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As an important part of a bridge, bearings are vulnerable to damage when exposed to various loading and environmental changes during their lifetime, resulting in the necessitating repair or replacement operations. The investigation and maintenance of bearings' diseases are helpful to prolong their durability. Compared with laboratory research, the field investigation of bearing diseases is more representative due to the realistic working environment. In this paper, the defects of 10,486 bearings in 19 expressway bridges and 8,862 bearings in 5 high-speed railway (HSR) bridges in Eastern China are inspected through manual on-site visual observation and parameter measurement, followed by a large amount of bearing diseases data obtained to perform a statistical analysis for evaluating many aspects, including the classification and the potential causes of the bearing diseases, the service status. Finally, a three-level maintenance strategy for bearings is developed and applied to the replacement of 1,166 bearings in eight expressway bridges and 15 bearings in seven girders of HSR bridges. The results show that most diseases of elastomeric bearings are caused by design defects but for pot or spherical by the problems remaining from bearings installation, and the proposed bridge jacking scheme and bearing replacement technologies are efficient, labour- and material-saving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-management in patients with early chronic kidney disease (CKD) can effectively delay damage to renal function. However, with the continuous spread of COVID-19, patients cannot receive timely treatment, which can lead to different affects, resulting in ego depletion and serious challenges to self-management. This study aimed to investigate the mediating and suppressing roles of ego depletion on the relationship between positive and negative affect and self-management among patients with early CKD during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Methods: A total of 383 patients with early CKD from three tertiary hospitals were enrolled by convenience sampling in our cross-sectional study from September 2021 to March 2022. Participants completed the Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale, Self-Regulating Fatigue Scale and Chronic Kidney Disease Self-Management Instrument. A structural equation model was conducted to test the mediating and suppressing effects of ego depletion on the relationship between positive and negative affect and self-management. Results: The average score of the participants' self-management was 84.54 (SD: 19.72), and nearly 60% of them were at low and moderate levels. The mediating effect of positive affect on self-management through ego depletion was significant (β = 0.248, 95% CI: 0.170 to 0.376), accounting for 53.22% of the total effect. The suppressing effect of negative affect on self-management through ego depletion was significant (β = -0.191, 95% CI: -0.310 to -0.118), and the absolute value of the ratio of the suppressing effect to the direct effect was 66.55%. Conclusions: Ego depletion partially mediated the relationship between positive affect and self-management while suppressing the relationship between negative affect and self-management among patients with early CKD during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reduction of patients' ego depletionmust be taken as the intervention target to improve self-management and delay the progression of CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the network structure of ego depletion and work alienation in Chinese nurses and identify bridge items to provide suggestions to reduce ego depletion and work alienation. Methods: A total of 353 nurses from three hospitals were enrolled in our cross-sectional study by convenience sampling from June to October 2021 in China. They completed an online survey, which included the Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Nurses' Work Alienation Questionnaire, and Self-Regulating Fatigue Scale (SRF-S). The R packages qgraph, networktools, and bootnet were used to estimate the network model and calculate the indices. Results: The correlation between ego depletion and work alienation was mainly positive. The correlation between "Sometimes I do not know what to do with the work instructions from my superiors" and "I have difficulties remembering things" was the strongest among the cross-community correlations (r = 0.14). The bridge strength centrality indices of "Sometimes I do not know what to do with the work instructions from my superiors," "I always feel like a loser" and "I have difficulties remembering things" were the highest (z score = 3.15, 2.83, 1.43). The correlation stability coefficient of the centrality index was larger than 0.25. Conclusion: Nurses' ego depletion and work alienation are correlated. "Sometimes I do not know what to do with the work instructions from my superiors," "I always feel like a loser" and "I have difficulties remembering things" act as bridges between ego depletion and work alienation communities, and should be the focus of nurses' psychological tests. Our study provides potential targets for interventions to reduce work alienation from the perspective of ego depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To quantitatively evaluate and diagnose the carrying capacity of regional water resources under uncertain conditions, an index system and corresponding grade criteria were constructed from the perspective of carrying subsystem. Meanwhile, an improved entropy weight method was used to determine the objective weight of the index. Then, an evaluation model was built by applying set pair analysis, and a set pair potential based on subtraction was proposed to identify the carrying vulnerability factors. Finally, an