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Scholars and engineers have increasingly focused on the safety of steel-structure buildings. An accurate analysis can substantially reduce the collapse probability of these buildings. This paper proposes a novel risk analysis model to assess the safety of steel-structure buildings. The vector entropy method and weight clustering were used to improve the controlled interval and memory (CIM) model. The proposed model has the advantages of a straightforward modeling approach, strong adaptability, and logical relationships. The new strategy improves the reliability and stability of the CIM model results when the maximum membership principle is not applicable. The Jiangxi Exhibition Center in China, which has a steel truss roof, is used as a case study. The results indicate a high safety risk of the project and the need for maintenance and repair. The improved CIM model has higher stability and adaptability for analyzing the safety risks of steel structure than the standard CIM model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the serious problems with energy efficiency, carbon emissions, and thermal comfort of rural residences in northern China, an optimization of active and passive heating technologies for rural residences is necessary. In this paper, an optimization for rural residences in northern China is conducted with four objectives: the whole life cycle carbon emission; the annual energy consumption through heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; the annual cost; and thermal comfort. In addition, the optimization model with active–passive heating technology synergy is resolved by NSGA-II genetic algorithm. The active and passive design variables, including the type of air source heat pump, orientation, the type and thickness of envelope insulation, the layer of window glass, the window-to-wall area ratio, as well as sunspace parameters are preferred to obtain the optimal solution. The results indicate that the optimal solution obtained by the ideal point method gives the most outstanding performance. Compared with the prototype, the optimized carbon emissions in severe cold and cold regions decreased by 56.1% and 54.6%, respectively. The annual energy consumption decreased by 59.7% and 62.2%. Finally, the roof insulation thickness is the most sensitive design variable in Pareto-optimal solution sets. This paper offers significant guidance in the application of the optimization method of active–passive technology synergy to the energy-saving design of buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioaerosols play significant roles in causing health and climate effects. Sugar compounds in air have been widely used to trace the source of bioaerosols. However, knowledge about the association of sugar molecules and the microbial community at taxonomic levels in atmospheric aerosols remains limited. Here, microbial community compositions and sugar molecules in total suspended particles collected from a typical rural site, Gucheng, in the North China Plain were investigated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and high-throughput gene sequencing, respectively. Results show that fungal community structure exhibited distinct diurnal variation with largely enhanced contribution of Basidiomycota at night, while bacterial community structure showed no obvious difference between daytime and night. SourceTracker analysis revealed that fungi and bacteria were mainly from plant leaves and unresolved sources (presumably human-related emissions and/or long-distance transport). All the detected anhydrosugars and sugar alcohols and trehalose showed diurnal variations with lower concentrations in the daytime and higher concentrations at night, which may be affected by enhanced fungal emissions at night, while primary sugars (except trehalose) showed an opposite trend. Mantel's test showed that more sugar compounds exhibited significant associations with fungal community structure than bacterial community structure. Co-occurrence analysis revealed the strong associations between sugar compounds and a few saprophytic fungal genera with low relative abundances, e.g., Hannaella, Lectera, Peniophora, Hydnophlebia, Sporobolomyces and Cyphellophora. This study suggests that the entire fungal community, rather than specific fungal taxa, likely greatly contributes to sugar compounds in rural aerosols, while the contribution of bacteria is limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coordinated development of the Water-Land-Food (WLF) nexus is important for realizing sustainable food production and ensuring national food security. Based on the symbiosis system theory, this study used the Entropy weight TOPSIS method to calculate the WLF nexus of 30 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China from 2003 to 2019. Taking the problem of decentralized food crop cultivation in China as the breakthrough point and using the Panel Tobit Model to empirically explore the threat of decentralized food crop cultivation to the WLF nexus. The results indicated that: (i) The average level of decentralized food crop cultivation index in China for the period 2003–2019 is 2.599 and the growth rate is −12.64%, while the WLF nexus index is 0.317, and the growth rate is 2.42%. Decentralized food crop cultivation showed a fluctuating downward trend in all regions of China, especially in the southwest and northwest regions. However, the WLF nexus index level belonging to the northeastern and Huang-Huai-Hai regions of China is higher, which presents a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. (ii) While the extent of decentralized food crop cultivation threatens the coordination of the WLF nexus in China, it has a time lag. (iii) The decentralized food crop cultivation in non-food producing areas (NFPA) rather than major food producing areas (MFPA) will threaten the WLF nexus. (iv) Compared with the higher WLF nexus index region, the negative effect of decentralized food crop cultivation is more obvious in the lower index region. (v) WFL nexus in the adjacent provinces of China showed regional clustering. Decentralized food crop cultivation will threaten the WLF nexus both in the inner province and adjacent regions. This study argues that the government can use financial subsidies to correct the problem of decentralized food crop cultivation, optimize the level of agricultural outsourcing services, and improve the market for water and land rights, thereby enhancing the WLF system coordination in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To characterize contraceptive needs and patterns of use among Chinese FSW and investigate the effect of contraceptive choice on condom use practices with clients.Methods: Data come from a cross-sectional study conducted in eight cities (Beijing, Tianjin, Shenzhen, Kunming, Jiaozhou, Yunfu, Xiangyang and Longnan) throughout seven provinces in China between August 17 and October 17, 2019. We used logistic regression to compare odds of consistent condom use with clients between FSW who do and do not use biomedical contraceptives (defined as oral pills, injectables/implants/patches/rings, intrauterine devices, and sterilization) and assessed subgroup effects of interest.Results: Of the 1229 participants, 62.4% reported ever having an unintended pregnancy. Biomedical contraceptive use was non-significantly associated with consistent condom use with clients generally (aOR=0.95, 95% CI:0.75-1.21). This association between biomedical contraceptive use and consistent condom use was lower among FSW with at least a high school education (aOR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.18-0.62) and those who had never married (aOR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.38-0.93); it was higher among FSW employed at middle tier commercial sex venues (aOR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.13-2.45).Conclusions: Taken together these findings highlight the pressing unmet need for contraceptives in Chinese FSW and the complex interplay between reproductive and sexual health needs in this key population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Purpose: Vaccination reduces the incidence of severe COVID-19 and death and effectively limits viral spread. Concerns have been raised about COVID-19 vaccine responses in the large population of HIV-infected patients. This study aims to explore the safety and immunogenicity of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine in people living with HIV (PLWH). Patients and Methods: All participants in this study already had their second dose of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days earlier, without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The primary safety outcomes were the incidence of adverse reactions and changes in CD4+ T-cell counts. SARS-CoV-2 IgG and neutralizing antibody responses to the D614G variant and delta variant were measured for immune response assessment. Results: Forty-seven HIV-infected patients and 18 healthy donors (HDs) were enrolled in this study. Adverse reactions were mild or self-limiting and were reported in 19.1% of HIV-infected patients. Most PLWH developed antibody responses against the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine. The longitudinal analysis of antibody responses in PLWH (median interval between detection and complete vaccination, 59 days) showed that antibodies were maintained for at least three months, though their titers were reduced. However, the antibody-positive rates in PLWH were significantly lower than those in HDs. Additionally, compared to HDs (Geomean titers (GMT) of 165 for D614G and GMT of 72 for delta), the neutralizing antibody titers against the two variants in PLWH (GMT of 43 for D614G and GMT 13 for delta) were decreased significantly (p = 0.018 and p < 0.001, respectively). HIV-infected patients with CD4+T-cell counts ≤ 350 cells/μL appeared to exhibit a poor antibody response to inactivated vaccination. Conclusion: Inactivated COVID-19 vaccines appear to be efficacious in PLWH. However, antibody responses in HIV-infected patients are inferior to those in healthy individuals, especially PLWH with lower CD4+T-cell counts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the impact of promotion of electric vehicles on carbon emissions in China, this paper used the principal component analysis (PCA)-logistic regression model to predict the demand for traditional vehicles, and used the scenario analysis method to analyze the proportion of electric vehicles in traditional vehicles qualitatively. Then this paper calculated the carbon emissions during the power generation process based on the existing power structure. In addition, the IPCC carbon emission calculation method is used to compare the CO2 emissions produced by electric vehicles and fuel vehicles with similar vehicle quality while driving the same distance and consuming different energy sources. The results showed that the CO2 emissions of electric vehicles accounted for only 37.05% of fuel vehicles. By 2050, the annual electricity demand of electric vehicles will be 828.7, 776.9, and 752.1 billion kWh under the radical scenario, the reference scenario, and the negative scenario, respectively. According to the current power structure, the carbon emissions will be 1.2, 1.1, and 1 billion tons, respectively. The rapid growth of electric vehicles has a substantial impact on the grid load. Studying the changes in CO2 emissions from energy substitution is significant to formulate the development strategy of the automobile industry and adjust energy structure policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dragonflies (Order Odonata) often are considered to be biosentinels of environmental contamination, e.g., heavy metals and/or persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Dragonflies (n = 439) belonging to 15 species of 8 genera were collected from an abandoned mercury (Hg) mining region in China to investigate the bioaccumulation of total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg). THg and MeHg concentrations in dragonflies varied widely within ranges of 0.06–19 mg/kg (average: 1.5 ± 2.2 mg/kg) and 0.02–5.7 mg/kg (average: 0.75 ± 0.65 mg/kg), respectively. THg and MeHg were positively correlated with bodyweight (THg: r2 = 0.10, P = 0.000; MeHg: r2 = 0.09, P = 0.000). Significant variations were observed among species, with the highest MeHg value (in Orthetrum triangulare) was fivefold higher than the lowest (in Pantala flavescens). These variations were consistent with those of nitrogen isotope (δ15N) values, indicating that increased δ15N, i.e., trophic levels, may reflect increased exposure and uptake of biomagnifying MeHg in dragonflies. A toxicological risk assessment found hazard quotients for specialist dragonfly-consuming birds of up to 7.2, which is 2.4 times greater than the permissible limit of 3, suggesting a potential toxicological risk of exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is a major cause of infertility and adverse birth outcomes, but its epidemiology among childbearing-age women remains unclear in China. This study investigated the prevalence of CT and associated factors among Chinese women aged 16–44 years who were either (1) pregnant, (2) attending gynecology clinics, or (3) subfertile. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey and recruited participants from obstetrics, gynecology, and infertility clinics in Guangdong between March and December 2019. We collected information on individuals' sociodemographic characteristics, previous medical conditions, and sexual behaviors. First-pass urine and cervical swabs were tested using nucleic acid amplification testing. We calculated the prevalence in each population and subgroup by age, education, and age at first sex. Multivariable binomial regression models were used to identify factors associated with CT. Results We recruited 881 pregnant women, 595 gynecology clinic attendees, and 254 subfertile women. The prevalence of CT was 6.7% (95% CI, 5.2%–8.5%), 8.2% (95% CI, 6.2%–10.7%), and 5.9% (95% CI, 3.5%–9.3%) for the above 3 populations, respectively. The subgroup-specific prevalence was highest among those who first had sex before age 25 years and older pregnant women (>35 years). The proportion of asymptomatic CT was 84.8%, 40.0%, and 60.0% among pregnant women, gynecology clinic attendees, and subfertile women, respectively. Age at first sex (<25 years), multipara, and ever having more than 1 partner increased the risk of CT. Conclusions Childbearing-age women in China have a high prevalence of CT. As most women with CT were asymptomatic, more optimal prevention strategies are urgently needed in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) among men who have sex with men (MSM). Increasing syphilis testing is important to syphilis control. However, in low- and middle-income countries like China, syphilis testing rates remain low among MSM. We describe a randomized controlled trial protocol to examine the effectiveness of social network distribution approaches of syphilis self-testing among MSM in China.Methods: We will recruit index and alter MSM. Indexes will be eligible if they: are born biologically male; aged 18 years or above; ever had sex with another man; are willing to distribute syphilis testing packages or referral links to their alters; and willing to provide personal contact information for future follow-up. Three hundred MSM will be recruited and randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio into three arms: standard of care (control arm); standard syphilis self-testing (SST) delivery arm; and referral link SST delivery arm. Indexes will distribute SST packages or referral links to encourage alters to receive syphilis testing. All indexes will complete a baseline survey and a 3-month follow-up survey. Syphilis self-test results will be determined by photo verification via a digital platform. The primary outcome is the mean number of alters who returned verified syphilis testing results per index in each arm.Discussion: The trial findings will provide practical implications in strengthening syphilis self-testing distribution and increasing syphilis testing uptake among MSM in China. This study also empowers MSM community in expanding syphilis testing by using their own social network.