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A strong cooling event refers to a sharp change in the average temperature over a short period. The rapid change of temperature has important effect on human health and is highly concerned recent years. Based on the observed temperature data set from stations in Southwest China (SWC) from 1979 to 2017, this paper analyses the characteristics of the strong cooling event (SCE). The result shows that SCE occurs with the highest frequency during the time from February to May. Among them, the frequency of SCE in February exhibits an abrupt change before and after 2005 with a significant increase. Further study reveals that the change of SCE frequency in February is associated with the large‐scale background circulation patterns. After 2005, there is a cyclonic circulation anomaly in Northeast Asia and an anticyclonic circulation anomaly in the Tibet Plateau (TP). This pattern provides a favourable condition for the southward movement of cold air mass, thereby increasing the frequency of SCE in SWC. Furthermore, it is revealed that there is a strong correlation between the variation of SCE frequency in February and sea surface temperatures (SST) in the Northwest Pacific in January before 2005. The cold SST anomaly could favour the occurrence of extreme TD events in SWC through vertical circulation. After 2005, the correlation between SCE and Northwest Pacific SST is not significant. The sea ice in the northern Barents Sea and Kara Sea becomes the dominant impact factor. The abnormally low sea ice concentration is conducive to strengthen the meridional circulation over East Asia, leading to an increasing frequency of SCE in SWC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest stock volume (FSV) stands as an important indicator in evaluating the potential for carbon sequestration. It is crucial for forest resource management at local, regional, and national scales. In order to achieve an accurate estimation of FSV, this article takes Mengyin County, Shandong Province, China as the research area, builds a random forest (RF) model for four tree species based on airborne Lidar data, and forms a monitoring system of "individual tree - grid - county" granularities. The results demonstrated that all four models exhibited excellent generalization capabilities, with no signs of overfitting. In the test phase, the R2 of the poplar and pine models exceeded 0.9, while the R2 of the cypress model was 0.81, and the rRMSE was controlled within 20%, indicating that the fitting effect of the three tree species models was better; the accuracy of the robinia pseudoacacia model was relatively poor, with R2 of 0.60 and rRMSE of 20.60%. This study provides a feasible method for estimating forest stock volume within the county, which provides strong technical support for forest resource management and planning, and helps promote sustainable forestry development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new dinor-eudesmane sesquiterpenoids, named multistalin A (1), and multistalin B (2), together with three sesquiterpene glycosides (3–5), and a norlabdane-type diterpene (6) were isolated from the root extract of Chloranthus multistachys Pei. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis including 1D, 2D NMR techniques and HR-ESI-MS. In addition, the cytotoxicity activities of the isolated compounds against selected cancer cells (Hela and A-549) were evaluated by MTT assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