empirical study was carried out in Anhui Province. The results showed that the consistency among objective weights of each index was considered, and the uncertainty between the index and grade criterion was reasonably dealt with. Furthermore, although the carrying situation in Anhui was severe, the development tended to be improved. The status in Southern Anhui was superior to that in the middle area, and that in the northern part was relatively grim. In addition, for Northern Anhui, the fewer water resources chiefly caused its long-term overloaded status. The improvement of capacity in the middle area was mainly hindered by its deficient ecological water consumption and limited water-saving irrigation area. Moreover, the long-term loadable condition in the southern part was due largely to its relatively abundant water resources and small population size. This evaluation and diagnosis method can be widely applied to carrying issues in other resources and environment fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The reported rates of personality disorder (PD) in subjects with schizophrenia (SZ) are quite varied across different countries, and less is known about the heterogeneity of PD among subjects with SZ. We examined the co-morbidity of PD among patients who are in the stable phase of SZ. Method: 850 subjects were randomly sampled from patients diagnosed with SZ in psychiatric and psycho-counseling clinics at Shanghai Mental Health Center. Co-morbidity of PDs was assessed through preliminary screening and patients were administered several modules of the SCID-II. Evidence of heterogeneity was evaluated by comparing patients diagnosed with SZ with those who presented with either affective disorder or neurosis (ADN). Results: 204 outpatients (24.0 %) in the stable phase of SZ met criteria for at least one type of DSM-IV PD. There was a higher prevalence of Cluster-A (odd and eccentric PD) and C (anxious and panic PD) PDs in SZ (around 12.0 %). The most prevalent PD was the paranoid subtype (7.65 %). Subjects with SZ were significantly more likely to have schizotypal PD (4.4 % vs. 2.1 %, p = 0.003) and paranoid PD (7.6 % vs. 5.4 %, p = 0.034), but much less likely to have borderline, obsessive-compulsive, depressive, narcissistic and histrionic PD. Conclusions: These findings suggest that DSM-IV PD is common in patients with SZ than in the general population. Patterns of co-morbidity with PDs in SZ are different from ADN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the prevalence of non-detectable chromosomal abnormalities by quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) in a Chinese population referred for amniocentesis. Methods: The karyotype results were reviewed in 8,466 amniotic fluid cultures performed for positive fetal Down syndrome screening or advanced maternal age between January 2002 and June 2012. The karyotype results were classified as detectable or not detectable by QF-PCR, using the assumption that all tests were conducted by this rapid molecular method. Results: Of the 8,466 karyotypes obtained, 211 abnormal karyotypes were found (2.5 %). Out of these, 168 cases of common aneuploidies were identified by QF-PCR, and 43 cases of chromosomal abnormalities were missed. The 43 cases missed by QF-PCR included 31 cases predicted to confer no increased risk and 12 with a potential clinical significance. When QF-PCR shows a normal result, the overall residual risk is 0.1 % for any clinically significant chromosomal abnormality. Conclusions: A normal QF-PCR result predicts a very low residual risk for patients who are referred solely for an increased risk of a common trisomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary duodenal cancer (PDC) is rare and few studies have addressed it adequately, especially in China. The present study is to evaluate the clinicopathological features and prognosis of PDC in Chinese patients. Patients and methods: All the consecutive cases confirmed as PDC by histopathological analysis in The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between 1995 and 2008 were included. Clinicopathological details were retrospectively analysed and prognostic factors influencing survival were evaluated. Results: The patient cohort included 53 men and 38 women, accounting for only 0.02% of all in-patients during this period. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and gastrointestinal barium radiography were mainstay diagnostic tests for PDC; they detected 88.6% and 83.3% of the tumours, respectively. Tumours mainly occurred in the descending portion of the duodenum (67.0%). Abdominal pain was the most frequent symptom (56.0%). Histologically, adenocarcinoma was the most common type (74.7%). The overall 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 62.6%, 43.7% and 33.1%, respectively. Patients survived longer in the curative surgery group (median survival time of 45 months) than those in the palliative group (6 months) ( P < 0.001). Nodal metastasis and positive resection margin had a significant negative impact on survival in patients undergoing potentially curative surgery in a univariate and multivariate model ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with PDC are rare and lack specific presentations. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and gastrointestinal barium radiography are effective in screening this rare tumour. Nodal metastasis and positive resection margins are associated with a poor prognosis. A curative surgery that achieves complete resection with negative margin should be pursued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Ingestion of a foreign body (FB) is a common occurrence; however, few studies have reported its characteristics and endoscopic management in South China. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical features of FB ingestion in South China and report its management through endoscopy.Methods: Data were collected from all consecutive patients with suspected FB ingestion accepting endoscopic management in our endoscopy center during the past 10 years. The demographic data, clinical presentations, and endoscopic management were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively.Results: A total of 561 patients with suspected FB ingestion underwent endoscopic management. Among them, 447 FBs were found in 439 (78.3%) patients. Fish bone ingestion was most common (60.4%). Most of the FBs were located in the esophagus (84.5%). The majority of patients (96.1%) were successfully treated with flexible endoscopy with the addition of suitable devices without any serious procedure-related complications. There was a significant difference in the types of FBs between the former and latter 5 years (P < 0.05), and fish bone ingestion became more prevalent with time. Compared with the conventional methods, a new technique with a reworked transparent cap was successful in dealing with small sharp FBs impacted at the entrance of esophagus. The new technique had a shorter operation time (11.7 versus 17.9 min, P = 0.02) and an increased success rate (by 8%).Conclusions: In South China, fish bone is the most common FB found in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopic management is a safe and effective approach in managing FBs. A new technique with reworked transparent cap is useful and promising, but further study is needed for confirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the chronology of age of third molar mineralization of Han in southern China, Demirjian staging method was used to determine the stage of four third molars (18, 28, 38, 48) mineralization in 3,100 Han in southern China aged 4.1–26.9 years based on radiological evidence from digital orthopantomograms. The mean age of the 3,100 patients was 15.96 ± 4.73 years, including 1,200 male (mean age, 15.32 ± 4.62) and 1,900 female (mean age, 16.35 ± 4.76). Results show that there was no significant difference in mineralization between 18 and 28 and 38 and 48 of male or female. However, significant difference was observed between 28 and 38 of female at stage C; 28 was 0.25 years earlier than 38. In male, at stage G, 38 was 0.61 years earlier than 28, and 48 was 0.62 years earlier than 18. At stages D, E, F, G, and H, male 48 was 0.34, 0.66, 0.72, 1.34, and 0.76 years earlier than that of female, respectively. At stages A, D, E, F, G, and H, male 38 was 0.73, 0.26, 0.56, 0.91, 1.29, and 0.70 years earlier than that of female, respectively. At stages B, E, F, G, and H, the mineralization mean age of male 18 was 0.54, 0.50, 0.76, 0.92, and 0.58 years earlier than that of female, respectively. At stages E, F, G, and H, the mineralization mean age of male 28 was 0.51, 0.76, 0.92, and 0.49 years earlier than that of female, respectively. After reviewing the literature, the chronological mineralization age of 48, at stages D to G, of Han in southern China was 1 to 4.6 years earlier than that of Japanese and 1 to 3 years earlier than that of German. The mean age at stage H of 48 of Han in southern China was similar to Turkish, Black African, Japanese, and German, but was later than Spanish. Finally, the conclusions are: (1) in the same gender group of Han in southern China, the mineralization ages between two sides in upper or lower jaw are very similar, and (2) the chronology mean age and complete time of third molar mineralization of male were earlier than that of female. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some changes on the disease pattern of colorectal cancer (CRC) have occurred in some Asian countries recently. However, nothing is known about it in China lately. The present study is to determine whether there are any changes on the disease pattern of CRC in Southern China. Data were collected from all consecutive patients accepting colonoscopy in our endoscopy center during the last 20 years. The sociodemographic data, clinical presentations, endoscopic descriptions, and histological subtypes of patients confirmed as CRC by pathology were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 37,578 patients accepted colonoscopy from 1987 to 2006, in which 2,876 patients were diagnosed as CRC. The median age of patients in the 2nd decade (1997–2006; 62 years) was getting older than the 1st decade (1987–1996; 58 years; P = 0.043). Hematochezia was the most frequent symptom (55.8%), while rectum was the most common site distribution of CRC (51.0%). The incidence of right-sided colonic cancers in the 2nd decade (21.0%) was higher than the 1st decade (17.3%; P = 0.0314). Histologically, adenocarcinoma was the most common (92.4%), of which moderately differentiated tumors were more frequent (67.7%). CRCs with high-grade malignancy were more likely to occur in the 1st decade ( P < 0.0001). Rectum remains the most common site of CRC in southern China. But a rightward shift in the site distribution has occurred and patients are getting older. Tumors with high-grade malignancy have the tendency to decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Matsutake mushrooms are among the most prized and expensive mushrooms on earth. Since the 1980s NW Yunnan Province has become the largest exporter of Matsutake in China, and money from their sale has become crucial to local livelihoods and to the provincial tax base. Amid fears of declining productivity, regulations have been enacted to control Matsutake harvest, though enforcement remains largely in the hands of harvesters themselves. Here, we measure local harvesters’ perceptions of the ecological determinants of mushroom productivity in contrast to that of the outsider conservation community. We interview 122 harvesters in eight villages in Diqing province, NW Yunnan to determine what is