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Although the planktonic eukaryotic community (PEC) is an important component of freshwater ecosystems and plays an important ecological role, the impact of artificial water ecological modification on PEC has not been fully evaluated. To analyze the impact of lotus planting on the structure of PEC in urban park ponds, in this study, we analyzed the differences in PECs in different regions (artificial fountain region, potted lotus region, and direct lotus planting region) of an urban pond in subtropical China before and after lotus planting in the short term (~10 d) and for more than a month. Our results indicated that more than a month after planting lotuses, there were evident differences in the compositions of PECs in the three regions. Although there was no significant difference in operational taxonomic unit number and Chao1 indices before and after planting lotuses, planting lotuses significantly increased the Shannon index of the PECs. Moreover, different planting modes of lotuses can alter the structure of PECs after more than a month of growth, and planting lotuses can continuously strengthen the interconnection of various organisms in the PECs. These results expand our understanding of the impacts of artificial ecological modifications on the structure of PECs in urban ponds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the absorption capacity of Suaeda heteroptera for heavy metals in coastal wetlands under tidal conditions, a tidal simulation device for Suaeda heteroptera habitat was designed based on the field conditions of Red Beach in China to investigate the absorption capacity of Suaeda heteroptera at different growth stages for heavy metals. The results showed that the on-site data monitoring at the Red Beach of Panjin in China revealed that zinc had the highest detected values in the water, sediment, and Suaeda heteroptera samples, and the absorption of heavy metals followed the order of Zn > Pb > Cu. Under tidal simulation conditions, the maximum absorption values of copper, lead, and zinc by Suaeda heteroptera at different growth stages were in the order of Zn > Pb > Cu, with metal content of 59.72 mg/kg, 46.73 mg/kg, and 15.70 mg/kg, respectively. These findings were consistent with the trend observed in the on-site monitoring data, and the values in the early growth stage were higher than those in the later growth stage. This result reveals the absorption capacity of Suaeda heteroptera for heavy metals and provides a theoretical basis and data support for wetland ecological restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a large number of microplastics (MPs) appeared in the aquatic environment, causing serious pollution. In order to study the influence of MP concentrations on freshwater zooplankton, polystyrene microspheres (PS) of 0.5 μm were used in this study as experimental reagents, and Moina macrocopa, which was dominant zooplankton in the Pearl River Basin of China, was selected as the experimental object. The experiment was divided into four treatment groups plus a control group, and it was conducted for 15 days. The treatment groups had MP concentrations of 10, 10², 10³ and 104 pieces/mL. The survival time, reproduction rate, the total offspring, and the time of first pregnancy of Moina macrocopa were counted every day, and the intrinsic growth rate, generation time, and net reproduction rate were calculated. The results showed that the survival time of Moina macrocopa decreased with the increase of the MP concentration, and the MP concentration had more influence on the reproduction rate. Except for the 10 pieces/mL treatment group, no reproduction occurred in other treatment groups, and the reproduction rate gradually decreased with the increase of age. The life table showed that only the control group and the 10 pieces/mL treatment group had an intrinsic growth rate, and the intrinsic growth rate of the treatment group was far lower than that of the control group. Our experimental results provide basic data and a theoretical basis for further understanding the toxic effects of MPs on freshwater zooplankton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Surgical management is the mainstay of treatment for tumours in the parapharyngeal space. This study aimed to evaluate the indications, limits and technical nuances of the endoscopic transoral approach. Method: Thirteen patients with parapharyngeal space tumours that were treated between May 2017 and November 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Results: All patients underwent surgery for complete oncological resection except one patient who received treatment for diagnostic purposes. No major complications were reported, with excellent control of the vital structures of the parapharyngeal space. Conclusion: The endoscopic transoral approach to the parapharyngeal space is a promising alternative approach for selected parapharyngeal space tumours with satisfactory outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of long-term fertilization on soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and soybean yield stability were studied in semiarid areas of China for optimizing soil fertilization and obtaining stable and efficient soybean yield. SOC, TN, and soybean yields in different soil layers were measured after performing nine fertilization treatments for 5 consecutive years. The results showed that CK treatment (1,264.2 kg·hm-2) was significantly lower than other treatments. Under the combination of organic and inorganic treatments, the interannual variation of soybean yield under treatment with organic fertilizer combined with nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer was smaller, while the stability and sustainability indices were higher. The organic carbon and TN contents in surface soil (0-20 cm) showed an increasing trend with different fertilization. There was a significant positive linear correlation between SOC and TN contents in topsoil (0-20 cm) (P < 0.01; correlation coefficient = 0.947**). The yield of soybean increased with the increase of SOC and TN contents in topsoil (0-20 cm), with a significant positive correlation between them (P < 0.05). The yield of soybean increased with the increase of SOC and TN contents in surface soil (20-40 cm), although no significant positive correlation between SOC and TN contents was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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To define the role of organic or inorganic fertilizers in the stability and sustainability of soil organic carbon (SOC) and crop yield, we examined changes in SOC and crop yield, as well as their correlation, in nine different fertilization treatments (sheep manure [M], sheep manure and urea [MN], sheep manure and diammonium phosphate [MP], sheep manure, urea, and diammonium phosphate [MNP], urea and diammonium phosphate [NP], urea and potassium sulfate [NK], diammonium phosphate and potassium sulfate [PK], diammonium phosphate, urea, and potassium sulfate [NPK], no fertilizer [CK]) from 2015 to 2018 on the Loess Plateau. The organic carbon content was higher in organic fertilizer (M, MNP, MP, MN) than in inorganic fertilizer treatments (NP, NPK, NK, PK) and the control. Crop yield was higher for organic than for inorganic fertilizers, whereas that of the control was always lower than those in the fertilization treatments. The highest crop yield was obtained in MNP. Crop yield and soil organic matter quality score correlated positively, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.5994 to 0.7151. Our results provide a theoretical basis for organic and inorganic fertilizer application in dry farming areas on the Loess Plateau and aid the long-term healthy development of soil in cultivated areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate the incidence of urinary incontinence (UI), including its subtypes stress UI (SUI), urgency UI (UUI) and mixed UI (MUI), and to examine risk factors for de novo SUI and UUI in Chinese women. Design: Nationwide longitudinal study. Setting: Six geographic regions of China. Participants: Women aged ≥20 years old were included using a multistage, stratified, cluster sampling method. Methods: This study was conducted between May 2014 and March 2016, with follow up in 2018. Data on demographics, medical history, lifestyle and physiological and anthropometric information were collected. Main outcome measurements: Incidence, rate ratio (RR). Results: Analyses included 24 985 women (mean age 41.9 years).The follow‐up response rate was 55.5%, median follow‐up time was 3.7 years. The standardised incidences of UI, SUI, UUI and MUI were 21.2, 13.1, 3.0 and 5.1 per 1000 person‐years, respectively. Risk factors for de novo SUI included delivery pattern (vaginal spontaneous delivery RR 2.12, 95% CI 1.62–2.78 and instrumental delivery RR 3.30, 95% CI 1.99–5.45), high body mass index (BMI) (overweight RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.33–1.74 and obesity RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.32–2.11), cigarette smoking (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.12–2.12), chronic cough (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.17–1.76), diabetes (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.10–1.60) and older age (50–59 years RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.16–1.90 and 60–69 years RR 1.61, 95% CI 1.22–2.13).The risk factors significantly associated with de novo UUI were age (RR increased from 1.21, 95% CI 0.74–1.99, at 30–39 years to 6.3, 95% CI 3.85–10.30, at >70 years) and diabetes (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.05–2.09). Conclusions: The incidence of female UI is 21.2 per 1000 person‐years in China. Delivery (vaginal spontaneous delivery, instrumental delivery), high BMI, cigarette smoking, chronic cough, diabetes and older age were risk factors. The incidence of female urinary incontinence was 21.2 per 1000 person‐years in China. Delivery, BMI, diabetes and old age are risk factors. The incidence of female urinary incontinence was 21.2 per 1000 person‐years in China. Delivery, BMI, diabetes and old age are risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The frail elderly have an increased risk of frailty because of reduced physical activity, cognitive ability and quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the effects of integrated exercise intervention on the attenuation of frailty in elderly nursing home residents. Design: This study was a cluster randomized controlled trial. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: 146 elderly frailty people from 8 elderly nursing homes in Harbin, China, were randomly assigned into the intervention group and control group after obtaining their informed consent. Intervention: The intervention group performed integrated exercise interventions for 12 months, while the control group only continued with their daily activities. Measurements: Sociodemographic, health-related data, frailty levels, gait parameters, cognition, and quality of life were evaluated. Results: The mean age of participants was 80.74± 2.89 years, and 70.37% (n=95) were female. The Difference-in-difference regression showed that, compared with the control group, phenotypic frailty score (β3 =−1.40, p < 0.001) and stride time (β3 = −0.38, p < 0.001) decreased significantly in the intervention group, stride velocity (β3 = 0.24, p < 0.001), step length (β3 = 0.08, p <0.001), cadence (β3 = 17.79, p < 0.001), MMSE total score (β3 = 1.90, p < 0.001) and QOL total score (β3 = 11.84, p < 0.001) increased significantly in the intervention group. Conclusion: The integrated exercise intervention can effectively improve the attenuation of frailty, gait parameters, cognitive function, and quality of life in elderly nursing homes. We can use the findings of this study as a reference for the design of activities for the elderly nursing home residents, to provide them with appropriate exercises, improve their physical functions, and improve or delay their frailty level, which is principally important for developing countries in east Asia where rehabilitation resources are generally scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of phytoplankton functional groups (PFGs) of the Dongta spawning grounds in the Pearl River, China, quarterly surveys of this area were carried out during March, 2016 to December, 2018, and the ecological status was analyzed and evaluated according to PFGs assemblage index (Q index). 26 PFGs were identified, and the dominant PFGs were C, D, J, K, L0, MP, N, P, S1, S2, T, W1, W2, X2, Y in this area. Phytoplankton Q indexes varied from 1.83 to 3.73, with the mean value 2.91, which showed that the ecological status of the Dongta spawning grounds was “medium” and “good”, but parts occasionally were “tolerable”. Temporally, the general ecological status was good in March and June, but it was medium in September and December. Basing on our study, the results showed that: (1) factors including water velocity (V), DO, Chla, phosphate, oxidation reduction potential, total phosphorus, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid and salinity were significantly correlated with the dominant PFGs; (2) the phytoplankton Q index was significantly correlated with the V. It was suggested that after the construction and operation of Datengxia Water Dam and its upper reaches cascade dams, attention should be paid to regulate the water flow and velocity in the lower reaches of the river by means of ecological operation, so as to ensure the functions of the spawning grounds and protect the fishery conservation zones in the mainstream of the Pearl River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the prevalence, risk factors and burden of symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in adult Chinese women.Design: A nationwide cross-sectional study.Setting: Six geographic regions of mainland China.Participants: Women aged ≥20 years old were included using a multistage, stratified, cluster sampling method from February 2014 through March 2016.Methods: We conducted a nationwide epidemiological survey. 'Symptomatic POP' was determined by a screening questionnaire and physical examination.Main Outcome Measurements: Prevalence, odds ratio (OR).Results: A total of 55 477 women (response rate, 92.5%; mean age, 45.1 years old) were included. The prevalence of symptomatic POP was 9.6% (95% CI 9.3-9.8%) and it increased with age in each stage (P < 0.05). Symptomatic POP-Q stage II, which mainly involved anterior compartment prolapse, was the most common (7.52%). Minor/moderate burden of symptomatic POP was the most common, with a prevalence of 9.7% (95% CI 9.5-10.0%). The odds for each type of symptomatic POP increased with age (>50 vs 20-29 years old in symptomatic POP-Q stage II or higher, OR increased from 1.34 [95% CI 1.32-1.45] to 7.34 [95% CI 4.34-12.41]) and multiple vaginal deliveries (multiparous [≥3] vs nulliparous in symptomatic POP-Q stage II or higher, OR increased from 1.91 [1.71-2.13] to 2.78 [2.13-3.64]).Conclusions: We found a lower prevalence of symptomatic POP than that found in other surveys. The main type of symptomatic POP was anterior compartment prolapse, indicating that it should be considered first. Older age and multiple vaginal deliveries increased the odds of each type of symptomatic POP.Tweetable Abstract: The prevalence of female symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) was 9.6% in China. It is related to old age and multiple vaginal deliveries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The source region of the Yellow River, located in the north-eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is an important water conservation region and ecological barrier of the Yellow River. In this paper, based on remote sensing technology, multi-period Landsat remote sensing images in the source region were taken as the main information source. With the assistance of field investigation, we monitored the spatial and temporal changes of desertification in the source region from 2000 to 2019. The results show that the area of desertification in the source region has accounted for 9.36% of the total area, of which the light desertification land is the major portion. The desertification is mainly distributed between the southern margin of Madoi Valley basin and the northern margin of Heihe Valley basin, and is distributed on the river valleys, lakesides, ancient rivers and piedmont proluvial fan, showing the form of patches, sheets and belts. The growth rate of desertification in the source region was 87.47% from 2000 to 2010. With a high growth rate, the process of desertification was represented by the rapid spread of desertification. From 2010 to 2019, the growth rate of desertification was 37.32%, which was relatively slow. But the moderate desertification land maintained a straight linear growth trend, showing an increasing trend of desertification degree. Through the analysis of the driving factors of desertification in the source region of the Yellow River, this paper argues that the special geographical location, climatic factors, rodent damages and human activities are the main causes of desertification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantation-grown Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) and other trees residing in the Myrtales have been widely planted in southern China. These fungal pathogens include species of Cryphonectriaceae that are well-known to cause stem and branch canker disease on Myrtales trees. During recent disease surveys in southern China, sporocarps with typical characteristics of Cryphonectriaceae were observed on the surfaces of cankers on the stems and branches of Myrtales trees. In this study, a total of 164 Cryphonectriaceae isolates were identified based on comparisons of DNA sequences of the partial conserved nuclear large subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions including the 5.8S gene of the ribosomal DNA