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Background: The cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) has been regarded as a key measure of in vitro fertilization (IVF) success after a complete treatment cycle. Women undergoing IVF face great psychological pressure and financial burden. A predictive model to estimate CLBR is needed in clinical practice for patient counselling and shaping expectations. Methods: This retrospective study included 32,306 complete cycles derived from 29,023 couples undergoing IVF treatment from 2014 to 2020 at a university-affiliated fertility center in China. Three predictive models of CLBR were developed based on three phases of a complete cycle: pre-treatment, post-stimulation, and post-treatment. The non-linear relationship was treated with restricted cubic splines. Subjects from 2014 to 2018 were randomly divided into a training set and a test set at a ratio of 7:3 for model derivation and internal validation, while subjects from 2019 to 2020 were used for temporal validation. Results: Predictors of pre-treatment model included female age (non-linear relationship), antral follicle count (non-linear relationship), body mass index, number of previous IVF attempts, number of previous embryo transfer failure, type of infertility, tubal factor, male factor, and scarred uterus. Predictors of post-stimulation model included female age (non-linear relationship), number of oocytes retrieved (non-linear relationship), number of previous IVF attempts, number of previous embryo transfer failure, type of infertility, scarred uterus, stimulation protocol, as well as endometrial thickness, progesterone and luteinizing hormone on trigger day. Predictors of post-treatment model included female age (non-linear relationship), number of oocytes retrieved (non-linear relationship), cumulative Day-3 embryos live-birth capacity (non-linear relationship), number of previous IVF attempts, scarred uterus, stimulation protocol, as well as endometrial thickness, progesterone and luteinizing hormone on trigger day. The C index of the three models were 0.7559, 0.7744, and 0.8270, respectively. All models were well calibrated (p = 0.687, p = 0.468, p = 0.549). In internal validation, the C index of the three models were 0.7422, 0.7722, 0.8234, respectively; and the calibration P values were all greater than 0.05. In temporal validation, the C index were 0.7430, 0.7722, 0.8234 respectively; however, the calibration P values were less than 0.05. Conclusions: This study provides three IVF models to predict CLBR according to information from different treatment stage, and these models have been converted into an online calculator (https://h5.eheren.com/hcyc/pc/index.html#/home). Internal validation and temporal validation verified the good discrimination of the predictive models. However, temporal validation suggested low accuracy of the predictive models, which might be attributed to time-associated amelioration of IVF practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dominant frequency modes of pre-summer extreme precipitation events (EPEs) over South China (SC) between 1998 and 2018 were investigated. The 67 identified EPEs were all characterized by the 3–8-d (synoptic) frequency band. However, multiscale combined modes of the synoptic and three low-frequency bands [10–20-d (quasi-biweekly, QBW); 15–40-d (quasi-monthly, QM); and 20–60-d (intraseasonal)] accounted for the majority (63%) of the EPEs, and the precipitation intensity on the peak wet day was larger than that of the single synoptic mode. It was found that EPEs form within strong southwesterly anomalous flows characterized by either lower-level cyclonic circulation over SC or a deep trough over eastern China. Bandpass-filtered disturbances revealed the direct precipitating systems and their life cycles. Synoptic-scale disturbances are dominated by mid-high latitude troughs, and the cyclonic anomalies originate from downstream of the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Given the warm and moist climate state, synoptic-scale northeasterly flows can even induce EPEs. At the QBW and QM scales, the disturbances originate from the tropical Pacific, downstream of the TP, or mid-high latitudes (QBW only). Each is characterized by cyclonic-anticyclonic wave trains and intense southwesterly flows between them within a region of large horizontal pressure gradient. The intraseasonal disturbances are confined to tropical regions and influence SC by marginal southwesterly flows. It is concluded that low-frequency disturbances provide favorable background conditions for EPEs over SC and synoptic-scale disturbances ultimately induce EPEs on the peak wet days. Both should be simultaneously considered for EPE predictions over SC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediment Cu is significant for oceanic eco-environment and seafood quality. The sources and influencing factors of sediment Cu in the island area differ from those in other areas since the island is far away from the mainland. But there is no detailed information about sediment Cu characteristics and influencing factors in this specific area. The northern four-island area of Penglai District, Yantai City, China, was selected, and sediments were sampled. The sediments have a low Cu background (5.94–22.17 µg/g, an average of 12.19 µg/g) because of the far distance from the mainland. But more Cu accumulates in sediment near the islands, indicating the effect of islanders' daily activities on sediment Cu levels. Sediment Cu levels are significantly correlated with grain sizes and the organic matter (OM) in sediment and are not with pH, Fe, Mn, redox, and total sulfur levels. The normalization of sediment Cu with Ni, Sc, and the calculation of enrichment factors (EF) confirm the sediment Cu mainly derives from natural or internal sources. The prevailing culture activity near the northern four-islands slows ocean current velocity, causing finer fractions and higher sediment Cu levels. The sediment OM near the island is slightly higher than further away as a consequence of the local inhabitants' activities. Sediment TOC/TN implies sediment OM originates from the terrestrial regions. So, the imported OM by the local inhabitant' activity is another factor for the higher sediment Cu levels near the northern four-island area. Sediment grain size does a more significant effect on sediment Cu near the island area than sediment OM. An enrichment model of sediment Cu levels in faraway island area is forwarded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal is a major resource in China both for chemicals production and power generation, but its impact on the environment demands attention. Solvent pretreatment is an effective method to realize cleaner utilization of coal. Shendong sub-bituminous coal was treated with three different deep eutectic solvents (DESs) – choline chloride (ChCl)-urea, ChCl-glycerol, and ChCl- ethylene glycol – at temperature as low as 120°C. Proximate/ultimate analyses, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to examine the physicochemical changes that occurred in coal after DESs treatment. Results showed that DES treatment led to coal fragmentation and decreased average particle size. Compared with raw coal (33.1%), DES-treated coal showed greater mass loss (35.2 − 37.7%), showing that the amount of low molecular mass species increased after treatment. This was confirmed by the observation that DES-treated coal had more volatile components and less minerals and functional groups that contained oxygen (especially C−O). The content of elemental sulfur also decreased from 0.26% to 0.10 − 0.15% after DES treatment, along with a reduction in aliphatic chain length and aromatic substitution degree, which were from 10.73 to 9.33−10.08 and 16.70% to 10.73−15.36%, respectively. The macromolecular structure of the coal was destroyed as a result of DES's interactions with the weak covalent bonds and hydrogen bonds in the coal. These results suggest that DES has the potential to be used as a pretreatment solvent for coal conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) can cause acute respiratory diseases (ARDs) worldwide, and HAdV‐55 is a reemergent pathogen in recent years. In the study, we investigated an outbreak of ARD at a school due to HAdV‐55 in Beijing, China, during the early outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The epidemic prevention team was dispatched to the school to collect epidemiologic data and nasopharyngeal samples. Then, real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multiplex PCR assays were used to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and other respiratory pathogens, respectively. One representative HAdV‐55 isolate was selected and submitted for whole‐genome sequencing using a MiSeq system and the whole‐genome phylogenetic tree was conducted based on the maximum likelihood method. The outbreak lasted from January 27 to February 6, 2020, and 108 students developed fever, among whom 60 (55.56%) cases were diagnosed with HAdV‐55 infection in the laboratory using real‐time PCR and 56 cases were hospitalized. All the confirmed cases had a fever and 11 cases (18.33%) presented with a fever above 39°C. Other main clinical symptoms included sore throat (43.33%) and headache (43.33%). We obtained and assembled the full genome