Search

Aim: The commonly recommended endotracheal tube cuff pressure is 20–30 cmH2O. However, some patients require a cuff pressure of >30 cmH2O to prevent air leakage. The study aims to determine the risk factors that contribute to the endotracheal tube cuff pressure of >30 cmH2O to prevent air leakage. Design: A multi‐centre prospective observational study. Methods: Eligible patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit of three hospitals between March 2020 and July 2022 were included. The endotracheal tube cuff pressure to prevent air leakage was determined using the minimal occlusive volume technique. The patient demographics and clinical information were collected. Results: A total of 284 patients were included. Among these patients, 55 (19.37%) patients required a cuff pressure of >30 cmH2O to prevent air leakage. The multivariate logistic regression results revealed that the surgical operation (odds ratio [OR]: 8.485, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.066–67.525, p = 0.043) was inversely associated with the endotracheal tube cuff pressure of >30 cmH2O, while the oral intubation route (OR: 0.127, 95% CI: 0.022–0.750, p = 0.023) and cuff inner diameter minus tracheal area (OR: 0.949, 95% CI: 0.933–0.966, p < 0.001) were negatively associated with the endotracheal tube cuff pressure of >30 cmH2O. Therefore, a significant number of patients require an endotracheal tube cuff pressure of ＞30 cmH2O to prevent air leakage. Several factors, including the surgical operation, intubation route, and difference between the cuff inner diameter and tracheal area at the T3 vertebra, should be considered when determining the appropriate cuff pressure during mechanical ventilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carassius auratus gibelio, commonly known as crucian carp, is the main species of freshwater aquaculture in China. Due to high-density aquaculture and environmental pollution, various diseases continue to emerge, especially the diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria have seriously restricted the development of freshwater aquaculture. Among these, Aeromonas hydrophila (AH) is the one of the most serious fish disease causing economic losses among fish farmers. An in-depth understanding of the crucian carp's immune system and its genes involved in the response to bacterial infection is necessary for disease control. In this study, the breeding period was divided into the control group (C group) and the Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) group (BL group). After 4 weeks of culture, the crucian carp was infected with AH and divided into the control group (Cg group) and the B. licheniformis group (BLg group). After the 72-h challenge, the Illumina-based paired-end sequencing approach to analyze the transcriptome profile of the crucian carp gut following AH infection. A total of 472.05 million valid reads were found from the four intestinal samples and 403.18 million reads were mapped successfully, of which 243.34 million were unique. About GO enrichment analysis, significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were more in biological process (406 DEGs), regulation of transcription, DNA-templated (345 DEGs), and signal transduction (304 DEGs). In the cell components, membrane (1913 DEGs) and integral component of membrane (1789 DEGs) had a higher number of significantly different genes. In the molecular function, metal ion binding (780 DEGs), ATP binding (535 DEGs), transferase activity (491 DEGs), and nucleotide binding (482 DEGs) have a large number of significantly different genes. Regarding the KEGG enrich analysis section, this study is arranged in ascending P-value order, andthe most significant signaling paths are lysosome, glucose metabolism, cycline cycline receiver interaction, and phagosome. Among them, the cycline cycline receiver interaction has the highest difference in significant genes. In addition, 5 immune-related genes were selected for real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR analysis to verify the RNA-seq data, and the results showed that the expression of all 5 genes was upregulated, which was consistent with the results of our RNA-seq analysis. After analysis, it was found that B. licheniformis can alleviate the inflammatory response and protect the fish body. Our results provide a reference for further analysis of the antagonism and mitigation mechanism of B. licheniformis against AH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aimei Wu,2,* Xinyi Chen,6,7 Xiaoying Meng,2 Qianyun Zhang,2 Zheng Tan,2 Hong Yue,2 Juncang Wu1,21Department of Neurology, Hefei Second People's Hospital Affiliated to Bengbu Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230011, People's Republic of China; 2Department of Neurology, Hefei Second People's Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230011, People's Republic of China; 3Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China; 4Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, People's Republic of China; 5Collaborative Innovation Centre of Neuropsychiatric Disorder and Mental Health, Hefei, 230000, People's Republic of China; 6Department of Neurology, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University (Hefei Second People's Hospital), Hefei, Anhui, 230011, People's Republic of China; 7The Fifth Clinical School of Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230011, People's Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence: Juncang Wu; Hong Yue, Intersection of Guangde Road and Leshui Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230011, People's Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86 551 13956076148 ; +86 551 18949855780, Email [email protected] ; [email protected] Background and Purpose: The role of serum uric acid (UA) level in patients suffering from stroke remains controversial. Our aim was to investigate the effect of UA level on clinical outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods: In the retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from 250 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (85 women and 165 men) to investigate the difference in UA levels between patients with a good prognosis and those with a poor prognosis. Additionally, we analyzed the impact of UA levels on the risk of short-time prognosis of ICH patients. Results: Patients with a good prognosis presented with significantly lower levels of UA (348.71 ± 84.97 μmol/L) than those with poor prognosis (393.06 ± 148.46 μmol/L). Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated that a high UA level was a likely risk factor for worse prognosis among patients suffering in ICH (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.006 [1.0012, 1.0108]; P = 0.015). Additionally, UA has a threshold effect value of 363.9 μmol/L and was presented in levels that were in a nonlinear relationship with incidence rate of short-time prognosis outcome of ICH patients. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that higher UA levels can increase the risk of poor clinical prognosis in patients with ICH and high UA levels are not conductive to the clinical prognosis of patients with ICH. These findings provide a new perspective on the treatment and prevention of ICH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrixspermum taeniophyllum is described as a new orchid species from Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province of southwest China. It is morphologically similar to T. japonicum, but it differs from the latter in having branched stems, slightly fleshy strapshaped leaves, longer inflorescences with 3–6 flowers and a capitate gynandrium with a lip-shaped mouth opening. Its species status is also supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses, based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and three chloroplast DNA fragments (matK, psbA-trnH and trnL-F), which showed distinct systematic boundaries from the most morphologically similar T. japonicum and their morphological relatives T. saruwatarii and T. pygmaeum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rhizosphere microbiome, which is shaped by host genotypes, root exudates, and plant domestication, is crucial for sustaining agricultural plant growth. Despite its importance, how plant domestication builds up specific rhizosphere microbiomes and metabolic functions, as well as the importance of these affected rhizobiomes and relevant root exudates in maintaining plant growth, is not well understood. Here, we firstly investigated the rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities of domestication and wild accessions of tetraploid wheat using amplicon sequencing (16S and ITS) after 9 years of domestication process at the main production sites in China. We then explored the ecological roles of root exudation in shaping rhizosphere microbiome functions by integrating metagenomics and metabolic genomics approaches. Furthermore, we established evident linkages between root morphology traits and keystone taxa based on microbial culture and plant inoculation experiments. Results: Our results suggested that plant rhizosphere microbiomes were co-shaped by both host genotypes and domestication status. The wheat genomes contributed more variation in the microbial diversity and composition of rhizosphere bacterial communities than fungal communities, whereas plant domestication status exerted much stronger influences on the fungal communities. In terms of microbial interkingdom association networks, domestication destabilized microbial network and depleted the abundance of keystone fungal taxa. Moreover, we found that domestication shifted the rhizosphere microbiome from slow growing and fungi dominated to fast growing and bacteria dominated, thereby resulting in a shift from fungi-dominated membership with enrichment of carbon fixation genes to bacteria-dominated membership with enrichment of carbon degradation genes. Metagenomics analyses further indicated that wild cultivars of wheat possess higher microbial function diversity than domesticated cultivars. Notably, we found that wild cultivar is able to harness rhizosphere microorganism carrying N transformation (i.e., nitrification, denitrification) and P mineralization pathway, whereas rhizobiomes carrying inorganic N fixation, organic N ammonification, and inorganic P solubilization genes are recruited by the releasing of root exudates from domesticated wheat. More importantly, our metabolite-wide association study indicated that the contrasting functional roles of root exudates and the harnessed keystone microbial taxa with different nutrient acquisition strategies jointly determined the aboveground plant phenotypes. Furthermore, we observed that although domesticated and wild wheats recruited distinct microbial taxa and relevant functions, domestication-induced recruitment of keystone taxa led to a consistent growth regulation of root regardless of wheat domestication status. Conclusions: Our results indicate that plant domestication profoundly influences rhizosphere microbiome assembly and metabolic functions and provide evidence that host plants are able to harness a differentiated ecological role of root-associated keystone microbiomes through the release of root exudates to sustain belowground multi-nutrient cycles and plant growth. