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Background: Rare earth elements (REE) are a group of trace elements that behave geochemically coherently. REE fractionation patterns normalized to reference materials provide a powerful tool for documenting pedogenesis. In-soil processes are particularly difficult to illustrate with respect to contemporary and past climate conditions. In this study, we characterize the rare earth element (REE) contents in bulk soils and respective geochemical fractions (e.g., exchangeable, carbonate-bound, reducible, and oxidizable fractions) and to decipher the relationships between REE geochemistry components and climatic factors across a large-scale northern China transect (NCT). Results: Across the NCT, bulk REE concentrations ranged from 55.2 to 241.1 μg g−1 with a main portion in the residual fraction (49–79%), followed by oxidizable fraction (2–40%), reducible fraction (3–22%), carbonate-bound fraction (0.1–16%), and negligible exchangeable fraction. The REE contents of geochemical components (carbonate-bound, reducible, and oxidizable) in topsoils correlated to climate factors (mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, potential evaporation, and aridity index (AI)). The normalized abundances to the upper continental crust (UCC) composition show that the middle REE was generally enriched than the light REE and heavy REE in topsoils along the transect. The overall UCC-normalized bulk REE patterns in topsoils and subsoils were similar, characterized by weak negative Ce anomalies and positive Eu anomalies. Conclusions: Our data in topsoils and depth profiles collectively suggest that cycling of REE was primarily regulated by abiotic processes in area with AI < 0.2, while the biological effect on REE circulation in soil played a more effective role in area with AI > 0.3. The similar UCC normalized patterns in topsoils suggest that the REE was originated from a common source with limited influences from other sources (e.g., atmospheric dusts and anthropogenic contributions). Our results to some extent provide evidence for climatic influence REE distribution patterns both in topsoils and subsoils across the continental-scale transect. Our investigation gives insights into future studies on vertical REE mobility and its associated biogeochemical pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many factors have been reported to affect the long-term survival of gastric carcinoma patients after gastrectomy; the present study took the first attempt to find out the potential role of weekday carried out surgery in the postoperative prognosis of gastric cancer patients. 463 gastric cancer patients have been followed up successfully. Pearson χ2 test was used for univariate analyses. Survival curves were constructed by using Kaplan-Meier method and evaluated by using the log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to find out the risk factors, and subgroup analysis was conducted to rule out confounding factors. We found that the patients who underwent gastrectomy on the later weekday (Wednesday–Friday) more easily suffered from a higher postoperative morbidity. Weekday of surgery was one of the independent indicators for the prognosis of patients after gastric cancer surgery. However, the role of weekday of surgery was significantly weakened in the complications group. In conclusion, surgery performed in the later weekday was more likely to lead to increased postoperative complications and an unfavorable role in prognosis of Chinese gastric cancer patients after curative gastrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have undertaken major and trace element analyses of volcanic rocks in Northeast China, as well as U–Pb dating and Hf isotopic analysis of their zircons, in order to determine the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of the volcanics. Mesozoic volcanism in the southern Manzhouli area occurred in two stages: Middle to Late Jurassic (164–147 Ma) and Early Cretaceous (142–123 Ma). The first stage is represented by the Tamulangou, Jixiangfeng, and Qiyimuchang formations. The Jixiangfeng Formation (162–156 Ma) is a rhyolite–trachyte dominated unit that lies between two basalt units, namely the underlying Tamulangou (164–160 Ma) and overlying Qiyimuchang (151–147 Ma) formations. The second igneous stage is dominated by rhyolitic lavas and tuffs of the Shangkuli Formation and basaltic rocks of the Yiliekede Formation, and they yield zircon U–Pb ages of 142–125 and 135–123 Ma, respectively. Basaltic rocks of the Tamulangou and Yiliekede formations have a wide range of MgO contents (1.64–9.59 wt%), but are consistently depleted of Nb and Ta and enriched with incompatible trace elements such as large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs). Trachytes and rhyolites of the Jixiangfeng and Shangkuli formations are characterized by enrichment in LILEs and LREEs relative to HFSEs and HREEs, and with negative Nb, Ta, P, and Ti anomalies and positiveϵHf(t) values (3.49–9.98). These data suggest that basaltic volcanic rocks in southern Manzhouli were generated by fractional crystallization of a common parental magma, which was derived by partial melting of metasomatized (enriched) lithospheric mantle, whereas the trachytic and rhyolitic magmas were produced by the melting of lower crustal mafic and felsic granulites, respectively. Geochronological data indicate that Mesozoic volcanism in southern