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Pinelliacordata (Araceae) is a perennial herb species distributed in China and Japan. Several studies have shown that there are two types of this species, and chromosome counts have shown irregular variation among populations. In this study, we investigated the morphological characteristics, established the chromosome number in root tips, reconstructed phylogenetic relationship based on whole chloroplast genomes, and elucidated biogeographic patterns based on data collected from the Chinese Virtual Herbarium (CVH) and the Plant Photo Bank of China (PPBC) for the two types of P. cordata, including type I (greenish leaf blade) and type II (colored leaf blade). We found stable significant differences in morphometric characteristics (color of the leaf blade abaxially, petiole, spathe and appendix) and the number of chromosomes. The results of the phylogenetic analysis showed that types I and II were located to different places in the evolutionary tree compared to the group. The distribution regions of these types of P. cordata were also slightly different in mainland China. These findings suggested that P. cordata should be divided into P. cordata (type I) and Pinellia discolor (type II, a cryptic species) and the latter is here described as a new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daqu is of great significance to the brewing process of Baijiu, and there are variations in the light-flavor Baijiu Daqu in different regions. However, few studies have been conducted on light-flavor Daqu from the north and south regions of China. In this study, the physicochemical indices, volatile flavor components, and microbial community structure of two types of Daqu from the north and south regions of China were comparatively analyzed. The study findings reveal that Daqu originating from the southern region of China (HB) exhibits superior moisture content, acidity, starch content, and saccharification power. In contrast, Daqu from the northern region of China (SX) displays higher fermentation, esterification, and liquefaction power. The analysis of the microbial community structure revealed that HB was dominated by Bacillus, Kroppenstedtia, Saccharomycopsis, and Thermoascus, while SX was dominated by Bacillus, Prevotella, and Saccharomycopsis. The analysis detected a total of 47 volatile components in both HB Daqu and SX Daqu. The volatile components of pyrazine were significantly more abundant in HB Daqu than in SX Daqu, while alcohol compounds were more prominent in SX Daqu than in HB Daqu. In addition, the RDA analysis established a correlation between dominant microorganisms and volatile components. Cyanobacteria, Fusobacteriota, Ascomycota, Blastocladiomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mucormyce exhibited positive correlations with a significant proportion of the key volatile compounds. This study establishes a scientific foundation for improving the quality of light-flavor Daqu liquor in different regions of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intermountain basins are the granaries of the karst mountains of southwest China. Revealing the process and trend of land-use transformation in typical mountainous "granaries" is of great significance to optimizing land-use, food security, and rural revitalization in the karst mountains of southwest China. Lianjiang basin in Huishui County is the largest in Guizhou Province of southwest China, and a typical mountainous "granary" is used as a case study area. Based on seven periods of high-definition remote sensing images from 1966 to 2020 and on-the-spot investigation, we adopt the analysis methods of landscape pattern, moving window, and buffer zone and conduct an in-depth study on the spatial evolution of land-use and the land-use transformation law of the typical "granaries" of karst mountainous areas in southwest China from the perspectives of changes in the quantity of land-use, changes in the types of land-use, and changes in the landscape pattern. The results showed that the transformation of land-use in the basin was mainly manifested in the transformation of the function of cultivated land and the diversification of the function of cultivated land. The landscape pattern of the basin was gradually transformed from traditional rural landscape to modern agricultural landscape. The gradient effect of land-use evolution and transformation in the study basin was obvious. Traffic, location, and land resources significantly affect land-use transformation in the basin. Based on the above analysis, this paper proposes that the "granary" basins in karst mountainous areas should optimize the land-use of the basin by the trade-off between regional socio-economic development, ecological protection, and food security. The results of this paper provide a reference for land-use optimization and rural development in the granary-type basins and other similar areas in the karst mountains of southwest China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health risks from exposure to contaminants are generally estimated by evaluating concentrations of the contaminants in environmental matrixes. However, accurate health risk assessment is difficult because of uncertainties regarding exposures. This study aims to utilize data on the concentrations of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) in surface soil across China coupled with Monte Carlo simulations to compensate for uncertainties in exposure to evaluate the health risks associated with contamination of soil with this class of flame retardants. Results revealed that concentrations of ∑OPFRs were 0.793-406 ng/g dry weight (dw) with an average of 23.2 ng/g dw. In terms of spatial distribution, higher OPFRs concentrations were found in economically developed regions. Although the values of health risk of OPFRs in soil across China were below the threshold, the high concentrations of OPFRs in soil in some regions should attract more attentions in future. Sensitivity analysis revealed that concentrations of OPFRs in soil, skin adherence factor, and exposure duration were the most sensitive parameters in health risk assessment. In summary, the study indicated that the national scale soil measurement could provide unique information on OPFRs exposure and health risk assessment, which was useful for the management of soil in China and for better understanding of the environmental fate of OPFRs in the global perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's southwestern karst area exhibits many mountains and little flat lands, and intermountain basins (IBs) (locally named "bazi") are one of their typical landform types. Comparative studies on land use in the core of typical landforms in karst mountain areas are relatively lacking. Studying the evolution and transformation patterns of intermountain basin paddy fields use (IBPFU) to optimize land resources in mountainous areas is important. Based on structural and functional perspectives, this study established a research framework on the evolution and transformation of IBPFU in karst mountainous areas, and analyzed the evolution and transformation patterns of IBPFU in Guizhou Province from 1966 to 2020 by measuring land use change and applying the moving window method and morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) model. The study showed that the evolution of IBPFU is characterized by reversibility and irreversibility, diversity, and stages. The transition of IBPFU requires a trade-off among regional socioeconomic development, ecological protection, and food security. The commonality of land use transitions in IB and sloped land (SL) is reflected in the diversity of their land use functions. This study provides a reference for a comprehensive understanding of land use transitions and sustainable development in the mountainous karst regions of southwest China by providing in-depth examinations of the land use transition of IB, which is different from SL, via the long time series evolution of core land use types. The research framework and research method constructed here also apply to other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The society is aging in China, and the cognitive level of elderly post-stroke patients gradually declines. Face-to-face cognitive functional training is no longer sufficient. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is a promising rehabilitation training device. In this study, we developed an IVR-based puzzle game to explore its effectiveness, feasibility, and safety in elderly stroke patients with cognitive dysfunction. Methods: A total of 30 patients with mild post-stroke cognitive impairment after stroke were randomly assigned to a control or IVR group. Patients in both groups received routine rehabilitation therapy. Patients in the control group received traditional cognitive training, and those in the IVR group received IVR-based puzzle game therapy. Before and after treatment, Montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA), trail-making test-A (TMT-A), digit symbol substitution test (DSST), digital span test (DST), verbal fluency test (VFT), and modified Barthel index (MBI) were evaluated in both groups. In addition, the IVR group was administered a self-report questionnaire to obtain feedback on user experience. Results: There was no significant difference in the baseline data between the two groups. After six weeks of treatment, the cognitive assessment scores were improved in both groups. Moreover, the IVR group showed more improvements than the control group in the DSST (Z = 2.203, p = 0.028 < 0.05, η2 = 0.16); MOCA (T = 1.186, p = 0.246 > 0.05, d = 0.44), TMT-A (T = 1.791, p = 0.084 > 0.05, d = 0.65), MBI (T = 0.783, p = 0.44 > 0.05, d = 0.28), FDST (Z = 0.78, p = 0.435 > 0.05, η2 = 0.02), BDST (Z = 0.347, p = 0.728 > 0.05, η2 = 0.004), and VFT(Z = 1.087, p = 0.277 > 0.05, η2 = 0.039) did not significantly improve. The significant difference in DSST represents an improvement in executive function and visual–spatial cognitive characteristics. The other assessment scores did not show such features. Therefore, we did not observe significant differences through this measure. According to the results of the self-report questionnaire, most of the patients were satisfied with the equipment stability and training content. Several individuals reported mild adverse reactions. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that IVR-based puzzle games are a promising approach to improve post-stroke cognitive function, especially executive cognitive function, and visual–spatial attention in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy-consuming right trading system is a market-oriented environmental regulation policy based on source control in China, the implementation of which aims to help the realization of the goal of controlling total energy consumption and energy intensity and to promote green development. Based on the panel data of prefecture-level cities from 2012 to 2019, this article theoretically analyzed the mechanism of the action of the energy-consuming right trading system; applied the multi-period PSM-DID method to empirically test whether the energy-consuming right trading system had achieved win-win development for both the environment and the economy; and tested the robustness of the findings by replacing variable settings, adding control variables, and applying placebo tests. In addition, the short-term and long-term impact paths of the environmental and economic effects of the energy-consuming right trading system are theoretically analyzed and empirically tested respectively. The findings were as follows: (1) The implementation of the energy-consuming right trading system effectively reduced the total emission and emission intensity of energy pollutants and realized positive benefit for the environment. Besides, the reduction in emission intensity was more significant. (2) The energy-consuming right trading system not only increased the quantity of economic development, but also pulled up the economic growth rate, thus realizing a positive benefit to the economy. (3) The results of the dynamic effect analysis showed that the energy-consuming right trading system did not have a persistent effect on the total amount and intensity of pollution emissions. But it had a more significant and persistent effect on the rate and level of economic development. (4) Since the energy-consuming right trading system was in the early pilot stage, it mainly achieved environmental and economic dividends through the short-term path of improving energy efficiency and not the long-term path of industrial structure upgrading or energy structure adjustment. Based on this, we should further build and improve the energy-consuming right trading market and improve the design of the system to ensure standardization, convenience, and transparency during the operation and enhance the degree of marketization. It is also of great importance to accelerate the development of new energy, new technologies, and new industries to promote green transformation and decarbonization in the energy industry. Furthermore, we should build a comprehensive and coordinated environmental policy system by promoting the coordinated implementation of the energy-consuming right trading system with other environmental regulation policies based on emission control, realizing the benefits of ' 1 + 1 >2.' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring and evaluating the evolution of rocky desertification timely and studying the characteristics of soil erosion under different rainfall patterns are of great scientific significance for regional soil and water conservation, rocky desertification control and ecological environment construction. Four periods of remote sensing image data from 2005 to 2020 were selected to study the evolution characteristics of rocky desertification and its impact on soil erosion in the controlled boundary area of Shibantang hydrological station of Yeji River Watershed, Guizhou Province, China. According to the 408 erosive rainfall events, the soil erosion under different rainfall patterns in the watershed was analyzed. The results showed that: erosive rainfall events in the study area were mainly pattern A, accounting for 57.4% of the total rainfall events; the second was pattern B, accounting for 28.9% of the total rainfall events; the rainfall pattern of C occurred occasionally. Among them, pattern A was the main rainfall pattern leading to soil and water loss and had the largest contribution rate to soil erosion in the watershed. From 2005 to 2020, the area of rocky desertification showed a decreasing trend, accounting for 72.2% from 87.9%. Spatially, rocky desertification has mainly concentrated in the middle south of the watershed since 2010, while the rocky desertification mainly concentrated in the middle and north before 2010. The effects of different grades of rocky desertification on soil erosion were different, and the soil erosion modulus in areas with the medium, severe and extremely severe rocky desertification was generally small. The soil erosion modulus estimated by the RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) model was still much higher than that calculated by the data measured by the hydrological monitoring station. Therefore, the application of the RUSLE model in karst area needs to be further modified. These results can provide reference for rocky desertification control, soil erosion control and fragile ecosystem restoration in karst area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road construction in mountainous areas of China has formed bare slopes on a large scale, which has aggravated soil erosion and carbon loss, and the restoration processes have changed soil structure and fertility. However, there are few reports regarding the differences of soil aggregate dynamics and SOC sequestration under different restoration process for cut slopes. In this study, three types of cut slopes [cut slope restored naturally (CSN); cut slope restored with three‐dimensional mesh (CST); cut slope restored with galvanized wire mesh (CSG)] and natural slope (NS) in alpine regions were selected as the research objects. SOC stocks and their key driving factors were then analyzed. The results showed that CSG was more beneficial to the formation of macro‐aggregates than CSN and CST. There were significant differences in wet‐sieved aggregate stability under different restoration process, where the sort by strength of stability was NS > CSG > CST > CSN. Aggregate size was a more important factor for SOC stocks than restoration process. The increase of SOC stocks was mainly due to that within small macro‐aggregates. RandomForest analysis revealed that the mass proportion of micro‐aggregates was the most important factor affected SOC stocks, while SOC stocks within large macro‐aggregates and small macro‐aggregates and porosity significantly affected SOC stocks. Partial least squares path modelling analysis found the particle size and stability of aggregates had negative total effects on SOC stocks, and SOC content had positive total effect on that. Overall, for the ecological restoration of cut slope in alpine regions, CSG was most beneficial to increase soil aggregate stability and SOC stocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) can pose exposure risks by inducing the generation of reactive oxygen species. As a new class of pollutants, EPFRs have been frequently detected in atmospheric particulate matters. In this study, the seasonal variations and sources of EPFRs in a severe cold region in Northeastern China were comprehensively investigated, especially for the high pollution events. The geomean concentration of EPFRs in the total suspended particle was 6.58 × 1013 spins/m3 and the mean level in winter was one order of magnitude higher than summer and autumn. The correlation network analysis showed that EPFRs had significantly positive correlation with carbon component, K+ and PAHs, indicating that EPFRs were primarily emitted from combustion and pyrolysis process. The source appointment by the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model indicated that the dominant sources in the heating season were coal combustion (48.4%), vehicle emission (23.1%) and biomass burning (19.4%), while the top three sources in the non-heating season were others (41.4%), coal combustion (23.7%) and vehicle emissions (21.2%). It was found that the high EPFRs in cold season can be ascribed to the extensive use of fossil fuel for heating demand; while the high EPFRs occurred in early spring were caused by the large-scale opening combustion of biomass. In summary, this study provided important basic information for better understanding the pollution characteristics of EPFRs, which suggested that the implementation of energy transformation and straw utilization was benefit for the control of EPFRs in severe cold region. [Display omitted] • EPFRs in winter was one order of magnitude higher than other seasons. • EPFRs showed significantly positive correlation with carbon components and PAHs. • EPFRs in heating season were mainly from coal combustion. • High EPFRs in spring was directly influenced by large-scale opening biomass burning. • Energy transformation and straw utilization was benefit for EPFRs control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tested the influences of energy constraints on business profit ratios based on mathematical models of energy constraints, green technological progress and business profit ratios using data of 1,039,330 qualified Chinese industrial enterprises between 2001 and 2013. Test results showed a generally non-linear relationship between energy constraints and business profit ratios. Specifically, for high-tech enterprises in East China, the relationship is U-shaped; and for low-tech enterprises in Middle and West China, the relationship is N-shaped. Proper energy policies can effectively improve business profit ratios and stimulate green technological progress in enterprises. Although China’s energy policies still have not realised relevant practical effects, proper energy policies should be implemented according to the features of different areas and enterprises. This is of great significance to green technological progress and enterprise development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the possible effects of a gender ratio change on China's wage income distributions with the unconditional quantile estimation. Using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey for 1989–2011, the unconditional wage income distributions before and after a change in gender ratio are studied graphically. The estimated wage income density functions are confirmed to be skewed to the right and leptokurtic. An increase in gender ratio increases wage income and mitigate wage income inequality. We conclude that, other things being equal, the decreasing trend in gender ratio will enhance the wage income inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid socioeconomic development and urbanization, global agroecosystems (AESs) have undergone varying degrees of transformation, and conducting an in-depth study on how AESs are transforming in karst mountainous areas (KMAs) is essential. To further reveal the transformation process of AESs in KMAs, we proposed a theoretical framework for the transformation of AESs in KMAs. Following a "theory construction–empirical analysis–pattern evolution–mechanism revelation" research methodology, we studied the trend of AES evolution in "typical study area—typical landforms of the study area," summarized the transformation patterns of AESs in different karst landforms, and analyzed the influencing factors of their transformation. The study found that (1) a large amount of productive land (PL) was abandoned as ecological land (EL) on steep slopes at high altitudes in KMAs, while river valleys are dominated by the transformation of PL into ecological and economic land (EEL), and the spatial distribution structure has evolved into a coordinated distribution of EL–EEL–PL, with the dominance of the production function transformed into the dominance of ecological and eco-economic functions and the living function strengthened. (2) The