Search

Objectives: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) as a stage between healthy cognition and early neurocognitive disorders, has been proposed to be helpful in the diagnosis of prodromal neurocognitive disorders. To investigate the prevalence of SCD and the related risk factors on the prevalence. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 1,120 elderly subjects residing in Baotou, China. From June 2021 to June 2023, the data were gathered by research assistants with training utilizing standardized questionnaires. The following factors were evaluated: subjective cognitive decline, physical and cognitive activity levels, past medical history, demographics, instrumental activities of daily living, and cognitive function. Risk factors of SCD were used chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of SCD was 43.8%. Permanent residence, marital status, BMI, dietary habits, average sleep duration per night, smoking, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and visual impairment were significantly associated with SCD (p < 0 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed obesity, vegetarian-based, smoking for a long time, diabetes and coronary heart disease, visual impairment, no spouse, and average sleep duration per night <6 h were independent risk factors for SCD. Based on the gender analysis, the difference in marital status, dietary habits, average sleep duration per night, smoking, drinking, and hypertension was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of subjective cognitive decline was high among elder adults. We discovered significant differences in the prevalence or risk factors for SCD between men and women based on their sex. This study provides a more theoretical basis for the early prevention and screening of cognitive impairment diseases in the elderly population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new myxomycete species, Arcyria similaris, was reported herein. The specimens were found and collected in the field on dead bark from Jingangtai National Geopark in Henan Province of China. This species has distinct and unique morphological characteristics, including dark grayish olive sporothecae that fade to smoke gray with age, shallow saucer-shaped cups with marked reticulations and thick papillae on the inner surface, a netted capillitium with many bulges, uniformly marked with low, dense, and irregular reticulations, and spores (8.0–)9.3–10.1(–10.9) μm in diameter, marked with sparse small warts and grouped prominent warts. Apart from a comprehensive morphological study, partial sequences of the nuclear 18S rDNA and elongation factor-1 alpha (EF-1α) genes were also provided in this study. This new species was described and illustrated morphologically. The specimens are deposited in the Herbarium of Fungi of Nanjing Normal University (HFNNU). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of the raindrop size distribution (DSD) is crucial for disaster prevention and mitigation. The record-breaking rainfall in the summer of 2020 caused some of the worst flooding ever experienced in China. This study uses 96 Parsivel disdrometers and eight-year Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite observations to reveal the microphysical aspects of the disastrous rainfall during its northward migration over East China. The results show that the nearly twice as heavy rainfall in Jiangsu Province compared to Fujian Province can be attributed to the earlier-than-average northward jump of the summer monsoon rainband to the Yangtze-Huaihe River valley. The persistent heavy monsoon rainfall showed similar near-maritime DSD characteristics, with a higher concentration of small raindrops than the surrounding climatic regimes. During the northward movement of the rainband, the DSD variables and composite spectra between the pre-summer rainfall in Fujian and mei-yu rainfall in Jiangsu exhibited inherent similarities with slight regional variations. These are associated with similar statistical vertical precipitation structures for both convective and stratiform rain in these regions/periods. The vertical profiles of radar reflectivity and DSD parameters are typical of monsoonal rainfall features, implying the competition between coalescence, breakup, and accretion of vital warm rain processes. This study attributes the anomalously long duration of the mei-yu season for the record-breaking rainfall and reveals inherent homogeneous rainfall microphysics during the northward movement of the summer monsoon rainband. The conclusion is statistically robust and would be helpful for accurate precipitation estimation and model parameterization of summer monsoon rainfall over East China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microphysical characteristics, including the ice types and growth mechanisms, in two snowstorms over East China in 2016 (E16) and 2018 (E18) were explored using joint observations of a polarimetric radar and a disdrometer. In both events, the dendritic‐growth‐layer (DGL) signature (enhancements in differential reflectivity ZDR and specific differential phase KDP) was observed, indicative of the existence of horizontally‐oriented dendrites and plate‐like crystals. The KDP in the DGL, related to the total mass of ice particles, was used for snowfall nowcasting. According to the lagged correlation analysis, the reflectivity factor (ZH) near the ground, a proxy for snowfall intensity, could be well predicted by the KDP in the DGL with a 40‐min lead time and a correlation coefficient over 0.7 in E16. In contrast, E18 had a worse nowcasting performance, with the maximum correlation coefficient being ∼0.53, which could be attributed to its more complex ice microphysical structures and processes. The snow in E16 mainly grew from the deposition in the DGL (mainly dendrites and plates) and aggregation below. In comparison, the snowstorm was deeper in E18, and the less oblate crystals (with larger aspect ratios) from above the DGL could grow and mix with the dendrites and plates in the DGL, weakening the correlation between the KDP and ice mass. Below the DGL, snow growth in E18 was contributed by aggregation and more active riming according to both radar and disdrometer observations, which further lowered the nowcasting performance of snowfall by the KDP in the DGL. Plain Language Summary: Using cooperative radar and disdrometer observations, we found similarities and differences in the precipitation structures of two representative snowstorms on 21 January 2016 and 4 January 2018 in East China. Near the −15°C isotherm, oblate crystals like dendrites and plates grew in both storms, known as the dendritic growth layer (DGL). The radar measurements in the DGL were a good predictor for near‐surface snowfall in the snowstorm in 2016, with a lead time of 40 min. The particle sizes grew during falling below the DGL, through the clumping together of snow crystals in the process called aggregation. In contrast, in the 2018 case, the correlation between the radar measurements in the DGL and the near‐surface snowfall rates was lower than that in the 2016 case, which can be explained by the higher complexity of its precipitation structure. First, the ice crystals above the DGL can grow and mix with those within the DGL in this case. Meanwhile, in addition to aggregation, the ice particles can grow via collision with supercooled droplets (riming), which led to snow mass growth. These findings from the two snowstorms may be used as a sort of guidance for improving the snowstorm numerical modeling and nowcasting. Key Points: Different microphysical structures and processes in two snowstorms in East China with different snow terminal velocities at the groundDifferent snowfall nowcasting performances using specific differential phase in the dendritic growth layers that were found in both eventsNowcasting performance linked to the complexity of ice microphysical structures and processes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the Stockholm Convention List were banned for a period of time, the residue of OCPs in environment was still detected recently. Therefore, the continuous environmental monitoring was necessary and important for the deep understanding on the temporal trend of environmental fate of OCPs. In this study, the national scale surface soil samples in 26 provinces of China in 2012 were collected, and 28 OCPs were analyzed. The mean concentrations (ng/g dw) of Σhexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), Σdichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) were 2.47 ± 5.4, 4.29 ± 8.28, 3.33 ± 7.68, and 0.041 ± 0.097, respectively. The correlations between OCPs concentrations with temperature, latitude, and longitude were conducted for the deep study of the spatial distribution pattern of OCPs. It was found that HCHs, HCB, and HCBD are positively correlated with latitude and longitude; however, the correlations were not significant. HCHs followed the secondary distribution pattern, and DDTs followed both the primary and/or secondary distribution patterns. Except for HCB, other OCPs showed a gradual downward trend from 2005 to 2012, indicating the effectiveness of the phase-out of OCPs. In summary, the results of the study provided new insight into the related studies, which will help us to better understand the long-term environmental fate of OCPs on large scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Long-acting inhalers are the mainstay maintenance therapy for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management. The aim of this study was to assess adherence to inhalers among adults with COPD in China and to develop strategies to improve adherence for the next step. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 246 adult patients with COPD using long-acting inhalers to explore different demographic characteristics, disease characteristics and medication regimens. Adherence to inhalers was assessed using the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS). Results: Among the 246 patients included in the present study, 93 (37.80%) had good adherence, while 153 (62.20%) had poor adherence. From the comparison of patients with good and poor adherence, we found that the course of disease and education background had a significant effect on adherence (p < 0.05). Among the LAMA therapy group, inhaled tiotropium bromide spray (Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany) with active release technology had better adherence than inhaled tiotropium bromide powder (Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany) (p < 0.05). Moreover, COPD patients with good adherence had better pulmonary function and fewer moderate or severe exacerbations in the past year (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The factors affecting the use of inhalers in patients with stable COPD are complicated. Medical staff should select appropriate inhalers according to the patient's disease status and duration and provide medication education to improve adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examine the evolution of ice‐phase microphysics [polarimetric radar signatures and identified graupel and hail (GH) (hereafter, GH) distributions] and raindrop characteristics [drop size distribution (DSD) and rainfall intensity] in a warm‐sector extreme rainfall case during the Meiyu period in Eastern China. Deep convection is identified in this rainstorm, raindrop characteristics are found to be deeply affected by the GH distribution condition, heavy rainfall (rain rate >20 mmh−1 $\mathrm{m}\mathrm{m}\,{\mathrm{h}}^{-1}$) is basically contributed by convective samples with GH identified aloft. As GH height rises, number concentration and mean size of raindrops increase accordingly, leading to the growth of rainfall intensity. Extreme rainfall (rain rate >100 mmh−1 $\mathrm{m}\mathrm{m}\,{\mathrm{h}}^{-1}$) is majorly induced by deep convection with hail or widespread (over 10 km level) graupel, melting of the abundant highly‐rimed particles plays a dominant role in generating high concentration raindrops. By revealing the link between GH distribution conditions and raindrop characteristics, the study helps to understand the specific role of ice‐phase processes to the formation of low‐level raindrops in deep convection. Plain Language Summary: Ice‐phase microphysics governs surface rainfall intensity and drop size distribution of raindrops in deep convection. Owing to the lack of direct observation in deep convection, the specific role of ice‐phase microphysics to raindrop formation remains a struggle. Here we use polarimetric radar and surface instruments, to link ice‐physics microphysics to raindrop characteristics from a warm‐sector deep convection case producing extreme rainfall in Eastern China. We found that the contribution of ice‐phase microphysics to raindrop formation is enhanced as the growth of graupel and hail (GH) distribution depth. To a certain extent, low‐level drop size distribution characteristics and rainfall intensity are dependent on the distribution condition of GH. These current findings are helpful to improve the microphysical understanding of deep convection. Key Points: Microphysics of a warm‐sector extreme rainfall rainstorm caused by deep convection in Eastern China is revealedLow‐level drop size distribution and rainfall intensity are deeply affected by graupel and hail distribution condition in the deep convectionLink between ice‐phase microphysics and raindrop characteristics in deep convection is preliminarily established [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding large-scale patterns of biodiversity and their drivers remains central in ecology. Many hypotheses have been proposed, including hydrothermal dynamic hypothesis, tropical niche conservatism hypothesis, Janzen's hypothesis and a combination model containing energy, water, seasonality and habitat heterogeneity. Yet, their relative contributions to groups with different lifeforms and range sizes remain controversial, which have limited our ability to understand the general mechanisms underlying species richness patterns. Here we evaluated how lifeforms and species range sizes influenced the relative contributions of these three hypotheses to species richness patterns of a tropical family Moraceae. The distribution data of Moraceae species at a spatial resolution of 50 km × 50 km and their lifeforms (i.e. shrubs, small trees and large trees) were compiled. The species richness patterns were estimated for the entire family, different life forms and species with different range sizes separately. The effects of environmental variables on species richness were analyzed, and relative contributions of different hypotheses were evaluated across life forms and species range size groups. The species richness patterns were consistent across different species groups and the species richness was the highest in Sichuan, Guangzhou and Hainan provinces, making these provinces the hotspots of this family. Climate seasonality is the primary factor in determining richness variation of Moraceae. The best combination model gave the largest explanatory power for Moraceae species richness across each group of range size and life forms followed by the hydrothermal dynamic hypothesis, Janzen's hypothesis and tropical niche conservatism hypothesis. All these models has a large shared effects but a low independent effect (< 5%), except rare species. These findings suggest unique patterns and mechanisms underlying rare species richness and provide a theoretical basis for protection of the Moraceae species in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increased social distance is one of the manifestations of social impairment. Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of factors associated with increased social distance and social withdrawal. Exercise therapy is an effective means to social impairment. However, whether exercise could reduce social distance in patients with CLBP remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise on social distance in middle-aged and elderly patients with CLBP. Methods: The longitudinal intervention recruited 29 middle-aged and elderly patients with CLBP from various communities in Yangpu District, Shanghai, China. The participants received exercise intervention for 8 weeks. The assessments were conducted before and after the intervention, including social distance, pain intensity, unpleasantness of pain, Roland-Morris Questionnaire (RMDQ), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Intention to treat analysis was performed. Results: After the 8-week exercise intervention, the social distance of patients with CLBP was shorter than that before intervention and showed significant difference (p < 0.05). The scores of pain intensity, unpleasantness of pain, RMDQ, SAS, and SDS also decreased and were significantly different between pre- and post-intervention (p < 0.05). In addition, the social distance, pain intensity, unpleasantness of pain, RMDQ, SAS, and SDS scores of the moderate CLBP group decreased more after the intervention compared with those of the mild CLBP group. Conclusion: The 8-week exercise intervention cannot only shorten the social distance in middle-aged and elderly patients with CLBP but also relieve pain, disability, and negative emotions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The largest Precambrian gasfield in China has been found from the Ediacaran (Sinian) carbonates in the central Sichuan Basin. The deep ancient reservoirs were generally attributed to the high-energy mound-shoal body in the carbonate platform. However, there is still little understanding on the distribution of the mound-shoal bodies that hampers further gas exploitation from the deep subsurface. Based on the seismic data, a large strike-slip fault system was identified by new 3D seismic data in the central Sichuan Basin. Further, it was found that the strike-slip fault had some effects on the mound-shoal bodies of the Ediacaran Dengying Formation. First, the platform margin was divided by strike-slip faults into three distinct segments to show two weak-rimmed margins and one interbedded rimmed margin. Second, the platform margin could be offset or migrated with the strike-slip faults. Third, there is varied margin thickness across the strike-slip fault zone. In the inner platform, more carbonate mound-shoal bodies developed behind the weak-rimmed margin that was divided by the strike-slip fault zones. In addition, the mound-shoal bodies may be separated by faulted sag. Further, the mound-shoal bodies may have developed along the faulted higher position in one side of the strike-slip fault zone. These patterns of the mound-shoal bodies suggest that the strike-slip fault had an important role in the sedimentary microfacies' diversity in the intracratonic carbonates. The low displacement of the strike-slip fault is chiefly responsible for a weaker controlling effect on the microfacies change in the intracratonic basin rather than other tectonic settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock resistivity is a major geophysical technical parameter in geological and geotechnical engineering, geothermal prospecting, and oil and gas exploration. Its accurate measurement is of great significance to achieve the goal of "carbon peak and carbon neutrality". To solve anisotropic problems, a method to test the radial resistivity in cylindrical core samples has been proposed and has been deemed the universal method, as it has the virtues of no specially processed sample being needed and nondestructive testing. However, there is still a difference in the radial resistivities obtained from this method and another testing method that is commonly used for cuboid samples. Furthermore, the differences between these methods have not yet been made clear in China or elsewhere. Therefore, we compared the results of the above-two testing methods via numerical simulations after establishing the potential field distribution, and, in combination with their methodological principles, illustrated the differences between the resistivities determined in samples with distinct shapes obtained using the two testing methods, summarized the conditions when there was zero difference and considerable difference when using the two methods, and provided a theoretical basis for the reasonable selection of an appropriate method to test the resistivity anisotropy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the green innovation effect of the carbon emissions pilot policy in China. First, using the difference-in-differences method and regressions of instrumental variables using the data from Chinese listed firms, we verify that the policy promotes green innovation among regulated firms and is more pronounced among state-owned enterprises, firms in the eastern region, and those with lower financing constraints. Furthermore, this positive effect spreads downstream relative to the regulated firms through input–output linkages, but reduces green innovation to upstream firms. Accordingly, such diffusion of innovation is achieved through the price mechanism. The results necessitate the introduction of various derivatives to mobilize the market to reduce the speculative volatility of carbon prices. In addition, relevant supporting policies must be established to encourage corporate innovation to reduce the crowding-out effect owing to emission reduction and the nonmarket factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late Mesozoic granites are present throughout the Jiaodong Peninsula in eastern China, but the petrogenesis of these granites, the magma sources, and the geodynamic setting of the magmatism remain unclear. This paper presents new zircon U–Pb geochronological and Lu–Hf isotopic and whole‐rock geochemical data for the Late Jurassic Queshan pluton in the Shandong Peninsula, an area that represents the boundary between the Jiaobei and Sulu ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) terranes. Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb dating yields Late Jurassic ages from 158 ± 1 to 153 ± 1 Ma for the pluton in addition to a small number of inherited zircons that yield ages that cluster at 2410, 1831–1776, 750, and 209–202 Ma. Zircons from different samples have similar 176Hf/177Hf values (0.281926–0.282255) and variably negative εHf (t) values that range from −26.5 to −15.1 (weighted mean of −22.9 ± 0.9). The corresponding two‐stage Hf model ages range from 2,869 to 2,154 Ma, with a weighted mean value of 2,645 ± 54 Ma. These data indicate that the magmas that formed the Queshan pluton were derived from multiple sources, including the lower crust of the North China (NCC) and Yangtze (YC) cratons, as well as collision‐related alkaline rocks. The whole‐rock geochemical compositions of the samples indicate that the granites are weakly peraluminous, are high‐K and calc‐alkaline with I‐type affinities, and have high contents of Sr, low contents of Y and Yb, high (La/Yb)N and Sr/Y values, and positive Eu anomalies (δEu = 1.20–1.65), indicating an adakitic affinity. This indicates that the Queshan granites formed from magmas generated by partial melting of a thickened region of the crust (>50 km) associated with eclogite, garnet amphibolite, or amphibolite residual material. The genesis of the Late Jurassic granites are also likely to have been influenced by the collisional orogeny between the NCC and YC and continued subduction of the Izanagi Plate. Thickening of the lower crust associated with this continental collisional event occurred before the magmatism, with further compression and thickening of the lower crust caused by the low‐angle subduction of the Izanagi Plate beneath northeastern China being the main geodynamic driver of the formation of the granites in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For China Railway Track System (CRTS) I twin-block slab tracks, the interface between the sleeper and track slab is susceptible to damage under the coupled effect of long-term train load and external environment factors. In order to analyze the damage behavior and identify the type of debonding at the interface, this paper established a three-dimensional finite element model and introduced the cohesion zone model and concrete damaged plasticity model to simulate the interface damage and the inner-layer damage of the track slab, respectively. The interface debonding induced by the temperature effect was analyzed, and the debonding types were identified based on the obtained vertical vibration responses of the sleeper surface under the train load. The results reveal that the damage mainly occurs on the bottom and lateral sides at the interface under the temperature load. The track model can be refined further to obtain higher analysis accuracy with acceptable calculation time using the sequential loading method. The 26 damage features derived from the time domain, frequency domain, and time–frequency domain are in good representativeness in reflecting the damage information hidden in the vibration signals. Among them, the peak values (maximum vertical acceleration of the sleeper) are 55.0, 56.7, 60.3, and 61.6 m/s2 for no debonding, debonding on the lateral side, debonding at the bottom, and debonding on the longitudinal side of the interface under train load, respectively. Moreover, the identification accuracy of the debonding type can reach 93.75% combining the particle swarm algorithm and support vector machine. It indicates that the proposed identification method is effective and reliable to provide theoretical guidance for developing scientific maintenance and repair strategies for twin-block slab tracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze clinical characteristics and prognostic risk factors of urosepsis patients admitted to two intensive care units in Shanghai, China. Methods: Clinical data from patients diagnosed with urosepsis were retrospectively retrieved and analyzed from ICU in two regional medical centers from January 2015 to December 2019. Results: Two hundred two patients were included in the subsequent analysis eventually, with an average age of 72.02 ± 9.66 years, 79.21% of the patients were female and the mortality rate of 15.84%.The proportion of patients with chronic underlying diseases such as diabetes and hypertension was relatively high (56.44, 49.50%, respectively), and the incidence of shock was also high (41.58%) correspondingly. The most common pathogen isolated was Escherichia coli (79.20%), of which the extended-spectrumβ-lactamases (ESBLs)(+) accounted for 42.57%. In multivariate analysis, the strongest predictors for death were mechanical ventilation (OR 7.260, 95% CI 2.200–23.963; P = 0.001),chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR 5.140, 95% CI 1.596–16.550; P = 0.006), APACHE II score (OR 1.321, 95% CI 1.184–1.473; P < 0.001) and lactate (OR 1.258, 95% CI 1.037–1.527; P = 0.020). Both APACHE II score and lactate had the ideal predictive value, with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.858 and 0.805 respectively. Conclusion: The patients with urosepsis were characterized by a higher proportion of female, older age, more percentage of comorbidities in this region, and patients with ESBLs (+) Escherichia coli infection were more prone to shock. Mechanical ventilation, comorbidity with CKD, APACHE II score and lactate were independent risk factors for death in urosepsis patient, but lactate level and APACHE II score had better predictive value for prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The clinical role of deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) in gastric cancer (GC) is still controversial. We aimed to analyze the relationship between dMMR/MSI-H and clinicopathological features along with survival. Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with GC at the three big cancer centers in China from 2015 to 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. MMR/MSI status was assessed using immunohistochemistry/PCR. Clinical and pathological data were collected from the medical record system. Results: A total of 196 patients with dMMR/MSI-H status were enrolled for analysis. The prevalence of MSI-H/dMMR in GC was 6.6%. Another 694 proficient MMR (pMMR) GC patients were enrolled for comparison. Compared with pMMR patients, dMMR/MSI-H patients were associated with older age, female predominance, distal location in the stomach, earlier TNM stage, intestinal subtype, better differentiation, and more negative HER2 status. The median overall survival (OS) of the dMMR/MSI-H group was better than that of the pMMR/microsatellite stability (MSS) group (not reached vs. 53.9 months, p = 0.014). Adjuvant chemotherapy had no impact in both disease-free survival (DFS) and OS of dMMR/MSI-H patients (p = 0.135 and 0.818, respectively). dMMR/MSI-H patients had poorer response and progression-free survival (PFS) of first-line chemotherapy, though they were statistically significant (p = 0.361 and 0.124, respectively). Conclusions: dMMR/MSI-H GC patients have specific clinicopathological characteristics and better prognosis than pMMR patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high levels of parabens (including methyl-, ethyl- and propyl congeners), triclocarban (TCC) and triclosan (TCS) used every year in China might be a problem to the typical wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). This study addresses measurements of parabens, TCC and TCS Northern China WWTP and a modelling assessment on the occurrence, fate and removal pathways in WWTP. Per-capita emissions of the three parabens, TCC and TCS to the WWTP were estimated as 0.41, 0.11 and 0.07 mg/d. After the wastewater treatment processes, 94, 92 and 87% of parabens, TCC and TCS were removed. The major removal pathway of parabens was biodegradation while that of TCC and TCS were sorption to sludge. Computer simulations on the fate processes of parabens, TCC and TCS in the WWTP using the SimpleTreat 4.0 model suggested the model could generally reproduce the measurements with root mean squared errors (RMSEs) of less than 10 ng/L. However, the model underestimated the removal of TCC and TCS from water to sludge in the primary tank. These discrepancies were attributed to the uncertainty of the predicted organic carbon-water partition coefficients (Koc) to which the modelling results are highly sensitive. The model predictions using updated Koc became more accurate and RMSEs of TCC and TCS were reduced by 40 and 80%, respectively. The modelling assessment suggests that the SimpleTreat, as a generic model to simulate chemical fate processes in WWTPs, has the potential to be applied to other similar WWTPs in China for estimating environmental releases of parabens, TCC and TCS at a larger spatial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covering: up to July 2020 Drugs derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) include both single chemical entities and multi-component preparations. Drugs of both types play a significant role in the healthcare system in China, but are not well-known outside China. The research and development process, the molecular mechanisms of action, and the clinical evaluation associated with some exemplificative anticancer drugs based on TCM are discussed, along with their potential of integration in western medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oropharyngeal administration of colostrum (OAC) may provide immunoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects that potentially reduce the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and late-onset sepsis and improve short-term outcomes. Our objective was to evaluate the role of OAC in the early prevention of NEC and late-onset sepsis in preterm infants with gestational age (GA) ≤ 32 weeks. Methods: A pilot, single-center, 1:1 parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted in a 40-bed tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in China from 1 January 2019 to 30 September 2020. Preterm infants were randomly divided into two groups with GA ≤ 32 weeks. The OAC group included preterm infants who received 0.4 ml of maternal colostrum via the oropharyngeal route every 3 h for 10 days beginning within the first 48 h after birth, and the control group included preterm infants who received normal saline instead. Data from the two groups were collected and compared. Results: A total of 127 infants in the OAC group and 125 infants in the control group were enrolled. The incidence of NEC (Bell stage 2 or 3) and late-onset sepsis were lower in the OAC group [2.36% vs. 10.40%, relative risk (RR) 0.23 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07, 0.78), adjusted RR 0.23 (95% CI 0.06, 0.84); 4.72% vs. 13.60%, RR 0.35 (95% CI 0.14, 0.85), adjusted RR 0.36 (95% CI 0.14, 0.95)]. In addition, the incidence of proven sepsis and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (stage 3 or 4) were lower in the OAC group [2.36% vs. 8.80%, RR 0.27 (95% CI 0.08, 0.94); 1.57% vs. 7.20%, RR 0.22 (95% CI 0.05, 0.99)], and the time to achieve full enteral feeding was shorter (23.13 ± 9.45 days vs. 28.50 ± 14.80 days). No adverse reactions were observed in either group. Conclusions: Oropharyngeal administration of colostrum is a safe and simple NICU procedure that may yield a potential effect in decreasing the incidences of NEC, late-onset sepsis, and severe IVH and shorten the time to achieve full enteral feeding in preterm infants with GA ≤ 32 weeks. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900023697, Registered 8 June 2019, retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the different organizational forms of logistics in manufacturing, the types of linkage development between the logistics and manufacturing industries include two different logistics service modes: logistics outsourcing and logistics self-operation. This study considers two manufacturing clusters for comparison: the northeast region in China, mainly state-owned and self-operated, and the Yangtze River Delta region in China, mainly focusing on logistics outsourcing services. First, we construct a parallel network system considering heterogeneity and an unexpected super-efficiency slacks-based measure: the Grey Relational Analysis model. Second, considering the unexpected output, this study evaluates the environmental performance of the linkage development of the logistics and manufacturing industries and explains the types of linkage development between them. Finally, the spatial and temporal characteristics of linkage efficiency under different linkage modes are studied using an exploratory spatial data analysis method. The research results show that the efficiency of the two-industry linkage in different linkage types that consider the unexpected output presents different development characteristics. Regarding time characteristics and trends, we compare the development efficiency of the two-industry linkage at the overall level of the northeast and the Yangtze River Delta regions from 2009 to 2016. The Yangtze River Delta region showed a higher state of linkage while the northeast region showed a medium linkage state. Regarding spatial pattern evolution, the effect of the technical efficiency of the linkage between the two industries in the three northeastern provinces showed continuous evolution from the medium linkage stage to the weak linkage stage, and the Yangtze River Delta showed continuous evolution from the medium linkage to the strong linkage stage. Implications: Due to data availability, references to the relevant achievements of the research on the linkage between the manufacturing and logistics industries, the transportation industry, warehousing, and postal and telecommunications industry data are generally used as logistics industry data. Manufacturing data are replaced by industrial data. The manufacturing industry is the core industry of industrial systems. Its output value accounts for more than 90% of the industrial output. Thus, it can reflect the development trend of the manufacturing industry in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Household and personal care chemicals (HPCCs) constitute a significant component of everyday products, with their global usage on the rise. HPCCs are eventually discharged into municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, the behaviors of HPCCs inside the Bacillus Bioreactor (BBR) process, including their prevalence, fate, and elimination mechanisms, remain underexplored. Addressing this gap, our study delves into samples collected from a BBR process at a significant WWTP in the northeast of China. Our results spotlight the dominance of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LASs) in the influent with concentrations ranging between 238 and 789 μg/L, much higher than the other HPCC concentrations, and remained dominant in the subsequent treatment units. After treatment using the BBR process, the concentrations of HPCCs in the effluent were diminished. Examination of different treatment units underscores the grit chamber removed over 60% of higher-concentration HPCCs, while the performance of the (RBC) tank needs to be improved. Except for the ultraviolet radiation (UV)-filters, seasonal variations exert minimal impact on the concentrations and removal efficiencies of other HPCCs in the BBR process. According to the mass balance analysis, the important mechanisms for HPCC removal were biodegradation and sludge adsorption. Also, the octocrylene (OCT) concerns raised by the environmental risk assessment of the HPCCs residuals in the final effluent, indicate a moderate risk to the surrounding aquatic environment (0.1 < RQ < 1), whereas other HPCCs have a lower risk level (RQ < 0.1). Overall, the research offers new perspectives on the fate and elimination mechanisms of HPCCs throughout the BBR process. [Display omitted] • LASs concentrations dominate the influent and all subsequent treatment units. • The implementation of the Bacillus Bioreactor process resulted in a reduction of HPCCs concentrations in the effluent. • Biodegradation and sludge adsorption are the main mechanisms for removing HPCCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-water-level regulation has been effectively implemented in the restoration of urban river sediments in Guangzhou City, China. Further investigation is needed to understand the microbial mechanisms involved in pollutant degradation in low-water-level environments. This study examined sediment samples from nine rivers, including low-water-level rivers (LW), tidal waterways (TW), and enclosed rivers (ER). Metagenomic high-throughput sequencing and the Diting pipeline were utilized to investigate the microbial mechanisms involved in sediment C/N/S geochemical cycling during low-water-level regulation. The results reveal that the degree of pollution in LW sediment is lower compared to TW and ER sediment. LW sediment exhibits a higher capacity for pollutant degradation and elimination of black, odorous substances due to its stronger microbial methane oxidation, nitrification, denitrification, anammox, and oxidation of sulfide, sulfite, and thiosulfate. Conversely, TW and ER sediment showcase greater microbial methanogenesis, anaerobic fermentation, and sulfide generation abilities, leading to the persistence of black, odorous substances. Factors such as grit and silt content, nitrate, and ammonia concentrations impacted microbial metabolic pathways. Low-water-level regulation improved the micro-environment for functional microbes, facilitating pollutant removal and preventing black odorous substance accumulation. These findings provide insights into the microbial mechanisms underlying low-water-level regulation technology for sediment restoration in urban rivers. [Display omitted] • Low-water-level regulation (LW) shaped a unique functional microbiome in sediment. • LW promoted bacterial-algal symbiosis and CH 4 oxidation in sediments. • LW stimulated denitrification and anammox pathways in sediments. • LW enhanced microbial sulfide, thiosulfate, and sulfite oxidation in sediments. • LW facilitated microbial remediation of polluted sediment in urban river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examines the socioeconomic differentials in trends in the prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension and hypertension awareness, treatment, and control in rural Southwestern China.Methods: Two cross-sectional interviews and health examination surveys were administered in rural Yunnan Province, including 6,350 consenting participants in 2009 and 6,359 consenting participants in 2016 (aged ≥ 35 years). Participant demographics, socioeconomic status (SES), and ethnicity, along with information about hypertension awareness, treatment, and control, were collected using similar questionnaires in the two surveys. The participants' blood pressure levels were also measured.Results: From 2009 to 2016, the prevalence of hypertension substantially increased from 28.4% to 39.5% (P < 0.01), and awareness and control rose from 42.2 and 25.8% to 53.1 (P < 0.01) and 30.6% (P < 0.05), respectively. Although people with a higher education level also had higher awareness and control rates than the lower education level ones, there were no conspicuous differences in the improvement of awareness and control between publics with different education levels over the 7 years studied. Increases were observed in both rates of awareness and control in people with a high level of income (P < 0.01). However, only the awareness rate increased in participants with a low level of income. Furthermore, the prevalence (P < 0.01) and treatment (P < 0.05) of hypertension were higher in the Han people than in ethnic minorities.Conclusions: Individual SES has clear associations with trends in the prevalence, awareness, and control of hypertension. Future interventions to improve hypertension prevention and control should be tailored to address individual SES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the trends in characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients in tertiary Chinese medicine (CM) hospitals in China between 2006 and 2013. Methods: This retrospective study was based on two nationwide epidemiological surveys of AMI in tertiary CM hospitals during 2 years (2006 and 2013). Patients admitted to the hospital for AMI were enrolled. Hospital records were used as the data source. Case data were derived regarding baseline characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of patients to assess changes from 2006 to 2013. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between prognosis, general influencing factors of disease, and various treatment measures. Results: Totally 26 tertiary CM hospitals in 2006 and 29 tertiary CM hospitals in 2013 (18 were repetitive) were surveyed. A total of 2,311 patients with AMI were enrolled (1,094 cases in 2006 and 1,217 cases in 2013). From 2006 to 2013, the mean age did not significantly change, but the proportion of patients younger than 65 years increased. The prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia also increased. Significant increases were observed in primary percutaneous coronary intervention [20.48% (2006) vs. 24.90% (2013)] and revascularization [36.11% (2006) vs. 52.42% (2013)]. In-hospital mortality decreased from 11.15% in 2006 to 10.60% in 2013. A mortality logistic regression analysis identified reperfusion therapy [odds ratio (OR), 0.222; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.106–0.464], Chinese patent medicines (OR, 0.394; 95% CI, 0.213–0.727), and CM decoctions (OR, 0.196; 95% CI, 0.109–0.353) as protective factors. Conclusion: Reperfusion and revascularization capabilities of tertiary CM hospitals have improved significantly, but in-hospital mortality has not significantly decreased. Efforts are needed to improve medical awareness of AMI and expand the use of CM to reduce in-hospital mortality in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applied a non-radical non-oriented Slack Based Measure (SBM) model of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to measure the linkage efficiency between the two sectors from 2009 to 2016. The paper analyzes the current situation of manufacturing and logistics efficiency, presents a way to improve the linkage efficiency of manufacturing and logistics industry, and using Tobit regression to analyze the environmental factors that affect the linkage efficiency. The results show that: Totality, the two industries in the three northeast provinces show a steady development trend in the period from 2009 to 2016, but the development of the two industries in northeast China is still insufficient. Unexpected pollutant output is the main reason for the decline of manufacturing efficiency in the regions. The redundancy of input factors is the main reason that affects the efficiency decline of the logistics industry. The results of Tobit regression analysis show that the investment of science and technology and opening to the outside world have a positive influence on the efficiency of the two industries, and government consumption has a negative effect on the efficiency of the two industries. This is to correctly understand and grasp the status of two industry linkage development in three northeast provinces. And it provides a certain basis for the development policy of the two-industry linkage development. Implications: Due to the availability of data, reference to the relevant achievements of the research on the linkage between manufacturing industry and logistics industry. The transportation industry, warehousing, and postal and telecommunications industry data are generally used as logistics industry data. Manufacturing data replaced by industrial data. The manufacturing industry is the core industry in the industrial system. Its output value accounts for more than 90% of industrial output value, so it can reflect the development trend of the manufacturing industry in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aeromonas veronii (A. veronii) is one of the important zoonotic pathogens. The development of drug resistance and enrichment of resistant genes not only cause misery from bacterial diseases but also pose a threat to public health security. In this study, A. veronii was isolated and identified from 357 shellfish samples imported from 6 aquaculture bases in Jilin Province, China, and tested for virulence, tolerance and drug resistance genes. According to 16S rRNA and gyrB gene PCR result, 47 strains were identified as Aeromonas veronii. The distribution of 9 virulence factors including fla (55.3%), Alt (42.5%), Act (31.9%), Aer (31.9%), Lip (19.1%), gcaT (12.7%), ahyB (12.7%), ascV (10.6%) and Ast (8.5%) was determined exclusively in Aeromonas veronii. Nine virulence genes were detected in two isolates. In addition, the resistance rate of isolates to sulfamonomethoxine and florfenicol was 100%, while to tetracycline, aureomycin and doxycycline it was 34.0%(16/47),29.8%(14/47)and 25.5%(12/47), respectively. Among all tested strains, thirty-five isolates were sensitive to enrofloxacin, and the majority of drug-resistant strains carried strA(95.7%), strB (93.6%), qnrA(40.4%), qnrD(31.9%), tetQ (31.9%)and tetK (29.8%) resistance genes. The results provide a basis for a risk assessment of the drug resistance of Aeromonas veronii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: China has made progress in tuberculosis control, but this disease remains a burden in many regions of China. We performed time-series analysis to examine changes in the rates of newly notified and newly smear-positive cases of tuberculosis in different regions of China from 1997 to 2018 and assessed the effect of the current control program. Methods: National and provincial notification data on tuberculosis from 1997 to 2018, which covers 31 provinces in the mainland of China, were extracted from the Chinese public health science data center. The annual percentage changes in newly notified and smear-positive cases were analyzed using a joinpoint regression method. Results: There were 18 646 672 newly notified tuberculosis cases from 1997 to 2018, with the greatest number in 2005. A total of 6 605 414 of these cases (35.42%) were smear-positive cases. The number of newly notified cases in China overall decreased (96.88–59.27 cases per 100 000) significantly during the most recent years. The decline during this period ranged from −3.9% (95% CI −5.7 to −2.9) in the western region to −4.3% (95% CI −4.8 to −3.7) in the eastern region. Most provinces had significant declines in newly notified and smear-positive cases, whereas the decline of newly smear-positive cases in Xinjiang was about half of that observed during the same period in China overall (−4.1% vs −9.9%). In addition to disparities in annual percentage changes, the rate of newly notified cases was higher in the western region than in the eastern and central regions. Conclusions: The burden of tuberculosis has been on declining throughout China during recent years, but tuberculosis in western China continues to be a public health emergency that needs to be urgently addressed. Effective prevention and control strategies are needed for regions with high disease burdens and those with increasing or unchanging numbers of newly notified and smear-positive cases of tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Search query data reflect users' intentions, preferences and interests. The interest in using such data to forecast tourism demand has increased in recent years. The mixed data sampling (MIDAS) method is often used in such forecasting, but is not effective when moving average (MA) dynamics are involved. To investigate the relevance of the MA components in MIDAS models to tourism demand forecasting, an improved MIDAS model that integrates MIDAS and the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average process is proposed. Its performance is tested by forecasting monthly tourist arrivals in Hong Kong from mainland China with daily composite indices constructed from a large number of search queries using the generalized dynamic factor model. The forecasting results suggest that this new model significantly outperforms the benchmark model. In addition, comparing the forecasts and nowcasts shows that the latter generally outperforms the former. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, as part of an effort to study snowfall characteristics and quantify winter precipitation in East China, we investigated the microphysical properties of snowfall, including size, shape, density, and terminal velocity using a 2-D video disdrometer (2-DVD) and a weighing precipitation gauge in Nanjing (NJ), East China during the winters of 2015–2019. We obtained larger snow density and terminal velocity values than those reported in the literature for this region. Higher snow density could account for higher snowflake terminal velocity, after removing the effects of observation altitude and surface temperature. We then fit the snow particle size distributions (PSDs) to the gamma model and explored the interrelationships among the model parameters and snowfall rate (SR). The relationship between radar reflectivity factor ($Z_{e}$) and SR was derived based on snow PSD measurements and the snow density relation. Using this $Z_{e}-\mathrm {SR}$ relationship, the estimated liquid-equivalent SRs are obtained from S-band NJ radar data collected during several snowfall events. Radar-inferred SRs showed reasonable agreement with those measured on the ground, with a mean absolute error of 16% for the collected snowfall events in NJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microphysical structure of Meiyu precipitation in Eastern China is investigated using two‐dimensional video disdrometer (2DVD) and S‐band polarimetric radar observations. The constrained‐gamma raindrop size distribution (DSD) model derived from 2DVD observations performs well in representing Meiyu DSDs. The vertical variability of polarimetric variables and retrieved DSD parameters are then investigated. The results show different patterns of vertical behavior for convective and stratiform rain due to different ice‐phase and precipitation microphysical processes. The radar reflectivity of stratiform rain presents a distinct bright band (with an average echo top between 6 and 7 km). In contrast, the convective rain shows a larger reflectivity with a relatively higher echo top at 8 km. Polarimetric signatures of convective rain above the 0°C isotherm imply the coexistence of rimed particles and aggregates, which is indispensable for the intense precipitation on the ground. However, with a bulk precipitation formed below the melting layer, warm rain processes are still critical pathways for the growth of raindrops and the subsequent generation of heavy rainfall. Furthermore, both convective and stratiform rain is dominated by raindrops <4 mm, and the increase in their rain intensity can mostly be attributed to the increase in raindrop concentration. The identified maritime nature of convective rain has a much higher (roughly more than two times) number concentration of raindrops than that of convection in a similar climate region. This study provides a more comprehensive picture of Meiyu precipitation microphysics in Eastern China. Key Points: 2DVD observations of small drops high concentration in Meiyu precipitation are confirmed with polarimetric radar retrievalsWarm rain processes are important pathways during the evolution of Meiyu convective precipitation in Eastern ChinaVertical structures of Meiyu convective and stratiform precipitation and their related DSD variations are identified [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the present situation and risk factors for the misdiagnosis of osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH), providing the basis for accurate diagnosis of ONFH. Methods: For this retrospective study, 1471 patients with ONFH were selected from the China Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head Database (CONFHD). These patients had been recruited between July 2016 and December 2018. According to whether or not they were misdiagnosed, the patients were divided into two groups, with 1168 cases (22–84 years old) included in the diagnosis group and 303 cases (21–80 years old) in the misdiagnosis group. Misdiagnosis was measured using the following criteria: (i) the patient had the same symptoms and signs, and the second diagnosis was not consistent with the initial diagnosis within 6 months; and (ii) the patient was admitted to a hospital participating in CONFHD and the previous diagnosis was inconsistent with the diagnosis given by the expert group. Comparisons of age, visual analogue scale for pain, and body mass index between the two groups were performed using a t‐test. Gender, causes of ONFH, primary diseases requiring corticosteroids, methods of corticosteroid use, corticosteroid species, type of trauma, onset side of the disease, pain side, whether symptoms are hidden, and type of imaging examination at the initial visit were compared using the χ2‐test. Years of alcohol consumption, weekly alcohol consumption, and physician