of one isolate, BJ‐446, with 34 761 nucleotides in length. HAdV‐55 isolate BJ‐446 was 99.85% identical to strain QS‐DLL, which was the first HAdV‐55 strain in China isolated from an ARD outbreak in Shanxi in 2006. One and four amino acid mutations were observed in the hexon gene and the coding region of L2 pV 40.1 kDa protein, respectively. We identified the first HAdV‐55 infection associated with the ARD outbreak in Beijing since the emergence of COVID‐19. The study suggests that improved surveillance of HAdV is needed, although COVID‐19 is still prevalent in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been widespread concern regarding the carbon footprint (CF) of food waste due to the key impact of CF on climate change, particularly as China's food waste is rising with its economic development. China has the largest scale of higher education in the world, and the amount of food waste in university canteens is considerable and cannot be ignored. This study attempts to assess the carbon footprint (CF) of food waste at Chinese universities for the first time based on a national survey. It is estimated that 1.55 million tons of food were wasted in Chinese university canteens in 2018, based on 9,192 samples covering 29 provinces in China. The associated CF was 2.51 Mt CO2eq. The top two food categories contributing to the total CF were meat and grains, accounting for 46.28% and 36.52%, respectively. Furthermore, the location of the university was significantly associated with the CF of plate waste. It also indicated that household income, meal satisfaction, sex, education, meal days, and food-saving campaigns were important factors influencing the CF of food waste. This study highlights areas that can help reduce the environmental impact of plate waste. It also provides targeted measures to reduce the associated CF of food waste in Chinese universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The freshwater bivalve Anodonta woodiana is native to China and widely distributed in Asia, Europe, and North America. However, natural populations of A. woodiana in China have dramatically declined recently. Several fish species have been used as potential hosts in breeding programs; nonetheless, the optimal host species is yet to be identified. In this study, we examined the suitability of five potential host fish species (bighead carp, common carp, crucian carp, yellow catfish, and tilapia) for A. woodiana under laboratory conditions. No significant difference was found in the number of glochidia attached to the five fish species; however, tilapia hosted more transformed juveniles than bighead carp, common carp, or yellow catfish (p < 0.05), with bighead carp hosting the least (p < 0.05). Yellow catfish had the highest host capacity index (the number of successfully transformed juveniles/the weight of the host fish × the survival rate of the host fish), 133 times higher than bighead carp and 1.3–2.9 times higher than the other species. The shell length and height of freshly transformed juveniles from yellow catfish were significantly larger than those of other host fish (p < 0.05). The juvenile index (shell length × shell height) of yellow catfish was significantly higher than that of other fish species (p < 0.05). In conclusion, yellow catfish appears to be the most suitable host fish out of the five species tested here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The estuarine tapertail anchovy Coilia nasus is distributed throughout the Dayang River. However, the life history and habitat use of this fish remain unknown. Here, the microchemistry patterns of Sr and Ca in 23 otoliths collected from the lower reaches of the Dayang River were analyzed using an X-ray electron probe microanalyzer. The anchovies were divided into two patterns: (1) with low Sr/Ca ratios (<3.0) and a single bluish Sr concentration map, indicating that it only experienced a freshwater habitat during its whole life, and (2) with Sr/Ca ratios fluctuating between low and high (>3.0) phases and Sr concentration maps showing various colors, including blue, green, yellow, and red, from the core to the edge of otoliths, whose larvae hatched in freshwater and spent their first winter in brackish or sea waters. The juveniles then stayed in estuarine water areas for further growth and feeding until sexual maturity, when the mature adults returned to the spawning grounds in the river. The co-existence of freshwater residents and anadromous C. nasus in the Dayang River has been studied for the first time, and its possible spawning ground was discovered. These findings provide essential information to effectively protect this species and guide its rational, sustainable utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance of Shigella sonnei has become a global concern. Here, we report a phylogenetic group of S. sonnei with extensive drug resistance, including a combination of multidrug resistance, coresistance to ceftriaxone and azithromycin (cefRaziR), reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones, and even colistin resistance (colR). This distinct clone caused six waterborne shigellosis outbreaks in China from 2015 to 2020. We collect 155 outbreak isolates and 152 sporadic isolates. The cefRaziR isolates, including outbreak strains, are mainly distributed in a distinct clade located in global Lineage III. The outbreak strains form a recently derived monophyletic group that may have emerged circa 2010. The cefRaziR and colR phenotypes are attributed to the acquisition of different plasmids, particularly the IncB/O/K/Z plasmid coharboring the blaCTX-M-14, mphA, aac(3)-IId, dfrA17, aadA5, and sul1 genes and the IncI2 plasmid with an mcr-1 gene. Genetic analyses identify 92 accessory genes and 60 single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the cefRaziR phenotype. Surveillance of this clone is required to determine its dissemination and threat to global public health. Shigella sonnei is a major contributor to the global burden of dysenteric diarrhoea in developed countries. In this work, authors report a S. sonnei clone which has caused numerous waterborne shigellosis outbreaks in China from 2015 to 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study collected 1135 topsoil samples of cultivated land in Laiyang County, eastern China, to analyze the distribution, pollution and health risks of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn). The results show that: (1) the levels of eight heavy metals at some sites were higher than the risk screening values in China, and there was heavy metal pollution. (2) An improved geoaccumulation index was used to evaluate soil pollution. The average value of Igeo before and after improvement was 0.32 (Iml, no pollution to medium pollution) and −0.04 (Iol, no pollution), respectively. (3) Hg and Cd were identified as the main contributors to ecological risk in this study, with a cumulative ecological risk contribution percentage > 65%. The results of the potential ecological risk index (PERI) show that 9.3% of the sampling sites were considered to have moderate ecological risk. (4) As, Pb, Ni and Cu made a contribution of >95% in terms of non-carcinogenic risk to adults and children through different exposure routes, and different soil intake routes posed no non-carcinogenic risk to adults; there was a sampling site with HQChildren > 1, which was consistent with the non-carcinogenic risk site, indicating that children in this location and surrounding areas are more likely to face dual health risks. Therefore, it is necessary to promote the risk management of heavy metals in the study area in order to safely use soil resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The estuarine tapertail anchovy, Coilia nasus, is a migratory fish with high economic value in China. We collected fish from the Changjiang River (the Yangtze River) estuary, the Qiantang River estuary, and the southern Yellow Sea, and studied their relationships using otolith elemental and stable isotopic microchemistry signatures to assess the population connectivity of C. nasus. Results show that, in addition to Ca, other elements were present in the otolith core. The δ18O, Na/Ca, Fe/Ca, and Cu/Ca values of the Qiantang population were significantly higher than those of the others, whereas its δ13C and Ba/Ca values were found to be significantly lower. Otolith multi-element composition and stable isotope ratios differed significantly between the Qiantang and Changjiang estuary groups (p < 0.05); however, no difference was observed between the latter and the Yellow Sea group. Cluster analysis, linear discriminant analysis, and a self-organizing map strongly suggest possible connectivity between the fish populations of the Changjiang estuary and Yellow Sea, while the population of the Qiantang River estuary appears to be independent. Notably, results suggest a much closer connectivity between the fish populations of the Changjiang River and the Yellow Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid depletion of mineral resources, deep prospecting is becoming a frontier field in international geological exploration. The prediction of deep mineral resources is the premise and foundation of deep prospecting. However, conventional metallogenic predictive methods, which are mainly based on surface geophysical, geochemical, and remote sensing data and