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Background: The geographic distribution and host-parasite interaction networks of Sarcocystis spp. in small mammals in eastern Asia remain incompletely known. Methods: Experimental infections, morphological and molecular characterizations were used for discrimination of a new Sarcocystis species isolated from colubrid snakes and small mammals collected in Thailand, Borneo and China. Results: We identified a new species, Sarcocystis muricoelognathis sp. nov., that features a relatively wide geographic distribution and infects both commensal and forest-inhabiting intermediate hosts. Sarcocystis sporocysts collected from rat snakes (Coelognathus radiatus, C. flavolineatus) in Thailand induced development of sarcocysts in experimental SD rats showing a type 10a cyst wall ultrastructure that was identical with those found in Rattus norvegicus from China and the forest rat Maxomys whiteheadi in Borneo. Its cystozoites had equal sizes in all intermediate hosts and locations, while sporocysts and cystozoites were distinct from other Sarcocystis species. Partial 28S rRNA sequences of S. muricoelognathis from M. whiteheadi were largely identical to those from R. norvegicus in China but distinct from newly sequenced Sarcocystiszuoi. The phylogeny of the nuclear 18S rRNA gene placed S. muricoelognathis within the so-called S. zuoi complex, including Sarcocystisattenuati, S. kani, S. scandentiborneensis and S. zuoi, while the latter clustered with the new species. However, the phylogeny of the ITS1-region confirmed the distinction between S. muricoelognathis and S. zuoi. Moreover, all three gene trees suggested that an isolate previously addressed as S. zuoi from Thailand (KU341120) is conspecific with S. muricoelognathis. Partial mitochondrial cox1 sequences of S. muricoelognathis were almost identical with those from other members of the group suggesting a shared, recent ancestry. Additionally, we isolated two partial 28S rRNA Sarcocystis sequences from Low's squirrel Sundasciurus lowii that clustered with those of S. scandentiborneensis from treeshews. Conclusions: Our results provide strong evidence of broad geographic distributions of rodent-associated Sarcocystis and host shifts between commensal and forest small mammal species, even if the known host associations remain likely only snapshots of the true associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to address the environmental and health issues of toxic and harmful chemicals while meeting the needs of industrial development, various alternatives have been developed and widely used. To avoid the regrettable substitution, the international community has developed a series of technical guidelines for alternative assessment, and clarified the assessment technical methods and requirements. This article summarizes the content of assessment frameworks issued by international organizations/institutions such as the United Nations Environment Programme, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the European Chemical Agency, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, etc., compares and analyzes the core technical methods of each framework, and preliminarily proposes the technical key points of the alternative environmental risk assessment in China, providing technical support for strengthening the environmental risk management of toxic and harmful chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The international community has paid increasing attention to the prevention and control of ecological environment and health risks. Up to now, the development of green alternative technologies and materials, control of new pollutants, and the prevention and control of ecological environment risks in the whole service life of chemicals have become the focus of ecological environment management and research in developed countries. To promote the substitution of toxic and harmful chemicals in China, this paper systematically sorts out the evaluation methods of alternatives for environmental design in the United States, and elaborates the evaluation indicators, classification standards, data sources, as well as the principles and steps of alternative evaluation. In addition, this paper summarizes and analyzes the reference value of the evaluation methods of alternatives for environmental design in the United States from the perspective of new pollutants control in China. This study can provide references for the establishment of green alternative technology and assessment system of new pollutants in the environmental management of toxic and harmful chemicals and the control of new pollutants in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2011, in the process of implementing REACH in the European Union, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched the Community Rolling Action Plan (CoRAP), which regularly updates and publishes the CoRAP assessment list of chemicals in March each year, including the names of the chemicals to be evaluated, the member countries and the completion time of evaluation. In 2019, based on the rich practical experience gained through REACH and CLP, EHCA released the first Integrated Regulatory Strategy to accelerate data collection of chemicals, promote environmental risk assessment and grouping management of Substances of Very High Concern, in order to develop the most suitable risk control measures. The EU is committed to promoting the concept of global sound management of chemicals, and continuously revising the REACH and CLP during the implementation process, to ensure the green and sustainable development of the EU chemical industry while also to protect human health and environmental safety. In May 2022, China issued the Action Plan on Controlling New Pollutants, which requires to conduct risk assessment on a batch of chemicals. Studying the latest chemicals risk assessment management approaches in EU has important reference value for supporting the chemicals environmental risk assessment in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcocystis cruzi in cattle (Bos taurus) and Sarcocystis poephagicanis in yaks (Bos grunniens) are morphologically indistinguishable. However, the relationship between the two parasites is still unclear. Here, muscular tissues of the two species of domestic animal collected from abattoirs in China were examined for sarcocysts of S. cruzi and S. poephagicanis. The sarcocysts isolated from the samples were analyzed using light microscopy (LM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and DNA analysis. Sarcocysts of S. cruzi and S. poephagicanis were found in 405 of 950 (42.6%) cattle and 304 of 320 (95.0%) yaks. LM and TEM showed that the sarcocysts of the two parasites had similar morphological characteristics. The thin-walled sarcocysts had hair-like protrusions on the surface. The ultrastructures were demonstrated to include a primary cyst wall containing irregularly folded, hirsute, or bone-like protrusions. Four genetic markers of the two parasites were sequenced and analyzed, namely, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, mitochondrial cox1, and apicoplast rpl6. The sequences of the four loci had an interspecific similarity of 97.9–98.6%, 97.2–98.1%, 89.5–90.4%, and 96.9–97.2% identity, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis using 28S rDNA and cox1 sequences indicated that both S. cruzi and S. poephagicanis were placed into a group encompassing Sarcocystis spp. in ruminants with canid as known or putative definitive hosts. Sarcocystis cruzi and S. poephagicanis represent separate species, and cox1 and rpl6 were suitable for distinguishing between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited data are currently available on protozoan parasites of the genus Sarcocystis that infect their avian hosts within the order Anseriformes (waterfowl). To date, no Sarcocystis species has been recorded in ducks in China. Methods: Leg muscles were sampled from 26 domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) in China in 2021. Morphological characteristics of sarcocysts detected in the muscle tissue were described using light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Genomic DNA was extracted from single sarcocysts obtained from