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Background and Aims: The evidence of the relationship between dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is limited. Thus, we conducted a cohort‐based case‐control study to examine whether adherence to the DASH diet was associated with lower NAFLD risk in China. Methods: We included 11 888 participants (2529 incident NAFLD and 9359 non‐NAFLD) from the Kailuan cohort with no history of hepatitis B/C infection and alcohol drinking. DASH score was calculated based on the energy‐adjusted consumption of vegetables, fruits, dairy, beans, grains, meats, fat, sodium and beverage, collected by a validated food frequency questionnaire. We used Logistic regression analysis to determine the NAFLD's risk according to the DASH score. Results: Higher DASH score was associated with lower risk of NAFLD. Compared with the lowest quintile of DASH score, the highest DASH quintile had a lower risk of occurring NAFLD, with odds ratio (OR) of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70‐0.96) in the multivariate model. Stratified analysis showed that the inverse association was only observed in women (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48‐0.94), and participants with overweight/obesity (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.66‐0.94), fasting blood glucose <6.1 mmol/L (OR = 0.80, 95%: 0.67‐0.96), low density lipoprotein ≥3.4 mmol/L (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.53‐0.96), high density lipoprotein ≥1.0 mmol/L (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.69‐0.96), ALT < 40 U/L (OR = 0.79, 95% CI:0.67‐0.93) and C‐reactive protein ≥2.0 mg/L (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.40‐0.78). Conclusions: Adherence to the DASH diet was inversely associated with a lower risk of NAFLD in the Chinese population. DASH diet should be highly recommended, especially for women and people with overweight/obesity and a high CRP level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The framework combines a cloud-edge-end structure to break the information barriers of multi-source measured data. • The method executes different strategies according to voltage levels based on interaction of edge computing is proposed. • Harmonic source identification and evaluation are achieved through the multi-level interaction of edge computing. • TVE, CMHSE and HHSE method for cloud-edge-end collaborative computing strategy are developed into the system. With the increase of power electronic devices such as distributed renewable energies, energy storage, and flexible loads, the disturbance sources are rapidly raised and distributed in multiple voltage levels in the distributed network. The harmonics they produce are random and uncertain, and the massive amounts of data propose high demands on server computing capability, which restrict harmonic sources evaluation and significantly influence the judgments of the power quality in the distribution network. In order to improve the power quality and the harmonic source evaluation function of the distribution network, in this paper, a framework for multi-harmonic source identification and evaluation based on cloud-edge-end collaboration is proposed. Firstly, based on the analysis of the functional requirements harmonic sources evaluation in multiple voltage levels, a novel framework of cloud-edge-end collaboration is proposed. Secondly, the cloud-edge-end collaborative harmonic sources evaluation method which executes different service strategies according to voltage levels and grid operation based on the multi-level interaction of edge computing is proposed. Further, the working principle of the proposed novel framework with multiple evaluation methods including the dominant harmonic source identification, concentrated multiple harmonic sources evaluation (CMHSE) and hierarchical harmonic sources evaluation (HHSE) is described in detail in order to show the completed work processes of the proposed framework. Finally, the performance of the proposed method is verified based on the real data measured from different realistic urban power grids in China. The proposed method can effectively evaluate harmonic contributions in distribution systems and in turn provide a basis for harmonic mitigation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) is a carcinogen that causes a huge burden of gastric cancer in China. We aimed to evaluate the temporal trends and other sources of variation of H pylori infection in adults from mainland China. Materials and methods: For this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases for articles published from January 1983 to June 2020. We included studies reporting H pylori prevalence in adults and then applied random effect meta‐analyses to obtain pooled prevalence estimates for all studies and subgroups. Sources of heterogeneity were investigated by moderator analysis, and time trends were assessed through random effect meta‐regression. Results: Of the 2121 studies identified, 98 were eligible for inclusion. The pooled estimate of 670 572 participants from 26 provinces during 1983‐2018 was 49.6% (95% CI: 46.9%, 52.4%). H pylori prevalence varied considerably, ranging from 20.6% to 81.8%. Periods, urban/rural status, detection method, and study design explained 18.8%, 24.0%, 17.8%, and 30.4% of the heterogeneity, respectively. Overall, H pylori prevalence declined by −0.9% (95% CI: −1.1%, −0.6%) annually. Consistent declines in prevalence were observed by sex, age, and study characteristics. Conclusions: Helicobacter pylori prevalence is slowly decreasing over time in mainland China, but the low declining speed is not enough to have a major impact on gastric cancer incidence for many years. The time trends and the large heterogeneity should be taken into account when conducting regional comparisons, disease burden estimations, and customized strategy making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preterm ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (POHS) is a rare condition with only a few reported cases. The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics of 21 POHS cases (seven from China and 14 from the literature). Suspected patients (n = 7) were referred for further confirmation and data on demographics, family history, clinical manifestations (edema developed in the vulva, the hypogastric site and the upper leg), serum and sonographic assessments (ovarian cyst/cysts, gonadotropins, and estradiol levels), the natural course of patients were documented. We did not observe substantial differences in clinical manifestations among POHS patients from China relative to that from the literature. Preterm