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Heavy metal(loid) (HM) pollution in agricultural soils has become an environmental concern in antimony (Sb) mining areas. However, priority pollution sources identification and deep understanding of environmental risks of HMs face great challenges due to multiple and complex pollution sources coexist. Herein, an integrated approach was conducted to distinguish pollution sources and assess human health risk (HHR) and ecological risk (ER) in a typical Sb mining watershed in Southern China. This approach combines absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) models with ER and HHR assessments. Four pollution sources were distinguished for both models, and APCS-MLR model was more accurate and plausible. Predominant HM concentration source was natural source (39.1%), followed by industrial and agricultural activities (23.0%), unknown sources (21.5%) and Sb mining and smelting activities (16.4%). Although natural source contributed the most to HM concentrations, it did not pose a significant ER. Industrial and agricultural activities predominantly contributed to ER, and attention should be paid to Cd and Sb. Sb mining and smelting activities were primary anthropogenic sources of HHR, particularly Sb and As contaminations. Considering ER and HHR assessments, Sb mining and smelting, and industrial and agricultural activities are critical sources, causing serious ecological and health threats. This study showed the advantages of multiple receptor model application in obtaining reliable source identification and providing better source-oriented risk assessments. HM pollution management, such as regulating mining and smelting and implementing soil remediation in polluted agricultural soils, is strongly recommended for protecting ecosystems and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Can the information technology revolution lead to carbon emission reduction for firms? This study extends the limited evidence in the literature and investigate the role and mechanism of digital inclusive finance on enterprises' carbon emissions using panel data of 247 prefectural-level cities and 6019 industrial enterprises in China. Our findings indicate that digital inclusive finance can promote enterprise carbon emission reduction, and this effect remains significant after the instrumental variable estimation test. The effect has regional heterogeneity and the development of digital inclusive finance in the area east of Hu Huanyong line has a significant impact on reducing enterprise carbon emission. The role of digital inclusive finance is heterogeneous in enterprise ownership, with a remarkable effect in non-state-owned enterprises. Sub-dimension analysis indicates that the breadth of coverage, depth of use, and degree of digitalization of digital inclusive finance have differential effects on reducing enterprise carbon emissions. The stepwise regression method shows that the impact of digital inclusive finance on enterprise carbon emissions can be passed through effect of technological progress, environmental protection investment and financing constrain. This study has significant reference value for evaluating the impact of financial inclusion and policy implications in formulating differentiated strategies for achieving carbon emission reduction efficiency in enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teacher turnover at private kindergartens is a pressing issue, especially in developing nations. In this study 339 teachers at private kindergartens in China completed the Five Facets Mindfulness Scale, the Cognitive Flexibility Scale, the Perceived Organizational Support Scale, and the Turnover Intention Scale. Results showed sequential mediation by cognitive flexibility and perceived organizational support between teachers' trait mindfulness and turnover intention. This extends Mobley's turnover theory, emphasizing the impact of individual traits, like cognitive flexibility, on turnover intention over workplace factors. Our findings offer valuable insights for teacher retention in private kindergartens in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary antioxidant indices (DAI) may be potentially associated with relative telomere length (RTL) of leucocytes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between DAI and RTL. A cross-sectional study involving 1656 participants was conducted. A generalised linear regression model and a restricted cubic spline model were used to assess the correlation of DAI and its components with RTL. Generalised linear regression analysis revealed that DAI (β = 0·005, P = 0·002) and the intake of its constituents vitamin C (β = 0·043, P = 0·027), vitamin E (β = 0·088, P < 0·001), Se (β = 0·075, P = 0·003), and Zn (β = 0·075, P = 0·023) were significantly and positively correlated with RTL. Sex-stratified analysis showed that DAI (β = 0·006, P = 0·005) and its constituents vitamin E (β = 0·083, P = 0·012), Se (β = 0·093, P = 0·006), and Zn (β = 0·092, P = 0·034) were significantly and positively correlated with RTL among females. Meanwhile, among males, only vitamin E intake (β = 0·089, P = 0·013) was significantly and positively associated with RTL. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed linear positive associations between DAI and its constituents' (vitamin E, Se and Zn) intake and RTL in the total population. Sex-stratified analysis revealed a linear positive correlation between DAI and its constituents' (vitamin E, Se and Zn) intake and RTL in females. Our study found a significant positive correlation between DAI and RTL, with sex differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new δ-chain hemoglobin (Hb) variant observed in a 5-year-old female living in Yulin, Guangxi, China. Capillary electrophoresis revealed splitting of the Hb A2 peak into two fractions (Hb A2 and Hb A2 variant), and the Hb A2 variant was also detected by high-performance liquid chromatography. However, it could not be detected using matrix-assisted laser desorption lonization-time of flight mass spectrometry. CD41-42 (-TCTT) heterozygosity was observed on the HBB gene by PCR and reverse dot-blot hybridization. Sanger sequencing showed a new transition (G > A) at codon 46 of the HBD gene, resulting in glycine changing to arginine. Based on the patient's place of residence, the new variant was named Hb A2-Yulin [δ46(CD5)Gly→Arg,HBD:c.139G > A]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

δβ-thalassemia is a rare type of thalassemia characterized by increased Hb F levels, including mainly Chinese Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia, Yunnanese Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia, Cantonese Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia in China. Due to the low rate of δβ-thalassemia carriers, there are few reports of δβ-thalassemia combined with β-thalassemia causing β-thalassemia major. Herein, we described the combination of Chinese Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia and β-thalassemia leading to β-thalassemia major in a Chinese patient. Hemoglobin analysis was performed by capillary electrophoresis (CE). Routine genetic analysis was carried out by gap-polymerase chain reaction (Gap-PCR) and PCR and reverse dot blot (PCR-RDB). Multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was used to detect the large deletion, and Gap-PCR confirmed the deletion. A CE result showed an elevated Hb F level of 98.7% and 11.7% in the proband and her mother, but the proband was diagnosed with βCD17M/βCD17M using routine genetic analysis. However, her father was heterozygous for CD17 in β-globin, and her mother was detected as SEA heterozygous. The further analysis presented that the proband had actually missed the diagnosis of Chinese Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia by MLPA and PCR-RDB. Finally, the genotype of the proband was corrected from βCD17M/βCD17M to βCD17M/βGγ(Aγδβ)0. This is the first report of Chinese Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia combined with β-thalassemia resulting in β-thalassemia major in China. Screening for δβ-thalassemia by Hb analysis could be an effective method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The desert ecosystem occupies an important position in the composition of global biodiversity. The Tarim Basin is located in south Xinjiang of China and has the world's second largest mobile desert, the Taklamakan Desert. As an endemic species in this region, Phrynocephalus forsythii has been demonstrated to have a potentially high extinction risk due to climate change. In order to understand the overall genetic status and provide accordant conservation strategies for the species, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of P. forsythii from 15 sites in the Tarim Basin using 21 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers. We found significant genetic structure across the study region. We also revealed generally low levels