different ducks, and three genetic markers, 18S ribosomal DNA (18S rDNA), 28S ribosomal DNA (28S rDNA) and mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), were amplified and cloned for sequence analyses. Results: Sarcocysts were observed by LM in only three of the 28 samples (10.7%). These sarcocysts had a thick cyst wall with numerous brush-like villar protrusions (vps) of 3.8–4.3 μm in length (n = 30) on the cyst surface. TEM observation showed that the sarcocysts had lanceolated vps. Each vps narrowed in the stalk and contained a bundle of microtubules that extended into the ground substance. Comparisons of the new sequences with those deposited in GenBank showed that the most similar sequences were those of Sarcocystishalieti in the great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo and European starling Sturnus vulgaris, and Sarcocystis calchasi in the domestic pigeon (Columba livia) at the 18S rDNA (99.1% identity); Sarcocystiswenzeli from the domestic chicken Gallus gallus at the 28S rDNA (95.9–96.0% identity); and Sarcocystis speeri from the opossum at the mtcox1 (98.2% identity). The new 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA and mitochondrial cox1 sequences shared up to 99.0%, 95.6% and 97.7% identity, respectively, with those of Sarcocystis spp. obtained from Anseriformes avian hosts. Phylogenetic analysis inferred from the sequences of the three genetic markers placed the organism within a group of Sarcocystis spp. obtained from avian or carnivorous intermediate hosts and avian, marsupial or carnivorous definitive hosts. Based on the morphological observation and molecular analyses, the organism found in the Chinese domestic ducks was regarded as a new species and named Sarcocystis platyrhynchosi n. sp. Conclusions: Based on morphology and sequence analyses, the microcysts diagnosed in the domestic ducks examined in this study were named as a new species. This is the first record of Sarcocystis spp. from waterfowl in China. Sarcocysts of similar morphology occur frequently in different Anseriformes birds, and the relationships among these species need to be further clarified in future studies using more molecular markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims The North China Plain, the highest winter-wheat-producing region of China, is seriously threatened by drought. Traditional irrigation wastes a significant amount of water during the sowing season. Therefore, it is necessary to study the drought resistance of wheat during germination to maintain agricultural ecological security. From several main cultivars in the North China Plain, we screened the drought-resistant cultivar JM47 and drought-sensitive cultivar AK58 during germination using the polyethylene glycol (PEG) drought simulation method. An integrated analysis of the transcriptome and metabolomics was performed to understand the regulatory networks related to drought resistance in wheat germination and verify key regulatory genes. Methods Transcriptional and metabolic changes were investigated using statistical analyses and gene–metabolite correlation networks. Transcript and metabolite profiles were obtained through high-throughput RNA-sequencing data analysis and ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. Key Results A total of 8083 and 2911 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 173 and 148 differential metabolites were identified in AK58 and JM47, respectively, under drought stress. According to the integrated analysis results, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling was prominently enriched in JM47. A decrease in α-linolenic acid content was consistent with the performance of DEGs involved in jasmonic acid biosynthesis in the two cultivars under drought stress. Abscisic acid (ABA) content decreased more in JM47 than in AK58, and linoleic acid content decreased in AK58 but increased in JM47. α-Tocotrienol was upregulated and strongly correlated with α-linolenic acid metabolism. Conclusions The DEGs that participated in the mTOR and α-linolenic acid metabolism pathways were considered candidate DEGs related to drought resistance and the key metabolites α-tocotrienol, linoleic acid and l -leucine, which could trigger a comprehensive and systemic effect on drought resistance during germination by activating mTOR–ABA signalling and the interaction of various hormones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sarcocystis spp. are cyst-forming intracellular protozoan parasites characterized by a two-host prey–predator life cycle. The alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is one of the South American camelids (SACs), and in recent years, this animal was introduced to China to be raised for its meat, skin, and wool and to be kept as tourist attractions and as pets. There is considerable confusion regarding the classification and nomenclature of the species of Sarcocystis in SACs. Two Sarcocystis species, named S. auchenia and S. masoni, are currently regarded as valid in SACs based on sarcocyst morphology and 18S rDNA sequences. However, the definitive host of S. masoni remains unknown. Here, S. masoni sarcocysts in an alpaca were morphologically described and molecularly characterized. Furthermore, the life cycle of S. masoni was completed via experimental animal infection. The present analysis showed that S. masoni has a close relationship with S. cameli in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries), and the relationship between the two parasites needs to be clarified in the future. Only 18S rDNA sequences of Sarcocystis spp. in South American camelids (SACs) are deposited in GenBank as references, and the definitive host of S. masoni in SACs is still unclear. Here, S. masoni sarcocysts detected in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos) in China were investigated with the aid of light (LM) and transmission electron (TEM) microscopy, and characterized using four genetic markers, i.e., 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA and ITS, and the mitochondrial cox1. Additionally, the life cycle of the parasite was completed via experimental animal infection. Under LM, S. masoni sarcocysts exhibited numerous 1.3–2.1 μm conical protrusions. Under TEM, the sarcocyst wall contained conical, cylindrical, or irregular-shaped villar protrusions, similar to type 9j. Two dogs (Canis familiaris) fed S. masoni sarcocysts shed sporocysts with a prepatent period of 8–9 days. The newly obtained 18S rDNA sequences showed 98.4–100% identity with those of S. masoni in SACs previously deposited in GenBank. Interestingly, the newly obtained sequences of 18S rDNA and mitochondrial cox1 shared 99.6–100% and 98.2–98.5% identity, respectively, with those of S. cameli in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries). Phylogenetic analysis based on sequences of 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, or mitochondrial cox1 revealed that S. masoni has a close relationship with Sarcocystis spp. in ruminants. The relationship between S. masoni and S. cameli deserves to be further clarified in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Qaidam basin, Northwest China, karstic fissures and caves are developed in many places of the Lower Carboniferous Chengqianggou Fm. and Huaitoutala Fm. and the Upper Carboniferous Keluke Fm., in which are found typical karstic marks. Several suites of transgressive carbonate rocks formed during the Late Paleozoic epoch are preserved as reservoir properties in the Qaidam basin, with paleokarst‐related cave‐fractured diagenetic structures, which provided the basis for cave‐fractured development. Carbonate and clastic samples covering or infilling caves and fractures in Carboniferous strata were collected in the eastern Qaidam basin to focus on petrological and geochemical analyses of karst and infilling materials. Based on this study of the Caledonian diagenetic sequence, and bitumen‐infilled inclusion temperature and burial history, there existed a continuous atmospheric freshwater leaching process, which played a critical role in the construction of the Carboniferous supergene paleokarsts. Investigation and survey of the tectonic setting, plate paleolatitude and river development intensity also proves that there was abundant