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Background: Evidence on the role of physical activity (PA) on healthcare utilization and expenditure is limited in China. We aimed to examine the association between the total physical activity (TPA) per week, healthcare service use and expenditure. Methods: We extracted the data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2011, 2013, and 2015. Participants more than 50 years old who completed the follow-up for the three waves were enrolled. We converted the volume of vigorous physical activity (VPA) into an equivalent volume of moderate physical activity (MPA) and calculated the TPA per week for each participant. 12,927 of the 17,708 participants in CHARLS were included in our analysis. More than one-third of participants over 50 years old never participate in any moderate or intensity activity, and the median of self-reported moderate or intensity PA was about 525 (IQR 0–1680) MET-minutes per week in 2015. Results: Compared to inactive subjects, the highest level of TPA was significantly related to the decreased risk number of inpatient visits (IRR: 0.58; 95% CI:0.50–0.67, p < 0.001), inpatient hospital days (IRR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.42–0.84, p < 0.01), healthcare expenditure (IRR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.65–0.79, p < 0.001) and catastrophic health expenditures (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.45–0.72, p < 0.001) after adjusting for covariates. Conclusions: Engaging in moderate-to-vigorous PA may drive a potential decrease in healthcare utilization, healthcare expenditure and household financial risk with a dose–response relationship in China, and some possible policy implications in public health may be considered to promote exercise in the middle-aged and elderly to reduce the medical burden on individuals and healthcare systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are two main types of echinococcosis, namely alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE). They are zoonotic parasitic diseases caused by the metacestodes of Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus. In order to explore the gut microbiome composition of patients with echinococcosis, we analyzed fecal samples of seven patients with AE, six patients with CE, and 13 healthy individuals from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. Using metagenomic next-generation sequencing, we identified fecal bacteria in the patients with AE and CE. The gut microbiota was analyzed by next-generation metagenomic sequencing (mNGS) to compare patients with either AE or CE against healthy individuals. We found there were some differences between them in abundant bacteria. Our results led to five findings: (1) Between patients with echinococcosis and healthy individuals, the differential bacteria were from four phyla: Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria. (2) Rothia mucilaginosa , Veillonella dispar , Veillonella atypica , Streptococcus parasanguinis, Streptococcus salivarius , and Alistipes finegoldii were abundant in the feces of patients with AE. (3) Bacteroides dorei, Parabacteroides distasonis, Escherichia sp_E4742, and Methanobrevibacter smithii were abundant in the feces of the patients with CE. (4) At the phylum and class level, compared to the AE group, the healthy group was characterized by higher numbers of Actinobacteria. (5) At the family level, Lachnospiraceae and Eubacteriaceae were more abundant in the feces of healthy individuals than in AE patients. The genera Coprococcus , Eubacterium , and Bilophia were more abundant in the healthy group, while the genus Rothia was more abundant in the AE group. The results of this study enrich our understanding of the gut microbiome composition of patients with AE and CE in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the transport properties of a topological insulator candidate, LiMgBi. The electric resistivity of the title compound exhibits a metal-to-semiconductor-like transition at around 160 K and tends to saturation below 50 K. At low temperatures, the magnetoresistance is up to ∼260 % at 9 T and a clear weak antilocalization effect is observed in the low magnetic-field region. The Hall measurement reveals that LiMgBi is a multiband system, where hole-type carriers (n h ∼ 1018 cmâˆ'3) play a major role in the transport process. Remarkably, LiMgBi possess a large Seebeck coefficient ∼440 ÎĽV/K) and a moderate thermal conductivity at room temperature, which indicate that LiMgBi is a promising candidate in thermoelectric applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) aims to bridge the gaps between fusion experimental reactor ITER and demonstration fusion power reactor. Blanket, one of the key components of the CFETR, is of great importance to achieve the functions of tritium breeding, heat extraction and radiation shielding. As for the next device for fusion energy research in China, two blanket candidate options have been developing in parallel to decrease the risk of both physical and technical issues. Apart from the research and design work on the breeding blanket module itself, the interfaces definition and integration