geological information, are no longer suitable for deep metallogenic prediction due to the large burial depth of deep-seated deposits. Consequently, 3D metallogenic prediction becomes a critical method for delineating deep prospecting target areas. As a world-class giant gold metallogenic province, the Jiaodong Peninsula is at the forefront in China in terms of deep prospecting achievements and exploration depth. Therefore, it has unique conditions for 3D metallogenic prediction and plays an important exemplary role in promoting the development of global deep prospecting. This study briefly introduced the method, bases, and results of the 3D metallogenic prediction in the northwest Jiaodong Peninsula and then established 3D geological models of gold concentration areas in the northwest Jiaodong Peninsula using drilling combined with geophysics. Since gold deposits in the northwest Jiaodong Peninsula are often controlled by faulting in the 3D space, this study proposed a method for predicting deep prospecting target areas based on a stepped metallogenic model and a method for predicting the deep resource potential of gold deposits based on the shallow resources of ore-controlling faults. Multiple characteristic variables were extracted from the 3D geological models of the gold concentration areas, including the buffer zone and dip angle of faults, the changing rate of fault dip angle, and the equidistant distribution of orebodies. Using these characteristic variables, five deep prospecting target areas in the Jiaojia and Sanshandao faults were predicted. Moreover, based on the proven gold resources at an elevation of −2000 m and above, the total gold resources of the Sanshandao, Jiaojia, and Zhaoping ore-controlling faults at an elevation of −5000–−2000 m were predicted to be approximately 3377–6490 t of Au. Therefore, it is believed that the total gold resources in the Jiaodong Peninsula are expected to exceed 10,000 t. These new predicted results suggest that the northwest Jiaodong Peninsula has huge potential for the resources of deep gold deposits, laying the foundation for further deep prospecting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism of shared leadership on team members' innovative behavior. Design/methodology/approach: Paired questionnaires were collected from 89 scientific research teams in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region of China at two-time points with a time lag of 4 months. Then multilevel structural equation model method was applied to analyze the multiple mediating effects. Findings: This study finds that: the form of shared leadership in scientific research teams of universities; shared leadership has a positive impact on team members' innovative behavior; there are multiple mediations in the relationship including synchronization and sequence of creative self-efficacy and achievement motivation. Originality/value: According to the "stimulus-organism-response" model, this paper has constructed a multi-level theoretical model that shared leadership influences individual innovation behavior and reveals the "black box" from the perspective of psychological mechanism. It not only verifies that "can-do" shapes "willing to do" but also makes up for the gap of an empirical test of the effectiveness of shared leadership in scientific research teams of universities. Besides, the formal scale of shared leadership in the Chinese situation is revised, which can provide a reference for future empirical research on shared leadership. The research conclusions provide new ideas for improving the management of scientific research teams in universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the improvement of people's living standards and quality, sports charm stimulates people's awareness of sports consumption and makes sports industry develop rapidly into one of the important industries for the sustainable development of national economy. In modern society, sports industry has become a new industry with huge business opportunities. Especially, when the social economy develops to a certain level and sports form a certain scale, the interdependence, mutual support, and mutual promotion between sports and economy become more inseparable. This paper studies and discusses the training strategy of "compound" talents in sports industry under the background of healthy China strategy, in order to promote the development and innovation of China's sports industry. In terms of training sports talents, we should not only pay attention to personal technical, professional, practical, and understanding contents but also introduce some humanistic contents and social hot contents to improve the comprehensive quality of talents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid emergence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance gene mcr-1 , the increased resistance of Salmonella has attracted extensive attention. This study reports on 11 multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strains harboring mcr-1 in China. They all presented resistance to colistin, and additionally, one that was isolated from a child's stool sample was also resistant to ceftriaxone and azithromycin. We screened 1454 strains of Salmonella for mcr-1 gene through PCR, and these strains are all preserved in our laboratory. Antimicrobial sensitivity analysis was carried out for the screened mcr-1 positive strains. Genetic polymorphism analysis of S. Typhimurium was performed by using the Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). The plasmids harboring mcr-1 were identified by S1-PFGE and southern blotting. Plasmid conjugation assays were used to analyze the transferability of colistin resistance. The plasmids harboring mcr-1 were characterized by sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Eleven S. Typhimurium strains harboring mcr-1 with colistin resistance (MICs 4μg/ml) were detected, which were isolated from children and pig offal in China. All of them were multidrug-resistant strains. PFGE results revealed that the strains isolated from different samples or locations have identical genotypes. S1-PFGE and southern blotting experiments showed that three plasmids of different sizes (33, 60, and 250 kb) all carried the mcr-1 gene. The plasmid conjugation assays revealed that Salmonella acquired mcr-1 harboring plasmids by horizontal transfer. Sequencing and plasmid type analysis revealed that these plasmids were types IncX4, IncI2, and IncHI2. Among them, IncX4 and IncI2 plasmids had extremely similar backbones and contained one resistant gene mcr-1. IncHI2 plasmid contained multiple resistant genes including bla CTX–M, oqxB , sul , aph , aadA , and bla TEM. We identified 11 mcr-1 harboring S. Typhimurium strains in China and described their characteristics. Our findings indicate that the mcr-1 gene can effectively spread among intestinal bacteria by horizontal transfer of three types of plasmids. Moreover, the IncHI2 plasmid can also mediate the transfer of other drug resistance genes. These results reveal that constant surveillance of mcr-1 harboring S Typhimurium is imperative to prevent the spread of colistin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonella contamination of eggs and egg shells has been identified as a public health problem worldwide. Here, we reported an outbreak of severe gastrointestinal symptoms caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. enteritidis) in China. We evaluated the outbreak by using epidemiological surveys, routine laboratory testing methods, and whole genome sequencing (WGS). This outbreak occurred in a canteen in Beijing, during March 9–11, 2021, 225 of the 324 diners who have eaten at the canteen showed gastrointestinal symptoms. The outbreak had characteristical epidemiological and clinical features. It caused a very high attack rate (69.4%) in a short incubation time. All patients developed diarrhea and high fever, accompanied by abdominal pain (62.3%), nausea (50.4%), and vomiting (62.7%). The average frequency of diarrhea was 12.4 times/day, and the highest frequency of diarrhea was as high as 50 times/day. The average fever temperature was 39.4°C, and the highest fever temperature was 42°C. Twenty strains of S. enteritidis were recovered, including 19 from the patients samples, and one from remained egg fried rice. Antibiotic susceptibility test showed that the 20 outbreak strains all had the same resistance pattern. PFGE results demonstrated that all 20 strains bore completely identical bands. Phylogenetic analysis based on WGS revealed that all 20 outbreak strains were tightly clustered together. So the pathogenic source of this food poisoning incident may was contaminated egg fried rice. Resistance gene analysis showed that the outbreak strains are all multi-drug resistant strains. Virulence gene analysis indicated that these outbreak strains carried a large number of virulence genes, including 2 types of Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPI-1 and SPI-2). Other important virulence genes were also carried by the outbreak strains, such as pef ABCD, rck and shd A. And the shd A gene was not in other strains located in the same evolutionary branch as the outbreak strain. We speculated that this is a significant reason for the serious symptoms of gastroenteritis in this outbreak. This outbreak caused by S. enteritidis suggested