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying plant-microbiome interactions and how to harness the rhizosphere microbiome for crop improvement in sustainable agriculture. CBzZNC2FEDswGcHctbDosa Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes and illustrates a new species of Primulaceae, Primula wolongensis sp. nov. from Wolong National Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province, China. It is very rare and currently only known from its type locality. The new species belongs to subsection Chartacea of the section Petiolares on account of lacking bud scales at flowering, being efarinose and having distinct petiolate leaves with more or less rounded lamina. The new species can be differentiated from other members of the subsection by leaf blade margin dentate, and leaf veins which are not raised, scape shorter than or equal to pedicels, yellow flowers and location of stamens of the corolla tube at thrum flower. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) demonstrated that P. wolongensis was sister to subgen. Auriculastrum. Primula wolongensis is currently known from a single location in Wolong Town, and its conservation status is assessed as Data Deficient (DD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease with global importance caused by pathogenic Leptospira. Rodents are considered the most significant reservoirs for both human and animal infection. Historically, Guangzhou has been an endemic region of human leptospirosis. Although the incidence in humans has significantly decreased in the past decades in China, the epidemiology of pathogenic Leptospira in wild rodents is of great significance for the prevention and control of human leptospirosis. In this study, a total of 296 wild rodents were trapped in urban areas of Guangzhou, in southern China, in 2020. Three pathogenic Leptospira species, i.e., Leptospira interrogans, L. borgpetersenii, and L. kirschneri, were detected by nested PCR in this wild rodent population with an overall prevalence of 9.5%. Additionally, L. interrogans was detected in three of the four captured rodent species, and the relative high prevalence suggests that L. interrogans probably represents the preponderant species of the pathogenic Leptospira circulating in Guangzhou. Taken together, this study reveals a high genetic diversity of pathogenic Leptospira disseminated among wild rodents in the urban areas of Guangzhou and emphasizes that the risk for the occurrence of human leptospirosis in Guangzhou remains high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scrub typhus (ST) is a life-threatening infectious disease if appropriate treatment is unavailable. Large discrepancy of clinical severity of ST patients was reported among age groups, and the underlying risk factors for severe disease are unclear. Methods: Clinical and epidemiological data of ST patients were collected in 55 surveillance hospitals located in Guangzhou City, China, from 2012 to 2018. Severe prognosis and related factors were determined and compared between pediatric and elderly patients. Results: A total of 2,074 ST patients including 209 pediatric patients and 1,865 elderly patients were included, with a comparable disease severity rate of 11.0% (95% CI 7.1%–16.1%) and 10.3% (95% CI 9.0%–11.8%). Different frequencies of clinical characteristics including lymphadenopathy, skin rash, enlarged tonsils, etc. were observed between pediatric and elderly patients. Presence of peripheral edema and decreased hemoglobin were the most important predictors of severe illness in pediatric patients with adjusted ORs by 38.99 (9.96–152.67, p<0.001) and 13.22 (1.54–113.50, p = 0.019), respectively, while presence of dyspnea and increased total bilirubin were the potential determinants of severe disease in elderly patients with adjusted ORs by 11.69 (7.33–18.64, p<0.001) and 3.17 (1.97–5.11, p<0.001), respectively. Compared with pediatric patients, elderly patients were more likely to receive doxycycline (64.8% v.s 9.9%, p<0.001), while less likely to receive azithromycin therapy (5.0% v.s 41.1%, p<0.001). Conclusion: The disease severity rate is comparable between pediatric and elderly ST patients, while different clinical features and laboratory indicators were associated with development of severe complications for pediatric and elderly patients, which is helpful for diagnosis and progress assessment of disease for ST patients. Author summary: The study investigated different clinical features and risk factors for severe disease between pediatric and elderly patients with scrub typhus. We found that significantly higher frequencies of lymphadenopathy, skin rash, enlarged tonsils, etc. were observed in pediatric patients than elderly patients. Other non-specific signs, subjective complaints, and chest radiographic abnormality were overpresented in elderly patients. Risk factors for severe disease between pediatric and elderly patients with scrub typhus were different. Presence of peripheral edema and decreased hemoglobin were the most important factors for pediatric patients, while presence of dyspnea and increased total bilirubin for elderly patients. These findings reminded medical workers to acknowledge this important difference and to adopt an age specific method in the differential diagnosis and risk assessment for scrub typhus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ottelia acuminata (O. acuminata) is an edible and medicinal submerged plant endemic to southwestern China, yet there is little information available concerning its nutritional or bio-active composition. This study aimed to evaluate in detail the nutritional profile and phenolic composition of O. acuminata (inflorescence, peduncle, and leaf) and investigate a protective activity in phenolic extracts on DNA damage induced by •OH and ROO• radicals. O. acuminata was excellent sources of protein (17.7–24 g/100 g DW), TPC (11.43–19.00 mg GAE/g DW), ascorbic acid, and minerals (especially potassium, calcium, and iron). Interestingly, the protein contained a high amount of EAA with a ratio (EAA11/TAA) in the range of 47.79–50.93%, BCAA and MSG-like AA. The inflorescences and leaves of O. acuminata contained abundant UFA with a ratio of UFA/TFA more than 50%. Five phenolic compounds, with a predominance of luteolin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside and chlorogenic acid, were identified by HPLC. Phenolic extracts of O. acuminata displayed a significant protective effect on DNA damage, which effect was comparable to that of the positive control (trolox). It was concluded that O. acuminata is an excellent vegetable with a high nutritional value and a great potential as a natural antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dipteris shenzhenensis, a new species of ferns from Shenzhen, Guangdong, southern China, is identified and described. It closely resembles D. chinensis but possesses several unique traits, such as long rhizome scales, castaneous stipe, and abaxially pale fronds with two fan-shaped fronds connected by a broad wing. Molecular evidence showed that D. shenzhenensis is allied to D. conjugata, whereas it has morphologically significant differences (P < 0.05) on the basis of quantitative trait statistical analysis. Overall, the morphological evidence, taken together with the result of cpDNA indicated that D. shenzhenensis is a distinct species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

This study explores whether online claims for investor protection (informal systems) of a province have an effect on the capital structures of the companies located in this province, thereby expanding our knowledge of the effects of informal systems on investor protection. Results in this study imply that online claims for investor protection on the Internet as an informal system play the role of an alternative mechanism and produce a positive effect on real investor protection, which should garner the attention of both regulators and investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), based on peripheral platelet, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, has been proven to be a promising prognostic indicator in various diseases. Hip fracture is a common injury among the older adults, and has become a global public health problem with high mortality and disability rates. However, the relationship between SII and the prognosis of hip fracture is not yet well-known. The aim of the this study was to explore the predictive value of SII in older adults with hip fracture undergoing surgery.Methods: This was a prospective cohort study performed from January 2014 to December 2018 at a orthopaedic center, China. The SII was calculated as platelet×neutrophil/lymphocyte counts. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between SII and all-cause mortality.Results: A total of 290 older adults with hip fracture were included, and the mean (SD) age was 77.6 (8.6) years, and 189 (65.2%) were female. The median (IQR) SII was 759.4 (519.0-1128.7) × 109/L. After a median follow-up time of 33.4 months, 13 (4.5%), 26 (9.0%) and 54 (18.6%) patients died within the 30-day, 1-year and last follow-up, respectively. Multivariable Cox analysis revealed that each increase of 100 units of SII was associated with a 8% increased hazard of death at 1-year follow-up (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.17, p = 0.033), and 9% increased hazard of death at last follow-up (HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03-1.15, p = 0.003).Conclusions: SII is associated with poor all-cause mortality in older adults with hip fracture undergoing surgery, and deserves further investigation and application in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the last decade, scrub typhus (ST) has been emerging or re-emerging in some areas of Asia, including Guangzhou, one of the most affected endemic areas of ST in China.Methods: Based on the data on all cases reported in Guangzhou from 2006 to 2014, we characterized the epidemiological features, and identified environmental determinants for the spatial distribution of ST using a panel negative binomial model.Results: A total of 4821 scrub typhus cases were reported in Guangzhou during 2006-2014. The annual incidence increased noticeably and the increase was relatively high and rapid in rural townships and among elderly females. The majority of cases (86.8%) occurred during May-October, and farmers constituted the majority of the cases, accounting for 33.9% in urban and 61.6% in rural areas. The number of