Manzhouli was initiated in the Middle to Late Jurassic and continued into the Early Cretaceous. It was mainly induced by lithospheric extension after the closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The Huwan Shear Zone (HSZ) is an eclogite bearing transpressive wrench zone located along the Shangdan Suture that juxtaposes the Paleozoic Qinling and Mesozoic Hong''an–Dabie orogenic terrains. The region preserves a complex history that bridges the gap between adjacent orogenic terrains. Simultaneous in-situ trace element, U–Th–Pb and Lu–Hf‐isotope analysis of zircon grains from samples of the Xiongdian and Sujiahe eclogite identify a late Carboniferous to early Permian period of high pressure metamorphism, ca. 283 to 306Ma. Zircon grains are observed to respond to metamorphic overprint via a two stage process: (1) An initial prograde stage of fluid catalyzed interface coupled dissolution–reprecipitation, involving exsolution of a non-ideal solid solution thorite (ThSiO4) end member and loss of highly incompatible components (LREE and Pb), (2) A second stage of coupled zircon dissolution, coarsening, and new rim growth in equilibrium with garnet at high pressure conditions. We identify Proterozoic whole rock Sm–Nd and zircon grain Lu–Hf isotopic evidence which challenges the traditional interpretation that the Xiongdian and Sujiahe eclogite formed in response to early Paleozoic mantle melting and oceanic crust generation. We argue the Huwan Shear Zone contains no conclusive evidence of early/middle Paleozoic oceanic crust, but rather Proterozoic crustal components analogous to those found in the Northern Qinling Terrain and associated with formation of the Shangdan Suture. We present a simpler geodynamic model involving continuous convergence and accretion of terrains onto the southern margin of the North China Block during the Paleozoic Qinling and Mesozoic Dabie orogenies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The tripartite motif protein (TRIM)5α/CypA fusion protein TRIMCyp in Old World monkeys is generally considered unable to restrict HIV-1 replication. Monkeys with TRIMCyp can serve as a unique animal model for studies of HIV-1 infection. The present study investigated the distribution and expression status of TRIMCyp in four species of macaques originating from China and its borderlands: pigtail macaques ( Macaca nemestrina), rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta), long-tailed macaques ( Macaca fascicularis), and Tibetan macaques ( Macaca thibetana). The results revealed that the frequencies of the TRIMCyp genotype were significantly different among different species and even within different populations of the same species. Interestingly, the TRIMCyp genotype was more prevalent among macaques originating from Yunnan and surrounding regions than those from other regions of China. Importantly, TRIMCyp individuals were first identified in Chinese M. mulatta originating from Yunnan, although multiple earlier studies failed to find CypA retrotransposition in this subspecies. Furthermore, TRIMe7-CypA, one of the splicing isoforms of the TRIMCyp transcript was expressed in M. nemestrina and M. mulatta but not M. fascicularis. The intra- and interspecies polymorphisms in the deduced TRIMCyp amino acid sequences of these macaques were also analyzed. Taken together, the data in this study provide important information about the genomic background of TRIMCyp among major species of Chinese macaques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adducin is a membrane skeletal protein that is involved in the regulation of membrane ion transport and cellular signal transduction. Essential hypertension has been linked to α-adducin gene locus, and association of a polymorphism of the gene has been found in some studies, but results of linkage or association studies on α-adducin gene are controversial among different populations. This study was designed to examine the linkage between α-adducin gene locus and essential hypertension and to reveal the relationship between an α-adducin gene polymorphism (Gly460Trp) and essential hypertension in a Chinese population. For the linkage study, one hundred and six Chinese nuclear families were recruited, including 417 hypertensive patients in all 474 individuals. Those samples were genotyped at D4S412 and D4S3038. The distances between the two microsatellite markers and the α-adducin gene locus are less than 3cM. Parametric, non-parametric linkage (NPL) analyses using the GENEHUNTER software were carried out. Sib transmission-disequilibrium test (S-TDT), as well as transmission-disequilibrium test (TDT), was also implemented with TDT/S-TDT Program 1.1. Serum levels of uric acid, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), fasting glucose and lipids were determined as phenotypes. In an association study, 138 hypertensive and 121 normotensive subjects were genotyped at Gly460Trp of the α-adducin gene to examine a possible association between this polymorphism and blood pressure or other phenotypes. We fail to find the linkage between the two markers and essential hypertension by parametric, NPL analysis or TDT/S-TDT study. With the use of the simple association and the multivariate logistic regression analyses, we also fail to reveal a significant association between the Gly460Trp polymorphism in α-adducin gene and the blood pressure variation, or blood biochemical indices studied. The frequency of the 460Trp allele in Chinese... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Grenvillian (1.3–1.0Ga) orogenic and subduction related events have been regarded as a critical linkage in Rodinia reconstruction. Here we report the first recognized late Mesoproterozoic arc-volcanic sequence in South China. The volcanic sequence is well-exposed in the Shennongjia region, along the northern central margin of the Yangtze Block, and has previously been mapped as a volcanic sequence interbedded with early Mesoproterozoic strata, but reliable dating data have been lacking. The volcanic sequence comprises alkali-, calc-alkaline basalts and tholeiitic andesitic rocks, and is dated at 1103±8Ma by the U–Pb zircon method. The alkali basalts have high TiO2 (2.62–4.48wt.%) and relatively low Mg# (42–55), and display OIB-like incompatible elemental patterns. They have initial Sr isotopic ratios of 0.7021–0.7056 and ɛ Nd(t) values of +2.4 to +4.0. By contrast, the calc-alkaline basalts have high Mg# (57–68), Cr (67.1–211ppm) and Ni (62.8–121ppm), and exhibit a pronounced depletion in high field strength elements (Nb, Ta, P and Ti) and positive Pb anomalies. Compared to the alkali basalts, they possess higher initial Sr isotopic ratios of 0.7086–0.7120 and large negative ɛ Nd(t) values of −15.3 to −14.2. The andesitic rocks are characterized by negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* =0.62–0.65) and depleted Nb, Ta, P and Ti anomalies along with small negative ɛ Nd values (−2.7 to −2.1) and low Sr isotopic ratios (0.7028–0.7042). It is suggested that the alkali basalts were derived from a depleted asthenospheric mantle source, the calc-alkaline basalts from previously metasomatised subcontinental lithospheric mantle rocks, whereas the andesitic rocks were derived from mafic lower crustal anatexis induced by basaltic underplating and/or asthenospheric ascent. The Shennongjia volcanic sequence is thus proposed to have developed within an island-arc setting. Integrating our new data with documented igneous and metamorphic events during the end Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic, the northwestern and western segments of the Yangtze Block likely comprised a collage of microcontinents during the Grenvillian period and underwent westward lateral continental growth by subduction accretion and microcontinent growth by subduction-related collision. Given the documented ∼1.6Ga peak population of detrital zircon spectra for the lower Shennongjia strata, ∼1.6Ga significant juvenile mantle input in the Shennongjia area and ∼1.1Ga Grenvillian metamorphic record in the westernmost Yangtze segment, we suggest a western Yangtze-South Australia connection during Rodinia assembly of the Grenvillian period. It thus provides a new insight into the position of the South China Craton in the supercontinent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The environmental impact of Three Gorges Dam (TGD) in the Changjiang (Yangtze River) is an important topic of concern for scientific communities and the public. However, the changes in river water chemistry in response to the dam construction remain poorly constrained. This study presents the seasonal variability of all major cations and some anions in the lower Changjiang during a full hydrological year from 2010 to 2011. The concentrations of all ions, except for HCO 3 − , are higher after the TGD operation than before ( p  < 0.01), implying that the TGD has modified the river water chemistry in the mid-lower mainstream. Dissolved silicate (DSi) fluxes at Datong station thus increase slightly since the beginning of TGD impoundment. The change of mixing pattern of different water sources and alteration of hydrological and biogeochemical processes could cause the change of solute concentrations in the mid-lower Changjiang after the TGD operation. The mass balance model suggests that two factors primarily account for this increase of DSi observed at Datong: 1) an increasing loading of DSi downstream TGD due to erosion by “clean water”, and 2) an enhanced “Source” role of Lake Poyang in the mid-lower reaches. Our study would provide insights into the damming effect on river water chemistry and the complexity of a large river system facing rapid climate change and strong human activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Tianshan rodingite was formed from eclogite tectonically included in ultramafic rocks of the Changawuzi ophiolite in the southwestern Tianshan, China. Rodingites derived from eclogite contain a mineral assemblage of prehnite, clinozoisite, hydrogrossular, diopside, vesuvianite, chlorite and minor zircon. Pervasive rodingitization took place during exhumation of the subducted slab under conditions of 250–350°C and 2–10kbar. Cathodoluminescence imaging and geochronological characteristics allow the identification of two types of zircons in the rodingite. Type I zircon consists of sector-zoned grains, commonly with distinct rims and cores. A well-defined weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 422±10Ma for the rims records an early metamorphic event that affected the Changawuzi ophiolite during the Silurian, and represents the emplacement of the ophiolite complexes along the South Tianshan Paleo-ocean coast. The type I zircon cores reflect variable degrees of alteration during subsequent serpentinization and rodingitization at ∼290Ma. The U–Pb ages of the cores vary from 416Ma to 301Ma, implying patchy and incomplete