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China leads the world in freshwater pearl production, an industry in which the triangle sail mussel (Sinohyriopsis cumingii) plays a pivotal role. In this paper, we report a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of S. cumingii with a size of 2.90 Gb—the largest yet reported among bivalves—and 89.92% anchorage onto 19 linkage groups. The assembled genome has 37,696 protein-coding genes and 50.86% repeat elements. A comparative genomic analysis revealed expansions of 752 gene families, mostly associated with biomineralization, and 237 genes under strong positive selection. Notably, the fibrillin gene family exhibited gene family expansion and positive selection simultaneously, and it also exhibited multiple high expressions after mantle implantation by transcriptome analysis. Furthermore, RNA silencing and an in vitro calcium carbonate crystallization assay highlighted the pivotal role played by one fibrillin gene in calcium carbonate deposition and aragonite transformation. This study provides a valuable genomic resource and offers new insights into the mechanism of pearl biomineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoestrogens (PEs) may harm liver function. However, studies in pregnant women are limited. Our study was conducted in pregnant women to assess the effect of serum PEs on liver function markers. We conducted a cross-sectional study focusing in the first trimester of pregnancy. A total of 352 pregnant women were enrolled in the study. We used generalized linear model (GLM) to explore the associations between each PE and each marker of liver function. We used Quantile g-computation (Qgcomp) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models to explore the associations between mixed exposure to all PEs and liver function markers. The GLM results showed that equol (EQU), daidzein (DAD), genistein (GEN), enterolactone (ENT), and enterodiol (END) were negatively correlated with albumin (ALB). DAD and GEN were associated with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT). DAD, GEN, naringin (NAR), and glycitein (GLY) were related to elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Mixed exposure model results showed that the mixture of PEs was associated with reduced ALB. Our results support the existence of associations between PEs and maternal liver function in the first trimester. Emphasizing the detrimental associations between serum PEs and liver function in pregnant women is essential to ensure maternal liver health during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation tillage as an effective alternative to mitigate soil degradation has attracted worldwide attention, but the influences of conservation tillage on soil microbial community and especially function remain unclear. Shotgun metagenomics sequencing was performed to examine the taxonomic and functional community variations of black soils under three tillage regimes, namely no-tillage with residue (maize straw) return (NTS), moldboard plow with residue return (MPS), and moldboard plow without residue return (MPN) in Northeast China. The results revealed: 1) Soil bacterial and archaeal communities differed significantly under different tillage regimes in contrast to soil fungal community. 2) The overlay of less tillage and residues return under NTS led to unique soil microbial community composition and functional composition. Specifically, in contrast to other treatments, NTS increased the relative abundances of some taxa such as Bradyrhizobium, Candidatus Solibacter, and Reyranella, along with the relative abundances of some taxa such as Sphingomonas, Unclassified Chloroflexi and Nitrososphaera decreased; NTS had a unique advantage of increasing the relative abundances of genes involved in 'ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters' and 'quorum sensing (QS)' pathways, while MPN favored the genes involved in 'flagellar assembly' pathway and some metabolic pathways such as 'carbon' and 'glyoxylate and dicarboxylate' and 'selenocompound' metabolisms. 3) Significantly different soil bacterial phyla (Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Chloroflexi) and metabolic pathways existed between MPN and another two treatments (NTS and MPS), while did not exist between NTS and MPS. 4) Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and soil bulk density were significantly affected (P < 0.05) by tillage and accounted for the variance both in microbial (bacterial) community structure and functional composition. These results indicated that a change in tillage regime from conventional to conservation tillage results in a shift of microbial community and functional genes, and we inferred that residue return played a more prominent role than less tillage in functional shifts in the microbial community of black soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current chemical transport models fail to reproduce both the concentrations and temporal variations of organic aerosol (OA), especially the secondary organic aerosol (SOA), hindering the identification of major contribution sources. The fact that precursors of intermediate-volatility and semivolatile organic compounds (I/SVOCs) are not included in models has a significant impact on the performance of SOA simulation. Herein, we establish a high-resolution emission inventory of I/SVOCs and by incorporating it into the CMAQ model, concentrations, temporal variations, and spatial distributions of POA and SOA originating from different sources in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region of China were simulated. By incorporating I/SVOC emissions into the model, the modeled average SOA concentrations in the region increased by 148 %. Significant model improvements in the simulations of different OA components were demonstrated by comparison with comprehensive observation data. Furthermore, spatial and seasonal variations of different source contributions to OA production have been identified. We found that cooking emissions are predominant sources of POA in the densely populated urban area of the region. I/SVOC emissions from industrial sources are dominant contributors to the SOA formation, followed by those from mobile sources. Our results indicate that future control measures should be specifically tailored on an intraregional scale based on the different source characteristics to achieve the national goal of continuous improvement in air quality. In addition, local source profiles and emission factors of I/SVOCs, as well as SOA formation mechanisms in the model framework must urgently be updated to further improve the model performance and thus the accuracy of source identifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the gas–particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) is of crucial importance in the accurate representation of the global budget of atmospheric organic aerosols. In this study, we quantified the gas- vs. particle-phase fractions of a large number of SVOCs in real time in an urban area of East China with the use of a CHemical Analysis of aeRosols ONline (CHARON) inlet coupled