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Objective To screen the risk factors of hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy in patients with cerebral hernia after traumatic brain injury (TBI), and construct a Bayesian network model based on the risk factors. Methods A total of 77 patients with cerebral hernia after TBI who underwent decompressive craniotomy in Nanjing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University from March 2020 to January 2022 were included. They were divided into hydrocephalus group (n = 25) and non - hydrocephalus group (n = 52) according to whether hydrocephalus was complicated after surgery. The risk factors of hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy in patients with cerebral hernia after TBI were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses. The Bayesian network model was constructed based on the risk factors, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve were drawn and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was conducted. Results In hydrocephalus group, the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at admission (t = 2.178, P = 0.032), the ratio of cerebrospinal fluid replacement after lumbar puncture (χ² = 8.675, P = 0.003), and the level of β2 -microglobulin after operation (t = 11.146, P = 0.000) were lower than those in non-hydrocephalus group, while subarachnoid hemorrhage (χ² = 5.901, P = 0.015), bilateral operation (χ² = 6.441, P = 0.011), the ratio of dural unstitched during operation (χ² = 9.759, P = 0.002), postoperative intraventricular hemorrhage (χ² = 8.938, P = 0.003), postoperative midline displacement > 10 mm (χ² = 7.589, P = 0.006), and intracranial infection (χ² = 4.519, P = 0.034), as well as postoperative coma time (t = 2.709, P = 0.008) were higher than those in non-hydrocephalus group. Logistic regression analysis showed that subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR = 1.885, 95%CI: 1.432-2.240; P = 0.012), dural unstitched during operation (OR = 1.468, 95%CI: 1.215-1.930; P = 0.006), long postoperative coma time (OR = 1.574, 95%CI: 1.358-1.926; P = 0.007), postoperative intraventricular hemorrhage (OR = 1.550, 95%CI: 1.254-1.768; P = 0.010), the level of β2- microglobulin increased after operation (OR = 1.622, 95%CI: 1.165-1.840; P = 0.004) were risk factors for hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy in patients with cerebral hernia after TBI. Based on these 5 factors, the Bayesian network model was constructed, and the area under ROC curve was 0.886 (95%CI: 0.823-0.925, P = 0.000). The calibration curve showed that there was a good consistency between the predicted probability and the actual probability, while the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed no significant difference (χ² = 8.760, P = 0.232), which indicated that the model had good discrimination, calibration and accuracy. Conclusions Subarachnoid hemorrhage, dural unstitched during operation, long postoperative coma time, postoperative intra ventricular hemorrhage, and elevated β2 - microglobulin level are the risk factors for hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy in patients with cerebral hernia after TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of domperidone for the treatment of Chinese patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) who were diagnosed according to the Rome IV criteria and to identify the FD subtypes that potentially responded better to domperidone. Methods: This multicenter prospective study was conducted in China from August 2018 to July 2020, consisting of a 1‐week screening phase and a 2‐week double‐blind treatment phase. Participants were randomized to receive domperidone 10 mg or matching placebo tablets thrice daily for 14 days. The primary end‐point was the overall treatment effect (OTE) response rate after 2‐week therapy. Results: Altogether 160 patients were included, with 80 patients in each group. The OTE response rate after 2‐week therapy was significantly higher for domperidone compared with placebo (60.7% vs 46.0%; relative risk [RR] 1.318, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.972–1.787). Moreover, the OTE response rate after 2‐week domperidone or placebo treatment was 60.3% versus 54.9% for postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) (RR 1.098, 95% CI 0.750–1.607) and 60.6% versus 35.2% for overlapping PDS–epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) (RR 1.722, 95% CI 0.995–2.980). Adverse events were reported by seven patients in the domperidone group and 12 patients in the placebo group. None of the adverse events in the domperidone group were serious. Conclusion: Domperidone showed a positive pattern regarding OTE response rates after 2‐week therapy compared to placebo in patients with FD, as well as in subtypes of PDS and overlapping PDS–EPS. No new safety issue was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aeolian dust is closely related to land degradation, desertification, and sand and dust storm weather, and is a significant factor influencing the Earth's biogeochemical cycles. Here we present an investigation of the recent synoptic features of atmospheric dust in China and analyze its spatiotemporal change based upon meteorological observation data and satellite products. It shows that aeolian dust frequency in China has decreased gradually from 1984 to 2020. The outbreak frequency of dust storms declined significantly by 97.7%, followed by severe dust storm, dust in suspension, and blowing dust with 88.8%, 75%, and 64.3% reduction, respectively. The main dust sources influencing China are the Mongolian Gobi Desert, the Taklimakan Desert, the Hexi Corridor, the Alxa Plateau Desert, the Qaidam basin Desert, and the northeast‐southwest stretching semiarid farming‐pasture ecotone. Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) and Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) may play an important role in teleconnection with aeolian dust event occurrence in China. Their correlation coefficients are −0.6 and 0.37, respectively. For more than 40 years, China has made huge investments in ecological restoration projects, and enacted national policies and laws to mitigate desertification. Significant environmental improvement has consequently ensued in China in the early 21st century, and the aeolian dust events were reduced to a record minimum in 2020. In contrast to the growing nationwide greenness, China is now facing up to an incremental dust risk generated from extraterritorial source regions such as the Mongolian Gobi Desert and Central Asian desiccated salt lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Osmunda L. contains approximately 10 extant species widely distributed in tropical and temperate regions, with the greatest concentration of species in East and Southeast Asia. Osmunda is characterized by dimorphic or commonly hemidimorphic fronds with dimorphic pinnae. Its geological history has been traced back to the Triassic. Most records of the genus are based on rhizomes and rarely on pinnae bearing sporangia and spores. Here, we describe fossil pinnae, sporangia, and spores of Osmunda lignitum (Giebel) Stur recovered from the middle Eocene of the Changchang Formation in the Changchang Basin, Hainan Island and the Youganwo Formation in the Maoming Basin, Guangdong, South China. The fossils closely resemble the extant Osmunda banksiifolia (C. Presl) Kuhn of the subgenus Plenasium on the basis of their morphological and anatomical structures. The present occurrence of O. lignitum indicates subg. Plenasium flourished and extended from the high latitude regions such as Northeast China to the low latitude areas of South China during the middle Eocene. Large numbers of specimens described here also indicate that Osmunda was the dominant understory fern element beneath mixed evergreen broad‐leaf angiosperm and gymnosperm forests living in a warm and humid environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cordycipitoid fungus infecting Hepialidae sp. in Nepal was supposed to be identical to Cordyceps liangshanensis, originally described from southwestern China, and thus, transferred to the genus Metacordyceps or Papiliomyces in previous studies. However, our multi-gene (nrSSU-nrLSU-tef-1a-rpb1-rpb2) phylogenetic and morphological studies based on the type specimen and additional collections of C. liangshanensis revealed that the fungus belongs to the genus Ophiocordyceps (Ophiocordycipitaceae). Therefore, a new combination O. liangshanensis was made, and a detailed description of this species was provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution represented by haze in China has attracted great global attention in recent years. China has recently introduced a series of action plans to improve air quality and prevent air pollution. Remediation on small coal-fired boilers and the development of heat and power cogeneration (HPC) and centralized heat supply (CHS) are important measures for preventing air pollution. This paper introduces the above mentioned policies. An industrial park in Guangdong Province, China, is taken as an example to analyze the contributions of HPC-based industrial CHS to energy saving and environmental protection. The benefits to the heat supplier and user are also analyzed. Furthermore, this paper presents the difficulties and challenges in developing industrial CHS, including mismatching in the early phase, price dispute, measure dispute, and negative inter-effects. The reasons for these problems are analyzed and possible solutions are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peach tree, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, is widely cultivated in China, and its flowers have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat gut motility disorders. But few studies have explored the pharmacological effect of Prunus persica (L.) Batsch flowers on gastrointestinal motility. In this study, the activities of different extracts from Prunus persica (L.) Batsch flowers on the smooth muscle contractions were evaluated using isolated colon model, and the ethyl acetate extract (EAE) showed the strongest effects in vitro. EAE (10−8–10−5 g/mL) caused a concentration-dependent stimulatory effect in rat colonic tissue. Additionally, ketotifen (100 µM), cimetidine (10 µM), and pyrilamine (1 µM) produced a significant inhibition of contractions caused by EAE. Furthermore, immunofluorescence and toluidine blue staining revealed increased numbers of mast cells in the EAE group, and EAE increased histamine release from the colonic tissues. These data indicate that EAE has significant prokinetic activity and acts by a mechanism that mainly involves mast cell degranulation. Our study provides a pharmacological basis for the use of an extract of Prunus persica (L.) Batsch flowers in the treatment of gut motility disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of common viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) in hospitalized infants with acute bronchiolitis and study the relationship between bronchiolitis and meteorological conditions. Methods: A 2-year prospective study was conducted on infants with a first episode of bronchiolitis admitted to Respiratory Department of Suzhou Children's Hospital. Demographic and clinical characteristics and meteorological conditions were obtained and analyzed. Results: Pathogens were identified in 59.6% of 998 cases analyzed. The most frequent pathogen identified was respiratory syncytial virus (28.7%), followed by human bocavirus (11.6%), MP (9.0%), human parainfluenza virus-3 (7.8%), human metapneumovirus (6.6%), influenza A (3.5%), adenovirus (1.0%), and human parainfluenza virus-1 (0.3%). The clinical scores in children with MP or human metapneumovirus single infections, based on the assessment of severity of acute bronchiolitis, were significantly lower than in children with respiratory syncytial virus single infections. Respiratory syncytial virus had the strongest inverse correlation with mean temperature, followed by influenza A and human metapneumovirus. In addition, MP and human parainfluenza virus-3 showed positive correlations with mean temperature. Conclusion: Although respiratory syncytial virus was the most frequent pathogen in patients in whom bronchiolitis was diagnosed, other pathogens, including newly identified viruses and MP, also play important roles in infants with bronchiolitis. Different respiratory pathogens have different traits in response to certain meteorological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Chinese Early Cretaceous flora was divided phytogeographically into the Northern Floristic Province and the Southern Floristic Province. The “temperate–wet vegetations” and “tropic–subtropic xeric vegetations” were proposed to represent the two different vegetation types. About 52 species of fossil woods belonging to Cycadophytes (2 species), Ginkgoales (1 species) and coniferales (49 species) have been discovered in the two floristic provinces, mainly from the Northeast China. The biodiversity and anatomical characteristics, especially the growth ring feature analysis of fossil woods indicated climatic conditions with seasonal variation in both the Northern and Southern Floristic Provinces during the Early Cretaceous. It suggests that a tropic to sub-tropic semi-arid climate might dominate over southern China, while warm or temperate, and wet climate prevailed in northern China during the Early Cretaceous. The wood evidence is in accordance with that of the leaf fossils collected from the corresponding formations of the Early Cretaceous in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The concentrations of uranium, thorium, barium, nickel, strontium and lead in the samples of the tailings and plant species collected from a uranium mill tailings repository in South China were analyzed. Then, the removal capability of a plant for a target element was assessed. It was found that Phragmites australis had the greatest removal capabilities for uranium (820 μg), thorium (103 μg) and lead (1,870 μg). Miscanthus floridulus had the greatest removal capabilities for barium (3,730 μg) and nickel (667 μg), and Parthenocissus quinquefolia had the greatest removal capability for strontium (3,920 μg). In this study, a novel coefficient, termed as phytoremediation factor (PF), was proposed, for the first time, to assess the potential of a plant to be used in phytoremediation of a target element contaminated soil. Phragmites australis has the highest PFs for uranium (16.6), thorium (8.68), barium (10.0) and lead (10.5). Miscanthus floridulus has the highest PF for Ni (25.0). Broussonetia papyrifera and Parthenocissus quinquefolia have the relatively high PFs for strontium (28.1 and 25.4, respectively). On the basis of the definition for a hyperaccumulator, only Cyperus iria and Parthenocissus quinquefolia satisfied the criteria for hyperaccumulator of uranium (36.4 μg/g) and strontium (190 μg/g), and could be the candidates for phytoremediation of uranium and strontium contaminated soils. The results show that the PF has advantage over the hyperaccumulator in reflecting the removal capabilities of a plant for a target element, and is more adequate for assessing the potential of a plant to be used in phytoremediation than conventional method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dryopteris gemmifera, a new endemic species of Dryopteridaceae from Hainan Island, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by its 2-pinnatifid fronds, costae sparsely covered with narrow and flat scales, and especially by the presence of proliferous buds on the distal part of the rachis. The affinity between Dryopteris gemmifera and related species, D. fuscipes and D. guangxiensis, as well as the systematic position of this new species, is briefly discussed. An identification key to all eleven species of Dryopteris from Hainan Island is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Huayuan River in Hunan Province in China is subject to ongoing mining activity with Mn extraction. In this study, the level and environmental significance of metals (including Mn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni and Fe) concentrations in the surface water and river sediments have been investigated along a 187 km reach of the Huayuan River. Using the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, we analyzed the characterization of metals in manganese sulphate waste residue (MSWR) deposited along the bank of Huayuan River. The speciation of metals in both sediment and MSWR was established using the BCR-three step sequential extraction procedure. In the water samples, the average concentrations of Mn, Cd and Pb exceeded the acceptable concentrations for drinking water in the WHO Guidelines for drinking water quality, Vol. 1, Recommendations, Geneva () and Chinese (GB 5749-2006) guidelines, respectively. The average concentrations of Mn, Cd, Pb and Zn in the river sediments were found to be considerably higher than the corresponding world average shale values. The percentages of Cd (31.4%), Mn (31.1%), Zn (12.8%) and Pb (8.1%) associated with exchangeable and weak acid fraction in the sediments were higher than other metals. Mn (5.81%), Zn (0.208%), Pb (0.0292%) and Cd (0.0113%) were identified in MSWR by XRF analysis. The percentages of Mn, Cd, Zn and Pb associated with the exchangeable and weak acid soluble fraction in MSWR were 41.9%, 31.1%, 23.8% and 9.8%, respectively. The peak solute and sediment-bound metal concentrations were found at the sites of MSWR deposited along the bank of Huayuan River. The results suggested that MSWR deposited along the bank may have a closely relation with the metal pollution of Huayuan River. The results obtained may be useful to assess both short and long-term environmental impact of the MSWR deposited activities and support decisions for a future remediation of this river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Points out that China's strategic choices are increasingly designed to exploit globalization as a way of making China rich and strong and simultaneously reducing international fears of fast-growing Chinese material power. Active pursuance of cooperative security, win-win economic cooperation and increasingly multilateral approach to foreign policy in general; Potential role of globalization in transforming great-power politics.

