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The expansion of anatomically modern humans (AMHs) from Africa around 65,000 to 45,000 y ago (ca. 65 to 45 ka) led to the establishment of present-day non-African populations. Some paleoanthropologists have argued that fossil discoveries from Huanglong, Zhiren, Luna, and Fuyan caves in southern China indicate one or more prior dispersals, perhaps as early as ca. 120 ka. We investigated the age of the human remains from three of these localities and two additional early AMH sites (Yangjiapo and Sanyou caves, Hubei) by combining ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis with a multimethod geological dating strategy. Although U-Th dating of capping flowstones suggested they lie within the range ca. 168 to 70 ka, analyses of aDNA and direct AMS 14C dating on human teeth from Fuyan and Yangjiapo caves showed they derive from the Holocene. OSL dating of sediments and AMS 14C analysis of mammal teeth and charcoal also demonstrated major discrepancies from the flowstone ages; the difference between them being an order of magnitude or more at most of these localities. Our work highlights the surprisingly complex depositional history recorded at these subtropical caves which involved one or more episodes of erosion and redeposition or intrusion as recently as the late Holocene. In light of our findings, the first appearance datum for AMHs in southern China should probably lie within the timeframe set by molecular data of ca. 50 to 45 ka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The diversity and genetic relationship among 29 populations of Chrysanthemum morifolium, one of Chrysanthemum indicum and one of Chrysanthemum nankingense from China were analyzed using morphological traits and molecular markers. Twenty morphological traits were scored as well as 182 ISSR marker-fragments, as amplified by 22 primers [the percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB): 81.87%], and 243 SRAP marker-fragments as generated by 26 primer pairs (PPB: 75.72%). Mantel’s test indicated significant correlation (r = 0.624) of morphological trait and SRAP. By contrast, the morphological trait showed low correlation with ISSR (r = 0.246). Cluster analysis showed groupings of the accessions according to all four methods correlated well with their geographic region of origin, and most populations from the south of China were classified into one cluster and most populations from the north of China were classified into another cluster. Finally, an appropriate strategy for conserving the C. morifolium germplasm was proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

All yellow Camellia plants in China are threatened, but their classification is contentious. Here, we performed a phylogenetic reconstruction based on nuclear double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD), transcriptomes, nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), and the small single‐copy region of the chloroplast genome, in combination with morphological evidence to help resolve taxonomic ambiguity of those rare and threatened species. Conflicting relationships were derived from nuclear and chloroplast sequences. The strong hybridization/introgression signal detected suggests reticulate evolution mainly caused this discordance pattern. The nuclear‐ddRAD and RNA‐seq phylogenies fit better to the yellow camellias' morphology, providing a clear resolution for inferring their relationships in China. Based on present phylogenetic analyses and morphological characters, we propose these taxonomic suggestions: (i) Camellia petelotii and Camellia nitidissima are distinct species; (ii) Camellia ptilosperma, Camellia longruiensis, Camellia longgangensis, and C. longgangensis var. grandis are conspecific with Camellia flavida; (iii) Camellia multipetala and C. longgangensis var. patens are synonyms of Camellia quinqueloculosa, and C. quinqueloculosa should be recognized as an independent species; (iv) Camellia wumingensis should be formally recognized as an independent species; (v) Camellia longzhouensis is a synonym of Camellia chrysanthoides; (vi) Camellia xiashiensis and Camellia parvipetala should be treated as synonyms of Camellia micrantha; (vii) Camellia achrysantha is a good species; (viii) Camellia tunghinensis is an independent species; (ix) species status of Camellia huana is well‐supported; and (x) Camellia pingguoensis var. terminals should be correctly identified to species level as Camellia terminalis. These results provide the basis for the recognition 20 yellow Camellia species in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some