to a high-resolution proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS). We demonstrated the use of the CHARON inlet for highly efficient collection of particulate SVOCs while maintaining the intact molecular structures of these compounds. The collected month-long dataset with hourly resolution allows us to examine the gas–particle partitioning of a variety of SVOCs under ambient conditions. By comparing the measurements with model predictions using instantaneous equilibrium partitioning theory, we found that the dissociation of large parent molecules during the PTR ionization process likely introduces large uncertainties to the measured gas- vs. particle-phase fractions of less oxidized SVOCs, and therefore, caution should be taken when linking the molecular composition to the particle volatility when interpreting the PTR-ToF-MS data. Our analysis suggests that understanding the fragmentation mechanism of SVOCs and accounting for the neutral losses of small moieties during the molecular feature extraction from the raw PTR mass spectra could reduce, to a large extent, the uncertainties associated with the gas–particle partitioning measurement of SVOCs in the ambient atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) is the most important pathogen threatening the aquaculture of salmonid fish in China. In addition to the common genogroup J IHNV, genogroup U has been newly discovered in China. However, there is no effective DNA vaccine to fight against this emerging genogroup U IHNV in China. In this study, DNA vaccines encoding the IHNV viral glycoprotein (G) gene of the GS2014 (genogroup J) and BjLL (genogroup U) strains isolated from northern China were successfully developed, which were identified by restriction analysis and IFA. The expression of the Mx-1 gene and G gene in the spleens and muscles of the injection site as well as the titers of the serum antibodies were measured to evaluate the vaccine efficacy by RT-qPCR and ELISA. We found that DNA vaccine immunization could activate Mx1 gene expression and upregulate G gene expression, and the mRNA levels of the Mx1 gene in the muscles were significantly higher than those in the spleens. Notably, DNA vaccine immunization might not promote the serum antibody in fish at the early stage of immunization. Furthermore, the efficacy of the constructed vaccines was tested in intra- and cross-genogroup challenges by a viral challenge in vivo. It seemed that the DNA vaccines were able to provide great immune protection against IHNV infection. In addition, the genogroup J IHNV-G DNA vaccine showed better immune efficacy than the genogroup U IHNV-G or divalent vaccine, which could provide cross-immune protection against the genogroup U IHNV challenge. Therefore, this is the first study to construct an IHNV DNA vaccine using the G gene from an emerging genogroup U IHNV strain in China. The results provide great insight into the advances of new prophylactic strategies to fight both the genogroup J and U IHNV in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerosol acidity plays a key role in regulating the chemistry and toxicity of atmospheric aerosol particles. The trend of aerosol pH and its drivers is crucial in understanding the multiphase formation pathways of aerosols. Here, we reported the first trend analysis of aerosol pH from 2011 to 2019 in eastern China, calculated with the ISORROPIA model based on observed gas and aerosol compositions. The implementation of the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan led to -35.8 %, -37.6 %, -9.6 %, -81.0 % and 1.2 % changes of PM 2.5 , SO42- , NHx , non-volatile cations (NVCs) and NO3- in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region during this period. Different from the drastic changes of aerosol compositions due to the implementation of the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan, aerosol pH showed a minor change of -0.24 over the 9 years. Besides the multiphase buffer effect, the opposite effects from the changes of SO42- and non-volatile cations played key roles in determining this minor pH trend, contributing to a change of +0.3 8 and -0.35 , respectively. Seasonal variations in aerosol pH were mainly driven by the temperature, while the diurnal variations were driven by both temperature and relative humidity. In the future, SO2 , NOx and NH3 emissions are expected to be further reduced by 86.9 %, 74.9 % and 41.7 % in 2050 according to the best health effect pollution control scenario (SSP1-26-BHE). The corresponding aerosol pH in eastern China is estimated to increase by ∼0.19 , resulting in 0.04 less NO3- and 0.12 less NH4+ partitioning ratios, which suggests that NH3 and NOx emission controls are effective in mitigating haze pollution in eastern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To identify the genetic mutation of a four-generation autosomal dominant congenital cataract family in China.Methods: Targeted region sequencing containing 778 genes associated with ocular diseases was performed to screen for the potential mutation, and Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the mutation. The homology model was constructed to identify the protein structural change, several online software were used to predict the mutation impact. CLUSTALW was used to perform multiple sequence alignment from different species.Results: A novel heterozygous mutation, GJA8 NM_005267.5: c.124G > A, p.(E42K) was found, which cosegregated with congenital cataract phenotype in this family. Bioinformatics analysis of the mutation showed that the surface potential diagram of proteins changed. Several online programs predicted the mutation was 'Pathogenic', 'Damaging', 'Disease causing' or 'Deleterious'.Conclusions: A novel mutation NM_005267.5(GJA8):c.124G > A was identified in our study. Our finding can broaden the mutation spectrum of GJA8, enrich the phenotype-genotype correlation of congenital cataract and help to better understand the genetic background of congenital cataract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygenated organic molecules (OOMs) are the crucial intermediates linking volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) in the atmosphere, but comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of OOMs and their formation from VOCs is still missing. Ambient observations of OOMs using recently developed mass spectrometry techniques are still limited, especially in polluted urban atmospheres where VOCs and oxidants are extremely variable and complex. Here, we investigate OOMs, measured by a nitrate-ion-based chemical ionization mass spectrometer at Nanjing in eastern China, through performing positive matrix factorization on binned mass spectra (binPMF). The binPMF analysis reveals three factors about anthropogenic VOC (AVOC) daytime chemistry, three isoprene-related factors, three factors about biogenic VOC (BVOC) nighttime chemistry, and three factors about nitrated phenols. All factors are influenced by NOx in different ways and to different extents. Over 1000 non-nitro molecules have been identified and then reconstructed from the selected solution of binPMF, and about 72 % of the total