We review the distribution of Early Cretaceous megafossil plants from China. The distribution patterns of Ginkgoales, Acanthopteris, Nilssonia, Podozamites, Gleichenites, frenelopsids, Otozamites, Zamites, Zamiophyllum, Ptilophyllum, and Weichselia are illustrated on maps. The Early Cretaceous flora of China has been divided into two floristic provinces. The ‘Northern type’ (Tetori-type or Siberia-Canadian) flora flourished under a warm-temperate and humid climate while the ‘Southern type’ (Ryoseki-type or Euro-Sinian) flora flourished under a tropical–subtropical and rather arid climate. Although most researchers agree with the estimations of climate mentioned above, the locations of the boundary between these two floristic provinces and their mixed zone are still controversial. Distribution maps from the present study show that each taxon has a different distribution area. This means that the boundary positions advocated previously are not supported by the present study. These results indicate that an objective methodology is needed for further study. To solve this problem, we compiled a database of the Early Cretaceous flora and its components in East Asia, which includes all the taxa described in the referenced publications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Diverse plant fossils have been reported from the fossil Lagerstätte in the Middle to Upper Jurassic Tiaojishan Formation in Liaoning Province, Northeast China. However, structurally preserved fossil plants that bear fungal remains are quite rare in this region. Here, we report a new permineralized fern rhizome, Claytosmunda zhangiana sp. nov. (Osmundaceae, Osmundales), from the Tiaojishan Formation in Beipiao of western Liaoning Province. The fossil specimen is represented by a rhizomatous stem consisting of a pith, a dictyoxylic siphonostele, a two-layered cortex, and a mantle of petiole bases. A remarkably specialized heterogeneous petiolar sclerotic ring, whose abaxial side is occupied by a dumbbell-shaped thick-walled fiber arch, characterizes this new fossil species. The anatomical diversity of petiolar sclerotic rings of Mesozoic and extant osmundaceous plants is discussed in this study. Five major types of petiolar sclerotic rings are recognized. Fungal remains, represented by branched hyphae, are found within the fern rhizome. To our knowledge, this is the first report of fungal remains associated with osmundaceous rhizomes in China. Paleoecologically, these fungal remains are tentatively interpreted as a kind of saprophytes. • A new species of Jurassic permineralized osmundaceous rhizome is described. • A remarkable and specialized heterogeneous petiolar sclerotic ring is present. • The anatomical diversity of petiolar sclerotic rings of osmundaceous ferns is summarized. • First record of fungal remains associated with osmundaceous rhizomes in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heavy haze over China has recently become a persistent global environmental issue. Although the Chinese government has invested immense manpower, materials, and financial resources, efforts at controlling the said haze remain relatively ineffective. However, in the last few years, sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions have been effectively controlled because of the strict desulfurization policy. In this study, we show that the current desulfurization technology of wet limestone flue gas desulfurization, which has more than 90% of the market share in China, significantly contributes to fly ash emissions that cause the haze. Heavy amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and energy are additionally emitted and consumed, respectively. These undesired effects are mainly attributable to secondary pollutants (e.g., gypsum particles) and energy consumption during the flue gas desulfurization process. To assess the transfer of pollutants and generation of secondary pollutants, we conduct a life cycle environmental assessment of typical implementations of flue gas desulfurization technologies that are commonly used in China. Approximately 64%, 99%, 91%, and 44% of the total environmental benefit for the climate change, human toxicity, particulate matter formation, and fossil energy depletion respectively can be obtained by systematically updating current desulfurization technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the registration of germplasm clone of bermudagrass by the Chinese Grass Cultivar Registration Board in December 2001. The bermudagrass, which was designated as 96-C-106, was released by the Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1996. Based on the results of morphological clustering, 96-C-106 was classified as a dwarf-fine type of common bermudagrass with a natural turf height of 9.5 to 12.5 cm and rhizome spread from 7.25 to 11.5 cm. The plant variety is found in some provinces of China and are used for turf establishment on micro-golf courses, sports field and public green land.