title at the initial visit were compared using a Mann–Whitney U‐test. Furthermore, the statistically significant factors were evaluated using multiple regression analysis to investigate the risk factors of misdiagnosis. Results: A total of 303 patients (20.6%) were misdiagnosed: 118 cases were misdiagnosed as lumbar disc herniation, 86 cases as hip synovitis, 48 cases as hip osteoarthritis, 32 cases as rheumatoid arthritis, 11 cases as piriformis syndrome, 5 cases as sciatica, and 3 cases as soft‐tissue injury. Whether symptoms are hidden (P = 0.038, odds ratio [OR] = 1.546, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.025–2.332), physician title at the initial visit (P < 0.001, OR = 3.324, 95% CI = 1.850–5.972), X‐ray examination (P < 0.001, OR = 4.742, 95% CI = 3.159–7.118), corticosteroids (P < 0.001, OR = 0.295, 95% CI = 0.163–0.534), alcohol (P < 0.001, OR = 0.305, 95% CI = 0.171–0.546), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination (P = 0.042, OR = 0.649, 95% CI = 0.427–0.985) were each found to be associated with misdiagnosis. Conclusion: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is easily misdiagnosed as lumbar disc herniation, hip synovitis, hip osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Patient history of corticosteroid use or alcohol abuse and MRI examination at the initial diagnosis may be protective factors for misdiagnosis. Hidden symptoms, physician title at the initial visit (as attending doctor or resident doctor), and only X‐ray examination at the initial diagnosis may be risk factors for misdiagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Strict medication guidance and lifestyle interventions to manage blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients are typically difficult to follow. Objective: To evaluate the 1-year effectiveness of lifestyle and drug intervention in the management of rural hypertensive patients. Design: Randomized community intervention trial. Participants: The control group comprised 967 patients who received standard antihypertensive drug intervention therapy from two communities, whereas the intervention group comprised 1945 patients who received antihypertensive drug and lifestyle intervention therapies from four communities in rural China. Main Measures: Data on lifestyle behaviors and BP measurements at baseline and 1-year follow-up were collected. A difference-in-difference logistic regression model was used to assess the effect of the intervention. Key Results: BP control after the 1-year intervention was better than that at baseline in both groups. The within-group change in BP control of 59.3% in the intervention group was much higher than the 25.2% change in the control group (P < 0.001). Along with the duration of the follow-up period, systolic and diastolic BP decreased rapidly in the early stages and then gradually after 6 months in the intervention group (P < 0.001). In the intervention group, drug therapy adherence was increased by 39.5% (from 48.1% at 1 month to 87.6% at 1 year) (P < 0.001), more in women (45.6%) than in men (31.2%; P < 0.001). The net effect of the lifestyle intervention improved the rate of BP control by 56.1% (70.8% for men and 44.7% for women). For all physiological and biochemical factors, such as body mass index, waist circumference, lipid metabolism, and glucose control, improvements were more significant in the behavioral intervention group than those in the control group (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: The addition of lifestyle intervention by physicians or nurses helps control BP effectively and lowers BP better than usual care with antihypertensive drug therapy alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the application of treatment modalities for patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in mainland China. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was based on the online application of China Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Database (CONFHD). Between July 2016 to December 2018, the CONFHD program planned to recruit ONFH patients from 12 administrative areas across mainland China. Real‐world medical records of treatment regimens for these patients, including surgeries and prescriptions, were approved to upload to the CONFHD application for further analysis. The surgeries performed on these patients were classified into total hip arthroplasty and hip‐preserving procedures, and the latter was further classified into core decompression, bone grafting, and tantalum rod implantation. Prescription medications were classified into chemical medicine and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM); chemical medicine was further classified according to their chemical compounds, and CHM was classified according to therapeutic functions based on traditional Chinese medicine theory. Descriptive analysis was performed to summarize the application of different treatment regimens on the overall sample. Results: A total of 1491 patients (2381 hips) who fulfilled the protocol criteria were included. There were 1039 males and 452 females with a mean age of 47.29 ± 12.69 years. The causes of ONFH were alcoholism in 642 patients (43%), corticosteroid in 439 patients (29%), trauma in 239 patients (16%), and idiopathic ONFH in 171 patients (11%). Operative treatments (including total hip arthroplasty and hip‐preserving procedures) were performed on 49% of patients (43% of hips), chemical medicine therapy (including bisphosphonate, statins, and prostacyclin) was given to 37% of patients (37% of hips), and CHM was administrated to 72% of patients (75% of hips). The aforementioned interventions were not always used alone, since 47% of patients (52% of hips) received combined regimens with multiple interventions. Among hips treated by surgery, all hips with ARCO stage IV ONFH received THA (305 hips), and THA was also performed on 63 hips with stage II ONFH. Over half of hips with stage I (81%), II (91%), and III (92%) ONFH had received pharmacological treatments. Prostacyclin and bisphosphonate were the top two most prescribed medicines used alone. CHM therapies with multiple CHM functions were more commonly prescribed. Conclusion: Current treatment modalities for ONFH patients in mainland China include operative treatment, chemical medicine, and CHM. Combined regimens with different treatment modalities are common in real‐world clinical practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study estimates the prevalence of five chronic non-communicable disease (NCDs) (hypertension, diabetes, CHD, COPD and stroke) and its multimorbidity, and examines the relationship between SES and lifestyle factors and multimorbidity among older adults in rural southwest China. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 4833 consenting adults aged ≥60 years was conducted in 2017. Data on the demographics, smoking, drinking, height, weight, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose were collected. Results Among the participants, the overall prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, COPD and CHD was 50.6, 10.2, 6.4, 5.4 and 5.5%, respectively, and of multimorbidity was 16.1%. Females had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and multimorbidity of chronic NCDs, but a lower prevalence of COPD than males (P < 0.05). Older adults with good household assets and access to medical services were less likely to experience multimorbidity, whereas obese and centrally obese participants, current smokers, current drinkers and those with a family history of chronic NCDs had a greater probability of multimorbidity. Conclusions The findings suggest that effective strategies for prevention and control of chronic NCDs and its multimorbidity are urgently needed, especially for low-income, elderly, ethnic minority adults with poor access to medical services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐associated gastric carcinomas (EBVaGCs) may account for 8–9% of all gastric cancer (GC) patients. All previous reports on EBVaGC were retrospective. Prospective study is warranted to evaluate the exact role of EBV status in predicting the prognosis of GC. It is of special interest to figure out whether dynamic detection of plasma EBV‐DNA load could be a feasible biomarker for the monitor of EBVaGC. From October 2014 to September 2017, we consecutively collected GC patients (n = 2,760) from Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center for EBER examination. We detected EBV‐DNA load in plasma and tissue samples of EBVaGC patients at baseline. Subsequently, plasma EBV‐DNA load was dynamically monitored in EBVaGC patients. The overall prevalence of EBVaGC is 5.1% (140/2,760). The incidence rate of EBVaGC decreased with advanced AJCC 7th TNM stage (p < 0.001), with the corresponding percentages of 9.3, 9.9, 6.7 and 1.4% for Stage I, II, III and IV patients. EBVaGC patients were predominately young males with better histologic differentiation and earlier TNM stage than EBV‐negative GC (EBVnGC) patients. EBVaGC patients were confirmed to had a favorable 3‐year survival rate (EBVaGC vs. EBVnGC: 76.8% vs. 58.2%, p = 0.0001). Though only 52.1% (73/140) EBVaGC patients gained detectable EBV‐DNA and 43.6% (61/140) reached a positive cutoff of 100 copies/ml, we found the plasma EBV‐DNA load in EBVaGC decreased when patients got response, while it increased when disease progressed. Our results suggested that plasma EBV‐DNA is a good marker in predicting recurrence and chemotherapy response for EBVaGC patients. What's new? Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV)‐associated gastric carcinomas (EBVaGC) may account for 8–9% of all gastric cancers (GC). The exact role of EBV status in predicting the prognosis of GC remains to be clarified, however. Here, the authors report a prevalence of EBVaGC in GC in China of 5.1%, as defined by EBER staining in cancerous tissue. EBVaGC patients had a better overall survival than EBV‐negative patients. Though only half of EBVaGC patients gained detectable plasma EBV‐DNA levels, elevated plasma EBV‐DNA predicted relapse and poor response to chemotherapy. Dynamic detection of plasma EBV‐DNA load may offer an easily accessible biomarker to monitor EBVaGC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered a promising solution for reducing emissions in urban transportation and addressing energy crises. Several countries, including China, have implemented direct financial subsidies to encourage the adoption of EVs. However, there is a lack of comprehensive evaluation regarding the effectiveness of these subsidies and their interaction with non-financial incentive policies. Additionally, the design of subsidy policies can be endogenous, potentially leading to biased estimations of their effects on EV penetration. To address these issues, this study utilizes a "quasi-natural experiment" approach, taking advantage of the gradual reduction of nationwide EV subsidies by the Chinese government due to financial constraints, rather than market conditions, thus mitigating the endogeneity problem. The study collects panel data from 224 prefecture-level cities in China and employs a modified panel data fixed effects model to quantify the impact of financial subsidies on EV sales and market shares. The analysis focuses on subsidy variations during six periods. The main empirical findings are as follows: (1) 1 % increase in purchase subsidies leads to a 1.36 % increase in EV sales and a 2.31 % increase in EV market share. (2) Non-financial policies, such as parking benefits, promotional goals, and restrictions on the number of vehicles, also contribute to boosting EV sales. (3) The effects of purchase subsidies vary across cities with different socio-economic conditions. (4) Some non-financial policies are found to enhance the positive effects of subsidy policies. [Display omitted] • We empirically examine the impact of the purchase subsidy on EV promotion in China. • A subsidy decline due to government financial burden is used as a quasi-natural experiment. • Purchase subsidy and some non-financial policies are found to promote EVs penetration. • Heterogeneous effects of purchase subsidy on different kinds of Chinese cities are verified. • Some non-financial policies are found to enhance the positive effect of the subsidy policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Advances in Atmospheric Sciences is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Three new species isolated from sugarcane rhizosphere in China, namely Conlarium baiseense sp. nov., C. nanningense sp. nov., and C. sacchari sp. nov., are described and illustrated. Molecular evidence (phylogenetic analysis of combined LSU, SSU, ITS and RPB2 sequence data) and phenotypical characters support their independent status from related and similar species. The new species, as dark spetate endophytes, inhabit sugarcane rhizosphere and can form a symbiosis with sugarcane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall can cause serious soil loss in the Loess Plateau hilly and gully region, but little focus has been placed on the extreme rainstorm effects on unpaved loess road soil erosion. A field survey method was used to investigate the erosional effects of the "7.26" heavy rainfall event on unpaved loess roads in the Jiuyuangou watershed of the Loess Plateau, China. The results showed that the average and maximum widths of the eroded gullies that formed on the unpaved roads were 0.65–1.48 m and 1.00–3.60 m, respectively. The average and maximum depths of the eroded gullies were 0.42–1.13 m and 0.75–4.30 m, respectively. The average width-to-depth ratio was 1.31, indicating that the widening effect was greater than the downcutting effect in the eroded gullies. In addition, the gully density ranged from 0.07 to 0.29 m m−2, and the road surface dissection degree ranged from 0.03 to 0.41 km2 km−2. Eroded gullies generally developed at the slope toe of the cut bank side. The average eroded gully width and depth at turns in the road were 1.47–2.64 times and 1.30–3.47 times greater, respectively, than those in other road sections. The road erosion modulus increased from the upper section to the lower section of the roads. The average road erosion modulus of the study catchment was 235,000 t km−2. Turns in the road were associated with collapses, sinkholes and other gravitational erosion phenomena. The amount of road erosion under extreme rainfall conditions is mainly related to the interactions among road length, width, slope and soil bulk density. Our results provide a useful reference for developing further measures for preventing road erosion on the Loess Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In coal mining, the entry roof with a weak plane (ERWP) is vulnerable to large relative displacement, and even caving influenced by the mining stress from the adjacent working face (AWF) for underground mining engineering. A typical field case in a chinese coal mine demonstrates that the mining abutment stress can strengthen the relative displacement along the weak plane for the entry roof. To address this conditions, a method to improve the width to height ratio (W/H) of the coal pillar to reduce the effect of the mining stress on the stability of the ERWP based on a numerical model is proposed. In order to improve the reliability of the numerical model, the double-yield model for the gob material, the Mohr–Coulomb model for the pillar material, and the interface element for the weak plane were validated in detail. The results of the validated model indicate that the relative displacement induced by the mining abutment stress is divided into four stages, and it decreases significantly as the W/H increases. In the final, the W/H more than 8 is determined to reduce the effect of the mining abutment stress on the ERWP. The modelling procedure can be repeated and is necessary in other geological and engineering conditions since the determined W/H may be another value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disdrometer-observed raindrop size distribution (DSD) in East China has been shown to vary across seasons and rainfall types. In this study, as an extensive research, the seasonal variations of vertical structures and associated microphysical processes of precipitation were investigated using nine-year measurements of dual-frequency precipitation radar on board the Global Precipitation Measurement satellite. The spatial distribution and vertical profiles of the reflectivity factor (Z e), mass-weighted mean diameter (D m), and generalized intercept parameter (N w) showed different magnitudes of variability among seasons (and rain types). Generally, the collisional-coalescence process was dominant for sufficient raindrop growth in convective precipitation, followed by the breakup of melted large ice particles. Summer convective precipitation exhibited typical monsoonal features with the largest Z e and D m values, whereas extremely weak winter convective precipitation exhibited stratiform-like characteristics. For stratiform precipitation, the major microphysical processes were competitive between the breakup and coalescence processes during different seasons. In contrast, collisional coalescence was predominant in the shallow convective precipitation throughout the year. The distribution of rainfall and DSD parameters with respect to storm top height also varied. Specifically, the storm (convective core) top converged around the upper (middle) troposphere during extreme rainfall, indicating moderate convection where D m reached its maximum with moderate log 10 N w. Warm-rain processes also play an important role in raindrop growth. Moreover, the discrepancies between the extreme rainfall and the highest echo top suggest a weak linkage between the heaviest rainfall and tallest storms. This study provides a comprehensive picture of the seasonal variability in precipitation microphysics in East China. • The precipitation structures and associated microphysical processes vary across seasons and rain types in East China. • The raindrop size distribution of different rain types varied with predominant warm rain processes below the melting layer. • The discrepant rain rate and echo top height imply a weak linkage between the heaviest rainfall and tallest storms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke is the prime cause of morbidity and mortality in the general population, and hypertension will increase the recurrence and mortality of stroke. We report a protocol of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (RCT) using blood pressure (BP)-lowering acupuncture add-on treatment to treat patients with hypertension and stroke.Methods: This is a large-scale, multicenter, subject-, assessor- and analyst-blinded, pragmatic RCT. A total of 480 patients with hypertension and ischemic stroke will be randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group will receive "HuoXueSanFeng" acupuncture combined with one antihypertensive medication in addition to routine ischemic stroke treatment. The control group will only receive one antihypertensive medication and basic treatments for ischemic stroke. HuoXueSanFeng acupuncture will be given for six sessions weekly for the first 6 weeks and three times weekly for the next 6 weeks. A 9-month follow-up will, thereafter, be conducted. Antihypertensive medication will be adjusted based on BP levels. The primary outcome will be the recurrence of stroke. The secondary outcomes including 24-h ambulatory BP, the TCM syndrome score, the Short Form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36), the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), as well as the Barthel Index (BI) scale will be assessed at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks post initiating treatments; cardiac ultrasound, carotid artery ultrasound, transcranial Doppler, and lower extremity ultrasound will be evaluated at baseline and 12 weeks after treatment. The safety of acupuncture will also be assessed.Discussion: We aim to determine the clinical effects of controlling BP for secondary prevention of stroke with acupuncture add-on treatment.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02967484 . Registered on 13 February 2017; last updated on 27 June 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The low-carbon technologies (LCT) in realizing urban carbon neutrality are reviewed. • More than 150 papers with high citation rates are selected for specific analysis. • Three main aspects are investigated: LCT, ECER and CCSU. • Building energy consumption is a huge carbon emitter and poses a challenge for SUD. This work aims to study the role and current situation of Low-Carbon Technology (LCT) in realizing urban Carbon Neutrality goals and Sustainable Urban Development (SUD). This work focuses on the three main aspects of Carbon Neutrality by means of investigation: the new energy-supported LCTs, building-oriented Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction (ECER), and Carbon Capture, Storage, and Utilization (CCSU) technology. The research of the past ten years (2013–2022) is reviewed from the Web of Science, Google Academic, and other literature databases. Over 20,000 articles are selected by using the keywords "Carbon Neutrality Technology," such as "IEEE," "Elsevier," and other journal documents. Finally, more than 150 papers with high citation rates and relatively novel research results are selected for specific analysis. This work also establishes a case study of urban green development with multiple co-governance and a case study of building energy conservation and carbon reduction solutions. Finally, suggestions are put forward for achieving SUD. China's energy consumption and Carbon Dioxide (CO 2) emissions have increased year by year, but the Carbon Peak has not yet been reached. About 85% of CCUS technologies extract CO 2 from the air and use it for other emission reduction processes. In addition, the carbon storage time and storage efficiency need to be improved, and the general level can only reach about 60% of the storage efficiency. The