Search

Pine wilt disease has caused great economic loss and become an ecological threat since it was introduced into East Asia. In China, Pinus massoniana Lamb. is highly susceptible. The pathogenic of this disease is linked to the invasion of P. massoniana by the pine wood nematode (PWN, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), leading to various physiological activities. However, the migration pathway of PWN and the defense mechanisms of P. massoniana tissue structure following invasion remain unclear. This knowledge is vital for understanding the pathogenesis of pine wood nematode disease. To address this issue, we analyzed the tissue structure damage, horizontal and vertical migration pathways, and histochemical reactions of P. massoniana after PWN inoculation. The results are as follows: susceptible P. massoniana exhibited more tissue structure damage compared to highly resistant P. massoniana. PWN reproduced and migrated by feeding on and damaging cells. In susceptible P. massoniana, PWN propagated and migrated throughout the entire plant. Highly resistant P. massoniana displayed limited horizontal and vertical migration of PWN, making it challenging for PWNs to move from cambium to xylem. After P. massoniana was damaged by PWNs, a protein cross-linking phenomenon appeared rapidly, with highly resistant P. massoniana exhibiting less protein cross-linking than the susceptible variety. Lignin synthesis is a crucial factor in the tissue defense of P. massoniana. Protein crosslinking provides time for lignin synthesis and is an vital component of tissue defense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinus massoniana Lamb. is a crucial timber and resin conifer in China, but its plantation industry is threatened by outbreaks of pine wilt disease (PWD) caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (pinewood nematode; PWN). However, as of yet, there is no comprehensive analysis of NBS-LRR genes in P. massoniana involved in its defense against PWN. In this study, 507 NBS genes were identified in the transcriptome of resistant and susceptible P. masoniana inoculated with the PWN. The phylogenetic analysis and expression profiles of resistant and susceptible P. massoniana revealed that the up-regulated PmNBS-LRR97 gene was involved in conferring resistance to PWN. The results of real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that PmNBS-LRR97 was significantly up-regulated after PWN infection, especially in the stems. Subcellular localization indicated that PmNBS-LRR97 located to the cell membrane. PmNBS-LRR97 significantly activated the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related genes in P. massoniana. In addition, the overexpression of PmNBS-LRR97 was capable of promoting the production of ROS, aiding in plant growth and development. In summary, PmNBS-LRR97 participates in the defense response to PWN and plays an active role in conferring resistance in P. massoniana. This finding provides new insight into the regulatory mechanism of the R gene in P. massoniana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the current subsidy of China, the dismantle capacity of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has expanded dramatically contrary to a weak investment in green technologies for deep processing. Green technology investment plays a critical role in promoting the recycling rate or the purification degree of the recycled materials, thus benefiting to resources recovery and the establishment of an environmental-friendly society. This study firstly modeled the policy impact of the current subsidy mode and varied subsidy values using decision-making models contingent on maximized project net present values (NPV). The results showed that, under bounded capital, the decision time interval and the improved technology degree are positively correlated with the green technology investment, while the technology achievement time and green technology investment cost correlate with it negatively. Meanwhile, it was found that in certain conditions the current subsidy mode and a lifted subsidy value can impede WEEE processing enterprises' green technology investment. To promote the green technology investment, three reformed subsidy modes with varied threshold settings are proposed. Their impacts on green technology investment are analyzed using decision-making models contingent on NPV and the static game-theoretic model. All of the proposed reformed subsidy modes can promote the green technology investment. Moreover, the associated threshold setting (the third reformed subsidy) performs better in terms of accommodation of fiscal deficits and fairness regarding assignment of subsidy. Lastly, this paper took the treatment of refrigerator and washing machine in China as case studies for a numerical analysis that delivered visible results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury is one of the most concerned hazardous elements in coals. 