• Reinvestigation of Danaeopsis fecunda fossils fromYunnan Province in China. • Danaeopsis lived in warmer and humid, rarely semi-arid habitats during the Triassic. • Danaeopsis has a wider geographical range than its extant relatives, which could be largely related to the Triassic palaeoclimate pattern. The genus Danaeopsis Heer ex Schimper is a typical and widespread Triassic eusporangiate fern and is also an important species in China with abundant records. In this study, a further investigation of Danaeopsis fecunda is achieved based on additional specimens from Yunnan Province, China. New features for the leaf morphology and pinnae arrangement of D. fecunda have been extended. The fossil record in China suggest that D. fecunda is a key species in the Northern Floristic Region (NFR) of China, spreading from the NFR to the Southern Floristic Region via the transitional zone in the Carnian and distributing in Yunnan in the Norian. In addition, the global tempo-spatial distribution pattern and the palaeoclimate implications of Danaeopsis are discussed. The genus Danaeopsis was distributed in Europe, Asia and even in Australia with warmer and humid, rarely semi-arid conditions in the Triassic. The wide-ranging distribution of Danaeopsis could be largely related to the palaeoclimatic pattern in the Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine parvovirus 7 (PPV7), a new serotype of the porcine parvovirus, was discovered in swine of the USA in 2016. Recently, PPV7 was detected in Anhui province, China. Twenty-four of the 120 lung samples were PPV7-positive. Three PPV7 strains were sequenced and named PPV7/China/AHbz, PPV7/China/AHhf, and PPV7/China/AHmas, respectively. The complete genome and NS1 gene nucleotides of the three PPV7 strains showed 80.0%–98.4% and 94.4%–98.7% sequence identity, respectively, to the other PPV7 strains obtained from NCBI. The three PPV7 strains from Anhui share a common origin with a PPV7 GX49 strain isolated in Guangxi. These results help to understand the molecular epidemiology of PPV7. • Molecular survey of novel porcine parvovirus 7 in Anhui province. • Single infection with PPV7 was not detected in any sick-pig sample. • PPV7 may not be produced through recombination of the currently known parvovirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new fossil cycad stem Sinocycadoxylon liianum gen. et sp. nov. is described based on a well-preserved petrified specimen collected from the Middle Jurassic of Beipiao, Liaoning Province, China. The stem is composed of a small pith, a polyxylic vascular cylinder and cortex. The pith is parenchymatous with medullary vascular bundles, transfusion cells and mucilage canals. The polyxylic vascular cylinder consists of sixteen centrifugal rings and one centripetal vascular ring, all with distinct growth rings in secondary xylem. The presence of polyxyly with growth rings distinguishes this new genus from all fossil and extant Cycadales. The primary xylem is mesarch. Secondary xylem tracheids have araucarioid radial pitting. The rays are uni- or multiseriate and the latter are usually accompanied by mucilage canals and transfusion cells. This polyxylic stem is believed to be related to the Encephalartoideae of Zamiaceae. The new find provides new insights into cycad evolution which is consistent with former phylogenetic analyses indicating that Cycadales originated form Medullosales. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Spatial distribution of soil lead (Pb) in cropland is an important reference for regional planning and eco-environmental protection, but related information was not available in an individual county with potential contamination in the high-speed developing Chengdu Plain. In this investigation, 623 topsoil samples, randomly taken from the Shuangliu county, Sichuan province, China, were analyzed for the spatial variability of soil Pb and associated influencing factors by using multiple methods. The results showed that soil Pb presented a low spatial correlation in the isotropic scope, whereas relatively strong spatial correlation was observed in the directions of N65°E and N80°E. High risk areas with great probability of the soil Pb concentrations exceeding the baseline values (50mg/kg and 80mg/kg) were estimated to dispersely distribute across the study area. Shortest significant range (SSR) tests indicated that the soil Pb concentrations in plain regions and hilly regions were significantly higher than those in the mountainous regions. Furthermore, soils developed from the gray alluvium and old alluvium demonstrated significantly higher Pb concentrations than those from the purplish rock saprolith. Soil Pb concentrations in the buffer zones (0–800m) of the four main highways firstly increased and then decreased with the increase in distance from these highways. The application rate of fertilizers, pesticides, and animal husbandry income was found to be responsible for the spatial variation of soil Pb. These results will be of reference values in environmental management and decision making in the agricultural sector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The cheirolepidiaceous conifer Pseudofrenelopsis dalatzensis from the Lower Cretaceous Dalazi Formation, Jilin Province, Northeast China is studied in detail based on abundant material. The gross morphology of vegetative shoots shows a greater variation than previously known. Additional information of microstructure is that the adaxial cuticle from the free part of leaves is also papillate as the abaxial cuticle. The excellent preservation of cuticles allows for the first time in this family to four distinct types of cuticle in ultrastructural level: subsidiary cells, guard cells, epidermal cells with and without papillae. Based on 30 measurements the statistic approach on each type of cell cuticle, i.e. not only the total thickness of the cuticle but also details and proportions of all different layers. A key is provided using a combination of 7 significant ultrastructural characters. These results seem to be very promising for the identity of each taxon within the Cheirolepidiaceae family. The cuticular ultrastructure of this family is characterized by having a cuticle proper A composed of A1 wavy polylamellate layer and A2 granular layer, above the cuticular layer B with B1 fibrillate and B2 granular layers. The importance of ultrastructural characters at different levels of taxonomy and palaeoecology is also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: To explore the effect of time to remission on residual symptoms, functioning and quality of life (QOL) of the patients with major depressive disorder (MDD)., Method: A total of 434 patients were enrolled from 16 sites of China. The Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self Report (QIDS-SR) and self-rating scales were assessed at baseline, and months 1, 3 and 6. Baseline remitters were defined as those subjects with a QIDS-SR score ≤ 5 at baseline. Later remitters was defined as those reaching remission one month (Month 1 remitters) or three month (Month 3 remitters) after baseline. Persistent non-remitters were defined as those with QIDS-SR score > 5 at all 3 assessments. A follow-up assessment was done at month 6 to examine outcomes. Cross-lagged models indicated QIDS-SR predicted social functioning and QOL., Results: Totally, 179 patients at baseline achieved remission. An additional 141 participants remitted at month 1 (n = 94) or month 3 (n = 47), and 63 patients were persistent non-remitters. There were significant differences between all groups on depression severity at baseline. QOL was similar for both late remitter groups, which was better than non-remitters, but lower than early-remitters. Late remitters and non-remitters showed significant differences on change of functioning and QOL (P < 0.001) at each visit. By 6 months, all remitting groups showed lower depression severity and better social functioning and QOL than persistent non-remitters. Cross-lagged models indicated QIDS-SR predicted social functioning and QOL., Conclusion: We confirmed the association of earlier remission with a better quality of remission at early stage; but the time to remission does not affect future functioning and QOL., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest All authors declare no conflicts of interest concerning this article., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Trichiurus japonicus is an economically valuable species in the East China Sea, whose allowable capture size varies with fishing effort in different years. To clarify the optimum capture size for T. japonicus in the East China Sea, we collected samples and data from T. japonicus targeting fishing gears such as trawls, canvas spreader stow nets and longlines from 2016 to 2020. We estimated growth and mortality parameters using the FiSAT II software, and calculated the size limit standards for capture. The results showed that the inflection point of anal length, the critical anal length and the anal length of one-year-old T. japonicus was 382.84, 397.12, and 216.05 mm, respectively. The anal length of maturity was 230.38 mm, and the minimum capture size (anal length) was 219.23 mm. Based on the yield per recruitment analysis using Beverton-Holt model, the current fishery reference points were under overfishing condition ( t c =0.38 a, F catches in the East China Sea if the suggested minimum capture size was substantially higher, which might be non-practical for local fishermen. Therefore, we suggested 220 mm as the capture size limit, which was close to the anal length of one-year-old fish and the anal length of maturity.T. japonicus catches in the East China Sea if the suggested minimum capture size was substantially higher, which might be non-practical for local fishermen. Therefore, we suggested 220 mm as the capture size limit, which was close to the anal length of one-year-old fish and the anal length of maturity.

