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Background: The growing prevalence of smartphone use among college students in China has led to health concerns, including De Quervain's Tenosynovitis (DQT). However, the specific smartphone usage behaviors contributing to DQT remain poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the relationship between smartphone usage behaviors and DQT in college students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 937 students from various majors in Guangxi between September 2021 and April 2022. Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing smartphone usage behaviors and their association with DQT. The Finkelstein test was employed to diagnose DQT. Results: Over half of the college students (52%) tested positive for DQT via Finkelstein's test. Higher levels of smartphone usage time (6–8 h/day: OR = 4.454, 95%CI:1.662–12.229; ≥8 h/day: OR = 4.521, 95%CI:1.596–12.811), phone games (OR = 1.997, 95%CI:1.312–3.040), social media (OR = 2.263, 95%CI:1.795–3.833), and leisure activities (OR = 1.679, 95%CI:1.140–2.475) were significantly associated with an increased risk of DQT. Two specific gestures (Bilateral thumbs, BT: OR = 1.900, 95%CI:1.281–2.817; Bilateral thumbs-horizontal screen, BT-HS: OR = 1.872, 95%CI:1.244–2.818) and two screen sizes (5.0-5.5inch: OR = 2.064, 95%CI:1.108–3.846; 6.0-6.5inch: OR = 2.413, 95%CI:1.125–4.083) also exhibited a higher risk of DQT. Bilateral DQT was observed, with Gesture-BT identified as the primary risk factor. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that increased smartphone usage time, phone games, social media, and leisure activities elevate the risk of DQT among college students. Furthermore, two specific gestures and two screen sizes were also linked to a heightened DQT risk. To mitigate DQT development, college students should reduce smartphone usage time and adopt appropriate gestures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, "lying flat" has been enthusiastically pursued by young people in China, and it is worth studying its cause and social impact. However, there is still a lack of measurement tools that can scientifically evaluate an individual's tendency for "lying flat." In this study, a 6-item "Lying Flat" Tendency Scale was developed and cross-validated for reliability and validity in different samples from China. The findings demonstrated that the scale showed good internal consistency in three different samples; both exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported the single dimension model of the scale, indicating good construct validity; the LFTS total score was negatively correlated with the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, happiness index, and positive emotions, and was positively correlated with negative emotions; simultaneously, the LFTS total score was also significantly positively correlated with the choice of "lying flat" behavior in the simulated situation. These results show that the scale has good validity and reliability, and can be used as a measuring tool for subsequent empirical research. It will help to promote the development of empirical research on the phenomenon of "lying flat", help to understand the causes and consequences of "lying flat" more deeply, and also help to find effective ways to help young people break out of the "lying flat" dilemma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ratoon rice (RR) has been regarded as a labor-saving and beneficial production system. Nitrogen (N) surplus and reactive N losses (Nr losses) are effective environmental indicators used to evaluate the performance of N management. Few studies have assessed N surplus and Nr losses for Chinese RR. In this study, Chinese RR planting areas were divided into South China (SC), the southern part of East China (SEC), Central China (CC), the northern part of East China (NEC), and Southwest China (SW). N surplus and Nr losses were also calculated based on 782 studies using a quadratic model under optimized N management for the highest yield (OPT-yield), the highest N-use efficiency (NUE) (OPT-NUE), and the highest grain N uptake (OPT-N uptake). The RR yields in the five regions ranged from 9.98 to 13.59 t ha−1. The high-yield record was observed in SEC, while the low-yield record was observed in NEC. The highest and the lowest Nr losses were found in NEC and SC, respectively. N surplus was reduced, while the yield was maintained in SEC, CC, NEC, and SW under OPT-yield and OPT-N uptake, and N surplus and Nr losses were reduced in the five regions when targeting the highest NUE. Farmers should be encouraged to plant RR in SEC and CC. RR was also a good choice when N management measures were conducted in three other regions. To achieve a win–win situation for both yield and the environment, OPT-yield could serve to improve the N management of current conventional practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ratoon rice (RR) is regarded as a labor-saving and efficient approach to rice cultivation; however, sub-optimal production techniques (fertilization, irrigation, harvesting) may lead to serious environmental problems and unsustainable agriculture. In this study, emergy analysis was combined with indicators of soil fertility, global warming potential (GWP), and profitability to comprehensively assess the sustainability performance of three cultivation modes: (i) traditional farm practice (TRA), (ii) optimized mode (OPT), and (iii) OPT plus green manure planting (OPTM). Over 2 years, compared with the TRA mode, OPT and OPTM modes increased total rice yield by 10% and 19% on average and improved profit by 233.7 and 456.5 Yuan ha−1, respectively. Single emergy analysis results showed that, compared with the TRA mode, OPT and OPTM (2-year average value) modes increased production efficiency by 10% and 8%, reduced renewable fraction and emergy sustainability index by 14–19% and 18–23%, respectively, and increased environmental loading ratio by 31% and 22%. Multiple EMA analysis results showed that, compared with the TRA mode, OPT and OPTM (2-year average value) modes reduced UEVNmin by 23% and 21% and increased UEVGWP 32% and 51%, respectively. The UEVTotal revenue and UEVBenefit of OPT and OPTM increased by 8–29% and 4–37%, respectively, compared with TRA mode. The comprehensive assessment indicated that, despite OPT and OPTM modes have a range of improvements and dis-improvements versus the TRA mode, OPTM was the more sustainable mode of RR production overall. However, some sustainability indicators remained poor, and there remains scope for further optimization via, e.g., precision application of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers, application of a straw-decomposing inoculant to improve soil fertility, and use of new improved rice varieties with high regenerative ability to improve the yield of ratoon crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using firm- and industry-level panel data, this study investigates the impact of the Ghana–China trade on labour productivity of Ghanaian manufacturing firms and compares it to the impact induced by the trade of Ghana with the OECD. The main findings suggest that the productivity effect in Ghanaian manufacturing firms triggered by engaging in international trade activities is contingent upon the industrial competitive advantage and the trading partners. The empirical results show that trading with China creates greater potentials for Ghanaian manufacturing firms to raise productivity in comparison to trading with OECD countries. Higher intensities of imports from China stimulate productivity gains while more exports to China only enhance productivity in industries in which Ghana has a comparative advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using national longitudinal survey data, we study how the Chinese New Rural Pension Scheme (NRPS) reform affects the rural labour supply structure of individuals aged 20–70. Applying multiple regression approaches, we find NRPS does not significantly affect Chinese rural residents' weekly working hours, labour force participation, or migration choices; only those aged 50–59 change their labour supply pattern after joining the pension system. Parental pensions motivate adult children to migrate out only when both parents receive pensions. Various factors are explored to understand our findings; the low subsidy that Chinese rural pensioners currently receive is the major factor. These results indicate that from the perspective of improving the welfare of the rural elderly and encouraging the more free flow of young rural labour force, it is necessary to increase the compensation level of NRPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Rice‐crayfish coculture (RC) uses 10% of the paddy field area for crayfish ditches, with rice cultivated in the remaining area, providing staple carbohydrates alongside fish rich in protein and essential oils. These systems rely on complex interactions, involving nutrient cycling, fish feeding, soil physicochemical modification, and insect‐pest predation, and have important socio‐economic effects. Past studies have considered only one or a few of these aspects pertinent to food system sustainability, and there remains a need for an integrated assessment of RC systems. In this mini‐review, we collate data from two field experiments and three field surveys published across eight papers to synthesize the overall sustainability of RC systems in Jianghan Plain in China. RESULTS: In deep groundwater fields, the RC rice yield was 30–55% lower than for typical rice‐rapeseed (RR) rotations, while CH4 emission and pesticide use were 41–96% and 50% lower, respectively. In shallow groundwater fields, RC rice yield was similar to typical rice monoculture (RM) cultivation, while CH4 emission and pesticide use were 28–41% and 17% lower for RC cultivation. Field survey data indicated that RC can improve soil nutrient and organic matter content significantly compared with RM cultivation, and also increase the diversity of fauna and flora in the paddy field whilst reducing the incidence of chilo suppressalis (a major rice pest). Feed inputs to RC systems increased crayfish yield by 31–71% and reduced the fraction of N inputs lost to the environment from 71% to 41%. CONCLUSION: We conclude that RC systems with feed inputs in areas with shallow groundwater can deliver improved food security, sustainability, and resilience through ecological intensification. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the role of HE infection in HCC development and the effect of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HEV coinfection on HCC risk. A hospital‐based case‐control study was conducted. A total of 474 eligible HCC cases and 586 control patients were successfully recruited. The fasting venous blood was collected from the patients at the first visited to hospital and HBV infection and HEV infection were examined within 5 days. Crude and adjusted odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were estimated by using logistic regression model. HBV infection (OR: 63.10, 95% CI: 42.02‐97.26) rather than HEV infection (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.721‐1.65) was associated with an increased risk of HCC after adjustment for confounders. The association between HBV infection and HCC risk was more remarkable in male (OR: 72.61, 95% CI: 45.10‐121.38) than in female (OR: 61.89, 95% CI: 25.74‐169.26). In comparison with patients who infected with neither HEV nor HBV, those who infected with only HBV (OR: 69.62, 95% CI: 40.90‐123.52) and who coinfected with HEV and HBV (OR: 67.48, 95% CI:37.23‐128.19) were significantly associated with an increased risk after adjustment for potential confounders. The results showed that HBV infection rather than HEV infection was associated with an increased risk of HCC, and the HEV infection may alleviate the promoting impact of HBV on HCC development. What's new Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are among the many factors associated with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The role of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the development of HCC is unclear, however. This case‐control study in a high‐risk area in China investigates the role of HEV infection in HCC development and the effect of HBV and HEV co‐infection on HCC risk. The results support the strong association between HBV infection and HCC risk. Co‐infection with HEV and HBV, but not infection with HEV alone, is significantly associated with an increased HCC risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sufficient samples of extreme precipitation events are needed in order to obtain reliable estimates of the probability of their occurrence. Here, we use a large ensemble simulation with 50 members from the Canadian Earth System Model (CanESM2) under the representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) scenario to give future projection of the intensity and frequency of extreme precipitation events under different warming levels relative to the current climate over China. A bias-correction method based on quantile mapping is first used to remove systematic biases in the ensemble. The return value and return period are obtained by fitting enough annual maximum precipitation samples with the generalized extreme value to represent the intensity and frequency of extreme events, respectively. The results show that the average intensity of extreme precipitation in China will increase by nearly 8% per 1°C of global warming, which closely follows the Clausius–Clapeyron relation. Rarer extreme events will experience greater changes in frequency, especially under higher warming. The nationally averaged extreme precipitation events, presently expected to occur every 50 years (100 years) under the current climate conditions, are expected to occur approximately every 41 years (82 years), 32 years (62 years), 22 years (42 years) and 15 years (29 years) under warming levels of 1.5, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0°C, respectively. Northwestern China (NW), southwestern China (SW) and the Yangtze River valley (YZ) exhibit the greatest increase in probability ratio (PR) under future climate condition. The risk of extreme precipitation events, currently expected to occur once every 50 years, will be nearly 11 (21) times more likely to occur under a climate warming by 3.0°C (4.0°C). Limiting warming to 1.5°C will help avoid approximately 40%-50%, 70%-80% and over 90% of the increase in the risk of extreme events in almost all subregions if the global mean surface temperature (GMST) continues warming to 2.0°C, 3.0°C and 4.0°C, respectively. Our study provides a useful information for the understanding the impact of climate change on the future risk of extreme events over China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated rice–crayfish systems are expanding rapidly and are the most widely applied planting–breeding modes in Jianghan Plain in China. We conducted nutrient use efficiency, economic, and emergy analysis of three rice production modes, namely, rice monoculture (RM), rice–crayfish rotation (RCR), and rice–crayfish coculture (RCC), in Jingzhou City, which is located in the Jianghan Plain. Compared with RM mode, rice–crayfish systems using the RCR and RCC modes increased rice yield by 5–7%, showed more than 8% higher chemical nutrient use efficiency, and increased the value-to-cost ratio from 1.5-fold to 2.7-fold and the benefit–cost ratio from 2.5-fold to 3.8-fold, while decreasing irrigation water consumption and land occupation by 31% and 82–86%, respectively. RCC resulted in 10% higher crayfish yield, 12% higher phosphorus use efficiency, and 38% higher feed use efficiency than RCR. However, compared with RM, rice–crayfish systems decreased renewable fraction by 10–14%, emergy yield ratio by 9%, and emergy sustainability index by 23–26%, and they increased environmental loading ratio to 18–23%. Labor and service, fertilizer utilization, and machine and tools play important roles in these negative environmental effects. Scenario analysis showed that the rice–crayfish systems increased sustainability index by 38–45%. The technical training of new planting–breeding technology should be adopted by farmers for the efficient use of fertilizers and improvement of food yield. This study suggests that rice‑crayfish systems are not a panacea to sustain cleaner food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apolygus lucorum is the dominant pathogenic insect attacking Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton in China. Additionally, 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) has important functions in many biological processes, including insect reproduction. Phospholipase C (PLC), which is an essential enzyme for phosphoinositide metabolism, is involved in 20E signal transduction, but its function in 20E‐mediated reproduction in A. lucorum remains unclear. In this study, 20E increased AlPLCγ transcription as well as the abundance and activity of the encoded protein during molting and metamorphosis. The 20E treatment also induced the considerable accumulation of two second messengers, inositol triphosphate and diacylglycerol. The expression levels of genes encoding vitellogenin (AlVg) and soluble trehalase (AlTre‐1) were similar to those of AlPLCγ, and were upregulated in response to 20E. The silencing of AlPLCγ resulted in downregulated expression of AlTre‐1 and AlVg. However, the silencing of AlTre‐1 and AlVg did not affect AlPLCγ expression. Moreover, the silencing of AlVg did not alter AlTre‐1 expression. Furthermore, an examination of the insect specimens indicated that AlPLCγ is required for female adult reproduction, and that downregulated expression of this gene is associated with decreases in fecundity, adult longevity, and egg hatching rate as well as delayed oocyte maturation. We propose that 20E regulates AlTre‐1 expression via AlPLCγ and affects Vg expression as well as ovary development to facilitate the reproductive activities of A. lucorum females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium is an opportunistic protozoan parasite that can inhabit in the gastrointestinal tract of various hosts. Cryptosporidium infection in black-boned goats and black-boned sheep may pose a threat to the survival and productivity, causing considerable economic losses to the livestock industry. However, it is yet to know whether black-boned goats and black-boned sheep in China are infected with Cryptosporidium. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of Cryptosporidium infection in black-boned goats and black-boned sheep in Yunnan province, China. A total of 590 fecal samples were obtained from black-boned goats and black-boned sheep from five counties in Yunnan province, and the prevalence and species distribution of Cryptosporidium were determined by amplification of the 18S rDNA fragment using the nested PCR. The overall Cryptosporidium prevalence was 13.2% (78/590), with 18.0% (55/305) in black-boned goats and 8.1% (23/285) in black-boned sheep. The age and sampling site were identified as main factors that result in significant differences in Cryptosporidium prevalence. Three species, namely C. muris, C. xiaoi, and C. ubiquitum, were identified in black-boned goats and black-boned sheep in the present study, with C. muris (46/78) as the predominant species. This is the first report of Cryptosporidium infection in black-boned goats and black-boned sheep in China, and the findings will facilitate better understanding, prevention, and control of Cryptosporidium infection in black-boned goats and black-boned sheep in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most important causative agents of microsporidiosis, causing diarrhoea the symptoms of enteric disease in humans and animals. Although there is some information on the prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi in China, there is still a lack of data in pigs in southern China. In the present study, a total of 396 faecal specimens were collected from pigs in Zhejiang, Guangdong and Yunnan provinces in southern China, and were examined by nested PCR amplification of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) for the prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi in pigs was 31.57% (125/396), forming 15 genotypes, including 9 known genotypes (EbpC, EbpA, D, G, H, PigEBITS5, Henan-IV, KIN-1, CHS5) and 6 novel genotypes (GD1, ZJ1, ZJ2, YN1, YN2 and YN3), which were all clustered into Group 1. Moreover, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) showed that 6, 3, 4 and 5 types were identified in MS1, MS3, MS7 and MS4 loci, respectively, representing four multilocus genotypes (MLGs), designated as MLGs novel-1 to novel-4 in the present study. This is the first detailed study of E. bieneusi using MLST in pigs in southern China, which extended information about the distribution of E. bieneusi genotypes in China. Highlights • E. bieneusi prevalence and genotypes in pigs were examined by nested PCR