signals are contributed by nitrogen-containing OOMs, mostly regarded as organic nitrates formed through peroxy radicals terminated by nitric oxide or nitrate-radical-initiated oxidations. Moreover, multi-nitrates account for about 24 % of the total signals, indicating the significant presence of multiple generations, especially for isoprene (e.g., C5H10O8N2 and C5H9O10N3). Additionally, the distribution of OOM concentration on the carbon number confirms their precursors are driven by AVOCs mixed with enhanced BVOCs during summer. Our results highlight the decisive role of NOx in OOM formation in densely populated areas, and we encourage more studies on the dramatic interactions between anthropogenic and biogenic emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The aim of this study was to compare the daily costs and cost effectiveness of fixed combination glaucoma drugs in China. Methods. This study included the following fixed combination drugs: brinzolamide 1% and timolol 0.5% (Azarga; Alcon, Inc., Fort Worth, TX, USA), travoprost 0.004% and timolol 0.5% (DuoTrav; Alcon, Inc.), bimatoprost 0.03% and timolol 0.5% (Ganfort; Allergan, Inc., Dublin, Ireland), and latanoprost 0.005% and timolol 0.5% (Xalacom; Pfizer, Inc., New York, NY, USA). Five bottles of each drug were measured. The mean actual volume, mean actual number of drops, volume per drop, daily cost, yearly cost, and per mmHg reduction cost for each drug were calculated. Results. The volumes per drop ranged from 32.61 ± 2.90 μl (DuoTrav) to 24.38 ± 0.23 μl (Ganfort). The number of usage days per bottle varied from 36 days (DuoTrav) to 61 days (Ganfort). Azarga had the lowest daily cost ($0.23) and yearly cost ($84.72), while DuoTrav had the highest daily cost ($0.79) and yearly cost ($287.02). Azarga costed $2.17–$3.30 per mmHg intraocular pressure reduction, which was lower than the other three drugs. For the prostaglandin and ß-adrenergic blocker FCs, Ganfort had the lowest daily cost ($0.35) and per mmHg reduction cost (from $3.40 to $4.04). Conclusions. The daily costs of these drugs were significantly different, with Azarga having the lowest daily cost and best cost effectiveness. For the prostaglandin and β-adrenergic blocker fixed combinations, Ganfort was the most economical choice with its lower daily cost and per mmHg reduction cost. The results of this study could provide drug selection guidance from an economic perspective, but various factors should be considered when making a decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading around the world currently, seriously threatening people's health and global security as an international public health emergency. The objective of this study is to summarize China's countermeasures and experience in response to the COVID-19 emergence in order to serve as a warning for the global COVID-19 prevention and control, and further provide some suggestions for global fighting to COVID-19.Methods: Content analysis, expert consultation, and high frequency word analysis were applied in this study. Relevant data and information were collected from official websites, the experience accumulated in China during the fighting to the novel coronavirus, and suggestions from some experts.Results: As of March 29, 2020, China had accumulated 82 419 confirmed diagnoses, and the mortality rate was 4.01%; in the mean time, the global had accumulated 596 042 confirmed diagnoses, and the mortality rate was 4.76%. Although the mortality of COVID-19 was not so high, its harmfulness couldn't be ignored. Ten facts during COVID-19 epidemic in China were summarized in the study, including: the COVID-19 is highly contagious and can be spread through many channels; although elderly people and people with underlying diseases are susceptible, young people can also be victims; isolation is the most effective way to reduce the risk of COVID-19, and secondary disasters induced by COVID-19 should be emphasized in advance. High frequent words of experts' suggestions mainly includes: material, prevention and control, pathogeny, propaganda, education, hygiene, technology, medical care, overall planning, policy, panic, etc. The main concerns of experts are from four aspects: publicity and education, various subjects, medical materials and law construction.Conclusions: COVID-19 is a new infectious disease worldwide, and its infectious source, transmission route, susceptible population, and therapy are not clear. In the face of the COVID-19 epidemic, no country can stand alone to maintain its own safety. People from all over the world should put aside their difference in ideology, religious belief, politics, economy, and culture, and only by global cooperation and globally unified actions, can we successfully overcome COVID-19 in the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerosol mass spectrometry was used to characterize submicron aerosols before and after aging in a Gothenburg Potential Aerosol Mass (Go:PAM) reactor at two suburban sites in China, one in northern China at Changping (CP), Beijing, and a second in southern China at Hong Kong (HK). Organic aerosol (OA) dominated in the ambient nonrefractory particulate matter <1 μm (NR‐PM1) for both CP (42–71%) and HK (43–61%), with a large contribution from secondary OA factors that were semivolatile oxygenated (SVOOA) and low‐volatility oxygenated (LVOOA). Under constant OH exposure, OA enhancement (78–98%) dominated the NR‐PM1 mass increment at both sites, while nitrate was enhanced the most among the inorganic species (7–9%). Overall, the CP site exhibited higher OA oxidation potential and more enhancement of SVOOA than LVOOA (7.5 vs. 2.7 μg/m3), but the reverse was observed in HK (0.8 vs. 2.6 μg/m3). In CP, more enhancement of the less oxygenated SVOOA suggests that aerosol aging was more sensitive to the abundant locally emitted primary OA and volatile organic compound precursors. On the contrary, the more formation of the highly oxidized LVOOA in HK indicates that aerosol aging mainly escalated the degree of oxygenation of OA as ambient aerosol was already quite aged and there was a lack of volatile organic compound precursors. The comparative measurements using the same oxidation system reveal distinct key factors and mechanisms that influence secondary aerosol formation in two suburban locations in China, providing scientific insights to assist formulation of location‐specific mitigation measures of secondary pollution. Plain Language Summary: Atmospheric submicron particles have significant impacts on the climate and human health. A large part of these particles are formed secondarily through successive aging of primary emissions. To study such aging processes, we used a reactor that can provide highly oxidizing conditions to simulate the oxidation of ambient aerosols at accelerated rates. An online mass spectrometer was connected after the reactor to measure changes in aerosol mass concentration and chemical composition between the ambient samples and the oxidized ones. We presented the first comparative measurements of the aging potentials of ambient aerosols in two suburban sites in northern and southern China (Changping