rainfall during the Indosinian period, after which the strata undergo a shallow burial process. Because Indosinian period is earlier than the key timing of hydrocarbon‐generation of the Carboniferous source rocks, this kind of karst reservoir has potential significance for oil‐gas resources in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data on the genus Sarcocystis in insectivores are limited. The Asian gray shrew Crocidura attenuata is one of the most common species of the insectivore family Soricidae in South Asia and Southeast Asia. To our knowledge, species of Sarcocystis have never been recorded previously in this host. Methods: Tissues were obtained from 42 Asian gray shrews caught in 2017 and 2018 in China. Sarcocysts were observed using light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To describe the parasite life cycle, muscle tissues of the host infected with sarcocysts were force-fed to two beauty rat snakes Elaphe taeniura. Individual sarcocysts from different Asian gray shrews, and oocysts/sporocysts isolated from the small intestines and feces of the experimental snakes, were selected for DNA extraction, and seven genetic markers, namely, two nuclear loci [18S ribosomal DNA (18S rDNA) and internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS1)], three mitochondrial genes [cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), cox3 and cytochrome b], and two apicoplast genes (RNA polymerase beta subunit and caseinolytic protease C), were amplified, sequenced and analyzed. Results: Sarcocysts were found in 17 of the 42 (40.5%) Asian gray shrews. Under LM, the microscopic sarcocysts showed saw- or tooth-like protrusions measuring 3.3–4.5 μm. Ultrastructurally, the sarcocyst wall contained numerous lancet- or leaf-like villous protrusions, similar to those described for type 9h of the common cyst wall classification. The experimental beauty rat snakes shed oocysts/sporocysts measuring 11.9–16.7 × 9.2–10.6 μm with a prepatent period of 10–11 days. Comparison of the newly obtained sequences with those previously deposited in GenBank revealed that those of 18S rDNA and cox1 were most similar to those of Sarcocystis scandentiborneensis recorded in the tree shrews Tupaia minor and Tupaiatana (i.e., 97.6–98.3% and 100% identity, respectively). Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rDNA or ITS1 sequences placed this parasite close to Sarcocystis spp. that utilize small animals as intermediate hosts and snakes as the known or presumed definitive host. On the basis of morphological and molecular characteristics and host specificity, the parasite was proposed as a new species, named Sarcocystis attenuati. Conclusions: Sarcocysts were recorded in Asian gray shrews, to our knowledge for the first time. Based on morphological and molecular characterization, a new species of parasite is proposed: Sarcocystisattenuati. According to the LM and TEM results, S. attenuati sarcocysts are distinct from those of Sarcocystis spp. in other insectivores and those of S. scandentiborneensis in tree shrews. The 18S rDNA or cox1 sequences of Sarcocystis attenuati shared high similarity with those of Sarcocystisscandentiborneensis, Sarcocystis zuoi, Sarcocystis cf. zuoi in the Malayan field rat, and Sarcocystis sp. in the greater white-toothed shrew. Therefore, we suggest that more research on the relationships of these closely related taxa should be undertaken in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to explore the associated clinical phenotype and the natural history of patients with SYNGAP1 gene variations during early childhood and to identify their genotype–phenotype correlations. Methods: This study used a cohort of 13 patients with epilepsy and developmental disorder due to SYNGAP1 mutations, namely, 7 patients from Shenzhen Children's Hospital between September 2014 and January 2020 and 6 patients from previously published studies. Their clinical data were studied. Results: A total of 13 children with SYNGAP1 gene variants (eight boys and five girls) were identified. The age of disease onset was in infancy. Mutations were located between exons 8 and 15; most were frameshift or truncated mutations. Four mutation sites (c.924G > A, c.1532-2_1532del, c.1747_1755dup, and c.1735_1738del) had not been reported before. All patients had global developmental delay within the first year of life, and intellectual impairment became gradually apparent. Some of them developed behavioral problems. The developmental delay occurred before the onset of seizures. All seven patients in our cohort presented with epilepsy; myoclonic seizures, absence seizures, and epileptic spasms were the most common seizure types. Abnormal electroencephalograms were identified from five patients before the onset of their seizures. All patients suffered from drug-resistance seizures. However, comorbidities such as behavioral problems were less frequently observed. Conclusion: The most common age of disease onset in SYNGAP1 gene mutations is in infancy, while neurodevelopmental delay and epilepsy are the major phenotypes. They have a higher percentage of drug-resistant epilepsy and epileptic spasms than those in previous reports. We should give attention to the patients with abnormal EEGs without seizures and think about the suitable time of the anti-seizure medications for them. We have not found the genotype–phenotype correlation. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, Registration number: ChiCTR2100049289 (https://www.chictr.org.cn/listbycreater.aspx). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, sarcocysts of Sarcocystis cymruensis were found in four of 42 (9.5%) Norway rats and those of S. ratti were observed in six of 60 (10%) black rats in China. With light microscopy, the sarcocysts of the two parasites were microscopic, and had smooth, thin cyst walls (≤ 1 μm). Ultrastructurally, the sarcocysts of S. cymruensis had small, osmiophilic, bleb-like protrusions, similar to type 1c; those of S. ratti had a cyst wall with regular, short, conical protrusions, similar to type 1 g. Three loci, i.e., 18S rDNA, the mitochondrial cox1 gene (Cox1), and the mitochondrial Cytb gene (Cytb), of the two parasites were sequenced and analyzed, and the Cytb sequences of the two parasites constituted the first records of this marker in GenBank. A comparison of the newly obtained sequences of the three loci between the two parasites revealed that the interspecific similarities of 18S rDNA, Cox1, and Cytb were 96.4–97.2%, 96.5%, and 93.7%, respectively. Therefore, the two species could be better discriminated with Cytb than with 18S rDNA and Cox1. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rDNA sequences and Cox1 sequences indicated that the two parasites had a close relationship with Sarcocystis in nonruminant animals, especially birds and canids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been considerable confusion concerning the number and classification of Sarcocystis spp. in chickens. Scarce nucleotide data of Sarcocystis spp. from chickens are provided in GenBank. The study aimed to investigate the morphological and molecular characteristics of Sarcocystis spp. found in chickens in China. Methods: Tissues from 33 chickens were collected in 2019. Sarcocysts were observed using light (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Individual sarcocysts from different chickens were selected for DNA extraction, and five loci, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS1 region, the mitochondrial cox1 gene and the apicoplastic rpoB gene, were amplified from each sarcocyst, sequenced and analyzed. Results: Only S. wenzeli was found in 14 of 33 (42.4%) chickens. Under LM, the sarcocysts were microscopic and exhibited palisade-like villar protrusions measuring 1.5–2.8 μm. Ultrastructurally, the sarcocyst wall contained numerous stubby hill-like villar protrusions. The protrusions included scattered microtubules, which extended from the tips of the protrusions into the ground substance. The five loci were successfully sequenced and the sequences deposited in GenBank. At 18S rDNA, ITS1 and cox1, the most similar sequences in GenBank were those of Sarcocystis sp. obtained from the brains of chickens, i.e. 99.9–100%, 98.1–98.5% and 99.3% identity, respectively. The