of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer • 15 genotypes, including 6 novel genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified in pigs • E. bieneusi positive samples were characterized by multilocus sequence typing • Four new multilocus genotypes (MLGs novel-1-novel-4) were observed in pigs • This study extended the information of distribution of E. bieneusi genotypes in China [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary This study investigates the impact of outward direct investment (ODI) by Chinese MNEs on innovation performance and the conditions under which such an impact is moderated, based on a sample of Chinese firms. The empirical evidence suggests that undertaking ODI leads to an increase in the innovation performance of these Chinese firms. The impact of ODI on innovation is contingent on firm characteristics such as in-house R&D, strategic orientation, and international experiences as well as contextual factors associated with investment destinations and industry contexts. We also find that learning through ODI is a complex process. There is a substitution between ODI and in-house R&D in Chinese MNEs. Our findings suggest that conducting ODI in developed countries serves as an effective channel for latecomer firms to overcome internal resource constraints and leapfrog toward the technology frontier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Evaluation system was constructed with the criterion of green, efficiency and safety; • Water-land resources assessment in the historical and future periods were conducted; • The evaluation unit was based on the smaller raster cell; • The objectives of water-land resources regulation were determined. Our study was designed to spatially assess the regulation potential of watershed water-land resources, and determine its regulation objectives for subsequent optimal allocation. We centred around the Yiluo River Basin, being a soil conservation demonstration plot in the middle course of the Yellow River Basin. In accordance with the criteria of the green development, the high efficiency and the safety, the evaluation system of water-land resources regulation potential was established. Then the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method was applied to assess the watershed water-land resources during 2001–2020 and 2030–2050, and the evaluation results were represented by the eigenvalue T. The research findings pointed out that the assessment grade of watershed water-land resources was mainly moderate and better state, and presented significant spatial agglomeration features in the historical and forecast years. In the context of dual influences of climatic variation and water-land resources exploitation, the assessment eigenvalue T of watershed water-land resources increased by 6% in the historical periods, and decreased by 4.57 ∼ 7.74% in the future periods. Based on the assessment results, it was recommended to restrict the water-land resources exploitation in the upstream, control the soil erosion in the midstream, and coordinate the relationship between the exploitation and protection of water-land resources in the lower reaches. Our study offers scientific evidence for the elaborate regulation of watershed water-land resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterocytozoon bieneusi, the most common zoonotic pathogen of microsporidiosis, has been found in various animals and humans, but no information is available concerning the prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi in white yaks (Bos grunniens). In the present study, 353 faecal samples from white yaks in Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, Gansu Province, Northwestern China, were collected and examined by PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer gene to estimate E. bieneusi prevalence and identify their genotypes. Of the 353 faecal samples, 4 (1.13%) were tested E. bieneusi-positive. Sequences analysis revealed that two known genotypes, namely, I (n=1) and BEB4 (n=2), and a novel genotype, namely, WCY1 (n=1), were found in this study. Among them, genotype WCY1 was clustered into Group 1, and genotypes I and BEB4 belonged to Group 2. The present study firstly indicates the existence of E. bieneusi in yaks in Gansu Province, Northwestern China. This is also the first record of E. bieneusi in white yaks. Effective measures should be taken to control E. bieneusi infection in white yaks, other animals, and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cases of donation after brain death followed by circulatory death (DBCD) and donation after cardiac death (DCD) have been increased year by year in China. Further research is needed to understand in the outcomes and risk factors of delayed graft function (DGF) in order to minimize the risk of DGF and ameliorate its potential impact on long-term outcomes. This study was to explore the differences in outcomes between DBCD and DCD transplant and the main risk factors for DGF in DBCD.Methods: Retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 367donations after citizens' death kidney transplant procedures (donors and recipients) between July 2012 and August 2015 at our center.Results: During the study period, the donation success rate was 25.3%. 164 cases of DBCD and 35 cases of DCD had been implemented and 367 kidneys were transplanted. The incidence of DGF in DBCD group were significantly lower than that of DCD group (12.0% vs. 27.0%, p = 0.002). The 1-year percent freedom from acute rejection (AR) was significantly higher in DBCD group compared with it of DCD group (94% vs. 82%, p = 0.036). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the kidney transplants revealed that the high risk factors for DGF after renal transplantation in DBCD were history of hypertension (Odds Ratio [OR] = 5.88, 95% CI: 1.90 to 18.2, p = 0.002), low blood pressure (BP < 80 mmHg) (OR = 4.86, 95% CI: 1.58 to 14.9, p = 0.006) and serum creatinine of donor (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.16, p = 0.003) before donation.Conclusions: The outcomes of DBCD could be better than DCD in DGF and AR. The main risk factors for DGF in DBCD kidney transplants are donors with a history of hypertension, low blood pressure, and serum creatinine of donor before donation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled-released urea (CRU) and water-saving irrigation are being extensively used to obtain higher rice (Oryza sativa) yields with lower greenhouse gas emissions. However, the environmental impact potential of their combined impacts is still unknown. Two-factor experiments, nitrogen practices with urea and CRU while irrigation practices with conventional irrigation (CI) and alternate wetting-drying water-saving irrigation (AWD), were used to clarify the potential impacts in the Jianghan Plain in China. Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was used to examine seven environmental impact categories, including non-renewable energy depletion, global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential, eutrophication potential (EP), human toxicity potential, freshwater toxicity potential (FTP) and soil toxicity potential in addition to an economic assessment. The largest contribution allocated to the comprehensive environmental impact indices included the GWP, EP (>26.28%) and FTP (>62.14%), while the other four indices contributed little, and CRU + AWD had the lowest weighting value (0.7981). The EP was affected by N fertilizer off and on the farm (7% and 68%–71%), nitrous oxide emissions from the planting season and winter fallow (7%–12% and 8%–12%) and the FTP differed slightly among the four treatments. Net ecosystem economic benefits (NEEB) (approximately 15,541 CNY ha−1) and benefit-cost ratio (52%) of CRU + AWD was similar to those of CRU + CI, and were increased by 18%–47% and 11%–41% compared with U + CI and U + AWD, respectively. Trade-off results found the combination of CRU and AWD had the lowest environmental load with a high grain yield, economic benefits and soil organic carbon storage to enable the sustainable production of rice. [Display omitted] • Eutrophication potential and global warming potential were largest contribution. • Controlled-released urea with water-saving irrigation had lowest environmental impact. • Controlled-released urea had higher benefit-cost ratio (52%) than common urea. • Controlled-released urea with water-saving irrigation was the best combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has now moved considerably away from being an imitative latecomer to technology toward to being an innovation-driven economy. The key lessons from China's experience are that (1) there is synergy between External Knowledge and Indigenous Innovation because the process of learning the tacit knowledge required in using the foreign technology fully is made easier by strong in-house R&D capability; (2) the open innovation approach is very important because it allows multiple driving forces-the state, the private sector and MNEs-with each playing a changing role over time; and (3) the commencement of foreign technology transfer and investment in indigenous innovation should go hand in hand. Without the numerous well-funded programs to build up the innovation infrastructure to increase the absorptive capacity of Chinese firms, foreign technology would have remained static technology embedded in imported machines and would not have strengthened indigenous technological capability. However, China could still end up in the middle-income trap, unless it undertakes a series of critical reforms in its innovation regime in order to keep moving up growth trajectories that are increasingly skill-intensive and technology-intensive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of the genotype and allele frequencies of the polymorphisms rs4379368, rs10504861, rs10915437, rs12134493 and rs13208321 in She people of China with migraine headache susceptibility. The five alleles were previously identified as being associated with migraine in a Western population, but it was not known if this association would hold in a She population. rs4379368 is in the succinic HMG coenzyme A transferase ( C7orf10) gene; rs10504861 is near the matrix metallopeptidase 16 ( MMP16) gene; rs10915437 is near the adherens junctions associated protein 1 ( AJAP1) gene; rs12134493 is upstream of the tetraspanin 2 ( TSPAN2) gene; and rs13208321 is within the four and a half LIM domains protein 5 ( FHL5) gene. Methods: This was a case-controlled study conducted in She people of Fujian province in China. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and direct sequencing were performed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the association of the different genotypes of each SNP with migraine. Results: The rs4379368 T allele was not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and was more common than the C allele in subjects with migraine (58.7 %; P = 0.049), possibly suggesting a selection bias for T allele in this population. In support of this, the CT and TT genotypes were more frequent in the migraine compared with the control groups (54.0 % and 31.7 % vs. 48.0 % and 28.7 %, respectively; P = 0.019). These genotypes were also more common in females with migraines than females without migraines (53.8 % and 30.9 % vs. 46.7 % and 27.6 %; P = 0.026). Univariate and multivariate analyses found the CC genotype of rs4379368 and AA or AG genotype of rs13208321 were associated with a reduced risk of migraine ( P values ≤0.039). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that rs4379368 and rs13208321 are potential genetic markers for migraine in this She population. The findings of this study and others indicate important differences between ethnic populations in regard to genetic markers of migraine susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to catch up with the current technological frontier, firms, especially in developing countries, try to acquire technological advancement through internal R&D efforts, as well as through external technology-sourcing activities. This study tests whether these two sources of technology acquisition are complements or substitutes for each other in small- and medium-sized Chinese manufacturing firms. The evidence that we present shows some signs of complementarity between the two sources of knowledge in reaching a higher unconditional intensity of product innovation for firms with 100–300 employees and, in general, a significant degree of substitutability between them in achieving higher levels of labour productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The speciation and distribution of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus in riverbed sediment play an important role in river water quality and are the primary product for the river ecosystem. Previous research on river nutrients has not considered the relationship between nitrogen and phosphorus and their mobility effects. To investigate the role of nitrogen and phosphorus in water quality and their interactions between sediments and water, sediment and water samples were taken from 10 sites along the middle main stream of the Huai River in China from Linhuaigang to Fengtai County on December 12, 2008. Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in water, organic matter (OM), and different forms and contents of the elements in sediment were investigated. Results showed a positive correlation between total nitrogen in sampled sediments, primarily occupied by organic nitrogen and chlorophyll concentrations in water (). Total phosphorus in sediments was primarily represented as inorganic phosphorus, accounting for 80.9-96.1% of total phosphorus. The concentrations of non-apatite inorganic phosphorus in sediment ranged from . Results from statistical correlation analyses showed that the non-apatite inorganic phosphorus content in sediment was obviously negatively correlated with total nitrogen concentration in water (, ); inorganic nitrogen and non-apatite inorganic phosphorus contents in sediment were positively correlated with total phosphorus and resolvable phosphorus concentrations in water, respectively. Furthermore, data of May 2008 were added and analyzed. The same principles were observed between total nitrogen and non-apatite inorganic phosphorus, total phosphorus and inorganic nitrogen, but a positive correlation was found between (1) total nitrogen in water and (2) exchangeable nitrogen () and inorganic nitrogen () in sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nitrite is commonly present in pickled vegetables. Nitrite has been proven to have adverse effects on health, including changing the normal form of hemoglobin and the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. The aim of our study was to determine the levels of nitrite in pickled vegetable samples consumed in Harbin, China. In this study, 218 samples of pickled turnip (PT) (n = 42, packaged (PK) = 19; unpackaged (UPK) = 23), pickled tuber mustard (PTM) (n = 44, PK = 23; UPK = 21), pickled cucumber (PCC) (n = 48, PK = 25; UPK = 23), and pickled cabbage (PCB) (n = 84, PK = 39; UPK = 45) were analyzed between October 2011 and December 2011, using colorimetric nitrite assay based on the Griess reaction. A nitrite level of <5 mg/kg was normally predominant in 147 (67%) samples of the investigated pickled vegetables, ranging from 0.01 mg/kg to 42.03 mg/kg, while a nitrite level of >20 mg/kg was detected in 9 (4%) samples. The overall nitrite content was 4.02 ± 0.62 mg/kg for PT, 4.52 ± 1.07 mg/kg for PTM, 3.91 ± 0.69 mg/kg for PCC, and 4.86 ± 0.80 mg/kg for PCB. The content of nitrite in unpackaged pickled vegetables (PT, 5.47 ± 0.89; PTM, 6.84 ± 2.02; PCC, 5.32 ± 1.27; PCB, 6.41 ± 1.28; and total, 6.08 ± 0.71 mg/kg) was significantly higher than those in packaged products (PT, 2.68 ± 0.72; PTM, 2.30 ± 0.55; PCC, 2.62 ± 0.54; PCB, 3.08 ± 0.81; and total, 2.73 ± 0.36 mg/kg) (P < 0.05). The variance in the concentration of nitrite in the pickled vegetables probably resulted from differences in quality, processing technique, and storage condition of the pickled vegetables. Our results indicated that, in China, low level nitrite is widely present in pickled vegetables. It is therefore important to assess the content of nitrite in pickled vegetables in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Atypical porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) characterized by high morbidity and mortality emerged in China in 2006. The causative agent was confirmed to be a highly pathogenic PRRS virus (HP-PRRSV). However, the pathogenesis of HP-PRRSV is still uncertain. Here, the ability of the highly pathogenic strains (HV and JX) to induce tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was studied. Our results showed that HV and JX were weaker inducers of TNF-α than the conventional strain CH-1a. Moreover, HV infection was demonstrated to suppress extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation at the early time points. Pharmacologic inhibition or activation of ERK revealed that TNF-α production in HV-infected macrophages was associated with the activation status of ERK. Furthermore, HV- and JX-infection could potently impair lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and poly(I:C)-stimulated TNF-α release in a dose dependent manner whereas synergistic effects were observed at mRNA level. The observation suggested the involvement of posttranslational impact of HP-PRRSV on TNF-α production, which might be attributed to the reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in response to toll-like receptor (TLR)-ligation. Taken together, our results indicated that HP-PRRSV infection could impair TNF-α production by inhibiting ERK signaling pathway, which might partially contribute to the pathogenesis of HP-PRRSV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Trans fatty acid (TFA) is commonly present in edible oils. TFA has been proven to have adverse effects on blood lipids, including increasing the LDL-cholesterol concentration and decreasing the HDL-cholesterol concentration. The aim of our study was to determine the levels of TFA in edible oil samples consumed in Harbin, China. In this study, 93 samples of soybean oil (SBO) (n =29), rapeseed oil (RSO) (n =23), sunflower oil (SFO) (n =22), and corn oil (CO) (n =19) were analyzed between October 2010 and January 2011, using a gas chromatograph (GC) with a flame ionization detector (FID). TFA (>2%) was detected in 17 (18%) samples, ranging from 0.14% to 4.76%. The overall TFA content was 1.15±0.12% for SBO, 1.37±0.23% for RSO, 1.41±0.10% for SFO, and 2.01±0.24% for CO. Trans C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids were normally predominant in the investigated edible oils. The variance in the percentage of TFA in the edible oils probably resulted from differences in the quality, processing technique, and storage condition of the edible oils. The results indicated that, in China, TFA is widely present in edible oils at low levels. Therefore, it is important to assess the content of TFA in edible oils in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: The effects of diltiazem on 1692 kidney transplant recipients under the immunosuppressive regimen of cyclosporine A (CsA) in combination with either mycophenolate mofetil or azothioprine were assessed. The two treatment groups were compared for blood concentrations of CsA, the extent of acceptable dosage reduction for the maintenance of immunotherapy, potential effects of kidney protection, and promotion of graft function. Method: We monitored changes of blood concentrations of CsA in the two different patient treatment groups for post-transplant graft function, episodes of acute rejection, and hepatic and renal toxicity in 1640 renal transplant recipients after treatment with diltiazem. Results: In patients treated with the triple immunosuppressive regimen consisting of CsA, azothioprine, and prednisolone (Pred), the sub-group of patients receiving the diltiazem treatment saw a significantly reduced CsA dosage in comparison to the non-diltiazem group (control group 1) ( P < 0.05), but the blood concentrations of CsA of the diltiazem group were higher than those of control group 1 ( P < 0.01). Of the patients treated with CsA, mycophenolate mofetil, and Pred, the sub-group of patients also treated with diltiazem showed similar effects: CsA dosage was reduced ( P < 0.01) and the blood concentrations of CsA significantly increased ( P < 0.01) in comparison with those of control group 2. In addition, recovery time of graft function decreased to 4.7 ± 1.8 days and 3.9 ± 1.4 days in the two diltiazem treatment groups, respectively ( P < 0.05), and the rate of acute rejection decreased to 21 ( p < 0.05) and 7.9% ( P < 0.01), respectively. Conclusion: In our cohort of renal transplantation patients, co-administration of CsA and diltiazem increased CsA blood concentration, thereby resulting in a reduction in its required dosage treatment, which lightened the patients' economic burden while improving primary and long-term kidney