Objectives: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory Haemophilus influenzae (HI) infection in children in Suzhou, China and its association with climatic factors and air pollutants., Methods: The data on air pollutants and climatic factors in Suzhou from January 2016 to December 2019 were collected. Respiratory secretions were collected from 7 940 children with acute respiratory infection who were hospitalized during this period, and bacterial culture results were analyzed for the detection of HI. A stepwise regression analysis was used to investigate the association of HI detection rate with air pollutants (PM 2.5 , PM 10 , NO 2 , SO 2 , CO, and O 3 ) and climatic factors (monthly mean temperature, monthly mean humidity, monthly total rainfall, monthly total sunshine duration, and monthly mean wind speed)., Results: In 2016-2019, the 4-year overall detection rate of HI was 9.26% (735/7 940) among the children in Suzhou. The children aged <1 year and 1-<3 years had a significantly higher HI detection rate than those aged ≥3 years ( P <0.01). The detection rate of HI in spring was significantly higher than that in the other three seasons, and the detection rate of HI in autumn was significantly lower than that in the other three seasons ( P <0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that PM 10 and monthly mean wind speed were independent risk factors for the detection rate of HI: the detection rate of HI was increased by 0.86% for every 10 µg/m 3 increase in the concentration of PM 10 and was increased by 5.64% for every 1 m/s increase in monthly mean wind speed. Air pollutants and climatic factors had a lag effect on the detection rate of HI., Conclusions: HI is an important pathogen for acute respiratory infection in children in Suzhou and is prevalent in spring. PM 10 and monthly mean wind speed are independent risk factors for the detection rate of HI.

In order to understand the growth dynamics of Larimichthys polyactis in spring and autumn along the coast of Zhejiang Province, we used the survey data of bottom trawlers in spring (April) and autumn (November) from 2014 to 2019 along the coast of Zhejiang Province to examine the heterogeneity of L. polyactis growth by constructing a generalized linear model (GLM) and nine linear mixed effect models (LMEM). The results showed that body length of L. polyactis ranged from 15 mm to 210 mm, with an average of 124.12 mm. The dominant body length group ranged from 110 mm to 140 mm. The body weight ranged from 0.04 g to 156.2 g, with an average of 33.28 g. The dominant body weight group ranged from 30 to 50 g. According to the AIC minimum criterion, the LMEM model with the random effects of seasons and water zones on growth parameters a and b was the best. The results of cross validation also showed that the prediction of this model was the best. In the optimal model, the fixed value of growth parameter a was 0.61×10 -4 , which ranged in (0.32-1.91)×10 -4 after adding season and water random effect. The fixed value of parameter b was 2.73, and ranged from 2.49 to 2.86 after adding the random effects of season and water area, indicating that small yellow croaker was under negative allometric growth. Season and water zone had significant effects on the relationship between body length and body weight of small yellow croaker. From a seasonal perspective, the growth rate of small yellow croaker in spring was higher than that in autumn. From water zone perspective, the closer the offshore distance, the faster the growth rate of small yellow croaker.

Objectives: Functional constipation is a gastrointestinal disorder prevalent around the world. Lubiprostone is the first locally acting type-2 chloride channel activator to be used for treating constipation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lubiprostone in Chinese adults with functional constipation., Methods: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients with functional constipation were randomized to receive either lubiprostone (24 mcg twice daily) or placebo for 4 weeks. The primary end-point was the frequency of spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) during the first week of treatment. The secondary end-points included the median time of the first SBM, SBM frequency at weeks 2, 3 and 4, weekly response rate of SBMs, the stool consistency score and average number of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) per week., Results: In total, 259 patients were randomized, with 130 in the lubiprostone group and 129 in the placebo group. SBM frequency was higher in the lubiprostone group (4.88 ± 4.09/wk) than that in the placebo group (3.22 ± 2.01/wk) at week 1 (P < 0.0001). SBM frequency was also higher in the lubiprostone group at weeks 2, 3 and 4. The average number of CSBMs and the stool consistency score in the lubiprostone group were significantly higher than that in the placebo group at each week. No drug-related serious adverse events (AEs) occurred. The most commonly reported AE was nausea., Conclusion: Lubiprostone was superior to placebo in treating Chinese patients with functional constipation, together with good safety profile., (© 2021 Chinese Medical Association Shanghai Branch, Chinese Society of Gastroenterology, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

We investigated population structure, resource density changes of Larimichthys polyactis and its relationship with environmental factors in spring, based on the survey data of bottom trawl in adjacent sea areas of Zhoushan fishery spawning ground protection area from 2014 to 2019. The results showed that the relationship between body length and body weight of Larimichthys polyactis was W =0.44×10 -4 × L 2.78 , and parameter b was less than 3, which indicated that L. polyactis had negative allometric growth in recent years. There was a negative correlation between fullness and body length, with body becoming slender. From 2014 to 2019, body length and weight of L. polyactis were the highest in 2014 and the lowest in 2019. Since 2014, population size of L. polyactis in Zhoushan fishery spawning ground protection area and adjacent sea area had gradually decreased, indicating that the miniaturization of L. polyactis had not altered in recent years. From the perspective of the annual change of resource density, resource density of L. polyactis was higher than that before the establishment of the reserve, indicating that the management and protection of the reserve area played a protective role in the recovery of L. polyactis resources. The fitting results of GAM model showed that water depth and bottom water temperature were the environmental factors closely related to the density distribution of L. polyactis resources. With increasing water depth, the resources showed a fluctuating upward trend and were the highest near the water depth of 60 m. In the range of 12-16 ℃ water temperature, the resources increased with the increases of bottom water temperature. When water temperature was above 16 ℃, resources decreased with the increases of bottom water temperature.

