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Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial, pervasive, neurodevelopmental disorder, of which intestinal symptoms collectively represent one of the most common comorbidities. Methods: In this study, 1,222 children with ASD and 1,206 typically developing (TD) children aged 2-7 years were enrolled from 13 cities in China. Physical measurement and basic information questionnaires were conducted in ASD and TD children. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) were used to evaluate the clinical symptoms of children with ASD. The six-item Gastrointestinal Severity Index (6-GSI) was used to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal symptoms in two groups. Results: The detection rates of constipation, stool odor, and total intestinal symptoms in ASD children were significantly higher than those in TD children (40.098% vs. 25.622%, 17.021% vs. 9.287%, and 53.601% vs. 41.294%, respectively). Autistic children presenting with intestinal comorbidity had significantly higher scores on the ABC, SRS, CARS, and multiple subscales than autistic children without intestinal symptoms, suggesting that intestinal comorbidity may exacerbates the core symptoms of ASD children. Conclusion: Intestinal dysfunction was significantly more common in autistic than in TD children. This dysfunction may aggravate the core symptoms of children with ASD.

Understanding the intention of community residents to seek help from mental health professionals (MHPs) is essential in targeting interventions that promote the prevention and treatment of depression. This study aimed to investigate the current status of Chinese community populations' depression help-seeking intentions from MHPs and explore factors influencing the intentions. Data were used from a survey conducted in a city in central China (n = 919 aged 38.68 ± 17.34, 72.1% female). Help-seeking intentions, help-seeking attitude, depression stigma, family function and depressive symptoms were measured. The total mean score on the intent to seek help from MHPs was 11.01 ± 7.78 and most of respondents were unwilling to seek professional help. Multiple linear regression showed that participants who were students, held a positive help-seeking attitude and had low personal stigma were more likely to have the intention to seek help from MHPs. It is necessary to utilize effective interventions to improve community residents' intention to seek professional help. These include promoting the importance of seeking professional assistance, optimizing the quality of mental health services and altering residents' prejudice to seeking professional help.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has become the primary cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), causing an urgent need for preventive strategies for DKD. Astragaloside I (ASI), a bioactive saponin extracted from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge has been demonstrated to possess a variety of biological activities. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of ASI in DKD and the underlying molecular mechanism using db/db mice in vivo and high glucose (HG)-induced SV40-MES-13 cells in vitro. The results indicated that ASI significantly ameliorated renal dysfunction and mitigated the pathological alterations in the renal tissues of db/db mice. Moreover, ASI was found to reduce the levels of renal fibrosis makers and suppress the activation of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway in both db/db mice and HG-induced SV40-MES-13 cells. Furthermore, ASI downregulated HDAC3 expression, upregulated Klotho expression, and enhanced Klotho release. ASI is directly bound to HDAC3, and the beneficial effects of ASI on Klotho/TGF-β1/Smad2/3-mediciated renal fibrosis in DKD were reversed by the HDAC3 agonist ITSA-1. In conclusion, ASI attenuates renal fibrosis in DKD, and may act through concurrently inhibiting HDAC3 and TGF-β1, thereby regulating HDAC3-mediciated Klotho/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benggang, an erosional phenomenon located in southern China, exhibits distinctive characteristics that can have profound ecological and agricultural consequences as well as pose risks to human life. Previous investigations have primarily focused on elucidating the relationships between the physical and chemical attributes of soils collected from Benggang. However, the precise role of free iron oxides in the surface properties of Benggang soil and its contribution to the formation of Benggang remains largely unexplored. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of free iron oxides in Benggang soil by removing them and subsequently introducing goethite to evaluate their impact on the soil’s surface properties. Our results reveal a decrease in the surface charge density of soil colloidal particles with increasing soil depth. Specifically, the uppermost red soil layer exhibits the highest value, followed by the sandy soil and the lowermost clastic layer. Upon removing free iron oxide, we documented reductions of 44.28% (red soil), 20.62% (sandy soil), and 8.70% (clastic layer) in the surface charge density of colloidal particles. The red soil layer presented an over 18-fold increase compared to the initial linear shrinkage, followed by the sandy soil and clastic layer. Notably, the addition of goethite to the iron oxide-free soil layers resulted in the recovery of approximately 81.93%, 121.13%, and 104.35% of the initial surface charge density, respectively. Moreover, significant changes in volume shrinkage were observed, with approximately 97.54% (red soil), 94.75% (sandy soil), and 89.72% (clastic layer) of the initial values being influenced. These findings underscore the substantial influence of free iron oxide on the physicochemical properties of Benggang soil and contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the erosive mechanisms underlying Benggang formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The caring behavior of hospice nurses toward patients positively impacts their professional careers and significantly improves the quality of hospice services. A positive and supportive work environment may protect nurses against negative emotions that may affect the humanistic care they provide, and their job satisfaction. This study aimed to explore the impact of the nursing work environment on caring behavior. We also investigated the chain mediating effect of psychological capital and empathy on this relationship among Chinese hospice nurses. Methods: The Practice Environment Scale (PES), the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ), the Empathy Ability Scale for Hospice Nurses, and the Caring Behaviors Inventory (CBI) were used to survey 393 Chinese hospice nurses. SPSS 27.0 and Mplus 8.0 were used for statistical processing to analyze the mediating effects. Results: The nursing work environment positively predicted caring behavior. Furthermore, it was found that psychological capital and empathy jointly mediate the relationship between the nursing work environment and caring behavior. Conclusion: This study reveals how the nursing work environment affects the caring behavior of hospice nurses. Hospital managers need to provide hospice nurses with a favorable working environment from the perspective of positive psychology, continuously monitor their psychological state, improve their caring behavior, and provide references for developing intervention plans to promote the caring behavior of hospice nurses in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patient satisfaction is a crucial metric to gauge the quality of medical services, but the psychological factors influencing patient satisfaction remain insufficiently explored. Methods: This study examines these psychological factors by applying the theory of bounded rationality to 1,442 inpatients in Hangzhou, China, whose data were collected using a questionnaire. One-way ANOVA, correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression were used to analyze patient satisfaction and its associated factors. Additionally, the path analysis of the structural equation model revealed the mechanisms behind the key psychological factors that influenced patient satisfaction. Results: Medical risk perception, the social cognition of the medical environment, and social desirability bias had significant positive impacts on patient satisfaction. By contrast, negative emotions had a significant negative impact on patient satisfaction. Notably, patients' negative emotions had both a suppressive effect and a positive moderating effect on the relationship between medical risk perception and patient satisfaction. Similarly, social desirability bias had a suppressive effect on the correlation between the social cognition of the medical environment and patient satisfaction, albeit with a negative moderating effect. Discussion: These results suggest that when evaluating and improving patient satisfaction, accounting only for the factors that directly influence medical service quality is insufficient, as the indirect and moderating effects of patients' negative emotions and the social cognition of the medical environment must also be considered. Medical service providers should thus address patients' negative emotions, establish good doctor-patient relationships, optimize service environments, provide managers with medical risk education and training on negative emotions, and prioritize patient-centered care. Additionally, the government and relevant health departments should optimize medical policies, enhance fairness and accessibility, and create a positive social cognitive environment through public education and awareness campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism is associated with cognitive impairment (CI) in community-dwelling Chinese older adults, and to investigate whether this relationship is modified by the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele. Methods: The study is a secondary analysis of 703 participants aged ≥60 years randomly enrolled from the Beijing Longitudinal Study of Aging II prospective cohort. The education-adjusted Mini-Mental State Examination and the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale were used to measure the cognitive performance of the subjects. The main effects and interactions (additive and multiplicative) of