operon, two regions of the ß-tubulin (tub2/tub1) gene, and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) gene region, as well as their morphological characteristics. The results showed that eight species reside in four genera of Cryphonectriaceae occurring on the genera Eucalyptus, Melastoma (Melastomataceae), Psidium (Myrtaceae), Syzygium (Myrtaceae), and Terminalia (Combretaceae) in Myrtales. These fungal species include Chrysoporthe deuterocubensis, Celoporthe syzygii, Cel. eucalypti, Cel. guangdongensis, Cel. cerciana, a new genus and two new species, as well as one new species of Aurifilum. These new taxa are hereby described as Parvosmorbus gen. nov., Par. eucalypti sp. nov., Par. guangdongensis sp. nov., and Aurifilum terminali sp. nov. Pathogenicity tests showed that the eight species of Cryphonectriaceae are pathogenic to two Eucalyptus hybrid seedlings, Melastoma sanguineum branches, and Psidium guajava and Syzygium jambos seedlings. The overall data showed that Chr. deuterocubensis is the most aggressive, followed by Par. eucalypti. Significant differences in tolerance were observed between the two tested Eucalyptus hybrid genotypes, suggesting that disease-tolerant genotypes can be selected for disease management in the Eucalyptus industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed saline-alkali paddy sois of different reclamation durations in the western Jilin Province of China to identify the distribution and variation of humus components so as to provide a scientific basis for rationally utilizing land resources. Test samples were collected from the former Guoerluosi irrigation area in western Jilin. Paddies with five different farming durations (1, 10, 20, 30 and 55 years) under which single-cropping rice was planted from May to October every year and where all other conditions were common, were selected as the test plots. The results showed that: (1) The ratio of Soil Humus content to organic carbon in paddy field with different cultivation years showed humin > humus carbon > humic acid > fulvic acid, and the content of Humus and its components decreased gradually with the deepening of soil layer; (2) Soil humus components were closely correlated with the content of organic carbon in soil as the regeneration and activation of soil humus had a direct bearing on the variations of the organic carbon pool in soil; (3) The HA/FA and PQ values of saline-alkali paddy soil were positively correlated with farming duration, with the biggest increase in the 20-30 cm soil layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In previous epidemiological study, the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) was 12.94% among children aged 1–7 years by clinical diagnosis, whereas that was 4.76% and 3.51% using U.K., and Hanifin and Rajka diagnostic criteria. Objective: We aimed to propose new diagnostic criteria for children and evaluate its efficiency in different populations. Methods: We screened atopic features and analysed their correlation with AD using data from a previous study. A new set of diagnostic criteria for children in China was proposed and validated in 1031 children in outpatient clinics and 538 children in a birth cohort survey. Clinical diagnosis and atopic feature evaluation were performed face to face by dermatologists specialized in AD. Three criteria were compared for diagnostic efficiency using the clinical diagnosis as the reference. Results: The new diagnostic criteria for children were based on (i) pruritus; (ii) 'typical morphology and distribution' or 'atypical morphology and distribution with xerosis'; and (iii) a chronic or chronically relapsing course. Compared to classical diagnostic criteria, the sensitivity of the new diagnostic criteria was significantly higher in the epidemiological survey and the clinical setting, especially obvious among mild and moderate AD. In the birth cohort, the new criteria showed similar sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: The new criteria for children yielded higher sensitivity for the diagnosis of AD in the epidemiological survey and clinical setting, particularly for mild and moderate AD. Among the birth cohort with a complete medical history, three criteria showed similar sensitivity and specificity. Linked Commentary: T. Bieber. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: 438–439. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16223. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural patterns and the seasonal dynamics of fishery species were studied in the Bohai Sea, based on fishery-independent data surveyed in each season sampling stations. A total of 88 fishery species belonging to 64 families were recorded, in detail 43 fishes, 29 crustaceans, 12 molluscas, three echinoderms and one species of scyphozoan. Among them, 21 species commonly found throughout the study period defined as 'common' species, and eight species those were the highest contributors defined as 'dominant' species (based on SIMPER analysis, their cumulative contribution was more than 70%). Maximum abundance was recorded in the summer season while species number was higher in both summer and autumn season. Among the community parameters, species richness (3.79), diversity (2.31) and Simpson indices (0.88) peaked in the autumn season whereas species evenness (0.95) was in the winter. However, species diversity, evenness, and Simpson indices were lower in the summer season (0.57, 0.18 and 0.18, respectively) while species richness was in the winter (1.65). Multivariate PCoA analysis revealed that there was a significant seasonal variation in fisheries assemblages. Furthermore, ANOSIM (Global R = 0.467, P = 0.01) indicated a distinct community structure of fishery species between the four seasons. Thus, this result suggests that fisheries assemblages might be influenced by the seasonal dynamics of the ecological condition of the Bohai Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Currently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been shown to extend the survival of many cancer patients. However, few studies have focused on immune checkpoint inhibition for the treatment of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Here, by screening at an early stage, we obtained a strain of anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) that targets programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) does not contain the CH1 and CL fragment. In this study, the role of our novel mAb was tested in the treatment of OSCC in vitro and in vivo. We found that our novel mAb can significantly augment T cell mediated cytokine secretion, target cellular lytic and apoptotic abilities, and inhibit tumor growth and inflammation in vivo. The PD-L1 blockade was accompanied by the inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2, thus suggesting that the PD-L1/PD-1 signaling pathway may play an important immunopreventive role in the tumorigenic properties of OSCC cells by modulating the AKT and ERK1/2 pathways. Additionally, PD-L1 staining was observed both in human OSCC tissues and normal oral mucous tissue adjacent to the tumor, which occurred at different rates. Taken together, these results indicated that our novel anti-PD-1 mAb may be used as a clinical therapy in human OSCC development and progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatio-temporal distribution of forests is related to climate. Pinus sibirica is a native species in areas subject to continental temperate cold climate that favors its growth. This study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the climatic suitability of northeast and northwest China for the introduction of Pinus sibirica. For this purpose, climate of the northeast and northwest China was compared with the climate of Western Siberia (Russia). The Climatic data was obtained from NMKI Climate explorer and China meteorological administration. The Tukey Pairwise Comparison test found that Mohe weather station in northeast China shows (-4.7 °C, -3.26 °C, -5.31 °C and -3.9 °C) resemblance in temperature with three of western Siberian stations where Pinus sibirica is distributed in association with Larix sibirica and Picea obovata. The annual mean precipitation for all the weather stations including Mohe and Huma, China was more than 420 - 609 mm. This specie is also found to grow in various elevations in Western Siberia from 45 to 25 m in Altai Mountains, and from 300 to 700 m in Daxing' anling Mountains. In conclusion, climatic regimes in terms of temperature and precipitation in Daxing' anling Mountains allow the introduction of the Pinus sibirica into northeast China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common skin disorder in infancy. However, the diagnosis and definite significance of infantile AD remains a debated issue. Objective: To analyse the phenotypes of AD in infancy, to establish diagnostic criteria and to estimate the prevalence of this condition in China. Methods: This is a multicentric study, in which 12 locations were