International scientific collaboration is widely considered a driver of innovation. However, the social processes through which this can occur are complex. It is not only scientists that have a direct interest in international collaboration; but also the institutions or firms that employ them and the governments whose policies are designed to promote collaboration. This article seeks to reveal the social dynamics underpinning this process. Drawing on an empirical study of 79 scientists working in Australia and China we argue that the social process is essentially a system of exchange. Throughout this system, a range of scientific, innovation and social currencies are offered, received and reciprocated. Through the exchange process, scientific and technological capital is accumulated as different expectations are fulfilled and reconciled. Anthropological and sociological literature offers a theoretical framework for the analysis and the findings offer a sociological perspective of scientific collaboration across national innovation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yanchang Formation Chang 7 oil-bearing layer of the Ordos Basin is important in China for producing shale oil. The present-day in situ stress state is of practical implications for the exploration and development of shale oil; however, few studies are focused on stress distributions within the Chang 7 reservoir. In this study, the present-day in situ stress distribution within the Chang 7 reservoir was predicted using the combined spring model based on well logs and measured stress data. The results indicate that stress magnitudes increase with burial depth within the Chang 7 reservoir. Overall, the horizontal maximum principal stress (SHmax), horizontal minimum principal stress (Shmin) and vertical stress (Sv) follow the relationship of Sv ≥ SHmax > Shmin, indicating a dominant normal faulting stress regime within the Chang 7 reservoir of Ordos Basin. Laterally, high stress values are mainly distributed in the northwestern parts of the studied region, while low stress values are found in the southeastern parts. Factors influencing stress distributions are also analyzed. Stress magnitudes within the Chang 7 reservoir show a positive linear relationship with burial depth. A larger value of Young's modulus results in higher stress magnitudes, and the differential horizontal stress becomes higher when the rock Young's modulus grows larger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Larix kaempferi planting with broad-leaved trees can increase production and alleviate soil degradation; however, the mechanism is unclear, especially on large scales and in different climate regions. This paper attempts to explain the underlying mechanism in a temperate region and northern subtropical alpine region of China. Methods: Litter decomposition rates, nutrient release, enzyme activity and microbial community composition were determined in conifer litter, broad-leaved litter and mixed litter by the litterbag method during about 500 days in the two regions. Results: Decomposition rate was increased by 4.00% in temperate region and 3.38% in the subtropical region after litter mixing and the synergistic effect increased with decomposition progress. However, nutrients release was not always enhanced, and enzyme activities were enhanced at the most of decomposition time and higher in the subtropical region. After litter mixing, a few new dominant taxa emerged, and the microbial gene quantities were increased in the temperate region, but not in the subtropical region. The dominant bacterial taxa were similar, while most of the dominant fungal taxa shifted with decomposition. In addition, the dominant fungi completely differed between the two regions. The environmental variables with greater influence on microbial community were similar in the two regions, including C:N, C:P and pH. Conclusions: After mixing with broad-leaved litter, the decomposition of Larix kaempferi was enhanced by increasing enzyme activities and microbial quantities in the temperate region, but the mechanisms were not clear in the subtropical region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducts the mid-long term predictions and assesses the multi-year average offshore wind energy in the China seas for the next five years based on CMIP5 wind data, in hope of providing reference for the long term prediction of wind energy. Results show that (1) large areas with multi-year average wind power densities (WPD) greater than 350 W/m² are mainly found throughout the Ryukyu Islands and the Taiwan and Luzon Straits in the southeastern area of the Indo-China Peninsula. (2) From 2015-2019, the WPD in the Bohai Sea, Taiwan Strait and Beibu Gulf will be lower than the multi-year average level and thus will be similar to the multi-year average in the Yellow Sea and Gulf of Thailand but greater than the multi-year average in the East China Sea and South China Sea. (3) The predicted occurrences of exploitable wind speeds of the East China Sea and South China Sea are promising for the next five years, exceeding 60%. A value above 40% is predicted for the Yellow Sea, and a lower value is anticipated for the Bohai Sea. (4) The predicted occurrences of WPD > 50 W/m² are more promising for the next five years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The nexus between FinTech development and inclusive growth is analyzed. • The indicator system for inclusive growth is established. • The spatial econometric approach and machine learning are applied. • The case of an emerging economy is considered. This study investigates the impact of financial technology (FinTech) on inclusive growth (IG) by exploiting a panel of 281 prefecture-level Chinese cities in the years 2011–2020 using the spatial econometric model and machine learning algorithm. The results show that FinTech positively impacts IG, while there is no spatial spillover effect. The evidence from the machine learning algorithms suggests that as FinTech advances to a higher level, its positive impact on IG increases. The mechanism test shows that the latter effect is achieved through entrepreneurial stimulation and human capital enhancement. Moreover, the impact of FinTech on IG is more pronounced in large and medium-sized cities and cities in the eastern region. However, it does not significantly affect small cities or cities in the central region. This paper, therefore, offers new insights on the interaction between FinTech and IG along with the analysis of the effects related to the development of FinTech on IG in China. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with gastrointestinal motility abnormalities that could favor the occurrence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of SIBO in Chinese patients with PD and the potential impact of SIBO on gastrointestinal symptoms and motor function. 182 consecutive Chinese patients with PD patients and 200 sex, age, and BMI-matched subjects without PD were included. All participants underwent the glucose breath test to assess SIBO. We examined the associations between factors and SIBO with logistic regression using SPSS. Fifty-five of the 182 PD patients were SIBO positive (30.2 %; 95 % CI 23.5-36.9 %) compared with 19 of 200 in the control group (9.5 %; 95 % CI 5.4-13.6 %); the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.0001; OR 4.13; 95 % CI 2.34-7.29). Motor fluctuations present was higher in the PD patients with SIBO than in the patients without SIBO (70.9 vs. 45.7 %; P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that disease duration, Hoehn and Yahr stage, Unified PD Rating-III score, Unified PD Rating-IV score, and Non-Motor Symptoms Scale score were the factors associated with the SIBO-positive status in PD patients. SIBO was highly prevalent in PD, and nearly one-third was detected. SIBO was associated with worse gastrointestinal symptoms and worse motor function. Further studies are needed to specify the reasons underlying SIBO and worse motor function in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To report the association of lifestyle factors and plasma vitamin B-12 with hyperhomocysteinemia in a large sample of men and women living in a region of China where there is an increased risk of NTDs. Design: Community-based, cross-sectional study of Lvliang City, Shanxi Province, China. Setting: Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a sensitive marker of vitamin B-12 and folate deficiency. Participants: A total of 2355 (1044 men and 1311 women) participants born before 1 January 1958 (≥55 years of age) and living in Lvliang City for at least 2 months a year were included. Measurements: The participants were assessed regarding demographic characteristics, height, weight, as well as having a physical examination and blood sampling for serum cholesterol, total homocysteine (tHcy), folate, and vitamin B12 levels. Results: The median (25th-75th percentile) tHcy concentration was 21.5 (15.8-33.6) µmol/L in men and 18.0 (13.4-24.8) µmol/L in women. The overall prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia (tHcy ≥15 µmol/L) was 72.6% (84.3% in men and 63.2% in women), inversely correlated with folate (r=-0.230, P=0.006) and vitamin B-12 (r=-0.540, P<0.001), and positively correlated with uric acid (r=0.054, P<0.001). Vitamin B-12 and folate deficiency, older age, and male gender were associated with elevated tHcy; with vitamin B-12 deficiency being the strongest. Conclusions: Plasma tHcy concentration and hyperhomocysteinemia were significantly higher in this population than in previously studied populations. Vitamin B-12 and folate supplementation, concomitant lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, and lipid-lowering treatments may help to decrease plasma tHcy concentrations and reduce the CVD risk in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the nutritional status of elderly people living in a rural area of North China. Design: Community-based, cross-sectional prevalence survey. Setting: 3 rural towns of Lvliang City, Shanxi Province, China. Participants: A sample of 1845 community residents (29.1% of those eligible) 55 years or older (birth before 1958-01-01). Measurements: The participants were assessed regarding demographic characteristics, height, weight, as well as having a physical examination and blood sampling for serum cholesterol, total homocysteine (tHcy), folate, and vitamin B12 levels. Results: 991 (53.7%) were female and 139 (7.5%) did not complete the anthropometric measurement. Prevalence of underweight and obesity was 3.5% and 24.9% in men and 6.7% and 31.0% in women (P = 0.003, P = 0.005, respectively). Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and hypocholesterolemia was 13.5% and 52.6% in men and 25.0% and 34.3% in women (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Prevalence of high LDL-c concentrations was 8.8% in men and 16.8% in women (P < 0.001). The mean serum tHcy in men (28.8 ± 20.1 μmmol/l) was significantly higher than in women (21.0 ± 15.1 μmmol/L, P < 0.001). Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia (defined as > 15μmmol/L) was 79.7% in men and 65.5% in women (P < 0.001). Prevalence of low folate (defined as < 11 nmol/L) and vitamin B12 levels (defiend as < 185 pmol/L) was 70.8 % and 76.8% in men and 56.5% and 72.6% in women (P < 0.001, P = 0.036, respectively). Correlation coefficients between tHcy, folate, and vitamin B12 indicated an inverse linear correlation (r = −0.21, P < 0.001, r = −0.35, P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: As China's economic climate has developed, the nutritional status of elderly people in the rural parts of the country has improved in some aspects. However, the trend toward obesity will lead to a shift in the burden of obesity-related chronic diseases. In addition, rurally-located elderly people are at high risk of death that may be associated with abnormal serum cholesterol. The data also suggest that severe deficiencies in folate and vitamin B12 levels exist, as well as there being a high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia. Folate and vitamin B12 supplementation are necessary to prevent related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chelerythrine (CHE), a quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid, which is an agent in traditional Chinese medicine exhibits a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects. In this study, we examined the anti-inflammatory activities and mechanism of CHE in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Further, in the analgesic test, CHE also showed pronounced inhibition of the acetic acid-induced writhing response. These results clearly suggested that CHE is a bioactive agent which has a significant anti-inflammatory action, which may be relevant to the inhibition of the release/production of exudates and prostaglandin E2 mediated through cyclooxygenase-2 regulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Species of inorganic As and Se in coal, fly ash and gypsum were analysed by HPLC-ICP-MS. • AsV was the dominating species in coal and fly ash extracts. • AsIII, much more toxic than AsV, was mainly detected in gypsum samples. • Se was mostly present as SeIV in fly ash and gypsum extracts. This study investigated arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) distribution and speciation in coal and the burning by-products (fly ash and gypsum) in five coal-fired power plants in China. Total concentrations of As and Se in coal varied significantly among different power plants, but most of them were below the average As and Se content in Chinese coal. The concentrations of As and Se in fly ash were much higher than that in coal. Total As contents in four gypsum samples were lower than that in coal, while Se contents in four gypsum samples were much higher than that in coal. The species of inorganic As (AsIII and AsV) and Se (SeIV and SeVI) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after solvent extraction. The extraction efficiencies of As and Se in coal were low, but a considerable amount of As and Se in fly ash and gypsum can be extracted, showing that elements As and Se were easily leached from the burning by-products. Speciation analysis indicated that Se was mostly present as SeIV in all the fly ash and gypsum extracts, and AsV was the dominating species in coal and fly ash extracts. In contrast, AsIII, much more toxic than AsV, was mainly detected in gypsum. Large amounts of coal-fired by-products are produced every year, most of which end up in landfills or stockpiled in the open areas. Our results suggest that the proper disposal of coal-fired solid wastes is urgently demanded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal-Gas replacement project has been implemented to decrease haze pollution in China in recent years. Airborne arsenic (As) mostly originates from coal burning processes. It is noteworthy to compare the distribution of arsenic fraction in PM 2.5 before and after coal-gas replacement. Eighty PM 2.5 samples were collected in Baoding in December 2016 (coal dominated year) and December 2017 (gas dominated year) at different functional areas including residential area (RA), industrial area (IA), suburb (SB), roadside (ST) and Botanical Garden Park (BG). The fraction, bioavailability and health risk of As in the PM 2.5 samples were investigated and compared between these two years. Arsenic was mainly distributed in the non-specifically sorbed fraction (F1) and the residual fraction (F5). However, the proportion of F1 to the total As in 2017 was higher than that in 2016, while the proportion of As in the amorphous and poorly-crystalline hydrous oxides of Fe and Al fraction (F3) in 2017 was lower. The distributions of fraction and bioavailability showed temporal and spatial characteristics. The total concentration and bioavailability of As in SB and IA were significantly higher than those in RA, ST and BG. The BF (Bioavailability Factor) values of As ranged from 0.30 to 0.61. Health risk assessment indicated that the hazard quotient (HQ) and carcinogenic risk (CR) of As in PM 2.5 significantly decreased after coal-gas replacement. Image 1 • Concentration of As in PM 2.5 decreased after coal limiting. • Fraction distribution was different in the samples from different functional areas. • Health risk was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after Coal-Gas replacement. The concentration of arsenic in PM 2.5 and health risks decreased after coal-gas replacement implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three new steroidal saponins, japonicoside A (1), japonicoside B (2) and japonicoside C (3) were isolated from the dried rhizomes and roots of Smilacina japonica A. Gray. Their structures were elucidated as (25S)-5α-spirostan-9(11)-en-3β-ol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-galactopyranoside (1), (25S)-5α-spirostan-9(11)-en-3β,17α-diol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-galactopyranoside (2) and (25S)-5α-spirostan-9(11)-en-3β,17α,24α-triol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-galactopyranoside (3) on the basis of chemical methods and detailed spectroscopic analysis, including 1D, 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS. The cytotoxicity of isolated compounds was evaluated in vitro for cytotoxic properties against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (SMMC-7221) and human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (DLD-1), respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The North China Block subducted southward beneath the Tongbai-Dabie orogenic belt in the Jurassic. • The broken-off Paleo-Tethyan Oceanic slab is imaged as a high-velocity anomaly at depths of 300–400 km beneath the Tongbai-Dabie orogenic belt. • A two-stage subduction model is proposed about the Yangtze Block and North China Block subductions. The Tongbai-Dabie orogenic belt was formed in the Middle to Late Triassic through continental collision between the North China Block and the Yangtze Block. To reveal the collisional tectonics of the two blocks, we apply teleseismic tomography to study the 3-D P-wave velocity structure down to 400 km depth beneath the Tongbai-Dabie orogenic belt using 37,251 first P-wave arrival times of 1423 teleseismic events recorded at 99 seismic stations in the study region. Our tomography reveals three obvious high-velocity anomalies. One is dipping southward beneath the Tongbai-Dabie orogenic belt, reflecting the southward subduction of the North China Block. The second is visible down to 100 km depth beneath the eastern Tongbai-Dabie orogenic belt, which reflects the Yangtze Block. The third appears at depths of 300–400 km, which is interpreted as the retained broke-off paleo-Tethyan oceanic slab. On the basis of our tomographic results and previous findings, we propose a two-stage subduction model showing that the Yangtze Block subducted northward in the Triassic, and then the North China Block subducted southward in the Jurassic beneath the Tongbai-Dabie orogenic belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Staphylococcal pneumonia provoked by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a life-threatening infection in which α-toxin is an essential virulence factor. In this study, we investigate the influence of naringenin on α-toxin production and further assess its therapeutic performance in the treatment of staphylococcal pneumonia. Remarkably, the expression of α-toxin was significantly inhibited when the organism was treated with 16μg/ml of naringenin. When studied in a mouse model of S. aureus pneumonia, naringenin could attenuate the symptoms of lung injury and inflammation in infected mice. These results suggest that naringenin is a promising agent for treatment of S. aureus infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The extracts from leaves, heartwood, barks and roots of the Streblus asper were investigated for anti-HBV activities, separately. The results suggested that the MeOH extracts of the heartwood, barks, and roots exhibited good anti-HBV activities. Further investigations displayed that ethyl acetate and n-butanol soluble parts of their MeOH extracts showed more significant anti-HBV activities. Moreover, a new lignan, together with 11 known compounds, was isolated from n-butanol-soluble part of MeOH extract of the roots of S. asper. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 1D NMR (1H NMR, 13C NMR), 2D NMR (HMQC, HMBC) and HR-EI-MS experiments. Compounds 1–3 were evaluated for their anti-HBV activities. Honokiol showed significant anti-HBV activity with IC50 values of 3.14μM and 4.74μM for HBsAg and HBeAg with no cytotoxicity respectively, while lamivudine (3TC, positive control) exhibited weak anti-HBV activity with IC50 values of 11.81μM and 25.80μM for HBsAg and HBeAg respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Geographical background and dispersal ability may strongly influence assemblage dissimilarity; however, these aspects have generally been overlooked in previous large-scale beta diversity studies. Here, we examined whether the patterns and drivers of taxonomic beta diversity (TBD) and phylogenetic beta diversity (PBD) of breeding birds in China vary across (1) regions on both sides of the Hu Line, which demarcates China's topographical, climatic, economic, and social patterns, and (2) species with different dispersal ability. TBD and PBD were calculated and partitioned into turnover and nestedness components using a moving window approach. Variables representing climate, habitat heterogeneity, and habitat quality were employed to evaluate the effects of environmental filtering. Spatial distance was considered to assess the impact of dispersal limitation. Variance partitioning analysis was applied to assess the relative roles of these variables. In general, the values of TBD and PBD were high in mountainous areas and were largely determined by environmental filtering. However, different dominant environmental filters on either side of the Hu Line led to divergent beta diversity patterns. Specifically, climate-driven species turnover and habitat heterogeneity-related species nestedness dominated the regions east and west of the line, respectively. Additionally, bird species with stronger dispersal ability were more susceptible to environmental filtering, resulting in more homogeneous assemblages. Our results indicated that regions with distinctive geographical backgrounds may present different ecological factors that lead to divergent assemblage dissimilarity patterns, and dispersal ability determines the response of assemblages to these ecological factors. Identifying a single universal explanation for the observed pattern without considering these aspects may lead to simplistic or incomplete conclusions. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of large-scale beta diversity patterns and effective planning of conservation strategies necessitate the consideration of both geographical background and species dispersal ability.