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000036988 . Registered 26 August 2020 - Retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generation of solid waste has increased dramatically in China, owing largely to the rapid development and expansion of the Chinese economy. The management of solid waste is critical and becoming a challenge for some cities in China. Waste recycling is an effective solution to solid waste management and seeks to balance ecological sustainability with economic improvements. This study assessed the energy conservation and CO2 emission reduction potential of solid waste using an embodied energy/carbon model from a life cycle perspective. The results showed that compared with the production of virgin materials, solid waste recycling results in a reduction of 294.2 Mtce in energy consumption, and 614.5 Mt in CO2 emission is shown in 2017. The recycling of steel waste was the highest contributor, accounting for more than 45% of energy conservation and at least 62% of CO2 reduction. If 100% recycling of recyclable waste like steel waste and plastic waste can be achieved, energy conservation and CO2 reduction could reach 551.89 Mtce and 933.69 Mt, respectively, accounting for 12.29% of energy consumption and 8.46% of CO2 emission. A robust recycling system must be established to achieve the purpose of environment production and resource conservation. The proposed evaluation framework could help in the decision-making process. The waste classification must be promoted to increase waste recovery rate and improve waste reproduction technology to maximize energy conservation and CO2 emission reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides pathogen evading, Acute Lung Injury (ALI), featuring the systematic inflammation and severe epithelial damages, is widely believed to be the central non-infectious factor controlling the progression of infectious diseases. ALI is partly caused by host immune responses. Under the inspiration of unsuccessful treatment in COVID-19, recent insights into pathogen–host interactions are leading to identification and development of a wide range of host-directed therapies with different mechanisms of action. The interaction unit consisting of macrophages and the alveolar epithelial cells has recently revealed as the therapeutic basis targeting ALI. Lian Hua Qing Wen capsule is the most effective and commonly-used clinical formula in treating respiratory infection for thousands of years in China. However, little is known about its relevance with ALI, especially its protective role against ALI-induced alveolar tissue damages. Aiming to evaluate its contribution in antibiotics-integrating therapies, this study pharmacologically verified whether LHQW could alleviate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI and explore its potential mechanisms in maintaining the physiology of macrophage-epithelial unit. In ALI mouse model, the pathological parameters, including the anal temperature, inflammation condition, lung edema, histopathological structures, have all been systematically analyzed. Results consistently supported the effectiveness of the combined strategy for LHQW and low-dose antibiotics. Furthermore, we established the macrophages-alveolar epithelial cells co-culture model and firstly proved that LHQW inhibited LPS-induced ER stress and TRAIL secretion in macrophages, thereby efficiently protected epithelial cells against TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, results showed that LHQW significantly deactivated NF-κB and reversed the SOCS3 expression in inflammatory macrophages. Furthermore, we proved that the therapeutic effects of LHQW were highly dependent on JNK-AP1 regulation. In conclusion, our data proved that LHQW is an epithelial protector in ALI, implying its promising potential in antibiotic alternative therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice grain is known to accumulate methylmercury (MeHg) and has been confirmed to be the major pathway of MeHg exposure to residents in mercury (Hg) mining areas in China. Selenium (Se) supplementation has been proven to be effective in mitigating the toxicity of Hg. To understand how Se supplementation influences soil Hg speciation, a wide range of Se (0–500 mg/kg) was applied to Hg polluted paddy soils in this study, which decreased MeHg concentration in soil from 2.95 ± 0.36 to 0.69 ± 0.16 μg/kg (or 77%). After Se addition, humic acid state Hg (F4) was transformed into strong-complexed state Hg (F5), indicating that Hg bound up to the non-sulfur functional groups of humic acid (non-RSH) was released and reabsorbed by strong binding Se functional group (F5). As a result, inorganic Hg (IHg) was reduced by >48%, 18%, and 80% in root, stem, and grain, respectively, however, the reduction was not apparent in leaf. Substantial reductions were also found for MeHg in grain and root, but not in stem and leaf. Soil is suggested to be the main source of both MeHg and IHg in rice grain. Such a finding may provide an idea for improving Hg-polluted paddies through controlling soil IHg and MeHg. Further research on the molecular structure of the strong-complexed Hg in F5 should be conducted to elucidate the mechanism of Hg-Se antagonism. Image 1 • Both IHg and MeHg in rice grain primarily originate from soil. • With soil Se addition, humic acid Hg was converted to strong-complexed Hg. • Soil Se addition can remarkably reduce both IHg and MeHg in rice grain. • Controlling soil Hg pollution is the key factor to preventing Hg in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The specific credit risks can be efficiently used to defense the damage of default behavior, in which, the core problem is how to evaluate the default probability (expected default frequency, EDF) of entities. This paper measures and predicts the default probability of the listed companies in China including two kinds of sample companies such as special treatment and rating ones with the data during 2008-2009 using LT Model which argues default barrier is endogenous through the optimization of the capital structure. The result shows this approach is proper when measuring short-term default risk of listed companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective Qujing, located in Southwest China, is an area with an extremely high lung cancer incidence. Combustion of coal has exposed local people to great health hazards. The aim of this study is to achieve a thorough understanding of the relationship between environmental pollution and the high incidence of lung cancer in Qujing, Yunnan Province, China. The results would provide a scientific basis and support for the etiology of lung cancer, as well as suggestions on improving the environmental conditions in the area. Methods A total of 280 rural villages were selected through stratified cluster random sampling. Environmental background and pollution were investigated, including details on fuel type, coking plant, metal smelting, and chemical plant, among others. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the investigated factors. Results Out of the total number of local villages studied, 78.1% of those with high incidence often use smoky coal and coking. On the other hand, 78.8% of the low-incidence areas use smokeless coal or wood. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the coal type used for everyday life was a main risk factor related to lung cancer (P<0.05). Using smoky and coking coals create an alarmingly high risk for developing lung cancer. Meanwhile, smokeless coals and wood seemed to have no significant relationship to the lung cancer incidence. Conclusion The fuel type used for everyday life is an important factor in the high incidence of lung cancer in Qujing. Evidently, the use of smoky coal and coke increased the incidence of lung cancer, whereas smokeless coal and wood seem to bring about the contrary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ye Guangqin as a Manchu writer is always with a deep sense of historical destiny, a sad and tragic national culture mourning poetry feeling in her variety of subjects. She explores the complexity of human nature in her works by depicting whether the tragic fate of children of the nobility of the Qing dynasty or the figures at the historical and cultural edge such as comfort women, the traitors and bandits. She also reveals the possibilities of salvation the shaman as the core spirit of collapsing traditional culture by animals as the main body of the fable narrative writing. She exams family, history and nature by her perspective of the decline of national culture which is her unique way to fight the dirty, impetuous and chaotic world and also the way of literature in the mental reconstruction of national culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discharge from the largest karst spring in north China, the Niangziguan Springs, has been declining since the 1950s. This paper examines the response of these springs to climatic change and anthropogenic influence by attempting a model-based discrimination between phases in the stream discharge record. In Niangziguan Springs Basin, the exploitation of karst groundwater began in 1979. Accordingly, the spring discharge data were divided into two phases: pre-1979 and post-1979. In the first phase (1957-78) the spring discharge was believed to be affected solely by climate change, and in the second phase (1979-2007) the spring discharge was influenced by both climate change and human activities. Using grey system theory, a discharge model was estimated for the first phase. Extrapolating the model, we obtained a projection of the spring discharge during the second phase. Using a water balance calculation, we discerned the respective effects of climate change and human activities on depletion of spring discharge for the second phase. The results show that the contribution of climate change to depletion of Niangziguan Springs is 2.30m3/s and the contribution of anthropogenic activities ranges from 1.89 to 2.90 m3/s, although this assumes a constant for the climate change effect. Accordingly, the anthropogenic effects have been approaching and surpassing the effects of climate change during the second phase. With respect to the impact of human activities on spring discharge, groundwater abstraction accounts for only about 34-52% of the declines; 48-66% of the declines are related to other human activities, such as dewatering from coal mining, dam building and deforestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It is claimed that China''s currency market interventions have caused massive trade imbalances in favor of China. Without an accurate estimate of RMB''s long-run equilibrium value, however, the validity of this claim can’t be ascertained. This paper aims to place the debate about the degree of RMB''s misalignment in a tractable framework by estimating the long run equilibrium real effective exchange rate of the currency. Based on estimation of the behavioral equilibrium exchange rate (BEER) and using Johansen co-integration technique, we conclude that RMB fluctuates around its long-run equilibrium rate within a narrow band. This implies that the currency has not been consistently undervalued. We identify the money supply, the foreign reserve holdings of China''s central bank, and a measure of China''s productivity as important explanatory variables of renminbi long-run equilibrium value. A discussion of the implications of the empirical findings of this study indicates that China''s exchange rate policy may have played an insignificant role in its trade surpluses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• BSHY upregulates the numbers of lymphocytes in immunosuppressed mice. • BSHY increases proliferation and decreases apoptosis of lymphocytes. • BSHY enhances the proliferation of lymphocytes via IL-4/Stat6 signaling. The immune system plays a pivotal role in defending against infection and cancer immunosurveillance during the onset and procession of malignant disease. Cancer patients are frequently immunocompromised and subject to refractory infection and relapse of leukemia, due to the cytotoxic agents and immunosuppressive glucocorticoids in the chemotherapy regimens. Bu Shen Hui Yang Fang (BSHY), a traditional Chinese compound, was widely used in China to enhance the immune system of leukemia patients combined with chemotherapy and effectively lowered their risk of infection, with specific mechanism unknown yet. Thus, we investigated the effects of BSHY on the immune system using immunosuppressive mouse models. By analyzing the immune system of immunosuppressed BALB/C mice induced by hydrocortisone, we found an increase of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in the spleens of mice after BSHY treatment. Furthermore, we found the enhanced immune system in BSHY treated group was due to increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis of lymphocytes. Cytokine array analysis revealed that interleukin 4 (IL-4) was reduced in the plasma of immunosuppressed mice but returned to a normal level after BSHY treatment. Moreover, we found IL-4 was an adverse prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukemia patients and part of them could be elevated by BSHY. Mechanistically, we found BSHY enhances the proliferation of lymphocytes in a Stat6-dependent manner. In summary, our current study demonstrates that BSHY enhances the proliferation of lymphocytes in the immunosuppressed mice via upregulating IL-4 signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is the largest rice producer and consumer in the world, and mercury (Hg) levels, particularly methylmercury (MeHg), in rice and health exposure risks are public concerns. Total Hg (THg) and MeHg levels in 767 (domestic = 709 and abroad = 58) Chinese commercial rice were investigated to evaluate Hg pollution level, dietary exposures and risks of IHg and MeHg. The mean rice THg and MeHg levels were 3.97 ± 2.33 μg/kg and 1.37 ± 1.18 μg/kg, respectively. The highest daily intake of MeHg and IHg were obtained in younger groups, accounted for 6% of the reference dose-0.1 μg/kg bw/day for MeHg, 0.3% of the provisional tolerance week intake-0.571 μg/kg bw/day for IHg. Residents in Central China and Southern China meet the highest rice Hg exposure, which were more than 7 times of those in Northwest China. Lower concentrations than earlier studies were observed along the implementations of strict policies since 2007. This may indicate that a declining temporal trend of Hg in Chinese grown rice and associated exposures could be obtained with the implementations of strict policies. Though there exist Hg pollution in commercial rice, Hg levels in Chinese commercial rice is generally safe compared with Hg polluted sites. Populations dwelling in China have relatively a quite low and safe MeHg and IHg exposure via the intake of commercial rice. Strict policies contributed to the decrease in THg and MeHg levels in Chinese-grown rice. More attention should be paid to younger groups. Image 1 • We carried a nationalwide survey of MeHg in Chinese commercial rice. • Hg in rice from Chinese markets is at a safe level. • Rice IHg and MeHg exposures in different Chinese age-gender groups were assessed. • Commercial rice intake doesn't pose non-carcinogenic risk of MeHg to Chinese. • A declining trend of Hg in Chinese grown rice can be observed in last decade. Chinese residents have relatively a quite low and decreased MeHg and IHg exposure via rice consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is associated with barite; however, its biogeochemical characteristics in environments impacted by barium (Ba) mining are not known. Here, we first revealed the characteristics of Cd concentrations, distributions, and chemical forms in the soil-rice system in Ba mining areas. The associated exposure and risk assessments of Cd via rice consumption were also conducted. Elevated levels of Cd with a wide range of 0.054–91 mg/kg were found in paddy soils, approximately 63% of which exceeded the national Grade II value for soil Cd levels in China (0.3 mg/kg). A significant positive correlation between the soil Cd and soil Ba demonstrated that large amounts of Cd were released into the environment from Ba mining. Cadmium accumulated remarkably in the