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Many educational institutions have adopted e-learning methods during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain school teaching activities. However,systematic research on e-learning effectiveness in such a crisis is quite insufficient. This study aims to explore the impact of e-learning quality on students' satisfaction during the pandemic in regard to academic achievement and behavioral intention. Through a questionnaire and semester score database, the relevant data of 683 students were collected and then analyzed by PLS-SEM. The result shows that instructor teaching quality and e-learning system quality influence students' academic achievement and behavioral intention through increasing students' e-learning satisfaction. E-learning system quality moderated the impact of instructor teaching quality on students' e-learning satisfaction. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the comprehensive implementation of e-learning during a crisis.

Simple Summary: Three trichomonad species (Tritrichomonas foetus, Tetratrichomonas buttreyi, and Pentatrichomonas hominis) may affect pig production. Moreover, P. hominis is a zoonotic species. In the current investigation, 362 fecal samples collected from pigs in three representative counties in Shanxi Province, North China, were molecularly tested for the three trichomonad species. The results showed that T. buttreyi was detected as the most common species, with a prevalence of 49.72%. Its prevalence was associated with region and age. Only one sample was tested positive for T. foetus, and this isolate showed minor allelic variations compared with those reported previously. For T. buttreyi, eight distinct sequence types were obtained, and only two displayed 100% nucleotide homology with the corresponding sequences reported previously. For the first time, we reported the prevalence and genetic characterization of T. foetus and T. buttreyi in pigs in Shanxi Province, North China, which provides baseline information for planning control strategies. Several trichomonad species have already been identified in pigs, and their pathogenic potential may not be ruled out. To date, however, no information is available regarding the prevalence of trichomonads in pigs in Shanxi Province, North China. In the present study, a total of 362 fecal samples collected from pigs in three representative counties (Qi, Jishan, and Shanyin) in this province were examined for Tetratrichomonas buttreyi, Tritrichomonas foetus, and Pentatrichomonas hominis using a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The overall prevalence of T. buttreyi was 49.72%, and region and age were found to be significantly associated with T. buttreyi infection, respectively. Only one pig fecal sample from Qi County was found to be positive for T. foetus, and all samples were negative for P. hominis. Molecular evolutionary analysis revealed that some T. buttreyi isolates showed complete genetic identity with those reported previously, and some T. buttreyi isolates and one T. foetus isolate showed minor allelic variations compared with those reported previously. This is the report of the molecular epidemiology of T. foetus and T. buttreyi in pigs in Shanxi Province, North China. These findings not only enrich the knowledge on the distribution of these trichomonad species in pigs in China but also provide baseline information for planning future research and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is an invasive alien species that causes major losses in the Chinese tomato industry. Historically, insecticides have been used extensively to control T. absoluta, but resistant populations have been frequently detected. Biological control represents a sustainable and effective method with which to prevent and control T. absoluta. Egg parasitoids from the family of Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera) have been identified as potential biological option for controlling of T. absoluta. In the present study, we aimed to identify local dominant Trichogramma species that exhibited the best biological control ability against T. absoluta in China. To accomplish this, we compared the selectivity and number of offspring of three Trichogramma species to T. absoluta by performing host preference experiments in the laboratory. We also evaluated the fitness of Trichogramma against T. absoluta by assessing the parasitic ability and behavior of their offspring on different hosts. Compared with Trichogramma chilonis and Trichogramma dendrolimi, Trichogramma ostriniae exhibited a significantly greater preference to T. absoluta eggs and produced a higher number of offspring. The emergence rate and proportion of female T. ostriniae parasitizing the eggs of T. absoluta was higher than that of the other two Trichogramma species, the rate of T. ostriniae offspring deformity was only 3.00%. In addition, T. ostriniae has shortest immature stage and the longest adult stage among the three species. In conclusion T. ostriniae can be a promising native biological control agent against T. absoluta in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is an acute infectious disease characterized by neurological and respiratory symptoms. In order to have a better understanding of the current prevalence of PRV in northeastern China, a strain of PRV was isolated by us. Then, protein structure analysis and pathogenicity testing of the virus were performed to give insight into the characterization of the isolated PRV strains. In this study, the PRV strain named CH/HLJPRVJ/2023 was isolated and identified. Genome-wide phylogenetic analysis shows CH/HLJPRVJ/2023 and HeN1 have higher homology. The CH/HLJPRVJ/2023 strain had the highest homology with HeN1 strain (97.3%) and the lowest homology with Bartha-K61 (89.2%). Recombinant evolution analysis shows CH/HLJPRVJ/2023 shows many variants in OBP, AN, UL21, UL17, VP11/12, and VP1/2 fragments, which predict its unique genetically. VP1/2, an effector protein of capsid transport and neuroinvasion, has mutations and deletions in its amino acids, which cause changes in the protein conformation of CH/HLJPRVJ/2023. Besides the typical neurologic and respiratory lesions, infection with highly pathogenic CH/HLJPRVJ/2023 can lead to damage to the colonic villi and colonic barrier in piglets. This study will provide a basis for knowledge about the prevalence, genetic evolution, and vaccine optimization of endemic PRV strains in northeastern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Genetic diversity driven by natural selection contributes to population divergence in amphibians, thus facilitating local adaptation to climate change. Understanding the mechanisms of genetic adaptation is one of the important issues in evolutionary biology. This study set out to reveal drivers responsible for intraspecific divergence in Fejervarya multistriata and further investigate the potential involvement of selected genes in responding to climate challenges. Location: China. Method: To identify adaptive traits associated with climate change, we conducted genome RAD‐seq of 300 F. multistriata individuals from 15 locations across a bio‐geographical range with gradual climatic variation in China. Results: The results indicate a substantial genetic diversity among populations of F. multistriata and highlight specific genes and pathways that likely contribute to intraspecific divergence. The demographic history of F. multistriata can be traced back to the last interglacial period, during which elevated temperatures may have led to a significant decline in effective population size. The analysis of genome‐climate association identified five candidate genes (BMP2K, NRAP, ZW10, MYH1 and PLB1) potentially involved in local climate adaptation. Main Conclusions: Our findings have shed light on the genetic mechanisms of local adaptation to climate change in F. multistriata, thereby aiding in determining the possible fate of populations under future climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An increasing number of studies have shown the association between traumatic events occurring in childhood and adolescence and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A gap remains in the literature on the epidemiology and influencing factors of traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder in communities in northern China. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of traumatic events and PTSD in communities in northern China, to explore the types of stressful traumatic events and the impact of these traumatic events on children and adolescents, and to investigate the effect of sociodemographic factors on PTSD. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among 6,027 students (7-17 years old) from6 cities in Liaoning Province, China. The sample consisted of 2,853males (47.34%) and 3,174 females (52.66%). The Essen Trauma-Inventory for Children and Adolescents (ETI-CA) Scale was used. The ETI-CA has 5 sections, which include type of traumatic events, worst traumatic event, post-traumatic symptoms, onset, duration, burden of PTSD, and present diffculties in different areas of life. PTSD symptoms were assessed with 23 items in Part 3 of the ETI-CA. Results: We found that 2,068 (34.3%) of 6,027 participants experienced trauma events and 686 (33.2%) of 2,068 reported PTSD. Among trauma-exposed youth (2,068), the sudden death of close relatives (33.9%), serious accidents (20.9%), and parental divorce (15.5%) were reported as the worst traumatic events. Studies have shown that after exposure to stressful life events, more than 30% of people feel nervous or upset (39.8%), scared (33.4%), helpless (32.6%), and about 10% have headaches (15.5%), rapid heartbeat (13.3%), and dizziness (11.8%). Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that students in middle school [OR = 1.29 (1.016, 1.637)], not a student leader [OR = 0.738 (0.618, 0.881)], and their parents in single marital status significantly predicted higher PTSD prevalence the remarried [OR = 0.474 (0.252, 0.893)], married [OR = 0.42 (0.227, 0.778)]. Frontiers in Conclusion: The present study suggests the government to train psychological counselors in schools and communities to provide emotional and psychological support, as well as the school leaders and parents to elevate adolescents' psychological suzhi. Particularly, counseling and professional support should be given to those students whose parents are single. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origins of Cenozoic granites in the Himalaya are key to understanding the evolution of the Himalayan orogen. However, it is unclear whether these granites represent primary melts, and the nature of their magma source is controversial. Here, we present a systematic element and Sr–Nd–B–Mo isotope study of Cenozoic granites from the Yardoi area in the eastern Tethyan Himalaya, China. These granites can be divided into two groups: mid‐Eocene porphyritic two‐mica granites with low SiO2 contents (65.9−69.6 wt.%) and adakitic geochemical signatures, and mid‐Eocene to Miocene equigranular granites with high SiO2 contents (71.6−75.5 wt.%). The high‐SiO2 granites (HSG) have similar Sr−Nd isotope compositions to the low‐SiO2 granites (LSG), but they have distinct δ11B values of −19.4‰ to −11.4‰ and −10.6‰ to −6.89‰. This indicates that the two groups have different sources, with the LSG derived by partial melting dominantly of metamafic rocks at thickened lower crustal conditions, and the HSG generated by partial melting of the mid‐crust metasedimentary rocks with less enriched Nd isotope compositions. The δ98/95Mo of the LSG and HSG are highly variable with values of −0.68‰ to 0.12‰ and −1.13‰ to 0.46‰, respectively. δ11B values of the HSG correlate positively with δ98/95Mo and Sr/Y values and correlate negatively with K2O, Rb, Zr, and Rb/Sr, reflecting the addition of external metamorphic fluids during anatexis of the metapelites. The B–Mo isotope data robustly suggest source‐controlled compositional diversity of the Himalayan granites, which could provide clues to the physical and geochemical responses during the evolution of a large orogen. Plain Language Summary: Partial melts derived from crustal anatexis exhibit large compositional diversity. The relative influence of source compositions and magmatic differentiation on such heterogeneity is a subject of ongoing debate. B−Mo isotopes have the potential to trace the source compositions of crustal magmas. In this study, we present whole‐rock geochemical and B–Mo isotopic compositions of Cenozoic granites in the eastern Tethyan Himalaya. Samples with diverse mineralogical and geochemical features and ages (mid‐Eocene, early Oligocene, and Miocene) were investigated and can be divided into low‐SiO2 granites (LSG) and high‐SiO2 granites (HSG). Boron isotopes reveal different source compositions for the two groups, with the LSG derived by partial melting dominantly of metamafic rocks at thickened lower crustal conditions, and the HSG generated by partial melting of the mid‐crust metapelites. B–Mo isotopes combined with the variations in element contents/ratios provide evidence for the involvement of external fluids during the formation of the HSG. Our new data suggest that the geochemical diversity of anatectic melts is dominated by the nature of the source, including source lithology and fluid effects. This implies that the Himalayan granites could be potentially in tracing the thermal and tectonic evolution of the Himalayan orogen. Key Points: Boron isotopes reveal different source compositions for the Himalayan Cenozoic granitesB–Mo isotopes provide evidence for the involvement of external fluids during crustal anatexisHimalayan Cenozoic granites can potentially trace the evolution of a large orogen [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional traits impact species interactions, community composition, and ecosystem functioning. However, few studies have focused on the diversification and phylogenetic correlation of multiple functional traits over geological time. We conducted phylogenetic comparative analysis for boreal forest understory species in northeast China to examine the diversification and phylogenetic correlation in several functional traits: leaf area (LA), leaf carbon content (LCC), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), leaf nitrogen content (LNC), plant height (PH), and specific leaf area (SLA). Phylogenetic signals showed that there were very low levels of phylogenetic niche conservatism (PNC) in understory leaf‐related traits and plant height, suggesting divergence of functional traits for the co‐occurring understory species. The disparity through time analyses (DTT) indicated that trait disparities mainly originated during recent divergence events and there were no differences in the observed trait disparities compared with that expected under Brownian motion. Furthermore, we found both positive and negative phylogenetic correlations among the measured functional traits. The very low levels of PNC suggest that these functional traits diverged among co‐occurring understory species, and that those species are distantly phylogenetically related. The phylogenetic correlations among traits may be caused by both positively and negatively correlated adaptions that correspond to resource acquisition strategies. This study provides evidence that divergence in functional traits may reflect understory adaptions to boreal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the world wood-based panel demand is increasing year by year, the international trade environment is becoming increasingly complex, the supply of wood raw materials, seasonal raw materials, regional raw materials is tight, and biomass wood-based panel industry is facing a severe test. The main types and utilization of biomass resources based on the biomass panel industry development situation in our country was introduced. Meanwhile, the current problems and challenges were analyzed, and the prospects for development and trends were also judged, which was of great significance for the development of biomass panel industry during this new period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous challenge of existing vaccine systems by porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) variant strains in recent years, it caused significant economic losses in the global swine industry. A PEDV virulent strain CH/HLJBQL/2022 was successfully isolated in China in this study. A genome-wide based phylogenetic analysis suggests that CH/HLJBQL/2022 belongs to the GII subtype, and 96.3%–99.6% homology existed in the whole genomes of other strains. For the first time, simultaneous mutations of four amino acids were found in the highly conserved membrane (M) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins, as well as five amino acid mutations that differed from the vast majority of strains in the spike (S) protein. Mutations in the M and S proteins were found to produce coils with different angles by building 2D and 3D structural models. Epitope analysis indicated that the isolates produced specific changes and that the transmembrane function of the M protein had not been affected. In addition, typing markers exist during strain evolution, but isolates are using the fusion of specific amino acids from multiple variant strains to add additional features, as also demonstrated by protein alignments and 3D models of numerous subtype strains. These results suggest that aa mutations in the M and S proteins may have changed the structure and antigenic epitope of the isolates and PEDV is evolving again on the basis of variants that have been found to counteract the immune network of the new vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) variant strains cause great economic losses to the global swine industry. However, vaccines do not provide sufficient protection against currently circulating strains due to viral mutations. This study traced the molecular characteristics of the most recent isolates in China and aimed to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of PEDV. Methods: We obtained samples from a Chinese diarrheal swine farm in 2022. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence were used to determine the etiology, and the full-length PEDV genome was sequenced. Nucleotide similarity was calculated using MEGA to construct a phylogenetic tree and DNASTAR. Mutant amino acids were aligned using DNAMAN and modeled by SWISS-MODEL, Phyre2 and FirstGlance in JMOL for protein tertiary structure simulation. Additionally, TMHMM was used for protein function prediction. Results: A PEDV virulent strain CH/HLJJS/2022 was successfully isolated in China. A genome-wide based phylogenetic analysis suggests that it belongs to the GII subtype, and 96.1–98.9% homology existed in the whole genomes of other strains. For the first time, simultaneous mutations of four amino acids were found in the highly conserved membrane (M) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins, as well as eight amino acid mutations that differed from the vast majority of strains in the spike (S) protein. Three of the mutations alter the S-protein spatial structure. In addition, typing markers exist during strain evolution, but isolates are using the fusion of specific amino acids from multiple variant strains to add additional features, as also demonstrated by protein alignments and 3D models of numerous subtype strains. Conclusion: The newly isolated prevalent strain CH/HLJJS/2022 belonged to the GII subtype, and thirteen mutations different from other strains were found, including mutations in the highly conserved m and N proteins, and in the S1° and COE neutralizing epitopes of the S protein. PEDV is breaking through original cognitions and moving on a more complex path. Surveillance for PEDV now and in the future and improvements derived from mutant strain vaccines are highly warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) exhibits unique histological characteristics within the immune-cell-rich microenvironment, but the role of tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) in EBVaGC is not yet fully understood. Methods: We retrospectively identified EBVaGC from 8517 consecutive GC cases from the two top cancer centers in China. Furthermore, we evaluated the prognostic value of TLS in 148 EBVaGC patients from our institute and then validated it in an external cohort (76 patients). TLS was quantified and its relationships with overall survival (OS) and therapeutic response were further analyzed. Multiplex immunofluorescence staining and targeted sequencing were used to characterize the composition of TLS and the genomic landscape, respectively. Results: In our study, EBVaGC was observed in 4.3% (190/4436) and 2.6% (109/4081) of GCs in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. TLS was identified in the intratumor (94.6%) and peritumor (77.0%) tissues with lymphoid aggregates, primary and secondary (i.e., mature TLSs) follicles in EBVaGC. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that mature TLS in intratumoral tissues was associated with a favorable OS in the training and validation cohorts (p < 0.0001; p = 0.0108). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that intratumoral TLS maturation, pTNM, and PD-L1 expression were independent prognostic factors for OS (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the mature TLS was significantly associated with a good response to treatment in EBVaGC patients. Interestingly, the mutation frequency of SMARCA4 was significantly lower in the mature TLS groups. Conclusions: Intratumoral mature TLS was associated with a favorable prognosis and good therapeutic response, suggesting that it is a potential prognostic biomarker and predicts a good therapeutic response in EBVaGC patients [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Amphibians require both terrestrial and aquatic environments to complete their life cycles. Thus, they are subject to complex selection pressures stemming from different environments, and these selection pressures are likely to vary geographically with variation in temperature and precipitation. Studies of genetic differentiation along geographical clines allow identification of footprints of these selection pressures. Location: China. Methods: To identify possible signatures of local adaptation to particular environmental conditions, we conducted a genome‐scan with 20,572 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained with restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing of pooled samples from 10 Microhyla fissipes populations spanning a 1,398 km long latitudinal gradient in China. Results: The results revealed significant genetic differentiation among populations (FST =0.090). Numerous outlier SNPs associated with variation in both annual average temperature (n = 69) and precipitation (n = 248) were detected. Main conclusions: The degree and pattern of population differentiation in the SNPs supported the hypothesis that these SNPs have been subject to directional natural selection associated with temperature and precipitation and, hence, are reflective of geographically varying local adaptation. Hence, conservation and management plans for Microhyla fissipes should take into account this heterogeneity in genetic constitution in its populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on data from China's A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2018, in this paper, we examine the impact of FinTech on corporate zombification risk. We find that FinTech can reduce corporate zombification risk; for each unit increase in FinTech, the probability of a company becoming a zombie firm decreases by 7.8%. In addition, FinTech can reduce corporate zombification risk by improving the efficiency of bank credit and government subsidies. Furthermore, the breadth of FinTech coverage and the depth of application can reduce corporate zombification risk, but the degree of digitization fails to play a role. Finally, not only can FinTech reduce corporate zombification risk, but it can also inhibit the contagion effect of zombie firms in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the past few decades, globalization has rendered more frequent and intensive population movement between countries, which has changed the original disease spectrum and brought a huge health impact on the global population including China. This study aims to describe the spectrum and epidemiological characteristics of imported infections among foreign travelers travelling to China.Methods: The data on imported infections among foreign travelers were obtained from Custom Inbound Screening System (CISS) and the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting System (NNIDRS). All the infections were classified into respiratory, gastrointestinal, vector-borne, blood/sex-transmitted and mucocutaneous diseases, of which case numbers and incidences were calculated and the proportions were compared among subgroups.Results: In total, 17,189 travelers diagnosed with 58 imported infectious diseases were reported from 2014 to 2018, with an overall incidence of 122.59 per million. Respiratory infection (7,351 cases, mainly influenza) and blood/sex-transmitted diseases (6,114 cases mainly Hepatitis B and HIV infection) were the most frequently diagnosed diseases, followed by vector-borne infections (3,128 cases, mainly dengue fever and malaria). The highest case number was from Asia and Europe, while the highest incidence rate was from Africa (296.00 per million). When specific diagnosis was compared, both the highest absolute case number and incidence were observed for influenza. An obvious seasonal pattern was observed for vector-borne diseases, with the annual epidemic spanning from July to November. The origin-destination matrices disclosed the movement of imported infection followed specific routes.Conclusions: Our study provided a profile of infectious diseases among foreign travelers travelling to China and pinpointed the target regions, seasons and populations for prevention and control, to attain an informed control of imported infections in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new stilbene glucosides, trans-3,5-dihydroxy-4-methoxystilbene 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), cis-3,5-dihydroxy-4-methoxystilbene 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), one new benzoic acid derivative, cis-4-hydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-2-butenyl benzoate 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), and four known compounds (4 − 7) were isolated from Tournefortia sibirica L. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectral data. Anti-inflammatory effects of compounds (1 − 7) were evaluated in terms of inhibition on production of NO, TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 1, 2 and 5 − 7 could inhibit the levels of NO, TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values ranging from 40.96 to 88.76 µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A distinct greening trend is evident in Asia, especially on the Loess Plateau (LP) of China, which is driven by climate change and large‐scale land‐use‐related ecological projects, especially the 'Grain for Green Program' (GFGP). However, the specific contributions of the GFGP to vegetation greening and the variation of this greening on a large spatiotemporal scale are not yet clear. We used long‐time‐series normalized difference vegetation index datasets and climate datasets based on the double mass curve method to quantify the contributions of ecological projects and climate change to the greening trend on the LP. We found that the interannual fluctuation of vegetation change was likely related to the interannual fluctuation of climate, especially precipitation. The increasing trend of vegetation change after 2005 indicated that the GFGP, as a type of external disturbance, began to improve vegetation growth. The GFGP failed initially to make a positive contribution in the first few years because of the drought conditions in 1999 and 2005. The increased precipitation played a critical role in enhancing the output of the GFGP on the LP after 2005. Then, the contribution of the GFGP increased quickly until 2013, after which it remained stable and reached average values of 58.8% ± 19.34% and 31.7% ± 24.3% in the representative areas that conducted the GFGP and in other regions with a lower implementation intensity of the GFGP, respectively. Our results highlight the contribution the GFGP has made to spatiotemporal variation due to the spatial heterogeneity of the projects, their intensity and the effect of forest stand age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the progress of globalization, international mobility increases, greatly facilitating cross-border transmission of respiratory infectious diseases (RIDs). This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and factors influencing imported RIDs, with the goal of providing evidence to support adoption of high-tech, intelligent methods to early find imported RIDs and prevent their spread in China. Methods: We obtained data of imported RIDs cases from 2014 to 2018 from the Inbound Sentinel Network of Customs and the National Notifiable Diseases Reporting System in China. We analyzed spatial, temporal, and population distribution characteristics of the imported RIDs. We developed an index to describe seasonality. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine associations between independent variables and imported cases. Data analyses and visualizations were conducted with R software. Results: From a total of 1 409 265 253 inbound travelers, 31 732 (2.25/100 000) imported RIDs cases were reported. RIDs cases were imported from 142 countries and five continents. The incidence of imported RIDs was nearly 5 times higher in 2018 (2.81/100 000) than in 2014 (0.58/100 000). Among foreigners, incidence rates were higher among males (5.32/100 000), 0–14-year-olds (15.15/100 000), and cases originating in Oceania (11.10/100 000). The vast majority (90.3%) of imported RIDs were influenza, with seasonality consistent with annual seasonality of influenza. The spatial distribution of imported RIDs was different between Chinese citizens and foreigners. Increases in inbound travel volume and the number of influenza cases in source countries were associated with the number of imported RIDs. Conclusions: Our study documented importation of RIDs into China from 142 countries. Inbound travel poses a significant risks bringing important RIDs to China. It is urgent to strengthen surveillance at customs of inbound travelers and establish an intelligent surveillance and early warning system to prevent importation of RIDs to China for preventing further spread within China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a dual-band, wideband, high-gain microstrip patch antenna applied to 5G band. The antenna consists of two rectangular radiation patches of different sizes, connected by a microstrip line and fed by a coaxial line. The dual-band is achieved by both rectangular radiation patches producing dual target resonant frequency points. This antenna provides the freedom for adjusting both resonant frequencies independently. To increase the antenna bandwidth, long slots are loaded at specific positions on each rectangular patch, allowing for dual-mode resonance radiation in each frequency band. This antenna operates in a shorted-edge resonant mode, where metal grounding holes added on the patch act as shorting walls. The size of a radiation patch is only half that of a standard resonant mode patch, making this antenna compact in size. Measurement results show that the antenna has an impedance bandwidth of 4.98–5.56 GHz (11.0%) and 5.74–6.62 GHz (14.2%), which completely cover the 5G band of China (5.18–5.52 GHz and 5.74–5.82 GHz). The maximum measured realized gain is 8.1 dB in the low-frequency band and 10.2 dB in the high-frequency band. This antenna offers advantages of dual-band operation, broadband, low-profile, high-gain, which is suitable for 5G band applications with targeted coverage requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Lygosoma Hardwicke & Gray, 1827 is a group of semi-fossorial supple skink from Southeast Asia, the members of which are still understudied in Indochina. Lysosoma quadrupes (Linnaeus, 1766) was once recorded from China based on historical literature; until recent its Indochina specimens were revised and placed into a newly described species, i.e., L. siamense Siler, Heitz, Davis, Freitas, Aowphol, Termprayoon & Grismer, 2018. However, Lygosoma quadrupes had long been unknown from China but the historical record had not been confirmed. Here we report a vouchered record for L. siamense from China for the first time based on four specimens collected in Sanya, Hainan, China. Furthermore, the taxonomic history of Lygosoma from China is also reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litter decomposition influences the nutrient cycle and the availability of soil nutrient resources in rubber plantation ecosystem. This study aimed to analyze effects of different factors such as soil layer depths, root accessibility and soil fertility levels on dynamic decomposition of leaf litter in rubber plantations, as well as physico-chemical properties and microbiological parameters of the soil. We performed decomposition experiments to analyze the effect of these factors on leaf litter decomposition in a rubber plantation in Danzhou, South China. The results showed that the rubber leaf litter decomposition activity increased with the depth of the soil layer. The fertility level of soil affected the decomposition process, with higher soil fertility level restraining litter decomposition. The litter decomposition was affected by the root accessibility, but the roots turned out to not be decisive factors in the decomposition process. The microorganism abundance differed seasonally in the above-ground and underground soil layers during the rubber leaf litter decomposition. The number of actinomycetes, bacteria and fungi changed most dramatically between March and May. The fastest rate of rubber leaf litter decomposition also occurred during this period. The microorganisms played a key role in the rubber litter decomposition underground. Enzymes sucrase, urease, polyphenol oxidase and cellulase contributed in regulating the decomposition of rubber leaf litter. These results may provide further insight into the potential of using leaf litter resources in tropical plantations. This study also provides valuable information about the decomposition mechanism of leaf litter as part of the nutrient cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The special any-polar resistive switching mode includes the coexistence and stable conversion between the unipolar and the bipolar resistive switching mode under the same compliance current. In the present work, the any-polar resistive switching mode is demonstrated when thin Ti intercalations are introduced into both sides of Pt/HfO2/Pt RRAM device. The role of the Ti intercalations contributes to the fulfillment of the any-polar resistive switching working mechanism, which lies in the filament constructed by the oxygen vacancies and the effective storage of the oxygen ion at both sides of the electrode interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to investigate whether host plant species and lifestyles, and environmental conditions in the desert affect endophytic fungi composition. Endophytic fungal communities from parasitic plant Cynomorium songaricum and its host Nitraria tangutorum were investigated from three sites including Tonggu Naoer, Xilin Gaole, and Guazhou in Tengger and Badain Jaran Deserts in China using the next-generation sequencing of a ribosomal RNA gene region. Similarity and difference in endophytic fungal composition from different geographic locations were evaluated through multivariate statistical analysis. It showed that plant genetics was a deciding factor affecting endophytic fungal composition even when C. songaricum and N. tangutorum grow together tightly. Not only that, the fungal composition was also greatly affected by the local environment and rainfall. However, the distribution and richness of fungal species indicated that the geographical distance exerted little influence on characterizing the fungal composition. Overall, the findings suggested that plant species, parasitic or non-parasitic lifestyles of the plant, and local environment strongly affected the number and diversity of the endophytic fungal species, which may provide valuable insights into the microbe ecology, symbiosis specificity, and the tripartite relationship among parasitic plant, host, and endophytic fungi, especially under desert environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The hard-shelled mussel (Mytilus coruscus) is widely distributed in the temperate seas of East Asia and is an important commercial bivalve in China. Chromosome-level genome information of this species will contribute not only to the development of hard-shelled mussel genetic breeding but also to studies on larval ecology, climate change biology, marine biology, aquaculture, biofouling, and antifouling. Findings We applied a combination of Illumina sequencing, Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing, and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture technologies to construct a chromosome-level genome of the hard-shelled mussel, with a total length of 1.57 Gb and a median contig length of 1.49 Mb. Approximately 90.9% of the assemblies were anchored to 14 linkage groups. We assayed the genome completeness using BUSCO. In the metazoan dataset, the present assemblies have 89.4% complete, 1.9% incomplete, and 8.7% missing BUSCOs. Gene modeling enabled the annotation of 37,478 protein-coding genes and 26,917 non-coding RNA loci. Phylogenetic analysis showed that M. coruscus is the sister taxon to the clade including Modiolus philippinarum and Bathymodiolus platifrons. Conserved chromosome synteny was observed between hard-shelled mussel and king scallop, suggesting that this is shared ancestrally. Transcriptomic profiling indicated that the pathways of catecholamine biosynthesis and adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes might be involved in metamorphosis. Conclusions The chromosome-level assembly of the hard-shelled mussel genome will provide novel insights into mussel genome evolution and serve as a fundamental platform for studies regarding the planktonic-sessile transition, genetic diversity, and genomic breeding of this bivalve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: World Health Organization recommends countries introducing new drug and short treatment regimen for drug resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) should develop and implement a system for active pharmacovigilance that allows for detection, reporting and management of adverse events. The aim