of the blanket system is vital, particularly due to the system interdependencies. The interface design of the blanket system is a challenge due to several factors, such as the thermal expansion, the electromagnetic loads, the feasibility of remote maintenance. In this paper, a preliminary interface definition and integration design of the CFETR blanket system has been presented, based on the design with R = 7.2 m and a = 2.2 m. The purpose is to complete the interface definition and integrated design of the blanket and other components or systems. The vacuum vessel has 16 sectors, and each sector has two inboard and three outboard blanket segments. The blanket segment will be installed and removed by remote maintenance tools through the upper ports. The work addresses the interfaces between the blanket and other system, such as diagnostic system and heating system. Preliminary assessment of the impact on tritium breeding ratio (TBR) for the candidate water cooled ceramic breeder blanket integration scheme has been presented highlighting the influence of the auxiliary interfaces system to TBR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the change in myocardial strain in swimming athletes before and after high-intensity exercise using two-dimensional strain echocardiography (2DSE) technology. Methods To assess whether the local and overall myocardial function and myocardial injury are accurately measured using 2DSE technology, 15 swimming athletes were selected as research objects. We applied 2DSE technology to track the 2D ultrasound images of the apical four chambers, the apical two chambers, and the apical long axis before and after high-intensity, increasing-load exercise. We recorded indices such as the left ventricular global strain (GS) and the left ventricular segmental wall longitudinal peak systolic strain (PS) in 18 systoles and analyzed the myocardial strain change before and after exercise. Results After high-intensity exercise, the overall myocardial strain decreased, especially the strain of the posterior wall, posterior divider, lateral wall, lower wall, and the basal and middle segments of the anterior wall. The influence of exercise on myocardial strain was greater on the basal and middle segments than on the apical segment. One-time intensive exercise negatively affected the myocardial muscle. Conclusion Myocardial muscles in the apical segment and the myocardial wall were more sensitive to intensive exercise. The 2DSE technology can precisely position the motion-sensitive areas and help locate myocardial injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a lethal parasitic disease. In Gansu Province of China, all AE cases reported in literature were from Zhang and Min Counties, the southern part of the province. Here, we report the discovery of nine AE cases and one cystic echinococcosis (CE) case from Nanfeng Town of Minle County, in the middle of Hexi Corridor in west Gansu Province. The diagnosis of these cases were confirmed by serology, histopathology, computed tomography, B-ultrasound, immunohistochemistry method, DNA polymerase chain reaction and sequencing analysis. Because eight of nine AE cases came from First Zhanglianzhuang (FZLZ) village, we conducted preliminary epidemiological analyses of 730 persons on domestic water, community and ecology such as 356 dogs’ faeces of FZLZ, in comparison with those of other five villages surrounding FZLZ. Our studies indicate that Nanfeng Town of Minle County is a newly discovered focus of AE in China as a CE and AE co-epidemic area. Further research of Echinococcus multilocularis transmission pattern in the area should be carried for prevention of this parasitic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sycamore lace bug, Corythucha ciliata (Say) (Hemiptera: Tingidae), is an invasive exotic pest on Platanus trees in China. This study assessed the thermotolerance of C. ciliata in the laboratory. Detailed experiments were conducted on the effects of high temperature (35, 37, 39, 41, 43, and 45 °C), duration of exposure (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h), and developmental stage (egg, nymph, and adult) on survival of the bug. Meanwhile, the effects of heat hardening on survival at lethal temperature (exposure to 33, 35, 37, 39, and 41 °C for 1 h prior to transfer to 43 °C for 2 h) were also assessed for nymphs and adults. Survival of eggs, nymphs, and adults was not affected by temperatures between 35 and 39 °C, but declined rapidly with increasing duration of exposure (from 0.5 to 8 h) at temperatures ≥41 °C. The lethal temperature that caused mortality of 50% (Ltemp50) of all developmental stages decreased with increasing duration of exposure from 0.5 to 8 h. The Ltemp50 for nymphs was 44.3, 42.0, and 39.0 °C after 0.5, 2, and 8 h exposure, respectively. Thermotolerance was the highest in eggs, followed by adults and then nymphs. Thermotolerance was slightly greater for adult males than for adult females. The ability of nymphs, females, and males to survive exposure to 43 °C for 2 h significantly increased by heat hardening, i.e., by exposure to a non-lethal high temperature for 1 h; the optimal heat-hardening temperature was 37 °C. The results