rice grains (0.007–3.5 mg/kg). The chemical forms in the rice plants indicated that most of the Cd was in the pectate/protein fraction (F2, 92% in the grains and 61–71% in the other tissues), followed by the residual fraction (F3, 7.1% in the grains, 27–38% in the other tissues). A minor portion of Cd was in the soluble and aminophenol fraction (F1, 0.44% in the grains, 0.26–1.4% in the other tissues). The positive correlations observed between the grain Cd and F2 in the roots, stems and leaves suggested that Cd in the rice grain was mainly from F2. Similarly, the root F2 was also positively correlated with that in the stems/leaves, indicating the critical role of F2 in Cd2+ migration in rice tissues. The estimated average hazard quotient (2.5) and annual excess lifetime cancer risk (21 × 10−5 a−1) were higher than the safety levels of 1 and 5.0 × 10−5 a−1, respectively, showing that the dietary intake of Cd via rice consumption posed high health risks to residents. Our study demonstrated that more concerns should be paid to Cd contamination in Ba mining areas. • Soil Cd positively correlated with soil Ba suggests Ba mining is Cd source. • Rice can accumulate as high as 3.5 mg/kg Cd in grains. • Cd extracted with 0.6 M HCl is the predominant form among rice tissues. • High Cd exposure risk to residents via rice consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data are scarce on sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment-seeking behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. The purpose of the study was to characterize the first response to STI symptoms, treatment-seeking behavior, and its associated factors among MSM in China.Methods: A cross-sectional study with convenience sampling design was conducted in 13 cities from April to July 2017. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect information on demographics, STI symptoms, and treatment-seeking behavior. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate variables associated with not seeking treatment.Results: Among 3925 recruited participants, 628 (16.0%) reported STI symptoms in the past 12 months and were included in the analysis. Upon or after being notified of the symptoms, MSM sought help from various sources or self-tested using rapid testing kits. Only 322(51.3%) went to see a doctor in clinic. In multiple logistic regression analyses, younger age, lower income, less STI knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-2.5), not knowing own STI risk (AOR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.7), no symptoms of anogenital ulcers (AOR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.3-3.8) or anogenital warts (AOR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.6-3.7), no syphilis testing in the past 12 months (AOR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.5-3.0) were associated with higher probability of not seeking treatment in clinics.Conclusions: We found a high prevalence of STI symptoms among MSM and only half sought treatment. Prevention efforts should promote STI education, testing, and adequate treatment-seeking behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The negative converting ratio was 16.4% and 41.0% on days 7 and 14, respectively. • 34.1% and 60.3% of subjects had least one negative RT-PCR result on days 7 and 14. • Joint testing represents an effective means of minimizing the misdiagnosis. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test is recommended for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and provides a powerful tool to identify new infections and facilitate contact tracing. In fact, as the prevalence of COVID-19 decreases, this RT-PCR testing remains as the main preventive measure to avoid rebound. However, inconsistent results can lead to misdiagnoses in the clinic. These inconsistencies are due to the variability in (1) the collection times of biological samples post infection, and (2) sampling procedures. We applied the Kaplan–Meier method and multivariate logistic regression on RT-PCR results from 258 confirmed patients with COVID-19 to evaluate the factors associated with negative conversion. We also estimated the proportion (%) of negative conversion among patients who had tested twice or more, and compared the proportions arising from oropharyngeal swabs, sputum, and combined double testing, respectively. The proportion of negative conversion was 6.7% on day 4, 16.4% on day 7, 41.0% at 2 weeks, and 61.0% at 3 weeks post-admission. We also found that 34.1% and 60.3% of subjects had at least one negative RT-PCR result on days 7 and 14 after the onset of symptoms, respectively. The proportion of negative conversions following sputum testing was higher than that from oropharyngeal swabs in the early stages but this declined after the onset of symptoms. In the absence of effective treatments or vaccines, efficient testing strategies are critical if we are to control the COVID-19 epidemic. According to this study, early, consecutive and combined double testing, will be the key to identify infected patients, particularly for asymptomatic and mild symptomatic cases. These strategies will minimize misdiagnosis and the ineffective isolation of infected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Color is considered an index to evaluate the quality of the unripe fruit of Rubus chingii Hu in China. This study compared the contents of the active polyphenolic constituents in unripe differently colored fruits. The data showed that there were significant differences between the yellow fruit (YF) and green fruit (GF) in the composition of ellagitannins (ETs) and ellagic acid (EA). Then, the structure-activity relationship of the main ellagitannins (lambertianin A, sanguiin H-6, casuarictin) and ellagic acid in unripe fruits were investigated by the antioxidant activities assay, non-enzymatic glycation inhibitory activity assay and glucose uptake assay in L6 cells. The results showed that the number of hydroxyl groups and galloyl configuration at the glucose C-1 significantly affected the activity of ellagitannins. However, ellagic acid, which had fewer hydroxyl groups, exhibited the highest bioactive properties. Moreover, the fluorescence quenching analysis and molecular docking results demonstrated that ellagitannin was a concentration-dependent antiglycation compound. This study suggested that EA and ETs had different action mode and the content of ETs was an important factor influencing the unripe fruits of Rubus chingii Hu. • Ellagitannin composition between two color of Rubus Chingii Hu have difference. • The hydroxyl group and configuration galloyl affect activity of ellagitannins. • Ellagitannin is an antiglycation compound related to the concentration. • Ellagic acid is more effective on antiglycation activity and glycose uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syphilis testing uptake is low among men who have sex with men (MSM) around the world. Syphilis self-testing (SST) may complement facility-based testing; the distribution model is yet to be explored. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of peer distribution of syphilis self-testing on promoting syphilis testing. We conducted a three-arm, unblinded, parallel individually randomized controlled trial among MSM in three cities in Guangdong, China. Inclusion criteria were: men who were born biologically male, aged 18 or above, have ever had sex with a man, will refer the interventions to peers, and will take the three-month follow-up survey. Enrolled indexes were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio into standard-of-care arm (SOC arm), standard SST delivery arm (S-SST arm), and a web-based referral link SST delivery arm (RL-SST arm). The primary outcome was the number of returned photograph-verified syphilis testing results per index. A total number of 300 indexes were enrolled, with 100 indexes in each arm. The number of verified syphilis tests per index conducted by alters was 0.05 in the control arm, 0.51 in the S-SST arm, and 0.31 in the RL-SST arm. The cost per alter tested was $760.60 for SOC, $83.78 for S-SST, and $93.10 for RL-SST. Minimal adverse event was reported among both indexes and alters during the study. This study showed that peer distribution of SST could improve syphilis testing uptake among MSM in China compared to facility-based testing. This approach warrants further consideration as part of expanding syphilis self-testing., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