government should strengthen monitoring of the prevalence of outbreak clone strains, and take measures to mitigate the public health threat posed by contaminated eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) is a key pathogen causing hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). However, there are currently no specific antiviral drugs or vaccines for treating infections caused by CVA6. In this study, human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD), African green monkey kidney (Vero), and human embryonic lung diploid fibroblast (KMB17) cells were used to isolate CVA6 from 327 anal swab and fecal samples obtained during HFMD monitoring between 2009 and 2017. The VP1 genes of the isolates were sequenced and genotyped, and the biological characteristics of the representative CVA6 strains were analyzed. A total of 37 CVA6 strains of the D3 gene subtypes were isolated from RD cells, all of which belonged to the epidemic strains in mainland China. Using the adaptive culture method, 10 KMB17 cell-adapted strains were obtained; however, no Vero cell-adapted strains were acquired. Among the KMB17 cell-adapted strains, only KYN-A1205 caused disease or partial death in suckling mice, and its virulence was stronger than its RD cell-adapted strain. The pathogenic KYN-A1205 strain caused strong tropism to the muscle tissue and led to pathological changes, including muscle necrosis and nuclear fragmentation in the forelimb and hindlimb. Sequence analysis demonstrated that the KYN-A1205 strain exhibited multiple amino acid mutations after KMB17 cell adaptation. Moreover, it showed strong pathogenicity, good immunogenicity and genetic stability, and could be used as an experimental CVA6 vaccine candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The illegal counterfeiting of the geographic origin label for Chinese mitten crabs Eriocheir sinensis is a major problem in China. More effective methods are needed for authenticating their geographic origin and increasing their commercial value. Therefore, a geometric morphometric analysis was conducted for the present pilot study to identify variation in Chinese mitten crabs from eight well‐known geographic areas in China: Gehu, Luoma, Gucheng, Liangzi, and Junshan lakes in the Yangtze River system; the Dongying area in the Yellow River system; and the Yingkou and Panjin areas in the Liaohe River system. Landmark coordinates were extracted by image processing after digitization of the carapace and the ventral region of the cephalothorax and were then analyzed using relative warp principal components methods, discriminant analysis, thin‐plate spline analysis, and grid distortion. Many of the type II landmarks used were extracted via relative warp principal components analysis, and they had the most important contributions to explaining the variation. The discriminant analysis indicated that the carapace of male and female crabs and the ventral region of the cephalothorax in males had geographical origin distinguishing rates of 100%. These results suggest that plasticity in shape exists for local adaptation of the ventral region of the cephalothorax and especially the carapace among Chinese mitten crabs from the different locations examined. Geometric morphometric analysis has potential for authenticating the important commercial crab species by authorized inspectors or scientists in markets or laboratories after further development of image processing, landmark extraction, shape morphometric databases, detection models, and geographical origin recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social security is the most important and even the only source of income for Chinese older people. It is an important guarantee for the medical care and living of older people. However, the backward economy may bring great hidden troubles to the social security of resource‐exhausted cities in the future. Our aims were to explore effects of socio‐demographic characteristics on social security in the resource‐exhausted city. We set up panel data models for social security contributions, social security benefits, newly insured individuals and ex‐insured individuals, respectively, to track changes in social security of different age, genders and workplaces from 2011 to 2015. There were 175,194 individuals who eventually entered our database. We found that individuals working in enterprises and individuals aged 55 to 60 had relatively less social security contributions and more social security benefits. Individuals under 25 years of age were more willing to participate in social security. Individuals working in enterprises and men were likely to withdraw from social security. We have concluded that there are some problems that cannot be ignored in the social security of resource‐exhausted cities. Our research makes a certain contribution to better guaranteeing the life of older people and improving their qualities of life in resource‐exhausted cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in China is low, although it has been increasing recently. Owing to the paucity of data on immunotherapy acceptance in the Chinese population, we conducted this study to analyze factors affecting the acceptance of immunotherapy and selection of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) based on personal and clinical data of patients with MS. Methods: In this study, data were obtained from the Multiple Sclerosis Patient Survival Report 2018 , which was the first national survey of patients with MS in China. There were 1,212 patients with MS from 31 provinces who were treated at 49 Chinese hospitals over a 4-month period from May 2018 to August 2018, and the patients were asked to complete online questionnaires to assess their understanding of the disease. Results: In general, highly educated patients with frequent relapses were more willing to receive treatment regardless of DMTs or other immunotherapy, and patients with more understanding of the disease opted to be treated. Younger patient population, patients with severe disease course, and those with more symptoms were likely to choose the treatment. Moreover, a higher proportion of women chose to be treated with DMTs than with other immunotherapies. Conclusions: Education status and patient awareness of the disease impact the treatment acceptance in Chinese patients with MS. Therefore, we call for improving the awareness of MS disease and social security to help patients to improve their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The estuarine tapertail anchovy might comprise a "paired species" of Coilia nasus (which has declined sharply) and Coilia brachygnathus (dominant in some lakes). It has previously been debated whether C. nasus and C. brachygnathus constitute two distinct species or anadromous and freshwater-resident ecotypes. Here, we studied the genetic structure of these species by analyzing the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b (Cyt b) and polymorphic microsatellite loci in 184 anchovies and discriminated their migratory life history using otolith microchemical analysis. Bayesian analysis and a discriminant principal components analysis showed two distinct genetic clusters that corresponded to C. nasus and C. brachygnathus, and we revealed the presence of hybridization between the two closely related sister species. C. nasus has higher genetic diversity within a population and lower genetic divergence between populations than C. brachygnathus. No significant genetic differentiation was detected between the migratory and freshwater-resident C. brachygnathus or between the migratory and freshwater-resident C. nasus. These phenomena suggest that C. brachygnathus and C. nasus are different species, and a strong but permeable reproductive barrier may exist. Both these species have migratory-resident ecological dimorphism, and C. brachygnathus is predominantly a resident species, whereas C. nasus is predominantly an anadromous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The take out industry is rapidly developing in China, but the environmental exposure of delivery men is neglected. "Ele.Me," an online food ordering platform, is one of the two largest catering online-to-offline platforms in China. From January 2018 to April 2018, data from 16,528 take out shops in Wuhan were crawled by using Python. The data included store name, average delivery time, delivery price, region, and store type. With the use of Baidu map's API batch reverse address resolution, the map locations of the take out shops were identified. Network service area was utilized to obtain the activity space of delivery men along the Wuhan traffic road network. Combined with the data on sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), PM2.5, PM10, and noise provided by the Wuhan Environmental Protection Bureau, the spatial interpolation, regional analysis, superposition analysis, and other geographic information system spatial analysis methods were used to study the air and noise pollution within the activity space of delivery men in various take out shops. Results revealed the unbalanced environment faced by Wuhan delivery men. The exposure to NO2, CO, and PM2.5 was mainly concentrated in the central city, whereas the exposure to SO2, O3, and PM10 was mainly noted far from the city. Noise pollution was mainly observed in the districts of