Search

Background The efficacy and safety of tenapanor has not been confirmed in Chinese end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with hyperphosphatemia on haemodialysis (HD). Methods This was a randomised, double blind, phase 3 trial conducted at 26 dialysis facilities in China (https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx ; CTR20202588). After a 3-week washout, adults with ESRD on HD with hyperphosphatemia were randomised (1:1) using an interactive web response system to oral tenapanor 30 mg twice a day or placebo for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in mean serum phosphorous level from baseline to the endpoint visit (day 29 or last serum phosphorus measurement). Efficacy was analysed in the intention-to-treat population. Safety was assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of the study drug. Results Between 5 March 2021 and 8 June 2022, 77 patients received tenapanor and 73 received placebo. Tenapanor treatment (n  = 75) resulted in a significantly greater least squares (LS) mean reduction in serum phosphate at the endpoint visit versus placebo (n  = 72): LS mean difference −1.17 mg/dl (95% CI −1.694 to −0.654, P  < .001). More patients receiving tenapanor achieved a serum phosphorous level <5.5 mg/dl at the endpoint visit (44.6% versus 10.1%). The most common treatment-related adverse event was diarrhoea [tenapanor 28.6% (22/77), placebo 2.7% (2/73)], which was mostly mild and led to treatment discontinuation in two patients receiving tenapanor. Conclusions Tenapanor significantly reduced the serum phosphorous level versus placebo in Chinese ESRD patients on HD and was generally well tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of the bamboo-feeding genus Neobelocera Ding & Yang, 1986, N. furcata sp. nov. and N. parvula sp. nov., are described and illustrated from China. A key based on the male genitalia is given to distinguish species of this genus and a map provided to show their geographic distribution. Habitus photos for adults and illustrations of male genitalia are also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To help in the prevention of large-scale loss of agricultural production caused by crop pests, a visual analysis was performed on the main research areas, key countries, organizational cooperation, citation sources and current trends in pest research by searching the literature of Web of Science database and using CiteSpace 5.8.R3 and VOSviewer 1.6.18 software. Additionally, the effects and mechanisms of natural products with anti-insect activity were summarized through visual analysis. According to the bibliometric analysis, keywords such as mortality (232 occurrences), natural enemy (232 occurrences) and spinosad (110 occurrences) were common, and insecticides and natural enemies of pests were the main methods for killing pests. However, pesticide use exhibits numerous limitations. Co-occurring terms in visualization analysis mainly included residue (193 occurrences), detection (153 occurrences), degradation (133 occurrences), recovery (103 occurrences), pyrethroid (97 occurrences) and pesticide residues (65 occurrences). Thus, pesticides cannot fundamentally solve food security; pesticides also pollute the environment and endanger human health. Therefore, green and efficient pesticides that can replace synthetic pesticides are urgently needed. Natural products have recently gained attention in Brazil, China, the USA and other countries because they are green and pollution-free, and new natural pesticides have been developed. This visual analysis combined data mining with literature review and summarize the anti-pest activities and mechanisms of action of natural products. This information provides a foundation and ideas for researchers to study the application and development of natural products in pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy is a pure and reproducible energy. China has paid more and more consideration to the investigation and employment of solar energy. The investigation focuses on the phenomenon of PID capability degradation of inactivation mediums for instance alumina/silicon nitride in transparent silicon high-efficiency solar cells. Through the laboratorial investigation on the effect of individual inactivation membrane processes on the PID damping behavior, it is found that the deposition approach of silicon oxide and silicon nitride inactivation membranes on the surface of transparent silicon cells directly affects the PID damping. Excellent anti-PID capability; single-layer silicon oxide membrane with the same thickness has better anti-PID capability than silicon nitride membrane. Double-layer silicon oxide/silicon nitride superimposed membrane with the enhancement of refractive index, the anti-PID damping capability gradually enhancements, and better anti-PID capability than monolayer silicon nitride. Investigation on the PID capability damping of inactivation mediums is of great significance to further the capability of solar cells and help to further the effective employment of solar energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pandemic of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) seriously impacts the health and well-being of all of us. Aims: We aim to assess the psychological impact of Covid-19 on frontline health care workers (HCWs), including anxiety, depression and stress of threat of the disease. Method: The study was a cross-sectional survey among the frontline HCWs in a hospital at Jinan, China. Data were collected through an anonymous, self-rated questionnaire, including basic demographic data, a 10-item Covid-19 stress questionnaire, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). The risk and rate of anxiety, depression and stress of Covid-19 were estimated. Results: Among the 309 participants, there were 88 (28.5%) with anxiety and 172 (56.0%) with depression. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that age ⩽ 30 years, age > 30 to 45 years, working in confirmed case isolation wards, and worrying about disinfection measures being not sufficient were independently associated with anxiety with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval, CI) of 4.4 (1.6–12.2), 3.1 (1.1–8.8), 2.3 (1.4–4.0) and 2.5 (1.5–4.3), respectively; age ⩽ 30 years, age > 30 to 45 years, nurse and worrying about disinfection measure being not sufficient were independently associated with depression with an odds ratio (95% CI) of 3.8 (1.8–7.8), 2.7 (1.3–5.7), 2.5 (1.1–5.6) and 2.1 (1.3–3.5), respectively. Conclusions: A high prevalence of anxiety and depression was found among frontline HCWs during the COVID-19 outbreak. More psychological care should be given to young staffs and nurses. Measures to prevent professional exposure is important for HCWs' physical and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two years, COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented health emergency. All countries have taken their own measures to mitigate the spread of the virus in the first and subsequent mini-outbreaks of infection. In view of the current situation of small outbreaks of COVID-19, guidelines on epidemic prevention should be developed specifically for reproductive medical centers. It is necessary to establish a dynamic patient assessment and management system to identify patients who need priority fertility treatment during epidemic control. Female Patients were assigned as grade A and required hospitalization in the inpatient ward after egg retrieval. Patients who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation were classified as grade B, and they can choose to be hospitalizedat home according to their own convenience. Patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle or planned downregulation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists were defined as grade C, who could continue the assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment cycle with negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test and there was no fever or respiratory symptoms. This brief comment summarizes the working procedure of the reproductive medical center in the first hospital of Lanzhou University in China to minimize the probability of hospital infection and ensure the safe conduct of assisted reproductive technology therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bipolaris setariae NY1 strain, isolated from a diseased green foxtail plant in Henan Province, China, showed strong pathogenicity towards green foxtail. In order to clarify the role of phytotoxic substances in the fungal pathogenicity, bioassay-directed isolation and bioactivity assays of secondary metabolites produced by the fungal strain were carried out. Five ophiobolins were obtained: 3-anhydro- ophiobolin A, 6-epi-ophiobolin A, 6-epi-ophiobolin B, 3-anhydro-6-epi-ophiobolin B and ophiobolin I. Bioassays on punctured and intact detached leaves of green foxtail indicated that 3-anhydro-ophiobolin A was the most phytotoxic, followed by 6-epi-ophiobolin A. The other three ophiobolins appeared to be inactive against green foxtail. The effects of 3-anhydro-ophiobolin A and 6-epi-ophiobolin A were synergistic. The symptoms on green foxtail caused by 3-anhydro-ophiobolin A or its mixture with 6-epi-ophiobolin A resembled those caused by the fungus. 3-Anhydro-ophiobolin A and 6-epi-ophiobolin A are likely the main pathogenic determinants of B. setariae. 6-epi-Ophiobolin A caused cytotoxicity against five kinds of human cancer cells: human colon adenocarcinoma cells (HCT-8), human liver cancer cells (Bel-7402), human gastric cancer cells (BGC-823), human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549), and human ovarian adenocarcinoma cells (A2780). The results provide information for the development of herbicides and antitumor potential of the ophiobolin sesterterpenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of the delphacid genus Malaxa Melichar, 1914, M. hamuliferum sp. nov. and M. tricuspis sp. nov., are described and illustrated from southwest China (Yunnan and Hainan), providing the genus with eleven species in total. A key is provided to distinguish the seven Chinese species in the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of the bamboo-feeding genus Purohita Distant, 1906, P. castaneus sp. nov. and P. circumcincta sp. nov., are described and illustrated from southwest China (Yunnan), giving the genus thirteen species in total. A key is provided to distinguish eight Chinese species in the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We drew on conservation of resources theory to investigate the relationships between family embeddedness, work-family conflict, family-work conflict, and employee turnover intention, thereby extending the literature relating to antecedents of turnover intention to the family domain. Participants were 175 employees of a construction company in China, who completed online surveys. Results showed that family embeddedness was negatively related to work-family conflict and family-work conflict, and that the relationship between family embeddedness and turnover intention was partially mediated by family-work conflict. Thus, we have obtained preliminary evidence that family-related factors influence individuals' turnover intention. Our findings will help with identifying practical considerations around reducing turnover intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper intends to provide a framework for conceptualizing and interpreting the resilient capacity and adaptability of the Chinese Communist Party to cope with changing political and economic environments and to sustain its hegemony through periods of crises and transformations. Based on an instrumental reading and reflective incorporation of some relevant concepts and discourses of Gramsci’s political theory, the paper aims to facilitate a well-rounded analysis of the CCP’s authoritarian resilience, which is achieved through a continuous process of “passive revolution”. The party’s new hegemony is realized through a reconstituted historical bloc on the basis of convergence of interests and through neutralizing the pressures of various contending forces that might otherwise trigger profound structural transformations. The paper concludes that “authoritarian resilience is one of the strongest enduring features of the CCP’s political culture, characterized by dynamic adaptive skills and greater institutional capacity for political survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An international spread of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has attracted global attention in 2015. The infection also affected Guangdong province, which is located in southern China. Multiple factors, including frequent communication with South America and Southeast Asia, suitable climate (sub-tropical) for the habitat of Aedes species, may increase the risk of ZIKV disease transmission in this region.Methods: An analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to develop a semi-quantitative ZIKV risk assessment model. After selecting indicators, we invited experts in related professions to identify the index weight and based on that a hierarchical structure was generated. Then a series of pairwise comparisons were used to determine the relative importance of the criteria. Finally, the optimal model was established to estimate the spatial and seasonal transmission risk of ZIKV.Results: A total of 15 factors that potentially influenced the risk of ZIKV transmission were identified. The factor that received the largest weight was epidemic of ZIKV in Guangdong province (combined weight [CW] =0.37), followed by the mosquito density (CW = 0.18) and the epidemic of DENV in Guangdong province (CW = 0.14). The distribution of 123 districts/counties' RIs of ZIKV in Guangdong through different seasons were presented, respectively.Conclusions: Higher risk was observed within Pearl River Delta including Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Jiangmen, and the risk is greater in summer and autumn compared to spring and winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese species of Metriocnemus van der Wulp s. str., 1874 is reviewed. M. (M.) calcaneum sp. n. is described and illustrated as adult male. M. (M.) albolineatus (Meigen) is recorded from China for the first time. M. (M.) beringensis (Cranston & Oliver), M. (M.) bilobatus Makarchenko & Makarchenko, M. (M.) caudigus Sæther, M. (M.) intergerivus Sæther, M. (M.) tamaokui Sasa and M. (M.) tristellus Edwards are recorded from the Oriental Region for the first time. A key to the males of 17 Chinese Metriocnemus (Metriocnemus) species is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese species of Parametriocnemus Goetghebuer are reviewed. Two species, P. fortis sp. n. and P. vittatus sp. n. are described and illustrated as males, and P. ornaticornis (Kieffer), P. scotti (Freeman) and P. brundini Sinharay & Chaudhuri are recorded from China for the first time. A key to the males of the seven Chinese Parametriocnemus species is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Agro-residue is one of the important biomass resources in China and its efficient utilization is crucial for providing bio-energy, releasing risk of environmental pollution, and enhancing rural incomes. Densification is one of the important utilization routes of agro-residues. The objective of this paper is to explore the development of agro-residue densified fuel in China based on energetics analysis. The energetical property and energy potential of main agro-residues in China were firstly analyzed and then the development of agro-residue densified fuel in every region was evaluated based on energetics analysis. The results show that the main agro-residues in China are good feedstocks as densified fuel and they constitute enormous energy potential for developing densified fuel. However, the situation of every region should be considered for the development of agro-residue densified fuel. The primary energy embodied per unit of useful energy indicates that most of the regions in China are suitable for developing agro-residue densified fuel as it is energetically advantageous compared with coal, whereas only about 25% of regions near coal production locations are not suitable as they are less energetically advantageous. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: China has the abundant agro-residue resources, producing more than 630 million tons of agro-residues in 2006, and amounting to about 20% of total energy consumption in rural areas. Efficient utilization of enormous agro-residues resource is crucial for providing bioenergy, releasing risk of environmental pollution, and increasing farmers’ income. The paper presented the feasibility of densified solid biofuels technology for utilizing agro-residues in China. The output and distribution of agro-residues in recent 10 years, the R&D of briquetting technology, and the market of densified solid biofuels from agro-residues in China have been analyzed. The result indicated that the abundant agro-residue resources can provide the economical and sustainable raw material for densified solid biofuels development in China. The R&D of briquetting technology at present can strongly support the large scale production of densified solid biofuels. With continued improvement and cost reduction of briquetting technology, along with the support of nation energy policy on biomass energy, the market of densified solid biofuels from agro-residues in China will be more fully deployed. Based on the above mentioned key factors, development of densified solid biofuels from agro-residues in China will be promising and feasible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The essential oil from the air-dried leaves of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, collected from Qinling Mountains of China during the blooming stage, was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometiy(GC/MS). Hexadecanoic acid (17.0%), germacrene D (9.1%), phytol (8.9%), β-caryophyllene (7.1%) and methyl linolenate (5.3%) were the main components (73.3%). The oil showed moderate antibacterial activity against Bacillus coagulans, Staphylococcus albus and Staphylococcus aureus. The oil sample also showed some antioxidant activities in the 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH∙) and β-carotene/linoleic acid assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ultrafiltration of Binxian reservoir (near Harbin in China) water to produce drinking water was investigated in this study. Membrane flux declined with temperature coming down. Using coagulation before UF not only increases the permeate flux, but also retards the permeability decline. In comparison to the normal backwashing in which flow is reversed across the membrane once during each backwash cycle, two consecutive backwashing pulses during each cycle is an optimized operation. A chemical cleaning may be required to restore the initial performance of the membrane when the fouling occurs. As for Binxian reservoir water, 0.1% citric acid is a proper cleaning solution. Membrane filtration offers fewer coagulation agents needed and good quality of produced water. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reports on the discovery of Famennian tentaculitids in China. Extinction of the tentaculitids by the end of the Frasnian; Extension of the known range of the tentaculitids; Measurement of stratigraphic sections in Guanxi Province; Evidence for the zonal determination of the range extensions for the tentaculitids; Identification of the conodonts.

This article aims at making a dialectical assessment of the development of social welfare between the period of Mao's socialism and Deng's economic marketization. It examines the transformation of ideological discourses between the two periods and its impact on social welfare outcomes. It posits that an ideological system is important in affecting the outcome of social welfare policy. Mao's welfare policy, despite certain shortcomings, created a relatively equal, sustainable and self-sufficient society with solid achievements in social welfare and especially in human development. Deng's economic marketization, although remarkable in economic growth, is producing social contradictions leading to the decline of welfare service. The current development discourse is dismantling Mao's welfare policy without establishing a new and more democratic conception of socialist political economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the dialectics behind the contradictions in the relationship between China and the United States. Crucial reality in China; Reasons pointed by US policy makers as the reason for the conflict of the two races; Why the US was threatened by the self-reliant and self-sufficient path of development that was adopted by China.

Focuses on conflicts behind the Sino-Western confrontations in the post-Cold War era in China. Problems experienced in Sino-Western relations; Effect of democracy and human rights on Chinese challenge and threat; Circumstances surrounding the United States supporting Chiang Kai-shek's regime.

• δ18O and δD were gradually changed to positive values from the outlet to the source area. • The monsoon circulation had also been affected TTH, while only affected QML in summer and affected ZMD in June and July. • δ18O in the regions where mainly affected by westerly circulation was lower than that in the southeast coast of China. This study aimed to systematically analyze the characteristic and factors of stable isotope in atmospheric circulation through a fixed-point sampling from April 1, 2016 to October 31, 2018 in the source area of the Yangtze River. The results showed that δ18O and δD were gradually changed to positive values from the outlet to the source area. With the increase in precipitation, the sub-cloud evaporation decreased in a negative exponential function. δ18O in the regions affected by the water vapor sources of the southeastern monsoon were higher than in other regions, and δ18O in the regions mainly affected by the westerly circulation were lower than those in the southeast coast of China. The average evaporation rates of falling raindrops (f) in ZMD, QML, and TTH were 9.53%, 13.14%, and 22.60%, respectively, whereas the average enrichment rates (E) were 10.32%, 15.95%, and 26.30%. Westerly circulation was a long-distance and high airflow, it had significant effects on the atmospheric precipitation in the whole source area of the Yangtze River. The southwest monsoon circulation from the Indian Ocean had also affected the atmospheric precipitation in TTH. However, the monsoon circulation only affected QML in summer, while it only affected ZMD in June and July. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somatic mutations accumulate with age and are associated closely with human health, their characterization in longevity cohorts remains largely unknown. Here, by analyzing whole genome somatic mutation profiles in 73 centenarians and 51 younger controls in China, we found that centenarian genomes are characterized by a markedly skewed distribution of somatic mutations, with many genomic regions being specifically conserved but displaying a high function potential. This, together with the observed more efficient DNA repair ability in the long‐lived individuals, supports the existence of key genomic regions for human survival during aging, with their integrity being of essential to human longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence and rapid spread of the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 have confirmed that animal coronaviruses represent a potential zoonotic source. Porcine deltacoronavirus is a worldwide evolving enteropathogen of swine, detected first in Hong Kong, China, before its global identification. Following the recent detection of PDCoV in humans, we attempted in this report to re-examine the status of PDCoV phylogenetic classification and evolutionary characteristics. A dataset of 166 complete PDCoV genomes was analyzed using the Maximum Likelihood method in IQ-TREE with the best-fitting model GTR + F + I + G4, revealing two major genogroups (GI and GII), with further seven and two sub-genogroups, (GI a-g) and (GII a-b), respectively. PDCoV strains collected in China exhibited the broadest genetic diversity, distributed in all subgenotypes. Thirty-one potential natural recombination events were identified, 19 of which occurred between China strains, and seven involved at least one China strain as a parental sequence. Importantly, we identified a human Haiti PDCoV strain as recombinant, alarming a possible future spillover that could become a critical threat to human health. The similarity and recombination analysis showed that PDCoV spike ORF is highly variable compared to ORFs encoding other structural proteins. Prediction of linear B cell epitopes of the spike glycoprotein and the 3D structural mapping of amino acid variations of two representative strains of GI and GII showed that the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike glycoprotein underwent a significant antigenic drift, suggesting its contribution in the genetic diversity and the wider spread of PDCoV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world. Previous genome-wide association studies suggested that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in some genes could indicate the susceptibility to TB in some populations. Herein, we studied the association of SNPs in the immunity-related genes, i.e., ASAP1 and SP110 genes with the susceptibility to TB in a Mongolian population in China. A case-control study was performed with 197 TB patients and 217 healthy controls. Six SNPs in ASAP1 and six SNPs in SP110 were selected for genotyping test by second-generation sequencing technique. A SNP in SP110 gene (rs722555) was identified to be associated with susceptibility to TB in the Mongolian population (p < 0.05). The T allele of rs722555 in SP110 gene was associated with a 36% increase of risk at TB (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.03-1.81), and the CT+TT genotype of rs722555 was associated with a 74% increase of risk at TB (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.16-2.60) in the dominant genetic model. None of SNPs in ASAP1 gene tested in this study were significantly associated with TB susceptibility, while some individuals with SNPs (rs10956514, rs4733781, rs2033059, rs12680942, rs1017281, rs1469288, and rs17285138) in the ASAP1 gene tended to have a reduced risk at TB. In conclusion, this study suggested that the rs722555 SNP in SP110 gene might be a risk factor for TB in a Mongolian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoonotic hepatitis E, mainly caused by swine hepatitis E virus (sHEV), is endemic in China, causing great economic disruption and public health threats. Although recombination is critical for the evolution of viruses, there is a limited assessment of its occurrence among sHEVs. Herein, we analysed all available sHEV full‐length genomes isolated in China during the past two decades (40 isolates) compared to 72 other sHEV strains isolated in different countries and determined that sHEV genotype 4 (sHEV4) dominates China. Eight potential natural recombination events were identified, four of which occurred in China and were mainly between sHEV4 strains, indicating the distinct character of China sHEV. One intergenotype recombination event was found in China, alarming the emergence of a new sHEV lineage that could become a critical threat to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to fully understand the carbon emission from different fuels in rural villages of China, especially in the typical atmospheric pollution areas. The characteristics of carbonaceous aerosols and carbon dioxide (CO 2) with its stable carbon isotope (δ13C) were investigated in six households, which two households used coal, two households used wood as well as two households used biogas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), from two rural villages in Fenwei Plain from March to April 2021. It showed that the fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) emitted from biogas and LPG couldn't be as lower as expected in this area. However, the clean fuels could relatively reduce the emissions of organic carbon (OC) and element carbon (EC) in PM 2.5 compare to the solid fuels. The pyrolyzed carbon (OP) accounted more total carbon (TC) in coal than the other fuels use households, indicating that more water-soluble OC existed, and it still had the highest secondary organic carbon (SOC) than the other fuels. Meantime, the coal combustions in the two villages had the highest CO 2 concentration of 527.6 ppm and 1120.6 ppm, respectively, while the clean fuels could effectively reduce it. The average δ13C values (−26.9‰) was much lighter than almost all the outdoor monitoring and similar to the δ13C values for coal combustion and vehicle emission, showing that they might be the main contributors of the regional atmospheric aerosol in this area. During the sandstorm, the indoor PM 2.5 mass and CO 2 were increasing obviously. The indoor cancer risk of PAHs for adults and children were greater than 1 × 10−6, exert a potential carcinogenic risk to human of solid fuels combustion in rural northern China. It is important to continue concern the solid fuel combustion and its health impact in rural areas. [Display omitted] • Biogas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) emitted high PM 2.5 as unexpected. • Biogas and LPG emitted lower PM 2.5 bounded PAHs and CO 2. • The CO 2 produced by coal burning was greater than other fuels, with lighter δ13C. • Sandstorm could aggravate the accumulation of indoor atmospheric CO 2. • Solid fuel users might face more serious cancer risks than biogas and LPG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous trials of iron supplementation in infancy did not consider maternal iron supplementation.Objective: This study assessed effects of iron supplementation in infancy and/or pregnancy on infant iron status, illnesses, and growth at 9 mo.Methods: Enrollment occurred from December 2009 to June 2012 in Hebei, China. Infants born to women in a pregnancy iron supplementation trial were randomly assigned 1:1 to iron [∼1 mg Fe/(kg · d) as oral iron proteinsuccynilate] or placebo from 6 wk to 9 mo, excluding infants with cord ferritin <35 μg/L. Study groups were pregnancy placebo/infancy placebo (placebo/placebo), pregnancy placebo/infancy iron (placebo/iron), pregnancy iron/infancy placebo (iron/placebo), and pregnancy iron/infancy iron (iron/iron). The primary outcome was 9-mo iron status: iron deficiency (ID) by cutoff (≥2 abnormal iron measures) or body iron <0 mg/kg and ID + anemia (hemoglobin <110 g/L). Secondary outcomes were doctor visits or hospitalizations and weight or length gain from birth to 9 mo. Statistical analysis by intention to treat and dose-response (between number of iron bottles received and outcome) used logistic regression with concomitant RRs and general linear models, with covariate control as applicable.Results: Of 1482 infants randomly allocated, 1276 had 9-mo data (n = 312-327/group). Iron supplementation in infancy, but not pregnancy, reduced ID risk: RRs (95% CIs) were 0.89 (0.79, 0.998) for placebo/iron compared to placebo/placebo, 0.79 (0.63, 0.98) for placebo/iron compared to iron/placebo, 0.87 (0.77, 0.98) for iron/iron compared to placebo/placebo, and 0.86 (0.77, 0.97) for iron/iron compared to iron/placebo. However, >60% of infants still had ID at 9 mo. Receiving more bottles of iron in infancy was associated with better infant iron status at 9 mo but only among iron-supplemented infants whose mothers were also iron supplemented (i.e., the iron/iron group). There were no group differences in hospitalizations or illnesses and no adverse effects on growth overall or among infants who were iron sufficient at birth.Conclusions: Iron supplementation in Chinese infants reduced ID at 9 mo without adverse effects on growth or illness. Effects of iron supplementation in pregnancy were observed only when higher amounts of iron were distributed in infancy. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00613717. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Accumulating evidence suggests that vitamin D may be involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Group-specific component (GC) gene is the most important transporter of vitamin D and plays a regulatory role in vitamin D metabolism. We aimed to evaluate the association of GC gene polymorphisms with T2D susceptibility and vitamin D status in the Chinese rural population.Methods and Study Design: A total of 1372 subjects were eligible in this cross-sectional study. Three SNPs of the GC gene (rs7041, rs4588, and rs2282679) were genotyped by TaqMan probe assays. Logistic regression and Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis were performed to determine the possible risk genotype for T2D and vitamin D metabolite concentrations, respectively.Results: The serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] and vitamin D binding protein (DBP) concentrations were significantly lower in the T2D group than the non-T2D group. GG genotype carriers of rs7041 (T>G) were more likely to have T2D compared with AA carriers (OR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.19-3.37). Variants of rs4588 (C>A) and rs2282679 (A>C) were associated with a lower risk of T2D under the dominant inheritance model (OR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.48-0.88; OR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.49-0.90, respectively). We further found that non-T2D subjects with the AA genotype of rs4588 had significantly higher 25(OH)D3 concentrations than the CC genotype (p=0.022). In contrast, the T2D cases with the CC genotype of rs2282679 had lower DBP concentrations compared to the AA genotype (p=0.020).Conclusions: Our study indicates a potential role for GC gene polymorphisms in T2D susceptibility and vitamin D metabolite concentrations in the Chinese rural population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of the study were to assess the contribution of resilience, coping style, and COVID-19 stress on the quality of life (QOL) in frontline health care workers (HCWs). The study was a cross-sectional surveyperformed among 309 HCWs in a tertiaryhospital during the outbreak of COVID-19 in China. Data were collected through an anonymous, self-rated questionnaire, including demographic data, a 10-item COVID-19 stress questionnaire, Generic QOL Inventory-74, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire. Hierarchical regression was used to analyse the relationship between the study variables and the QOL. Among the 309 participants, resilience and active coping were positively correlated with the QOL (P<0.001), whereas, working in confirmed case wards, COVID-19 stress, and passive coping were negatively correlated with the QOL (P<0.001). Resilience and the active coping were negatively correlated with COVID-19 stress (P<0.001). Resilience, coping style,and COVID-19 stressaccounted for 32%, 13%, and 8% of the variance in predicting the Global QOL, respectively. In conclusion, working in confirmed COVID-19 case wards and COVID-19 stress impaired the QOL in HCWs. Psychological intervention to improve the resilience and coping style, and reduce COVID-19 stress are important in improving the QOL and mental health of HCWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of trauma exposure on the posttraumatic stress symptomatology (PTSS) of children who resided near the epicenter of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. The mechanisms of this impact were explored via structural equation models with self-esteem and coping strategies included as mediators. The findings suggested that the effect of trauma exposure was partially mediated by self-esteem, which subsequently affected coping strategies and finally determined PTSS. These results imply that self-esteem and coping strategies may impact children's resilience to trauma exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii (Cb). From January 2018 to November 2019, plasma samples from 2,382 patients with acute fever of unknown cause at a hospital in Zhuhai city of China were tested using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Of those tested, 138 patients (5.8%) were diagnosed with Q fever based on the presence of Cb genomic DNA detected by mNGS. Among these, 78 cases (56.5%) presented from Nov 2018 to Mar 2019, suggesting an outbreak of Q fever. 55 cases with detailed clinical information that occurred during the outbreak period were used for further analysis. The vast majority of plasma samples from those Cb-mNGS-positive patients were positive in a Cb-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (n = 38) and/or indirect immunofluorescence assay (n = 26). Mobile phone tracing data was used to define the area of infection during the outbreak. This suggested the probable infection source was Cb-infected goats and cattle at the only official authorized slaughterhouse in Zhuhai city. Phylogenic analysis based on genomic sequences indicated Cb strains identified in the patients, goat and cattle were formed a single branch, most closely related to the genomic group of Cb dominated by strains isolated from goats. Our study demonstrates Q fever was epidemic in 2018–2019 in Zhuhai city, and this is the first confirmed epidemic of Q fever in a contemporary city in China. Author summary: Generally, the clinical diagnosis of acute Q fever, which is caused by Coxiella burnetii, is based on serologic methods that detect the presence antibodies produced by the body to fight the infection. However, the lag time between becoming infected and production of antibodies limits early diagnosis using this method. Here, we confirmed an epidemic of human Q fever in Zhuhai, a contemporary city in China, using clinical metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and cell phone location data. Our results indicate that Cb-infected goats and cattle at the only official authorized slaughterhouse in Zhuhai were the likely infection source for the Q fever epidemic. More importantly, we demonstrate that mNGS is a useful tool for rapid and effective public health responses to acute bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks. (Pt) is one of the most devastating fungal pathogens affecting wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production worldwide. Deployment of resistant cultivars is the most environmentally friendly approach to control the disease. In this study, thirty-seven wheat lines from the Hubei and Shaanxi provinces in China were evaluated for seedling resistance in the greenhouse using eighteen Pt races. These lines were also tested for slow rusting resistance in the field in the 2014 to 2018 growing seasons. Eleven molecular markers closely associated with known Lr genes were used as part of the postulation process. Seven known Lr genes, 1, 13, 18, 14a, 26, 34 and 46 either singly or in combination were postulated in twenty-five cultivars. Lr1 and Lr26 were the most commonly identified genes detected in thirteen and ten cultivars, respectively. Lr13 and Lr46 were each found in four and five cultivars. Lr34 was present in three cultivars. Lr18 and Lr14a were identified in cultivar Xi'nong 538. Six cultivars displayed slow rusting resistance in the field tests. The resistant cultivars