effective antithyroid drugs (ATDs) have been widely used for patients with Graves' disease (GD) but are associated with ATD-induced agranulocytosis. We selected 29 ATD-induced agranulocytosis patients, 44 ATD-induced neutropenia patients, and 140 GD controls among the Chinese Han population who were recruited at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University. We assessed their response to ATDs treatment by performing genotyping for a candidate gene association study of samples from patients receiving treatment. Human flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3), which is the major hepatic enzyme involved in the production of N-oxide of trimethylamine, catalyzes the oxygenation of a variety of drug compounds. Six single SNP, genotype, haplotype (HAP), and association analyses of the >italic/italic< gene with ATD-induced agranulocytosis/neutropenia under different models (i.e., additive, dominant, and recessive models) were performed. Rs1736557, which caused an amino acid variation V257M, showed a strong association between ATD-induced agranulocytosis and GD controls after Bonferroni correction (>italic/italic< = 0.011, OR 2.301, 95% CI 1.201–4.409). The presence of HAP 3 (HAP3) in the >italic/italic< gene HAP was statistically associated with ATD-induced agranulocytosis (>italic/italic< = 0.038, permutation >italic/italic< value). Our findings indicate that genetic variations in the >italic/italic< gene are associated with the response to ATDs maintenance treatment in ATD-induced agranulocytosis patients of -Chinese Han population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on online medical clerkships in China in a single institution since the outbreak of COVID-19. Topics discussed include groupings made on the physicians according to their subspecialties, teaching contents in each online clerkship, and lessons learned from the initiative.

The macerals of bark liptobiolite of Leping Mine in Jiangxi Province were separated by the method of Density Gradient Centrifugation, and the density distribution characteristic curves of coal of -200 mesh was drawn through analytical pre-separation experiments. The curves shows that the density distribution of liptinite and vitrinite of bark coal is relatively concentrated; it's easy to separate specific macerals; while inertinite and vitrinite are so intermixed that the separation is less effective. The content of barkinite and vitrinite reaches over 98.6% after the particular Density-gradient Centrifugation separation experiments. There are obvious differences between the two macerals of the separated samples in the chemical structure according to the high resolution TEM and image analysis: First, the number of the lattice fringes of barkinite is significantly greater than that of vitrinite, and the lattice fringes of barkinite are equipped with a characteristic of more disordered and concentrated; secondly, the proportion of different lattice fringes of vitrinite and barkinite is relatively close to each other, short aromatic fringe is dominant for both, while the difference is that the content of 1 x 1 (naphthalene) of vitrinite is obviously greater than that of barkinite, but the 3x3 aromatic fringe displays a completely opposite characteristic. The content of medium-long aromatic fringe is not high, but this value of barkinite is also significantly lower than that of vitrinite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: With the emergence of rapid urbanization and the increase in per capita income, migration in China has been changing from economy‐driven to amenity‐driven. We seek to investigate the relation between land urbanization, urban amenities, and population urbanization by analyzing urban amenities in the analytical framework of land urbanization and population urbanization in China. Methods: Using panel data of 277 cities in China from 2009 to 2018, we first employ the principal component analysis to calculate urban amenities and then conduct panel threshold model regressions. Results: Land urbanization has a positive effect on urban amenities at the individual city level, while urban amenities have a negative effect on population urbanization in both large and small–medium cities. Reforming the household registration system has effectively improved the accessibility of urban amenities for high‐skilled labors in large cities. Thus, amenities in large cities have a positive effect on the urbanization of high‐skilled labors. In contrast, amenities in small–medium cities have a threshold effect on population urbanization. Conclusion: Amenities in large and