Hannan, Caidian, and Dongxihu; and the most serious pollution was recorded in Shamao Street. The weighted comprehensive pollution index model was used to calculate the contribution weight of each evaluation factor to obtain the results of environmental exposure to air pollution. The influence of noise was further considered to obtain the consequences of comprehensive environmental exposure to pollution. The highly polluted regions were those in the central part of the city. Pollution was mainly concentrated in the third loop, whereas Zhucheng Street in the Xinzhou District provided the best environment. The results of this study can serve as a reference for the physical health risk assessment of delivery men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the current status of activities of daily living (ADLs), life orientation, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among older people in nursing homes and to further examine the mediating role of life orientation in the impact of ADLs on HRQoL. Methods: A national cross-sectional study was conducted among older people aged 60 and above in nursing homes by the randomly stratified cluster sampling method. The status of ADLs, life orientation and HRQoL were measured using an ADL scale, a life orientation scale and the SF-12v2 scale, respectively. Multiple linear regression models were used to identify explanatory factors associated with ADLs, life orientation, and HRQoL. The potential mediating role of life orientation in the relationship between ADL and HRQoL was explored by mediation analysis. Results: The overall prevalence of ADL disability was 52.67%, and 84.37% of older people in nursing homes had a negative life orientation. The mean scores of physical health and mental health among older people in nursing homes were 45.44 ± 6.46 and 42.67 ± 8.48, respectively. Some sociodemographic characteristics were associated with poor physical health and mental health. After adjustments were made for covariates, the life orientation score mediated 13.81% of the total effect of the ADL score on physical component score of HRQoL and mediated 45.33% of the mental component score of HRQoL. Conclusion: A sizeable proportion of older people had ADL disability and negative life orientation, and HRQoL was poor among older Chinese people in nursing homes. Life orientation partially mediates the relationship between ADLs and HRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium infections continue to be a significant public health threat worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate antibiotic resistance among 147 S. Typhimurium isolates collected from patients in Henan, China from 2006 to 2015.Methods: 147 S. Typhimurium isolates were collected from March 2006 to November 2015 in Henan Province, China. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed, and the resistant genes of ciprofloxacin, cephalosporins (ceftriaxone and cefoxitin) and azithromycin were detected and sequenced. Clonal relationships were assessed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).Results: Of the 147 isolates, 91.1% were multidrug resistant (MDR), with 4.1% being resistant to all antibiotic classes tested. Of concern, 13 MDR isolates were co-resistant to the first-line treatments cephalosporins and ciprofloxacin, while three were also resistant to azithromycin. Seven PFGE patterns were identified among the 13 isolates. All of the isolates could be assigned to one of four main groups, with a similarity value of 89%. MLST assigned the 147 isolates into five STs, including two dominant STs (ST19 and ST34). Of the 43 ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates, 39 carried double gyrA mutations (Ser83Phe, Asp87Asn/Tyr/Gly) and a single parC (Ser80Arg) mutation, including 1 isolate with four mutations (gyrA: Ser83Phe, Asp87Gly; parC: Ser80Arg; parE: Ser458Pro). In addition, 12 isolates not only carried mutations in gyrA and parC but also had at least one plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) gene. Among the 32 cephalosporin-resistant isolates, the most common extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) gene was blaOXA-1, followed by blaCTX-M, blaTEM-1, and blaCMY-2. Moreover, the mphA gene was identified in 5 of the 15 azithromycin-resistant isolates. Four MDR isolates contained ESBL and PMQR genes, and one of them also carried mphA in addition.Conclusion: The high level of antibiotic resistance observed in S. Typhimurium poses a great danger to public health, so continuous surveillance of changes in antibiotic resistance is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid emergence of multidrug resistant Salmonella is a global public-health concern as outbreaks in recent years have mostly been caused by multidrug resistant strains. Here, we evaluated an outbreak in China caused by multidrug resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) by employing an epidemiological and laboratory investigation using conventional methods and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Eleven of the 12 people who participated in a banquet showed gastrointestinal symptoms, and 8 S. Typhimurium strains were recovered. Isolated outbreak strains showed multidrug resistance (MDR), and decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, a first-line drug recommended by WHO for clinical treatment of intestinal infections. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene analysis indicated that the MDR phenotype of these outbreak strains may be due to the presence of a number of AMR genes, including the bla OXA-1 and bla TEM-1 β-lactamase genes, which are often plasmid-borne and easily transferred. Further virulence gene analysis indicated that these outbreak strains also carried a large number of virulence genes, including 2 types of Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPI-1 and SPI-2) and many adhesion-related virulence genes. Cluster analysis based on pulse-field gel electrophoresis data and phylogenetic analysis based on WGS revealed that the outbreak clone was closely related to and thus probably derived from local strains. This outbreak caused by multidrug resistant S. Typhimurium highlights the need for government improved strategies for the prevention and control of Salmonella infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echovirus 21 (E21) belongs to the species Enterovirus B, whose members are frequently associated with acute flaccid paralysis. E21 strain 553/YN/CHN/2013 was isolated from a healthy child in Yunnan, China, in 2013. This is the first report of the complete genome sequence of E21 in China. This strain shared 81.7% nucleotide sequence identity and 96.8% amino acid sequence identity with the E21 prototype strain Farina. Although strain 553/YN/CHN/2013 belongs to the E21 serotype, the only similarity to the E21 strain was in the VP1 region, as other genomic regions, including VP2–VP4, were more similar to other EV-B members. Recombination analysis showed evidence of recombination events between E21 and other EV-B viruses. E21 strain 553/YN/CHN/2013 failed to infect suckling mice via intracerebral injection. Surveillance of E21 is very important to help forecast the potential of emerging E21 outbreaks and related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Since economic inequality is often accompanied by health inequalities, health care inequalities are increasingly becoming a hot issue on a global scale. As a developing country, China is still facing the same problems as other countries in the world. Especially in underdeveloped regions, owing to the relatively backward economy, health care inequality may be more serious. The objective of this study was to explore health care inequality in a socioeconomically underdeveloped city, thus providing a certain theoretical basis for further development and reform of the medical insurance schemes.Methods: We mainly extracted relevant insurance information of 628,952 insured enrollees, as well as consumption of outpatient visit and hospitalization. The propensity score matching had been used to estimate different urban medical insurance schemes effect on healthcare utilization, the choice of hospital types and healthcare cost.Results: Insured enrollees spent most hospitalization expenses in tertiary-level hospitals, which had lowest hospitalization compensation ratios. Healthcare utilization and cost vary significantly by different insurance schemes. Urban employees had significantly higher outpatient visit rates in all hospital types than urban residents. Urban employees preferred to receive hospitalization treatment in tertiary-level hospitals, while those who receive hospitalization treatment in first-level hospitals are more likely to be enrolled in Urban Residents Basic Medical Insurance. Hospitalization expenses and hospitalization compensation ratios of urban employees were also significantly higher than urban residents in all hospital types.Conclusions: Health care inequality is mainly reflected in the imbalance between hospitalization expenses and hospitalization compensation ratios, as well as inequalities under different medical insurance schemes in healthcare utilization, the choice of hospital types and healthcare cost in socioeconomically underdeveloped regions of China. We should conduct a targeted medical insurance reform for the socioeconomically