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A Gymnodinium-like dinoflagellate, Kirithra sigma sp. nov., was isolated from Jiaozhou Bay, China, and the southern coast of Korea, and examined by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Pigment composition and nuclear-encoded partial large subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU rRNA) gene were determined. Cells were oval-shaped (26.4‒36.4 μm long and 17.7‒27.2 μm wide), with a conical epicone and hemispherical hypocone. Its cingulum and sulcus were deep and wide. The cingulum encircled the cell completely, its ends slightly overlapping and displaced one to two cingular widths; the sulcus and sulcal extension formed a sigmoid curve. The anterior sulcal extension contacted the apical structure complex (ASC). The ASC formed a complete circle, consisting of three parallel series of vesicles, and the amphiesmal vesicles within ASC were arranged with one central vesicle (sometimes two) encircled by approximately three rows of polygonal amphiesmal vesicles. Polygonal amphiesmal vesicles of different sizes covered the whole cell surface. The subspherical nucleus was located in the hypocone. Pigment analysis showed that peridinin was the main accessory pigment. The present species is morphologically similar to Kirithra asteri but differs in numbers and rows of amphiesmal vesicles within the ASC, absence of ventral pore, and a sigmoid curve formed by the sulcus and sulcal extension. The partial LSU rRNA gene sequence (c. 1400 bases) of K. sigma differed by c. 5.3% from that of K. asteri. Molecular phylogeny revealed that K. sigma formed an independent sister clade to K. asteri, indicating they are congeneric but different species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preterm ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (POHS) is a rare condition with only a few reported cases. The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics of 21 POHS cases (seven from China and 14 from the literature). Suspected patients (n = 7) were referred for further confirmation and data on demographics, family history, clinical manifestations (edema developed in the vulva, the hypogastric site and the upper leg), serum and sonographic assessments (ovarian cyst/cysts, gonadotropins, and estradiol levels), the natural course of patients were documented. We did not observe substantial differences in clinical manifestations among POHS patients from China relative to that from the literature. Preterm female newborns developed edema in the vulva, the hypogastric site and the upper leg at 30–39+6 weeks of post-conception age (PCA) as the major clinical manifestations. The characteristic also included high gonadotropins and estradiol, and ovarian cysts. This condition can self-resolve. Clinical manifestations of POHS patients from China are similar to those from the literature. The pathognomonic signs of POHS include vulvar, hypogastric, and upper leg edema developed at 30–39+6 PCA along with high gonadotropins and E2 values and the presence of ovarian cysts in preterm female newborns and the syndrome can self-resolve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) was once commonly used as a pesticide worldwide, and is now a toxic and recalcitrant environmental pollutant. To explore a practical approach in the remediation of PCP-contaminated soils in China, we evaluated the efficacy of a local willow (Salix × aureo-pendulaCL “J1011”) on removing PCP and assessed the potential of a native earthworm (Metaphire guillelmi) and horseradish (Armoracia rusticana Gaerth), alone and in combination with willow, to enhance the efficiency of removing PCP from spiked field soils. Willow, horseradish, and earthworms alone significantly increased PCP removal from soil. After 45 days, only 47.2% of the PCP remained in the presence of willow alone; 68.4, 51.4, and 46.3% of the PCP remained with 50, 100, and 200 g horseradish m−2, respectively; and 41.1% of the PCP remained in the presence of earthworms. The removal of PCP from soils significantly increased with co-application of willow and horseradish (23.1% remaining) and especially with the co-application of willow and earthworms (2.2% remaining). Our results indicate that in terms of remediation efficiency, economic value, ecological benefits, and ease of use, a system consisting of this autochthonous willow and indigenous earthworms has great potential for the remediation of PCP-polluted soil in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]