chosen from different metropolitan areas of China. Following careful and complete history‐taking and skin examination, the definite diagnosis of AD was made and the severity based on the SCORAD index was determined by local experienced dermatologists. Based on the detailed phenotyping, the major and representative clinical features of infantile AD were selected to establish the diagnostic criteria and evaluate their diagnostic efficacy. Results: A total of 5967 infants were included in this study. The overall point prevalence of AD was 30.48%. The infantile AD developed as early as at the second month of life, and its incidence peaked in the third month of life at 40.81%. The proportion of mild, moderate and severe AD was 67.40%, 30.57% and 2.03%, respectively. The most commonly seen manifestations in the infantile AD were facial dermatitis (72.07%), xerosis (42.72%) and scalp dermatitis (27.93%). We established the novel diagnostic criteria of infants, which included: (i) onset after 2 weeks of birth; (ii) pruritus and/or irritability and sleeplessness comparable with lesions; and (iii) all two items above with one of the following items can reach a diagnosis of AD: (i) eczematous lesions distributed on cheeks and/or scalp and/or extensor limbs, and (ii) eczematous lesions on any other parts of body accompanied by xerosis. Conclusions: In China, the prevalence of AD in infancy is 30.48% according to clinical diagnosis of dermatologists. The novel Chinese diagnostic criteria for AD in infants show a higher sensitivity and comparable specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in a representative sample of postmenopausal Chinese women.Methods: A total of 20,008 postmenopausal Chinese women were recruited to this cross-sectional study between February 2014 and March 2016. The prevalence of symptomatic POP, defined as any stage II or higher POP resulting in symptoms, was assessed using questionnaires and physical examinations. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with symptomatic POP.Results: Among all women with natural menopause included in the study (mean age =61.98 ± 10.62 years), 2962 of 20,008 women (14.80%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 14.3-15.3%) had symptomatic POP. In the multivariate analysis, women were more likely to have symptomatic POP if aged 50-59 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.322, 95% CI 1.123-1.560), 60-69 years (AOR 1.603, 95% CI 1.352-1.907), or above 70 years (AOR 1.824, 95% CI 1.158-2.197), compared with women aged 40-49 years. Having delivered two times (AOR 1.145, 95% CI 1.105-1.292) or three or more times (AOR 1.384, 95% CI 1.214-1.578) was significantly associated with symptomatic POP. Compared with normal weight women, overweight women (AOR 1.365, 95% CI 1.247-1.494) and obese women (AOR 1.548, 95% CI 1.344-1.780) were more likely to have POP. Living in an urban area, smoking, alcohol consumption, cough, constipation, mental labor, physical disease, and gynecological diseases were also associated with symptomatic POP.Conclusions: Symptomatic POP affects nearly 15% of postmenopausal women in China. The prevalence of symptomatic POP increases significantly with age, body mass index, and parity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine rotavirus (PoRV) is one of the major causes of neonatal diarrhea in swine worldwide. Multiple serotypes of PoRV have been detected in diarrhea cases of suckling and weaning pigs. To date, the prevalence and molecular characterizations of PoRV circulating in swine in Shandong province of China remains largely unknown. Two hundred and twenty-six feces samples were collected from ten farms showing diarrhea in Shandong. All the samples were tested by RT-PCR for the presence of PoRV, TGEV, or PEDV. The results showed that all farms are positive for PEDV, and 60% and 10% of the farms are positive for PoRV and TGEV respectively. PoRV was detected in 65 out of 226 (28.76%) samples collected from 1-3 months old suckling and weaning pigs, while the positive rates of the TGEV and PEDV were 2.21% and 34.96%, respectively. The present data emphasized that PoRV is an important pathogen causing diarrhea in swine in China. In addition, VP6 and VP7 genes of PoRVs were sequenced and analyzed. Phylogenetical analysis of VP6 showed that all of the five PoRVs belong to group A rotavirus, meanwhile VP7 genes belong to the G3, G5, and G9 genotypes. Moreover, G5 and G9 genotypes are the dominant genotypes. Taken together, co-infections of TGEV, PEDV, and PoRV occur in pig population in Shandong, and the multiple serotypes of PoRVs are circulating in those herds, suggesting the active surveillance and matched vaccine application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although infection rates may increase after relaxation of the zero COVID strategy, the extensive vaccination campaign in China could potentially curb the spread of COVID-19, which may be associated with a low level of risk perception and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). However, the relationship between vaccination, risk perception and PTSS has not been studied extensively. This study aims to examine the associations between the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses, consistency in the type of each dose and time since vaccination with PTSS, and the mediating role of risk perception on such relationships in China. Cross-sectional sampling with a self-report questionnaire was used to measure vaccination, PTSS and risk perception. The survey was conducted in Beijing, China, from 13 January to 9 February 2023. Linear regression analyses were conducted to test the relationship between vaccination, risk perception and PTSS. The analysis included 55,803 individuals. In total, 72.86 % of participants received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Regression results indicated that people with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine had a lower level of PTSS (β = −1.232, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: −1.930, −0.534) than those who had not received any doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Only the negative relationship between two-dose vaccination and PTSS was mediated by risk perception, while the negative relationship between the time since vaccination and PTSS was suppressed by risk perception. This study showed that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine reduced PTSS by decreasing perceived risk. Vaccination time was negatively associated with PTSS, but this relationship was suppressed by risk perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoonotic diseases transmitted by arthropods and rodents are a major public health concern in China. However, interventions in recent decades have helped lower the incidence of several diseases despite the country's large, frequently mobile population and socio-economic challenges. Increasing globalization, rapid urbanization and a warming climate now add to the complexity of disease control and prevention and could challenge China's capacity to respond to threats of emerging and re-emerging zoonoses. To investigate this notion, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 30 infectious disease experts in four cities in China. The case study diseases under discussion were malaria, dengue fever and haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, all of which may be influenced by changing meteorological conditions. Data were analysed using standard qualitative techniques. The study participants viewed the current disease prevention and control system favourably and were optimistic about China's capacity to manage climate-sensitive diseases in the future. Several recommendations emerged from the data including the need to improve health literacy in the population regarding the transmission of infectious diseases and raising awareness of the health impacts of climate change amongst policymakers and health professionals. Participants thought that research capacity could be strengthened and human resources issues for front-line staff should be addressed. It was considered important that authorities are well prepared in advance for outbreaks such as dengue fever in populous subtropical areas, and a prompt and coordinated response is required when outbreaks occur. Furthermore, health professionals need to remain skilled in the identification of diseases for which incidence is declining, so that re-emerging or emerging trends can be rapidly identified. Recommendations such as these may be useful in formulating adaptation plans and capacity building for the future control and prevention of climate-sensitive zoonotic diseases in China and neighbouring countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, we determined serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] levels in serum, and investigated their associations with risk of recurrent stroke and mortality in a 24-month follow up study in Chinese patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. Methods: In this preplanned post hoc analysis, serum levels of 25(OH) D and NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) were measured at the time of admission in a cohort of patients with ischemic stroke. We used logistic regression model to assess the relationship between 25(OH) D levels and risk recurrent stroke or mortality. Results: The follow-up rate was 98.2% in 220 stroke patients. Of 216 patients, 18.5% (95%CI: 13.3%-23.7%) patients had a stroke recurrence, and 30.1% (95% CI: 24.0%-36.2%) died. After adjustment for traditional risk factors, serum 25(OH) D levels were negatively associated with the risk of stroke recurrence (odds ratio [OR], 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70-0.85; P< 0.001) and negatively associated with mortality during 24 months of follow-up (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.64-0.80; P< 0.001). Compared with the first quartile of serum 25(OH) D levels, the ORs for stroke recurrence and mortality were as follows: second quartile, 0.80 (95% CI, 0.63-0.93) and 0.77 (95% CI, 0.65-0.89); third quartile, 0.42 (95% CI, 0.31-0.55) and 0.39 (95% CI, 0.30-0.52); fourth quartile, 0.12 (95% CI, 0.07-0.19) and 0.10 (95% CI, 0.06-0.15), respectively. Conclusions: Lower serum levels of 25(OH) D are independently associated with the stroke recurrence and mortality at 24 months in ischemic stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limited land resources are compelling the farming community to implement high-yielding measures. Straw mulching is an effective way to sustain soil fertility and increase summer maize grain yield. To evaluate the effect of straw mulching on summer maize productivity, field experiments were conducted during 2010 and 2011 at Experimental Station of Shandong Agricultural University. The experiment adopted a split plot design arranged in randomized blocks with three replications. Main plots were plant type, including compact type, Chaoshi1 (C), and flat type, Danyu86 (D); subplots consisted of straw mulching amount: 0, 0.6, and 1.2 kg/m2, treatments consists of C0, C0.6, C1.2; D0, D0.6 and D1.2. The results indicated that straw mulching increased LAI at the earlier growing stage but decreased LAI at the later growing stage; there was a significant effect on PAR capture ratio for Danyu6 but not in Chaoshi1, the capture ratio was significantly higher in D0.6 and D1.2 than D0, and the increasing the proportion were by 8.3% and 11.0%, respectively. Straw mulching increased both cob dry matter and stems and leaves dry matter in Danyu86; however, straw mulching increased cob dry matter and decreased stems and leaves dry matter in Chaoshi1. Results support the application of straw mulching in combination with plant types for maximizing summer maize grain yield in the North China Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana bacterial sheath rot is a new disease causing significant economic losses in banana production in China. Pathogenic bacteria infect the middle and bottom parts of the leaf sheath and produce black and brown spots. These spots lead to folding and bending of the sheath, drooping of leaves, and eventual browning and rotting of the entire leaf sheath. In this work, twenty representative strains from five different provinces in China were confirmed by Koch's postulates, and two of them (XJ5-1 and XJ5-2) were characterized by morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular assays. Results showed that the strains were more similar to Dickeya dadantii and were less related to Dickeya paradisiaca and Dickeya zeae based on several phenotype characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis and comparison of strains from banana and Dickeya spp. were performed using concatenated partial sequences of the seven housekeeping genes dnaJ, dnaX, gyrB, recN, fusA, gyrA and recA1, indicating that the strains isolated from banana-sheath-rot tissues were closely related to D. dadantii and distinct from other Dickeya spp. Therefore, the banana pathogen was determined to be D. dadantii. This report is the first one on the banana-sheath-rot disease caused by D. dadantii in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Left-behind middle school students are a common phenomenon in the rural Three Gorges areas causing wide concerns as students in puberty undergoing rapid development of the mind and body. This study examines the mental health of the leftbehind middle school students from a positive perspective instead of emphasizing negative factors, which may explore a new way to study their mental health. Study design: A cross-sectional survey. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among middle school students in the Yunyang County of the Rural Three Gorges areas. Information about demographic characteristics was collected using a self-designed questionnaire; mental health status, resilience status, and the influential factors of resilience were collected using Mental Health Test (MHT) and Resilience and Youth Development Module (RYDM) scales. Results: The detection rate of mental health problems in left-behind students was 6.01%. The difference in detection rates between left-behind students and non-left-behind students was not significant. The detection rates of low resilience in left-behind students was 0.95%, of medium resilience was 54.15%, and of high resilience was 44.90%. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that influential factors associated with the resilience of leftbehind students included grade, contradiction with the guardian, and students' worry about their parents working outside the county. Conclusions: Future studies should explore the links between each influential factor and its influencing mechanism. Meanwhile, the appropriate mental health education activities should be conducted in line with local conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:Adult spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormalities (SCIWORA) is evidenced to be underreported. Some abnormalities that were not present on computed tomography (CT) were identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but the diagnostic reliability of early MRI remains considerable disagreement.Objective:The present study was retrospectively designed to assess a potential correlation between clinical and imaging findings in adults experiencing SCIWORA.Setting:A total of 2964 adult patients (age >18 or older) with acute cervical spine injury presented to the single institution between January 2009 and June 2014.Methods:Fifty-nine patients with SCIWORA were included in the study. Initial MRI findings at admission were analyzed, and a 6-month follow-up was performed.Results:On admission, complete spinal cord injury was found in 32 patients, incomplete spinal cord injury in 20 patients and central cord syndrome in seven patients. MRI findings showed varying degrees of degenerative or spondylotic changes in 45% of the patients (n=27). The cord contusion was shown in 12 patients, cord edema in 7, cord hemorrhage in 2 and ligamentum flavum bulging in 4 patients. In all, two of these patients had no positive findings on the initial MRI, but presented with positive abnormalities on repeat MRI 72 h after trauma. At discharge, most of the patients presented with complete remission, but some of the patients presented with partial remission. After 6 months, all patients significantly improved, and only two patients did not show full recovery.Conclusions:Early use of MRI added little in the determination of stability of the cervical spine in the presence of a negative CT. Our study suggested that the neurological outcome did not correlate with early MRI findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is limited information involving population data about the role of maternal health, fetal growth and neonatal health on children's developmental status at ages 4-7 years. Our aim was to determine the contribution of maternal, fetal and neonatal health to developmental status at ages 4-7 years. Methods In this 7-year follow-up prospective cohort study, a sample of 26 803 mothers participated in the beginning. Among their children, 19 187 voluntarily completed the development screening test or the social life ability survey, which were designed for two different age groups (<6 or ≥6 years old, respectively). Logistic regression analysis was used to link the data with the prenatal outcome card and interview questionnaire applied to pregnant women in previous study, to the analysis of various related factors such as demographic, socio-economic, disease and menstrual history, marriage and pregnancy care. Result Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used separately in two age groups [4-6 ( n = 8439) and 6-7 ( n = 10 748) years old] to analyse relative factors. Maternal age of 25-30 years, maternal education of high school and greater, family income and not drinking during pregnancy were associated with higher scores in development. Conclusion Both preconception and pregnancy health education and health care are the important maternal factors closely associated with children's cognitive and social competence. Public health policies for preconception care and public welfare for high-quality childcare are essential for improving children's life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaves were collected from a total of 62 trees displaying virus-like disease symptoms such as rugose mosaic in leaf, irregular shaped leaf blades or small leaf blades in a survey of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L. cv Red Lamp) in Shandong Province, the largest cherry production area in China. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis indicated that Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), Prune dwarf virus (PDV), Little cherry virus- 2 (LChV-2), Cherry virus A (CVA) and Cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV) were present and that most of the samples (70%) were infected by at least two viruses. A case study in this survey of two selected trees revealed that a mixed infection with these five viruses simultaneously caused two types of field symptoms: late-maturity in fruits or fruit blast. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that the relative proportion of the virus titers was distinct in the two sampled trees. The PNRSV titer was significantly higher than the four other viruses in the trees that exhibited fruit blast. Phylogenetic analysis of the PNRSV coat protein (CP) gene showed that the isolates HSY-4-1 and X-3, obtained from the two sampled trees separately, were classified into different subgroups of Group I isolates, which is characterized by a six-nucleotide insertion. A non-synonymous substitution was identified in the six-nucleotide insertion in the PNRSV CP gene in one of the two isolates. This is the first detailed study of the incidence of multiple sweet cherry viruses in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) have attracted attention as potential vectors for gene therapy and vaccines against several diseases, including HIV-1 infection. However, the presence of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) after natural AAV infections inhibits their transfection in re-exposed subjects. To identify candidate AAV vectors for therapeutic or prophylactic HIV vaccines, NAbs against AAV2, AAV5 and AAV8 were screened in the sera of healthy individuals in China and 10 developed countries and an HIV-1-infected Chinese population. Seroprevalence was higher for AAV2 (96.6%) and AAV8 (82.0%) than for AAV5 (40.2%) in normal Chinese subjects. Among individuals seropositive for AAV5, >80% had low NAb titers (<1:90). The prevalence and titers of NAbs against the three AAVs were significantly higher in China than in developed countries (P<0.01). The prevalence of NAbs against AAV5 did not differ significantly between healthy and HIV-1-infected Chinese subjects (P=0.39). Co-occurrence of NAbs against AAV2, AAV5, and AAV8 was observed in the healthy population, and 15, 41, and 41% of individuals were AAV2+, AAV2+/AAV8+, and AAV2+/AAV5+/AAV8+, respectively. Therefore, AAV5 exposure is low in healthy and HIV-1-infected populations Chinese individuals, and vectors based on AAV5 may be appropriate for human gene therapy or vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public health research and interventions often assume that men who have sex with men (MSM) who use the Internet in China have similar characteristics to those in Western countries, though with little empirical evidence. This study aimed to describe and examine the sociodemographic and basic sexual behavioral characteristics of an online sample of MSM in Guangdong, China. In 2010, a total of 1100 MSM were recruited from an lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)-oriented website and were asked about their sociodemographic and sexual behavior characteristics. The majority of the participants (77.9%) self-identified as homosexual, and the mean age was 30.0 years (SD = 6.7). About 80% of the participants had attained a college degree and only 4.8% were unemployed. About 60% had a monthly salary of more than CNY 3000 (476 USD), and more than 10% were married. The majority (71.7%) had used condoms in the last anal sex. Nearly half of the participants have never been tested for HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (47.3% and 47.7%, respectively). More than 80% were willing to be contacted by researchers after the survey. Findings indicate that the sociodemographic characteristics of Chinese MSM who use the Internet are relatively similar to those in the Western countries. However, Chinese MSM are less likely to self-identify as homosexual and be tested for HIV and other STIs than Western MSM. On a positive note, Chinese MSM would be likely to engage in e-technology research showing potential feasibility of an online HIV/STI intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the recommendations developed by the Kinetics Committee of the International Confederation for Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (ICTAC), non-isothermal pyrolysis experiments were carried out to analyze and compare two types of oil shale from the northeast of China using simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis at temperatures ranging from 40 to 850 °C. The pyrolysis process of oil shale begins with the evaporation of small molecular substances, then continues by the pyrolysis of kerogen, and finally ends mainly with the complete decomposition of carbonates. In this whole process, almost 36 % of overall pyrolytic heat was used for the pyrolysis of kerogen. When retorting air-dried basis oil shale below 520 °C, a considerable proportion of the heat required will have to be used mainly for the evaporation of small molecular substances below 185 °C. Specific heat capacities of two oil shale semicokes were measured below 500 °C by DSC method, showing that specific heat capacity of semicoke will increase with the increase of the temperature, and carbonization of kerogen can bring about a further positive effect on it. Coats-Redfern method was used to calculate kinetic parameters in three pyrolysis stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model with Chemistry (WRF/Chem) model, we conducted a series of numerical experiments to investigate the relative contributions of climate and emission change to surface ozone (O3) over South China for the period of October in 2005–2007 and 2055–57. WRF/Chem was driven by the outputs of Community Climate System Model version 3 (CCSM3). The simulations predict that on average near-surface temperature and water vapor mixing ratio are projected to increase 1.6 °C and 1.6 g kg− 1 under A1B scenario. In response to the climate change, the emissions of isoprene and monoterpenes in South China increase by 5–55% and 5–40%, respectively. The change of climate and biogenic emission can result in a change of −5 to 5 ppb of afternoon surface O3 mixing ratios, with an average of 1.6 ppb over the land region in South China. Over Pearl River Delta, a region of dense network of cities, the 2000–2050 climate changes increase afternoon mean surface O3 by 1.5 ppb. The change of anthropogenic emission can result in a change of −3–24 ppb of afternoon surface O3 mixing ratios, with an average of 12.8 ppb over the land region in South China. Our analysis suggests that the anthropogenic emissions have greater impact on the change of surface O3 concentration over South China compared to climate change. The combined effect of climate and emission can increase afternoon mean surface O3 over South China by an average of 18.2 ppb in the land region, with the highest increase up to 24 ppb occurring over southeast of Hunan province. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Recently, we have reported filaggrin mutations ( FLG) of atopic dermatitis in southern China. However, there have been few detailed reports of FLG mutations of patients with AD in northern China by now. Objectives The present aim was to establish the mutation spectrum of FLG gene in AD patients in northern China. Methods A total of 339 cases met Hanifin and Rajka diagnostic criteria of AD were recruited. A comprehensive sequencing of the entire FLG coding region in these patients was conducted. All detected FLG null mutations were screened in a cohort of 301 normal controls. Results Seven novel mutations (478insA, Q1070X, 4026delT, Q1712X, Q2397X, 7145del4 and 8001del4) and eleven reported mutations (3222del4, 3321delA, 4271delAA, S1515X, Q1790X, 5757del4, 6834del5, Q2417X, E2422X, 7945delA and K4671X) in AD were identified. Mutations 3321delA and K4671X were two of the most common mutations in AD. FLG null mutations were present in 26.0% of AD patients. FLG null alleles (compound genotypes) were significantly higher in AD ( P < 0.001) than in the controls. The compound genotypes for all FLG variants were significantly associated with IV ( P < 0.001) and palmar hyperlinearity ( P < 0.001). The common mutation, K4671X, was significantly associated with AD-coexistent allergic rhinitis ( P = 0.005). Conclusions Our study increases the total number of FLG mutations. We clearly demonstrated that FLG loss-of-function mutations were significantly associated with AD in northern China. The FLG null mutations in the Chinese population differed not only from that in the European population but also from that in sub-populations of Asians outside of the Chinese mainland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The optimal maintenance therapy for active diffuse lupus nephritis remains to be established. In this study, we explored the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus for maintaining remission of active lupus nephritis compared to that of azathioprine. Methods: Seventy patients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis who achieved remission were enrolled in nine nephrology centers in China from 2006 to 2008. Patients were randomized either to tacrolimus plus prednisone (n = 34) or azathioprine plus prednisone (n = 36) for six months. Tacrolimus was titrated to achieve a trough blood concentration of 4–6 ng/mL, and the dosage of azathioprine was 2 mg/kg/d. Prednisone was administered at a dose of 10 mg/d to both groups. The primary outcome was incidence of relapse. Response, clinical parameters and adverse effects were secondary endpoints. Results: After six months of therapy, two of the azathioprine-treated patients developed renal relapse compared to none of the tacrolimus-treated patients (p = 0.49; odds ratio, 1.06; 95% CI (0.98, 1.15)). Leucopenia (defined as < 2000 cells per cubic millimeter) was significantly more frequent in the azathioprine group than the tacrolimus group (47% vs. 9%, p < .001). Conclusion: In conjunction with prednisone, maintenance therapy with tacrolimus and azathioprine has a similar low rate of renal relapse, and the tacrolimus regimen has a more favorable safety profile, with less leucopenia. However, since our study lacked sufficient power, longer follow-up is needed to draw final conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The soil quality in rural area may associate with the health of local residents and food safety. This study aimed to investigate the spatial and vertical distribution of PCBs in rural soils of Beijing, and the source identification of PCBs and toxic equivalency calculation of dioxin-like PCB congeners were conducted. The mean of total PCB concentrations in Beijing rural soils was 11.01 ng g-1. The congener profiles were predominated by lowly chlorinated congeners such as Di-CBs, Tri-CBs and Tetra-CBs. No significant difference of PCBs concentrations was observed between plain and mountain areas, and PCBs were slightly accumulated in the surface soils of Beijing rural area. Long-range transport of volatile PCB congeners was also an important source in addition to local sources of PCBs from electronic products. Toxic equivalency concentrations of dioxin-like PCB congeners met Canadian soil quality guidelines for agricultural soils, indicating a lower risk of PCBs to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:To investigate common origins of intractable epistaxis, and the efficacy of endoscopic management.Methods:Retrospective study of 265 patients with uncontrolled idiopathic epistaxis presenting between July 2008 and July 2009. Patients underwent endoscopic examination and subsequent radiofrequency electrocautery, selective packing or observation.Results:Nasal endoscopy indicated that the commonest bleeding sources were the superior nasal septum at the olfactory cleft (39.2 per cent), the inferior meatus (27.5 per cent), the sphenoethmoid recess (6.0 per cent), the middle meatus (5.3 per cent) and other locations (3.4 per cent). Bleeding was successfully controlled with nasal endoscopy plus radiofrequency electrocautery or selective packing. In 49 (18.5 per cent) patients, no abnormality was identified; these patients received observation only, and no further bleeding occurred. None of the patients had serious complications or recurrent epistaxis during the three-month follow-up period.Conclusion:Thorough endoscopic examination combined with radiofrequency electrocautery should be used as first-line therapy for intractable epistaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A field trial to examine growth and wound healing of pruned Corymbia torelliana was established in a 40-month-old plantation in western Guangdong, China. It included: (1) pruning all branches up to stem diameters of 5, 6, 7 or 8 cm, (2) wound protection with wax or paint and (3) a control with no pruning. Measurements of growth and wound occlusion taken at various intervals up to 12 months after pruning showed that pruning generally impeded height growth, promoted diameter at breast height (dbh) growth and slightly increased taper. The optimal pruning intensity for tree growth was pruning up to stem diameter of 8 cm. Lower wound occlusion rates occurred in heavier pruning intensities. The optimal intensity for rapid wound occlusion was pruning up to stem diameter of 7 or 8 cm. Paint resulted in better occlusion than wax. The fastest wound occlusion occurred in stem section of height 2.51 to 5.35 m above the ground. Rate of wound occlusion up to 12 months showed correlations with dbh increment, initial wound size and pruning intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Global climate change has tremendously altered the spatial and temporal distributions of precipitation. The Streamflow of the Yellow River decreased in the past decades, both because of human consumption and climate variations. This paper analyzed the trends of natural and observed streamflow of the Lijin hydrological station, as well as the precipitation and air temperature of the whole Yellow River Basin. There was an obvious change in the natural streamflow in 1991 when analyzed by the Mann-Kendall (M-K) method. Precipitation decreased in the whole Yellow River Basin. 22 Meteorological stations have slight increases, while the other 67 stations measured declines, in which 47 of the Meteorological stations’ decrements were over 5%. There was a descent of temperature for only 2 stations, while the temperature rose for the other 87 stations. The average temperature increment was 0.82°C and the highest was 1.91°C in Tsinghai Center station. The quantitative Streamflow-precipitation-temperature relations plot was drawn by Geostatistical Analyst module of ArcGIS 9.3. The streamflow have various responses to the different extents of precipitation and air temperature. In the past four decades, precipitation elasticity to streamflow was 1.95, and the elasticity index may give a general relationship between precipitation and streamflow. However, it varies with different scenarios. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Potential evaporation (ETp) is influenced by meteorological variables such as net radiation, wind speed, relative humidity and air temperature. Therefore, changes in ETp directly reflect climate change and can be used to diagnose the water requirement of different regions. This study addresses the contribution of select meteorological variables to changes in ETp in Haihe River Basin in China from 1959 to 2008 by sensitive analysis, attribution analysis and relative changes method. The results show that: (i) The ETp presented positive and negative trends during 1959-1998 and 1999-2008, respectively, which resulted in a slightly overall decreasing trend from 1959-2008; (ii) The sensitivity coefficients estimated using sensitive analysis presented clear spatial differences for each variable with the ETp being most sensitive to relative humidity, followed by net radiation, air temperature and wind speed; (iii) By the relative changes method, the ETp, was most sensitive to net radiation, followed by relative humidity, air temperature and wind speed; (iv) Interestingly, the attribution analysis of changes of ETp showed that air temperature, wind speed, relative humidity and net radiation affected ETp in decreasing order of magnitude from 1959-1998 whereas from 1999-2008, relative humidity, air temperature, wind speed and net radiation affected ETp in decreasing order of magnitude. This differential contribution of the variables to changes in ETp over time could explain the slightly decreasing trend in ETp from 1959-2008. Furthermore, this indicates that attribution analysis can draw a clear picture of how climate change impacts changes in ETp. This may provide insights into water resources management in the non-humid region, the Haihe River basin, China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims: The aim of this study was to classify Edwardsiella strains isolated from China aquaculture based on biochemical and molecular methods. Methods and Results: In this study, biochemical characterization of 19 Edwardsiella tarda isolates and two Edwardsiella ictaluri isolates was performed with API 20E system. Other pathogenicity-related phenotypes such as haemagglutination, haemolytic