indicate that survival of C. ciliata at heat-shock temperatures depended on both the temperature and the duration of exposure, and the tolerance to heat shock was enhanced by heat hardening. The thermotolerance of C. ciliata may partially explain why C. ciliata has been rapidly spreading on Platanus trees in southern provinces of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the soil nematode community structure along the Yellow River in the Lanzhou area of China, and analyzed the impact of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Zn) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the nematode community. Soil samples from five locations (named A–E), which were chosen for soil analysis, showed significant differences in their heavy metal content ( p < 0.01), as well as in the variety of nematodes (up to 41 genera) and families (up to 20) that were present. The different samples also differed significantly in the total PAH content ( p < 0.05), as well as the six types of PAH present. Sites A–C showed the most severe contamination with heavy metals and PAHs; these sites had the lowest abundance of fungivores and omnivore/predators, but the proportion of bacteriovores was the highest ( p < 0.05). Site E, in contrast, showed only minor pollution with heavy metals and PAHs, and it contained the highest abundance of plant parasites ( p < 0.05). Several nematode ecological indicators were found to correlate with concentration of soil pollutants at all the sites tested: the maturity index (MI, in addition to plant parasites), plant parasite index (PPI), ΣMI (including all the soil nematodes), Shannon-Wiener diversity index ( H′′), and Wasilewska index (WI). Disturbance to the soil environment was more severe when MI, ΣMI, and H′ values were lower. The results of the study show that the abundance and structure of the soil nematode communities in the sampling locations were strongly influenced by levels of heavy metals and PAHs in the soil. They also show that the diversity index H′ and the maturity index can be valuable tools for assessing the impact of pollutants on nematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We have reported kinds of infectious disease after “Wenchuan earthquake”. [•] We have collected 7 years’ cases of infectious disease from Longnan Control Disease Center of Gansu Province in China. [•] We have analyzed the Kala-azar; more than 95% of such cases occurred in China were from Gansu Province and Xinjiang Autonomous Region. [•] We have concluded that the peak incidence period of Japanese encephalitis in Longnan City was August. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gram-stain-negative, light khaki, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, motile via multiple flagella, and catalase- and oxidase-positive bacterium, designated as SSM4.3 T , was isolated from the seaweed of Gouqi Island in the East China Sea. The novel isolate grows at 0-5.0% NaCl concentrations (w/v) (optimum 1%), pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum pH 7.0), and 15-37 °C (optimum 30 °C). The 16S rRNA gene sequences-based phylogeny indicates that the novel marine isolate belongs to the family Rhizobiaceae and that it shared the greatest sequence similarity (98.9%) with Peteryoungia rhizophila CGMCC 1.15691 T . This classification was also supported by phylogenetic analysis using core genes. The predominant fatty acids (≥ 10%) of the strain were identified as C 18:1 ω7c/C 18:1 ω6c. Q-10 was identified as the major isoprenoid quinone, with trace levels of Q-9 present. The major polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The complete genome size of strain SSM4.3 T is 4.39 Mb with a DNA G+C content of 61.3%. The average nucleotide identity, digital DNA-DNA hybridization, and average amino acid identity values between the genomes of strain SSM4.3 T and its closely related representatives were 74.80-86.93%, 20.00-32.30%, and 70.30-91.52%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis, grounded on the core genes, reveals the evolutionary relationship between SSM4.3 T and other Peteryoungia strains. Pan-genomics analysis of 8 previously classified Peteryoungia species and SSM4.3 T revealed their unique genetic features and functions. Overall, strain SSM4.3 T was considered to be a new species of the Peteryoungia genus; the name Peteryoungia algae sp. nov. has been proposed, with type strain SSM4.3 T (= LMG 32561 = MCCC 1K07170)., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