The frequency of infection of duck circovirus (DuCV) in Anhui province, China is not well-characterized. Therefore, in this study, we collected 69 samples from sick ducks and tested them for the presence of DuCV by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The complete viral genomes of five DuCV strains from five different cities were randomly selected, amplified via PCR, sequenced, and subjected to recombination analysis. The five DuCV genomes were named as AHAU9, AHAU25, AHAU28, AHAU37, and AHAUHQ. We found that 36.2 % of the ducks were infected with DuCV. The five DuCV strains had genome lengths ranging from 1987 to 1995 nucleotides, with a sequence similarity of 81.8-98.2 %. Among them, AHAU28, AHAU37, and AHAUHQ were closely related to the reference strain YF180403, GX1105 strain, and wd2015028 of DuCV, respectively. AHAU9 and AHAU25 were found to belong to a new DuCV subtype, DuCV-1d. Moreover, recombination analysis showed that the DuCV-1d subtype strains had the same recombination pattern. These results improve the understanding of the frequency of DuCV infection in Anhui province. Our findings may be useful for preventing and controlling the spread of DuCV., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

To elucidate the characteristics of fishery resources structure in the Dachenyang Spaw-ning Ground Reserve, the index of relative importance (IRI), biodiversity index and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) were used to explore the relationship between crustaceans community and marine environment based on the bottom trawl survey data collected from April and November in 2018. A total of 38 crustaceans species were recorded, belonged to 25 genera in 14 families. The dominant species were Oratosquilla oratoria , Portunus trituberculatus , Charybdis bimaculata , and Parapenaeopsis hardwickii . The resource density of crustaceans was generally high in depths below 50 m in spring and in depths above 50 m in autumn. The density in the southern area was higher than nouthern area. The Margalef species richness index ( D ), Shannon diversity index ( H ) and Pielou evenness index ( J ) of crustaceans in spring was higher than that in autumn. The H of crustaceans in depths above 50 m was the highest. Based on cluster analysis and non-matrix multidimentional scaling analysis, the crustaceans could be classified into three groups in spring and four groups in autumn. The differences in crustacean community structure in spring were more significant than in autumn. The results of canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that water depth, bottom temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen were the main environmental factors affecting species composition and spatial structure of crustaceans in the surveyed area.

Six julichrome derivatives including a new monomeric julichrome named as julichrome Q 10 ( 1 ), and previous reported julichrome Q 6 ( 2 ), julichrome Q 6.6 ( 4 ), julichrome Q 3.5 ( 5 ), julichrome Q 5.6 ( 6 ), julichrome Q 2.3 ( 7 ), along with a diketopiperazine gliotoxin ( 3 ) were isolated from a soil derived strain Streptomyces sp. The structures of these compounds were identified by HR-ESI-MS, UV, IR and NMR methods. The isolated compounds were tested for their in vitro cytotoxicity against human hepatocarcinoma HepG-2 and SMMC-7721 cell lines, human breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, and human normal heptical LO2 cell line. Gliotoxin ( 3 ) showed the most cytotoxic activity against the tested tumor cell lines, with IC 50 values ranging from 0.11 to 1.45 μM. Julichrome Q 6.6 ( 4 ) displayed selective cytotoxic activity against SMMC-7721, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines.

To understand the status and dynamics of macrozoobenthos community in Sanmen Bay, we collected benthos samples by Agassiz trawl in November 2015, and February, May and August in 2016. The results showed that: 1) A total of 119 macrozoobenthos species were recorded, with main groups of fishes, crustaceans and molluscs, accounting for 79% of the total number of species. 2) The dominant species of macrozoobenthos throughout the year were Leptochela gracilis , Hyperacanthomysis longirostris and Amblychaeturichthys hexanema . The identity of dominant species changed significantly in different seasons. 3) The annual average biomass and density were 0.025 g·m -2 and 0.07 ind·m -2 , respectively. 4) The Shannon's diversity index of macrozoobenthos in Sanmen Bay varied from 2.21 to 3.18, the Margalef's species richness index varied from 3.25 to 3.78, and the Pielou's evenness index varied from 0.53 to 0.79. Results from abundance-biomass curve analysis showed that the community was moderately disturbed in spring and winter, and slightly disturbed in summer and autumn. Results from Canonical correspondence analysis showed that water depth, temperature, salinity, and pH were the most important environmental factors affecting macrozoobenthos community.

The relative importance index (IRI), mean crowding, niche breadth, and niche overlap (Q ik ) of major fish species were calculated based on two fishery resource surveys from April to May 2016 (spring) in the coastal waters of central and southern Zhejiang Province. The results showed that there were 24 major fish species (IRI:100), the niche breadth values of which differed greatly and were positively correlated with IRI. The niche overlaps of fishes were extremely low in spring. The total amount of species pairs with niche overlap 0.6 (Q ik :0.6) were six in April and five in May, which represented 3.9% and 4.8% of the total pairs, respectively. Results from the redundancy analysis showed that the distribution of major fish species were mainly affected by temperature, salinity, water depth, and dissolved oxygen, which caused ecological differentiation of fish species.

Background/objectives: The assessment of nutritional status and the quality of life in patients with gastric cancer has become one of the important goals of current clinical treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status in hospitalized gastric cancer patients by using patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) and to analyze the influence of nutritional status on the patients' quality of life (QOL)., Methods: We reviewed the pathological diagnosis of gastric cancer for 2322 hospitalized patients using PG-SGA to assess their nutritional status and collected data on clinical symptoms, the anthropometric parameters (height, weight, body mass index (BMI), mid-arm circumference (MAC), triceps skin-fold thickness (TSF), and hand-grip strength (HGS). We also collected laboratory data (prealbumin, albumin, hemoglobin) within 48 h after the patient was admitted to the hospital. The 30-item European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used for QOL assessment in all patients., Results: By using PG-SGA, we found 80.4% of the patients were malnourished (score ≥ 4) and 45.1% of the patients required urgent nutritional support (score ≥ 9). In univariate analysis, old age (> 65 years, p < 0.001), female (p = 0.007), residence in a village (p = 0.004), a lower level of education (p < 0.001), and self-paying (p < 0.001) were indicated as risk factors of patients with gastric cancer to be suffering from severe malnutrition. There was a negative correlation between PG-SGA and various nutritional parameters (p < 0.05). The quality of life was significantly different in gastric cancer patients with different nutritional status (p < 0.01)., Conclusion: Malnutrition of hospitalized patients with gastric cancer in China is common and seriously affects the patients' quality of life. The nutritional status should be evaluated in a timely manner and reasonable nutritional intervention should be provided as soon as possible. The PG-SGA was fit for using as a clinical nutrition assessment method, being worthy of clinical application.

Aspergillus niger was inoculated to the roots of five plants, and the Syngonium podophyllum-A. niger combinate system (SPANCS) was found to be the most effective in removing uranium from hydroponic liquid with initial uranium concentration of 5 mg L(-1). Furthermore, the hydroponic experiments on the removal of uranium from the hydroponic liquids with initial uranium concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 mg L(-1) by the SPANCS were conducted, the inhibitory effect of A. niger on the growth of S. podophyllum in the SPANCS was studied, the accumulation characteristics of uranium by S. podophyllum in the SPANCS were analyzed, and the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra were measured. The results show that the removal of uranium by the SPANCS from the hydroponic liquids with initial uranium concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 mg L(-1) reached 98.20, 97.90, and 98.50%, respectively, after 37 days of accumulation of uranium; that the uranium concentrations in the hydroponic liquids decreased to 0.009, 0.021, and 0.045 mg L(-1), respectively, which are lower than the stipulated concentration for discharge of 0.050 mg L(-1) by the People's Republic of China; that A. niger helped to generate more groups in the root of S. podophyllum which can improve the complexing capability of S. podophyllum for uranium; and that the uranium accumulated in the root of S. podophyllum was in the form of phosphate uranyl and carboxylic uranyl.