female newborns developed edema in the vulva, the hypogastric site and the upper leg at 30–39+6 weeks of post-conception age (PCA) as the major clinical manifestations. The characteristic also included high gonadotropins and estradiol, and ovarian cysts. This condition can self-resolve. Clinical manifestations of POHS patients from China are similar to those from the literature. The pathognomonic signs of POHS include vulvar, hypogastric, and upper leg edema developed at 30–39+6 PCA along with high gonadotropins and E2 values and the presence of ovarian cysts in preterm female newborns and the syndrome can self-resolve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study is to quantify the groundwater contamination risk of Songhua River Basin by applying a novel approach of integrating public datasets, web services and numerical modelling techniques. To our knowledge, this study is the first to establish groundwater risk maps for the entire Songhua River Basin, one of the largest and most contamination-endangered river basins in China. Index-based groundwater risk maps were created with GIS tools at a spatial resolution of 30 arc sec by combining the results of groundwater vulnerability and hazard assessment. Groundwater vulnerability was evaluated using the DRASTIC index method based on public datasets at the highest available resolution in combination with numerical groundwater modelling. As a novel approach to overcome data scarcity at large scales, a web mapping service based data query was applied to obtain an inventory for potential hazardous sites within the basin. The groundwater risk assessment demonstrated that < 1% of Songhua River Basin is at high or very high contamination risk. These areas were mainly located in the vast plain areas with hotspots particularly in the Changchun metropolitan area. Moreover, groundwater levels and pollution point sources were found to play a significantly larger impact in assessing these areas than originally assumed by the index scheme. Moderate contamination risk was assigned to 27% of the aquifers, predominantly associated with less densely populated agricultural areas. However, the majority of aquifer area in the sparsely populated mountain ranges displayed low groundwater contamination risk. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that this novel method is valid for regional assessments of groundwater contamination risk. Despite limitations in resolution and input data consistency, the obtained groundwater contamination risk maps will be beneficial for regional and local decision-making processes with regard to groundwater protection measures, particularly if other data availability is limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing the effect of circular-agriculture (CA) measures could be helpful to promote its scientific development. Previous research has focused on technological measures and their effects on the agricultural sector. However, economic measures can also promote the development of CA, and due to their correlation with socio-economic sectors, CA measures can impose effects on non-agricultural sectors and on the whole socioeconomic system. In this research, a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model was established to comprehensively reveal the effects of CA measures. In this model, measure simulation and environmental blocks were extended. The production tax was adopted as the economic measure for adjusting the development of CA. Both environmental and socioeconomic effects have been explored. Hebei Province in China was adopted as the study case. Three kinds of production tax adjustment scenarios were considered: a promotion-measure scenario (decreasing the production tax for CA sectors), an inhibition-measure scenario (increasing the production tax for traditional-agriculture sectors), and a hybrid-measure scenario (implementing the promotion- and inhibition-measures simultaneously). The results showed that all three scenarios could promote the development of CA. The inhibition and hybrid measures had positive effects on GDP, and all the scenarios could decrease the intensities of CO2, COD and NH3–N emissions and water resource consumption. In addition, higher measure intensity could bring more significant effects. • Economic measures can promote the development of circular agriculture (CA). • CA economic measure can improve the cleanliness of economic development. • Higher measure intensity can bring more significant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing the effect of circular-agriculture (CA) measures could be helpful to promote its scientific development. Previous research has focused on technological measures and their effects on the agricultural sector. However, economic measures can also promote the development of CA, and due to their correlation with socio-economic sectors, CA measures can impose effects on non-agricultural sectors and on the whole socioeconomic system. In this research, a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model was established to comprehensively reveal the effects of CA measures. In this model, measure simulation and environmental blocks were extended. The production tax was adopted as the economic measure for adjusting the development of CA. Both environmental and socioeconomic effects have been explored. Hebei Province in China was adopted as the study case. Three kinds of production tax adjustment scenarios were considered: a promotion-measure scenario (decreasing the production tax for CA sectors), an inhibition-measure scenario (increasing the production tax for traditional-agriculture sectors), and a hybrid-measure scenario (implementing the promotion- and inhibition-measures simultaneously). The results showed that all three scenarios could promote the development of CA. The inhibition and hybrid measures had positive effects on GDP, and all the scenarios could decrease the intensities of CO2, COD and NH3–N emissions and water resource consumption. In addition, higher measure intensity could bring more significant effects. • Economic measures can promote the development of circular agriculture (CA). • CA economic measure can improve the cleanliness of economic development. • Higher measure intensity can bring more significant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategies based on virtual water have become a controversial measure to alleviate pressure on the water resource in regions with scarce water. Advocates of this approach highlight its potentially low cost and high efficiency, whereas opponents criticize its over-simplification and neglect of important factors other than water. Detailed analysis of the strategy's