small–medium cities, which are located in the same urban agglomerations, could be coordinated and improved, thus achieving a long‐term sustainable and coordinated development of land and population urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the suitability of the current caffeine dosing regimen for the Chinese population using modelling and simulation approach. Methods: Pharmacokinetic samples were collected from 99 Chinese newborns with premature apnoea. The median (range) of gestational age and postmenstrual age were 28.3 (25.0–33.4) weeks and 31.1 (26.4–38.0) weeks, respectively. Newborns were receiving caffeine citrate at a loading dose of 20 mg/kg/d and a maintenance dose of 5–10 mg/kg/d. Caffeine concentrations and CYP1A2 polymorphisms were investigated. Population pharmacokinetic modelling of caffeine in Chinese preterm newborn on a population‐wide scale was conducted using NONMEM. Results: A 1‐compartment model with first‐order elimination was used to describe population pharmacokinetic. With current weight implemented using 0.75 allometric scaling, clearance (CL) was positively related to current weight and postmenstrual age, but a negative relationship was observed with serum creatinine concentration. Eight genotypes of CYP1A2 were tested and none of them had a significant impact on caffeine pharmacokinetic parameters. Interindividual variability of CL and volume of distribution was 7.70 and 65.9%. The median (range) of 95% confidence intervals of CL were 0.0128 (0.0128–0.0131) L/h/kg. Monte Carlo simulation demonstrated that 80% (loading dose) and 98% (maintenance dose) of premature infants treated with a labelled dosing regimen attained the concentration target range of 5–20 mg/L. Conclusion: A population PK model of caffeine was developed in Chinese newborns. Body weight‐implemented allometric scaling, postmenstrual age and serum creatinine concentration markedly affected caffeine clearance. The labelled dosing regimen is suitable for Chinese premature infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the Chinese medicinal material (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) Xixin is derived from the species Asarum heterotropoides var. mandshuricum, A. sieboldii, and A. sieboldii var. seoulense. However, many species of the genus Asarum are labeled as "Xixin," "Tu-Xixin," or "Nan-Xixin" for sale in producing areas. To distinguish Chinese Asarum species and to ensure their safety and efficacy, we examined the microscopic characteristics of subg. Asarum plants in China (including subg. Asarum plants in the classification system of Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae and the later published Asarum yunnanense) using a hand microtome and a microscopic digital imaging system based on our previous research. Microscopic features of the blades, petioles, and roots of A. yunnanense were investigated for the first time. Moreover, we compared nine species and one variety of the subg. Asarum (i.e., A. yunnanense, A. caudigerellum, A. himalaicum, A. pulchellum, A. debile, A. caulescens, A. renicordatum, A. caudigerum, A. caudigerum var. cardiophyllum and A. geophilum) in China based on microscopic characteristics of the blades. Several parameters, such as morphological characteristics and distribution of hairs on both upper and lower leaf epidermises; morphological characteristics of hair cells; anticlinal walls of lower epidermal cells; size relationship between outer periclinal walls and cavity outlines of oil cells on lower leaf epidermis; presence or absence of the irregular cells containing red to brown substances among mesophyll cells; and the diameter of the largest vessels in midribs of the blades, were used for discrimination among species. To the best of our knowledge, we provided the first identification key for the 10 taxa based on blade microscopic characteristics that could be used to distinguish these taxa. Based on the key, 23 commercial samples collected from seven provinces of China were authenticated as whole dried herbs of A. himalaicum, A. caudigerellum, A. caudigerum, A. pulchellum and A. caulescens. These findings indicated that microscopic approach and related techniques were convenient and feasible and could be used for the authentication of crude drugs from Chinese subg. Asarum species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, Clematis tangutica Korsh. (Ranunculaceae) is used as a Tibetan herb for treating indigestion and blood stasis in China. Recently, a flavonoid glycoside, apigenin-7-O-β-d-(6″-p-coumaroyl)-glucopyranoside (APG), was isolated from the whole plant of C. tangutica. To investigate the cardioprotective effects of APG against myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI) and the possible mechanism. Animals were subjected to 30 min/3 h MI/RI model. At the end of reperfusion, infarct size (IS), histopathology, serum levels CK-MB, LDH, TNF-α, IL-6 and MPO activities were detected. Phospho-IκB-α, ICAM-1 and NF-κB were assessed in vivo. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were pre-treated with or without APG, followed by stimulation with 8 h/2 h oxygen and glucose deprived/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model. Cell viability, LDH and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were assessed. The expression levels of phospho-IκB-α and NF-κB were measured in vitro. Treatment with APG significantly reduced the following indicators in vivo (p < 0.05): (1) the IS (16.2%); (2) morphology score (1.67); (3) myocardial injury enzymes: CK-MB (26.2 ng/mL) and LDH (688 U/L); (4) pro-inflammatory cytokines: TNF-α (31.5 pg/mL) and IL-6 (163.8 pg/mL); (5) MPO activity (2.75 U/mg); (6) expression levels of phospho-IκB-α (0.47), NF-κB (2.87) and ICAM-1 (10.2). Moreover, treatment with APG also remarkably (p < 0.05) attenuated the following indicators in vitro: (1) LDH level (206 U/L); (2) cardiomyocyte apoptosis; (3) phospho-IκB-α (1.37) and NF-κB (2.50). APG possesses protective effects against MI/RI injury in rats and OGD/R-induced injury in cardiomyocytes by suppressing translocation of NF-κB and reducing inflammatory response; consequently, APG is helpful for treatment of ischaemic heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various surface soil moisture (SM) data from station observations, the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission, three reanalyses (ERA-Interim, CFSR, and NCEP RII), and the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) are used to explore the sub-seasonal variations of SM (SSV-SM) over eastern China. Based on the correlation with SM of SMAP, reanalyses, and GLDAS, it is found that the variations of SM observed by Liuhe and Chunan stations can generally represent the SM variations over eastern China. The correlation coefficients between the SMAP and station SM are around 0.7. The SMAP product can well capture the time variation of SM over eastern China. The spectral analysis suggests that periodic variations of SM are mainly and significantly over the 10–30-day period over eastern China in all the data. The significant spectra over the 10–30-day period basically occur during the rainy season over eastern China. For the spatial aspect of SSV-SM, precipitation is the main factor causing the spatial distribution of SSV-SM over eastern China. However, the spectra of the station precipitation are not consistent with those of the station SM, and there is less coherence between the precipitation and SM over the periods during which SM has significant spectra. This indicates that SSV-SM is also affected by other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fujian Tanka people are officially classified as a southern Han ethnic group, whereas they have customs similar to Daic and Austronesion people. Whether they originated in Han or Daic people, there is no consensus. Three hypotheses have been proposed to explain the origin of this group: (1) the Han Chinese origin, (2) the ancient Daic origin, (3) and the admixture between Daic and Han. This study addressed this issue by analyzing the paternal Y chromosome and maternal mtDNA variation of 62 Fujian Tanka and 25 neighboring Han in Fujian. The southern East Asian predominant haplogroups (e.g. Y-chromosome O1a1a-P203 and O1b1a1a-M95, and mtDNA F2a, M7c1, and F1a1) had relatively high frequencies in Tanka. The interpopulation comparison revealed that the Tanka have a closer affinity with Daic populations than with Han Chinese in paternal lineages but are closely clustered with southern Han populations such as Hakka and Chaoshanese in maternal lineages. Network and haplotype-sharing analyses also support the admixture hypothesis. The Fujian Tanka mainly originate from the ancient indigenous Daic people and have only limited gene flows from Han Chinese populations. Notably, the divergence time inferred by the Tanka-specific haplotypes indicates that the formation of Fujian Tanka was a least 1033.8–1050.6 years before present (the early Northern Song dynasty), indicating that they are an indigenous population, not late Daic migrants from southwestern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We sought to acquire the whole sagittal spine parameters and investigated the acceptable chin–brow vertical