five loci (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS1, cox1 and rpoB) showed different levels of interspecific sequence similarity with other closely related species of Sarcocystis (e.g. 99.8%, 99.0–99.2%, 89.3–89.7%, 98.5%, and 97.5%, respectively, with S. anasi). Phylogenetic analysis based on four of the loci (18S rDNA, cox1, rpoB and ITS1) revealed that S. wenzeli formed an independent clade with Sarcocystis spp. that utilize geese or ducks as intermediate hosts and canines as the known or presumed definitive host. Conclusions: To our knowledge, the sequences of 28S rDNA and rpoB reported here constitute the first records of genetic markers of Sarcocystis spp. in chickens. Based on molecular analysis, S. wenzeli might be responsible for the neurological disease in chickens, and ITS1 and rpoB are more suitable for discriminating it from closely related Sarcocystis spp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that S. wenzeli presents a close relationship with Sarcocystis spp. in geese or ducks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 36.8% (28/76) of tissue samples collected from domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) contained sarcocysts, as determined by light microscopy. The organisms were identified as Sarcocystis miescheriana and Sarcocystis suihominis based on their morphological and molecular characteristics. Four genetic markers, i.e., 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS-1 region (ITS-1), and the mitochondrial COX1 gene (COX1), of the two parasites were sequenced and analyzed, and the 28S rDNA and ITS-1 of S. suihominis obtained from pigs constituted the first records of these markers in GenBank. The sequences of the four loci (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS-1, and COX1) of S. miescheriana shared high identities with those of S. miescheriana obtained from domestic and/or wild pigs in GenBank, with similarities of 99.6%, 99.6%, 95.9%, and 95.4%, respectively. The 18S rDNA sequences of S. suihominis exhibited 99.4% identity with those of S. suihominis from domestic and wild pigs. The comparison of the newly obtained sequences of the four genetic markers between the two parasites revealed that the interspecific similarities of 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS-1, and COX1 were 97.7%, 96.6%, 80.3%, and 81.2%, respectively. Therefore, the two species could be better discriminated with ITS-1 and mitochondrial COX1 compared with 18S rDNA or 28S rDNA. The phylogenetic analysis using 28S rDNA indicated that the two Sarcocystis species in domestic pigs had a close relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface agricultural soil samples obtained from Dexing Pb/Zn mining area in Jiangxi province were analyzed for trace metals to assess their pollution status and potential ecological risk. The spatial distributions and the major trace metals pollution sources were described and identified with the combination of chemical measures and geographic information systems technology. The level of pollution in seven metals is decreasing in the following order: zinc (Zn 128.9 mg/kg) > chromium (Cr 64.1 mg/kg) > lead (Pb 58.4 mg/kg) > arsenic (As 45.3 mg/kg) > copper (Cu 41.9 mg/kg) > nickel (Ni 31.3 mg/kg) > cadmium (Cd 1.5 mg/kg). Trace metal spatial distribution maps established by geographic information system techniques displayed two high-pollution zones around mining sites in the study area. Multivariate statistical analyses were also applied, and the results demonstrated that Cd, As, Pb, Cu and Zn in the soils originated from mining activities, whereas Cr and Ni primarily originated from natural sources. The values of pollution index ranged from 4.79 to 71.59, and the values of modified pollution index ranged from 1.98 to 24.69. Moreover, the potential ecological risk values ranged from 264.0 to 3263.5, which indicated considerable ecological risk to very high ecological risk. The potential ecological risk values and other soil contamination indices showed similar patterns that the high-risk areas were around Dexing Pb/Zn mining site. The surface agricultural soil in study area is heavily to extremely polluted , with Cd that made the most dominant contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of Sarcocystis cysts in the muscle tissue of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris), which normally serve as definitive hosts, is unusual and infrequent. Here, S. caninum sarcocysts were identified for the first time in two of 37 dogs (2.7%) from China. Examination using light microscopy found that the S. caninum sarcocysts were up to 1520 μm long and up to 147 μm wide and contained numerous 1.5-3.3 μm wedge-like villar protrusions (vp). Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the sarcocysts had pleomorphic vp that closely resembled those of “type 9c.” Five loci, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, mitochondrial cox1, ITS1 and ropB, were sequenced and characterized in S. caninum sarcocysts. The sequences of the five loci shared similarities of 99.9-100%, 99.0-100%, 99.4-100%, 99.6-100%, and 99.7-100%, respectively, with those of S. arctica. Phylogenetic analysis based on the sequences of 28S rDNA and mitochondrial cox1 indicated that S. caninum and S. arctica are closely related to Sarcocystis species that use a raptorial bird as their definitive host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk assessment for molecular toxicity endpoints of environmental matrices may be a pressing issue. Here, we combined chemical analysis with species sensitivity distributions (SSD) and in silico docking for multi-species estrogen receptor mediated-risk assessment in water from Dongjiang River, China. The water contains high levels of phenolic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (PEDCs) and phthalic acid esters (PAEs). The concentration of ∑ 4 PEDCs and ∑ 6 PAEs ranged from 2202 to 3404 ng/L and 834–4368 ng/L, with an average of 3241 and 2215 ng/L, respectively. The SSD approach showed that 4-NP, BPA, E2 of PEDCs, and DBP, DOP, and DEHP could severely threaten the aquatic ecosystems, while most other target compounds posed low-to-medium risks. Moreover, binding affinities from molecular docking among PEDCs, PAEs, and estrogen receptors (ERα, Erβ, and GPER) were applied as toxic equivalency factors. Estrogen receptor-mediated risk suggested that PEDCs were the main contributors, containing 53.37–69.79% of total risk. They potentially pose more severe estrogen-receptor toxicity to zebrafish, turtles, and frogs. ERβ was the major contributor, followed by ERα and GPER. This study is the first attempt to assess the estrogen receptor-mediated risk of river water in multiple aquatic organisms. The in silico simulation approach could complement toxic effect evaluations in molecular endpoints. [Display omitted] • PEDCs as well as DBP, DOP and DEHP posed serious threat to aquatic ecosystems. • PEDCs contribution of 53.37–69.79% of estrogen receptor mediated risk. • Zebrafish, turtle and frog shown serious estrogen receptor mediated risk. • ERβ was major contributor among estrogen receptors, followed by ERα and GPER. • In silico approach could be valuable for risk assessment in molecular endpoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explored the occurrence, epigenetic toxic profiling and main toxic pollutants of POPs in surface water of Dongjiang River, southern China. The concentrations of selected POPs including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), phthalate esters (PAEs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) of surface water from 18 sites were investigated. ∑ 16 PAHs and ∑ 4 EDCs were at a moderate level, while ∑ 6 PAEs and ∑ 6 PBDEs had low pollution levels. PAHs, EDCs and PAEs showed higher concentrations in dry season than those in wet season, and the loading of selected POPs in tributaries was higher than those in mainstream due to intensive manufactures and lower runoff volume. Moreover, activities of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)1, histone deacetylase (HDAC2, HDAC8) were confirmed to be sensitive indicators for epigenetic toxicity. The DNMT1-mediated epigenetic equivalency toxicity of organic extracts in Dongjiang River were