This study constructs a mixed oligopoly model that includes a public enterprise and two private enterprises. Game theory was adopted to explore the effects of carbon emission reduction policies. In addition, this study analyzes the optimal carbon emission trading prices and privatization decisions. The results show that the proportion of state-owned shares and the equity efficiency gap affect the equilibrium results for different carbon emission policies. Privatization increases the profits of public firms but does not necessarily increase social welfare. Different carbon emission reduction policies have different effects on the equilibrium results. Moreover, the emission reduction target is not completely consistent with the maximum social welfare target and should be comprehensively considered. The government can intervene by setting carbon emission trading prices and making privatization decisions. Full and partial privatization may be optimal decisions., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death globally. Recent studies have revealed that CYP19A1 gene plays a crucial role in cancer initiation and development. The aim of this study was to assess the association of CYP19A1 genetic polymorphisms with the risk of lung cancer in the Chinese Han population., Methods: This study randomly recruited 489 lung cancer patients and 467 healthy controls. The genotypes of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CYP19A1 gene were identified by the Agena MassARRY technique. Genetic model analysis was used to assess the association between genetic variations and lung cancer risk. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the effect of four selected SNPs on lung cancer risk., Results: CYP19A1 rs28757157 might contribute to an increased risk of lung cancer (p = 0.025, OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.03-1.64). In stratified analysis, rs28757157 was associated with an increased cancer risk in the population aged under 60 years, females, smokers, and drinkers. Besides, rs3751592 and rs59429575 were also identified as risk biomarkers in the population under 60 years and drinkers. Meanwhile, a relationship between an enhanced risk of squamous cell carcinoma and rs28757157 was found, while the rs3751592 CC genotype was identified as a risk factor for lung adenocarcinoma development., Conclusions: This study has identified revealed that the three SNPs (rs28757157, rs3751592, and rs59429575) of CYP19A1 are associated with lung cancer in the Chinese Han population. These findings will provide theoretical support for further functional studies of CYP19A1 in lung cancer., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

There is a rich literature on sexualized drug use (i.e., drug use before or during sex) for men who have sex with men but less data from female sex workers (FSW), particularly from low- and middle-income countries. We describe the sexual and reproductive health outcomes in FSW reporting sexualized drug use. In 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional study in eight cities from seven provinces in China. We recruited FSW through community organizations working with sex workers and included those aged 18 years or above, exchanged sex at least once for money or goods in the past three months, and had traded sex for longer than a year. Multivariable logistic regression models were used. In total, 650 women participated: average age was 38.8 years (SD 10.2), 57.1% reported a monthly income over 5000 RMB ($USD 707), and 12.8% completed high school or above. Among participants, 65 (10.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.8-12.6) reported a history of sexualized drug use. Compared to FSW who never reported a history of sexualized drug use, FSW who reported a history of sexualized drug use had greater odds of working for a manager compared to being self-employed (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.04, 95% CI 2.12-7.69), work in a sauna (AOR 2.43, 95% CI 1.09-5.41), charging a higher price for vaginal sex (AOR 2.15, 95% CI 1.14-4.06), and ever diagnosed with STIs (AOR 4.51, 95% CI 2.61-7.80). One in ten FSW reported sexualized drug use. Although they had similar risk profiles in terms of consistency of condom use and reproductive health outcomes, these women were more likely to report past STIs than those who reported no sexualized drug use. Health workers who work with substance users should devote attention to the sexual practices of their clients to make sure that they have safer sex., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: Syphilis self-testing (SST) may help expand syphilis test uptake among female sex workers. However, there has been no studies on examining SST among female sex workers. We aim to examine SST experience and its determinants among female sex workers in China., Methods: A venue-based, cross-sectional study of female sex workers was conducted in eight Chinese cities in 2019. Participants completed a survey including socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and SST history. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the associated factors with SST., Results: Among 1,287 Chinese female sex workers, 72.1% (928/1,287) had ever tested for syphilis, and 5.9% (76/1,287) had ever used syphilis self-testing. Among syphilis self-testers, more than half (57.9%, 44/76) reported that the self-test was their first syphilis test, around one-fifth (18.4%, 14/76) reported that syphilis self-testing results influenced the price of commercial sex. After adjusting for covariates, female sex workers who received anal sex in the past month (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.6, 95%CI: 1.5-4.3, p < 0.001), used drugs before or during sex (aOR: 3.8, 95%CI: 2.3-6.4, p < 0.001), tested for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the past 6 months (aOR: 3.4, 95%CI: 1.9-6.0), ever tested in the hospital (aOR: 5.1, 95%CI: 2.5-10.4, p < 0.001), and ever tested in the community (aOR: 1.7, 95%CI: 1.3-2.2, p < 0.001) were more likely to perform syphilis self-testing., Conclusions: Syphilis self-testing has the potential to expand testing coverage, and increase testing frequency with limited potential harms among FSW. Further evaluation on the intervention effects based on syphilis self-testing among FSW are needed., 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 © 2022 Wang, Li, Wang and Yang.)

Cryptococcus neoformans is an environmental fungal pathogen that causes opportunistic infections and severe disseminated meningoencephalitis, mainly in immunocompromised patients such as those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In this study, the clinical characteristics, treatment protocols, and outcomes of 70 patients with AIDS and Cryptococcus neoformans infection at Beijing Ditan Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. We performed antimicrobial sensitivity tests and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) on C. neoformans isolates from these patients. The most common symptoms were headache (58.6%), fever (54.3%), and high cerebrospinal fluid pressure (≥200 mm H 2 O) (71.4%). All patients were positive for C. neoformans antigen in blood or cerebrospinal fluid. The CD4 cell counts of 92.8% (65/70) of patients were <100 cells/µL. In total, 74 C. neoformans isolates were obtained from the 70 patients. The 65 isolates that could be typed fell into 12 sequence types (STs) by MLST: ST5, ST31, ST63, ST202, ST237, ST289, ST295, ST296, ST298, ST324, ST337, and ST359. ST5 was the major type, accounting for 78.5% of isolates (51/65). This study comprehensively assessed the clinical and molecular epidemiology of C. neoformans in patients with AIDS and may inform the development of targeted prevention and treatment strategies for immunocompromised patients with C. neoformans infection.