the BDNF Met and the APOE ε4 alleles on CI were estimated by logistic regression models. Results: In total, 84 out of 703 older adults aged ≥60 years old had CI. No significant difference was observed in the risk of CI between participants with the BDNF Met allele and that of subjects without the BDNF Met allele (p = 0.213; p = 0.164). Individuals carrying both the BDNF Met and APOE ε4 alleles had an almost 1.5-fold increased odds of CI compared with carriers of the BDNF Met allele but without the APOE ε4 allele. The additive association indicated a positive interaction of both BDNF Met and APOE ε4 alleles with wide CIs (p = 0.021; p = 0.018). Conclusion: The results suggest that the APOE ε4 allele may be a potential modifier for the association of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism with CI in community-dwelling older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunus tongmuensis, a new species of cherry blossom, is described and illustrated from Wuyishan National Park, southeast China. This species is characterized by its tubular to nearly bottle-shaped receptacles and dark purple drupes. It can be distinguished from other wild cherry trees by its flowers and leaves, reddish brown young leaves, presence of 1-2 glands at the base of leaves, petioles densely covered with yellowish brown villi, longer pedicels (0.6-2.5 cm), villous pistil, and dark purple drupes. In the present study, we conducted a comprehensive morphological study based on specimens of the new species and its morphologically close species, field observations, and examination of pollen morphology. In addition, our phylogenetic analysis based on the complete plastid genome sequences further confirms the status of the new species and indicates that it is closely related to Prunus clarofolia, however, it notably differs in leaf shape, size, petiole villus color, gland location, timing of flower and leaf openings, and reflexed or spread sepals, as well as drupe color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus was associated with more than 1 million deaths in 2019. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has lasted three years. In China, measures to control COVID-19 cases were adjusted in December 2022. In this study, we investigated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the drug resistance of S. aureus infection. Aim: Understanding the impact of the adjustment of COVID-19 control measures on the drug sensitivity of S. aureus will provide a reference for empirical drug use and the prevention of clinical S. aureus infection. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed, focusing on the clinical distribution and drug resistance of distributions of S. aureus isolated from the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University during the COVID-19 pandemic from January 2020 to March 2023. The effects of COVID-19 control measures on the drug resistance of S. aureus infection were further investigated. Results: A total of 1,437 strains of S. aureus were isolated, with a methicillin-resistant S. aureus detection rate of 19.2%. The department with the highest detection rate was the oncology department (17.0%, 244/1,437), followed by the intensive care unit (11.1%, 159/1,437), the dermatology department (10.7%, 154/1,437), and the wound repair and burn department (9.7%, 139/1,437). The most frequent specimens were secretions (42.0%, 603/1,437), followed by sputum (23.3%, 335/1,437), blood (10.7%, 154/1,437), and pus (5.4%, 78/1,437). The population distribution was primarily male (62.3%, 895/1,437). S. aureus infections were most common among those aged 50-65 (32.8%, 472/1,437), followed by those aged 18-49 (30.7%, 441/1,437). Staphylococcus aureus was most resistant to penicillin G (86.3%), followed by erythromycin (37.9%) and clindamycin (37.3%). The antibiotics with no resistance were linezolid, teicoplanin, tigecycline, and vancomycin. There was no significant difference in the drug-resistance rate between COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative patients. Conclusion: The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 and the adjustment of control measures had no significant impact on the drug resistance of S. aureus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine sex differences in the prevalence of depression and assess the risk factors for depression among adult patients with epilepsy from the Dali area of China. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of adult patients with epilepsy who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University from January 2017 to January 2022. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to assess depressive symptoms in patients with epilepsy. The risk factors of depression were analyzed by binary logistic regression among different sex in patients with epilepsy. Results: There were significant sex differences in depression in patients with epilepsy (p<0.001), and females were 4.27 times more likely to suffer from depression than males (95% confidence interval: 3.70-4.92). The risk factors for depression among female patients with epilepsy included occupation (p<0.001), years with epilepsy (p<0.001), seizure frequency (p<0.001), seizure type (p<0.001), etiology (p<0.001), number of antiseizure medications used (p< 0.001), antiseizure medications (p<0.001), and electroencephalogram findings (p<0.001). The risk factors for depression among male patients with epilepsy included age (p<0.001), ethnicity (p<0.001), occupation (p<0.001), years with epilepsy (p<0.001), seizure frequency (p<0.001), seizure type (p<0.001), etiology (p<0.001), number of antiseizure medications used (p<0.001), antiseizure medications (p<0.001), and electroencephalogram findings (p<0.001). Conclusion: Adult female patients with epilepsy had a higher risk of depression than adult male patients with epilepsy. There were sex differences in the risk factors associated with depression among patients with epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence and mortality rates of stroke are escalating due to the growing aging population, which presents a significant hazard to human health. In the realm of stroke, brain-computer interface (BCI) technology has gained considerable attention as a means to enhance treatment efficacy and improve quality of life. Consequently, a bibliometric visualization analysis was performed to investigate the research hotspots and trends of BCI technology in stroke, with the objective of furnishing reference and guidance for future research. Methods: This study utilized the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-Expanded) within the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database as the data source, selecting relevant literature published between 2013 and 2022 as research sample. Through the application of VOSviewer 1.6.19 and CiteSpace 6.2.R2 visualization analysis software, as well as the bibliometric online analysis platform, the scientific knowledge maps were constructed and subjected to visualization display, and statistical analysis. Results: This study encompasses a total of 693 relevant literature, which were published by 2,556 scholars from 975 institutions across 53 countries/regions and have been collected by 185 journals. In the past decade, BCI technology in stroke research has exhibited an upward trend in both annual publications and citations. China and the United States are high productivity countries, while the University of Tubingen stands out as the most contributing institution. Birbaumer N and Pfurtscheller G are the authors with the highest publication and citation frequency in this field, respectively. Frontiers in Neuroscience has published the most literature, while Journal of Neural Engineering has the highest citation frequency. The research hotspots in this field cover keywords such as stroke, BCI, rehabilitation, motor imagery (MI), motor recovery, electroencephalogram (EEG), neurorehabilitation, neural plasticity, task analysis, functional electrical stimulation (FES), motor impairment, feature extraction, and induced movement therapy, which to a certain extent reflect the development trend and frontier research direction of this field. Conclusion: This study comprehensively and visually presents the extensive and in-depth literature resources of BCI technology in stroke research in the form of knowledge maps, which facilitates scholars to gain a more convenient understanding of the development and prospects in this field, thereby promoting further research work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with post-stroke memory disorder (PSMD) have poor quality of life and it is necessary to identify more beneficial stimulation protocols for treatment with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). This meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of rTMS for improving memory performance, global cognition, and activities of daily living (ADL) among patients with PSMD. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang databases were screened to identify relevant randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome was memory performance; secondary outcomes included global cognition, ADL, and adverse events. STATA software was used to perform data synthesis. Results: Five articles with a total of 192 participants were included. The results indicated that rTMS was superior to control treatments for improving memory performance (mean difference [MD] = 1.73, 95% CI [Confidence Interval] [0.85, 2.60], p < 0.001), global cognition (MD = 2.44, 95% CI [0.96, 3.93], p < 0.001), and ADL (MD = 10.29, 95% CI [5.10, 15.48], p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between the low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) rTMS subgroups (p = 0.47, I² = 0.00%) or between the sham rTMS and non-rTMS subgroups (p = 0.94, I2 = 0.00%). Four studies did not reported adverse events. Conclusions: rTMS may improve memory function, global cognition, and the ability to perform ADL in patients with PSMD. LF-rTMS and HF-rTMS may have equal efficacy for treatment of PSMD. Future studies should consider extending the follow-up period to explore the safety and long-term efficacy of rTMS for treatment of PSMD and the appropriate choice of placebo for clinical trials of this treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has the second-largest grassland area in the world. Soil organic carbon storage (SOCS) in grasslands plays a critical role in maintaining carbon balance and mitigating climate change, both nationally and globally. Soil organic carbon density (SOCD) is an important indicator of SOCS. Exploring the spatiotemporal dynamics of SOCD enables policymakers to develop strategies to reduce carbon emissions, thus meeting the goals of "emission peak" in 2030 and "carbon neutrality" in 2060 proposed by the Chinese government. The objective of this study was to quantify the dynamics of SOCD (0-100 cm) in Chinese grasslands from 1982 to 2020 and identify the dominant drivers of SOCD change using a random forest model. The results showed that the mean SOCD in Chinese grasslands was 7.791 kg C m-2 in 1982 and 8.525 kg C m-2 in 2020, with a net increase of 0.734 kg C m-2 across China. The areas with increased SOCD were mainly distributed in the southern (0.411 kg C m-2), northwestern (1.439 kg C m-2), and Qinghai-Tibetan (0.915 kg C m-2) regions, while those with decreased SOCD were mainly found in the northern (0.172 kg C m-2) region. Temperature, normalized difference vegetation index, elevation, and wind speed were the dominant factors driving grassland SOCD change, explaining 73.23% of total variation in SOCD. During the study period, grassland SOCS increased in the northwestern region but decreased in the other three regions. Overall, SOCS of Chinese grasslands in 2020 was 22.623 Pg, with a net decrease of 1.158 Pg since 1982. Over the past few decades, the reduction in SOCS caused by grassland degradation may have contributed to soil organic carbon loss and created a negative impact on climate. The results highlight the urgency of strengthening soil carbon management in these grasslands and improving SOCS towards a positive climate impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aim: The Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP) has been extensively used to treat cardiovascular diseases in China for four decades, and its clinical efficacy has been widely approved. However, the mechanism by which this is achieved remains largely unexplored. Research attempting to understand the underlying mechanism is ongoing, but the findings are controversial. Here, we aimed to explore the possible mechanism of SBP in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury using heart single-nucleus and spatial ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing. Methods: We established a murine myocardial I/R injury model in C57BL/6 mice by ligating and recanalizing the left coronary artery anterior descending branch. Subsequently, single-nucleus RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics were performed on mice cardiac tissue. We initially assessed the status of cell types and subsets in the model administered with or without SBP. Results: Weused single-nucleus RNA sequencing to comprehensively analyze cell types in the cardiac tissue of sham, I/R, and SBP mice. Nine samples from nine individuals were analyzed, and 75,546 cells were obtained. We classified the cells into 28 clusters based on their expression characteristics and annotated them into seven cell types: cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, myeloid cells, smooth muscle cells, B cells, and T cells. The SBP group had distinct cellular compositions and features than the I/R group. Furthermore, SBP-induced cardioprotection against I/R was associated with enhanced cardiac contractility, reduced endocardial cell injury, increased endocardial-mediated angiogenesis, and inhibited fibroblast proliferation. In addition, macrophages had active properties. Conclusion: SBP improves the early LVEF of I/R mice and has a cardioprotective effect. Through sequencing analysis, we observed that SBP can increase the gene expression of Nppb and Npr3 in the infarct area of the heart. Npr3 is related to vascular generation mediated by endocardial cells and requires further research. In addition, SBP increases the number of fibroblasts, inhibits the expression of genes related to fibroblast activation and proliferation, and increases the transformation of endothelial cells into fibroblasts. These findings will help to indicate directions for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To measure sales of antibiotics without a prescription in pharmacies in China in 2017 and 2021, before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and determine the factors associated with such sales. Methods We conducted cross-sectional surveys using the simulated patient method in retail pharmacies in 13 provinces in eastern, central and western China in 2017 and 2021. At the pharmacies, the simulated patients (trained medical students) reported that they had mild respiratory tract symptoms and asked for treatment, using a three-stage process: (i) request some treatment; (ii) request antibiotics; (iii) request specific antibiotics. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine factors associated with sale of antibiotics without a prescription. Findings Of the pharmacies visited in 2017, 83.6% (925/1106) sold antibiotics without a prescription; this figure was 78.3% (853/1090) in 2021 (P-value: 0.002). After excluding pharmacies prohibited from selling antibiotics because of COVID-19, this difference was not significant (83.6% versus 80.9%; 853/1054; P-value: 0.11). Factors significantly associated with selling antibiotics without a prescription in both 2017 and 2019 were: location in central and western China compared with eastern China; being in a township or village compared with in a city; and presence of a counter where antibiotics were dispensed. Conclusion Although laws became stricter between 2017 and 2021, antibiotic sales without a prescription were still common in pharmacies across China. Existing regulations need to be more strictly enforced, and pharmacy staff and the public should be made more aware of the risks of antibiotic misuse and dangers of antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate model (GCM) outputs from Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) were widely used to investigate climate change impacts last 10 years. It is important to know whether Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) is more reliable than CMIP5. Number of studies compared GCMs from two CMIPs in simulating climate variables, but they are not in the field of hydrology for large quantities of watersheds. The objective of this study is to compare CMIP5 and CMIP6 climate model projections in projecting hydrological changes between future (2071-2100) and historical (1976-2005) periods and inter-model variability of hydrological impacts for the future period over 343 catchments in China's mainland. The results show that the GCMs in CMIP6 show more increase in daily mean temperature and mean annual precipitation. However, GCMs in CMIP6 and CMIP5 show similar increases in mean and peak streamflow. Moreover, GCMs in CMIP6 show less inter-model variability for streamflow in southern and northeastern China, but more in central China, which is consistent to that for precipitation after bias correction. Overall, this comparison provides the consistency of future change and uncertainty in predicted streamflow with climate simulations, which bring confidence for hydrological impact studies using CMIP6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the leakage rate of the water distribution network in China is still high, and the waste of water resources caused by water distribution network leakage is quite serious every year. Therefore, the location of pipeline leakage is of great significance for saving water resources and reducing economic losses. Acoustic emission technology is the most widely used pipeline leak location technology. The traditional non-stationary random signal de-noising method mainly relies on the estimation of noise parameters, ignoring periodic noise and components unrelated to pipeline leakage. Aiming at the above problems, this paper proposes a leak location method for water supply pipelines based on a multivariate variational mode decomposition algorithm. This method combines the two parameters of the energy loss coefficient and the correlation coefficient between adjacent modes, and adaptively determines the decomposition mode number K according to the characteristics of the signal itself. According to the correlation coefficient, the effective component is selected to reconstruct the signal and the cross-correlation time delay is estimated to determine the location of the pipeline leakage point. The experimental results show that this method has higher accuracy than the cross-correlation method based on VMD and the cross-correlation method based on EMD, and the average relative positioning error is less than 2.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild fires exerts strong influences on the environment, ecology, economy and public security. However, the existing hourly JMA-Himawari fire product presents large uncertainties and not suitable for reliable real-time fire monitoring in China. To fill this gap, we proposed an adaptive hourly NSMC-Himawari fire product for China based on the original Himawari source by employing a dynamical threshold for fire-extraction and a database of ground thermal sources. According to the visually-extracted reference and consistence check, we found NSMC-Himawari fire product effectively removed a majority of false fire alarms included in the JMA-Himawari fire product. Based on a rare field-collected ground reference dataset, we evaluated the reliability of JMA-Himawari and NSMC-Himawari fire product across China. The overall accuracy of JMA-Himawari fire product was 54 % and 59 % (not considering the omission errors) respectively. As a comparison, by identifying more real fire pixels and avoiding a majority of false fire alarms, the overall accuracy of NSMCHimawari fire product was 80 % and 84 % (not considering the omission errors) respectively, making it an ideal source for improved real-time fire monitoring across China. This research also provides useful reference for employing local dataset of underlying surfaces and thermal sources to enhance the accuracy of global fire products in specific regions. NSMCHimawari fire product can be downloaded at http://figshare.com (last access: 14 November 2022) with the identifier DOI: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.21550248 (Chen et al., 2022). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rapidly increasing in China, a vast country with significant geographical differences. The socioeconomic status of Eastern China is significantly higher than that of Western China. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the geographical heterogeneity in the characteristics and management of patients with IBD in both Eastern and Western China. Design: This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study. Methods: Patients with IBD with ages ?18 years up to 18 January 2023 were included in the analysis from the Chinese database for IBD. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with surgeries among patients with IBD. Results: Among 8305 patients with IBD, the ratio of ulcerative colitis (UC) to Crohn’s disease (CD) was 4.13 and 0.33 in Western and Eastern China, respectively. The median age at diagnosis of UC and CD was 40.69 and 28.58 years, respectively. There was a male predominance among patients with UC (54.3%) and CD (68.0%). The two regions exhibited a similar distribution of disease locations in UC. However, Western China had a higher proportion of L2 involvement (30.0% versus 19.1%) and more advanced disease behavior (B2 and B3) (48.8% versus 39.8%) than Eastern China. Patients with IBD in Western China received more 5-aminosalicylic acid and corticosteroids and fewer immunomodulators and biologicals. In terms of surgical risk, Eastern China [versus Western China, odds ratios (OR): 5.36, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 2.96–9.68] was associated with a higher risk of surgery in UC, while Western China (versus Eastern China, OR: 3.39, 95% CI: 2.37–4.86) was associated with a higher risk of surgery in CD. Conclusion: Geographical heterogeneity exists in the disease characteristics and management of IBD in Eastern and Western China. These findings have the potential to guide the formulation of location-specific strategies aimed at enhancing the long-term outcomes of patients with IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: There are no prospective longitudinal studies on the association between well-controlled gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) without pharmacologic therapy and the physical growth of offspring in infancy. We aimed to identify the trajectories in physical growth (from 0–12 months of age) in the offspring of mothers with well-controlled GDM without pharmacologic therapy in a prospective cohort in China. Methods: This study included 236 offspring of mothers with GDM and 369 offspring of mothers without GDM. Mothers with GDM were not on pharmacologic therapy. The length and weight of infants were measured at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Linear mixed-effect models and linear mixed-effect models were applied. Results: The fully adjusted model showed that the weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), length-for-age z-score (LAZ), and BMI-for-age z-score (BMIZ) were similar at birth for the GDM and control groups. However, subsequent increases in WAZ and BMIZ for the GDM group lagged the increases for the control group at the subsequent periods of observation, 0–1, 0–6, and 0–12 months. Conclusions: Well-controlled GDM without pharmacologic therapy may normalize physical growth of offspring at birth and decelerate their weight gain in infancy. Whether glycemic control can mitigate the long-term effects of GDM on the growth trajectory in offspring remains unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Given the increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the public health problems it creates; early identification and interventions are needed to improve the prognosis of ASD. Hence, this study surveyed different groups of people who are likely to have early contact with autistic children to provide an informed basis for early detection and effective diagnosis and interventions. Methods: Three groups of people were recruited for the study from Changshou District and Wushan County of Chongqing, in Western China: 269 medical workers, 181 educators, and 188 community residents. Their understanding and knowledge of autism was measured using a self-made questionnaire. Results: The positive finding was that the three groups had a certain level of understanding of autism, but they had some misunderstandings of the core problems, and there were significant differences in the understanding of autism among the three groups. Younger medical workers knew more about autism than older ones did. The ability of educators and community residents to identify autistic symptoms was positively related to their level of education and their experience with autistic children. Television and the internet were the main sources of information about autism for participants. Conclusions: The medical workers, educators, and community residents in the investigated areas in western China may be able to identify early signs of autism but have an inadequate understanding of autism. In areas far from cities, it is necessary to strengthen the training of medical workers in primary health care to promote autismscreening and referral in educational institutions and communities. Using internet technology to provide public education and professional training about autism in remote areas could be a very promising method in Western China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This longitudinal study aimed to identify the trajectories and the predictors among sociodemographic and psychosocial variables at baseline of vicarious traumatization (VT) in Chinese college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: A total of 544 Chinese college students enrolled in a public University in central China, majored in Clinical Medicine, Nursing, Musicology, Physics, etc., participated in this longitudinal study lasting 19 months. Three-wave (wave 1: February 2020; wave 2: November 2020; wave 3: September 2021) of data were collected. Resourcefulness Scale and the 10-item Kessler scale (K10) were only assessed in the first-wave survey, and the Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) was repeatedly measured in all three-wave surveys. A link to an online survey created by Questionnaire Star (https://www.wjx.cn/) was sent to the students to collect data. The Growth mixture modeling (GMM) and multiple logistic regression were used to identify the trajectories of VT and predictors for the distinct trajectories. Results: The incidence of VT at each wave varied from 9.9% at wave 1, 4.0% at wave 2, to 2.6% at wave 3. Three trajectories of VT were the mediumlevel escalating group (3.0%), medium-level maintaining group (32.3%), and the low-level descending group (64.7%). Seniors (OR = 1.575, 95% CI: 1.059-2.341; OR = 1.161, 95% CI: 1.043-1.293) and those with poor mental health status (OR = 1.101, 95% CI: 1.030-1.177; OR = 1.083, 95% CI: 1.060-1.106) at baseline were more likely to be classified into the mediumlevel escalating group and medium-level maintaining group, respectively. Additionally, females (OR = 3.601, 95% CI: 1.311-9.887) were more likely to be included in the medium-level escalating group. Conclusion: Targeted psychological interventions are urgently needed for students vulnerable to VT. Further studies with more representative samples, longer period of follow-up, and predictors based on scientific theoretical framework, are needed to update the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xiqianluzi Pb–Zn polymetallic deposit is located in the southeast of the southern Beishan belt, whereas the ore‐forming metal sources are still unclear. Its Pb–Zn ore bodies mainly occur in the Changcheng system Qianluzigou Group metamorphic clastic rocks, showing zonation of Cu–Zn–Pb metals from deep to surface. The ore structures are mainly banded, massive and veined, which have the characteristics of syngenetic sedimentation. Au mineralization in silty slate is obviously controlled by WNW–ESE‐trending faults, and occurs as veined or lenticular type. The Pb, Zn, Cu, and Au are mainly enriched in quartz or siliceous veins. The biotite granodiorites are enriched in Si, Na, Rb, Ba and K, with A/CNK values less than 1.1, and depleted in Nb, P, Ti. They belong to calc‐alkalic series and weak peraluminous I‐type granite, formed in a post‐collision extensional environment and characterized by crust–mantle mixed source. The sulphide minerals in the Pb–Zn ores have δ34S values in the range of 17.7‰–21.0‰ with average of 19.2‰, reflecting seawater sulphate origin of sulphur. The sulphur of Pb–Zn ores was likely transformed from S6+ to S2− by thermochemical sulphate reduction. The Pb isotopic compositions of sulphide minerals in the Pb–Zn ores have 206Pb/204Pb ratios of 16.837–17.001, 207Pb/204Pb ratios of 15.437–15.557, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of 36.377–36.889. In contrast, sulphide minerals in Au ores have δ34S values (5.4‰–7.6‰, with average of 6.5‰) lower than those of sulphide minerals in the Pb–Zn ores. The δ34S values of sulphide minerals in the Au ores are consistent with those of sulphide minerals in the Late Permian–Middle Triassic magmatic hydrothermal gold deposits in the southern Beishan belt, which imply a magmatic source for sulphur. Sulphide minerals in the Au ores have higher lead isotopic ratios, including 206Pb/204Pb of 18.249–18.325, 207Pb/204Pb of 15.583–15.598, and 208Pb/204Pb of 38.023–38.366, compared to those in the Pb–Zn ores. Geological and isotopic features indicate that the Xiqianluzi Pb–Zn polymetallic deposit comprises two mineralization types; namely, its Pb–Zn ores can be considered as Mesoproterozoic sedimentary exhalative type, while its Au ores are magmatic origin. These show that Au mineralization was closely related to the magmatic hydrothermal activities, and thus Au ores can be classified as Late Permian–Early Triassic magmatic hydrothermal Au mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of the spatial-temporal variations of soil organic carbon (SOC) quantity and quality and its microbial regulation mechanisms is essential for long-term SOC sequestration in agroecosystems; nevertheless, this information is lacking in the process of walnut plantations. Here, we used the modified Walkley-Black method, phospholipid fatty acid analysis, and micro-plate enzyme technique to analyze the evolution of SOC stocks