of the study is to evaluate the frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) of bedaquiline-containing regimen in a cohort of Chinese patients with multidrug-resistant (MDR)/extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-TB based on active drug safety monitoring (aDSM) system of New Drug Introduction and Protection Program (NDIP). Methods: AEs were prospectively collected with demographic, bacteriological, radiological and clinical data from 54 sites throughout China at patient enrollment and during treatment between February, 2018 and December, 2019. This is an interim analysis including patients who are still on treatment and those that have completed treatment. A descriptive analysis was performed on the patients evaluated in the cohort. Results: By December 31, 2019, a total of 1162 patients received bedaquiline-containing anti-TB treatment. Overall, 1563 AEs were reported, 66.9% were classified as minor (Grade 1–2) and 33.1% as serious (Grade 3–5). The median duration of bedaquiline treatment was 167.0 [interquartile range (IQR): 75–169] days. 86 (7.4%) patients received 36-week prolonged treatment with bedaquiline. The incidence of AEs and serious AEs was 47.1% and 7.8%, respectively. The most frequently reported AEs were QT prolongation (24.7%) and hepatotoxicity (16.4%). There were 14 (1.2%) AEs leading to death. Out of patients with available corrected QT interval by Fridericia's formula (QTcF) data, 3.1% (32/1044) experienced a post-baseline QTcF ≥ 500 ms, and 15.7% (132/839) had at least one change of QTcF ≥ 60 ms from baseline. 49 (4.2%) patients had QT prolonged AEs leading to bedaquiline withdrawal. One hundred and ninety patients reported 361 AEs with hepatotoxicity ranking the second with high occurrence. Thirty-four patients reported 43 AEs of hepatic injury referred to bedaquiline, much lower than that referred to protionamide, pyrazinamide and para-aminosalicylic acid individually. Conclusions: Bedaquiline was generally well-tolerated with few safety concerns in this clinical patient population without any new safety signal identified. The mortality rate was generally low. These data inform significant positive effect to support the WHO recent recommendations for the wide use of bedaquiline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate and analyze whether transgenic soybean lines are mixed into conventional soybean breeding in China, 706 soybean lines were selected for PCR amplification of several regulatory elements (CaMV35S promoter, FMV35S promoter and NOS terminator), as well as the main herbicide tolerant transgenic soybean transformants (GTS40-3-2 and MON89788) approved for import in China. Meanwhile, a specific qualitative PCR detection method for soybean event (MON89788) was established and 5' and 3' flanking sequences were designed. The products of 445 bp and 340 bp were amplified by primers, which can be applied to the detection of MON89788 soybean. Finally, of all the samples selected, the proportion of transgenic components containing CaMV35S promoter, FMV35S promoter, NOS terminator and herbicide tolerant transgenic line MON89788 was 1%, 0.85%, 0.71% and 0.85% respectively, so as to evaluate the proportion of transgenic soybeans and provide consumers with the share of transgenic soybeans. To provide a strong basis for the agricultural genetically modified soybean regulatory authorities to carry out monitoring work to provide data support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been reported to be associated with cholangitis and might possibly be carcinogenic. However, few studies have been conducted to investigate the association of PPIs with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Thus, a hospital‐based case‐control study was carried out in China to explore the association between PPIs and CCA. Methods: In this study, 1468 CCA cases (826 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and 642 extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC)) were included, which were observed at Beijing Friendship Hospital, from February 2002 to October 2018. We retrospectively extracted PPI use and other possible risk factors from clinical records, followed by an investigation of the relationship with CCA via calculation of odds ratios (ORs), adjusted odds ratios (AORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using logistic regression analysis. Results: PPIs were used by 135 (9.2%) CCA cases and 173 (5.9%) controls. We found that PPI use was associated with a 1.61‐fold elevated CCA odds (P <.001) (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.28‐2.05; P <.001). After stratification by CCA subtypes, the AORs of PPIs were consistent for both CCA subtypes, with ORs of 1.36 (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.02‐1.83; P =.003) and 1.95 (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.46‐2.62; P <.001) for ICC and ECC respectively. Our results also showed that PPI use was slightly linked to the odds of CCA in a dose‐dependent manner. Conclusion: PPI use was correlated with a significant 61% increased odds of CCA, particularly in the ECC. However, the retrospective design and observational nature cannot establish causation. Larger scale, multi‐centre prospective studies are required for further validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of the research was to explore the extent of interaction between triglycerides (TG) and serum uric acid (SUA) level with blood pressure (BP) in middle-aged and elderly individuals in China.Methods: Data were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a cross-sectional study. 3345(46.99%) men with average ages of 60.24 ± 9.24 years and 3774 (53.01%) women with average ages of 59.91 ± 9.95 years were included in the study. Differences between gender, or between categories of blood pressure levels were evaluated by t-test or chi-square test. The adjusted associations between various characteristics and BP status were first compared using linear regression models, as appropriate. Then, A general linear model adjusted for confounding factors (socio-demographic characteristics [age, educational levels, marital status, place of residence], health behaviors [cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, eating habits, social and leisure activities, accidental injury, physical activities], medical history [history of cardiovascular diseases, hepatitis history, antidiabetic drugs, history of antilipidemic medication, anti-hypertensive therapy], metabolic measures [C-reactive protein (CRP), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), body mass index (BMI)]) was used to examine the synergistic effect of SUA and TG level on BP in middle-aged and elderly individuals in China.Results: Age-adjusted partial Pearson's correlation coefficient showed that SUA and TG level positively correlated with both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in both men and women. Multiple linear regression analysis showed the TG level was significantly and positively associated with SBP and DBP in both men (SBP: β =0.068, P = 0.001; DBP: β =0.064, P = 0.002) and women (SBP: β =0.061, P = 0.002; DBP: β =0.084, P = 0.000), but SUA were significantly and positively associated with SBP in both men (SBP: β =0.047, P = 0.013) and women (SBP: β =0.040, P = 0.028), regardless of other confounding factors. After adjusting for related potential confounders, evidence of interaction between SUA and TG level on SBP (men: β = - 1.090, P = 0.726; women: β = - 0.692, P = 0.861) and DBP (men: β = - 1.026, P = 0.572; women: β = - 0.794, P = 0.842) was not observed.Conclusion: The interaction effect of SUA and TG level on BP was not observed in our study. Moreover, high SUA level was significantly associated with SBP, while high TG level was strongly related to both DBP and SBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new labdane-type diterpenes, named viterotulin C (1) and vitexilactone D (2), together with five known diterpenes (3–7), were isolated from the fruits of Vitex trifolia L. var. simplicifolia Cham. Their structures were elucidated by detailed analysis of spectroscopic data. All the compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway in HEK 293 cell line. These compounds presented inhibition on TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation, with inhibition rates ranging from 42.52 ± 10.69% to 68.86 ± 10.76% at the concentration of 50 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To assess the extent of interaction between body mass index (BMI) and triglyceride (TG) level and its effects on blood pressure (BP) in elderly individuals in China. Design. Cross-sectional study. Setting. Data were taken from a cross-sectional study called the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Participants. The analytic sample included 3629 subjects aged 45 to 96 years. Main Outcome Measurements. Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, which is a cross-sectional study. Age-adjusted partial Pearson’s correlation test was used to compare various characteristics and BP. Adjusted associations were first used as linear regression models, as appropriate. Then, general linear models adjusted for related potential confounders were used to examine the synergistic effects of BMI and TG level on BP. Finally, a binary logistic regression model adjusted for confounding factors was used to examine the association between BMI or TG level and hypertension. Results. Age-adjusted partial Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed that the TG level was positively correlated with both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in both men and women with BMI < 24.0 kg/m2; however, TG level was positively correlated with DBP in women with BMI ≥ 24.0 kg/m2 but not with DBP in men with BMI ≥ 24.0 kg/m2. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that BMI level was significantly and positively associated with both SBP and DBP in men and women with BMI < 24.0 kg/m2, and TG level was significantly and positively associated with SBP in women with BMI < 24.0 kg/m2, independent of other confounding factors. A general linear model analysis with adjustment for confounding factors (age, educational level, marital status, current residence, smoking, eating habits, taking activities, antidiabetic medication, antihypertensive therapy, fasting plasma glucose [FPG], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], and serum uric acid [SUA]) showed no interaction between BMI and TG level and SBP (men, β = 0.572, P = 0.845; women, β = 0.122, P = 0.923) and DBP (men, β = -0.373, P = 0.810; women, β = 0.272, P = 0.828). A binary logistic regression model analysis with adjustment for confounding factors (age, educational level, marital status, current residence, smoking, drinking, eating habits, taking activities, major accidental injury, physical activity, history of cardiovascular disease, history of liver disease, antilipidemic medication, antidiabetic medication, antihypertensive therapy, FPG, LDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], eGFR, and SUA) showed that overweight and obese men and women were more likely to have hypertension (men: odds ratio [OR] = 1.781, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.393–2.277; women: OR = 1.653, 95% CI = 1.330–2.055) and women with high TG were more likely to have hypertension (OR = 1.558, 95% CI = 1.219–1.992). Conclusion. An interactive effect of BMI and TG level on BP was not observed in either men or women; however, independent effects of BMI on BP were observed in both men and women, and an association between TG level and hypertension was observed in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a repair work which has recently been conducted for a metro tunnel in Hefei city, China. The tunnel has been originally constructed using shield method where synchronous grouting was used to fill the gaps between the tunnel segments and soil. Following a regular maintenance inspection of the tunnel, several leakage issues were identified between three stations. Secondary grouting was adopted as a solution to block the tunnel leakage, however, shortly after the start of grouting work, the track and track bed were found to be unevenly uplifted with significant cracks in the tunnel’s segments. The paper describes and discusses key aspects of this case study including ground conditions, leakages patterns of the tunnel, recorded volumes and injection pressure of the secondary grouting, as well as survey data of track displacement and segment cracks. The investigation confirmed that the situation was caused by an inappropriate implementation of the secondary grouting, particularly by high grouting pressure (significantly higher than the geostatic pressure), large volumes of injected grout, and poor selection of grouting locations. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) was conducted to inspect the tunnel conditions before commencing the structural repair work, which revealed that there were no voids under the track bed of the affected zone. The study presents simplified strategies used to repair the damage while maintaining minimum disturbance to the affected segments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effectiveness of information technology–based 2-way referral in the diagnosis and management of cervical lesions in Minhang District, Shanghai, China. Women who underwent screening for cervical lesions in 4 community health centers constituted the intervention group, whereas women from the other 9 community health centers were included as controls. The diagnosis rate of cervical lesions was higher in the intervention group (7.61%) than in the control group (0.36%; P = .000). The diagnosis rate of early cervical lesion was 97.11% in the intervention group and 85.71% in the control group, showing no statistically significant differences (P = .080). However, early diagnosis rate of precancerous lesion was much higher in the intervention group (95.45%) compared with the control group (64.29%; P = .001). In conclusion, higher effectiveness of early diagnosis and management of cervical lesions was observed in the intervention group compared with the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Umbilicaria esculenta has been used as a tonic food in China for several centuries owing to its pleasant flavor and health benefits. In this study, a water soluble polysaccharide, which we designated as UP2, with an average molecular weight of 3.33 × 105 Da, was isolated from U. esculenta cultivated in the Huangshan Mountain, by consecutive hot water extraction and anion-exchange chromatography. Gas chromatography analysis indicated that UP2 contained three kinds of monosaccharides, including mannose, glucose, and galactose at a molar ratio of 1.7:1.0:1.2. Linkage analysis of UP2 revealed the presence of (1 → 6)-linked glucosyl, (1 → 3,6)-linked glucosyl, t-linked galactosyl, (1 → 6)-linked galactosyl and (1 → 6)-linked mannosyl at a molar ratio of 0.7:4.6:4.1:2.2:9.1. Structural analysis determined that UP2 possessed a backbone consisting of (1 → 6)-linked β-D-glucopyranosyl and (1 → 6)-linked α-D-mannopyranosyl residues, which substituted at the O-3 position of (1 → 6)-linked β-D-glucopyranosyl residues by branches of (1 → 6)-linked α-D-galactopyranosyl and 1-linked β-D-galactopyranosyl residues. Immunostimulatory activity analysis showed that UP2 could stimulate the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and all the samples (20–500 μg/mL) were found to enhance nitric oxide production. The highest phagocytic activity of UP2 was observed at 200 μg/mL. Thus, UP2 may be a potential source of biological and pharmacological agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three bacterial strains isolated from a sediment sample collected at a water depth of 4 m from the Huaihe River in China were characterized. Phylogenetic investigation of the 16S rRNA gene and concatenated housekeeping gene sequences assigned the three novel strains in a highly supported lineage distinct from the published Bradyrhizobium species. The sequence similarities of the concatenated housekeeping genes of the three novel strains support their distinctiveness with the type strains of named species. Average nucleotide identity values of the genome sequences (79.9–82.5%) were below the threshold value of 95–96% for bacterial species circumscription. Close relatives to the novel strains are Bradyrhizobium erythrophlei , Bradyrhizobium jicamae , Bradyrhizobium lablabi , Bradyrhizobium mercantei , Bradyrhizobium elkanii and Bradyrhizobium japonicum. The complete genomes of strains S2-20-1T, S2-11-2 and S2-11-4 consist of single chromosomes of size 5.55, 5.45 and 5.47 Mb, respectively. These strains lack a symbiosis island, key nodulation and photosystem genes. Based on the data presented here, the three strains represent a novel species for which the name Bradyrhizobium sediminis sp. nov. is proposed for S2-20-1T as the type strain. Those three strains are proposed as novel species in free-living Bradyrhizobium isolates with the smallest genomes so far within the genus Bradyrhizobium. A number of functional differences between the three isolates and other published genomes indicate that the genus Bradyrhizobium is extremely heterogeneous and has roles within the community including non-symbiotic nitrogen fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Site-level species richness is thought to result from both local conditions and species' evolutionary history, but the nature of the evolutionary effect, and how much it underlies the correlation with current environment, are debated. Although tropical conservatism is a widely used explanatory framework along temperature gradients, it is unclear whether cold tolerance is primarily a threshold effect (e.g. freezing tolerance) or represents a more continuous constraint. Nor is it clear whether cold tolerance is the only major axis of conservatism or whether others, such as water-stress tolerance, are additionally important or trade-off against cold tolerance. We address these questions by testing associated predictions for forest plots distributed across 35° latitude. Location China. Methods We recorded all trees within 57 0.1-ha plots, generated a phylogeny for the 462 angiosperm species found, and calculated phylogenetic diversity (standardized PD), net relatedness index ( NRI) and phylogenetic species variability ( PSV) for each plot. We tested the predictions using regression, variance partitioning and structural equation modelling to disentangle potential influences of key climate variables on NRI and PSV, and of all variables on species richness. Results Species richness correlated very strongly with minimum temperature, nonlinearly overall but linearly where freezing is absent. The phylogenetic variables also correlated strongly with minimum temperature. While NRI and PSV explained little additional variance in species richness, they accounted for part of the species richness-current climate correlation. Water stress added minimal explanatory power. All these variables showed strong latitudinal gradients. Main conclusions Minimum temperature appeared to primarily control tree species richness, via both a threshold-like freezing effect and a linear relationship in climates without freezing. We found no clear signal of water-stress effects. The modelled contribution of evolutionary history is consistent with cold-tolerance conservatism, but could not account for all the species richness-climate relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious bronchitis (IB) is a highly contagious respiratory and urogenital disease of chickens caused by infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). This disease is of considerable economic importance and is primarily controlled through biosecurity and immunization with live attenuated and inactivated IB vaccines of various serotypes. In the present study, we tested the safety and efficacy of an attenuated predominant Chinese QX-like IBV strain. The results revealed that the attenuated strain has a clear decrease in pathogenicity for specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens compared with the parent strain. Strain YN-inoculated birds had clinical signs of varying severity with 30% mortality, while the attenuated group appeared healthy, with less tissue damage. The attenuated strain also had relatively low tissue replication rates and higher antibody levels. The superior protective efficacy of the attenuated strain was observed when vaccinated birds were challenged with a homologous or heterologous field IBV strain, indicating the potential of the attenuated YN (aYN) as a vaccine. Producing a vaccine targeting the abundant serotype in China is essential to reducing the economic impact of IB on the poultry industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate whether the differences between the circulating Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolates and the used vaccine might account for the current ND outbreaks in vaccinated poultry flocks. Results: A reverse genetics system using prevalent genotype VIId isolate SG10 was constructed and a mutant virus, named aSG10, was developed by changing the virulent F protein cleavage site motif 'RRQKR↓F' into an avirulent motif 'GRQGR↓L'. The attenuated pathogenicity of aSG10 was confirmed from the mean death time and intracerebral pathogenicity index. aSG10 and LaSota both protected vaccinated birds from death after challenge with highly virulent genotype VII NDV, strain SG10. However, aSG10 significantly reduced the challenge virus shedding from the vaccinated birds compared to LaSota vaccine. We also generated a recombinant virus, aSG10-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), which expresses EGFP. aSG10-EGFP stably expressed EGFP for at least 10 passages. Conclusions: The mutant, aSG10, can be safely used as a vaccine vector and is a potential vaccine candidate in increasing the protective efficacy for the control of current ND epidemic in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the complete genome sequence of an infectious bronchitis virus (CK/CH/SD/121220, KJ128295) isolated in 2012 from Shandong Province in northern China. The genome is 27,666 nt long, comprising six genes and 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions. The full-length genome of the CK/CH/SD/121220 isolate had the highest nucleotide sequence identity (96.7 %) to the YX10 strain. Sites of recombination were identified in the genes 1ab, S, 5a, 5b and N, with their putative parental strains belonging to the QX- and YN-type subgroups, which are already circulating in China. Our findings suggest an important role played by recombination in IBV evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe abnormalities in heart rate variability (HRV) in diabetic rats and to explore the effects of treatment with Guizhi Decoction (桂枝汤) on cardiac autonomic nervous (CAN) imbalance. Methods: A radio-telemetry system for monitoring physiological parameters was implanted into rats to record electrocardiac signals and all indictors of HRV [time domain measures: standard deviation of all RR intervals in 24 h (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), percentage of differences between adjacent RR intervals greater than 50 ms (PNN50), and standard deviation of the averages of RR intervals (SDANN); frequency domain measures: low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), total power (TP), and LF/HF ratio]. The normal group was randomly selected, and the remaining rats were used to establish streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model. After 4 weeks, the model rats were divided into the model group, the methycobal group, and the Guizhi Decoction group, 9 rats in each group. Four weeks after intragastric administration of the corresponding drugs, the right atria of the rats were collected for immunohistochemical staining of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and choline acetyltransferase (CHAT) to observe the distribution of the sympathetic and vagus nerves in the right atrium. The myocardial homogenate from the interventricular septum and the left ventricle was used for determination of TH, CHAT, growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), nerve growth factor (NGF), and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: (1) STZ rats had elevated blood glucose levels, reduced body weight, and decreased heart rate; there was no difference between the model group and the drug treated groups. (2) Compared with the model group, only RMSSD and TP increased in the methycobal group significantly ( P<0.05); SDNN, RMSSD, PNN50, LF, HF, and TP increased, LF/HF decreased ( P<0.05), and SDANN just showed a decreasing trend in the Guizhi Decoction group ( P>0.05). TH increased, CHAT decreased, and TH/CHAT increased in the myocardial homogenate of the model group ( P<0.05). Compared with the model group, left ventricular TH reduced in the methycobal group; and in the Guizhi Decoction group CHAT increased, while TH and TH/CHAT decreased ( P<0.05). Compared with the model group, CNTF in the interventricular septum increased in the methycobal group ( P<0.05); GAP-43 increased, NGF decreased, and CNTF increased ( P<0.05) in the Guizhi Decoction group. There were significant differences in the reduction of NGF and elevation of CNTF between the Guizhi Decoction group and the methycobal group ( P<0.05). (3) Immunohistochemical results showed that TH expression significantly increased and CHAT expression significantly decreased in the myocardia of the model group, whereas TH expression decreased and CHAT expression increased in the Guizhi Decoction group ( P<0.05). Conclusion: Guizhi Decoction was effective in improving the function of the vagus nerve, and it could alleviate autonomic nerve damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The quality of reporting in systematic reviews (SRs)/meta-analyses (MAs) of diagnostic tests published by authors in China has not been evaluated. The aims of present study are to evaluate the quality of reporting in diagnostic SRs/MAs using the PRISMA statement and determine the changes in the quality of reporting over time. Methods: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we searched five databases including Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of knowledge, to identify SRs/MAs on diagnostic tests. The searches were conducted on July 14, 2012 and the cut off for inclusion of the SRs/MAs was December 31st 2011. The PRISMA statement was used to assess the quality of reporting. Analysis was performed using Excel 2003, RevMan 5. Results: A total of 312 studies were included. Fifteen diseases systems were covered. According to the PRISMA checklist, there had been serious reporting flaws in following items: structured summary (item 2, 22.4%), objectives (item 4, 18.9%), protocol and registration (item 5, 2.6%), risk of bias across studies (item 15, 26.3%), funding (item 27, 28.8%). The subgroup analysis showed that there had been some statistically significant improvement in total compliance for 9 PRISMA items after the PRISMA was released, 6 items were statistically improved regarding funded articles, 3 items were statistically improved for CSCD articles, and there was a statistically significant increase in the proportion of reviews reporting on 22 items for SCI articles (P<0.050). Conclusion: The numbers of diagnostic SRs/MAs is increasing annually. The quality of reporting has measurably been improved over the previous years. Unfortunately, there are still many deficiencies in the reporting including protocol and registration, search, risk of bias across studies, and funding. Future Chinese reviewers should address issues on these aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the sequencing at 131× coverage, de novo assembly and analyses of the genome of a female Tibetan wild boar. We also resequenced the whole genomes of 30 Tibetan wild boars from six major distributed locations and 18 geographically related pigs in China. We characterized genetic diversity, population structure and patterns of evolution. We searched for genomic regions under selection, which includes genes that are involved in hypoxia, olfaction, energy metabolism and drug response. Comparing the genome of Tibetan wild boar with those of neighboring Chinese domestic pigs further showed the impact of thousands of years of artificial selection and different signatures of selection in wild boar and domestic pig. We also report genetic adaptations in Tibetan wild boar that are associated with high altitudes and characterize the genetic basis of increased salivation in domestic pig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese government's construction of citizens' public spirit cultivation should be analyzed from the perspective of human nature. Defining from the angle of human nature, the mankind's public spirit derives from several public components naturally existing in human nature and upholding public spirit accords with the development of human nature. Under the current historical background, Chinese citizens, out of the need for developing human nature, have a strong demand for enhancing their public spirit, while Chinese government should be responsive to the citizens' demands