District in Beijing, and Hong Kong). Results showed that generally aerosols at the Changping site had higher aging potentials after passing through the oxidation reactor, probably due to more local emissions of precursors, while air masses in Hong Kong were already in a higher oxidation state with lower aging potentials, mainly because of strong impacts from long‐range transported pollution sources. Distinct aerosol aging pathways related to different ambient precursors were observed at the two sites. Understanding of the different characteristics of aerosol aging processes can lead to advances in air quality modeling and pollution management. Key Points: Aging processes of submicron nonrefractory aerosols were investigated comparatively at two suburban sites in northern and southern ChinaBoth sites showed dominant mass increment from organics after aging, but aerosols in northern China had higher aging potentialThe distinct aging processes at the two sites reflected influence from ambient precursors [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food safety in China has become a major research interest and popular social issue in recent years. We have constructed a database-website-advanced search engine system for continuous collection online food safety information and efficient mass literature analysis. This paper will introduce the methods used for data extraction, processing, search and intelligent result analyses. Over 1,300,000 pieces of entry have been collected, including the information from the websites of government agencies, the abstracts of academic papers and news in credible online media. This system can catalog the search results automatically in terms of geographic region, time period, original sources and food-related keywords. An application is shown through comparing the differences between food-borne disease data in governmental documents and media reports. The number of food poisoning incidents reported by the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) decreased gradually from 2006 to 2012 whereas the number of food poisoning news items increased simultaneously with the food safety news. The media prefer to report the food safety incidents caused by man-made hazards or those which occur in the public domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To explore the molecular genetic cause of a four-generation autosomal dominant congenital cataract family in China.Methods: Targeted region sequencing was performed to screen for the potential mutation, and Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the mutation. The homology model was constructed to identify the protein structural change, PolyPhen-2 and Provean were used to predict the mutation impact. Functional and cellular analysis of the wild and mutant GJA8 were performed in DF-1 cells by western blotting, dye uptake assay, immunofluorescence, Annexin V-FITC staining.Results: A novel heterozygous mutation (c.205G > A; p.Ala69Thr) was identified within GJA8, which cosegregated with congenital cataract phenotype in this family. Bioinformatics analysis showed the mutation was located in a highly conserved region, and the mutation was predicted to be pathogenic. Function analysis indicated that the mutation inhibited GJA8 hemichannel activity, reduced cell tolerance to oxidative stress, changed the protein distribution pattern and inhibited the cell growth.Conclusions: We have identified a novel missense mutation in GJA8 (c.205G > A, p.Ala69Thr) in a four-generation Chinese family and our results will further broaden the gene mutation spectrum of GJA8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas-phase dimethylamine (DMA) has recently been identified as one of the most important vapors to initiate new particle formation (NPF), even in China's polluted atmosphere. Nevertheless, there remains a fundamental need for understanding the atmospheric life cycle of DMA, particularly in urban areas. Here we pioneered large-scale mobile observations of the DMA concentrations within cities and across two pan-region transects of north-to-south (∼700 km) and west-to-east (∼2000 km) in China. Unexpectedly, DMA concentrations (mean ± 1 σ) in South China with scattered croplands (0.018 ± 0.010 ppbv, 1 ppbv=10−9 L/L) were over three times higher than those in the north with contiguous croplands (0.005 ± 0.001 ppbv), suggesting that nonagricultural activities may be an important source of DMA. Particularly in non-rural regions, incidental pulsed industrial emissions led to some of the highest DMA concentration levels in the world (>2.3 ppbv). Besides, in highly urbanized areas of Shanghai, supported by direct source-emission measurements, the spatial pattern of DMA was generally correlated with population (R 2 = 0.31) due to associated residential emissions rather than vehicular emissions. Chemical transport simulations further show that in the most populated regions of Shanghai, residential DMA emissions can contribute for up to 78% of particle number concentrations. Shanghai is a case study for populous megacities, and the impacts of nonagricultural emissions on local DMA concentration and nucleation are likely similar for other major urban regions globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residue return has a profound effect on soil total nitrogen (STN) content and thereby the global soil N cycle. However, a specific understanding of the key factors influencing STN changes after residue return is currently lacking. A meta-analysis of 502 comparisons from China based on 152 published papers was performed to quantify the changes in STN after residue return and assess the effect sizes of the predictor variables. Results showed that residue return significantly increased STN in 0–20 cm by 11.1% compared to no residue return. The STN accumulation accompanying return of crop residues was greater in areas with higher latitude (>40°), lower rainfall (<700 mm) and lower average annual temperature (<5 °C) such as in Northeast China. Crop management, climatic factors, soil properties, residue management and fertilizer addition all significantly affected STN after residue return. Land use and mean annual precipitation (MAP) were the most influential predictors of the changes in STN following residue return. The results of structural equation model showed that the duration of residue return, the amount of residue, and the initial STN content of the soil had direct effects on final STN following residue return. In particular, the initial STN content both directly affected the changes in STN and was a transitional factor indirectly affecting changes in STN influenced by MAT, MAP and N fertilizer addition. More generally, land use, climatic attributes, the duration of residue return and the initial STN content are important aspects which should be given more consideration in the process of developing management strategies for returning residue. • Meta-analysis was applied to quantify the contribution of residue return to STN content. • Under most circumstances, residue restitution led to an increase in STN. • The dynamics of STN after residue restitution and its influencing factors were elucidated. • Land use, climatic attributes, duration, and the initial STN content are important aspects of residue return. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we present seasonal chemical characteristics, formations, sources of PM 2.5 in the year 2020 in Suzhou, Yangtze River Delta, China. Expectedly, organic matter (OM) found to be the most dominant component of PM 2.5 , with a year-average value of 10.3 ± 5.5 μg m−3, followed by NO 3 − (6.7 ± 6.5 μg m−3), SO 4 2− (3.3 ± 2.5 μg m−3), NH 4 + (3.2 ± 2.8 μg m−3), EC (1.1 ± 1.3 μg m−3), Cl− (0.57 ± 0.56 μg m−3), Ca2+ (0.55 ± 0.91 μg m−3), K+ (0.2 ± 1.0 μg m−3), Na+ (0.18 ± 0.45 μg m−3), and Mg2+ (0.09 ± 0.15 μg m−3). Seasonal variations of PM 2.5 showed the highest average value in spring, followed by winter, fall, and summer. Meanwhile, the formation mechanisms of the major PM 2.5 species (NO 3 −, SO 4 2−, and OM) varied in seasons. Interestingly, NO 2 may have the highest conversion rate to NO 3 − in spring, which might be linked with the nighttime chemistry due to the high relative humidity. Moreover, OM in summer was mainly produced by the daytime oxidation of volatile organic compounds, while local primary organic aerosols might play a significant role in other seasons. Source apportionment showed that the more-aged PM 2.5 contributed significantly to the PM 2.5 mass (42%), followed by the dust-related PM 2.5 (38%) and the less-aged PM 2.5 (21%). Potential contribution source function (PSCF) results indicated that aged PM 2.5 were less affected by transportation than dust-related PM 2.5. • Chemical composition, formations, and source apportionment of PM 2.5 in Suzhou were characterized. • The highest PM 2.5 levels were observed in spring, followed by winter, fall, and summer. • NO 2 may have the highest conversion rate to NO 3 − in spring due to high RH. • OM in summer was mainly produced by the daytime oxidation of VOCs. • More-aged PM 2.5 contributed significantly in comparison with dust-related and less-aged PM 2.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Elevated levels of BTEX and salinity in groundwater by produced water intrusion. • Archaeal communities are susceptible to BTEX and salinity contamination. • Salinity has impacted more on community structure but less on the functional genes. • Woesearchaeia is the predominant archaea in produced water-contaminated groundwater. • Methane metabolism genes are enriched in produced water-contaminated groundwater. Intrusion of salinity and petroleum hydrocarbons (e.g., benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes, BTEX) into shallow groundwater by so-called 'produced water' (the water associated with oil and gas production) has recently drawn much attention. However, how this co-contamination affects the groundwater microbial community remains unknown. Herein, geochemical methods (e.g., ion ratios) and high-throughput sequencing (amplicon and shotgun metagenomic) were used to study the contaminant source, hydrogeochemical conditions, microbial community and function in salinity and BTEX co-contaminated shallow groundwater in an oil field, northwest China. The desulfurization coefficient (100rSO 4 2−/rCl−), coefficient of sodium and chloride (rNa+/rCl−), and coefficient of magnesium and chloride (rMg2+/rCl−) revealed an intrusion of produced water into groundwater, resulting in elevated levels of salinity and BTEX. The consumption of terminal electron acceptors (e.g., NO 3 −, Fe3+, and SO 4 2−) was likely coupled with BTEX degradation. Relative to the bacteria, decreased archaeal diversity and enriched community in produced water-contaminated groundwater suggested that archaea were more susceptible to elevated BTEX and salinity. Relative to the nitrate and sulfate reduction genes, the abundance of marker genes encoding fermentation (acetate and hydrogen production) and methanogenesis (aceticlastic and methylotrophic) was more proportional to BTEX concentration. The produced water intrusion significantly enriched the salt-tolerant anaerobic fermentative heterotroph Woesearchaeia in shallow groundwater, and its co-occurrence with BTEX-degrading bacteria and methanogen Methanomicrobia suggested mutualistic interactions among the archaeal and bacterial communities to couple BTEX degradation with fermentation and methanogenesis. This study offers a first insight into the microbial community and function in groundwater contaminated by produced water. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial necromass carbon (M-C) is considered to be relatively stable and important part of SOC. However, knowledge about the contribution of M-C storage in increasing SOC storage and the influences of tillage and cropping systems on fungal and bacterial necromass carbon (F-C and B-C) is lacking, especially in the long-term. Here, a subset of treatments in a long-term 16-year study was used to evaluate these changes. The treatments selected for present study were: (1) NTCS: no-tillage with two year corn-soybean (CS) rotation (Zea mays L. – Glycine max Merr.); (2) MPCS: moldboard plowing with two year corn-soybean rotation; (3) NTCC: no-tillage with continuous corn (CC); (4) MPCC: moldboard plowing with continuous corn; (5) CTCC: conventional tillage with continuous corn and no residue return (traditional tillage practice in China). Amino sugars were measured to calculate the M-C, F-C and B-C and their storage. Three-way ANOVA showed that tillage, depth and their interactions had significant effect on all amino sugars. However, two-way ANOVA in separate layers showed the effects of tillage on all amino sugars mostly occurred in 0–5 cm layer. A decaying exponential model showed the relationship between the M-C and SOC (R2 = 0.87). Tillage showed great effects on the amount of M-C, F-C and B-C storage but had no influence on the proportion of their distribution in SOC storage (%). More than half of the increase in SOC storage existed as M-C storage under CC cropping due to returned residue, which was higher than CS. F-C storage % was not affected by agriculture management (residue return, tillage and cropping), whereas B-C storage % was affected by both quantity and quality of residue. The results suggested that CC cropping system was better for M-C sequestration and that bacteria were relatively more sensitive to agriculture management than fungi. • More than half of increased SOC storage can exist as microbial necromass C in no-tillage. • Bacterial-C storage % but not Fungal-C storage % was affected by agriculture management. • Continuous corn system was better for SOC long-term sequestration than corn-soybean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric oxidation processes are important to convert freshly emitted trace gases to secondary pollutants. RO x radicals (including hydroxyl radical (OH), hydroperoxyl radical (HO 2), and organic peroxyl radical (RO 2)) dominate the atmospheric oxidation capacity. In this study, measurements of RO x chemistry precursors and products are presented in Shanghai, a megacity in eastern China during late autumn. During the campaign, two types of air masses are identified, one of which is warm air parcel characterized