of gene flow between the 25 sites, suggesting individual dispersal and migration may be restricted within populations. In addition, geographical distance and ambient temperature might be important factors in explaining the observed genetic structure. Our results will provide a scientific basis for the future protection of P. forsythii in this area, as well as an important reference for the conservation and management of biodiversity in desert ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lonicera japonica Flos is widely used as a medicinal plant in China owing to its various pharmacological activities. However, little is known about the metabolic profile and antibacterial properties of the leaves of Lonicera species. The present study aimed to determine and compare the metabolite profiles and antibacterial and antioxidant activities of leaf extracts of five Lonicera species. Results: 598 metabolites were identified based metabolomics using UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap MS/MS in the five Lonicera species leaves. Among them, flavonoids and phenols compounds accounted for 13%. In Lonicera dasystyla, 110 differential metabolites were found compared to those in the other Lonicera species, of which flavonoids and phenols accounted for 20% and 10%, respectively. Compared to other Lonicera species leaves, the contents of total phenol, total flavonoid, antioxidant activities and anti-bacterial capacities were considerably higher in Lonicera hypoglauca and lower in L. dasystyla. The contents of total phenol and total flavonoid in L. hypoglauca were 95.86% and 201.64% higher than those in L. dasystyla. The RPA value in L. hypoglauca was 93.27% higher than the value of L. dasystyla, respectively. The content of 4, 5-dicaffeoylquninic acid in L. hypoglauca was 4.814 mg g−1, which was 302.85% higher than that of L. dasystyla. Besides, Chlorogenic acid was most high in leaves of L. japonica and reached 15 mg g−1, which was 209.34% higher than that of L. dasystyla. Moreover, correlation analysis showed most flavonoids, phenols, and coumarins were positively correlated with antioxidant activities and antibacterial capacities. Conclusions: This study identified the difference of metabolites in leaves of five Lonicera species, antioxidant abilities and inhibition effects of leaf extracts on pathogens, which provides a potential information for further application of Lonicera leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics, as a currently emerging pollutant, are gaining increasing attention from researchers in various fields. The purpose of this study is to summarize research development on microplastics in the field of neurotoxicity using bibliometric tools and visualization methods and to identify current research hotspots. The Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) was searched under the topics of "microplastics" and "neurotoxicity." A total of 33 published articles were obtained by exclusion and analyzed using CiteSpace (V6.1.R2). It was found that microplastic neurotoxicity research is currently on the rise, with the most research results being published in China, the most collaboration occurring between Italy and other countries, and the least collaboration occurring between authors. The focus and hotspots of future research on the neurotoxicity of microplastics may revolve around "accumulation" and "integrated biomarker response." These findings demonstrate the trends and frontiers in the field of microplastic neurotoxicity research and provide valuable information for subsequent research directions and potential collaborations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) is a worldwide invasive species that causes huge economic loss and environmental damage in many countries. Traditional morphological characteristics make it hard to identify scolytines due to their tiny size. Besides, the intercepted insect samples are incomplete, and the limitation of insect (larvae and pupae) morphology makes morphological identification more difficult. The majority of the damage is caused by adults and fungi that serve as nutrition for their larvae. They destroy plant trunks, branches, and twigs, affecting plant transport tissues in both weak and healthy plants. An accurate, efficient, and economical molecular identification technique for X. compactus not restricted by professional taxonomic knowledge is necessary. In the present study, a molecular identification tool based on the mitochondrial DNA gene, cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) was developed. A species-specific COI (SS-COI) PCR assay was designed to identify X. compactus regardless of the developmental stage. Twelve scolytines commonly found in eastern China, namely Xylosandrus compactus, X. crassiusculus, X. discolor, X. germanus, X. borealis, X. amputates, X. eupatorii, X. mancus, Xyleborinus saxesenii, Euwallacea interjectus, E. fornicatus, and Acanthotomicus suncei, were included in the study. Additionally, specimens of X. compactus from 17 different areas in China, as well as a specimen collected from the United Stated, were also analyzed. Results demonstrated the accuracy and high efficiency of the assay, regardless of the developmental stage or the type of specimen. These features provide a good application prospect for fundamental departments and can be used to prevent the harmful consequences of the spread of X. compactus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problems of machine translation efficiency and translation quality, this paper proposes a research method of machine English translation evaluation system based on BP neural network algorithm. This method provides users with a more intelligent machine translation service experience. With the help of BP neural network algorithm, taking English online translation as the research object, Google's translation quality is the best, with an error frequency of only 167, while Baidu translation and iFLYTEK translation in China have a high error rate of 266 and 301 respectively, which is much higher than Google translation. A model of machine translation evaluation system based on neural network algorithm is proposed to better solve the disadvantages of traditional English machine translation. The results show that the machine translation system based on neural network algorithm can further optimize the problems existing in machine translation, such as insufficient use of information and large scale of model parameters, and further improve the performance of neural network machine translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the function of miR‐3529‐3p in lung adenocarcinoma and MnO2‐SiO2‐APTES (MSA) as a promising multifunctional delivery agent for lung adenocarcinoma therapy. Methods: Expression levels of miR‐3529‐3p were evaluated in lung carcinoma cells and tissues by qRT‐PCR. The effects of miR‐3529‐3p on apoptosis, proliferation, metastasis and neovascularization were assessed by CCK‐8, FACS, transwell and wound healing assays, tube formation and xenografts experiments. Luciferase reporter assays, western blot, qRT‐PCR and mitochondrial complex assay were used to determine the targeting relationship between miR‐3529‐3p and hypoxia‐inducible gene domain family member 1A (HIGD1A). MSA was fabricated using MnO2 nanoflowers, and its heating curves, temperature curves, IC50, and delivery efficiency were examined. The hypoxia and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was investigated by nitro reductase probing, DCFH‐DA staining and FACS. Results: MiR‐3529‐3p expression was reduced in lung carcinoma tissues and cells. Transfection of miR‐3529‐3p could promote apoptosis and suppress cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. As a target of miR‐3529‐3p, HIGD1A expression was downregulated, through which miR‐3529‐3p could disrupt the activities of complexes III and IV of the respiratory chain. The multifunctional nanoparticle MSA could not only efficiently deliver miR‐3529‐3p into cells, but also enhance the antitumor function of miR‐3529‐3p. The underlying mechanism may be that MSA alleviates hypoxia and has synergistic effects in cellular ROS promotion with miR‐3529‐3p. Conclusions: Our results establish the antioncogenic role of miR‐3529‐3p, and demonstrate that miR‐3529‐3p delivered by MSA has enhanced tumor suppressive effects, probably through elevating ROS production and thermogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The sweetgum inscriber Acanthotomicus suncei is a newly described pest of American sweetgum in China, which could cause extensive damage to the native flora if this beetle becomes established in North America. Research on the beetle has been hampered by a dwindling access to breeding material. Therefore, the aim of this study was to discover a cost-effective way to rear A. suncei. An artificial diet with small amounts of additives supported the shortest development time, whereas rearing the beetles on natural American sweetgum logs