transformation of AESs in different karst landscapes can be summarized into four types: eco-economic development, food supply, ecological conservation, and living service. (3) The transformation of AESs is influenced by various factors, including the region's particular natural environment and socioeconomics. This study also shows that traditional extensive agriculture is moving toward modern intensive agriculture with remarkable ecological and economic win–win benefits. Our study provides theoretical guidance for land remediation, ecological environment restoration, and agricultural transformation in KMAs and similar mountainous areas to alleviate regional human–land conflicts and promote sustainable agricultural development in KMAs. • We constructed a theoretical framework for agroecosystem transformation. • We analyzed trends in agroecosystem transition in karst mountainous areas. • The factors that influence agroecosystem transformation are revealed. • The agroecosystem transformation of different karst landforms is classified into four models. • Agroecosystem transformation promoted ecological restoration in karst mountainous areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ricefield eel (Monopterus albus), a protogynous hermaphroditic Synbranchiform species, is one of the most economically valuable freshwater fish in China. Studies on the sexual change of the ricefield eel will contribute to artificial culture and understanding the sex determination and differentiation in fish. In this study, the whole‐genome DNA methylation and transcriptomes of ovary and testis were analysed in ricefield eel. An elevated methylation level in the genome was observed in the testis compared with the ovary. A total of 457 genes showed a negative correlation between DNA methylation status and expression level in the testis compared with the ovary. Of these genes, 16 candidates were screened on the basis of their vital roles reported in gonadal development. The methylation statuses and expression levels of dnmt3a, piwil1, tdrd1, sox30, nanos2, socs2, mei4 and zmiz1 were further validated using bisulphite sequencing PCR and quantitative real‐time PCR respectively. These potential vital genes would be useful for future studies on the molecular mechanism of sex reversal in ricefield eel. Besides, the integrated analysis of DNA methylation and expression level of gonads provides basic information for epigenetic regulation in the process of sexual reversal in ricefield eel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies revealed that abnormal blood pressure (BP) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, little is known about the ambulatory BP characteristics of AD in the mild or severe stage.Objective: We explored the ambulatory BP characteristics of AD in the mild or severe stage.Methods: In the present study, 106 AD patients (42.5%male, average age 81.6 years) were enrolled from three centers in China. Clinal BP measurements at the supine and standing positions, neurological evaluations, and the 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring were performed.Results: In the 106 AD patients, 49.2%, 36.8%, and 70%of patients had 24 h, daytime, and nighttime systolic hypertension, respectively, while 19.8%, 29.2%, and 5.7%had 24 h, daytime, and nighttime diastolic hypotension. The prevalence of the reduced and reverse dipping pattern was 34.0%and 48.1%for systolic BP and 32.1%and 45.3%for diastolic BP, respectively. The daytime diastolic BP was significantly correlated with cognitive performance. After adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index, only daytime diastolic BP was associated with remarkable cognitive deterioration (p≤0.008). Further, AD patients in the severe stage had significantly lower levels of the 24 h, daytime, and nighttime diastolic BP, compared with those in the mild stage.Conclusion: In general, AD patients were featured with high nighttime systolic BP, low daytime diastolic BP, and abnormal circadian BP rhythm of reduced and reverse dipping. The diastolic BP, especially daytime diastolic BP, was adversely correlated with the cognitive deterioration in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acupuncture is effective in symptom and quality of life improvement of chronic asthma, but the efficacy differences between different acupoints are uncertain. In terms of the theory of Meridian-viscera Association, the study aims to investigate the different effectiveness between acupoints in Lung meridian and the acupoints in Heart meridian, so as to provide the evidence to develop a better prescription of the acupuncture treatment of chronic persistent asthma.Methods: This study is a multicentral randomized controlled trial. A total of 68 chronic persistent asthma patients will be randomly allocated into two groups: the Lung meridian group and the Heart meridian group. This trial will include a 2-week baseline period, a 4-week treatment period with 12 sessions' acupuncture, and an 8-week follow-up period. The primary outcome is the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Secondary outcomes are the Asthma Control Test (ACT), Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s (FEV1). The AQLQ and ACT will be collected at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12 after randomization. PEF, FEV1, the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) will be assessed at baseline and week 4.Discussion: The results will provide evidence for acupuncture prescription selection and the clinical efficacy improvement. The results of this trial will also be used to determine whether or not a full definitive trial will go ahead, which will further confirm the theory of Meridian-viscera Association.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=43803 ) ChiCTR1900027284. Registered on 7 November 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swamp eel or rice field eel (Monopterus albus) is one of the most economically valuable freshwater fishes in China. Based on the body colour patterns, Chinese rice field eels are commonly classified into three strains, including deep‐yellow strain (DY), pale‐yellow strain (PY) and steel‐grey strain (SG). Reports have shown that DY strain is superior to the other two strains at growth rate and fecundity. In the present study, RNA‐Seq technology was employed to profile liver transcriptomes of these three strains, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The hierarchical clustering analysis showed that expression patterns of liver transcripts among the three strains were different. A total of 3,296 DEGs, 3,043 DEGs and 143 DEGs were identified, respectively, from DY versus SG, DY versus PY and PY versus SG. The three comparison groups shared three DEGs, of which one DEG (batf) played a vital role in immune system. Functional enrichment analyses of DEGs in DY versus PY and DY versus SG revealed that significantly enriched Gene Ontology terms and KEGG pathways were mainly involved in innate immune responses and lipid metabolism. Additionally, most of DEGs related to immunity were mainly up‐regulated in DY compared to PY and SG. The above results indicated that the DY strain might have strong adaptability and resistance to disease, which might support their superiority for better growth and reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a pandemic. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the public play a major role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the KAP of the Chinese public and to assess potential influencing factors related to practices.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in China in February 2020 via a self-designed questionnaire comprising 33 questions assessing KAP.Results: For the 2136 respondents from 30 provinces or municipalities in China, the accurate response rate for the knowledge section ranged from 72.7 to 99.5%, and the average was 91.2%. Regarding attitude section, the percentage of positive attitudes ("strongly agree" and "agree") ranged from 94.7 to 99.7%, and the average value was 98.0%. The good practices ("always" and "often") results ranged from 76.1 to 99.5%, and the average value was 96.8%. The independent samples t-test revealed that gender and ethnic differences had no effect on knowledge, attitude or behaviour (P > 0.05). However, knowledge was associated with age (t = 4.842, p < 0.001), marital status (t = - 5.323, p < 0.001), education level (t = 8.441, p < 0.001), occupation (t = - 10.858, p < 0.001), and place of residence (t = 7.929, p < 0.001). Similarly, attitude was associated with marital status (t = - 2.383, p = 0.017), education level (t = 2.106, p = 0.035), occupation (t = - 4.834, p < 0.001), and place of residence (t = 4.242, p < 0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis results showed that the factors influencing practices were knowledge (t = - 3.281, p = 0.001), attitude (t = 18.756, p < 0.001), occupation (t = - 3.860, p < 0.001), education level (t = 3.136, p = 0.002), and place of residence (t = 3.257, p = 0.001).Conclusions: The Chinese public exhibited a good level of knowledge of COVID-19, a positive attitude, and high adherence to good practices. COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes and practices were affected by age, marital status, education level, occupation, and place of residence to varying degrees. In addition, practices were affected by knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capability of reading comprehension is one of the essential skills for learning different topics, and has been recognized as a challenging objective in the Chinese curriculum. In this study, a concept mapping‐based summarization strategy was incorporated into flipped learning to improve students' reading comprehension. The participants of the study were 45 fifth graders from two Mandarin Chinese classes at an elementary school in Taiwan. None of the students had previous flipped learning experience. A pretest and posttest of reading comprehension as well as pre‐ and post‐questionnaires for measuring the students' reading motivation, self‐efficacy, and cognitive load were conducted. The experimental results show that the proposed approach improved the students' summarization skills, while the impact of the approach on students' reading comprehension was not significant. Moreover, reading comprehension and self‐efficacy showed a positive correlation, and self‐efficacy was positively correlated with both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Consequently, it is concluded that employing concept mapping with the summarization strategy in flipped learning and students' summarization ability are directly related, but there may be an indirect relationship with reading comprehension. Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topic The capability of reading comprehension has been recognized as a challenging objective in the Chinese curriculum.It is time‐consuming and difficult to train students in all kinds of reading skills in class.Flipped learning could be one of the approaches to solving this dilemma as it provides more practice and interaction time with peers and teachers in class.The acquisition of new skills can be technically demanding.The difficulty levels of the skills to be acquired should be considered.What this paper adds A concept mapping‐based summarization strategy for flipped learning is proposed to enhance students' summarization and reading comprehension in a Mandarin Chinese course.The proposed approach improved the students' summarization skills.When learning with the proposed approach, students' reading comprehension and self‐efficacy showed a positive correlation, and self‐efficacy was positively correlated with both intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation.Implications for practice and/or policy Combining concept mapping with the summarization strategy in flipped learning mode has good potential to improve students' summarization skills.Dynamic instructional strategies in reading should be promoted to stimulate critical and creative thinking.Flipped video assignments at students' own levels should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surveys of Toxoplasma gondii infection in animals have been reported in Yunnan province, southwestern China. However, limited information is available regarding the epidemiology of T. gondii infection among persons participated in health screening in Yunnan. From January 2014 to December 2016, a large-scale and cross-sectional serological survey was conducted to reveal the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in persons participated in health screening in three major hospitals. A total of 64,533 serum samples were collected and anti-T. gondii antibodies were examined by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The total seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 6.67% (4306/64,533). Of these, 3721 persons (5.77%, 3721/64,533) were positive for Immunoglobulin G (IgG) only, 473 persons (0.73%, 473/64,533) were positive for Immunoglobulin M (IgM) only, and 112 persons (0.17%, 112/64,533) were positive for both IgG and IgM. Female seroprevalence (6.83%, 3167/46,389) was higher than male (6.28%, 1139/18,144). The highest seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was found in the age range of 41–50 years (10.60%, 228/2150) (p < 0.001). The seroprevalence in 2014, 2015, and 2016 were 6.39% (1083/16,946), 6.24% (1261/20,201), and 7.16% (1962/27,386), respectively. The results showed that T. gondii infection is common in persons participated in health screening in Yunnan province, which has significant public health concern. Thus, improved integrated measures should be executed to prevent and control T. gondii infection humans and animals in Yunnan province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

aims to analyze the prevalence of dyslipidemia and identify the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification among older adults living in Quanzhou, China's southeast coastal region, where the ancient Maritime Silk Road starts. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional survey of 2,018 adults was conducted in 60–98-year-old residents in Quanzhou from September 2016 to March 2018 using multistage stratified cluster random sampling. The 10-year CVD risk was also estimated by applying the Chinese model recommended by the Chinese Guidelines for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases. Results: The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia among older adults was 56.8%. The prevalence of high total cholesterol (TC), high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and high triglyceride (TG) were 8.4%, 13.9%, 23.1% and 11.4%, respectively. The mean levels of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and TG were 5.12±1.18, 3.37±0.81, 1.03±0.27 and 1.65±0.76 mmol/L, respectively. Older adults had low risk, moderate risk and high risk for CVD, which were 49.7%, 36.8% and 13.5%, respectively. Age, body mass index and abdominal obesity were significantly associated with the risk of increasing LDL-C levels and were positively correlated to CVD risk. Conclusion: The prevalence of high TC, high LDL-C, low HDL-C and high TG was relatively low among older adults in Quanzhou, but their lipid levels were high. Approximately half of the elderly adults had moderate or high CVD risk. The personalized primary prevention and control of CVD are recommended for elderly people to identify high-risk individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human coronaviruses (HCoV) OC43, 229E, NL63, and HKU1 are common respiratory viruses which cause various respiratory diseases, including pneumonia. There is a paucity of evidence on the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of these four HCoV strains worldwide. We collected 11,399 throat swabs from hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infection from July 2009 to June 2016 in Guangzhou, China. These were tested for four strains of HCoV infection using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HCoV-positive patients were then tested for 11 other respiratory pathogens. 4.3% (489/11399) of patients were positive for HCoV, of which 3.0% were positive for OC43 (346/11399), 0.6% for 229E (65/11399), 0.5% for NL63 (60/11399), and 0.3% for HKU1 (38/11399). Patients aged 7-12 months had the highest prevalence of HCoV and OC43 when compared with other age groups ( p < 0.001). The peak seasons of infection varied depending on the HCoV strain. Patients infected with a single strain of HCoV infection were less likely to present fever (≥ 38 °C) ( p = 0.014) and more likely to present pulmonary rales ( p = 0.043) than those co-infected with more than one HCoV strain or other respiratory pathogens. There were also significant differences in the prevalence of certain symptoms, including coughing ( p = 0.032), pneumonia ( p = 0.026), and abnormal pulmonary rales ( p = 0.002) according to the strain of HCoV detected. This retrospective study of the prevalence of four HCoV strains and clinical signs among a large population of pediatric patients in a subtropical region of China provides further insight into the epidemiology and clinical features of HCoV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore what firm and macroeconomic factors assisted Chinese firms to resist the global financial crisis. We find that firms with higher top ten shareholder ratios or firms that are older exhibited saliently higher performance during the crisis, but performed poorly during the non-crisis period. Firm size has a notably negative impact on firm performance. Firms audited by the Big Four accounting firms have a significantly negative correlation with performance. During the crisis, stock markets became less efficient in incorporating firm-specific information into stock prices, signifying that the determinants of firm performance vary across non-crisis and crisis periods. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR) may be involved in the pathological mechanisms of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) changes. However, it remains unclear whether suPAR is correlated with the FSGS-like lesions in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Methods: We measured the plasma suPAR levels in 138 patients with IgAN, and then their clinical and pathological relationships were analyzed. Results: We found that the plasma suPAR levels were significantly correlated with age and renal function by both univariate and multivariate analysis in our IgAN patient cohort. Female had higher plasma suPAR levels and no significant correlation was observed between plasma suPAR levels and 24-h urine protein and highly sensitive C-reaction protein with multivariate analysis. In our cohort, sixty of these IgAN patients could be diagnosed with a type of FSGS lesions. The plasma suPAR levels were higher in the IgAN patients with FSGS lesions than in the IgAN patients without FSGS lesions by univariate (P < 0.0001) and multivariate (P < 0.001) analysis adjusting for other predictor variables, which might be helpful to differentiate the pathological changes with and without FSGS lesions. And the optimal cutoff value was 1806 pg/ml in this study. The plasma suPAR concentrations were also associated with the degree of tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis in both univariate and multivariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, the plasma suPAR levels were correlated with the percentage of crescents, not global sclerosis and arterial lesions. Conclusions: Our study suggested that the plasma suPAR levels were associated with age, gender, renal function, the degree of tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis and the percentage of crescent formation. The plasma suPAR might be a potential predictor for the presence of FSGS pathological lesions in Chinese patients with IgAN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research question:Baseball has existed for over 100 years in Taiwan, and it is one of Taiwan's most popular sports. However, there have been frequent match-fixing scandals from the Chinese Professional Baseball League, which has dismayed baseball fans. Is there a pattern of match-fixing among players? Research methods:The concept and methods of ‘efficiency and productivity’ were used to explore players’ efficiency, and a weighted moving average was used to verify whether there was a efficiency change of players over the years. A single week was used as a time point, so there were a total of 342 time points for the fielders involved in three match-fixing scandals and a total of 161 time points for the pitchers involved in two match-fixing scandals. Results and Findings:According to the monitoring system for the efficiency anomalies of the players, the detection accuracy rate for the three match-fixing scandals was 62%, and the overall detection accuracy for the match-fixing scandals in 1996 was 71%. Moreover, the detection accuracy rate for efficiency anomalies of the fielders in match-fixing scandals in 2008 reached 100%. No efficiency anomalies were detected for the fielders in 2005 and for the pitchers in 2008. Implications:An assessment model was established to continuously evaluate and monitor the players’ long-term efficiency trends, and to further implement a monitoring system for the efficiency anomalies of players, hoping to prevent match-fixing scandals from occurring. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Public participation in environmental management is critically important in the development of a healthy environmental governance system. However, public participation has not been well institutionalized in China and the public's role in environmental management is limited. Chinese policy-makers and researchers currently face a dilemma wherein they must determine how to fully and effectively involve the public. This paper aims to contribute an innovative approach that can effectively engage the general public, allowing them to participate more in China's environmental management. In this paper, we first review the current status of environmental management and public participation in China. Based on China's political and socio-cultural-legal dynamics, an Environmental Community Consultative Group (ECCG) was developed to be an innovative means to engage community members. A pilot study of the ECCG was carried out in Yapu village of Changzhou City in Jiangsu Province. The evaluation of the process and outcome of the ECCG showed that the group's effectiveness and influence were significant; the ECCG model was a powerful means by which to promote public environmental awareness, improve public environmental behavior and facilitate public engagement in environmental management. But the ECCG is a small local group that may not function well regarding more complex issues covering a much larger area and has limited impact on environmental policy making. The ECCG experience offers the prospect of grassroots involvement in environmental protection for China's rural areas, while also laying the foundation for further research on community participation in environmental management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, ambient carbonyls were measured in a rural area in southern China from August 2012 to February 2013 to investigate their distribution characteristics and sources. Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone were the three most abundant carbonyls, which accounted for 83-95 % of total seven carbonyls identified. The O formation potential of carbonyls in summer (59.55 μg/m) was approximately ten times greater than that (6.37 μg/m) in winter, and calculated photolysis rates were significantly faster in summer than those in winter, suggesting intensive photochemical activities in summer. Seasonal and diurnal variations of carbonyls showed that (1) the concentration of total carbonyls in summer (12.62 ± 10.83 μg/m) was approximately five times greater than that in winter (2.33 ± 0.90 μg/m), and a similar trend applied to the three abundant carbonyls; (2) the average summer to winter (S/W) ratio of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde was 10-13, and the S/W ratio of acetone was ~2.59; and (3) the highest concentrations of the three carbonyls and total carbonyls occurred at 14:00-16:00 with high temperature and intensive sunlight, especially in summer. These variations provided direct evidence for significant photochemical production of ambient carbonyls. Average C/C ratios (3.07 ± 1.62) in summer were much greater than those (1.28 ± 0.25) in winter, and average C/C ratios (35.09 ± 58.67) in summer were significantly greater than those (4.75 ± 2.12) in winter, both cases indirectly implying positive photochemical productions in summer. Especially, strong correlations ( R = 0.63-0.98) of temperature and sunlight intensity with the three abundant carbonyls and total carbonyls were observed, indicating a similar causal source such as significant photochemical production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) are symbiotic systems in nature and have great significance in promoting the growth and stress resistance of medicinal plants. During our literature search from the Chinese Scientific Information Database (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, CNKI) we obtained 65 articles with "AM fungi" and "medicinal plant" as the key words, which indicates that in China, research efforts on these topics have been increasing. The main purposes of this review are to discuss the effects of mycorrhiza on the active ingredients of Chinese medicinal plants in comparison with results obtained in other plants in studies conducted by the international research community, and to introduce works published in Chinese journals to international colleagues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The transmission of schistosomiasis japonica in a local setting is still poorly understood in the lake regions of the People's Republic of China (P. R. China), and its transmission patterns are closely related to human, social and economic factors. Methodology/Principal Findings: We aimed to apply the integrated approach of artificial neural network (ANN) and logistic regression model in assessment of transmission risks of Schistosoma japonicum with epidemiological data collected from 2339 villagers from 1247 households in six villages of Jiangling County, P.R. China. By using the back-propagation (BP) of the ANN model, 16 factors out of 27 factors were screened, and the top five factors ranked by the absolute value of mean impact value (MIV) were mainly related to human behavior, i.e. integration of water contact history and infection history, family with past infection, history of water contact, infection history, and infection times. The top five factors screened by the logistic regression model were mainly related to the social economics, i.e. village level, economic conditions of family, age group, education level, and infection times. The risk of human infection with S. japonicum is higher in the population who are at age 15 or younger, or with lower education, or with the higher infection rate of the village, or with poor family, and in the population with more than one time to be infected. Conclusion/Significance: Both BP artificial neural network and logistic regression model established in a small scale suggested that individual behavior and socioeconomic status are the most important risk factors in the transmission of schistosomiasis japonica. It was reviewed that the young population (≤15) in higher-risk areas was the main target to be intervened for the disease transmission control. Author Summary: Schistosomiasis japonica is one of the serious infectious diseases causing problems in public health in People's Republic of China (P.R. China). The prevalence of schistosomiasis japonica is easily rebounding in the lake regions due to unique environmental settings. By considering the importance in assessing the risk factors for transmission of schistosomiasis, we conducted an epidemiologic investigation of schistosomiasis in Jiangling County, a lake region of P.R. China. Results showed that the top risk factors included integration of water contact history and infection history, infection times, main lifestyle of water contact, main recreation of water contact, etc., illustrated by both back-propagation artificial neural network and multivariable logistic regression approaches. It was found that the population at age 15 or younger having one or two times of infections was the high-risk group in the study settings. We concluded that socioeconomic factors are far more important than environmental factors in the transmission of schistosomiasis at local settings or in a small scale in Jiangling County, P.R. China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone are harmful air pollutants with potential carcinogenic effects on human health. They are considered as important photochemical products from photo-oxidation of atmospheric hydrocarbons. However, little is known on the effet of photodegradation of air pollutants on δC values. Here, we report the first C isotope evidence for the photochemical production of ambient formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone. Air samples were collected each day during early morning, noon, early afternoon, and late afternoon on 17-19 September 2008 in Guangzhou by drawing air through 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-coated cartridges. The samples were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography for concentration analysis and then using gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry for δC analysis. Our results show that ambient formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone were enriched by 1-5 ‰ in C in the early afternoon relative to other sampling durations, and they also exhibited the highest concentrations in the early afternoon. Measured δC values of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone were in the range from −37.15 to −29.01 ‰. The observed enrichment in C implied important photochemical production together with the highest concentrations in the early afternoon. Especially, measured δC range from −37.15 to −29.01 ‰ was in accordance with forecasted δC range from −43 to −28 ‰ based on the mass balance in C between the carbonyls and its major hydrocarbon precursors, providing important C isotope evidence for the photochemical production of ambient formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To explore the clinical characteristics of the Memory Clinic patients at Huashan Hospital and to provide suggestions for future research, we retrospectively reviewed the demographic, cognitive and aetiological data from 2,789 consecutive patients who attended the Memory Clinic of the Department of Neurology at Huashan Hospital from April 2003 to April 2008. The demographical distribution of the patients was as follows: there were more females (58%) than males; 58% of the patients were older than 70 years of age; and most patients (77%) had six or more years of education. The distribution of the diagnoses was as follows: degenerative or vascular dementia, 46.4%; mild cognitive impairment, 22.8%; subjective cognitive impairment, 21.7%; neurosis, 3.3%; organic cognitive impairment, 3.9%; unspecified dementia, 1.2%; and pure amnesia, 0.7%. These results showed that older patients with relatively high levels of education comprised the majority of our sample and a high percentage of the patients showed absent or mild cognitive impairment. Accordingly, future studies should focus on early diagnosis and treatment for dementia. Detailed neuropsychological tests and follow-up assessments are becoming increasingly important in the diagnosis of memory diseases in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background/purpose: Although evidence suggests that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may interrupt sleep, the effects of symptomatic and endoscopically diagnosed GERD remain elusive because the patient population is heterogeneous. Accordingly, we designed a cross-sectional study to assess their association.Methods: Consecutive participants in a routine health examination were enrolled. Definition and severity of erosive esophagitis were assessed using the Los Angeles classification system. Demographic data, reflux symptoms, sleep quality and duration, exercise amount, alcohol consumption, and smoking habits were recorded. Factors affecting sleep quality and sleep duration were revealed by a polytomous logistic regression analysis.Results: A total of 3663 participants were recruited. Subjects with reflux symptoms, female gender, higher body mass index, and regular use of hypnotics had poorer sleep quality. Exercise was associated with better sleep quality. Either symptomatically or endoscopically, GERD did not disturb sleep duration. Among the 3158 asymptomatic patients, those with erosive esophagitis were more likely to have poor sleep quality. The risk increased with the severity of erosive changes (p = 0.03).Conclusion: The present study highlights the adverse effect of gastroesophageal reflux on sleep, even in the absence of reflux symptoms. This finding has therapeutic implications in patients with silent erosive disease, and future trials