alteration. The type I zircon shows rather uniform, flat rare earth element (REE) patterns, but with a marked increase in total REE in the cores. Type II zircon has a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age at 291±15Ma, within error of the youngest ages obtained from the cores, and is therefore considered to define the time of pervasive rodingitization. This age is consistent with known regional geological events recorded from the magmatic arc along the southern margin of the Tarim–Yili suture zone and with low P–high T metamorphism to the north, attributed to dehydration of the subducted oceanic slab when the combined Tarim–North China block collided with the Yili–Central Tianshan micro-plate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Qingshan volcanic sequences occur in the Mengyin and Jiaozhou basins, west and east of the Tan-Lu fault zone, respectively, were formed at 128±2 and 106–98Ma. Lithologically the Mengyin succession comprises unimodal andesite (53–65wt.% SiO2), whereas the Jiaozhou succession consists of bimodal andesite (56–59wt.% SiO2) and rhyolite (69–77wt.% SiO2). High-Mg (Mg# >60) and low-Mg (Mg# <60) andesitic suites are recognized in the Mengyin volcanic rocks. They show tholeiitic and calc-alkaline trends, respectively. Though the two suites share common trace element features of LILE enrichment and HFSE depletion, higher incompatible element contents in the high-Mg andesite relative to the low-Mg andesite rule out their genetic connection by magmatic differentiation. Similarly, the Jiaozhou andesites also possess higher incompatible element contents compared to their interbedded rhyolites, suggesting their distinct source rocks. The Qingshan mafic volcanic suites are characterized by radiogenic Sr and unradiogenic Nd isotopic compositions, of which the Mengyin high-Mg andesitic rocks display the lowest εNd(t) and highest initial Sr ratio. By contrast, the Jiaozhou rhyolites possess a positive correlation between Sr–Nd isotopes and relatively unradiogenic Sr isotopic ratios. The Qingshan mafic rocks exhibit geochemical characteristics distinct from those of mantle peridotite- or pyroxenite-derived melt as well as from Fangcheng basalts, the only basalts documented in the Cretaceous volcanic suites in Shandong province. They are inferred to be crust-derived melts. However, a clear decreasing trend in ACNK with Mg# increasing and the elevated MgO, Cr and Ni contents relative to basalt-derived melts indicate assimilation with mantle peridotite during their pristine magmatic evolution. Such a two-step process can be best explained by the Archean lower crust delamination of the North China craton with a ~35% partial melting followed by a variable extent of metasomatic interaction with convecting mantle peridotite, which thus resulted in the low-Mg and high-Mg andesitic suites. Nd–Sr isotopic and HFSE features imply that the convecting mantle was mixed with the foundered lithospheric peridotite, which previously experienced subduction-related melt metasomatism during the collision of the Yangtze-North China cratons in the early Triassic. The Qingshan volcanic suites in western Shandong are synchronous with the Tan-Lu strike-slip fault, inferring that the lower crust delamination was initially triggered by sinistral motion of the Tan-Lu fault at ~130Ma. Due to an eastward development of regional lithospheric delamination, the Jiaozhou bimodal volcanic succession was formed owing to the regional geothermal gradient increase and lithosphere thinning. The recognition of contrasting andesitic suites in the Qingshan volcanic succession and their temporal trend provide additional evidence for lower crust delamination during the early Cretaceous in the North China craton and new constraints on its lithosphere thinning model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Precise Sr, Nd and Hf isotopic data are important indicators in deciphering the evolution of magmatic rocks and their source. However, such data are difficult to obtain for kimberlite, since these rocks are commonly contaminated by both crustal and mantle materials and also show extensive alteration and weathering following emplacement. In this study, numerous kimberlitic samples from Mengyin in northeast China were selected for U–Pb dating and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic analysis of perovskite. In situ U–Pb analyses of fresh perovskite yield an age of 470±4 Ma, which is considered the emplacement age of the Mengyin kimberlite. However, the altered perovskite shows Pb loss and yields Paleozoic-Mesozoic ages, indicating that perovskite is not as strongly resistant to isotopic modification as previously thought. In situ Sr–Nd isotopic analyses by laser ablation of perovskite grains collected from the main Mengyin kimberlite record uniform Sr and Nd isotopic compositions with an average initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.70371±12 and ε Nd(t) value of 0.13±0.22, which are identical, within uncertainties, to the values obtained by solution analyses. However, they are significantly different from comparable data obtained from whole rock samples, indicating that initial Sr–Nd isotopic ratios calculated from whole rock measurements on kimberlites are likely to record mixed isotopic signatures, due to crustal contamination and/or subsequent alteration. This conclusion is also supported by the Hf isotopic data for perovskite. Meaningful isotopic ratios for kimberlite can therefore only be obtained from single minerals such as pervoskite. The Mengyin samples investigated in this study have isotopic compositions similar to the Group I kimberlite, as defined in Southern Africa, and are interpreted to reflect derivation from a primitive mantle source. Combined with the fact that the Mengyin kimberlites were emplaced coevally with regional lithospheric uplift in the Ordovician at ∼470 Ma, it is proposed that a mantle plume triggered kimberlite magmatism in this part of the North China Craton. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Great Xing''an Range in northeastern China is characterized by large-scale Mesozoic magmatism, and forms a key part of the NE-trending Mesozoic magmatic belt in East China. However, only limited precise age data for the volcanic rocks in this belt were previously available, which significantly hampers understanding of the petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of these rocks. Systematic dating of volcanic rocks in the Great Xing''an Range was undertaken in order to rectify this situation. The Mesozoic volcanic rocks in the area have been sub-divided into the Tamulangou, Shangkuli and Yilieke formations. The Tamulangou and Yiliekede formations are composed of basalt and basaltic andesite, whereas the Shangkuli Formation consists of rhyolite and dacite. Zircon U–Pb and whole rock 40Ar/39Ar dating, combined with published data, indicate that the Tamulangou Formation was formed over a large time interval from the Early Jurassic to Early Cretaceous; it should therefore not be regarded as a single stratigraphic unit. In contrast, volcanic rocks of the Shangkuli and Yiliekede formations were erupted in the Early Cretaceous, between 125–115 Ma. Overall, most Mesozoic volcanic rocks in the Great Xing''an Range were erupted during the Early Cretaceous with an age peak at ∼125 Ma, coeval with the time of lithospheric thinning in the eastern part of the North China Craton. Therefore, the Great Xing''an Range constitutes an important area that records a significant Early Cretaceous giant igneous event in eastern China. It is possible that this activity was related to subduction of the Pacific plate during the Late Mesozoic, as has been suggested to explain crustal thinning of the North China Craton. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The western end of the Proterozoic Jiangnan orogen is located at the Northern Guangxi, South China. Neoproterozoic granitoids are dominant (>90%) in the area, with ca. 8% being the mafic-ultramafic rocks. The generation of these igneous rocks was previously considered to be related to a mantle plume (or superplume) event that led to the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent. In this work, we present new laser ablation-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon data for the igneous rocks from Northern Guangxi. The ages for the Zhaigun, Bendong, Dongma, Sanfang and Tianpeng granitic plutons are 835.8±2.5, 822.7±3.8, 824±13, 804.3±5.2 and 794.2±8.1Ma, respectively, and the Hejiawan layered diabases are 811.5±4.8Ma. These ages indicate a broad duration of magmatic activities (ca. 35million years), inconsistent with plume models that predict widespread magmatic eruption and emplacement within period of 1–5million years. The granitoids in Northern Guangxi are typical S-type granites with high ACNK values (1.10–1.87), and are generally plotted in the collision-related areas in the tectonic discrimination diagrams. They should not be the products of the mantle plume activity. On the contrary, they might be related with the continent–continent collisional orogeny between the Yangtze and Cathysia blocks. A total of eight spot analyses of zircon cores and two from single zircon xenoliths gave early Neoproterozoic ages ranging from ca. 870–950Ma. These ages might record subduction or collision-related magmatic events during 950–870Ma in Northern Guangxi. Combined with previous geochronological and geochemical data, our new dating results support post-collisional extension, instead of mantle plume or superplume model, for the genesis of 835–800Ma granites and mafic rocks in Northern Guangxi. The upwelling of deep mantle due to the detachment of subducted slab and the delamination of the lithosphere might cause partial melting of the continental crust to generate S-type granites. The continent–continent collisional orogenic event along the Jiangnan orogen may have spanned ca. 70million years from 870 to 800Ma, and the early Neoproterozoic subduction might last for ca. 130million years. It is proposed that South China might have been located at the western margin in the Rodinia supercontinent during the period of ca. 870–800Ma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The quartz monzodiorites are contemporaneous with the UHT pelitic granulites. • The quartz monzodiorites formed by differentiation of mantle-derived magma. • Crust–mantle interaction at ca. 1.93 Ga in the Helanshan Complex. Insights into crust–mantle interaction in continental collisional orogens is key to understanding high- and ultrahigh-temperature (HT–UHT) metamorphism, continental crustal growth, and the tectonic evolution of such orogens. Here, we present whole-rock major- and trace-element and Nd isotope geochemistry, as well as zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotope data, for quartz monzodiorites from the Helanshan Complex to constrain their petrogenesis and draw implications regarding crust–mantle interaction during formation of the Khondalite Belt in the North China Craton. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating yields crystallization ages of 1938–1931 Ma for three samples, contemporaneous with spinel-bearing UHT pelitic granulites from the Helanshan Complex. The quartz monzodiorite samples have variable whole-rock compositions, with relatively low SiO 2 (low to 51.41 wt.%) but high MgO (up to 5.05 wt.%) and Cr (up to 80.9 ppm) contents, as well as high Mg# values (up to 0.50), which suggest their derivation from the mantle. These samples exhibit a narrow range of ε Nd (t) values of −0.3 to + 1.0, with no decrease as decreasing whole-rock MgO content, and variable zircon ε Hf (t) values of −2.4 to + 5.8. In addition, Mg# values of hornblende and biotite, and X an values of plagioclase decrease gradually with increasing whole-rock SiO 2 content. All of these geochemical data indicate that the studied quartz monzodiorites were produced by fractional crystallization of mantle-derived magma, with assimilation of crustal material. On the basis of previously published data in the Khondalite Belt, the Helanshan quartz monzodiorites formed in the post-collisional setting, and record a tectonic transition from compression to extension during the period ca. 1.95–1.93 Ga. The emplacement of mantle-derived magma that formed the quartz monzodiorites through differentiation at ca. 1.93 Ga, was possibly responsible for the formation of ca. 1.93 Ga UHT rocks in the Helanshan Complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cytogenetic abnormalities have been proven to be the most valuable parameter for risk stratification of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, studies on the prevalence of cytogenetic abnormalities and their correlation to clinical features in Chinese pediatric patients are limited, especially large-scale studies., Methods: We collected the cytogenetics and clinical data of 1541 children newly diagnosed with ALL between 2001 and 2014 in four Chinese hospitals, and retrospectively analyzed their clinical features, prognosis and risk factors associated with pediatric ALL., Results: All of these patients had karyotyping results, and some of them were tested for fusion genes by fluorescence in situ hybridization or reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Overall, 930 cases (60.4%) had abnormal cytogenetics in this study, mainly including high hyperdiploidy (HHD, n=276, 17.9%), hypodiploidy (n=74, 4.8%), t(12;21)/TEL-AML1 (n=260, 16.9%), t(1;19)/E2A-PBX1 (n=72, 4.7%), t(9;22)/BCR-ABL (n=64, 4.2%), and t(v;11q23)/MLL rearrangements (n=40, 2.6%). The distribution of each cytogenetic abnormality was correlated with gender, age, white blood cell count at diagnosis, and immunophenotype. In addition, multivariate analysis suggested that t(v;11q23)/MLL rearrangements (OR: 2.317, 95%CI: 1.219-3.748, P=0.008) and t(9;22)/BCR-ABL (OR: 2.519, 95%CI: 1.59-3.992, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for a lower event-free survival (EFS) rate in children with ALL, while HHD (OR: 0.638, 95%CI: 0.455-0.894, P=0.009) and t(12;21)/TEL-AML1 (OR: 0.486, 95%CI: 0.333-0.707, P<0.001) were independent factors of a favorable EFS., Conclusion: The cytogenetic characteristics presented in our study resembled other research groups, emphasizing the important role of cytogenetic and molecular genetic classification in ALL, especially in B-ALL., (© 2021. Huazhong University of Science and Technology.)

Etanercept biosimilar recombinant human tumour necrosis factor-α receptor II: IgG Fc fusion protein (rhTNFR-Fc, trade name Yisaipu) has shown good efficacy in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. To compare the efficacy and safety of rhTNFR-Fc plus methotrexate (MTX) and rhTNFR-Fc plus placebo in Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. In this multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive rhTNFR-Fc plus MTX or rhTNFR-Fc plus placebo. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving Psoriasis Area and Severity Index improvement of at least 75% (PASI 75) from baseline at week 24. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded to evaluate safety. Efficacy analysis was performed using the intent-to-treat principle. A total of 466 patients were enrolled and randomly received rhTNFR-Fc plus MTX (combination group, n = 233) or rhTNFR-Fc plus placebo (monotherapy group, n = 233). PASI 75 at week 24 was significantly higher in the combination group than in the monotherapy group (81.86% vs. 65.50%, p < 0.001). Similar results were observed in other PASI improvement scores at week 12 [PASI 75, 62.39% vs. 44.54% (p < 0.001); PASI 50, 87.17% vs. 75.55% (p = 0.001); and PASI 90, 34.07% vs. 18.78% (p < 0.001)] and week 24 [PASI 50, 92.48% vs. 85.59% (p = 0.019); and PASI 90, 64.16% vs. 42.36% (p < 0.001)]. Significantly more patients had a static Physicians' Global Assessment of clear or almost clear in the combination group than in the monotherapy group at week 12 (26.46% vs. 12.50%, p < 0.001) and week 24 (62.38% vs. 40.83%, p < 0.001). The most common AEs in the two groups were upper respiratory tract infection and abnormal liver function. The combination therapy of rhTNFR-Fc plus MTX was an effective therapy for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile, indicating that it was feasible and well tolerated for patients.