angle (CBVA) for neutral position radiography in an asymptomatic Chinese population. Methods The parameters measured in 257 asymptomatic volunteers included CBVA, occipital slope, orbital tilt, occipital incidence, C0–C2 Cobb angle, C2–C7 Cobb angle, C1–C7 Cobb angle, C2–C7 sagittal vertical axis and absolute rotation angle, cervical tilt, cranial tilt, T1 slope, and thoracic kyphosis, and others. We used Pearson correlation analyses to find relationships between CBVA and other variables. The subjects were divided into 5 groups according to the CBVA percentile: group A, 0%–20% CBVA; group B, 20%–40% CBVA; group C, 40%–60% CBVA; group D, 60%–80% CBVA; and group E, 80%–100% CBVA. We used analysis of variance to analyze differences among the 5 groups. Results Orbital tilt, Occipital incidence, C1–C7 Cobb angle, C2–C7 sagittal vertical axis, and cranial tilt all increased with increasing CBVA (P < 0.001). The occipital slope, C2–C7 Cobb angle, C2–C7 absolute rotation angle, cervical tilt, T1 slope, and thoracic kyphosis decreased with decreasing CBVA (P < 0.05). No correlations between other sagittal parameters and the CBVA were found. A slight deviation was found in groups B–D, with a greater deviation in groups A, C, and E. Conclusions An acceptable range of −1.5° to 5.8° is recommended for the CBVA for cervical radiography in the neutral position. When spinal surgeons evaluate the cervical plane, the effects of the CBVA deviation on cervical curvature must be considered. Highlights • The parameters of the whole sagittal spine in a Chinese population were described. • For the first time, we have proposed that the acceptable range for the CBVA for neutral position radiography is −1.5° to 5.8°. • CBVA has both positive and negative effects on different cervical spine parameters. • Normal craniocervical parameters derived from past literature are to some extent credible. • Spinal surgeons evaluating a sagittal cervical plane should consider the effects of CBVA deviation on cervical curvature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine animal diversity during the late Cambrian was reduced by a series of extinctions that have generally been attributed to oceanic anoxic events associated with positive carbon isotope excursions. Here we present carbon and uranium isotope ratios (δ13C and δ238U values) as proxies for global carbon cycle and oceanic redox conditions, respectively, from carbonate rocks of the Wa'ergang section, South China. The dataset spans an interval that includes the last major negative δ13C excursion (TOCE) of the Cambrian Period. The TOCE is a globally documented event, recovery from which corresponds to the terminal Cambrian extinction event. The δ13C and δ238U values covary through the section, shifting initially to lower values, with δ238U falling below the modern open-ocean seawater value from the start to the middle of the profile, followed by a shift to higher values towards the end of the Cambrian. Neither the co-occurrence of δ13C and δ238U negative excursions, nor the association of rising δ238U with extinction have been commonly reported. Here we argue that robust positive coupling of δ13C and δ238U relates to the existence of extensive intermediate reducing settings (from low-O 2 suboxia to intermittent anoxia) during the late Cambrian alongside low atmospheric p O 2 and a greenhouse climate. Similarly, a stepwise increase in the δ238U baseline in carbonates across the Ediacaran−Cambrian boundary is consistent with the growing importance of an intermediate reducing sink through that interval. We propose further that divergent trends in lower and upper ocean redox conditions could have driven the parallel isotope excursions. An expansion of intermediate reducing conditions, rather than persistent anoxic euxinia, is consistent with the recovery of δ13C and δ238U to higher values, as well as the presence of benthic fauna and shoreward extension of deeper-water fauna that may have had a greater tolerance against hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spatiotemporally seamless SM obtained through the MLP model. • Unbiased correlation and RMSE improved in satellite SM by the Conv model. • Pattern relationship between satellite SM and precipitation anomalies improved. Except assimilated data of soil moisture (SM), there is always a circumstance that not every spatial point has valid value over a specific region in a day, and there are invalid values or gaps between days in a time series at a spatial point, especially the satellite and ground-based data. Thus, those data are not spatiotemporally seamless on daily time scale, and