led to a longer development time. The lengths and weights of adults reared on the artificial diet were markedly higher than those of adults reared on American sweetgum logs. The egg hatching and eclosion rates of A. suncei reared on the artificial diet were significantly higher than those on sweetgum logs. However, the pupation rate of A. suncei on the artificial diet was much lower than that on sweetgum logs. In summary, our artificial diet supports a rapid buildup of a healthy A. suncei lab population. The sweetgum inscriber, Acanthotomicus suncei (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), is a recently discovered pest of American sweetgum planted in China, with a potential for causing a devastating invasion into North America. Research on the beetle has been hampered by a dwindling access to breeding material. We tested the effect of four artificial diets on A. suncei's developmental time, length and weight of adults, egg hatching rate, pupation rate, and eclosion rate. Additionally, we evaluated the same parameters on A. suncei reared on American sweetgum logs. Only one diet supported the full development of A. suncei after 30 d. Beetles reared on this diet, which was made of small quantities of agar and additives (i.e., inositol, potassium sorbate, and methylparaben), supported the shortest developmental time of 45.55 ± 1.24 d. Beetles reared on American sweetgum logs exhibited a longer developmental time of 59.52 ± 4.52 d. Beetles reared on the artificial diet were markedly bigger and heavier than those reared on American sweetgum logs (p < 0.01). The egg hatching rate (58.90% ± 6.80%) and eclosion rate (86.50% ± 4.69%) of A. suncei on the artificial diet were significantly greater than those on sweetgum logs. However, the pupation rate (38.60% ± 8.36%) was much lower on the artificial diet than on the sweetgum logs. Here, we reported the best artificial diet for A. suncei and discuss the advantages and disadvantages over rearing the beetle on American sweetgum logs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, quality air and renewable energy are main concerns in protecting the environment. Comparing willingness to pay for quality air and renewable energy is rare in the existing literature. However, the public faces these issues simultaneously. In addition, population mobility under China's household registration system, i.e., urban living experience, may affect the willingness to pay for environmental protection. Consequently, the difference between people's willingness to pay for quality air and renewable energy in China is discussed. Binary logistic regression is adopted to analyze the correlation factors based on data from the China General Social Survey. The results show that willingness to pay is influenced by environmental attitudes, awareness of energy use, government responsibilities, age, household income level, and trust. The effects of urban living experience on willingness to pay weakens as age decreases. Thus, improving environmental awareness and specialized knowledge remain important means of promoting willingness to pay. Our findings can help marketers and policy designers develop balanced or targeted measures when taking joint actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the effects of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphisms, dietary nutrient intake, and their interactions on the prevalence of dyslipidemia in a Yao minority area, China. rs429358, rs7412, rs7259620, and rs405509 of the APOE gene were genotyped in 1014 adults aged ≥30 years by using the MassArray system. Dietary nutrients intake data were ascertained from a 109-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Multifactorial logistics regression analysis showed that dyslipidemia was associated with rs7412-CT/TT genotype (OR: 0.540, Bonferroni correction confidence interval: 0.336–0.869), high fat intake (OR: 1.644, 95% CI: 1.128–2.395), high saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake (OR: 1.668, 95% CI: 1.146–2.428), medium carbohydrate intake (OR: 0.634, 95% CI: 0.461–0.873) and high carbohydrate intake (OR: 0.591, 95% CI: 0.406–0.858). The results of logistics regression multiplication model showed that medium carbohydrate intake in the carriers of the rs7412 minor alleles was associated with a low risk of dyslipidemia (OR: 0.433, Bonferroni correction confidence interval: 0.199–0.941). Genetic variations at the rs7412, dietary fat, SFA, and carbohydrate intake and the interaction between APOE gene polymorphisms and carbohydrate intake are associated with dyslipidemia in Yao nationality people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 5 April 2021, a high-position landslide occurred in Tiejiangwan, Liujiang Town of Hongya County, Sichuan Province, China. The detached mass transformed into a debris avalanche traveled about 1300 m with an elevation difference of 665 m and caused three fatalities. Then landslide deposits were initiated by continuous rainfall and evolved to a debris flow five days later, forming a secondary disaster chain. The rapid characterization of a landslide-debris flow chain (LDC) is a critical step in remediation works and future early warning of failure. This paper proposes a rapid disaster information integration and assessment method for providing information on LDC occurrence, failure mechanisms, and potential hazard-affected areas via examining and characterizing the Tiejiangwan LDC based on multi-method including geomorphological mapping, structural characterization, kinematic analysis and numerical simulation. The results suggested that the first landslide initiated from a mountain ridge that experienced historical deformation extended over the fractured argillaceous siltstones. Constrained by three discontinuity sets, the failure mode was determined as planar failure along a sub-vertical defect. The cause of first landslide can be attributed to a jointed effect of structural plane, tectonic activity, terrain and slope structure, while rainfall is the dominating triggering factor. Deposits with loose structure subjected to persistent rainfall and gully topography contribute to the occurrence of secondary debris flow. Using UAV and LiDAR identification, the unstable elements in the surrounding cliffs of the source area are derived and a three-dimensional simulation was implemented to detect the energy, velocity, height and reach of detached blocks. The proposed method leads to rapid characterization of LDC and assists the evaluation of cliff instability of these environments. Highlights: We proposed a rapid and integrated assessment system for landslide-debris flow chain occurrence, failure mechanisms, and potential hazard-affected areas identification. Quantitative study was conducted on the evolution from landslide deposits to debris flow. 3D simulation was performed to reveal the runout behaviors of surrounding potential dangerous rockfall areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a rare hemoglobin (Hb) variant on the β-globin gene, which was detected in a female from Yulin City, Guangxi Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China (PRC), during routine thalassemia screening. The Hb variant remained unnoticed using capillary electrophoresis (CE) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while an additional peak was observed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). DNA sequencing revealed the GCC>GTC substitution at codon 13 on the β-globin gene, causing a substitution of alanine to valine. The mutation is only described in the ITHANET database but no Hb variant name and other information, so we named it Hb Yulin after the place of origin of the proband in this study. Hb Yulin is clinically silent and easily leads to misdiagnosis during hemoglobinopathies screening based on the common methods of HPLC and CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Little research has explored how cognitive function and activities of daily living (ADL) affect each other over time. In addition, no current finding provides a clear hint to the temporal precedence between them. The present study tries to address these limitations of prior studies by utilizing a longitudinal data and advanced statistical modeling.Methods: This study analyzed the data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a prospective observational study performed every 2 years for a total of three waves between 2011 and 2015 using a multistage probability sampling. Cognitive function was measured on the basis of three aspects of cognitive performance. Functional abilities were assessed using six types of activities of ADL and five types of instrumental ADL (IADL). Latent difference score modeling was employed to investigate the temporal precedence between cognitive function and ADL.Results: The best fitting model indicates poor cognitive function precede worsening in ADL function, whereas the current findings did not support that poor ADL predate the cognition decline or