A novel bacterium designated as SSA5.23 T was isolated from seawater. Cells of SSA5.23 T are Gram-stain-negative, short, rod-shaped, and exhibit motility via numerous peritrichous flagella. The strain could grow at temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 °C (optimum at 25 °C), in a salinity range of 0-5.0% (w/v) NaCl, and within a pH range of 6.0-9.0 (optimum at pH 7.0). The predominant cellular fatty acid of SSA5.23 T was C 18:1 ω7c/C 18:1 ω6c, and the major respiratory quinones were Q-9 and Q-10. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylglycerol were identified as the primary polar lipids. The complete genome (5.47 Mb) of SSA5.23 T comprises of a circular chromosome of 3.64 Mb and three plasmids, specifically sized at 59.73 kb, 227.82 kb, and 1.54 Mb, respectively. Certain genes located on the plasmids play roles in denitrification, oxidative stress resistance, and osmotic tolerance, which likely contribute to the adaptability of this strain in marine conditions. Core-proteome average amino acid identity analysis effectively identified the strain's affiliation with the genus Affinirhizobium, showing the highest value (89.9%) with Affinirhizobium pseudoryzae DSM 19479 T . This classification was further supported by the phylogenetic analysis of concatenated alignment of 170 single-copy orthologous proteins. When compared to related reference strains, SSA5.23 T displayed an average nucleotide identity ranging from 74.9 to 80.3% and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values ranging from 19.9 to 23.9%. Our findings confirmed that strain SSA5.23 T represents a novel species of the genus Affinirhizobium, for which the name Affinirhizobium gouqiense sp. nov. (type strain SSA5.23 T  = LMG 32560 T  = MCCC 1K07165 T ) was suggested., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped and aerobic bacterial strain B3.7 T , was isolated from the sediment of Zhairuo Island, Zhoushan city, Zhejiang Province, PR China. Maximum growth of strain B3.7 T was observed at 30 °C when cultured in a medium containing 0.5 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated that strain B3.7 T belonged to the genus Shinella ; it showed the highest sequence similarity of 98.47 % to Shinella kummerowiae CCBAU 25048 T . The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain B3.7 T and its reference strains were 82.9-84.2 % and 26.1-27.3 %, respectively. Chemotaxonomic analysis indicated that the sole respiratory quinone was Q-10 and the predominant cellular fatty acids were C 19 : 0 cyclo ω 8 c , C 16 : 0 , C 18 : 1  ω 7 c 11-methyl and summed feature 8 (C 18 : 1  ω 7 c and/or C 18 : 1  ω 6 c ). The polar lipid profile was composed of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified aminolipids. Collectively, strain B3.7 T can be considered to represent a novel species, for which the name Shinella sedimenti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B3.7 T (=MCCC 1K07163 T =LMG 32559 T ).

A novel Gram-staining negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain YIM DDC1 T , was isolated from an estuary sediment sample of Dongda River flowing into Dianchi lake in Yunnan, southwest China. The strain displayed growth at 10-40 °C (optimum of 28 °C), pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum of 7.0-8.0) and in presence of 0-3% (w/v) NaCl (optimum of 0-1%). Strain YIM DDC1 T comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and two unidentified aminolipids as the predominant polar lipids; the ubiquinone 10 as the major respiratory quinone; and summed feature 8 (C 18:1 ω6c and/or C 18:1 ω7c), summed feature 3 (C 16:1 ω7c and/or C 16:1 ω6c) and C 18:1 2-OH as the major cellular fatty acids. Analysis of 16S rRNA showed that YIM DDC1 T represents a member of the genus Azospirillum, and was closely related to A. brasilense ATCC 29145  T (98.9%), A. baldaniorum Sp245 T (98.2%), A. argentinense Az39 T (98.2%) and A. formosense CC-Nfb-7  T  (98.2%). The draft genome size was 7.15 Mbp with a 68.4% G + C content. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain YIM DDC1 T and the aforementioned closely related strains exhibited similarity in the range of 93.8-93.5% and 53.7-52.7%, respectively. nif gene cluster (nifHDK) and denitrification genes ((napA, nirS, nirK, norBC and nosZ) detected in the genome indicated its potential nitrogen fixation and full-fledged denitrifying function. Based on combined genotypic and phenotypic data, strain YIM DDC1 T represents a novel species of the genus Azospirillum, for which the name Azospirillum aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM DDC1 T (= KCTC 42887  T  = CGMCC 1.17325  T )., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

A novel bacterium designated A3.4 T was isolated from the beach sediment of Zhairuo Island, which is located in the East China Sea. Strain A3.4 T was found to be Gram-stain negative, cream coloured, rod-shaped, aerobic and motile via a single monopolar flagellum. The isolate grows at 20-37 °C (optimum 25-30 °C), at pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum pH 7.0-8.0), and in the presence of 0-5.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0.5-1%). A3.4 T has catalase and oxidase activity. The predominant fatty acids (≥ 10%) of the strain were identified as C 16:0 , summed feature 3 (C 16:1 ω7c /C 16:1 ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C 18:1 ω7c /C 18:1 ω6c). Q-9 was identified as the major isoprenoid quinone, with trace levels of Q-8 present. The major polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The draft genome size is 3.55 Mb, with a DNA G + C content of 57.7 mol%. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain A3.4 T indicates that it belongs to the genus Atopomonas and shares high sequence similarity with Atopomonas hussainii JCM 19513 T (97.60%). This classification was also supported by phylogenetic analysis using rpoB and several core genes. The genome of strain A3.4 T shows an average nucleotide identity of 82.3%, an amino acid identity of 83.0%, and a digital DNA-DNA hybridization value of 22.1% with A. hussainii. In addition, 20 conserved signature indels (CSIs) were identified to be specific for A3.4 T and A. hussainii, demonstrating that the strain A3.4 T is closely related to A. hussainii rather than other species of family Pseudomonadaceae. Hundreds of unique genes were identified in the genomes of A3.4 T and A. hussainii, which may underly multiple phenotypic differences between these strains. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic, and genomic investigations, strain A3.4 T is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Atopomonas, for which the name Atopomonas sediminilitoris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A3.4 T (= LMG 32563 T  = MCCC 1K07166 T )., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-haemolytic, oxidase-negative, catalase-positive bacillus strain (A3.8 T ) was isolated from beach sediment from Zhairuo Island, PR China. The strain grew at pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, 7.0), with 0-4.5 % NaCl (optimum, 2 %) and at 10-35 °C (optimum, 30 °C). Its whole-genome sequence was 2.5 Mb in size, with a DNA G+C content of 41.6 mol%. On the basis of the results of core genome phylogenetic analysis, A3.8 T represents a separate branch within the clade formed by five species of the genus Acinetobacter with 'Acinetobacter marinus' as the most closely related species. The average nucleotide identity compared with the closely related species of the genus Acinetobacter was below 83.66 % and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values were less than 28.80 %. The predominant fatty acids included C 18 : 1 ω9 c , C 16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C 16 : 1 ω7 c and/or C 16 : 1 ω6 c ). Q-9 was the major respiratory quinone. The polar lipids are mainly composed of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two phospholipids, an aminolipid and four unknown lipids. A3.8 T cannot assimilate dl-lactate and weakly utilizes l-glutamate, l-leucine, l-phenylalanine and l-tartrate, which distinguishes it from other species of the genus Acinetobacter . On the basis of the genotype, phenotype and biochemical data, strain A3.8 T represents a novel species of the genus Acinetobacter , for which the name Acinetobacter sedimenti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A3.8 T (=MCCC 1K07161 T =LMG 32568 T ).

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, oxidase-positive, catalase-positive, methyl red-positive, and lipase-negative bacterium, designated A5.8 T , was isolated from beach sediment of Zhairuo Island located in the East China Sea. Growth occurred at 10-40 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 5.5-9.5 (optimum, 7.5), and 0-2% NaCl (optimum, 1.5%). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain A5.8 T belongs to the genus Ancylobacter, sharing the highest similarity with Ancylobacter aquaticus JCM 20518 T (98.0%). Its polar lipids mainly consist of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC). The predominant fatty acids are summed feature 8 (C 18:1 ω7c and/or C 18:1 ω6c, 91.0%), and the major respiratory quinone is Q-10. The DNA G + C content is 67.2 mol%. Based on above analysis, as well as digital DNA-DNA hybridization (22.5-22.9%) and average nucleotide identity (83.0-83.6%) of strain A5.8 T with reference type strains of the genus Ancylobacter, strain A5.8 T was suggested to represent a novel species of the genus Ancylobacter, for which the name Ancylobacter gelatini sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A5.8 T (= MCCC 1K07167 T  = LMG 32566 T )., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Lung cancer screening based on low-dose CT (LDCT) has now been widely applied because of its effectiveness and ease of performance. Radiologists who evaluate a large LDCT screening images face enormous challenges, including mechanical repetition and boring work, the easy omission of small nodules, lack of consistent criteria, etc. It requires an efficient method for helping radiologists improve nodule detection accuracy with efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Many novel deep neural network-based systems have demonstrated the potential for use in the proposed technique to detect lung nodules. However, the effectiveness of clinical practice has not been fully recognized or proven. Therefore, the aim of this study to develop and assess a deep learning (DL) algorithm in identifying pulmonary nodules (PNs) on LDCT and investigate the prevalence of the PNs in China. Radiologists and algorithm performance were assessed using the FROC score, ROC-AUC, and average time consumption. Agreement between the reference standard and the DL algorithm in detecting positive nodules was assessed per-study by Bland-Altman analysis. The Lung Nodule Analysis (LUNA) public database was used as the external test. The prevalence of NCPNs was investigated as well as other detailed information regarding the number of pulmonary nodules, their location, and characteristics, as interpreted by two radiologists.