Based on the monitoring data of five pollutants in 168 key cities under air pollution prevention and control in China from 2015 to 2020, using the MAKESENS model and the aggregate risk index(ARI), this study quantitatively analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of air pollution and health risks in China and the six urban agglomerations. The results showed that:① PM 2.5 pollution was the most serious pollution in Chinese key cities. Only 15% of the cities' six-year average concentrations of PM 2.5 reached the National Secondary Standard, followed by that of NO 2 ; 77% of the cities' six-year average concentrations of NO 2 reached the National Secondary Standard. The urban agglomerations of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and Fenwei plain had the most serious air pollution, and the six-year average concentrations of PM 2.5 , SO 2 , CO, and NO 2 were higher than those of other urban agglomerations. ② The concentrations of PM 2.5 , SO 2 , CO, and NO 2 in key cities of China showed a decreasing trend, whereas the concentration of O 3 in other urban agglomerations showed an increasing trend, except in the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration. The concentration of SO 2 in the urban agglomerations of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and Fenwei plain changed the most significantly. ③ The health risk of air pollution in the key cities of China generally showed a decreasing trend, with a sharp decline from 2017 to 2018, and the population exposed to extremely high risks dropped from 160 million to 32.54 million. The urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River had the most significant decline in health risks, whereas the key cities in China faced higher health risks in spring and winter seasons. ④ The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and Fenwei plain urban agglomerations had the highest health risks, and the urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River had the lowest; O 3 gradually replaced PM 2.5 as the main pollutant affecting the health risk. These results can provide a reference for evaluating the effectiveness of urban air pollution control in China during the 13th Five-Year Plan period.