identified in the present study can be used as resistance parents in crosses aimed at pyramiding and the deployment of leaf rust resistance genes in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Inclusion of clinical factors improved the dose-based model in predicting temporal lobe injury. • D 0.5cc of 65.06 Gy was the tolerance dose of the temporal lobe. • Reducing D 0.5cc may decrease TLI risk, especially in older patients with advanced T stage. • A nomogram with age, T stage, and D 0.5cc could predict temporal lobe injury precisely. To develop predictive models with dosimetric and clinical variables for temporal lobe injury (TLI) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Data of 8194 NPC patients who received IMRT-based treatment were retrospectively reviewed. TLI was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. Dosimetric factors were selected by penalized regression and machine learning, with area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) calculated. Cox proportional hazards models containing the most predictive dosimetric factor with/without clinical variables were performed. A nomogram was generated as a visualization of Cox regression for predicting TLI-free survival. During median follow-up of 66.8 months (interquartile range [IQR] 54.2–82.2 months), 12.1% of patients (989/8194) developed TLI. Median latency from IMRT to TLI was 36 months (IQR 28–47 months). D 0.5cc (dose delivered to 0.5-cm3 temporal-lobe volume) was the most predictive dosimetric factor (AUC: 0.799). Tolerance dose for 5% and 50% probabilities to develop TLI in 5 years were 65.06 Gy (95% confidence interval [CI]: 64.19–65.92) and 89.75 Gy (95% CI: 87.39–92.11), respectively. A nomogram comprising age, T stage, and D 0.5cc significantly outperformed the model with only D 0.5cc in predicting TLI (C-index: 0.78 vs. 0.737 in train set; 0.775 vs. 0.73 in test set; both P < 0.001). The nomogram-defined high-risk group had worse 5-year TLI-free survival. D 0.5cc of 65.06 Gy was the tolerance dose of the temporal lobe. Reducing D 0.5cc decreased risk of TLI, especially in older patients with advanced T stage. The nomogram could predict TLI precisely and allow individualized follow-up management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichen element compositions are of a reliable tool for the biomonitoring of atmospheric element deposition. The zoning and patterned accumulation of elements in lichen thallus is one of the important factors influencing lichen element concentrations. We collected an epigenous fruticose lichen Cladonia rangiferina (CR) from a remote site of Huzhong National Natural Reserve, Heilongjiang, NE China. Fifty-five elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Gd, Ge, Hg, Ho, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, P, Pb, Pr, Rb, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sm, Sn, Sr, Tb, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, Y, Yb, and Zn) were measured with their differences among 3 parts (upper, middle, and lower) of the podetia compared. The aim of the present study was to examine the vertical patterns of element accumulation in CR. The results display a very low degree of atmospheric element deposition in the study site. Concentrations of most elements of limited metabolic significance generally increase from the upper to lower parts, indicating a continuous bioaccumulation of these elements with exposure time. Concentrations of some nutrients have little vertical difference among parts (Zn), and they are higher in the upper part than in the middle part (K, P, and S), or are similar between the upper and middle parts (B, Cu and Mg). These results suggest a nutrient translocation to the more biologically active young part. Our results highlight the importance of selecting the suitable parts of lichen thallus to increase the comparability of data in lichen biomonitoring studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New age data for the Baoban Complex, South China establishes that it lay outboard of western Laurentia in the early Mesoproterozoic but was not part of the Cathaysia Block, with which it is traditional linked, until the mid-Paleozoic. Our geochronology data for detrital zircon and authigenic monazite grains from metasedimentary rocks indicate accumulation between ca. 1.55 Ga and 1.45 Ga for the Gezhencun succession of the Baoban Complex and ca. 1.45 Ga and 1.30 Ga for the Ewenling succession. The former unit is dominated by detrital zircon populations between 1900 Ma and 1500 Ma with two peaks at 1780 Ma and 1580 Ma. The Ewenling succession has detrital zircon peaks at 1720 Ma and 1450 Ma. Newly discovered gneissic granites were emplaced at 1550 Ma and intruded by 1450 Ma leucogranite dykes that are coeval with 1460–1430 Ma bimodal magmatism. The whole Baoban Complex was metamorphosed over the range of 1.3– 0.9 Ga based on ages of authigenic zircon and monazite. Depositional ages of metasedimentary rocks are coeval with successions of the Belt- Purcell Basin, western Laurentia. Detrital zircon from the two regions have similar age populations and Lu-Hf compositions, and display a synchronous provenance shift at ca. 1.45 Ga. Basement lithologies on Hainan Island range in age from ca. 1.55–1.43 Ga and underwent metamorphism during 1.3–0.9 Ga. This is younger than basement rocks [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the association between dietary patterns and lipid levels in Henan rural area.Methods and Study Design: Fasting blood samples, information on dietary intakes (with food frequency questionnaires) and other data were collected from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Principal component analysis was used to identify the dietary patterns. Binary logistic regression and restricted cubic spline regression models were performed to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The study recruited 38,983 available participants aged from 18 to 79 from rural areas in Henan province.Results: The study showed that, three patterns were identified by higher factor loadings: namely the "meat" (high intakes of red meat, white meat and fish), "grain-egg-nut complex" (high intakes of nuts, milk, eggs, grains and beans), and "vegetablesstaple food-fruits" pattern (high intakes of vegetables, staple food and fruits). "Grain-egg-nut complex" pattern was significantly positively related to the risk of dyslipidemia (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.05-1.16, p<0.05). The multivariable- adjusted ORs across tertiles of each dietary pattern were significantly associated with each component of dyslipidemia indexes.Conclusions: Grain-egg-nut complex dietary pattern was positively associated with dyslipidemia. All three dietary patterns were associated with blood lipid profiles aberrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Full-length genomes of DHAV-1 worldwide were sorted into seven sub-groups. • Full-length genomes of DHAV-3 worldwide were sorted into five sub-groups. • DHAVs identified in China displayed great genetic diversity. • Recombination hotspot of DHAV genome is at the 5′ end and upstream of the capsid coding region. • The highest variability of DHAV polyprotein is at the upstream region of n terminus P-loop. Duck hepatitis A virus (DHAV) is one of key pathogens for duck viral hepatitis, especially in Asian duck industry. Currently, two main genotypes (DHAV-1 and -3) exist. To explore insightfully the evolutionary character, we assessed the available 141 full-length genome sequences of DHAV isolated in 1986–2020 globally and divided DHAV-1 and DHAV-3 into further seven (DHAV-1 a-g) and five (DHAV-3 a-e) sub-clades, respectively. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic network analyses indicated great genetic diversity of DHAV identified in China, where the DHAV-1 cluster and DHAV-3 cluster were linked by virus strain HDHV1-BJ (GenBank ID: FJ157172.1) and Du_CH_LSD_090612 (GenBank ID: JF828995.1) via a long mutational branch and intermediate strains. Several strains previously identified as DHAV-1 according to the partial gene sequences were actually clustered within DHAV-3 in full-length genome-based analysis. Furthermore, we identified 32 recombination events across virus genome with the recombination hotspot at the 5′ end and upstream of the capsid coding region. The highest variability of DHAV polyprotein was shown at the upstream region of the N terminus P-loop region, e.g., amino acids 672–716, followed by the aa 334–359 in the Capsid encoding region. The results presented here provides a robust insight into the genetic exchange patterns of DHAV genomes during the past decades, which may be used to map the evolutionary history and facilitate preventive measures of DHAVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• LPC, C/P and N/P of arbors, herbs and shrubs belong to strong variation indicators; • Altitude was also one of the main factors affecting plant functional traits; • Soil factors and leaf functional traits of different types plants respond to each other. Subsequent findings reveal the combination characteristics and spatial patterns of plant functional traits, and their response and adaptation to environmental changes in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. We analyzed the variation in characteristics and the influence of environmental factors on leaf functional traits from 78 quadrats in July 2021, using: one-way ANOVA, Tukey's Honest Significant Difference (HSD) post hoc test, Pearson correlation coefficient (r) analysis, and redundancy analysis (RDA) in the Qilian Mountains. Only the leaf carbon content (LCC) of arbors was a weak variation indicator in leaf function traits of different plant types, whereas other leaf function traits including: the LCC of herbaceous plants (herbs) and shrub plants (shrubs), and the leaf nitrogen content (LNC) and carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio of arbors were medium variation indicators. The LNC, leaf phosphorus content (LPC), C/N ratio(C/N), C/P ratio(C/P), and N/P ratio (N/P)of herbs and shrubs, and the LPC, C/P, and N/P of arboreal plants (arbors) were strong variation indicators. Altitude was also one of the main factors affecting functional traits of plants in cold regions. Electrical conductivity (EC) and soil phosphorus content (SPC) were the main factors affecting changes in the leaf functional traits of herbs. Soil bulk density (SBD) and Soil salinity (SAL) were the main factors affecting changes in the leaf functional traits of shrubs. Soil nitrogen content (SNC) and soil temperature (ST) were the main factors affecting changes in the leaf functional traits of arbors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the major crop cultivated in Xinjiang and Anhui provinces of China. The climate in these two provinces is favourable for wheat leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) (Pt) infection. Here, we demonstrate a detailed investigation on the leaf rust resistance of 60 major wheat cultivars cultivated in these two regions. A mixture of high virulent Pt races (THTT, THTS, THTQ and PHPS) were used to phenotype all the collected wheat cultivars at an adult plant stage. Phenotypic disease severity (FDS) and the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) for each of these wheat cultivars was calculated. Among all the tested wheat cultivars, three cultivars (Xindong20, Xindong 29 and 99AR142-1) with the lowest FDS and AUDPC may carry major resistance genes. Twenty-seven cultivars (45% of the total tested ones) showed a relatively lower resistance with an average of 12.52% FDS and 126.3 AUDPC. Minor resistance or slow rusting genes may be present in this group of cultivars. Molecular markers for the leaf rust resistance genes Lr1, Lr9, Lr19, Lr24, Lr26 and Lr34 were further used for genotypic screening. Lr1, Lr19, Lr26 and Lr34 were detected in 19 (31.7%), 1 (1.7%), 12 (20%) and 6 (10%) wheat cultivars, respectively. Neither Lr9 nor Lr24 could be detected in any of the tested cultivars. These results will greatly improve wheat molecular breeding for leaf rust resistance in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is implicated in some diseases, including cardiovascular. Few studies have assessed the correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH) D3] and serum lipids. In this study, we explored the correlation between serum 25(OH) D3 concentrations and serum lipids with a typical sample of the rural population in China. Methods: Face-to-face research was used to gather some basic information. Fasting serum concentrations of 25-(OH) D3, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) tested in the laboratory. Results: The mean of serum 25(OH) D3 level was 28.71 ± 29.29 ng/mL. The results showed that the dyslipidemia was strongly associated with gender (P = 0.031), drinking (P = 0.043), high-fat diet intake (P = 0.017), HDL-C (P<0), TG (P<0), body mass index (BMI) (P<0) and serum 25(OH)D3 levels (P = 0.002). There was a positive correlation between serum 25(OH)D3 and HDL-C (P<0) in all groups. The relationship between 25(OH) D3 and LDL-C (P = 0.024) was discovered only in normal lipid group. The multivariable adjusted odds ratio (95%CI) of hypoalphalipoproteinemia/HDL and dyslipidemia by comparing the sufficiency vs. the deficiency serum 25-(OH) D3 level were 0.31 (0.192, 0. 499) (P = 0.001) and 0.52 (0.36, 0.73) (P = 0.005), respectively. Conclusions: Serum 25(OH) D3 concentrations were associated with the serum lipids level and the association was different in normal serum lipid group and dyslipidemia group. With the increase of serum 25(OH) D3 levels, the incidence of dyslipidemia decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dengue fever is a severe public heath challenge in south China. A dengue outbreak was reported in Chaozhou city, China in 2015. Intensified interventions were implemented by the government to control the epidemic. However, it is still unknown the degree to which intensified control measures reduced the size of the epidemics, and when should such measures be initiated to reduce the risk of large dengue outbreaks developing?Methods: We selected Xiangqiao district as study setting because the majority of the indigenous cases (90.6%) in Chaozhou city were from this district. The numbers of daily indigenous dengue cases in 2015 were collected through the national infectious diseases and vectors surveillance system, and daily Breteau Index (BI) data were reported by local public health department. We used a compartmental dynamic SEIR (Susceptible, Exposed, Infected and Removed) model to assess the effectiveness of control interventions, and evaluate the control effect of intervention timing on dengue epidemic.Results: A total of 1250 indigenous dengue cases was reported from Xiangqiao district. The results of SEIR modeling using BI as an indicator of actual control interventions showed a total of 1255 dengue cases, which is close to the reported number (n = 1250). The size and duration of the outbreak were highly sensitive to the intensity and timing of interventions. The more rigorous and earlier the control interventions implemented, the more effective it yielded. Even if the interventions were initiated several weeks after the onset of the dengue outbreak, the interventions were shown to greatly impact the prevalence and duration of dengue outbreak.Conclusions: This study suggests that early implementation of rigorous dengue interventions can effectively reduce the epidemic size and shorten the epidemic duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated monthly and annual reference evapotranspiration ETo changes over southwestern China (SWC) from 1960 to 2012, using the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations' report 56 (FAO-56) Penman-Monteith equation