and quality/lability as well as microbial communities and enzyme activities at different soil depths in walnut plantations with a chronosequence of 0-, 7-, 14-, and 21-years in the Eastern Taihang Mountains, China. The results indicated that long-term walnut plantations (14-and 21-years) enhanced SOC stocks, improved SOC quality/lability (as indicated by the lability index), and promoted microbial growth and activities (i.e., hydrolase and oxidase activities) in the 0-40cm soil layers. Besides, these above-mentioned SOC-and microbial-related indices (except for oxidase activities) decreased with increasing soil depths, while oxidase activities were higher in deeper soils (40-60cm) than in other soils (0-40cm). The partial least squares path model also revealed that walnut plantation ages and soil depths had positive and negative effects on microbial attributes (e.g., enzyme activities, fungal and bacterial communities), respectively. Meanwhile, the SOC stocks were closely related to the fungal community; meanwhile, the bacterial community affected SOC quality/liability by regulating enzyme activities. Comprehensively, long-term walnut plantations were conducive to increasing SOC stocks and quality through altering microbial communities and activities in the East Taihang Mountains in Hebei, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, causing progressive cognitive decline. Radiomic features obtained from structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) have shown a great potential in predicting this disease. However, radiomic features based on the whole brain segmented regions have not been explored yet. In our study, we collected sMRI data that include 80 patients with AD and 80 healthy controls (HCs). For each patient, the T1 weighted image (T1WI) images were segmented into 106 subregions, and radiomic features were extracted from each subregion. Then, we analyzed the radiomic features of specific brain subregions that were most related to AD. Based on the selective radiomic features from specific brain subregions, we built an integrated model using the best machine learning algorithms, and the diagnostic accuracy was evaluated. The subregions most relevant to AD included the hippocampus, the inferior parietal lobe, the precuneus, and the lateral occipital gyrus. These subregions exhibited several important radiomic features that include shape, gray level size zone matrix (GLSZM), and gray level dependence matrix (GLDM), among others. Based on the comparison among different algorithms, we constructed the best model using the Logistic regression (LR) algorithm, which reached an accuracy of 0.962. Conclusively, we constructed an excellent model based on radiomic features from several specific AD-related subregions, which could give a potential biomarker for predicting AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of combined Gegen Qinlian decoction/metformin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM), and its influence on serum C peptide and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc). Methods: One hundred and eighty-six DM patients who received treatment in Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan City, China from July 2018 to November 2019 were randomly assigned to group X (n = 93) and group Y (n = 93). Group Y was given metformin, while X received a combination of Gegen Qinlian decoction and metformin. Total effectiveness, incidence of adverse reactions, blood glucose, TCM syndrome scores, as well as serum C peptide and HbAlc were determined and compared between the two groups. Results: Compared with group Y, group X had significantly higher treatment effectiveness (p < 0.05), lower incidence of adverse reactions (p < 0.05), significantly lower levels of blood glucose and TCM syndrome score after treatment (p < 0.001), but significantly higher serum C-peptide levels (p < 0.001) and lower levels of HbAlc. Conclusion: the combination of Gegen Qinlian decoction and metformin produces a good anti-diabetic efficacy, with a lower incidence of adverse reactions in patients. Therefore, the combined therapy has potentials for application in clinical practice, but further clinical trials are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precipitation oxygen isotopic composition is a useful environmental tracer for climatic and hydrological studies. However, the observed precipitation oxygen is limited at both temporal and spatial scales. Isotope-equipped general circulation models (iGCMs) can compensate for the temporal and spatial discontinuity of observation networks, but they suffer from coarse spatial resolutions and systematic biases. The objective of this study is to build a high-resolution precipitation oxygen isoscape in China for a period of 148 years by integrating observed and iGCMs-simulated precipitation oxygen isotope composition (δ18Op) using data fusion and bias correction methods. The temporal and spatial resolutions are month and 50-60 km for the isoscape, respectively. Prior to building the oxygen isoscape, the performance of two bias correction methods (BCMs) and three data fusion methods (DFMs) is compared after post-processing of eight iGCM simulations. Results show that the outputs of the Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) fusion method exhibit the strongest correlation with observations with correlation coefficient mostly larger than 0.8, and the smallest bias with root mean square error mostly smaller than 2 ‰. The other two DFMs also perform slightly better than the two BCMs, which show similar performance. Thus, precipitation oxygen isoscape is generated by using the CNN fusion method for the 1969-2007 period in which all iGCMs have output and by using the bias correction methods for the remaining years. Based on the precipitation oxygen isoscape, the spatiotemporal patterns of δ18Op across China are investigated. The generated isoscape shows similar spatial and temporal distribution characteristics to observations. In general, the distribution pattern of δ18Op is consistent with the temperature effect in northern China, and with the precipitation amount effect in southern China, and be more specific in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of China. The δ18Op time series mirrors a fluctuating upward trend of the temperature or precipitation in most regions of China. The temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of the generated isoscape are consistent with the characteristics of atmospheric circulation and climate change, indicating successful assimilation and extension of the observed precipitation oxygen isotopes in time and space. Overall, the built isoscape is reliable and useful for providing strong support for tracking atmospheric and hydrological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Torreya dapanshanica X.F.Jin, Y.F.Lu & Zi L.Chen, a new species endemic to central Zhejiang, East China, is described and illustrated. This new species is most similar to T. jiulongshanensis (Z.Y.Li, Z.C.Tang & N.Kang) C.C.Pan, J.L.Liu & X.F.Jin, but differs in having leaves with an acuminate apex (vs. leaves with an acute apex), broadly ovoid-globose or globose seeds (vs. obovoid to narrowly obovoid seeds), slightly emarginate at the apex and obtuse-rounded at the base (vs. both acute at the apex and base), testa with irregular shallow grooves (vs. testa smooth or sometimes slightly concave). The diagnostic characters are critically compared and an IUCN assessment for the risk to the new species is estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five decades ago, Inglehart for the first time described and explained an unprecedented transformation of political cultures in advanced industrial societies, which he called the "silent revolution." It was characterized by the emergence in those countries of postmaterialist values as the result of a sustained period of economic growth, and the profound impact of those values on people's political attitudes and behavior. As China has experienced extraordinary economic growth in the past several decades, has such a "silent revolution" happened there? The answer to this question has been far from complete or clear. Using three longitudinal, cross-sectional national surveys, we find that while the current level of postmaterialist values in China remains relatively low, such values have flourished among younger people, and those values do shape political attitudes and behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Evidence on potential cardiovascular benefits of personal-level intervention among the elderly exposed to high levels of particulate matter (PM) remains limited. We aimed to assess improvements in surrogate markers of cardiovascular injury in vulnerable populations at risks by using indoor air filtration units. Methods: We conducted a randomized crossover trial for 2 separate 2-week air filtration interventions in 20 households of patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their partners in the winter of 2013, with concurrent measurements of indoor PM. The changes in biomarkers indicative of cardiac injury, atherosclerosis progression and systemic inflammation following intervention were evaluated using linear mixedeffect models. Results: In the analysis, average levels of indoor PM with aerodynamic diameters < 2.5 μm (PM 2.5) decreased significantly by 59.2% (from 59.6 to 24.3 μg/m 3, P < 0.001) during the active air filtration. The reduction was accompanied by improvements in levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I by - 84.