The distribution and chemical speciation of arsenic (As) in different sized atmospheric particulate matters (PMs), including total suspended particles (TSP), PM 10 , and PM 2.5 , collected from Baoding, China were analyzed. The average total mass concentrations of As in TSP, PM 10 , and PM 2.5 were 31.5, 35.3, and 54.1 µg/g, respectively, with an order of PM 2.5 >PM 10 > TSP, revealing that As is prone to accumulate on fine particles. Due to the divergent toxicities of different As species, speciation analysis of As in PMs is further conducted. Most of previous studies mainly focused on inorganic arsenite (iAs III ), inorganic arsenate (iAs V ), monomethylarsonate (MMA), and dimethylarsinate (DMA) in PMs, while the identification and sensitive quantification of trimethylarsine oxide (TMAO) were rarely reported. In this study, a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry system was optimized for As speciation including TMAO in PMs. An anion exchange column was used to separate MMA, DMA and iAs V , while a cation exchange column to separate TMAO and iAs III . Results showed that iAs V was the dominate component in all the samples, corresponding to a portion of 79.2% ± 9.3% of the total extractable species, while iAs III , TMAO and DMA made up the remaining 21%. Our study demonstrated that iAs III accounted for about 14.4% ± 11.4% of the total extracted species, with an average concentration of 1.7 ± 1.6 ng/m 3 . It is worth noting that TMAO was widely present in the samples (84 out of 97 samples), which supported the assumption that TMAO was ubiquitous in atmospheric particles., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

On public health, the effect of economic growth in China is analyzed in this paper by using the panel threshold regression model. The empirical study from 2000 to 2017 shows that China's economic growth has a significant threshold effect on public health. After the threshold is exceeded, public health will be improved dramatically. The threshold effect is heterogeneous at the regional level. The eastern region has no threshold, and both central and western regions have a single significant threshold. However, the threshold value and threshold effect in the central and western regions are also different. The heterogeneity is caused by the different levels of regional economic development. Therefore, based on public health utility maximization, the government should make different health policies according to the characteristics of regional development., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Niu, Yang and Wang.)