perceived to be detrimental to Matsutake yield, how yield can be improved in the future and who harvesters trust for information. Our results indicate that village leaders and forestry officials are overwhelmingly the most trusted sources for information. Mann and Whitney U tests show general consensus among villages, and MRPP analysis shows general consensus within villages. One village showed significantly higher levels of trust in NGOs. Of the 86% of harvesters who had perceived declining productivity trends over the past 10 years, soil disturbance, climate change, and habitat degradation were most often-cited as causal factors. Log-linear analysis showed almost no significant interactions between perceptions and harvester demographics. Environmental protection and reducing soil disturbance were most often-cited as potentially increasing future yields. We suggest that local and outsider knowledge are complimentary in this system, and that forestry officials and village leaders provide the best conduits for management information. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The fluid velocity sensitivity (FVS) effect in coal reservoirs affects the production of coalbed methane (CBM) wells by generation of coal fines. In this work, coal samples from Baode Block, northeastern Ordos Basin were made into coal cores for FVS analysis under different initial permeabilities, injection volumes and injection intensities. Standard brine with a mineralization degree of 8% (the mass ratio of NaCl: CaCl 2 : MgCl 2 ·6H 2 O=7.0:0.6:0.4) was chosen as the driving fluid. Also, the production responses of CBM wells to FVS at different stages of drainage were discussed. The results show that there is a critical flow velocity for the generation of coal fines. Below this critical flow velocity, coal fines can discharge with fluid, which increases the reservoir permeability. Over this critical flow velocity, FVS tends to occur in coal reservoirs, which blocks the effective seepage paths and reduces reservoir permeability. Additionally, the larger the flow velocity and injection volume are, the greater the permeability damage rate is. But the increasing rate of permeability damage slows down, revealing that the damage of FVS to permeability mainly occurs in the initial period of coal fines migration. Moreover, abrupt increase of flow velocity can damage reservoirs and give rise to massive coal fines generation. During the drainage process of CBM wells, the FVS effect is mainly affected by the dropping rate of working fluid level at the stage of single-phase water. There exists a period of massive coal fines generation when the working fluid level first drops near the coal seam. In the stage of two-phase gas and water, the deposition rate of coal fines is faster and the migration distance is shorter than that in the stage of single-phase water. Due to the difficulty of coal fines discharge, the FVS effect tends to occur in this stage. In the stage of single-phase gas, the gas flow can make coal fines agitate partially. But the FVS effect is relatively weak as coal matrix shrinkage can improve the reservoir permeability to a large degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopy with a transparent cap on biopsy positioning in Barrett's esophagus (BE)., Methods: One hundred and sixty-eight patients with suspected BE at endoscopy were enrolled in our study from November 2007 to December 2009 and divided into two groups: transparent cap group (n = 60) and control group (n = 108). Endoscopy with or without a transparent cap and subsequent biopsy of suspected lesions were performed by five experienced endoscopists in our hospital. In both groups, two biopsy specimens were taken from each patient, and the columnar epithelium or goblet cells in histological assessment were used as the diagnostic standard for BE., Results: In the transparent cap group, 41 cases were tongue type, while 17 and two cases were identified as island type and circumferential type, respectively. In the control group, 65 tongue-type cases were confirmed, with 38 island-type and five circumferential-type cases. Moreover, there was no significant difference with regard to the composition of endoscopic BE types in the two groups (P > 0.05). In the biopsy specimens, BE was detected in 50 cases in the transparent cap group (83.3%, 50/60), whereas the detection rate in the control group (69.4%, 75/108) was lower compared to that in the transparent cap group (P < 0.05). In addition, goblet cells were recognized in only eight cases (all with columnar epithelium) (8/60, 13.3%) in the transparent cap group, with 11 cases in the control group., Conclusion: Transparent cap-fitted endoscopy can guide biopsy positioning in BE without other accompanying complications, thus increasing the detection rate of BE.

Objective: To investigate the polymorphic distribution of short tandem repeat (STR) sequences D21S1433, D21S1442, D21S1444, D21S2051 in Guangdong Han nationality in China., Methods: Using quantitative fluorescens PCR technology, the authors analyzed 200 unrelated samples to acknowledge the allele frequency, heterozygosity and other genetic information., Results: D21S1433, D21S1442, D21S1444, D21S2051 were tested in 200 samples, which were tested to be statistical according to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P> 0.05), 9, 10, 9 and 5 alleles were detected separately in each STRs. The heterozygosity of each STR was 0.818, 0.820, 0.770, and 0.261. The polymorphic information content > 0.7 in D21S1433, D21S1442, D21S1444, while D21S2051 owned only 0.247 polymorphic information., Conclusion: D21S1433, D21S1442, D21S1444 are found to have high heterozygosity and polymorphic information content, and they could provide useful markers for genetic purposes, while D21S2051 is not informative in Guangdong Han nationality in China.