effects on water use and socioeconomic development is essential to fully understand the strengths and weaknesses of the strategy, and to support its reasonable and scientific implementation. In the present study, we defined three virtual water strategy scenarios (i.e., reduce agricultural production, increase agricultural imports, and reduce production and increase imports simultaneously) and developed a computable general equilibrium model to simulate the effects of the scenarios. We chose China's Bohai Bay area, a rapidly developing region with scarce water, for a case study. We found that the virtual water strategy was a double-edged sword: it improved water conservation (water use decreased by 3.6%, 6.9%, and 3.2% under the three scenarios, respectively), but had negative effects on economic development, employment, and economic welfare. The scenario that only increased agricultural imports had the greatest negative impact on socioeconomic development, whereas the scenario that simultaneously decreased production and increased imports most effectively balanced the economic development and water conservation requirements. • The virtual water strategy (VWS) exerts negative effects on economic systems. • VWS produces tradeoffs between water conservation and economic development. • The dual-policy strategy could achieve a better tradeoff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) was once commonly used as a pesticide worldwide, and is now a toxic and recalcitrant environmental pollutant. To explore a practical approach in the remediation of PCP-contaminated soils in China, we evaluated the efficacy of a local willow (Salix × aureo-pendulaCL “J1011”) on removing PCP and assessed the potential of a native earthworm (Metaphire guillelmi) and horseradish (Armoracia rusticana Gaerth), alone and in combination with willow, to enhance the efficiency of removing PCP from spiked field soils. Willow, horseradish, and earthworms alone significantly increased PCP removal from soil. After 45 days, only 47.2% of the PCP remained in the presence of willow alone; 68.4, 51.4, and 46.3% of the PCP remained with 50, 100, and 200 g horseradish m−2, respectively; and 41.1% of the PCP remained in the presence of earthworms. The removal of PCP from soils significantly increased with co-application of willow and horseradish (23.1% remaining) and especially with the co-application of willow and earthworms (2.2% remaining). Our results indicate that in terms of remediation efficiency, economic value, ecological benefits, and ease of use, a system consisting of this autochthonous willow and indigenous earthworms has great potential for the remediation of PCP-polluted soil in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to explore a practical approach to the remediation of the cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, we evaluated the effects of a local willow (Salix × aureo-pendula CL ‘J1011’) of absorbing, accumulating, and translocating Cd; and assessed the potential of chelator ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in combination with ethyl lactate for enhancing the efficiency of the willow in removing Cd in two water-culture growth chamber trials and a field one. The willow showed a high tolerance to Cd in growth chamber trial 1 where the Cd concentration in the medium reached up to 25mgL−1 medium, and the bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) of the shoots for Cd rose from 3.8 to 7.4 as the Cd concentration in the medium was elevated from 5 to 25mgL−1 medium. In growth chamber trial 2, the average Cd removal rates in two treatments with EDTA and ethyl lactate (molar ratios of EDTA to ethyl lactate=68/39 and 53.5/53.5, respectively) reached 0.71mg d−1pot−1 for the duration of Day 5-8 and 0.59mg d−1pot−1 for that of Day 8-11, which were 5- and 4-fold of their counterparts in the control, respectively. In the field trial, for the remediational duration of 45 days, three treatments—willow alone, willow combined with EDTA, and willow combined with EDTA and ethyl lactate—led to decreases in the Cd concentration in soil by 5%, 20%, and 29%, respectively; increases in that in the leaves by 14.6%, 56.7%, and 146.5%, respectively; and increases in that in the stems by 15.6%, 41.2%, and 87.4%, respectively, compared to their counterparts on Day 0. These results indicate that EDTA combined with ethyl lactate significantly enhanced the efficiency of willow in removing Cd from the soil. Therefore, a phytoextration system consisting of the autochthonous willow, EDTA, and ethyl lactate has high potential for the remediation of the Cd-polluted soil in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Carbon taxation has long been proposed to mitigate carbon emissions. Carbon tax rate determination and tax revenue recycling are two key steps to achieve a double dividend under carbon taxation. However, few research has sought to optimize the allocation proportion of tax revenue to various categories of taxpayers (households, enterprises, sectors, etc.), or to optimize the two steps synchronously based on nonlinear optimization methods. In this study, a computable general equilibrium model was established to explore the influence of carbon tax rate and tax revenue recycling shares on the economy and on carbon emissions. Meanwhile, a nonlinear optimization model was proposed, for optimizing both steps of carbon taxation synchronously, as well as for promoting GDP and CO 2 emission reduction. The Bohai Bay area, a typical area with enormous carbon emissions in China, was adopted as the study case for this research. The results showed that the optimized taxation scheme could lead to lower carbon emissions and greater economic growth, i.e., a strong double dividend was obtained. The optimized taxation scheme could lead to both cleaner air and cleaner energy and industrial structures while still promoting economic growth. • CGE model is used for effect analysis under different taxation schemes. • Carbon tax rate and revenue recycling are optimized synchronously. • Lower CO 2 emissions can be achieved without economic decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity is a severe problem for regional environmental protection and socioeconomic development, and water footprints are effective tools for evaluating the magnitude of the water scarcity. However, water is closely intertwined with energy. Carbon taxes are an essential policy tool for managing energy use, and could therefore indirectly change the water footprint. Previous research on water footprints has revealed the historical characteristics of water footprints, but has not predicted how these characteristics would change under a carbon