housekeeper patients had a rapid increment in both rural and urban areas during the study period. Atmospheric pressure and relative humidity with lags of 1 or 2 months, distributions of broadleaved forest and rural township were identified as determinants for the spatiotemporal distribution of scrub typhus.Conclusion: Our results indicate that surveillance and public education need to be focused on the elderly farmers in rural areas covered with broadleaf forest in southern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qipengyuania sediminis CGMCC 1.12928T, a family member of Erythrobacteraceae, the class of Alphaproteobacteria, was isolated from a borehole sediment sample collected from Qiangtang Basin in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, the largest permafrost in China. Understanding bacterial molecular feature may shed light on the ecological strategy in the extreme environment. Here we describe the complete genome sequence and annotation of strain CGMCC 1.12928T, including the complete genome sequence and annotation. The genome of strain CGMCC 1.12928T consist of a single-circular chromosome, comprises 2,416,000 bp with an average G + C content of 66.7 mol%, and contains 2414 genes; including 2367 CDSs, 44 tRNA genes, as well as one operon of 16S-23S-5S rRNA genes. Genomic properties indicated that strain CGMCC 1.12928T has a relatively smaller genome size and higher G + C content within the family Erythrobacteraceae. In addition, genomic analysis revealed its genome contains multiple function genes responsible for nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus cycles and explained the cold adaption mechanism. Thus, this strain plays an active role in the biogeochemical cycle in cold niche. The whole-genome of this isolate will widen our understanding of the ecological role of the genus Qipengyuania in permafrost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The ethanol extract of the twigs and leaves of Kopsia hainanensis afforded six new aspidofractinine alkaloids, kopsiahainanins A–F (1–6), among which alkaloids 1 and 2 possessed a lactone bridge with novel regiochemistry. The structures of the isolated compounds were established based on 1D and 2D (1H 1H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) NMR spectroscopy, in addition to high resolution mass spectrometry. The isolated compounds were tested in vitro for cytotoxic activity against seven tumor cell lines and antibacterial activities against two Gram-positive bacteria and five Gram-negative bacteria. As a result, alkaloids 1 and 2 exhibited cytotoxic activities (IC 50 values <20 μM) against all tested tumor cell lines and significant antibacterial properties (MIC values from 0.12 to 0.26 mM). Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing culture and creative industry has become an important agenda for the Chinese government in terms of building an innovation-oriented economy that is supported by culture and creativity. Research on culture and creative industry in China also appeared in various policy documents as well as academic journals and publications in recent years, although there is no uniform classification on what 'culture and creative industry' should encompass. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive and critical review on the current status of culture and creative research in China and identify the extent to which the current research reflect and support on China's new economic development strategy underpinned by culture and creativity. By selecting and reviewing literatures from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, it has been identified that current research on culture and creativity tends to focus on developed cities/regions using descriptive approach and issues are discussed at conceptual and macro-level. On one hand, our findings support the general trends of growth and significance of culture and creative industry in China. On the other hand, we also identify the lack of systemic review and comprehensive research in this area hinders the process of strategic decision-making by the government and organizational performance in the industry. We recommend that more critical review and in-depth research through multi-disciplinary approach should be supported in order to provide comprehensive understanding on the development and trends of culture and creative industry in China and inform government policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the isolation and complete genome sequence of a new calicivirus, FBCV-JX12, isolated from a ferret badger ( Melogale moschata). Comparison of FBCV-JX12 with other vesiviruses revealed that it shared the highest amino acid sequence identities of 71.6, 60.5, and 59.3 % in the nonstructural protein, VP1, and VP2, respectively, with MCV-DL2007 (mink calicivirus). Phylogenetic analysis of the whole genomic sequence showed that it clustered most closely with MCV-DL2007 of the genus Vesivirus, but with low nucleotide similarity in the three open reading frames (62.1-68.5 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Candidatus Cardinium' is a maternally inherited intracellular bacterium that infects a wide range of arthropods and causes diverse reproductive alterations of its arthropod hosts, including cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), parthenogenesis and feminization. CI is the most common effect and is expressed as a reduction in the number of offspring in crosses between infected males and uninfected females (or females infected with a different bacterial strain). The white-backed planthopper Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) is a major rice pest in Asia and is a vector of the Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV). In this study, we found severe CI expression induced by Cardinium in Yunnan and Guangxi populations of S. furcifera by performing four crosses of Cardinium-infected (C) and uninfected (U) planthoppers: ♀ U x ♂ U, ♀ U x ♂ C, ♀ C x ♂ U, ♀ C x ♂ C. Investigations of the fitness costs and benefits of Cardinium infection in these populations showed that it had no effect on the fecundity of females, but could shorten the developmental time of nymphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eriophyoid mites from Qinghai Province, northwestern China were studied herein. Up to now, only six species have been reported from Qinghai Province. In field surveys, 17 eriophyoid mite species were collected, among which nine species were found new to science. The new species and their host plants are listed as follows: Acaphyllisa tuberculumae sp. n. on Populus sp. (Salicaceae); Proiectus xiningensis sp. n. on Pinus sp. (Pinaceae); Phyllocoptes beishaniensis sp. n. on Spiraea mongolica Maxim. (Rosaceae); Tetra pruniana sp. n. on Prunus tomentosa Thunb. (Rosaceae) Rupr. (Berberidaceae); Tetra pyriana sp. n. on Pyrus calleryana Decne. (Rosaceae); Tetra simonia sp. n. on Populus simonii Carr. (Salicaceae); Diptacus berberinus sp. n. on Berberis amurensis Rupr. (Berberidaceae); Diptacus mengdaensis sp. n. on Lonicera elisae Franch. (Caprifoliaceae); Rhyncaphytoptus spinus sp. n. on Lonicera rupicola Hook. f. et Thoms. (Caprifoliaceae). Aculops ulmi Hong & Xue, 2005 was re-described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), is an invasive species and the most economically important pest within the insect order Thysanoptera. F. occidentalis, which is endemic to North America, was initially detected in Kunming in southwestern China in 2000 and since then it has rapidly invaded several other localities in China where it has greatly damaged greenhouse vegetables and ornamental crops. Controlling this invasive pest in China requires an understanding of its genetic makeup and migration patterns. Using the mitochondrial COI gene and 10 microsatellites, eight of which were newly isolated and are highly polymorphic, we investigated the genetic structure and the routes of range expansion of 14 F. occidentalis populations in China. Both the mitochondrial and microsatellite data revealed that the genetic diversity of F. occidentalis of the Chinese populations is lower than that in its native range. Two previously reported cryptic species (or ecotypes) were found in the study. The divergence in the mitochondrial COI of two Chinese cryptic species (or ecotypes) was about 3.3% but they cannot be distinguished by nuclear markers. Hybridization might produce such substantial mitochondrial-nuclear discordance. Furthermore, we found low genetic differentiation (global FST = 0.043, P<0.001) among all the populations and strong evidence for gene flow, especially from the three southwestern populations (Baoshan, Dali and Kunming) to the other Chinese populations. The directional gene flow was further supported by the higher genetic diversity of these three southwestern populations. Thus, quarantine and management of F. occidentalis should focus on preventing it from spreading from the putative source populations to other parts of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), is an invasive species and the most economically important pest within the insect order Thysanoptera. For a better understanding of the genetic makeup and migration patterns of F. occidentalis throughout the world, we characterized 18 novel polymorphic EST-derived microsatellites. The mutational mechanism of these EST-SSRs was also investigated to facilitate the selection of appropriate combinations of markers for population genetic studies. Genetic diversity of these novel markers was assessed in 96 individuals from three populations in China (Harbin, Dali, and Guiyang). The results showed that all these 18 loci were highly polymorphic; the number of alleles ranged from 2 to 15, with an average of 5.50 alleles per locus. The observed (HO) and expected (HE) heterozygosities ranged from 0.072 to 0.707 and 0.089 to 0.851, respectively. Furthermore, only two locus/population combinations (WFT144 in Dali and WFT50 in Guiyang) significantly deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Pairwise FST analysis showed a low but significant differentiation (0.026 < FST < 0.032) among all three pairwise population comparisons. Sequence analysis of alleles per locus revealed a complex mutational pattern of these EST-SSRs. Thus, these EST-SSRs are useful markers but greater attention should be paid to the mutational characteristics of these microsatellites when they are used in population genetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a research conducted in order to identify the migration pattern and population structure of the Chinese populations of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens by developing and characterizing polymorphic microsatellites from the expressed sequence tags database of N. lugens. It discusses the occurrence of differences in fragment length due to the variation of the repeat motif on the basis of sequencing of microsatellite alleles.