more serious than those of HDAC2 and HDAC8. Correlation analysis shown binding affinity between POPs and DNMT1, HDAC2 and HDAC8 could be regarded as toxic equivalency factors. Risk assessment suggested that 4-nonylphenol and bisphenol A were the largest contributors to epigenetic risk. This study is the first attempt to quantify epigenetic toxicity and epigenetic risk evaluation of river water. [Display omitted] • A battery of in vitro bioassays were adopted for epigenetic toxicity test. • Epigenetic toxic equivalency concentrations of water from Dongjiang river were determined. • Binding affinity could be used as epigenetic toxic equivalency factor for risk assessment. • Epigenetic risk of river water at DNMT1, HDAC2 and HDAC8 mediated pathway were assessed. • BPA and 4-NP were the main contributors of epigenetic risk in Dongjiang river. Binding affinity between POPs and epigenetic modulators was used as toxic equivalency factors for epigenetic risk assessment in Dongjiang River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's complete late Mesozoic continental sedimentary records are advantaged condition for related land-based climatic history research. Qaidam Basin located at the northern margin of Tibetan Plateau, its late Mesozoic strata provides important information about palaeoenvironment change. Several significant geologic events such as the collision of Bangong-Nujiang Suture and the interior aridification appearance at NW China are likely recorded in the succession, which makes it an ideal window of palaeoclimate investigation. Through the recent study, the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous eolian deposits have been discovered from the overlying strata of Hongshuigou Formation in Wanggaxiu area, Qaidam Basin. The typical eolian evidences can be identified in both rock micro-structure and depositional features: the strata mainly consist of brown medium pure sandstone with well sorting-good round quartz. Obvious eolian grain surface textures such as dish-shaped impact crater, crescent-shaped impact scars can be observed through SEM. Well-developed thick, large scale and high dip tabular cross-bedding characterized by eolian dune foresets. The synsedimentary deformation structures are common in eolian strata, such as drag folds and overturned folds. According to lithology and sedimentary structure characteristics, 4 subfacies were recognized in the Wanggaxiu eolian deposits. The dune subfacies was characterized by large-scale cross bedding. Waddy, inter dunes and desert lake were feat ure as aqueous deposit. The discovery of Wanggaxiu eolian strata has enriched sedimentary types in the Mesozoic Qaidam Basin. and is of certain significances for the study of regional sequncces, Late Mesozoic paleoclimatic and paleogeographic evolution of the northwest China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sarcocystis species are intracellular protozoan parasites that can pose a threat to animal health and food safety. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of infection with Sarcocystis infection in sheep from China. Results: In total, 52.51% (335/638) of tissue samples from domestic sheep contained sarcocysts through examination by light microscopy. The organisms were identified as S. tenella and S. arieticanis by molecular assays. Macroscopic S. gigantea and S. medusiformis were not found. The average sarcocysts loading was 18.07 ± 29.87 per square centimeter in the myocardium of domestic sheep. Furthermore, two specimens of argali (Ovis ammon) were examined and sarcocysts were found in the myocardium of one animal. According to the sequence of the cox1 gene of sarcocysts from argali, it was speculated as S. tenella. Conclusions: We found a high prevalence and parasite load of Sarcocystis in sheep from both central and northwest China. This report is the first to indicate that argali may be a natural intermediate host for S. tenella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Late Carboniferous–Early Permian period is a significant transitional phase within the late Paleozoic ice age and to investigate the sedimentary–tectonic evolution of the Qaidam Basin in this period is crucial for comprehensively understanding the tectonic history of the northeastern Paleo-Tethys Ocean and the related response to energy and mineral resources. This paper focuses on the Carboniferous–Permian strata of the Wanggaxiu-Dongdagou outcrop that was taken to represent the southern Oulongbruk terrane in the eastern Qaidam Basin. We determined the ages of tuff interbeds within the Zhabusagaxiu Formation originally identified as the upper Carboniferous and obtained the crystallization age spectra of detrital zircon grains from Carboniferous to lower Permian sandstones using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) isotope geochemical techniques. The origin of the volcanic ash and the sedimentary–tectonic evolution in this period were analyzed. The results indicate that the original Zhabusagaxiu Formation can be divided into two chronostratigraphic units: the upper Carboniferous Zhabusagaxiu Formation and the lower Permian. The earliest age obtained from tuffaceous layers within the dark shale interval is 297.8 ± 3.0 Ma (mean square weighted deviation (MSWD) = 0.87), which suggests a stratigraphic boundary between the Carboniferous and Permian periods. Detrital zircons from Carboniferous–Permian samples in the southern Oulongbruk terrane predominantly originated from the Qaidam block-North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure belt continental island arc to the south. The ultrahigh-pressure belt had a significantly increased contribution to the detrital source supply system from the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian, while the Qaidam block experienced frequent volcanic eruptions from 298 to 293 Ma, dispersing volcanic ash only northward to the Oulongbruk back-arc basin and the Zongwulong Trough. The upper Carboniferous Zhabusagaxiu Formation was marked by siliceous clastic rock–carbonate rock interbedding in an epicontinental sea, while the lower Permian was characterized by shallow to bathyal marine shelf to subaqueous sedimentation. The Early Permian transgression potentially represents the largest transgression during the late Paleozoic ice age, indicating an enriched hydrocarbon-generating interval. • C/P boundary in the Qaidam Basin was determined an age of 297.8 士 3.0 Ma. Carboniferous-Permian boundary in the Qaidam Basin has been determined an oldest age of 297.8 ± 3.0 Ma. • The Qaidam block experienced frequent volcanic eruptions from 298 to 293 Ma. • Earliest Permian volcanic ashes dispersed northward farthest into the Zongwulong trough. • Prograding sequence in the lower Permian represents the most significant marine transgression during the late Paleozoic ice age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) have garnered significant attention in recent years. In view of the enormous ecosystem services value and severe degradation of coral reefs in the South China Sea, this study investigated the occurrence, distribution, and bioaccumulation of 11 OPEs in five coral regions: Daya Bay (DY), Weizhou Island (WZ), Sanya Luhuitou (LHT), Xisha (XS) Islands, and Nansha (NS) Islands. Although OPEs were detected at a high rate, their concentration in South China Sea seawater (1.56 ± 0.89 ng L -1 ) remained relatively low compared to global levels. All OPEs were identified in coral tissues, with Luhuitou (575 ± 242 ng g -1 dw) showing the highest pollution levels, attributed to intense human activities. Coral mucus, acting as a defense against environmental stresses, accumulated higher ∑ 11 OPEs (414 ± 461 ng g -1 dw) than coral tissues (412 ± 197 ng g -1 dw) (nonparametric test, p < 0.05), and their compositional characteristics varied greatly. In the case of harsh aquatic environments, corals increase mucus secretion and then accumulate organic pollutants. Tissue-mucus partitioning varied among coral species. Most OPEs were found to be bioaccumulative (BAFs >5000 L kg -1 ) in a few coral tissue samples besides Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP). Mucus' role in the bioaccumulation of OPEs in coral shouldn't be ignored., 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.)