tax. Identifying the indirect impacts of carbon taxes on water footprints could therefore offer important information to support more effective energy and water policies. In the present study, we explored the impacts of carbon taxes on water footprints. We established a computable general equilibrium model to predict the effects of carbon taxes on the socioeconomic system, and adopted an input-output model to account for changes in the water footprint. We then used China as a case study. We found that a carbon tax could reduce the total water footprint, even though the water footprint for primary industries increased. In addition, the tax could decrease the virtual water content, and the reduction of virtual water content is the greatest for the secondary industries. • The impacts of carbon taxes on water footprints are predicted. • CGE model is used for the economic system analysis under energy tax. • A carbon tax could reduce the total water footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• δ18O carb and δ13C alk records from a >5,000 m-thick sequence in the Qaidam Basin. • Regional moisture fluctuations over the Cenozoic inferred. • Linkage of moisture changes to global climate depends on the chosen chronology. The Cenozoic history of aridification in the Asian interior is thought to be intimately linked to uplift of the Tibetan Plateau and long-term global cooling. How fluctuating climatic conditions influenced regional moisture levels during the Cenozoic remains largely unknown. To infer moisture changes, we present oxygen isotope values of carbonates (δ18O carb) and carbon isotope values of long-chain n -alkanes (δ13C alk) from a continuous geological section in the Qaidam Basin, northwestern China. The section spans most of the Cenozoic Era, from ~52 to 5 million years ago (Ma), based on conventional chronology, whereas recently a drastically revised chronology has placed its basal age at ~26 Ma. The association of moisture changes with global climate largely depends on the chosen chronology. With the revised chronology, our records are inconsistent with existing moisture records from the Asian interior and do not show clear association with global climatic conditions. However, with the conventional chronology, our δ18O carb record shows a long-term aridification trend over the Cenozoic, whereas the δ13C alk suggests reduced moisture levels during the Oligocene. Both records consistently show enhanced aridity, notably during the Oligocene, ~20–17 Ma and after ~13 Ma, which largely corresponded to relatively cool global periods. Our records thus suggest that global climatic conditions during the Cenozoic exerted more influence on the moisture levels in the Asian interior than previously thought, if the conventional chronology is correct. Our study also highlights the importance of constructing a reliable chronology in order to make an association of Cenozoic terrestrial records with global climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Harmonic couplings of home appliances between supply voltages and currents are strong. • Harmonics of home appliance are affected by supply voltage fluctuation and distortion. • Various behavioral factors are considered to improve the appliance random usage model. • Bottom-up approach can consider the appliance diversity and upgrading replacement. With expansion of the urban population, the power consumed by Chinese residential load is increasing rapidly. At the same time, power-electronic devices are widely adopted in home appliances, injecting a great amount of harmonics into the power system, which makes the harmonic problem in residential areas more serious than ever before. In this paper, a bottom-up approach is proposed to evaluate the harmonics of residential energy use. Firstly, a harmonic coupled model is proposed to calculate the harmonics generated by individual nonlinear home appliance. The model directly exhibits the couplings between different order harmonic voltages and currents. Secondly, based on the Markov chain Monte Carlo method, a random usage model is established to determine the usage pattern of home appliances. Various behavioral factors that affect the domestic use of energy in China are considered, and corresponding correction factors are proposed to improve the model accuracy. Thirdly, based on the proposed electrical and random usage models, a bottom-up approach is used to evaluate the harmonics and power of large-scale residential loads. Simulation results are compared with field measurements to verify the accuracy and validity of the proposed method. Furthermore, the proposed methodologies are applied to predict the harmonic generation and power consumption of some rapidly developing harmonic sources such as electric vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater storage (GWS) decline, as well as total water storage (TWS) decline, in the (semi)arid Ordos Basin (China) poses great challenges to the water supply and ecological environment. In this study, the major factors causing the rapid loss of water storage during 2003–2020 are first investigated using correlation analysis, where the storage estimates are derived from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites. The major hydroclimatic drivers of monthly water storage changes are then explored among precipitation (P), evapotranspiration (ET), and runoff (RO) using an interpretable deep learning (IDL) method. The relative contribution of each driver is quantified by leveraging the interpretability nature of IDL. Results show that the GWS depletion (–0.82 cm/year) primarily accounts for the TWS loss (–0.73 cm/year) in the Ordos Basin under increased precipitation. The decreased TWS and GWS are both closely related to the increased vegetation density and coal production, indicating that they are the major drivers of the long-term water loss. At the monthly scale, the IDL method reveals that P and ET contribute over 75% to the changes of both TWS and GWS in most regions. The response lag of TWS to P and ET is generally 1–3 months. In contrast, GWS shows a more complicated response to P and ET with a longer lag range of 1–11 months in different regions due to the complicated Ordos Basin aquifer systems. These findings achieve a better understanding of hydrologic cycles and better guide sustainable water resources management in the Ordos Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Gymnodinium contains more than 230 extant species, approximately 30% of which have not been reported since their original description. Approximately eight Gymnodinium species have been reported or described in the coastal waters of China. This work reports the presence of