Cytotoxic T cell antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is reportedly involved in the development of bladder cancer (BC). This research was designed to address the potential link between the +49A/G polymorphism in CTLA-4 gene and BC susceptibility. In total, 355 BC cases and 435 match controls from Chinese Han individuals were included eventually. The PCR-RFLR method was utilized to screen for this polymorphism. The +49A/G polymorphism was shown to increase the risk of BC. Subgroup analyses showed that this polymorphism was linked to an increased susceptibility to BC among individuals aged < 60 years, smokers and drinkers. Additionally, this polymorphism significantly correlated with tumor node metastasis and tumor size (≥3 cm). To sum up, this study reveals that the CTLA-4 +49A/G polymorphism could increase the risk of BC in Chinese Han people. Further large cohort studies with enough sample sizes are urgently warranted to verify the findings of this present study., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Fei Mao et al.)

Background: A host of studies show Leptin (LEP) G19A polymorphism is correlated with the risk of various cancers, but the connection of this polymorphism with bladder cancer (BC) risk has not been reported., Materials and Methods: This association was in explored in a case-control study involving 355 BC cases and 435 controls (all Chinese Han). Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was conducted to genotype LEP G19A polymorphism. Analyses of allele and genotype distribution were evaluated using chi-square test. Continuous data were assessed by an independent samples t test or one-way ANOVA test. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined by logistic regression., Results: LEP G19A polymorphism was significantly associated with a lower risk of BC (AA vs GG: adjusted OR, 0.40, 95% CI, 0.20-0.83, P = .013; AA + GA vs GG: adjusted OR, 0.70, 95% CI, 0.52-0.93, P = .015; AA vs GA + GG: adjusted OR, 0.45, 95% CI, 0.22-0.91, P = .026). In addition, A allele was associated with decreased risk for BC (A vs G: OR, 0.70, 95% CI, 0.55-0.89, P = .003). Stratified analyses by females, non-drinkers, and non-smokers all returned considerable relations. Furthermore, LEP G19A polymorphism was correlated with tumor size, tumor node metastasis, and distant metastasis in BC patients., Conclusions: LEP G19A polymorphism is associated with a less risk of BC., (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Coal-Gas replacement project has been implemented to decrease haze pollution in China in recent years. Airborne arsenic (As) mostly originates from coal burning processes. It is noteworthy to compare the distribution of arsenic fraction in PM 2.5 before and after coal-gas replacement. Eighty PM 2.5 samples were collected in Baoding in December 2016 (coal dominated year) and December 2017 (gas dominated year) at different functional areas including residential area (RA), industrial area (IA), suburb (SB), roadside (ST) and Botanical Garden Park (BG). The fraction, bioavailability and health risk of As in the PM 2.5 samples were investigated and compared between these two years. Arsenic was mainly distributed in the non-specifically sorbed fraction (F1) and the residual fraction (F5). However, the proportion of F1 to the total As in 2017 was higher than that in 2016, while the proportion of As in the amorphous and poorly-crystalline hydrous oxides of Fe and Al fraction (F3) in 2017 was lower. The distributions of fraction and bioavailability showed temporal and spatial characteristics. The total concentration and bioavailability of As in SB and IA were significantly higher than those in RA, ST and BG. The BF (Bioavailability Factor) values of As ranged from 0.30 to 0.61. Health risk assessment indicated that the hazard quotient (HQ) and carcinogenic risk (CR) of As in PM 2.5 significantly decreased after coal-gas replacement., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors (Jiao-Jiao Xie, Chun-Gang Yuan, Jin Xie, Xiao-Dong Niu, Xu-Rui Zhang, Ke-Gang Zhang, Pei-Yao Xu, Xiao-Ying Ma, Xiang-Bin Lv) have seen and approved the submission of the manuscript. The authors declared that there is no conflict of intrest. We also affirm that this manuscript is not under consideration for publication and has not been published elsewhere in any medium including electronic journals and computer databases of a public nature. We assure you that there are no related works that are currently under consideration for publication in this or other journals., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The circulating matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) levels are associated with the risk of bladder cancer (BC). MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism may influence the expression of MMP-7 by affecting the transcriptional activity. A case-control study comprising 355 BC patients and 435 age- and gender-matched healthy controls was conducted in a Chinese Han population. The genotype of MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism was determined by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Data revealed that MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism increased the risk of BC under the homozygous and allelic models. However, no association between MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism and BC risk was obtained after adjusting for age, gender, smoking habits and drinking habits. Subgroup analyses showed MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism was associated with increased risk for BC among the smokers and drinkers. Furthermore, AG or GG genotype of -181A/G polymorphism was associated with larger tumor size and lymphatic metastasis in BC patients. To sum up, MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism is not associated with the susceptibility to BC. However, subgroup analyses obtain significant association among the groups of smokers and drinkers. Larger studies in other ethnic groups are needed to ascertain the contribution of MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism to BC risk.

