AUC(0-->infinity) (the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity), t((1/2)) (elimination of half-life of the terminal log linear phase), C(max) (maximum plasma drug concentration) and T(max) (time to reach C(max)) were evaluated through noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis. AUC(0-->t) and AUC(0-->infinity) were calculated by the linear-log trapezoidal rule method. C(max) and T(max) were obtained directly from the plasma concentration-time curve. Analysis of variance was carried out using logarithmically transformed AUC(0-->t), AUC(0-->infinity) and C(max). As far as AUC(0-->t), AUC(0-->infinity) and C(max) were concerned, there was no statistically significant difference between the test and reference formulations. Ninety percent confidence intervals (90% CI) for the ratio of AUC(0-->t), AUC(0-->infinity) and C(max) values for the test and reference formulations were 100.4-107.8%, 99.0-107.2% and 87.5-111.3%, respectively. As the 90% CIs of AUC(0-->t), AUC(0-->infinity) and C(max) were entirely within 80-125%, two formulations were considered bioequivalent.

A simple, rapid, selective and specific high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with fluorescence detection was developed for determination of glucosamine sulfate in human plasma and application to a bioequivalence in healthy volunteers. Precipitation of plasma was accomplished with acetonitrile to separate interfering endogenous products from the compound of interest. After vortex mixing and centrifugation, the supernatant was transferred and derivatized with 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl chloride-acetonitrile solution in borate buffer (pH=8.0) at 30 degrees C for 30 min. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Diamonsil C18 column (150.0 mmx4.6 mm, 5 microm) with a mobile phase gradient consisting of water and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The method was linear in the range of 0.1-10.0 microg/mL with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9996. The limit of detection was 15 ng/mL. Inter- and intra-day precisions were

Aim: To investigate the association between nutrient intakes and high incidence rate of gastric cancer among residents in Zhoushan Islands., Methods: A frequency-matched design of case-control study was used during the survey on dietary factors and gastric cancer in Zhoushan Islands, China. A total of 103 cases of gastric cancer diagnosed in 2001 were included in the study and 133 controls were randomly selected from the residents in Zhoushan Islands. A food frequency questionnaire was specifically designed for the Chinese dietary pattern to collect information on dietary intake. A computerized database of the dietary and other relative information of each participant was completed. Total calories and 15 nutrients were calculated according to the food composition table and their adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by gender using unconditional logistic regression models., Results: High intakes of protein, saturated fat, and cholesterol were observed with the increased risk of gastric cancer particularly among males (OR(Q4 vs Q1) were 10.3, 3.24, 2.76 respectively). While carbohydrate was a significant high-risk nutrient (OR(Q4 vs Q1) = 14.8; P for linear trend = 0.024) among females. Regardless of their gender, the cases reported significantly higher daily intake of sodium mainly from salts. As to the nutrients of vitamins A and C, an inversed association with the risk of GC was found. Baseline characteristics of participants were briefly described., Conclusion: The findings from this study confirm the role of diet-related exposure in the etiology of gastric cancer from the point of view of epidemiology. An increased risk of gastric cancer is associated with high intakes of protein, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, while consumption of polyunsaturated fat, vitamin A and ascorbic acid may have a protective effect against gastric cancer.