by relatively higher concentrations of particulate matters and ozone. An observational based chemical box model is utilized to simulate the radical chemistry. HONO is the most important radical source contributing more than one-third of the total radical primary source. However, alkene ozonolysis reactions not only serve as a non-photolytic source but also become relative important during polluted cases indicating the important role in polluted conditions. The maximum ClNO 2 was 0.4 ppbv (5min averaged) with a 1h diurnal averaged maximum of 0.16 ppbv and 0.06 ppbv for polluted and clean cases, respectively. The contribution of ClNO 2 photolysis to the total primary radical production is <1% on 24h averaged based. Though the campaign was conducted in late autumn when ClNO 2 was considered as a relatively important radical source compared to summer conditions, our results suggest the contribution of ClNO 2 may vary from case to case. The role of Cl radical and OH radical in secondary pollution formation is explored. Although the model predicts that the concentrations of Cl radicals are orders of magnitude smaller than that of OH radicals, further model analysis highlight that the ozone production per VOC oxidation is more efficient due to Cl radical initiated the reaction chain compared to OH radical. The ubiquitous presence of ClNO 2 with large spatial and temporal variability demonstrates that the contribution of ClNO 2 to photochemical processes should be further investigated with field observations in variable environments/seasons. • ClNO 2 was measured at an urban site in Shanghai China during late-autumn. • AOC increased during polluted episode, contributing to pollution formation. • ClNO 2 photolysis contributed <1% to total ROx radical primary production. • Cl oxidation was found to be highly efficient (>95%) in ozone production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous oxidation of sulfur dioxide (SO2) is suggested to be one of the most important pathways for sulfate formation during extreme haze events in China. Yet, the exact mechanism remains highly uncertain. We propose a much less explored pathway for aqueous-phase SO2 oxidation to form particulate sulfate by NO2 and OH radicals produced from photolysis of particulate nitrate. Reactive uptake experiments of SO2 by ammonium nitrate particles under UV irradiation show the measured SO2 uptake coefficients of ~10-5. Model calculations of sulfate production rates, comparing known oxidation mechanisms by O3, NO2, H2O2, and transition metal ions, and the nitrate photolysis mechanism suggest that the nitrate photolysis pathway could contribute significantly to the overall sulfate production at pH = 4 to 6. The present study provides a new insight into the current debate on sulfate production pathways under typical haze conditions in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there are many studies analysing the relationship between sleep and depression in individuals, there is currently no bi-directional causal relationship between sleep and depression between older couples analysed from a binary perspective.Thus, this study used the CHARLS database to analyse the relationship between sleep and depression among older couples. A binary cross-lagged model was used to analyse the data.The study found an interaction between nighttime sleep duration and depression among older couples. Wife's depressive symptoms were significant predictors of husband's nocturnal sleep duration. Husband's depression and sleep quality predicted wife's sleep quality and depression, respectively. Therefore, when screening community-dwelling older adults for depressive symptoms, we need to be aware of the impact of different sleep profiles of older adults of different genders on spousal depressive symptoms. In addition, when dealing with patients with depressive symptoms, we need to consider not only the patient but also the impact of their depressive symptoms on their spouse., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

To ensure good air quality during the China International Import Expo (CIIE) event, stringent emission-reduction measures were implemented in Shanghai. To assess the efficacy of these measures, this study measured typical categories of intermediate/semi volatile organic compounds (I/SVOCs), including alkanes (C 10 -C 26 n-alkanes and pristane), EPA-priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alkylnaphthalenes, benzothiazole (BTH) and chlorobenzenes (CBs), at an urban site of Shanghai before and during two CIIE events (2019 and 2020; non-CIIE versus CIIE). The average concentrations of alkanes and PAHs during both 2019 and 2020 CIIE events decreased by approximately 41% and 17%, respectively, compared to non-CIIE periods. However, the decline in BTH and CBs was only observed during CIIE-2019. Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from alkanes, PAHs and BTH was evaluated under atmospheric conditions, revealing considerable SOA contributions from dimethylnaphthalenes and BTH. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis further revealed that life-related sources, such as cooking and residential emissions, make a noticeable contribution (21.6%) in addition to the commonly concerned gasoline-vehicle sources (31.5%), diesel-related emissions (20.8%), industrial emissions (18.6%) and ship emissions (7.5%). These findings provide valuable insights into the efficacy of the implemented measures in reducing atmospheric I/SVOCs levels. Moreover, our results highlight the significance of exploring additional individual species of I/SVOCs and life-related sources for further research and policy development., 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.)

Nitro-phenolic compounds (NPs) have attracted increasing attention because of their health risks and impacts on visibility, climate, and atmospheric chemistry. Despite many measurements of particulate NPs, the knowledge of their gaseous abundances, sources, atmospheric fates, and impacts remains incomplete. Here, 18 gaseous NPs were continuously measured with a time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometer at a background site in South China in autumn and winter. Abundant NPs were observed in the continental outflows from East Asia, with a total concentration up to 122.1 pptv. Secondary formation from the transported aromatics dominated the observed NPs, with mono-NPs exhibiting photochemical daytime peaks and nighttime enrichments of di-NPs and Cl-substituted NPs. The budget analysis indicates that besides the •OH oxidation of aromatics, the NO 3 • oxidation also contributed significantly to the daytime mono-NPs, while the further oxidation of mono-NPs by NO 3 • dominated the nocturnal formation of di-NPs. Photolysis was the main daytime sink of NPs and produced substantial HONO, which would influence atmospheric oxidation capacity in downwind and background regions. This study provides quantitative insights on the formation and impacts of gaseous NPs in the continental outflow and highlights the role of NO 3 • chemistry in the secondary nitro-aromatics production that may facilitate regional pollution.