the seamless data of surface SM is fundamental for research on the land–atmosphere interactions on various time scales. Deep learning methods of multi-perceptron (MLP) and convolution (Conv) neural networks are applied for obtaining spatiotemporally seamless SM over eastern China during May-September of 2015–2020 to combine the advantages of ground-based and remote-sensed data. Firstly, taking atmospheric and land variables as inputs, MLP is trained against the satellite products, including the level-2 product of Chinese FengYun 3C (FY3C), level-3 product of the US Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP), and level-2 neural network product of the European Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS). After that, spatiotemporally seamless SM is predicted by MLP, which is stable during training and validation. Compared with the in-situ SM, MLP SM inherits the characteristics of the satellite products, though the quality is slightly improved. Secondly, Conv uses the MLP SM as inputs and is trained against in-situ SM. The unbiased errors are reduced notably that unbiased correlation increases and root mean square errors decreases. At last, from the pattern correlation between precipitation and SM anomalies, the error-reduced Conv SM can well reflect the relationships forced out by the major patterns of rainfall, but the satellite products cannot. In addition, during the evaluation, SMAP has the best quality over eastern China, and SMOS is generally better than FY3C. However, after processed by Conv, the differences of the quality among different satellites are negligible, except some differences in the mean patterns of Conv SM, which is mainly associated with the properties of the satellite products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bangxi-Chenxing suture zone is an important region to address the history of closure of the eastern Paleo-Tethys ocean. Among the widespread S-type granite batholiths in the SE Guangxi Province adjacent to this suture is the Nali granodiorite. Here we report zircon U–Pb ages, major and trace element geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotope geochemistry of a newly found Middle Permian S-type granite in this region. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb geochronology yields emplacement ages of 265 ± 2 to 262 ± 2 Ma for the Nali granodiorite. Both the inner and outer phases are characterized by variable SiO 2 (66.91–71.39 wt.%), high Al 2 O 3 (12.99–14.04 wt.%), K 2 O + Na 2 O (4.78–5.98 wt.%), and A/CNK values (1.11–1.50), resembling those of typical S-type granites. The rocks are enriched in Rb, Th, U and light rare earth elements with weak negative Eu anomalies, and show depletion in Nb, Ta, Ti, with typical arc-like affinity. They have relatively high ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) i ratios of 0.7228 to 0.7331, low ε Nd (t) values of − 13.6 to − 11.9, and low zircon ε Hf (t) values (− 21.9 to − 8.8). High whole-rock Nd isotopic model ages (2.00–2.02 Ga) and zircon Hf isotopic model ages (1.59–2.20 Ga), indicate that they might have been generated by partial melting of ancient lower crust with minor contribution from mantle sources. The granodiorite shows continental arc affinity and likely formed within a subduction setting. By combining previously extant data for Permo-Triassic arc-/collision-related magmatism in the Jinshajiang-Ailaoshan-Song Ma and Bangxi-Chenxing suture zones, we propose that the subduction of the eastern Paleo-Tethys might have started during Middle Permian triggered by the northward subduction of the Indochina Block (ICB) beneath the South China Block (SCB) and closure during Middle Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yukeng–Banling deposit is a typical fault-controlled hydrothermal Cu–Au deposit in the Shanmen Volcanic Basin (SVB), SE China. Ore bodies commonly occur as lodes, lenses and disconnected pods dipping SW with vertical zonation of ore minerals. Ore-related hydrothermal alteration is well developed on both sides of the veins, dominated by silicification, sericitization, chloritization and argillation with a banded alteration zonation. The mineralization can be divided into three stages (stages I, II and III). Native gold is present as veinlets in fractures of fine-grained pyrite from stage II. Zircon U–Pb and Rb–Sr isochron ages indicate that the Cu–Au mineralization is coeval with the Caomen alkaline granite and Xiaokeng quartz-diorite, both emplaced at ca. 102 Ma. Microthermometric measurements of fluid inclusions in quartz and sphalerite from stage II veins indicate that the Yukeng–Banling deposit