function by promoting the recovery of graft function and decreasing hepatic and renal toxicity. The co-administration of diltiazem may also reduce the rate of acute rejection, especially in patients who also receive the triple immunosuppressive regimen consisting of CsA, mycophenolate mofetil, and Pred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: This study shows that cochlear implantation is relatively safe surgery with few major complications and within acceptable limits. However, close follow-up observation and effective medical and nursing intervention could alleviate further complications and thus become key elements for promoting recovery of patients undergoing such surgery. Objectives: Cochlear implantation has become an effective method for curing patients disabled by profound hearing loss in China. However, full exploration of the associated complications remains to be completed. The objective of this study was thus to analyse the postoperative complications in patients with cochlear implants (CIs) in order to design improved measures for clinical and nursing interventions. Methods: A retrospective study of 262 patients receiving CIs at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China from March 1997 to December 2006 was conducted. Results: Among 262 patients, 4 cases (1.5%) had 1 or more major complications requiring substantial medical or nursing interventions, including 1 case of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorrhoea accompanied by meningitis, 2 cases of facial nerve paresis and 1 case of perforation of tympanic membrane. Forty cases (15.3%) had some form of minor complication that settled spontaneously or easily with conventional treatments and nursing, of which dizziness and vomiting was the most frequent (4.2%), followed by CSF gusher without otorrhoea and/or induced meningitis (2.7%), tinnitus (1.9%) and facial nerve partially exposed without paralysis (1.5%). Eleven cases (4.2%) had some symptoms associated with installation of the cochlear device. Except for one patient who had no response after implantation because his auditory nerves were underdeveloped, all the patients who received appropriate treatment and nursing intervention had a favourable prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Co-administration of diltiazem and cyclosporine A (CsA) in kidney transplant recipients shows improvement of renal transplantation outcomes. Methods: We respectively analyzed 1531 kidney transplant recipients treated by different immunosuppressive therapy schemes from 1986 to 2003. They were divided into three groups depending on their immunosuppressive therapy schemes: control group with a standard triple therapy without use of diltiazem; study group I with the combination of diltiazem and the standard triple therapy but slightly low CsA; study group II with combination of diltiazem and a modified standard triple therapy but lower CsA. The CsA blood concentrations, posttransplant complications, and long-term survival in the three groups were compared. Results: The results showed that the patient and allograft survival in the study group II was 69.9 and 65.1%, respectively, significantly higher than that in the control group (50.7 and 47.6%). Occurrence of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity episodes was higher in the control group than those in the study group I and the study group II. The incidence of acute rejection in the control group was 30.3% (23/76), similar to 28.0% (184/657) in study group I, but statistically significantly higher than 7.6% (61/798) in the study group II. Conclusion: Combination of diltiazem and CsA in the kidney allograft recipients tends to reduce the CsA oral dosage, improve patient survival, and decrease the occurrence of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term behavior of sediment bound nitrogen (N) in promoting eutrophication of freshwater lakes can be more efficiently evaluated on the basis of different N-forms rather than on the total nitrogen (TN) content alone, these different N-forms include N in ion-extractable form (IEF-N), carbonate form (CF-N), iron–manganese oxides form (IMOF-N), and N bound in organic matter-sulfide (OSF-N). To assess the N contamination in sediment and its risk to aquatic systems, content and vertical distributions of TN and extractable nitrogen (Ex-N) in sediments from three typical shallow urban lakes in China were studied. The study examines the geochemical relationships between N-forms and physicochemical characteristics in the sediments, in addition to N-forms and its content proportion in sediments and the concentrations of total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) in the lake water column. Results show that the TN content decreased with sediment depth (0–50 cm) in the three lakes. The Ex-N percentages of the TN varied in the ranges of 58.8–63.8, 52.0–95.0, and 41.6–55.7% in sediments sampled from Mochou Lake, Xuanwu Lake, and Daming Lake, respectively. Distributions of the N-forms in the sediments showed significant differences between the three lakes. OSF-N and/or IMOF-N were/was the dominant form(s), and IEF-N, CF-N, and the OSF-N in surface sediment were positively correlated to TDN in lake water (increasing concentrations), whereas the IMOF-N in the sediment represented a negative correlation with TDN in lake water (decreasing concentrations). This suggests that the IEF-N, CF-N and OSF-N forms of nitrogen in the surface sediments could be released into the overlying water column of the lake under certain chemical conditions posing a serious threat to the lake water quality. These results can be beneficial for understanding the behavior of nitrogen transferring process between sediment and overlying water of lakes, and provide critical data for lake restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peritrich genus Epistylis is speciose, however many species lack complete morphological description based on modern criteria and/or molecular data. In the present study, one new species, i.e., E. foissneri n. sp., and two morphologically similar species, i.e., E. hentscheli Kahl, 1935 and E. vaginula Stokes, 1884, collected from freshwater habitats in China, were studied. Epistylis foissneri n. sp. is characterized by its extremely slender zooids encased in a gelatinous sheath, symmetrically dichotomously branched stalk, trochal band located at mid-body, contractile vacuole located on dorsal wall of infundibulum, infundibular polykinety 3 (P3) composed of three equal-length rows that terminate above infundibular polykinety 1 (P1), 105–110 silverlines between the peristome and the trochal band, and about 110 silverlines between the trochal band and the scopula. Epistylis hentscheli is characterized by its asymmetric pyriform zooids (average length ca. 160 μm in vivo), dichotomously branched stalk with transverse striations on the surface of the upper portion, P3 three-rowed and terminating slightly above P1, 60–75 silverlines between the peristome and the trochal band, and 55–90 silverlines between the trochal band and the scopula. Epistylis vaginula is characterized by its elongated body shape (about 100 μm in length in vivo), dichotomously branched and smooth stalk, P3 three-rowed and terminating above P1, 80–100 silverlines between the peristome and the trochal band, and 45–80 silverlines between the trochal band and the scopula. The small subunit ribosomal DNA gene (SSU rDNA) of these three species was sequenced and supported the validity of each. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequence data revealed that all three morphospecies group with other congeners within the major clade of Epistylis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential environmental risk associated with nutrient surplus after switching from rice monoculture (RM) to rice–crayfish rotation (RCR) was assessed in the Jianghan Plains in China. Nutrient surplus was achieved by surveying 32 RM and 69 RCR and determining their nutrient inputs and outputs, and the soil nutrient status for different soil properties were recorded for 0–23 years. The annual average input of N, P 2 O 5 , and K 2 O in RCR was 536, 185, and 253 kg ha−1, respectively, wherein fertilizer and feed accounted for the major fraction of the total nutrient input. For instance, they accounted 58% and 18% of N, 74% and 24% of P 2 O 5 , and 70% and 30% of K 2 O, respectively. The annual apparent surplus of N, P 2 O 5 , and K 2 O was 397, 145, and 225 kg ha−1, respectively, leading to low apparent nutrient use efficiency. Consequently, compared with RM, the total N and soil readily oxidized organic carbon in the upper soil surface (0–20 cm) for the RCR field significantly increased by 0.42–0.96 g kg−1 and 1.63–3.19 g kg−1, respectively. The available N, Olsen P, and exchangeable K of the RCR in the upper soil layer also increased significantly. In the RCR system, a significant positive linear relationship between the apparent accumulated nutrient surplus of N, P, and K elements and the total N, Olsen P, and exchangeable K present in the 0–60 cm soil profile was observed. In RCR, the soil pH in 0–60 cm soil profile and cation exchange capacity in the 0–20 cm soil layer increased as the cultivation time progressed. Nutrient accumulation in the soil not only enhanced soil fertility but also negatively influenced the environment. Therefore, several measures (e.g., new fertilization technologies, new fertilizer, legislation approaches for nutrient surplus, and technical training) should be adopted to control the nutrient surplus. Image 1 • The annual apparent surplus of N, P 2 O 5 and K 2 O were 356, 145, 225 kg ha−1 in rice-crayfish systems. • Total N and soil readily oxidized organic carbon of rice-crayfish systems in 0–20 cm soil layer significantly increased. • Nutrient accumulations existed due to excessive nutrient balance surplus in rice-crayfish rotation. The main finding: Nutrient surplus in the RCR soil enhanced nutrient accumulation, but it should be precisely monitored to avoid environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel energy management strategy is developed via vehicle to cloud connectivity. • Both electric cost and battery degradation cost are considered. • Dynamic programming provides the global optimization solution via cloud computing. • Model predictive control deals with uncertainties in the vehicle control unit. • Driving cycles including real bus driving cycles are used to validate the algorithm. In order to enhance energy efficiency and improve system performance, the road mobility system requires more preview information and advanced methods. This paper proposes a novel hierarchical optimal energy management strategy for electric buses with a battery/ultracapacitor hybrid energy storage system, to optimal split the power and reduce the battery life degradation. This method is based on vehicle-to-cloud connectivity. In the cloud platform, an optimal energy management strategy is developed using dynamic programming, where the battery degradation cost and the electric cost are taken into consideration. In the vehicle level, a model predictive control is developed to deal with the uncertainties, reduce the energy losses, and handle the system constraints. The cost function of the model predictive control includes the ultracapacitor state of charge planning and energy losses. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, a rule-based energy management strategy is developed as the baseline approach. The China bus driving cycle and other six real bus driving cycles recorded in China are used to validate the robustness of the proposed method. To be more realistic, the random uncertainties up to 20% are included in all driving cycles. Furthermore, the time delay and packet losses in communication are also considered. Simulation results show that the proposed method significantly outperforms the rule-based method, and the average improvement could be over 40% in the studied driving cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land deformation caused by the overexploitation of groundwater has become a potential geological hazard in Changzhou, China. To reduce the potential damage from deformation disasters, it is quite necessary to monitor them. In this study, C-band ENVISAT ASAR synthetic aperture radar (SAR) datasets acquired from 2004 to 2010 were processed with the small baseline subset (SBAS) interferometric SAR (InSAR) method to investigate the spatial–temporal distribution of land deformation. Levelling survey data were used to assess the deformation accuracy measured by the InSAR method, and groundwater level data were used to analyse the incentives for deformation. The SBAS InSAR results found several subsidence regions in the Wujin district and the central part of the Zhonglou district. The annual deformation rate calculated from the C-band interferograms ranged from −65 to +35 mm/yr in the line of sight (LOS) direction, and the cumulative subsidence ranged from −0.35 to 0.13 m in the vertical direction. The levelling survey data show that the two measurements are generally consistent. Correlation analysis between the groundwater table and InSAR measurements at six groundwater well stations shows that groundwater recharges can cause land rebound within the Changzhou urban region. However, subsidence was also observed simultaneously with a rising water table, which might have been caused by the status of consolidation of the strata. Our study provides scientific evidence on the management of groundwater extraction and the assessment of land-subsidence hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Evidence of Neospora caninum exposure in farmed raccoon dogs in China Abstract Neospora caninum is an intracellular protozoan parasite with a worldwide distribution, which can cause abortion and stillbirth in ruminants. However, little is known of N. caninum infection in raccoon dogs in China. Thus, a total of 1181 serum samples of farmed raccoon dogs were collected from the major production areas of Jilin, Changchun in Jilin province, and Rizhao, Weihai and Yantai in Shandong province in China. The antibodies to N. caninum were examined by a competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunoassay (cELISA). While the N. caninum seroprevalence in farmed raccoon dogs from different regions (cities) were not statistically significant, farmed raccoon dogs in Shandong province had a significantly higher N. caninum seroprevalence (8.99%, 95% CI 7.13–10.85) than those in Jilin province (4.46%, 95% CI 1.99–6.93) (P < 0.05). N. caninum seroprevalence in male and female raccoon dogs were 7.91% (95% CI 5.99–9.83) and 8.06% (95% CI 5.46–10.66), respectively. In addition, the seroprevalence of N. caninum infection in infancy, youth and adult raccoon dogs was 7.32% (95% CI 4.31–10.33), 7.93% (95% CI 5.44–10.42) and 8.41% (95% CI 5.82–11.00), respectively. This is the first report of N. caninum seroprevalence in farmed raccoon dogs in China, which provided baseline data for the prevention of N. caninum infection in raccoon dogs in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many infection control measures have been implemented to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 during COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 epidemic on the other notifiable infectious diseases in China, including respiratory infectious diseases, diseases transmitted through the digestive tract and animal-borne diseases. Compared with 2019, the overall decline rate of respiratory infectious diseases in 2020 is the highest (60–90%), and the diseases transmitted by the digestive tract and animal-borne diseases are similar at 20–30%. Both hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases decreased significantly in February, and there were basically no significant changes in other months compared with previous years. The series of measures taken by China government to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 are also very effective in preventing the spread of respiratory infectious diseases. But they also have a certain degree of prevention against notifiable infectious diseases spread by other routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and influenza A virus (IAV) are two important pathogens which can infect humans and various animals causing public health problems. In this study, the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with HEV and IAV infection in farmed wild boars were investigated in China. A total of 758 serum samples were collected from farmed wild boars between 2015 and 2016, and antibodies against HEV and IAV were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using commercially available kits. The overall prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies was 24.54% (186/758, 95% CI 21.48–27.60) in farmed wild boars. There were statistically significant differences in the HEV seroprevalence in farmed wild boars of different ages (<22 days: 8.33%; 22–66 days: 18.89%; >66 days: 26.36%) (P < 0.05) and different genders (50.00% in male and 23.49% in female) (P < 0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the HEV seroprevalence in farmed wild boars of different regions and different years. The overall IAV seroprevalence was 5.80% (44/758, 95% CI 4.14–7.46), and there was no statistically significant difference in the IAV seroprevalence in farmed wild boars of different ages and genders, collected from different regions and different years. Our results indicate that HEV and IAV infections in farmed wild boars may pose a potential risk for human infection. To our knowledge, this is the first report of HEV and IAV seroprevalence in farmed wild boars in China, which provides baseline data for further studies and for control of HEV and IAV infection in farmed wild boars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-count PET is an efficient way to reduce radiation exposure and acquisition time, but the reconstructed images often suffer from low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), thus affecting diagnosis and other downstream tasks. Recent advances in deep learning have shown great potential in improving low-count PET image quality, but acquiring a large, centralized, and diverse dataset from multiple institutions for training a robust model is difficult due to privacy and security concerns of patient data. Moreover, low-count PET data at different institutions may have different data distribution, thus requiring personalized models. While previous federated learning (FL) algorithms enable multi-institution collaborative training without the need of aggregating local data, addressing the large domain shift in the application of multi-institutional low-count PET denoising remains a challenge and is still highly under-explored. In this work, we propose FedFTN, a personalized federated learning strategy that addresses these challenges. FedFTN uses a local deep feature transformation network (FTN) to modulate the feature outputs of a globally shared denoising network, enabling personalized low-count PET denoising for each institution. During the federated learning process, only the denoising network's weights are communicated and aggregated, while the FTN remains at the local institutions for feature transformation. We evaluated our method using a large-scale dataset of multi-institutional low-count PET imaging data from three medical centers located across three continents, and showed that FedFTN provides high-quality low-count PET images, outperforming previous baseline FL reconstruction methods across all low-count levels at all three institutions. • We propose a novel personalized federated learning framework for low-count PET denoising. • We collected large-scale multi-institutional low-count PET data across the USA, China, and Europe. • We conducted the first real-world study on federated learning for low-count PET imaging. • We demonstrated that FedFTN can provide high-quality low-count PET across sites and low-count settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited knowledge is available on regional distribution of antituberculosis (TB) drug resistance and on province-specific time-trends in TB drug susceptibility in China. To obtain the latest information about the dynamics of drug-resistant TB in Gansu province, we conducted a retrospective study and analyzed data on drug resistance among new TB cases diagnosed between June 2010 and May 2014 in Gansu, China. The data were collected from the only TB surveillance and treatment hospital in Gansu and, therefore, represented the epidemiology of TB in the province. The drug resistance was defined based on diagnostic drug susceptibility testing. Overall, 17.3% of TB new cases diagnosed during 2010 to 2014 in Gansu presented resistance to at least one anti-TB drug. And a total of 2.9% of new TB cases have multidrug resistance. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant TB in Gansu was found to resurge after 2013 (2.0%) after a steady decline between 2010 and 2012 (from 7.1% to 1.2%). The drug resistance patterns of TB and their revolution trends in Gansu differed from other regions of China. We report the first epidemiological description of drug-resistant TB in Gansu, which is distinct when compared to other regions. Our data demonstrate that the distribution of drug-resistant TB varies to a great extent among different geographic regions. And the results of our study greatly suggest that the implementation of individualized TB management and regimen policy based on the regional epidemiology of TB drug susceptibility is highly required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CMIP6 dataset was used to predict extreme precipitation in the Jialing River Basin. • Four emission modes were used to compare extreme precipitation changes in the basin. • The extreme precipitation in the basin shows an ascending trend in the next 80 years. • Compared with history, the extreme precipitation would be less frequent and more intense. Exploration of the temporal and spatial evolutionary trends of future extreme precipitation under different emission scenarios is of considerable importance for promoting active response to climate change. Based on the output of CMIP6 global climate models (GCMs) with four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), precipitation data for the Jialing River Basin (China) were obtained through CMhyd downscaling and correction. A relative threshold of 95 percentile of each year was used to extract extreme precipitation in the basin, and historical observational data were used to verify the capability of the GCMs to simulate extreme precipitation. Based on Extreme-point Symmetric Mode Decomposition, the trends and periodic characteristics of future extreme precipitation in the Jialing River Basin under four different emission scenarios (SSP2.6, SSP4.5, SSP7.0, and SSP8.5) were simulated and analyzed. The future temporal and spatial distributions of extreme precipitation frequency and intensity in different periods were described. The results revealed the following. (1) Future extreme precipitation in the Jialing River Basin is likely to increase with rates of 21.8 mm/10a, 11.4 mm/10a, 8.7 mm/10a, and 8.3 mm/10a for SSP8.5, SSP 7.0, SSP4.5, and SSP2.6, respectively. (2) The frequency of extreme precipitation decreased in the whole basin with a 1-day decrease of 3.88 % (SSP8.5), 7.11 % (SSP7.0), 5.66 % (SSP4.5), and 2.40 % (SSP2.6) from historical levels. (3) The intensity of extreme precipitation increased with a 1-day increase of 11.18 % (SSP8.5), 6.80 % (SSP7.0), 5.04 % (SSP4.5), and 4.57 % (SSP2.6) from historical levels. Over time, the change of extreme precipitation showed strong periodic characteristics with three periodic components of 2–3, 4–6, and 9–12 years. In terms of spatial distribution, the frequency (intensity) center of extreme precipitation in the next 80 years will be distributed in the south (southeast) of the basin. Compared with historical observations, the area of extreme precipitation intensity in the future accounted for a larger proportion, while the area of extreme precipitation frequency accounted for a smaller proportion. In terms of increased emission levels, the extreme precipitation frequency would decrease and the intensity would increase. The conclusions of this study could provide a reference for disaster prevention and mitigation of the effects of extreme precipitation under future climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in the water might be filtered through the gills of shellfish in the process of feeding, and can be concentrated in the digestive glands. Consumers might become infected through ingestion of the shellfish unless they are discharged or inactivated by the shellfish. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of T. gondii in market-sold oysters in China under natural conditions using a molecular approach. A total of 998 oysters were collected from markets in four cities (Weihai, Qingdao, Yantai and Rizhao) of Shandong province, eastern China. Of these, 26 samples (2.61%) were tested positive by nested PCR amplification of T. gondii B1 gene. Only one of the 26 positive samples was typed completely, and was identified as ToxoDB Genotype #9. This is first report of T. gondii in market-sold oysters in China, suggesting that oysters have the ability to filter and retain T. gondii oocysts in their tissues, which represents a risk to public health because oysters are frequently ingested in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In recent years, many methods have been proposed to cope with eutrophication, a serious ecological problem in estuaries. Many of these problems have resulted from the new production of non-siliceous algae. In this paper, a runoff optimized regulation model for eutrophication control was developed to limit the potential of new non-siliceous algae production, which, in this paper, is defined as eutrophication potential. At the beginning of the model, a formula of silicon flux was modified by adding a dam retention coefficient and a turbidity maximum zone (TMZ) retention coefficient. Afterwards, the formula was used to improve the expression of the ICEP (indicator of coastal eutrophication potential) for a more exact result. The ICEP (treated as an ecology objective to limit the potential of sustaining new production of non-siliceous algae), harmonious index, and cost function were then integrated into the optimization model, at which point the ICOA (immune clone optimization algorithm) was proposed to solve this model. We then chose the Yangtze Estuary as a case study to verify the performance of the optimization model, and used an uncertainty analysis, a comparative analysis, and a sensitivity analysis to assess the model''s performance. The results show the best combination of weight factors for integrating objectives is λ 1 =0.48, λ 2 =0.32, λ 3 =0.2. The optimized runoff performs well at keeping the value of the ICEP within reasonable limits while at the same time meeting the goal of economy and society in the Yangtze Estuary. Finally, we discuss transfer rates in different exceedance probabilities, illustrating that the optimized runoff is feasible for this study area, and the results can then be used as a point of reference regarding water transfer decisions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, surface sediment from Zhushan Bay in Taihu Lake was subjected to resuspension under 6 different wind forces using a pneumatic annular flume. Water samples were taken at specific intervals, and the physicochemical parameters of the water column were monitored throughout the experiment. Concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn) in the sediment, water, and suspended particulate matter (SPM) were determined following standard methods. Total metal concentrations in overlying water increase with wind speed and the duration of the experiment. According to the principal component analysis (PCA), physicochemical factors, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and SPM all showed a close relationship with total metal content. Dissolved metal concentrations did not show significant variation. In contrast, a remarkable increase in the concentrations of metals was noted in the SPM in response to increases in wind speed and duration time of the study. Distribution coefficients (K ds) of metals between particulate and dissolved fractions generally appeared in the following order: Pb > Cr > Zn > Cu > Cd > Ni under six different disturbance conditions. However, the enrichment factors (EFs) of particulate metals generally appeared in the following pattern with respect to concentration: Zn > Pb > Cr > Cd > Cu > Ni. In general, the values of both indicators were directly proportional with as water turbulence. The results of this study may serve as a reference for distribution rules of heavy metals in water columns and SPM during sediment resuspension processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Microplastics (MPs) have frequently been detected in freshwater environments, and there is growing concern about their ecological effects, especially the influence of the "plastisphere" on the freshwater ecosystems. The colonization of microbes on MPs would significantly alter their transport behavior, i.e., buoyancy, in fresh water. In this research, we studied the effects of biofilm colonization on the sinking and floating of three MPs, i.e., polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), after 44 days of incubation in three freshwater systems (the Niushoushan River, the Qinhuai River, and East Lake) in China. The results showed that the biofilms attached to the three MPs contained different biomass and chlorophyll-a levels were related to water environmental conditions and physicochemical properties of MPs, based on redundancy analysis. Generally, PET and PVC sinking, with density higher than water, tended to increase after biofilm formation. Thereafter, the settling velocity of biofouled PET and PVC squares became faster than that of the virgin ones. In summary, our study suggested that biofouling does affect the sinking of MPs in fresh water and consequently influences the transport behavior and the distribution characteristics of MPs in freshwater environments, and this issue deserves more scientific attention. [Display omitted] • Effects of biofilm colonization on the transport behaviors of MPs were studied. • Distinct biomasses of biofilms were found on various MPs in the three fresh waters. • Biofouling increased PET and PVC density. • Biofouling favored the sinking of MPs with original density higher than water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blastocystis is one of the most common causative agents of intestinal diseases, which can cause enteric diseases in animals and humans. However, limited data is available on the prevalence or subtypes of Blastocystis infections in farmed pigs in southern China. In this study, a total of 396 fecal samples were collected from farmed pigs in three provinces in southern China in 2016, and screened for Blastocystis by PCR amplification of the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene fragment. One hundred and seventy (42.93%) of the examined fecal samples were detected Blastocystis- positive, and two known zoonotic subtypes ST1 and ST5 were identified, with ST5 being the predominate subtype. Moreover, gender, age and region were considered as risk factors that associated with Blastocystis infection in farmed pigs. The present study revealed the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis infections in farmed