are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parabens (PBs) are widely used as preservatives in food, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PCPs). Due to their potential characteristics, similar to endocrine-disrupting compounds, their safety in our daily products and frequent exposure to human health have become public concerns. Nevertheless, little information is available about the occurrence of PBs in outdoor environments and their implications for human exposure. In this study, seven pairs of gas- and particle-phase air samples and 48 soil samples from Harbin City, China, were collected for the analysis of eight typical PBs (including methyl-paraben, ethyl-paraben, propyl-paraben, isopropyl-paraben, butyl-paraben, isobutyl-paraben, benzyl-paraben, and heptyl-paraben), which have been frequently selected as target compounds in previous studies. Concentrations of ∑ 8 PBs in outdoor air samples were 253–1540 pg/m3 with a median of 555 pg/m3. The results of the gas-particle partitioning indicated that PBs had not reached equilibrium between the gas phase and particle phase. Concentrations of ∑ 8 PBs in the soil samples were −2, 3.21 × 10−2 and 2.70 × 10−2 ng/kg-bw/day, respectively. All EDI s were much lower than the daily acceptable intake, indicating lower health risk with PB occurrence in outdoor environments. Finally, the total EDI from all external exposure routes (outdoor air, indoor air, soil, indoor dust, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and PCPs) was calculated for the first time. The total EDI was not consistent with that of the internal exposure, which provided new insight into future studies for human exposure assessment. [Display omitted] • Parabens were frequently detected in outdoor air and soil samples. • Parabens had not reached equilibrium between gas phase and particle phase. • Parabens pollution in soil was obviously influenced by anthropogenic activities. • EDIs through inhalation and soil ingestion were much lower than the DAIs. • EDIs of all external exposure routes were not consistent with internal exposure. The total daily intake through multiple environmental exposure routes (outdoor air, indoor air, soil, dust, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and PCPs) was calculated for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Great progress has been achieved in developing hybrid "super rice" varieties in China. Understanding morphological root traits in super rice and the mechanisms of nitrogen acquisition by the root system are of fundamental importance to developing proper fertilisation and nutrient management practices in their production. The present study was designed to study morphological and physiological traits in hybrid super rice roots that are associated with nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Two hybrid super rice varieties (Yongyou12, YY; Jiayou 6, JY) and one common variety (Xiushui 134, XS) with differing NUE were cultivated hydroponically, and morphological and physiological traits of seedling roots in response to varying nitrogen conditions were investigated. Our results show that the hybrid cultivars YY and JY exhibit larger root systems, arising from a maximisation of root tips and from longer roots without changes in root diameter. The cross-sectional proportion of aerenchyma was significantly higher in super rice roots. The larger root system of super hybrid rice contributed to higher N accumulation and resulted in higher N uptake efficiency. 15N (15NH 4 +) labeling results show that YY and JY had an enhanced capacity for ammonium (NH 4 +) uptake. Moreover, YY and JY were more tolerant to high NH 4 + and showed reduced futile NH 4 + efflux. NH 4 + efflux in the root elongation zone, measured by Non-invasive Micro-test Technology, was significantly lower than in XS. Taken together, our results suggest that a longer root, a larger number of tips, a better developed aerenchyma, a higher capacity for N uptake, and reduced NH 4 + efflux from roots are associated with higher NUE and growth performance in hybrid super rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper aims to explore China's global value chain (GVC) position in relation to those of EU member states, from both total trade value and value-added perspectives. • The paper attempts to research the feasibility of the construction of a China-EU free trade agreement (FTA) by decomposing trade value-added and mapping regional trade network. • The paper endeavours to address the concerns over negative impacts of the label 'Made in China' on the EU economy from the value-added perspective. As the largest trading partner of China, the European Union (the EU) has maintained a close economic and trade relationship with China over the past several decades. However, the deepening of interdependence between them also brought about concerns over negative impacts of the label 'Made in China' on the EU economy. This paper analyses China's global value chain (GVC) position in relation to those of EU member states, followed by a comparative assessment of trade balance and industrial competitiveness between them from both total trade value and value-added perspectives. Our empirical study provides some interesting findings. First, China's trade surplus with and industrial competitiveness over EU member states have been overestimated. In addition, changing the value-chain pattern can be the long-term driving force for a China-EU free trade agreement (FTA). Finally, this paper puts forward some suggestions for when and how FTA negotiations can be initiated, mainly from Chinese perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Land-use change resulting from natural restoration probably enhances the carbon sequestration capacity of terrestrial ecosystems. To explore those factors which foster changes in the soil carbon pool in forest restoration, a study comparing soil organic carbon at different vegetation succession stages along a 150-year chronosequence was conducted in the Ziwuling forest region located in the central part of the Loess Plateau, China. It showed that in long-term (~150yr) secondary forest succession the soil organic carbon storage (Cs), soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and C/N ratio all increased rapidly and tended to be at their highest at roughly the 50-year restoration mark. From this point onward the values gradually stabilized indicating that the SOC and the TN accumulated mainly in the early restoration stages. The Cs was significantly and positively correlated with the SOC, the TN, and the C/N ratio (P <0.01). The Cs in the soil was higher in the upper rather than the lower soil layers. However, the increments of the Cs mainly changed in the lower soil layers. Soil water storage was not the key factor influencing the Cs. The results suggested that changes to the Cs were the result of the accumulation of the SOC and the TN during forest succession and this capacity has shown to be positively related to forest succession on the Loess Plateau, China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the association of Daoism and Mt. Wudang in Hubei Province, China. According to the author, Mt. Wudang contains long history and connection with Daoism after Zhenwu worship was established in the mountain which aims to protect and safeguard the teachings of the dynasty. In addition, the author notes that the worship, belief and practice of Daoist has helped the communities and its people attain a better life, spirituality and success endeavors. It also offers information on the development of the religious belief, its philosophies and theories of Chinese teachings.

Seawater intrusion into onshore aquifers represents a significant environmental threat worldwide especially in this new era of climate change and sea water rise. This is the case at the Zhoushan Islands located in Hangzhou Bay (China). Precise monitoring of the position of the boundary between freshwater and saltwater is of utmost importance for water resource management especially in fractured bedrock. We use the Transient ElectroMagnetic (TEM) method to locate a salt plume in an area where two sets of faults-oriented NW-SE and NE-SW are connected to the sea in a rhyolitic substratum. The survey comprises 558 Transient ElectroMagnetic (TEM) soundings. The inverted resistivity data are combined with borehole logging data to underline the areas of groundwater salt concentration in the aquifer. This salinization is taking place along the pervasive fault zones indicating the role of these faults in channeling the salty water through the rhyolitic bedrock. This study underlines the critical role of faults pathways in the groundwater mineralization issues faced by coastal aquifers in fractured crystalline substratum. • TEM data are performed with a compact instrument able to image the resistivity down to 70 m. • The data evidenced a salt plume in a small island in China. • Tectonic faults are observed to have a significant role in channeling the plume inland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Construct a correlation model of land use transition and ecological restoration in karst mountain areas of Southwest China. • Reveal the feedback mechanism and coupled correlation model of land use transition and ecological restoration in karst mountain areas of Southwest China. • Use a long-time series of data to explore the evolution of land use transition and ecological restoration in case areas. Land use transition (LUT) impacts regional land use and the ecological environment. To reveal LUT and its ecological effects in karst mountain areas (KMA) of Southwest China, this paper first constructs a correlation model between LUT and ecological restoration in the region and carries out an example verification in the typical KMA, the Huajiang Canyon. The study demonstrates that: (1) LUT has occurred in KMA of Southwest China, mainly, the area of sloping cropland has decreased, and the forest land has increased. Land use patterns have shifted from traditional farming to modernized economic and fruit forestry; (2) The driving forces of LUT in KMA of Southwest China can be summarized into three factors: socio-economic, natural, and policy, among which natural factors are the basic conditions of LUT, socio-economic factors play a decisive role in the process of LUT, and policy factors provide policy guarantee for LUT; (3) LUT in KMA of Southwest China has curbed land degradation, promoted ecosystem restoration, and made a certain contribution making China greener, which is conducive to achieving the goal of sustainable development. This paper explores the characteristics of LUT and its driving forces in KMA of Southwest China from the coupling analysis of LUT and ecosystem, reveals the effects of LUT in KMA of Southwest China, and provides some theoretical references for the balance between high-quality development and ecological protection in KMA of Southwest China from the perspective of LUT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study investigated isotopic signatures of carbon (C), lead (Pb) and strontium (Sr) in PM 2.5 samples collected from two paired sites (urban vs. rural/background) in northern Taiwan during the summer of 2015 and the spring of 2016, respectively. Significant seasonality was revealed in the isotopic signatures of C and Pb, whereas no seasonal difference was observed in 87Sr/86Sr ratio. The values of δ13C, 206Pb/207Pb, and 208Pb/207Pb were more diverse and exhibited local features in summer. However, during the episodes of continental pollution outbreaks in springtime, the δ13C and Pb isotope ratios of PM 2.5 shifted and converged consistently toward the documented characteristics of particulate matters in northern China. Moreover, the results showed that the differences in the Pb and Sr isotopic characteristics between the paired urban and rural sites were statistically insignificant, whereas marginally lower δ13C values were observed at the urban site. It was inferred accordingly that a substantial amount of gaseous hydrocarbons emitted in local urban areas could have been converted to secondary organic aerosols with lower δ13C. On the contrary, the consistency in the spatial and temporal variations of mass concentration and isotope ratios of Pb at the two sites suggested that East-Asian continental pollution outbreak was the major source of Pb-containing particles in the northern Taiwan during springtime. It is noteworthy that there was neither seasonal nor spatial differences in the 87Sr/86Sr ratio observed in this study, which suggested that the Sr-containing particles collected in this study could be originating from a common mixture of sources, including not only natural dust but also the anthropogenic emissions, coal-combustion for instance. This investigation upon the C-Pb-Sr isotopic features evidenced the substantial impacts of the continental pollution outbreaks on the aerosol composition and air quality in the downwind areas of the East-Asian winter monsoons. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Seasonal and temporal variations of C-Pb-Sr isotopes of PM 2.5 were investigated. • C and Pb in PM 2.5 exhibited significant seasonal isotope signatures. • Isotopic evidences for the impacts of Asian outflows on air quality were revealed. • Consistent Sr isotope ratios were observed from local and distant sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A framework for socio-ecological analysis of rice terrace systems is constructed. • Assessed the degree of ecological risk in the rice landscape. • Three specific "four-element isomorphism" rice terraces ecosystems have been formed. • The "forest-terraces-village-terraces-river" landscape structure is the most stable. • High sustainability of agricultural terraces in a virtuous social-ecological system. Mountain rice terrace agriculture is a critical land use practice in southern China. Analyzing the vertical structure of rice terraces systems and the coupled evolution of their human-land relationship from a mountainous stereoscopic perspective is significant to regional resource use and sustainable agricultural development. This study took the Xijiang Township and Jiabang Township in the mountainous area of Southwest China as the research object, based on the unique rice farming environment in the mountainous region, to divide the typical types of the four-element isomorphic (FEI) of the regional forest, village, river, and rice terraces from the perspective of vertical differentiation. The spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of rice terraces based on the view of the social-ecological system were explored by using the land use data of Jiabang Township from 1962 (1977 in Xijiang Township) to 2020, and methods such as mathematical statistics, sample transect analysis. The ecological risk model was also employed to analyze the spatiotemporal variation characteristics and landscape stability of ecological risk in mountain rice terraces systems. The study showed that: (1) The rice terraces showed the "forest-terraces-village-river" (F-T-V-R), "forest-village-terraces-river" (F-V-T-R), and "forest-terraces-village-terraces-river" (F-T-V-T-R), and the rice terraces in each differentiation type experienced a continuous evolutionary feature of "development-stabilization-local shrinkage and shifted." (2) The mixed production trend of "main rice and the auxiliary dry land" in the rice terraces landscape was gradually highlighted, and the degree of landscape abandonment and fragmentation was deepened, and the "F-T-V-T-R" structure had the highest landscape stability in long-term development. (3) The ecological risks of each landscape type showed the characteristics of "increase-stabilization-decrease" in different time series evolution. (4) Although the "F-T-V-T-R" landscape types in the two areas were at a high-risk level in the long term, the long-term changes are less fluctuating, and the landscape security stability is the highest. The research results comprehensively reflected the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the landscape spatial pattern of rice terraces, and revealed the reflection of the FEI vertical differentiation structure on the regional social ecosystem and human-land relationship, which can help us to promote the optimal utilization of traditional rice terraces resources in the mountains and promote the sustainable development of rice agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Geochronological and mineral H-O-S-Pb isotope data presented for Lishupo gold deposit. • The Lishupo gold deposit is orogenic-type formed in the Late Triassic. • The mineralization may have linked to Paleo-Pacific subduction or post-collisional tectonics. • Ore fluids and metals likely derived from a deep metamorphic source. The Lishupo gold deposit is located in the central Jiangnan Orogen (South China). Gold ore occurs mainly as quartz veins and altered slates, hosted by faults and shear zones in the low-grade metamorphosed Neoproterozoic Lengjiaxi Group. Metallic minerals include pyrite, arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and galena, and the major alteration styles include silicification, sericitization, chloritization and carbonatization. Based on its vein crosscutting relationships and mineral assemblages and paragenetic sequence, mineralization at Lishupo comprises three stages: (1) quartz (Q1)–dolomite–pyrite (Py1)–arsenopyrite; (2) quartz (Q2)–dolomite–pyrite (Py2)–polymetallic sulfides; (3) quartz (Q3)–carbonate. Biotite from the sulfide-bearing ores of Stage 2 yielded a 40Ar–39Ar plateau age of 208.67 ± 1.25 Ma, and pre-ore granodiorite yielded a zircon U-Pb age of 430.8 ± 3.2 Ma. The dating results indicate that the Lishupo gold mineralization occurred at ∼ 210 Ma, coeval with the Late Triassic regional gold mineralization event in NE Hunan. Stage 1 to 3 quartz has δ18O VSMOW = +15.5 to + 17.6‰ and δD VSMOW = –81.2 to –70.3‰, and the ore-fluids were calculated to have δ18O Fluid = +2.9 to + 10.9‰. This suggests that the ore-forming fluids were derived from a metamorphic source with magmatic input. The auriferous sulfides (pyrite containing invisible gold) have δ34S CDT = –13.7 to –4.6‰, 206Pb/204Pb = 18.230–18.642, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.615–15.755, and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.582–39.100. These isotopic data indicate that the ore-forming fluids and metals were derived from a deeper metamorphic source. The Lishupo deposit exhibits many features of orogenic gold mineralization, such as control by ductile shear zones, mineralization styles (quartz veins with abundant sulfide minerals), and H–O–S–Pb isotopic features indicating deeper metamorphic source. Based on similarities to other orogenic gold deposits, the Lishupo deposit is best classified as orogenic type formed at ∼ 210 Ma, in response to the Late Triassic extensional tectonics caused by the Paleo-Pacific plate, or the post-orogenic tectonics after the South China-Indochina and/or North China-South China collision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes foot ulceration (DFU) has a negative impact on the quality of life and leads to disabling morbidity, such as lower extremity amputation (LEA). This study aimed to evaluate the LEA trend before and after the establishment of the diabetes foot team, an on-time debridement, on-site screening, and multidisciplinary integration with standardizing care, in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chia Yi, Taiwan, starting in 2010. The study retrospectively investigated the non-traumatic LEA rate in diabetes foot (identified by using ICD-9-Clinical Modification (CM) codes, 250.70–250.83) and whole patients with diabetes (ICD-9 250.XX) yearly from 2004 to 2013. Patients were enrolled from hospitalization, emergency room (ER), or outpatient departments, respectively. Despite the overall incidence of diabetes foot in patients with diabetes remaining constant, from 3.47% in 2004 to 3.58% in 2013, the incidence of hospitalized diabetes foot from diabetes reduced, from 2.83% in 2004 to 1.51% in 2013. Introduction of integrated wound care also led to a reduction of the average LEA rate in hospitalized patients, from 15.27% (2004–2009) to 6.08% (2010–2013) ( P < 0.001). A similar decline of the LEA rate was observed for patients from hospitalization, ER and outpatient departments together with an average LEA rate from 7.99% (2004–2009) down to 3.02% (2010–2013) ( P < 0.001). In trend analysis, the curve estimation revealed a quadratic trend in the relationship between LEA rate and time ( R -square = 0.869, P = 0.001) for hospitalized patients as well as a linear ( R -square = 0.819, P < 0.001) and quadratic ( R -square = 0.845, P = 0.001) trend in the relationship between LEA rate and time for hospitalization, ER, and outpatient departments together. The LEA rate for DM patients declined from 372.72/100,000 in 2004 to 61.74/100,000 in 2013. With establishment of an organizing, standardized wound care protocol and integrated multidisciplinary team, we demonstrated a significant decline in the LEA rate both in diabetes foot patients and all patients with diabetes. These improvements can be attributed to introducing an efficient pathway with on-time debridement and early intervention of diabetes foot ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is considered to account for nearly a third of all plastic waste discharging from land to the ocean. To overall assess microplastic pollution status in Chinese coastal and marginal seas, this study summarized the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in the seawater, sediments and marine organisms. The results showed that the abundance of microplastics in the seawater of four major seas of China was 0.13–545 items/m³, and microplastic abundance in the sediments from the estuaries was 20–7900 items/kg, which are at middle level or even lower than those detected in other countries. By contrast, severe microplastic pollution was recorded in the estuaries, suggesting that plastic waste and microplastic interception measures should be conducted on the rivers to prevent the input of microplastics. In addition, microplastics were widely detected in marine fishes, mollusks, zooplankton, mammals and birds, which