Eriophyoid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea) in Phyllocoptruta are reviewed. Two new species of Phyllocoptruta from Shaanxi Province, China, are described and illustrated: Phyllocoptruta huayangiana n. sp. on Rosa sericea Lindl. subsp, omeiensisi (Rolfe) A. V. Roberts (Rosaceae) and Phyllocoptruta clematoclethra n. sp. on Clematoclethra sp. Maxim. (Actinidiaceae). The new species described herein are vagrants on the undersurface of host leaves, causing no apparent injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To explore the polymorphism of thymidylate synthase (TS) gene and chemosensitivity of a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-containing regimen in metastatic colorectal and gastric cancer. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with metastatic gastric or colorectal cancer were included in this study. Doublets or triplets of 28 base pairs (bp) in the 5-untranslated region (UTR) of TS gene promoter were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Fragments of polymorphic products, 2R/2R, 2R/3R and 3R/3R were detected by the Agilent BioAnalyzer chip-lab system. All patients were followed up until the censoring date. A χ2 test was used to analyze the polymorphism. A Kaplan–Meier curve and a log-rank test were used to determine disease progression and overall survival. RESULTS: Among 68 patients, polymorphism expressions were 4.4% in 2R/2R, 29.4% in 2R/3R and 66.2% in 3R/3R, and clinical responses were 33.3%, 73.3% and 47.6%, respectively (2R/3R versus 3R/3R, P= 0.058). In the 64 evaluable cases, the median time to progression (TTP) was 4 months and the TTP were 3 months in 2R/2R, 6 months in 2R/3R and 4 months in 3R/3R, separately (log-rank test, P= 0.0316). Response rates to the 5-FU regimen were also better in the 2R/3R group than in the 3R/3R group both in metastatic colorectal cancer and advanced gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: Our study suggested that polymorphism of 3R/3R was more common in Chinese gastrointestinal cancer patients. Patients with a TS polymorphism expressed as 2R/3R might be more sensitive to 5-FU regimen than those with a polymorphism expressed as 3R/3R. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of eriophyid mites on bamboo from the Qinling Mountains, northwestern China, are described and illustrated: Tegolophus bashaniae sp. nov. on Bashaniafargesii (E. G. Camus) Keng f. et Yi (Poaceae: Bambuseae); Tegolophus fargesiae sp. nov. on Fargesia qinlingensis Yi et J.X. Shao, and Tetraspinus vulgaris sp. nov. on Bambusa vulgaris Schrader ex Wendland. All species are vagrants on leaf surfaces, causing no apparent damage. A key to known eriophyid mites on bamboo from China is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese population genetic structure of the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), was investigated by amplifying and sequencing a portion (453 bp) in the mitochondrial DNA gene coding for cytochrome oxidase I (COI). The study was aimed at checking genetic difference among the Chinese populations of the mite and analyzing its possible dispersal within China. Thirteen populations from east, west, northeast, northwest, and central parts of mainland China were sampled. In the comparisons of these sequences, 36 nucleotide positions (7.9% of the total length) were found polymorphic, of which 88.9% were silent substitutions. Intraspecific variation analysis showed that the Xinjiang (XJ) sample differed from the other samples by an average of 4.68% nucleotide divergence, which was represented two different phylogenetic lineages in the phylogenetic tree. Apart from the XJ sample, the other samples displayed little variation (nucleotide divergences below 1.77%) with each other and clustered in one of the lineages. We argue that the reasons for the remarkable distinction are probably geographical barriers and the use of different host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For Case-II water bodies with relatively complex water qualities, it is challenging to establish a chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a concentration) inversion model with strong applicability and high accuracy. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) shows excellent performance in image target recognition and natural language processing. However, there little research exists on the inversion of Chl-a concentration in water using convolutional neural networks. Taking China's Dongting Lake as an example, 90 water samples and their spectra were collected in this study. Using eight combinations as independent variables and Chl-a concentration as the dependent variable, a CNN model was constructed to invert Chl-a concentration. The results showed that: (1) The CNN model of the original spectrum has a worse inversion effect than the CNN model of the preprocessed spectrum. The determination coefficient (RP2) of the predicted sample is increased from 0.79 to 0.88, and the root mean square error (RMSEP) of the predicted sample is reduced from 0.61 to 0.49, indicating that preprocessing can significantly improve the inversion effect of the model.; (2) among the combined models, the CNN model with Baseline1_SC (strong correlation factor of 500–750 nm baseline) has the best effect, with RP2 reaching 0.90 and RMSEP only 0.45. The average inversion effect of the eight CNN models is better. The average RP2 reaches 0.86 and the RMSEP is only 0.52, indicating the feasibility of applying CNN to Chl-a concentration inversion modeling; (3) the performance of the CNN model (Baseline1_SC (RP2 = 0.90, RMSEP = 0.45)) was far better than the traditional model of the same combination, i.e., the linear regression model (RP2 = 0.61, RMSEP = 0.72) and partial least squares regression model (Baseline1_SC (RP2 = 0.58. RMSEP = 0.95)), indicating the superiority of the convolutional neural network inversion modeling of water body Chl-a concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative design and screening methodology of blended extractants was proposed, for co-extracting phenolic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrogen heterocyclic compounds (NHCs) pollutants from coal chemical wastewater. The methodology includes two major issues, generating single-component candidate extractants and screening optimal binary extractants. In this work, two single-component extractant candidate sets, which present the potential to be good extractants of phenolic and PAHs/NHCs pollutants respectively, were generated by data searching of the Existing Commercial Compound Database (ECCD). The binary extractant candidate set was generated by traversal inter-combination between these two single-component candidate sets. To screen the target blended extractants from the generated candidates, a series of non-linear programming (NLP) models were set up and solved via special tailored strategy. Pseudo-component was introduced to represent various pollutants in coal chemical wastewater which reducing the size and complexity of NLP problems. Miscibility constraints of blended extractants and grid parallel computing method were adopted to reduce the time cost. Case study showed that the selected binary extractants can achieve co-extracting phenolic and PAHs/NHCs pollutants. It will benefit the sustainable development of coal chemical industry in China. Image 1 • An innovative design and screening method of blended extractants was proposed. • Pseudopollutant and parallel solving were used for high throughput screening. • The selected binary extractants can achieve co-extraction of phenolic, PAHs/NHCs. • The results show better performance than the widely used MIBK and DIPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• For the first time, a total of 44 compounds, including a rarely reported isoflavone (tectorigenin-7- O -glucosyl-4'- O -acetylglucoside), have been identified in O. acuminata phenolic extracts by HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS2. • The phenolics from O. acuminata showed strong antioxidant activity. • The phenolics from O. acuminata displayed stronger inhibition of yeast α-glucosidase than acarbose in a mixed noncompetitive manner. Ottelia acuminata (O. acuminata) is an edible and medicinal aquatic plant endemic to southwestern China. In this work, for the first time, the phenolic composition and contents of different morphological parts of this plant were investigated by HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS2. Their potential antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities were also evaluated in vitro. A total of 44 compounds (38 in the inflorescences, 31 in the peduncles, 27 in the leaves), including 2 organic acids, 16 phenolic acids, and 26 flavonoids, were identified, and their levels were significantly different depending on