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This study delves into the Pre-Qin Confucian understanding of "ren 人" (human beings), focusing on the tripartite dimensions of "shen 身" (body), "qing 情" (sentiment), and "xin 心" (mind) as viewed through the lens of "li 礼" (ritual). By analyzing the works of Confucius, Mencius, Xunzi, and other significant early texts, we unravel how these early Confucian philosophers reconceptualized human beings within the framework of "li 礼" (ritual). In doing so, they presented a novel perspective on the human experience that emphasized the interconnectedness of these three dimensions, transforming the way people thought about themselves and their place in the world. This research illuminates the unique contributions of Pre-Qin Confucianism to the understanding of human beings and provides valuable insights into the philosophical breakthroughs of this period in Chinese thought. Furthermore, this understanding of human beings persisted throughout the subsequent imperial history of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These studies show, quite contrary to the economic historians' previous understanding of the early state that embedded a "redistributive" economy, the perspective of an early stage of a commodity economy, based on mass-production of ritual or everyday objects in huge factories.[37] The studies also show that it is beneficial, and indeed necessary, for the archaeologists who deal with matters in economy to conduct research under agendas developed by social historians, so the meaning of their material evidence can be fully appreciated by historians in cross-cultural analyses. Simply speaking, the ancient Chinese economy since the Bronze Age had the strong characteristics of that of a "domain state", in which the royal house and the state produced large proportions of the material provision that it needed to survive, and made its budget (if any) based on it.[30] It can also be considered a lineage economy in which the whole economy was sliced into many largely independent domains organized by the lineages. The evidence suggests that the private economy was not only supplemental to the state economy, but was indispensable to the healthy operation of the state economy. If there is an overall argument about the early Chinese economy in the book, it is the view of the two editors that the ancient Chinese economy differs from the Polanyi-Finley model of substantivist economy for its strong trend towards market exchange, commercialization of its products, and manipulation of prices (1-2). [Extracted from the article]

• Migration modes were correlated with clinical outcomes. • The worm was prone to migrate toward the cortical surface after medication. • Lesions distal from the original site may represent a delayed immune reaction. To differentiate diagnostic and prognostic factors from the clinical material of patients with cerebral sparganosis in central South China. Consecutive patients with cerebral sparganosis from our hospital between 2010 and 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. The clinical manifestations, radiographic features, treatment, and outcomes of these patients were analyzed. Thirty patients with cerebral sparganosis were included, and foci migration on magnetic resonance imaging was detected in 22 patients, from whom we observed 4 migration modes: interlobar migration (50.0%, 11/22); transmidline migration (27.3%, 6/22); transventricular migration (13.6%, 3/22); and cerebellum-brainstem migration (9.1%, 2/22). The percentage of good outcomes was higher in patients with live worm capture than in those without live worm capture (75.0%, 12/16 vs 33.3%, 2/6). Exposure to preoperative antiparasitic medication was associated with worm migration toward the cortical surface, which led to a higher probability of live worm capture. We propose 4 modes of sparganosis migration that are correlated with worm capture and neurologic prognosis. We found that exposure to antiparasitic medication was associated with worm migration toward the cortical surface, leading to a higher probability of live worm capture. These observations suggest a novel significance for preoperative medication of cerebral sparganosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: To assess the general and nutritional health of children with attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Methods and Study Design: The National Multicenter Sleep Research Database for 23791 school-age children in grades 1-6 from 9 cities in China was accessed. Children with a specialist diagnosis of ADHD or not (non-ADHD) in 2005 were studied. National anthropometric growth standards for children aged 2-18 years classified children as underweight, wasted, stunted (short stature presumed nutritional), or overweight/obesity. Independent variables were preterm birth, sleep quality and prior disease and ADHD was the dependent variable. Binary logistic regression models were developed along with interaction analyses for associated disorder or disease on overweight/obesity, and stunted.Results: Some 18731 records were analyzed for 808 children with ADHD. The comparative prevalences for ADHD with non-ADHD children were stunted 9.8% vs 5.9% (p<0.001) and overweight/ obesity (32.6% vs 29.6%, p=0.002) respectively. ADHD boys were more often underweight (7.5% vs 5.3%, p=0.027), but not in girls. ADHD likelihood Odds Ratios, ORs (with 95%CI) were for premature birth 1.838, (1.393-2.423), allergic diseases 1.915 (1.526-2.399), otitis media 1.54 (1.118- 2.146), tonsillar or adenoid hypertrophy1.662 (1.348-2.050), gastroesophageal reflux 3.008(1.792-1.792-5.049), and sleep disorder 2.201(1.847-2.623) were ADHD risk factors. Only poor sleep quality and ADHD exhibited an interaction for stunted with OR=0.409 (0.233-0.719).Conclusions: Compromised and complex nutritional health in ADHD children challenges clinical nutrition with a range of health problems, albeit coherent with the needed nutritional emphasis in the 'first 1000 days'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The clinical features of eczema and dermatitis in the elderly have not been fully studied. To investigate the proportion and clinical features of geriatric eczema patients in mainland China. Patients and methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in outpatients with eczema from 39 tertiary hospitals in 15 provinces. Results: 1128 elderly patients (12.88%) had eczema and dermatitis. The mean age of those was 68.2 ± 6.8 years (range, 60-90 years) with a median course of 5.5 ± 8.9 years, which is much longer than that of non-geriatric patients (2.6 ± 4.1 years, p < 0.001). Compared to non-geriatric patients, more patients involved in extremities (76.2% vs 61.5%, p < 0.001) and trunk (37.2% vs 26.4%, p < 0.001), but less in head and neck (18.3% vs 30.4%, p < 0.001; 25.3% vs 20.6%, p < 0.001). 13.4% of eczema and dermatitis in the elderly was widespread, which is much higher than that of 8% in non-geriatric group (13.4% vs 8%, p < 0.001). 22.9% of geriatric eczema patients reported severe itching, which is much higher than that of 14% in counterparts (22.9% vs 14%, p < 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between age and severe itching (Spearman's rank correlation test, p < 0.001). More geriatric patients had xerosis (39.6% vs 30.4%, p < 0.001) and more lichenification was found (25.6% vs 13.3%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: More than 10% of eczema occurs in the elderly patients. Longer disease duration, more severe itching, more extremities and trunk involvement, and prone to widespread, xerosis, and lichenification make it a special entity which should be studied further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific expenditure and distribution of higher education drive the sustainable and stable development of regional economy. Currently, China faces an imbalance in the allocation of higher education resources. To solve the problem, it is necessary to study the spatiotemporal difference of higher education development. Therefore, this paper explores how higher education varies in time and space and measures how the spatiotemporal difference and input of higher education affects regional economy. Firstly, the authors divided the influence of spatiotemporal difference and input of higher education on regional economy into four aspects. Next, the spatiotemporal differences of higher education were examined in detail. Based on the four aspects, an equilibrium model was established for regional economic development, and the law of evolution to equilibrium was analyzed. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of the established model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional temperature-humidity index (THI) based on observation stations has been widely used to evaluate regional climate comfort, but it is impossible to obtain the spatiotemporal characteristics of larger-scale regional comfort. This study uses MODIS remote sensing data combined with a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model to improve the classic THI model, and the results are compared with traditional interpolation methods to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of annual and monthly average climate comfort in China from 2005 to 2018. The GWR model uses the land surface temperature (LST), the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and a digital elevation model (DEM) as independent variables to fit the air temperature and accurately express the surface air temperature. According to the average annual THI change from 2005 to 2018, the cooler-more comfortable area increased to 136.11 km2, and the annual average comfort level in China changed from cold to comfortable. The Yunnan Province has the most comfortable months, and the central provinces have more comfortable periods than the southeastern coastal provinces. Except for Xinjiang, Tibet, and parts of Northeast China, the spatial distribution of the annual comfort level in China tends to change from comfortable to cold with increasing latitude. Compared with the traditional interpolation method, the THI model based on remote sensing data can more accurately express the spatial distribution characteristics of climate comfort in areas with sparse stations (e.g., northern Qinghai, western Xinjiang, and Hengduan Mountains), especially in mountainous areas in the southwest. This model can also reduce the influence of terrain, elevation, and other factors on the spatial distribution characteristics of comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Carbon dioxide (CO2) has the potential to extend the storage time of raw milk, but its industrial application in this regard has not been thoroughly explored. This study aimed to investigate the microflora of CO2‐treated and untreated raw milk from South China using Illumina sequencing. The sequencing results confirmed the presence of Delftia, Pseudomonas and Serratia as the main spoilage species in raw cow milk from South China. However, CO2 treatment was found to selectively inhibit the growth of these spoilage bacteria. Principal coordinate analysis revealed differences in the microbiota structures of samples collected from the Fuyi and Guanyuan sites. Additionally, a total of 119 and 120 bacterial species were identified in the Fuyi and Guanyuan samples, respectively. The spoilage of raw milk from the Fuyi and Guanyuan was delayed by 7 and 19 days, respectively, with the application of CO2 treatment. Conversely, the samples without CO2 treatment were found to be contaminated with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Serratia. Moreover, the CO2‐treated samples from the Fuyi and Guanyuan ranches exhibited a different composition of spoilage bacteria, with a significant increase in the number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) compared to the control samples. This study suggests that LAB have a remarkable tolerance to CO2, which is consistent with their selection in fruit, vegetable and meat products stored in CO2‐enriched modified atmosphere packaging. The findings of this study provide a foundation for further exploration of the potential application of CO2 treatment in raw milk processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During our ongoing survey of basidiomycetous yeasts associated with plant leaves in virgin forest, five Colacogloea strains were isolated in the Baotianman Nature Reserve, Henan Province, central China. Phenotypes from cultures and a phylogeny based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene were employed to characterize and identify these isolates. As a result, two new species, namely Colacogloea celtidis sp. nov. and C. pararetinophila sp. nov., are introduced herein. In the phylogeny of combined ITS and LSU dataset, the new species C. celtidis sp. nov. formed a clade with the unpublished Colacogloea strain (KBP: Y-6832), and together these formed the sister group to C. armeniacae, while C. pararetinophila sp. nov. was retrieved as a sister to C. retinophila. A detailed description and illustration of both new species, as well as the differences between them and their closest relatives in the genus are provided. Results from the present study will add to our knowledge of the biodiversity of Colacogloea in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Icewine produced in China is becoming popular, but there is only limited knowledge available on the yeast population that occurs during fermentation and also on the selection of indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains for its production. In this work, we first investigated yeast species and the evolution of yeast population in spontaneous fermentations of icewine produced in the Qilian region of China and then analyzed the biodiversity and important enological properties of S. cerevisiae isolates. RESULTS: Seven species of five genera including S. cerevisiae, S. uvarum, Torulaspora delbrueckii, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Lachancea thermotolerans, Metschnikowia aff. fructicola and H. osmophila were identified by the colony morphology on Wallerstein Laboratory Nutrient medium and sequence analysis of the 26S rRNA gene D1/D2 domain. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, H. uvarum and L. thermotolerans were the dominant species, representing almost 87% of the total yeast isolates. Microvinification with seven preselected S. cerevisiae strains were performed on Vidal. All selected strains could complete fermentations, and the enochemical parameters were within the acceptable ranges of the wine industry. W5B3 produced higher amounts of ethyl hexanoate and ethyl octanoate than other strains. R3A10 was a low volatile acid producer and the corresponding icewine presented the highest values on some odorants including β‐damascenone, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, ethyl 2‐methylbutyrate, and isoamyl alcohol. Vidal icewines fermented with R3A10, R3A16 and W5B3 were well accepted by the judges because of superior sensory quality. CONCLUSION: Three indigenous strains (R3A10, R3A16 and W5B3) could be used as starters and could potentially improve the regional character of the icewine in Qilian. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mongolian Plateau has undergone multi-stage denudation since the Late Triassic, and the NE-trending Langshan Mountains in the southern margin of the Mongolian Plateau is crucial to unraveling the Meso-Cenozoic cooling and exhumation history of the Mongolian Plateau. The Langshan Mountains are dominated by Precambrian gneiss and Permian–Middle Triassic granitic plutons crosscut by a set of NE-striking thrust faults. A joint thermochronological study was conducted on 31 granitic and gneissic samples along the HQ and CU transects across the Langshan Mountains and other two samples from the BQ in the north of the Langshan Mountains. Four biotite/muscovite and three K-feldspar 40 Ar/ 39 Ar plateau ages range from 205 ± 1 to 161 ± 1 and 167 ± 1 to 131 ± 1 Ma, respectively. Thirty-three apatite fission track (AFT) ages are between 184 ± 11 and 79 ± 4 Ma, with mean track lengths from 11.1 ± 1.8 to 13.1 ± 1.4 μm of mostly unimodal distributions. Thirty-one single-grain raw AHe ages are in a range of 134 ± 8 to 21 ± 1 Ma. The AFT ages decrease monotonously from NW to SE until thrust faults along the two transects, with an age-jump across thrust F35. Joint thermal history modelling shows a three-stage cooling history as a result of denudation, especially with spatial differentiation in the first stage. Relative slow cooling at c. 0.6–1.0 °C/Ma occurred in the BQ and the northern part of the HQ transect during 220–100 Ma and the northern part of the CU transect during 160–100 Ma, respectively, with an amount of c. 2–3 km denudation between 160 and 100 Ma, implying little movement along the thrusts F13 and F33. In the middle and southern parts of the HQ transect and the southern part of the CU transect, rapid cooling at c. 4.0–7.0 °C/Ma, with c. 6–9 km denudation during 170–130 or 160–100 Ma, respectively, is probably influenced by thrusting of F35, F38 and F42 and the resultant tilting. A combination of thrusting, tilting, and denudation led to the youngering trends towards thrusts in different parts. However, there was no significant denudation across the Langshan Mountains in the second stage from c. 100 or 80 Ma until the last stage of rapid denudation (c. 2 km) since 20–10 Ma, which is simultaneous with the rapid uplift of the northern part of the Tibetan Plateau at c. 15 Ma. A youngering trend of AFT ages from the inner to the peripherals of the Mongolian Plateau implies the outward propagation of the Mongolian Plateau since the Mesozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to establish an effective prognostic nomogram with or without plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA (EBV DNA) for nondisseminated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Methods: The nomogram was based on a retrospective study of 4630 patients who underwent radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from 2007 to 2009. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the nomogram were determined by a concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve and were compared with EBV DNA and the current staging system. The results were validated using bootstrap resampling and a prospective cohort study on 1819 patients consecutively enrolled from 2011 to 2012 at the same institution. All statistical tests were two-sided.Results: Independent factors derived from multivariable analysis of the primary cohort to predict recurrence were age, sex, body mass index (BMI), T stage, N stage, plasma EBV DNA, pretreatment high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and hemoglobin level (HGB), which were all assembled into the nomogram with (nomogram B) or without EBV DNA (nomogram A). The calibration curve for the probability of recurrence showed that the nomogram-based predictions were in good agreement with actual observations. The C-index of nomogram B for predicting recurrence was 0.728 (P < .001), which was statistically higher than the C-index values for nomogram A (0.690), EBV DNA (0.680), and the current staging system (0.609). The C-index of nomogram B (0.730) and nomogram A (0.681) remained higher for predicting recurrence among patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (P < .001). The results were confirmed in the validation cohort.Conclusions: The proposed nomogram with or without plasma EBV DNA resulted in more accurate prognostic prediction for NPC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a common cause of death globally, and case reports and empirical studies on CO poisoning are widely examined. However, to the authors' knowledge, CO poisoning deaths in the mainland China are scarcely studied. Therefore, this study aims to explore the incidence trend of CO poisoning deaths that occurred in Wuhan - a mega city in Central China - for a six-year period (2009-2014). This arguably is the first comprehensive study to provide an overall analysis of CO poisoning deaths that sampled the mainland Chinese population. Using the data provided by the legal physicians who are employed in nine districts of Wuhan, a total of 131 cases of CO poisoning that resulted in the death of 156 victims are collected. Out of the total, 76 cases (97 deaths) are classified as accidents, 49 cases (51 deaths) are suicides, three cases (four deaths) are homicides, one case (three deaths) is homicide-suicide, and one case (one death) is classified as undetermined. Male victims are found to be the dominant sex group (53.5%; N = 83); with a mean age of 44.9 years, while female victims averagely aged 46.1 years. The highest death occurring month is in January, and followed by February and December. Coal or charcoal burning is found to be the major cause of suicide CO poisoning death (66.7%), while fire accident is the major cause of accidental CO poisoning death (60.8%) in Wuhan during the six-year period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the development of disciplinary structure in China's top research universities. Using the science structures of Mainland China, the world, and the world's top 10 universities as three reference standards, we measure the disciplinary structure 'distance' between the Chinese '985 universities' and the references, and analyze whether the 985 universities are moving toward or away from the reference groups (RG) in terms of disciplinary structure. The results show that most of the 985 universities' disciplinary structures are very similar to China's science structure. The disciplinary structure distances between the 985 universities and both the world reference and the world's top universities reference have narrowed recently, but the overall degrees of similarity are still low. Another important finding is that the rise of biomedical science has played an important role in the 985 universities' move from a native 'sci-engineering focused' structure to an international 'bio-science focused' structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microtendipes globosus sp. nov. (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Xishan Island, China is described and illustrated from a male imago. The new species is characterized by a spherical median volsella with 9-10 long setae, the basal lobe of the superior volsella with 10-12 setae, tergite IX without median seta, and the absence of pigment marks on the wings. An identification key to the males belonging to the genus Microtendipes in China is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have shown cognitive impairment in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). However, there is a lack of data on Chinese patients with SCA3. Method: We investigated 22 native Chinese with SCA3 and 18 controls matched for age, education as well as mental status. Cognitive assessments were carefully carried out to measure verbal fluency, memory, attention, executive function, visuospatial and visuoconstructive functions. Results: The most common impairments of cognition in native Chinese with SCA3 were disruption of phonemic verbal fluency and frontal executive dysfunction. Deficits in semantic fluency were detected in about 31.8% patients. Impaired visuospatial function and verbal memory were also found in native Chinese with SCA3. The degree of ataxia, CAG repeat length and education were found to correlate with cognitive performance. Multivariate binary logistic regression suggested that an oculomotor disorder and depression are predictors of cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Native Chinese with SCA3 had cognitive impairment of frontal executive function, temporal and parietal functions. An oculomotor disorder might be an index of cognitive dysfunction. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from Middle to Upper Paleolithic and the global diffusion of modern human populations remain hotly debated topics. The timing and pace of the transition in China are especially uncertain. This paper examines spatial and temporal variation among Paleolithic assemblages in North China dated to Marine Isotope Stage 3. There are two main systems of blank production in evidence: one is Levallois-like whereas the other involves simple unprepared flake cores. The Levallois-like assemblages are limited to northwest China: further dispersal of the technology was probably hindered by the presence of established populations in the eastern part of North China using long-established flake core technology. Consequently we should view North China as consisting of two geographic entities with respect to research on the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition. Changes within flake assemblages represent an independent pattern of cultural evolution, and it will be important to clarify when and how other aspects of Upper Paleolithic behavior were expressed there. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mappings of the stimuli effects and the input and output estimates of artificial neural networks (ANN) are obtained via combinations of nonlinear functions. This approach offers the advantages of self-learning, self-organization, self-adaptation, and fault tolerance as well as the potential for use in flood forecasting applications. Furthermore, the ANN technology allows the use of multiple variables in both the input and output layers. This capability is very important for flood calculation because the stage, discharge, and other hydrological variables often are functions of many influential variables. Herein, we propose a flood forecasting system with related application, based on ANN. This method offers better performance and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This multicenter, open‐label, randomized study (Registration No. ChiCTR‐OCH‐14004528) aimed to compare the efficacy and effects of oxcarbazepine (OXC) with levetiracetam (LEV) as monotherapies on patient quality of life and mental health for patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy from China. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy who had experienced 2 or more unprovoked seizures at greater than a 24‐h interval during the previous year were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to the OXC group or LEV group. Efficacy, safety, quality of life, and mental health were evaluated over 12‐week and 24‐week periods. Results: In total, we recruited 271 newly diagnosed patients from 23 centers. Forty‐four patients were excluded before treatment for reasons. The rate of seizure freedom of OXC was significantly superior to that of LEV at 12 weeks and 24 weeks (p < 0.05). The quality of life (except for the seizure worry subsection) and anxiety scale scores also showed significant differences from before to after treatment in the OXC and LEV groups. Conclusions: OXC monotherapy may be more effective than LEV monotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy. Both OXC and LEV could improve the quality of life and anxiety state in adult patients with focal epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the longitudinal prediction of intensity and emotional connection (EC) related to online social networking use at baseline on the risk of incident depression at nine-month follow-up among adolescents.Methods: A total of 3196 secondary school students, who were online social networking users and free of depression at baseline, were included in this study. Multilevel logistic regression models were applied to investigate the longitudinal prediction of two dimensions of online social networking use intensity (social function use intensity (SFUI), entertainment function use intensity (EFUI)) and EC scores at baseline on incident depression at follow-up.Results: The incidence of depression was 23.37 per 100-person-years during a nine-month follow-up period. Baseline SFUI and EFUI scores were significantly associated with higher level of incident depression (adjusted OR = 1.017, 95% CI: 1.004-1.029 for SFUI, p = 0.010; adjusted OR = 1.046, 95% CI: 1.012-1.080 for EFUI, p = 0.007), after adjustment of significant background factors and baseline depressive symptom score. The associations of EC at baseline and its interaction with SFUI and EFUI on incident depression were statistically non-significant.Conclusion: Online social networking use seems be a risk factor of depression among adolescents, regardless of its specific functions. Early intervention is recommended to reduce the level of online social networking use intensity as a means of preventing depression among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to a long history of extensive mercury mining and smelting activities, local residents in Wanshan, China, are suffering from elevated mercury exposure. The objective of the present study was to study the effects of oral supplementation with selenium-enriched yeast in these long-term mercury-exposed populations. One hundred and three volunteers from Wanshan area were recruited and 53 of them were supplemented with 100 μg of organic selenium daily as selenium-enriched yeast while 50 of them were supplemented with the nonselenium-enriched yeast for 3 months. The effects of selenium supplementation on urinary mercury, selenium, and oxidative stress-related biomarkers including malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine were assessed. This 3-month selenium supplementation trial indicated that organic selenium supplementation could increase mercury excretion and decrease urinary malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine levels in local residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 30 years, land development and consumption have been out of control and have kept expanding blindly, especially to marginal areas of some metropolises in China. The conflict caused by urban sprawl among socioeconomic development, resources, ecology, and the environment is becoming more and more severe. This study's primary objective is to recognize the spatial patterns of urban sprawl. Taking Jiangning District as a research area, the built-up areas of four different years (1979, 1988, 1997, and 2003) were extracted from classified images using Landsat MSS/TM images. These, together with landscape metrics such as contagion index, fractal-dimension index, and shape index where used to recognize the spatial patterns of sprawl in Jiangning. From classified images, rapid urban expansion with low density towards the urban fringe has been observed. The sprawling area in the north part is more severe, and sprawling areas also include the marginal area of the nearby suburbs. These findings were tested through landscape metrics, which was necessary to quantify the spatial patterns of urban sprawl. This study demonstrates that timely and accurate monitoring is very important for understanding the relationships and interactions between human and natural phenomena, and that it can promote efficiency. Additionally, combining remote sensing with landscape metrics is an effective way to determine the spatial patterns of urban sprawl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, export value-added tax (VAT) refund rebate and export tax (EVRRET) measures have been adopted for energy-intensive products in China. They are proclaimed to be climate policy, yet there is no explicit and unique carbon cost set on export, and the implicit export carbon tax rates vary dramatically across sectors and over different periods. A method is provided to introduce an explicit and unique carbon cost into the current EVRRET. By setting a comparable carbon cost (US$20/tCO2 and US$30/tCO2) for eight major energy-intensive sectors to which the EVRRET is widely applied, it derives the corresponding ad valorem average rate for each sector. The introduction of a carbon cost into export VAT refund rebate policy would not increase the current export VAT refund rebate rate (except for the chemical sector), but would simply define a ceiling. However, the same introduction into the export tax policy would lead to an overall increase in sectoral export tax rates. In terms of competitiveness and World Trade Organisation concerns, the better option for introducing a carbon cost into Chinese exports would be through reforming export VAT refund rebate policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an inherited disease leading