Background: The return of gastrointestinal function is an important sign of postoperative recovery in patients undergoing surgery with general anaesthesia. We aimed to summarize the effects of stellate ganglion block on the recovery of gastrointestinal function as a means of exploring methods through which anaesthesiologists can contribute to postoperative patient recovery., Methods: We performed a quantitative systematic review of randomized controlled trials published between January 1, 1988, and November 11, 2019, in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese VIP Information, and the Wanfang and SinoMed databases. Study quality was assessed by using the GRADE criteria and bias of included studies were assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. The time to peristaltic sound resumption, flatus, postoperative eating and the incidence of abdominal bloating in the stellate ganglion block and control groups were compared. The control group consisted of either a stellate ganglion block with normal saline or no treatment. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software., Results: After searching for relevant articles, 281 studies were identified, and five articles with data on 274 patients were eligible. Regarding postoperative flatus time, stellate ganglion block resulted in a mean reduction of 15 h (P = 0.02); then a sensitivity analysis was performed, and the standard mean difference decreased to 6 h (P = 0.007). For gastrointestinal surgery, the mean reduction was 23.92 h (P = 0.0002). As for the evaluation of the recovery of peristaltic sounds, stellate ganglion block promoted the recovery of regular peristaltic bowel sounds an average of 14.67 h earlier than in the control (P = 0.0008). When it comes to nutrients, stellate ganglion block shortened the total parenteral nutrition time by more than 50 h in patients who had undergone gastrointestinal surgery (P<0.00001). Finally, stellate ganglion block prevented the occurrence of postoperative abdominal bloating (P = 0.001).) No complications related to stellate ganglion block were reported., Conclusion: Stellate ganglion block may promote postoperative gastrointestinal recovery in patients undergoing various surgeries under general anaesthesia. However, additional trials investigating the use of stellate ganglion block are necessary to confirm our finding., Trial Registration: This meta-analysis has been registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number CRD42020157602).

Rice methylmercury (MeHg) contamination has attracted global attention, especially in countries where rice is considered a staple food. The daily rice intake rate in Bangladesh ranks first in the world; however, no attention has been paid to rice MeHg contamination in Bangladesh. Total Hg (THg) and MeHg concentrations of commercial rice (n = 172) from Bangladesh were first analyzed to accurately evaluate both rice MeHg and inorganic Hg (IHg) exposure in different age-gender groups of Bangladeshis. The corresponding adverse health impacts and associated economic loss were also assessed. The results showed that THg concentration in all samples ranged from 0.42 to 14.4 ng/g, with an average of 2.48 ± 1.41 ng/g, while the MeHg concentration ranged from 0.026 to 7.47 ng/g, with an average of 0.83 ± 0.60 ng/g. The highest average MeHg and IHg were both recorded in rice from Chittagong. The highest mean MeHg and IHg exposures were observed in 2-5 years-old group and were 16.2% of the reference dose (RfD) of 0.1 μg/kg/day for MeHg and 7.09% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of 0.571 μg/kg/day for IHg. Surprisingly, MeHg exposure of the 2-5 year-old children could be up to 93.7% of the RfD at a high percentile (P99.9). The total intelligence quotient reduction caused by rice MeHg exposure could be 54700 points, and the associated economic loss is approximately 42.5 million USD. To avoid high rice MeHg exposure, it was suggested that diet structure be improved. More attention should be paid to residents with long-term rice MeHg exposure, especially children in the 2-5 year-old group., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare they have no actual or potential competing financial interests., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Among all types of cervical spondylitis, cervical spondylitis radiculopathy (CSR) has the highest incidence. The incidence of CSR increases year by year and is generally younger, which has seriously threatened people's quality of life and affected their work and life. This study proposes to improve the recovery rate of patients with CSR, delay the recurrence, improve the symptoms of patients, and improve the quality of life of patients through the rehabilitation and exercise of five-step cervical vertebra exercises., Methods: For 90 patients with CSR that met the inclusion criteria, SPSS 23.0 software random number generator was used to randomly divide the patients into an experimental group and control group, with 45 cases in each group. The control group took basic nursing measures, and the experimental group took five steps of cervical vertebra rehabilitation exercises on the basis of elementary nursing measures. The rehabilitation effect of five-step exercises on CSR patients was evaluated by Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Cervical range of motion measured (CROM) before and after intervention., Results: The results of this trial will be published on the website of China Clinical Trial Registration Center (http://www.chictr.org.cn/searchproj.aspx) and in peer-reviewed journals or academic conferences., Conclusions: This study will examine the feasibility and preliminary effects of five-step exercises for the treatment of patients with CSR., Trial Registration: This protocol was registered in Clinical Trials platform with the number ChiCTR1900027299.