Objective: To study the long-term efficacy of CCLG-ALL2008 protocol used for treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)., Methods: Nine hundred and forty children with newly diagnosed ALL from January 2008 to April 2015 were treated with CCLG-ALL2008 protocol. Overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) rates were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards model was used for analyses of prognostic factors., Results: Among the 940 newly diagnosed ALL patients, 570 patients were male, and 370 patients were female, the median age of onset was 5 years old (from 1 to 15 years old). The complete reaction rate (CR) was 96.7%. Survival analysis of 916 ALL patients with CR estimated by follow up [ (median follow up period 64 months (from 3 to 123 months) ] showed that, the expected 10 year OS rate was (78.6±1.5)% and the EFS rate was (66.0±1.8)%. The long-term OS rate of standard risk, intermediate risk and high risk patients was (93.0±1.5)%, (77.6±2.7)%, and (59.3±3.7)%, respectively, and the long-term EFS rate in standard risk, intermediate risk and high risk patients was (84.2±2.2)%. (67.8±2.9)%, and (42.1±3.9)% respectively. 10 year OS rate in B-ALL patients (79.8±1.6)% was significantly higher than that in T-ALL patients (53.5±6.3)% (P＜0.01). Among of all the patients, patients 201 (21.9%) relapsed, the median relapse time was 19 months (from 2 months to 81 months). The 10 year EFS rate was (81.7±3.7）% in the patients with MRD rate ＜0.01% after induction therapy, which was significantly higher than that in the patients with MRD rate＞0.01% (48.4±9.8)%., Conclusion: The therapeutic efficacy of the CCLG-ALL2008 protocol is closed to the level of supior study group in the world. Risk stratification can improve the outcome for childhood ALL. Immunophenotyping shows the outcome of B-ALL is better than that of T-ALL. MRD negative patients after induction therapy shows better prognosis compared with that of MRD positive patients.

Sustainable agricultural development is urgently required to satisfy future food demands while decreasing environmental costs. Intercropping can increase per-unit farmland productivity through a resource-efficient utilization. However, the fate of N in intercropping systems remains unclear. To study the yield advantages and the fate of N in additive maize-soybean relay intercropping (IMS) systems, we quantified crop yield, soil N transformation abilities, soil bacterial abundances, and the fate of 15 N. This study was conducted using three planting patterns, namely, monoculture maize (Zea mays L.) (MM), monoculture soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) (MS), and IMS, and two N application rates, specifically, no N and applied N (N 1 , 45 and 135 kg N ha -1 for MS and MM, correspondingly; and N for the IMS, which was the sum of the monocultures). Results showed that a higher per-unit farmland productivity and a lower land use intensity are attained in the intercropping system than in the corresponding monocultures. In addition, land equivalent ratio (LER) ranges from 1.85 to 2.20. Moreover, the fate of 15 N showed that the N uptake and residual are the highest, whereas N loss in the IMS is the lowest among all planting patterns. Intercropping had an increased N use efficiency by increasing N utilization efficiency, rather than N uptake efficiency. The abundance of ammonia oxidizer and denitrifier indicated that IMS improves the structure of soil microorganisms. Furthermore, the transformation abilities of soil N denoted that intercropping strengthens ammonifying and nitrifying capacities to increase soil N residual while decreasing ammonia volatilization and N 2 O emission. Finally, the greenhouse warming potential and gas intensity of N 2 O were significantly lower in the IMS than in the corresponding monocultures. In summary, the IMS system provides an environmentally friendly approach to increasing farmland productivity., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has developed as a preferable choice for optimizing the stenting procedures mainly because it will have good access to vessel size, lesion length, or severity accurately. However, it still remains unclear about the benefits of IVUS guidance in drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation for patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) stenosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes with respect to IVUS-guided DES implantation for these patients., Methods: A total of 336 consecutive patients from December 2010 to December 2015 were enrolled in the study. The patients were then randomly assigned into two groups: IVUS-guided group (n=167) and control group (n=169). The primary endpoint was the incidence of composite major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), including cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target vessel revascularization (TVR). The risk of stent thrombosis (ST) was chosen as the safety endpoint., Results: After a 1-year follow-up, the occurrence of composite MACE in the IVUS-guided group was significantly lower than that in the control group (13.2% vs. 21.9%, p=0.031), which might mainly result from the significant reduction in the risk of cardiac death (1.8% vs. 5.9%, p=0.048). Dramatically, the risk of MI did not differ significantly between the two groups (11.4% vs. 13.6%, p=0.478), though a tended reduction in TVR was observed under IVUS guidance (4.2% vs. 8.9%, p=0.068). There was no statistical significance between the two groups with respect to the risk of target lesion revascularization (IVUS-guided vs. control: 1.2% vs. 3.0%, p=0.239) and ST (IVUS-guided vs. control: 1.2% vs. 3.0%, p=0.246)., Conclusion: The possible feasibility of IVUS-guided DES implantation for patients with ULMCA stenosis was supported by the present study. Larger and more powerful randomized trials were still warranted to research the whole benefits of IVUS guidance for these patients.