to recurrent ischemic stroke and vascular dementia. Numerous mutations in the 23 exons of the NOTCH3 gene have been reported to cause CADASIL in Caucasian populations, but the full spectrum of genetic changes leading to this disease is yet to be known and, especially, very few reports are available on CADASIL in Asian populations. Methods and Results: We genotyped members of a 5-generational Han Chinese family with CADASIL patients and identified an R133C mutation in the NOTCH3 gene. Clinical analysis demonstrated that the penetrance of the mutation was not complete. Five of the mutation carriers, not exposed to the known vascular risk factors, did not show any clinical feature of CADASIL, suggesting the importance of environmental factors to the development of this disease. Conclusions: Members of a 5-generational Han Chinese family with CADASIL patients had an R133C mutation in the NOTCH3 gene but only individuals exposed to known vascular risk factors developed CADASIL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine if there are differences in the composition of plant communities between road verges and adjacent areas, and to what extent road and traffic influence the characteristics of vegetation in a desertified steppe area. Sixteen transects perpendicular to the road were set at the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert, to survey the characteristics of vegetation at different distances from the road. The results indicate that cover and density of the shrubs were lower at the road verges than in the control plots, while no significant differences were observed for species composition. For herbaceous plants, cover, above-ground biomass, species richness and α-diversity were higher at 0–3 m from the road edge than at plots more than 5 m from the edge, while differences in the density between plots at different distances from road edge were not found. β-diversity indices demonstrated that the species turnover rate was low at 0–2 m from the road edge, and that it increased from 2 m to 10 m from the road, after which it was similar among plots. Road verge vegetation was primarily dominated by ruderal species and rhizome grass, and also contained many drought intolerant species. The soils in plots within 2 m of the road edge had higher soil moisture, greater levels of sand, soil organic carbon and total nitrogen, and lower silt content and pH than plots located greater than 10 m from the road edge, indicating that these are important factors influencing the pattern of road verge vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The winged imago of Prorhinotermes japonicus (Holmgren 1912) is described herein for the first time. The soldier caste and two morphs of the neotenic caste also are redescribed. Based on the similar morphology of soldier, alate and neotenic, two Chinese species, Prorhinotermes xishaensis Li & Tsai 1976 and Prorhinotermes hainanensis Ping & Xu 1989, are reverted to junior synonyms of P. japonicus. The current distribution of P. japonicus includes tropical islands surrounding the northern part of the South China Sea. Another Chinese species, Prorhinotermes spectabilis Ping & Xu 1989 from Yunnan Province and two Philippines species, Prorhinotermes tibiaoensis (Oshima 1920) and Prorhinoternws gracilis Light 1921, were compared and included in discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the northern China steppe, overgrazing has decreased the abundance of many species that were originally dominant, but increased the abundance of Artemisia frigida. We aimed to determine whether the adaptive and competitive abilities of A. frigida are associated with allelopathy. Soil nutrient characteristics could not explain the poor growth of the originally dominant species. Volatile compounds released from A. frigida leaves and aqueous extracts (0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.10, and 0.15 g ml) from A. frigida leaves and roots and from soil under A. frigida inhibited seed germination and seedling growth of three dominant species ( Leymus chinensis, Stipa krylovii, and Cleistogenes squarrosa). Allelopathic activity varied according to extract concentration, test species, and extract source. Germination was most strongly inhibited in S. krylovii, followed by L. chinensis and then C. squarrosa. Seedling growth was most strongly inhibited in L. chinensis, followed by S. krylovii and then C. squarrosa. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses of the leaf volatiles identified 27 compounds, primarily monoterpene or sesquiterpene compounds and their oxygen-containing derivatives, such as eucalyptol, beta.-myrcene, 1,6-octadien-3-ol,3,7-dimethyl, 3-carene, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one,1,7,7-trimethyl-,(1R), cis-sabinenehydrate, camphene, and alpha-Pinene. These findings suggest that allelochemicals from A. frigida can modify the surrounding micro-habitat. The responses of target plants to allelopathy of A. frigida may be one reason for changes in plant community succession in the northern China steppe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Painful granulomatous lesions appeared on the face of a 36-year-old man with myelodysplastic syndrome. Skin biopsy revealed chronic inflammatory granuloma. Bacterial cultures of the lesions and blood indicated the same unknown Gram-negative rod bacterium. The 16S ribosomal RNA sequence of the unknown bacterium yielded Plienylobacterium. Thus, we diagnosed cutaneous infectious granuloma caused by Plienylobacterium and myelodysplastic syndrome/refractory cytopenia with multi-lineage dysplasia. After treatment with combined antibacterials that were selected based on the tests for drug sensitivity, the lesions disappeared with only scars remaining and without any signs of relapse after 1 year. This is the first case report of cutaneous infectious granuloma caused by Phenylobacterium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kalotermes inamurae Oshima 1912 (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) is reassigned to Incisitermes (Krishna, 1961) based on the winged imago that is described herein for the first time. The two size morphs of the soldier caste are redescribed, as is the distinctly different morphology of the soldier of incipient colonies. The distribution of L inamurae is restricted to the tropical zone of Taiwan. Another tropical species, Incisitermes mcgregori (Light), from Luzon, Philippines, has similar soldier morphology and may be a junior synonym of L inamurae. The five Incisitermes species reported in Japan, China, Taiwan, and the Philippines were compared morphologically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A confirmatory factor analysis of the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding based on a sample of 683 Chinese undergraduate and graduate students did not support the 2-factor (Paulhus) or 3-factor (Paulhus & Reid) models reported for Canadian samples. A follow-up principal components factor analysis yielded four factors, suggesting that both items on self-deception and impression management were split into enhancement and denial and that the structure of the inventory might vary across nations or cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanisation and serious environmental problems have led people worldwide to realise the significance of urban planning and management towards a sustainable environment. Beijing was used as a case study to develop a framework and strategies for sustainable development using ecological principles. At the regional level, Beijing-Tianjin agglomeration and Hebei Province are considered together. At the Beijing administrative level, some important measures are put forward for revision of the Beijing Urban Master Plan. At the Beijing plain level, the future spatial structure of Beijing city and the relationship between settlements, green space and transportation are considered, and three basic development patterns are proposed. At the inner district level, the ecological corridor system is suggested, based on ecosystem services. At the selected area level, a comprehensive