Air quality in megacities is significantly impacted by emissions from vehicles and other urban-scale human activities. Amid the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in January 2020, strict policies were in place to restrict people's movement, bringing about steep reductions in pollution activities and notably lower ambient concentrations of primary pollutants. In this study, we report hourly measurements of fine particulate matter (i.e., PM 2.5 ) and its comprehensive chemical speciation, including elemental and molecular source tracers, at an urban site in Shanghai spanning a period before the lockdown restriction (BR) (1 to 23 Jan. 2020) and during the restriction (DR) (24 Jan. to 9 Feb. 2020). The overall PM 2.5 was reduced by 27% from 56.2 ± 40.9 (BR) to 41.1 ± 25.3 μg m -3 (DR) and the organic carbon (OC) in PM 2.5 was similar, averaged at 5.45 ± 2.37 (BR) and 5.42 ± 1.75 μgC m -3 (DR). Reduction in nitrate was prominent, from 18.1 (BR) to 9.2 μg m -3 (DR), accounting for most of the PM 2.5 decrease. Source analysis of PM 2.5 using positive matrix factorization modeling of comprehensive chemical composition, resolved nine primary source factors and five secondary source factors. The quantitative source analysis confirms reduced contributions from primary sources affected by COVID-19, with vehicular emissions showing the largest drop, from 4.6 (BR) to 0.61 μg m -3 (DR) and the percentage change (-87%) in par with vehicle traffic volume and fuel sale statistics (-60% to -90%). In the same time period, secondary sources are revealed to vary in response to precursor reductions from the lockdown, with two sources showing consistent enhancement while the other three showing reductions, highlighting the complexity in secondary organic aerosol formation and the nonlinear response to broad primary precursor pollutants. The combined contribution from the two secondary sources to PM 2.5 increased from 7.3 ± 6.6 (BR) to 14.8 ± 9.3 μg m -3 (DR), partially offsetting the reductions from primary sources and nitrate while their increased contribution to OC, from 1.6 ± 1.4 (BR) to 3.2 ± 2.0 μgC m -3 (DR), almost offset the decrease coming from the primary sources. Results from this work underscore challenges in predicting the benefits to PM 2.5 improvement from emission reductions of common urban primary sources.

Objective: This work aimed to explore the effect of NTSR1 on oncogenesis and the potential clinical role of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC)., Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to assay NTSR1 and EGFR/HER2 expression. NTSR1 and MET were disrupted using shRNA. The role of 19 genes related to cancer phenotype signaling pathways was explored. The expression of genes was verified by Western blotting or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The interactions among genes were analyzed by STRING., Results: There was a significant positive correlation between the expression of NTSR1 and EGFR/HER2. The proliferation and invasion rate of MKN-45 cells was significantly reduced by the NTSR1 shRNA. The expression of MET and EGFR/HER2 was downregulated by the NTSR1 shRNA. NTSR1 modulated the invasion ability of gastric cancer cells via MET. NTSR1 interacted with MET via PIK3CA. Combined knockout of NTSR1 and MET further reduced the PIK3CA mRNA level and the invasion ability of MKN-45 cells., Conclusions: NTSR1 plays an important role in the occurrence, invasion, and metastasis of GAC in a manner involving several other genes, such as MET and EGFR/HER2. Therefore, NTSR1 constitutes a potential therapeutic target for GAC via synthetic lethality, and assessment of NTSR1 signaling may be necessary when performing tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy., (© 2021 by the Association of Clinical Scientists, Inc.)

As the world's largest developing country in the world, China consumes a large amount of fossil fuels and this leads to a significant increase in industrial energy-related CO 2 emissions (IECEs). The Yangtze River Economic Zone (YREZ), accounting for 21.4% of the total area of China, generates more than 40% of the total national gross domestic product and is an important component of the IECEs from China. However, little is known about the changes in the IECEs and their influencing factors in this area during the past decade. In this study, IECEs were calculated and their influencing factors were delineated based on an extended logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) model by introducing technological factors in the YREZ during 2008-2016. The following conclusions could be drawn from the results. (1) Jiangsu and Hubei were the leading and the second largest IECEs emitters, respectively. The contribution of the cumulative increment of IECEs was the strongest in Jiangsu, followed by Anhui, Jiangxi and Hunan. (2) On the whole, both the energy intensity and R&D efficiency play a dominant role in suppressing IECEs; the economic output and investment intensity exert the most prominent effect on promoting IECEs, while there were great differences among the major driving factors in sub-regions. Energy structure, industrial structure and R&D intensity play less important roles in the IECEs, especially in the central and western regions. (3) The year of 2012 was an important turning point when nearly half of these provinces showed a change in the increment of IECEs from positive to negative values, which was jointly caused by weakening economic activity and reinforced inhibitory of energy intensity and R&D intensity.

Background: Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading around the world currently, seriously threatening people's health and global security as an international public health emergency. The objective of this study is to summarize China's countermeasures and experience in response to the COVID-19 emergence in order to serve as a warning for the global COVID-19 prevention and control, and further provide some suggestions for global fighting to COVID-19., Methods: Content analysis, expert consultation, and high frequency word analysis were applied in this study. Relevant data and information were collected from official websites, the experience accumulated in China during the fighting to the novel coronavirus, and suggestions from some experts., Results: As of March 29, 2020, China had accumulated 82 419 confirmed diagnoses, and the mortality rate was 4.01%; in the mean time, the global had accumulated 596 042 confirmed diagnoses, and the mortality rate was 4.76%. Although the mortality of COVID-19 was not so high, its harmfulness couldn't be ignored. Ten facts during COVID-19 epidemic in China were summarized in the study, including: the COVID-19 is highly contagious and can be spread through many channels; although elderly people and people with underlying diseases are susceptible, young people can also be victims; isolation is the most effective way to reduce the risk of COVID-19, and secondary disasters induced by COVID-19 should be emphasized in advance. High frequent words of experts' suggestions mainly includes: material, prevention and control, pathogeny, propaganda, education, hygiene, technology, medical care, overall planning, policy, panic, etc. The main concerns of experts are from four aspects: publicity and education, various subjects, medical materials and law construction., Conclusions: COVID-19 is a new infectious disease worldwide, and its infectious source, transmission route, susceptible population, and therapy are not clear. In the face of the COVID-19 epidemic, no country can stand alone to maintain its own safety. People from all over the world should put aside their difference in ideology, religious belief, politics, economy, and culture, and only by global cooperation and globally unified actions, can we successfully overcome COVID-19 in the end., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors completed the ICMJE Unified Competing Interest form (available upon request from the corresponding author), and declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 by the Journal of Global Health. All rights reserved.)