by cultivating their public spirit in a positive way. In effectively constructing Chinese citizens' public spirit cultivation, the government should take three approaches so as to realize the ultimate goal of developing and perfecting the citizens' human nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ar-Ar dating reveals three episodes of basaltic volcanism in eastern Guangdong of SE China since the late Eocene (i.e., 35.5, ~20 and 6.6 Ma). The Miocene alkali olivine basalts (~20 and 6.6 Ma) have OIB-like trace element characteristics, which is coupled with low (Sr/Sr), high ε(t), and high ε(t). In contrast, the late Eocene basalts (35.5 Ma) have overall characteristics of 'Island Arc' basalts with strong negative Ta-Nb-Ti anomalies in the primitive mantle-normalized multi-element diagram with high (Sr/Sr), negative ε(t), and relatively low ε(t). All basalts have unexpectedly high Pb/Pb and Pb/Pb, delineating a DUPAL signature in the sources. The late Eocene Arc-like basalts may reflect contributions of relict ancient metasomatized mantle lithosphere that melted as the result of extension-induced asthenospheric upwelling and heating, whereas the Miocene OIB-like basalts may represent partial melting of the asthenospheric mantle beneath the thickened lithosphere. We propose that the Cenozoic basaltic volcanism in eastern Guangdong records an overall lithospheric thickening process beneath SE China, that is, a continental rift system from its maximum extension in the late Eocene to its waning in the Miocene. This interpretation is consistent with the evolution of the South China Sea, whose origin is most consistent with the development of a passive continental margin. The seafloor spreading of the South China Sea during ~ 32-16 Ma may not result from the effect of the 'Hainan' mantle plume, but rather played a positive role in allowing the mantle plume to express on the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The enrichment of gold in arsenian pyrite is usually associated closely with the enrichment of arsenic in the mineral, generally known as As1−-pyrite [Fe(As, S)2]. Direct analyses of the valence state of Au in pyrite are, however, difficult due to generally low (∼ppm level) Au concentrations. By means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), this study obtained reliable valence states of As in pyrite from the Yang-shan gold deposit, a giant “Carlin-type” Au deposit in the western Qinling orogen, central China. The arsenian pyrite specimens were sputtered with Ar+ beam in the vacuum chamber of an XPS to obtain pristine surfaces and to avoid As oxidation during sample preparation. Analyses before and after sputtering show that the As3+ peak are only present on surface that was once exposed to the air. In contrast, the peak of As−1 was essentially unchanged during continuous sputtering. The results indicated that As− is the predominant state on the pristine surface of arsenian pyrite; the peak of As3+ previously reported for Au-bearing arsenian pyrite was probably due to oxidation when exposed to air during sample preparation. It is unlikely that the coupled substitution of (Au+ +As3+) for 2Fe2+ takes place in the pyrite lattice. The so-called As3+-pyrite proposed by previous studies may occur in some special (oxidizing) geologic settings, but it is not observed in the Yang-shan gold deposit, and is unlikely to be important in typical orogenic or Carlin-type gold deposits, in which arsenian pyrite is a dominant Au carrier. Combining previous studies on Carlin-type Au deposits with our XPS experimental results, we suggest that the most likely state of Au in the Yang-shan Au deposit is lattice-bounded Au with or without nanoparticles (Au0). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To investigate the effects of Er'zhi Tiangui Granule (二至天癸颗粒, ETG) on sequential expressions of integrinβ3 and its ligand osteopontin in the mouse endometrium during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and implantation period. Methods: Seventy-five Mature female Kunming mice were randomly divided into 3 groups, a normal control group, a model group, and a treatment group administrated with ETG for 10 days, 25 in each group. After mated with male mice, every 5 mice were sacrified in each group at the 0, 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th days to take their endometrium. In-situ hybridization was used to detect the expressions of integrinβ3 and osteopontin in the endometrium. Results: mRNA expressions of integrinβ3 and osteopontin in the endometrium during implantation period showed similar time sequence rules in the treatment group to those in the normal control group; the peak values of them were a little lower in the treatment group than the normal control without significant differences. In the model group, integrinβ3 mRNA expression was higher at the 2nd day, obviously lower at the 4th and 6th days, and insignificantly lower at the 8th day; and osteopontin expression was remarkably lower at the 4th, 6th, and 8th days, compared with the normal control and the treatment groups ( P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusions: COH might influence the sequential expressions of integrinβ3 and its ligand osteopontin, bring forward the integrinβ3 expression peak, impact on the cooperation of integrinβ3 and osteopontin, so as to damage the endometrial receptivity. ETG could regulate the sequential expressions of integrinβ3 and its ligand osteopontin to improve the mouse endometrial receptivity during COH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holcoglossum is one of the smaller genera of Orchidaceae, mainly distributed in southwest China. Some members of this genus as well as H. rupestre and H. flavescens are endemic and rare Chinese orchids. As far as we know, little work has been done concerning the relationships between the Holcoglossum plants and endophytic microorganisms. In this study, 46 culturable fungal endophytes were isolated and identified from roots of nine Holcoglossum plants collected from Yunnan, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces of China based on molecular techniques. The results showed that all strains belonged to four classes, i.e., Sordariomycetes (41.30%), Dothideomycetes (36.96%), Agaricomycetes (17.39%), Leotiomycetes (4.35%). Thirty-six strains were identified at the genus level, including Alternaria, Cladosporium, Clonostachys, Colletotrichum, Cosmospora, Cryptosporiopsis, Cylindrocarpon, Didymella, Epulorhiza (Anamorphic Tulasnella), Fusarium, Myrmecridium, Leptosphaeria, Paraconiothyrium, Phomopsis, Pyrenochaeta, and Stephanonectria. Fusarium and Epulorhiza (Anamorphic Tulasnella) were the dominant fungal endophytes. Some orchids mycorrhizal fungi as well as Tulasnella calospora and Epulorhiza sp. were found in roots. This is the first report concerning endophytic fungi from Holcoglossum plants (Orchidaceae), suggesting that endophytic fungi in Holcoglossum plants are very abundant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: With the increasing accumulation of data on early rice farming in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, this region has become one of the most important places to trace the origin and development of agriculture. This paper gives a general evaluation of some early rice sites, including the Hemudu, Majiabang, Kuahuqiao, and Shangshan cultures in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River; the Pengtoushan and Chengbeixi cultures, and the Xianrendong, Diaotonghuan and Yuchanyan sites in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River; and the Jiahu site in North China, and recognizes three main development stages of the prehistoric rice forming in China, i.e. initial stage (before 8000 BC, approximately equal to Mesolithic Age), developing stage (between 8000 BC and 5000 BC) and maturating stage (since 5000 BC). The initiation of agriculture is suggested to come with the establishment of more or less sedentary residences, which coexists with the occurrence of pottery making. Warming climate after the last glaciations is considered as a major factor that allowed the distribution of the wild rice northward. Food requirement and storage are another factor in initiating early rice farming, while the increasing population and the Holocene Maximum warm climate condition might greatly promote its development. Evidence from the middle and lower Yangtze River area exhibits the transitional process from a hunting and gathering society to an agriculture-oriented society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overused administrative behavior is induced by the existing pattern of the regional public administration in which the governments at different levels always play leading roles. The fact has been affecting greatly the scientific reform of China's regional public administration, and the nonadministrative policy is urgently required nowadays in this respect. It follows that we shall analyze in-depth how the overused administrative behavior manifested itself and its causes and what influences it exerted on various fields. The nonadministrative policy means that the governments should change their ideas about political power, make sense of the reasonable duties and functions of regional administration and orient themselves to the public administration, thus deciding what role they ought to play in regional public administration. Furthermore, the governments are necessary to foster the third parties to participate in regional public administration and innovate it efficiently with proper conditions created for them and relevant rules/ regulations formulated for the purpose of preventing the overused administrative behavior from further diffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]