highlights the potential impacts of microplastic pollution on the whole marine ecosystem. Compared to the dry season, higher microplastic abundance was found in the rainy season, revealing that plastic waste recycling should be strengthened before the onset of rainy season. We suggest that all countries respond actively to the ubiquitous microplastic pollution through practical policies and measures to prevent microplastics from further damaging the marine ecosystem. • Microplastic abundance in seawaters of Chinese coastal seas was 0.13–545 items/m³. • Microplastic abundance in the sediments from the estuaries was 20–7900 items/kg. • High microplastic pollution was found in the estuaries, especially in rainy season. • Microplastic level in Chinese seas was moderate or lower compared to other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to identify symptom clusters in patients with intermediate and advanced liver cancer receiving targeted immunotherapy, focusing on core and bridge symptoms to establish a foundation for precise symptom management., Methods: This study used a cross-sectional survey and utilized convenience sampling from May 2023 to January 2024 at a third-class hospital in Shanghai, China. The severity of symptoms in liver cancer patients during treatment was evaluated using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. Network analysis was employed to depict the interrelation of symptom clusters and identify core and bridge symptoms., Results: The symptoms were classified by severity into five clusters: oral, gastrointestinal, fatigue-related, body image, and pain-sleep. Within the symptom network, the core symptoms were pain, "I don't look like myself," and nausea, while the critical bridge symptoms included pain, itching, and feeling bloated. The strongest connections were observed between nausea and vomiting, followed by taste changes and dry mouth, as well as weight loss and "I don't look like myself.", Conclusion: In patients receiving targeted immunotherapy for intermediate and advanced liver cancer, multiple symptoms can emerge simultaneously, forming interconnected clusters. By identifying and intervening in core and bridge symptoms, personalized management strategies can be developed to relieve other symptoms and disrupt connections between symptom clusters, thereby enhancing symptom management efficacy. This study has significant clinical and research implications, offering new insights to improve patients' quality of life and treatment outcomes., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the primary causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The gut microbiome, particularly the bacteriome, has been demonstrated to contribute to the progression of COPD. However, the influence of gut virome on the pathogenesis of COPD is rarely studied. Recent advances in viral metagenomics have enabled the rapid discovery of its remarkable role in COPD. In this study, deep metagenomics sequencing of fecal virus-like particles and bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on 92 subjects from China to characterize alterations of the gut virome in COPD. Lower richness and diversity of the gut virome were observed in the COPD subjects compared with the healthy individuals. Sixty-four viral species, including Clostridium phage , Myoviridae sp., and Synechococcus phage , showed positive relationships with pulmonary ventilation functions and had markedly declined population in COPD subjects. Multiple viral functions, mainly involved in bacterial susceptibility and the interaction between bacteriophages and bacterial hosts, were significantly declined in COPD. In addition, COPD was characterized by weakened viral-bacterial interactions compared with those in the healthy cohort. The gut virome showed diagnostic performance with an area under the curve (AUC) of 88.7%, which indicates the potential diagnostic value of the gut virome for COPD. These results suggest that gut virome may play an important role in the development of COPD. The information can provide a reference for the future investigation of diagnosis, treatment, and in-depth mechanism research of COPD., Importance: Previous studies showed that the bacteriome plays an important role in the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, little is known about the involvement of the gut virome in COPD. Our study explored the disease-specific virome signatures of patients with COPD. We found the diversity and compositions altered of the gut virome in COPD subjects compared with healthy individuals, especially those viral species positively correlated with pulmonary ventilation functions. Additionally, the declined bacterial susceptibility, the interaction between bacteriophages and bacterial hosts, and the weakened viral-bacterial interactions in COPD were observed. The findings also suggested the potential diagnostic value of the gut virome for COPD. The results highlight the significance of gut virome in COPD. The novel strategies for gut virome rectifications may help to restore the balance of gut microecology and represent promising therapeutics for COPD., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Background: This study employed a phenomenological research approach within qualitative research to explore the challenges encountered by elderly individuals with temporary colostomies in managing their daily lives and care needs. Protecting the anus surgery combined with temporary colostomy has emerged as a prevalent treatment modality for low rectal cancer. However, the ileostomy is susceptible to peri-stoma skin complications, as well as fluid, electrolyte, and nutritional imbalances, posing challenges to effective management. The successful self-management of patients is intricately linked to their adjustment to temporary colostomy; nonetheless, there remains a dearth of research examining the factors influencing self-care among temporary colostomy patients and the obstacles they confront., Aim: To investigate the lived experiences, perceptions, and care requirements of temporary colostomy patients within their home environment, with the ultimate goal of formulating a standardized management protocol., Methods: Over the period of June to August 2023, a purposive sampling technique was utilized to select 12 patients with temporary intestinal stomas from a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China. Employing a phenomenological research approach, a semi-structured interview guide was developed, and qualitative interviews were conducted using in-depth interview techniques. The acquired data underwent coding, analysis, organization, and summarization following Colaizzi's seven-step method., Results: The findings of this study revealed that the experiences and needs of patients with temporary intestinal stomas can be delineated into four principal themes: Firstly, Temporary colostomy patients bear various burdens and concerns about the uncertainty of disease progression; secondly, patients exhibit limited self-care capabilities and face information deficits, resulting in heightened reliance on healthcare professionals; thirdly, patients demonstrate the potential for internal motivation through proactive self-adjustment; and finally, patients express a significant need for emotional and social support., Conclusion: Home-living patients with temporary intestinal stomas confront multifaceted challenges encompassing burdens, inadequate self-care abilities, informational deficits, and emotional needs. Identifying factors influencing patients' self-care at home and proposing strategies to mitigate barriers can serve as a foundational framework for developing and implementing nursing interventions tailored to the needs of patients with temporary intestinal stomas., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article., (©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Daqu is of great significance to the brewing process of Baijiu, and there are variations in the light-flavor Baijiu Daqu in different regions. However, few studies have been conducted on light-flavor Daqu from the north and south regions of China. In this study, the physicochemical indices, volatile flavor components, and microbial community structure of two types of Daqu from the north and south regions of China were comparatively analyzed. The study findings reveal that Daqu originating from the southern region of China (HB) exhibits superior moisture content, acidity, starch content, and saccharification power. In contrast, Daqu from the northern region of China (SX) displays higher fermentation, esterification, and liquefaction power. The analysis of the microbial community structure revealed that HB was dominated by Bacillus, Kroppenstedtia, Saccharomycopsis, and Thermoascus, while SX was dominated by Bacillus, Prevotella, and Saccharomycopsis. The analysis detected a total of 47 volatile components in both HB Daqu and SX Daqu. The volatile components of pyrazine were significantly more abundant in HB Daqu than in SX Daqu, while alcohol compounds were more prominent in SX Daqu than in HB Daqu. In addition, the RDA analysis established a correlation between dominant microorganisms and volatile components. Cyanobacteria, Fusobacteriota, Ascomycota, Blastocladiomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mucormyce exhibited positive correlations with a significant proportion of the key volatile compounds. This study establishes a scientific foundation for improving the quality of light-flavor Daqu liquor in different regions of China., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Marine shipping emissions have important impacts on air quality and climate. This type of anthropogenic emission remains largely unclear due to complex vessel types and activities. A coastal site near the Ningbo-Zhoushan port along the East China Sea was selected for this study, representing one of the hotspot regions globally with the most intensive shipping activities, in combination with vessels for both domestic and international transportation. Long-term temporal variations in key gaseous and particulate pollutants were obtained at the site using in-situ measurements, and the vessel speed associated with each classified vessel type was obtained according to the automatic identification system (AIS). In combination of backward trajectories, we were able to identify the periods predominated by the surrounding vessel emissions (in warm seasons, dominated by vessels in full operation or idle mode) or influenced by continental outflow (in cold season). We found that emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitrogen oxides (NO x ), and black carbon (BC) aerosol were highly correlated with high-speed vessels, whereas carbon monoxide (CO) was likely related to lower operation speed. The total particulate matter (PM) was not directly linked to vessel activities. The enhancement factor in operation mode compared to that in idle mode was approximately 1-4 for most pollutants. This direct ambient observation of the emissions from a range of mixed vessel types may provide a basis for evaluating the shipping emission inventory.