and routine meteorological observations at 269 weather sites. During 1960-2012, the monthly and annual ETo decreased at most sites. Moreover, the SWC regional average trend in annual ETo was significantly negative (p < 0.05); this trend was the same in most months. A new separation method using several numerical experiments was proposed to quantify each driving factor's contribution to ETo changes and exhibited higher accuracy based on several validation criteria, after which an attribution analysis was performed. Across SWC, the declining annual ETo was mainly due to decreased net radiation (RN). Spatially, the annual ETo changes at most sites in eastern SWC (excluding southeastern West Guangxi) were generally due to RN, whereas wind speed (WND) or vapor pressure deficit (VPD) was the determinant at other sites. Nevertheless, the determinants differed among 12 months. For the whole SWC, increased VPD in February and decreased WND in April, May, and October were the determinant of decreased ETo; however, decreased RN was the determinant in other months. Overall, the determinant of the monthly ETo changes exhibited a complex spatial pattern. A complete analysis of ETo changes and the related physical mechanisms in SWC is necessary to better understand hydroclimatological extremes (e.g., droughts) and to develop appropriate strategies to sustain regional development (e.g., water resources and agriculture). Importantly, this separation method provides new perspective for quantitative attribution analyses and thus may be implemented in various scientific fields (e.g., climatology and hydrology). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Similar to herb and shrub, arbor plant shows significant differences with altitude. • LA, LL, LW, LC, and SC showed the same trend among different vegetation types. • There was negative correlation between soil temperature and NBI, ChI, FIv, and SC. Plant functional traits are adaptive traits formed by interactions between plants and the environment. Considering the Three-River Headwaters Region as a case study, this study systematically analyzed the relationship between plant functional traits and environmental factors in cold regions. The results show that there were significant differences in plant functional traits among the different vegetation types (herbs, shrubs, and arbor plants). Leaf traits such as leaf area (LA), leaf length (LL), leaf width (LW), leaf circumference (LC), and shape coefficient (SC) showed the same trends among herbs, shrubs, and arbor plants. The correlation between leaf functional traits of plants in alpine regions shows that the unique growth mode of different plants and their degree of adaptation to alpine environments ultimately determine the leaf functional trait variations. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between soil temperature and the nitrogen balance index (NBI), chlorophyll content (Chl), flavonoid content (Flv), and SC, whereas there was a trend of first increasing and then decreasing relationship between soil temperature, LL (P < 0.05), and LC (P < 0.05). Similar to herb and shrub plants, arbor plants also showed significant differences in altitude in cold regions. There were significant negative correlations between altitude and NBI (P < 0.05), Chl (P < 0.05), Flv (P < 0.05), and anthocyanin content (P < 0.05), whereas LA (P < 0.05), LL (P < 0.05), and LC (P > 0.05) were significantly positively correlated with altitude. Conversely, there was no significant negative correlation between LW and altitude (P > 0.05). We conclude that climate factors play a decisive role in the distribution of plant functional traits at a global scale, whereas land use and disturbances play a major role at a regional scale, and topographic and soil factors determine the distribution of local characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmland shelterbelt system (FSS) in oasis desert ecotones can effectively improve ecosystem services, especially in fragile agricultural areas. However, the spatial-temporal heterogeneity of its ecological effects still needs further clarity, because the interactions are complex and multiple. Understanding this allows us to know the key practical significance of ecological construction and agricultural management. In this study, four typical patterns of FSS (i.e. two lines pattern, TWLP; four lines pattern, FOLP; five lines pattern, FILP; eight lines pattern, EILP) were selected in a desert oasis ecotone in northern China to assess the distributions at vertical (0–100 cm), horizontal (0–3 H) and temporal (May- October) scales of soil properties, vegetation attributes, microclimates and variations of soil moisture storage (SMS) and soil salt contents (C) during the three growing seasons. The results showed that the major difference in soil properties and vegetation attributes of FSSs are the soil particle composition and canopy size, respectively. In FOLP and EILP, the silt contents were 51.6% and 41.5% respectively. The canopy size ranked from the highest to lowest values as follows: FOLP (8.70 m2) > EILP (6.91 m2) > TWLP (4.64 m2) > FILP (4.47 m2). Compared to the control, all patterns of FSSs registered significant effects on microclimate improvement. The FOLP and FILP achieved the same effects as well as EILP, with less spatial costs. Moreover, the variations of SMS and C were mainly different at the vertical scale. As indicated by the Redundancy (RDA) and variation partitioning (VP) analyses, soil properties played a more important role in reserving soil water and controlling soil salinity than vegetation attributes and microclimates, which the independent influence can explain 48.5% of total influence among all factors. Our results provide an efficient theoretical basis for FSS construction and agricultural water management practices. • Farmland shelterbelt system (FSS) can improve ecosystem services. • A spatio-temporal heterogeneity of ecosystem functions in FSSs is observed. • Soil properties play a more important role in controlling soil water content and salinity. • Results provide an efficient theoretical basis for agricultural water management in deserts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dengue cases have been reported each year for the past 25 years in Guangdong Province, China with a recorded historical peak in 2014. This study aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics of this large outbreak in order to better understand its epidemic factors and to inform control strategies. Methods: Data for clinically diagnosed and laboratory-confirmed dengue fever cases in 2014 were extracted from the China Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting System. We analyzed the incidence and characteristics of imported and indigenous cases in terms of population, temporal and spatial distributions. Results: A total of 45 224 dengue fever cases and 6 deaths were notified in Guangdong Province in 2014, with an incidence of 47.3 per 100 000 people. The elderly (65+ years) represented 11.7 % of total indigenous cases with the highest incidence (72.3 per 100 000). Household workers and the unemployed accounted for 23.1 % of indigenous cases. The majority of indigenous cases occurred in the 37th to 44th week of 2014 (September and October) and almost all (20 of 21) prefecture-level cities in Guangdong were affected. Compared to the non-Pearl River Delta Region, the Pearl River Delta Region accounted for the majority of dengue cases and reported cases earlier in 2014. Dengue virus serotypes 1 (DENV-1), 2 (DENV-2) and 3 (DENV-3) were detected and DENV-1 was predominant (88.4 %). Conclusions: Dengue fever is a serious public health problem and is emerging as a continuous threat in Guangdong Province. There is an urgent need to enhance dengue surveillance and control, especially for the high-risk populations in high-risk areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]