the morphological part. Interestingly, a rarely reported isoflavone (tectorigenin -7-O-glucosyl-4'-O-acetylglucoside) was identified. Flavones (especially luteolin as well as its glycosides) and hydroxycinnamic acids (typically chlorogenic acid) were predominant in the inflorescences, while hydroxycinnamic acids, with a caffeoyl malic acid representative, and flavonols (in particular quercetin glycosides) were the main phenolics in the peduncles and leaves. The inflorescences showed the highest antioxidant activity, followed by the peduncles and leaves, which agreed with their phenolic contents. The phenolics displayed stronger inhibition of yeast α-glucosidase than acarbose with IC 50 values in the range of 0.06-0.138 mg/mL in a mixed noncompetitive manner, whereas phenolics inhibit lipase activity by a competitive inhibition mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Tire additives and transformation products are ubiquitous in urban water system. • 1,3-Diphenylguanidine and some transformation products are the dominant compounds in most samples. • 6PPD-Quinone is firstly reported in surface water and drinking water treatment plant in China. • Surface runoff and wastewater treatment plants as sources of tire additives in urban water systems. • 6PPD-Quinone and N , N' -Di-2-naphthyl-p-phenylenediamine displayed high ecological risks in some sites of surface water. Tire wear particles (TWPs) enter road surface with the friction between tires and road surfaces. Under the volatilization, leaching, and transformation action on TWPs by sunlight and rain, tire additives are released into urban water systems, such as surface rainfall runoff, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), receiving surface waters, and drinking water treatment plant (DWTP). In this study, we investigated the occurrence of 23 tire additives and their transformation products in the urban water system of the Pearl River Delta region, South China. Nineteen target compounds were detected in the surface runoff, with 1,3-Diphenylguanidine (DPG) showing highest maximum concentration of 58780 ng/L. Benzothiazole and its transformation products are detected at the frequency of 100 % with the total concentrations of 480–42160 ng/L. The antioxidant derivative N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine-quinone (6PPD-Q) was also detected up to 1562 ng/L, which was considerably higher than that of the parent compound 6PPD (the maximum concentration of 7.52 ng/L). Eleven and 8 compounds were detected in WWTPs influents and effluents, respectively, with removal rates of − 62–100 %. Seventeen compounds were detected in the receiving Zhujiang and Dongjiang rivers, while 9 compounds were detected in drinking water sources and DWTP samples. Road runoff, with total concentrations of target compounds up to 79200 ng/L, is suggested as the main non-point source for receiving rivers, while WWTPs effluents are the point sources due to incomplete removal of target compounds after accepting the initial runoff. 6PPD-Q and other 10 compounds displayed median to high ecological risks in surface waters, and the human daily intake of tire additives was estimated to be 2.63 × 10−8-3.16 × 10−5 mg/(kg d) via drinking water. This is the first report of the 6PPD-Q and 1,3-Diphenylurea levels in surface waters in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• All individual complications including shock, ARDS, meningitis and acute kidney injury were found to be significantly associated with treatment failure and time to defervescence, after adjusting for the effects of age, sex, initial antibiotic type, and interval from symptom onset to start of antibiotic treatment. • Treatment failure risk was higher for azithromycin than doxycycline for patients with meningitis; and treatment failure risk was higher for chloramphenicol than doxycycline for patients with acute kidney injury, pneumonia or shock. • Antibiotic resistance occurred in 2.4% of doxycycline group, 6.3% of azithromycin group and 10.4% of chloramphenicol group. Deaths occurred in 29.4% (5/17), 0% (0/5) and 10.0% (1/10) of patients, respectively, with no significant differences between groups (P =0.232). Previous studies have evaluated treatment efficacy of various antibiotics for patients with mild-to-moderate scrub typhus (ST). However, the efficacy of different antibiotics for treating severe ST remains uncertain. A retrospective study of patients with severe ST was undertaken in China. The treatment efficacy rates of doxycycline, azithromycin and chloramphenicol were compared, using treatment failure and time to defervescence as primary outcomes. In total, 876 patients with severe ST who initially received doxycycline, azithromycin or chloramphenicol were recruited. The treatment failure rate did not differ significantly between patients receiving doxycycline and patients receiving azithromycin (6.0% vs 11.4%; P =0.109). However, a higher treatment failure rate was observed for chloramphenicol compared with doxycycline (14.6% vs 6.0%; P =0.004). No significant difference in time to defervescence was observed between patients receiving doxycycline, azithromycin or chloramphenicol. Further subgroup analysis revealed a higher risk of treatment failure for chloramphenicol compared with doxycycline in patients with acute kidney injury, pneumonia and shock; and a higher risk of treatment failure for azithromycin compared with doxycycline in patients with meningitis. Significant correlation was found between azithromycin resistance and meningitis (P =0.009), and between chloramphenicol resistance and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (P <0.001) using Cramer's V correlation coefficient. Multi-variate Cox regression analysis revealed significant associations between time to defervescence and presence of ARDS, shock, myocarditis, meningitis and acute kidney injury. Azithromycin and doxycycline were found to have significant therapeutic effects in patients with severe ST. In contast, chloramphenicol was less efficacious for the treatment of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beilong virus (BeiV), a member of the newly recognized genus Jeilongvirus of family Paramyxoviridae , has been reported with limited geographic and host scopes, only in Hongkong, China and from two rat species. Here, by next-generation sequencing (NGS) on dominant wild small animal species in 4 provinces in China, we obtained a complete sequence of BeiV strain from Rattus norvegicus in Guangdong, neighboring HongKong, China. We then made an expanded epidemiological investigation in 11 provinces to obtain the geographic distribution and genetic features of this virus. Altogether 7168 samples from 2005 animals (1903 rodents, 100 shrews, 2 mustelidaes) that belonged to 33 species of Cricetidae, Muridae, Sciuridae and Dipodidae family of Rodentia , 3 species of Soricidae family of Soricomorpha , 2 species of Mustelidae family of Carnivora were examined by RT-PCR and sequencing. A positive rate of 3.7% (266/7168) was obtained that was detected from 22 animal species, including 5 species of Cricetidae family, 12 species of Muridae family, 2 species of Sciuridae family and 3 species of Soricidae family. Phylogenetic analyses based on 154 partial Large gene sequences grouped the current BeiV into two lineages, that were related to their geographic regions and animal hosts. Our study showed the wide distribution of BeiV in common species of wild rodents and shrews in China, highlighting the necessity of epidemiological study in wider regions. • The largest sample size for the detection of BeiV. • A complete sequence of BeiV strain from Rattus. norvegicus in Guangdong. • The epidemiological distribution and genetic features of BeiV by Next-generation sequencing and RT-PCR. • BeiV of genetic diversity was correlated with its geographic origins and wild rodent hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution on urban road surfaces is one of the major environmental concerns. However, knowledge on the distribution variability of PAHs in road dusts (RDS) and stormwater is limited, which would restrict the further risk evaluation and mitigation implementation of PAHs in road stormwater runoff. This study collected RDS samples and stormwater samples on fourteen urban roads in Shenzhen, China. This study investigated the variation of sixteen PAHs species in RDS and stormwater, and further evaluated the intrinsic and extrinsic factors which influence PAHs accumulation on urban road surfaces. The research outcomes showed significant differences on spatial distribution of PAHs in RDS and in stormwater. The land use types, industrial, commercial and port areas and vehicular volume have a positive relationship with PAHs abundance while dust particle size showed a negative correlation with PAHs abundance. For