pigs in southern China, which provided essential data for the control of Blastocystis infections in pigs, other animals and humans in China. • This study investigated the prevalence of Blastocystis pathogen in farmed pigs in southern China. • The overall prevalence of Blastocystis was 42.93%. • Two zoonotic subtypes of Blastocystis ST1 and ST5 were observed. • Blastocystis is the one important zoonotic protozoan pathogen. • Regional, gender and age differences in the Blastocystis prevalence were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to identify viruses in animals because most infectious diseases in humans are caused by viruses of zoonotic origin. African green monkey is a widely used non-human primate model in biomedical investigations. In this study, total RNAs were extracted from stool samples of 10 African green monkeys with diarrhea. High-throughput sequencing was used to characterize viromes. PCR and Sanger sequencing were used to determine the full genome sequences. Great viral diversity was observed. The dominant viruses were enteroviruses and picobirnaviruses. Six enterovirus genomes and a picobirnavirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase sequence were characterized. Five enteroviruses belonged to two putative new genotypes of species Enterovirus J. One enterovirus belonged to EV-A92. The picobirnavirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase sequence had the highest nucleotide similarity (93.48%) with human picobirnavirus isolate GPBV6C2. The present study helped to identify the potential zoonotic viruses in African green monkeys. Further investigations are required to elucidate their pathogenic roles in animals and humans. • Great viral diversity was observed from stool samples of African green monkeys in China • Six novel enterovirus genomes and a picobirnavirus RdRp sequence were characterized • Two new genotypes of species Enterovirus J that had not been reported before were assigned • The picobirnavirus RdRp sequence had 93.48% nucleotide similarity with human picobirnavirus isolate GPBV6C2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Giardia duodenalis are important opportunistic enteric zoonotic pathogens that cause diarrhoea and intestinal diseases in animals and humans. China is the largest producer of pigs, but whether Tibetan pigs, a unique pig breed in Tibet, are infected with E. bieneusi and G. duodenalis is unknown. Therefore, we conducted a molecular epidemiological survey to determine the prevalence of E. bieneusi and G. duodenalis in Tibetan pigs in Tibet, China, and identified the genotypes of these causative agents. A total of 345 faecal specimens were collected from Tibetan pigs from three Tibet counties (Milin, Cuona and Gongbujiangda), examined by nested PCR and sequenced utilizing genetic markers in the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rRNA and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) gene for E. bieneusi and G. duodenalis , respectively. Moreover, using multilocus sequence typing, the subtypes of E. bieneusi were identified based on four loci (MS1, MS3, MS4 and MS7). A total of 41 (11.88%) faecal samples from Tibetan pigs were E. bieneusi- positive, and 2 (0.58%) were G. duodenalis- positive. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age was considered a risk factor for Tibetan pig infection of E. bieneusi. Two novel (GB11, GB31) and four known E. bieneusi genotypes (EbpC, EbpD, PigEBITS5 and CHS12) were identified and were all classified as zoonotic group 1 according to the phylogenetic analysis. Two MLGs (MLGI and MLGII) were further identified in the E. bieneusi EbpC genotype by multilocus sequence typing analysis. In addition, two G. duodenalis assemblages (D and E) were found in the present study. To our knowledge, the current study is the first to detect the prevalence and perform genetic characterization of G. duodenalis in Tibetan pigs in Tibet, China. The results could provide essential data for controlling E. bieneusi and G. duodenalis infections in Tibetan pigs that are in contact with other animals and humans, as Tibetan pigs could be a potential source for human infection by these pathogens. • This study reported the prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi and G. duodenalis in Tibetan pigs in Tibet in China. • The higher E. bieneusi prevalence (11.88%) was detected in Tibetan pigs. • 6 genotypes, including 2 novel genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified in Tibetan pigs. • Two new E. bieneusi multilocus genotypes (MLGIand MLGII) were observed in Tibetan pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of elevated CO 2 levels on microorganisms is a focal point in studying the environmental effects of global climate change. A growing number of studies have demonstrated the importance of the direct effects of elevated CO 2 on microorganisms, which are confounded by indirect effects that are not easily identified. Riparian zones have become key factor in identifying the environmental effects of global climate change because of their special location. However, the direct effects of elevated CO 2 levels on microbial activity and function in riparian zone sediments remain unclear. In this study, three riparian sediments with different pollution risk levels of heavy metals and nutrients were selected to explore the direct response of microbial communities and functions to elevated CO 2 excluding plants. The results showed that the short-term effects of elevated CO 2 did not change the diversity of the bacterial and fungal communities, but altered the composition of their communities. Additionally, differences were observed in the responses of microbial functions to elevated CO 2 levels among the three regions. Elevated CO 2 promoted the activities of nitrification and denitrification enzymes and led to significant increases in N 2 O release in the three sediments, with the greatest increase of 76.09 % observed in the Yuyangshan Bay (YYS). Microbial carbon metabolism was promoted by elevated CO 2 in YYS but was significantly inhibited by elevated CO 2 in Gonghu Bay and Meiliang Bay. Moreover, TOC, TN, and Pb contents were identified as key factors contributing to the different microbial responses to elevated CO 2 in sediments with different heavy metal and nutrient pollution. In conclusion, this study provides in-depth insights into the responses of bacteria and fungi in polluted riparian sediments to elevated CO 2 , which helps elucidate the complex interactions between microbial activity and environmental stressors., 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., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Identifying priority pollutants in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents is crucial for optimizing monitoring efforts, improving regulations, and developing targeted mitigation strategies. Despite the presence of numerous trace organic pollutants in WWTP effluents, a comprehensive prioritization scheme is lacking, hindering effective control. This study screened 216 micropollutants, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals, which had been detected in effluents from 46 WWTPs across China. A multi-criteria prioritization method was developed, considering exposure potential based on median concentrations and detection frequencies, as well as hazard potential determined by persistence, bioaccumulation, in vitro toxicity, and in vivo toxicity. Pollutants with low exposure or hazard potential were filtered out, and a priority index was calculated to rank the remaining 59 substances. The top 15 priority pollutants included regulated persistent organic pollutants like perfluorooctanoic acid and their alternatives such as perfluorobutane sulfonate, pesticide transformation products, and emerging contaminants such as bisphenol A, which are not currently regulated in WWTP effluents. This study provides a systematic approach to identify priority pollutants and generates a guiding framework for monitoring, regulation, and control of both well-recognized and overlooked contaminants in WWTP effluents., 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., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the optimal choice of traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) for improving bone mineral density in postmenopausal women through a network meta-analysis., Methods: The Chinese and English databases were searched, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chongqing VIP, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. The outcomes included BMD of lumbar L2-L4, femoral neck, ward triangle, and greater trochanter. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the correlation between each group of interventions, and surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) was used to rank the best interventions., Results: A total of 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 1933 subjects and six interventions: [Tai Chi (TC), Baduanjin (BDJ), Wuqinxi (WQX), Yijinjing (YJJ), TA (Tai chi plus calcium supplementation), BA (Baduanjin plus calcium supplementation)] and three control measures: [Calcium supplementation (CA), Aerobic exercise (AE), Not exercise intervention (NEI)] were analyzed. Regarding BMD of lumbar L2-L4: TC [SMD = 0.99 (0.62, 1.37)], BDJ [SMD = 2.12 (1.39, 2.85)], TA [SMD = 1.12(0.17, 2.07)], BA [SMD = 2.24 (1.16, 3.31)] were superior in increasing BMD of lumbar L2-L4 relative to NEI. Regarding BMD of femoral neck: TC [SMD = 1.24 (0.70, 1.78)], BA [SMD = 3.77 (1.98, 5.56)] were superior in increasing BMD of femoral neck relative to NEI. Regarding BMD of ward's triangle: TC [SMD = 1.63 (1.09, 2.17)] was superior in increasing BMD of ward's triangle relative to NEI. Regarding BMD of greater trochanter: TC [SMD = 0.98 (0.28, 1.68)] were superior in increasing BMD of greater trochanter relative to NEI. TC topped the SUCRA with BMD of lumbar L2-L4: 53.8, femoral neck: 74.9, ward's triangle: 86.9 and greater trochanter: 77.7., Conclusion: Four TCE (TC, BDJ, TA and BA) are all effective in partially improving BMD indicators in postmenopausal women, while TC was effective on all four BMD indicators, which seems to be recommended as the most suitable exercise modality for postmenopausal women., Systematic Review Registration: This research follows the PRISMA Network statement. The protocol for this study has been registered in the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). CRD42023414944., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Hou, Mao, Xie, Cui and Rong.)