is an epithermal deposit. Six ore-related quartz grains have δ D H2O values of − 69 to − 43‰, and δ 18 O H2O values calculated using total homogenization temperatures that range from − 2.0 to 0.7‰. All samples plot in an area between the magmatic field and the meteoric line, suggesting that the ore-forming fluids are derived from a mixed source of magmatic and meteoric waters. δ 34 S values for eight pyrite separates range from − 2.1 to + 4.1‰ with an average of + 1.7‰, and δ 34 S values for galena and sphalerite are 2.3‰ and 2.2‰, similar to magmatic sulfur. Four alkaline granite samples have Pb isotopic ratios ( 206 Pb/ 204 Pb) t = 18.175–18.411, ( 207 Pb/ 204 Pb) t = 15.652–15.672 and ( 208 Pb/ 204 Pb) t = 38.343–38.800. Three quartz-diorite samples have ratios ( 206 Pb/ 204 Pb) t , ( 207 Pb/ 204 Pb) t and ( 208 Pb/ 204 Pb) t of 18.277–18.451, 15.654–15.693 and 38.673–38.846, respectively. These age-calculated lead isotopic data for alkaline granite are similar to those for the analyzed sulfides. Co/Ni ratios for stage II pyrites range from 1.42 to 5.10, indicating that the Yukeng–Banling deposit records the past involvement of magmatic hydrothermal fluids. The isotope data, together with geological, mineralogical and geochronological evidence, favor a primary magmatic source for sulfur and metals in the ore fluids. Mixing of the Cu- and Au-rich fluids with meteoric water led to precipitation of the Cu–Au veins along NW-trending faults. The Yukeng–Banling deposit, the contemporaneous Caomen alkaline granite and Xiaokeng quartz-diorite in the SVB formed under an extensional setting, due to high-angle subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate. The extensional setting facilitated the formation of Cu- and Au-rich magmas which was derived from enriched mantle and lower crust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abies chensiensis Tieghem and Abies fargesii Franchet are two closely related tree species of Pinaceae endemic to China. A. chensiensis is usually found scattered in small forest fragments, whereas A. fargesii is a dominant member of coniferous forest. To evaluate the genetic effect of fragmentation on A. chensiensis, a total of 24 populations were sampled from the whole distribution of the two species. Seven nuclear microsatellite loci were employed to analyze comparatively the genetic diversity and population genetic differentiation. Both A. chensiensis and A. fargesii have high level within-population genetic diversity and low inter-population genetic differentiation. Low microsatellite differentiation (2.1%) between A. fargesii and A. chensiensis was observed. But microsatellite marker was able to discriminate most populations of these two species. Compared to A. fargesii, A. chensiensi has lower allelic diversity and higher genetic differentiation among populations. It suggested the existence of negative genetic impacts of habitat fragmentation on A. chensiensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine standard coal samples from different coalbeds of Zhongliangshan southern coal mine in Huayingshan coalfield were tested using the low-temperature nitrogen adsorption method to study the fractal characteristics of adsorption pores (pore diameter <100 nanometers) and the relationship between fractal dimension and the gas adsorption capacity of tectonic coal. The results of both the low-temperature nitrogen adsorption and desorption show that different deformed coal has different adsorption characteristics under relative pressures between 0.5-1.0. Based on the results, the fractal dimension D of tectonic coal was studied using the fractal Frenkel-Halsey-Hill (FHH) method. The results demonstrate that the fractal dimension D can represent the variation characteristics of pore structure and pore surface area of tectonic coal. The higher fractal dimension D, the more micropores, the more irregular specific coal surface, and the higher heterogeneity of pore structure. The gas storage capacity of coal can be represented by the fractal dimension D, and the gas adsorption capacity of coal increases with the increasing of fractal dimension D. Therefore, the higher fractal dimension and the more homogeneous pore structure resulting from strong tectonic deformation, indicate that the coal has a higher gas adsorption capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) is a worldwide problem and one of the common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in China. Methods. Three hundred patients diagnosed as AAN from 1997 to 2006 were enrolled. Medical histories of Chinese herb ingestion, clinical–pathological features