secondary use of CO 2 by technology is of practical significance to many industries and must be fully implemented from the perspective of the whole life cycle. Especially building energy consumption is a huge carbon emitter and poses a challenge for SUD. How to take effective measures to control emissions is still an arduous task [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence and temporal trends of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and non-PBDE brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) were investigated in an urban atmosphere of Northeast China in consecutive six years (2008–2013). Among all chemicals, BDE-209, l,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), and decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE) were the three most dominant compounds. During the period, the levels of pentabromodiphenyl ethers in the gas-phase and octabromodiphenyl ethers in the particle-phase significantly decreased, while the levels of BDE-209 and NBFRs increased in either the gas-phase or particle-phase. Ambient temperature was the most significant variable that influenced the gas-phase and particle-phase concentrations of BFRs, followed by wind speed and relative humidity. A stronger temperature dependence of the atmospheric concentrations was found for lower mass BFRs. Gas-particle partitioning studies suggested PBDEs in the urban atmosphere of Northeast China were at steady-state. Steady-state equation can also well describe the partitioning behavior for NBFRs, suggesting that the atmospheric partitioning behaviors of NBFRs were similar to those of PBDEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, known as Dang Gui (in Chinese), is a traditional medicinal and edible plant that has long been used for tonifying, replenishing, and invigorating blood as well as relieving pain, lubricating the intestines, and treating female irregular menstruation and amenorrhea. A. sinensis has also been used as a health product and become increasingly popular in China, Japan, and Korea. Aim of the review This paper aims to provide a systemic review of traditional uses of A. sinensis and its recent advances in the fields of phytochemistry, analytical methods and toxicology. In addition, possible trends, therapeutic potentials, and perspectives for future research of this plant are also briefly discussed. Materials and methods An extensive review of the literature was conducted, and electronic databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Reaxys were used to assemble the data. Ethnopharmacological literature and digitalised sources of academic libraries were also systematically searched. In addition, information was obtained from local books and The Plant List (TPL, www.theplantlist.org). Result This study reviews the progress in chemical analysis of A. sinensis and its preparations. Previously and newly established methods, including spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC), and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis (NMR), are summarized. Moreover, identified bioactive components such as polysaccharides, ligustilide and ferulic acid were reviewed, along with analytical methods for quantitative and qualitative determination of target analytes, and fingerprinting authentication, quality evaluation of A. sinensis , and toxicology and pharmacodynamic studies. Scientific reports on crude extracts and pure compounds and formulations revealed a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory activity, antifibrotic action, antispasmodic activity, antioxidant activities, and neuroprotective action, as well as cardio- and cerebrovascular effects. Conclusions Within the published scientific literature are numerous reports regarding analytical methods that use various chromatographic and spectrophotometric technologies to monitor various types of components with different physicochemical properties simultaneously. This review discusses the reasonable selection of marker compounds based on high concentrations, analytical methods, and commercial availabilities with the goal of developing quick, accurate, and applicable analytical approaches for quality evaluation and establishing harmonised criteria for the analysis of A. sinensis and its finished products. Compounds isolated from A. sinensis are abundant sources of chemical diversity, from which we can discover active molecules. Thus, more studies on the pharmacological mechanisms of the predominant active compounds of A. sinensis are needed. In addition, given that A. sinensis is one of the most popular traditional herbal medicines, its main therapeutic aspects, toxicity, and adverse effects warrant further investigation in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the contamination levels, homologue, and congener profiles and evaluated the residue inventory of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediment of the Songhua River in the vicinity of cement plant. The total concentration of detected 35 PCB congeners ranged from 1.12 to 2.19 ng/g dry weight (dw) in sediment, with a mean value of 1.56 ng/g dw, and the concentration of PCBs decreased in the following order: the downstream > cement plant > upstream. The results of total organic carbon (TOC)-normalized PCB concentrations indicate that the sediments have low potential ecological risk in this area. The study results on homologue and congener of PCBs show that the emissions from cement production could be the major sources of PCBs in sediment, and the low-chlorinated PCBs will be exchanged among air, water, and sediment with increasing temperature during summer and flow to downstream with water during the wet season. The spatial density and total burden of PCBs in the surface sediments were 17.2 ng/cm and 1.2 kg, respectively. To our knowledge, this study is the first to explore the pollution characteristics of unintentionally produced PCB emissions from cement industry by means of monitoring sediment samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface soil samples were collected surrounding two brominated flame retardants (BFRs) manufacturing plants in China in August 2014 and analyzed for 23 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 8 novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs). BDE209 and decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE) were the predominant compounds in soil with the median levels of 1600 and 560 ng/g dw, respectively. The PBDEs profiles in soil samples were consistent with that of commercial product (comDecaBDE). The percentage contributions to total PBDEs decreased from higher to lower brominated homologues. Lower concentrations of NBFRs (excluding DBDPE) were detected in soil surrounding the two plants, suggesting they are byproducts or degradation products of the manufacturing activities. The concentrations of most BFRs dropped exponentially within 3–5 km of the manufacturing plants, suggesting recent deposition of these compounds to the soil. Directional distribution indicated that PBDEs and DBDPE concentrations were highest in the north direction of Plants 1. Three-day air parcel forward trajectories confirmed that the air parcel was responsible for the higher concentration of BFRs in the soil of north direction of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs), including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and novel non-BDE flame retardants (NBFRs), were analyzed in Chinese air during China's POPs Soil and Air Monitoring Program Phase I (SAMP-I) and Phase II (SAMP-II). The levels of Σ 12 PBDEs and Σ 6 NBFRs in urban sites were significantly higher than those in rural sites and background sites. The higher detection rate and concentrations of high molecular weight PBDEs and NBFRs in Phase II indicated the changing of the commercial pattern of BFRs after the phase out of PBDEs in China. Temperature was the major factor affecting the seasonal variations of molecular weight BFRs in atmosphere. A significant correlation between BFRs concentration and gross domestic product (GDP) was observed, with the GDP parameter explained 59.4% and 72.7% of the total variability for Octa-BDEs and low molecular weight NBFRs, respectively. Our findings indicated an evolving commercial usage of BFRs from SAMP-I to SAMP-II, i.e. shifting from lower molecular weight to higher molecular weight congeners in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levels of dechlorane plus (DP) and “DP-like” compounds were measured in indoor dust samples collected across China. The concentrations of ΣDP and “DP-like” compounds ranged from 0.35 to 1000 ng g −1 and < 0.21 to 2.4 ng g −1 , respectively. The total DP concentration in urban sites were significantly higher than those of rural sites, while no significant difference was found for “DP-like” compounds, suggesting different sources of these compounds. Significant positive correlations were found between f syn and latitude, and between f syn and longitude. The deleterious risk associated with DP exposure via indoor dust for the general population in China was low and safer than expectation. For estimating human exposure via indoor dust, sensitivity analysis showed that more attention should be given to the influential variables such as the level of pollutants, body weight, and the amount of ingestion and adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface soil samples were collected from urban agglomeration of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), China in 2003 and 2012, respectively. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were analyzed to determine if there were any changes in their levels and compositional profiles between the two sampling years. The concentrations of ΣPBDEs ranged from 0.553 to 13.0 μg kg(with the mean of 3.31 μg kg) in the 2003 samples and from 1.01 to 43.2 μg/kg (with the mean of 10.0 μg kg) in the 2012 samples. The concentrations of ΣPCBs ranged from 0.301 to 3.29 μg kg(with the mean of 1.01 μg kg) in the 2003 samples and from 0.205 to 3.96 μg/kg (with the mean of 0.991 μg kg) in the 2012 samples. The comparisons between the 2012 and 2003 data showed that PBDEs concentrations increased over the years, but PCB concentrations did not change much. BDE-209 was the major BDE congener in both the 2003 and 2012 samples, indicating that the dominant PBDE mixture production and usage in the YRD had been the commercial deca-BDE mixture. Investigation of the PBDE congener profiles indicated that there had been new input of octa-BDEs in this region in recent years. Little change was found for the pattern of PCBs congener profiles between 2 years' samples. As such, spatial distributions of PBDEs or PCBs in surface soil samples reflected a gradient (from high to low) from the central cities out to rural areas in both the 2003 and 2012 data. In addition, high concentrations of PBDEs were observed in the industrial and residential areas, whereas high concentrations of PCBs were only observed in the industrial areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]