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: - 90.7 to - 78.6), growth differentiation factor-15 by - 48.1% (95% CI: - 31.2 to - 25.6), osteoprotegerin by - 65.4% (95% CI: - 56.5 to - 18.7), interleukin-4 by - 46.6% (95% CI: - 62.3 to - 31.0) and myeloperoxidase by - 60.3% (95% CI: - 83.7 to - 3.0), respectively. Conclusion: Indoor air filtration intervention may provide potential cardiovascular benefits in vulnerable populations at risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The exact biological mechanism whereby exposure to ambient ozone (O3) may contribute to clinical onset of cardiovascular events remains unclear. In this study, we aim to examine the impacts of O3 exposure on cardiac arrhythmias and potential pathways involved through autonomic dysfunction and myocardial injury. Methods: Seventy-three non-smoking healthy adults were followed with 4 repeated measurements of 24-hour ambulatory arrhythmias, heart rate variability, ST-segment deviation, and blood pressure (BP) in Beijing, China, 2014 ‒2016. Generalized additive mixed models coupled with distributed lag nonlinear models were constructed to evaluate the associations and potential interlinks between O3 exposure and outcome measurements. Results: During the study period, 24-hour average concentrations of ambient O3 were 47.4 μg/m³ (ranging from 1.0 to 165.9 μg/m³). Increased risks of premature ventricular contraction and ventricular tachycardia were associated with interquartile range increases in O3 exposure during the last 5 days before each participant's clinic visit, with relative risks of 2.14 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.95 to 2.32) and 5.47 (95% CI: 3.51 to 7.43), respectively. Mediation analyses further showed that sympathetic activation, parasympathetic inhibition, and elevated BP levels, as well as heightened risks of ST-segment depression could mediate up to 47.74% of the risks of arrhythmias attributable to O3 exposure. Conclusion: Our results suggest that short-term exposure to ambient O3 could prompt the genesis of arrhythmias partially through worsening autonomic function and myocardial burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive plants have caused significant negative ecological and economic impacts throughout the world. Parrot’s feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) is an aquatic plant introduced from South America to South Africa, USA, Europe, New Zealand through the aquarium trade. It was recently brought to China where naturalized populations have become widespread. However, there is little information about the status, distribution, and the ecological and economic impacts of parrot’s feather which is critical to the Chinese government and environmental managers. We summarized introduction pathway, current distribution, and ecological impacts of parrot’s feather by field investigations and literature review. Our study could provide significant references for the management of non-native aquatic plants in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is one of the most common and productive crops in the world, and the growth and production of wheat are sensitive to climate change. Climate change affects wheat phenology by influencing sowing/maturity dates and the duration of growing stages, and ultimately affects the grain yield. Reliable prediction of changes in wheat yield is significant for maintaining global food security. However, studies addressing the potential impact of crop phenology changes on grain yield are rarely reported, which is a big challenge. Using the CERES-Wheat model and first-order differential equation models, we quantified the impact of future climate change on wheat phenology and grain yield for two periods (P1: 2011-2040; P2: 2041-2070) under three representative concentration pathways (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP8.5) in China's twomain wheat-growing areas (Northwest SpringWheat-Growing Area(NWSWA) and Huang-Huai-Hai Winter Wheat-Growing Area (HHWWA)); the baseline period was 1981-2010. Accumulated thermal time during thewhole growing period (WGP) tends to significantly increase in NWSWA and HHWWA under all RCPs and periods. This rising accumulated thermal time will reduce the time to anthesis and maturity and shorten the vegetative growing period (VGP), reproductive growing period (RGP), and theWGP. In P2, spring wheat grain yield is projected to diminish by a regional average of 2.67% for RCP2.6, 4.07% for RCP4.5, and 5.66% for RCP8.5, which is dominated by the lower accumulated solar radiation during the VGP in NWSWA. Additionally, for the winter wheat grain yield in HHWWA in P2, its grain yield reduction is projected to decline by 4.8% (RCP2.6), 7.9% (RCP4.5), and 9.8% (RCP8.5), which is caused by increasing accumulated thermal time in the VGP. These results suggest that breeding high-temperature-tolerant varieties with high calorie requirements is an adaptive strategy to mitigate the negative impact of climate change on wheat yield in the study areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A previously undocumented association between city-level degree of hukou-based labor market discrimination and migrant's individual entrepreneurship engagement is examined. Applying the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition analysis on the micro data from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS) suggests that hukou-based labor market discrimination can on average explain a 6.3% differential in personal income for rural migrants relative to otherwise identical urban migrants. A one standard deviation increase in a city's average hukou-based labor market discrimination is associated with roughly 2.9 percentage point higher of entrepreneurship rate among rural migrants, holding other things equal. Furthermore, city-level hukou-based labor market discrimination is associated with much higher propensity for engagement in necessitybased entrepreneurship compared with opportunity-based entrepreneurship. Our empirical work also suggests that the association between city-level hukou discrimination and migrant entrepreneurship is more prominent for people with middle level of education, young people, married people, and renters. Policy implications of these findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine mastitis, caused by Prototheca bovis, has received much attention worldwide. To investigate the status of P. bovis infection in dairy farms of Hubei, we collected 1,158 milk samples and 90 environmental samples from 14 dairy farms of Hubei, China. The isolates were identified with traditional biological methods and molecular biological techniques, and their pathogenicity was tested through mice infection experiments. Isolates from 57 milk and 20 environmental samples were identified as P. bovis. The mice infection tests proved that the isolated P. bovis could cause mastitis in mice, manifesting as severe red swelling of the mammary glands. Histopathological analysis of tissue sections showed necrosis and nodules lesions formed in the infected mice mammary tissue, accompanied by macrophage and neutrophil infiltration. These results suggested the existence of pathogenic P. bovis in dairy farms of the Hubei province, China, with brewer's grains and fresh feces possibly playing important roles in the spread of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite evidence suggesting the utility of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) markers to stratify individuals with respect to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) risk in NPC high-risk regions, no validated NPC risk prediction model exists. We aimed to validate an EBVbased NPC risk score in an endemic population undergoing screening for NPC. This prospective study was embedded within an ongoing NPC screening trial in southern China initiated in 2008, with 51 235 adult participants. We assessed the score's discriminatory ability (area under the receiver-operator-characteristics curve, AUC). A new model incorporating the EBV score, sex and family history was developed using logistic regression and internally validated using cross-validation. AUCs were compared. We also calculated absolute NPC risk combining the risk score with population incidence and competing mortality data. A total of 151 NPC cases were detected in 2008 to 2016. The EBV-based score was highly discriminating, with AUC = 0.95 (95% CI = 0.93-0.97). For 90% specificity, the score had 87.4% sensitivity (95% CI = 81.0-92.3%). As specificity increased from 90% to 99%, the positive predictive value increased from 2.4% (95% CI = 1.9-3.0%) to 12.5% (9.9-15.5%). Correspondingly, the number of positive tests per detected NPC case decreased from 272 (95% CI = 255-290) to 50 (41-59). Combining the score with other risk factors (sex, firstdegree family history of NPC) did not improve AUC. Men aged 55 to 59 years with the highest risk profile had the highest 5-year absolute NPC risk of 6.5%. We externally validated the discriminatory accuracy of a previously developed EBV score in a high-risk population. Adding nonviral risk factors did not improve NPC prediction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate detection of void defects in ballastless track structures has become a core problem that needs urgent resolution for the maintenance and repair of high-speed railway (HSR) line structures in China. In this study, the root mean squaresynthetic aperture focusing technique (RMS-SAFT) ultrasound imaging method, which is suitable for the void defects of multi-layer structures, is proposed by combining the RMS velocity method and SAFT ultrasound imaging. First, a multi-layer sound velocity model (the relationship model between sound propagation time and sound propagation distance) of the HSR ballastless track is established. The sound propagation time is expressed as a function of the RMS of sound propagation speed as an independent variable. Second, the propagation time of the sound wave in the HSR ballastless track is calculated in accordance with the multi-layer sound velocity model and the obtained propagation time is substituted into the SAFT ultrasound imaging method for imaging. Lastly, the accuracy of the method is verified through a finite element simulation and an experiment. The results show that for the HSR ballastless track with minimal differences in the sound propagation speed at each layer, the sound propagation time calculated by the multi-layer sound wave model has high accuracy. The proposed RMS-SAFT ultrasound imaging method improves the accuracy of traditional SAFT imaging and realises accurate imaging of the void defects of HSR ballastless track. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate and land-use changes are two major factors that significantly affect the watershed hydrology cycle. It is essential for regional water resource management to quantitatively assess the respective hydrological impact of these two factors. In this study, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was constructed to quantify the contributions of climate and land-use changes to runoff at the annual and seasonal time scales in the Qinhuai River basin (QRB), where significant urbanization occurred from 1986 to 2015. Moreover, based on the partial least squares regression, the specific impact of individual land-use change on major hydrological components was evaluated at the subbasin scale. The results showed that: (1) the predominant patterns of land-use change in the QRB included the transformations from paddy fields to urban areas and dry lands, forest to dry lands and dry lands to urban areas; (2) the flood seasonal precipitation series and all air temperature series had significant increasing trends over 1986-2015, and annual and seasonal runoff series had significant increasing trends and had an abrupt change point in 2001; (3) the average annual, flood seasonal, and non-flood seasonal runoff increased 238.5, 130.2 and 108.3 mm, of which land-use change was responsible for 77.6, 55.1, and 104.8% of the increases, respectively, while climate change was responsible for 22.4, 44.9, and 4.8%, respectively and (4) the hydrological response to land-use change showed an obvious decrease in actual evapotranspiration (ET) and significant increases in surface runoff and baseflow. The decrease of ET and increase of baseflow could be attributed to the conversion patterns from paddy fields and forest to dry lands, while the conversions from paddy fields and dry lands to urban areas caused a remarkable increase in surface runoff in the QRB. The study demonstrated that these practicable approaches were beneficial for the more unbiased views of the hydrological responses to climate change and land-use changes in the highly urbanized basin, which were also critical for the sustainable development of regional water resource and future landuse planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The study is aimed at investigating the association between different reduction classifications (anatomic reduction, positive buttress position reduction, and negative buttress position reduction) and two end points (complications and reoperations). Methods. The study retrospectively analyzed 110 patients undergoing internal fixation with three parallel cannulated screws from January 2012 to January 2019 in Huashan Hospital. Based on the principles of the "Gotfried reduction," all enrolled patients were divided into three groups: anatomic reduction, positive buttress position reduction, and negative buttress position reduction intraoperatively or immediately after surgery. Clinical characteristics including age, sex, side, Garden classification, Pauwels classification, fracture level, reduction classification, Garden alignment index angles, cortical thickness index (CTI), tipcaput distance (TCD), angle of the inferior screw, and the two ending points (complications and reoperations) were included in the statistical analysis. The Mann-Whitney U-test, the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and multiple logistic regression analysis were used in the study. Results. Of the 110 patients included in our study, the mean ± standard deviation ðSDÞ of age was 51:4 ± 10:4 years; 41 patients showed anatomic reduction, 35 patients showed positive buttress position reduction, and 34 patients showed negative buttress position reduction. For the outcomes, 24 patients (anatomic reduction: 6 [14.6%]; positive buttress position reduction: 5 [14.3%]; negative buttress position reduction: 13 [38.2%]) had complications, while 18 patients (anatomic reduction: 5 [12.2%]; positive buttress position reduction: 3 [8.6%]; negative buttress position reduction: 10 [29.4%]) underwent reoperations after surgery. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis of complications, negative buttress position reduction (negative buttress position reduction vs. anatomic reduction, OR = 4:309, 95%CI = 1:137 to 16:322, and p = 0:032) was found to be correlated with higher risk of complications. The same variable (negative buttress position reduction vs. anatomic reduction, OR = 5:744, 95%CI = 1:177 to 28:042, and p = 0:031) was also identified as risk factor in the multivariate logistic regression analysis of reoperations. However, no significant difference between positive reduction and anatomical reduction was investigated in the analysis of risk factors for complications, not reoperations. Conclusion. Positive buttress position reduction of femoral neck fractures in young patients showed a similar incidence of complications and reoperations compared with those of anatomic reduction. For irreversible femoral neck fractures, if positive buttress position reduction has been achieved intraoperatively, it is not necessary to pursue anatomical reduction; however, negative reduction needs to be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN) and TCN combined with the Encoder-Decoder architecture (TCN-ED) are proposed to forecast runoff in this study. Both models are trained and tested using the hourly data in the Jianxi basin, China. The results indicate that the forecast horizon has a great impact on the forecast ability, and the concentration time of the basin is a critical threshold to the effective forecast horizon for both models. Both models perform poorly in the low flow and well in the medium and high flow at most forecast horizons, while it is subject to the forecast horizon in forecasting peak flow. TCN-ED has better performance than TCN in runoff forecasting, with higher accuracy, better stability, and insensitivity to fluctuations in the rainfall process. Therefore, TCN-ED is an effective deep learning solution in runoff forecasting within an appropriate forecast horizon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensemble weather forecasting generally suffers from bias and under-dispersion, which limit its predictive power. Several post-processing methods have been developed to overcome these limitations, and an intercomparison is needed to understand their performance. Four state-of-the-art methods are compared in post-processing precipitation and air temperature of the Global Ensemble Forecasting System (GEFS) reforecasts using a simple bias correction (BC) method as a reference. These methods include extended logistic regression (ExLR), generator-based post-processing (GPP), Bayesian model averaging (BMA) and affine kernel dressing (AKD). All these methods are tested over 659 national standard meteorological stations in China. The research concerns are the influence of region and forecast date and the role of BC on ensemble weather forecasting. It was found that: (1) the deterministic methods (GPP and ExLR) are more skilful than the probabilistic methods (BMA and AKD) in obtaining the well-calibrated and skilful ensemble forecasts; (2) the forecast skill of the postprocessed ensemble weather forecasts is comparably high in the northern arid areas for precipitation, while the forecast skill for air temperature is only low in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau area; (3) the skill difference of the post-processed forecasts on different forecast date is only evident for air temperature, while not apparent for precipitation; and (4) only correcting bias for the ensemble weather forecasts can achieve about 0-70% (for precipitation) and 30-100% (for air temperature) forecast skill improvement for deterministic methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the characteristics of BRAFV600E mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in Chinese coastal areas. We intended to identify noninvasive methods to determine BRAFV600E status in thyroid nodules prior to surgery. BRAFV600E mutation and the sonographic characteristics of thyroid nodules were investigated in 670 PTC patients in our hospital. We aimed to determine the relationship between BRAFV600E mutation and the clinicopathological and sonographic imaging characteristics of PTC. The mutation rate of the BRAFV600E was 78.2%. BRAFV600E mutation was significantly associated with central node (univariate analyses, P = .005; multivariate analyses, P < .001, odds ratio [OR] = 10.255) and lateral node metastases (univariate analyses, P = .001; multivariate analyses, P < .001, OR = 22). It was less frequent in PTC coexisting with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (univariate analyses, P = .016; multivariate analyses, P < .001, OR = .034). Nodules without blood flow had a significantly higher mutation rate of BRAFV600E in PTC patients (univariate analyses, P = .026). BRAFV600E mutation was significantly associated with high suspicion in the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System 5 (univariate analyses, P = .004; multivariate analyses, P = .014, OR = 6.456). Our results strongly suggest that BRAFV600E mutation plays a potential role in lymph node metastasis (central node metastasis, OR = 10.225; lateral node metastasis, OR = 22). Some sonographic imaging features might be helpful in estimating the status of BRAFV600E preoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is difficult to achieve a balance among safety, efficacy, and cost for the clinical treatment of plaque psoriasis. The current treatment of psoriasis often involves comprehensive therapy such as topical plasters, internal medicine, and phototherapy, which are expensive, and some of the drugs have serious side effects. Moving cupping is a type of cupping that has been used clinically for thousands of years in China. It has the advantage of being inexpensive and easy to perform. Therefore, it is widely used in public hospitals in China for psoriasis treatment. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the current clinical evidence of its efficacy is lacking. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moving cupping to treat plaque psoriasis.Methods: A multicenter, two-arm parallel group, single-blind, randomized, controlled trial will be conducted at six hospitals in China between August 1, 2019 and December 31, 2021. A total of 122 adult patients (aged 18-65 years) who meet the inclusion criteria are being recruited. Participants will receive either basic treatment combined with moving cupping therapy or basic treatment combined with moving cupping placebo. The treatment cycle will be 4 weeks, and the efficacy of treatment will be assessed weekly by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index during the treatment period and follow-up visits at weeks 6 and 8. The body surface area, physician's global assessment, Dermatology Life Quality Index, patient-reported quality of life, visual analog scale, Traditional Chinese Medication syndrome scoring scale, combined medication, and adverse events will also be recorded and compared to the relative baseline values.Discussion: The findings of this trial may lead to better decisions regarding the treatment of plaque psoriasis. If the trial outcomes are considered favorable, this ancient Chinese medical therapy may be worthy of widespread use because of its convenience and low cost.Trial Registration: This study was registered on May 15,2019 at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier number NCT03952676. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediment geochemistry is affected by sediment granularity and chemical partition, which may greatly influence the accuracy of sediment source identification. In this study, we analyzed Ca, Co, Zr, V, Cr, Ti, Sc, Th, and Al in the sediments of major rivers and a Holocene core along the eastern coast of China to reveal the constraints on sediment geochemistry related to granularity and chemical partition and to try and identify the sources of the sediments present in the core. The results reveal that the element concentrations have a significant positive correlation with Al concentration in all these riverine sediments. There are significant differences in the element contents of the bulk sample and the residual sediment leached with acid, including in their ratios. The ratios of Cr/Th-Sc/Th, which is often used for provenance discrimination, reveal that uncertainty of provenance discrimination will increase if the impact of sediment granularity and chemical phase on the index system is not considered. We applied this geochemical approach for provenance on a Holocene core of the East China Sea using Cr/Th-Al, Sc/Th-Al, Ti/Zr-Al, and Cr/Th-Sc/Th with the same granularity as the residue sediments. Based on this approach, we identified the core sediments to have had a large component derived from the western Taiwanese rivers since the mid-Holocene. This study sheds light on the sediment geochemistry used to identify the provenance of marginal seas with multiple rivers entering them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the key techniques in the fully mechanized mining process, equipment selection and matching has a great effect on security, production and efficiency. The selection and matching of fully mechanized mining equipment in thin coal seam are restricted by many factors. In fully mechanized mining (FMM) faced in thin coal seams (TCS), to counter the problems existing in equipment selection, such as many the parameters concerned and low automation, an expert system (ES) of equipment selection for fully mechanized mining longwall face was established. A database for the equipment selection and matching expert system in thin coal seam, fully mechanized mining face has been established. Meanwhile, a decision-making software matching the eS was developed. Based on several real world examples, the reliability and technical risks of the results from the ES was discussed. Compared with the field applications, the shearer selection from the ES is reliable. However, some small deviations existed in the hydraulic support and scraper conveyor selection. Then, the eS was further improved. As a result, equipment selection in fully mechanized mining longwall face called 4301 in the Liangshuijing coal mine was carried out by the improved eS. equipment selection results of the interface in the improved eS is consistent with the design proposal of the 4301 FMM working face. The reliability of the improved eS can meet the requirements of the engineering. It promotes the intelligent and efficient mining of coal resources in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poor medication adherence is one of the most important factors underlying uncontrolled blood pressure, and ensuing hypertension is the leading risk factor for stroke. However, the influence of prestroke medication nonadherence on the admission blood pressure of patients with hypertension who have had an ischemic stroke remains unclear. Objective: The aims of this study were to explore the influence of medication nonadherence on the admission blood pressure of patients with hypertension who have had an ischemic stroke and to analyze the reasons for medication nonadherence preceding stroke. Methods: A sample population of 301 patients with hypertension who have had an ischemic stroke was recruited. A questionnaire was used to investigate sociodemographic data and reasons for nonadherence. The 4-item Medication Adherence Scale was used to investigate prestroke medication adherence. Blood pressure was measured upon patient admission. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing adherence. Results: In this cohort, 80.73% of the patients exhibited uncontrolled blood pressure on admission, and 26.58% had undiagnosed hypertension. Of the patients aware of their diagnosis, 75.11% were nonadherent and 10.40% had never used antihypertensive medicines. Uncontrolled admission blood pressure was positively influenced by medication nonadherence. The main causes of nonadherence included forgetfulness (58.08%), lack of belief in the need for long-term antihypertensive treatment (27.27%), and no awareness of the importance of long-term medication (24.75%). Conclusions: Stroke education in China should focus on patients' poor understanding of the importance for sustained antihypertensive medication adherence to improve blood pressure control and prevent stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neither China nor Taiwan seeks to he a haven for the other's fugitives. And each jurisdiction wants its own fugitives hack. The two governments have resorted to flexible and innovative crossstrait agreements and proxy organisations to cooperate in repatriating nationals of the other side whom the latter wishes to subject to criminal proceedings. This practice bears many similarities to extradition. Yet despite more than two decades' cooperation, the major problem still confronting the repatriation process -- at least until the very recent increase in political tension across the Taiwan Strait -- has been their failure to support the process by developing in their domestic legal systems a regulatory framework at least as satisfactory as the one each has already established to govern extradition. We identify this regulatory vacuum and critique existing criminal repatriation practice, which has been marked not only by practical difficulties but also, even more seriously, by a lack of adequate protection for the basic rights of the persons to be repatriated. We call attention to the need for some enhanced protections for human rights in this aspect and in crossstrait relations generally. This case study of criminal repatriation, originally one of the important aspects of crossstrait cooperation, suggests that, when China and Taiwan wished to form closer ties and to pursue a certain policy of law enforcement, they minimised human rights considerations in order to serve their immediate political project. It constitutes a warning against neglecting human rights in the service of extradition and smooth political relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging as a comprehensive and aggressive governance scheme, China's "Social Credit System" (SCS) seeks to promote the norms of "trust" in Chinese society by rewarding behavior that is considered "trust-keeping" and punishing that considered "trust-breaking." This Article closely examines the evolving SCS regime and corrects myths and misunderstandings popularized in the international media. We identify four key mechanisms of the SCS (i.e., information gathering, information sharing, labeling and joint sanctions) and highlight their unique characteristics as well as normative implications. In our view, the new governance mode underlying the SCS--what we call the "rule of trust"--relies on an ambiguous concept of "trust" and wideranging, arbitrary and disproportionate punishments. It derogates from the notion of "governing the country in accordance with the law" enshrined in China's Constitution. This Article contributes to legal scholarship by offering a distinctive critique of the perils of China's SCS in terms of the party-state's tightened social control and human rights violations. Further, we critically assess how the Chinese government uses information and communication technologies to facilitate data-gathering and datasharing in the SCS with few meaningful legal constraints. The SCS's boundless and uncertain concept of "trust" and the unrestrained employment of technology are a dangerous combination in the context of governance. We caution that the Chinese government is preparing a much more sophisticated, sweeping version of the SCS that will likely be reinforced by artificial intelligence tools such as facial-recognition and predictive policing. Those developments will further empower the government to enhance surveillance and perpetuate authoritarianism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Torreya grandis (Taxaceae) is an ancient conifer species endemic to southeast China. Because of its nutrient-rich and delicious seeds, this species has been utilized for centuries by the Chinese. However, transcriptome data and transcriptome-derived microsatellite markers for population genetics studies are still insufficient for understanding of this species' genetic basis. In this study, a transcriptome from T. grandis leaves was generated using Illumina sequencing. A total of 69,920 unigenes were generated after de novo assembly, and annotated by searching against seven protein databases. In addition, 2,065 expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeats (EST-SSRs) were detected, with the distribution frequency of 2.75% of total unigenes and average number of 0.03 SSRs per unigene. Among these EST-SSRs, 1,339 primer pairs were successfully designed, and 106 primer pairs were randomly selected for the development of potential molecular markers. Among them, 11 EST-SSR markers revealed a moderate level of genetic diversity, and were used to investigate the population structure of T. grandis. Two different genetic groups within this species were revealed using these EST-SSR markers, indicating that these markers developed in this study can be effectively applied to the population genetic analysis of T. grandis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]