strategy and key measures for conservation and renewal of old Beijing city core are provided. Once strategies for Beijing urban development are implemented step-by-step, a vision for future development can be achieved. This paper provides considerations for improvement of urban planning and management in China and other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water was released from a reservoir in May 2005 to restore the wetland of international importance at Zhalong, China. As a result, the water level on the floodplain rose rapidly. A pair of Red-crowned Cranes (Grus japonensis) was observed raising their nest to avoid submersion and loss of eggs. The nest and two eggs were tended by both adults, but the eggs did not hatch. Hatching failure may have resulted from low egg temperatures due to addition of wet and new nesting materials, and reduction of incubation time during the flooding event. Reservoir discharge should avoid the breeding period of waterbirds and discharge rates should be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) holds much promise for producing biodiesel; it is cultivated in many tropical countries. In the South China Botanical Garden, a germplasm collection of J. curcas has been assembled on the basis of geographic location. However, this collection has not been characterized using molecular techniques associated with germplasm management and utilization. In this study, the genetic relationships of 58 J. curcas accessions were assessed based on simple sequence repeat (SSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analyses. Seventeen microsatellite markers were developed using the FIASCO (Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences Containing repeats) protocol; only one SSR primer was polymorphic with two alleles. The seven AFLP primer combinations amplified 70 polymorphic loci in total, 14.3% of which were polymorphic. The clustering of genotypes based on the AFLP markers shows that the genetic diversity of J. curcas in Guizhou was notably different from the other samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological footprint (EF) analysis is an effective tool to assess ecosystem appropriation, but weaknesses still exist. In order to estimate a city's ecosystem appropriation, we made two modifications to EF: 1) including different types of freshwater area in the calculating framework; and 2) re-adjusting all equivalent factors in terms of different types of freshwater. The modifications are mainly concerned with changes in the composition of freshwater areas in EF analysis; that is, the proportion of aquaculture freshwater and tap freshwater. An assumption of 25 % of aquaculture freshwater was used to conduct a sensitivity test. It shows that variation of the proportion leads to different equivalent and yield factors for tap freshwater areas. The variations not only change the EF of freshwater but also the total EF. The modified EF calculation served to assess ecosystem appropriation in Jiangyin city in 1998. By comparing the original and the modified EF, it was found that the ecological deficit was larger (2.19 ha per capita) in the modified calculation than in the original (2.16 ha per capita). The original calculation is an underestimate because direct consumption of freshwater was not fully included in its calculating framework. From the modified calculation, the EF for different categories of ecosystems decreased, from fossil energy land, arable land and pasture to built-up areas, which together occupy about 97.58% of the total EF. Fossil energy land occupied 68.55% of the total, while freshwater areas took only 0.62%. The main ecological deficits were from fossil energy land, arable land, pasture and marine areas. Ecological supply is lacking within Jiangyin and relies on ecosystems outside the city to survive. Ecosystem management is indispensable to optimise the efficiency of ecosystem use and to expand the biological capacity of the city. The modified EF could provide a more reasonable instrument in policy-making and implementing sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of hypertonic crystalloid solutions, including sodium chloride and bicarbonate, for treating severe sepsis has been much debated in previous investigations. We have investigated the effects of three crystalloid solutions on fluid resuscitation in severe sepsis patients with hypotension. Methods: Ninety-four severe sepsis patients with hypotension were randomly assigned to three groups. The patients received the following injections within 15 min at initial treatment: Ns group (n = 32), 5 ml/kg normal saline; Hs group (n = 30), with 5 ml/kg 3.5% sodium chloride; and Sb group (n = 32), 5 ml/kg 5% sodium bicarbonate. Cardiac output (CO), systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP), body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood gases were measured. Results: There were no differences among the three groups in CO, MAP, heart rate or respiratory rate during the 120 min trial or the 8 hour follow-up, and no significant differences in observed mortality rate after 28 days. However, improvement of MAP and CO started earlier in the Sb group than in the Ns and Hs groups. Sodium bicarbonate increased the base excess but did not alter blood pH, lactic acid or [HCO3]- values; and neither 3.5% hypertonic saline nor 5% sodium bicarbonate altered the Na+, K+, Ca2+ or Cl- levels. Conclusion: All three crystalloid solutions may be used for initial volume loading in severe sepsis, and sodium bicarbonate confers a limited benefit on humans with severe sepsis. Trial registration: ISRCTN36748319. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late Pliocene - early Pleistocene erosions and relative uplifts in the central inversion zone of the Xihu Depression, East China Sea Basin, are independently determined from reflection seismic data and sonic well-logging data, respectively. Relative uplifts estimated from linear least-square models of 26 sonic wells range from 0.0 to 501.3 m, while absolute erosions estimated on their respective well localities are generally larger, in the range of ~50.0 to 1147.5 m measured directly from seismic data, and ~70.0 to 1700.4 m after decompaction. Although discrepancies exist for several of the wells, a strong positive correlation can be found between erosions and relative uplifts. This good correlation verifies on the one hand that sonic well-logging data can give reasonably good estimates of relative uplifts, and on the other hand that erosions incurred during the basin inversion are strongly tectonically driven. Erosions and relative uplifts appear to be more exponentially than linearly interrelated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the prognosis of facial allergic contact dermatitis (FACD). The objective of the study was to investigate the prevalence and 1-year outcome of FACD in patients patch tested. 655 consecutive patients patch tested with European standard series in Peking University Hospital in a 2-year period were studied. At 1 year after testing, all patients were asked a revisit and prognosis of FACD was assessed by the rates of clearance of dermatitis, relapse, and improvement at the final evaluation. Of 599 patients examined, 92 were affected by FACD. All their dermatitis improved. The clearance rate was 55.4%, which was much higher than that (23.1%) of other patients tested in the same period ( P < 0.05, chi-square test); however, the relapse rate was also high (42.4%). Concurrence of atopic diathesis, icthyosis, or drug allergy history had no influence on the clearance rates. The clearance rate was significantly lower (40.9%) in patients with disease duration over 3 months before testing. FACD is common among patients patch tested and has a better prognosis than other eczema. Patients with suspected FACD should be tested early and more work is needed to decrease the relapse rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article cites a study which aims to examine the frequency of patch test reactions to common cosmetic allergens in Chinese patients with cosmetic allergic contact dermatitis (CACD). The study revealed that the contact points of contact dermatitis was commonly found in the face, scalp, neck and upper limbs. It was also found that the leading causative cosmetics for CACD were attributed to skin care products and color decorating products.