To explore the safety and feasibility of wireless thoracoscope in thoracic surgery. A retrospective analysis was made of all the clinical data of 90 patients with thoracoscope lung resection, from April to August 2021, Shanghai changzheng hospital thoracic minimally invasive center. Compared the thoracoscope preparation time, picture resolution, picture delay, surgeon comfort level, assistant comfort level between the wireless thoracoscope group and wired thoracoscope group. The thoracoscopic preparation time of the wireless thoracoscope group was significantly shorter than that of the wired group (26.66 ± 6.04 vs 62.14 ± 10.07, p  < 0.0001). Comfort level of the surgeon (4.64 ± 0.48 vs 3.77 ± 0.42, p  < 0.001) and the comfort level of the assistant (4.85 ± 0.36 vs 3.88 ± 0.32, p  < 0.001) of the wireless thoracoscope group were higher than that of the wired thoracoscope group. There were no statistically significant differences in video sharpness (4.64 ± 0.48 vs 4.74 ± 0.44, p  = 0.31). Although there was one case picture delay in wireless group, it was caused by low power which could be dealt with by a good charge before surgery. The wireless thoracoscope has the advantages of short preparation time, high comfort for the surgeon and the assistant, no less than the wired thoracoscope in picture resolution and picture delay. Wireless connection is more convenient and portability, which is worthy of further application in clinical practice.

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are a group of compounds widespread in the environment. To investigate the occurrence and accumulation characteristics of PAEs, surface water samples were collected from the Three Gorges Reservoir area, China. The total concentrations of 11 analyzed PAEs (∑ 11 PAEs) in the collected water samples ranging from 197.7 to 1,409.3 ng/L (mean ± IQR: 583.1 ± 308.4 ng/L). While DEHP was the most frequently detected PAE, DnBP and DnNP were the most predominant PAEs in the analyzed water samples with a mean contribution of 63.3% of the ∑ 11 PAEs. The concentrations of the ∑ 11 PAEs in the water samples from the upper reaches of the Yangtze River were significantly higher than those from the middle reaches. To better understand the transport and fate of the PAEs, seven detected PAEs were modeled by Quantitative Water Air Sediment Interaction (QWASI). The simulated and measured values were close for most PAEs, and differences are within one order of magnitude even for the worst one. For all simulated PAEs, water and particle inflow were main sources in the reservoir, whereas water outflow and degradation in water were important removal pathways. The contribution ratios of different sources/losses varied from PAEs, depending on their properties. The calculated risk quotients of DnNP in the Three Gorges Reservoir area whether based on monitoring or simulating results were all far exceeded the safety threshold value, implying the occurrence of this PAE compound may cause potential adverse effects for the aquatic ecology of the Three Gorges Reservoir area., 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 article., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Breast cancer has become the number one cancer in the world, and intestinal flora may be closely linked to it. Geographic location also has an important impact on human intestinal flora. We conducted the first study on the intestinal flora of breast cancer patients and non-breast cancer patients in a tropical region - Hainan Province in China. At the same time, Pacbio platform based on third-generation sequencing was used for the first time to conduct 16S full-length sequencing of fecal microorganism DNA. We completed the species diversity analysis and differential species analysis of the intestinal flora between the two groups, inferred their functional genetic composition and performed functional difference analysis. There were statistically significant differences in alpha diversity between the two groups in Hainan Province. By species composition difference analysis, at the phylum level, Bacteroidales (P = 0.006) and Firmicutes (P = 0.002) was differed between the two groups, and at the genus level, 17 breast cancer-related differential species such as Bacteroides were screened. According to the five grouping methods including ER level, PR level, HER2 status, Ki67 index and histological grade of breast cancer patients, 4, 1, 9, 6, 5 differential microbiota were screened out respectively, which were in total 25 (P < 0.05 for all subgroups) . The functional prediction and difference analysis revealed two functional metabolisms with significant differences between the two groups of microbes (P < 0.05). These results suggest that breast cancer is associated with changes in the composition and function of intestinal flora. These microflora and functional differences may become biomarkers or new targets for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Water transfer is an effective way to solve the unequal distribution of water resources to meet the needs of urban residents and industry. Annual wet weight data indicated that there may be algal blooms during water transfer. We explored the ecological risk of water transfer from Xiashan to the Jihongtan reservoir through algae growth potential (AGP) tests. The results showed that the Jihongtan reservoir had certain self-regulation abilities. When the total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) concentration was not more than 0.04 mg/L, the risk of algal bloom was low. When the N/P ratio (by mass) was less than 40, the ecological imbalance of algal growth may be caused. When the N/P ratio was 20, it was the best environment for algal growth. Under the current nutrient condition of the Jihongtan reservoir, the volume of ecological safety threshold in water transfer was 60% of the Jihongtan reservoir's capacity. If the nutrient level was further increased, the water transfer threshold would rise to 75%. In addition, water transfer may cause the homogenization of water quality and accelerate the eutrophication process of reservoirs. Regarding risk assessment, we believe that controlling nitrogen and phosphorus are more consistent with the natural evolution of reservoirs than controlling phosphorus alone for solving the problem of eutrophication., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Mechanisms underlying the plant uptake, accumulation, and translocation of organophosphate esters (OPEs) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in field environments remain ambiguous. To better understand these processes, we selected a typically polluted river with steady flow and rampant water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and investigated 25 OPEs and 23 BFRs in 24 sets of matched water-plant samples. Both OPEs and BFRs showed high or ultra-high levels in field water hyacinths, statistically positive water-plant/root concentration correlations, and dominant distributions in the roots. Passive root uptake was the dominant route for OPEs and BFRs to enter the water hyacinth. Both OPEs and BFRs in water hyacinth exhibited acropetal translocation from the root and possible basipetal translocation from the leaf. The accumulation and translocation of OPEs in water hyacinth were significantly affected by their substituents and structures, including the chlorination degree, alkyl chain length, side chain, and methylation degree of aryl-substituted OPEs. The translocation of BFRs in water hyacinth also showed close association with their bromination degree, but their accumulation in roots showed anomaly, indicating possible transformations. Overall, the enrichment and behavior of OPEs and BFRs in water hyacinth seemed to be mainly controlled by physicochemical parameters. OPE/BFR concentrations in total suspended particulate (TSP), TSP-associated organic carbon content, TSP concentration, and plant biomass all showed significant effects on their root accumulation and translocations in water hyacinth. This study provides rare field evidences and novel insights into the basipetal translocation of OPEs and BFRs in plants., 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 © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The