reciprocal influence hypotheses.Conclusions: The elderly with poor cognitive function may be more vulnerable to deterioration in ADL. Findings underscore the importance of early screening for cognitive function among the elderly as the key strategy to prevent further ADL impairment and keep independence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Combining the cultural‐comparative approach and the indigenous approach, the current studies aimed to develop a questionnaire for measuring sibling relationship qualities in early childhood for Chinese children. Background: In China, the number of families with more than one child is growing, calling for more research on sibling interactions in the context of contemporary Chinese culture. Method: To ensure cultural validity in this study, 40 Chinese mothers of young children were interviewed to generate specific behavioral manifestations of dimensions related to the conceptual structure of sibling relationships found in well‐established theoretical and empirical work in the literature (i.e., including the dimensions of warmth, conflict, and rivalry). These behaviors were then aggregated and developed into 22 Likert‐scale items for the Chinese questionnaire. The new questionnaire was administered to 324 parents for exploratory factor analyses, 540 parents for confirmatory factor analyses, and 50 parents to estimate test–retest reliability. Results: Comparing the 22 items with items developed in similar U.S.‐based questionnaires, we found that Chinese parents emphasized qian rang (courteous compromising among siblings) while paying little attention to respect of personal space and emotional sharing among siblings. Validity and reliability checks yielded supportive results for this new questionnaire. Conclusions: Findings regarding the different items reflected the emphasis on interdependence and restrained emotional display in Chinese culture. The new questionnaire can be used as a culturally sensitive measure of sibling relationships in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sweetgum inscriber (SI) Acanthotomicus suncei Cognato is an emerging bark beetle pest that seriously damages American sweetgum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua) and Chinese sweetgum trees (L. formosana) in China. Since 2013, SI has killed more than 30,000 sweetgum trees in Shanghai and adjacent areas. In Shanghai, SI was observed to emerge from infested wood between April–September and exhibited two generations per year. Both the flying populations and those in colonized logs were female‐biased. After the parental adult initiates a gallery, the emergence of new adults required 73.4 ± 0.7 days at 30°C and 163.5 ± 0.9 days at 20°C. SI could not sustain population development at constant temperatures ≤15°C. The fungi Geosmithia spp. and Phaeoacremonium tuscanum were common associates of SI. The results suggest that SI has a long flight period, and its development is sensitive to low temperatures. Fungi associated with SI were not pathogenic to American sweetgum trees, but their presence may indirectly increase the probability of tree mortality. Our findings contribute to the prevention and control of this important emerging bark beetle pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Animal experiments have found that oil tea reduces body weight and improves blood lipid levels. However, the effect of oil tea on human health has not been confirmed yet. This study aims to explore the relationship between oil tea consumption and obesity and dyslipidemia. Methods: In a cross-sectional population study in Guangxi, China, a semi-quantitative questionnaire was used to investigate the oil tea consumed and food consumption frequency in adults aged 30 years and over. Anthropometric variables and serum biochemical indicators were measured. A total of 2001 adults were divided into five groups based on their non-consumption status and quartile of consumption (groups non-drink oil tea, Q1–Q4). Results: The risk of abdominal obesity tended to decrease significantly with increasing consumption of oil tea (P for trend< 0.05) in the overall participants (Q3 group, OR = 0.545, 95% CI = 0.336– 0.884; Q4 group, OR = 0.520, 95% CI = 0.311– 0.871) and in women (Q2 group, OR = 0.502, 95% CI = 0.274– 0.920; Q3 group, OR = 0.397, 95% CI = 0.213– 0.740; Q4 group, OR = 0.421, 95% CI = 0.228– 0.780). Oil tea consumption Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 group significantly reduced the risk of abnormal HDL-cholesterol (P < 0.05). Oil tea consumption Q2 group significantly increased the risk of abnormal LDL-cholesterol (OR = 2.600, 95% CI = 1.033– 6.546) in women. Oil tea consumption Q1 (OR = 0.081, 95% CI =0.008– 0.864) and Q3 (OR = 0.057, 95% CI = 0.004– 0.913) groups significantly reduced the risk of abnormal HDL-cholesterol in women. Conclusion: Oil tea consumption may be associated with a low risk of abdominal obesity. High-dose oil tea consumption may be associated with a low risk of abnormal HDL-cholesterol. Prospective studies with large sample sizes would be required to further investigate this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging evidence suggests that the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) growth arrest special 5 (GAS5) plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke (IS). The current research is aimed at assessing the correlation between two functional GAS5 variants (rs145204276 and rs55829688) and susceptibility to IS in a Han Chinese population. This study genotyped the two GAS5 variants in 1086 IS patients as well as 1045 age-matched healthy controls by using an improved multitemperature ligase detection reaction (iMLDR-TM) genotyping technology. We observed a considerable change in the frequencies of the rs145204276 allele and genotype among the IS patients and healthy control group. The del-T haplotype was substantially more prevalent in the IS cases compared to the control individuals. When study participants were stratified according to environmental factors, we found that the rs145204276 del allele was correlated with a higher risk of IS in male, smokers, hypertensive, and those ≥65 years old. Additional stratification conforming to IS subtypes exhibited that individuals carrying the rs145204276 del allele conferred a higher risk of expanding a larger artery atherosclerosis stroke subset. Moreover, there was a significant association between the rs145204276 del allele and elevated expression of GAS5 in IS patients. In contrast, the frequency of the allele related to rs55829688 was not statistically correlated with IS in all analysis. Our study supports a model wherein the rs145204276 variant in the GAS5 lncRNA is associated with IS risk, thus representing a potentially viable biomarker for IS prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) could recur as seasonal outbreaks, a circulating pattern observed among other preexisting human seasonal coronaviruses (sCoVs). However, little is known about seasonality of sCoVs on a global scale.Methods: We conducted a systematic review of data on seasonality of sCoVs. We compared seasonality of sCoVs with influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus. We modeled monthly activity of sCoVs using site-specific weather data.Results: We included sCoV seasonality data in 40 sites from 21 countries. sCoVs were prevalent in winter months in most temperate sites except for China, whereas sCoVs tended to be less seasonal in China and in tropical sites. In temperate sites excluding China, 53.1% of annual sCoV cases (interquartile range [IQR], 34.6%-61.9%) occurred during influenza season and 49.6% (IQR, 30.2%-60.2%) of sCoV cases occurred during respiratory syncytial virus season. Low temperature combined with high relative humidity was associated with higher sCoV activity.Conclusions: This is the first study that provides an overview of the global seasonality of sCoVs. Our findings offer clues to the possible postpandemic circulating season of SARS-CoV-2 and add to the knowledge pool necessary for postpandemic preparedness for SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fair and just world is the pursuit of people expecting to be fairly treated. Without such a belief, an individual could hardly devote to pursuing long-term objectives and adapt to irregular social events in daily life. Along with the emphasis of the government and the society on preschool education, preschool teachers, being the practitioners of preschool education, are concerned about the living behavior. The subjective well-being of preschool teachers being the key factor in the working state is gradually focused by researchers. Taking preschool teachers in City A in China as the research objects, total 350 copies of questionnaire are distributed, and 342 copies among the 342 retrieved copies are valid, with the valid rate 97.7%. The research results conclude that 1.just world belief would affect professional growth, 2.just world belief would affect well-being, and 3.professional growth shows remarkably positive effects on well-being. According to the results to propose suggestions, it is expect to enhance the quality of domestic preschool education and promote the healthy growth of children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several large Ag‐polymetallic deposits have been newly discovered in the eastern segment of the East Kunlun Orogen, with the largest one being the high‐grade Nagengkangqieergou deposit (3,017 tons Ag at 310.04 g/t). The Ag ore veins are hosted in the Palaeoproterozoic Jinshuikou Group and Upper Triassic Elashan Formation, principally along NW‐trending faults and volcanogenic ring fractures. Alteration and mineralization processes occurred in two periods (J and E), which are hosted in two different ore‐bearing sequences (Jinshuikou Group and Elashan Formation respectively). These two periods can be subdivided into Stages J‐I, J‐II, J‐III, and J‐IV and Stages E‐I, E‐II, and E‐III. Fluid inclusions in the ore‐bearing quartz and calcite comprise predominantly of vapour‐rich two‐phase (vapour + liquid) type and minor pure‐liquid type. Fluid inclusions in Stage J quartz and calcite homogenized mainly at 270–330°C, 250–310°C, 250–290°C, and 170–250°C, with salinities of 5–6 wt.