Objective: To investigate the incidence of early postpartum urinary incontinence in parturients from Chengdu, and to find out the high-risk factors for reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment., Methods: A total of 9 918 parturient women who gave delivery at the West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2014 to January 2018 were enrolled and reviewed 6 weeks after delivery. The prevalence of urinary incontinence at 6 weeks postpartum was investigated by questionnaire. χ 2 test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors affecting the prevalence., Results: 9 550 parturient women were actually investigated. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 15.53% (1 483/9 550) at 6 weeks postpartum in Chengdu, among which stress urinary incontinence was the most common (73.03%, 1 083/1 483). Univariate analysis showed that age, pelvic surgery history, prenatal body mass index (BMI), urinary incontinence during pregnancy, neonatal body mass, the number of parturition, delivery mode, lateral perineal incision, perineal laceration and prolonged second stage of labor were all correlated with the occurrence of urinary incontinence at 6 weeks postpartum ( P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cesarean section can reduce the risk of urinary incontinence compared with vaginal delivery 〔odds ratio ( OR )=0.373, P < 0.001〕. Age≥35 yr. ( OR =1.803, P =0.001), pelvic surgery history ( OR =1.260, P =0.003), BMI≥28 kg/m 2 during pregnancy ( OR =1.694, P =0.025), urinary incontinence during pregnancy ( OR =2.605, P < 0.001), neonatal body mass ≥4 kg ( OR =2.307, P =0.040), multipara ( OR =1.284, P =0.023) and perineal laceration ( OR =1.372, P =0.035) were independent risk factors for urinary incontinence at 6 weeks postpartum., Conclusions: Urinary incontinence at 6 weeks postpartum is not rare in Chengdu, and stress urinary incontinence is more frequent. Eutocia, elderly parturient, multipara, pelvic surgery history, prenatal obesity, urinary incontinence during pregnancy, large neonatal body mass and perineal laceration are the main risk factors for urinary incontinence at 6 weeks postpartum., (Copyright© by Editorial Board of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Science Edition).)

A worth noticing pattern in current invasive biology is the clonal ability of many of the world's worst invasive plants. Selective placement of ramets (i.e. foraging behavior) can intensify ramet performance and allocation, and place more ramets in the more favorable microhabitats, which can maximum utilize resource and share risk in heterogeneous environments. Still little is known about whether invasive alien and native clonal plants differ in the selective placement patterns of ramets in invasive clonal plants or not. We used five congeneric pairs of naturally co-occurring invasive alien and native clonal plant species in China. In a glasshouse, we grew all species in pots under a homogeneous and three heterogeneous conditions (i.e. light, soil nutrients or water) subjected to resource-high or -low patches. All biomass parameters and number of ramets significantly increased in resource-high patches in all three types of heterogeneous environments. Interestingly, growth of invasive alien plants benefited significantly more from resource-high patches than native plants in all heterogeneous environments. Overall, invasive had higher biomass parameters per ramet than natives. Ramet parameters of invasive plants also benefited more from resource-low patches than natives. Three different selective placement patterns of ramets in resource-low patches were exhibited in invasive plants: ramet increasing shoot investment (above pattern), increasing root investment (below pattern) and increasing both investments (complete pattern) in the light, soil water and nutrient heterogeneity, respectively. Investment on less, larger ramet was the adaptive strategy of invasive plants in resource-poor patches. The results suggest that adaptively selective placement patterns of ramets promote a higher morphology plasticity and performance in invasive clonal plants over natives. When alien clonal plants spread new areas with light, soil nutrients or water heterogeneity, selective placement patterns of ramets might play an important role in plant performance and competitive superior by capitalizing more on additional resources., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A field experiment with different nitrogen fertilization rates and mitigation measures was conducted in an open-ground vegetable field on the North China Plain to investigate the effects of nitrogen application level and management practices on ammonia volatilization and N 2 O emission. Reducing the nitrogen fertilization rate by 20% and by 50% decreased ammonia volatilization by 25.7% and 48.0%, respectively, during the spring-sowed cucumber growth period. Amendment with combined inhibitors and biochar decreased ammonia volatilization loss by 10.0% and 6.1%, respectively. Reducing nitrogen fertilization rate by 20% and 50% decreased N 2 O emission by 28.8% and 61.0% during the spring-sowed cucumber growth period. Addition of combined inhibitors decreased N 2 O emission by 58.9%, while it was increased by 14.1% with biochar addition. Under the same application method of banding application, replacing 30% nitrogen fertili-zer with organic manure did not show any significant mitigation for ammonia volatilization and N 2 O emission. For the intensively managed vegetable fields, reducing the nitrogen application rate appropriately was the most effective measure to reduce ammonia volatilization and N 2 O emission.

On February 19, 2017, China announced that the mutant H7N9 virus appeared in human cases, which showed molecular characteristic of highly pathogenic virus for poultry. In this study, a duplex real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay was developed for distinguish between highly pathogenic H7 virus and low pathogenic H7 virus. The sensitivity, specificity, stability and conformance tests were conducted for this method. The data showed that the new method is sensitive. The minimum detection limit for the RNA of highly pathogenic H7 virus is 0.0052fg and the minimum detection limit for the RNA of low pathogenic H7 virus is 0.36fg. The method gave specific results in detecting novel highly pathogenic H7 virus and will play an important role in the rapid identification of novel highly pathogenic H7 virus., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: In children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis (HSPN), the degree of proteinuria has been proven to be not only a sign of kidney damage, but also an accelerator of kidney disease progression. Nephrotic proteinuria at disease onset has been proposed as a predictor of a poor renal outcome. This study aims to assess the clinical and pathological features of HSPN with nephrotic proteinuria in a single center., Methods: One hundred thirty-seven patients with HSPN who visited Shanghai Children's Hospital from January 2009 to December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on the 24-h urinary protein levels: nephrotic proteinuria group (NP group: 24-h urinary protein ≥50 mg/kg) and non-nephrotic proteinuria group (NNP group: 24-h urinary protein <50 mg/kg). In addition, data regarding their sex, age, clinical features, renal pathology, and prognosis were collected., Results: (1) There were 34 boys and 20 girls in the NP group with a mean age of 8.39 ± 2.85 years. The peak age of incidence was 6 to 11 years (72.22%). (2) There were 8 cases (14.81%) with joint symptoms and 9 cases (16.67%) with gastrointestinal symptoms in the NP group. According to the analysis of the laboratory test results, the serum albumin and IgG levels of the NP group were significantly lower than that of the NNP group (35.04 ± 8.45 in the NP group vs. 41.55 ± 4.46 in the NNP group, P < 0.0001; 7.68 ± 3.12 in the NP group vs. 9.53 ± 2.74 in the NNP group, P < 0.001, respectively); their blood urea nitrogen and cystatin C levels increased significantly (P < 0.05). (3) The majority of the pathological changes in the NP group were above the International Study of Kidney Disease in Children (ISKDC) grade III (62.97%). The NP group patients with tubulointerstitial injurie with grade 2 and above (50%) were prioritized. Immune complex deposition in the NP group was dominated by IgA. (4) The prognosis of the NP group was in complete remission (A), and their cases did not develop into end-stage renal disease; their prognosis was also associated with clinical classification (P < 0.01) but was not related to pathologic grading and tubulointerstitial injury (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: The serum albumin and IgG levels of the NP group were significantly lower; however, their blood urea nitrogen and cystatin C levels were higher. The ISKDC grades were mainly above grade III. The prognosis of the NP group was associated with clinical classification and improved after a timely and early treatment.