two phases in stormwater, fluctuation of PAHs with the rainfall duration in total dissolved solid (TDS) was more intensive than in dissolved liquid phase (DLP). This indicated when PAHs attached to RDS enter stormwater, most of PAHs still tend to be on solid particles than in liquid. The study outcomes are expected to contribute to efficient designs of PAHs polluted stormwater mitigation., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Rubber-derived chemicals (RDCs) originating from tire and road wear particles are transported into road stormwater runoff, potentially threatening organisms in receiving watersheds. However, there is a lack of knowledge on time variation of novel RDCs in runoff, limiting initial rainwater treatment and subsequent rainwater resource utilization. In this study, we investigated the levels and time-concentration profiles of 35 target RDCs in road stormwater runoff from eight functional areas in the Greater Bay Area, South China. The results showed that the total concentrations of RDCs were the highest on the expressway compared with other seven functional areas. N -(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)- N '-phenyl- p -phenylenediamine (6PPD), 6PPD-quinone, benzothiazole, and 1,3-diphenylguanidine were the top four highlighted RDCs (ND-228840 ng/L). Seasonal and spatial differences revealed higher RDC concentrations in the dry season as well as in less-developed regions. A lag effect of reaching RDC peak concentrations in road stormwater runoff was revealed, with a lag time of 10-90 min on expressways. Small-intensity rainfall triggers greater contamination of rubber-derived chemicals in road stormwater runoff. Environmental risk assessment indicated that 35% of the RDCs posed a high risk, especially PPD-quinones (risk quotient up to 2663). Our findings contribute to a better understanding of managing road stormwater runoff for RDC pollution.

The release of rubber-derived chemicals (RDCs) in road surface runoff has received significant attention. Urban surface runoff is often the confluence of stormwater runoff from specific areas. However, the impact of precipitation on RDCs contamination in confluent stormwater runoff and receiving watersheds remains poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the profiles of RDCs and their transformation products in confluent stormwater runoff and receiving rivers affected by precipitation events. The results showed that 34 RDCs are ubiquitously present in confluent stormwater runoff and surface water, with mean concentrations of 1.03-2749 and 0.28-436 ng/L, respectively. The most dominant target compounds in each category were N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), 6PPD-quinone, 2-benzothiazolol, and 1,3-diphenylguanidine. Total RDCs concentrations in confluent stormwater runoff decreased spatially from industrial areas to business districts to college towns. A significant decrease in RDCs levels in surface water after rainfall was observed (P < 0.01), indicating that precipitation contributes to alleviating RDCs pollution in receiving watersheds. To our knowledge, this is the first report of N,N'-ditolyl-p-phenylenediamine quinone (DTPD-Q) levels in surface waters in China. The annual mass load of ∑RDCs reached 72,818 kg/y in confluent stormwater runoff, while 38,799 kg/y in surface water. The monitoring of confluent stormwater runoff is an efficient measure for predicting contamination loads from RDCs in rivers. Risk assessment suggested that most RDCs posed at least medium risks to aquatic organisms, especially 6PPD-quinone. The findings help to understand the environmental fate and risks of RDCs in the confluent stormwater runoff and receiving environments after precipitation events., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Site contamination has caused serious harm to human health and the ecological environment, so understanding its spatial and temporal distribution patterns is the basis for contamination assessment and site remediation. For this reason, this study analyzed the spatial-temporal distribution patterns of organic pollutants and their driving factors in the Yangtze River Delta based on site sampling data using the optimal-scale geographical detector. The analysis results showed that:① There was a significant scale effect in the spatial distribution of organic pollutants in the Yangtze River Delta, and its optimal geographic detection scale grid was 8 000 meters. ② The main control factor of the spatial distribution of pollutants in the Yangtze River Delta originated mostly from the biological field, followed by the chemical field. ③ At the depth of 0-20 cm of soil, the explanatory power of sucrase content, urease content, microbial nitrogen amount, total nitrogen content, and cation exchange amount were stronger for the spatial distribution of organic pollutants. At the soil depth of 20-40 cm, the factors with stronger explanatory power on the spatial distribution of organic pollutants were soil moisture, population, and total nitrogen content. With the deepening of soil depth, the explanatory power of the factors of the hydrodynamic field increased. ④ Population, total nitrogen content, and polyphenol oxidase content had stronger explanatory power for the spatial distribution of organic pollutants in the spring. The spatial distribution of organic pollutants was more complex in autumn, and the factors showed stronger enhanced-nonlinear and enhanced-bi phenomena.

A gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium strain CJK-A8-3 T was isolated from a polyamine-enriched seawater sample collected from the Changjiang River estuary of China. The colonies were white and circular. Strain CJK-A8-3 T grew optimally at 35 °C, pH 7.0 and 1.5% NaCl. Its polar lipids contained phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, unidentified glycolipids, and a combination of phospholipids and glycolipids. The respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10, and its main fatty acids were C 16:0 , 11-methyl C 18:1 ω7c and Summed Feature 8 (including C 18:1 ω7c/C 18:1 ω6c). The phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA genes placed strain CJK-A8-3 T in a new linage within the genus Devosia. 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain CJK-A8-3 T showed identities of 98.50% with Devosia beringensis S02 T , 98.15% with D. oryziradicis, and 98.01% with D. submarina JCM 18935 T . The genome size of strain CJK-A8-3 T was 3.81 Mb with the DNA G + C content 63.9%, higher than those of the reference strains (60.4-63.8%). The genome contained genes functional in the metabolism of terrigenous aromatic compounds, alkylphosphonate and organic nitrogen, potentially beneficial for nutrient acquirement and environmental remediation. It also harbored genes functional in antibiotics resistance and balance of osmotic pressure, enhancing their adaptation to estuarine environments. Both genomic investigation and experimental verification showed that strain CJK-A8-3 T could be versatile and efficient to use diverse organic nitrogen compounds as carbon and nitrogen sources. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genomic characteristics, strain CJK-A8-3 T was identified as a novel Devosia species, named as Devosia aquimaris sp. nov. The type strain is CJK-A8-3 T (= MCCC 1K06953 T  = KCTC 92162 T )., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Rodents and shrews are major reservoirs of various pathogens that are related to zoonotic infectious diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate co-infections of zoonotic pathogens in rodents and shrews trapped in four provinces of China. We sampled different rodent and shrew communities within and around human settlements in four provinces of China and characterised several important zoonotic viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens by PCR methods and phylogenetic analysis. A total of 864 rodents and shrews belonging to 24 and 13 species from RODENTIA and EULIPOTYPHLA orders were captured, respectively. For viral pathogens, two species of hantavirus (Hantaan orthohantavirus and Caobang orthohantavirus) were identified in 3.47% of rodents and shrews. The overall prevalence of Bartonella spp., Anaplasmataceae, Babesia spp., Leptospira spp., Spotted fever group Rickettsiae, Borrelia spp., and Coxiella burnetii were 31.25%, 8.91%, 4.17%, 3.94%, 3.59%, 3.47%, and 0.58%, respectively. Furthermore, the highest co-infection status of three pathogens was observed among Bartonella spp., Leptospira spp., and Anaplasmataceae with a co-infection rate of 0.46%. Our results suggested that species distribution and co-infections of zoonotic pathogens were prevalent in rodents and shrews, highlighting the necessity of active surveillance for zoonotic pathogens in wild mammals in wider regions.