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH).Methods: The clinical manifestations, laboratory examination results and histologic characteristics of eleven patients with MRH were collected and compared with those of 33 patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Results: In total, 72.7% of the MRH patients were women. The median age was 46 years (range 33-84 years). Diagnosed by specific pathologic features, all MRH patients exhibited cutaneous involvement. The dorsa of the hands, arms, face and auricle were the most commonly affected areas. Nodules were also located on the legs, scalp, trunk, neck, and even the hypoglossis and buccal mucosa. Ten MRH patients (90.9%) had symmetric polyarthritis. Compared with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, MRH patients were more likely to have distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) involvement (63.6% vs 24.2%, P = 0.017) and less likely to have elbow (36.4% vs 72.7%, P = 0.003), ankle (45.5% vs 93.9%, P < 0.001) and metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) (36.4% vs 78.8%, P = 0.009) involvement. Positivity for rheumatoid factor (RF) (36.4% vs 84.6%, P = 0.001) and anti-CCP antibody (9.1% vs 81.8%, P = 0.000), as well as the median RF titer [43.8 (31.7-61.0) vs 175.4 (21.3-940.3), P = 0.021], in MRH patients was lower than in RA patients. Elevation of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was also less common in MRH patients than in RA patients (36.4% vs 72.7%, P = 0.030). After treatment with median- to large-dose corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, 8 patients achieved complete remission and 2 patients partial remission (skin lesions ameliorated, joint lesions not ameliorated).Conclusion: Always pathologically diagnosed, MRH is a systemic disease involving RA-like erosive polyarthritis and a specific distribution of skin nodules characterized by "coral beads". More DIP involvement and less elbow, ankle and MCP involvement are seen in MRH than in RA. In addition, less positivity and lower-titer RF, uncommon presence of anti-CCP antibodies and ESR elevation may be helpful to distinguish MRH from RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-te-fu (LTF) and Zhan-shan 97 (ZS) are two key female parents for the generation of indica hybrid rice, which have greatly contributed to the achievement of rice production in China. However, the high amylose content (AC) in the endosperm, controlled by the Waxy (Wx) gene encoded granule-bound starch synthase I, of both lines results in poor cooking and eating quality of the milled rice. Our previous studies have shown that AC was correlated with the ability to excise intron 1 from the leader sequence of the Wx transcript, and which is responsible by a single nucleotide polymorphism (G or T) located at the first nucleotide of the splice donor site of Wx intron 1. Thus, a CAPS marker was subsequently developed, and with this molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) we successfully introgressed the Wx-TT locus of rice cultivars with good quality intermediate AC into LTF-B and ZS-B. These were subsequently introduced into their relevant male-sterile lines (LTF-A and ZS-A) to generate improved indica hybrids. In the selected lines LTF(tt)-B and ZS(tt)-B, the AC was reduced to a relatively low level (15%). Consequently, the hybrids crossed from the selected lines had dramatically reduced amylose levels. In the field trials, the agronomic performance in the improved lines and their hybrids was examined and compared to the originals. The other key factors involved in rice cooking and eating quality were also improved in the selected lines and their hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the clinical and epidemiologic profile of childhood alopecia areata, we performed a survey in which a total of 226 childhood patients less than 16 years old were enrolled. Statistical analysis and heritability were performed using EPI INFO 6.0, SPSS10.0, and the Falconer method. The median age of onset was 10 years. The majority of patients (84.96%) presented with limited alopecia. The male : female ratio was 1.4:1. Boys appeared to have more severe involvement. The earlier the age of onset, the greater the severity of the disease. Sixty-seven patients (29.65%) had previous episodes of alopecia areata. Greater severity and longer duration were seen in the relapsing patients than in the primary patients. Six patients (2.65%) had an associated disease. A positive family history was reported in 25 patients (11.06%). The prevalence figures for alopecia areata in first-, second-, and third-degree relatives of the probands were 2.87%, 0.40%, and 0.13%, respectively. The heritabilities of AA in first-, second-, and third-degree relatives were 51.20%, 46.25%, and 25.65%, respectively. It can be speculated that the effect of genetic factors is important in the occurrence of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban forest is a very important part of urban ecosystems and provides significant ecosystem services. It benefits urban communities environmentally, aesthetically, recreationally and economically. This article reviews the development status, development patterns and influencing factors of urban forest in China. There are four typical development patterns of urban forest in China: the forest city, garden city, ecological economics and forest greenbelt. Social, climatic, economic and other factors influence urban forest development in China. Social factors include government behaviour, laws and regulations, science and technology, education and culture, public awareness and participation, ecological planning and management. Climatic factors include rainfall, temperature and sunlight. Economic factors include urban economic level and funding for urban forest. In future, government, NGOs and the private sector should be considered more in the planning and management of urban forest. The social, climatic and economic factors should be taken into account when improving urban forest management. Research on urban forest from the academic and the management viewpoint should be strengthened. This can improve the development and management of urban forest in China and in other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most commons cancers in Southeast Asia and Southern China. Several NPC-associated genes have been so far described and here we describe the identification and the characterization of a novel nasopharyngeal carcinoma-associated peptide: NAP-1. NAP-1 was identified with the human genome draft searching method combined with nested PCR mapping of the chromosome 4q13 region. NAP-1 encodes an 85 amino acid alkaline peptide with a calculated isoelectric point of 9.3, three phosphorilation sites and a proline-rich region. Northern blot analysis revealed that NAP-1 is expressed as a 0.6 kb transcript in normal lymph nodes and trachea. In addition, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR showed that NAP-1 is expressed not only in NPC but in normal nasopharynx (NP) and various other tumors and tissues of the head and neck including: tonsils, lymph nodes, carcinoma of the tonsil, T cell lymphomas, squamous cell carcinoma of the hard palate, papilloma of the nasopharynx, nasopharyngitis, lymphoma of the tongue root and follicular dendritic cells (FDC). In addition, NAP-1 is not expressed in normal tissues or tumors from other anatomical regions and was not expressed by NPC cell lines. Surprisingly, differential RT-PCR demonstrated decreased expression of NAP-1 in NPC compared with paired NP biopsies in 42.5 % of cases (17 out of 40). In addition, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that NAP-1 is expressed by S100+ CD35+ FDCs of the germinal center and not in other normal immune cells infiltrating NP or NPC. Therefore, it is likely that