A novel halophilic bacterium, strain GSS13 T , capable of growing at salinities of 8-28 % (w/v) NaCl (optimally at 24 %, w/v) was isolated from Yuncheng Saline Lake in China. GSS13 T was Gram-stain-positive, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, motile and a non-spore-former. Growth occurred at pH 5.5-8.5 (optimum pH 7.0) and at 10-45 °C (optimum 30 °C). On the basis of the results of 16S rRNA gene sequences phylogenetic analyses, GSS13 T represents a member of the genus Salibacterium and is closely related to Salibacterium halotolerans S7 T , Salibacterium qingdaonense CM1 T and Salibacterium halochares MSS4 T , with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 98.7, 98.4 and 97.9 %, respectively. The results of DNA-DNA pairing studies revealed that GSS13 T displayed 52, 43 and 48 % relatedness to S. halotolerans S7 T , S. qingdaonense CM1 T and S. halochares MSS4 T , respectively. The polar lipids of GSS13 consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol unidentified glycolipids, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified lipid. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7, and the major fatty acids were anteiso-C17 : 0 (32.0 %) and anteiso C15 : 0 (26.4 %). The DNA G+C content of the type strain was 52.1 mol%. On the basis of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, a novel species of the genus Salibacterium is proposed, with the name Salibacterium lacus sp. nov. The type strain is GSS13 T (=KCTC 33792 T =MCCC 1K00567 T ).

Before 1986, the development of tissue banking in China has been slow and relatively uncoordinated. Under the support of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Tissue Banking in China experienced rapid development. In this period, China Institute for Radiation Protection tissue bank mastered systematic and modern tissue banking technique by IAEA training course and gradually developed the first regional tissue bank (Shanxi Provincial Tissue Bank, SPTB) to provide tissue allograft. Benefit from training course, SPTB promoted the development of tissue transplantation by ways of training, brochure, advertisement and meeting. Tissue allograft transplantation acquired recognition from clinic and supervision and administration from government. Quality system gradually is developing and perfecting. Tissue allograft transplantation and tissue bank are developing rapidly and healthy.

Objective: To investigate the recent emerged endemic region of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) regarding its natural reserves, in Charles Hilary, northern Xinjiang and to isolate and characterize the viral geographic strain., Methods: Using indirect fluorescent assay to detect tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) specific IgG antibodies from serum of local residents including 2 unconfirmed viral encephalitis patients in 2011 spring-summer. Viruses were isolated from tick samples by inoculating BALB/c mice and BHK-21 cells. For phylogenetic analysis. TBEV NS1 gene fragments were detected by RT-PCR and then subjected to sequence alignment., Results: 1760 ticks were captured from the fields to have found that Ixodes persulcatus were dominated among the tick population. Two viral encephalitis patients were diagnosed as TBEV infection. In addition, 35.4% (23/65) local residents were detected positive for presence of TBEV specific-IgG antibodies in serum. After inoculation, morbidity and mortality of BALB/c mice were 72.9% (70/96) and 55.7% (44/79), respectively. TBEV specific-fragments were amplified from brain tissue of dead mice and cells culture supernatant. NS1 sequence alignment showed that the viral isolates were clustered into TBEV far-eastern sub-type, phylogenetically, and were mostly close to the isolates from northeastern China (99%) and Russian strain (98%)., Conclusion: In this study, a new endemic loci of TBE was firstly described in Charles Hilary natural reserve, northern Xinjiang. TBEV geographic isolates belonged to TBEV far-eastern subtype while Ixodes persulcatus and Dermacentor silvarum played crucial roles for disease transition.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) occurs with high frequency in Asian populations, especially among people of Cantonese ancestry. In areas with high incidence, NPC clusters in families, which suggests that both geography and genetics may influence disease risk. Although the HLA-Bw46 locus is associated with increased risk of NPC, no predisposing genes have been identified so far. Here we report the results of a genome-wide search carried out in families at high risk of NPC from Guangdong Province, China. Parametric analyses provide evidence of linkage to the D4S405 marker on chromosome 4 with a logarithm of odds for linkage (lod) score of 3.06 and a heterogeneity-adjusted lod (hlod) score of 3.21. Fine mapping with additional markers flanking D4S405 resulted in a lod score of 3.54 and hlod score of 3.67 for the region 4p15.1-q12. Multipoint nonparametric linkage analysis gives lod scores of 3.54 at D4S405 (P = 5.4 x 10(-5)) and 4.2 at D4S3002 (P = 1.1 x 10(-5)), which is positioned 4.5 cM away from D4S405. When Epstein Barr virus antibody titer was included as a covariate, the lod scores reached 4.70 (P = 2.0 x 10(-5)) and 5.36 (P = 4.36 x 10(-6)) for D4S405 and D4S3002, respectively. Our findings provide evidence of a major susceptibility locus for NPC on chromosome 4 in a subset of families.