and risk factors for renal failure were recorded. Patients were followed up for 2–156 months. Factors involved in the prognosis of AAN were investigated. Results. The 300 patients with AAN manifested three clinical subtypes, including acute kidney injury (acute AAN) in 13 patients, abrupt tubular dysfunction with normal serum creatinine (Scr) levels in seven cases and chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy with decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (chronic AAN) in 280 cases. The acute AAN cases had the highest aristolochic acid (AA)-I intake per day and developed progressive kidney failure during 1–7 years follow-up. The tubular dysfunction AAN patients had the lowest cumulative AA-I intake and were able to keep normal Scr levels during 2–8 years follow-up. The chronic AAN patients took the lowest AA-I dose per day but with the longest period and the highest cumulative dosage and exhibited a very large range of eGFR changing rate (from −21.6 to 5.2, median −3.5 mL/min/year). The cumulative AA-I intake (r = 0.330, P = 0.045) and the time course from the termination of AA medication to the start of follow-up (r = −0.430, P = 0.009) were found to be independent factors correlated with the decrease rate of eGFR in the chronic AAN patients. AA and the metabolites could be detected in a high frequency in patients who had stopped herbal medication for 1 year, which indicates a rather long washout time for these chemicals. Conclusions. AAN has variant phenotypes with distinct prognosis, which is determined by the variable AA medications. With better understanding of toxic and environmental causes for kidney injury, there would be a better chance to uncover the causal factors of cases of ‘CKD without known causes’ which is crucial for improving the disease outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Using chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) trnL-F sequences, we studied the phylogeographic pattern and demographic history of Chrysanthemum indicum with 81 individuals from 27 populations representing the partial geographic range in China. Fifteen haplotypes were identified based on nucleotide variation. Relatively high levels of haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.783) and low levels of nucleotide diversity (Pi = 0.00521) were detected in C. indicum. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that most of the genetic variation (59.9%, P < 0.001) was partitioned within populations. Genetic differentiation among populations was high (FST  = 0.35), suggesting that there is little gene flow among populations. Nested clade analysis showed that 15 haplotypes formed twelve 1-step clades, five 2-step clades and two 3-step clades, with four clades showing significant geographical association. We concluded that contiguous range expansion and restricted gene flow/dispersal but with some long distance dispersal seemed to have shaped the present-day distribution of the haplotypes of C. indicum in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: An increasing number of studies on spinal morphology in asymptomatic Asian and Western patients have been reported. Variation in spinal anatomy among patients is considered as the cause of wrong-level surgery in up to 40% of cases. The present study examined the rate of presence of 11 thoracic vertebrae and 6 lumbar vertebrae in 293 asymptomatic Chinese adult volunteers. Methods: From May 27, 2016, to November 11, 2017, a cohort of 325 asymptomatic Chinese adults meeting the study exclusion criteria was recruited. The radiographs were examined by a spine surgeon and a radiologist to assess the number of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Results: In total, 293 volunteers were included in this study: 17 (5.8%) had 11 thoracic vertebrae, and 16 (5.5%) had 6 lumbar vertebrae. Among all volunteers, 12 (4.1%) had 7 cervical vertebrae (C), 11 thoracic vertebrae (T), and 5 lumbar vertebrae (L); 5 (1.7%) had 7C, 11T, and 6L; and 11 (3.8%) had 7C, 12T, and 6L. There was no difference between the findings of the spine surgeon and the radiologist. Conclusions: For the first time, this study describes the rate of presence of 11 thoracic vertebrae and 6 lumbar vertebrae in 293 asymptomatic Chinese adult volunteers. Variations in the number of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae tend to be ignored by spine surgeons. We encourage spinal surgeons and researchers to be aware of such variations when performing thoracic- and lumbar-level surgery and assessing spinal alignment and parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]