Lower respiratory tract infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Human bocavirus (HBoV) is confirmed to have an association with pediatric lower respiratory tract infection. Seasonal and meteorological factors may play a key role in the epidemiology of HBoV. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the frequency, season, and clinical characteristics of hospitalized children with HBoV infection. In addition, an evaluation of the effects of meteorological factors on the incidence of HBoV in a subtropical area in China will be conducted. Children were <14 years in age and hospitalized for lower respiratory tract infection between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2012 in the Respiratory Disease Department at the Children's Hospital affiliated to Soochow University. Multi-pathogens were detected in nasopharyngeal aspirate samples. The association between HBoV activity and regional meteorological conditions was analyzed. The average incidence of HBoV infection was 6.6% (502/7,626). Of the 502 HBoV positive children, the median age was 13 months (range 1-156 months). The HBoV infection rate was highest among the 7-12 months groups (12.9%, 163/1,267). Seasonal distribution of HBoV was noted during June to November, especially during the summer season (June to August). HBoV activity was associated with temperature and humidity although the lag effect between temperature and HBoV activity observed. HBoV is one of the most common viral pathogens in children with lower respiratory tract infection. HBoV infection occurs throughout the year with a peak during the summer. Temperature and humidity may affect the incidence of HBoV., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background & Aims: Although there are a few highly penetrant mutations that are linked directly to cancer initiation, more less-penetrant susceptibility alleles have been associated with cancer risk and progression. We used RNA sequence analysis to search for genetic variations associated with pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)., Methods: We analyzed 400 paired HCC and adjacent nontumor tissues, along with clinical information, from patients who underwent surgery at Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China. Total RNA was extracted from tissues and sequenced, and variations with allele imbalance were identified. Effects of variants on cell functions were investigated in HCC cell lines and tumor xenografts in mice. Variants were associated with patient outcomes., Results: We found a high proportion of allele imbalance in genes related to cellular stress. A nucleotide variation in the Oxidative Stress-Induced Growth Inhibitor 1 (OSGIN1) gene (nt 1494: G-A) resulted in an amino acid substitution (codon 438: Arg-His). The variant form of OSGIN1 was specifically retained in the tumor tissues. Functional assays showed that the common form of OSGIN1 functioned as a tumor suppressor, sensitizing HCC cells to chemotherapeutic agents by inducing apoptosis. However, the variant form of OSGIN1 was less effective. It appeared to affect the translocation of OSGIN1 from the nucleus to mitochondria, which is important for its apoptotic function. The expression pattern and localization of OSGIN1 was altered in HCC specimens, compared with adjacent liver tissue. Levels of OSGIN1 messenger RNA were reduced in 24.7% of HCC specimens, and down-regulation was associated with shorter overall and disease-free survival times of patients. Patients with the OSGIN1 1494A variant had the shortest mean survival time (32.68 mo) among patient subgroups, and their tumor samples had the lowest apoptotic index., Conclusions: We identified OSGIN1 as a tumor suppressor that is down-regulated or altered in human HCCs. Variants of OSGIN1 detected in HCC samples reduce apoptosis and are associated with shorter survival times of patients., (Copyright © 2014 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A new species of structurally preserved fern rhizome, Ashicaulis plumites (Osmundaceae, Filicales), is described from the Middle Jurassic Tiaojishan Formation in western Liaoning Province, NE China. The new species is characterized by a peculiar sclerenchyma mass in the petiolar vascular bundle concavity. This sclerenchyma mass varies from a linear-shape to a mushroom-like shape with a remarkable outward protuberance, which distinguishes the present new species from other Ashicaulis species. Such a protuberance is very rare among osmundaceous ferns, and should represent a unique type for sclerenchymatous tissue in the osmundaceous vascular bundle concavity. Recognition of the peculiar structure of this new fossil species enriches anatomical diversity of permineralized osmundaceous ferns, indicating that the family Osmundaceae might have experienced a remarkable diversification during the Middle Jurassic in NE China. The new species show anatomical similarities to Osmunda pluma Miller from the Palaeocene of North America. The occurrence of A. plumites in the Middle Jurassic of China provides a new clue for understanding the evolution of some members of the living subgenus Osmunda.

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of influenza B viruses and explore the genetic evolution characteristics of the hemagglutinin(HA) and neuraminidase(NA) genes of local isolated strains in Ningbo, Southeast China, during 2010 to 2012., Methods: Respiratory specimens from 3440 cases of patients with influenza-like illness(ILI) during 2010 to 2012 were collected in for virus isolation. And the 628 sera samples were collected in 2010 from the healthy community population to detect the HI antibody level against the local isolated virus.For phylogenetic analysis, the fragments of HA and NA genes were amplified and sequenced from strains isolated in different years. The association between evolution of HA and epidemiological characteristics were analyzed., Results: A total of 109 strains of influenza B virus were isolated, including 102 (93.6%) Victoria-lineage strains and 7 (6.4%) Yamagata-lineage strains. Positive rates of HI antibody against Victoria-lineage strains and Yamagata-lineage strains were 51.1% (321) and 47.8% (300), respectively (χ(2) = 1.405, P > 0.05) among the 628 sera samples. The phylogenetic analysis showed that all HA fragments of isolated strains clustered the same branch with Malaysia/2506/2004 while the NA genes formed different branches. Compared with Brisbane/60/2008 strain, there were 1 to 5 Amino acid mutations in HA domain, and more mutations were detected in NA domain, ranged from 6 to 16 sites. The genetic evolution of NA in Victoria-lineage strains were faster compared with HA., Conclusion: The genetic evolution rates of NA genes were faster than that of HA genes in the local circulated Victoria-lineage viruses during 2010 to 2012;The comprehensive analysis of HA and NA fragments were more reliable and sensitive on surveillance of genetic evolution of influenza B viruses.

Background: The reported prevalence of unruptured cerebral aneurysms (UCAs) varies widely., Objective: To measure the prevalence of UCAs by using 3-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography in adults aged 35 to 75 years., Design: Cross-sectional study done between June 2007 and June 2011., Setting: Two communities chosen at random from 2 districts (1 urban and 1 suburban) in Shanghai, China., Participants: 4813 adults aged 35 to 75 years., Measurements: Three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography, interpreted by 3 observers blinded to the participants' information, was used to identify the location and size of UCAs and to estimate the overall, age-specific, and sex-specific prevalence., Results: 369 UCAs were found in 336 participants (130 men and 206 women); 4477 participants had no evidence of UCAs. The prevalence was 7.0% overall (95% CI, 6.3% to 7.7%), with 5.5% for men (CI, 4.6% to 6.4%) and 8.4% for women (CI, 7.3% to 9.5%). The overall prevalence of UCAs was higher in women than in men (P < 0.001) and peaked at ages 55 to 64 years in men and women. The UCAs were mostly located in the internal carotid artery (81%), and 90.2% had a maximum diameter less than 5 mm. Mean diameter was larger in women than in men (3.7 mm vs. 3.2 mm; P < 0.009)., Limitation: Participants were from 2 communities selected from 2 districts in Shanghai, and adults older than 75 years were not studied., Conclusion: The overall prevalence of UCAs was 7.0% in Chinese adults aged 35 to 75 years, and most lesions had a diameter less than 5 mm., Primary Funding Source: National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Objective: To elucidate the etiology of acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) in hospitalized children in Suzhou from 2005 to 2011., Methods: A total of 10 243 hospitalized children with ARI in Children's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University from September 2005 to October 2011 were enrolled in the study. The clinical information was collected; and the nasopharyngeal aspiration fluid and serum samples were sent for multi-pathogen detection. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus type A and B (IV-A, IV-B), parainfluenza virus type 1-3 (PIV-1-PIV-3) and adenovirus (ADV) were detected by direct immunofluorescence assay. Human bocavirus (HBoV), mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and chlamydia pneumoniae (CP) were detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR while human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was detected by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Sputum culture was applied to detect bacterial infection and quantitative ELISA was adopted to detect the specific antibodies of MP and CP. The results of the above detections were analyzed, and thereby to explore the prevalent pathogens among different aging children and the seasonal distribution and characteristics of the disease., Results: At least one type of pathogen was detected in 5871 out of 10 243 hospitalized children and the overall positive rate was 57.32%; including 3326 virus samples with positive rate at 32.47% (3326/10 243), 2870 bacteria samples with positive rate at 28.02% (2870/10 243) and 2759 atypical pathogen samples,with positive rate at 26.94% (2759/10 243). MP was the most common pathogen,whose detected rate was 25.74% (2637/10 243). The median age of children with RSV (6 months) or PIV-3(8 months) infection was younger than the median age of all hospitalized children (12 months) (χ(2) = 380.992, 34.826, P < 0.05). While the median age of children with ADV (42 months), HBoV (14 months) or IV-A (24 months) infection was older than it of all hospitalized children (χ(2) = 83.583, 13.169, 18.012, P < 0.05). The median age of children with MP (30 months),streptococcus pneumoniae (17 months) or haemophilus parainfluenzae (21 months) infection was older than it of all hospitalized children (χ(2) = 728.299, 60.463, 8.803, P < 0.05). The detected rate of RSV in the groups of children aging less than 6 months, 7-12 months, 2-3 years, 4-5 years and over 6 years was separately 25.59% (840/3283), 17.05% (333/1953), 11.85% (310/2615), 6.68% (90/1347), and 2.87% (30/1045); which decreased while the age grew (χ(2) = 178.46, P < 0.01). Conversely, the positive rate of MP increased with the age growing (χ(2) = 379.21, P < 0.01). The rate in the above groups was 8.25% (271/3283), 19.46% (380/1953), 33.00% (863/2615), 41.43% (558/1347), 54.07% (565/1045), respectively. RSV and IV-A were prevalent in winter, whose detected rates were 35.73% (941/2634) and 4.44% (117/2634) respectively.hMPV infection was common in spring, with the detected rate at 10.55% (278/2634); while HBoV infection was common in summer and autumn, with the positive rate at 9.99% (149/1491) and 9.71% (98/1009). MP and CP were frequently detected in summer, up to 31.27% (819/2619) and 10.07% (43/427) respectively. RSV was the most common pathogen in bronchiolitis (33.27% (866/2603)) and MP was the most common pathogen in bronchopneumonia (26.05% (1152/4422)) and lober pneumonia (52.25% (267/511))., Conclusion: MP and RSV were the most common pathogens in respiratory tract infection in hospitalized children. The novel virus included hMPV and HBoV, which also played an important role in ARI. Different pathogens were prevalent in different ages; with respective seasonal distribution and characteristics.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is an important respiratory pathogen in young children whose seasonal activity varies substantially from year to year among different populations. This study was conducted to investigate if there was a seasonal variation in the incidence of hMPV infection in young children and possible associations between hMPV infection and local meteorological parameters in Suzhou, China. A total of 6,655 children with acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) admitted to the Children's Hospital affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou, were tested from January 2006 to December 2009 for the presence of hMPV using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The relationship between the presence of the virus and regional meteorological conditions was analyzed by linear and multivariate regression analysis. The overall hMPV infection incidence over the four-year study was 8.2 %, 8.1 %, 12.7 % and 7.4 % per year, respectively. Four hundred eighty-eight hMPV-positive children (78.2 %) were younger than 3 years of age. hMPV infections appear to have a seasonal distribution in Suzhou. In 2006, 2007 and 2009, the peak seasons were in December to January, while in 2008, the peak of hMPV activity occurred in May. The incidence of hMPV infection was negatively correlated with the average monthly temperature and rainfall. hMPV was one of the most common viral pathogens after respiratory syncytial virus that was associated with acute respiratory tract infection in children in Suzhou. hMPV infection occurred throughout the year with peaks during late winter and early spring. Climatic factors, especially monthly average temperature, may affect the prevalence of hMPV in Suzhou.