Background: China is the country with the largest elderly population. To actively respond to this ageing population, China has proposed the Community Aged Care Service Centre (CACSC) network as the major elderly care development policy. However, many residents resisted the development of the CACSC network, which affected its smooth implementation. Based on the theory of "Not in My Backyard" (NIMBY), this paper proposes a model of the influencing factors of community residents on the opposition to the construction of CACSCs., Methods: Residents living in urban communities over the age of 20 in China are the target of this study. The questionnaires were collected in the form of electronic questionnaires created on a professional website, and hyperlinks to the questionnaires were distributed through social media. The descriptive statistical analysis, T-tests, ANOVA and structural equation modelling were performed on cross-sectional survey data from 509 questionnaires., Results: The research results show that superstition, the NIMBY attitude, and perceived risk have a significant positive impact on the opposition to the construction of CACSCs, while the negative impact of perceived benefit on the opposition intention is not significant. Moreover, perceived knowledge has a significant positive impact on perceived benefit and a significant negative impact on superstition and perceived risk., Conclusions: Strengthen policy advocacy on ageing, clarify the service content of CACSC and encourage young people to participate in public welfare activities for the elderly can reduce the opposition of community residents to the construction of a CACSC., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

The presence of bisphenol analogues (BPs) in wastewater can have adverse effects to organisms in the environment. However, knowledge of the wastewater sources, such as hospitals and landfills, as well as the removal of BPs are still limited. Fifteen BPs were investigated in hospital, landfills, and municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in South China. Eleven BPs were detected in various source wastewaters, and bisphenol A (BPA) is generally the dominant pollutant. In 4 hospitals, the total concentrations of BPs (∑BPs) in hospital wastewater and treated wastewater ranged from 122 to 1040 ng/L. In the landfill, ∑BPs in leachate and treated leachates were 32,130 and 145 ng/L, respectively. In 5 municipal WWTPs, ∑BPs was up to 17,200 ng/L in influents, 502 ng/L in effluents, and 291 ng/g in sludges. The modified A 2 /O process exhibited best removal profile for BPs, while the UNITANK process had no advantages. The annual mass load estimates of hospital treated wastewater, landfill treated leachate, and WWTP effluents in Guangdong Province, South China, were 630, 9.46, and 4697 kg/y, respectively. The risk quotient values in source effluents revealed low to medium estrogenic risks to receiving rivers. Control measures should be applied to further remove BPs not only from WWTP effluents but also from other sources., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

As a crucial transcription factor for spermatogenesis, GATA-binding protein 4 (GATA4) plays important roles in the functioning of Sertoli and Leydig cells. Conditional knockout of GATA4 in mice results in age-dependent testicular atrophy and loss of fertility. However, whether GATA4 is associated with human azoospermia has not been reported. Herein, we analyzed the GATA4 gene by direct sequencing of samples obtained from 184 Chinese men with idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). We identified a missense mutation (c.191G>A, p.G64E), nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and one rare variant (c. * 84C>T) in the 3´ untranslated region (UTR). Functional studies demonstrated that the p.G64E mutation did not affect transactivation ability of GATA4 for spermatogenesis-related genes (claudin-11 and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, Star), and the 3´ UTR rare variant c. * 84C>T did not generate microRNA-binding sites to repress GATA4 expression. To our knowledge, this is the first report to investigate the association between GATA4 and azoospermia; our results indicate that mutations in GATA4 may not be pathogenic for NOA in Chinese men., Competing Interests: None

Background: Real-time ultrasound-guided (USG) spinal injection is generally performed via the paramedian sagittal oblique (PMSO) ultrasound window., Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to draw attention to the occurrence of 'dry tap' during real-time USG spinal injection., Design: Single-centre retrospective study., Setting: University teaching hospital, Hong Kong, China., Patients: Data from 113 patients (aged 69.2 ± 18.0 years and BMI 22.3 ± 3.6 kg m-2) of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 to 3 scheduled for surgery under neuraxial blockade between 2007 to 2017 were reviewed., Interventions: Real-time USG spinal injections or combined spinal-epidural (CSE) using the PMSO ultrasound window with the patient in the lateral decubitus position and the spinal needle inserted from the nondependent side were studied., Main Outcome Measures: 'Dry tap' was defined as a failure of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to efflux from the hub of the needle, within 3 min, with the spinal needle visualised sonographically within the thecal sac. 'Slow CSF efflux' was defined as efflux of CSF within 1 to 3 min. Irrespective of whether it was a 'dry tap' or 'slow CSF efflux', the planned dose of local anaesthetic was injected through the spinal needle., Results: The combined incidence of 'dry tap' and 'slow CSF efflux' was 23.8% (27/113) with an individual incidence for each event of 9.7% (11/113) and 14.2% (16/113), respectively. Under the conditions of this study, successful spinal anaesthesia developed in all patients., Conclusion: 'Dry tap' occurs in 9.7% of cases during real-time USG spinal injection using the PMSO ultrasound window, with the patient in the lateral decubitus position and the spinal needle inserted from the nondependent side., Trial Registration: ChiCTR-IOR-1800019011, Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (www.chictr.org.cn)., (Copyright © 2020 European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.)

A yellow pigmented, Gram-stain-negative, aerobic bacterium designated A5.7 T was studied to evaluate the taxonomic position following the modern polyphasic approach. The strain was isolated from sediments near Zhairuo Island, which is situated in the East China Sea. Cells were non-spore forming rods without flagella but showed motility by gliding. Growth was observed at 15-35°C (optimum 28°C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum pH 6.5) and 0-2% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0-0.5%) in LB broth. The major respiratory quinone of A5.7 T was menaquinone 6. The major polar lipid of A5.7 T was phosphatidylethanolamine and the predominant fatty acids (> 5%) were iso-C 15:0 , iso-C 17:0 3-OH, C 15:1 ω6c, iso-C 15:0 3-OH, iso-C 15:1 G, summed feature 3 (C 16:1 ω7c and/or C 16:1 ω6c) and summed feature 9 (iso-C 17:1 ω9c and/or C 16:0 10-methyl). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate belongs to the genus Flavobacterium and shares the highest sequence similarities with Flavobacterium sharifuzzamanii A7.6 T (98.5%), Flavobacterium tistrianum GB 56.1 T (98.3%), Flavobacterium nitrogenifigens NXU-44 T (97.8%), Flavobacterium anhuiense D3 T (97.6%), Flavobacterium ginsenosidimutans THG 01 T (97.6%), and Flavobacterium foetidum CJ42 T (97.6%). Digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between the strain and its closest phylogenetic neighbors showed the ranges from 19.6 to 34.1% and 73.7 to 87.9%, respectively. Therefore, based on polyphasic characteristics, strain A5.7 T represents a novel species of the genus Flavobacterium for which the name Flavobacterium zhairuonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A5.7 T (= KCTC 62406 T = MCCC 1K03494 T ).