%, 4–6 wt.%, 4–5 wt.%, and 3–5 wt.% NaCl equiv., respectively. Fluid inclusions in Stage E quartz homogenized mainly at 210–250°C, 170–230°C, and 150–170°C, with salinities of 6–7 wt.%, 4–5 wt.%, and 1–2 wt.% NaCl equiv., respectively. δ13C and δ18OSMOW values of the calcite samples are of −6.0‰ to −2.8‰ and 5.2‰ to 20.5‰, respectively. The results indicate a mantle‐derived magmatic source and low temperature alteration. and δDV–SMOW values of the quartz and calcite from the Jinshuikou Group vary from −1.9‰ to 9.0‰ and −116.5‰ to −69.3‰, respectively, whilst those of δ18OH2O quartz from the Elashan Formation vary from −11.6‰ to 7.8‰ and −99.7‰ to −86.7‰. The results indicate that the ore‐forming fluids are of medium‐low temperatures and low salinities and were originated from magmatic water to meteoric water. Sulfide δ34SV–CDT values of the Jinshuikou Group and the Elashan Formation are of −6.1‰ to 0.8‰ and −3.4‰ to 0.9‰, respectively, suggesting a mantle‐derived magmatic source. Sulfide 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of the J‐period ores (18.190–18.622, 15.598–15.725, and 38.383–39.103, respectively) and E‐period ores (18.408–18.420, 15.746–15.758, and 38.879–38.895, respectively) are similar to those of granodiorite porphyry and Elashan Formation (sub)‐volcanic rocks, respectively, indicative of genetic connections between them. Integrating new evidence from fluid inclusions and C–H–O–S–Pb isotopes, we suggest that (a) mantle‐derived materials and their mixture with crust‐derived ones were critical to the ore formation, (b) the Nagengkangqieergou deposit was formed in a magmatic system and a (sub)‐volcanic system under the syn‐ and post‐collisional tectonics of the East Kunlun Orogen, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Cognitive impairment and functional deterioration are common in later life and often co‐occur with depressive symptoms (DS). This study aims to examine the individual effects and possible interaction between worsening cognitive function (CF) and deteriorating functional status (FS) on DS using large sample, longitudinal data. Methods: Elderly people who completed the baseline survey of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2011) and the third wave survey (2015) were included. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the individual effects. The relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), the attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) and synergy index (SI) were calculated to evaluate the additive interaction. Results: Worsening CF and deteriorating FS were associated with the increase in DS, while unchanged or improved CF and FS were associated with the decrease in DS. In addition, decreased (increased) FS led to more severe (improved) DS than decreased (increased) CF. The additive interaction between worsening CF and deteriorating FS on the increase in DS was significant. The estimates and 95% CI of the RERI, AP and SI were 0.626 (0.061, 1.190), 0.222 (0.042, 0.402) and 1.526 (1.016, 2.291) respectively. Conclusions: Both worsening CF and deteriorating FS have positive interactions with the increase in DS. It is vital to focus on DS of elderly people with worsening CF and/or FS and to adopt interventions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 343–347. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are widely found in the ocean and cause a serious risk to marine organisms. However, fewer studies have been conducted on benthic organisms. This study conducted a case study on the pollution characteristics of MPs on 16 marine benthic organisms in Haizhou Bay, and analyzed the effects of habitat, trophic level, and feeding mode on the MPs pollution characters. The results showed that MPs were detected in all 16 organisms with an average abundance of 8.84 ± 9.14 items/individual, which is in the middle-high level in the international scale. Among the detected MPs, the main material was cellophane. This study showed that benthic organisms can be used as indicator organisms for MPs pollution. MPs in organisms can be affected by their habitat, trophic level, and feeding mode. Comprehensive analysis of MPs in benthic organisms will contribute to fully understand the characterization and source resolution of MPs pollution. [Display omitted] • Widespread presence of MPs in benthic organisms in Haizhou Bay. • Habitat, feeding mode, and trophic level all affect the abundance of MPs in benthic organisms. • Benthic organisms can be used as indicator organisms for MPs pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a novel hemoglobin (Hb) variant found in a Chinese individual from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. The proband was a 6-month-old boy who came from Dahua county, Hechi City. Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) showed an abnormal peak (51.2%) in zone 13. However, capillary isoelectric focusing electrophoresis (CIFE) presented an unknown peak in zone Bart's (51.4%). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) displayed an unknown peak (42.1%) at retention time 2.44 min., eluting before Hb A0. Direct DNA sequencing of the β-globin gene revealed heterozygosity for a missense mutation at codon 59 (AAG>ATG), causing a lysine to methionine substitution [β59(E3)Lys→Met; HBB: c.179A>T]. We decided to name the variant Hb Dahua for the place of origin of the proband. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhododendron datiandingense is newly reported and endemic to China. The genome of R. datiandingense is 207,311 bp in length, including a large single-copy region of 190,689 bp and a small single-copy region of 2582 bp, a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRA) of 7020 bp each. The genome encodes 110 genes, comprising 77 protein-coding genes, four ribosomal RNA genes, and 29 transfer RNA genes. Repeat analysis revealed 62 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in the genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that R. datiandingense is clearly separated from the other Rhododendron species and shown in the basal position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in drug-resistant tuberculosis in China calls for scaling up rapid diagnosis. We evaluated introduction of rapid resistance testing by line-probe assay for all patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in 2 prefectures in middle and eastern China. We analyzed sputum samples for smear-positive patients and cultures for smear-negative patients. We used a before-after comparison of baseline and intervention periods (12 months each) and analyzed data for 5,222 baseline period patients and 4,364 intervention period patients. The number of patients with rifampin resistance increased from 30 in the baseline period to 97 in the intervention period for smear-positive patients and from 0 to 13 for smear-negative patients, reflecting a low proportion of positive cultures (410/2,844, 14.4%). Expanding rapid testing for drug resistance for smear-positive patients resulted in a 3-fold increase in patients with diagnoses of rifampin-resistant tuberculosis. However, testing smear-negative patients had limited added value because of a low culture-positive rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that alcoholic liver disease (ALD), induced by long-term heavy alcohol consumption, encompasses a progressive clinical-histological spectrum of liver injuries from simple fatty liver to alcoholic hepatitis, hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. It notes that hepatitis virus infection exerts a synergistic effect on alcohol-induced liver injury. It adds that ALD could both accelerate the development and progression of liver diseases.