Covered stent placement has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for intracranial vascular lesions. However, in-stent stenosis and occlusion continue to be important concerns with the use of a covered stent, which is more thrombogenic than other types of stents. The purpose of this study was to determine predictors of in-stent stenosis and occlusion for covered stents used in the treatment of intracranial vascular diseases. Clinical, procedural and angiographic data of 46 patients with 49 intracranial vascular lesions treated with the Willis covered stent (Micro-Port, Shanghai, China) between April 2005 and October 2010 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the factors predictive of in-stent stenosis and/or occlusion of the stents. In-stent stenosis and/or occlusion were documented at angiography in six patients with six lesions, and no stenoses or occlusions were seen at angiography in the remaining 40 patients with 43 lesions. Univariate analysis revealed that hypertension, post-procedure irregular antiplatelet therapy and cerebrovascular arteriosclerosis were associated with in-stent stenosis and/or occlusion. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, post-procedure irregular antiplatelet therapy (odds ratio [OR]=15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.172-192.004; p=0.037) and cerebrovascular arteriosclerosis (OR=19; 95% CI, 1.374-262.659; p=0.028) were independent predictors of in-stent stenosis and/or occlusion. Thus, post-procedure irregular antiplatelet therapy and coexistent cerebrovascular arteriosclerosis appear to increase the risk of in-stent stenosis and/or occlusion of covered stents in the treatment of intracranial vascular disease., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sustained-release (SR) oxycodone tablets in the treatment of moderate to severe painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Design.  This was a multicenter, randomized, open-labeled study., Setting: This study was completed in 12 hospitals in China., Patients: A total of 80 Chinese patients undergoing moderate to severe painful DPN., Interventions: An initial dose of 10mg is recommended to be taken orally every 12 hours. Dose titration was done appropriately according to pain intensity and adverse reactions., Outcome Measures:   Data record included days, dosage, analgesic efficacy, quality of sleep, adverse events, and combination therapy when patients were treated with SR oxycodone tablets. The continuous observation period was 6 weeks., Results: After medication for 1 week, pain was significantly (P<0.01) relieved from 6.8±1.4 to 2.8±1.6. Onset time was within 45 minutes in nearly 60% of the patients, and within 1 hour in nearly 95% of that ones. More than 90% of the patients achieved stable analgesic dose within 3 days. After using SR oxycodone tablets for 1 week, sleep quality was significantly (P<0.01) improved. In week 1, the average dose of SR oxycodone tablets was 16.63±7.79mg. The average daily dose of most patients was about 20mg after 2 weeks. In all the enrolled patients, 38 (47.5%) had adverse reactions. No serious adverse reactions took place., Conclusion: The results of this clinical observation further elaborated the efficacy and safety of SR oxycodone tablets in the treatment of moderate to severe painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy in China., (Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

A total of 100 H1N1 flu real-time-PCR positive throat swabs collected from fever patients in Zhejiang, Hubei and Guangdong between June and November 2009, were provided by local CDC laboratories. After MDCK cell culture, 57 Influenza A Pandemic (H1N1) viruses were isolated and submitted for whole genome sequencing. A total of 39 HA sequences, 52 NA sequences, 36 PB2 sequences, 31 PB1 sequences, 40 PA sequences, 48 NP sequences, 51 MP sequences and 36 NS sequences were obtained, including 20 whole genome sequences. Sequence comparison revealed they shared a high degree of homology (96%-99%) with known epidemic strains (A/California/04/2009(H1N1). Phylogenetic analysis showed that although the sequences were highly conserved, they clustered into a small number of groups with only a few distinct strains. Site analysis revealed three substitutions at loop 220 (221-228) of the HA receptor binding site in the 39 HA sequences: A/Hubei/86/2009 PKVRDQEG → PKVRDQEA, A/Zhejiang/08/2009 PKVRDQEG → PKVRDQER, A/Hubei/75/2009 PKVRDQEG → PKVRDQGG, the A/Hubei/75/2009 was isolated from an acute case, while the other two were from patients with mild symptoms. Other key sites such as 119, 274, 292 and 294 amino acids of NA protein, 627 of PB2 protein were conserved. Meanwhile, all the M2 protein sequences possessed the Ser32Asn mutation, suggesting that these viruses were resistant to adamantanes. Comparison of these sequences with other H1N1 viruses collected from the NCBI database provides insight into H1N1 transmission and circulation patterns.