Gymnodinium trapeziforme from Jiaozhou Bay, China, in 2020, and its morphological and phylogenetic characterization by using light and scanning electron microscopy and systematic analysis based on partial LSU rDNA sequences. We observed the typical diagnostic features of G. trapeziforme, including a small size, biconical to ovoid shape, and a sulcal extension intruded to the epicone and connected to the horseshoe-shaped apical structure complex (ASC). Additionally, we firstly observed that the ASC consisted of three parallel series of vesicles, with the central one possessing knobs, and having more than 10 amphiesmal vesicles within the ASC. The nucleus was cucurbit-shaped, and the amphiesmal vesicles covering the cell surface, which would be peeled off for the cells in stress. While our molecular phylogeny inferred with the maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) confirmed the conspecificity of our isolate with the holotype G. trapeziforme (accession No. EF192414), we found a difference of 14 bases in the D1–D6 domains of the LSU rDNA sequences between the two entities, which indicates a detectable speciation of the two populations. Our work provides a detailed morphological and molecular characterization of G. trapeziforme that was isolated from the coastal water of China, which also broadens the geographical distribution of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The water and nitrogen (N) managements play a vital role in hybrid rice production aimed at high yield, high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and water-saving irrigation. In order to optimize N application and understand how the different combinations of water and N management affect yield and the relative physiological parameters, we designed three irrigation regimes, standing irrigation (W1), alternation irrigation (W2), and dry cultivation (W3), combined with different N application managements at 180kgha−1 of total N condition in our study. The relationship between yield or NUE and ammonia assimilation enzyme activities, photosynthetic rate and root activity were respectively investigated. Our data revealed that there were obvious interacting effects of irrigation regime and N application strategies on grain yield and NUE as well. Our correlation analysis revealed that the grain yield or NUE was significantly related to ammonium assimilation enzyme activities, photosynthetic rate, and root activity, respectively, at several rice growth stages. Our correlation analysis also revealed that the grain yield was significantly related to the N uptake and utilization, and that the root activity was significantly related to the ammonium assimilation enzymes and photosynthetic rate. Further more, we found that the ammonium assimilation enzyme activities and the photosynthetic rate in flag leaves, or root activity at heading stage was able to be used as indicators for grain yield, total N accumulation, and NUE as well. These results suggest that the N application strategy should be adjusted according to different irrigation regimes in order to obtain the highest yield and the best NUE. Under standing irrigation, on the basis of 40–60% base-tiller N fertilizer, panicle N-fertilizer should account for 40–60% applied equally at 4th and 2nd leaves emerged or 3rd and 1st leaves emerged from the top. Under alternation irrigation, the N application ratio should be split into 30% base, 30% tillering, and 40% panicle fertilizer with the last being applied equally at 4th and 2nd leaves emerged from the top. Under dry cultivation, however, panicle N-fertilizer should account for 20–40% applied equally at 5th and 3rd leaves emerged from the top. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lumnitzera littorea (Jack) Voigt is one of the most endangered mangrove species in China. Previous studies have showed the impact of chilling stress on L. littorea and the repsonses at physiological and biochemical levels, but few attentions have been paid at molecular level. In this study, we conducted genome-wide investigation of transcriptional and post-transcriptional dynamics in L. littorea in response to chilling stress (8 °C day/5 °C night). In the seedlings of L. littorea , chilling sensing and signal transducing, photosystem II regeneration and peroxidase-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging were substantially enhanced to combat the adverse impact induced by chilling exposure. We further revealed that alternative polyadenylation (APA) events participated in chilling stress-responsive processes, including energy metabolism and steroid biosynthesis. Furthermore, APA-mediated miRNA regulations downregulated the expression of the genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis and elongation, and protein phosphorylation, reflecting the important role of post-transcriptional regulation in modulating chilling tolerance in L. littorea. Our findings present a molecular view to the adaptive characteristics of L. littorea and shed light on the conservation genomic approaches of endangered mangrove species. • Chilling stress caused damage to cell membrane and photosynthesis of L. littorea. • L. littorea coped with cold stress at transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. • Photosystem II regeneration and ROS scavenging were enhanced against oxidative damage. • APA acts a fine-tuning role in regulating stress-responsive gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gymnodinium-like dinoflagellate, Kirithra sigma sp. nov., was isolated from Jiaozhou Bay, China, and the southern coast of Korea, and examined by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Pigment composition and nuclear-encoded partial large subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU rRNA) gene were determined. Cells were oval-shaped (26.4‒36.4 μm long and 17.7‒27.2 μm wide), with a conical epicone and hemispherical hypocone. Its cingulum and sulcus were deep and wide. The cingulum encircled the cell completely, its ends slightly overlapping and displaced one to two cingular widths; the sulcus and sulcal extension formed a sigmoid curve. The anterior sulcal extension contacted the apical structure complex (ASC). The ASC formed a complete circle, consisting of three parallel series of vesicles, and the amphiesmal vesicles within ASC were arranged with one central vesicle (sometimes two) encircled by approximately three rows of polygonal amphiesmal vesicles. Polygonal amphiesmal vesicles of different sizes covered the whole cell surface. The subspherical nucleus was located in the hypocone. Pigment analysis showed that peridinin was the main accessory pigment. The present species is morphologically