Qipengyuania sediminis CGMCC 1.12928 T , a family member of Erythrobacteraceae, the class of Alphaproteobacteria, was isolated from a borehole sediment sample collected from Qiangtang Basin in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, the largest permafrost in China. Understanding bacterial molecular feature may shed light on the ecological strategy in the extreme environment. Here we describe the complete genome sequence and annotation of strain CGMCC 1.12928 T , including the complete genome sequence and annotation. The genome of strain CGMCC 1.12928 T consist of a single-circular chromosome, comprises 2,416,000 bp with an average G + C content of 66.7 mol%, and contains 2414 genes; including 2367 CDSs, 44 tRNA genes, as well as one operon of 16S-23S-5S rRNA genes. Genomic properties indicated that strain CGMCC 1.12928 T has a relatively smaller genome size and higher G + C content within the family Erythrobacteraceae. In addition, genomic analysis revealed its genome contains multiple function genes responsible for nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus cycles and explained the cold adaption mechanism. Thus, this strain plays an active role in the biogeochemical cycle in cold niche. The whole-genome of this isolate will widen our understanding of the ecological role of the genus Qipengyuania in permafrost.

Background: Chinese female adolescents engaged in sex trade and substance use are often criminalized and stigmatized. As a result of these cultural, legal and political constraints, ethical concerns can discourage investigators from engaging these adolescents in research. This paper aims to address the ethical tensions between protection and inclusion in conducting sexual and reproductive health (SRH) research with adolescents engaged in high-risk behaviours. Processes of moral reasoning, and examples and practical mechanisms in managing such ethical challenges were presented in the hope of advancing the research ethics policies and practice with adolescents., Methods: We extracted ethical issues from three previously conducted SRH studies involving 517 Chinese female adolescents. Utilizing the principles of justice, beneficence, and respect for persons as articulated in the Belmont Report as a framework, we thematically summarised the key ethical considerations regarding inclusion and protection, then examine the ethical tensions and solutions within the local context., Results: Findings suggest that the balance between protection and inclusion can be achieved by both considering the evolving decision-making capacity of adolescents as well as the level of risk. A community-based participatory approach shows promise in advancing adolescent engagement and empowerment. Ethically robust approaches contribute to the greater relevance and validity of the findings., Conclusions: Our studies suggest that it is crucial to achieve adolescents' meaningful involvement in all levels of research and interventions, researchers need to shift their perspectives of the target population from subjects to key stakeholders in design and implementation of research., (Copyright © 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Two Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacteria, designated as SY3-15 T and SY3-13, were isolated from a seawater sample of the South China Sea. Colonies were 0.5-1.0 mm in diameter, smooth, circular, convex and translucent after growth on marine agar at 37 °C for 3 days. The strains were found to grow at 20-50 °C (optimum, 42 °C), pH 6.0-8.5 (optimum, pH 6.5-7.5) and with 0.5-6.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1.5-2.0 %). Chemotaxonomic analysis showed the sole respiratory quinone to be ubiquinone-10, the major fatty acids (>10 %) were C16 : 0 3-OH, C19 : 0cyclo ω9c, C18 : 1 3-OH and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c), and the polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified aminolipids and three unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content was 67.2-67.4 mol% calculated by genome. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of strains SY3-15 T and SY3-13 were identical and related to the genus Lutibaculum with a similarity of 92.1 %. The 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic trees reconstructed with neighbour-joining, maximum-parsimony and minimum-evolution methods showed that the strains constituted a deep and separated branch from other families of Alphaproteobacteria, and the phylogenetic trees based on concatenated 163 protein sequences from genome sequences showed that the clade in which strains SY3-15 T and SY3-13 located was separated from the clade of the other orders of Alphaproteobacteria, indicating it may represent a novel family of a novel order. Based on their phenotypic properties and their phylogenetic distinctiveness, we propose strains SY3-15 T (=MCCC 1K03467 T =KCTC 62335 T ) and SY3-13 (=MCCC 1K03466=KCTC 62329) to represent a novel species of a novel genus with the name Minwuia thermotolerans gen. nov., sp. nov., and we propose Minwuiaceae fam. nov. and Minwuiales ord. nov. with Minwuia as the type genus.

Aims: The present study investigated the association of serum levels of angiopoietin-related growth factor (AGF) with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (LEPAD)., Methods: The study group is comprised of 105 patients with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease. The control group consisted of 80 individuals without lower extremity peripheral arterial disease. Serum AGF concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between AGF and clinical and biochemical parameters was studied. Besides, this study analyzed AGF levels in LEPAD patients according to disease severity and evaluated the prognostic value of AGF for amputation and mortality in LEPAD patients after a follow-up period of 1.7years., Results: Median serum AGF levels were significantly higher in LEPAD group (103.70±64.69ng/mL) as compared with control group (53.83±37.87ng/mL) (P<0.001). In addition, T2DM patients with LEPAD exhibited markedly higher serum AGF concentrations (118.7±60.90ng/mL) than those without LEPAD (60.23±32.62ng/mL) (P<0.0001). Moreover, LEPAD positively predicted AGF concentrations in multivariate linear regression analysis (P<0.0001). Serum AGF levels were independently associated with LEPAD in binary logistic regression analysis model. Among LEPAD patients, those with critical limb ischemia (n=43) showed higher AGF levels (124.9±73.9 vs. 88.98±53.26ng/mL, P=0.01) compared with those with intermittent claudication (n=62). Furthermore, patients with the highest AGF tertile had an increased all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality (P=0.033 and P=0.025, respectively)., Conclusions: Our results suggested that lower extremity peripheral artery disease was positively associated with AGF serum levels. High serum AGF level was a potential risk factor for LEPAD and associates with disease severity and poor outcome in LEPAD patients., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A three-dimensional (3D) continuous and interconnected network graphene foam (GF) was synthesized by chemical vapor deposition using nickel foam as a template. The morphologies of the GF were observed by scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy were used to investigate the structure of GF. The graphene with few layers and defect free was closely coated on the backbone of the 3D nickel foam. After etching nickel, the GF was transferred onto indium tin oxide (ITO) glass, which acted as an electrode to detect uric acid using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The GF/ITO electrode showed a high sensitivity for the detection of uric acid: approximately 9.44 mA mM(-1) in the range of 25 nM-0.1 μM and 1.85 mA mM(-1) in the range of 0.1-60 μM. The limit of detection of GF/ITO electrode for uric acid is 3 nM. The GF/ITO electrode also showed a high selectivity for the detection of uric acid in the presence of ascorbic acid. This electrode will have a wide range of potential application prospects in electrochemical detection., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The effect of time from diagnosis to treatment (TDT) on overall survival of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains obscure. Furthermore, whether chemotherapy delay impacts overall survival (OS) of patients with a special molecular subtype has not been investigated. Here, we enrolled 364 cases of AML to assess the effect of TDT on OS by fractional polynomial regression in the context of clinical parameters and genes of FLT3ITD, NPM1, CEBPA, DNMT3a, and IDH1/2 mutations. Results of the current study show IDH1/2 mutations are associated with older age, M0 morphology, an intermediate cytogenetic risk group, and NPM1 mutations. TDT associates with OS for AML patients in a nonlinear pattern with a J shape. Moreover, adverse effect of delayed treatment on OS was observed in patients with IDH1/2 mutations, but not in those with IDH1/2 wildtype. Therefore, initiating chemotherapy as soon as possible after diagnosis might be a potential strategy to improve OS in AML patients with IDH1/2 mutations.