Background: The aim was to describe the clinicopathological features and prognosis of young patients with breast cancer., Patients and Methods: We reviewed the records of 1478 consecutive patients aged ≤50 years with first diagnosis of invasive breast cancer referred to surgery from January 1999 to March 2005. A total of 174 patients were aged <35 years (group I) and 1304 were aged 35-50 years (group II)., Results: Compared with patients of group II, patients of group I had a higher percentage of tumors classified as estrogen receptors (ER) negative, progesterone receptors (PR) negative, with a Ki-67 labeling index ≥20% of the cells. The 5-year survival of group I was 78.3% as compared with 84.2% for group II (P = 0.006)., Conclusion: Compared with patients aged between 35 and 50 years, patients aged <35 years have a greater chance of having an endocrine-unresponsive tumor and a significantly poor prognosis., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To study the epidemiology of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection in children and its relations with meteorological conditions in Suzhou., Method: Samples obtained from 6655 children hospitalized with acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) during the period from 2006 to 2009, were tested for virus pathogens. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from the children according to a standard protocol and were tested for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses (IFV) A and B, parainfluenza virus (PIV) types 1, 2, and 3 and adenovirus (ADV) with direct immunofluorescence assay. Samples were tested for hMPV with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Meteorological conditions including mean temperature, relative humidity, rainfall amount, sum of sunshine and mean wind velocity were collected monthly. The relationship between activity of the virus and meteorological conditions was analyzed by linear regression and stepwise regression analysis., Result: Viral pathogens were identified in 32.2% of 6655 specimens. The positive rate of hMPV was 8.9%, RSV was 15.7%, IFV, PIV and ADV detection rates were less than that of hMPV. The annual positive rate of hMPV from 2006 to 2009 was 8.2%, 8.1%, 12.7%, 7.4% respectively (χ(2) = 33.23, P < 0.05). The hMPV positive rate of the four seasons was 11.6%, 7.6%, 4.7% and 11.7%, respectively, detection rate in winter and spring was significantly higher than those in summer and autumn (χ(2) = 74.67, P < 0.001). The positive rate of hMPV and the monthly mean temperature was moderately correlated (r = -0.43), and the monthly average rainfall (r = -0.29), monthly mean relative humidity (r = -0.27), monthly average sunshine duration (r = -0.11), the monthly average wind speed (r = -0.13) had low correlations., Conclusion: hMPV was the second most common viral pathogen of acute respiratory tract infection in children in Suzhou, which prevailed predominantly in the winter and spring. Climatic factors, especially temperature and rainfall may affect the prevalence of hMPV.

Objective: To study the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory virus infection and its relations to climatic factors in Suzhou., Methods: From 2006 to 2009, viral etiology surveillance was conducted among 6655 children hospitalized with acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs). Direct immunofluorescence method was used to test respiratory secretion samples for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses A and B (Inf-A, Inf-B), parainfluenza virus types I, II, and III (Pinf-I, Pinf-II, Pinf-III) and adenovirus. Samples were tested for human metapneumovirus (hMPV) with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Samples from Jan 2006 to Dec 2009 were also tested for human bocavirus (HBoV). Climatic factors, including mean temperature, relative humidity, rainfall amount, sum of sunshine and mean wind velocity were collected monthly. The relationship between activity of each virus and climatic factors were analyzed by linear regression and stepwise regression analysis., Results: From 2006 to 2009, in the total virus detection rate was 32.2% (2142/6655) in Suzhou. RSV was the most common virus and the average detection rate was 15.7% (1048/6655), followed by hMPV 8.9% (596/6655), HBoV 7.8% (148/1883), Pinf-III 2.7% (183/6655), Inf-A 2.4% (161/6655), ADV 1.3% (89/6655), Pinf-I 0.4% (29/6655), Inf-B 0.37% (25/6655) and Pinf-II 0.16% (11/6655). The positive rates of RSV, hMPV and ADV were significantly different in four years (χ(2) = 17.71, 33.23, 8.42, all P values < 0.05). Different virus has different epidemiological characteristics and distinct seasonality. The detection rate of RSV, hMPV, Inf-A were higher in Winter as 37.2%, 13.2%, 4.4%, respectively. ADV and Pinf-III were higher in summer as 2.3% and 4.6% respectively. The peak of HBoV existed in Autumn as 3.3%. The total virus detection rate showed significant inverse correlation with month average temperature (r = -0.732, P < 0.001) and a weak inverse correlation with average wind velocity was also found (r = -0.36, 0.01 < P < 0.05). The highest month total virus detection rate was from 47.6% to 84.4% when average temperature was from 3.2°C to 9.4°C and mean wind velocity was from 1.2 - 1.9 m/s. The associations of average temperature, sum of sunshine and wind velocity with RSV activity were statistical significant (r = -0.88, P < 0.001; r = -0.43, P < 0.01; r = -0.47, P < 0.01). The highest rate was from 24.3% to 58.2%, when mean temperature was from 5.3°C to 19.9°C, mean wind velocity was from 1.3 - 2.4 m/s and sum of sunshine was 61.0 to 153.4 hours. hMPV detection rate was inversely correlated with mean temperature and rain account (r = -0.43, P < 0.01; r = -0.29, P < 0.05). The rate was highest from 11.7% to 31.6% when mean temperature was from 5.3°C to 21.9°C and rain account was from 27.5 millimeter to 150.9 millimeter. Only mean temperature was positively correlated with Pinf-III (r = 0.53, P < 0.001). The rate was from 2.8% to 7.2% when mean temperature was between 11.9°C and 30.4°C. ADV detection rate was positively correlated with mean temperature and sum of sunshine, but negatively correlated with wind velocity (r = 0.35, P < 0.05; r = 0.30, P < 0.05; r = -0.32, P < 0.05). The rate was from 2.2% to 6.6% when mean temperature was between 15.9°C and 30.4°C, and sum of sunshine between 93 hours to 240.7 hours and mean wind velocity was from 1.1 - 2.8 m/s. Average temperature and relative humidity showed interactions on the detection rate of ADV (r = 0.36, P = 0.0093; r = -0.34, P = 0.016), but temperature showed higher effect on ADV detection rate. ADV detection rate was high at higher temperature (15.9 - 30.4°C) and low humidity (56% - 71%)., Conclusion: RSV was one of the most common viruses among hospitalized children in Suzhou, and hMPV and HBoV also played an important role in respiratory tract infection of children. Different virus has different cycle and seasonality. Climatic factors, especially mean temperature, was the main factor affecting the virus prevalence.

The Huayuan River in Hunan Province in China is subject to ongoing mining activity with Mn extraction. In this study, the level and environmental significance of metals (including Mn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni and Fe) concentrations in the surface water and river sediments have been investigated along a 187 km reach of the Huayuan River. Using the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, we analyzed the characterization of metals in manganese sulphate waste residue (MSWR) deposited along the bank of Huayuan River. The speciation of metals in both sediment and MSWR was established using the BCR-three step sequential extraction procedure. In the water samples, the average concentrations of Mn, Cd and Pb exceeded the acceptable concentrations for drinking water in the WHO Guidelines for drinking water quality, Vol. 1, Recommendations, Geneva (2004) and Chinese (GB 5749-2006) guidelines, respectively. The average concentrations of Mn, Cd, Pb and Zn in the river sediments were found to be considerably higher than the corresponding world average shale values. The percentages of Cd (31.4%), Mn (31.1%), Zn (12.8%) and Pb (8.1%) associated with exchangeable and weak acid fraction in the sediments were higher than other metals. Mn (5.81%), Zn (0.208%), Pb (0.0292%) and Cd (0.0113%) were identified in MSWR by XRF analysis. The percentages of Mn, Cd, Zn and Pb associated with the exchangeable and weak acid soluble fraction in MSWR were 41.9%, 31.1%, 23.8% and 9.8%, respectively. The peak solute and sediment-bound metal concentrations were found at the sites of MSWR deposited along the bank of Huayuan River. The results suggested that MSWR deposited along the bank may have a closely relation with the metal pollution of Huayuan River. The results obtained may be useful to assess both short and long-term environmental impact of the MSWR deposited activities and support decisions for a future remediation of this river.

Objective: To evaluate the effect on health education of Hepatitis B control and prevention in reproductive age women in rural areas to put forward valuable recommendations for the strategies of Hepatitis B control., Methods: A project was carried out in two counties in Shaanxi Province. The measures were conducted by strengthening health education, training of medical worker, reinforcing the management of pregnant women, preventing mother-to-infant transmission of Hepatitis B virus (HBV)., Results: The children's timely birth-dose coverage of Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) increased from 76.34% to 93.79%; the timely birth-dose coverage and full-course coverage increased to 93.28% and 92.91% respectively; reproductive age women knowledge on Hepatitis B prevention significant increased and the mother-to-infant transmission interrupted rate was 98.11%., Conclusion: It have remarkably improved the coverage of HepB and knowledge on Hepatitis B prevention, interrupted mother-to-infant transmission effectively as well as. Health education of Hepatitis B control and prevention in reproductive age women in rural area has obtained excellent results.