Background: Little is known on the cost-effectiveness of novel regimens for hepatitis C virus (HCV) compared with standard-of-care with pegylated interferon (pegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) therapy in developing countries. We evaluated cost-effectiveness of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir for 12 weeks compared with a 48-week pegIFN-RBV regimen in Chinese patients with genotype 1b HCV infection by economic regions., Methods: A decision analytic Markov model was developed to estimate quality-adjusted-life-years, lifetime cost of HCV infection and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). SVR rates and direct medical costs were obtained from real-world data. Parameter uncertainty was assessed by one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Threshold analysis was conducted to estimate the price which can make the regimen cost-effective and affordable., Results: Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir was cost-effective in treatment-experienced patients with an ICER of US$21,612. It varied by economic regions. The probability of cost-effectiveness was 18% and 47% for treatment-naive and experienced patients, and it ranged from 15% in treatment-naïve patients in Central-China to 64% in treatment-experienced patients in Eastern-China. The price of 12-week sofosbuvir/ledipasvir treatment needs to be reduced by at least 81% to US$18,185 to make the regimen cost-effective in all patients at WTP of one time GDP per capita. The price has to be US$105 to make the regimen affordable in average patients in China., Conclusion: Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir regimen is not cost-effective in most Chinese patients with genotype 1b HCV infection. The results vary by economic regions. Drug price of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir needs to be substantially reduced when entering the market in China to ensure the widest accessibility.

Background and Objectives: With the development of enteral nutrition in patients with neurological disorders in China, related guidelines were published in 2011. The Chinese Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition conducted a survey to evaluate the status quo of enteral nutrition practices in these patients., Methods and Study Design: This multicenter prospective investigation was conducted from April 2012 to April 2013 and involved 18 tertiary hospitals in China. The survey using standardized questionnaires sought information about the basic protocols for enteral nutrition (devices and staffing) and specific information about patients with neurological conditions who received nutrition by way of enteral feeding., Results: In the 18 hospitals from 13 provinces, 83.3% patients were configured with an enteral nutrition infusion pump, 77.8% had a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) device, and 88.9% had a clinical nutrition support group. Four hundred four patients participated in this survey (259 men, 145 women; mean age 61.3±14.7 years), 85.7% had suffered a stroke, 83.9% had impaired consciousness, and 98.0% had dysphagia. Of the 10 guidelines for enteral nutrition practices, setting the energy target, choosing the enteral nutrition tube, and monitoring the patient received unsatisfactory ratings were in poor compliance (56.2%, 30.0% and 38.9%, respectively); the remaining seven guidelines were in good compliance (each >75%)., Conclusion: The survey suggested that configuration of the enteral nutritional devices and staffing was adequate in China's tertiary hospitals. However, some associated practices had not yet reached the desired levels of competency, indicating a need for this to be understood and for improved training.

Aim: To analyze risk factors for refractoriness to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD)., Methods: A total of 256 NERD patients treated with the PPI esomeprazole were enrolled. They were classified into symptom-free and residual symptoms groups according to Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QolRad) scale. All subjects completed questionnaires on psychological status (self-rating anxiety scale; self-rating depression scale) and quality of life scale (Short Form 36). Multivariate analysis was used to determine the predictive factors for PPI responses., Results: According to QolRad, 97 patients were confirmed to have residual reflux symptoms, and the remaining 159 patients were considered symptom free. There were no significant differences between the two groups in lifestyle factors (smoking and alcohol consumption), age, Helicobacter pylori infection, and hiatal hernia. There were significant differences between the two groups in relation to sex, psychological distress including anxiety and depression, body mass index (BMI), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis found that BMI < 23, comorbid IBS, anxiety, and depression were major risk factors for PPI resistance. Symptomatic patients had a lower quality of life compared with symptom-free patients., Conclusion: Some NERD patients are refractory to PPIs and have lower quality of life. Residual symptoms are associated with psychological distress, intestinal disorders, and low BMI.

Objective: To isolate and identify the chemical constituents of the root of Chloranthus multistachys Pei., Methods: The compounds were isolated by column chromatography, semi-preparative thin layer chromatography and related techniques, their structures were elucidated through spectroscopic analyses., Results: Nine compounds were isolated and identified as: lupeol (I), cycloeucalenol (II), isofragidin (III), daphnin (IV), umbelliferone (V), palmitic acid (VI), stigmasterol (VII), beta-sitosterol (VIII), beta-daucosterol (IX)., Conclusion: Except VI, all compounds are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological condition of the sub-health status of the young and middle-aged persons in urban and rural areas of Hubei province, and to explore the relationships among personality, quality of sleep and sub-health status., Methods: Purposive sampling method and Personal Health Status Questionnaire developed by Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were used to investigate the sub-healthy status of 3187 subjects aged 18 - 55 and evaluate the relationships among sub-health status, personality and the quality of sleep with structural equation model., Results: Gender, education, marriage, age and occupation were factors influencing the status of sub-health. Among all of the subjects, sub-health status of females were more serious than that of males (P < 0.0001 of all). The divorced, separated and widowed ones were more likely to experience sub-health than other status of marriage (P = 0.0006, P = 0.0102). The sub-health status of the subjects aged 30 - 55 in the urban (P = 0.0197) and low-literacy residents in rural (P = 0.0003) were among the worst. The condition of the sub-health in migrant workers and professional were worse compared to other occupational groups (P = 0.0043). Structural equation model analysis revealed that sub-health status associated with the quality of sleep and the type of characteristics (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Sub-health status did exist among the young and middle-aged persons and was influenced by the quality of sleep and personality. However, it could be adjusted by improving the quality of sleep and personality to prevent sub-health.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Apo A1 and B gene polymorphism on avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) in north Chinese Han population., Methods: Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) technique was used in samples of 143 cases with documented ANFH and 92 healthy control matched by age and sex individuals selected from north Chinese Han nationality. The studied loci include promoter region (-75bp) and the intron 1 (+83 bp) of Apo A1 gene, Eco RI,Xba I of Apo B gene; polymerase chain reaction was used to study 3'-VNTR of Apo B gene., Results: At -75 bp in promoter, the frequency of A/A genotype in ANFH group was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.01), while the frequency of G/A genotype in ANFH group was significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.01). No difference was found in the frequency of genotype at +83bp in intron 1 of Apo A1 gene, Eco RI, Xba I and 3'-VNTR loci of Apo B gene., Conclusion: Apolipoprotein A1 gene A/A substitution at position -75 in promotor is associated with ANFH, the mutation may be one of the sensitive genes of ANFH, first reported inside and abroad. But no evident relationship was found between gene polymorphism of +75 bp loci of Apo A1 gene, Eco RI loci of Apo B gene, Xba I loci of Apo B gene or 3'-VNTR of Apo B gene and ANFH.