1018 coal samples of different coal-forming periods, coal-accumulating areas and coal ranks all over the country were collected to study the distributions of mercury in Chinese coals. The modes of occurrence of mercury were studied with float-sink experiments of 10 coals from different basins in China and correlation analyses were conducted between concentrations of mercury and maceral and sulfur contents, as well as the ash yield. The theoretic concentrations and affinities of mercury in vitrinite, inertinite, clay and pyrite were then calculated following the methods proposed by Solari. The weighted average concentration of mercury in Chinese coals is 0.154 µg/g, which is similar to that in the word coals in general. The mercury concentrations vary largely in the coals of different coal-forming period and coal-accumulating areas as geological settings play key roles in determining the geochemistry of mercury. The concentrations of mercury in coals from south and southwest China and those from North China of C-P are relatively higher while those from North China of J and Northeast of J-K relatively lower. The general distribution trends of mercury are very similar to that of ash yield, sulfur contents in coals. Pyrite is the dominant carrier of mercury in most coals, especially in some high-sulfur coals with abundant epigenetic pyrite formed during diagenesis and metamorphism. Mercury has higher affinity to vitrinite than to inertinite in most coals, which accords with the geological origin of macerals and geochemistry of mercury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeing that Shanghai implemented mandatory household waste sorting system (referred as Shanghai Model) in 2019 and achieved remarkable improvements, the study focuses on how to localize it in second-tier cities. Specifically, by applying system dynamics method, a qualitative Basic Model and a quantitative Shanghai Model simulating residents' waste related behavior are built. Combined Theory of Planned Behavior and the Split-Core Model are adopted. Data of Zhengzhou is inputted and simulated to representatively deliver policy implications to second-tier cities. The result shows that improving transactional context can lift the weight of willingness and depress the weight of opportunism in behavior decision makings. Shanghai Model significantly improves the legal transaction context of waste sorting which make residents actively sort the wastes under the promotion of willingness. For second-tier cities of China, improving transactional context to reduce opportunism and conquering the short board of willingness to promote active participation are indispensable. And, waste reducing measures like the unit pricing system are recommended to make up the shortage of the Shanghai Model. The study puts forward a synthetic analyzing framework of waste related behaviors and builds a portable policy analyzing system of waste management for both China and other developing countries. • Basic model combing Theory of Planned Behavior and Split-Core Model is built. • Waste generation, reducing, recycling, and sorting system dynamics model is built. • Shanghai Model can improve household waste sorting and recycling. • Zhengzhou is recommended to improve facility level before adopting Shanghai Model. • The study provides a policy making tool for household waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lessons Learned: Pharmacokinetics characteristics of niraparib in Chinese patients were similar to those in white patients.Niraparib could be well tolerated by Chinese patients, and adverse events were manageable in this study.Population pharmacokinetics analysis indicated that baseline body weight had a modest impact on pharmacokinetics parameters of niraparib; however, it was not considered clinically important. Background: This randomized, open‐label, single‐arm, phase I study was designed to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of niraparib in Chinese patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods: Eligible patients were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive 100, 200, or 300 mg of niraparib once daily. PK parameters were analyzed after single and multiple dose administrations. Results: Thirty‐six Chinese patients were enrolled in total. Niraparib was rapidly absorbed after administration, and median time‐to‐peak (Tmax) was 3 hours. The long terminal elimination half‐life (T1/2 ∼ 35 hours) supports once‐daily dosing regimen. The exposure to niraparib showed linear and dose‐proportional pharmacokinetics, whereas other PK parameters such as Tmax, T1/2, and accumulation ratio were dose independent. Population PK analysis indicated that there was no effect of race on niraparib PK parameters, whereas baseline body weight had a modest impact on niraparib exposure. Grade 3/4 treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs; reported in ≥10% of patients) included platelet count decreased (a total of five patients who were all from the 300‐mg group) and neutrophil count decreased. The TEAEs were manageable after dose modification. Conclusion: The PK profile of niraparib in Chinese patients is consistent with that in white patients. Niraparib is safe and well tolerated in Chinese patients with ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are widely detected in wetlands as emerging pollutants of global concern. Co-occurrence of MPs and trace metals in wetlands is common and the vector effects of MPs on other environmental pollutants have been increasingly reported. However, the interaction of different MPs and trace metals under environmentally realistic conditions is not well understood. Here, we investigated the adsorption capacity of MPs for metals under simulated conditions of Poyang Lake wetlands in Jiang Xi, China, a Ramsar site of international importance for conservation and sustainable use. ICP-MS was used to quantify the amount of adsorbed metals onto different types of MPs. SEM-EDS and micro-FTIR were used to examine the morphological and chemical characteristics of MPs before and after metal adsorption. The influence of internal (polymer types and particle sizes of MPs) and external factors (water pH values, organic matters, ion strength, and sediment) on metal adsorption was systematically investigated. Metal adsorption equilibrium was most achieved at 72 h. The adsorption capacity of MP types to metal ions tended to decrease as PP > PE > PS, and the amount of adsorbed metals decreased as Cu > Pb > Cd. The amount of adsorbed metals generally decreased with the increase of particle size of MPs. With the increase of water pH and K+ strength, the adsorption of metals by MPs showed an increasing and then decreasing trend; the adsorption capacity of MPs increased with the increase of fulvic acid. Under the simulated sedimentary conditions, the adsorption of different metals by MPs also tended to be Cu > Pb > Cd, which was mainly determined by metal concentrations in the sediments collected in situ. The results of this study improve our understanding of metal-MP interaction under simulated environmental conditions, shedding new light on the environmental behavior of MPs and metals in wetlands. [Display omitted] • Metal adsorption by MPs is studied under simulated Poyang Lake wetland conditions. • Particle size and polymer type of MPs significantly affect metal adsorption. • PP MPs show higher adsorption capacity for metals than PE and PS MPs. • Water pH, ionic strength, organic matter, and sediment influence metal adsorption. • The knowledge of metal-MPs interaction in natural wetlands is still limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantation forests play an important role in global carbon cycle. However, life cycle analysis on carbon budget of plantation forests was still poorly documented, especially regarding how forest management influence its carbon dynamics. Therefore, this study aims to bridge this gaps, taking Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation forest in North China for example. Based on established tree growth models and carbon stock models, we firstly discussed carbon dynamics of living trees; besides, carbon budgets of forest litter and soil were estimated by balancing its carbon inputs and carbon emissions (using the YASSO model). Forest management (including seedlings, site preparation and logging) can lead to carbon emissions due to material and energy consumption. Our findings were as follows: carbon sequestration by plantation forest amounted to 164.56 t C/ha during one 41-year rotation period in our study, most of which flowed into forest litter and soil. During one whole rotation period, forest litter and soil released out 100.21 tC/ha of sequestered carbon, while forest management resulted in about 1.59 tC/ha of carbon emissions. With forest plantation renewal, forest carbon storage increased due to more carbon stored in forest litter and soil, mainly existing in humus 1 and humus 2. Considering forest natural carbon dynamics, plantation forest functioned as the “carbon sink” during the first 5 rotation periods in our study, but the net carbon sink decreased from 35.95 tC/ha to 0.98 tC/ha. The increase of temperature and precipitation could result in more carbon emissions, and forest ecosystem carbon budget was more sensitive to precipitation changes than that to temperature changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological footprint (EF) is an accepted worldwide method for the evaluation of environmental sustainability. However, its utility is limited by the existence of a series of shortcomings in the methodology such as the only-partial inclusion of human generated wastes. To improve the ability of the footprint method to evaluate environmental sustainability, a new footprint-based indicator – the ‘Waste Absorption Footprint’ (WAF) – has been proposed. The purpose of this paper is to test this methodological approach by evaluating the sustainability of the water environment in the Taihu Lake Basin, in densely populated eastern China. Applying the WAF method indicates that anthropogenic discharges of wastes have imposed an absorption pressure on the local water system such that the local water environment is increasingly unsustainable . Furthermore, nitrogen and phosphorus are identified as more critical wastes than organic substances, while domestic discharges are shown to be more important sources compared with those from industry and agriculture, which therefore should be the focus of environmental management and pollution control initiatives. It is demonstrated that the WAF method can provide a wealth of information that can be used for reference by local water environmental management authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the postoperative serum triglyceride (TG) levels in predicting the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) in patients following allogeneic liver transplantation. One hundred and forty three patients undergoing allogeneic liver transplantation in Shanghai General Hospital from July 2007 to July 2014 were enrolled in this study. The NODM developed in 33 patients after liver transplantation. The curve of dynamic TG levels in the early period after liver transplantation was generated. Independent risk factors of NODM were determined by univariate and multivariant logistic regression analyses. The clinical value of TG in predicting NODM was analyzed by area under the ROC curve (AUC). Serum TG levels were gradually rising in the first week and then reached the plateau phase (stable TG, sTG) in patients after surgery. The sTG in NODM group were significantly higher than that in non-NODM group (=-2.31, <0.05). Glucocorticoid therapy (=4.054, <0.01), FK506 drug concentration in the first week after operation (=3.482, <0.05) and sTG (=3.156, <0.05) were independent risk factors of NODM. ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of sTG in predicting NODM was 0.72. TG shows a gradual recovery process in the early period after liver transplantation, and the higher TG level in stable phase may significantly increase the risk of NODM in patients.