underdeveloped regions, rather than applying templates of ordinary regions. Further efforts are needed in the future to provide equal health care for every patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increasing graphite production, the accumulation of graphite tailings in China has grown rapidly, leading to significant environmental issues. The crucial aspect is to implement a disposal method that minimizes environmental pollution. In light of this, we propose the mineralization and cementation of loose graphite tailings sands using microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP). Firstly, we conducted an aqueous solution test to measure the amount of CaCO 3 precipitation at various bacterial concentrations, cementation solution concentrations, and cementation solution pH levels. The results indicate that higher bacterial concentration and cementation solution concentration do not necessarily lead to greater CaCO 3 precipitation. Additionally, the pH of the cementation solution has little effect on the precipitation of CaCO 3. Secondly, the biocementation effect was evaluated by unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, CaCO 3 content tests, water retention tests, wind erosion resistance tests, durability tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests. The experimental results demonstrate that the graphite tailings cured by MICP exhibit commendable wind erosion resistance, water retention, and sufficient strength, thereby effectively controlling dust. • MICP technology can significantly improve the mechanical properties of graphite tailings sand. • Graphite tailings sand exhibits strong resistance to wind erosion following MICP treatment. • MICP treatment results in a substantial enhancement of water retention in graphite tailings sand. • MICP effectively mitigates the issue of dust diffusion in graphite tailings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of trace metals (TMs) in agricultural soil has garnered considerable attention due to their potential migration into crops, posing a significant risk to human health. In this study, we examined the concentrations of eight trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the soil and investigated various soil physicochemical characteristics in the Three Rivers Plain region, China. The assessment of the geoaccumulation index (I geo) for the mean concentration of all trace metals indicated that the soils were generally free from significant TM pollution. However, a noteworthy finding emerged in relation to Hg, where the maximum I geo value suggested moderate pollution levels. Kriging prediction results further indicated that approximately 1.55% of the study area might be impacted by Hg pollution. Moreover, it is prudent to direct attention towards Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Ni, as their I geo values revealed that the region with the highest concentrations of these metals ranged from unpolluted to moderately polluted. This study employed a comprehensive approach, utilizing the Self-Organizing Map (SOM), Kriging spatial distribution, and the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model to identify the sources of TMs in agricultural soil. The results unveiled that the primary contributors to TM presence were the natural parental materials, alongside industrial activities such as coal mining and coal plant operations, as well as agricultural practices. These findings provide foundational insights for future management strategies in the Three Rivers Plain, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity and promote sustainability. [Display omitted] • Kriging interpolation reveals possible Hg, Cu, and Ni pollution in the study area. • There were important variations in the spatial distribution of the eight trace metals. • Crop type and flooding frequency may affect the spatial distribution of TMs in soil. • Different trace metal sources were identified and quantified through integrated methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial parks have been important to China's rapid economic development. The wastewater generated by these industrial parks tends toward large volumes, varied compositions, high pollutant concentrations, and it generally is toxic and difficult to biodegrade. The abilities of treatment plants to effectively treat industrial wastewater are greatly influenced by the upstream treatment step that occurs at the source in the industrial park. Based on the notion of the water footprint, a wastewater treatment assessment index was developed and tested to evaluate and enhance the centralized wastewater treatment plants of two industrial parks. The treatment performance of a plant in a comprehensive industrial park was compared to that of a chemical industrial park. The former scored significantly higher than the latter. Because of its low scores in the evaluation, the treatment problems of the chemical industrial park were diagnosed and enhancement measures were implemented. After the enhancements were in place, the plant was re-evaluated. Its post-enhancement scores on the index's primary indicator for process advancement and its dependent performance regarding the downstream environment greatly increased, indicating that the wastewater treatment performance had significantly improved. Therefore, the index developed by this study successfully evaluated and determined effective enhancements for wastewater treatment in China's industrial parks, which contributes to industrial wastewater pollution control. Image 1 • Upstream and downstream wastewater treatments in industrial parks are interrelated. • An effective wastewater treatment assessment index was developed. • Wastewater treatment was comparatively evaluated for two Chinese industrial parks. • Post-evaluation enhancements significantly improved treatment performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater bivalves (Anodonta woodiana), cultured in the Nanquan Aquaculture Base, were translocated to the water source area of Xidong Waterworks in the Taihu Lake for 18-months to biomonitor 13 metals, and determine the suitability of using these cultures as an indicator of long-term metal contamination. Mussel and water samples were analyzed every 6 months, with the Nanquan Aquaculture Base serving as control. Metal concentrations in water and mussels from both sites were generally within the Chinese permissible levels. Metal pollution indexes between the two sites were similar. However, the metal loads of mussels in the water source area of Xidong Waterworks were 57.3, 1.7, and 295.5-fold higher after 6-, 12-, and 18-months relative to the control mussels from the Nanquan Aquaculture Base, respectively. Moreover, the water area in Taihu Lake was moderately, considerably, and highly contaminated by Cd, Al, and Cu, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our research estimated the economic costs of possible cases of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) among redeployed coal workers from the Fuxin Mining Industry Group. The study cohort included 19,116 coal workers between 1965 and 2012. We estimated direct and indirect economic costs due to possible current and future CWP cases among redeployed coal workers. We found as of 2012 that 141 possible CWP cases might have resulted in economic costs of $37.52 million ($33.84 million were direct and $3.68 million indirect). Moreover, 221 possible future CWP cases would result in economic costs of $63.89 million ($57.20 million direct and $6.69 million indirect). Neither the Fuxin Mining Industry Group nor Fuxin could cover the costs of CWP screening and diagnosis, or social security payments for redeployed coal workers. We suggest that China's national government help Liaoning Province and Fuxin focus on health care and social security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hyperglycemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of cognitive decline. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) is a newly identified adipokine related to these risk factors. Hence, we aimed to investigate the association between plasma DPP4 activities and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.Research Design and Methods: We evaluated plasma DPP4 activity, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress parameters in a cross-sectional sample of 1,160 patients with type 2 diabetes aged 60 years or older in China. MCI was diagnosed based on criteria established by the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association workgroupsResults: Patients in the highest quartile of DPP4 activity had higher HbA1c, interleukin 6 (IL-6), CRP, nitrotyrosine, 8-iso-PGF2a, and lower Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores compared with subjects in the lowest quartile (P < 0.001). In the highest DPP4 quartile, MCI risk was higher (odds ratio 3.49; 95% CI 1.97-4.57) than in the lowest quartile after adjustment for potential confounders. The risk for MCI increased more with higher levels of DPP4 activity, IL-6, CRP, nitrotyrosine, and 8-iso-PGF2a (P < 0.05), but not with higher levels of HbA1c.Conclusions: This study shows that increased DPP4 activities are independently associated with MCI in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. The mechanisms might be partly explained by the effect of DPP4 on inflammation and