Cadmium exposure is associated with renal dysfunction. However, the outcome of renal function in subjects who have had a reduction in cadmium exposure for years has not been completely clarified, particularly for individuals with normal baseline renal function. In this study, we used a nomogram model to predict renal dysfunction after a reduction in cadmium exposure in subjects with normal baseline renal function. In 1998, a survey was performed in 790 subjects living in control and cadmium-polluted areas. A total of 497 subjects was followed up in 2006. 404 subjects with normal baseline urinary β 2 -microglobulin (UBMG), 373 subjects with normal baseline urinary N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (UNAG) and 407 subjects with normal baseline urinary albumin (UALB) were included in this analysis. Cadmium in the blood (BCd) and urine (UCd) was detected using graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. A logistic regression model was used to identify potential predicting factors of renal function at follow-up. Nomograms were developed based on those predictive factors. Bootstrap self-sampling, calibration curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to quantify our modeling strategy. Adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression models both showed that age, BCd and UBMG or UNAG at baseline were independent risk factors for renal tubular dysfunction. Baseline age, sex, BCd and UNAG or UBMG or UALB were used to construct the nomogam. The internal validation showed that the C-index was 0.70-0.74 for predicting renal dysfunction. The area under the curve of the nomogram was 0.70-0.74. Decision curve analysis verified the predictive value of the nomogram. A nomogram may be a useful risk assessment tool for predicting the progress of renal function in a cadmium-exposed population with normal baseline kidney function., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Mother-to-child transmission of syphilis remains a major global public health issue, and elimination of congenital syphilis is one of the millennium development goals of the World Health Organization (1). In 2012, an estimated 930,000 maternal syphilis infections caused 350,000 adverse pregnancy outcomes, including 143,000 early fetal deaths and stillbirths, 62,000 neonatal deaths, 44,000 preterm or low-weight births, and 102,000 infected infants worldwide (2). In China, the number of congenital syphilis cases reported annually increased from 468 in 2000 to 10,032 in 2013; the corresponding national congenital syphilis incidence rate increased nearly 26-fold, from 2.6 cases per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 69.9 in 2013 (3,4). To examine risk factors for mother-to-child transmission of syphilis, a cohort of pregnant women with a new syphilis diagnosis and their live-born infants was recruited during July 2011-July 2014 in Suzhou, in eastern China. Multivariable logistic regression results demonstrated that gestational age >36 weeks at the time of maternal syphilis diagnosis, higher maternal titers of rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and higher Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA) titers are risk factors for congenital syphilis. Among women with syphilis diagnosed at >36 weeks' gestational age, three quarters were migrant women. Recommendations for strengthening community and provider education about mother-to-child transmission of syphilis, early diagnosis and timely treatment of syphilis in pregnancy, and improving and providing access to prenatal care and screening migrant pregnant women with temporary residence status might reduce the incidence of congenital syphilis in China., Competing Interests: All authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE form for disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Myeloperoxidase ( MPO ) promoter SNPs rs2243828 (-764T>C) and rs2333227 (G-463A) program malignant phenotypes by regulating MPO transcriptional activity. In this study, we enrolled a total of 1,175 controls and 1,078 patients with colorectal cancer with comprehensive clinical and survival information to assess whether these SNPs could affect the susceptibility and development of colorectal cancer. The MPO rs2333227 TT genotype significantly increased the risk of colorectal cancer and decreased the overall survival time of patients. Colorectal cancer cells with the rs2333227 TT genotype exhibited enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasion capacity in vitro and in vivo Mechanistically, we found that MPO SNP rs2333227 C to T mutation altered the binding affinity of the transcription factors AP-2α to the rs2333227 mutation region, sequentially enhancing expression levels of MPO and activating further IL23A-MMP9 axis-mediated oncogenic signaling. Taken together, our findings indicate that MPO SNP rs2333227 serves as a marker of enhanced risk for development of colorectal cancer. Significance: MPO polymorphisms are a guide for high risk and poor prognosis in patients colorectal cancer. Cancer Res; 78(10); 2760-9. ©2018 AACR ., (©2018 American Association for Cancer Research.)

Background and Objective: Qujing, located in Southwest China, is an area with an extremely high lung cancer incidence. Combustion of coal has exposed local people to great health hazards. The aim of this study is to achieve a thorough understanding of the relationship between environmental pollution and the high incidence of lung cancer in Qujing, Yunnan Province, China. The results would provide a scientific basis and support for the etiology of lung cancer, as well as suggestions on improving the environmental conditions in the area., Methods: A total of 280 rural villages were selected through stratified cluster random sampling. Environmental background and pollution were investigated, including details on fuel type, coking plant, metal smelting, and chemical plant, among others. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the investigated factors., Results: Out of the total number of local villages studied, 78.1% of those with high incidence often use smoky coal and coking. On the other hand, 78.8% of the low-incidence areas use smokeless coal or wood. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the coal type used for everyday life was a main risk factor related to lung cancer (P<0.05). Using smoky and coking coals create an alarmingly high risk for developing lung cancer. Meanwhile, smokeless coals and wood seemed to have no significant relationship to the lung cancer incidence., Conclusions: The fuel type used for everyday life is an important factor in the high incidence of lung cancer in Qujing. Evidently, the use of smoky coal and coke increased the incidence of lung cancer, whereas smokeless coal and wood seem to bring about the contrary.

Background: Postoperative infections are common and potentially fatal complications in neurosurgical intensive care medicine. An impairment of immune function after central nervous system surgery is associated with higher risk of infection and postoperative complications. The aim of our study was to investigate how the immune cell population changes during the anesthesia process in patients undergoing craniotomy surgery., Methods: Patients undergoing craniotomy who had an inhaled general anesthetic were studied. Blood samples were collected before anesthesia and 30, 45, 60, 120, and 240 minutes after anesthesia began. Blood counts for neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes were determined along with lymphocyte subpopulations (T cells, inducer and helper T cells, suppressor and cytotoxic T cells, natural killer cells, and B cells). Plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 were also measured along with tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ. Data were analyzed by SPSS 13.0 software using repeated-measures analysis of variance followed by a Bonferroni correction., Results: Eighteen patients were enrolled in this study. In the comparison of the immune cell counts during neuroanesthesia, we found that at 30 minutes after anesthesia induction, neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes decreased 18% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.0%-24.6%), 34% (95% CI: 16.2%-51.1%), and 39% (95% CI: 29.0%-48.9%) compared with their levels before anesthesia. At extubation the neutrophils returned to the base level. It also showed that natural killer cells decreased significantly during anesthesia. The concentration of cytokines in peripheral blood did not change significantly., Conclusion: Our results showed that anesthesia and surgery upset the balance of the immune system during craniotomy, and a significant decrease in immune cell populations emerged after induction under general anesthesia.

Background: The mechanisms of ischemic stroke in young adults are poorly understood. The main goal of the current investigation was to determine the possible contribution of genes affecting hemostasis, homocysteine metabolism and endothelial function on the occurrence of ischemic stroke in a cohort of young cases and corresponding controls., Methods: We evaluated in 97 consecutive patients referred to our center between April 2006 and July 2007 for a history of young adult ischemic stroke (age at first event, <45 y) the prevalence of factor V Leiden, 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) 4ab gene variants. Ninety-nine subjects age and gender matched (18 to 45 y) from other departments of the Tiantan Hospital served as controls., Results: Homozygosity for the TT genotype of the MTHFR gene was 29 of 97 (29.9%) in patients and 34 of 99 (34.3%) in controls; this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05, chi2). Variation of factor V Leiden was not detected both in patients and in controls of this cohort. Genotype eNOS 4bb was 90 of 97 (92.8%) in patients and 81 of 99 (81.8%) in controls; this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05, chi2 test)., Conclusions: The eNOS 4ab variant appears to be an important risk factor for ischemic stroke in young Chinese population.