similar to Kirithra asteri but differs in numbers and rows of amphiesmal vesicles within the ASC, absence of ventral pore, and a sigmoid curve formed by the sulcus and sulcal extension. The partial LSU rRNA gene sequence (c. 1400 bases) of K. sigma differed by c. 5.3% from that of K. asteri. Molecular phylogeny revealed that K. sigma formed an independent sister clade to K. asteri, indicating they are congeneric but different species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiologic evidence on metal mixtures and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is limited. We aimed to assess the relationship between multiple metal co-exposure and NAFLD among male adults in Northern China. We conducted a cohort-based case-control study with 648 NAFLD and 648 non-NAFLD males. Seven metal concentrations (calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc) were determined in the blood. We used logistic regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS) to estimate the associations between the single metal and NAFLD. The impact of metal mixtures was quantified by the environmental risk score (ERS) in the adaptive elastic-net regression, and the association with NAFLD was estimated by logistic regression. Age-adjusted RCS showed linear relationships between blood calcium, selenium, and NAFLD. Blood copper, iron, magnesium, and manganese were non-linearly associated with NAFLD. Single metal analysis observed significant relationships between calcium, copper, manganese, and NAFLD, with the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for quartile 1 vs. quartile 4 of 1.99 (1.30, 3.05), 2.36 (1.52, 3.64), and 1.77 (1.22, 2.55), respectively. However, metal mixtures analysis revealed one squared term (copper [β = −0.146]) and five metal-metal interactions (calcium × copper [β = 0.200], copper × magnesium [β = 0.188], copper × selenium [β = 0.188], iron × magnesium [β = 0.143], magnesium × selenium [β = −0.297]) except the three main effects. Higher ERS indicated a higher risk for NAFLD when exposed to metal mixtures, with an adjusted odds ratio = 6.50 (95% confidence interval: 4.36–9.69) for quartile 4 vs. quartile 1. Mediation analysis suggested that 11.66% of the effect of ERS on NAFLD was suppressed by fasting blood glucose. Our results show that exposure to metal mixtures is associated with a higher risk for NAFLD than the single metal. Interactions between metals suggest the importance of balancing the various metals for health benefits. Prospective cohorts and mechanism studies need to confirm the findings. [Display omitted] •Lower blood Ca, Cu, and Mn may be potential risk factors for NAFLD in non-occupational exposed males. •Exposure to metal mixtures is associated with a significantly higher risk for NAFLD than a single metal. •Interactions between metals suggest the importance of balancing the various metals for NAFLD prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Previous studies have reported that the development of pancreatic cancer (PC) may be associated with environment pollution. But the relationship between ambient air pollution and PC remains unclear. Objectives This study aimed to examine the association between PC mortality and exposure of fine particular matter. Methods We used PC mortality data from 103 continuous points in national Disease Surveillance Point system from 1991 to 2009 in China. The annual concentrations of PM 2.5 at 0.1°  ×  0.1° spatial resolution for each points were estimated based on the context of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015. A spatial age-period-cohort model was used to examine the relative risks of PC mortality associated with PM exposure, after adjusting gender, urban/rural status, spatial variation as well as age, period and cohort effect. Results The relative risks of PC mortality related to 10 μg/m 3 increase of PM 2.5 were 1.16 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13, 1.20) for all the population, 1.08 (1.05,1.13) for those aged 40–64 years, 1.21 (1.17,1.25) for those aged 65–84 years, 1.14 (1.10,1.18) for the male, 1.19 (1.14,1.24) for the female, 1.23 (1.16,1.30) for the urban population and 1.29 (1.22, 1.37) for the rural population. Conclusions Ambient PM 2.5 may raise the risk of mortality from PC, especially in older population. Pollution control policy should be further strengthened to reduce the health damages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are the major worldwide health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Human adenovirus (HAdV) is one of the most common pathogens associated with viral ARI, and thus calls for specific diagnosis and better understanding of the epidemiology and clinical characteristics. Methods: Total 4,130 children with ARI requiring hospitalization from 2012 to 2013 were retrospectively studied. Throat swab specimens were collected from each patient. Fluorescence Quantitative PCR was performed to detect adenovirus as well as other common ARI-related pathogens. The seven HAdV hypervariable regions (HVRs) of the hexon gene from fifty-seven HAdVs-positive samples collected in the seasonal peaks were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of HVRs was also conducted to confirm the molecular types and genetic variation. In addition, epidemiological features and co-infection with other human respiratory pathogens were investigated and analyzed. Results: Of 4,130 hospitalized pediatric patients tested, the positive rates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), and HAdV were 13.7%, 13.2%, and 12.0%, respectively. The HAdV positive patients accounted for 7.9%, 17.2%, 17.5% and 10.7% in age groups <1, 1–3, 3–6 and 6–14 years, respectively. Eighty-four HAdV positive children were co-infected with other respiratory pathogens (84/495, 17.0%). The most common co-infection pathogens with HAdV were MP (57.1%) and Human Bocavirus (HBoV) (16.7%). The majority of HAdV infected patients were totally recovered (96.9%, 480/495); However, four (0.8%) patients, who were previously healthy and at the age of 2 years or younger died of pneumonia. Seasonal peaks of HAdV infection occurred in the summer season of 2012 and 2013; the predominant HAdV type was HAdV-3 (70%), followed by HAdV-7 (28%). These epidemiological features were different from those in Northern China. The HAdV-55 was identified and reported for the first time in Guangzhou metropolitan area. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all the HVR sequences of the hexon gene of HAdV-3 and -7 strains have high similarity within their individual types, and these strains were also similar to those circulating in China currently, indicating the conservation of hexon genes of both HAdV-3 and HAdV-7. Conclusions: Knowledge of the epidemiological features and molecular types of HAdV, a major pathogen of pediatric ARI, as well as other co-infected respiratory pathogens circulating in Guangzhou, southern China, is vital to predict and prevent future disease outbreaks in children. This study will certainly facilitate HAdV vaccine development and treatment of HAdV infections in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study is conducted to investigate the spatial distribution, sources and ecological risk of seven heavy metals in surface sediments of Nansi Lake, Eastern China. A total of 29 samples were collected in surface sediments of Nansi Lake, and were analyzed for three nutrients (TN, TOC and TP), two major metals (Al and Fe), as well as seven trace metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn). The mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Zn, Fe and Al were 14.41, 0.22, 71.10, 30.1, 0.048, 29.14, 90.2, 30,816 and 70,653 mg kg, respectively, and the mean contents of these metals were higher than the background values with the exception of Cu and Fe. The spatial distribution indicated that the contents of all seven heavy metals were characterized by relatively higher contents in the upper lake than the lower lake. The hotspots with high values of As, Cd and Hg were associated with the river mouths, and the hotspots of Pb were mainly located around the dam in the central part, while no significant associations were displayed between spatial distribution of Cr, Cu, Zn and the river mouths. The mean enrichment factor (EF) values of As, Cd, Hg and Pb were 2.03, 2.93, 3.21 and 2.18, respectively, showing their moderate enrichment, while Cr, Cu and Zn with mean EF values of 1.19, 0.89 and 1.01 were deficiency to minimal enrichment. Multivariate and geostatistical analyses suggested that PC1 controlled by Cr, Cu and Zn was a lithogenic component, and come from parent rocks leaching. PC2 including Cd and partially Hg represented the factor from industrial wastewater discharge. PC3 showed elevated loadings of As and partially Cd, and could be attributed to the agricultural practices. While PC4 including Pb and partially Hg, was dominated by coal combustion. The results of potential ecological risk suggested that sediment environment of Nansi Lake suffered from high ecological risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As both a toxic and essential trace element in humans, limited research focuses on the association between blood manganese (Mn) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to assess blood Mn concentration and its relationship with NAFLD among adults in Northern China. We conducted a cohort-based case-control study among 1816 patients with NAFLD (970 males and 846 females) and 1111 healthy controls (598 males and 513 females). We used the restricted cubic splines method to investigate the potential non-linear relationship and logistic regression models to analyze the association between blood Mn and NAFLD. The median (p 25 , p 75) of blood Mn concentration in males was 10.08 (8.42,11.98) μg/L, higher than that in females [9.79 (8.01,12.04)] μg/L, P = 0.011. Compared with the tertile 1 group of Mn in males, the odds ratio (95 % confidence interval) of NAFLD for tertile 2 and tertile 3 group was 0.82 (0.61,1.10) and 0.64 (0.47,0.87), respectively. The reverse correlation was consistent in patients with different fibrosis severity determined by fibrosis-4 score. The protective association was more evident in those with triglycerides ≥1.7 mmol/L [odds ratio (95 % confidence interval) of tertile 3 vs. tertile 1: 0.40 (0.22,0.75)]. We found a non-significant U-shaped relationship between Mn and NAFLD in women. There may exist sex differences for the association between blood Mn and NAFLD. Higher blood Mn may be a potential protective factor for NAFLD in males. The subjects with TG ≥ 1.7 mmol/L would benefit more from higher blood Mn levels. [Display omitted] •Blood manganese levels were sex-specific associated with NAFLD in Chinese adults. •Higher blood manganese correlated with lower NAFLD risk in males. •Triglycerides may modify the association between blood manganese and NAFLD in males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent threats aquatic environment and challenges engineered aquatic systems. In order to predict its environmental risk and guide the selection of suitable strategy and technology, understanding the removal efficiency and the fate of DOM along the treatment is helpful. Herein, to qualitatively and quantitatively estimate the composition of DOM in a full-scale WWTP in northern China, a combined approach of chromatography and spectroscopy was employed, and the contribution of size-dependent substructure to the global feature of DOM was discussed simultaneously. The results suggest that the WWTP could remove the free proteins of low molecular size by physical treatment with removal ratios of 46.4% and 41.0% for tyrosine and tryptophan, respectively, whereas humic-like and humic-protein complex accumulate in the effluent of treatment with a ratio of 40.6%. Biotreatment is of importance for changing the proportion of different types of DOM, especially for anaerobic tank and the anoxic tank, which results in the increase of humification. Size exclusive chromatography (SEC) coupled with multi emission maps identifies six DOM substructures. Two protein-like DOM were removed by the WWTP, except the composition with the molecular weight ranging from 0.75 to 0.25 kDa, whereas humic-like DOM with whole size range accumulated to varying extent. The standard deviation analysis states that the structure variation of bulk DOM in the WWTP is primarily contributed by the decrease of small-sized proteins and the increase of humic-like DOM. This study presents insight into the fate and behavior of DOM components during the full-scale WWTP treatment and provides guidelines for altering DOM-treating technologies. Besides, innovative strategies suggest using DOM as a resource based on the critical review of previous research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The bioaccessibility and human health risks of As and heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Cr, Cd and Mn) in total suspended particulates (TSP) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Nanjing, China were investigated. The average mass concentration ratios of PM2.5 to TSP were 0.61 for Gulou sampling site and 0.50 for Pukou sampling site, respectively. Zn, Pb, Mn and Cu were the most abundant elements among the studied metal(loid)s in both TSP and PM2.5. The results of a simple bioaccessibility extraction test