The article reports that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an acquired metabolic stress-induced liver disease associated closely with genetic susceptibility and insulin resistance. It notes that major risk factors for NAFLD include obesity-related high-calorie dietary rich in saturated fat and fructose, and sedentary lifestyles. It adds that increased waist circumference and IR have a strong correlation with NAFLD than increased subcutaneous fat deposit and high body mass index.

[Display omitted] • Hongge intrusion (SW China) hosts both Fe-Ti oxide and Ni-Co sulfide mineralization. • Concentric tube flow of hydrous melts formed gabbro-hosted oxide ore. • Hydrous melt recharge into fossilized mush formed massive oxide ore. • Previous sulfide segregation scavenged Cu and PGEs from the magma. • Coexisting oxide-sulfide ore formed due to the lack of S-rich wall rock assimilation. The Panxi (ultra-)mafic intrusions are relatively small compared with world-class ore-related (ultra-)mafic intrusions, but they host several super-large Fe-Ti oxide deposits and few small Cu-Ni (PGE) sulfide deposits. The mechanisms that concentrate huge amounts of oxide minerals into these small intrusions and form the distinct oxide and sulfide mineralization remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the magma dynamics that produced extensive Fe-Ti oxide and coexisting Ni-Co sulfide mineralization in the Hongge intrusion of Panxi region, based on detailed field cross-cutting relations and petrographic observations, bulk-ore/rock geochemistry, and in-situ LA-ICP-MS magnetite trace element analyses. The Fe-Ti oxide ores include magnetite-poor (<60 vol%) disseminated and magnetite-rich (>60 vol%) massive types, with the former further divided into the gabbro-hosted (GH) and (olivine-)pyroxenite-hosted (OPH) subtypes. The GH oxide ores have Cr-poor (median 86.9 ppm) magnetite and abundant apatite interstitial to silicate minerals. In contrast, the OPH and massive oxide ores have Cr-rich (median 13,956 ppm) magnetite that envelops resorbed silicate minerals. Principal component analyses of bulk-ore and magnetite elemental contents reveal genetic links between the OPH and massive oxide ores, but remarkable genetic distinction from the GH oxide ores. Considering the overall lopolith-shape orebody geometry of several branch intrusions, the GH oxide ore formation may have involved spontaneous development of concentric tube flow zones within the cooling crystal mush. However, the lower P but much higher Cr-Cu-Co-Ni contents than the GH oxide ores and the sharp intrusion of massive oxide ores into the OPH oxide ores suggests that the OPH and massive oxide ores were probably formed by upward percolation and later intrusion of hydrous Fe-rich melts from a deep-seated magma reservoir into semi-solidified and fossilized mush, respectively. In addition, sulfide ores occur mainly as irregular/lenticular aggregates in massive oxide ores and are depleted in Cu and platinum group elements (PGEs), indicating early, deep-level sulfide segregation that scavenged the Cu and PGEs from the magmas. Hence, we envisage that the assimilation of S-deficient wall-rocks into basaltic magmas may have induced the early sulfide saturation and retain the majority of Fe for later precipitation as principal oxide and minor PGE-Cu-depleted sulfide ores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Thalassemia (β-thal) is a common hematological disorder in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of Southern China. Heterozygous β-thal is usually associated with reduced hematological indices and increased Hb A2 levels. However, the preventive program of the regional government only conducts the screening of hematological indices [complete blood count (CBC)] especially at primary hospitals. In this study, we describe a male β-thal patient presenting normal hematological indices but with a high Hb A2 level. We proposed that hemoglobin (Hb) analysis and CBC should be performed together in the preventive screening program in regions with a high thalassemia incidence to avoid misdiagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Written word recognition in Chinese links the perception of individual characters with whole words. With experience in reading, a high-quality word representation can provide top-down influence on the perception of its constituent characters, thus producing a word superiority effect (WSE). In experiments using the Reicher–Wheeler paradigm, we examined the WSE in two-character words for native Chinese readers (Experiment 1) and low-proficiency adult Chinese learners with Thai (Experiment 2a) and Indonesian (Experiment 2b) as native language backgrounds. For native Chinese readers, the WSE was smaller for high-frequency than low-frequency characters, reflecting rapid access to more frequently experienced characters and a consequent reduction of top-down word-level effects. Learners of Chinese, however, showed a strong WSE for both low-frequency and high-frequency characters, reflecting less well-established character representations combined with word-level knowledge sufficient to support character recognition. The results suggest that native Chinese readers develop strong representations at both the character and the word level, while low-proficiency Chinese learners are more dependent on the word level. We discuss the possibility that a word-level emphasis Chinese foreign language instruction is one reason for this pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases. Machine learning techniques were introduced to evaluate the optimal predictive clinical model of NAFLD. Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed with subjects who attended a health examination at the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University. Questionnaires, laboratory tests, physical examinations, and liver ultrasonography were employed. Machine learning techniques were then implemented using the open source software Weka. The tasks included feature selection and classification. Feature selection techniques built a screening model by removing the redundant features. Classification was used to build a prediction model, which was evaluated by the F-measure. 11 state-of-the-art machine learning techniques were investigated. Results. Among the 10,508 enrolled subjects, 2,522 (24%) met the diagnostic criteria of NAFLD. By leveraging a set of statistical testing techniques, BMI, triglycerides, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γGT), the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and uric acid were the top 5 features contributing to NAFLD. A 10-fold cross-validation was used in the classification. According to the results, the Bayesian network model demonstrated the best performance from among the 11 different techniques. It achieved accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, and F-measure scores of up to 83%, 0.878, 0.675, and 0.655, respectively. Compared with logistic regression, the Bayesian network model improves the F-measure score by 9.17%. Conclusion. Novel machine learning techniques may have screening and predictive value for NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the introduction and development of evidence-based medicine in China, it has been spread rapidly in the area of integrative medicine (IM) and has become a new unique discipline. During almost 20 years, as one of the most important parts of evidence-based IM, systematic review (SR)/meta-analysis (MA) of IM have shown a good development momentum in the aspects of quantity, depth, breadth and influence, but also face the harsh situation of the uncontrolled quantity and quality, especially for SRs in Chinese. Therefore, how to supervise and standardize this area effectively becomes a problem to be solved. Based on the experience both at home and abroad, the authors put forward several kinds of solutions for laying the