oxidative stress. These observations raise further interest in DPP4 activity for its potential effect on these MCI-related risk factors as a biological marker or even a possible therapeutic target for MCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reservoirs have been widely constructed all over the world in recent years to alleviate the shortage of water resources. Nevertheless, the assessment method of water quality and its trophic status needs to be developed. In this study, water quality parameters of a newly constructed shallow reservoir were regularly monitored for a period of two years, which is used as a major drinking water source of Shanghai, China. Furthermore, the trophic state indices of the reservoir were investigated based on literature and evaluated with the two-year field data. The results indicated that the studied reservoir is reaching the mesotrophic–eutrophic boundary, where further nutrient enrichment could cause water quality degradation; total phosphorus is the limiting nutrient for algal growth in the studied reservoir. Results of the study can help operators understand change and status of water quality of the reservoir and provide valuable data demonstrating variation of water quality indicators and trophic characteristics in shallow reservoirs or lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was aimed at estimating possible Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) cases as of 2012, and predicting future CWP cases among redeployed coal workers from the Fuxin Mining Industry Group. This study provided the scientific basis for regulations on CWP screening and diagnosis and labor insurance policies for redeployed coal workers of resource-exhausted mines. The study cohort included 19,116 coal workers. The cumulative incidence of CWP was calculated by the life-table method. Possible CWP cases by occupational category were estimated through the average annual incidence rate of CWP and males’ life expectancy. It was estimated that 141 redeployed coal workers might have suffered from CWP as of 2012, and 221 redeployed coal workers could suffer from CWP in the future. It is crucial to establish a set of feasible and affordable regulations on CWP screening and diagnosis as well as labor insurance policies for redeployed coal workers of resource-exhausted coal mines in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to estimate the economic losses currently caused by coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) and, on the basis of these measurements, confirm the economic benefit of preventive measures. Our cohort study included 1,847 patients with CWP and 43,742 coal workers without CWP who were registered in the employment records of the Datong Coal Mine Group. We calculated the cumulative incidence rate of pneumoconiosis using the life-table method. We used the dose-response relationship between cumulative incidence density and cumulative dust exposure to predict the future trend in the incidence of CWP. We calculate the economic loss caused by CWP and economic effectiveness of CWP prevention by a step-wise model. The cumulative incidence rates of CWP in the tunneling, mining, combining, and helping cohorts were 58.7%, 28.1%, 21.7%, and 4.0%, respectively. The cumulative incidence rates increased gradually with increasing cumulative dust exposure (CDE). We predicted 4,300 new CWP cases, assuming the dust concentrations remained at the levels of 2011. If advanced dustproof equipment was adopted, 537 fewer people would be diagnosed with CWP. In all, losses of 1.207 billion Renminbi (RMB, official currency of China) would be prevented and 4,698.8 healthy life years would be gained. Investments in advanced dustproof equipment would be total 843 million RMB, according to our study; the ratio of investment to restored economic losses was 1:1.43. Controlling workplace dust concentrations is critical to reduce the onset of pneumoconiosis and to achieve economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shigella flexneri serotype 1b is among the most prominent serotypes in developing countries, followed by serotype 2a. However, only limited data is available on the global phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of S. flexneri 1b. In the present study, 40 S. flexneri 1b isolates from different regions of China were confirmed by serotyping and biochemical characterization. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that 85% of these isolates were multidrug-resistant strains and antibiotic susceptibility profiles varied between geographical locations. Strains from Yunnan were far more resistant than those from Xinjiang, while only one strain from Shanghai was resistant to ceftazidime and aztreonam. Fifteen cephalosporin resistant isolates were identified in this study. ESBL genes (blaSHV, blaTEM, blaOXA, and blaCTX-M) and ampC genes (blaMOX, blaFOX, blaMIR(ACT-1), blaDHA, blaCIT and blaACC) were subsequently detected among the 15 isolates. The results showed that these strains were positive only for blaTEM, blaOXA, blaCTX-M, intI1, and intI2. Furthermore, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis showed that the 40 isolates formed different profiles, and the PFGE patterns of Xinjiang isolates were distinct from Yunnan and Shanghai isolates by one obvious, large, missing band. In summary, similarities in resistance patterns were observed in strains with the same PFGE pattern. Overall, the results supported the need for more prudent selection and use of antibiotics in China. We suggest that antibiotic susceptibility testing should be performed at the start of an outbreak, and antibiotic use should be restricted to severe Shigella cases, based on resistance pattern variations observed in different regions. The data obtained in the current study might help to develop a strategy for the treatment of infections caused by S. flexneri 1b in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper represents the first effort to study the environmental Sr and Ca signatures in otolith of spinyhead croaker Collichthys lucidus, an economically important sciaenid fish in China, by means of Electron Probe Microanalysis. Results from life-history transect analyses and X-ray intensity maps suggested that all croakers in this study collected from the Yangtze River Estuary were estuarine-resident individuals, in contrast to previous reports that C. lucidus is a marine fish. However, the high Sr core suggested that the stimulation of relatively high salinity water seemed to be required for spawning, embryogenesis and early larval growth of C. lucidus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a cross-sectional study which discusses role of plasma dipeptidyl peptidase-4 activity, a biomarker, in treatment for depression in Type 2 diabetic patients. It mentions that epidemiological studies have shown an increased prevalence of depression in patients with type 2 diabetes. It also reveals pathogenetic role of decreased neuropeptide Y (NPY) in depression.

[Display omitted] • RGWR with land-use types (RGWR-LUT) was proposed to correct in-situ PXRF Pb. • The spatially varying correction coefficient surface was generated by RGWR-LUT. • RGWR-LUT obtained the highest correction quality than traditional correction models. • SGS-PXRF* was proposed to incorporate the corrected PXRF Pb for spatial simulation. • SGS-PXRF* obtained the highest spatial simulation quality. Cost is a priority consideration in soil heavy metal investigation. For the correction of in-situ portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF), traditionally-used linear regression (LR) is sensitive to outliers and cannot deal with the spatially varying influence of the relevant environmental factors. Moreover, each land-use type usually has a specific impact on the analysis quality of in-situ PXRF but was rarely incorporated into the correction model. This study first proposed robust geographically weighted regression with land-use types (RGWR-LUT) to correct in-situ PXRF Pb in an urban–rural transition area of Changzhou City, China. Next, its correction quality was compared with that of LR, LR with land-use types (LR-LUT), GWR, GWR with land-use types (GWR-LUT), and RGWR. Then, sequential Gaussian simulation with the corrected (by RGWR-LUT) in-situ PXRF as hard data (SGS-PXRF*) was proposed for spatial simulation of soil Pb. Finally, its spatial simulation quality was compared with that of SGS, SGS with the raw in-situ PXRF as hard data (SGS-PXRF), sequential Gaussian co-simulation with the raw in-situ PXRF as co-variable (CoSGS-PXRF), and CoSGS with the corrected (by RGWR-LUT) in-situ PXRF as co-variable (CoSGS-PXRF*). Results showed that: (i) spatially varying correction coefficient surface for in-situ PXRF Pb were obtained by RGWR-LUT; (ii) correction quality for in-situ PXRF Pb was in the order of RGWR-LUT (RI = 81.44%), GWR-LUT (RI = 72.1%), RGWR (RI = 67.83%), GWR (RI = 51.07%), LR-LUT (RI = 48.71%), and LR (RI = 22.72%); (iii) the corrected in-situ PXRF provided more information input than the raw in-situ PXRF for spatial simulation of soil Pb; (iv) SGS-PXRF* obtained the highest spatial simulation quality (RI = 62.5%). It is concluded that RGWR-LUT could effectively correct in-situ PXRF, and SGS-PXRF* could effectively incorporate the corrected in-situ PXRF for spatial simulation of soil heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationships between crop yield and its selected related impact factors has often been explored using ordinary least squares regression (OLSR). However, this model is non-spatial and non-robust. This study first used stepwise regression to identify the main factors affecting winter wheat yield from twelve potential related factors in Yucheng County, China. Next, robust geographically weighted regression (RGWR) was used to explore the spatially non-stationary relationships between wheat yield and its main impact factors. Then, its modeling effect was compared with that of GWR and OLSR. Last, robust geostatistical analysis was conducted for spatial soil management measures in low-yield areas. Results showed that: (i) three main impact factors on wheat yield were identified by stepwise regression, namely soil organic matter, soil total phosphorus, and pH; (ii) the spatially non-stationary effects of the main impact factors on wheat yield were revealed by RGWR but were ignored by OLSR; (iii) RGWR obtained the best modeling effect (RI = 52.31%); (iv) robust geostatistics obtains a better spatial prediction effect and the low-yield areas are mainly located in the northeast and the middle east of the study area. Therefore, the integrated yield-based methodology effectively improves soil nutrient management at a regional scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The difference in diet culture between North China and South China is mainly reflected in staple food consumption patterns. • Southerners who consume rice as the staple food are found to waste more than Northerners who are wheat-based eaters in Chinese university canteens. • This study provides empirical evidence that differences in staple food consumption patterns bring about the disparity in food wastage within a country. • The examination is based on nationwide food waste survey data. Emerging economies, particularly China, are likely to play a critical role in determining global food waste. The paper investigates plate waste from a staple food consumption pattern perspective by surveying 9,192 Chinese university students at the on-campus canteens in 29 provinces of mainland China. A significant finding is that diet culture is closely related to food waste. Southerners who consume rice as a staple food are found to waste more food than Northerners who are wheat-based eaters on average. A robust test confirms the finding when matching the student's hometown and university location and setting the "Southerners studying in South China" as the reference group. Taking into account the possible self-selection problem, the robustness test based on the PSM model also confirms the association between staple food consumption patterns and food waste in Chinese university canteens. Comparative analyses based on the components of food consumption and the compositions of wastage further suggest that the differences in staple food consumption patterns determine the food wastage variations. This study provides empirical evidence that differences in consumption patterns bring about the disparity in food wastage within a country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper represents the first otolith study on trace element (Sr, Mg) concentrations of naked carp ( Gymnocypris przewalskii), an endemic and endangered migratory species in high-altitude Lake Qinghai and its tributaries of China, using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Results from life-history transect analyses and X-ray intensity maps suggested that the general reference criterion for discrimination of the salinity habitats of freshwater, brackish and seawater by the otolith Sr:Ca ratio of diadromous fish cannot be used as a reliable indicator for reconstructing the migration history of naked carp between different habitats. On the contrary, Mg concentrations and Mg:Ca ratios were found inconsistent in all otolith samples of G. przewalskii. The otolith regions with higher Mg concentrations (greenish) might coincide with the period that yolk provides nutrition to G. przewalskii. The lower Mg:Ca ratios in most regions of otolith showed that Mg in G. przewalskii might be regulated to that low level during its lifespan in Lake Qinghai. This suggests that the distinct EPMA approach can provide new visualization insight into the ontogenetic and migration patterns of G. przewalskii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations of 12 metal(oid)s were investigated in the bloom-forming cyanobacteria and ambient water samples collected monthly between March 2009 and February 2010 at the Nanquan coast of Taihu Lake, China. The metal(oid) concentrations in ambient water decreased in the order Fe > Zn > Ni ≈ As ≈ Cu > Mn > Ag > Cr > Se > Cd > Co > Tl, while those in cyanobacteria followed a sequence Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu ≈ Ni > Co > Ag > Cr ≈ As > Cd > Tl > Se. The metal(loid) burdens removed by cyanobacteria were estimated as 164 t Fe, 12.4 t Mn, 3.6 t Zn, 2.0 t Ni, 2.0 t Cu, 0.5 t As, 0.5 t Cr, 0.4 t Cd, 0.9 t Ag, 1.1 t Co, 0.2 t Tl, and 0.09 t Se during the 2008-2010 bloom seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives. The aims are to assess respiration-related quality of life using the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire and determine its influencing factors among patients with silicosis in China. Background. The incidence of silicosis had an increasing trend in recent years in developing countries. Although the majority of patients with silicosis are in therapy routinely, the patients' quality of life has been impaired because silicosis cannot be cured. The study on quality of life of patients with silicosis is few, and clinical physicians have difficulty in planning to promote quality of life of patients with silicosis according to the current health situation. Design. A cross-sectional design was used for this study. Methods. A survey was performed on patients with silicosis by face-to-face interview in the Shenyang No. 9 Hospital in China. The St. George Respiratory Questionnaire was used to assess respiration-related quality of life. Results. In all 208 enrolled patients with silicosis, symptoms, activity and impacts scores were 56·02, 56·46 and 52·33, respectively. Lower impacts scores were found comparing with symptoms and activity ones. Patient age was associated with an expected decrease in respiration-related quality of life. Patients with longer duration of exposure had higher total scores of the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire, indicating worse quality of life. Patients with more co-morbidities reported worse quality of life. Conclusion. Patients with silicosis were found relatively moderate respiration-related quality of life. Shortening dust exposure, decreasing the number of co-morbidity and controlling the occurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis could improve respiration-related quality of life. Relevance to clinical practice. As indicated by the results of this study, the number of co-morbidity negatively impact the quality of life of patients with silicosis. Clinical physicians and nurses should pay close attention to the co-morbidity to promote quality of life of patients with silicosis according to the current health situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, the consumption of animal products has increased rapidly in China and India, driven by rising income and large populations. Such strong demand for animal products could have substantial impacts on both their own and global food and feed demand and supply. This paper examines the nature of rising demand for animal products in China and India and discusses national and global implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data are presented for 13 trace metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, and Pb) in 38 bivalve mussels Anodonta woodiana from four separate sites (Huzhou, Dapu, Sansandao, and Manshan) around the Taihu Lake of China. All elemental concentrations generally ranked in decreasing order, Mn > Fe > Zn > As ≈ Cu ≈ Cd ≈ Se > Pb > Mo ≈ Ag, except that Cr, Co, and Ni were not detected. Anodonta woodiana was able to bioaccumulate essential Mn and toxic Cd to the extremely high level of 19,240 and 53 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. Geographical differences in the concentrations of trace elements were usually significant between sampling sites except for As and Pb, and the mussels from Sanshandao site had mostly accumulated or were contaminated with essential and toxic elements. The residue level of Cd in A. woodiana from the Sanshandao and Manshan sites appeared to be even higher than those of the essential elements Cu and Se, and exceeded the corresponding maximum residue limits of China. The present study provides the most recent information on trace element bioaccumulation or contamination in Taihu Lake and, further, suggests that A. woodiana can be used as a suitable bioindicator for inland water environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on the characteristics of pneumoconiosis in coal workers in the Tiefa Colliery in China. It mentions that cumulative incidence rates of coal workers pneumoconiosis (CWP) are calculated by using Life table method. It also mentions that most of the CWP patients belong to 45 to 75 years of age.