of the studied metal(loid)s varied among elements, with Cd, Zn, Mn, Pb and As showing the higher bioaccessibility. The carcinogenic risks of As, Cd, Co, Cr and Ni in both TSP and PM2.5 via dermal contact and inhalation exposure were within the acceptable level (<1 × 10−4) for both children and adults, but there was potential carcinogenic risk posed by Pb via ingestion to children and adults. The hazard index values for all of the studied elements suggested no non-carcinogenic health risks via ingestion and dermal contact, but a potential non-carcinogenic health risk via inhalation to adults. Values of hazard quotient and hazard index indicated the non-carcinogenic risks from the studied metal(loid)s to children via ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation pathways in Nanjing given the present air quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Suzhou is located at the lower reaches of the Yangtze River in southeastern Jiangsu, China. It is part of the Su-Xi-Chang area including Suzhou, Wuxi and Changzhou. As one of the most developed areas in China, this region has suffered from severe land subsidence caused by extensive groundwater exploitation since 1980s. The land subsidence was controlled by prohibition of groundwater exploration in the past several years. However, the surface water pollution prompted a new task of how to sustainably utilize the groundwater resource, especially to satisfy the emergency demands of water supply. In this paper, we took Suzhou as a representative case to discuss how to develop groundwater resources while controlling the land subsidence. The relationship between the deformation and the groundwater level was analyzed, with focus on the deformation features after the period of groundwater exploitation ban. The results confirmed the conclusion by Shi et al. (2007, 2008a): even in the period of rising groundwater level, same units may manifest different deformation characteristics, such as elasticity, elasto-plasticity, and visco-elasto-plasticity, at different locations of the cone of depression. A land subsidence model that couples a 3-D groundwater model and a 1-D deformation model was developed to simulate the groundwater level and deformation. A high-resolution local grid (child model) for Suzhou was built based on the regional land subsidence model of Su-Xi-Chang area by Wu et al. (2009). The model was used for a number of predictive scenarios up to the year of 2012 to examine how to develop sustainable use of groundwater resources under the conditions of land subsidence control. Our results indicated that about 3.08×107 m3/a groundwater could be provided as emergency and standby water source while meeting the land subsidence control target of 10mm/a. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fertilizers are important for agricultural production because they can effectively promote crop productivity. However, long-term fertilization can cause heavy metal accumulation in soils and crops. This study utilized sequential extraction, the diffusive gradient in the thin films (DGT) technique and risk assessment models to estimate the effects of the longest long-term fertilization (38 years) in China on cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) accumulation in soils. The treatments included no fertilization (CK); inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilization (NPK); manure fertilization (M); and NPK plus M cofertilization (NPKM). The results indicated that the soils treated with NPKM, M and NPK had significantly increased total and available concentrations of Cd and As after 38 years of long-term fertilization. Cd mainly originates from cattle manure, while As originates from phosphate fertilizer. Sequential extraction results indicated that the application of manure increased the acid/exchangeable fraction (F1) and organic matter-bound fraction (F3) of Cd and As. The risk assessment results showed that the environmental risks of both Cd and As increased during long-term fertilization, and Cd contamination in the soil was at a moderate-high level, while As remained at a relatively low level. According to the calculations of the maximum numbers of years of soil productivity and rice production, Cd was labile and accumulated in the soils, and As was more labile than Cd in terms of accumulating in rice, indicating that the true risk from As in rice is higher than that from Cd. Controlling the heavy metals in fertilizers, mitigating effective amendments, and identifying plant types that accumulate low amounts of contaminants may be good choices for cleaner crop production. [Display omitted] • 38 years long-term fertilization leaded to a significant increment of cadmium and arsenic in soils. • Manure and phosphate fertilizer were the sources for cadmium arsenic input. • Cadmium and arsenic posed a medium-strong and low environmental risk to the farmland respectively. • Cadmium tended to accumulate in soil and arsenic was labile to accumulate in rice seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenza is a major public health problem worldwide. Mutations and resistance development make the use of antiviral therapy challenging. Chinese patent medicines are often used to treat influenza in China and well tolerable. However, the misuse of Chinese patent medicines is common. We therefore aimed to develop an evidence-based guideline on treating influenza with Chinese patent medicines in adults to guide clinical practice. We formed a steering committee, a consensus panel, a consultants' group and an evidence synthesis team to guide the development of the guideline. We formulated the clinical questions through two rounds of survey, and finally selected five questions. We then systematically searched the related evidence and conducted meta-analyses, evidence summaries and GRADE decision tables to draft the recommendations, which the consensus panel then voted on using the Delphi method. Finally, we formulated six recommendations based on the evidence synthesis and experts' consensus. For treating mild influenza, we suggest either Lianhua Qingwen capsule, Jinhua Qinggan granule, Banlangen granule, Shufeng Jiedu capsule, or Jinfang Baidu pill, depending on the manifestations. For severe influenza, or mild influenza in patients at high risk of developing severe influenza, we suggest Lianhua Qingwen capsule in combination with antiviral medications and supportive therapy. The strength of all recommendations was weak. Traditional Chinese medicine has great potential to help in the fight against influenza worldwide, but more high-quality studies are still needed to strengthen the evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]