occurrence of organic ultraviolet absorbers (OUVAs) in coral reef regions has aroused widespread concern. This study focused on the occurrence, distribution, bioaccumulation and ecological risk of ten OUVAs in both coastal and offshore coral reef regions in the South China Sea. While the Σ 10 OUVAs was 85 % lower in the offshore seawater (15.1 ng/L) than in the coastal seawater (102.1 ng/L), the Σ 10 OUVAs was 21 % lower in the offshore corals (1.82 μg/g dry weight (dw)) than in the coastal corals (2.31 μg/g dw). This difference was speculated to relate to the high intensity of human activities in the coastal regions. Moreover, the offshore corals showed higher bioaccumulative capability toward OUVAs (log bioaccumulation factors (BAFs): 1.22-5.07) than the coastal corals (log BAFs: 0.17-4.38), which was presumably the influence of varied physiological status under different environmental conditions. The results of the ecological risk assessment showed that BP-3 resulted in 73 % of coastal corals and 20 % of offshore corals at a risk of bleaching. Therefore, the usage and discharge of BP-3 should be managed and controlled by the countries adjacent to the South China Sea for the protection of coral reefs., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess the value of high-throughput sequencing for the detection of thalassemia-associated variants in ethnic Li minority areas of Hainan, China., Methods: In Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County of Hainan Province, 1842 middle school students were randomly selected as the subjects, which included 1249 ethnic Lis, 454 ethnic Hans, and 139 individuals from other ethnic minorities. With DNA extracted from peripheral blood samples, gap-PCR combined with high-throughput sequencing were carried out to detect potential variants of the globin genes., Results: In total 22 α-thalassemia genotypes, 5β-thalassemia genotypes, and 21 α-composite β-thalassemia genotypes were detected. The carrier rates for ethnic Li, ethnic Han and other ethnic minorities were 78.14%, 24.01%, and 28.06%, respectively. In addition, 22 fusion genes, 8 variants leading to abnormal hemoglobin, and 10 rare mutations were identified., Conclusion: High-throughput sequencing can detect a wide range of genetic variants associated with thalassemia in the ethnic Li minority areas and has played an important role for the identification of fusion genes, variants underlying hemoglobin anomalies and rare mutations.

Assessing the adverse health risks at molecular endpoints to various aquatic organisms could be an urgent issue. In this manuscript, the ecological and AhR-mediated risk of sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and six polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in surface water of Dongjiang River, Southern China was evaluated using chemical analysis and in silico approaches. Average concentrations of ∑ 16 PAHs and ∑ 6 PBDEs were 586.3 ng/L and 2.672 ng/L in the dry season (DS), and 366.8 ng/L and 2.554 ng/L in the wet season (WS). Concentrations of PAHs during the DS were significantly higher than that in the WS, while no obvious seasonal distribution was observed for PBDEs. Only Ant and BaP in all congers of PAHs posed low to medium ecological risks, and PBDEs posed a low ecological risk. Moreover, AhR-mediated risk from PAHs was two orders of magnitude higher that from PBDEs, and the AhR-mediated toxicity on frog and eel were higher than those on other aquatic organisms in Dongjiang River. Phe and BDE209 were the significant contributor to the AhR-mediated risk induced by PAHs and PBDEs, respectively. This study is the first attempt to assess AhR-mediated risk of river water in multiple aquatic organisms., 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 © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In this study, we report two novel thalassemia variants detected in Chinese individuals using targeted NGS technology. We detected a novel frameshift variant, HBB : c.181delG, in a 32-year-old Chinese individual. This novel variant [a single nucleotide deletion at nucleotide 181 of codon 60 (-G)], was detected by targeted next generation sequencing (NGS), resulting in a stop codon at codon 60 in exon 2 of the HBB gene. The impact of this novel variant was further analyzed by an in vitro model. We also identified a novel in-frame variant, HBA1 : c.121&#95;126delAAGACC [codons 40/41 (-AAGACC)], in another Chinese individual in this study. We named these two novel variants, HBB : c.181delG and HBA1 : c.121&#95;126delAAGACC according to the Human Genome Variation Society (HGVS), which were detected by the first author. These two novel variants have expanded the mutation spectrum of thalassemia and it would be beneficial for carrier screening, genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis (PND) of thalassemia.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is adversely affecting sleep quality and mental health, especially in individuals with chronic disease such as Parkinson's disease (PD)., Methods: We conducted a quantitative study, which included 119 Chinese PD patients who had been treated in an outpatient neurology clinic in Wuhan and 169 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The questionnaire survey focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep, mental status, symptoms, and daily life and medical treatment of PD patients., Results: Compared to healthy controls, PD patients had significantly higher scores in both the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (8.13 vs 5.36, p < 0.001) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) -Depression (4.89 vs 3.82, p = 0.022), as well as a higher prevalence of sleep disturbances with PSQI > 5 points (68.9% vs 44.4%, p < 0.001). Sleep disturbance was identified in 68.9% of PD patients. A logistic regression analysis showed that sleep disturbance of PD patients was independently associated with exacerbation of PD symptoms (OR = 3.616, 95%CI= (1.479, 8.844), p = 0.005) and anxiety (OR = 1.379, 95%CI= (1.157, 1.642), p < 0.001). Compared to male PD patients, female ones had higher PSQI scores (9.28 ± 4.41 vs 7.03 ± 4.01, p = 0.009) and anxiety (32.8% vs 0.1%, p = 0.002) and depression prevalence (34.5% vs 11.5%, p = 0.003)., Conclusion: The findings of the present study emphasize the importance of mental and sleep health interventions in PD patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional attention should be paid to the difficulty encountered by PD patients in seeking medical treatment., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

As one of the most serious cancers, gastric cancer (GC) represents the third leading cause of malignancy-related deaths. G9a is a histone lysine methyltransferase and has been reported to be involved in the progression of some human cancers. In the present study, we aimed to explore the expression patterns and clinical value of G9a in GC patients.The expression of G9a in 142 paired GC tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues (no less than 5 cm from tumor edge) was examined with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). To estimate the association of G9a expression with clinical characteristics of GC patients, Chi-square test and t test were conducted. Kaplan-Meier survival and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to explore the prognostic value of G9a in GC.Upregulated expression of G9a was found in GC tissues compared with noncancerous tissues (P < .001). Elevated G9a expression was significantly correlated with patients' lymph node metastasis (P = .007) and TNM stage (P < .001). Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated that patients with high G9a expression had shorter survival time than those with low expression (log-rank test, P < .05), reaching a median OS of 24 months. According to the results of Cox regression, G9a could be considered as an independent prognostic biomarker in patients with GC (HR = 3.912, 95% CI = 2.213-6.915, P < .001). Additionally, the diagnosis cut-off value of G9a in GC patients was 1.515.Taken together, G9a expression was upregulated in GC tissues and could be an effective prognostic biomarker for GC.