This study was aimed to investigate the molecular genetic basis and serological phenotype of Rh weak D type 15 individuals. Samples were identified by serological tests and genotyped by sequence specific primer-PCR (SSP-PCR), and were sequenced to detect the changes of all ten RHD exons. The number of gene RHD was detected through SSP-PCR. The results showed that in tested individuals of weak D type confirmed by the IAT, 18 cases (56% in weak D) were weak D type 15. Rh factors found in 2 weak D type 15 individuals (11%) were C+c+E+e; Rh factors found in 2 weak D type 15 individuals (11%) were C+c+E-e+; others (78%) were c-c+E+e+. The results by serological tests were consistent with the results genotyped by PCR-SSP method. In all 18 samples, the sequencing result revealed a gene mutation 845G > A at the exon 6 of the RHD and the point mutation changed amino acid G282D of the RhD polypeptide. The zygosity test demonstrated that 2 out of 18 weak D type 15 individuals were RHD(+)/RHD(+) homozygous (two DCe/DcE), 16 cases were RHD(+)/RHD(-) heterozygous (two DCe/dce and fourteen DcE/dce). It is concluded that Weak D type 15 is predominant in weak D individuals of Chinese Han Nationality, and most of them are heterozygous with various RH haplotypes.

To study the genetic polymorphism of HPA 1-16 platelet antigen alleles among unrelated volunteer donors and establish a typed platelet donor panel in Handan, typing was perfomed by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (SSP-PCR); 148 random unrelated blood donors in Handan were genotyped for each of the HPA 1-16 antigen. The gene frequencies were analyzed and the genetype frequencies were determined by direct counting, and these data were compared with HPA distribution among various population by the chi-square test. The results indicated that HPA-1a, 2a, 4a-14a, 16a genes were found among the 16 HPAs in every sample tested. Monomorphic HPA-4a, 7a-14a, 16a were found in the samples. For HPA-1, 2, 5 and 6, a/a homozygosity was predominant with frequencies of 0.9595, 0.8108, 0.9865, 0.9797, respectively, and none of HPA b/b was found in the samples. HPA-1b, 2b, 5b, 6b were rarely found among subjects. HPA-15 had the greatest heterozygosity with a gene frequency of 0.2230, 0.5270, 0.2500 for HPA15a/15a, HPA15a/15b, HPA15b/15b, respectively. HPA-3 showed the second greatest heterozygosity with a gene frequency of 0.3851, 0.5135, 0.1014 for HPA3a/3a, HPA3a/3b, HPA3b/3b, respectively. HPA genotype frequencies showed a good fit to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. HPA1-5 gene frequencies for Chinese people in Handan were consistent with those of Chinese people in Shijiazhuang (P > 0.05). Among the HPA1-13, -15, the frequencies of HPA-1, -2, -6 for Chinese people in Handan differed appreciably from those for Chinese people in Taiwan (P < 0.05), others were similar to those of Chinese people in Taiwan. Among the HPA 1 - 8, a similarity was noted between Chinese people in Handan and Koreans (P > 0.05), except for HPA-3. Frequencies of HPA-1, -2, -5 significantly were differed from those in African Americans, as compared with HPA 1-5 (P < 0.05). Comparison of gene frequencies from HPA-1 and -5 showed significant differences between Chinese people in Handan and people in UK (P < 0.05). It is concluded that HPA-2, -3, -5, -15 of people in Western region of China have polymorphism, incompatible frequency of HPA antigen distribution is higher, which inevitably results in the increase of immunologic exposure, therefore attention must be paid to the importance of HPA-2, -3, -5, -15 in clinical disorders. This study for the first time completely analyses HPA1-16 gene frequencies in China, and provides data for establishing a typed platelet donor panel in Handan, China.

To study clinical outcome of G-CSF-mobilized allo-peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) and allo-bone marrow (BM) transplantation for patients with leukemia, donors were injected G-CSF 8-10 microg/(kg.d) for 5 days, PBSC were collected on day 4-5 and G-CSF mobilized BM was extracted on day 7. Conditioning regimen consisting of fludarabine, busulfan and cyclophosphamide. The results showed that transplanted cells in all patients were engrafted, the median days of neutrophil exceeding 0.5 x 10(9)/L and platelet exceeding 20 x 10(9)/L were 10.2 days (range 9 - 12 days) and 12.5 days (range 12 - 14 days), respectively. Patients were monitored up to 100 days, 4 of 12 patients (33.3%) developed II aGVHD, 10 of 12 patients (83.3%) developed limited cGVHD. The median follow-up duration was 5 months. Two patients died, the others were alive in disease-free situation. In conclusion, allogeneic transplantation of G-CSF mobilized PBSC plus BM was safe and effective treatment for patients with leukemia, the therapy provides rapid and sustained engraftment without increase in incidence of aGVHt and cGVHD.