foundation for further development such as promoting the registration system of SR/MA of IM, effectively setting up the regulatory platform of quality and quantity, launching professional training for SR/MA reviewers, forming qualification registration, developing the data transfer and sharing platform to realize the transparency of evidence process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The Lesser Khingan Mountains of north-eastern China are heavily forested, making archaeological site identification difficult owing to poor ground surface visibility. Nevertheless, several prehistoric archaeological site discoveries have been made in recent years and a limited number of excavations have been initiated. One of the most important sites to emerge is Taoshan, which has yielded stratified stone tool assemblages dating from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to the mid-Holocene. Pollen profiles indicate significant changes in vegetation, fluctuating from steppe conditions during the LGM to forested conditions in the Bølling-Allerød interstadial (B-A) and the mid-Holocene. The stone tool assemblages from Taoshan were primarily produced from varieties of volcanic tuff, rhyolite, hornfels and agate. Geological prospecting and petrological analyses were performed to document procurement sources and changes in raw material exploitation strategies. During the LGM, the predominant raw material was vitric tuff, available from a source ca. 5-10 km from Taoshan. In the B-A and mid-Holocene layers, emphasis was on the exploitation of raw materials in gravel bars, although stone tool reduction techniques and raw material preferences changed considerably during this time interval. Diachronic changes in raw materials and exploitation strategies correspond to changes in vegetation and human adaptations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euwallacea fornicatus (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an emerging invasive tree pest, but its native distribution remains incompletely known because minimal records have been published from China. We report the distribution of E. fornicatus in China from records in the National Zoological Museum of China and from our own samples, including the first family-level host records in the Actinidiaceae, Oleaceae, and Pinaceae. We also report a parasitoid of E. fornicatus from Guizhou, China, and two fungi associated with E. fornicatus: a putatively new Fusarium sp. belonging to the monophyletic Ambrosial Fusarium Clade and an anamorphic hypocrelean fungus, Sarocladium strictum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This longitudinal prospective study updated a previous report on premature mortality and focused on the risk factors among patients with convulsive epilepsy in resource-poor settings. The present cohort size (7,231) and follow-up (mean 33.4 months) were expanded. The basic epidemiologic aspects of this cohort were similar to the original report (case fatality: 3.26% vs. 2.97%, respectively; injury contributed more than half of the deaths). Cox regression analysis suggested that male patients, late ages of onset (>45 years old), short duration of epilepsy (<10 years), and high convulsive seizure frequency (>2 per month) were independent risk factors for overall premature death. Male patients with late ages of onset and high seizure frequency had a higher risk of injury-specific death. This study emphasizes the preventable nature of injuries that are leading putative causes of death among people with convulsive epilepsy in rural West China. Education on specific populations and efficient seizure control are of paramount importance in reducing the risk of premature mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the incidence of severe maternal morbidities ( SMM) in China and explore effects of medical co-morbidities on SMM. Design Proactive multicenter clinic register collaboration. Setting Data on all deliveries at eight hospitals in Sichuan province, China, collected from 1 January 2009 to 12 December 2010. Population 33 993 delivering women and 34 547 live births. Methods We defined SMM as a combination indicator of severe maternal complications, critical interventions, admission to the intensive care unit and maternal near-miss instances. We randomly selected 80% of the data from the entire database to build a logistic regression model. The remaining 20% were used to test the predictive power of the model. Main outcome measures SMM incidence, adjusted odds ratios ( aORs), and area under a receiver operating characteristic ( ROC) curve. Results Severe maternal morbidities incidence was 43.4/1000 live births [confidence interval ( CI) 41.24-45.56]. Fifteen variables were independent contributors to the model. Seven medical co-morbidities significantly affected the occurrence of SMM, including iron-deficiency anemia ( aOR 3.07, CI 2.47-3.83) and other hematological diseases ( aOR 5.82, CI 3.50-9.69), hepatitis-B virus infection ( aOR 1.48, CI 1.12-1.97) and other hepatic diseases ( aOR 3.81, CI 1.61-9.04), cardiopathy ( aOR 3.59, CI 2.62-4.93), hypertension ( aOR 5.23, CI 4.06-6.75), and respiratory diseases ( aOR 2.10, CI 1.25-3.52). The area under the ROC curve was 0.8127. Conclusions The incidence of SMM was typical of a low resource area. There is a need to identify medical co-morbidities and to adopt prophylactic measures and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence has suggested that receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is involved in the development and progression of human abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). However, the association between RAGE gene polymorphisms and AAA has not yet been determined. The present study was aimed at analyzing the potential association between the RAGE gene polymorphisms and AAAs. A cohort of 381 patients and 436 age-matched healthy controls were genotyped to detect the three RAGE polymorphisms (−374 T/A, −429 T/C, and G82S) using SNaPshot. Our study demonstrated a significant difference in the genotype and allele frequencies of the RAGE G82S polymorphism between the AAA patients and the controls. Further stratification by gender and smoking status revealed that the presence of the RAGE 82S allele confers a higher risk for developing AAA in men and smokers. Moreover, AAA patients with the variant 82S allele of RAGE presented with reduced serum soluble RAGE (sRAGE) production, and this decrease was more significant in men and smokers with AAA. Our study provides preliminary evidence that the 82S allele of RAGE is a risk factor for AAA. This new piece of knowledge regarding RAGE may be clinically important for the prevention and therapy of AAAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA from liver samples of 17 free-ranging wild Reeves' muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) was used for PCR amplification of piropalsm 18S rRNA gene. Of 17 samples, 14 (82.4%) showed a specific PCR product which were cloned and sequenced. BLAST analysis of the sequences obtained showed similarities to Babesia sp., Theileria capreoli, Theileria uilenbergi and Theileria sp. BO302-SE. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Babesia sp. detected in the present study was distantly separated from known Babesia species of wild and domestic animals. Six sequences showed 100% similarity to T. capreoli while five sequences were separated from all known Theileria species and constituted an independent clade with Theileria sp. BO302-SE derived from roe deer in Italy; two sequences were close to T. uilenbergi with 97% similarity. This is the first description of hemoparasite infection in free-ranging wild Reeves' muntjac in China. Our results indicate that wild Reeves' muntjac may play an important reservoir role for hemoparasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose There have been no data about long-term benzodiazepine ( BZD) use and its correlates in patients with major depressive disorder ( MDD) in China. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of long-term BZD use (more than three months) and its demographic and clinical correlates in Chinese patients with MDD. Design and Methods A total of 1,192 patients with MDD were examined in 10 mental health centers in China. Patients' socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and prescriptions for psychotropic drugs were recorded using a standardized form. Findings A large portion of patients (36.2%) received long-term BZD treatment. Univariate analyses revealed that long-term BZD users were older, poorer, and had more impaired occupational functioning than patients not taking BZDs. Long-term BZD users had fewer psychotic symptoms and took less antipsychotic drugs. In multivariate analyses, long-term BZD use was independently associated with older age and more severe impaired occupational functioning; long-term BZD users were less likely to receive antipsychotic medications and traditional antidepressants (tricyclic antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressant, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors). Practice Implications Long-term BZD use was common in patients with MDD in China. A host of demographic and clinical factors were independently associated with long-term BZD use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper presents estimates of the prevalence of blindness and low vision among older adults over 50 years of age in mainland China. Methods: All primary reports of population-based studies that reported the prevalence or incidence of visual impairment among older populations in mainland China were identified. Twenty-four population-based studies were included in this systematic review. Blindness is defined as visual acuity of less than 3/60, or a corresponding visual-field loss to less than 10 degrees in the better eye with the best possible correction; low vision is defined as visual acuity of less than 6/18, but equal to or better than 3/60 in the better eye with the best possible correction. The pooled prevalence estimates of blindness and low vision were calculated assuming a random-effects model. Relative odds with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated, stratified by methodological and socioeconomic variables. Results: The overall pooled prevalence of blindness was 1.7% (95% CI 1.4-2.1). The results of the meta-regression showed the significance of a predictor variable: geographic region. The blindness rates per 100 older adults in various regions were 1.4 (0.9-2.0) in East China, and 1.4 (1.0-2.0) in Central China and 2.5 (1.9-3.2) in Western China. The overall pooled prevalence of low vision was 4.1% (3.4-5.1) and the independent pooled prevalence rates stratified by geographic region were 3.6% (2.6-5.1) in East China, 3.6% (2.4-5.2) in Central China and 5.2% (3.6-7.4) in Western China. Conclusions: Blindness or low vision affects approximately 5.8% Chinese adults older than 50 years. The prevalence of visual impairment, and especially blindness, vary greatly by the developmental status of geographic region. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Schistosomiasis is an important zoonosis and some livestock especially cattle play a crucial role in disease transmission in endemic areas. In order to establish an effective diagnostic method for detecting Schistosoma japonicum infection in cattle, the gene encoding large hydrophilic domain of Sj23 (LHD-Sj23) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with GST tag. The purified rLHD-Sj23-GST was used as an antigen in an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). The sera samples collected from cattle experimentally infected with S. japonicum from week 0 to week 54 post-infection were examined by rLHD-Sj23-GST iELISA. Furthermore, 484 clinical sera samples collected from cattle in schistosomiasis epidemic and free areas in China were tested by this method with a positive rate of 18.4% and 3.44%, respectively. The findings from this study indicated the established iELISA is a useful method for diagnosing S. japonicum infection in cattle and could be used in serological surveys to map out the prevalence of this disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

No prediction rule is currently available for advanced colorectal neoplasms, defined as invasive cancer, an adenoma of 10 mm or more, a villous adenoma, or an adenoma with high-grade dysplasia, in average-risk Chinese. In this study between 2006 and 2008, a total of 7,541 average-risk Chinese persons aged 40 years or older who had complete colonoscopy were included. The derivation and validation cohorts consisted of 5,229 and 2,312 persons, respectively. A prediction rule was developed from a logistic regression model and then internally and externally validated. The prediction rule comprised 8 variables (age, sex, smoking, diabetes mellitus, green vegetables, pickled food, fried food, and white meat), with scores ranging from 0 to 14. Among the participants with low-risk (≤3) or high-risk (>3) scores in the validation cohort, the risks of advanced neoplasms were 2.6% and 10.0% (P < 0.001), respectively. If colonoscopy was used only for persons with high risk, 80.3% of persons with advanced neoplasms would be detected while the number of colonoscopies would be reduced by 49.2%. The prediction rule had good discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.74, 95% confidence interval: 0.70, 0.78) and calibration (P = 0.77) and, thus, provides accurate risk stratification for advanced neoplasms in average-risk Chinese. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) discovered from mulberry trees has been reported to be a potent inhibitor of intestinal α-glycosidases (sucrase, maltase, glucoamylase), and many polysaccharides were useful in protecting against alloxan-induced pancreatic islets damage through their scavenging ability. This study was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism(s) of the hybrid of DNJ and polysaccharide (HDP) from mulberry leaves on alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Materials and methods: Daily oral treatment with HDP (150mg/kg body weight) to diabetic mice for 12 weeks, body weight and blood glucose were determined every week, oral glucose tolerance test was performed after 4 and 8 weeks, biochemical values were measured using assay kits and gene expressions were investigated by RT-PCR. Results: A significant decline in blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, triglyceride, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels and an evident increase in body weight, plasma insulin level and high density lipoprotein were observed in HDP treated diabetic mice. The polysaccharide (P1) showed a significant scavenging hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anion radical effects in vitro, which indicated that P1 could protect alloxan-induced pancreatic islets from damage by scavenging the free radicals and repaired the destroyed pancreatic β-cells. Pharmacokinetics assay showed that DNJ could be absorbed from the gastrointestinal mucosa and diffused rapidly into the liver, resulted in postprandial blood glucose decrease and alleviated the toxicity caused by sustained supra-physiological glucose to pancreatic β-cells. RT-PCR results indicated that HDP could modulate the hepatic glucose metabolism and gluconeogenesis by up/down-regulating the expression of rate-limiting enzymes (glucokinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase) in liver and up-regulating the pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor-1 (PDX-1), insulin-1 and insulin-2 expressions in pancreas. Conclusion: These findings suggested that HDP has complimentary potency to develop an antihyperglycemic agent for treatment of diabetes mellitus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]