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) has become a worldwide public health problem, but little information is available about the disease burden in China. We aimed to evaluate the burden of AKI and assess the availability of diagnosis and treatment in China., Methods: We launched a nationwide, cross-sectional survey of adult patients who were admitted to hospital in 2013 in academic or local hospitals from 22 provinces in mainland China. Patients with suspected AKI were screened out on the basis of changes in serum creatinine by the Laboratory Information System, and we reviewed medical records for 2 months (January and July) to confirm diagnoses. We assessed rates of AKI according to two identification criteria: the 2012 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) AKI definition and an increase or decrease in serum creatinine by 50% during hospital stay (expanded criteria). We estimated national rates with data from the 2013 report by the Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission and National Bureau of Statistics., Findings: Of 2,223,230 patients admitted to the 44 hospitals screened in 2013, 154,950 (7·0%) were suspected of having AKI by electronic screening, of whom 26,086 patients (from 374,286 total admissions) were reviewed with medical records to confirm the diagnosis of AKI. The detection rate of AKI was 0·99% (3687 of 374,286) by KDIGO criteria and 2·03% (7604 of 374,286) by expanded criteria, from which we estimate that 1·4-2·9 million people with AKI were admitted to hospital in China in 2013. The non-recognition rate of AKI was 74·2% (5608 of 7555 with available data). Renal referral was done in 21·4% (1625 of 7604) of the AKI cases, and renal replacement therapy was done in 59·3% (531 of 896) of those who had the indications. Delayed AKI recognition was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality, and renal referral was an independent protective factor for AKI under-recognition and mortality, Interpretation: AKI has become a huge medical burden in China, with substantial underdiagnosis and undertreatment. Nephrologists should take the responsibility for leading the battle against AKI., Funding: National 985 Project of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Beijing Training Program for Talents, International Society of Nephrology Research Committee, and Bethune Fund Management Committee., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To explore the molecular mechanism of CisAB01 subtype in the ABO blood group system, and to investigate the expression of A and B antigens in red blood cells (RBCs)., Methods: For 5 unrelated individuals with the CisAB phenotype, the molecular basis for the blood type was studied with serological assay, DNA sequencing and haplotype analysis. Bioinformatics analysis was carried out to investigate the changes in structure and function of relevant enzymes. Expression of A and B antigens in RBCs of CisAB01 was detected by flow cytometry., Results: All of the 5 samples were found to have a CisAB01 subtype. The underlying mutations, 467C>T and 803G>C in exon 7, have resulted in replacement of amino acid P156L and G268A. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of A antigen in CisAB01 cases was 135, while the control group was 172. The B antigens in CisAB01 cases (MFI=38) showed significant decrease in MFI compared with the control group (MFI=164)., Conclusion: 803G>C mutation of the ABO gene probably underlies the CisAB01 subtype. Fluorescence intensity of A antigens in CisAB01 subtype cases is slightly lower than the normal type, while the B antigen was significantly lower.

Objectives: Previously, there were no data looking at the quality evaluation of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on effect comparison of laparoscopic surgery and open surgery for colorectal cancer in China. Here, we evaluate the completeness and transparency of RCT reports in this field., Methods: The following databases were searched: Medline, EMbase, SCI Expanded, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chinese Biological Medicine Database, VIP database and Wan Fang databases) to search RCT reports on the effect comparison of laparoscopic surgery and open surgery for colorectal cancer in China. Our study evaluated the reporting quality of RCTs based on 22 standards of Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 Statement. Two reviewers responded with 'yes' or 'no' to each standard to judge whether the authors had reported or had recorded concrete details of the reports accomplished in accordance with the requirement of each standard., Results: A total of 40 relevant RCTs were included in the final analysis. For the 'Title and abstract', only three articles (7.5%) could be identified directly from its title as the report of RCTs. For the 'Methods', only three articles (7.5%) applied the method of random allocation of sequences; only two articles (5%) mentioned the type of randomization or gave the description of the mechanism of allocation concealment; no article referred the concrete implementation of random method. Only one article (2.5%) applied the method of blinding or sample size calculation; no article had analysis about the metaphase of an experiment or an explanation of its interruption. For 'results', only one article (2.5%) described participant flow, primary and secondary outcomes with estimated effect size or ancillary analyses. Only 13 articles (32.5%) showed baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, 10 (25%) referred to intention-to-treat analysis, and 12 (30%) mentioned important harms or unintended effects. For the 'discussion', only eight articles (20%) gave the description of trials' limitations and 13 (32.5%) presented the generalizability (external validity, applicability) of the trial findings., Conclusion: The quality of the RCT reports on effect comparison of laparoscopic surgery and open surgery for colorectal cancer in China is poor. The reporting of RCTs in this field should be standardized, according to the specifications of the CONSORT 2010.

Background: Despite increasing numbers of RCTs done in China, detailed information on the quality of Chinese RCTs is still missing. The aim of this study was to assess the reporting quality of RSA RCTs and to identify significant predictors of reporting quality., Methods: A literature review was conducted with the aim of identifying published RCTs on RSA conducted in China. In order to rate the report quality, we scored 1 for the item of CONSORT 2010 if it was reported and 0 if it was not stated or unclear. An overall quality score (OQS) with a range of 0-15 and a key methodological index score (MIS) with a range of 0-3 were calculated for each trial., Results: A total of 98 relevant RCTs were included in the final analysis. The median OQS was 7, with a minimum of 1 and maximum of 12. The general level of OQS was not high, especially among 'sample size,' 'baseline data,' 'outcomes and estimation,' and 'ancillary analyses,' all of which had a positive rate of less than 10%. The median MIS was 1 with a minimum of 0 and maximum of 1. 'Allocation concealment,' 'blinding,' and 'intention-to-treat analysis' were mentioned in 1 (1%), 1 (1%) and 69 (70%) of the studies, respectively. In univariate analysis, funding was the only factor associated with an increased OQS. Specifically, the mean OQS increased by approximately 1.52 for manuscripts supported by funding (95% CI: 0.12 - 2.92; p = 0.03). With regard to the MIS, no association was found for any variable., Conclusion: RCTs of RSA conducted in China need improvement in order to meet the level of "reporting quality" required by the CONSORT statement.