Samples of soil, earthworms, and tree roots from the forest ecosystem in the Dexing Pb/Zn mining area of Jiangxi Province were collected and the status of trace metal pollution analyzed to assess potential ecological risks. Chemometric and geographic information system methods were used to identify and describe the spatial distributions and the main contamination sources of trace metals. The order of potential ecological risks of trace metals in this area are as follows: cadmium (Cd) > arsenic (As) > copper (Cu) > nickel (Ni) > lead (Pb) > chromium (Cr) > zinc (Zn). Elemental spatial distribution maps showed the existence of zones heavily polluted by trace metals around the mining area. Earthworms and roots of three tree species were also heavily contaminated, with concentrations of trace metals in earthworms much higher than in previous studies. The potential ecological risk index and other soil quality indices indicated that soil had moderate to severe contamination and there were high ecological risks, with Cd making the greatest contribution. Multivariate statistical analyses showed that Cd, As, Cu, Pb, and Zn in soil came from a mining activity source, whereas Ni and Cr primarily originated from a natural source., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The silent information regulator SIR2/SIRT1gene has been demonstrated as regulating lifespan in many model organisms, including yeast, worms, fruit flies and rodents. SIRT1, the human homolog of SIR2, is considered a candidate gene as a modifier of human life expectancy., Methods: In the current study we included 616 long-lived individuals and 846 matched younger controls to investigate associations between 8 common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (i.e., rs12778366, rs3758391, rs3740051, rs33957861, rs7896005, rs12413112, rs11599176 and rs4746720) in the SIRT1 gene and human longevity., Results: The 8 SNPs had strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) and were in an LD block, which was characterized by 4 common haplotypes that capture 99.3% of the genetic variation present within it. We found no evidence for statistically significant associations between the tested SIRT1 SNPs and longevity at the allele, genotype or haplotype levels., Conclusions: Current findings show that several common variants in SIRT1 are not associated with human longevity.

Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) has recently been demonstrated to play an important role in the regulation of longevity in mammals. We therefore aimed to determine whether common variations in the SIRT6 gene are associated with human longevity. Five tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the SIRT6 gene and its 5 kb up-/downstream region, including rs350852, rs350844, rs352493, rs4807546 and rs3760905, have been successfully determined in 616 unrelated Chinese long-lived individuals (LLIs) (mean age: 102.4 ± 2.3 years) and 846 younger controls (mean age: 48.9 ± 10.6 years) from Hainan Island, China. The allele and genotype frequencies of the five SNPs showed no statistically significant difference between the LLIs and controls (all P > 0.05). The five SNPs were in strong linkage disequilibrium and defined seven common haplotypes. Likewise, no association between these haplotypes and longevity was observed (all P > 0.05). The present study reveals that common genetic variations in the SIRT6 gene are not associated with human longevity., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Obesity is known to be a preoperative risk factor for gastric cancer surgery. This study aimed to investigate the influence of obesity on the surgical outcomes of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) for gastric cancer., Methods: The clinical data of 131 patients with gastric cancer from January 2010-December 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Perioperative outcomes were compared between 43 patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m(2) (obese group) and 88 patients with a BMI <30 kg/m(2) (nonobese group) who underwent LADG., Results: Operation times were significantly longer for the obese group than for the nonobese group (234.1 ± 57.2 min versus 212.2 ± 43.5 min, P = 0.026). There were no statistically significant differences between two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss, the number of retrieved lymph nodes, postoperative recovery, and postoperative complications (P > 0.05). During the follow-up period of 5 mo-49 mo (average, 36 mo), the overall survival rates were not significantly different between the two groups (80.0% [32/40] versus 81.9% [68/83], P > 0.05). The differences in recurrence and metastasis between the two groups were not statistically significant., Conclusions: Our analysis revealed that LADG can be safely performed in patients with BMI ≥30. The procedure was considered to be difficult but sufficiently feasible., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Hemophagocytic syndrome is a rare disease that is often fatal, despite treatment. An immunocompetent patient was presented with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenias, hypertriglyceridemia, hypofibrinogenemia, and hyperferritinemia, which conformed to a hemophagocytic syndrome diagnosis. Despite broad antibiotic treatment, the patient's clinical condition rapidly deteriorated and he died within 8 days of admission. Blood cultures and a serology test were negative; however, based on morphological characteristics, tissue cysts Toxoplasma gondii were found in the bone marrow. Based on polymerase chain reaction analysis, identity of the parasite was confirmed. Although very rare, T. gondii-associated hemophagocytic syndrome should be suspected in the case of cytopenia or multiorgan failure symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first fatal toxoplasmosis case reported from China.

Purpose: The purpose of the current research was to detect the underlying genetic defect in a Chinese family with X-linked congenital nystagmus and perform prenatal genetic diagnosis for their current pregnancy., Methods: A common clinical examination and an ophthalmic evaluation were performed on the proband, one carrier, and one unaffected member. Mutation analysis of the G protein-coupled receptor 143 (GPR143) and four-point-one (4.1), ezrin, radixin, moesin (FERM) domain-containing 7 (FRMD7) genes was performed by direct sequencing of PCR-amplified exons in the proband. The detected GPR143 mutation was tested in all available family members and 200 normal controls by direct sequencing., Results: Congenital nystagmus, obvious fundus hypopigmentation, and foveal hypoplasia were observed in the proband but not in the carriers or the unaffected members. A novel splicing mutation c.658+1 g>t not found in 200 unrelated controls was identified and co-segregated with X-linked ocular albinism (XLOA) in this family. The fetus (V:5) was hemizygous for this mutant allele., Conclusions: We identified a novel causative mutation of GPR143 in a five-generation Chinese family with XLOA. This expanded the mutation spectrum of GPR143 and provided data elucidating the diverse and variable effects of GPR143 mutations.