Background: Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is an antibody-drug conjugate that retains the antitumor effects of trastuzumab while also delivering the cytotoxic antimicrotubule agent, DM1, directly to tumor cells that overexpress human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. The pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of T-DM1 has been well characterized in Western, Asian, and Japanese patients; this single-center, phase I study (NCT03153163) examined the PK of T-DM1 and safety specifically in Chinese patients., Methods: Patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, previously treated with trastuzumab and a taxane, received open-label T-DM1 at 3.6 mg/kg every 3 weeks. Serum T-DM1 and total trastuzumab, and plasma DM1 were evaluated, and PK parameters were calculated using standard noncompartmental approaches. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed, and immunogenicity was evaluated by measuring antidrug antibodies to T-DM1., Results: Among 11 Chinese patients, mean (±standard deviation) PK parameters (maximum serum concentration, 77.6 ± 17.4 μg/mL; clearance 11.0 ± 2.6 mL/d/kg; terminal half-life 3.8 ± 1.0 days) were similar to those previously reported in Western and Japanese patients. One patient transiently developed antidrug antibodies, which did not appear to influence safety or PK. T-DM1 was generally well tolerated. Grade 3-4 AEs occurred in 7 patients (63.6%) and serious AEs occurred in 4 patients (36.4%). Platelet count decrease was the most common all-grade AE (10/11; 90.9%), grade 3-4 AE (5/11; 45.5%), and serious AE (3/11; 27.3%), but did not appear to be associated with any clinically significant bleeding events., Conclusions: T-DM1 PK in Chinese patients was consistent with those in global and Asian populations, supporting its use in patients with advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer following progression on trastuzumab and a taxane. The safety profile of T-DM1 was consistent with prior experience.

Since Feb, 2013, more than 100 human beings had been infected with novel H7N9 avian influenza virus. As of May 2013, several H7N9 viruses had been found in retail live bird markets (LBMs) in Guangdong province of southern China where several human cases were confirmed later. However, the real avian influenza virus infection status especially H7N9 in Guangzhou remains unclear. Therefore, a cross-sectional study of avian influenza in commercial poultry farms, the wholesale LBM and retail LBMs in one district of Guangzhou was conducted from October to November, 2013. A total of 1505 cloacal and environmental samples from 52 commercial poultry farms, 1 wholesale LBM and 18 retail LBMs were collected and detected using real-time RT-PCR for type A, H7, H7N9 and H9 subtype avian influenza virus, respectively. Of all the flocks randomly sampled, 6 farms, 12 vendors of the wholesale LBM and 18 retail LBMs were type A avian influenza virus positive with 0, 3 and 11 positive for H9, respectively. The pooled prevalence and individual prevalence of type A avian influenza virus were 33.9% and 7.9% which for H9 subtype was 7.6% and 1.6%, respectively. None was H7 and H7N9 subtype virus positive. Different prevalence and prevalence ratio were found in different poultry species with partridges having the highest prevalence for both type A and H9 subtype avian influenza virus. Our results suggest that LBM may have a higher risk for sustaining and transmission of avian influenza virus than commercial poultry farms. The present study also indicates that different species may play different roles in the evolution and transmission of avian influenza virus. Therefore, risk-based surveillance and management measures should be conducted in future in this area.