activities and lethality to fish were also examined in these strains. As it was difficult to categorize the subgroups of Edw. tarda according to their origins or phenotypic properties, three PCR-based methods, i.e. PCR amplification of virulence genes, Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR and BOX-PCR, were carried out to further resolve the relatedness of the Edw. tarda isolates. As a result, all Edw. tarda isolates could be generally grouped into pathogenic and nonpathogenic branches before being classified into strain-specific or origin-specific clades. Conclusions: Biochemical characterization was sensitive for interspecific typing, while PCR-based approaches permitted a more accurate discrimination for intraspecific typing resulting in pathogenic and nonpathogenic clusters and further more delicate clades for Edwardsiella. Significance and Impact of the Study: PCR-based genomic fingerprinting to study the relatedness and trace the pathogenicity of the Edwardsiella strains will be helpful in investigating the virulence factors of Edwardsiella and in the development of vaccines and diagnostics for edwardsiellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 3 figures and 4 tables A sample of 39 spring type faba bean landraces from four provinces in China, were compared in diversity with 136 spring accessions from the rest of the world, including Africa, Canada, Asia, Europe, and 41 breeding lines from ICARDA. These germplasm were characterised with 12 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primer pairs. 244 unambiguous bands were detected, of which 236 were polymorphic, and four gene pool populations were identified. The spring faba bean accessions were broadly geographically associated in their genetic diversity, and ICARDA breeding lines were relatively narrow in genetic diversity. Chinese spring faba bean landraces differed to some extent from the rest of the world, with distribution in three of the four gene pool populations. The diversity levels of accession gene pool populations were measured and compared for relationship to geographic origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There are racial differences in the prevalence and types of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The prevalence of AGA has been studied in Caucasians and in some Asian people. In China, although there have been some epidemiological studies carried out in single cities or regions, no multicentre population-based study has been reported. Objectives To study the prevalence and types of AGA in China and to compare the results with those previously reported in Caucasians and in other Asian people. Methods A community-based study was carried out in six cities of China. Subjects were interviewed face-to-face and completed questionnaires. The degree of AGA was classified according to the Norwood and Ludwig classifications. Results In total 17 886 subjects were interviewed and 15 257 completed the questionnaires. In men, the overall prevalence of AGA was 21·3%, with 2·8% in men aged 18–29 years, 13·3% in those aged 30–39 years, 21·4% in those aged 40–49 years, 31·9% in those aged 50–59 years, 36·2% in those aged 60–69 years and 41·4% in those aged 70 years and over. The most common type was frontal and vertex hair loss. A small number of subjects (3·7%) showed ‘female pattern’ hair loss. In women, the prevalence of AGA was 6·0%, with 1·3% in women aged 18–29 years, 2·3% in those aged 30–39 years, 5·4% in those aged 40–49 years, 7·5% in those aged 50–59 years, 10·3% in those aged 60–69 years and 11·8% in those aged 70 years and over. Ludwig grade I was the most common type. The prevalence of AGA varied between cities. A positive family history was present in 29·7% of men and 19·2% of women with AGA. Conclusions The prevalence of AGA in Chinese men and women was lower than in Caucasians and similar to that in Koreans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic matter in surface sediments from the upper reach of the Pearl River Estuary and Lingdingyang Bay, as well as the adjacent northern South China Sea shelf was characterized by a variety of techniques, including elemental (C and N), stable carbon isotopic (Г13C) composition, as well as molecular-level analyses. Total organic carbon (TOC) content was 1.61±1.20% in the upper reach down to 1.00±0.22% in Lingdingyang Bay and to 0.80±0.10% on the inner shelf and 0.58±0.06% on the outer shelf. Г13C values ranged from-25.11‰ to-21.28‰ across the studied area, with a trend of enrichment seaward. The spatial trend in C/N ratios mirrored that of Г13C, with a substantial decrease in C/N ratio from 10.9±1.3 in the Lingdingyang Bay surface sediments to 6.5±0.09 in the outer shelf surface sediments. Total carbohydrate yields ranged from 22.1 to 26.7mg (100mg OC)-1, and typically followed TOC concentrations in the estuarine and shelf sediments, suggesting that the relative abundance of total carbohydrate was fairly constant in TOC. Total neutral sugars as detected by the nine major monosaccharides (lyxose, rhamnose, ribose, arabinose, fucose, xylose, galactose, mannose, and glucose) yielded between 4.0 and 18.6mg (100mg OC)-1 in the same sediments, suggesting that a significant amount of carbohydrates were not neutral aldoses. The bulk organic matter properties, isotopic composition and C/N ratios, combined with molecular-level carbohydrate compositions were used to assess the sources and accumulation of terrestrial organic matter in the Pearl River Estuary and the adjacent northern South China Sea shelf. Results showed a mixture of terrestrial riverine organic carbon with in situ phytoplankton organic carbon in the areas studied. Using a two end-member mixing model based on Г13C values and C/N ratios, we estimated that the terrestrial organic carbon contribution to the surface sediment TOC was ca. 57±13% for Lingdingyang Bay, 19±2% for the inner shelf, which decreased further to 4.3±0.5% on the outer shelf. The molecular composition of the carbohydrate in surface sediments also suggested that the inner estuary was rich in terrestrialderived carbohydrates but that the contribution of terrestrial-derived carbohydrates decreased offshore. Terrestrial organic carbon accumulation flux was estimated as 1.37±0.92×1011 g yr-1 in Lingdingyang Bay, which accounted for 37±25% of the terrestrial organic carbon transported to the Bay. The burial efficiency of terrestrial organic matter was markedly lower than that of suspended particulate substance (∼71%) suggesting that the riverine POC undergoes significant degradation and replacement during transportation through the estuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paddy soils support important croplands in many parts of the world, especially in Asia. A thorough understanding of nitrogen (N) in Chinese paddy soils would be helpful to comprehend N cycling on farms from a national perspective. The N storage and density of paddy soils in China were evaluated employing 1490 soil profiles and a map of Chinese soils at a scale of 1:1 000 000. Results showed that the mean N density of paddy soils at 0-100 cm was 1240.0 g/m³, with N storage of 569.0 Tg. Paddy soil N density varies with different soil-water regime. In fact, waterlogged conditions can enhance paddy soil N content. Different rotation systems and various fallow systems also can affect paddy soil N density. There are significant relationships of N between both SOC and sand content. But the sensitivity of paddy soil N to climate was weak because of human activity. While this GIS-based analysis is a relatively coarse evaluation of the database, it does provide the first quantitative assessment of paddy soils N storage across China using commonly available digital databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fly ash generated from municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration is frequently classified as hazardous material and requires special disposal. The management of the large amount of fly ash has caused increasing problems in China. This work describes a novel approach for melting MSW incineration fly ash, and the distribution of heavy metals was characterized during the iron bath-melting separation process. Four hundred grams of pelletized fly ash was fed into the furnace in molten iron bath atmosphere. After the melting separation process, the distribution of heavy metals in samples and the leaching characteristics of the slag were investigated. The results indicated that iron bath-melting promoted the transfer of Cr, Mn and Cu from the slag phase to the iron phase, which also improved Zn and Pb volatilization. The leaching concentrations, determined by the Chinese Standard Method (rollover leaching procedure) of the target metals of the slag from leaching tests were lower than the Chinese regulatory thresholds. Therefore, this method was proposed as an environmentally friendly technology to achieve a satisfactory solution for MSW incineration fly ash management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]