NAP-1 is secreted by FDC in the NP and may play an immune modulatory role in NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis (OACD) is an important medical and occupational health problem. If undiagnosed, the disease may persist and even spread widely, resulting in severe and permanent disability to the worker, who may be deprived of his legal right to compensation. OACD is not uncommon in China, although many dermatologists fail to establish the connection between disease and working conditions, because they think that the diagnosis of OACD is the work of occupational medicine and that special diagnostic methods are required. The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Labour and Social Security of China have issued a new law recently to emphasize the prevention and treatment of occupational disease. It requires physicians to make an accurate diagnosis and report of occupation-related diseases. In this study, we have successfully investigated 14 cases of OACD in our hospital by patch testing the patients with a standard series of allergens and investigating by questionnaire the suspected offending occupational allergens. During a 2-year period (2001–2003), 14 patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis were investigated and confirmed as having OACD. OACD may develop in many different occupations. In this study, nickel, 4-phenylenediamine, fragrance mix, black rubber mix, colophonium, epoxy resin and thiuram mix were identified by patch testing as the main offending allergens in such patients. These results indicate that patch testing plays a vital role in the diagnosis and identification of occupational allergens, and our study shows that OACD can often be diagnosed by patch testing patients with a standard series. The clinician should be alert to recognize the offending allergens of OACD by referring to patch testing all patients with clinically suspected contact dermatitis, and then educating the sensitized worker in how to avoid further exposure to the causative allergens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Dioszegia is comprised of anamorphic basidiomycetous yeasts and is classified in the family Bulleribasidiaceae of the order Tremellales. Currently, 24 species have been described and accepted as members of the genus, although its diversity and global distribution have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, yeasts were isolated from plant leaves collected in the Guizhou and Henan Provinces of China and identified through a combination of morphological and molecular methods. Phylogenetic analyses of the combined ITS and LSU sequences coupled with morphological studies revealed three novel species, D. guizhouensis sp. nov., D. foliicola sp. nov., and D. aurantia sp. nov., proposed here. Additionally, our phylogenetic analyses suggest that the recently discovered species D. terrae is a synonym of D. maotaiensis. This study presents detailed descriptions and illustrations of three new Dioszegia species and highlights distinctions between them and their close relatives. The findings of this study contribute to our knowledge of the biodiversity of Dioszegia, offering a foundation for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Experimental studies have shown that disinfection byproducts (DBPs) including haloacetic acids (HAAs) can cause liver toxicity, but evidence linking this association in humans is sparse. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore the associations between HAA exposures and liver injury. METHODS: We included 922 women between December 2018 and January 2020 from the Tongji Reproductive and Environmental (TREE) cohort study in Wuhan, China. Urinary HAA concentrations including trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) and dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and serum indicators of liver function, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were measured. Liver injury was defined as if any of serum indicator levels were above the 90th percentile. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were fitted to assess the associations of urinary HAA concentrations with the risk of liver injury and liver function indicators. Stratified analyses by age, body mass index (BMI), alcohol use, and passive smoking were also applied to evaluate the potential effect modifiers. RESULTS: There is little evidence of associations of urinary TCAA concentrations with liver injury risk and liver function indicators. However, urinary DCAA concentrations were associated with a higher risk of liver injury [odds ratios (OR) for 1-interquartile range (IQR) increase in natural log (ln) transformed DCAA concentrations: 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 1.98]. This association was observed only among nondrinkers (푝interaction =0.058). We also found that a 1-IQR increase in ln-transformed DCAA concentrations was positively associated with ALT levels (percentage change =6.06%; 95% CI: 0.48%, 11.95%) and negatively associated with AST/ALT (percentage change= -4.48%; 95% CI: -7.80%, -1.04%). In addition, urinary DCAA concentrations in relation to higher GGT levels was observed only among passive smokers (푝interaction =0.040). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that exposure to DCAA but not TCAA is associated with liver injury among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the intention of undergraduate medical students to withdraw from the medical profession and pursue a career in a different field upon graduation during COVID-19. We leverage the first and most comprehensive nationwide survey for medical education in China, which covered 98,668 enrolled undergraduate students from 90 out of 181 Chinese medical schools in 2020. We focus on these students' self-reported intention to leave the healthcare industry (the "dropout intention") before and after the outbreak of the epidemic. We also designed a randomized experiment to test whether and to what extent medical students dropout intention responded to an information nudge that highlighted the prosociality of health professionals in the fight against the virus. Results from a difference-in-differences model and a student fixed effect model suggest that after the onset of COVID-19, the proportion of Chinese undergraduate medical students with a dropout intention declined from 13.7% to 6.8%. Furthermore, the nudge information reduced the intent-to-drop-out probability by 0.8 additional percentage points for students in their early college years. There was large heterogeneity underneath the treatment effect. Specifically, we find that prior dropout intention and exposures to COVID-19-related information tended to mitigate the nudge effects. Data on students' actual dropout outcomes support our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the kinds of helping behaviors given and received by Chinese college students and the kinds of explanations offered for these behaviors. It defines helping as one person's bringing about a benefit to another person. It also explores people's perceptions of helping intentions. It describes that to understand how helping intentions are perceived, one must first postulate a typology. The egoistic-altruistic dimension and the dichotomy of intrinsic-extrinsic motives are prevalent in helping and motivation research, but a typology specially devised for perceived helping intentions is missing. Such a typology is attempted in the article through a descriptive analysis of the participants' responses to the question of why help is given. It further informs that a questionnaire survey explored the kinds of helping behaviors given and received by Chinese college students and the kinds of explanations offered for these behaviors. It adds that helping behaviors reported by the Chinese students paralleled those of U.S. college students in McGuire; the behaviors were sorted, according to her typology, into casual, substantial personal, emotional, and emergency helping. Four categories of perceived intentions behind helping behaviors were identified: altruistic, normative, relationship, and exchange.